sewerin Stethophon 04 Operating Instructions Manual

Operating

Instructions

Stethophon

® 0

4

Measurable success by Sewerin equipment

Congratulations. You have chosen a quality instrument manufactured
by Hermann Sewerin GmbH.

Our equipment will provide you with the highest standards of perform­ance, safety and efciency. They correspond with the national and in­ternational guide-lines.

Please read and understand the following operating instructions before
using the equipment; they will help you to use the instrument quickly and
competently. If you have any queries we are available to offer advice
and assistance at any time.

Yours

Hermann Sewerin GmbH

Robert-Bosch-Straße 3
33334 Gütersloh, Germany

Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

www.sewerin.com
[e-mail]

Sewerin USA LLC

2835 Haddoneld Road
Pennsauken, NJ 08110-1108
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

www.sewerin.net
[e-mail]

SEWERIN SARL

17, rue Ampère – BP 211
67727 Hoerdt Cedex, France
Tél. : [phone]
Fax : [phone]

www.sewerin.fr
[e-mail]

Sewerin Ltd

Hertfordshire
UK

Phone: [phone]

www.sewerin.co.uk
[e-mail]

SEWERIN IBERIA S.L.

Centro de Negocios Eisenhower

Avenida Sur del Aeropuerto
de Barajas 24, Ed. 5 Of. 2C
28042 Madrid, España
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

www.sewerin.es
[e-mail]

Sewerin Sp.z o.o.

ul. Annopol 3
03-236 Warszawa, Polska
Tel.: [phone]
Faks: [phone]
Tel. kom.+48 501 879 444
[phone]

www.sewerin.com
[e-mail]

Stethophon 04 illustrated – Device structure

Probe tip

z for recording vibrations
z removable

Headphone socket

Microphone socket

z for connecting an external microphone

Display

Loudspeaker key

z start/stop measurement
z switch off noise

Arrow-up key

z increase volume, lter level, values in normal

settings

Arrow-down key

z reduce volume, lter level, values in normal

settings

Filter key

z change lter level

ON/OFF key

z switch device on/off

Bar

z for attaching carrying strap

Measured value (current minimum sound level)

Volume, also: frequency range

z missing segment indicates selected volume /

visible segments indicate bandpass frequency
range

Status message, also: menu item /last

measured value /lter level

Filter symbol

z lter level can be changed

Loudspeaker symbol (crossed out)

z ready to measure
z noise switched off

Battery symbol

z current battery capacity; the more segments that

are visible, the higher the remaining capacity
available

Note:

All of the gures (with the exception of zero) in the illustrated displays

are examples. You will generally obtain other values when working with
the device.

Abbreviations:

Status message/
menu item

Abbreviation for See

APF Auto Power Off Section 3.5
BAT Battery Section 3.5
END End Section 5
LDS Loudspeaker Section 5.2
LED Light emitting diode (display illumination) Section 5.2
LOC Lock (lter key) Section 5.2
MIC Microphone (external) Section 4.3.2
PRO Protect (hearing protection threshold value) Section 5.2
RES Reset Section 5.2
SET Setup Section 5.1
VOL Volume (hearing protection) Section 5.2

Display illustration – Description of symbols and abbreviations

Operating Instructions

22.07.2013 – V3.XX – 104854 – en

Stethophon® 04

Symbol explanation

CAUTION!

This symbol is used to indicate dangers which may
either result in hazards for the operators or in severe
damage – or even destruction – of the product.

Note:

This symbol is used to call attention to information

and tips which may be helpful and which are exceed­ing the basic operating procedures.

I

Contents Page

1 Introduction .............................................................................1

2 General ..................................................................................... 2

2.1 Warranty ....................................................................................2

2.2 Intended use .............................................................................3

2.3 Safety information .....................................................................3

3 Useful information about the device .....................................4

3.1 Models ....................................................................................... 4

3.2 Structure .................................................................................... 4

3.3 Modes of operation ...................................................................5

3.4 Reset ......................................................................................... 5

3.5 Listening to noise .....................................................................6

3.5.1 Adjusting the volume ............................................................. 7

3.5.2 Automatic hearing protection .................................................8

3.5.3 Switching off the noise ...........................................................9

3.6 Automatic shut down ................................................................. 9

3.7 Illumination of display .............................................................. 10

4 Measuring .............................................................................. 11

4.1 How to switch the device on (measuring mode) ..................... 11

4.2 How to measure ...................................................................... 11

4.2.1 What you need to know about the noise picked up ..............13

4.2.2 What you need to know about the measured value

displayed ..............................................................................13

4.3 How to inuence the quality of the measurement result .........14

4.3.1 Changing the lter level .......................................................14

4.3.2 Using an external microphone ............................................17

4.3.3 Extending the probe tip ........................................................18

5 Normal settings .....................................................................19

5.1 How to use the normal settings ............................................... 19

5.2 What values can be adjusted? ................................................21

6 Maintenance and servicing ..................................................23

6.1 Overview .................................................................................23

6.2 Simple function test (troubleshooting) ..................................... 23

6.3 Replacing disposable/rechargeable batteries .........................24

II

Contents Page

7 Appendix ................................................................................ 25

7.1 Technical data .........................................................................25

7.2 Accessories ............................................................................. 26

7.3 EC Declaration of Conformity .................................................. 27

7.4 FCC Compliance Statements .................................................. 28

7.5 Advice on disposal ..................................................................29

1

1 Introduction

1 Introduction

The Stethophon 04 is an electroacoustic listening device used
to detect leaks.

The device's probe tip records the natural vibrations of the object
of examination. The Stethophon 04 displays a relative measure-
ment according to the internal amplication of the vibrations, and

emits the corresponding noise through the headphones.

Ranges of use:

z Leak detection in the water distribution network

z Inspecting house service connections

z Inspecting and pinpointing damage in compressed air sys-

tems

z Troubleshooting in heating and sanitation facilities in build-

ings

z Bearing inspection on machines

2

2 General information

2 General

2.1 Warranty

The following instructions must be complied with in order for any

warranty to be applicable regarding functionality and safe opera­tion of this equipment.
Hermann Sewerin GmbH accepts no liability for any damages
resulting from non-compliance with these instructions. The war­ranty and liability provisions of the terms of sale and delivery of
Hermann Sewerin GmbH are not affected by the information
given below.

z This product must only be operated after the relevant operating

instructions have been read and understood.

z This product must only be used for its intended purpose.

z This product is designed for use in industrial and commercial

applications.

z Repairs must only be carried out by the manufacturer or by

other suitably trained personnel.

z Changes or modications to this product must not be carried out

without approval from Hermann Sewerin GmbH. The manu­facturer cannot be held responsible for damages if unapproved

modications have been made.

z Only replacement parts that have been approved by

Hermann Sewerin GmbH may be used.

z Only the specied battery types may be used.

z The manufacturer reserves the right to make technical modi-

cations in the course of further development.

Generally applicable safety and accident-prevention regulations
must be complied with, in addition to the information provided in
this manual.

3

2 General information

2.2 Intended use

The Stethophon 04 is a sensitive measuring device. It may only
be used for listening to sounds.

The device is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. There are

special accessories available for both applications to optimise
the measurement results and prevent operating errors. Please
contact our sales department for advice.

The manufacturer accepts no responsibility for any damage

or harm caused to persons or property as a result of improper
use.

2.3 Safety information

Risk of personal injury (health risk)

z You could injure yourself or others with the tip of the device

probe. Handle the device carefully therefore when transporting
it and using it to measure.

z The device has an automatic hearing protection function. How-

ever, only set the volume as loud as is necessary to analyse
the noise. Excessive noise can cause permanent damage to
hearing!

Risks to the device

z Do not drop the device. This could damage the internal mi-

crophone.

z Never open the housing (except the battery compartment).

Failure to observe the above instructions will invalidate the
warranty.

z Take extra care when handling the device if you use a probe

tip extension. The mechanical stress on the extended probe

tip can produce forces powerful enough to destroy the internal
microphone.

z Never lean on the device.

z Never use the probe tip as a lever for manual tasks.

4

3 Useful information about the device

3 Useful information about the device

3.1 Models

The Stethophon 04 is available with and without a radio mod-
ule.

Stethophon 04 with radio module

Devices featuring a radio module feature an SDR
sticker (SDR = Sewerin Digital Radio).

The device can be used either with the F5 wireless headphones
or with headphones without a radio module (e. g. K3 or S4 head-
phones).

Stethophon 04 without radio module

The device can only be used with headphones without a radio
module (e. g. K3 or S4 headphones).

CAUTION!

Correct recognition of the limit for the automatic
hearing protection function is only guaranteed if

SEWERIN's F5, K3 or S4 headphones are used.

3.2 Structure

Illustrations with

z all parts of the Stethophon 04 labelled and

z an explanation of the symbols/abbreviations on the display

are provided on the inside front cover.

5

3 Useful information about the device

3.3 Modes of operation

The device features two modes of operation:

z Measuring > see Section 4

z Normal settings > see Section 5

It is not possible to switch directly to the normal settings from

measuring mode. You must rst switch the device off.

3.4 Reset

All the menu items in the normal settings are set to "0". The lter
level is "5".

6

3 Useful information about the device

3.5 Listening to noise

The main purpose of the Stethophon 04 is for listening to noise.
The device is therefore almost always used with headphones.
The minimum sound level shown in the display should conrm
the results heard. These digital measurement values alone may

not provide enough information in certain situations.

Note:

Inexperienced users are advised to practise listen­ing (see below) to allow them to use the device ef­fectively after a short period of training.

Even though listening is more important than reading off the meas­urement values, these operating instructions focus in particular

on the information shown in the display. This is simply because

the visible changes can be explained in greater detail than the
audible ones.

There is a volume setting for picking up the noise (see Section

3.4.1).

If the noise becomes so loud that it poses a health risk to the user,

the sound will be switched off automatically (see Section 3.4.2).

Practising listening

Practise listening, for example, on an exposed water pipe

with a tap. Learn to distinguish the sound of ows of different

strength.

z First listen to what it sounds like when the water tap is closed

by placing the probe tip on the water pipe and measuring as
explained in Section 4.

z Then listen to the noise when the water tap is open. Take your

measurement at the same spot as before.

z Compare the two noises.

Another readily available practice object is a radiator with adjust­able thermostat (difference between closed/open thermostat).

7

3 Useful information about the device

3.5.1 Adjusting the volume

The missing segment in the volume display indicates the selected

volume.

z loud

z quiet

Changing the volume

Action What happens?

Hold down Noise gets louder

OR

Hold down Noise gets quieter

Release key Selected volume will be saved

The volume can also be changed during a measurement.

8

3 Useful information about the device

3.5.2 Automatic hearing protection

The device features automatic hearing protection. If the noise

picked up exceeds a certain limit, it will be switched off to protect
the user.

CAUTION!

Correct recognition of the limit for the automatic
hearing protection function is only guaranteed if

SEWERIN's F5, K3 or S4 headphones are used.

The limit for activation of automatic hearing protection is set in

the normal settings under PRO. The automatic hearing protection
function can be disabled.

How automatic hearing protection works

z You measure.

z The current minimum sound level of the measurement exceeds

the dened limit.

z The noise is switched off. The loudspeaker symbol will appear

crossed out in the display.

How to continue listening

z Continue without stopping the measurement. Once the mini-

mum sound level falls below the limit in the course of the meas­urement, the noise will become audible again.

OR

z Stop the measurement. Reduce the volume.

9

3 Useful information about the device

3.5.3 Switching off the noise

As soon as you put on the headphones, you will hear continuous
noise. This can be switched off between two measurements to

protect your hearing.

Switching noise off/on

Action What happens? / Why? Information

in display

1.

Press

z Noise will be switched off
z Loudspeaker symbol will

appear

2.

Press

z Noise audible again
z Loudspeaker symbol

hidden

Note:

The loudspeaker key also starts and stops meas­urements. This means that if you do not wish to

hear noise during a measurement, you will have to
remove the headphones.

3.6 Automatic shut down

The Stethophon 04 switches off automatically

z if there is insufcient battery power.

(BAT will appear briey in the display.)
In some cases this may also happen immediately after switch-

ing the device on! Replace/recharge the batteries (see Sec­tion 6.3).

z if the device has not been used for 10 mins (no key pressed)

or there has been no change in the display. (APF will appear
briey in the display.)

The automatic shut down function does not work when a micro-

phone is plugged in.

10

3 Useful information about the device

3.7 Illumination of display

The device display automatically illuminates when any key is
pressed (stays lit for 20 s).

Note:

The automatic display illumination function can be
locked (see Section 5.2).

11

4 Measuring

4 Measuring

4.1 How to switch the device on (measuring mode)

Switching the device on (measuring mode)

Action What happens? / Why? Information

in display

1.

Press

approx. 2 s

z The device switches on

2. Wait z internal power supply veri-
cation: disposable or re-

chargeable battery

3. z Battery symbol appears

z Device ready to start meas-

uring

4.2 How to measure

The device is switched on (see Section 4.1).

z Establish a radio/electric connection between the headphones

and device.

Wireless headphones

− Press the ON button on the headphones.

The green LED on the headphones will illuminate. The radio

connection will be established automatically.

Headphones without radio module

− Plug the cable of the headphones into the headphone
socket.

z Place the headphones on your head.

CAUTION!

Wearing headphones impairs your perception of

ambient noise. Pay extra attention therefore when

in dangerous surroundings (e. g. trafc).

12

4 Measuring

Note:

When using the wireless headphones please ensure

that you do not move too far away from the device
and that you stay within the radio range.

Measuring

Action What happens? / Why? Information

in display

1.

Press

z Device is preparing

for measurement

z Noise switched off

2. Place probe tip on
object of examina-

tion (see note be­low)

3.

Press

z The measurement

starts

z Current minimum

sound level counts
down

z Noise switches on

4. Wait until the
measurement rests
at a constant value

5.

Press

z Measurement com-

plete

z Measurement result

in example on right:

minimum sound lev-

el = 361

z Noise switched off

13

4 Measuring

Please note the following when measuring:

z Ensure that there is rm contact between the device and the

object of examination. However, do not exert any pressure on
the probe tip.

z Always measure until you have a clear impression of the meas-

urement location.

4.2.1 What you need to know about the noise picked up

If the device is switched on, you will hear noise through the head-

phones. If a measurement is not underway (e. g. when carrying the
device around whilst it is switched on) irregular interference noise

will dominate. If the probe tip is placed on an object of examina­tion, a steady ambient noise will immediately become audible. If

you measure close to a leak, the sound of the noise will still
be steady, but it will be much louder and clearer than at an
intact measuring point.

To ensure reliability when analysing noise, you may have to prac­tise listening (see Section 3.3).

4.2.2 What you need to know about the measured value
displayed

The measured value shown in the display dur­ing a measurement (here: 859) indicates the

current minimum value of the noise intensity.
Values above the minimum value will not be
displayed.

When the measurement is complete the device

will show the minimum value over the entire
measurement (here: 361).

The calculated minimum sound level is a relative value, which
only becomes meaningful when it is compared with measured
values from other measuring points.

The current measured value is always shown with the minimum
value of the previous measurement (here: 007) to help you com-

pare two successive measurements.

14

4 Measuring

4.3 How to inuence the quality of the measurement result

Various factors can affect the quality of a measurement.

z If possible only measure when the amount and intensity of in-

terference noise (e. g. open water pipes, vibrating machines,
talking) is minimal.

z Check and see if selecting another lter level delivers a

clearer result (see Section 4.3.1).

z Hold the device still during the measurement. Otherwise the

measurement values will be distorted.

If necessary use an external microphone which does not have

to be held steady (see Section 4.3.2) or extend the probe tip
to allow easier access to the object of examination (see Sec­tion 4.3.3).

z Never measure just once.

Firstly familiarise yourself with the acoustic environment by
conducting several test measurements.

Repeat the actual measurement at various points around a
suspected leak to obtain an informative series of measure-

ments.

4.3.1 Changing the lter level

The device can be operated with eight different lter levels. The
selected lter level affects individual perception of the noise.

Note:

The lter level cannot be changed if the lter key is
locked (see Section 5.2).

15

4 Measuring

Each lter level accentuates certain specic noise elements.

Suitability of lter levels

Filter
level

Frequen-cyNoise Select for

1 low mufed z Large pipe diameters

z Plastic piping
z Floors

.
.
.
.
.
.

z Small pipe diameters
z Metal pipes8 high clear

The lter levels also allow frequency ranges of different widths

to pass.

Width of frequency range in the individual lter levels

Filter
level

Low < Frequency > High

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Note:

The lter level inuences the device's internal cal­culation of the minimum sound level. It is therefore
important only to compare measurement values that

have been calculated at the same lter level.

16

4 Measuring

Changing the lter level

Action What happens? / Why? Information

in display

1.

Press

z Filter symbol appears
z Current lter level ashes
z Instead of the volume the

frequency range is dis­played

2.

Press

z Filter level increases

OR

z Filter level decreases

Press

3.
Press

z New lter level is applied
z Filter symbol is hidden
z Volume visible again

The last lter level used is saved when the device is switched off

or when the batteries are replaced.

17

4 Measuring

4.3.2 Using an external microphone

The Stethophon 04 can record the structure-borne noise of the
object of examination either using the device's internal or an ex-

ternal microphone.

Using an external microphone is preferable if it makes examina-

tion of the object easier (e. g. setting the microphone up on sur­faces). Optional accessories for the device include, for example,

the external EM 30 and EM 35 Piezo microphones.

Points to note when working with an external microphone

z The external microphone can be plugged into the microphone

socket when the device is both switched on and off.

z Once the microphone is connected to the device the status

message MIC will appear in the display.

z The device can only be switched off if the microphone is

rst unplugged from the microphone socket.

z Only lter levels 1-5 are available.

z The device's automatic shut down function is disabled. Re-

member to switch the device off yourself when not in use for a
long period to save the batteries.

18

4 Measuring

4.3.3 Extending the probe tip

The probe tip of the Stethophon 04 can be extended if the object
of examination is too far away or awkward to reach.

One or more probe tip extensions can be screwed between the
device and the probe tip.

Always follow the safety advice in Section 2 when working with

an extended probe tip.

When measuring with an extended probe tip:

Do not hold the device by the housing, but
rather by the probe tip close to the housing.

19

5 Normal Settings

5 Normal settings

5.1 How to use the normal settings

Opening the normal settings

Action What happens? Information

in display

1. Condition: Device must be switched off

2.

Hold down

whilst pressing

z The device switches

on

z Software version is

displayed briey

3. Wait a moment z First menu item in
normal settings ap­pears

Accessing the menu items and changing values

Action What happens?

Press briey Next menu item appears

Value increases

Values decreases

20

5 Normal Settings

Exiting normal settings

Action What happens? Information

in display

Exit

1. Select END from
the menu

2. Set value to 1 z Changed settings will

be saved

OR

Leave value at 0 z Changed settings will

not be saved

3.

Press

z Device switches to

measuring mode

Cancel

1. Select any menu
item, but not END

2.

Hold down

z Device switches off

21

5 Normal Settings

5.2 What values can be adjusted?

Menu
item

Adjusted
setting

Signicance/function

LDS Listening 0 Listening functions according to the

power switch principle:

1. Press >

Listening switched on,
loudspeaker symbol hidden

2. Press again >
Listening switched off,
loudspeaker symbol visible

1 Listening functions according to the

principle of the button:

– Listening switched on as long as

is held down

PRO Limit for

activation
of hearing
protection

0 Noise is switched off at average

volume

(good hearing protection)

1 Noise is switched off at high volume

(poor hearing protection)

2 Hearing protection function

switched off (no hearing protection)

VOL Noise when

hearing
protection
activates

0 Noise is switched off

1 Noise gets quieter

LOC Filter key 0 Filter key released > lter level can

be changed

1 Filter key locked > lter level

cannot be changed

22

5 Normal Settings

Menu
item

Adjusted
setting

Signicance/function

LED Display

illumination

0 Display illumination switched off

(energy saving mode)

1 Display always lights up when a

key is pressed

RES Reset 0 Menu items are not reset when you

exit normal settings

1 All menu items are reset when you

exit normal settings

END Exit normal

settings

0 Set values are not applied

1 Set values are applied

The set values (except END) are permanently saved until the
next change. They apply both when the device is switched back

on again and following battery replacement.

23

6 Maintenance and servicing

6 Maintenance and servicing

6.1 Overview

Maintenance and servicing of the Stethophon 04 comprises the
following points:

Maintenance and servicing

What? How? By whom? How often?

Simple
function test

See

Section 6.2

User If suspected that the

device is not function­ing properly

Servicing Wipe

down with
damp cloth

User As required

Replacing
disposable/
rechargeable
batteries

See

Section 6.3

User As required

6.2 Simple function test (troubleshooting)

If you cannot pick up any noise through the headphones, rst
check the following:

z Has the noise been switched off accidentally (loudspeaker

symbol visible)?

z Have the headphones been plugged into the right socket?

Perform the following function test as soon as you suspect that

the device is not working properly:

z Open the normal settings and reset the device (RES = 1, then

END = 1).

z When the device is in measuring mode, apply a vibration to

the probe tip, for example by rubbing it. If in doubt, increase
the volume.

If you do not hear any noise, the device is probably faulty. Send
it to the manufacturer or an authorised company for repair.

24

6 Maintenance and servicing

6.3 Replacing disposable/rechargeable batteries

The battery compartment is locked with a quick-release fastener
(1/4 turn). It can be opened using a tool (e. g. coin, screwdriver).

CAUTION!

The polarity of the two disposable/rechargeable
batteries in the battery compartment points in the
same direction.

25

7 Appendix

7 Appendix

7.1 Technical data

Protection rating IP54

Power supply 2 AA-size alkaline batteries

or

2 NiMh rechargeable batteries
(each min. 2000 mAh)

Operating time: min. 8 h

Weight: approx. 290 g (0.64 lbs.)

Dimensions: 50 × 228 × 30 mm (W × H × D)

(1.96 × 8.97 × 1.18 in.)

Operating

temperature:

-10 °C – +50 °C
(14 °F – 122 °F)

Storage

temperature:

-25 °C – +70 °C
(-13 °F – 158 °F)

SDR radio module: z Transmitting power: ≤ 10 dBm

z Connection time: typically 10 ms
z Frequency band: 2.408 – 2.476 Ghz
z Marking:

FCC ID WSP-EZ1300102
IC 7994A-EZ1300102

Pressure: 950 – 1100 hPa (13.78 psi. – 15.95 psi.)

Permissible relative

humidity:

15 % – 90 % non-condensing

26

7 Appendix

7.2 Accessories

Piezo microphone EM 35

Art. no.: EM35-10100

z particularly for use indoors

z Flexible cable 1.3 m

z Phone jack 3.5 mm

z M6 external thread for attach-

ing adapters

Piezo microphone EM 30

Art. no.: EM30-10400

z particularly for use outdoors

z Tension resistant cable 1.3 m

z Phone jack 6.3 mm

z M10 internal thread for attach-

ing adapters

Other accessories are available for the device. Please contact
our sales department for further information.

27

7 Appendix

7.3 EC Declaration of Conformity

Hermann Sewerin GmbH hereby declares that the Stethophon® 04

fulls the requirements of the following guideline:

z 2004/108/EC

The complete declaration of conformity can be found online.

28

7 Appendix

7.4 FCC Compliance Statements

The device has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against

harmful interference when the device is operated in a commercial

environment. The device generates, uses, and can radiate radio

frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this device in a residential area is
likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at his own expense.

29

7 Appendix

7.5 Advice on disposal

The European Waste Catalogue (EWC) governs the disposal of

appliances and accessories.

Description of waste Allocated EWC waste code

Device 16 02 13
Disposable battery,

rechargeable battery

16 06 05

End-of-life equipment

Used equipment can be returned to Hermann Sewerin GmbH. We

will arrange for the equipment to be disposed of appropriately by

certied specialist contractors free of charge.

Hermann Sewerin GmbH

Robert-Bosch-Straße 3 · 33334 Gütersloh · Germany

Telefon [phone] · Telefax [phone]

www.sewerin.com · [e-mail]

22.07.2013 a – 104854 – en