General Tools DSM8930 User Manual

DIGITAL SOUND LEVEL

METER

USER’S MANUAL

DSM8930

Please read this manual carefully and thoroughly before using this product.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 –3

Key Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

What’s in the Blister Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Product Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 –5

Setup Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Install Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 –8

Making Basic Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 –7

Tracking MIN and MAX Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 –8

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Maintenance Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 – 11

Return for Repair Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing General Tools & Instruments’
DSM8930 Digital Sound Level Meter. Please read this user’s
manual carefully and thoroughly before using the instrument.

The DSM8930 uses an integrated condenser microphone to
measure the noise level of an environment or the loudness of
a machine, typically in order to comply with health and/or
safety rules. The meter has a measurement range of
40 to 130 dB over four ranges, an accuracy of ±2 dB,

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and a digital display resolution of 0.1dB. Real-time
measurements are shown on a green backlit LCD in two
forms: as a three- or four-digit dB value, and as a moving
vertical line on a horizontal analog bar graph.

Several features improve the meter’s versatility. Among them
are “A” frequency weighting and “fast” (125 ms) time
response. The meter can display real-time readings or the
minimum or maximum sound levels measured since being
powered on.

Physical features of the DSM8930 include a wind shield ball
and an analog output jack for connecting to a chart recorder.

The DSM8930 is powered by one “9V” battery (included).

KEY FEATURES

• Measures sound level of a machine or an environment

• Meets IEC651 TYPE 2 and ANSI S1.4 TYPE 2 standards

• Large backlit LCD + analog bar graph

• “A” frequency weighting and fast time weighting

• Autoranging

• Tracks and displays maximum and minimum readings

• 20-minute Auto Power Off

• Analog output for chart recording

• Includes wind shield ball

• Powered by one “9V” battery (included)

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WHAT’S IN THE BLISTER PACK

The DSM8930 comes fully assembled in a blister pack along
with a wind shield ball, one “9V” battery and this user’s
manual.

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

Figure 1 shows all of the controls, indicators and connectors
on the front, bottom and right side of the DSM8930. Figure 2
shows all text and icons that could appear on the LCD.
Familiarize yourself with the positions and functions of these
symbols and structures before moving on to the Setup
Instructions.

Fig. 1. The DSM8930’s controls,

display and connectors

A. Wind shield ball covering

Electret microphone
B. LCD

C. (Power on/off),

MIN and MAX buttons
D. Battery compartment
E. Audio output jack

A

B

E
C

D

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