$234 Apogee SQ-420X vs. $568 Apogee MQ-610

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BehindEnemyLines

BehindEnemyLines

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I’ve been toying around with the idea of keeping an Apogee PAR sensor in my flowering tent 24/7 to record light, DLI, etc.; however, I already have an Apogee MQ-610 and I spent so much money on the dang thing I keep it sealed up in a hard case unless I’m using it lol.

So I did some digging and found a Salt Water Reef Tank forum that was comparing the Apogee SQ-420 to the MQ-510 and they found that the results were so close that the difference was negligible. That intrigued me because the Apogee USB sensor units are less expensive, paired with a monitor running windows.

I sprang on a $234 Apogee SQ-420X and had in a couple days from Amazon. I immediately began comparing the two different Apogee par sensors. At first they had a difference in readings, with the SQ-420X reading lower, maybe 10-15% under 3 different led lights.

After more research I decided to change a setting on the SQ-420X, I turned the “immersion setting” on. This made a world of difference. Both of the units are now giving almost the EXACT same reading! They might differ by 1-3%, maybe less.

I was absolutely shocked that I am getting the same readings from the SQ420X, a $234 unit for “Electric indoor lights/Sunlight”, as the MQ-610 ePar sensor that is intended for full spectrum narrow band LED lighting.

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BehindEnemyLines

BehindEnemyLines

403
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BehindEnemyLines

BehindEnemyLines

403
93
I’m going to get a stand set-up here soon so that I can test the two different sensors side by side without any movement.

I’ll be sure to update with my results and pictures.
 
BehindEnemyLines

BehindEnemyLines

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Following up with more testing…. More to follow.

Both the SQ-420X and the MQ-610 attached to the same aluminum base plate to get the closest result within reason.

These are under (2) 2022 model ChilLed 40” 165W Single Bar LED grow lights.

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BehindEnemyLines

BehindEnemyLines

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Idk guys they look like nearly identical numbers to me. These last two tests were done under a 3 different spectrum led lights that are hung up in my flower room. (2) SpiderFarmer SE3000’s, (1) ChilLed Logic Puck V3 Flower, and (1) ChilLed 20” 65W Single Bar LED grow light.
 
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