OWNER’S MANUAL CHLOROPHYLL CONCENTRATION METER Model MC-100, U.S. Patent No. 9,733,179 Rev: 28-Oct-2020 APOGEE INSTRUMENTS, INC. | 721 WEST 1800 NORTH, LOGAN, UTAH 84321, USA TEL: (435) 792-4700 | FAX: (435) 787-8268 | WEB: APOGEEINSTRUMENTS.COM Copyright © 2021 Apogee Instruments, Inc.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Owner’s Manual ............................................................................................................................................................................... 1 Certificate of Compliance ................................................................................................................................................................. 3 Introduction ..................................................................................................
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE EU Declaration of Conformity This declaration of conformity is issued under the sole responsibility of the manufacturer: Apogee Instruments, Inc.
INTRODUCTION Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in plant cells, algae cells, and cyanobacteria. The primary function of chlorophyll molecules is radiation absorption, which provides energy essential for photosynthesis. Chlorophyll concentration in plant leaves is typically expressed in units of quantity per area of leaf surface, micromoles per square meter (µmol m-2); mass per area of leaf surface, milligrams per square meter (mg m-2), has also been used.
METER MODELS The MC-100 chlorophyll concentration meter is the only chlorophyll meter model offered by Apogee Instruments. It includes custom coefficients to determine chlorophyll concentration for over 25 different plant species (with more coming soon). It also includes a generic equation for use with all plant species, where the equation was derived from the data from all twenty-two species measured.
SPECIFICATIONS MC-100 µmol of chlorophyll per m2 of leaf surface Displayed Output Unit Measurement Area Resolution Linearity Repeatability Sample Acquisition Time Storage Capacity User Interface Data Output Measured Variables External GPS Option Serial # 1-1520 Internal GPS Serial # 1521 and above Operating Temperature Temperature Drift Power Requirement Auto-Off Interval Dimensions Mass mm2 63.6 (9 mm standard diameter), 19.
THEORY OF OPERATION Radiation that drives photosynthesis in plants is called photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). PAR is typically defined as radiation in the 400-700 nm range, the visible wavelengths. Chlorophyll has distinct radiation absorption characteristics and is a strong absorber of all photosynthetically active wavelengths. However, it does not absorb quite as much green radiation as it does blue and red radiation, thus more green radiation is reflected from or transmitted through leaves.
ratio of transmittance at 931 nm to 653 nm is termed chlorophyll content index (CCI). A CCI measurement near one indicates similar transmittance of red and NIR radiation, thus little to no chlorophyll in the leaf sample. A CCI measurement greater than one indicates less transmittance of red radiation relative to near infrared radiation (for example, see CCI value calculated from leaf transmittance spectrum in graph above), with larger ratios indicating more chlorophyll.
Species for which chlorophyll concentration can be directly determined with MC-100 All Species Annual Crop Species Deciduous Species Generic Equation (used for species not listed below) Rice Wheat Soybean Barley Pepper Tomato Pea Kohlrabi Lettuce, cultivar Waldman’s Green Lettuce, cultivar Buttercrunch Corn Sorghum Cannabis Coffee Spinach Strawberry Cherry Blackberry Quaking Aspen European Birch Paper Birch Crimson King Maple Norway Maple Japanese Maple Boxelder Crab Apple Purple Leaf Sand Cherry Lilac Fo
OPERATION AND MEASUREMENT Apogee Instruments model MC-100 chlorophyll concentration meters consist of two light emitting diodes with paired detectors located in the sampling head, liquid crystal display (LCD), operation buttons, 9 V alkaline battery, and signal processing circuitry mounted in a plastic housing. The meter also includes a USB port for data download to a computer and RS-232 port for use with GPS. PLEASE NOTE: MC-100 units serial numbers 1521 and above come with an internal GPS.
MEASUREMENTS From the main menu select Run. Select Measure to perform measurements with the MC-100 and Setup to make adjustments to data files, test types, and measurement parameters. Select Back to return to the main menu. Run → Setup: Data Files The user can choose to save a data file to memory in addition to naming the file. Select Edit to highlight the Save Data option. Pressing the up and down arrows will toggle between Yes and No.
greater than two standard deviations, the instrument automatically eliminates the outlier and requires an additional measurement. Select Edit and use the up and down arrows to toggle to the appropriate test type and test type options. Pressing the right arrow will advance the highlighted option to the next. Run → Setup: RS-232 Option Serial Numbers 1521 and above The MC-100 includes an USB connection that can be used for mirroring collected data files on a computer.
Conversion to SPAD Combined Species Annual Crop Species Deciduous Species Function Converts CCI to SPAD Generic (equation fit to all data) Menu Name SPAD GENERIC Data File Notation Spad Gnrc Species Name Rice Menu Name RICE Data File Notation Rice Wheat Soybean Barley Pepper Tomato Pea Kohlrabi Lettuce – Waldman’s Green Lettuce – Buttercrunch Corn Sorghum Cannabis Quaking Aspen European Birch Paper Birch Crimson King Maple Norway Maple Japanese Maple Boxelder Crab Apple Purple Leaf Sand Cherry Lila
MC-100 with serial numbers 1521 and above have a “GPS:” icon in the upper left corner of the screen to indicate the status of the GPS signal and location logging ability. A “-“ = GPS enable, no signal. A “+” = GPS enabled, signal acquired. An “X” = GPS disabled. When saving the first measurement to a data table, one of the above three screens will appear, depending on the test type selected. If the data file already holds existing data, the following message will appear.
From the main menu select Data. Data Management Connect a USB cable to link to a PC. Access Back Erase Connect MC-100 to a PC via USB cable or select Access to view data points on screen. Erase to delete data files. Data → Connect to PC USB Link Active! Eject! Connect the included USB cable from the MC-100 to a PC (note that any USB cable may be used that has a standard A plug to Mini-B plug).
From the main menu select System. System settings and diagnostics Setup Back Diag Select Setup to make adjustments to basic meter functions and Diag to view system diagnostics. System → Setup: Time Stamp 24Hr Time Date Format [00:00:00] [01/01/2015] [MM/DD/YYYY] Exit Edit Since a time stamp is recorded with each data point it is important to maintain the correct date and time. Select Edit to highlight the hour and use the up and down arrows to adjust setting.
For communication over RS-232 the appropriate baud rate will need to be set, otherwise USB should be selected. Select Edit to highlight the baud rate and use the up and down arrows to adjust. System → Diag: Meter Diagnostics The diagnostics section consists of five screens that detail system operation and overall performance. The information provided in the diagnostics section is intended for troubleshooting and/or repair. System → Checking GPS Information in the Diag Menu Serial Numbers 1521 and above 1.
Using the Field of View Reducer for Small Leaf Applications: The field of view reducer (FOVR) accessory reduces the sample chamber area from 63.6 mm2 to 19.6 mm2, roughly 30 % of the original size. Field of view reduction errors were less than 5 % for all leaves tested using the steps below. 1. To use the reducer you must calibrate the meter without the reducer installed. Installing the reducer prior to calibration results in the error message: !! Warning !! Clean Sample Chamber! 2.
INSTALLING NEW CROP-SPECIFIC SETTINGS When Apogee released the MC-100, it came with 22 different crop specific coefficients plus a generic setting for all other crops. Since then, we have added some species and will continue to do so upon popular request. For the current list of available species, please check our website.
MAINTENANCE AND RECALIBRATION Moisture or debris on the MC-100 diffusers is a common cause of inconsistent readings. If cleaning is required, organic deposits are best removed using water or isopropyl alcohol and a soft cloth or cotton swab. Never use an abrasive material or cleaner on the diffusers. Over time, the foam insert may become worn or damaged, in which case the unit will need to be returned for repair. Contact Apogee Instruments technical support for more information.
TROUBLESHOOTING AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT Error Codes and Fixes Apogee model MC-100 chlorophyll concentration meters are powered by a 9 V battery. If a meter loses functionality or will not power on try replacing the battery first. Many error codes can be cleared by performing a master reset by removing the 9 V battery, holding down the power switch for 30 seconds, reinserting the battery and powering on the unit.
RETURN AND WARRANTY POLICY RETURN POLICY Apogee Instruments will accept returns within 30 days of purchase as long as the product is in new condition (to be determined by Apogee). Returns are subject to a 10 % restocking fee. WARRANTY POLICY What is Covered All products manufactured by Apogee Instruments are warranted to be free from defects in materials and craftsmanship for a period of four (4) years from the date of shipment from our factory.
How To Return An Item 1. Please do not send any products back to Apogee Instruments until you have received a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number from our technical support department by submitting an online RMA form at www.apogeeinstruments.com/tech-support-recalibration-repairs/. We will use your RMA number for tracking of the service item. Call (435) 245-8012 or email techsupport@apogeeinstruments.com with questions. 2.
