MICROTOPS II is a 5 channel hand-held sunphotometer for measuring aerosol optical thickness easily, accurately and dependably. Direct solar radiation at 5 discrete wavelengths is measured and stored. MICROTOPS II features an accuracy comparable to much larger and more expensive instruments. Optional GPS receiver facilitates field operation. Choose five of eight available WMO wavelength filters or specify up to five custom wavelengths.

For more information on the Garmin GPS please visit www.garmin.com/products/gps12/  

Field Carrying Case Now Available!!!

A new carrying case for the MICROTOPS II has just arrived.  It provides excellent protection and toting convenience, perfect if you’re traveling by car, ship, plane, or you’re in the field.  Check out some of the features below: 

• Well padded, durable construction

• Adjustable shoulder strap

• Pouch for notepad, pencils, etc.

• Velcro strap to attach fellow GPS carrying case

• MICROTOPS II is fully operable while inside case

Features

• High accuracy. Highest grade filters are embedded into a solid cast aluminum housing which assures accurate, stable optical alignment. Low noise electronics and a 20 bit A/D converter allow high linearity, resolution and dynamic range.
• Ease of use. No computer knowledge is necessary to make measurements. Just aim the meter at the sun, align the image of the sun with the cross-hairs and push the button. In few seconds the measurement will be completed and the result stored in memory.
• Portability. A small hand-held device is all you need to perform measurements. No additional computer is necessary.
• Instantaneous results. The Aerosol optical thickness calculation algorithms are programmed in the MICROTOPS II and the final results of all stored scans can be conveniently viewed on the LCD. The raw data is also stored to allow retrospective adjustments of algorithms.
• Non-volatile memory. The raw data collected by the MICROTOPS II, as well as calculated results are stored in non-volatile memory. Each data point is annotated with date, time, site coordinates, solar angle, altitude, pressure and temperature.
• Low cost. By implementing the latest technology, instrument cost has been brought well below that of comparable sunphotometers, without sacrificing accuracy or features.
• Computer interface. Connection to a PC through a serial interface (RS232) enables transfer of collected data. MICROTOPS Organizer, a Windows-based software automates data retrieval and archiving.

Specifications

Optical channels
340±0.3 nm, 2 nm FWHM
380±0.4 nm, 4 nm FWHM
440±1.5 nm, 10 nm FWHM
500±1.5 nm, 10 nm FWHM
675±1.5 nm, 10 nm FWHM
870±1.5 nm, 10 nm FWHM
936±1.5 nm, 10 nm FWHM
1020±1.5 nm, 10 nm FWHM
Stray light 1E-5
Resolution 0.01W/m²
Dynamic range >300,000
Angle of view 2.5°
Precision 1-2%
Nonlinearity max 0.002% FS
Operating Environment   0 to 50°C, no precipitation
Computer interface RS-232C
Power source 4xAA Alkaline batteries
Weight 21 oz (600 grams)
Size 4"W x 8"H x 1.7"D (10x20x4.3 cm)

Applications

• Weather stations
• Scientific and educational studies
• Pollution monitoring
• Health care
• Material testing
• Photobiology
• Environmental monitoring

Ordering

Standard

• Microtops II Sunphotometer with 5 (selected) channels
• Barometric pressure sensor
• Hard-shell carrying case
• Serial port cable
• Instruction manual

Optional

• Choice of filters include: 340, 380, 440, 500, 675, 870, 936 and 1020 nm
• 936 and 1020 nm channels for water vapor measurements
• GPS receiver for automatic location setup
• Field carrying case
• MICROTOPS data organizer software for Windows
• Tripod adapter