SunScan

SunScan

SunScan

Product catalog summary
Introduction
The SunScan Canopy Analysis System is designed to measure and analyze Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) within crop canopies. It provides critical data on Leaf Area Index (LAI) and biomass production, useful for comparative crop studies and understanding the effects of different cultivars and treatments. The system is portable, weatherproof, and can be used in various light conditions.

SunScan Probe
The probe features 64 PAR sensors in a 1m long array, connected to a PDA via RS-232. It calculates average light levels and provides detailed PAR mapping. Measurements are in PAR quantum flux and LAI units. The probe can operate in unattended logging mode.

System Components
The SunScan system is modular, allowing customization based on performance needs and budget. Options include:
  • SS1-COM: Complete system with SunScan Probe, SunData Software, PDA, BF5 Sunshine Sensor, tripod, and carrying case.
  • SS1-COM-R4: Includes a radio link for wireless communication between the probe and sensor.
  • SS1-STD3: Standard system with SunScan Probe, SunData Software, and PDA.

SunData Software
The software models light transmission through canopies, considering factors like direct and diffuse light, solar zenith angle, and canopy leaf angle distribution. It advises against measurements when the sun is near the horizon.

BF5 Sunshine Sensor
This optional sensor measures direct and diffuse light components simultaneously, using a unique shading pattern and photodiodes. It eliminates the need for shade ring adjustments.

Data Analysis and Storage
The RPDA2 PDA collects and analyzes data, displaying and storing readings. It supports unattended logging and data transfer to a PC.

Radio Link
The radio link facilitates wireless communication between the SunScan Probe and BF5 sensor, operating over a 434MHz frequency with a range of up to 250m.

Specifications
  • SunScan Probe: Measures 1m x 13mm, with a spectral response of 400-700 nm, and accuracy of ±10%.
  • BF5 Sensor: Measures total and diffuse PAR, with accuracy of ±12% and ±15% respectively.
  • RPDA2 PDA: Features a sunlight-readable screen, Windows Mobile 6 OS, and IP67 environmental rating.

Ordering Information
Systems are available in complete, radio-linked, and standard configurations. Optional items include holster belts and extension cables. Upgrades and calibration services are available.

Calibration
The SunScan Probe and BF5 Sensor are calibrated against national standards, ensuring minimal errors in canopy calculations.
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Catalog excerpts

SunScan-1

Delta-T Devices Portable canopy analysis system for crops SunScan uses field measurements of PAR in crop canopies to provide valuable information about Leaf Area Index and biomass production.    Measures incident and transmitted PAR in plant canopies Usable in cloudy, clear and changeable conditions Direct display of Leaf Area Index (LAI) Unique BF5 Sunshine Sensor reference measures Direct and Diffuse components of incident light Portable, weatherproof and battery powered Introduction SunScan is a simple and flexible system for measuring and analysing the incident and transmitted Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) within crop canopies. It provides vital information about the penetration of PAR into crops, and is essential in work SunScan Probe such as comparative crop studies, for separating out the The probe has an array of 64 PAR effects of cultivar and treatment. It is particularly well sensors embedded in a 1m long probe, and is suited to low regular canopies (as found in many connected via an RS-232 cable to a handheld PDA. agricultural crops). As a reading is taken, all the sensors are scanned and SunScan users don't have to wait for the measurements are transmitted to the PDA. special weather conditions – the The average light level along the probe is calculated, and all of the probe can be used in most individual sensor readings are available if required for detailed PAR light conditions (but best mapping. An operating button on the probe handle enables successive near mid-day). readings to be taken quickly and simply on demand. Alternatively, unattended logging can be conducted under program control from the PDA. Readings are in units of PAR quantum flux (mol.m-2.s-1) and units of LAI (m2.m-2). Main SunScan components an

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SunScan-3

SunData software modelling SunScan uses a sophisticated model of light transmission through a uniform canopy, based on work by Campbell (1985), and Norman and Jarvis (1975) and taking into account the following factors: • Direct & Diffuse incident light • Canopy Leaf Area Index • Leaf PAR absorption • Solar zenith angle • Canopy Leaf Angle Distribution • Transmitted fraction Solar zenith angle is calculated from the actual time, latitude and longitude. Leaf Angle Distribution and Leaf Absorption are estimated by the user. All other variables necessary to calculate LAI are measured directly....

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SunScan-4

Ordering information SunScan systems All systems are based on the main components listed below. SunScan Complete System type SS1-COM SunScan Probe, SDA2 SunData Software, RPDA2, Sunshine Sensor type BF5 with cables type BF5-SS1-05 and EXT/8W-05, Tripod and Carrying Case. SunScan Complete System with Radio Link type SS1-COM-R4 as above with BF5-RL4 and SS1-RL4. SunScan Standard System type SS1-STD3 SunScan Probe, SDA2 SunData Software and RPDA2. Main components SunScan Probe type SS1 including alkaline batteries and user manual (technical manual on CD). SunScan Probe with radio link type SS1-RL4 SunScan...

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*Prices are pre-tax. They exclude delivery charges and customs duties and do not include additional charges for installation or activation options. Prices are indicative only and may vary by country, with changes to the cost of raw materials and exchange rates.