DIY PAR Meter

[ageno125]

I've been working arduinos for a bit now... and wanted to build a par meter.

anyone know of a high quality photodiode sensor ? or a high quality supplier?

Do I need a particular photodiode for measuring PAR of a LED light source?

or even better, experienced in building a par meter?

 

[Ty Hamatake]

Following along in this. Super interesting and not something I'd thought about doing before!

 

[hawkinsrgk]

Following as well. Would like to do something like this myself

 

[mcarroll]

Hoppy or one of the guys on plantedtank.net used to make PAR meters out of cheapie lux meters....might be able to look up some useful stuff on that thread.

There was also someone else (at least one someone else!) on here that was making an app for smartphones, if I recall correctly. They were reading an RGBW sensor....I think similar to what you're attempting. Can't recall a name or thread, but you can prolly find it in a forum search.

I pretty sure that one of those threads discussed some different light sensors too...

 

[someone6reef]

Did u find out vout par meter

 

[ageno125]

Thanks. plantedtank.net was a great link and nicely done, everything you need for one seems to be there. I also found a great journal article with a data logging addition. http://treephys.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2014/06/13/treephys.tpu044.full

I think I may go the easy route though... with the BioTek Par Sensor (debut 2105)

http://biotekmarine.com/products/biotek-marine-btm3000/

Connects to the computer via USB, neat looking computer program with data logging. On sale now for $160 shipped..

http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/biotek-marine-btm3000-par-meter-sensor-with-15-usb-cable

Cant really beat it considering looking at roughly $100 in materials for a DIY meter and always having the lingering question.. how accurate is mine... I'll pay $60 for time and my own sanity.lol. I'll save my arduino time for my controller.. adding a conductivity sensor soon.

 

[ReeferBob]

For DIY, most people use an actual PAR sensor (Apogee sells them separate) and connect it to a multimeter.

 

[mcarroll]

That's cool, but not in the DIY we're talking about.

You build your own sensor. :)

 

[Liamfoxtrot]

I followed the planted tank instructions 179789-convert-lux-meter-par-meter-8 with a 200,000 lux meter and the Roscolux filters. If anyone is near Boston, we can compare it to a real par meter. I am hoping it is relatively close.

Andy