Testo Testo 816-1 Manual

99 Washington Street
Melrose, MA 02176

Phone [phone]
Toll Free 1-800-517-8431

Visit us at www.TestEquipmentDepot.com

testo 816-1 Sound Level Meter

Instruction Manual

2

1 Contents

1 Contents

1 Contents ................................................................................................... 3

2 Safety and the environment .................................................................... 5

2.1. About this document ........................................................................ 5

2.2. Safety .............................................................................................. 5

2.3. Protecting the environment .............................................................. 6

3 Specifications .......................................................................................... 7

3.1. Use .................................................................................................. 7

3.2. Technical data ................................................................................. 7

4 Product description ............................................................................... 12

5 Using the product .................................................................................. 16

5.1. Commissioning .............................................................................. 16

5.2. Switching on / off ........................................................................... 16

5.3. Setting the date / time .................................................................... 16

5.4. Showing / hiding the date / time ..................................................... 17

5.5. Switching the display illumination on / off ...................................... 17

5.6. Changing the frequency weighting ................................................ 17

5.7. Changing the time weighting ......................................................... 17

5.8. Measuring ...................................................................................... 18

5.9. Using the min / max hold function .................................................. 19

5.10. Using individual value storage ....................................................... 20

5.11. Using measurement series storage ............................................... 20

5.12. Using AC / DC signal output .......................................................... 21

5.13. Using PC interface ......................................................................... 22

6 Maintaining the product ........................................................................ 22

6.1. Cleaning the instrument ................................................................. 22

6.2. Changing batteries ........................................................................ 22

6.3. Calibrating / adjusting the instrument ............................................ 22

7 testo 816-1 software .............................................................................. 23

7.1. S

7.2. Installing the drivers / software ...................................................... 23

7.3. Connecting the instrument to the PC ............................................. 23

7.4. Starting the software ...................................................................... 24

7.5. User interface ................................................................................ 24

ystem requirements ..................................................................... 23

7.5.1. Main menu ..................................................................................................... 24

3

1 Contents

7.6. Real Time...................................................................................... 26

7.7. Data Logger .................................................................................. 28

8 Tips and assistance .............................................................................. 29

8.1. Questions and answers ................................................................ 29

8.2. Accessories and spare parts ......................................................... 30

4

2 Safety and the environment

2 Safety and the environment

2.1. About this document

Use

> Please read this documentation t hrough carefully and

familiarise yourself with the product before putting it to use. Pay
particular attention to the safety instructions and warning advice
in order to prevent injuries and damage to the product.

> Keep this document to hand so that you can refer to it when

necessary.

> Hand this documentation on to any subsequent users of the

product.

Warnings

Always pay attention to any information denoted by the following
warnings, indicated with warning pictograms. Implement the
precautionary measures specified!

Display Explanation

WARNING

Indicates possible serious injury

CAUTION

ATTENTION

2.2. Safety

Indicates possible minor injury
Indicates circumstances which may result in

damage to the product

> Only use the product properly, for the purpose it is intended for

and within the parameters specifi ed in the technical data. Do
not apply any force.

> Do not store the product together with solvents. Do not use any

desiccants.

> Only perform maintenance and repai r work on this instrument

that is described in the documentati on. Follow the prescribed
steps exactly. Use only original spare parts from Testo.

> Protect the instrument from rain and hum idity. Make sure that

no fluids get into the microphone.

5

2 Safety and the environment

2.3. Protecting the environment

> Dispose of faulty rechargeable batt eries / spent batteries in

accordance with the valid legal specifications.

> At the end of its useful life, send the produc t to the separate

collection for electric and elect r oni c devices (observe local
regulations) or return the produc t to Testo for disposal.

6

3 Specifications

3.1. Use

The testo 816-1 is a sound level meter with a measuring range of
30 to 130 dB, two time weightings, two frequency weightings,
minimum / maximum value function, i ndividual value storage and
measurement series storage.

Measurement configurations and results are shown on the LCD
display. Measurement data can be stored in the instrument or
transferred to a Windows® PC via a PC interface.

Using the calibrator (accessory item), the meter can be adjusted
with the enclosed adjustment screwdriver.

3.2. Technical data

The instrument fulfils the requirements of IEC 61672-1 Class 2.

Feature Values

Microphone

Frequency range 20 Hz to 8 kHz
Measuring range 30 to 130 dB
Noise level < 30 dB
Frequency weighting A / C
Time weighting FAST (125 mS), SLOW (1 s)
Accuracy ±1.4 dB (under reference conditio ns

Dynamic range 100 dB
Measurement data

memory

Digital display Resolution 0.1 dB, display refr es h 0.5 s
Bar graph display 50 s egments, resolution 2 dB, displ ay

AC output 1 Vrms at full deflection
DC output 10 mV / dB

3 Specifications

½-inch electret condenser measurem ent
microphone 2.2 kohms input impedance

@ 94 dB, 1 kHz )

Individual value memory: 99 data records
Measurement series memory: 31,000 data

records

refresh 50 mS

7

3 Specifications

Feature Values

Voltage supply 4 x IEC LR6P (AA) batteries
Battery life approx. 30 h (alkaline batterie s )
Power consumption approx. 0.3 W
Mains connection 9 V DC (8-10 V DC max)
Operating

temperature
Operating humidity 10 to 90 % RH
Operating / storage

height
Storage temperature -10 to 60 °C
Storage humidity 10 to 75 % RH
Dimensions

(L x W x H)
Weight 390 g (including batteries)
Laws, guidelines,

standards
Warranty 2 years

0 to 40 °C

max. 2000m above sea level

272 × 83 × 42 mm

IEC 61672-1 Class 2, ANSI S 1.4 Type 2

8

3 Specifications

Directional characteristics of t he microphone

Directional characteristics of t he sound level meter

9

3 Specifications

Effect of the windscreen

Frequency weighting
Frequency [Hz] dBA(dB) dBC(dB) Error limits (dB)

20 -50.5 -6.2 ±3.5

31.5 -39.4 -3.0 ±3.5
63 -26.2 -0.8 ±2,5
125 -16.1 -0.2 ±2,0
250 -8.6 0.0 ±1,9
500 -3.2 0.0 ±1,9
1000 0.0 0.0 ±1,4
2000 1.2 -0.2 ±2,6
4000 1.0 -0.8 ±3,6
8000 -1.1 -3.0 ±5,6

10

Frequency weighting characteris tics

3 Specifications

Absolute pressure dependency
Height above sea

Pressure [mbar] Offset value [dB]

level [m]

0 – 250 1013 – 984 0.0
251 – 850 983 – 915 -0.1
851 – 1450 914 – 853 -0.2
1451 – 2000 852 – 795 -0.3

Temperature dependency

Values relating to:

• Ambient humid ity: 65 %RH

• Sound pressure reference value: 124 dB

• Temperature range with discrepancy < 0.5 dB: 10 to 40 °C

Temperature [°C] Offset value [dB]

-10 -0.7
0 -0.7
5 -0.6
50 +1

11

4 Product description

4 Product description

12

4 Product description

No. Element Description Function
1

2

3

4

5
6
7

8

9
10

11

On / Off Switch the instrument on / off
Individual value

storage data recall
Measurement series

storage
Individual value

storage
Up / down Edit view or value.

Time / date Show / hide values, edit v alues.
Measurement series

storage interval
Minimum /

maximum value
Display illumination Switch illumination on / off.

Frequency
weighting

Time weighting Change time weighting.

Display the stored data of an individual
value storage.

Start / stop automatic storage of
a measurement series.

Carry out manual storage of an individual
reading.

Set interval.

Display / save minimum / maximum value.

Change frequency weighting.

12 - Microphone Record readings.
13 CAL Adjustment screw Carry out adjustment.
14 PC PC interface Transfer data to PC.
15 OUTPUT AC / DC signal

Alternating / direct current signal output.

output
16 DC 9V DC-voltage input Voltage supply via external mains unit.
17 - Tripod threaded

Mount instrument onto tripod.

connection
18 - Battery

Internal voltage supply.

compartment

13

4 Product description

Display

Element Description Function

Remaining
battery capacity

Automatic
instrument shut­down

Hold minimum /
maximum value

Time weighting Display of t he time weighting

Measuring range Minimum / maximum

Scale display Reading display via a scale.

Remaining lifetime:

Fully  parti ally discharged 
Replace battery

Automatic instrument shut-down
is activated

Display the minimum / maximum
value.

configured.

measurable value.

14

Individual value
storage

Time Display of time.

Individual value display is
stored.

Element Description Function

Individual value
storage memory
address

Display of stored
individual value

Frequency
weighting

Reading Display of reading
Date Display of dat e.

Memory address of the stored
value which is displayed.

Stored individual value is
displayed.

Display of configured frequency
weighting.

4 Product description

Alarm for
exceeding the
measuring range

Memory full Prompt that reading memory i s

Measurement
series storage

Alarm for falling
short of the
measuring range

Prompt due to exceeding the
maximum reading.

full.
Measurement series storage is

activated.
Prompt due to falling short of the

minimum reading.

Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431
99 Washington Street

, Melrose, MA 02176

TestEquipmentDepot.com

15

5 Using the product

5 Using the product

5.1. Commissioning

Inserting batteries

1. Remove Philips screw from the battery compartment using
a screwdriver.

2. Remove battery compartment cover.

3. Insert batteries. Observe the polarity!

4. Put cover back on the battery compartment.

5. Tighten screw using a screwdriver.

5.2. Switching on / off

Switching on (with automatic shut-down activation)

> Press the key.

- The instrument switches on and (automatic shut-down
activated) is displayed.

- The instrument switches off automatically if no key is pressed
for 30 minutes.

- The automatic shut-down is deactivated when the instrument is
connected to a PC or when automatic data recording is in
process.

Switching on (without automatic shut-down activation)

1. Hold down the key and press the key.

2. Hold down the key until the instrument switches on.

- The instrument switches on. is not displayed.

Switching off

> Hold the key down until P-OFF is displayed.

5.3. Setting the date / time

The integrated clock enables readings to be stored with the date
and time.

1. Hold down the key for 2 s.

The values are set in the following order: (year), (month), (day),
(hour), (minute), (second).

16

5 Using the product

s from one reading per second to

2. Press the or key to set a value, press the key to
change to the next value.

> Press the key to cancel the process.

5.4. Showing / hiding the date / time

> Press the key.

5.5. Switching the display illumination on / off

Switching on / off manually

> Press the key.

Automatic switch-off

The display illumination is swit c hed off automatically after 30 s.

5.6. Changing the frequency weighting

Frequency weighting A is used for standard sound level
measurements. This weighting corresponds to the
perception of sound by the human ear. “Aurally
compensated” volume is referred to in this context.

If the low-frequency portions of a sound are also to be
weighted, frequency weighting C is used. If the displayed
C-weighting value is considerabl y h i gher than the A­weighting value, then there is a large amount of low­frequency noise.

> Press the key.

5.7. Changing the time weighting

The ranges “Slow”, with a time weighting of 1s, and “Fast”,
with a time weighting of 125ms, are available. The incoming
sound signals are incorporated over a period of 1 s or 125 ms
accordingly. If “Fast” is set, the rate at which readings are
shown in the display increase
around 5 - 6 readings per second. The “Slow” time weighting
should be selected for noises whose signals only change in
volume gradually, such as machines, photocopiers, printers
etc. Select the “Fast” mode to measure sudden changes in
sound level (e.g. building machinery).

> Press the key.

17

5 Using the product

5.8. Measuring

Information and recommendations

• Sound waves can be reflected off walls, ceilings and other

objects. If not handled correctly, the measuring instrument
housing and the person conducting the measurement are also
disruptive factors within the sound field and can result in
incorrect measurement results.

• Not only can the instrument housing and the person operating

the instrument impede the sound which comes from a particular
direction, they may even cause reflec tions, resulting in
significant measurement errors . Experiments have shown, for
example, that at frequencies around 400 Hz the body can
cause errors of up to 6 dB if a measurement is carried out less
than one meter away from the person. This error is smaller at
other frequencies, but a minimum dis tance should still be
observed. Generally, it is recomm ended that the measuring
instrument is held at least 30 cm - ev en better 50 cm - away
from the body.

• We recommend fitting the instrument to a tripod for exact

measurements

• Absolute pressure dependency: The measuring inst rument is

calibrated at a height of 0 m above sea level in the factory.
Measurements at other heights give rise to measurement errors
which can be corrected using a table (see technical data).
Please subtract the corresponding offset value from the
measured value (e.g. - 0.1 dB for meas ur ements at a height of
500 m above sea level). Prevent this m easuring error by
adjusting the measuring instrum ent at the corresponding height
before (and after) each measurement. Follow the instruction
manual for the calibrator.

• Windscreen: The windscreen included in the delivery should

generally be set up for measurements outdoors or if the air is
moving. Wind noises around the microphone will cause a
measuring error as the useful sign al (from the noise source)
and the wind noise will be added together.
The windscreen will not distort the reading.

• Overmodulation and undermodulation: With every

measurement cycle, the sound level meter checks whether the
measured sound level is within the sc ope of the measuring
range. Deviations are indicated by “Over” or “Under” on the
display. However, the criteria for overmodulation and
undermodulation are different. Overmodulation is signalled if
the maximum value (peak value e.g. shor t sound pulse, bang)
during the last measurement cycle was too high. This value

18

may be considerably higher than the actual value of the sound
level displayed. Therefore, “Over” may be signalled despite the
fact that a sound level within the normal framework of the
respective measurement range is shown. By contrast “Under” is
geared to the measured actual value and is therefore set when
the lower limit of the measurement range is undershot.

Carrying out a measurement

1. Switch the instrument on.

2. Set the measuring time (FAST / SLOW)

3. Set the frequency (A / C)

4. Always aim the microphone directly at the sound source to be
measured (reference direction).

5.9. Using the min / max hold function

Holding readings

> Press the key.

- lights up. The maximum value since the function was
activated is displayed and held automatically.

> Press the key again.

- lights up. The minimum value since the function was
activated is displayed and held automatically.

5 Using the product

> Press the key again.

- and flash. The current measurement value is
shown. The minimum value and maximum val ue since the
function was activated are autom atic al l y held.

> Press the key again.

- The hold function is deactivated.

Resetting the hold function

> Hold down the key for two seconds.

The recorded values are deleted.

19

5 Using the product

5.10. Using individual value storage

Storing an individual value

> Press the key.

- lights up briefly and the individua l v al ue is stored under

the next available memory address.

Displaying a stored individual value

> Press the key.

- lights up. The individual value of the most rec ent

individual value storage and the mem ory address are displayed.

> Switch between individual memory add resses using the and

keys.

- If memory addresses have not yet been allocated, 00 is

displayed instead of the reading.

Deleting an individual value memory

1. Switch the instrument off.

2. Hold down the key and the key.

- While the keys are held down: CLr is displayed, SURE flashes

and a countdown (5 seconds) starts.

3. Once the countdown is complete, release the keys.

- The memory is deleted.

5.11. Using measurement series storage

Setting the storage interval

1. Press the key.

2. Use the and keys to set the i nterval (in seconds)

(minimum: 1 second, maximum 1 minute).

3. Press the key again.

20

5 Using the product

DC Signal

AC Signal

Ground

Saving a measurement series

When measurement series storage is activated, most functions
(individual value storage, stor age interval setting, frequency
weighting, time weighting) are deac tivated.

1. Press the key.

- lights up and the readings are stored.

2. Press the key again.

- The storage of readings is completed.

Deleting a measurement series memory

1. Switch the instrument off.

2. Hold down the key and the key.

- While the keys are held down: CLr is displayed, SURE flashes
and a countdown (5 seconds) starts.

3. Once the countdown is complete, release the keys.

- The memory is deleted.

Displaying a measurement series

Stored measurement series are displayed and evaluated via the
PC software, see 7.7 Data Logger, pa ge 28.

5.12. Using AC / DC signal output

Specifications
AC: 1 Vrms at full deflection, output impedance approx. 100 ohms,

output signal via standard 3.5mm j ac k plug (see illustration below).
DC: Output 10mV / dB, output impedance 1 kohm, output signal via

standard 3.5mm jack plug (see illust ration below).

21

6 Maintaining the product

5.13. Using PC interface

The RS232 / USB connecting cable is required in order to use the PC
interface. Signal output specification: Serial interface, 9600 bps N 8 1.

6 Maintaining the product

6.1. Cleaning the instrument

> Wipe the instrument housing regularly with a dry cloth. Do not

use any abrasives or solvents.

6.2. Changing batteries

Change the batteries within 30 minut es. Following any
longer interruption in operation and battery removal, the

6.3. Calibrating / adjusting the instrument

date and time need to be reset.

1. Remove Philips screw from the battery compartment using

a screwdriver.

2. Remove battery compartment cover .

3. Remove spent batteries and replace with new ones. Observe

the polarity!

4. Put cover back on the battery compartm ent.

5. Tighten screw using a screwdriver.

The recommended calibration inter v al is one year.
The sound calibrator 0554 0452 is required for calibration /

adjustment. To carry this out, ple as e observe the instruction
manual supplied with the sound calibrator.

The measuring instrument has already been calibrated in the
factory. However, to check the accuracy it is recommended,
particularly if the instrument has not been used for a long time, to
calibrate the instrument using the calibrator.

For measurements in harsh conditions , at high altitudes, in high
humidity or where there are particularly stringent requirements for
the measurement results, the instrument should be checked with
the calibrator before and after the measurement.

22

To calibrate, the calibrator is screwed onto the microphone. Switc h
the sound level meter on and set the t ime weighting to “Fast” and
the frequency weighting to “A”.

The calibrator is then switched on by moving the switch to the
middle setting (94 dB). If there is a disc repancy in the displayed
value, you can adjust the sound level m eter using the screwdriver
included.

It is then possible to check whether the second level shown by the
calibrator is within the ± 0.2 dB mar gi n of error. If the value shown
is not within the margin of error, please contact our service team.

7 testo 816-1 software

7.1. System requirements

• PC with Windows® operating system

• The computer must meet the requirements of the corres ponding

operating system. The following requirement must also be met:
50 MB disk space for installing the software

7 testo 816-1 software

7.2. Installing the drivers / software

1. Insert the program CD into the CD-ROM dr i ve of the computer.

If the installation program doe s not start automatically:
> Open My Computer, select the CD driv e and start the

MainSetup.exe file.

2. Follow the instructions of the installation wizard.

- The required device driver is installed first, followed by the
software.

7.3. Connecting the instrument to the PC

1. Connect the RS232 / USB connecting cable to the instrument
and the PC.

2. Switch the instrument on: Press the key.

23

7 testo 816-1 software

7.4. Starting the software

The software's user interface is only available in English

1. Connect the instrument to the PC before starting the soft ware.

2. Click on (Start) | (All) Programs | t816-1 | t816-1.

7.5. User interface

7.5.1. Main menu

File
Function Description

Open
Save
Printer
Printer Setup
Exit

24

Open files.
Save data (current view).
Print data (current view).
Select and set up printer.
Close program.

7 testo 816-1 software

Real Time
Function Description

Run
Stop

Start real-time measurement.
End real-time measurement.

Data Logger
Function Description

Load Data Load measurement series from the

instrument memory into the software.

Erase Memory Delete measurement series stored in the

instrument memory.

RECALLl
Function Description

RECALL Display individual readings from the

instrument memory.

View
Function Description

Control Panel
Real-Time

Graph

Display the meter control window.
Display window for real-time displ ay of the

current readings.

Window
Function Description

Tile
Cascade

Arrange windows one above another.
Freely arrange windows.

Help
Function Description

Contents
Info

Open help file.
Display program information.

25

7 testo 816-1 software

7.6. Real Time

Function for the real-time display of instrument readings.

Making settings

Function Description

Real-Time data
no. to be
recorded

Real-Time
sampling rate

Recording
Period

Start

Input field: enter the number of readings that
are to be recorded.

Input field: enter the recording rate.

Information field: calculated recording period
is displayed.

Start real-time display

26

Real-Time Graph

Function bar
Function Description

Show / hide bar for displaying the recording
information.

Show / hide bar for displaying the evaluation
information.

Standard mouse cursor.

7 testo 816-1 software

graph.
Mouse cursor for inserting a comment i n the

Mouse cursor for inserting a cross in the

graph.

Zoom

1. Activate standard mouse cursor.

2. Click in the graph and draw a rectangle by holding down and
dragging your mouse.

- The selected graph area is displayed.

3. To return to the standard view, press the button.

Displaying individual readings / evaluating the time period

The bar for displaying the evaluati on information ( ) must be
shown.

> Move both slide controls (green) be low the graph.

- A blue li ne ( cursor A) and a red line (cursor B) are displayed
together with reading and time at the selected position.

- Maximum / minim um reading and time are displayed in the
selected area A-B.

- The average reading is displayed in the selected area A-B.

Adjusting graph properties

> Press the button.

- A wind ow opens for adjusting the graph settings.

Exporting recorded readings

1. Press the button.

- The readings are copied to the clipboard.

2. Open program into which the data is to be exported
(e.g. Microsoft® Excel®) and paste in data.

27

7 testo 816-1 software

Saving recorded readings

1. In the main menu, select the File | Save function.

- Windows dialogue box for saving files is opened.

2. Enter a file name and selec t a file format.
In order to be able to display the data lat er i n the software, select

the file type .ghf. If the data is to be exported for use i n s ome other
software, select the file type .txt

3. Select the location you want to save it to and click on [Save].

7.7. Data Logger

Function for displaying measurement series from the instrument
memory.

28

The measurement series available in the instrument memory are
displayed on the left-hand side and ca n be selected by clicking on
them with the mouse.

On the right-hand side the selected measurement series is displayed.
The functions for displaying and evaluating the measurement data
correspond to those for Real Time (see above section).

In addition to the functions described there, it is possible to save all
measurement series (data sets) available in the instrument
memory. In order to do this, the .rec data format must be selected
in the Windows dialogue box for saving files.

8 Tips and assistance

8.1. Questions and answers

Question Possible causes / solution

The sound level meter was
connected to the PC, but NO

CONNECTION is displayed in

the software.
How do you transfer readings

to spreadsheet software?
How do you uninstall the

software?

Real Time function: when

there is a short measuring
cycle (e.g. 0.1 s), not all
readings are transferred.

It is possible that all the ports are
assigned to other applications.

> Close all other applications.
> Restart PC and software.

> Save data as a comma-

> Open the Control Panel in the

PC's response times are too long.
> Extend the measuring cycle.

8 Tips and assistance

separated text file (*.txt).

operating system and open the
function for uninstalling
programs.

29

8 Tips and assistance

8.2. Accessories and spare parts

Description Item no.

Calibrator 0554 0452
Windscreen

RS232 / USB connecting cable

ISO calibration certificate sound pressure;
calibration point 94 dB, at diff erent frequencies

ISO calibration certificate sound pressure
calibrators

Please contact
the Service
department

Please contact
the Service
department

0520 0111

0520 0411

30

Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431
99 Washington Street

, Melrose, MA 02176

TestEquipmentDepot.com

Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431
99 Washington Street, Melrose, MA 02176
TestEquipmentDepot.com

0970 8161 en 01