SQ-520 Full-Spectrum Smart Quantum Sensor (USB)

FOR SCIENTISTS & SERIOUS GROWERS - Designed by world-renowned crop physiologist, Bruce Bugbee, PhD, the SQ-520 full-spectrum quantum USB sensor is the premium tool of choice among leading scientists and growers for accurately measuring the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) from all light sources.

QUALITY QUANTUM SENSOR - Unlike cheaper LUX or footcandle sensors which are sometimes marketed as grow light sensors, but are meant for measuring light for human vision, our sensors feature a laboratory-grade PPFD (photosynthetic photon flux density), or “quantum,” optical detector precisely calibrated to measure the light intensity in µmol m-2 s-1 of the specific color wavelengths emitted by LEDs, HPS, MH, sunlight, and other light sources utilized by plants for photosynthesis.

USB COMPATIBLE - Smart quantum sensor can be connected directly to a computer (Windows or macOS X) for taking spot measurements or graphing and datalogging real-time PPFD using the included ApogeeConnect software. The sensor can also act as a stand-alone PAR datalogger by simply connecting it to most standard 5 V DC USB power plugs.

EXTREMELY ACCURATE & STABLE - PThe sensor precisely measures and combines the intensity of all photons between 400 and 700 nm to give a single PAR reading in µmol m-2 s-1 within 5 % uncertainty. Unlike hobby-grade PAR sensors, our sensor has a stable, accurate calibration with an accuracy drift rate of less than 2 % per year.

RUGGED & EASY TO USE - Quantum sensor head is machined aluminum and potted solid with epoxy for years of use in harsh environments, including underwater. Internal memory within the sensor head is capable of storing 10,000 user-specified periodic measurements that can be downloaded as a CSV file to a computer for analysis. For full-spectrum measurements with both a meter and a sensor, please see our MQ-500.

MADE IN THE USA - All sensors are designed, built, and calibrated at our headquarters in Logan, Utah, USA. Apogee Instruments has been creating research-grade instruments for scientists and serious growers for over 25 years. All sensors are backed by our industry leading four-year warranty and supported by our world-class, US-based customer support team.

Refined Spectral Response
The improved spectral response of the SQ-520 increases the accuracy of LED measurements, compared to our previous models, making it ideal for use with all natural and electric light sources

No Datalogger Required
The sensor can be connected to a desktop, laptop, or tablet computer via USB 2.0 type A plug, to be used with the Apogee software (windows compatible, XP and later; Mac compatible, 10.10 and later). The included ApogeeConnect software gives the user control of data logging and calibration settings, provides a real time output display and graph of PPFD measurements and allows the data set to be saved as a csv file.

Internal Data Storage
The sensor has internal data storage capability with the ability to hold up to 10,000 measurements. This allows the sensor to collect data while connected to most stand-alone 5 V DC power supply such as a USB wall adapter.

Software Overview

Specifications

• Resolution: 0.1 µmol mˉ² sˉ¹
• Calibration Factor: Custom for each sensor and stored in the firmware Calibration Uncertainty: ± 5 %
• Measurement Repeatability: Less than 1 % up to 4000 µmol mˉ² sˉ¹ Long-term Drift: Less than 2 % per year
• Non-linearity: Less than 1 % (up to 4000 µmol mˉ² sˉ¹)
• Response Time: Software updates every second
• Field of View: 180˚
• Spectral Range: 389 to 692 nm ± 5 nm (wavelengths where response is greater than 50 % of maximum)
• Spectral Selectivity: Less than 10 % from 412 to 682 nm ± 5 nm Directional (Cosine): Response ± 2 % at 45 ˚, ± 5 % at 75 ˚
• Azimuth Error: Less than 0.5 %
• Tilt Error: Less than 0.5 %
• Temperature: Response -0.11 ± 0.04 % Cˉ¹
• Uncertainty in Daily Total: Less than 5 %
• Detector: Blue-enhanced silicon photodiode
• Housing: Anodized aluminum body with acrylic diffuser
• IP Rating: IP68
• Operating Environment: -40 to 70 C; 0 to 100 % relative humidity; can be submerged to depths of 30 m
• Dimensions: 24 mm diameter, 37 mm height USB
• Cable 4.5 m (15 ft)
• Mass: 100 g (with 5 m of lead wire)
• Current Draw: 61 mA
• Warranty: 4 years against defects in materials and workmanship
• Manufactured: Made in the USA