The Oregon Scientific Personal UV Monitor UV888A is a small precision instrument that monitors harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun that can cause sunburn, skin cancer, and other related ailments. This sensor is especially recommended for children, people of any age with sensitive skin, and outdoor enthusiasts. The sensor calculates and displays the recommended safe exposure time based on the SPF level of the suntan lotion you are using, your skin type, and the current intensity of the UV rays (the UV index, or UVI). You can then start the sensor's countdown timer to perform a UV countdown. During the UV countdown, the UV sensor automatically measures the UV level every 10 minutes and readjusts the recommended exposure time if the UV index has increased. When time expires, the sensor beeps to let you know.

The Oregon Scientific Personal UV Monitor is easy to program and use. The unit powers up automatically when you install the included button cell battery. After initial power-up, you set the time format, the clock hour and minutes, the desired temperature unit, your skin type (one of 4 as described in the monitor's User Manual), and the SPF value for your sunscreen (1 through 70). When this is done, you can use the monitor's MODE/SET button to toggle through three display modes:

• Clock Mode: In this mode, the temperature, the UV level (Low, Medium, High, Very High, Extremely High, or Over-Range), and the time are displayed top to bottom in the monitor's LCD panel.
• Timer Mode: In this mode, the temperature, the UV level, and the manual countdown timer are displayed top to bottom.
• UV Mode: In this mode, the UV sensor measures continuously for 4 seconds when you first select this mode. During this time, the programmed skin type and SPF value are displayed consecutively in the bottom line of the display. After 4 seconds, the UV index (0 to 25 or HH for over-range), the UV level, and the UV exposure time/UV countdown timer are displayed top to bottom. If you opt not to start the UV countdown timer, the display clears automatically after 30 minutes (but if you want to change the mode, you'll have to do that manually).

For each of the six UV levels mentioned above, the numeric UV index range (for example, 3 to 5 for Medium) and the corresponding UV level icon that appears in the display are shown in a table in the User Manual. In addition to the User Manual, a second, smaller manual is included. This manual provides tips on skin protection and on using the monitor's integral thermometer.

The UV888A UV monitor has a handy key lock feature that you can activate so that your programmed settings cannot be accidentally changed. A padlock icon indicates that key lock is activated.

The front panel of the UV888A monitor that surrounds the display is medium blue, and the rest of the case is black. Included with the UV888A is a blue strap for wearing the monitor on your wrist. Please be aware that the UV monitor's case is splashproof, but it is not submersible.

The UV888A is powered by one CR2032 (3V) lithium button cell battery. As mentioned above, this is included, but it is not preinstalled. I used a Jefferson nickel coin to open and close the battery compartment cover on the monitor we tested. The nickel works well, but I found that closing the cover can be a little tricky. Try closing it once or twice before actually putting the battery in so you get the hang of it. There's a raised dot to the left of the coin slot on the cover and a matching raised dot at about the 7:30 position on the case that you must align before closing the cover. By all means, don't use excessive force. Also, there's a small black rubber sealing ring that may fall out if you turn the monitor display side up with the battery cover off. Be sure not to lose this. A low battery icon appears when battery replacement is needed.

Use the Oregon Scientific UV888A Personal UV Monitor to protect yourself and your family from skin damage or worse caused by overexposure to the sun. Also, please keep in mind that a product like this makes an inexpensive and thoughtful gift for people who spend lots of time outdoors.

Features and Benefits:

• Monitors and displays current UV levels.
• Exposure timer calculates safe exposure time based on skin type and SPF value of sunscreen product.
• Exposure time automatically updates as UV intensity changes.
• Monitors current temperature and displays it in °F or °C.
• Countdown timer can be set to sound when safe UV exposure time expires and can also be used independently as a regular countdown timer.
• Integral digital quartz clock displays time in 12-hour or 24-hour format.
• Monitor is both small and lightweight for easy portability.
• A wrist strap and the required button cell battery are included.
• Case is splashproof but not submersible.

Specifications: