Very accurate.
The advanced light sensor in Pulse Pro is both very accurate and capable.
In this example, we will take a look at Pro readings versus some industry standards and top of the line dedicated meters:
Equipment List
Apogee MQ-500 (msrp $535): Regarded as the industry standard in PAR sampling
Sekonic C-700 SpectroMaster (msrp $1,500)
Pulse Pro (msrp $499)
NextLight Core 210w LED Grow Light
Sample 1: Direct lighting
Here we will compare the data from readings taken directly below the fixture:
PAR readings
Apogee: 321
Sekonic: 317.3
Pulse: 317.2
The PAR readings are all very close. You may notice the right side of the spectrum reading on the Pulse looks different than the right side of the Sekonic -- this is because Pulse can detect wavelengths of up to 1000nm (infrared), while the Sekonic only detects up to 800nm.
Sample 2: Side lighting
In this example, we will compare all 3 meters again but this time we will take the readings at the edge of the light window. Why is this important? It helps you understand how well you are lighting your area, whether moving a light up or down is the correct change for your footprint, try adding/removing additional lights will help optimize your canopy and energy use.
PAR readings
Apogee: 165
Sekonic: 161.2
Pulse: 157.8
*** It is important to note that there will always be slight variance between readings as it is nearly impossible to take an identical sample (light intensity, angle, shadows, etc). ***