• Monitoring of Vitamin D Production In IU/min
• Monitoring UV Lamp Intensity and Aging
• Comparison Of Sources In Terms Of Vitamin D Production
• Measuring Solar Intensity In Terms Of Vitamin D Production
| Model: | 6.4 |
| Irradiation Range: | 0-1999 IU/min |
| Response: | 280-400 nm Diffey Erythemal Action Spectrum |
| Resolution: | 1 IU/Min |
| Conversion rate: | 3.0 Readings/Sec |
| Display: | 3.5 digit LCD |
| Digit Size: | 0.4 (in) / 10.2 (mm) high |
| Operational Temperature: | 32°F to100°F / 0°C to 37.8°C |
| Operational Humidity: | 5% – 80% |
| Accuracy: | ±10% REF.NIST |
| Dimensions: | 4.2L x 2.4W x 0.9D (in) / 106.7L x 61W x 22.9(D) (mm) |
| Weight: | 4.5 oz / 128 g (including battery) |
| Power Source: | 9-Volt DC Battery |
| Lens: | UV Glass with Diffuser |
| Diffusor: | Teflon |
Sensor/Detector:
Silicon Carbide (SiC) photodiode with interference filter and teflon in UV glass diffuser cap.
Proper Usage:
This instrument is designed for both outdoor solar measurement and indoor UVR appliance measurement. The sensor/detector response follows the Diffey Erythemal Action Spectrum (EAS) effective irradiance (Eeff), and thus remains accurate for various spectral power distributions. Eeff is used here as a proxy for Vitamin D action spectrum weighted irradiance (Deff), which is very similar but cuts off at 330 nm. Spectral radiometer tests have shown Eeff and Deff to be virtually linearly proportional outdoors ± ~4 hours from solar noon, and indoors for most commonly used UVR lamps.
Battery operation voltage is viable from 9V down to 6.5V. Below 6.5V, the numbers on the LCD display will begin to dim, indicating the need for battery replacement. Under typical service load, a standard 9V battery will last approximately 2 years.
The formula constants embedded in the UTILITY conversions of meter readings with IU and Eeff dose rates are:
1000 IU = 1 Med.
1 IU/min = 1/1000 Med/min (or 0.06 Med/hr, which = 1/16.67 MED/hr)
1 Med/hr = 2.33 UVI and 1 Med/hr = 16.67 IU/min.
How to use the Solarmeter®:
For the casual user seeking about 1000 IU from face/arms exposure, there is no need to use the spreadsheet parameters.
Simply point the meter at UV source and divide the reading into 1000 for minutes of exposure. Done. Cautionary note: if you are white type 2 skin (usually burns, sometimes tans) start out at 50-75% of calculated minutes until your tolerance to UVR increases after about 4 exposures. If you are higher skin type and/or have a base tan, you will synthesize less than 1000 IU.
Maintenance and care:
• Do not expose the meter to extreme temperatures, humidity, shocks or dust. If the meter is accidentally exposed to extreme humidity or damp conditions, unusually high readings may occur. Allowing the meter to dry naturally or placing it in a bag of silicate will restore normal function.
• Use a very soft cloth to clean the meter. Keep the sensor free of oil, dirt, etc.
