Recommendations for Light Meters?

[snook]

I hope that this ground hasn't been covered too much before. I tried to search the board for info on this, but couldn't produce satisfactory results. My question is this:

What is a good lightmeter to get for taking illumination readings from various lights, torches and lanterns?

I'm hoping to spend less than $150.00 or so. (I would spend more if it was worth it, though)

I see many great charts here by forum members, and I'd like to start making some of my own.

BTW, do I want a meter that measures in lux, footcandles, both, other units of measure too? What else should I look for in a meter? Can the unit work for photography also?

If this has been covered somewhere, could someone please post some links for me?

Thanks.

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[SilverFox]

Hello Snook,

You might want to check this thread
light meter thread

I have an older version of the LM-1 (footcandles version), but most of the information presented here is taken with the Meterman L631.

Tom

Edit: Here is another thread
more information

and another
and yet another thread

 

[Roy]

If you wish to do charts, a meter with a RS-232 computer port and plotting software makes life so much easier. The heart of my system is a Radio Shack multimeter that has a RS-232 serial computer port on it. My light meter is an Extech 401021 Light meter adapter that outputs a signal to the multimeter. The Extech comes in Footcandle or LUX versions. Just remember, unless you want to sit in front of a meter with a pad of paper recording numbers, a rig with a RS-232 Serial port will be needed for automatic logging.

 

[kakster]

I just got an LM631. Theres a mV output jack on the bottom, but i have no idea how to hook it up to my comp...

 

[Roy]

kakster......the mV output is an analog signal and will work with a strip-chart recorder.

 

[snook]

Thanks everyone so much for the info!


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[BigWonton]

For all of you that have a light meter that has a voltage output, you can do data-logging on your PC using a DATAQ DI-194RS kit. Comes with everything you need including the software to do the acquisition/logging - all for $25. Though you might have to do a little signal conditioning depending on the output of your light meter. I used an earlier version of this to do some data logging and found the interface to be really nice and easy to use.

 

[kakster]

Thanks wonton! Thats just what im looking for.


Whoops, its an RS232 interface...the LM631 doesnt have one of those ports.

 

[paulr]

Kakster, the idea is the Dataq box converters the LM631's voltage output to RS232 so you can connect the RS232 to your computer. The Dataq at $25 is an amazing deal, thanks Wonton for posting about it.

 

[kakster]

Ahh thats good news indeed. Ill have to take a closer look at this converter. Thanks for the tip paul.