Greenlee SML-200 Instruction Manual

999 3810.3 © 2000 Greenlee Textron IM 1485 11/00

SML-200

SOUND LEVEL

METER

AND LOGGER

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Read and understand all of the instructions
and safety information in this manual before
operating or servicing this tool.

2

KEEP THIS MANUAL

Table of Contents

Description .................................................................................................................................. 3

Safety .......................................................................................................................................... 3

Purpose....................................................................................................................................... 3

Important Safety Information ................................................................................................. 4–5

Identification ............................................................................................................................... 6

Display Icons .............................................................................................................................. 7

Using the Features ...................................................................................................................... 8

Meter Operation .......................................................................................................................... 9

Setting Up Sound Meter ............................................................................................................. 9

Installing Sound Meter Software ............................................................................................ 9

Connecting to a PC ................................................................................................................. 9

Running Sound Meter ......................................................................................................... 10–11

Panel Features ................................................................................................................ 10–11

Using Graphs ...................................................................................................................... 12–13

Graph Features...................................................................................................................... 12

Setting the Number of Records and Range from a List ....................................................... 13

Setting the Number of Records Displayed for Real-time Data ............................................. 13

Using Lists .......................................................................................................................... 14–15

List Features ......................................................................................................................... 14

Saving Data to a File ............................................................................................................. 15

Internal Logging.................................................................................................................. 16–17

Setting the Date and Time .................................................................................................... 16

Setting the Sample Rate ....................................................................................................... 16

Logger Features .................................................................................................................... 17

Assigning an ID Code to the Meter ....................................................................................... 17

Downloading from the Meter .................................................................................................... 18

Viewing Data from the Meter ................................................................................................ 18

Clearing the Memory ............................................................................................................ 18

Using Sound Meter for Real-time Recording ........................................................................... 19

Setting the Sampling Time for Real-time Recording ............................................................ 19

Recording Real-time Data into the PC .................................................................................. 19

Using Saved Data ...................................................................................................................... 20

Opening a File in Sound Meter ............................................................................................. 20

Importing a File into Excel .................................................................................................... 20

Specifications...................................................................................................................... 21–22

Maintenance .............................................................................................................................. 23

Battery Replacement .............................................................................................................23

Cleaning ................................................................................................................................23

Lifetime Limited Warranty ........................................................................................................ 24

SML-200

3

Description

The Greenlee SML-200 Sound Level Meter and Logger is a hand-held testing device intended
to measure and log sound levels from 30 dB to 130 dB and from 31.5 Hz to 8 kHz. The
frequency-weighted response and response times are in accordance with the requirements of
IEC 651/ANSI S1.4 for Type 2 sound level meters.

The SML-200 includes an RS-232 interface cable and software to download, view, and store
recorded data to a PC and to set the date and time in the unit. While the meter is connected to
a PC, users can view and record real-time data. Once stored on the PC, the file can be
imported into spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel®.

Specialized functions and capabilities include:

• Two measurement scales: A-weighted for common sounds and C-weighted for low

frequency sounds

• Two display modes: SPL (the instantaneous sound pressure level, which is updated

regularly) and MAX (the maximum sound pressure level, which is updated only when a new
maximum is measured)

• Built-in memory that can store up to 16,000 measurements

• Adjustable sampling rate

• Tripod mount

• AC and DC signal output for interfacing with a frequency analyzer, level record, FFT analyzer,

graphic recorder, etc.

• DC input terminal for use with an external AC-to-DC adapter (purchased separately)

Safety

Safety is essential in the use and maintenance of Greenlee tools and equipment. This
instruction manual and any markings on the tool provide information for avoiding hazards and
unsafe practices related to the use of this tool. Observe all of the safety information provided.

Purpose

This instruction manual is intended to familiarize all personnel with the safe operation and
maintenance procedures for the Greenlee SML-200 Sound Level Meter and Logger.

Keep this manual available to all personnel.
Replacement manuals are available upon request at no charge.
Greenlee and are registered trademarks of Greenlee Textron.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines.
Windows and Excel are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

4

Important Safety Information

Read and understand this material before operating or servicing

this equipment. Failure to understand how to safely operate this
tool can result in an accident causing serious injury or death.

This symbol is used to call your attention to hazards or unsafe practices which could
result in an injury or property damage. The signal word, defined below, indicates the
severity of the hazard. The message after the signal word provides information for
preventing or avoiding the hazard.

SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL

Immediate hazards which, if not avoided, WILL result in severe injury or death.

Hazards which, if not avoided, COULD result in severe injury or death.

Hazards or unsafe practices which, if not avoided, MAY result in injury or property
damage.

SML-200

5

Important Safety Information

• Do not attempt to repair this unit. It contains no user-serviceable parts.

• Do not expose the unit to extremes in temperature or high humidity.
See Specifications.

Failure to observe these precautions can result in injury and can damage the unit.

• Do not operate with the case open.

• Before opening the case, shut off the unit.

Failure to observe these warnings can result in severe injury or death.

Electric shock hazard:
Contact with live circuits can result in severe injury or death.

Electric shock and fire hazard:

• Do not expose this unit to rain or moisture.

• Do not use the unit if it is wet or damaged.

• Inspect the accessory cable before use. It must be clean and dry, and the insulation
must be in good condition.

• Use this unit for the manufacturer’s intended purpose only, as described in this
manual. Any other use can impair the protection provided by the unit.

Failure to observe these warnings can result in severe injury or death.

6

Identification

1. Windscreen

2. Electret condenser microphone

3. LCD and bar graph display

4. Power button to turn power
on or off

5. LEVEL selector to select a
measurement range

6. FAST/SLOW selector and
RECORD button

7. A/C and RESET button

8. MAX button

9. Power supply input terminal for
an external power supply

10. Calibration screw—factory use
only (requires external sound
source to calibrate)

11. DC output terminal

12. AC output terminal

13. Tripod mount—1/4–20 UNC
thread

14. RS-232 port for personal
computer interface connection

1

2

3

4

5

6

14

7

8

9

10

12

13

11

SML-200

7

Display Icons

15. MAX The maximum sound pressure level is displayed

16. Battery low

17. SPL Instantaneous sound pressure level is displayed

18. DATE Date is shown on TIME/DATE display

19. l Bar graph element

20. 50 The lower limit of the selected measurement scale

21. The measured value is too low for the selected scale

22. FAST Fast time weighting

23. SLOW Slow time weighting

24. The measured value is too high for the selected scale

25. 100 The upper limit of the selected measurement scale

26. TIME Time is shown on TIME/DATE display

27. 94.0 The sound pressure level measurement

28. A or C The selected weighting scale

29. dB Decibels (the measurement unit of sound pressure)

30. FULL Indicates that the memory is full

31. RECORD Indicates that recording is in process

32. 10÷10÷00 TIME/DATE display

17

18

20
19

21 22 23 24

16 15 3132 30

25

26

28
29

27

8

Using the Features

• Range Selection Press LEVEL or LEVEL to change the measurement range. The

ranges are as follows:
30 dB to 80 dB

40 dB to 90 dB
50 dB to 100 dB
60 dB to 110 dB
70 dB to 120 dB
80 dB to 130 dB

“UNDER” displays when the sound level is below the range selected.

• MAX Press to display maximum sound level. The display will hold the maximum sound

level; the display will be updated only when a new maximum is measured. Press again to go
back to instantaneous sound level; the display will be updated regularly.

• A/C Press to select either the A-weighted scale or the C-weighted scale.

• RESET Use this button to clear the memory. Press and hold RESET, and then turn the unit

on. Every element will appear on the display and then “dEL” will appear.

• FAST/SLOW Press to select time weighting. Use FAST to capture peak readings. Use SLOW

to measure average sound level.

• RECORD Press and hold for approximately 3 seconds to begin logging the measurement

data. “RECORD” flashes on the display. When memory is full, “FULL” is displayed. Press
again to stop logging.

Note: While recording data, all other function buttons are disabled.

• Windscreen Slide the windscreen over the end of the microphone to reduce interference

from wind. The windscreen is recommended when wind speed exceeds 10 meters per
second (20 miles per hour).

• Tripod Mount Mount the unit to a tripod (purchased separately) for long-term

measurements.

SML-200

9

Meter Operation

1. Press to turn the unit on. The display should appear as follows:

•“SL.F” indicates that the unit is performing a self-test

•“PA.S” indicates that the unit passed the self-test

• 40 to 90 dB range selected

• A three-digit or four-digit number (the sound level)

If the unit does not function as expected, replace the batteries.
If the unit still does not function as expected, send the unit to Greenlee for repair.

2. Use any or all of the other four buttons to select the various options (described under
Using the Features): LEVEL, MAX, A/C, FAST/SLOW, or RECORD.

3. Read the display.

4. Press to turn the unit off.

Setting Up Sound Meter

The Sound Meter software allows you to download, view, erase, and store recorded data, and
to set the date and time in the meter. While the meter is connected to a PC, users can view and
record real-time data.

Installing Sound Meter Software

1. Start the PC and Windows®.

2. Close all open applications.

3. Insert the SML-200 Sound Meter disk in the 3.5" drive.

4. Click the Windows Start button and click Run.

5. In the Run text box, type: A:\setup where “A” is the letter of your 3.5" disk drive.

6. Press ENTER.

7. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Connecting to a PC

1. Turn the SML-200 off.

2. Gently pry off the RS-232 port cover at the end of the meter.

3. Securely connect the RS-232, 9-pin male connector to the SML-200.

4. With the PC turned off, securely connect the other end of the cable to COM1 or COM2 of
the PC.

10

Running Sound Meter

The SML-200 must be connected to the PC in order to open the Sound Meter program, and
the meter must be turned on.

1. Open the Sound Meter program. The COM Port dialog box appears.

Note: If the meter is not turned on or the cable is not connected properly, Sound Meter
will not function.

2. Click the COM port that the meter is connected to. The Panel dialog box appears. Refer to
the Panel Features section for a description of each function.

Panel Features

Meter Emulation

• SML-200 Image Replicates the front of the SML-200. Values are shown as numeric and

graph form in real time. All buttons except are active and allow you to remotely operate
the meter. See Using the Features.

SML-200

11

Panel Features (cont’d)

View, Print, Save, Real-time Data

• GRAPH Clicking this button shows real-time data in graph form. See Using Graphs.

• LIST Clicking this button shows real-time data in a list. See Using Lists.

• ANALOG Clicking this button displays the real-time data on an analog meter.

• MIN Shows the minimum dB value of the real-time data.

• RESET Clears and replaces the minimum and maximum sound level real-time values that

are being measured.

• MAX Shows the maximum sound level value of the real-time data.

Note: The sample rate for the Graph and List displays are shown in the Sampling Time text
box. See PC Sampling below to change this time.

Log Real-time Data to a PC

• PC SAMPLING Allows you to change the sampling time for logging and for the List and

Graph real-time displays.

• SAMPLING TIME Shows the current sample rate that the sound level values are recording.

Time is entered in seconds.

Note: The file must be open to start recording—it starts empty.

• SAVE AS Use to name files for data logging.

• OPEN FILE Opens a standard Windows Open dialog box. Used to open saved data files.

• FILE NAME Displays the file name of the recording data. Files should be stored with a .dat

extension.

• START RECORDING Click to start recording directly to the PC through the connected meter.

• STOP RECORDING Click to stop recording when using the PC to record through the

connected meter.

Set Up Meter for Internal Data Logging

• MEMORY Opens the Logger dialog box. See the Internal Logging section.

System Functions and Displays

• SYSTEM TIME SET Sets the SML-200 date and time to match the PC’s configuration.

• TIME Shows the current time of the meter in 24-hour mode.

• EXIT Closes the program.

12

Using Graphs

Graphs can be accessed from the Panel dialog box or from the GRAPH menu command on List
dialog boxes. The title of the graph changes depending on where it is accessed. For example,
the graph’s title is REC_GRAPH when it is accessed from the REC_LIST dialog box. The menu
commands on the graphs are essentially the same with minor differences.

Clicking GRAPH on a List menu bar displays the data from the list in a graph.
If you click GRAPH on the Panel dialog box, real-time data begins to display in a graph.

Readings are based on the sampling rate, and the number of records are based on a number
that you set. When data fills the graph, the data is deleted and new data begins to appear. Each
time you minimize or close and then re-open the window, only new data is displayed.

The following illustration shows real-time data and was accessed by clicking GRAPH on the
Panel dialog box.

Graph Features

• PRINT Click to print the current graph.

• LIMIT (real-time) Click to set the number of records shown. See Setting the Number of

Records Displayed for Real-time Data.

• LIMIT (from Lists) Point to this command and then click Records (Time) or Range (SPL)

to open the Records or Range dialog box. See Setting the Number of Records and Range
from a List.

• EXIT (real-time data graph) Click to close the graph.

SML-200

13

Setting the Number of Records and Range from a List

The number of records that you view and the range of the graph, when accessed from a list,
can be easily changed. This allows you to eliminate unwanted records or to display a certain
sound level range so that you can view specific data.

1. On the GRAPH menu bar, point to LIMIT and then click Records (Time) or Range (SPL).
The Range dialog box appears.

2. Select the number in each of the text boxes and type in a new value.

Note: Real-time and saved lists must start at the first record.

3. Click OK. The graph adjusts to the new values.

4. Close the dialog box.

Setting the Number of Records Displayed for Real-time Data

1. On the GRAPH menu bar, click LIMIT. The Input No.s of records dialog box appears.

2. Type in the number of the records in the text box. The range is 10 to 300.

3. Click OK. The graph adjusts to the new values.

Using Graphs (cont’d)

14

Using Lists

Lists can be accessed from the Panel or Logger dialog boxes. The title of the List dialog box
changes depending on where it is accessed. For example, the list’s title is REC_LIST when it is
accessed from the Panel dialog box. The menu commands on the lists vary, depending on the
list’s function.

If you click LIST on the Panel dialog box, real-time data is displayed in a list. Readings are
based on the sampling rate. The list continues to log samples when it is minimized. If you exit
without saving, the data is lost. The list gives you more flexibility than graphs with the data.

The following illustration shows a real-time data list.

List Features

• PAUSE Click to stop recording incoming data. Dimmed when the recording is paused.

• CONTINUE Click to resume recording data. Dimmed when the data is being recorded.

• SAVE Opens a standard Windows Save As dialog box. See Saving Data to a File.

• GRAPH Displays the data in a graph. See Using Graphs.

• PRINT Click to print the list.

• EXIT (real-time data list) Click to close the list.

SML-200

15

Using Lists (cont’d)

Saving Data to a File

Real-time and collected data can be saved to a file.

1. On the List menu bar, click SAVE.

2. The Save As dialog box appears.

3. Select the location for the file.

4. Assign a file name, using no more than eight characters, and add the .dat extension.

5. Click OK.

16

Internal Logging

Before using the SML-200, you may want to set the date, time, and sampling rate in the meter.

Setting the Date and Time

1. Follow the steps in the Connecting to a PC section to connect the meter to a PC.

2. On the Panel dialog box, click SYSTEM TIME SET. The computer’s time and date are
uploaded to the meter.

Setting the Sample Rate

Setting the sample rate using the following procedure sets the sample rate for internal logging
and does not affect the sample rate for viewing or recording real-time data on a PC.

1. On the Panel, click MEMORY. The Logger dialog box appears.

2. In the SAMPLING text box, select the number.

3. Type a new number.

4. Click SAMPLING. The new value is uploaded to the meter.

SML-200

17

Logger Features

Refer to the illustration under Setting the Sample Rate.

• MEMORY Shows the total amount of memory in the meter.

• REMAINING Shows the amount of memory left in the meter.

• TIME OF METER Shows the date and time in the meter at the time Logger was opened.

Click to update the date and time.

• ID CODE Shows the code you assigned in the meter.

• SAMPLING Shows the sampling rate in the meter.

• NUMBER OF SETS Click to show the number of data sets in the meter.

• TIME OF RECORDING Displays a list of the data sets in the meter.

• NUMBERS OF REC Shows the number of records in the selected set.

• SHOW DATA Click to display the data in the selected set. The data can be saved to a file,

printed, or graphed.

Assigning an ID Code to the Meter

ID codes are loaded into the meter to help keep track of recordings. The ID code is visible on
the Logger dialog box but is not stored with the recorded data.

1. On the Logger dialog box, select the ID number under ID CODE.

2. Type in a number between 0 and 65,535.

3. Click ID CODE. The code is uploaded to the meter.

Internal Logging (cont’d)

18

Downloading from the Meter

Data collected in the SML-200 may be downloaded to a PC so that it can be saved for future
use. It can also be viewed as a list or in a graph. All downloading is performed through the
Logger dialog box. On the Panel dialog box, click MEMORY to access the Logger functions. To
save the data, see Using Lists. Refer to the illustration in the Internal Logging section.

Viewing Data from the Meter

1. Click NUMBERS OF SETS. The number of sets appears in the text box.

2. Click TIME OF RECORDING. A list of the sets and their date and time appear.

3. Click anywhere in the row of a set to select it. The number of recordings in that set
appears in the NUMBERS OF REC text box.

4. Click SHOW DATA. The REC_LIST dialog box appears.

5. From the REC_LIST dialog box, save the file, print it in a tab-delimited format, or view it in
a graph. See Using Graphs or Using Lists.

Clearing the Memory

After saving the files that you need, you can clear the memory in two ways. The first method is
to use the RESET button on the meter as described in the Using the Features section. The
second method is from Sound Meter. On the SML-200 image in the Panel dialog box, click
RESET. “dEL” flashes on the meter’s display, and the emulation display on the PC briefly
shows no sound level and indicates that there is “NO COM.”

SML-200

19

Using Sound Meter for Real-time Recording

Setting the Sampling Time for Real-time Recording

The rate at which samples of real-time data are recorded is set in seconds.

1. On the Panel dialog box, click PC SAMPLING. The Input Sampling Time dialog box
appears.

2. Type in a new number.

3. Click OK. Data collected is sampled at the new rate.

Recording Real-time Data into the PC

Sound Meter allows you to record sound levels directly into the PC from the meter without
using up memory in the meter. This is especially useful when you need more memory storage
for longer recording sessions. It also allows you to remotely monitor sound levels. When
recording from the PC, the buttons on the SML-200 continue to function normally and the
word “RECORD” does not appear on the display.

1. On the Panel dialog box, click START RECORDING.

2. You are prompted to open a file. Click OK.

3. In the Save As dialog box, create a file name, add a .dat extension, and choose a location
to store the file.

4. Click OK. The directory path and file name appear in the FILE NAME text box on the Panel
dialog box.

5. Click START RECORDING. “RECORDING” and the sample number appear above OPEN
FILE.

6. To quit recording data, click STOP RECORDING.

7. Click SAVE AS. The Save As dialog box appears.

8. Save the data under the same file name and location.

9. Click OK.

20

Using Saved Data

Data that has been saved to the PC can be opened in Sound Meter or a spreadsheet application
such as Microsoft Excel. If you prefer to open it in Sound Meter, the meter must be connected
and turned on.

Opening a File in Sound Meter

1. On the Panel dialog box, click OPEN FILE. A standard Windows Open dialog box appears.

2. Navigate to the file location and click the file name.

3. Click OK. The file opens in a list. For more information on using the list, refer to Using
Lists.

Importing a File into Excel

The data is stored as a .dat file and can be imported into any application, such as Excel, that
accepts a tab-delimited file. Refer to the program for the proper procedures for importing the
file. The illustration below shows an example of a file imported into Excel.

SML-200

21

Specifications

Display

Display Type: 3-1/2–digit LCD (130.9 maximum count) and 50-segment bar graph
Sampling Rate: 20 per second
Display Period:

Digital: 0.5 seconds
Bar Graph: 0.05 seconds

Measurement Ranges and Characteristics

Measurement Ranges in dB: 30 to 80, 40 to 90, 50 to 100, 60 to 110, 70 to 120,

80 to 130, 30 to 130
Linearity Range: 50 dB
Frequency Range: 31.5 Hz to 8 kHz
Frequency Weighting: A-weighted and C-weighted scales as defined in ANSI S1.4/IEC 651.

See the graph for frequency response curves.

A-weighted Scale: For common sounds such as human voice, telephone ringer, electric

tools, HVAC equipment, and factory machinery

C-weighted Scale: For low frequency sounds such as florescent lights, transformers, and

computer power supply fans

10

0

–10
–20
–30
–40
–50
–60
–70
–80

10 100 1000

Frequency—Hz

Response—dB

10000 100000

A-weighted

C-weighted

Time Weighting:

Fast: 125 ms

Slow: 1 s
Accuracy: ± 1.5 dB (under reference conditions)
Resolution: 0.1 dB

Response curve
per ANSI S1.4.
Solid portion
shows the
frequency range
of this instrument.

22

Measurement Output

AC Output Voltage: 0.707 VRMS at full scale

of selected range
AC Output Impedance: 600 Ω (approximately)
DC Output Voltage: 10 mV per dB
DC Output Impedance: 100 Ω (approximately)

Connector

3.5 mm, 3-conductor phono plug, signal (+) on tip, signal (–) on shield terminal,

middle sleeve not connected

Data Storage and Output

Memory: 16,000 records
RS-232 Interface: Operates at 9600 baud

General

Operating Conditions: 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F), 10% to 80% relative humidity
Storage Conditions: –10 °C to 60 °C (14 °F to 140 °F), 10% to 70% relative humidity

Remove batteries
Elevation: 2000 m (6500') maximum
Power Source: 4 AA 1.5-volt batteries (NEDA 15A or IEC LR6) or

external AC adapter (see below)
Memory Retention: One 3-volt lithium battery (NEDA 5004LC or IEC CR2032)

AC Adapter Requirements

Voltage Output: 6 VDC
Voltage Ripple: < 100 mV (peak-to-peak)
Supply Current: > 100 mA DC
Terminal Diameter: 3.5 mm, center terminal negative

PC Requirements

IBM® compatible
486 processor or higher
4 MB RAM

3.5" floppy disk drive
4 MB hard drive space
EGA or VGA monitor
Windows 95 or 98 operating system
Mouse
Serial port

Specifications (cont’d)

Output

Signal Common

SML-200

23

Maintenance

• Do not attempt to repair this unit. It contains no user-serviceable parts.

• Do not expose the unit to extremes in temperature or high humidity.

See Specifications.

Failure to observe these precautions can result in injury and can damage the unit.

Battery Replacement

Before opening the case, shut off the unit.

Failure to observe this warning can result in severe injury or death.

Replacing the Power Source Batteries

1. Turn the unit off.

2. Remove the screw from the battery compartment cover.

3. Remove the battery compartment cover.

4. Replace the batteries (observe polarity).

5. Replace the cover and screw.

Replacing the Memory Retention Battery

1. Follow steps 1 through 3 above.

2. Remove the power source batteries.

3. Remove the microphone by unscrewing the conical plastic retainer and gently pulling the
microphone.

4. Remove the three screws from the back cover.

5. Remove the back cover.

6. Replace the battery, observing polarity with + facing away from battery holder.

7. Replace back cover and screws.

8. Align the notch on the microphone with the key on the microphone socket.

9. Press and screw in the conical plastic retainer.

10. Replace power source batteries, cover, and screws.

Cleaning

Periodically wipe the case with a damp cloth and mild detergent; do not use abrasives or solvents.

For technical assistance: 800/435-0786

Greenlee Textron / Subsidiary of Textron Inc.

4455 Boeing Drive, Rockford, IL 61109-2988 USA

Technical / Customer Service (International): 815/397-7070 • Fax: [phone]

Customer Service (North America): 800/435-0786 • Fax: [phone]

Canada Fax: [phone]

Lifetime Limited Warranty

Greenlee warrants to the original purchaser of these goods for use that these products will be free
from defects in workmanship and material for their useful life, excepting normal wear and abuse. This
warranty is subject to the same terms and conditions contained in Greenlee’s standard one-year
limited warranty.

For all Test Instrument repairs, ship units Freight Prepaid to:
Greenlee Textron, 4411 Boeing Drive, Rockford, IL 61109-2932 USA.

Mark all packages: Attention TEST INSTRUMENT REPAIR. For items not covered under warranty
(such as dropped, abused, etc.), repair cost quote available upon request.

Note: Prior to returning any test instrument, please check replaceable batteries or make sure the battery
is at full charge.