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PAR readings

I noticed that it is very difficult to find anyone talking about the PAR meter app called Photone.

Is there a reason for this? It is free, and seems like it would be a major topic to cover, since most PAR meters are hundreds of dollars.

I've been using it for 12 weeks and it's been spot on. What gives?

Thanks!

9 comments

Comments (9)

Mr. Grow It

May 10, 2022

I've actually heard many people talk about the Photone app and there are many people who have created YouTube videos on it. It seems to be getting more and more popular but it's accuracy is questionable. Here are some videos on it:

SoAZ

May 09, 2022

New to the forum, thanks Chris for all the resources, info and experience you've made available for all of us thru all sources of media.

I have this app on my IPhone and find that it works well for me. I don't have an Apogee instrument to compare it against.

When comparing my readings with my light manufactures par charts at the appropriate distance, the readings are similar enough for me to feel comfortable using it with confidence.

I knew someone else had tried it but got weird readings but she hadn't selected the appropriate light source when setting things up. Also if I don't have the lens shielded properly, I'll get wonky readings. Peace everyone...

Angrybird Growing

May 09, 2022

People probably aren't talking about it for several reasons that I'm willing to speculate on.

They just don't know about it
If you have a light from a reputable company their charts are fairly accurate
Homegrowers aren't necessarily concerned with PAR as much as other environmental factors and commercial growers are going to spend the extra money for a calibrated sensor, not rely on an app.

willyt888

May 09, 2022

Replying to

@Angrybird Growing thanks. I totally understand why commercial growers would opt for quality meters. As much as I've heard on the importance of PPFD (Dr. Bugbee is the first that comes to mind) from respected growers, I can't wrap my head around why it hasn't been covered.

Every YouTuber in this community has done a bit on gardening on a budget. This app is free. 🤷‍♂️

I'm just looking for feedback. I calibrated the app, and have checked it against multiple light sources, as well as ones with a PAR map. Haven't had to recalibrate it in 13 weeks, and my first grow is honestly, spectacular.

If it truly works, I'd like to see more people save the big bucks and maybe put that into something more useful or productive for their grows.

Cam Z

May 10, 2022

Replying to

@willyt888 it works for some people when set up correctly on a device that the developers have personally done calibrations for. I have been a beta testers for the Android app and it took me a great deal of effort and trial and error outside the developers recommendations to make it work correctly. I have been corresponding with them from the start. The app can be wildly incorrect on some devices. For instance, on the iPhone 7 it reads well over the maximum ppfd at peak daylight. On my s21 I had to calibrate it by using a diffuser to match the initial reading and removing it after calibration. I love the app, but everyone isn't willing to do as much as me. The app needs work, that's why it's still in beta but Domanik told me they will be releasing an update soon to correct some issues and add the presets they have been adding.

People have covered it but it's not done yet so the company isn't going to push it that hard. Once it is dialed in they will switch from development to promotion I'm sure.

willyt888

May 10, 2022

Replying to

@Cam Z fantastic! Thank you for the insight. I actually tested different phones this evening, and the readings are quite a bit off from each other. My S21 ultra is what I've been using regularly, and it's spot on. The iPhone I tested required a filter over the lens, and was still rather flakey.

am420

May 07, 2022

How do u know its working?...i have a apogee par meter cost $950...iv tested the app and the readings are no where close

willyt888

May 07, 2022

Replying to

@am420 seems to be working, to answer your question. With that said, how do you know your expensive one is working?

Where is the info on the web from respected growers that discusses Photone?

I honestly don't care whether you think it works or not. I want to know why nobody is talking about it, especially since it clearly works...see below.

am420

May 08, 2022

Replying to

@willyt888 apogee is the industry standard...dr bugbee is considered a leading expert in the field.(mr growit has had him on his channel) ..and u can hold the app 2 inches from the light and it only shows 800 ppfd...so maybe no one is talking about it cuz it doesnt work very well? No need to get defensive i was jus telling u my experience with the app..im using a Samsung s21 ultra...its possible iphone works better?