Apogee SQ-100 Series User manual

APOGEE INSTRUMENTS, INC. 721 WEST 1800 NORTH, LOGAN, UTAH 84321, USA
TEL: [phone] FAX: [phone] WEB: APOGEEINSTRUMENTS.COM
Copyright © 2013 Apogee Instruments, Inc.
OWNER’S MANUAL
QUANTUM SENSOR
Model SQ-100 and SQ-300 Series
Turfschipper 114 | 2292 JB Wateringen | Tel. [phone] | Fax. [phone] | [email protected] | www.catec.nl Turfschipper 114 | 2292 JB Wateringen | Tel. [phone] | Fax. [phone] | [email protected] | www.catec.nl
M E E T I N S T R U M E N T A T I E

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY……………………………..……………………. 3
INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………………….. 4
SENSOR MODELS....................................................................... 5
SPECIFICATIONS……………………………………………………………………………. 6
DEPLOYMENT AND INSTALLATION……………………………………………….. 9
OPERATION AND MEASUREMENT……………………………………..…………. 10
MAINTENANCE AND RECALIBRATION………………………………….......... 13
TROUBLESHOOTING AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT…………………………… 15
RETURN POLICY AND WARRANTY…………………………………………………. 16

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DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
CE and ROHS Certificate of Compliance
We Apogee Instruments, Inc.
721 W 1800 N
Logan, Utah 84321
USA
Declare under our sole responsibility that the products:
Models: SQ-110, SQ-120, SQ-311, SQ-321, SQ-313, SQ-323, SQ-316, SQ-326
Type: Quantum Sensor
are in conformity with the following standards and relevant EC directives:
Emissions: EN 61326-1:2013
Immunity: EN 61326-1:2013
Safety: EN 61010-1:2010
EU directive 2004/108/EC, EMC
EU directive 2002/95/EC, RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)
EU directive 2011/65/EU, RoHS2
Please be advised that based on the information available to us from our raw material suppliers, the
products manufactured by us do not contain, as intentional additives, any of the restricted materials,
including cadmium, hexavalent chromium, lead, mercury, polybrominated biphenyls (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.
Bruce Bugbee
President
Apogee Instruments, Inc.
June 2013

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INTRODUCTION
Radiation that drives photosynthesis is called photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and is typically
defined as total radiation across a range of 400 to 700 nm. PAR is often expressed as photosynthetic
photon flux (PPF): photon flux in units of micromoles per square meter per second (µmol m-2 s-1, equal to
microEinsteins per square meter per second) summed from 400 to 700 nm (total number of photons from
400 to 700 nm). While Einsteins and micromoles are equal (one Einstein = one mole of photons), the
Einstein is not an SI unit, so expressing PPF as µmol m-2 s-1 is preferred.
Sensors that measure PPF are often called quantum sensors due to the quantized nature of radiation. A
quantum refers to the minimum quantity of radiation, one photon, involved in physical interactions (e.g.,
absorption by photosynthetic pigments). In other words, one photon is a single quantum of radiation.
Typical applications of quantum sensors include incoming PPF measurement over plant canopies in
outdoor environments or in greenhouses and growth chambers, and reflected or under-canopy
(transmitted) PPF measurement in the same environments.
Apogee Instruments SQ series quantum sensors 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 PPF measurement in indoor or outdoor environments. SQ series sensors output an analog
voltage that is directly proportional to PPF under sunlight (e.g., model SQ-110) or electric lights (e.g.,
model SQ-120). The voltage signal from the sensor is directly proportional to radiation incident on a
planar surface (does not have to be horizontal), where the radiation emanates from all angles of a
hemisphere.

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SENSOR MODELS
Apogee SQ series quantum sensor models covered in this manual are un-amplified versions, SQ-100
series and SQ-300 series. Amplified models are also available, which provide larger voltage signals; see
manual for SQ-200 series quantum sensors.
Line quantum sensors, SQ-300 series, provide spatially averaged PPF measurements. All sensors along
the length of the line are connected in parallel, and as a result, Apogee line quantum sensors output a
single voltage signal that is directly proportional to PPF averaged from the location of the individual
sensors.
Sensor model number, serial number, production
date, and calibration factor are located near the
pigtail leads on the sensor cable.

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SPECIFICATIONS
Sensitivity:
0.2 mV per µmol m-2 s-1
Calibration Factor:
5.0 µmol m-2 s-1 per mV (reciprocal of sensitivity)
Calibration Uncertainty:
± 5 % (see Calibration Traceability below)
Measurement Repeatability:
< 1 %
Non-stability (Long-term Drift):
< 2 % per year
Non-linearity:
< 1 % (up to 4000 µmol m-2 s-1)
Response Time:
< 1 ms
Field of View:
180o
Spectral Range:
410 nm to 655 nm (wavelengths where response is greater than 50 % of maximum; see
Spectral Response below)
Directional (Cosine) Response:
± 5 % at 75ozenith angle (see Cosine Response below)
Temperature Response:
0.06 ± 0.06 % per C (see Temperature Response below)
Operating Environment:
-40 to 70 C
0 to 100 % relative humidity
Can be submerged in water up to depths of 30 m
Dimensions:
SQ-110, -120: 2.4 cm diameter and 2.8 cm height
SQ-313, -316, -323, -326: 50 cm length, 1.5 cm width, 1.5 cm height
SQ-311, -321: 70 cm length, 1.5 cm width, 1.5 cm height
Mass:
SQ-100 series: 90 g (with 5 m of lead wire)
SQ-313, -316, -323, -326: 275 g
SQ-311, -321: 375 g
Cable:
5 m of shielded, twisted-pair wire.
Additional cable available in multiples of 5 m
Santoprene rubber jacket (high water resistance, high UV stability, flexibility in cold conditions)
Pigtail lead wires
Calibration Traceability:
Apogee SQ series quantum sensors are calibrated through side-by-side comparison to the mean of four
Apogee model SQ-110 or SQ-120 transfer standard quantum sensors under high output T5 cool white
fluorescent lamps. The transfer standard quantum sensors are calibrated through side-by-side
comparison to the mean of at least three LI-COR model LI-190 reference quantum sensors under high
output T5 cool white fluorescent lamps. The reference quantum sensors are recalibrated on a biannual

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schedule with a LI-COR model 1800-02 Optical Radiation Calibrator using a 200 W quartz halogen lamp.
The 1800-02 and quartz halogen lamp are traceable to the National Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST).
Spectral Response:
Temperature response:
Mean temperature response of eight SQ
series quantum sensors (
errors bars
represent two standard deviations
above and below mean
). Temperature
response measurements were made at 10
C intervals across a temperature range of
approximately -10 to 40 C in a
temperature controlled chamber under a
fixed, broad spectrum, electric lamp. At
each temperature set point, a
spectroradiometer was used to measure
light intensity from the lamp and all
quantum sensors were compared to the
spectroradiometer. The
spectroradiometer was mounted external
to the temperature control chamber and
remained at room temperature during
the experiment.
Mean spectral response of six SQ series
quantum sensors ( error bars represent two
standard deviations above and below
mean
) compared to PPF weighting function.
Spectral response measurements were
made at 10 nm increments across a
wavelength range of 300 to 800 nm in a
monochromator with an attached electric
light source. Measured spectral data from
each quantum sensor were normalized by
the measured spectral response of the
monochromator/electric light combination,
which was measured with a
spectroradiometer.

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Cosine Response:
Mean cosine response of twenty-three SQ
series quantum sensors (
error bars
represent two standard deviations above
and below mean
). Cosine response
measurements were made by direct side-
by-side comparison to the mean of four
reference thermopile pyranometers, with
solar zenith angle-dependent factors
applied to convert total shortwave
radiation to PPF. Blue points represent the
AM response and red points represent the
PM response.
Directional, or cosine, response is defined
as the measurement error at a specific
angle of radiation incidence. Error for
Apogee SQ series quantum sensors is
approximately ± 2 % and ± 5 % at solar
zenith angles of 45°and 75°, respectively.

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DEPLOYMENT AND INSTALLATION
Mount the sensor to a solid surface with the nylon mounting screw provided. To accurately measure PPF
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.
To minimize azimuth error, the sensor should be mounted
with the cable pointing toward true north in the northern
hemisphere or true south in the southern hemisphere.
Azimuth error is typically less than 1 %, but it is easy to
minimize by proper cable orientation.
In addition to orienting the cable to point toward the nearest pole, the sensor should also be mounted
such that obstructions (e.g., weather station tripod/tower or other instrumentation) do not shade the
sensor.
Once mounted, the green cap should be removed from the sensor.
The green cap can be
used as a protective covering for the sensor, when it is not in use.

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OPERATION AND MEASUREMENT
Connect the sensor to a measurement device (meter, datalogger, controller) capable of measuring and
displaying or recording a millivolt signal (an input measurement range of approximately 0-500 mV is
required to cover the entire range of PPF from the sun). In order to maximize measurement resolution
and signal-to-noise ratio, the input range of the measurement device should closely match the output
range of the quantum sensor.
DO NOT connect the sensor to a power source. The sensor is self-
powered and applying voltage will damage the sensor.
All Apogee un-amplified quantum sensor models (SQ-100 and SQ-300 series) have a standard PPF
calibration factor of exactly:
5.0 µmol m-2 s-1 per mV
Multiply this calibration factor by the measured mV signal to convert sensor output to PPF in units of µmol
m-2 s-1:
Calibration Factor (5.0 µmol m-2 s-1 per mV) * Sensor Output Signal (mV) = PPF (µmol m-2 s-1)
5.0 * 400 = 2000
Example of PPF measurement with an Apogee quantum
sensor. Full sunlight yields a PPF on a horizontal plane at
the Earth’s surface of approximately 2000 µmol m-2 s-1. This
yields an output signal of 400 mV. The signal is converted to
PPF by multiplying by the calibration factor of 5.00 µmol m-2
s-1 per mV.

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Spectral Errors and Yield Photon Flux Measurements:
Apogee quantum sensors are calibrated to measure PPF for either sunlight or electric light. The
difference between the calibrations is 14 %. A sensor calibrated for electric lights (calibration source is T5
cool white fluorescent lamps) will read approximately 14 % low in sunlight.
In addition to PPF measurements, Apogee SQ series quantum sensors can also be used to measure yield
photon flux (YPF): photon flux weighted according to the plant photosynthetic action spectrum (McCree,
1972) and summed. YPF is also expressed in units of µmol m-2 s-1, and is similar to PPF, but is typically
more closely correlated to photosynthesis than PPF. PPF is usually measured and reported because the
PPF spectral weighting function (equal weight given to all photons between 400 and 700 nm; no weight
given to photons outside this range) is easier to define and measure, and as a result, PPF is widely
accepted. The calibration factor for YPF is 4.50 and 4.45 µmol m-2 s-1 per mV for sunlight and electric light
measurements, respectively.
The weighting functions for PPF and YPF are shown in the graph below, along with the spectral response
of Apogee SQ series quantum sensors. The closer the spectral response matches the defined PPF or YPF
spectral weighting functions, the smaller spectral errors will be. The table below provides spectral error
estimates for PPF and YPF measurements from light sources different than the calibration source. The
method of Federer and Tanner (1966) was used to determine spectral errors based on the PPF and YPF
spectral weighting functions, measured sensor spectral response, and radiation source spectral outputs
(measured with a spectroradiometer). This method calculates spectral error and does not consider
calibration, cosine, and temperature errors.
Federer, C. A., and C. B. Tanner, 1966. Sensors for measuring light available for photosynthesis. Ecology
47:654-657.
McCree, K. J., 1972. The action spectrum, absorptance and quantum yield of photosynthesis in crop
plants. Agricultural Meteorology 9:191-216.
Radiation weighting factors for PPF
(defined plant response to radiation),
YPF (measured plant response to
radiation), and Apogee SQ Series
quantum sensors (sensor sensitivity to
different wavelengths of radiation).

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Spectral Errors for PPF and YPF Measurements with Apogee SQ Series Quantum Sensors
Radiation Source (Error Calculated Relative to Sun, Clear Sky)
PPF Error
[%]
YPF Error
[%]
Sun (Clear Sky)
0.0
0.0
Sun (Cloudy Sky)
1.4
1.6
Reflected from Grass Canopy
5.7
-6.3
Reflected from Deciduous Canopy
4.9
-7.0
Reflected from Conifer Canopy
5.5
-6.8
Transmitted below Grass Canopy
6.4
-4.5
Transmitted below Deciduous Canopy
6.8
-5.4
Transmitted below Conifer Canopy
5.3
2.6
Radiation Source (Error Calculated Relative to Cool White Fluorescent,
T5)
Cool White Fluorescent (T5)
0.0
0.0
Cool White Fluorescent (T8)
-0.3
-1.2
Cool White Fluorescent (T12)
-1.4
-2.0
Compact Fluorescent
-0.5
-5.3
Metal Halide
-3.7
-3.7
Ceramic Metal Halide
-6.0
-6.4
High Pressure Sodium
0.8
-7.2
Blue LED (448 nm peak, 20 nm full-width half-maximum)
-12.7
8.0
Green LED (524 nm peak, 30 nm full-width half-maximum)
8.0
26.2
Red LED (635 nm peak, 20 nm full-width half-maximum)
4.8
-6.2
Red, Blue LED Mixture (85 % Red, 15 % Blue)
2.4
-4.4
Red, Green, Blue LED Mixture (72 % Red, 16 % Green, 12 % Blue)
3.4
0.2
Cool White Fluorescent LED
-4.6
-0.6
Neutral White Fluorescent LED
-6.7
-5.2
Warm White Fluorescent LED
-10.9
-13.0
Quantum sensors can be a very practical means of measuring PPF and YPF from multiple radiation
sources, but spectral errors must be considered. The spectral errors in the table above can be used as
correction factors for individual radiation sources.

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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. Dust or organic deposits are best removed using water, or
window cleaner and a soft cloth or cotton swab. Salt deposits should be dissolved with vinegar and
removed with a soft cloth or cotton swab.
Never use an abrasive material or cleaner on the diffuser.
The Clear Sky Calculator (www.clearskycalculator.com) can be used to determine the need for quantum
sensor recalibration. It determines PPF incident on a horizontal surface at any time of day at any location
in the world. It is most accurate when used near solar noon in spring and summer months, where accuracy
over multiple clear and unpolluted days is estimated to be ± 4 % in all climates and locations around the
world. For best accuracy, the sky must be completely clear, as reflected radiation from clouds causes
incoming radiation to increase above the value predicted by the clear sky calculator. Measured values of
PPF can exceed values predicted by the Clear Sky Calculator due to reflection from the sides and edges
of clouds. This reflection increases the incoming radiation. The influence of high clouds typically shows up
as spikes above clear sky values, not a constant offset greater than clear sky values.
To determine recalibration need, input site conditions into the calculator and compare PPF
measurements to calculated PPF values for a clear sky. If sensor PPF measurements over multiple days
near solar noon are consistently different than calculated values (by more than 6 %), the sensor should be
cleaned and re-leveled. If PPF measurements are still different after a second test, email
[e-mail] to discuss test results and possible return of sensor(s) for
recalibration.

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Homepage of the Clear Sky
Calculator. Two calculators are
available: one for quantum
sensors (PPF) and one for
pyranometers (total shortwave
radiation).
Clear Sky Calculator for quantum
sensors. Site data are input in
blue cells in middle of page and
an estimate of PPF is returned on
right-hand side of page.

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TROUBLESHOOTING AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Independent Verification of Functionality:
Apogee SQ-100 and SQ-300 series quantum sensors are self-powered devices and output a voltage
signal proportional to incident PPF. A quick and easy check of sensor functionality can be determined
using a voltmeter with millivolt resolution. Connect the positive lead wire from the voltmeter to the red
wire from the sensor and the negative (or common) lead wire from the voltmeter to the black wire from
the sensor. Direct the sensor head toward a light source and verify the sensor provides a signal. Increase
and decrease the distance from the sensor head to the light source to verify that the signal changes
proportionally (decreasing signal with increasing distance and increasing signal with decreasing distance).
Blocking all radiation from the sensor should force the sensor signal to zero.
Compatible Measurement Devices (Dataloggers/Controllers/Meters):
SQ-100 and SQ-300 series quantum sensors are calibrated with a standard calibration factor of 5.0 µmol
m-2 s-1 per mV, yielding a sensitivity of 0.2 mV per µmol m-2 s-1. Thus, a compatible measurement device
(e.g., datalogger or controller) should have resolution of at least 0.2 mV in order to provide PPF resolution
of 1 µmol m-2 s-1.
An example datalogger program for Campbell Scientific dataloggers can be found on the Apogee
webpage at http://www.apogeeinstruments.com/content/Quantum-Sensor-Unamplified.CR1.
Cable Length:
When the sensor is connected to a measurement device with high input impedance, sensor output
signals are not changed by shortening the cable or splicing on additional cable in the field. Tests have
shown that if the input impedance of the measurements device is greater than 1 mega-ohm there is
negligible effect on the calibration, even after adding up to 100 m of cable. All Apogee sensors use
shielded, twisted pair cable to minimize electromagnetic interference. For best measurements, the shield
wire must be connected to an earth ground. This is particularly important when using the sensor with long
lead lengths in electromagnetically noisy environments.
Modifying Cable Length:
See Apogee webpage for details on how to extend sensor cable length:
(http://www.apogeeinstruments.com/how-to-make-a-weatherproof-cable-splice/).
Unit Conversion Charts:
Apogee SQ series quantum sensors are calibrated to measure PPF in units of µmol m-2 s-1. It is possible to
convert the PPF value to units of light quantity (e.g., footcandles or lux), but it requires conversion factors
that are specific to the radiation source of interest. These conversion factors can be found in the
Knowledge Base on the Apogee website (http://www.apogeeinstruments.com/knowledge-base/; scroll
down to Quantum Sensors section).

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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
What is Covered
All products manufactured by Apogee Instruments are warranted to be free from defects in materials and craftsmanship for a period
of four (4) years from the date of shipment from our factory. To be considered for warranty coverage an item must be evaluated
either at our factory or by an authorized distributor.
Products not manufactured by Apogee (spectroradiometers, chlorophyll content meters) are covered for a period of one (1) year.
What is Not Covered
The customer is responsible for all costs associated with the removal, reinstallation, and shipping of suspected warranty items to our
factory.
The warranty does not cover equipment that has been damaged due to the following conditions:
1. Improper installation or abuse.
2. Operation of the instrument outside of its specified operating range.
3. Natural occurrences such as lightning, fire, etc.
4. Unauthorized modification.
5. Improper or unauthorized repair.
Please note that nominal accuracy drift is normal over time. Routine recalibration of sensors/meters is considered part of proper
maintenance and is not covered under warranty.
Who is Covered
This warranty covers the original purchaser of the product or other party who may own it during the warranty period.
What We Will Do
At no charge we will:
1. Either repair or replace (at our discretion) the item under warranty.
2. Ship the item back to the customer by the carrier of our choice.
Different or expedited shipping methods will be at the customer’s expense.
How To Return An Item
1. Please do not send any products back to Apogee Instruments until you have received a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA)
number from our technical support department by calling [phone] or by submitting an online RMA form at
www.apogeeinstruments.com/tech-support-recalibration-repairs/. We will use your RMA number for tracking of the service item.
2. Send all RMA sensors and meters back in the following condition: Clean the sensor’s exterior and cord. Do not modify the sensors
or wires, including splicing, cutting wire leads, etc. If a connector has been attached to the cable end, please include the mating
connector – otherwise the sensor connector will be removed in order to complete the repair/recalibration.

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3. Please write the RMA number on the outside of the shipping container.
4. Return the item with freight pre-paid and fully insured to our factory address shown below. We are not responsible for any costs
associated with the transportation of products across international borders.
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. If it is determined that your product is not covered under warranty, you will be informed and given
an estimated repair/replacement cost.
OTHER TERMS
The available remedy of defects under this warranty is for the repair or replacement of the original product, and Apogee
Instruments is not responsible for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including but not limited to loss of
income, loss of revenue, loss of profit, loss of wages, loss of time, loss of sales, accruement of debts or expenses, injury to personal
property, or injury to any person or any other type of damage or loss.
This limited warranty and any disputes arising out of or in connection with this limited warranty ("Disputes") shall be governed by
the laws of the State of Utah, USA, excluding conflicts of law principles and excluding the Convention for the International Sale of
Goods. The courts located in the State of Utah, USA, shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any Disputes.
This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state and
jurisdiction to jurisdiction, and which shall not be affected by this limited warranty. This warranty extends only to you and cannot by
transferred or assigned. If any provision of this limited warranty is unlawful, void or unenforceable, that provision shall be deemed
severable and shall not affect any remaining provisions. In case of any inconsistency between the English and other versions of this
limited warranty, the English version shall prevail.
This warranty cannot be changed, assumed, or amended by any other person or agreement.