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CMP11-L Pyranometer
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Overview

The CMP11 legacy pyranometer, manufactured by Kipp & Zonen, is an ISO secondary-standard pyranometer that monitors solar radiation for the full solar spectrum range. It connects directly to a Campbell Scientific data logger and is well-suited for meteorological networks and solar-energy research and development. In solar-energy meteorological stations, the CMP11 has been replaced by the CMP10.

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Benefits and Features

  • Detector design and faster response make it a step above the CMP6
  • Compatible with most Campbell Scientific data loggers
  • Integrated bubble level is visible without removing sun shield
  • Desiccant-filled drying cartridge prevents dew from forming on the inner sides of the domes
  • Compatible with the CVF4 heater/ventilator that keeps the domes free from ice and dew
  • Measures reflected solar radiation when inverted
  • Provides measurements in direct sunlight, under plant canopies, when the sky is cloudy, and in artificial light

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Detailed Description

The CMP11 measures solar radiation with a high-quality blackened thermopile protected by two glass domes. Its flat spectral sensitivity, from 285 to 2800 nm, makes it ideal for applications in natural sunlight, under plant canopies, in green houses or buildings, and inverted to measure reflected solar radiation.

A desiccant-filled drying cartridge prevents dew from forming on the inner sides of the CMP11's domes. Campbell Scientific also offers the CVF4 heater/ventilator that keeps its domes free from ice and dew.

The CMP11 includes a white snap-on sun shield that reduces the sensor's temperature. A bubble level and adjusting leveling screws enable the sensor to be leveled without using a leveling base.

The CMP11 produces a millivolt signal that is measured directly by a Campbell Scientific data logger.


Compatibility

Note: The following shows notable compatibility information. It is not a comprehensive list of all compatible or incompatible products.

Data Loggers

Product Compatible Note
21X (retired)
CR10 (retired)
CR1000 (retired)
CR1000X (retired)
CR10X (retired)
CR200X (retired)
CR206X (retired)
CR211X (retired)
CR216X (retired)
CR23X (retired)
CR295X (retired)
CR300 (retired)
CR3000 (retired)
CR310
CR350
CR500 (retired)
CR5000 (retired)
CR510 (retired)
CR6
CR800 (retired)
CR850 (retired)
CR9000 (retired)
CR9000X (retired)

Additional Compatibility Information

Mounting

The CMP11 has a bubble level and two leveling feet, which allow it to be leveled without using a leveling base. This pyranometer mounts to a mast, crossarm, or pole (1.0 in. to 2.1 in. OD) via the CM255 or CM255LS mounting stand. The CMP11 should be mounted away from all obstructions and reflective surfaces that might adversely affect the measurement.

Specifications

Sensor High-quality blackened thermopile protected by two glass domes
Measurement Description Monitors solar radiation for the full solar spectrum range
ISO Classification Class A (secondary standard)
Spectral Range 285 to 2800 nm
Sensitivity 7 to 14 µV/W/m2
Temperature Dependence of Sensitivity < 1% (-10° to +40°C)
Response Time < 5 s (95% of final value)
Zero Offset Due to Thermal Radiation < 7 W/m2 (200 W/m2)
Non-Stability < 0.5% (change/year)
Non-Linearity < 0.2% (0 to 1000 W/m2)
Directional Error < 10 W/m2 (up to 80° with 1000 W/m2 beam)
Tilt Error < 0.2%
Level Accuracy 0.1°
Impedance 10 to 100 Ω
Operating Temperature Range -40° to +80°C
Typical Signal Output 0 to 15 mV (for atmospheric applications)
Maximum Irradiance 4000 W/m2
Expected Daily Uncertainty < 2%
Dome Diameter 5 cm (2 in.)
Width 15 cm (5.9 in.) with shield
Height 9.25 cm (3.64 in.)
Weight 0.9 kg (2 lb) with 10.1 m (33 ft) cable


Frequently Asked Questions

Number of FAQs related to CMP11-L: 5

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  1. No. These are all passive devices that create their own voltage signal as a response to the measurement being made. There is, however, a heater and ventilator for these sensors (CVF4-L) that requires a power supply.

  2. The ISO and WMO classify First Class pyranometers, such as the CMP6-L, as suitable for network operations. However, if accuracy is of paramount concern, consider using Class A pyranometers, such as the CMP11-L and CMP21-L, instead.

  3. Because of the loss of IR radiation, nearly all thermopile instruments typically have a negative offset. This offset is most easily visible at night-time, when a small negative value is read instead of zero. This same offset is present during the daytime, but it is not as visible because of the large solar signal.

    Another common issue involves leveling an instrument. Leveling a thermopile instrument can cause errors in the direct beam component because the cosine response is not correct. These errors are more notable when the sun is close to the horizon because the angle is so shallow.

  4. All of these pyranometers measure the amount of solar short-wave radiation incident on a surface. Because of their accuracy and performance level, the CMP11-L and CMP21-L are classified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO) as Secondary Standard sensors, representing the highest level of measurements made by pyranometers. In comparison, the CMP6-L is classified as a First Class sensor, which is the middle classification for pyranometers. (Second Class is the lowest pyranometer classification.)

  5. To incorporate a sensor that is compatible with wireless sensor interfaces into a wireless network, a CWS900-series wireless sensor interface is needed, as well as an A205 CWS-to-PC interface to configure it. 

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