REED R8180 Solar Power Meter Instruction Manual
- June 13, 2024
- REED
Table of Contents
REED R8180 Solar Power Meter
Product Information
| Product Name | Solar Power Meter R8180 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | REED |
| Model Number | R8180 |
| Product Quality | This product has been manufactured in an ISO9001 facility and |
has been calibrated during the manufacturing process to meet stated
product specifications.
Safety| Never attempt to repair or modify the instrument. Servicing
should only be provided by an authorized service center.
Features| The product features include:
- Solar Sensor
- Unit of Measure Selection
- Measurement Range Selection
- MIN/MAX Functionality
- Data Hold Functionality
- Zero Adjustment
- Tripod Mountable
- Power Supply: Not specified in the manual
- Product Certifications: Not specified in the manual
- Operating Temperature: Not specified in the manual
- Storage Temperature: Not specified in the manual
- Operating Humidity Range: Not specified in the manual
- Dimensions: Not specified in the manual
- Weight: Not specified in the manual
Product Usage Instructions
Power ON/OFF
To turn the Solar Power Meter on or off, follow the instructions provided
in the user manual.
Solar Sensor
The Solar Power Meter is equipped with a solar sensor. Ensure the sensor is
properly exposed to sunlight for accurate measurements.
Unit of Measure Selection
The Solar Power Meter allows you to select the desired unit of measurement.
Refer to the user manual for instructions on how to change the unit of
measure.
Measurement Range Selection
The Solar Power Meter offers multiple measurement ranges. Consult the user
manual for information on how to select the appropriate range for your
measurement needs.
MIN/MAX
The MIN/MAX functionality of the Solar Power Meter allows you to track the
minimum and maximum values recorded during a measurement session. Refer to the
user manual for instructions on how to use this feature.
Data Hold
The Data Hold functionality of the Solar Power Meter enables you to freeze
the displayed reading for easy recording. Please consult the user manual for
instructions on how to utilize this feature.
Zero Adjustment
The Zero Adjustment feature allows you to calibrate the meter to compensate
for any potential offset. Follow the instructions provided in the user manual
to perform zero adjustment.
Typical Applications
The Solar Power Meter can be used for various applications. The user manual
provides detailed information on measuring car headlights or car window solar
insulation.
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing your REED R8180 Solar Power Meter. Please read the
following instructions carefully before using your instrument. By following
the steps outlined in this manual your meter will provide years of reliable
service.
Product Quality
This product has been manufactured in an ISO9001 facility and has been
calibrated during the manufacturing process to meet stated product
specifications. If a certificate of calibration is required, please contact
the nearest authorized REED distributor or authorized Service Center. Please
note an additional fee for this service will apply.
Safety
Never attempt to repair or modify your instrument. Dismantling your product,
other than for the purpose of replacing batteries, may cause damage that will
not be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. Servicing should only be
provided by an authorized service center.
Features
- Measures the solar power and transmission up to 2000W/m², 634BTU/(ft²xh)
- Easy-to-read display with remote sensor technology
- User Selectable W/m² or BTU/(ft²xh)
- Max/Min and Data Hold functions
- Overrange indicator
- Low battery indicator and auto shut-off
Included
- Solar Power Meter
- Sensor Cap
- Carrying Case
- Battery
Specifications
- Solar Power Meter Measuring Range:
- 0 to 1999W/m²
- 0 to 634BTU/(ft²xh)
- Accuracy:
- ±10W/m² ±3BTU/(ft²xh) or ±5% whichever is greater in sunlight Additional temperature included error ± 0.38W/m²/°C ±0.12BTU/(ft²xh)/°F (°C) from 77°F (25°C)
- Angular Accuracy:
- Cosine corrected <5% for angles <60°
- Resolution : 0.1, 1
- Response Time : 250mS
- Display : 3½-Digit, LCD
- Data Hold : Yes
- Min : Yes
- Max : Yes
- Auto Zero : Yes (Adjustment Screw)
- Overrange Indicator: Yes (“OL”)
- Tripod Mountable : Yes
- Power Supply: 9V Battery
- Product Certifications: CE, EMC Compliant, Conforms to EN61326-1
- Operating Temperature: 4 1 to 104°F (5 to 40°C)
- Storage Temperature : 14 to 140°F (-10 to 60°C)
- Operating Humidity Range : 10 to 80%
- Dimensions : 5.2 x 2.4 x 1.5″ (132 x 60 x 38mm)
- Weight : 5.3oz (150g)
Instrument Description
- LCD Display
- Max/Min Button
- POWER Button
- BTU/W/m2 Unit of Measure Button
- Range Button
- Data Hold Button
- Zero Adjustment Potentiometer
- Solar Sensor
Display Description
- Measurement Value
- BTU (ft2xh) Unit of Measure
- W/m² Unit of Measure
- Decimal Point
- Low Battery Indicator
- Maximum Value Indicator
- Data Hold Indicator
- Minimum Value Indicator
Operating Instructions
Power ON/OFF
Press the button to turn the meter ON or OFF.
Solar Sensor
- The solar sensor is permanently attached to the meter.
- Remove the protective cap to expose the solar sensor. When the sensor’s protective cap is removed, the solar sensor will begin to capture light. For maximum accuracy, allow the light under test to fall directly on the sensor as perpendicular as possible to avoid any false readings.
Unit of Measure Selection
- Press the button to toggle between BTU (ft2xh) and W/m² units of measurement.
Measurement Range Selection
- Press the button to select the preferred measuring range. The available ranges are: 199.9 or 1999.
MIN/MAX
- Press the button to enter the MIN/MAX function.
- The “MAX” indicator will appear on the display.
- Under this function, the maximum solar value is displayed and updated when a new maximum data value has been taken.
- Press the button again and the “MIN” indicator will appear on the display.
- Under this function, the minimum light value is displayed and updated when a new minimum data value has been taken.
- To exit the MIN/MAX function and resume normal operation, press and hold the MIN/MAX button for approx. 2 seconds.
Data Hold
- While taking a measurement, preM-sHs the D-H R W/B Buttons button to freeze the current readings on the display.
- While in this mode a “D-H” symbol will appear.
- PreM-sHs the D-H R W/B Buttons button again to resume normal operation.
Zero Adjustment
- Before taking a light measurement, cover the solar sensor with the provided protective cap.
- If the LCD display does not show a value of zero, locate the zero adjustment potentiometer screw on the side of the meter as indicated by “0’ ADJ”.
- With a mini flathead screwdriver, fine-tune the zero adjustment potentiometer screw until the LCD displays “00.0”.
- Remove the protective cap and begin measuring.
Typical Applications
Measuring Car Headlights or Car Window Solar Insulation (Fig. 1)
-
Turn ON car headlights.
-
Power the meter ON.
-
Place the sensor up close to the headlight and allow the headlight under test to fall directly on the sensor as perpendicular and as close as possible to avoid any false readings.
-
Switch between high and low beams.
-
Note the results.
Note : Both the right and left headlights must be tested.
-
For car window solar insulation, place the sensor up close to the window and allow the sun rays to fall directly on the sensor while the windows are closed and as perpendicular as possible to avoid any false readings.
-
Open the window and aim the solar sensor at the sun.
-
Compare both values to verify the efficiency of the window’s solar film.
Measuring Residential/Commercial Window Solar Insulation (Fig. 2)
- Make sure the window being tested is closed.
- Place the sensor up close to the window and allow the sun rays to fall directly on the sensor while the windows are closed and as perpendicular as possible to avoid any false readings.
- Open the window and aim the solar sensor at the sun.
- Compare both values to verify the windows heat efficiency.
Battery Replacement
When the low battery indicator appears on the display, the battery should be
replaced. Remove the battery cover on the back and insert a new 9V battery.
Applications
- Calculation and verification of the heating or heat reduction in windows caused by direct sunlight
- Solar radiation measurements
- Solar power research for location of the solar panels or solar water heater
- Physics and optical laboratories
- Meteorology
- Agriculture
Accessories and Replacement Parts
CA-05A Medium Soft Carrying Case
Don’t see your part listed here? For a complete list of all accessories and
replacement parts visit your product page on
www.REEDInstruments.com.
Product Care
To keep your instrument in good working order we recommend the following:
- Store your product in a clean, dry place.
- Change the battery as needed.
- If your instrument isn’t being used for a period of one month or longer please remove the battery.
- Clean your product and accessories with biodegradable cleaner. Do not spray the cleaner directly on the instrument. Use on external parts only.
Product Warranty
REED Instruments guarantees this instrument to be free of defects in material
or workmanship for a period of one (1) year from date of shipment. During the
warranty period, REED Instruments will repair or replace, at no charge,
products or parts of a product that proves to be defective because of improper
material or workmanship, under normal use and maintenance. REED Instruments
total liability is limited to repair or replacement of the product. REED
Instruments shall not be liable for damages to goods, property, or persons due
to improper use or through attempts to utilize the instrument under conditions
which exceed thedesigned capabilities. In order to begin the warranty service
process, please contact us by phone at
1-877-849-2127 or by email at
info@reedinstruments.com to discuss the
claim and determine the appropriate steps to process the warranty.
Product Disposal and Recycling
Please follow local laws and regulations when disposing or recycling your
instrument. Your product contains electronic components and must be disposed
of separately from standard waste products.
Product Support
If you have any questions on your product, please contact your authorized REED
distributor or REED Instruments Customer Service by phone at
1-877-849-2127 or by email at
info@reedinstruments.com. Please visit
www.REEDInstruments.com for the most up-to-
date manuals, datasheets, product guides and software.
Product specifications subject to change without notice. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized copying or reproduction of this manual is strictly prohibited without prior written permission from REED Instruments.
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