RA01 is a 2-component radiation sensor that is used for scientific-grade energy balance studies.
The instrument has separate measurements of solar (Short Wave or SW) and Far Infra-Red (Long Wave or LW) radiation. Combined with estimates of SW solar albedo- and of surface temperature, this instrument can also be used for estimation of net-radiation. The advantage in this approach are reduction of costs and independence from local surface properties.
RA01 serves to measure 2 separate components of the surface radiation balance. Working completely passive, using a thermopile sensors, generates 4 small output voltage proportional to the incoming solar SW and LW flux. The solar radiation sensor is also called pyranometer, the LW sensor is also called pyrgeometer. For calculation of sky- and surface temperature, a Pt100 temperature sensor is included in the pyrgeometer.
In order to avoid deposition of dew, the pyrgeometer may be heated. A 2-axis levelling assembly is included.
The RA01 cable can easily be installed or replaced by the user.