Clux meter – Poultry Innovation Partnership

Name: Clux meter 

Cost and Availability: Check the manufacturers’ websites

Intended use

A clux meter is used to measure light intensity tailored for poultry vision at the poultry barns. The light intensity can influence birds’ activity levels and other aspects of the physiology and behavior of birds. There is considerable debate as to the optimal light intensities for poultry species. It is important to measure light intensity at various spots in the barn as light must be evenly distributed throughout the rearing area. For more information about poultry lighting refer to the Poultry Lighting article in this month’s newsletter. 

Using the device

To use the device in a poultry barn, follow the following steps:

1. Turn on the device by pressing the power button for one second.
2. The device shows a screen with “Do dark calibration.” Click “OK” to proceed.
3. Now, the device shows a screen with “Put the sensor cover on the HATO ONE.” Put the sensor cover on the device and click “OK.”
4. The device shows a screen with “Dark calibration finish.” You have now finished the dark calibration. Click “OK” to proceed.
5. To enter the measurement page, click “BASIC.”
6. Position the device correctly and point the sensor head at the target light source. It is important to take measurements at different areas in the house, such as at animal line of sight, around the drinkers etc. 
7. Press the measurement button to start measuring.
8. Whilst measuring, the device will beep.
9. The measurement data will be shown on the screen after the last beep. Measurements will start at ID 1. The ID will go to the next measurement automatically (ID 2, 3, etc.) 
10. To save the measured data, click the save icon in the bottom right corner and click “Yes” to confirm. Make sure to use an SD card to save the data.
11. Connect the clux meter to a computer. Go to “settings” > USB mode> select PC connection > confirm.
12. Analyze the data using the software. Compare different spectra, and check distribution, intensity, color temperature and flickering all in one overview. 
13. The available software on the manufacturer’s website will guide you on how to use the data to optimize lighting conditions at your barn.

About the author(s)

Research Associate at Poultry Innovation Partnership | + posts