Photone App

[*Ci*]

Interesting new blog post about the Photone app update available for Android with a new method of utilizing the camera sensor (as opposed to the built-in ambient light sensor). They claim far greater accuracy.

https://growlightmeter.com/improved-measurement-accuracy-for-android/
Exciting Update: Improved Measurement Accuracy for All Android Devices

 

[Yugang]

This other thread may be helpful as well, I believe the Photone app is really useful.

Thread 'PAR meter using iPhone / Android APP - does it work?'

Dec 9, 2023

Does anyone have experience using iPhone / Android apps for the measurement of PAR in our planted tanks? It seems we just put the iPhone in a plastic bag, and here we go. Is it that easy?




Several APPS are available for iPhone and Android, as an alternative to more expensive dedicated meters (e.g. Apogee), with 5-10% compromise on accuracy for the best performers.

PAR and PPFD Meter Apps for iOS: 2022 Edition

PAR/PPFD meter apps are a helpful tool for any indoor grower or horticulturist. This article provides a test of all iOS light meter apps.

dominikmaglia.medium.com

Some more detailed info/claims from the Photone APP:

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• Yugang

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[*Ci*]

It would be interesting to compare the older version of the app with the new upgrade to see if there is any noticeable differences.

 

[Yugang]

It would be interesting to compare the older version of the app with the new upgrade to see if there is any noticeable differences.

If I understand correctly, now same functionality on Android as they used to have on iPhone. This means that the accuracy is probably within a few percents as compared to a professional PAR meter, as we read on test reports and was also confirmed by @fablau .

Here are the new values I got:

Apogee: 50 PAR -----> App: 48
Apogee: 80 PAR (at my tank's substrate) -----> App: 76
Apogee: 100 PAR -----> App: 101
Apogee: 150 PAR -----> App: 148
Apogee: 200 PAR -----> App: 195

As I explained in the other thread PAR meter using iPhone / Android APP - does it work? the key to accuracy will be the diffuser that is used. Forgetting to use a piece of paper as a diffuser will give unusable readings. For the best possible result (other than professional diffuser) follow Photones instructions.

 

[Art]

I'm going to make a note to write a "How To" guide for our article section on this.

I really do think it's something new that almost anyone can do and get a sense for the PAR they have. This has been an issue because of the need for PAR meters and light manufacturers either being silent or wildly optimistic with their PAR numbers.

 

[vinzphua]

Still catching up on the forum. FWIW, I have it on a Google Pixel 6, Android of course.

Tested it with a proper PAR meter and it was well within 2% to 3% difference. Good enough for hobby use. Many mainstream phones are pre-calibrated into the app.

The diffuser is only required for the iPhone back then. Not sure about the new models.

I tested it under water as well. It is about 5% off the par meter reading when directly under the lights. The error gets higher the further from the center, up to 10% 12 inches off center.

I calibrated it for underwater use and returned the PAR meter. Never used it since, though.

 

[Yugang]

The diffuser is only required for the iPhone back then. Not sure about the new models.

I wrote about the importance of the diffuser in the other thread PAR meter using iPhone / Android APP - does it work?

Tested it with a proper PAR meter and it was well within 2% to 3% difference. Good enough for hobby use.

Agree. From simple optical principles, explained in the other thread, we can see that PAR in a tank is likely highly dependent on position. Think like typical 50-100% variations, depending on the light source (LED, fluorescent, halogen, etc) and optics (lenses and reflectors). So it really does not make any sense to aim for a high accuracy for the measurement. Any approximate PAR value will do, and it is wise to spend the money on other priorities.

 

[musicmanryann]

I was thinking about dropping 400-500 bucks on an apogee and having a hard time pulling the trigger. Right before I reluctantly placed an order I read about this app from reading Dennis Wong's article on his website. He talks about it being within 10 percent compared to his par meters, so I thought, "why not?" and downloaded the app. I followed the instructions and within minutes was getting a much clearer picture of my lighting situation than I had before. For my purposes, I don't need high accuracy, and even relative values from different parts of my scape give me a much much clearer view of how plants may thrive or not at different parts of my tank. I also found how ridiculously easy it was for my Week Aqua A430's to put out too much light!

I ended up getting the diffuser they sell, which makes it much easier to transition my phone to a par meter and back and forth, although I found the paper method also works just fine. As I continue to progress in this hobby, I'll probably get a good dedicated meter, just because I'm a gear junkie, but Photone at 26 bucks all in($6 without the diffuser) is giving me all the info I need at this stage. Highly recommend it to any serious scaper.