LUX meter to PAR meter hack | Use a cheap LUX meter to measure PAR

I test four cheap Lux meters from Amazon to see if they can be used to measure PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) so you can use them to optimise your grow light setup.  The measurements are compared to the benchmark quantum sensor for measuring PAR from Apogee which costs about $500. The results are surprisingly accurate.

The Lux meters were tested with the two most common spectrum in LED grow lights sold in the last few years, a 3500K or neutral white LED and a White LED with added red LEDs. Other grow light spectrum were not tested and thus hack will not work for HID or 'Blurple' led grow lights (with blue and red diodes only).

Each Lux meter reading was graphed against the benchmark quantum sensor readings.  On the top of each chart is the factor to apply for each Lux meter to convert the lux readout to PAR in µmols/m²/sec.

For example if you are using the UNI-T lux meter and you have a white and red LED grow light you multiply the LUX readout by 0.017 for the PAR equivalent.

Lux meter specs:
Light meter AP-881E light meter for plants Illuminance meter Lux meters with Display 3999(Range from 1～300,000Lux

Mastech MS6612 Lux 1 to 200000

Uni -T UT383 Lux meter

V resourcing Lux meter 1 200000 lux

#growlight​​​
#migrolight​​​​
#migroaray​​​​

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[MichaelRainabbaRichardson]

I was trying to get my hands on a decent sensor 6 months ago to do this very project. Thank you for doing it and putting it out there for us. As someone who has worked in production I appreciate the amount of effort that goes just into production. You've gone way above and beyond here!

[fine]

Thanks for this info. Absolutely priceless for the passionate, broke home growers.

[jakebrake]

As usual, Shane comes in with the crucial knowledge. That along with how he has figured out the conversion multiplier for each is a breath of fresh air in a world that gives benefits to swindlers. I appreciate your assistance in helping me chart out my lights!

[northendgaming]

thank you Shane! this is far more accurate way to measure the light then using the phone app.

[zumbaladin]

That will make me buy a lux meter for the next grow. Thanks for sharing all your research Shane.

[joshifukyeah]

Very useful for DIY led projects as long as they are 3500K leds. This way we can measure see how the ppfd charts compare to other store bought products. Thanks!

[diamondsky]

The amount of work you put in in regards to lighting is incredible. Thank you for all your hard work to bring us this information✌🏽❤️🥃🌳

[deanphillips]

Thank you for putting in the time. My Uni-T is on its way

[ericroadking]

Awesome thank you so much for your time. This information is really appreciated!! Nice you included the led with red leds as well the number for the AP 888 IE has changed from 0.022 to 0.028. Look forward to the next averaging video thank Be blessed!!

[cmmnsenserules]

FYI TO YOU CAN RENT PAR METERS. I rented mine from a "large 'blue and white' hardware store". 30 bucks for 24 hrs.

[ilazar]

Thanks .. I have exact the same Lux meter .. AP- 881E . But with the Photone App with Selfmade Diffusor you have the same values and you don't have to convert anything, works great 👍
You make a nice content 👊🙏

[timturk]

Great info! Can't wait for more. Great topic Shane!👍💜🙏

[GardenGangster]

Thank you so much Shane this information is so helpful I am now ordering a lux meter

[EdSilvia]

This is great, thanks ever so much. I ordered the Uni -T UT383BT Lux meter w/ Bluetooth which has the lux to par app for my phone.

[yc]

Always coming with the best info for us home growers! Thank you!

[charlycharly]

Gracias de nuevo Shane por compartir tus conocimientos, hacer la vida más sencilla a los cultivadores y por tu trabajo, saludos desde España, eres mi máximo referente y Guru, enhorabuena por tu trabajo te deseo grandes éxitos salud y dinero

[ghostschiphon]

Doing right by the community with every nugget of information you share. Cheers

[yesicanu]

Thanks! Realizing that there is any common denomination whatsoever means I don't have to buy a par meter. I wouldn't anyways, it's not my first rodeo. Everyone fails the first year, too much water first run, too many nutrients for the second, etc.. After that, if you don't have lighting figured out? Go outside or keep buying everything that sellers sell.

[brasco]

I'm amazed at how close the UNI-T UT383 is! I'm going to have to pick one of those up.

[cmmnsenserules]

Using my Viparspectra XS2000 and my KS5000, Ive done the comparison myself, with a rented Apogee 610...and the Red Lux meter i own, not sure the brand, and yup, its within single digit PPFD readings. 👍