Cheap Spectrometers VS expensive retail products?

Is it worth $50?

  • Expensive unit only viable option

  • Cheaper units can produce useful data

Results are only viewable after voting.
CCCmints

CCCmints

Well-Known Member
The 'real' spectrometers I see for sale are typically very expensive, such as:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1292747-REG/sekonic_401_702_c_700_u_spectromaster_color_meter.html?ap=y&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-JvaBRDGARIsAFjqkkrYpcT6waVj4lJEWCKqn5PIHFnP41kZopN93trN7pqP_mpya9Si6pYaAvF1EALw_wcB&smp=y

However, I've stumbled across a few things like:
(DIY)
http://blog.durablescope.com/post/BuiltASpectrometer/
($50 Desktop Model)
https://publiclab.myshopify.com/collections/spectrometry/products/desktop-spectrometry-kit-3-0?variant=7183158980

I'm wondering if it would be possible for one of these much cheaper alternatives to provide useful data. I understand you likely cannot conduct proper scientific experiments without a real unit, but I'm interested in thoughts regarding these cheaper versions. I'm aware there would probably be some problem solving involved in creating an environment where these 'Desktop Model' Spectrometers could measure a large fixture properly.

Anyways, all input is greatly appreciated. I'd like to invest in a nice one down the line, but I'd also love to drop $50 to play with one of these things beforehand if they'd be useful at all.

Much love,
CCC
 
nfhiggs

nfhiggs

Well-Known Member
CCCmints said:
The 'real' spectrometers I see for sale are typically very expensive, such as:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1292747-REG/sekonic_401_702_c_700_u_spectromaster_color_meter.html?ap=y&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-JvaBRDGARIsAFjqkkrYpcT6waVj4lJEWCKqn5PIHFnP41kZopN93trN7pqP_mpya9Si6pYaAvF1EALw_wcB&smp=y

However, I've stumbled across a few things like:
(DIY)
http://blog.durablescope.com/post/BuiltASpectrometer/
($50 Desktop Model)
https://publiclab.myshopify.com/collections/spectrometry/products/desktop-spectrometry-kit-3-0?variant=7183158980

I'm wondering if it would be possible for one of these much cheaper alternatives to provide useful data. I understand you likely cannot conduct proper scientific experiments without a real unit, but I'm interested in thoughts regarding these cheaper versions. I'm aware there would probably be some problem solving involved in creating an environment where these 'Desktop Model' Spectrometers could measure a large fixture properly.

Anyways, all input is greatly appreciated. I'd like to invest in a nice one down the line, but I'd also love to drop $50 to play with one of these things beforehand if they'd be useful at all.

Much love,
CCC
Click to expand...
PASCO has a model thats $399 plus $70 for the fiber optic cable:
https://www.pasco.com/spectrometer/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwyYHaBRDvARIsAHkAXcuY9n3grHwc5iZ9out59BHmiSr120HLu7zc6l096F5o_2iytQbb_P4aAl27EALw_wcB
 
CCCmints

CCCmints

Well-Known Member
canadian1969

canadian1969

Well-Known Member
A couple years back I did the one with the DVD as a refractor, it sorta works, it certainly gives you the idea at least. I would definitely try the Raspberry Pi one, actually I may do it having read through the page. Was gonna pick up a few RPs for some crypto proof of stake wallets but this is cool too.

@nfhiggs thanks for that Pasco link, had not come across it before. Very interesting!
 
CCCmints

CCCmints

Well-Known Member
canadian1969 said:
A couple years back I did the one with the DVD as a refractor, it sorta works, it certainly gives you the idea at least. I would definitely try the Raspberry Pi one, actually I may do it having read through the page. Was gonna pick up a few RPs for some crypto proof of stake wallets but this is cool too.

@nfhiggs thanks for that Pasco link, had not come across it before. Very interesting!
Click to expand...
Keep me posted. I may try it out myself...But the PASCO one is definitely intriguing. I've got a lot more research to do.
wietefras said:
I have one of those kits from spectral labs. It's fun and informative, but hardly accurate.
Click to expand...
How do you determine whether it is accurate or not?

Thanks everyone!! Great collaboration on these boards, as always.
 
nfhiggs

nfhiggs

Well-Known Member
CCCmints said:
Awesome...Thanks for the link! That is definitely more within my budget.

So what differentiates it from the other's? Why is it more expensive than the shitty ones and less expensive than the one I've linked? Or is it just a great deal?
Click to expand...
I don't know that much about them to really say how "good" it is. I just know I want one. If I had 600 bucks to spare the MK350 on Ebay would be on its way to me right now.
 
CCCmints

CCCmints

Well-Known Member
nfhiggs said:
Watch Ebay too - there's a used UPRtek MK350 ($3500 unit) for $600 right now:
https://www.ebay.com/i/183253248248?ul_noapp=true
Click to expand...
nfhiggs said:
I don't know that much about them to really say how "good" it is. I just know I want one. If I had 600 bucks to spare the MK350 on Ebay would be on its way to me right now.
Click to expand...
A $3,500 unit for $600? That's an investment I'd be willing to make if I could figure out the cost to benefit ratio in time. I want to conduct proper scientific experiments.

What makes you so interested in that specific unit?
 
nfhiggs

nfhiggs

Well-Known Member
CCCmints said:
A $3,500 unit for $600? That's an investment I'd be willing to make if I could figure out the cost to benefit ratio in time. I want to conduct proper scientific experiments.

What makes you so interested in that specific unit?
Click to expand...
Nothing in particular, I've just heard that the MK350 is supposed to be a good unit, and they seem to frequently pop up on Ebay.
 
Randomblame

Randomblame

Well-Known Member
I like the 85$ lego desktop kit with raspberryPi and noIR cam. Pretty easy and accurate enough for private use.
Should be easy enough for everyone to assemble, lol!
 
wietefras

wietefras

Well-Known Member
CCCmints said:
How do you determine whether it is accurate or not?
Click to expand...
Well it's essentially a webcam. Hardly a precision tool. They tend to be less sensitive to certain colors. Far red actually came out as green.

Plus the chart looks kinda similar to what's in the datasheet (peaks and troughs sort of in the right place), but also nothing like it in the same time.

People have collected a lot of SPD's here: https://spectralworkbench.org

Here some examples I made.

A 730Nm far red led:
SpectralWorkbench_730nm.png

3000K Cree COB:
SpectralWorkbench_3000K.png
 
CCCmints

CCCmints

Well-Known Member
canadian1969 said:
What model is that?
Click to expand...
UPRtek - Stand Alone Spectral Light Meter-Handheld Spectrometer - MK350

I'm super excited. And luckily I've got someone on the team who actually knows how to properly set up a lab and a dedicated room to do it in. This is gonna be fun.
 
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