CNR4

The CNR4, manufactured by Kipp & Zonen and cabled for use with Campbell Scientific data loggers, is a research-grade net radiometer that measures the energy balance between incoming and outgoing radiation. Our data loggers measure the CNR4's output. This net radiometer offers a professional solution for scientific-grade energy balance studies.

The CNR4 consists of a pyranometer and pyrgeometer pair that faces upward and a complementary pair that faces downward. The pyranometers and pyrgeometers measure shortwave and long-wave infrared radiation, respectively.

The upper long-wave detector of the CNR4 has a meniscus dome that allows water droplets to easily roll off of it. The dome shape also increases the field of view to nearly 180° instead of 150° for a flat window.

The CNR4 contains both an internal thermistor and an internal Pt-100 RTD. Typically, the thermistor makes the instrument housing temperature measurements used to compensate the infrared readings. Alternatively, the RTD can provide these measurements if a CR3000 or CR5000 datalogger is used.

The CNR4 has a solar shield that reduces the thermal effects on both the short-wave and long-wave measurements. A drying cartridge helps keep the radiometer’s electronics dry. The CNF4, an optional ventilation unit with heater, can be fitted onto the CNR4 to minimize the formation of dew as well as melt frost.