OVAS PAR Meter

[exv152]

... the club doesn't have to lend or rent the meter if it's too large of a liability. The club could have one designated person who knows how to operate the meter, and volunteer to bring it to meetings where club members could bring their lighting systems to be measured. That way it doesn't run the risk of being lost, damaged or stolen.

I mentioned this earlier and it seems to have been completely overlooked in the discussion. Other clubs in the US do this, but if it's not feasible because of the cost of purchasing it, then I would understand. That said, I'm glad a sponsor has stepped up. Lighting is such a key element in the hobby and it tends to be often overlooked.

[Jimbo]

I mentioned this earlier and it seems to have been completely overlooked in the discussion. Other clubs in the US do this, but if it's not feasible because of the cost of purchasing it, then I would understand. That said, I'm glad a sponsor has stepped up. Lighting is such a key element in the hobby and it tends to be often overlooked.

I agree with you completely about cost, but the Apogee light meter only costs $150.

Whatever happened to the poll of forum users asked by Stussi613, if they would become members if OVAS purchased a Par meter? Was there not enough interest shown by potential new members to cover the cost?

[charlie]

I agree with you completely about cost, but the Apogee light meter only costs $150.

Whatever happened to the poll of forum users asked by Stussi613, if they would become members if OVAS purchased a Par meter? Was there not enough interest shown by potential new members to cover the cost?

I surrender
http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/apogee-mq-200-par-meter
http://blog.captive-aquatics.com/captive_aquatics/2010/08/apogee-mq-200-quantum-par-meter-video-review.html

[JetJumper]

I agree with you completely about cost, but the Apogee light meter only costs $150.

Whatever happened to the poll of forum users asked by Stussi613, if they would become members if OVAS purchased a Par meter? Was there not enough interest shown by potential new members to cover the cost?

No Jimbo.. its not only $150.  The sensor is $150 if you order it by itself I do believe.  The Kit can be had for $300-350 for an Apogee.

[JetJumper]

There is a $200 par meter.. Its integrated into a monitoring system..

http://www.seneye.com/


You can also get the raw sensor and create your own PAR meter with a multimeter.  There is a simple calculation if I recall correctly that you can do to convert the multimeters output from the resistence levels on the photo sensor and calculate PAR yourself   Probably possible for under $50 including a multimeter 

If you are feeling up to the task   Then you can make some cash renting it out to people in the club.

[Jimbo]

My bad. Thanks for the correction.

[76brian]

I like the DIY meter posted in another thread. I'm going to make one. It could be a good club project?

[exv152]

If you take a lux reading and divide the value by 76 that gives you fairly accurate PAR value.

[Jimbo]

I like the DIY meter posted in another thread. I'm going to make one. It could be a good club project?

I agree. We should either get this added as one of the presentations, or set up a separate meeting (outside OVAS) for people interested in learning how to make their own Par meter.