A system for solar radiation data storage and analysis

It is important for photodermatologists to have an accurate and continuous measurement of the ultraviolet radiation reaching the ground. This implies the establishment of a network of detectors, but for this to be a practical reality, it is essential that an accurate and convenient system be adopted for data storage and analysis. To this end we have developed a system which meets the following criteria: it is automatic; component costs are low: it uses a home microcomputer costing 400 pounds (less than $600); because processing is done by a computer, it is flexible; also, for the same reason, there is the facility for on-line display and on-line analysis; there are no significant errors: a modified computer circuit produces a temperature coefficient of 30 ppm/degrees C; reliability is good: 12 d of data were lost from all causes, including development, during 12 months of continuous use. The system described could form the basis of a practical UV-recording network.