Extech SDL600 Operating Manual

User's Guide

Sound Level Meter

SD Card real-time Datalogger

Model SDL600

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the Extech SDL600 Sound Level Meter. This meter displays and stores sound level readings in the 30 to 130 db range. The SDL600meets ANSI and IEC 61672 class 2 standards and includes ‘A’ and ‘C’ frequency weighting and FAST and SLOW response time. Logged data readings are stored on an SD card for transfer to a PC. This meter is shipped fully tested and calibrated and, with proper use, will provide years of reliable service.

Safety

International Safety Symbols

This symbol, adjacent to another symbol or terminal, indicates the user must refer to the manual for further information.

Meter Description

1. Windscreen microphone cover

2. Microphone

3. LCD display

4. Power ON-OFF

key

5. SET and Clock

6. Up arrow ▲ / RANGE key

7. Down arrow ▼ / FUNCTION key

8. ENTER and LOG key

9. SD card slot

10. Power Adaptor jack

11. PC interface jack

12. 94dB Calibration potentiometer

13. AC voltage output (retransmission)

14. MAX-MIN key

15. HOLD and Backlight

Notes:

Items 10 through 13 are located behind the snap-off compartment cover on meter’s right side.

Battery compartment, tilt stand, and tripod mount are located on the rear of the instrument

key

7 8

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15 14

Getting Started

Accessories

• The SDL600 includes batteries, SD card, windscreen, and carry case. If items are missing please contact the distributor through which this product was purchased

• An optional AC adaptor is available through Extech distributors

• Optional sound level calibrators are available through Extech distributors. Calibrators are highly

recommended for best accuracy and repeatability.

Power ON-OFF

• Press and hold the power button

• Press and hold the power button for 1.5 seconds to power OFF the meter.

• This meter is powered by six (6) 1.5VDC ‘AA’ batteries or by optional AC adaptor. If the meter

will not switch ON please check that fresh batteries are installed in the rear battery compartment or, in the case of the AC adaptor, check that the adaptor is connected correctly to the meter and to an AC source.

for at least 1.5 seconds to power ON the meter.

Operation

Measurement Considerations

1. Wind blowing across the microphone increases the noise measurement. Use the supplied

windscreen to cover the microphone when applicable.

2. Calibrate the instrument before each use if possible. 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.

4. Keep meter and microphone dry.

5. Avoid severe vibration. Protect the meter from impact. Do not drop it. Transport the meter in

the supplied case.

6. Remove the battery when the meter is to be stored for long periods of time.

Basic Operation

1. Turn the meter ON by pressing and holding the

2. The meter defaults to AUTO RANGE, ‘A’ Frequency Weighting, and ‘FAST’ Time Response.

3. Select ‘A’ or ‘C” frequency weighting in the SETUP Mode.

4. Select ‘Fast’ or ‘Slow’ response time by pressing and holding the FUNCTION button. Release

the button when the desired setting is displayed. Note that the PEAK HOLD mode of operation is also accessed in this way.

5. Hold the meter in hand or use the tripod mount to affix the meter in the desired location.

6. To select the range, press and hold the RANGE button until the desired range is shown

(AUTO, 30 to 80, 50 to 100, or 80 to 130db). Use a range that puts the sound level reading in the center of the range. If dashes appear on the display select a new range if possible. Note that the overall range of the instrument is 30 to 130 db.

7. The sound level reading is shown in large digits at the center of the LCD.

8. To turn the meter off, press and hold the

button for 1.5 seconds.

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Frequency Weighting ‘A’ and ‘C’

Select ‘A’ or ‘C’ frequency weighting in the SETUP Mode. With ‘A’ weighting selected, the frequency response of the meter is similar to the response of the human ear. ‘A’ weighting is commonly used for environmental or hearing conservation programs such as OSHA regulatory testing and noise ordinance law enforcement. ‘C’ weighting is a much flatter response and is suitable for the sound level analysis of machines, engines, etc. Most noise measurements are performed using 'A' Weighting and SLOW Response.

Response Time ‘FAST’ and ‘SLOW’

Press and hold the FUNCTION button until the desired response time (FAST or SLOW) is shown; . Select FAST to capture noise peaks and noises that occur very quickly. Select the SLOW response to monitor a sound source that has a consistent noise level or to average quickly changing levels. Select SLOW response for most applications.

Display Backlight

To turn the display backlight ON or OFF, press and hold the backlight seconds.

Data Hold

To freeze a displayed reading on the LCD, momentarily press the HOLD button (the HOLD display icon will appear). To release the held reading, press the HOLD button again.

Peak Hold

To capture and freeze a noise peak, press and hold the FUNCTION button until the PEAK icon is displayed on upper left-hand corner of the LCD. In this mode, the displayed reading will only change when a higher sound peak is captured. To exit this mode, press and hold the FUNCTION button until the PEAK icon switches off.

Max-Min Reading Record and Recall

For a given measurement session, this meter can record the highest (MAX) and the lowest (MIN) readings for later recall.

1. Press the MAX-MIN button momentarily to access this mode of operation (REC icon appears) the meter is now recording the MAX and MIN readings.

2. Press the MAX-MIN button again to view the current MAX reading (MAX icon appears). The reading on the display is now the highest reading encountered since the REC icon was switched on (when the MAX-MIN button was first pressed).

3. Press the MAX-MIN button again to view the current MIN reading (MIN icon appears). The reading on the display is now the lowest reading encountered since the REC icon was switched on (when the MAX-MIN button was first pressed).

4. To exit the MAX-MIN mode, press and hold the MAX-MIN button for at least 1.5 seconds. The meter will beep, the REC-MAX-MIN icons will switch off, the MAX-MIN memory will clear, and the meter will return to the normal operating mode.

button for at least 1.5

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