MQ-500: Full-Spectrum kvantový měřič

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Apogee MQ-500 for precise PPFD measurements under different light sources

The Apogee MQ-500 PAR meter is a full-spectrum quantum meter designed to measure photosynthetic photon flux density, or PPFD. It lets you check how much plant-usable light actually reaches different points across the growing area. The meter is suitable for LED lighting as well as HPS, metal halide and sunlight, making it useful in indoor grows, greenhouses and other controlled growing environments. Further instruments can be found in the measuring and dosing range.

Assess light distribution with PPFD rather than lux

Lux measures brightness according to human visual sensitivity, whereas the MQ-500 measures the photon flux that is relevant to plants in µmol m⁻² s⁻¹. Its measurement range extends from 0 to 4000 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹. The full-spectrum sensor design is optimised for the 400–700 nm PAR range, allowing meaningful measurements under narrow-band LED spectra as well as broader light sources. This makes it possible to check the PPFD distribution produced by your LED grow lights and identify areas receiving noticeably different light intensities.

Real-time readings, individual samples and automatic logging

The handheld meter displays the current PPFD value directly on its LCD. Sample mode allows you to save up to 99 individual readings manually. In log mode, the meter takes a measurement every 30 seconds and calculates a 30-minute average from each set of 60 readings. Up to 99 averages are stored, after which the oldest entries are overwritten. From 48 consecutive averages, the MQ-500 also calculates a 24-hour daily light integral in mol m⁻² d⁻¹.

External sensor for repeatable measurement positions

The separate quantum sensor is connected to the handheld meter by a 2 m shielded cable. This allows the sensor head to be positioned directly at canopy level while keeping the display accessible. The sensor uses an anodised aluminium housing with an acrylic diffuser and carries an IP68 rating; the handheld meter itself is not waterproof. For horizontal and repeatable measurements, Apogee recommends levelling the sensor carefully. The Apogee AL-100 levelling plate is available as a suitable accessory.

Evaluate stored measurements on a computer

Stored sample and logging measurements can be reviewed directly on the meter. Transferring the recorded data to a computer requires the separately available Apogee AC-100 communication cable together with ApogeeAMS software; a standard USB cable cannot perform this conversion. Once transferred, individual samples, 30-minute averages and daily totals can be exported for further comparison and analysis.

Technical details:

• Product type: Full-spectrum quantum meter with external sensor
• Measured quantity: PPFD in µmol m⁻² s⁻¹
• Measurement range: 0–4000 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹
• PAR range: 400–700 nm
• Sensor spectral range: 389–692 nm ± 5 nm at greater than 50 % relative response
• Calibration uncertainty: ± 5 %
• Measurement repeatability: less than 0.5 %
• Long-term drift: less than 2 % per year
• Non-linearity: less than 1 % up to 4000 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹
• Response time: less than 1 ms
• Field of view: 180°
• Directional cosine response: ± 5 % at 75° zenith angle
• Detector: Silicon photodiode
• Sensor construction: Anodised aluminium housing with acrylic diffuser
• Sensor protection rating: IP68
• Operating temperature: 0–50 °C
• Handheld meter dimensions: 126 × 70 × 24 mm
• Sensor dimensions: Ø 24 × 37 mm
• Sensor cable: 2 m, two-conductor shielded twisted-pair cable with TPR jacket
• Sample memory: up to 99 manually recorded measurements
• Log mode: measurement every 30 seconds, 30-minute averages, up to 99 averages
• DLI logging: daily total calculated from 48 consecutive 30-minute averages
• Power supply: CR2320 coin cell
• Supplied with: Apogee MQ-500 handheld meter, external quantum sensor with 2 m cable and CR2320 battery

Apogee MQ-500 User Manual

Apogee MQ-500 User Manual

Sold and shipped by Growmart (Hamburg, Germany), which delivers across Europe with DHL. Prices are set by the vendor and you complete your purchase on their site.