Sunflower - Logging Photometer

PDF datasheet and reference files.

Description. The Sunflower Logging Photometer (#BE-SUNF) is a simple, rugged, compact device that
measures and records incident light irradiance and illuminance. Specifically, this is the optical power per detector area of visible light. Infrared light is aggressively filtered out. The upper measurement range corresponds to that of direct equatorial sunlight or industrial white LEDs. Depending on setup parameters, the Sunflower may easily run unattended for 30 days. The data are reported over USB-C link. The USB cable also recharges the included battery.

The Sunflower may be used as a handheld device for quick measurements, or it may be fixed in place using its rugged mounting flanges. It runs perfectly fine unattended for long periods of time.  There is also an integrated temperature sensor.

There are two related, but different, ways to measure the light that falls on a flat surface.
• Irradiance. This is a photometric measure of incident light power.  It treats all wavelengths, in principle, equally. The unit of measurement is Watts / m2, or some variation such as mW / mm2.
• Illuminance. This is a radiometric measure of incident light. It weights the measurement based
on the spectral response curve of a standardized human eye. The unit of measurement is the lux, which is 1 lumen per m2.

Because we know the spectral response curve of the photodetector, we can adjust the measured
value for either irradiance or illuminance. Not sure which one to use? No problem. The units of
measurement that you need tell you which to use.

Data retrieval from the Sunflower is simple. Just connect the USB-C cable. Use any serial port terminal
emulation software that you prefer (PuTTY, Tera Term, etc.) See User Guide for the simple instruction
set. For PC, Mac, Linux, Raspbian, etc. No complicated, messy app installs. No subscriptions. No
‘ecosystem’. Just reliable data.

Basic speciϔications

• Range: 0 to 400,000 Lux, or 0 to 2000 W/m².
• We may also measure in units of BTU/hr, which is a common standard for solar power systems.
• Cosine angular corrections are easily programmed.
• Accuracy: ±3%.
• Measurement angle: ±60° (50%).
• Temperature accuracy: ±0.1 °C.
• Shielded low-noise construction.
• Each unit calibrated to NIST standard photometer.
• Mass: 28 grams.
• Battery capacity: 680 mA-h.
• Logging duration: > 30 days @ 1 Sa / 15 min.
• Standard 1 m USB-C cable.
• Communication is serial stream via USB. For greater programmability you may use the Acorn API. This is an easily extensible data layer.
• Temperature range: ‒10 to +65 °C (14 to +150 °F).
• Compact size: 50 L × 50 W × 20 H mm. (2.0 L × 2.0 W × 0.8 H inch), with mounting flanges.
• Environmental rating: IP54.
• EAN-13 0729043992881

Approvals & Compliance

• RoHS. REACH.
• California Prop 65. There are no listed toxic materials in the PCBA.
• CE. The system is designed and tested to meet or exceed CE requirements for laboratory, nonsafety-critical electronic devices.

BOE is continuously improving. We also strive to keep one step ahead of procurement shortfalls. We will deliver to you the latest hardware version possible. In some cases specifications will change.

Warranty Policy

Any instrument ordered from BOE may be returned for full refund, less shipping costs, within 30 days of delivery, provided that the instrument has not, in the opinion of BOE been damaged or misused. An RMA number is required in all cases. See our Standard Terms & Conditions – Instruments for more details.

BOE reserves the right to make changes to these specifications as it deems necessary. All technical information contained herein is as accurate as possible; however BOE shall not be held responsible for any errors or for product use, nor for any infringements upon the rights of others which may result from its use. BOE products are not to be used in life support or safety critical applications.

All BOE products are designed and manufactured in the USA.