Light Meters

[Ross]

Originally Posted by camille1585

That looks like a nice cheap meter beanluc. Now that I am getting more serious about orchids and have lights, I really should invest in a not too expensive one.
But the problem with the cheaper meters, how do we know how accurate they are? That's my big concern. Also, if I get a meter, it will be from here in Europe. That means that it will measure in lux, not fc, and from this forum I only the fc! Is there some sort of calculation to convert?

Camille, there are lots of meters displaying Lux (only North America uses foot-candles, I think.) You can figure (for all practicle purposes) 10Lux = 1 foot-candle. This will be close enough. Thus 2500 FCs would be equiv. to 25,000 lux. Of course the meter I use displays both measurements.

[cabbo]

Great thread, thanks bean for the link. I assume you feel like that meter is accurate?

[april]

I just bought the one Ross recommended from Sper Scientific but I opted for the one that just measures footcandles. I hope I didn't make a mistake in not ordering the "lux and footcandles" one. Can someone tell me what the "lux" is all about? I am only interested in measuring sunlight in my atrium.

[cabbo]

Originally Posted by april

I just bought the one Ross recommended from Sper Scientific but I opted for the one that just measures footcandles. I hope I didn't make a mistake in not ordering the "lux and footcandles" one. Can someone tell me what the "lux" is all about? I am only interested in measuring sunlight in my atrium.

Lux is just another unit of measure. In the U.S. we use footcandles and in EU they use Lux. I think I saw posted that its approx. 10 lux to 1 fc.

[Julysun]

To test a light meter is going to lead off into some pretty deep weeds, check Wikipedia. Firstrays.com has simplified the procedure using a camera light meter and conversion tables. I personally trust the 25 dollar meter mentioned earlier.

[VickiC]

Hi,
I only have one light meter, and it's analog (same as beanluc) Hydrofarm Light Meter | I need a 2nd one, so I decided to try digital this time. Carsten's Orchid-Depot and Orchid Shop (you know how it goes with us women....we've gotta shop around....then decide which we like best )
Vicki

Originally Posted by failingflopsis

I am thinking of purchasing a light meter. Does anyone have any helpful hints as to what I should look for or the names of some good brands? Should I get an "all in one" mositure, light and PH meter? What price range am I looking at?

Any tips will be appreciated. Thanks in advance for the help.

[Jerry Delaney]

I have used the one BL recommended for a number of years and it seems quite reliable.

[Ray]

I am a Hydrofarm distributor. Think it's worthwhile for me to stock them?

[MuscleGirl'sHobby]

Originally Posted by Ray

I am a Hydrofarm distributor. Think it's worthwhile for me to stock them?

I can't answer that for you.... but I can say that I checked your site last night to see if you had any light meters

[cabbo]

Originally Posted by Ray

I am a Hydrofarm distributor. Think it's worthwhile for me to stock them?

Yes Ray, I would buy one from you too!