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Needing to test various UV light sources, I purchased the General Tool UV513AB Digital UVAB Meter to provide a greater level of accuracy and precision than a personal UV meter intended for consumers. While I have generally been content with this instrument, the name of the meter is a bit of a misnomer as it is truly a UVA meter calibrated for 365nm, which is well outside the UVB range. Sensitivity drops off significantly in a somewhat asymmetric distribution about 365nm, reaching zero % sensitivity at 280nm and 420nm. An important UVB wavelength 308 nm has a spectral sensitivity of only 30%. There is no setting, adjustment or filter to obtain a better measurement of UVB wavelengths.
It is some difficult to objectively review and rate such a device because its well and not-so-well understood limitations can be attributed to its modest price. Other laboratory grade UV meters can cost more than three times as much and beyond. So, it is the value and utility that must be discussed. Compared to a personal UV meter such as the Oregon Scientific EB612 Personal UV Monitor, this instrument is quite a powerful tool that is easily worth five times as much. The General Tool UV513AB allows for real time UV measurements in a value that can be interpreted on an absolute scale in universal metrics of mw/cm^2 not an ambiguous continuum meaningful only to the instrument such as relative intensity of 1 20. This is especially helpful when observing the output of UV LEDs whose output can vary based on temperature.
There are some deficits that are inexcusable, even at its low price point. Despite being a relatively simple device, the menu navigation is oddly confusing. The manufacturer should have added an additional button or switch to avoid the need to cycle through different functions. It is nice, however, that there are two readouts, including one that is able to show min, max, and average values. The meter also has a data store capability that can be displayed on the secondary reading while the main function is still being displayed.
The manual for this meter is poorly written. One of my big concerns is that at least one of the specifications is incorrect. The "High Illumination" spectral range is listed at 0.01 mw/cm^2 to 40.00 mw/cm^2. Yet, I have exceeded 40 mw/cm^2 numerous times, reaching up to 66 mw/cm^2. Given that an almost identical meter is sold by Sper Scientific, my guess is that General Instrument didn't make or design this product. Hence, the manual was probably written by someone else other than the designer or manufacturer.
Regarding the fundamental capabilities of the sensor, the 40 mw/cm^2 maximum value is well below the output of many light sources, including UV lasers and high brightness LED modules. Just for reference, readings of greater than 8.5 mw/cm^2 can be reached at the sun's maximum intensity during the day in the Midwestern United States. Like the wavelength sensitivity limitation, the maximum intensity ceiling could be addressed with different filters, which can often be extremely expensive. It would be helpful if General Tool could provide easily attachable and modestly priced filters including bandpass variants to address the wavelength and max intensity issues.
Despite all of the limitations, this instrument is a good value especially when compared to what is offered in the larger scientific instrument market. For example, a small bandpass UV filter used to obtain a better reading on a specific UVB wavelength could cost several hundred dollars from a supplier such as Edmunds Scientific. I would have appreciated a few additional capabilities but the price would be expected to increase dramatically. That being said, this instrument is a solid four stars compared to what is available at both lower and higher price points.
Pros
Inexpensive
Flexible sensor mounting/use with wand
High level of precision in the microwatts and reported accuracy of 4%
Portable
Easy to understanding readings
Min, max, average readings with data store
Cons
Poorly written manual
Complex function navigation
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I bought this meter to evaluate the assorted claims of UV protection of sunglasses, window film, etc. since marketeers will shamelessly claim anything and I had to rely on 100% UV blocking. The first meter seemed to have inconsistent readings and I got a replacement (thank you Amazon) but the second meter also behaved strangely.
When you take a reading then cover the sensor with 100% UV blocking material, you would expect the meter to read zero. Not so, the meter only shows a percentage reduction in its measurement of Watts per square centimeter and that's based on the intensity of the light source. Example: when I measure direct sunlight at about 6000uW then shield the sensor with an assortment of UV blocking lenses, the readings only drop to about 400uW, not zero. When I'm inside, measuring about 400uW through window glass, the same UV blocking material reduces the reading to about 70uW, and if the reading is about 70uW, then the blocking material will reduce the reading to zero.
To try to explain this, I found the company online (the folded "manual" provides no information) and emailed them my concerns but they never bothered to respond. That was enough for me. Two stars because the meter does something but what exactly, I don't know
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Doesn't test the narrow spectrum of reptile lights, which was the sole purpose of this purchase. Can't tell if it works well with other applications. Seems well built, plug 'n' play, gives a quick measurement.
Honest reviews on General Tool UV513AB Digital UVAB Meter for Ultraviolet Light
All I wanted was an easy-to-use UV meter -turn it on, point the sensor and give me a number. This one does that perfectly. There are a lot of menu options for configuration, display control and saving stuff in memory. I've ignored all of that. I use it to tell me how much UV is getting through my windows to darken my hardwood floor (considering window film) and to test sun glasses. After pointing the sensor wand at at the UV source, the reading takes about 30 seconds to stabilize. Even after that it jumps around some. There is an averaging function that I have not tried using.
I had a bit of trouble assembling the sensor wand. You have to thread the sensor's wire through the handle before screwing on the top half -it will take you a while. If not for that, it would have had five stars.
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The product arrived according to plan. I arrive in good condition because it was well packed. The packet size was perfect. I recommend this dealer. Very serious and especially according to the specifications llegun was on the page we. I congratulate the dealer for its seriousness.
thank you very much
