SunScan is a simple and flexible system for measuring and analysing the incident and transmitted Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) within crop canopies. It provides vital information about the penetration of PAR into crops, and is essential in work such as comparative crop studies, for separating out the effects of cultivar and treatment. It is particularly well suited to low regular canopies (as found in many agricultural crops). SunScan users don't have to wait for special weather conditions – the probe can be used in most light conditions (but best near mid-day).
Sunscan probe
The probe has an array of 64 PAR sensors embedded in a 1m long probe, and is connected via an RS-232 cable to a handheld PDA. As a reading is taken, all the sensors are scanned and the measurements are transmitted to the PDA.
The average light level along the probe is calculated, and all of the individual sensor readings are available if required for detailed PAR mapping. An operating button on the probe handle enables readings successive to be taken quickly and simply on demand. Alternatively, unattended logging can be conducted under program control from the PDA. Readings are in units of PAR quantum flux (µmol.m-2 .s-1 ) and units of LAI (m2 .m-2 )
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SunScan Probe type SS1
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Active area
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1m x 13 mm wide, sensor spacing
15.6 mm
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Spectral response
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400 - 700 nm (PAR)
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Measurement time
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120 ms
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Maximum reading
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2500 mmol.m-2.s-1
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Resolution
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0.3 mmol.m-2.s-1
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Linearity
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better than 1%
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Accuracy
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± 10%
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Analogue output
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1 mV per mmol.m-2.s-1
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Serial interface
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RS232, 9 pin female 'D' connector
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Environmental
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IP65, 0 - 60°C working temp
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Size & Weight
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1300(l) x 100(w) x 130(h) mm, 1.7 kg
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Power
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4 x AA Alkaline cells (lifetime up to 1 year)
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Sunshine Sensor type BF5
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Output sensitivity total & diffuse
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1 mV / mmol.m-2.s-1 PAR cosine corrected
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Accuracy
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Total ± 12% ± 10 mmol.m-2.s-1
Diffuse ± 15%
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Temperature range
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-20 to + 50°C with alkaline batteries
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Range
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0 - 2500 mmol.m-2.s-1 (total & diffuse)
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Spectral response
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PAR (400-700 nm)
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Power
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2 x AA Alkaline cells (lifetime up to 1 year)
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Input voltage
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5 - 15 V DC
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Size & Weight
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120 x 122 x 95 mm, 635 g
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Rugged PDA type RPDA3
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Screen
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Sunlight readable
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Operating system
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Windows Mobile 6.5
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Display options
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- LAI
- PAR average
- ALL individual sensor readings
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Environmental
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IP67, -30°C to 60°C, 1.2 m drop test
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Power
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Rechargeable battery, 12 h continuous use
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Memory
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> 1 million readings
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Size & Weight
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191 x 80 x 35 mm, 490g
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