The CMP3-L, manufactured by Kipp & Zonen, is an ISO-second-class pyranometer that monitors solar radiation for the full solar spectrum range. It produces a millivolt signal that is measured directly by a Campbell Scientific datalogger. The CMP3-L can provide solar radiation measurements for a variety of meteorological applications.
Read MoreThe CMP3-L measures solar radiation with a high-quality blackened thermopile protected by a dome. The blackened thermopile provides a flat spectral response for the full solar spectrum range, which allows the CMP3-L to be used under plant canopies or lamps, when the sky is cloudy, and for reflected radiation measurements.
The CMP3-L includes a white snap-on sun shield that reduces the sensor's temperature. It also has a bubble level and adjusting leveling screws, which enable the sensor to be leveled without using a leveling base.
The CMP3-L produces a millivolt signal that is measured directly by a Campbell Scientific datalogger.
Two CMP3-L pyranometers can be mounted back-to-back to make a low-cost albedometer. Contact Campbell Scientific for more information.
Sensor | Blackened thermopile protected by a dome |
Measurement Description | Monitors solar radiation for the full solar spectrum range |
Spectral Range | 300 to 2800 nm |
Maximum Irradiance | 2000 W/m2 |
Sensitivity | 5 to 20 µV/W/m2 |
Operating Temperature Range | -40° to +80°C |
Temperature Dependence | ±5% (-10° to +40°C) |
Non-Linearity | < ±2.5% (0 to 1000 W/m2) |
Tilt Response | < ±2% at 1000 W/m2 (±80°) |
ISO Classification | Class C (second class) |
Dome Diameter | 3.2 cm (1.3 in.) |
Width | 7.9 cm (3.1 in.) |
Height | 6.7 cm (2.6 in.) |
Weight | 600 g (1.2 lb) with 10 m (32.8 ft) cable |
Please note: The following shows notable compatibility information. It is not a comprehensive list of all compatible products.
Product | Compatible | Note |
---|---|---|
CR1000 (retired) | ||
CR1000X | ||
CR300 | ||
CR3000 (retired) | ||
CR310 | ||
CR350 | ||
CR6 | ||
CR800 (retired) | ||
CR850 (retired) |
The CMP3-L includes a bubble level and adjusting leveling screws, which allow the sensor to be leveled without using a leveling base. The CM225 Solar Sensor Mounting Stand is typically used to attach the sensor to a mast, crossarm, or pole (1.0 in. to 2.1 in. outer diameter). The CM225 consists of a rectangular plate, mounting bracket, U-bolts, washers, lock washers, and nuts. The CMP3-L should be mounted away from all obstructions or reflective surfaces that might adversely effect the measurement.
Alternatively, the CM245 Adjustable Angle Mounting Stand may be used. It includes slots that can be adjusted to any angle from horizontal to vertical.
Number of FAQs related to CMP3-L: 9
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If the dome becomes damaged, contact Campbell Scientific or Kipp & Zonen to discuss replacing the dome. The sensor will need to be sent to Kipp & Zonen for any repairs.
This may be caused by conditions in which the dome of the sensor is warmer than the thermopile. Most users see a small negative value at night. This offset, as it is commonly termed, can be important for monitoring the performance of the sensor.
The LP02-L is a sensor manufactured by Hukseflux, whereas the CMP3-L is manufactured by Kipp & Zonen. Both sensors meet the ISO classification of a Second Class pyranometer.
No. The sensor needs to be connected to a data acquisition system, such as a Campbell Scientific datalogger.
The CMP3-L has a passive thermopile that produces a small analog voltage that can be equated to a representative amount of incident solar radiation. Campbell Scientific recommends connecting the leads of the CMP3-L to a Campbell Scientific datalogger through a differential analog input channel.
To incorporate a sensor that is compatible with wireless sensor interfaces into a wireless network, a CWS900-series wireless sensor interface is needed, as well as an A205 CWS-to-PC interface to configure it.
Most Campbell Scientific sensors are available as an –L, which indicates a user-specified cable length. If a sensor is listed as an –LX model (where “X” is some other character), that sensor’s cable has a user-specified length, but it terminates with a specific connector for a unique system:
If a sensor does not have an –L or other –LX designation after the main model number, the sensor has a set cable length. The cable length is listed at the end of the Description field on the product’s Ordering tab. For example, the 034B-ET model has a description of “Met One Wind Set for ET Station, 67 inch Cable.” Products with a set cable length terminate, as a default, with pigtails.
If a cable terminates with a special connector for a unique system, the end of the model number designates which system. For example, the 034B-ET model designates the sensor as a 034B for an ET107 system.
Because of the loss of IR radiation, nearly all thermopile instruments typically have a negative offset. This offset is most easily visible at night-time, when a small negative value is read instead of zero. This same offset is present during the daytime, but it is not as visible because of the large solar signal.
Another common issue involves leveling an instrument. Leveling a thermopile instrument can cause errors in the direct beam component because the cosine response is not correct. These errors are more notable when the sun is close to the horizon because the angle is so shallow.
Many Campbell Scientific sensors are available with different cable termination options. These options include the following:
Note: The availability of cable termination options varies by sensor. For example, sensors may have none, two, or several options to choose from. If a desired option is not listed for a specific sensor, contact an application engineer at Campbell Scientific for assistance.