Testing LED intensity output?? PAR or LUX meter

[The Grizz]

I want to test what the output is on my diy LED's are but don't know what meter I need, a lux or par meter. I can get a lux meter from J&L for a lot cheaper then the par meter from Apogee.

So if there are any experts out there that can explain the difference in layman's terms so I can understand better it would be helpful.

[monocus]

i use a par meter.after taxes they are $500.too bad your in alberta,i could have lent you mine.when measuring led output add 10-25% to the reading

[mike31154]

No personal experience here, but from what I've seen on various threads about the subject of measuring LED photons, it's quite tricky. Apparently most of the metering equipment out there & in common use for our hobby is geared towards older technology, MH, flourescent etc. Certain spectra that the LEDs put out (blue, UV etc.) can skew results, especially when using a PAR meter.

[StirCrazy]

lux meter tells you nothing, PAR meter will tell you the numbers you want. you can get a PAR sensor you use with your multi meter for around 100 bucks from apogee if they are still selling them.

Steve

[The Grizz]

Thanks for the input guys, I think I will have to just pull the trigger and order the Apogee par meter as it has the water proof sensor as well as a compensation guild to adjust reading for LED's.

[hillegom]

As Stircrazy said, apogee sells just the sensor which you hook up to a multimeter. One that reads at least 0-500 mV
Here is the manual:
http://www.apogeeinstruments.com/con..._300manual.pdf

And a good read
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2013/2/equipment