Casella CEL CEL-440 User Manual

CEL-440 & CEL-480

SOUND LEVEL METERS

Operators Handbook

060279/HB-07

August 2002

CASELLA CEL
Regent House
Wolseley Road
Kempston
Bedford
MK42 7JY, U.K.

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Web: www.casellacel.com

CASELLA USA
Tech Park
17 Old Nashua Road
Box 15
Amherst
NH 03031, U.S.A.

Toll Free: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Web: www.casellausa.com

Contents

Page 2 - CEL-440/480 Operators Handbook

Contents

Warnings !

LOAD BATTERIES following the instructions given in
Section 1.3. Make sure they are inserted in the orientations
shown inside the battery compartment .

A single cell installed with the wrong polarity may still allow
the instrument to function, but will cause overheating
severe enough to rupture a cell, with consequent risk to the
operator and damage to the instrument.

DO NOT REMOVE the protective grid from Type 1
microphone capsules as this will expose the diaphragm,
which is extremely vulnerable to damage.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should these instruments be
cleaned using a solvent based cleaner.

Repairs of damage caused by a failure to observe these
warnings will NOT be covered by the normal warranty
conditions.

Notes !

The CEL-440 and CEL-480 are supplied complete with Type 1 or Type 2
Electret Microphones and have no need of a 200 V polarizing supply.
Therefore no such supply is available and it is safe to ignore the 200 V
polarising supply warnings shown on CEL-250 or MK 250 microphone
packaging.

Throughout this book, display screens that are available only on a
CEL-480 will be shown with a dashed - - - - outline.

CEL-440/480 Operators Handbook - Page 3

Contents

Improvements Introduced with V 2.0 Firmware

New Measurement Features:

1. The ability to perform “broadband” logging measurements in a
selected octave or third octave band.
This allows users of narrow band instruments to restrict broad­band measurement to any available frequency band, and log data
for all selected broadband parameters.

New Timer Features - CEL-480 only

2. A seventh set of Delay Timers.
This allows a different set of timers to be selected for each day
of the week.

3. A Repeat function for the Delay Timer.
This allows a week’s settings to be used up to 999 times.

Improved Display Features:

4. The number of tests the instrument has to perform is shown
during the self test routine so the user knows when it has got to
the end with no problems.

5. An indication of the last used setup during the startup procedure.

6. An additional line on menus showing the selection number and
the total number of choices available.
During a run, this line is inhibited to indicate that the items are not
changeable.

7. The option to store data or re-start the measurement when
is pressed at the end of each run.

8. Storage and print out of the last TWO sets of calibration data on
the default hard copy.
This allows the pre- and post-measurement calibrations to be
recorded.

9. The ability for scrolling to wrap-round when inspecting period data
stored on a CEL- 480.

10. The spectrum is left on screen when a narrow band frequency
scan finishes so the user can inspect it without having to recall it
from memory.

11. The ability to store Histogram data in the meter from the SETUP/
FUNCTIONS menu.

Page 4 - CEL-440/480 Operators Handbook

Contents

Contents

Chapter ................... Page

1. INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

1.1 Display & Keys .................... 7

1.2 Quick Edit ....................... 9

1.3 Install Microphone, Preamplifier & Batteries .... 10

1.4 Switch Instrument ON/OFF ............. 11

1.5 Description ..................... 12

1.6 CEL-440 Sound Level Meters ............ 14

1.7 CEL-480 Sound Level Meter ............ 16

1.8 Instrument Power Supplies ............. 16

1.9 dB21 & dB22 SoundTrack Software ........ 17

2. PRELIMINARY OPERATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

2.1 Select Instrument Configuration (Language,

Microphone Response Etc.) ............. 19

2.2 Perform Acoustic Calibration Check ........ 21

3. SELECT MEASUREMENT MODE & SETUP . . . . . 25

3.1 Select Measurement Mode

(Bandwidth & CEL-480 Run Timing) ........ 25

3.2 Select Measurement Setup

(Factory- or User-Prepared Setups) ......... 28

3.2.1 Select Broadband Measurement Setup ....... 28

3.2.2 Select Narrow Band Measurement Setup ..... 33

4. OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

4.1 Measurement .................... 37

4.1.1 Starting Measurement ............... 37

4.1.2 Broadband Measurement .............. 38

4.1.3 Narrow Band Measurement ............ 41

4.2 Recall Stored Data & Print Hard Copy ........ 44

4.3 Delete Stored Data ................. 48

4.4. Format Memory ................... 49

4.5 Use With Tape and DAT Recorders

(Including Calibration For Line Input) ........ 50

4.5.1 Recording ...................... 51

CEL-440/480 Operators Handbook - Page 5

Contents

Chapter ................... Page

4.5.2 Replay ........................ 52

5. SPECIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

5.1 CEL-440 ....................... 55

5.2 CEL-480 ....................... 61

5.3 Filter Scanning ................... 62

5.4 Compliance ................... 66

6. PARTS & WARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

6.1 Schedule of Parts .................. 67

6.2 Instrument Servicing & Warranty .......... 68

Getting Started

The following steps are suggested to get your CEL-440 or CEL-480
started.

1. Refer to Sections 1.1 and 1.2 to learn what is shown on the
display and how to use the Quick Edit function.

2. Install the microphone, preamplifier and batteries according to
Section 1.3.

3. Switch the instrument ON and follow the preliminary messages
as described in Section 1.4.
The messages indicate the instrument type and version.

4. Check “Hints for using Menus” between Chapters 1 and 2.

5. Select the display language and microphone response according
to Section 2.1.

6. Perform an acoustic calibration check as detailed in Section 2.2.

7. Select a bandwidth, run timing and pre-set measurement set-up
according to Chapter 3.

8. Start measurement and data logging as described in Section 4.1.

9. Recall stored data (and print) it according to Section 4.2.

10. Record data on a tape or DAT recorder and replay it as described
in Section 4.5.

Page 6 - CEL-440/480 Operators Handbook

Introduction

1. INTRODUCTION

Please read Sections 1.1 to 1.4 before commencing measurement. For a
quick introduction to instrument operations, Chapter 4 may be used as a
tutorial.

1.1 Display & Keys

Stop /Run /Pause indicator

(Instrument is in Run mode)

ØØØØ Ø:1Ø

L

AS

73.8dB

L

ASmx

LL

65.4dB 69.9dB

ASmn Zpk

30 100

L

Aeq

dB

69.4dB

Period number
Battery condition
Principal parameter
Principal level
Run-Time elapsed
Bandwidth
Icons showing active keys
Measurement/

Instrument information

Icon showing active (cursor) key
Analog display of SPL
Icon showing active (cursor) key

980014

MENU

DATA

Figure 1: Display & Key Identities

(Further icons may be shown during operation)

Switches instrument On/Off
Changes menu (=operating mode)
Enables Quick Edit function
Operates display back light
Move cursor (=select options)
Stops a measurement
Accesses stored data
Starts/Pauses/Restarts a

Measurement run

CEL-440/480 Operators Handbook - Page 7

Introduction

The broadband screen in Figure 1 shows one principal and four
subordinate parameters, where the principal parameter is a level as
identified below.

Frequency Weighting

Level

L

AS

The following frequency weightings may be shown:

A-, C- and Z- (Linear) weighted, where Linear (Z) weighting 20 Hz
to 20 kHz meets the tolerances of IEC 60651.

The following time weightings and other identities may be shown.

S Slow.
F Fast.

Time Weighting

I Impulse.

pk Peak.
mx Maximum.
mn Minimum.
eq Equivalent continuous level.
AV Average level.
Tm3 Taktmaximal 3 sek.
Tm5 Taktmaximal 5 sek.
EP,v L

TWAv Time Weighted Average is the normalised time

N Percentile sound level.
AE Sound exposure level.

based noise dose normalised to a user

eq

specified period of hours and minutes.
When the period is specified as 8 hours, this
measurement unit will be shown as EP,d.

averaged sound pressure level with the selected
frequency and time weighting that represents
the total average of a persons workplace noise
exposure averaged over a user specified period
of hours and minutes.
This unit of measurement is specified in the
USA: OSHA standard 1910-95 published in 1983.
When the period is specified as 8 hours, this
measurement unit will be shown as TWA.

980018

Page 8 - CEL-440/480 Operators Handbook

A

L

AS

Introduction

Stop

dB

100

Quick Edit

dB

100

Stop

dB

100

Run

dB

64.8dB

100

Press

Press

Press

980015

Change

Setting

30

L

AS

30

Highlight Parameter To Select It

L

CF

L

Cpk

L

CFmx

30

Other Parameters Will Have Changed

ØØØØ Ø:1Ø

L

ASmx

73.8dB

L

Cpk

L

CFmx

All Parameter Levels Are Shown In Run Mode

Figure 2: Quick edit functions

30

L

CFmn

L

Ceq

L

72.1dB 68.6dB

CFmn

L

Ceq

1.2 Quick Edit

All control functions for the CEL-440 and CEL-480 are accessed via menu
displays. In addition a powerful Quick Edit facility can be invoked by

the key to allow measurement parameters and settings to be
changed quickly and easily on screen. Figure 2 shows how the quick edit
function enables the cursor keys to edit the current settings.

1.3 Install Microphone, Preamplifier
& Batteries

With the instrument switched OFF, insert the connector on the
microphone/preamplifier unit into the socket in the cone at the top of the

CEL-440/480 Operators Handbook - Page 9

Introduction

instrument body. Face the red dot on the preamplifier to the front of the
instrument so that the key engages in a keyway in the socket to ensure
correct pin connection.

Serial Number Label

980016

Tripod Bush (1/4" Whit.)

Figure 3: Battery orientation

One cell installed with wrong polarity may still
allow the instrument to function, but can
cause overheating severe enough to rupture a
cell and damage the instrument.

preamplifier unit from the
instrument, pull on the
knurled sleeve.)

batteries (AA or equivalent)
into the battery
compartment in the rear of
the instrument (Figure 3).

inserted in the orientations
shown inside the
compartment.

(To disconnect the

Load four new 1.5 V

Make sure they are

1.4 Switch Instrument ON/OFF

1. Press to switch the instrument ON.

Early firmware may briefly show the last used screen if it has only
recently been switched OFF.

Inst. Type 440/480

CEL48ØA.1 vNN.NN
Preamp
I/O
Test
ID:

p-01

Page 10 - CEL-440/480 Operators Handbook

Type 1
None

16/1Ø

NNNNNN

Inst. Version A = Broadband

Firmware version
Interface status
Self test progress number
Inst. identification number

B = Octave band
C = Third octaves
1 = Type 1
2 = Type 2

Introduction

The instrument starts a series of self tests during which it
indicates the instrument type, firmware version, preamplifier
type and interface status.

13Jan98 1Ø:54:42
512Kb
1%
2
Format

p-02

At the end of the self test sequence, the instrument displays
memory information and battery voltage,

Memory
Full
Runs

Current date and time

Setup
User Setup 1
Press MENU
Key to Start

p-03

followed by the identity of the last used setup.

Last used setup
(Not shown before V 2.0 firm-

L

ZF

dB

Date and time of last calibration

Last Cal.
Ø9Jan98 12.22

p-04

Finally it enters calibration check mode (described in Chapter 2).

2. Press to switch the instrument OFF when all measurement,
setup and data recall operations are finished.

1.5 Description

Both the CEL-440 and CEL-480 Sound Level Meters are available as
Type 1 or Type 2 instruments to give an ability to make comprehensive

CEL-440/480 Operators Handbook - Page 11

Introduction

sound level measurements. The main difference between the CEL-440
and the CEL-480 is the additional timing facility built into the CEL-480.
This allows the instrument to operate with delayed run start and stop
times and for narrow band models to make repeated frequency scans.

Versions of both
instruments are available for
broadband measurement,
broadband plus octave band
measurement and
broadband, octave band and
third-octave band
measurement. Frequency
bands are scanned
sequentially, with scanning
controlled manually or
automatically.

To simplify
operation, frequently used
measurement setups can be
stored for re-use. The setup
memory can accommodate
one factory setup and up to
four user specified setups for each bandwidth.

Simple procedures allow a measurement setup to be selected
and the instrument to make the required measurements and save them
automatically in separate data memories for each bandwidth.

Data stored in the memory can be recalled to the display for
inspection, so that the operator can confirm that the results are valid
before leaving the test site. When the instrument is connected to a
Centronics printer, results can be printed out in a preset report format
together with the setup data.

The instruments can be operated and deliver adequate results
without the need for other equipment, beyond an acoustic calibrator. All
operations can be controlled via the instrument keypad and simple menu
options. Figure 4 shows the basic arrangement of the menu structure.

However, the instruments become even more versatile when
their measurement and setup data is downloaded to a PC using the

Type 1 and Type 2 Measurement
Broadband, Octave Band and Third

Octave Band versions
Simultaneous measurement of up to 13

parameters in broadband mode
Simultaneous measurement of up to 3

parameters in narrow band mode
All broadband parameters can be

measured in a selected narrow band

1

Quick Edit function for immediate
parameter change

One factory setup and up to four user
specified setups stored for each
bandwidth

Up to two profiles can be attached to
each measurement (CEL-480 only)

Note 1: Not available before V 2.0 firmware.

Page 12 - CEL-440/480 Operators Handbook

Main Menu

80043

g

Introduction

Measure

Mode

Setup

Calibration

Memory

Configure

Status

9

Set

Bandwidth

Select

Setup

Select

Input

View/

Delete

Date & Time
Memory Use
Battery Volta

Set

Timers

Set

Parameters

Calibrate

Select

Directory

PC Communications
Language
Backlight
Time & Date
Microphone Response

e

Run Timer
Delay Timers

SLM Parameters
Measurement Period
Functions
Dose Parameters
Profiles

Select

Data

Figure 4: Simplified menu structure

(Some of these options may not be available on all versions)

CEL-6726 dB21 or CEL-6727 dB22 Windows™ based software. This
software has the facilities expected of fully featured Windows™
packages offering post processing, cut and paste between applications
and comprehensive word processing capabilities. In addition, dB22 has
extensive on screen graphing facilities

These instruments are constructed to withstand some of the
toughest industrial conditions with cases formed from a
polyester/polycarbonate material used, giving them a high resistance to
damage. Data integrity is further protected by use of robust electret
microphones.

1.6 CEL-440 Sound Level Meters

The CEL-440 is ideal for on-site noise surveys and can also monitor
personal noise exposure in accordance with European ISO or USA OSHA
and DOD standards. The following weightings can be set:

RMS: A, C, Z (see section 1.1) weightings,

Peak: C, Z weightings,

CEL-440/480 Operators Handbook - Page 13

Introduction

Time: F (fast), S (slow), I (impulse),

Q: 3, 4, 5, 6 energy conversion factor.
Broadband models can measure all of the following parameters
simul-taneously.

L

AF

L

AFmx

L

AFmn

L

Aeq

L

AIeq

L

Zpk

L

AE

L

EP,v

L

Tm3

L

Tm5

L

AFNN.N

TWA

L

Avg

v

Sound level, with current weightings (A and F
are shown),
Maximum level, with current weightings,
Minimum level, with current weightings,
Equivalent continuous level, with current
frequency weighting,
Equivalent continuous level, with impulse
weighting,
Linear peak,
Sound exposure level (sometimes known as SEL),
Noise dose normalised to a user selected
(variable) period of hours and minutes,
When the period is set to 8 hours, this will be
shown as L

EP,d

.
Cumulative average of fast weighted maximum
values taken over 3 s periods (Taktmaximal 3),
Cumulative average of fast weighted maximum
values taken over 5 s periods (Taktmaximal 5),
Five percentile values using current weightings
with values between 0.0% and 99.9% that can
be set by the user,
Time Weighted Average is the normalised time
averaged sound pressure level with the selected
frequency and time weighting that represents
the total L

of a person’s workplace noise

Avg

exposure averaged over a user selected
(variable) period of hours and minutes.
This unit is specified in the USA: OSHA standard
1910-95 published in 1983. When the period is
set to 8 hours, the unit will be shown as TWA.
Average level over the measurement period.

Narrow band models can measure and scan the following parameters
simultaneously.

Page 14 - CEL-440/480 Operators Handbook

Introduction

L

AF

L

AFmx

L

Aeq

All sound level measurement parameters can be set from the keypad
and there are seven overlapping measurement ranges at 10 dB steps
between 10-80 dB and 70-140 dB.

Sound level, with current weightings (A and F
are shown),
Maximum level, with current weightings,
Equivalent continuous level, with current
frequency weighting.

1.7 CEL-480 Sound Level Meter

The CEL-480 is recommended for detailed measurements as, in addition
to the CEL-440 capabilities described above, it features automatic run
timing and scanning facilities controlled by the built-in clock. This allows
it to operate with user preset run durations or start and stop times.

There are time-history recording capabilities that allow up to two
profiles to be saved with each result set in a separate profile store.
Sampling periods can be specified between 1 second and 1 hour, while
profile storage is in excess of 200 000 data points.

1.8 Instrument Power Supplies

All of these instruments are powered by a set of of four standard AA size
batteries located in a compartment in the back of the instrument case,
and it is recommended that alkaline IEC Type LR6 be used.

Rechargeable nickel cadmium batteries may also be employed,
but will give a shorter operating life. Zinc carbon batteries are NOT
recommended. If there is doubt whether the batteries will be able to
power the instrument for the start and stop times set, or when
measurements are needed over long periods, the instrument can be
powered directly from an external 12 V DC supply without the need to
remove the internal batteries.

DAMAGE to the instrument will occur if an

external power supply exceeds 14 V DC. The

nominal external supply is 12 V DC.

CEL-440/480 Operators Handbook - Page 15

Introduction

External power for the instrument is supplied via a 2.1 mm co-axial 2-line
D.C. connector in the bottom of the instrument case. Terminal polarity is
+12 V DC on the tip and 0 V DC ground on the sleeve.

A Casella CEL Universal Power Supply (-PC18) may be used to
power the instruments from nominal 110-240 V 50/60 Hz mains supplies.
To prevent loss of data should an external power supply be interrupted
for any reason during measurement, it is recommended that a usable set
of batteries be kept in the instrument.

In general, download all important data and remove the batteries
from the instruments when they are to be out of use for some time.

Note that when an instrument is returned to battery operation
after being powered from an external supply, either: switch the
instrument OFF then ON again, or: disconnect ALL devices from the DC
input socket, in order to avoid additional discharging of the internal
batteries.

The instrument contains a built in Lithium battery to maintain
stored data and setups for periods while the main batteries are absent.

1.9 dB21 & dB22 SoundTrack Software

The CEL-6726 dB21 and CEL-6727 dB22 Software enable data collected
by the CEL-440 and CEL-480 to be downloaded to a PC for storage,
manipulation and the production of reports. Data can be exported in
ASCII format to proprietary word processing software, while profile and
statistical data can be exported as tab-delimited text files suitable for use
with spreadsheets such as Lotus 123™ (Release 2 or later) and MS
Excel™.

In general, dB22 offers similar manipulation and reporting
capabilities to dB21, with the addition of on-screen graphing and
reporting facilities.

dB21/22 software offer NO ON-LINE CONTROL.

dB21 software offers NO GRAPHICAL

capabilities; any graphing that may be required

must be accomplished within a spreadsheet.

®

The dB21 and dB22 Software runs under MS Windows
advantage of the control facilities offered by the environment, so that
once installed, users with a modest knowledge of Windows will find

Page 16 - CEL-440/480 Operators Handbook

taking

Introduction

many operations are performed almost instinctively with a minimum of
learning time.

Downloading is performed under the control of the PC. Data
from each of the measurement runs in the analyser is transferred as a
series of associated datafiles together with a note file in which
comments and information can be written. Once downloaded, the user
can display the following information:

¤ Run summary for each run,

¤ Data file,

¤ Up to two profiles for each run,

¤ Notepad for user-entered notes.

CEL-440/480 Operators Handbook - Page 17

Introduction

1. and displayed on a

2. In general, and keys move the

3. In general, and keys change the

4. at the bottom of a menu list indicates

5. An indication such as 3/5 at the bottom

6. Settings left highlighted on a menu

Hints For Using Menus

menu show which option keys are active.

reverse video cursor from field to field.

entry in the cursor field.

there may be further options.

2

of a menu
selected from 5 available.

screen become the active options.

shows that option 3 has been

Note 2: Not available before V 2.0 firmware.

Page 18 - CEL-440/480 Operators Handbook

The illustrations in this book are for full featured
instruments, other instruments may offer fewer or
no options.

Setup

Preliminary Operations

2. PRELIMINARY OPERATIONS

2.1 Select Instrument Configuration

(Language, Microphone Response Etc.)

Select the language in which the instrument will present menu options.
This should be the first operation so that the displays and options will be
understood.

Similarly, to get the most accurate results, these instruments
must be operated with a known microphone directional response and be
calibrated for this response.

When the language and microphone response are known to be
correct for the proposed measurement task, go directly to Section 6
Calibration Check.

European IEC standards require measurements to be performed
with microphones that have a Free Field response, while the U.S.A.
ANSI standards require Random Incidence microphones. The
microphone response is set via the same Configuration menu.

Normally, these more permanent characteristics will need to be
set only once, as the instrument will store the settings and use them the
next time it is switched on.

Proceed as follows.

Operation Press Display Shows Comments

1. Switch the
instrument
ON

2. Select the
Main menu

MENU

2 times

L

ZF

Last Cal.
Ø9Jan98 12.22

k-01

Measure Mode

Setup

Calibration
Memory

k-02

2/6

Start up messages are
displayed that include:
Instrument Type,

dB

Firmware Version, Etc.
Finally, the Configuration
screen is displayed with
Battery Voltage, followed by
the Calibration check screen
showing the current sound
level and details of the last
calibration.

This is the Main menu.
It gives access to further
menus that select:
Measurement Mode,
Measurement Setup,
Calibration Sequence,
Data Recall from Memory,
Instrument Configuration,
Status.

CEL-440/480 Operators Handbook - Page 19

Français

Preliminary Operations

Operation Press Display Shows Comments

3. Select the
Configure
option

or

Setup

Move the reverse video
cursor to the required line.

Calibration
Memory

Configure

4. Move to
the
Configure
menu

5. Select the
Language
option

k-03

RS232 Comms

Language
Backlight
Time & Date

k-04

or

RS232 Comms

5/6

1/5

This menu allows the
following items to be set:
RS232 Communication Baud
rates from 1200 to 19200,
Menu Language,
Backlighting Durations of 1,
5, 10, 15, 30 s or OFF,
Instrument Time & Date,
Microphone Response Free
Field or Random.

Move the reverse video
cursor to the required line.

Language

Backlight
Time & Date

6. Move to
the
Language
menu

7. Select the
required
language

k-05

English

Français
Deutsch
Italiano

k-06

or

English

Français

Deutsch

2/5

1/5

This menu allows the
following languages to be
selected for menu
presentation:
English,
Français,
Deutsch,
Italiano,
Español.

The highlighted language
will be used for menu
presentation.
This setting will also be
stored and used next time
the instrument is switched
on.

Italiano

k-07

2/5

Press to return to the
Configuration menu.

Page 20 - CEL-440/480 Operators Handbook

Preliminary Operations

Operation Press Display Shows Comments

8. Select the required microphone response (and other
configuration items) in the same way.

Date and time are set using the quick edit function as
follows.

9. Select the date and time option by moving the reverse
video cursor to the required line on the Configure menu.

10. Move to
Date and
Time menu

12

Jan

Mon 1998

The highlighted entries will
be used.
These settings will also be
stored and used next time
the instrument is switched
on.

This menu allows the time
and date to be set.

Ø9:51:27

11. When the
date and
time are to
be changed

12. Return to
the Main
menu

k-09

Mon 1998

k-10

MENU

2 times

1/2

Jan

12

Ø9:51:27

1/2

This enables the quick edit
function.

Use and to select a
field, and and to

change the entry.
The day will be determined
automatically from the date
and month entries.

Press again to save
the date and time.

All of the configuration settings that have been left highlighted on the
menu screens, plus any changes to the time and date, will be stored for
use next time the instrument is switched on.

2.2 Perform Acoustic Calibration Check

The calibration level indicated by the instrument will depend on the
microphone response set. Therefore, an acoustic calibration check
should be performed only when the microphone response is correct for
the required task. When the calibration is known to be acceptable, press

MENU

once to obtain a Measurement screen or twice to obtain the Main

menu that gives access to all settings and stored data.

CEL-440/480 Operators Handbook - Page 21