Nti Audio Noisescout User Manual

NoiseScout USER MANUAL

Introduction

1 Introduction

NoiseScout provides a comprehensive but easy-to-use 24/7 noise monitoring solution. Noise levels are recorded on-site by the XL2 Sound Level Meter and are available for

remote monitoring and download

and Gateway.

A. Managed Mode

The selected sound levels are continuously recorded, monitored and buffered on-site by the XL2 Sound Level Meter. From there they are uploaded via the NetBox to the NoiseScout server and made available for online live visualization. In case of noise issues, automated email alerts inform the user, thus enabling you to address the noise issue before a non-compliance condition arises. Thanks to the internal buffer of the XL2, the acquired noise data remain available even in case of a power failure or data connection failure. As soon as the connection from the NetBox to the NoiseScout server is re-established, all data are automatically synchronized without affecting the ongoing measurement.

. It can be operated in two different modes, Managed

4

B. Gateway Mode

The Gateway Mode is an alternative to the Managed Mode. It provides direct access to the XL2 Sound Level Meter screen and data. The internet connection allows SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) and remote access to the XL2. All data files can be retrieved remotely from the remote XL2 Sound Level Meter even during an ongoing measurement. Also, the spectral data and audio files can be directly downloaded from the remote XL2. The remote access allows full control of the XL2 Sound Level Meter. All remote measurement commands available on the XL2 are supported. For example, the current measurement data may be captured in real time into a computer application, e.g. C#, MS Excel or LabView. You may program a customized measurement application for remote sound level monitoring, audio analysis or automated measurement tasks. This offers the freedom to start and stop the

Introduction

online noise monitoring from your office or your mobile device; a useful tool for complete control.

NOTE The explanations provided hereunder refer to the Managed mode only. For more

information regarding Gateway mode, please refer to the corresponding User

Guide.

5

Introduction

1.1 System requirements

·

XL2 Sound Level Meter: firmware V3.11 or higher, and SD-card with minimum 8 GB

6

Hint The audio file recording is only supported for XL2 with firmware V3.33 or

higher

·

Microphone; choose from NTi Audio M2230, M2211, M2215 M4260 or M4261, with ASD cable (

·

USB cable from NTi Audio (with ferrite)

·

NetBox (includes 10 days data credits by default)

o

·

Power supply 7.5 – 16 VDC, ≤ 9 W (e.g. mains power adapter, solar panel, battery)

·

Internet connection

o o

·

Web browser capable device such as PC, Tablet or Smartphone

·

NTi Audio Data Explorer software (

Hint NoiseScout is optimized to work with the Google Chrome web browser; using

optional

Mobile Data modem, antenna + SIM card (

LAN / Ethernet (with DHCP compatible router) Mobile Data communication (

another browser may affect the look and significantly decrease the speed of the web site (download the latest version of Chrome here)

)

36

optional

optional - factory installation

)

optional

)

Introduction

7

1.2

Product safety & legal information

Operational safety

·

Those who, as a result of their physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience or knowledge, are not in a position to use the product safely must not be allowed in the vicinity of the product without supervision or instruction by a person responsible for their safety.

·

Never open the housing of the NetBox, XL2 or the charger.

·

Do not insert any object into the ports or openings of the NetBox, XL2 or charger.

·

Exposing the device to electrostatic discharge can interrupt the data transfer between the device and the network or impair the functions of the device. Should this happen, disconnect the device from the power supply and the USB port and reconnect it or rebuild the network connection from scratch.

·

Protect the device from extremely high or low temperatures, condensation or moisture.

Repair

·

No parts inside the device require maintenance or cleaning.

·

Should the device become wet, turn it off immediately. Ensure the device is checked for operational safety before using it again.

·Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus

has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

Maximum modem transmission power

·

Class 4 (2 W, 33 dBm) @ GSM 850 / 900

·

Class 1 (1 W, 30 dBm) @ GSM 1800 / 1900

·

Class 3 (0.25 W, 24 dBm) @ UMTS

·

Class E2 (0.5 W, 27 dBm) @ EDGE 850 / 900

·

Class E2 (0.4 W, 26 dBm) @ EDGE 1800 / 1900

FCC user information

FCC 15.21

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Part 15 statement according to FCC 15.19/RSS gen issue 3 sect. 7.1.3

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and with Industry Canada license-exempt

R

SS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.

Introduction

8

1.3

License agreement

Scope

This End-User License Agreement (“EULA”) is a legal agreement between you (either an individual or a single entity) and NTi Audio AG (“NTi Audio”). By installing or using the NTi Audio software, content or documentation (collectively the “NTi Audio software”) accompanying this EULA, you accept these terms and are consequently bound to them. If you do not agree to the terms of this EULA, do not install or use the NTi Audio software. The NTi Audio software is licensed, not sold, to you by NTi Audio for use only under the terms of this license agreement. This EULA only gives you some rights to use the software. You may use the software only as expressly permitted in this EULA. This EULA also applies for all upgrades or updates to the NTi Audio software (if any), supplements, internet-based services, and support services for this NTi Audio software, unless other terms accompany those items. If so, those terms will govern.

License Uses and Restrictions

A. Software Installation: Subject to the terms and conditions of this license agreement, you

are granted a limited, non-exclusive license to use and run the NTi Audio software. Data transfer from an XL2 Audio & Acoustic analyzer to the NTi Audio software is only enabled if the corresponding license is installed on the analyzer.

B. No Reverse Engineering: You may not and you agree not to, or to enable others to, copy

(except as expressly permitted by this license agreement or by the usage rules if they are applicable to you), publish, distribute, decompile, reverse engineer, disassemble, attempt to derive the source code of, decrypt, modify, or create derivative works of the NTi Audio software or any services provided by the NTi Audio software, or any part thereof.

C. Termination: This license is effective until terminated. Your rights under this license

agreement will terminate automatically or otherwise cease to be effective without notice from NTi Audio if you fail to comply with any term(s) of this license agreement. Upon the termination of this license, you must cease all use of the NTi Audio software and destroy all copies, full or partial, of the NTi Audio software.

Services

The NTi Audio software may enable access to NTi Audio and third party services and web sites (collectively and individually, “NTi Audio services”). Such NTi Audio services may not be available in all languages or in all countries. Use of these NTi Audio services requires internet access and use of certain NTi Audio services may requires an NTi Audio ID, may require you to accept additional terms and may be subject to additional fees. By using this software in connection with an NTi Audio ID or other NTi Audio account, you agree to the applicable terms of service for that account.

Disclaimer

A. NTi Audio and all our affiliates do not give any warranty, guarantee or conditions for this

software, i.e. you bear the sole risk of using it. This limitation applies to anything related to this software, including breach of contract, warranty, guarantee or condition, strict liability,

Introduction

negligence or other tort to the extent permitted by applicable law. It also applies if NTi Audio knew or should have known about the possibility of the damages.

B. The NTi Audio software and services are provided “as-is”, i.e. with all faults. You bear the

sole risk of using it. NTi Audio gives no express warranties, guarantees or conditions. NTi Audio excludes the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement.

C. You acknowledge that the NTi Audio software and services are not intended or suitable for

use in situations or environments where the failure or time delays of, or errors or inaccuracies in the content, data or information provided by the NTi Audio software or services could lead to death, personal injury, or severe physical or environmental damage, including without limitation the operation of nuclear facilities, aircraft navigation or communication systems, air traffic control, life support or weapons systems.

D. No oral or written information or advice given by NTi Audio or an NTi Audio authorized

representative shall create a warranty. Should the NTi Audio software or services prove defective, you assume the entire costs of all necessary servicing, repair or correction.

E. In no event shall NTi Audio be liable for personal injury, or any incidental, special, indirect

or consequential damages whatsoever, including, without limitation, damages for loss of profits, loss of data or information, business interruption or any other commercial damages or losses, arising out of or related to your use or inability to use the NTi Audio software or services or any third party software or applications in conjunction with the NTi Audio software or services, however caused, regardless of the theory of liability (contract, tort or otherwise) and even if NTi Audio has been advised of the possibility of such damages. In no event shall NTi Audio’s total liability to you for all damages exceed the amount of ten US dollars (USD 10.00). The foregoing limitations will apply even if the above stated remedy fails of its essential purpose.

9

Separate Provisions

If any provision of this EULA shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall in no way be affected or impaired thereby.

Privacy

At all times your information will be treated in accordance with NTi Audio’s privacy policy, which is incorporated by reference into this license agreement and can be viewed at

http://www.nti-audio.com/privacy-statement

Controlling Law

This license agreement will be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of Liechtenstein, Europe, excluding its conflict of law principles. No amendment to or modification of this EULA will be binding unless in writing and signed by NTi Audio. The English version of this EULA shall govern, to the extent not prohibited by local law in your

j

urisdiction.

Introduction

10

1.4

·

Tutorial

This chapter describes step-by-step how to install and operate a NoiseScout system.

a) Register your NetBox

Log in at http://my.nti-audio.com Select 'NetBox' from the pulldown-menu 'Product Name Enter the serial number of your NetBox Click on 'Register

'

b) Set up the Noise Monitor (XL2 + NetBox)

Follow the instructions given in chapter Noise Monitor

c) Connect the NetBox to the internet

Proceed as described in chapter network connection

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20

Introduction

d) Log in to the NoiseScout web portal

O

pen the website www.noisescout.com and log in with your my.nti-audio.com account data

11

You will then see the NetBox(es) that are registered under your account.

e) Select the operating mode

At this point, you have to choose whether to

·

continue in the 'Managed' mode (→

·

switch to the 'Gateway' mode (→

refer to the instructions below

refer to the Gateway User Guide

), or

).

Introduction

f) Add a new Job

Click on , edit the job name and confirm

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Introduction

g) Open the Job

Click on the job name to open the Job page

Hint When the page opens for the first time, the map will automatically show the

NTi Audio headquarters

13

Introduction

h) Add a Location

·

Click on then , select a registered NetBox and click on

to confirm

·

Use the buttons to zoom out/in, and the mouse right-click to unlock, scroll & pan on the map

·

Click on the location indicator / and move it to its position in the map

14

Introduction

i) Configure the Location

·

Click on to edit the Location settings

·

When complete click on

15

Introduction

k) Adjust the Periods & Limits

·

Click on (or the name that you have assigned to the location)

·

Scroll down and edit the Periods according to your demands, i.e. the Description (name), applicable Days and Start/Finish times

·

Select a Limits Group; therein, select the Level per period, and adjust the related Time Interval as well as the Red/Amber alarm Limits

·

Click on to save your settings

16

l) Start the Noise Monitor

Switch the Noise Monitor ON to begin the measurement at the Location

System setup

2 System setup

The following sketch visualizes the basic installation procedure for a NoiseScout system.

2.1 NetBox registration

Before putting a NetBox into operation, you have to register it under your my.nti-audio.com account.

1. Log in to your my.nti-audio.com account

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2. Select 'NetBox' from the pulldown-menu 'Product Name

3. Enter the Serial Number of your NetBox

4. Click on

'

Hint A NetBox can be registered only once, i.e. by a single user.

You may however register several NetBoxes under your account.

System setup

19

2.2

Noise Monitor

A Noise Monitor consists of an XL2 and a NetBox, which are connected to a NoiseScout

20

server via the internet.

·

Connect the XL2 with the USB and power cables to the NetBox

·

Connect the NetBox with the network hardware, i.e.

a) LAN / Ethernet cable, or b) Mobile Data modem (

·Optionally connect an Input Keypad to the XL2

·

Switch ON the XL2

·

Connect the NetBox to a DC power supply (e.g. mains power adapter, solar panel + battery

6

factory installation

33

), antenna + SIM-card (

to be supplied by customer

etc.)

→ Continue with network connection

20

)

Hint The LED states are described in chapter Troubleshooting

44

System setup

20

2.3

i. LAN/Ethernet ii. Mobile Data

Hints The NetBox must be registered under my.nti-audio.com before connecting it

Network connection

The NetBox can be connected to the internet via LAN/Ethernet or Mobile Data (i.e. cellular network as e.g. GSM, UMTS, 3G). If one or both connections are available, the NetBox will automatically choose one based on the following priority:

18

to the network. All network settings are saved on the NetBox; the XL2 serves as I/O terminal and data logger. You may abort the network connection procedure at any time by pressing the 'Esc' key of the XL2.

Network connection procedure

A) LAN/Ethernet connection

Connecting the NetBox to a LAN (Local Area Network) requires a DHCP compatible router that provides dynamic IP addresses and is connected to the internet. For this setup, no settings are required: the connection from the NetBox to the network is established automatically.

1. Prepare the hardware setup as described in chapter Noise Monitor

19

2. If you want to see the connection status, turn the XL2 rotary wheel to select the network

status indicator and press enter

3. To quit the connection status screen, select 'Close' and press enter

21

↲

B) Mobile Data connection

1. Prepare the hardware setup including SIM-card and antenna as described in chapter Noise

Monitor

2. Power ON the XL2

3. Turn the XL2 rotary wheel to select the network status indicator and press enter

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21

↲

System setup

Connection to NoiseScout server and internet is up

Connected to the internet, but so far not to the NoiseScout server

No internet connection

21

4. Select 'Settings' and press enter

5. Select 'Mobile Data' and press enter

6. Enter the user name, password, access point name (APN) and the PIN of the SIM-card, and confirm via 'ok

7. Select 'Apply settings' and press enter

'

↲

8. The NetBox will automatically connect to the Mobile Data network and query the IP address

Network status indicator

When connected to a NetBox, the XL2 shows major NetBox status information in the top line at the position of the speaker symbol.

System setup

NetBox failure (➝ troubleshooting )

44

Edit network settings

O

nce a network connection has been established, the related settings will be saved in the NetBox (including the passwords). You may however amend the saved network settings at any time. To do so, select 'Settings' in the network status screen, press enter ↲ and edit the requested settings.

Delete connection

If required, you may also delete the saved network settings.

1. Prepare the hardware setup as described in chapter Noise Monitor

2. Switch ON the XL2

3. Turn the XL2 rotary wheel to select the network status indicator and press enter

19

21

↲

22

4. Select 'Settings' and press enter

5. Select '-> Delete connection' and press enter

6. Select 'Continue' and press enter

↲

Web portal

3 Web portal

24

The NoiseScout web portal provides access to your Noise Monitors , Locations and

27

J

ob . The web portal has a responsive layout, i.e. it automatically adapts to the display of

your PC, tablet or smartphone. Use the portal to:

·

assign a Noise Monitor to a Location

·

set up Locations and organize them in Jobs

·

monitor the sound level of a Job or Location

·

share a Job or Location view with a 3rd party

·

download the logged data from a Location

19 31

System overview

Web portal

Example of an active Job with 3 Noise

Monitors

(and 1 available Noise Monitor)

Example of an archived Job

(4 Noise Monitors are available)

Job structure

As soon as you log in to the NoiseScout web portal, you get access to your personal client area, from where you may set up, organize and edit the Jobs.

Typically you first add a new Job, and therein a new Location / Noise Monitor.

·

When a Noise Monitor has been assigned to a Location , it is no longer available for another Location or Job; however, a Noise Monitor may be removed from a Location, or re- added at a later time.

·

The noise measurements at a Location must be started (and stopped) manually by the operator.

·

As soon as the measurement at a Location is stopped, the related Noise Monitor may be removed (thus becoming available again).

·

A stopped Location can be re-started at a later time.

·

A Location can be deleted or archived at any time.

24

31

25

Web portal

3.1 Login

NOTE You must have an account at my.nti-audio.com to set up and configure a Noise

Monitor under the NoiseScout web portal.

1)Open the website www.noisescout.com and click on

2) Enter your e-mail address and the password of your my.nti-audio.com account

3) Click on

3.2 Dashboard

26

The main page of the NoiseScout web portal is the Dashboard. It shows your personal client

25 27 19

area with the active and archived Jobs , as well as the available Noise Monitors .

Hint You have access to only the NetBoxes that you have registered under my.nti-

audio.com.

In the Dashboard view, you may

·

Create a new Job → click on , enter the name of the new Job and confirm via

·

Edit the name of an existing Job → click on and confirm via

·Open a Job → click on the Job name

·

Archive an active Job → click on

·

Delete a Job → click on

·

Edit the name of a Noise Monitor → click on the Name and confirm via

·

Toggle between the Managed and Gateway mode → click on the Mode, select the preferred solution and confirm via

·

Deregister a NetBox of a Noise Monitor → click on

appear while the NetBox is assigned to a Location)

4 4

19

(NOTE The Deregister does not

18

Web portal

27

Example of Dashboard view

3.3 Job

A Job can be described as a noise monitoring task that runs over a certain period of time. A

J

ob normally contains minimum one or more Locations , whereby each Location is assigned to a Noise Monitor (please refer also to → Job structure ).

19 25

Examples

·

Surveillance of a building site, where several Noise Monitors are installed to monitor the environmental noise at different positions

·

Monitoring the traffic noise of a busy road via a single Noise Monitor

·

Ensuring that the maximum allowed sound level is not exceeded during a music festival with several stages

Location

A Location is a subset of a Job, and represents a connected Noise Monitor .

31 19

31

To add a Location, click on , select an available Noise Monitor and confirm via

Active vs. archived Job

An active Job can be described as a container (or folder) for Locations . A Job may be archived or deleted at any time.

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Web portal

The Job view of an active Job shows by default

·

a map with the added Locations

·

the Locations that are ready to start

·

active Locations that are logging

·

active Locations that are stopped

·

alarms

28

Web portal

29

Example of active Job view

The Job view of an archived Job shows

Web portal

30

·

a map with the Locations

·

Locations that are stopped

·

Alarm list

36

31

Example of archived Job view

Web portal

31

3.4

Location

The Location view typically includes the

·

Location panel and map

·

Alarm list

·

Periods & limits

·

Audit data and incidents

33

36

38

Web portal

32

Web portal

33

Location view

3.4.1

Alarm messages

A key feature of the NoiseScout system in the Managed Mode is the generation of alarm

4

messages. These messages can be generated in two ways,

a) automatically: if the recorded sound level exceeds a user-defined threshold, b) manually: by pressing a button on the XL2 Input Keypad .

19

a) Automated alarms

The user can configure the system behavior in case of an automated alarm.

·

The alarm thresholds are defined under Periods & limits

·

The alarm handling can be adjusted in the Location setup panel:

o

record an Audio file of the moment when the alarm occurred (

o

show all occurred alarms in a list (

o

send an email alert to the host (

optional

),

).

38

35

optional

),

b) Keypress events

The system behavior in case of a keypress event (i.e. manually triggered alarm) is defined as follows:

·

Pressing any of the four keys on the XL2 Input Keypad , even briefly, triggers a keypress event.

·

Pressing any of the four keys again ends the event.

·

If no key is pressed to end the event, the event expires in 90 seconds.

·

Audio is provided from 30 seconds before the first keypress down in an event until the second keypress or the 90-second event timeout.

·Keypressed events are recorded together with the 1-second log data.

·

The duration of each single keypress is marked in XL2 Data Explorer software as “Key1,

K

ey2, Key3, or Key4” respectively.

·

The audio is also shown in the XL2 Data Explorer software.

·

To not put the system under too much pressure, the amount of audio per day is limited to 54 MB.

·Keypressed events are shown in the alarm list and added to alarm email notifications.

·

Links to the keypressed event audio are provided in the alarm list.

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19

3.4.2

Location panel

The Location panel displays the status of the Noise Monitor.

Web portal

·

Location status

o

Status OK →

a NetBox has been successfully added to the Location

o

Register a NetBox →

No NetBox is available, i.e. a new NetBox must

be registered and added to the Location

o

Add a Noise Monitor →

a NetBox is available, but it has not yet

been added to the Location

o

No microphone detected →

the microphone of the Noise Monitor

is missing, disconnected or defective

o

No XL2 detected →

the XL2 analyzer of the Noise Monitor is

missing, disconnected or defective

o

Noise monitor is offline →

the Noise Monitor is not connected to

the internet or NoiseScout server

o

NoiseScout system is offline →

the NoiseScout system is currently

offline

·

NetBox serial number

·

Monitoring status

o

The

ON/OFF

switch allows to manually turn the monitoring ON or

O

FF (i.e. start / stop the Noise Monitor).

o

SETTLING →

the monitoring just has been started, yet the Noise

Monitor is still settling

o

RUNNING →

monitoring is in progress

o

RESTARTING →

after having changed some Noise Monitor

parameters (XL2 is running)

o

UPDATING SYSTEM →

while a new firmware is installed

o

SYNCHRONIZING TIME →

XL2 is synchronizing its real-time clock

with the NoiseScout server

o

STOPPED →

monitoring has been stopped

Click on the switch to start (ON) or stop (OFF) the sound level measurement at the Location.

34

·

Alarm status

o o

·

Data

o o

·

Live value

o

·

o

→ audit level is within the limit

→ audit level has exceed the limit

First → the date & time when the Location was put into operation for the very first time Latest → the date & time of the last measurement at the Location

listen → click on this link to download the audio recording of the previous 10 seconds

Supply voltage Network type & status

Ambient temperature

Estimated ambient temperature (based on a measurement within the NetBox)

Web portal

Location Name

Assign a name to the location and confirm via

Alerts

Audio → tick the ON radio button to enable live audio listening,

and that the NoiseScout server provides 10 sec. audio files (WAV format) with the highest total sound energy for the alarms

Hint The audio file recording is only supported for XL2 with

firmware V3.33 or higher

Alarm List → as long as the ON radio button is ticked, new alarms

will be shown in the Alarm List Emails → tick the ON radio button to let the NoiseScout server send an e-mail, if the recorded level has exceeded the given limit(s) Send to → edit the Email recipient(s), i.e. the e-mail address(es) of the recipient(s) who shall receive the aforementioned alarm(s) Interval → select the minimum interval between successive emails: 5, 10, 15, 30 or 60 minutes

Hint The alarm thresholds are defined under Periods &

Limits

Detailed Data

Tick the ON radio button to upload & show the detailed data from

the XL2 to the NoiseScout server

·

Interval → the XL2 recording interval is fixed at 1 second

·

Level 1 ... 5 → select up to five level measurements that shall be logged by the XL2

Live Level

→

select the measurement result that shall be shown numerically on

top of the Location panel

Level range

→

adjust the XL2 input range according to the level expectations at

the Location

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3.4.3

Location setup

Location map / position

Click on in the map and move the Location to the position where the Noise Monitor has been actually installed.

The Location indicator will change to a and the Location is permanently assigned to the corresponding time zone.

Location setup

Click on to edit the Location setup.

36

19

38

Web portal

Example: XL2 with M2230 microphone

·LO

W: 0 – 100 dBSPL

·

MID: 20 – 120 dBSPL

·HIGH: 40 – 140 dBSPL

Hint Environmental noise monitoring typically requires "Low"

range Live sound applications typically require "High" range

Click on to return or to abort.

Hint All values in the Location setup can be changed in between measurements or during a

measurement; certain changes however require that the XL2 is restarted - this is done automatically and there could be data missing during this event.

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3.4.4

Alarm list

The alarm list shows all the level alarms and manually triggered events that have occurred since the Location was started.

·

Clear / tick the checkbox to show all / only the not-acknowledged alarms

·

Click on the 'thumbs down' icon or on 'acknowledge all' to acknowledge the corresponding alarm(s)

Audio

NoiseScout can automatically provide an audio recording of alarms that occur at a Location, i.e. in case the measured noise level exceeds the preset limit. This feature has to be enabled/disabled in the Location settings .

Alarm list (example)

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Web portal

Hints The number of audio files is limited to ≤ 300 per day, while the number of

alarm notifications is not limited. The audio file recording is only supported for XL2 with firmware V3.33 or higher.

Audio recording process

·

If the Audio feature is enabled , the XL2 will permanently record the incoming audio.

·

If the alarm condition is met, the system finds the three intervals* with the highest total sound energy (LAeq) within the Time Interval , and uploads a 10-second audio recording for each of these intervals to the Web Portal; a maximum number of 100 audio files may be uploaded per day (as soon as this limit has been reached, no further audio files will be created on that calendar day).

·

To ensure that the SD-card does not run out of memory, the oldest parts of the audio recording are deleted.

*Example

35

38

37

·

Within a 15-minute time interval (alarm period), the system groups the one-second data (LAeq_1") into one-minute periods.

·

For each minute group, it calculates the one-minute equivalent value (LAeq_1') from the one-second data.

·

The system takes the top 5 one-minute periods with the highest LAeq_1' levels (e.g. minute # 3, 5, 8, 9, and 13 - see graph below), and finds the maximum one-second value within each of these 5 chosen minutes.

·

It applies a 10-second interval to each of these 5 points, starting 2 seconds before this maximum point until 8 seconds after it; if two of these 10-second intervals overlap (e.g. in minute # 8 and 9), the point with the lower max value is discarded (e.g. minute # 9).

·

The remaining points are sorted in descending order and the top 3 of them are selected (e.g. minute # 5, 8, and 13).

·

For each point, the system create the 10-second WAV files.

Audio file recording principle (schematic illustration)

Audio file characteristics

Web portal

·

10 seconds / alarm

·

WAV file

·

Compressed audio (ADPCM) with AGC (automated gain control)

·

Sampling frequency fs = 12 kHz

38

3.4.5

Periods & limits

This feature allows you to define individual alarm levels for customized periods and time intervals.

·

Click on any cell in the

o

Description → customized name of the period

o

Days → applicable weekdays

o

Start → start time of the period

o

Finish → end time of the period

o

Duration → automatically calculated duration of the period

o

→

delete the corresponding period

·

Click on any cell in a

o

Level → the sound level that has to be monitored

o

Time Interval → time interval, during which the monitored level must exceed the threshold to create an alarm

oRed limit (dB) → threshold level for a red alarm o

Amber limit (dB) → threshold level for an amber alarm

Periods

table to edit its contents, e.g.

Limits Group

table to edit its contents, e.g.

Periods & Limits (example)

3.4.6

Audit data

·

The graphs show the logged sound levels of the past 24 hours / 60 minutes

·

Tick / clear the LAeq, LAFmax checkboxes to show / hide the corresponding test results

·

Click on a download link to save the corresponding data on your PC

Web portal

39

Daily audit data / Last hour detailed data (example)

3.4.7

Incidents

List of all incidents (e.g. loss of network connection) that occurred since the Noise Monitor had been put into operation

Incidents (example)

Web portal

40

3.5

1. Click on on top of the Job or Location view

2. Copy the link of the web page that opens

3. Send the link to the entitled person

Hint The shared link is unique and applies only to the view, where it has been

Share Job or Location view

The operator of a NoiseScout system may grant a 3rd party read-only access to any Job or Location view.

27 31

created.

3.6 Download data

If you want to get access to the logged measurement data of a running or an archived Job , you have to

1. open the Job

27

2. click on the

3. select the required time period via the calendar, and confirm via

4. download the logged data in text file format – if you intend to import the logged data also to the XL2 Data Explorer, you must download, in addition, the 'Data Explorer License file'.

Location

name, from which you want to download the logged data

Web portal

41

Hints & tips

log out

go to the Dashboard view

go to the Job view

go to the Location view

collapse/expand the sidebar menu collapse/expand the map, Location panels

share the current view with a 3rd party user → copy the URL of the new tab and

send it to anybody who may view this page, but without granting the right to edit the page

go to the Dashboard , Job view

view the previous/next Job or Location

4 Hints & tips

43

·

Navigation

·

Troubleshooting

·

Support

43

46

4.1 Navigation

Buttons

40

44

24

27

31

24 27

Mouse

·Right-click map (Job or Location) to unlock/lock zoom, scroll or pan

·Right-click map (Job or Location) to center automatically on Location(s)

Hints & tips

→

visit the my.nti-audio.com website, open your account and register the NetBox

→

close the NoiseScout web portal, and log in under the account of the NetBox owner; or

the other person must de-register the NetBox before you can register it

→

connect the NetBox to an appropriate power supply

→

verify the network connection of your Noise Monitor

→

open the Job, to which the Noise Monitor has been assigned; you may now turn

monitoring off, remove the NetBox and add it to the new location

→

connect the XL2 and the NetBox to an appropriate power supply

→

switch ON the XL2

→

Verify the USB cable connection between the XL2 and the NetBox

→

download & install the latest XL2 firmware from the my.nti-audio.com website

→

download & install the latest XL2 firmware from the my.nti-audio.com website

→

select the Location and turn the monitoring ON

→

verify the power supply

→

verify the network connection

→

check the XL2 firmware version (must be v3.03 or higher); update the XL2 firmware if

necessary

→

you have to manually switch ON the XL2 after connecting it to the power supply

44

4.2

Troubleshooting

There is no NetBox / Noise Monitor available

Possible reasons:

NetBox is not registered

NetBox has been registered by another person

NetBox is not connected to the power supply

NetBox is not connected to the internet / NoiseScout server

20

NetBox has been assigned to another Job

The Noise Monitor does not transmit data

18

6

Possible reasons:

The XL2 / NetBox are not properly powered

No communication between the XL2 and the NetBox

The XL2 firmware version is too old

The Location / Noise Monitor has not been started yet

31

Miscellaneous

All NetBox LEDs are OFF

6

The NetBox Data LED is not blinking

20

The XL2 display does not show the symbol

6

The XL2 is not switching ON after connecting to the NetBox

The XL2 shows the Error: "Too many log files in NetBox directory. Please delete manually"

Hints & tips

→

open the folder 'Projects', and then '.WebBuffer' on the SD-card of your XL2 and delete

its contents.

→

the maximum number of 100 Audio files per days may have been exceeded.

·ON → power supply voltage

OK

·OFF → no power supply voltage, or too low

·ON → XL2 is connected via USB cable to NetBox

·OFF → no XL2 connected to NetBox

·OFF → NetBox not connected to internet / NoiseScout server

·

Blinking → NetBox is connected to internet, but not (yet) to NoiseScout server

·ON → NetBox is successfully connected to the NoiseScout server

·

Blinking → NetBox is currently transferring data to the NoiseScout server

·

XL2, Server & Data LEDs are blinking → Error during power up ⇒ NetBox will re-start after a short time

The Audio feature is active, but no Audio files are uploaded after an Alarm

NetBox LEDs

The Power LED is hard-wired, while the other three LEDs are controlled by the NetBox firmware.

Power

XL2

Server

45

Data

Special states

Hints & tips

Phone Fax Email

+423 239-6060 +423 239-6089

support@nti-audio.com

46

4.3

Support

For dedicated support, please contact your nearest NTi Audio partner.

Im alten Riet 102 9494 Schaan Liechtenstein, Europe

www.nti-audio.com

Index

47

- A -

address 46 alarm list 36 audio 36

download 33, 36, 38

audit data 38

- B -

browser

requirements 6

buttons 43

- C -

clear

network settings 20 password 20

contact 46

- D -

Dashboard 26 data

download 40

Data Explorer 40

- J -

Job

active 27 archive 26 archived 27 create 26 delete 26 edit name 26 overview 27 structure 24 view 27

- L -

LAN

network conncection 20 LED status 44 license agreement 8 limits 38 Location

add 27

overview 31

panel 33

setup 35

view 31 log data 38 login 26

- E -

edit

network settings 20 password 20

- F -

FCC 7

- H -

hardware

requirements 6

- I -

incidents 39

- M -

Mobile Data

network conncection 20 mouse 43

- N -

navigation 43 NetBox

deregister 26

network connection 20

registration 18 network

connection 20

connection loss 39

settings 20

status indicator 20 Noise Monitor

LED status 44

Index

Noise Monitor

setup 19

- O -

operation 7

- P -

password

delete 20 edit 20

periods 38

- S -

safety 7 share view 40, 43 software

license agreement 8 support 46 system

overview 4

requirements 6

setup 18

48

- T -

time interval 38 troubleshooting 44 tutorial 10

- W -

web portal 24 Wi-Fi

network conncection 20

Nti Audio Noisescout User Manual

Table of Contents

Introduction

1.1 System requirements

Product safety & legal information

License agreement

Tutorial

System setup

2.1 NetBox registration

Noise Monitor

Network connection

Web portal

3.1 Login

3.2 Dashboard

Location

Alarm messages

Location panel

Location setup

Alarm list

Periods & limits

Audit data

Incidents

Share Job or Location view

3.6 Download data

Hints & tips

4.1 Navigation

Troubleshooting

Support

Index