sitelights
07-27-2002, 10:32 PM
One of Richard Pryor's comedy routines back in the '70's had the punch line "Who are you going to believe, me or your lying eyes?" The objective appraisal of "bright" or "dim" requires quantification when speaking accurately of light. The experienced designer/installer develops a keen appreciation of light levels just as a photographer learns to gauge light without the aid of metering. Occasionally it is necessary to be exact and this is when a light meter proves to be invaluable. The need to put an exact number to footcandle (fc) levels requires an instrument that is small, light, battery powered and easy to use.
My footcandle meter was given to me by an Osram-Sylvania rep about 8 years ago. I would guess that it cost about $35.00 The meter is identified by silkscreen labeling "Osram-Sylvania Light Meter Model DS 2050". The manual instructs the user to return the meter for repair to E. I. L. Instruments, 9020 Wehrle Drive, Clarence, NY 14031 and I am certain that O-S had this E.I.L. Instrument produced and labeled for them.
The meter is about the size of a pack of cards and weighs 6 oz. It is powered by a 9v battery that is original. The black plastic case has an "off-on-hold" switch on one edge and the 1" dia. white disc on the face protects the sensor. A liquid crystal display (not back-lit) 3/4" by 1 7/8" can be activated and the reading held by using the slide switch. The numeric readout is 1/2" high and easily visible even in bright sunlight or down to about a .05 fc of ambient light. Readings are given from 1999 fc down to 50 fc and below that point the meter switches to tenths. The back of the meter gives IES (Illuminating Engineers Society) standard values for types of activity and the recommended ranges of illumination. A ten page user's manual and a black vinyl zippered carrying case complete the package.
In almost all circumstances relating to landscape lighting an experienced eye is all one needs. I use my meter not to settle arguments but rather as another tool to quantify a value and the original battery attests to the minimal use when compared to my volt meter which is used on every job.
My footcandle meter was given to me by an Osram-Sylvania rep about 8 years ago. I would guess that it cost about $35.00 The meter is identified by silkscreen labeling "Osram-Sylvania Light Meter Model DS 2050". The manual instructs the user to return the meter for repair to E. I. L. Instruments, 9020 Wehrle Drive, Clarence, NY 14031 and I am certain that O-S had this E.I.L. Instrument produced and labeled for them.
The meter is about the size of a pack of cards and weighs 6 oz. It is powered by a 9v battery that is original. The black plastic case has an "off-on-hold" switch on one edge and the 1" dia. white disc on the face protects the sensor. A liquid crystal display (not back-lit) 3/4" by 1 7/8" can be activated and the reading held by using the slide switch. The numeric readout is 1/2" high and easily visible even in bright sunlight or down to about a .05 fc of ambient light. Readings are given from 1999 fc down to 50 fc and below that point the meter switches to tenths. The back of the meter gives IES (Illuminating Engineers Society) standard values for types of activity and the recommended ranges of illumination. A ten page user's manual and a black vinyl zippered carrying case complete the package.
In almost all circumstances relating to landscape lighting an experienced eye is all one needs. I use my meter not to settle arguments but rather as another tool to quantify a value and the original battery attests to the minimal use when compared to my volt meter which is used on every job.