The BF5 Sunshine Sensor is a versatile, multi-purpose solar radiation sensor. It uses an array of photodiodes with a unique computer-generated shading pattern to measure incident solar radiation. A microprocessor calculates the global and diffuse components of the radiation and determines the sunshine state. The BF5 Sunshine Sensor is protected by patents EP 1012633 and US 6417500.

Specification

For simultaneous outputs of total radiation, diffuse radiation and sunshine status. Output can be pre-set to PAR, Energy or Lux units.

 

	Output setting
	PAR	Energy	Illuminance
Units	µmol.m-2.s-1	W.m-2	klux
Overall accuracy: Total	±10 µmol.m-2.s-1 ±12%	±5 W.m-2   ±12%	±0.600 klux ±12%
Overall accuracy: Diffuse	±10 µmol.m-2.s-1 ±15%	±20 W.m-2 ±15%	±0.600 klux ±15%
Resolution	0.6 µmol.m-2.s-1	0.3 W.m-2	0.060 klux
Range	0-2500 µmol.m-2.s-1	0-1250 W.m-2	0-200 klux
Analogue output sensitivity	1 mV = 1 µmol.m-2.s-1	1 mV = 0.5 W.m-2	1 mV = 0.100 klux
Analogue output range	0-2500 mV	0-2500 mV	0-2000 mV

 

Accuracy   : Sunshine hours	±10% compared to the WMO definition
Accuracy   : Cosine correction	±10% of incoming radiation over 0-90° Zenith angle
Accuracy   : Azimuth angle	± 5% over 360° rotation
Temperature coefficient	± 0.15 % /°C (typical)
Temperature range	-20 to + 50°C with Alkaline batteries -20 to + 70°C with Lithium batteries
Stability	Recalibration recommended every 2 years.
Response time	< 250 ms
Spectral response	400-700 nm
Latitude capability	-90° to + 90°
Environmental	IP65 ( shower and dust proof)
Sunshine status : contact closure	No sun = open circuit Sun = short circuit to ground
Internal battery	2 x 1.5 V AA alkaline batteries
Power requirement	2 mA (awake ), <30 µA (asleep)
Heater power	12 V – 15 VDC, up to 1.5 A
Battery lifetime	1 year (typical)
Input voltage range – powered from internal battery	1.4 to 3.6 VDC
Input voltage range – external power	5 to 15 VDC
Fuse trip point, on sunshine status signal, (when in switch-closure  mode)	0.5 A, 30 V (self-resetting)
Max applied voltage to sunshine status output, in contact closure mode	0 to 24 V
RS232 connector	5-pin M12
Signal output & power-in connector	8 pin M12
Mounting options:	Camera tripod socket (¼ inch Whitworth). Holes for 4 x M4 bolts at corners of box.
Size & Weight	120 mm x 122 mm x 95 mm, 635 g

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