Radiometers − UV, IR & Net Solar Irradiance

The CGR3 is a pyrgeometer, designed to provide an economical solution for meteorological measurements of downward atmospheric long wave radiation. The CGR3 uses a thermopile detector and has a sensitivity of 5 to 15µV/Wm² in a spectral range of 4.5 to 42nm. The CGR3 use a flat silicon window with an internal thin film coating to filter out short-wave solar radiation but allows infrared radiation to reach the broadband thermopile detector. A pair of CGR3's can be mounted back to back to form an albedometer to monitoring incoming and outgoing infrared radiation. A screw-in mounting rod and bracket are available for easy installation to a mast or wall. The small size and sealed construction make this instrument the ideal choice for horticulture and agriculture.

The CGR4 is a pyrgeometer, designed for top level solar radiation monitoring networks such as the Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN) of the World Meteorological Organisation for the meteorological measurements of downward atmospheric longwave radiation. The CGR4 uses a thermopile detectors and has a sensitivity of 5 to 15V/W/m in a spectral range of 4.5 to 42m. This pyrgeometer has a specially designed silicon meniscus dome with a hard-carbon coating for a smooth spectral response and provide extra surface protection. An internal thin film coating that absorb a large part of the short-wave radiation. The unique design of the CGR4 reduces the dome heating offset to a negligible level (particularly when ventilated), eliminating the need for dome temperature measurements or dome shading.

The CUV 5 radiometer measures the total UV irradiance of the UVA and UVB components. The CUV 5 uses a photo-diode sensors with optical filters located behind a specially shaped diffuser and glass dome for a very good UV transmission and excellent directional response. Sensitivity of 300 to 500V/W/m for a typical output of 0 to 50mV, spectral range of 280 to 400nm. CUV 5 is optimised for the measurement of total UV outdoors, under natural sunlight, where the irradiance is not likely to exceed 100 W/m. It is not possible to derive the separate components of UVA and UVB from CUV 5 measurements but a suitable UVS series radiometers can be used for this application. The unit is suitable for applications in meteorology, for material testing, monitoring lamps and for use in ageing tests in solar simulators.

The UVS series of UV Radiometers provide outputs for specific types of Ultraviolet radiation. Units have a spectral response that is adapted to UVA, UVB and the UVE Erythemal (sunburn) action spectrum of the human skin, units are available to provide UVA, UVB and UVE measurements, or combinations of UVA/B and UVA/E radiation. The UVS instruments are fully weather protected and suitable for use in all environments. All UVS instruments are supplied with calibration data files that include the spectral response function of the individual instruments.

The PQS 1 measures the Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) from the Sun, or artificial light sources. The PAR light is absorbed by chlorophyll in plants and crops for photosynthesis. It is a key parameter for agriculture, horticulture and greenhouse automation. The PQS 1 offers a response with an excellent match to the ideal PAR response. The rugged construction allows the sensor to be used under all weather conditions and is well protected from harsh weather conditions and from exposure to pesticides and fertilisers. Spectral range 400 to 700nm. The PQS 1 is ideal for permanent, or portable field testing, for both indoor and outdoor agricultural, horticultural and greenhouse environments.

The NR Lite2 is a single component net radiometer used for monitoring the difference in incoming radiation from the Sun and sky and outgoing radiation from the ground. The NR Lite2 uses a double-sided thermopile detector fitted with black PTFE coated conical absorbers with a single output for the net radiation. The sensor covers a very wide spectral response from the Ultraviolet (UV) to far infrared (FIR). The NR Lite2 has an integral mounting rod for fitting to masts and poles with a 15m signal cable and stick to prevent birds settling on the sensor. The single output and wide spectral range makes this units ideal for monitoring the total net radiation in a wide range of different applications.

The CNR4 net radiometer integrated 4 solar sensors into a single instrument body. The CNR4 consists of a pair of pyranometers and a pair of pyrgeometers. Each pair has one facing upwards for incoming radiation and one facing downwards for the outgoing radiation. The CNR4 has four separate output signals from the sensors, plus integrated temperature outputs. The signal outputs represent the incoming and outgoing short-wave (Solar) and long-wave (atmospheric and terrestrial) radiation, whilst the temperature reading can be used to compensate the pyrgeometer output. Units are supplied with a screw-in mounting rod for fitting to a mast and poles, bubble level and two 8-pin connector ports. An optional heated ventilation unit, the CNF4, is available to minimise offsets, maximise stability and remove precipitation, frost and snow.

The CVF4 Ventilation unit is a low maintenance ventilation unit with a fan and inlet filter that provides a flow of clean air over the dome of a radiometer. The integrated heater allows the air to be warmed when necessary. The fan of the CVF4 runs continuously to reduce dust and dirt settling, to dissipate rain drops and to stabilise the dome temperature. A tacho output from the fan gives two pulses per revolution and allows remote monitoring of the fan operation using a data logger. The CVF4 is designed to be used with Kipp & Zonen CMP and SMP series pyranometers, the CGR 4 pyrgeometer, and the CUV5 total UV radiometer.

The Meteon is an accurate handheld display and data logger designed specifically for the measurement of solar irradiance in combination with Kipp & Zonen radiometers and pyranometers. The Meteon will log up to 3500 samples, storing min, max and average value per logging interval. The logger will operate for 50 days on internal batteries. The Meteon data logger is supplied with a touch carrying case, software, USB cable and batteries. Terminals allow for connection to a radiometer using bare wires or 4mm banana plugs. The small size, internal batteries and universal input makes the Meteon an ideal unit for field testing applications with the NRLite 2, CUV5, PQS1 or the SP Lite 2 and CMP series pyranometers.