Apex Digital Hera User Manual

w w w . a p e x - a u d i o . e u

Hera

User m a nua l

APEX NV

Schoebroekstraat 62
3583 Beringen (Paal)
BELGIUM

Tel: + 32 (0)11 28 61 91
Fax: + 32 (0)11 25 56 38
e-mail: [e-mail]
website: www.apex-audio.eu

Trademarks

The APEX trademark is owned by APEX N.V. All other brand, product and company names and any other registered names or trade marks
mentioned in this manual belong to their respective owners.

Disclaimer

APEX N.V. has taken all possible steps to ensure that the information given here is both correct and complete. In no event can APEX accept any
liability or responsibility for any loss or damage to the owner of the equipment, any third party, or any equipment which may result from use of
this manual or the equipment which it describes.

The information provided in this document may be modied at any time without prior warning. Specications and appearance may differ from
those listed and illustrated. Any complaint against APEX N.V. shall be governed by the laws of Belgium.

Hera

Class 2 Sound Level Meter

February 2013

Serial number of this product:

© 2000-2013 APEX N.V. All rights reserved.

This manual may not be reproduced or transmitted, either in part
or as a whole, by any means, be they mechanical or electronic,
without the express written permission of APEX N.V.

4

CAUTION: to reduce the risk of electric shock, do not

remove cover (or back). No user-serviceable parts
inside. Refer servicing to qualied service personnel.

The lightning ash with arrowhead symbol,

within equilateral triangle, is intended to

alert the user to the presence of uninsulated
“dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that
may be of sufcient magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral
triangle is intended to alert the user to the

presence of important operating and main­tenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accom­panying the appliance.

Instructions

Before installing or operating the equipment, read all
safety instructions, warnings and operating instructions.
Heed all warnings. Follow all instructions. Keep all
safety, installing and operating instructions for future
reference.

Installing and operation location

Do not use this apparatus near water. Do not expose
this apparatus to drips or splashes. Do not place any
objects lled with liquids, such as vases, on the appa-

ratus.

Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators,
heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including
ampliers) that produce heat. No naked ames, such
as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus.

Do not install the apparatus in a conned space such as
a book case or similar unit. Do not block any ventilation
openings.

Ensure that foreign objects and liquids cannot get into
the equipment.

Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruc­tions. Only use attachments/accessories specied by
the manufacturer.

Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table
specied by the manufacturer, or sold with the appa­ratus.

When a cart is used, use caution when
moving the cart/apparatus combination to

avoid injury from tip-over.

The apparatus should be located close enough to the
AC outlet so that you can easily grasp the power cord
plug at any time.

The mains plug, the appliance coupler or the mains
switch is used as the disconnect device. Either device
shall remain readily operable when the apparatus is
installed or used.

Power source and grounding

This product should be operated only from the power
source indicated on the apparatus or in the operating
instructions. If you are not sure of the type of power
supply to your home, consult your product dealer or
local power company.

Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarised or
grounding-type plug. A polarised plug has two blades
with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug
has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide
blade or the third prong is provided for your safety. If the
provided plug does not t into your outlet, consult an
electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

Connect Class I construction apparatus to an AC outlet
with a protective grounding connection.

Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords or integral
convenience receptacles, as this can result in a risk of
re or electric shock.

Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched,
particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles and the
point where they exit form the apparatus.

Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when
unused for long periods of time.

Batteries (battery pack or batteries installed) should not
be exposed to excessive heat such as sunshine, re or
the like. Never dispose of batteries in a re as they may
explode and cause injury.

CAUTION:
Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.
Replace only with the same or equivalent type.

Important safety instructions

Safety

5

Cleaning, maintenance and servicing

Unplug the apparatus from the wall outlet before
cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners.
Use a damp cloth for cleaning.

Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as
opening or removing covers may expose you to
dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing
to qualied service personal.

Servicing is required when the apparatus has been
damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug
damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen
into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to
rain or moisture, does not operate normally or has been
dropped.

Intended use

The equipment may only be used for the purpose
described in the operation instructions. Never carry out
any work on the equipment other than as specied in the
operating manual.

Never push objects of any kind into this product through
openings, as they may touch dangerous voltage points
or short-cut parts, which could result in a re or electric
shock.

Children should never use the apparatus without close
adult supervision.

WARNING:
excessive sound pressure can cause hearing loss.

Environmental precaution

Electrical and electronic equipment may contain
hazardous substances for humans and their
environment.

The “crossed out wheelie bin” symbol present
on the device and represented above is there
to remind one of the obligation of selective

collection of waste. This label is applied to
various products to indicate that the product is not to be
thrown away as unsorted municipal waste. At the end of

life, dispose of this product by returning it to the point
of sale or to your local municipal collection point for
recycling of electric and electronic devices.

Customer participation is important to minimize the
potential affects on the environment and human health
that can result from hazardous substances that may
be contained in this product.

Please, dispose of this product and its
packaging in accordance with local and

national disposal regulations including
those governing the recovery and recycling of waste
electrical and electronic equipment. Contact your
local waste administration, waste collection company
or dealer.

6

Table of content

Table of content

Registration 7

Introduction 8

Product highlights 8
Foreword 8
Measurement microphone 10

Front and rear panel description 12

Front panel 12
Rear panel 12

Wiring the unit 14

Connecting the Hera when used as a stand-alone device 14
Connection when the Hera is used together with the Argos 14
Connecting relays tot the Hera 15
Connection to a PC 16
Connection with the Apex Leto 16

Principles of operation 17

Turning on 17
Standard operations 17
Threshold schedulling 20
Logic outputs 20
Trafc lights 20
Additional functions when used with the Argos 21
Microphone distance compensation 20

Installer menu 22

Installer menu 22
Menu structure 23
Basic set-up 24
Operation set-up 26
Logging set-up 27
Preferences 27
To exit 27

Memory readout 28

Technical specications 29

Properties and electrical specications 29
Mechanical specications 29

Limited warranty 30

7

Registration

Register your product

Please take the time to register your product on-line by typing the following URL in your browser:

http://productregistration.apex-audio.eu/

As well as registering the product on-line, please take the trouble to record the serial number of the unit in the
space provided on page 3 of the manual, and keep the manual in a safe place.

8

Introduction

Dear customer,

Thank you for buying the Apex Hera.

Hera is a microprocessor based class 2 sound level meter and controller. Hera can be used either as a standalone
unit or combined with the Apex Argos. Applications include noise level logging and control in bars, theatres, concert
venues,… in compliance with the 2003/10/EC “Noise at work” directive, or the new Belgian Flemish regulations on
sound level (VLAREM).

Product highlights

• Complies with IEC 61672 class 2 sound level meter

standard

• Factory calibrated for accurate measurement

• Measurement of the RMS sound level (L

slow

)

• Measurement and logging of the equivalent continuous

(Leq) and peak (L

max

) sound levels over a user

adjustable time frame

• Selectable A or C frequency-weighting

• 30-day sound level log (when measurements are logged

at 15 minute intervals)

• All settings may be made from the front panel and are

security-code protected

• Two separated logic outputs for controlling external

devices and mains power cut relays, all set/reset times

are adjustable

• System tamper detection and logging

• Ability to schedule multiple threshold parameters

covering any time or day of the week

• Easy computer log read-out through standard serial port

• Exptional external 19’ rack-mounting level display (Leto)

Foreword

Hera offers sound level monitoring and logging of events. As a
standalone unit it can be used as a cut-off device, as is required
by some authorities. Combined with Argos, the Argos/Hera
combination operate as a single system providing sound level
control with integral measurement and logging facilities.

Hera will log the equivalent continuous (Leq) and peak (L

max

)
sound level pressure over a user dened time period, from 1 to
59 min (adjustable in 1 min steps) and from 1 hour to 8 hours
(adjustable in 1 hour steps). Frequency weighting is selectable
between A-lter type and C-lter type.

Hera will also detect and log any attempts that are made to
tamper with the device (for example disconnection of the
microphone). The resulting log can be viewed from the front
panel or downloaded to a computer for printing.

Hera also offers two logic outputs that may be used to control
external devices or mains cut-off if a certain threshold is being
exceeded. This threshold value may be scheduled to allow for
different sound levels at set times.

All settings are security code protected and can easily be set
from the devices’ front panel.

Apex Hera is delivered with a measurement microphone and
this is factory calibrated for perfect accuracy.

Hera also offers an automatic calibration function for remote
microphone distance compensation. This is imperative in most
venues, since the measurement microphones should be placed
out of reach.

9

About this manual

Carefully read all instructions and warnings before operating
this appliance. Keep this manual in a safe place so that it can
be referred to when required.

This manual describes Hera internal software version v3.0.

Latest manual revision can be downloaded from:
http://www.apex-audio.eu

Inspection and unpacking

This appliance has been carefully packed in the factory and the
packaging was designed to withstand rough handling. Should
the unit appear to have been damaged in transit, do not discard
any of the packing material and notify the carrier immediately
as they will be responsible.

Save all the packing materials for future use if you ever need to
ship the unit again.

Please check the list below against the contents of the
packaging. If any items are missing or damaged, contact the
Apex dealer or distributor where you purchased the unit.

In the box:

• Hera unit

• Hera Measurement Mic (HMM)

• IEC AC power cable with mains plug

• Multi-conductor D-sub 15 data cable for use
with Argos

• This manual

Operating environment

This appliance is designed to operate in most normal climates,
at a temperature between 0 °C and 50 °C (32 - 122 °F), with

relative humidity between 10% and 60%.

Power requirements

BEFORE you connect any unit to the mains, please make sure
that the voltage of your local AC supply is within the acceptable
range of the unit.

The Hera is designed to work from an AC supply between
90V and 240 V, at a frequency between 50 and 60 Hz. No AC
voltage selector is provided as the device automatically adjusts
to the incoming AC voltage.

Precautions should be taken so that the appliance is properly
grounded at all times. This unit must be earthed.

Installation

If the unit is brought into a warm room from a cold environment,
internal condensation may occur. Ensure that the unit has been
allowed to reach ambient temperature before switching it on.

Although this unit is intended for installation in a standard
19-inch rack it can nevertheless be used freestanding. If the
unit is installed in a ght-case or in an equipment rack, x the
unit with all four screws through the front panel holes. For
normal use no extra support is needed, but in more extreme
conditions, such as on the road, we recommend the unit is
supported at the rear.

Allow at least 10 cm (4 inches) at each side of the unit for
sufcient ventilation.

Optionally you can connect the Apex Leto large deported
display to the Hera so that the audience, FOH engineer, band
or DJ may have visual sight on the sound pressure levels at
any time.

The Hera may be used together with the Apex Argos. The
Argos will then be slaved onto the Hera’s measurement and
threshold settings.

Use the Hera together with the Apex Argos; they will be
your neighbours dream team !

10

Measurement microphone and the microphone
chain

Upon completion of tests following manufacture, Hera and its
HMM (Hera Measurement Mic) are calibrated to ensure correct
performance in standard use. Use only the measurement
microphone supplied with Hera.

In specic cases it may be necessary to carry out recalibration of
the complete measurement chain. In the such cases, calibration
should be performed with the aid of a sound calibrator:

• When extending the microphone cable between the HMM
and Hera.

• By linking the Hera with an Argos noise limiter

In the following case, an offset correction would need to be
applied by means of a sine / noise generator:

• When installing the HMM at a position a considerable
distance away from the recommended measurement location
(e.g., the microphone is installed far enough away so it can not
be touched by the public).

Recalibration and offset correction can be performed in the
Installer menu.

The Apex Hera in combination with the Hera Measurement
Mic has a xed, unchangeable measurement range from 55
to 130 dB

SPL

. When the sound level falls below the minimum

measurable (55dB

SPL

) the display will show ‘_LO_ ‘. When
the noise level exceeds the maximum measurable range
(130dB

SPL

) the display will show ‘_HI_ ‘.

The HMM Apex Hera Measurement Mic must be installed
such that the primary measuring sound source reaches the
microphone capsule at an angle of no more than 90 °.

The microphone capsule is located at the end of the long side
of the microphone body (the opposite end of the 3-pin XLR
connector) and points outward.

HMM Measurement microphone