A must for any serious reptile keeper.
With the importance of UVB for a reptiles health you can now know when a bulb needs replacing. (Also lets you know if the makers are telling the truth) Proper Usage of Solarmeter ® Ultraviolet Radiometer for Lamp Aging Tests
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Features
- Integral Sensor
- Compact
- Durable
- Accurate
- LCD readout
Applications
- Lamp UVB Intensity & Aging
- Reptile Lamps
- Acrylic Shield Transmission
- Percent (%) UVB if divided by reading from
Model 5.7 (UVA + B)
- Eyewear UV block comparison
| Solarmeter Specifications
Radiometer | | Model | 6.2 | | Irrad. Range | 0-1999 µW/cm² UVB | | Response | 280-320 nm | | Resolution | 1 µW/cm² | | Conv. Rate | 3.0 Readings/Sec | | Display | 3.5 Digit LCD | | Digit Size | 0.4 inch high | | Oper. Temp | 32° F TO 90° F | | Oper. Humid. | 5% TO 80% RH | | Accuracy | ±10% REF.NIST | | Dimensions (in.) | 4.2L x 2.4W x 0.9D (in.) | | Weight | 4.5 OZ. (incl. batt.) | | Power Source | 9-Volt DC Battery | | Lens | UV Glass | | Diffuser | Virgin Teflon .003" |
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Click graph for enlarged view
| Sensor
Silicon Carbide (SIC) Photodiode packaged in hermetically sealed UV glass window cap. Interference filter coating (Metal Oxide) blocks most UVA from response as shown on Spectral Sensitivity Graph.
Operation
Press and hold push-button switch on face of unit. Aim sensor window in top panel of meter directly at UV source. Note reading on LCD and record if desired. For reptile lamps also check at "basking" position.
Battery operation voltage is 9V down to 6.5V. Below 6.5V the LCD numbers will begin to dim, indicating the need for battery replacement. Under "typical" service load, the battery should last about 2 years.
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Proper Usage of Solarmeter ® Ultraviolet Radiometer for Lamp Aging Tests
- Wear eye protection when checking UV lamps (UV-block wrap around glasses).
- Allow lamps to warm-up prior to taking readings (at least 5 min).
- When checking aging of lamps, keep measuring distance and locations constant.
- Lamps should be replaced when output drops 30% to about 70% of their original (new) readings. Take overall reading at exposure distance, or check individual lamps close to surface. Keep track of hours vs. readings on a chart.
- If unsure of what original new values were, replace lamp(s) with new ones of the same kind and compare to old ones.
- To determine percent UVB divide Model 6.2 reading by Model 5.7 total UV (UVA + B) reading. (See FAQ page).
- When checking UVT acrylic transmission, take reading through acrylic; then remove acrylic and hold meter sensor at approximately the same distance from lamp as the acrylic shield was located. If acrylic blocks much UVB it should be replaced.
- When using this meter to compare different type lamps, due to their different spectral power distributions, the readings should be considered relative rather than absolute. Although higher output lamps of similar SPD\'s will generally read higher than lower output lamps, ones that peak near 290-300 nm (as does the meter response) will read higher than ones peaking near 313 nm even if the total UVB output of both is the same.
- Do not subject the meter to extremes in temperature, humidity, shock or dust.
- Use a dry, soft cloth to clean the intrument. Keep sensor free of oil, dirt, etc.
For information on using the Model 6.2 with reptile lamps see http://www.uvguide.co.uk/index.htm
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