SunScan User Manual v 1.05
Measurement options
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49
Levelling is most critical when you are using the probe:
•
for the incident radiation above the canopy, and
•
when then direct solar beam is strong, and
•
when the sun is low in the sky.
Use of the tripod
The probe base has a standard camera mount socket for use with the tripod. You will
probably not want to use this routinely, but you could use it, for example, to mount
the probe in one fixed position for taking readings in the Autolog mode during the
course of a day.
The Workabout
Whatever measurements you are taking, you will always have the probe connected
via its coiled cable to your Workabout or other data collection device. The terminal
case and strap supplied with the Workabout should enable you to operate the
keyboard with one hand.
BFS handling in the field
The Beam Fraction sensor is definitely recommended for taking most types of
readings, however the extra cable connection to the SunScan probe does add an
unwelcome practical complication! If, in addition, you are using a portable PC
instead of the Workabout, you may find that a two-person team can cope much better
than a single person working alone.
Using the tripod
The BFS has a tripod mount, which will probably be the most convenient mounting
method to use above low field canopies (up to about 1.8 m high). If you are working
with canopies higher than this, you will need to devise an alternative mounting
method.
Diffuse photodiode. In line with
the shade ring pivots
Bubble level.
Desiccant indicator
Total photodiode
Align this arrow with North
