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Summary of Contents for Apogee SP-422
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Page 1: Owner's Manual
OWNER’S MANUAL USB PYRANOMETER Models SP-422 APOGEE INSTRUMENTS, INC. | 721 WEST 1800 NORTH, LOGAN, UTAH 84321, USA TEL: (435) 792-4700 | FAX: (435) 787-8268 | WEB: APOGEEINSTRUMENTS.COM Copyright © 2016 Apogee Instruments, Inc. -
Page 2: Table Of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS Owner’s Manual ..........................................1 Certificate of Compliance ....................................3 Introduction ..........................................4 Sensor Models ......................................... 5 Specifications ........................................... 6 Deployment and Installation ....................................9 Software Installation......................................10 Operation and Measurement ................................... 11 Windows Software ....................................... 13 MAC software ........................................18 Maintenance and Recalibration .................................. -
Page 3: Certificate Of Compliance
(PBB), polybrominated diphenyls (PBDE). Further note that Apogee Instruments does not specifically run any analysis on our raw materials or end products for the presence of these substances, but rely on the information provided to us by our material suppliers. -
Page 4: Introduction
Apogee Instruments SP series pyranometers consist of a cast acrylic diffuser (filter), photodiode, and signal processing circuitry mounted in an anodized aluminum housing, and a cable to connect the sensor to a measurement device. Sensors are potted solid with no internal air space and are designed for continuous total shortwave radiation measurement on a planar surface in outdoor environments. -
Page 5: Sensor Models
SENSOR MODELS This manual covers the USB smart sensor model SP-422. For additional models see manuals SP-110/SP-230, SP-212/SP-215, and SP-214. Model Signal SP-422 SP-110 Self-powered SP-230* Self-powered SP-212 0-2.5 V SP-214 4-20 mA SP-215 0-5 V Sensor model number, serial number, production date, and calibration factor are located near the pigtail leads on the sensor cable. -
Page 6: Specifications
2.1 mA Calibration Traceability Apogee Instruments SP series pyranometers are calibrated through side-by-side comparison to the mean of four Apogee model SP-110 transfer standard pyranometers (shortwave radiation reference) under high intensity discharge metal halide lamps. The transfer standard pyranometers are calibrated through side-by-side comparison to the mean of at least two ISO- classified reference pyranometers under sunlight (clear sky conditions) in Logan, Utah. - Page 7 Spectral Response Spectral response estimate of Apogee silicon-cell pyranometers. Spectral response was estimated by multiplying the spectral response of the photodiode, diffuser, and adhesive. Spectral response measurements of diffuser and adhesive were made with a spectrometer, and spectral response data for the photodiode were obtained from the manufacturer.
- Page 8 ± 2 % and ± 5 % at solar zenith angles of 45° and 75°, respectively. Mean cosine response of eleven Apogee silicon- cell pyranometers (error bars represent two standard deviations above and below mean). Cosine response measurements were made...
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Page 9: Deployment And Installation
Mount the sensor to a solid surface with the nylon mounting screw provided. To accurately measure total shortwave radiation incident on a horizontal surface, the sensor must be level. An Apogee Instruments model AL-100 leveling plate is recommended for this purpose. To facilitate mounting on a cross arm, an Apogee Instruments model AM-110 mounting bracket is recommended. -
Page 10: Software Installation
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION Installing the software on a PC Double click on the installer package: On the ‘Welcome’ screen, please click ‘Next’ to continue. Select the radio button next to “I Agree” to the UELA… and click ‘Next’ to continue. On the ‘Ready to Install the Program’ screen, click ‘Install’ to continue. Click ‘Finish’... -
Page 11: Operation And Measurement
Spectral Errors for Measurements with Silicon-cell Pyranometers Apogee SP series pyranometers are calibrated under electric lamps in a calibration laboratory. The calibration procedure simulates calibration under clear sky conditions at a solar zenith angle of approximately 45°. However, due to the limited spectral sensitivity of silicon-cell pyranometers compared to the solar radiation spectrum (see graph below), spectral errors occur when measurements are made in conditions that differ from conditions the sensor was calibrated under (e.g., the solar... - Page 12 Spectral error for Apogee SP series pyranometers as a function of solar zenith angle, assuming calibration at a zenith angle of 45°. Spectral error for Apogee SP series pyranometers as a function of atmospheric air mass, assuming calibration at an air mass...
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Page 13: Windows Software
WINDOWS SOFTWARE When the SP-422 sensor is not plugged into the USB port, the software will display a message in the lower left corner, “Device Not Connected,” indicating it cannot establish communication with the sensor. Plug the sensor into a USB port and allow some time for the sensor to automatically establish communication with the software. - Page 14 Click the ‘Settings’ icon to display the software options. Note ‘Light Source’ is not a setting for the SP-422. Clicking ‘Calibration’ will display the factory calibrated multiplier and offset values. These values are saved in firmware and can be recovered by clicking the ‘Recover Original’ button. Deriving a new calibration multiplier and offset is accomplished by clicking the ‘Recalibrate’...
- Page 15 Uncover the sensor and wait for the shortwave radiation reading to settle before entering the reference value. Click OK. The multiplier and offset values will automatically calculate and update in the appropriate field. Be sure to click ‘Save’ to retain the new multiplier and offset.
- Page 16 The about screen tells you the software and firmware versions. These can be used to help troubleshoot if problems arise. ‘Manage Field Logging’ is used to setup the SP-422 for use in the field. When the SP-422 is supplied power from a USB power source it will log data which you can retrieve.
- Page 17 Click ‘Erase Data’ to erase all the saved data. This can’t be undone. To use additional SP-422 devices, open additional ApogeeConnect software windows. The device serial number will display in the lower left hand corner of the corresponding software window. Devices may be selected by serial number in the tool bar.
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Page 18: Mac Software
MAC SOFTWARE When the SP-422 sensor is not plugged into the USB port, the software will display a message in the lower left corner, “Device Not Connected,” indicating it cannot establish communication with the sensor. Plug the sensor into a USB port and allow some time for the sensor to automatically establish communication with the software. - Page 19 Click the ‘Settings’ icon to display the software options. Note ‘Light Source’ is not a setting option for the SP-422. Clicking ‘Calibration’ will display the factory calibrated multiplier and offset values. These values are saved in firmware and can be recovered by clicking the ‘Recover Original’...
- Page 20 The multiplier and offset values will automatically calculate and update in the appropriate field. Be sure to click ‘Save’ to retain the new multiplier and offset. Clicking ‘Data Logging’ will allow the user to log interval measurements in a csv file while the software is open and communicating with the sensor.
- Page 21 The about screen tells you the software and firmware versions. These can be used to help troubleshoot if problems arise. ‘Manage Field Logging’ is used to setup the SP-422 for the use in the field. When the SP-422 is supplied power from a USB power source it will log data which you can retrieve.
- Page 22 Click ‘Erase Data’ to erase all the save data. This can’t be undone. To use additional SP-422 devices, open additional ApogeeConnect software windows. The device serial number will display in the lower left hand corner of the corresponding software window. Devices may be selected by serial number in the tool bar.
- Page 23 Spectral Errors for Shortwave Radiation Measurements with Apogee SP Series Pyranometers Radiation Source (Error Calculated Relative to Sun, Clear Sky) Error [%] Sun (Clear Sky) Sun (Cloudy Sky) Reflected from Grass Canopy 14.6 Reflected from Deciduous Canopy 16.0 Reflected from Conifer Canopy 19.2...
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Page 24: Maintenance And Recalibration
MAINTENANCE AND RECALIBRATION Moisture or debris on the diffuser is a common cause of low readings. The sensor has a domed diffuser and housing for improved self-cleaning from rainfall, but materials can accumulate on the diffuser (e.g., dust during periods of low rainfall, salt deposits from evaporation of sea spray or sprinkler irrigation water) and partially block the optical path. - Page 25 Homepage of the Clear Sky Calculator. Two calculators are available: One for pyranometers (total shortwave radiation) and one for quantum sensors (photosynthetic photon flux density). Clear Sky Calculator for pyranometers. Site data are input in blue cells in middle of page and an estimate of total shortwave radiation is returned on right-hand side of page.
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Page 26: Troubleshooting And Customer Support
TROUBLESHOOTING AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT Cable Length Fifteen feet is the maximum cable length that can be built into the sensor. Modifying Cable Length If you required a longer cable length an “active” USB extension cable is required. Please note, the connection between the cables must be made water tight prior to submersion. -
Page 27: Return And Warranty Policy
RETURN AND WARRANTY POLICY RETURN POLICY Apogee Instruments will accept returns within 30 days of purchase as long as the product is in new condition (to be determined by Apogee). Returns are subject to a 10 % restocking fee. WARRANTY POLICY... - Page 28 5. Upon receipt, Apogee Instruments will determine the cause of failure. If the product is found to be defective in terms of operation to the published specifications due to a failure of product materials or craftsmanship, Apogee Instruments will repair or replace the items free of charge.
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