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description: This page describes how to adjust the settings of the DAQ-M.
---

# Adjusting Sensor Settings

From the main screen click the bottom left gear icon to open the settings window:

<figure><img src="https://385441496-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FkhnbM2shh9Z3FNqxObzO%2Fuploads%2F0N7ypprMIeCtY64ZCAIz%2Fstop-gear_button.png?alt=media&#x26;token=824303b8-8cf2-4500-a01b-01b3a2ab64fa" alt="" width="188"><figcaption><p>Left gear settings button</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://385441496-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FkhnbM2shh9Z3FNqxObzO%2Fuploads%2FgT80Bj71TL30TrlbIW4D%2FScreenshot_20250422-112200_c.png?alt=media&#x26;token=a5eb0a98-d3a8-4eb4-a8d4-893232357c44" alt="" width="188"><figcaption><p>SCANNER Settings Menu</p></figcaption></figure>

### Lighting Mode:

Use the Lighting Mode to capture **SINGLE** measurements from the light sensor. This is the default mode, and is usually used to measure the reflectance of objects.

### Lighting Mode (Recorder):

Use the Lighting Mode (Recorder) to capture/schedule multiple (1+) measurements from the light sensor. This **INTERVAL** recording mode is typically used to record changes in the ambient light, to assist with calibrating multispectral images for reflectance.

### Continuous Mode:&#x20;

When you press the grey start/play button to measure the light you can have it continue to read data until you press the red stop button, or have it stop after capturing a single measurement.

* ON: Continuously saves data until the stop button is pressed
* OFF: Saves a single (1) measurement

### Auto Exposure Mode:&#x20;

Similar to a camera sensor needing to be properly exposed to capture enough light, the light sensor also has an auto or manual exposure mode. Auto mode ON is recommended&#x20;

* ON: Auto Exposure used
* OFF: Integration Time (index) used (manual exposure)

### Integration Time (index):&#x20;

Similar to a camera sensor's shutter speed, the integration time is the amount of time the light sensor is exposed per frame. Values range from 1 - 500, with larger numbers letting in more light when there is less light in the scene. When Auto Exposure mode is ON the software will find the optimal integration time for you.

### Frame Average Number:&#x20;

The DAQ-M light sensor can capture multiple frames quickly. Usually the light source being measured is not changing quicker than 1 second, so results can be improved by capturing multiple frames and averaging the results. This helps to reduce noise or movement that may exist during the measurement. The minimum frame average we recommend using is 10. The default value of 20 is a good value to start with. Increasing the frame average will increase the time it takes between measurements.
