PCE Instruments PCE-318, PCE-318-ICA Users guide

Manual
Sound Level Meter PCE-318

PCE Americas Inc.
711 Commerce Way
Suite 8
Jupiter
FL-33458
USA
From outside US: +1
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]

www.pce-instruments.com/english

www.pce-instruments.com

PCE Instruments UK Ltd.

Southpoint Business Park

Hampshire / Southampton

United Kingdom, SO31 4RF

[e-mail]

Units 12/13

Ensign way

From outside UK: +44

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

ⅠⅠⅠⅠ

. FOR SAFETY

 Read the following safety information carefully before

attempting to operate or service the meter.

 Use the meter only as specified in this manual;

otherwise, the protection provided by the meter may be
impaired.

Environment conditions

 Operation temperature : –10°C to +50°C
 Operation humidity : 30% to 90%RH (non-condensing)

Maintenance & Clearing

 Repairs or servicing not covered in this manual should

only be performed by qualified personnel.

 Periodically wipe the case with a dry cloth.

Do not use abrasives or solvents on this instruments.

Safety symbols

Comply with EMC

U.S. Pat. No. Des. 483,680

ⅡⅡⅡⅡ

. PRECAUTIONS

 Do not try to remove the microphone grid, you can easily

damage the microphone in this way.

 Protect the meter from impact, Do not drop it.

Transport it in the supplied carrying case.

 Protect the meter from shocks and vibration.
 Protect the meter from water, dust, extreme temperature,

humidity and direct sunlight during storage and use.

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 Protect the meter away from air with high salt or sulphur

content, gases and stored chemicals.

 Always turn the unit off after use. Remove the battery

from the meter if it is not to be used for a long time.

 Clean the meter only by wiping it with a soft, dry cloth or,

when necessary, with a cloth lightly moistened with
water. Do not use any solvents, cleaning alcohol or
cleaning agents.

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. FEATURES

The meter contains several features that enable you to take
and save sound level measurements under a variety of
conditions.

Features include :

 Easy of use.
 Easy to read large display.
 Six measurement ranges.
 Fast and slow time weightings.
 A and C frequency weightings.
 L, Lmax and Lmin three measured parameters are

monitored during measurement and can be viewed
selectively by pressing the MAX key.

 Storage of up to 99 data sets for L, Lmax and Lmin with

elapsed time.

 Both AC and DC signal output is available from a single

standard 3.5mm coaxial socket suitable for a frequency
analyzer, level recorder, FFT analyzer, graphic recorder;
etc.

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ⅣⅣⅣⅣ

. PARAMETERS

The following parameters are used on the meter.

 LA : “A” frequency weighting sound pressure level.
 L

: “C” frequency weighting sound pressure level.

C

 FAST : Fast time weighting.
 SLOW : Slow time weighting.
 max : Maximum sound pressure level.
 min : Minimum sound pressure level.
 “max” flash : Tests time weighting characteristics.

The default settings of the meter are listed below.

Time weighting : FAST
Frequency weighting : A
Level range : 60 to 120dB

ⅤⅤⅤⅤ

. SPECIFICATIONS

Applicable standards:

IEC61672-1 : 2002 Class 2

IEC60651 : 1979 Type 2
ANSI S1.4 : 1983 Type 2

Measurement functions

Main processing functions

Simultaneous measurement of all items according to
selected time weighting and frequency weighting.

Sound level LA or L

C

Maximum sound level LA max or LC max
Minimum sound level LA min or LC min

Total range
Max. measurement level

: 30 to 130dB

: 130dB

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Noise floor A weighting

C weighting

Linearity range

: 60dB

Reference level range
Reference sound pressure level
Calibration check frequency
Level range selection

: 30dB or less

: 32dB or less

: 60 to 120dB

: 94dB

: 1KHz

:

6 ranges in 10dB steps 20 to 80dB , 30 to 90dB

40 to 100dB , 50 to 110dB
60 to 120dB , 70 to 130dB

Frequency range

:

Overall characteristics including microphone : 31.5 to

8000Hz

Frequency weighting : A, C
Time weighting (RMS detection) : Fast, slow

Calibration

: Calibration using sound calibrator

Sampling interval

Bar graph indication : 125mS approx.
Numeric indication : 1 sec approx.

Data memory functions

Data can be stored in the internal memory.
Max. 99 data sets for L with elapsed time, Lmax with
elapsed time and Lmin with elapsed time con be stored.

Microphone

: 1/2-inch electret condenser type

Display LCD

Display screens

:
4 digits indication of sound level, 0.1dB resolution.
Bar graph indication of current sound level, 1dB resolution.
Elapsed time display, 100 hours maximum.
Memory and read address display, 99 data sets maximum.

Warning indications

Over-range indication

OV displayed at upper limit of the range
Un displayed at lower limit of the range

Outputs

AC output

(using selected frequency weighting)

Output voltage : 1Vrms (at full-scale of the range)
Output impedance : 5K
Load impedance :≧1M

Ω

Ω

DC output

Output voltage : 10mV/1dB
Output impedance : 5K
Load impedance :≧1M

Ω

Ω

Power requirements

One 9V battery (006P or IEC6F22)

Battery life

: Approx. 25 hours

AC adaptor (option)

Current rating (when 9V DC is input) : Approx. 10mA

Ambient conditions

Operating ambient conditions

: -10°C to +50°C,

30% to 90%RH non-condensing

Storage ambient conditions

: -10°C to +60°C,

<70%RH non-condensing

Dimensions
Weight (including battery)
Supplied accessories

: Approx. 264(L)×68(W)×27(H) mm

: Approx. 260g

: Battery 9V, Wind shield, Screwdrive
(adjustment), 3.5φ plug (3pin AC/DC output), Carrying case,
Instruction manual

Optional equipment

AC adaptor, Sound calibrator TES-1356

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ⅥⅥⅥⅥ

. CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS

Un

OvUn

Ov

1. Microphone : Electret condenser microphone

2. Display

3. Key : Turns the meter on and off.

4. A, C keys : Sets the frequency weighting to A or C.

5. FAST, SLOW keys : Sets the time weighting to FAST or SLOW.

6. MAX key :

 This key is used for reading the measurement results.

Press MAX key to select maximum, minimum or current
readings with elapsed time.

 Use to tests of time weighting characteristics Fast and Slow.

Press MAX key 5 seconds, the “max” symbol flash enter to

maximum hold, press again to exit the mode.

7. MEM key : Press to store measurement data sets in memory.

8. READ key : Press to read the stored data sets in memory,

press again to exit read mode.

9. ▲▲▲▲ ▼▼▼▼ keys :

 Level range keys : select the level range for the

measurement. The following six settings are available : 20
to 80, 30 to 90, 40 to 100, 50 to 110, 60 to 120, 70 to 130.

 When read mode, the keys select the memory address to

be displayed.

10. DC/AC output : AC signal with frequency weighting.
DC signal corresponding to sound level.

11. External DC 9V power supply jack : AC adaptor connected

here for powering the unit from on AC outlet.

12. CAL potentiometer : Calibration control, For level

calibration adjustment.

13. Battery Cover.

14. Tripod mounting thread.

15. Windscreen : When making outdoor measurement in

windy weather or when measuring air conditioning
equipment or similar, wind noise at the microphone can
cause measurement errors.

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ⅦⅦⅦⅦ

. LCD DISPLAY DESCRIPTION

Un OvUnOv

1. Sound level range indicator (6 ranges).

2. Bar graph.

3. Under-range indicator.

4. Under-range indicator for processed value.

5. Frequency weighting indicator.

6. Over-range indicator for processed value.

7. Over-range indicator.

8. Battery capacity indicator.

9. Fast time weighting indicator.

10. Slow time weighting indicator.

11. Elapsed time indicator (max. 100hours).

12. Full data memory indicator.

13. Data memory indicator.

14. Data read indicator.

15. Memory address display (max. 99 sets).

16. Sound level reading.

17. Maximum sound level reading.

18. Minimum sound level reading.

19. Sound pressure level reading.

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ⅧⅧⅧⅧ

. PREPARATION

Power Supply

The meter can be powered by one 9V battery or by the
specified optional AC adaptor (DC 9V).
Before inserting or replacing the battery and before
connecting the AC adaptor, be sure to turn off the meter.

1. Battery Loading

 Before replace the batteries, must press key turn off

the meter.

 Remove the cover of the battery compartment.
 Insert the new 9V battery.
 Replace the battery cover.

 Press key turn on the meter then press key turn

off the meter.

2. Battery capacity indicator

When use battery operating the meter, periodically check
this indicator to determine the remaining battery capacity.
The number of segments decreases as the battery are
used up. When the display starts to flash, correct
measurement is no longer possible. Replace the battery
with a new one. The indicator is also displayed while the
meter is powered from the AC adaptor.

Battery Battery partly Flashing

good depleted replace battery

3. Use AC adaptor

Insert the 3.5mmφ plug of the AC adaptor into the DC 9V
jack on the side panel. When the AC adaptor is
connected, the unit will be powered from the adaptor, also
when battery is inserted, the AC adaptor has priority.

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ⅨⅨⅨⅨ

. CALIBRATION PROCEDURES

ⅩⅩⅩⅩ

. MEASUREMENT

Acoustic Calibration with sound calibrator TES-1356

Ov

UnU n Ov

1. Turn off the sound calibrator.

2. Press key turn on the meter.

3. Insert the microphone very carefully and slowly all the way
into the sound calibrator coupler.

4. Set the power switch of the sound calibrator to 94dB.

5. Adjust the CAL potentiometer of the meter, until display
reading is 94.0dB.

6. Set the power switch of the sound calibrator to OFF.

7. Remove the microphone very carefully and slowly from the
coupler.

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10-1 When using this meter, all processing functions provided

by the meter are carried out simultaneously. For
example, when sound level measurement is selected, the
maximum sound level are also determined.

Sound level measurement :

1. Press key turn on the meter, the default settings is
A frequency weighting, fast time weighting and 60 to
120dB sound level range.

2. Press “A” or “C” keys to select desired frequency

weighting. For normal sound level measurements,
select “A” setting.

3. Press “FAST” or “SLOW” keys to select desired time

weighting (dynamic characteristics). Normally the
“FAST” setting should be used.

4. When performing measurements according to IEC or

other standards, the frequency and time weighting
setting required by the standard should be selected.

5. Press “▲” or “

▼

” keys to select the desired level

range. Choose a setting in which the bar graph
indication to about the middle of the range. If the
“ OV ” (Over) or “ UN and —

—

————

—

—” (Under) indicates

——

——

light up frequently, change the level range setting.

6. The numeric level indication shows the currently

measured sound level and the elapsed measurement
time. The reading is update once every second.

7. Press “MAX” key to cycle switch the currently sound
level with elapsed measurement time  the maximum
sound level (“max” is shown) with measured elapsed
time  the minimum sound level ( “min” is shown) with
measured elapsed time.

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If an over-range or under-range condition has occurred at
least once during measurement the “ OV ” or “ UN ”
indication is shown on the display, to indicate that over­range or under-range data were included in the sound level
measurement values for processing.

During measurement, if change the frequency or time
weighting and sound level ranges, the stored maximum
and minimum sound level will be clear. The maximum
recorded elapsed time is 100 hours.

10-2 Store operations

1. To memorize the reading

 Press “MEM” key each time to store one set

measurement data (L, Lmax, Lmin and each elapsed
time) in memory, and LCD will show “ M ” and memory
location numbers (1 to 99).

 When the data number 99 is reached, the “FULL”

indication is shown on the display, does not change
further and does not return to 1.

2. To recall and read the reading

 Press "READ" key to recall the reading memory data

mode. LCD will show " READ " and memory
location numbers.

 Press “▲” or “

▼

” key to scroll through the logged

readings.

 Press “MAX” key to cycle switch the stored currently

sound level with elapsed measurement time  the
maximum sound level (“max” is shown) with measured
elapsed time  the minimum sound level ( “min” is
shown) with measured elapsed time.

 Press "READ" key again to exit READ mode.

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3. To clean the memory

 Press “ ” key to turn-off the meter.
 Press and hold down “MEM” key then press “ ” key

to turn on the meter, LCD will show “CLr” and all stored
data are clear.

OUTPUT CONNECTORS

3.5φ Plug Wiring Connection

Ac output

Dc output

Common output

AC Output :

An AC signal corresponding to the frequency-weighted signal
is output.

Output voltage : 1Vrms±100mVrms (scal upper limit)
Output impedance : approx. 5KΩ
Load impedance :≧1MΩ

The output voltage when the meter is in calibration mode
(-6dB from scale upper limit, 1000Hz sine wave) is 0.5Vrms.

DC Output :

A level-converted DC signal generated by rms detection and
logarithmic compression is output. The signal reflects the
frequency and time weighting settings of the meter.

Output voltage : 10mV±0.1mV/dB
Output impedance : approx. 5KΩ

Load impedance :≧1MΩ

The output voltage when the meter is in 94dB reading is

0.94VDC.

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