Has anyone used this light meter?

[Boshia]

I'm looking into light meters to assure myself that my growing conditions are perfect, has anyone used this light meter before?
Charley's Greenhouse & Garden Light Meter N3639
I figure if anyone here has positive feedback on it I will go for it, $30 seems reasonable enough.

[ALToronto]

A meter without a separate hemispherical sensor isn't going to give you accurate results. This one is no better than a phone app - and those are free!

Here are some better choices.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...ds=light+meter

[Boshia]

What's a hemispherical sensor?

[ALToronto]

A half-sphere, about 20-25 mm in diameter, on a separate handled attachment. You hold the sensor where you want to measure the light, and keep the meter in front of you.

Have a look at the meters on Amazon, it should become clear.

[Boshia]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00023...=AC_SY200_QL40

Is this something like what you mean?

[ALToronto]

Yes, but you can find something similar for half the price, also on Amazon.

[Boshia]

I ended up getting this one-
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002B0GCGS

[ALToronto]

Good choice! Funny reading the reviews - mine came with instructions in Chinese. I contacted the vendor, and they emailed me English language instructions.

[Boshia]

I hope mine doesn't come with Chinese instructions, if it comes with any at all!

[Boshia]

So I got my light meter today...these readings can't be right, can they? Granted, it was an overcast day, but even in direct sunlight it didn't even hit 200 footcandles. Maybe I'm reading it wrong?
Direct light:

The back porch where my two orchids are kept:

Front porch:

How it was measured and how the day looks:


I wasn't throwing a shadow on any of the readings...