Description
The MQ-500 quantum meter is the tool of choice for scientists around the world to accurately measure photosynthetically active radiation from all light sources. It has a handheld meter, connected by cable, that displays and stores measurements. The sensor incorporates a blue-enhanced silicon photodiode and custom optical filters with a rugged, self-cleaning sensor housing design, anodized aluminum body with acrylic diffuser.
Typical applications include measuring PPFD over plant canopies in outdoor environments, greenhouses, and growing chambers, and measurements of PPFD reflected or under canopy (transmitted) in the same environments. Quantum sensors are also used to measure PAR/PPFD in aquatic environments, including saltwater aquariums where corals are grown.
The meter has a sample and record mode, and will record a daily total integrated in mol m-2 d-1. The sample mode will record up to 99 manual measurements. Log mode will turn the meter on/off to take a measurement every 30 seconds. Every 30 minutes, the meter will average all sixty 30-second measurements and record the average value in memory. The meter can store up to 99 averages, once it is full it will begin to overwrite the older measurement with new ones. An integrated daily total will be recorded from the 48 averaged measurements (making a period of 24 hours).
Sample and log measurements can be reviewed on the LCD screen or by downloading the data to a computer; However, the built-in daily total can only be viewed by downloading the data to a computer. Downloading data to a computer requires the AC-100 communication cable (a standard USB cable will not work) and the ApogeeAMS software.
How is the MQ-500 different from previous Apogee quantum sensors?
The MQ-500 is a full-spectrum quantum sensor with a spectral range of 389 to 692 nm ± 5 nm, which can be seen in the graph below. This improved spectral response of this new meter increases the accuracy of LED measurements compared to our previous original models.
Where is the MQ-500 used?
The MQ-500 is used to measure incoming PPFD measurements in outdoor environments, greenhouses, growth chambers, and aquariums.
Specs
– Calibration uncertainty: ± 5%
– Measuring range: 0 to 4000 μmol mˉ² sˉ¹
– Measurement repeatability: less than 0.5%
– Long-term drift (not stability): less than 2% per year
– Non-linearity: less than 1% (up to 4000 umol mˉ² sˉ¹)
– Response time: less than 1 ms
– Field of view: 180°
– Spectral range: 389 to 692 nm ± 5 nm (wavelengths where the response is greater than 50% of the maximum)
– Spectral selectivity: less than 10% from 412 to 682 nm ± 5 nm
– Directional response (cosine): ± 5% at a zenith angle of 75°
– Azimuth error: less than 0.5%
– Tilt error: less than 0.5%
– Temperature response: -0.11 ± 0.03% Cˉ¹
– Uncertainty in the daily total: less than 5%
– Detector: Silicon photodiode with blue accent
– Housing: Anodized aluminum body with acrylic diffuser
– IP rating: IP68
– Operating environment: 0 to 50 C, less than 90% non-condensing relative humidity up to 30 C, less than 70% non-condensing relative humidity 30 to 50 C, separate sensors can be immersed in water up to a depth of 30 meters
– Meter dimensions: 126 mm long, 70 mm wide, 24 mm high
– Sensor dimensions: 24 mm diameter, 37 mm height
– Dough: 100 g (with 5 m of conductive wire)
– Cable: 2 m two-conductor, shielded, twisted pair; additional cable available; TPR Jacket
