Adding PAR-capable light sensor to the board?

[victorhooi]

What do you think of swapping in a sensor capable of PAR measurements, for measuring light relevant to plants?

(PAR and PPFD are pretty commonly used within the hydroponics and plant communities).

Actual PAR sensors are normally quite expensive (e.g $1000 upwards - I bought a small handheld Apogee unit some time back):

https://www.apogeeinstruments.com/dli-600-epar-daily-light-integral-and-photoperiod-meter-epar-400-750-nm/#product-tab-description

However, I found a recent journal article here:

https://researchportal.murdoch.edu.au/esploro/outputs/journalArticle/Adaptalight-An-inexpensive-PAR-sensor-system/991005541210507891

where they talk about using the Sparkfun AS7265x-based boards to emulate a much more expensive PAR sensor

I actually did some earlier research on this topic - e.g.:

https://forum.radicaldiy.com/t/brainstorming-par-photosynthetically-active-radiation-light-sensor-for-mycodo/1557

and there's a few people who used the AMS TCS34725 color sensor (since discontinued) to try to emulate more expensive PAR sensors.

However, the recent paper aobve uses the newer AMS AS7265x, which apparently work better.

Anyway - what do you think about integrating the AS7265x chips onto the board?

Would something like that be feasible at all?

It'd be a pretty unique advantage of this project if doable =)....

Also - how do you normally coat the light sensor on the board? (e.g. does your acrylic coating interfere with the existing light sensor?)

[mrred2k]

Good idea and I would add the following article to this:
A Novel Approach to Obtain PAR with a Multi-Channel Spectral Microsensor, Suitable for Sensor Node Integration

Seems to work quite well. I think with the b-parasite, it would be quite hard.
Due to the "Half cone angle", which is the opening angle of around 40°, it is necessary to get direct sunlight inside this. It would be possible in an outdoor setting, but quite useless indoor.