
Instruction Manual
MODEL 407736
Digital Sound Level Meter
• 1.5 dB accuracy meets ANSI and IEC 651
Type II standards
• A/C weighting & Fast/Slow response
• Built-in calibration check
• 0.1dB resolution
1. INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the Extech Model 407736 Digital Sound Level Meter.
This professional meter, with proper care, will provide years of safe reliable service.
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2. SPECIFICATIONS
Display 3-1/2 digit (2000 count) LCD
Display update rate 0.5 seconds
Mi crophone 0.5” Electret condensor-type
Measurement Bandwidth 31.5Hz to 8KHz
Dynamic range 55dB
Measurement Range 35 to 130dB
(Lo: 35 to 90; Hi: 75 to 130dB)
Frequency weighting ‘A’ and ‘C’
Applicable standards IEC-651 & ANSI S1.4 Type 2
Accuracy / Resolution ± 1.5dB / 0.1dB
Maximum hold decay time <1dB / 3min
Response time Fast: 125ms / Slow: 1 second
Built-in calibration check 1KHz internal sine wave @ 94dB
AC Analog output
DC Analog output
0.65VAC rms (full scale); 600Ω output impedance
10mVDC / dB; 100Ω output impedance (approx).
Power 9V Battery (006P or 6F22)
Battery life 50 hours typical
Operating temperature 32 to 104oF (0 to 40oC)
Operating humidity 10 to 90% RH
Dimensions/weight 9.45x2.68x1” (240x68x25mm) / 6.75oz (210g)
3. METER DESCRIPTION
1. Microphone
2. LCD display
3. POWER OFF & RANGE select switch
4. RESPONSE & HOLD select switch
5. A/C weighting and Calibration switch
6. Calibration adjust screw for 94dB
7. Reset key (resets max hold reading)
8. AC/DC analog output 3.5mm phone jack
9. Battery compartment on rear of meter
Note: The threaded tripod mount screw hole is on the
center rear of the meter (not shown).
4. METER OPERATION
4.1 Quick Start
1. Power the meter by moving the RANGE switch to the LO or HI range position, the meter
will begin measuring sound levels. If the LCD does not display, check the battery.
2. Place the meter on a tripod via the tripod mount on the rear of the meter or hold the
meter in hand to take noise measurements.
3. Point the microphone toward the source of the sound level to be measured and view the
reading on the meter’s LCD. An indication of ‘OVER’ means that the measurement is out
of range, try selecting the other measurement range.
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4.2 ‘A’ and ‘C’ Weighting. Select ‘A’ or ‘C’ Weighting via the FUNCT switch. Use ‘A’
weighting to have the meter respond as the human ear would with regard to frequency
response (the human ear boosts and cuts amplitude over the frequency spectrum
therefore it is not ‘flat’ responding). ‘A’ weighting is used for environmental measurements,
OSHA regulatory testing, law enforcement, and workplace design. Select ‘C’ weighting for
flat response measurements (no amplitude boost or cut across the frequency spectrum).
‘C’ weighting is suitable for the sound level analysis of machines, engines, etc.
4.3 FAST/SLOW Response Time. Select either FAST (125msec response) or SLOW (1sec
response) measurement mode via the RESPONSE switch. Selection of Fast or Slow is
determined by the application and any directives or standards related to that application.
For example, most hearing conservation or OSHA related testing is done using SLOW
mode and A weighting.
4.4 MAX HOLD. In this mode, the meter takes continuous measurements and only updates
the LCD when a higher reading than the one presently on the display is detected. Select
MAX HOLD using the RESPONSE switch. The LCD will reflect the MAX HOLD function.
Press the RESET key to reset the MAX HOLD reading.
4.5 Analog Outputs. The meter includes an AC and a DC analog output for use with chart
recorders, dataloggers, etc. The AC output is 0.65V rms full scale and the DC output is
10mV per dB. The 3.5mm output mini-jack is located on the right side of the instrument.
Configure a mini-plug for use with AC, DC, or both as shown in the diagram below:
This is a diagram of a 3.5mm phone plug used to connect to the meter. Select the output
wires (referenced to ground) corresponding to the AC, DC, or both signals to connect to
chart recorders, dataloggers, etc.
5. MEASUREMENT CONSIDERATIONS
1. Wind blowing across the microphone adds extraneous noise to the readout. Use the
supplied windscreen to cover the microphone in windy conditions.
2. Calibrate the instrument before using it. Especially if the meter has not been used for
a long period of time.
3. Do not store or operate the instrument in areas of high temperature or humidity for
long periods of time.
4. Keep meter and microphone dry.
5. Avoid severe vibration when using the meter.
6. Remove the battery when the meter is not expected to be used for long periods of
time.
6. BATTERY REPLACEMENT
When the low battery message appears on the LCD, the 9V battery has fallen to a
critically low voltage level and should be replaced as soon as possible. The battery
compartment cover resides at the bottom, rear of the meter. Slide the battery compartment
cover off, change the battery, and replace the compartment cover.
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7. CALIBRATION CHECK
This meter provides a built-in calibration check. The calibration screw adjustment is
located on the front panel under the FUNCT switch. Put the FUNCT switch to the CAL
94dB position and adjust the screw with a small tweaking tool for a display of exactly
94dB. For calibration with an external sound level calibrator, refer to the instructions
accompanying the calibrator.
8. REPAIR AND CALIBRATION SERVICES
Extech offers complete repair and calibration services for all of the products we sell. For
periodic calibration, NIST certification or repair of any Extech product, call customer
service for details on services available. Extech recommends that calibration be performed
on an annual basis to insure calibration integrity.
9. WARRANTY
EXTECH INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION warrants the basic instrument to be free of
defects in parts and workmanship for one year from date of shipment (a six month limited
warranty applies on sensors and cables). If it should become necessary to return the
instrument for service during or beyond the warranty period, contact the Customer Service
Department at (781) 890-7440 ext. 210 for authorization. A Return Authorization (RA)
number must be issued before any product is returned to Extech. The sender is
responsible for shipping charges, freight, insurance and proper packaging to prevent
damage in transit. This warranty does not apply to defects resulting from action of the user
such as misuse, improper wiring, operation outside of specification, improper maintenance
or repair, or unauthorized modification. Extech specifically disclaims any implied
warranties or merchantability or fitness for a specific purpose and will not be liable for any
direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages. Extech's total liability is limited to
repair or replacement of the product. The warranty set forth above is inclusive and no
other warranty, whether written or oral, is expressed or implied.
Copyright © 1999 Extech Instruments Corporation. All rights reserved including the
right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form.
Tech Support Hotlines
781-890-7440 ext. 200
extech@extech.com
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10. TYPICAL A WEIGHT SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS
dBA
50HP Siren (100')
Jet takeoff (200')
Riveting machine
Subway (20')
Pneumatic drill (50')
Vacuum cleaner (10')
Large store
Small office
Night residential area
Whisper (5'0)
Threshold of hearing
140
130
120
110
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Chain saw
Boiler room
Freight train (100')
Speech (1')
Large Office
Residence
Sound studio
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