TSI Quest Soundpro SE Series, Soundpro DL Series User Manual

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SOUNDPRO®

SOUND LEVEL METERS

SERIES SE/DL

USER MANUAL

SOUND LEVEL METERS

Dangers, Warnings, Cautions & Battery

DANGER!

Failure to observe the following procedures may result in serious personal injury

 Not for use in explosive or hazardous locations. This product is not intrinsically safe.

WARNING!

Failure to observe the following procedures could damage the instrument

 Read the manual before operation.  DO NOT store in temperatures exceeding 60°C (140°F).  DO NOT immerse in liquids.  Condensation may damage your instrument.  Substitution of components may impair the accuracy of the instrument. Repair should be

performed by authorized service personnel only.

Caution!

General

 The battery in this instrument has limited shelf life, even if never used.  A non-condensing environment is required for proper measurements.

SOUNDPRO®

SERIES SE/DL

Intended Use:

The SoundPro meter measures sound pressure levels in air. Consult your company’s safety professional for local standards, or call TSI at 1-800-680-1220 (USA) or (651) 490-2860.

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

Intended Use:

Octave bands

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iii Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Dangers, Warnings, Cautions & Battery ................. i

Intended Use: ............................................................. i

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

Models and options .................................................. 1

Frequency resolution ............................................... 2

Octave bands ......................................................... 2

Third -octave bands ................................................ 3

Naming bands ........................................................ 3

Analysis type .......................................................... 4

Logging explained .................................................... 5

Physical Characteristics .......................................... 5

The Display ............................................................ 5

Hardware interfaces ............................................... 5

Memory card slot ................................................ 6

USB port ............................................................. 6

AC/DC port ......................................................... 6

Power jack .......................................................... 6

Auxiliary port ....................................................... 6

Information screen ................................................... 7

Screen contents ..................................................... 7

Detection Management Software DMS ................... 7

DMS Start Page ..................................................... 8

Getting Started .......................................................... 9

Checking the equipment .......................................... 9

Installing the preamp ............................................ 10

Microphone and accessories ................................ 10

Class/Type 1 and Class/Type 2 instrument .......... 11

Windscreen ....................................................... 11

Providing power ..................................................... 12

Installing Batteries ................................................ 12

Battery power explained ....................................... 13

Checking or changing type .................................. 13

Using power supply or auto adapter ..................... 15

Turning on ............................................................... 15

Start screen and the keypad ................................ 16

SoundPro functionality .......................................... 17

The keypad explained .......................................... 17

Indicators explained ............................................. 18

Navigating ............................................................. 18

Turning off ............................................................... 18

Basic setups ............................................................ 19

Changing microphone settings ............................. 20

Time and date ....................................................... 21

Measurement type (SLM, 1/1, 1/3, STI-PA,

RT60) ................................................................ 22

Meter 1/Meter 2 Parameters (i.e. response

time, weighting) ................................................. 23

Measurement setup (for community noise) ........... 24

C-A measurement settings ................................ 26

Logging .................................................................... 27

Logging options ..................................................... 27

Exceedance level .................................................. 27

Filters .................................................................... 27

Logging interval ..................................................... 27

Setting logging options .......................................... 28

Setting up display options ..................................... 29

Language .............................................................. 30

Backlight ............................................................... 31

Contrast ................................................................ 32

Advanced setups .................................................... 33

Auto-Run .................................................................. 33

Setting up auto-run ................................................. 33

Date setting ........................................................... 34

Days of week setting ............................................. 36

Auto-run shutdown screen .................................... 37

Auto-run shutdown screen explained ................ 38

Timed run setting .................................................. 38

Level-triggered auto-on setting ............................. 39

Locking setup or run mode .................................... 41

Setting secure run or secure setup (locking) ........ 41

About Secure Run ............................................. 41

About Secure Setup .......................................... 42

Disabling secure run or secure setup (unlocking) . 44

Secure code backup number ............................ 44

Digital outputs/Triggering ...................................... 45

Tracking runs ....................................................... 45

Digital outputs and SPL ........................................ 46

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

iv Table of Contents

Communications .................................................... 46

DMS/Serial ........................................................... 47

Mass Storage ....................................................... 47

Viewing real-time measurements remotely .......... 48

GPS ...................................................................... 49

GPS display ...................................................... 49

GPS explained .................................................. 49

Preparing to measure and running ....................... 51

Virtual meters .......................................................... 51

Meter 1/Meter 2 explained .................................... 51

Measurement notation (IEC/ISO) ........................... 51

Overview of running a session/study ................... 52

Preparing to measure ............................................. 53

Sessions and Studies ........................................... 53

Measurement range ............................................. 54

Calibrate .................................................................. 55

Calibration screen ................................................ 55

Pre-Calibration .................................................. 55

Post-Calibration ................................................ 55

Performing a calibration ....................................... 56

Running a session/study ....................................... 58

Measurement navigation ....................................... 59

Using soft keys in measurement screens ............. 59

Changing displayed measurement ................... 59

Analysis type, time response and weighting ..... 60

Measurement screen icons ................................... 61

Descriptor types ................................................... 61

Measurement screens ............................................ 62

Bar Chart and Filtered Bar Chart .......................... 62

Community Noise screen ..................................... 63

Dosimetry screen ................................................. 63

Dosimetry measurements ................................. 64

Tabulation screens ............................................... 64

1/1 and 1/3 octave analysis measurement results

...................................................................... 64

Time History/Back-erase screen ........................... 65

Back-erasing ........................................................... 65

Results of back-erasing ........................................ 65

Stopping a session ............................................... 67

Stopping and pausing ....................................... 67

RT60, Curves, and STI-PA ..................................... 69

Additional options .................................................. 69

Reverberation ....................................................... 69

Reverberation time (RT60) ................................ 69

Reverberation (RT60) methods ............................ 71

Interrupted noise ............................................... 71

Impulse noise .................................................... 71

Reverberation options ........................................... 72

Setting up reverberation .................................... 73

Running reverberation test .................................... 74

Reverberation results ............................................ 75

RT60 summary screen ...................................... 75

Viewing RT60 values of each band ................... 76

Deleting RT60 value in a filtered band .............. 76

Decay curve screen .......................................... 77

Tabular RT60 screen ........................................ 78

Curves ...................................................................... 78

Captured curves ...................................................... 79

Captured curve applications ................................. 79

Setting up captured curves ................................... 80

Running captured curves ...................................... 81

Criterion curve families .......................................... 82

Types of Criterion Curves ..................................... 83

Setting up criterion curves .................................... 83

Audiometric background curves ........................... 85

Setting up audiometric background curves ........... 85

Running and viewing curves ................................. 87

Curve measurements and results ......................... 87

Speech Intelligibility ............................................... 89

STI-PA testing ....................................................... 89

Zones .................................................................... 89

Selecting STI scale or CIS scale ........................... 89

STI scale ........................................................... 89

Common Intelligibility Scale (CIS) ..................... 89

When to take STI-PA readings? ........................ 90

Conducting a STI-PA test (overview of steps) ...... 90

STI-PA setup ......................................................... 91

Conducting a level setup (for STI-PA) .................. 93

Running a speech intelligibility study .................... 93

STI-PA results screens ......................................... 94

STI-PA measurement and scale results screen 94

STI-PA modulation screen ................................ 94

STI-PA modulation envelope screen ................. 96

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

v Table of Contents

Storing background noise/capture curve ............ 96

Applying captured curves for STI-PA testing ........ 98

Viewing Past Measurements ............................... 101

Files ....................................................................... 101

File directories ...................................................... 101

File directory screen explained ........................... 102

Viewing past sessions/studies (review mode) .... 102

Loading and deleting files ................................... 105

Session directory ................................................ 106

Navigating in a session/config. directory ........ 106

Naming and renaming files ............................. 107

Configuration directory ........................................ 108

Saving (& naming) setup file (config. file) ........... 108

Viewing, loading, deleting setup files (config.) ... 109

Memory card ......................................................... 109

Compatibility ....................................................... 110

Formatting a card with the SoundPro Sound Level

Meter .............................................................. 110

Communicating .................................................... 111

Communicating with a PC ................................... 111

Using Detection Management Software DMS .... 111

Using an external card reader ........................ 111

Working with measurement data in DMS ........... 111

DMS and working with SoundPro data ............... 112

AC/DC output ........................................................ 113

AC output ........................................................... 113

DC output ........................................................... 113

Specifications ....................................................... 115

Conformance to standards .................................. 115

Acoustics ........................................................ 115

EMC emissions and immunity ........................ 115

References ..................................................... 115

Mechanical characteristics .................................. 116

Electrical characteristics ..................................... 116

Power sources ................................................ 116

Preamplifier (removable) ................................ 117

Meters ............................................................. 117

Bandwidth ....................................................... 117

Octave filters (optional) ................................... 118

Third-octave filters (optional) .......................... 118

Instrument noise .............................................. 118

Environmental effects .......................................... 118

Temperature ....................................................... 118

Humidity .............................................................. 118

User interface ........................................................ 119

Display ................................................................ 119

Keypad ................................................................ 119

Languages ...................................................... 119

Input/output ........................................................... 119

Microphones ....................................................... 120

AC/DC outputs .................................................... 121

Communications ports ........................................ 121

Measurements ....................................................... 121

Types .................................................................. 121

Ranges ................................................................ 121

Measurement parameters ................................... 121

Other ................................................................... 122

Calibration ............................................................. 122

Studies and sessions ........................................... 122

Special features .................................................... 122

Security ............................................................... 122

Back-erase .......................................................... 122

Logging (optional) ................................................ 123

Part numbers ......................................................... 123

Replacement parts .............................................. 123

Optional parts ...................................................... 123

Port pinouts ........................................................... 124

AC/DC jack ......................................................... 124

Auxiliary connector .............................................. 125

Block Diagram for SoundPro Sound

Level Meter ..................................................... 126

Glossary of Terms ................................................ 127

Customer service .................................................. 137

Technical Support Contacts ................................ 137

Service Contact Information ................................ 137

Returning for Service .......................................... 138

Calibration ............................................................. 138

Warranty ................................................................ 139

Index ....................................................................... 141

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

vi Table of Contents

FIGURES

1-1: SoundPro Models SE and DL and Option 1

nd Option 2 ....................................................... 1

1-2: Octave bands.................................................... 2

1-3: Third Octave bands .......................................... 3

1-4: Hardware Interface Panel ................................. 5

1-5: The Unit Information screen ............................. 7

2-1: Identify SoundPro equipment ........................... 9

2-2: SoundPro & Preamp ....................................... 10

2-3: SoundPro with microphone and windscreen .. 11

2-4: Installing batteries ........................................... 12

2-5: Battery check screen ...................................... 13

2-6: Selecting Setup in the Start Screen ................ 14

2-7: Selecting battery type in battery check screen 14 2-8: Attaching the charger adapter with the plug

adapter ........................................................... 15

2-9: Base (or bottom) of SoundPro ........................ 15

2-10: SoundPro SE/DL start screen and keypad ..... 16

3-1: Microphone Settings (Signal Input screen) ..... 20

3-2: Time and Date Settings .................................. 21

3-3: Measurement type and start screen ............... 22

3-4: Meter 1 and Meter 2 parameters .................... 23

3-5: Measures screen for community

noise settings .................................................. 24

3-6: C-A measurement settings for Meter 1 and

Meter 2............................................................ 26

3-7: Logged Data Chart example ........................... 27

3-8: Logging screen explained ............................... 28

3-9: Display setup screen ...................................... 29

3-10: Language screen ............................................ 30

3-11: Backlight setting.............................................. 31

4-1: Auto-Run with Date selected .......................... 34

4-2: Setting Date parameters for Auto-Run #1 ...... 35

4-3: Example of setting up Auto-Run (QSP-II) ....... 36

4-4: Day of the Week (DOW) setup ....................... 37

4-5: Auto-Run Shutdown screen ............................ 37

4-6: Timed Run setup screen................................. 38

4-7: Level-Triggered screen ................................... 39

4-8: Secure/Lock option ......................................... 42

4-9: Secure/Lock screen ........................................ 42

4-10: Adding code for secure/lock screen................ 43

4-11: Secure/lock run prompt................................... 43

4-12: Secure/lock setup prompt ............................... 44

4-13: Digital-Out screen ........................................... 45

4-14: QSP/Serial ...................................................... 47

4-15: Mass Storage .................................................. 47

4-16: Log to Port ....................................................... 48

4-17: Comm-Set screen for GPS data ..................... 49

4-18: Viewing GPS coordinates in COMM-Set

screen ............................................................. 50

5-1: Bar chart screen (A) and Filtered Bar

Chart (B) .......................................................... 54

5-2: Attaching calibrator to SoundPro .................... 56

5-3: Setting pre-cal screen ..................................... 57

5-4: Calibration history screen ................................ 57

5-5: Post-Calibrate history screen .......................... 58

5-6: Bar Chart screen in run mode ......................... 58

5-7: Selecting measurements with Lookup

soft key ............................................................ 60

5-8: Example measurement icons & descriptors .... 61

5-9: Bar Chart screen and Filtered Bar

Chart screen .................................................... 62

5-10: Community Noise screen ................................ 63

5-11: Dosimetry screen ............................................ 63

5-12: Tabulation screen for octave filtering .............. 64

5-13: Back-erasing ................................................... 65

5-14: Time Log screen ............................................. 66

5-15: Stopping and pausing ..................................... 67

6-1: Reverb Time .................................................... 70

6-2: Interrupted noise example ............................... 71

6-3: Reverb Time Setup screen ............................. 73

6-4: Reverb Time Setup screen ............................. 75

6-5: RT60 bar chart screen .................................... 76

6-6: Decay curve screen ........................................ 77

6-7: Tabular octave filtering RT screen .................. 78

6-8: Selecting measurement type for curves .......... 80

6-9: Captured Curves and Survey mode ................ 81

6-10: Selecting 1/1 or 1/3 for measurement type ..... 81

6-11: Capturing a curve (CAP-1) .............................. 82

6-12: Selecting measurement type for curves .......... 83

6-13: Curves setup screen example ......................... 84

6-14: 1/1 or 1/3 octave measurement type for

audiometric testing .......................................... 85

6-15: Selecting measurement type for curves .......... 86

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

vii Table of Contents

6-16: Audiometric booth setup in the curves

screen ............................................................. 86

6-17: Curve results................................................... 88

6-18: Measurement type selection (STIPA) ............. 92

6-19: STI-PA setup screen ...................................... 92

6-20: Level set-up and average decibel level .......... 93

6-21: STI-PA measurement (scale results) screen .. 94

6-23: STI-PA Modulation envelope screen .............. 96

6-26: Captured curves/background noise ................ 98

6-27: Post CAP-1 applied during STI-PA test .......... 98

7-1: File Screen.................................................... 102

7-2: Start menu screen ........................................ 102

TABLES

1-1: Acoustical range bands ...................................... 4

2-1: Keypad explained ............................................. 17

2-2: Screen Indicators ............................................. 18

3-1: Required microphone settings .......................... 19

3-2: Measures screen explained ............................. 25

4-1: Level triggered auto-on settings explained ....... 40

5-1: Measurement notations .................................... 51

5-2: Sessions and studies explained ....................... 53

7-3: File menu screen ........................................... 103

7-4: Data File screen ............................................ 103

7-5: Selecting past study data (review mode) ...... 104

7-6: Viewing past data example ........................... 104

7-7: Loading and deleting files ............................. 105

7-8: Examples of directory screens ...................... 106

7-9: Naming a file in the Data File screen ............ 107

7-10: Saving/Creating setup file (config. file) .......... 108

7-11: Viewing, loading, deleting setup files ............ 109

A-1: Pinout for the AC/DC output jack .................. 124

A-2: Auxiliary connector ........................................ 125

5-3: Measurement screens explained ...................... 59

5-4: Measurement icons and screen

descriptors explained ...................................... 61

6-1: Reverb time set-up options ............................... 72

6-2: Tabular RT60 field explanation ......................... 78

6-3: Measures setup screen parameters

explained ......................................................... 91

8-1: AC output ........................................................ 113

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

viii Table of Contents

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SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

1 Introduction

Part #

Model

Class/Type 2 Class/Type 1

Summary and

Statistical Data

Time History Data

1/1 Octave RTA 1/3 Octave RTA

SP-SE-2

SoundPro SE SLM

X X SP-SE-2-1/1

SoundPro SE 1/1 Octave RTA

X X X

SP-SE-2-1/3

SoundPro SE 1/1 & 1/3 Octave RTA

SP-SE-1

SoundPro SE Sound Level Meter

X X SP-SE-1- 1/1

SoundPro SE 1/1 Octave RTA

X X X

SP-SE-1-1/3

SoundPro SE 1/1 & 1/3 Octave RTA

X X X

SP-DL-2

SoundPro DL Datalogging SLM

X X X SP-DL-2 – 1/1

SoundPro DL 1/1 Octave Datalogging RTA

SP-DL-2 – 1/3

SoundPro DL 1/1 & 1/3 Octave Datalogging RTA

X X X X

SP-DL-1

SoundPro DL Datalogging SLM

X X X SP-DL-1 – 1/1

SoundPro DL 1/1 Datalogging RTA

X X X X

SP-DL-1 – 1/3

SoundPro DL 1/1 & 1/3 Octave Datalogging RTA

X X X X

Part #

Description

Compatible with the following models:

Option-1

Speech Intelligibility (STI-PA) and Acoustic Spectral Curves

SP-SE-2-1/1 SP-SE-2-1/3

SP-SE-1-1/1 SP-SE-1-1/3

SP-DL-2-1/1 SP-DL-2-1/3

SP-DL-1-1/1 SP-DL-1-1/3

Option-2

Speech Intelligibility (STI-PA) with accessories and Acoustic Spectral Curves

SP-SE-2-1/1 SP-SE-2-1/3

SP-SE-1-1/1 SP-SE-1-1/3

SP-DL-2-1/1

-DL-2-1/3

SP-DL-1-1/1 SP-DL-1-1/3

Reverberation

Reverberation measurement and RT60 analysis (part number: 053-768)

(SoundPro SE and DL models with 1/1 and/ or 1/3 only) includes:

SP-SE-2-1/1 SP-SE-2-1/3

SP-SE-1-1/1 SP-SE-1-1/3

SP-DL-2-1/1 SP-DL-2-1/3

SP-DL-1-1/1 SP-DL-1-1/3

CHAPTER

Models and options

Introduction

The SoundPro SE and DL series of Sound Level Meters (SLM) from TSI are advanced instruments with highly adaptable characteristics. This manual explains the features and functions of all models in the series and points out distinctions between the models.

Models and options

There are twelve models in the SoundPro SE and DL series meters. The differences between models are accounted for by three primary characteristics: accuracy of measurement, frequency resolution, and the types of data stored. The table in Figure 1-1 summarizes the characteristics of all twelve models and includes add-on features for Reverberation, Speech Intelligibility and Acoustic Spectral Curves.

Figure 1-1: SoundPro Models SE and DL and Option 1 and Option 2

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

2 Frequency resolution

Level

Octave bands

Frequency resolution

The sounds we hear are rarely pure tones at a single frequency but rather a mixture of frequencies of varying amplitudes. Some sounds, such as a whistle or a horn, have frequencies concentrated in relatively narrow regions of the audio spectrum, which ranges from approximately 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Other sounds, more generally thought of as noise, include components from many regions of the entire spectrum. When analyzing sound as noise, we usually are concerned with the total impact of the sound signal. In other words, we are usually satisfied with a broadband measurement of sound in the environment. When we are seeking to isolate a sound from other sounds, for instance to detect the source of a sound or to measure how much particular sounds contribute to the overall sound level, we may want to look at the frequency components of the sound.

Octave bands

The ability of an instrument to separate a signal into its frequency components is known as a spectral analysis. In sound pressure measurement, the audio spectrum is divided into adjacent frequency bands called octaves, where the center frequency of each octave band is twice the center frequency of the octave band directly below it. There are eleven octave bands in the audio spectrum.

Figure 1-2 illustrates the relationship between the bandwidth of a typical sound measuring instrument and the octave bands that span the audio spectrum. Note that the highest and lowest octaves at 16 Hz and 16 kHz lie entirely within the bandwidth of the instrument.

Figure 1-2: Octave bands

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

3 Frequency resolution

Exact Center

Frequency (Hz)

Names of Octave

Bands (Hz)

Names of Third-octave

Bands (Hz)

12.589

12.5

15.849

19.953 20

25.119 25

31.623

31.5

39.811 40

50.119 50

63.096

79.433 80

100.00 100

125.89

125

158.49 160

Level

Third-octave bands

Each octave band can be divided into three adjacent bands called third-octave band. Because of the logarithmic relationship between adjacent bands, the center frequencies of third-octave bands differ from each other by 26%. For example, the center frequency of the next third-octave band above the 1000 Hz third-octave band is at 1260 Hz. Figure 1-3 is similar to Figure 1-2 but shows the thirty-three third-octave bands in relation to the instrument’s bandwidth.

Figure 1-3: Third Octave bands

Naming bands

Bands are conventionally named for their center frequencies in accordance with acoustical industry standards. Table 1-1 (see below) identifies the SoundPro SE or DL models that have octave and thirdoctave bands option with their exact center frequencies and their corresponding standardized names.

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

4 Frequency resolution

Exact Center

Frequency (Hz)

Names of Octave

Bands (Hz)

Names of Third-octave

Bands (Hz)

199.53 200

251.19

250

316.23 315

398.11 400

501.19

500

630.96 630

794.33 800

1000.0

1000

1258.9

1250

1584.9

1600

1995.3

2000

2511.9

2500

3162.3

3150

3981.1

4000

5011.9

5000

6309.6

6300

7943.3

8000

10000

12589

12500

15849

16000

19953

20000

Analysis type

All SoundPro SE/DL instruments are capable of analyzing sound signals over the full bandwidth of the instrument also referred to as “broadband measurement.” If your instrument comes equipped with a filter, it can perform an octave or a third-octave analysis, or both, depending upon the type of filter installed. You can vary the analysis type between sessions, and the analysis type selection remains constant throughout the session.

Analysis types are identified in SoundPro SE/DL Sound Level Meter by the following names:

 SLM - Broadband measurements  1/1 - Octave filtering  1/3 - Third-octave filtering  STI-PA -Speech Intelligibility

Table 1-1: Acoustical range bands

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

5 Logging explained

USB port

AC/DC jack

Power jack

Auxiliary port

Memory

card slot

The Display

Logging explained

Although you can view the current sound pressure level at any time that the instrument is operating (See “Bar Chart and Filtered Bar Chart”), most measurements are reported for data obtained over the entire course of a study or session. In some circumstances; however, you may want to save intermediate measurement results. The SoundPro DL meter logging option provides you with that capability.

With logging enabled, you can save selected measurements at fixed intervals during a session. You can set logging to occur as often as once per second or as seldom as once per hour. Once the logging characteristics are determined, the setup remains the same for the duration of the session.

Logged data is automatically saved to the instrument’s memory card and can be viewed in QSP II (“Information screen”).

 NOTE: You must use a compatible SD card. For information about replacing the SD card,

see “Compatibility.”

Physical Characteristics

The Display

The transflective LCD display contains an area on the top of the screen for indicators including run, pause, stop icons and a run time clock. The middle of the screen contains a fine resolution of pixels in which data is displayed both numerically and graphically. This is explained in further detail in Chapter 2, “The Display and keypad”).

Hardware interfaces

The Hardware Interface Panel, shown in Figure 1-4, is located under a hinged cover in the base of the instrument. The cover can be lifted by a tab at one side, and snapped shut again by closing and pressing firmly at the center.

Figure 1-4: Hardware Interface Panel

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

6 Physical Characteristics

Hardware interfaces

Memory card slot

A Secure Digital (SD) removable memory card is shipped with each SoundPro SE/DL instrument. The card should always be in place when you are operating the instrument. More information about operating with the memory card can be found under “Memory card.”

 NOTE: You must use a compatible SD card. For information about replacing the SD card,

see “Compatibility.”

USB port

Each SoundPro SE/DL instrument ships with a USB cable. One end fits the mini B port in the instrument. The other end fits a standard USB connector on a personal computer. A USB connection to a personal computer allows files to be transferred, settings to be downloaded to the instrument, and post-session analysis to be performed in the computer using data files created in the instrument.

AC/DC port

Connect a cable with a standard 3.5-mm stereo plug to this jack to obtain AC and DC output signals. Users are responsible for providing their own cable.

Power jack

DC power can be delivered to the instrument through the Power jack. Power will be taken from the

external source rather than the instrument’s batteries when the external source provides 8 to 16 volts DC

(300 mA minimum).

Two optional sources for this power are available: a switching power supply connected to an AC source and DC power provided through the accessory jack of most automobiles. For the technical specifications, see “Power sources” in Appendix A. Part numbers are given under “Optional parts” in Appendix A.

Auxiliary port

Use this port to connect the SoundPro SE/DL instrument to other devices. The two types of functions, described below, are available through the terminals of this port. A pinout of the port is provided under “Auxiliary connector.”

 Digital I/O - A group of contacts within the port provides one, logic- level input and three, logic-level

outputs. See “Digital Outputs/Triggering” are information about configuring and using the triggers.

• RS-232 - A group of contacts within the port supports the RS-232 protocol for communication

between the instrument and other devices, such as a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) receiver. See “GPS” for information about configuring the port for this purpose.

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

7 Information screen

Screen contents

Information screen

Every SoundPro SE/DL instrument describes its unique characteristics in its Information screen. In the Start screen, press ▲/▼ to select Unit Info then press . The Unit Info screen appears (Figure 1-5).

Figure 1-5: The Unit Information screen

Screen contents

The lines indicated in Figure 1-7 will contain the following information. Line 1 Model number showing, in order, the TSI designation (SE or DL), the Class/Type (1 or 2) and the

filter, if installed (1/1, 1/3 or blank).

Line 2 Unique serial number assigned when the instrument was manufactured. Line 3 The installed feature’s field lists any extra options (Note: These may be additionally purchased

features as displayed above for Curves and STI-PA.)

 NOTE: It is worthwhile to record Information screen data in the event that you need

assistance and the instrument refuses to power up. For TSI assistance, see “Contacting TSI.”

Detection Management Software DMS

TSI Detection Management Software DMS is used to record, report, chart and analyze data collected for assessment of select occupational health hazards in the workplace. Designed for dosimetry, sound level measurements, heat stress assessments and environmental monitoring, the software helps safety and occupational professionals:

 Retrieve, download, share and save instrument data  Generate insightful charts and reports  Export and share recorded data  Perform “What If” analysis and recalculate data based on selected time intervals  Set up instruments and check for firmware updates

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

8 Detection Management Software DMS

Navigational buttons

(1) Setup (2) Download (3) Data Finder

(look at your session data or use Quick Report feature)

DMS Start Page

Some data can only be displayed in DMS. One example is logging data obtained when logging is enabled in an instrument equipped with that option (“Logging”). Another example is with the GPS function. When enabled the data is viewable in DMS.

DMS Start Page

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

9 Getting Started

CHAPTER

SoundPro

Preamp

Windscreen

Microphone

Optional 1”, ½”, and ¼”

microphones available

USB cable

4-AA alkaline batteries

DMS software

 Optional feature

Checking the equipment

Getting Started

This chapter provides the basic information you need to “get up and go” essentially right out of the box,

including getting your first glimpses of SPL.

Checking the equipment

If you received your instrument in a storage case, remove all the packaging and acquaint yourself with the equipment, so you can quickly get started. The items below are included in a “standard” SoundPro SE or DL kit.

Figure 2-1: Identify SoundPro equipment

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

10 Microphone and accessories

Twist preamp locking ring onto SoundPro instrument

Installing the preamp

The preamplifier is detachable for storage purposes or if you want to connect an extension cable for distance monitoring.

 Connecting to the instrument

Place the preamp connector over the mating

connector at the top of the instrument. Gently press down while rotating the preamp until the preamp connector drops slightly in place.

Figure 2-2: SoundPro & Preamp

1. While pressing the connector together to engage the threads, rotate the black knob clockwise

to secure the preamp to the instrument. It will fit snuggly.

 Connecting an extension cable

Extension cables are available from TSI as options and are typically used to distance the instrument body from the microphone to reduce distorting reflections from the instrument’s case.

Microphone and accessories

1. Attach the cable to the base as if it were the preamp and then follow the steps above

“Connecting to the instrument.” Attach the preamp to the other end of the cable.

The instrument is ordered either for Class/Type 1 or Class/Type 2 use. See “Distinctions between models”

for information about this classification. The microphones are treated differently for the two classes of instruments.

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

11 Microphone and accessories

Yes No

Class/Type 1 and Class/Type 2 instrument

The SoundPro Sound Level Meter is shipped with the Type 1 in a protective case with a serial number labeled on the side of the microphone. Similarly, the SoundPro instrument with the Class/Type 2 microphone is also shipped in a protective case. To attach and remove the microphone, please follow one of the types below:

 BK4936 microphone - Remove the microphone from its case and thread it on the SoundPro SE/DL

preamp in accordance with the instructions provided in the microphone case. Note that the BK4936

microphone is provided with a Random Incidence Corrector (RIC). Use the same microphone instructions for information about using and installing that device.

 All other Class/Type 1 microphones - Remove the microphone from its protective case and

thread it on the preamp. Before using, be sure to remove the plastic cap and save it in the case for future use.

 Class/Type 2 microphones – Remove the microphone from its

protective case and thread it on the preamp. Before using, be sure to remove plastic cap and save it in the case for future use.

 NOTE: To properly remove the microphone, please adhere to the

caution sticker located on the backside of the instrument and the drawing to the right.

Windscreen

Use a windscreen that fits the tip of the microphone to reduce sound disturbances caused by physical contact and wind turbulence. TSI provides the WS-7 windscreen that fits a ½-inch microphone with every instrument kit. If you did not order a ½-inch microphone, or if you have one of different size, you may want to order a windscreen for the other size.

Figure 2-3: SoundPro with microphone and windscreen

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

12 Providing power

Locator pins

Release latch

Installing Batteries

Providing power

The instrument can be powered with internal batteries or from an external power source. There are two optional sources which include a universal power supply 9V/.66A 2.1 mm and an auto DC jack cable 12V. (See Optional Parts, in Appendix A for more details.)

Installing Batteries

The instrument requires four AA-sized batteries. Disposable alkaline batteries are satisfactory, but you may also use rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries.

 Rechargeable batteries ~ The instrument does not contain a recharging circuit. Recharge batteries

externally using the recharging device available from TSI or a compatible device available elsewhere.

 Selecting batteries ~ DO NOT mix battery types or batteries with significantly different charge

levels.

 NOTE: To avoid possible battery leakage, remove the batteries when the meter is not in use

for prolonged periods.

 To install batteries

1. With the back of the instrument facing up, push the release latch to pop open the battery lid

(Figure 2-1).

Figure 2-4: Installing batteries

2. Lift off the lid and set aside. Wedge out the four batteries.

3. Replace the batteries with fresh batteries, taking care that you orient all batteries with the

positive ends toward the base, as shown in the drawing.

4. Re-insert the lid by fitting its locator pins into slots in the base end of the battery compartment.

The lid should fit snugly when correctly inserted.

5. Press the top edge of the lid to snap it into the latch.

6. Verify or set the type in the Battery Check screen. (See the next section “Checking battery

power.”)

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

13 Providing power

Battery power explained

The battery check screen is used to determine the battery/power status of the instrument. When operating on batteries, the grey area in each cell graphic indicates the charge on each cell (Figure 2-5).

When operating on an external power source (see next section, “external power sources”), the external power will take precedence over batteries if installed.

Figure 2-5: Battery check screen

Checking or changing type

The battery type selection in this display affects the accuracy of the Battery Indicator that appears in many SoundPro SE/DL meter displays.

 NOTE: It is recommended to match the battery type to the type of batteries installed in

the instrument, or you may experience an unexpected shutdown.

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

14 Providing power

Checking or changing type

 Battery Check screen

1. Turn on the SoundPro SE/DL by pressing On/Off/ESC . You will be at the start screen.

 If turned on, ensure you are at the start screen by pressing On/Off/Esc repeatedly

2. Press Up/Down ▲/▼ arrows to highlight Setup and then press Enter .

3. In the Setup screen, select Battery, then press Enter . The Battery Check screen

appears.

until the start screen appears.

Figure 2-6: Selecting Setup in the Start Screen

Figure 2-7: Selecting battery type in battery check screen

4. Press the soft key that corresponds with the installed battery type (See “A” or “B” in Figure 2-7

for selection). The label above the soft key is underlined to indicate the current selection.

5. When completed, press On/Off/Esc once to return to the Setup screen and twice to

return to the start screen.

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

15 Turning on

Universal power supply

Auto adapter

Using power supply or auto adapter

If you obtained the optional Universal power supply 9V cable or the Auto DC Jack 12 VDC adapter from TSI, plug them into their respective power sources and the other end into the Power jack of the instrument. If the external power source provides the correct voltage (8-16 VDC) and sufficient current (300 mA minimum), it will be used in place of the batteries if they are installed in the instrument.

Figure 2-8 illustrates the assembly of the Universal power supply and the plug adapter. It slides into place by guiding it down the back cavity (opening) of the power supply.

 NOTE: The example is a typical adapter which may be different than the one you are using.

Mechanically, it will function similarly.

Figure 2-8: Attaching the charger adapter with the plug adapter

Turning on

 Connecting power supply source

1. Ensure the power supply is assembled (for universal power supply only).

2. Plug the power cord into the power jack by opening the base cover. Attach the opposite end

into the power supply (i.e., outlet/automobile jack) (as discussed in “Hardware interfaces.”)

Figure 2-9: Base (or bottom) of SoundPro

3. Plug the opposite end into the power supply.

1. To turn on the SoundPro meter, press the On/Off/Esc

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

key until the start screen appears.

16 Turning on

Start screen and the keypad

The Start screen is the first screen you see when you power on and the last screen you see when you shut down. This essential main screen is also used to navigate through the menu options.

The keypad and soft keys are used to setup the instrument, run a study, stop a study, view your measurement values, and power on and off the meter.

Figure 2-10: SoundPro SE/DL start screen and keypad

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

17 SoundPro functionality

Keypad

Explanation

1. Display

Used to view data, menus, and various indicators.

2. Backlight

Used to illuminate the background of the display/screen. (i.e., nighttime study.)

3. Stop

Used to stop your study when in the Run or Pause modes. A 3,2,1 countdown will appear as you continue to press the stop button.

4. Left arrow

Used to navigate left through menus and/or data.

5. Up/Down Arrows

Used to navigate through menus and/or data.

6. Run/Pause

Used to Run or Pause a study. (A run or pause indicator will appear at the top of the screen to signal you of the appropriate mode.)

7. Soft key menu

The soft key menu are additional menu options for setting measurement type (i.e, SLM, 1/1, etc.), Calibrating, Loading a study file, setting Lock/secure settings, and many more options.

8. Soft keys

The soft key buttons correspond with the soft key menu. (Please see Figure 2-10 above).

9. Altf

The Altf button (or Alternate functions) is used to expand the soft key menu at times.

10. Enter

Used frequently to execute an action. Typically used after you have first pressed one or more arrow keys to make a selection.

11. Right arrow

Used to navigate right through menus and/or data.

12. On/Off and ESC

Used to turn on the SoundPro meter, turn off, and to Escape (or move back one screen).

The keypad explained

SoundPro functionality

The keypad explained

The SoundPro SE/DL keypad consists of three general types of keys: soft keys, navigation keys and dedicated keys.

Table 2-1: Keypad Explained

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

18 Turning off

Icon

Significance

Battery charge status. This icon shows the status/level of the batteries. A full battery

indicates one of the following:

 externally powered  or the SoundPro meter is fully charged.

Run state. This icon appears when a study is running.

Paused state. This icon appears when the current session is open but paused.

Stop state. This icon appears when the current session is stopped.

Review mode. When the pause and stop icons appear, this indicates that you are

viewing a saved file.

Overload condition. When an overload occurs during a study, this indicator appears and remains lit until the beginning of the next study.

Underrange condition. When an underrange condition occurs during a study, this indicator appears and remains lit until the beginning of the next study.

Alternate functions. This icon appears below the Battery Charge Indicator when alternate functions are being displayed.

Indicators explained

Status information is provided by the instrument at the top of the display. Below is a summary of all of the indicators.

Table 2-2: Screen Indicators

Navigating

To navigate to menus and data screens, the up/down ▲/▼ arrows and left/right arrows ◄/► are primarily used.

The On/Off Esc button is also used as a navigational tool at any time you want to move back one level. If you press ESC repeatedly, you will return to the start screen.

Turning off

1. To turn off the SoundPro, ensure the meter is stopped (i.e., ■ indicator will display on the top of the

screen).

2. Press and hold the On/Off/ESC button until the start screen disappears.

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

19 Basic setups

Signal Input

BK4936

QE7052

QE4110

QE4130

QE4150

QE4170

Sensitivity a

-28.0

-29.0

-49.1

-36.0

-26.0

-28.0

Range Cap (dB)

140

160

140

Polarization (V)

0 0 200

200

CHAPTER

Turning off

Basic setups

This chapter covers the basic features and setups of SoundPro® SE/DL Sound Level Meter that establish the instrument’s operating conditions. For information about the more advanced SoundPro SE/DL meter features and their setups, see Chapter 4, “Advanced setups.” For information on setting-up and measuring add-on features (Reverberation, STI-PA, or Curves), please see Chapter 6.

 Microphone Settings  Setting Date-Time  Setting Measurement type (SLM, 1/1, 1/3, STI-PA)  Setting up Meter 1/Meter 2 parameters  Setting up Exceedance levels  Setting up Logging  Setting physical settings: backlight “on” time, contrast, choosing a language  Microphone settings

With Class/Type 1 models, the microphone’s sensitivity, range cap, and polarization can be checked

and/or changed in the “Signal Input” menu (when stopped). Alternatively, Class/Type 2 models settings are viewable at any time the session is stopped but cannot be modified.

The following table displays the required microphone settings.

Table 3-1: Required microphone settings

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

20 Turning off

Changing microphone settings

 Microphone settings

This procedure applies only to Class/Type 1 models.

1. Turn on the SoundPro SE/DL meter by pressing On/Off/Esc .

 If turned on, ensure you are at the start screen by pressing On/Off/Esc

repeatedly

until you return to start screen (see Figure 2-10).

2. Press Up/Down ▲/▼ arrows to highlight Setup and then press Enter .

3. In the Setup screen, select Sig. Input, then press Enter . The Signal Input screen

appears.

Figure 3-1: Microphone Settings (Signal Input screen)

4. Signal Input options are explained below (refer to Figure 3-1 above).

A. Sensitivity ~ Calibration parameter for the selected microphone. This is a nominal

value in decibels relevant to 1V/Pa.

B. Range Cap ~ Top of the measurement range for the microphone/ instrument

combination. In any screen showing a decibel range, this setting affects the maximum value.

C. Polarization ~ A value of the polarization voltage for the microphone. Some

microphones have an internal polarization, while others require a polarization provided by the instrument.

5. To change a signal input field, press Up/Down ▲/▼ arrows to highlight specific field(s).

6. Press Enter . The result will be one of the following:

 For Sensitivity and Range Cap fields - The highlighting moves to the data field. Press

Up/Down ▲/▼ arrows to change the value.

 Polarization field - Polarization remains highlighted. Continue to press Enter to

change (or toggle) the value from 0 V to 200 V.

7. Once desired fields are changed, press On/Off/ Esc twice to return to the Start screen.

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

21 Turning off

Time and date

SoundPro SE/DL meter uses a 24-hour clock and specifies date by month and year.

 Changing time and date settings

1. Turn on the SoundPro SE/DL meter by pressing On/Off/Esc .

 If turned on, ensure you are at the start screen by pressing On/Off/esc

repeatedly until you return to start screen (see Figure 2-10).

2. Press Up/Down ▲/▼ to highlight Setup and then press Enter .

3. In the Setup screen, select Time-Date, then press Enter .

4. In the Time-Date screen, press ▲/▼ to select either the Time, Date, Day fields. Then do

one of the following:

a. For Time field, press Enter repeatedly to highlight either the hour, minutes, or

seconds. Next, press Up/Down ▲/▼ to change the value.

b. For Date field, press Enter repeatedly to highlight either day, month, or year. Next,

press Up/Down ▲/▼ to change the value.

c. For Day field, press Enter repeatedly to highlight either day, month, or year. Next,

press Up/Down ▲/▼ to change the value.

Figure 3-2: Time and Date Settings

 NOTE: To move to between the time, day, day fields, press Enter repeatedly until one

of these fields are highlighted and then press Up/Down arrow to move between the fields.

5. If you are finished working in the Time-Date screen, press On/Off/Esc once to return to

the Setup screen and twice to return to the Start screen.

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

22 Turning off

Measurement type (SLM, 1/1, 1/3, STI-PA, RT60)

The measurement type is easily selectable at the start screen via a soft key button. This is assessable at all times unless you are running a study. To change or set the measurement type, ensure the SoundPro meter is stopped as indicated by the stop ■ icon. Depending on the options you ordered with your SoundPro meter it may or may not have all the measurement types indicated above.

 NOTE: For STI-PA and RT60, please see Chapter 6, “Additional Options.”

 Setting Measurement type

1. Turn on the SoundPro SE/DL meter by pressing On/Off/Esc .

 If turned on and you are not at the start screen, press On/Off/Esc repeatedly until

the start screen appears (see Figure 3-3).

2. At the start screen, select the first soft key button repeatedly until the appropriate

measurement type is selected.

 You may have the following selectable options: Sound level meter (SLM), 1/1 octave,

1/3 octave, and/or STI-PA (Speech Transmission Index).

Figure 3-3: Measurement type and start screen

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

23 Basic setups

Turning off

Meter 1/Meter 2 Parameters (i.e. response time, weighting)

Setting up Meter 1 and Meter 2 parameter settings are changed through the soft keys and the Measure Set screen of the SoundPro Sound Level Meter.

 Setting up Meter 1 and/or Meter 2 parameters

1. Ensure you are at the start screen.

 If turned on, press On/Off/Esc repeatedly until you return to the start screen (see

Figure 3-3).

2. Press Up/Down ▲/▼ to highlight Setup and then press Enter .

3. Select Meter Set by pressing Up/Down ▲/▼ to highlight and then press Enter .

4. To set the response time for Meter 1, press the second soft key repeatedly until the either

Fast (F), Slow (S), or Impulse (I) is selected.

 An underline denotes which feature is selected.

5. To set the weighting for Meter 1, press the third soft key repeatedly until either A, C, Z, or F

is underlined (or selected).

 To set Meter 2 response time and weighting, press 4

Then repeat steps 4 & 5.

6. To change the Meter parameters, press Up/Down ▲/▼ to select one of the Meter Set fields.

7. To change any of the values, press Enter to move to the data fields.

 Continue to press Enter until the specified setting is selected. Press the Left arrow to

return to the Meter Set fields.

soft key until Meter 2 is selected.

Figure 3-4: Meter 1 and Meter 2 parameters

 NOTE: For quick and easy access, there are three optional screens to change the timed

response and the weighting. These are in the following SoundPro screens: Measures Set screen, View Current Study screen, and View Session study screen.

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

24 Turning off

Measurement setup (for community noise)

The measure screen is used to select community noise settings for meter 1 only. Table 3-2 below explains the settings and options.

 Setting up community noise measurements (refer to figure 3-5 below)

1. Ensure you are at the start screen.

 If turned on, repeatedly press On/Off/Esc until you return to the start screen (see

Figure 3-3).

2. Press Up/Down ▲/▼ to highlight Setup and then press Enter .

3. Select Measures from the Setup screen by pressing Up/Down ▲/▼ to highlight and then

press Enter .

4. In the Measures screen, press Up/Down ▲/▼ to select one of the measurements. To select

second column, first press Up/Down arrows then press Right arrow.

Figure 3-5: Measures screen for community noise settings

5. To make changes to the data fields, do one of the following:

 L1-L4 - Press Enter to move to the data field. In the data field, repeatedly press Enter

to change your selection.

 Press ▲/▼ arrows to change percentage.

 LDN - Press Enter to move to data field and continue to press Enter to toggle

between On/Off setting.

 CNEL – Press Enter to select data field. Press Enter repeatedly to toggle

between On/Off setting.

 Lc-a – Press Enter to select data field. If marked “N/A,” see “C-A measurement

settings.”

 TAKTMX ~ Press Enter one or more times to select 3 sec., 5 sec., or Off.

6. To change other measurement settings, repeat steps 4–5.

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

25 Turning off

Measurements

Explanation

L1-L4 (Exceedance)

L1-L4 are types of exceedance levels. This is defined as the level exceeded by the measured noise level for an identified fraction of time. Exceedance levels may be calculated for many time fractions (or percentages).

 Optional Settings: Set to “Off” or to a percentage value of your choice (1-99%).

LDN

Representing the Day/Night sound level, this measurement is 24-hour average sound level where 10 dB is added to all of the readings that occur between 10pm to 7am. (Please see glossary of terms for more details).

 Optional Settings: Set to “Off” or “On.”

CNEL

Community Noise Exposure Level. The accumulated exposure to sound measured in 24-hour sampling interval and artificially boosted during certain hours.

Optional Settings: Set to “Off” or “On.”

c-a

This measurement (also commonly called C-A measurement) is only available under certain conditions. Information about viewing and changing these meter settings is discussed under the next section, “C-A measurement settings.” Optional Settings: Set to “On” and “Off.” See C-A section below for parameter settings.

TAKTMX

A time average over a sampling that uses the highest level occurring during the preceding Taktmaximal interval (either three or five seconds), and assumes it was present for the whole Taktmx interval.

Optional Settings: Set to “Off”, “3sec”, or “5sec”

Measurement setup (for community noise)

7. When finished, press On/Off/Esc to exit the screen.

The following table explains your selections in the Measures screen (Please see Appendix B, Glossary of Terms for more details.)

Table 3-2: Measures screen explained

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

26 Turning off

Measurement setup (for community noise)

C-A measurement settings

The C-A measurement is determined from concurrent measurements of the SPL by both meters. It can only be made if certain settings for Meter 1 and Meter 2 are compatible. If any incompatibility exists, the Lc-a selection in this screen will be marked N/A (Not Available).

If you want to activate Lc-a, have the following settings in place before you visit the Measures screen.

 Thresholds - Both meters set to “Off” or the same value.

• Exchange rates- Both meters set to the same value.

• Time response - Both meters set to the same value.

• Frequency weightings- Meter 1 must be set to A-weighting; Meter 2 must be set to C-weighting.

Figure 3-6 is an example of the appropriate C-A settings for Meter 1 (left side) and Meter 2 (right side). (Please see “Meter 1/Meter 2 Parameters” for setup details.)

Figure 3-6: C-A measurement settings for Meter 1 and Meter 2

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

27 Logging

Logging options

Logging

Logging options

If the logging option was purchased, you will have the following four types of measurement options:

 Average (AVG on the display), Peak,

Maximum (MAX on the display), Minimum (MIN on the display).

Figure 3-7: Logged Data Chart example

 NOTE: When logging is enabled and you are viewing these measurements on the SoundPro

display, these are labeled as: L_avg (or L_eq if the exchange rate is set to 3 dB), L_Pk, L_Mx and L_Mn, respectively (See Chapter 5, “Preparing to measure and running.”)

Exceedance level

Up to two different exceedance level percentages, ranging from 1–99, can be set in the Meter 1 Logging screen when the logging interval is set to 1 minute.

 NOTE: If the logging interval field is not set to 1 minute, “N/A” (not available) will appear in the data

field.

Filters

The filter option is either a “On” or “Off” setting in Meter 1 and is only available if the instrument contains a filter option.

 NOTE: The filter option must be set to “on” to data log filtered data.

Logging interval

The logging interval is the length of time between logging events.

 NOTE: The inverse of the logging interval is the logging rate.

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

28 Logging

Setting logging options

To set logging only options (Average, Peak, Maximum, and Minimum)

 Enabling or disabling logging options

1. Ensure you are at the start screen.

 If turned on, repeatedly press On/Off/Esc until you return to the start screen (see

Figure 3-3 above).

 To turn on, press and hold On/Off/Esc until the start screen appears.

2. Press Up/Down ▲/▼ to highlight Setup and then press Enter .

3. Select Logging by pressing Up/Down ▲/▼ to highlight and then press Enter .

4. To change the Logging options for Meter 1 do the following: a. Press Up/Down ▲/▼ to highlight either AVG, PEAK, MAX, MIN.

b. Once the measurement is selected, press Enter button to toggle between “On” or

“Off.” Press right/left arrow to move back to logging field.

 NOTE: If you are setting Meter 2 options, ensure you are on Meter 2 by pressing the Meter 1 /

Meter 2 soft key, and then repeat step 4a-b.

Figure 3-8: Logging screen explained

5. To change the Exceedance Levels on Meter 1, press Up/Down ▲/▼to select either L1 or

L2.

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

29 Setting up display options

Setting logging options

6. Press Enter to move to the data field. If it is Off and you want to set a percentage, press

Enter repeatedly until a percentage appears. To disable, repeatedly press Enter until “Off” appears.

c. To change the percentage, repeatedly press Up/Down ▲/▼to select a specific

percentage.

d. Press right/left arrow to move back to Exceedance level field.

5. To change the Filters option, press Up/Down ▲/▼to highlight “Filters” and then

press Enter to toggle between “On” or “Off.”

6. To change the Logging Interval, press Up/Down ▲/▼to select “Interval.” a. Press Enter to move to the data field (i.e., 1 minute). To change the value,

repeatedly press Up/Down ▲/▼until the appropriate minutes or seconds are displayed.

b. Press right/left arrow to move back to interval field.

7. To return to the Start screen, repeatedly press On/Off/Esc button.

Setting up display options

The display’s backlighting, contrast and language characteristics can be customized to suit your needs

and preferences. These settings are available in the Display screen (Figure 3-9).

Figure 3-9: Display setup screen

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

30 Setting up display options

\setup\display\LANGUAGE

*ENGLISH ITALIANO FRANçAIS DEUTSCH ESPAÑOL

PORTUGUESE

*ENGLISH

Language

You can choose a different language for the displayed text. A change in language takes effect when you exit the Language screen.

 Changing the language

1. Ensure you are at the start screen.

 If turned on, repeatedly press On/Off/ESC until you return to the start screen (see

Figure 3-3 above).

 To turn on, press and hold On/Off/ESC until the start screen appears.

2. Press Up/Down ▲/▼to highlight Setup and then press Enter .

3. Select Display by pressing Up/Down ▲/▼to highlight and then press Enter .

4. In the Display screen, ensure Language is highlighted (or press up/down arrow to select) and

press Enter .

 The Language screen appears. An asterisk (*) precedes the name of the currently

selected language.

5. Press Up/Down ▲/▼to select a language (an asterisk will appear if selected) and then press

Enter .

6. On/Off/ESC twice to return to the start screen. The new language will be displayed.

Figure 3-10: Language screen

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

31 Setting up display options

Backlight

LACOBAC

Backlight settings

 Manual – The backlight is turned on

and turned off by pressing the backlight button on the keypad.

 Interval time – repeatedly press

Up/Down arrow to increase or decrease the seconds.

Backlight

Typically, the SoundPro Sound Level Meter is shipped with the backlight setting enabled. With a quick press of the backlight button from the keypad, you can quickly turn on and turn off the backlight.

The backlight feature has an optional timed setting for various second intervals ranging from 1 second to 60 seconds. Once a timed setting is activated and you press the backlight button, the backlight will illuminate for the selected interval (i.e., 10 seconds) and then turn off.

 NOTE: Backlighting consumes energy at an increased rate. Leaving it on while operating with

batteries will decrease battery life by up to 10%.

 Setting or viewing Backlight options

1. From the start screen, press Up/Down ▲/▼to highlight Setup and press Enter .

2. In the Setup screen, press Up/Down ▲/▼to highlight Display and press Enter .

3. In the Display screen, press Up/Down ▲/▼to highlight Backlight.

4. Press Enter

“Manual” and “XX Sec” fields.

 NOTE: If you are not setting the timed backlight, skip step four.

5. To change the timed backlight, ensure you are on a timed value (i.e., 10 seconds) and

repeatedly press Up/Down ▲/▼to increase or decrease the time. Once set, press the Left arrow.

to move to the data field. Repeatedly press Enter to toggle between

Figure 3-11: Backlight setting

6. Press On/Off/ESC twice to return to the start screen.

7. To set the backlight, press the backlight button on the keypad.

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

32 Setting up display options

LANGUAGE BACKLIGHT

CONTRAST

Contrast setting

Press Left arrow or Right arrow repeatedly to decrease or increase the

Contrast

The contrast adjustment affects all pixels in the LCD screen. Choose a level that looks best to you.  NOTE: If the contrast level is set too high, icons and the RunTime clock in the Status Region of the

display can be ghosted (visible in this display although they are not supposed to show). Reduce setting to avoid ghosting.

 Changing the contrast on the display

1. From the start screen, press Up/Down ▲/▼to highlight Setup and press Enter .

2. In the Setup screen, press Up/Down ▲/▼to highlight Display and press Enter .

3. Press Up/Down ▲/▼to highlight Contrast and then press Enter .

4. Repeatedly press the left or right arrow to decrease or increase the contrast.

 NOTE: The contrast will change as you change the contrast color with the left or

right arrows.

5. To exit the display screen, press the On/Off/Esc twice to return to the Start screen.

Figure 3-12: Contrast setting

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

33 Advanced setups

CHAPTER

Auto-Run

Advanced setups

This chapter covers the SoundPro® models SE and DL features listed below, all of which provide capabilities beyond the essential ones required for basic model setup and basic sound measurement. For information about basic SoundPro models SE and DL features and setups, see Chapter 3, “Basic setups.” For information about the notation and navigation conventions that are used in these explanations, see Chapter 1, “Introduction.”

 Auto-Run - Similar to an “Auto-Start” feature, it will automatically start and stop sessions based on

time, date, duration settings and level- triggered run mode (which is used to control runtimes of studies and sessions using internal and external signals.)

 Triggering - Control the runtimes of studies and sessions using internal and external signals.  Security - Prevent certain uses of the instrument by anyone who does not know the security codes

(available for all instruments).

 Logging - Periodically save selected measurements at a preset interval during all studies of a

session (only for DL models).

 GPS - Obtain position and time information from the global positioning satellite system, and store

that information with each study that you perform (only available if you have a compatible GPS receiver).

Auto-Run

SoundPro SE/DL has four automatic run modes which include: Date auto-start with duration, Day of the Week auto-start with duration, Timed Run (duration only setting), and Level Triggered Runs (or Level auto-start runs).

Setting up auto-run

All Auto-Run setups begin in the Auto-Run screen. The Auto-Run screen shows the current status of the Auto-Run feature. The following features are available: Disabled, Timed Run, DOW (day of week), Date, and Level-Triggered settings.

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

34 Setting up auto-run

Date setting

View/Set Parameters – when selected a new menu appears

Date setting

A Date mode run wakes up the instrument from a powered down condition, runs the study, saves it, then powers down again and is only executable once. The parameters are selectable by specified dates and times with up to four programmable individual setups.

A plus sign preceding a number (i.e., +1) indicates if one of the four settings is enabled (or activated) where as a negative sign (i.e. -4) represents a disabled (or deactivated) setting.

 Setting up or changing auto-run with date parameter

1. From the start screen, press Up/Down ▲/▼to highlight Setup and press Enter .

2. Select Auto-Run by using Up/Down ▲/▼to highlight and press Enter

3. In the Auto-Run screen, repeatedly press Enter

until Date appears.

Figure 4-1: Auto-Run with Date selected

to select.

4. To select View/Set Parameters, press the Down arrow to highlight and press Enter .

5. Press one of the four soft keys in the Auto-Run Date screen to assign a numbered setting (i.e.,

“Auto-Run #1).

 NOTE: If setting up for the first time, the Date screen will appear as “Auto-Run” “Off.” To

turn on Auto-Run # 1, #2, #3, or #4, select the appropriate soft key. (For example, Figure 4-3 displays setting up soft key #1 parameters. When activated a “+” symbol appears.)

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

35 Setting up auto-run

Auto-Run #1 Indicates which 1-4 soft keys is being viewed or set

Date Settings

Day, Month, Year fields

Time settings

Add Start time (S) (8:15:00am) Add Duration (D) (16 hr, 30min, 0 sec.) (or 6:30:00pm)

Example: Press first soft key to activate “Auto-run #1” settings

Date setting

6. To set Date values, press Enter to move to the first field.

 To change the fields, press repeatedly Up/Down ▲/▼. To move between the day,

month, and year fields, press the right/left arrows.

7. To enter Start (S) Time and Duration (D) Time, it is important to note that the settings are

formatted as Hours:Minutes:Seconds and based on a 24-hour clock. In Figure 4-3, the Start time is indicated as “16:30:00” which is equivalent to 4:30pm.

 To Set, press Up/Down arrows to increase/decrease values. To move between each

increment, press Enter .

8. To set additional Auto-Runs, repeatedly press Enter until “Auto-Run” is highlighted. Then press

Enter to toggle on the Date and Time settings. Then follow steps 5-7.

Figure 4-2: Setting Date parameters for Auto-Run #1

9. To exit the screen, press On/Off/Esc repeatedly until you return to the main screen. Press

and hold the On/Off/Esc to power off.

 NOTE: To enable Auto-run, ensure the instrument is powered off and the date and time

10. When powered off, an Auto-Run shutdown screen will appear. (Please see section, “Auto-Run

shutdown screen.”)

settings were programmed for the future.

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

36 Setting up auto-run

Days of Week (Auto-Run) setting

To program Auto-On 1, first select the days of the week, then specify a start time for your test with a duration (to end your test).

Days of week setting

The Days of the Week (DOW) setting is a pre-programmed weekly auto-run with specified days, start time, duration. You can pre-program two auto-on settings with Sunday through Saturday parameters, one specific start time, and a specified duration for each auto-on setting. (See Figure 4-4 as an example for settings.)

 NOTE: In order for the Days of the Week mode to autorun, ensure the instrument is in the “off”

position. The meter will then automatically switch into Auto-Run based on your setup.

Figure 4-3: Example of setting up Auto-Run (QSP-II)

A study run under the DOW mode wakes up the instrument from a powered down condition, runs the study, saves it then powers the instrument down again. The cycle repeats for the next time and day in the setup, and for the other Auto-on 2 if that is also activated in the mode.

 Setting the Date of Week (DOW)

1. From the start screen, press Up/Down ▲/▼to highlight Setup and press Enter .

2. Select Auto-Run by using Up/Down ▲/▼to highlight and press Enter to select.

3. In the Auto-Run screen, repeatedly press Enter until DOW appears.

4. Press the Down arrow to select View/Set Parameters and press Enter .

5. To set the Days, press Enter to move between the fields. To program a day, press

Up/Down ▲/▼to select a day setting. The first character of the day will appear when selected.

 The Days field is organized in the following sequence: Sunday (S), Monday (M),

Tuesday (T), Wednesday (W), Thursday (T), Friday (F), and Saturday (S).

 For example, Figure 4-5 displays Sunday (S), Tuesday (T), Thursday (T), and Saturday (S)

selected as pre-programmed run days.

6. To set Start time (S) and Duration (D) for Auto-Run #1, press Enter repeatedly to move to

Time line #1. Press Up/Down arrows to change the time and duration values. Press Enter to toggle through the fields or press left/right arrows.

7. (Skip this step if not setting auto-run #2.) To set auto-run #2, press soft key #2 until the screen

displays a plus symbol in front of “2.” (This denotes it is “activated.”) Then repeat steps 5 – 6.

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

37 Setting up auto-run

Days field

Auto-run #2 is programmed to run Monday –Thursday and Saturday

Start time and duration

Auto-run #1 is programmed

to run at 10:00am (“S”) for a

duration (D) of 2 hours

Start time and duration

Auto-run #2 is programmed

to run at 2:00pm (“S”) for a

duration (D) of 2 hours

Auto-Run (AR) #1 settings

 Date is displayed on first line  Start time (ST) and runtime(RT)

is displayed on second line

Auto-Run (AR) #2 settings

Displays the # of preprogrammed runs.

Mode

 Either Date/ DOW

Auto-run shutdown screen

8. To exit the screen, press On/Off/Esc repeatedly until you return to the main screen. Press

and hold the On/Off/Esc to power off.

Figure 4-4: Day of the Week (DOW) setup

9. When powered off, an Auto-run shutdown screen will appear. (See section, “Auto-Run shutdown

screen.”)

Auto-run shutdown screen

When either the Date mode or the Date of the Week (DOW) settings is enabled and you power down the instrument, you will be alerted by an Auto-Run Shutdown screen just before the instrument turns off. This screen, illustrated below, appears after the normal power-down countdown and remains visible for approximately ten seconds.

 NOTE: The Auto-Run Shutdown screen never appears when Timed Run is enabled because that

mode requires the instrument to be powered on.

Figure 4-5: Auto-Run Shutdown screen

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

38 Setting up auto-run

Duration Formatted as Hours:Minutes:Seconds

Timed-Run Auto-run setting with timed run selected

Timed run setting

Auto-run shutdown screen explained

The Auto-Run Shutdown screen is a map of your auto-run settings. It identifies the mode, the activated setups in that mode (AR) and the order in which the setups will occur.

If Auto-Run is enabled in the Date mode and more than two setups are activated, only the first two will be shown because of limited screen space. If you power on the instrument after the first auto-run has been saved, view the study, and then power off the SoundPro meter, it will display the next two remaining autorun settings.

 NOTE: If the start time and date for a setup is already past, the run will not be identified in

this screen.

Timed run setting

In Timed Run mode, you program the instrument’s duration (or timed run) and then manually start your study, which can be applied as many times as you want. The auto-run will end when the duration expires.

 Viewing or changing the Timed Run setup

1. From the start screen, press Up/Down ▲/▼to highlight Setup and press Enter .

2. Select Auto-Run by using Up/Down ▲/▼to highlight and press Enter to select.

3. In the Auto-Run screen, repeatedly press Enter until Timed-Run appears.

4. To set the duration, press Enter to toggle between the Hours, Minutes, and Seconds field.

To change the time values, press Up/Down ▲/▼repeatedly until the specified value is selected.

5. Press On/Off/Esc repeatedly to return to the start screen. When you are ready to run your

study, press Run/Pause .

Figure 4-6: Timed Run setup screen

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

39 Setting up auto-run

Level- Triggered

Explanation of Settings

A. Mode

The mode, or Filtered Mode, can be set to Level On/Off and Windowed settings.

 In Level On/Off mode, the unit starts a run when the source level exceeds the specified

criteria and stops/pauses when level falls below the off criteria. The on criteria is met and either pause or stop a run when the off criteria is met.

 In Windowed mode, the unit starts a run when the selected criteria falls outside the

defined window. This is intended primarily for curves but can also be used with broadband or individual filter measurements.

B. Action

After selecting specific filter mode settings, the instrument is set to trigger based on

Run/Pause mode or Run/Stop mode.

\setup\LVL-TRG-RUN MODE LEVEL ON/OFF ACTION RUN/PSE

TRIGGER RUN PAUSE

SOURCE METER 1 METER 2 LEVEL 90.0 OFF

Mode: to enable a

filter mode, select Level On/Off or Windowed

Action: Run/Pause or Run/Stop

Source/Level: Select one of the 5 features and then set an appropriate Level.

Level-triggered auto-on setting

The level-triggered screen contains meter 1 parameters which include a Filter mode, Frequency level, “Level On” and “Level Off” modes, and a specification for either run/stop or run/pause modes.

 Viewing or changing level-triggered mode

1. From the start screen, press Up/Down ▲/▼to highlight Setup and press Enter .

2. Select Auto-Run by using Up/Down ▲/▼to highlight and press Enter to select.

3. In the Auto-Run screen, repeatedly press Enter until Level-Triggered appears.

4. Press the Down arrow to select View/Set Parameters and press Enter . The Level-

Triggered Auto-Run screen will appear.

 See Table 4-1 below for explanation of settings.

Figure 4-7: Level-Triggered screen

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

40 Setting up auto-run

Level- Triggered

Explanation of Settings

C. Source

The source can be set to Meter 1, Meter 2, filters, curve, external trigger, timed run trigger mode, and a delay. which are explained below:

 Broadband: When selecting Meter 1 or Meter 2 for the triggering source, you then

specify a specific value in the “level” field such as 85dB.

 Filters: Octave band filters are selectable as a triggering source such as: 12.5 Hz,

16 Hz, 20 Hz through 20 kHz. NOTE: This is only available if they have purchased the 1/1 or 1/3 features. To select a filter, select an octave band value (.i.e. 10 kHz) in the source field. Then, select a Level value (i.e., 90dB).

 Delay: When selecting Delay with a specified time value, it will trigger the auto-run after

the timed-delay surpasses. (This is similar to setting a delay on a camera.) To select

“Delay”, select the Source as “Delay” and for Level select a specific time value (the range

is from 00:01 seconds to 59:00 minutes).

 Curve: If the curves feature has been purchased, you have the option of selecting one

of the 4 captured curves to trigger a run. To select a captured curve, set the Source as “Curve” and then change the “Level” field to one of the following: CAP-1, CAP-2, CAP-3, or CAP-4.

 EXT: External Trigger feature is triggered by the digital input on the curve indicator. To

select external trigger, select “EXT” as the source field, and select “LO” for the level field.

 TIMED: When selected as the RUN trigger, it will cause a delay of specified direction

between the timed RUN button is pressed and the time the RUN actually starts. When selected as the PAUSE/STOP trigger, it sets a run length. To select under the Source and Pause fields, chose Timed. Next, select a timed value (or duration) in the Level field. (This is formatted as hours:minutes:seconds.)

D. Level

The level field corresponds with your selection from the Source field and is explained under “C. Source.”

Level-triggered auto-on setting

Table 4-1: Level Triggered Auto-On settings explained

5. To select the Mode, press Enter repeatedly until you are viewing either Level On/Off or

Windowed.

6. To move to the next field, press the Down arrow.

7. To set the Action, press Enter repeatedly until you are viewing either Run/Pause or

Run/Stop.

8. To move to the next field press the Down arrow.

9. To change the Source, press the right arrow. To select one of the five Sources (as explained

above in Table 4-1), press Enter repeatedly until you are viewing the appropriate feature.

10. To activate Triggered Run on the Meter 2, press the right arrow and select one of the five

sources by pressing Enter repeatedly until you are viewing the appropriate feature. (If you are only setting Meter 1, please skip this step.)

11. To move to the next field press the Down arrow.

12. To select a Level, press the Right arrow. Press Enter repeatedly until you are viewing the

appropriate setting.

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

41 Locking setup or run mode

Setting secure run or secure setup (locking)

13. Press On/Off/Esc repeatedly to return to the start screen. When you are ready to run your

study, press Run/Pause .

Locking setup or run mode

The locking or security feature is designed to lock the SoundPro meter during a run to ensure the study will not be stopped unless the lock feature is disabled. Likewise, this feature includes a locked (or secure) setup mode which will stop a user from editing a programmed setup. Once setup and enabled, the secure run or secure setup are unlocked, by pressing the Lock soft key and entering in the code.

 NOTE: Security settings survive a shutdown.

Setting secure run or secure setup (locking)

Run Security and Setup Security are both enabled and disabled in the Lock screen. For Secure Run, you can be in pause or stop mode when locking.

For Secure Setup, you must be in stop mode to set and enable this feature.

About Secure Run

When you enable Run Mode Security and start a run, the Secure Run Mode screen appears (Figure 4-10). This will prevent users from viewing the measurements, changing parameters, and/or stopping the run. To stop the secured run, you will have to press the Lock soft key and enter in the code. Then, you would be able to stop the run by pressing the Stop key.

 NOTE: With Run Mode security enabled, the Secure Run Mode screen always appears regardless

whether the study was started manually, by Auto-Run or by Triggered studies.

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

42 Locking setup or run mode

Lock:

Press 4th soft key to select “Lock” screen

Setting Lock feature:

 Enable or Disable “Secure Run

Mode”

 Enable or Disable “Secure Setup

Mode”

Setting secure run or secure setup (locking)

About Secure Setup

Setup Mode security blocks access to setup screens while in stop mode. (NOTE: When in run mode, the SoundPro meter automatically blocks the user from changing settings to ensure the settings remain the same throughout the session.) Once enabled and the user selects setup, the Secure Setup mode prompt will appear and it prevents someone from changing settings until unlocked.

 Setting secure run or secure setup (locking)

1. From the start screen, press the Lock soft key.

Figure 4-8: Secure/Lock option

2. In the Lock screen, there are two selectable fields:

 Secure Run Mode with a status line  Secure Setup Mode with a status line.  Each Status Line is used to specify either a “disabled” state or an enabled state when a

code is entered to assign an unlock code.

Figure 4-9: Secure/Lock screen

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

43 Locking setup or run mode

 Selected value is shaded  Enter code by pressing

up/down arrows to change value

field

To unlock/unsecure Press lock soft key and then enter in code.

Setting secure run or secure setup (locking)

3. (Skip this step if securing setup and see step 4.) To set Secure Run Mode, press Enter

and “0000” will appear.

 NOTE: If you want to set the code as “0000,” press Enter repeatedly until “enabled”

 To select a numeric code, press Up/Down arrows to select a number, press Enter to

toggle between the fields.

 Press Enter to Enable.  Press On/Off/Esc key to return to the Start screen. When you are ready to run a session,

press the Run/Pause key and the Secure Run Mode prompt will appear. (See “Disabling secure run or secure setup” below for details on stopping the run.)

appears. This will be the unlock code.

Figure 4-10: Adding code for secure/lock screen

Figure 4-11: Secure/lock run prompt

4. To set Secure Setup Mode, ensure it is highlighted by pressing Down arrow. Once selected,

press Enter and “0000” will appear. (See Figure 4-10 for a screen example.) (Also, you must be in stop mode.)

 To select a numeric code, press Up/Down arrows to select a number, press Enter to

toggle between the fields.

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

44 Locking setup or run mode

To unlock/unsecure Press lock soft key and then enter in code.

Disabling secure run or secure setup (unlocking)

 Press On/Off/Esc repeatedly until the Start screen appears. This will Enable the

Secure Setup (or locking setup).

Figure 4-12: Secure/lock setup prompt

Disabling secure run or secure setup (unlocking)

You can disable Setup Mode security only when the session is stopped.

 From Secure Run or Secure Setup screen

1. Both screens will have a Lock soft key (see Figures 4-11 or 4-12).

2. Press the Lock soft key and the code will appear (see Figure 4-10 for example).

3. Enter in the code (using Up/Down arrows to change value and Enter to move to next field).

4. Press Enter to exit the code field. Disabled will appear indicating the lock feature is turned-off.

Secure code backup number

If you forget your own security code, you can enter “9157” in the template to disable Secure Run Mode or Setup Mode Security.

 From the Start screen

1. In the Start screen, press the Lock soft key. The Lock screen appears.

2. Follow Steps 2-4 above, “Setting secure run or secure setup.”

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

45 Digital outputs/Triggering

OUTPUT 1 Select Run/Pause to enable

Tracking runs

Digital outputs/Triggering

All digital output signals (also referred to as “Triggering”) appear on pins of the Auxiliary Port (“Auxiliary port”). Manage these digital outputs in the Ext-Trigger screen.

Tracking runs

The instrument can be configured to use a digital output to signal the start or end of a run.

 Enabling or Disabling run/pause digital outputs/triggers

1. From the start screen, press Up/Down ▲/▼to highlight Setup and press Enter .

2. Select Digital-Out by using Up/Down ▲/▼to highlight and press Enter to select.

3. Press ◄/► to select Output 1.

4. Press to enable (Run/Pse) or disable (Off) run tracking.

5. If you enabled and want to reverse the trigger logic, continue below. Otherwise, skip to step 9.

6. Press ◄/► to select Logic 123, then press to enter the first data field. The second data

field is for Output 1.

7. Press ◄/► to select the second data field, then press to toggle the logic state. The

displayed logic state is for a running study.

8. Press to exit the Logic 123 data field.

9. If finished, press to exit the screen.

Figure 4-13: Digital-Out screen

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

46 Communications

Digital outputs and SPL

The instrument can also be configured to use a digital output to signal if the current SPL measurements exceeds a specified level.

 Managing SPL digital outputs (See Figure 4-13 above)

1. Open the Digital-Out screen, by selecting Setup from the start screen. (Press ▲/▼arrows to

select Setup and press .

2. Press ◄/► to select Output 2 or Output 3, then press to move the cursor to the data field

at the right. You have two options for each output.

• OFF - Disables SPL tracking for that output.

• dB level - Enables and shows the current setpoint for that output.

3. Press to toggle between these options. If you select “Off,” press to exit the data field,

then skip to the last step of this procedure. If you enable the trigger, continue below.

4. Press ◄/► if you want to change the setpoint.

5. Press

6. If satisfied with the trigger logic, skip to the last step of this procedure. To toggle the logic setting,

continue below.

7. Press ◄/► to select Logic 123 then press

data fields are for Output 1 and Output 2, respectively.

8. Press ◄/► to select the appropriate data field.

9. Press to toggle the logic state. The displayed logic state is for SPL that equals or exceeds

the setpoint.

10. Press to exit the Logic 123 data fields.

11. If finished working in the Ext-Trigger screen, press to exit the screen.

to exit the data field.

to enter the first data field. The third and fourth

Communications

The SoundPro Sound Level Meter has both USB and RS-232 communication channels. The majority of users should only require USB communications, which is vastly faster than the RS-232 channel which is intended for low speed modems GPS applications, and/or log-to-port applications but may be used to communicate to a PC as well. The optional 053-729 Serial Cable is required for RS-232 communications.

The SoundPro meter has two USB communications modes “QSP/Serial and “Mass Storage.

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

47 Communications

QSP/Serial

For QSP-II communications, USB should be set to “QSP/Serial” (Figure 4-14). The RS-232 channel should be turned off for low power consumption.

Figure 4-14: QSP/Serial

Mass Storage

When the USB channel is set for Mass Storage mode, you will have direct access to the instruments SD

card through programs such as “Windows® file manager.” Much the same way a small pocket USB flash

drive operates. When obtaining data from the SoundPro meter via Mass Storage, it is important to remember that the data obtained is in Native SoundPro SES format (It cannot be read with Microsoft® Excel® spreadsheet program, Microsoft® Word® processing program, etc.) A SoundPro SES to XML conversion utility is available.

 NOTE: When using Mass storage, you must use the Windows “Safely Remove Hardware” feature to

un-mount the SoundPro meter from the PC in the same manner you must remove a flash drive. This “Windows” feature is usually found in the lower right-hand side of the windows systems tray.

Figure 4-15: Mass Storage

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

48 Communications

LOG to Port Press Enter key repeatedly to activate

Viewing real-time measurements remotely

 USB communications

1. If a session is running, stop it.

2. In the Start screen, press ◄/► to select Setup, then press

. The Setup screen appears.

3. In the Setup screen, press the arrow keys to select Comm Set, then press and the Comm-

Set screen appears.

4. USB should be Highlighted. Press to toggle between “DMS (QSP)/Serial” and “Mass

Storage.”

5. If the RS-232 channel is not set to “Off/Lo-Pwr”, press the left arrow to highlight RS-232 and

repeatedly press until Off/Lo-Pwr is displayed.

6. Press to exit the screen.

7. Connect the small end of the USB cable to the USB port (“Hardware interfaces”).

8. Connect the large end of the USB cable to a standard-sized USB connector on the computer.

Viewing real-time measurements remotely

On the SoundPro, the “Log to Port” feature, provides the functionality to stream logged data out the serial port at the log rate to an external device (such as a PC). With this feature, you are able to view logged measurements for broadband as well as filter band average measurements (depending on the model you ordered). It will not report Lmax, Lmin, or Lpk for each filter band.

 Turning on log to port

1. In the Comm Set screen (selectable via the Set-up screen), select RS-232 field (by pressing the

down arrow).

2. Press repeatedly to turn on LOG PRN.

Figure 4-16: Log to Port

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

49 Communications

GPS selected

“NO Fix” indicates GPS is not connected or not reading from GPS satellite

GPS

The SoundPro Sound Level Meter has the capability of embedding GPS information into study headers. To interface a GPS, you need a GPS receiver with RS-232 communications that conform to NMEA 0183 version 2 and the optional 053-729 Serial Cable. In many cases, a Male-Male DB-9 null modem connector will be required as well.

The SoundPro meter will keep a GPS fix for up to 1 minute before declaring it invalid at which time “No

Fix” will appear if you are in the “COMM-SET” menu. In other screens where a RUN may be initiated, “GPS +” or “GPS-” is momentarily flashed in the Right Soft key indicating either a valid fix “GPS +” or an invalid or timed out fix “GPS-.”

 NOTE: GPS time can be viewed in the Comm Set screen but is not used in the instrument or added

to session files. Time and date stamping in session files uses information that is manually entered (“Time and date”) or downloaded from QSP II (“Information screen”).

GPS display

You can view GPS data in the Comm-Set screen. The position coordinates are stored in each study, when GPS is enabled and can be viewed with DMS.

Figure 4-17: Comm-Set screen for GPS data

GPS explained

The top two screen selections, Interface and Baud Rate, specify the GPS setup, which is explained under “Enabling GPS communications,” below. The rest of the information in the screen appears when GPS communications is enabled and data is being received from a GPS satellite.

• Status line - This data field at the right on this line tells you whether GPS is enabled or not. You

may see “No Fix” below this line, which tells you that, although enabled, the instrument is not receiving the satellite signal.

• Position line - When the satellite signal is being received, there will be two data fields on this line

that give the instrument’s latitude (N or S) and longitude (E or W) position in degrees and minutes.

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

50 Communications

Viewing GPS coordinates

GPS

• Other line - When the satellite signal is being received, there will be two data fields on this line that

give the instrument’s altitude and time, in that order. The altitude is given in meters above mean sea level. The time is given for Greenwich, England (GMT) and differs in hours from your time by the number of time zones between your location and Greenwich.

 Enabling GPS communications

1. If a session is running, stop it.

2. Connect the RS-232 cable to the GPS receiver and to the auxiliary port of the

SoundPro SE/DL instrument (“Auxiliary port”).

3. Referring to the user manual for the GPS receiver, prepare the device to receive satellite

signals.

4. In the SoundPro SE/DL Setup screen, press the arrow keys to select Comm-Set then press ,

and the Comm-Set screen appears.

Figure 4-18: Viewing GPS coordinates in COMM-Set screen

5. Press the down arrow to highlight “RS-232.”

6. Repeatedly press until “GPS” is displayed. The Baud rate should be kept at 4800 unless

otherwise specified by your GPS manufacturer.

 NOTES: If you are not using RS-232 communications in any way, you should keep the

RS-232 channel set to the Off/Lo-Pwr setting.

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

51 Preparing to measure and running

Notation

Explanations

LCS

SPL measured with C-weighting and slow response.

CSav

Average SPL with C-weighting and slow response.

LAPk

Peak SPL with A-weighting

CSMx

Maximum SPL with C-weighting and slow response.

CSMn

Minimum SPL with C-weighting and slow response.

CHAPTER

Virtual meters

Preparing to measure and running

This chapter explains the steps needed to prepare the SoundPro® Sound Level Meter for measuring and how to run measurements. It will also show you sample measurement result screens and explain the contents of the screens.

Virtual meters

SoundPro SE/DL meter operates with two parallel measurement systems called meters. Each meter obtains the same input from the microphone, processes the information through the same SoundPro SE/DL circuits and displays the measurement results in the same screens. The differences lie in the parameters used by each meter to process the signals. You can get different measurement results by setting the parameters for each meter differently.

Meter 1/Meter 2 explained

Meter 1 and Meter 2 enables you to setup and monitor two instruments in one (also referred to as a “virtual instrument”). “Meter 1” is the primary meter. “Meter 2” is the secondary meter. If a filter option is installed in the instrument, the filtered measurements are associated with “Meter 1” only.

Setting Meter 1/Meter 2 Parameters are explained in Chapter 3. (See Figure 3-4 for a screen example.)

Measurement notation (IEC/ISO)

Many of the instrument’s measurements are labeled in accordance with notation standardized jointly by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the International Standards Organization (ISO). This notation identifies the measurement and the meter’s frequency and time response settings when the measurement was obtained. Table 5-1 provides a couple measurement examples. For additional information about measurements and measurement parameters, see Appendix B, “Glossary.”

Table 5-1: Measurement notations

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

52 Overview of running a session/study

Quick Help List

1. Turn the SoundPro Sound Level Meter on and check your battery power (see Chapter 1).

2. Format the card or delete session files from the SoundPro meter.

o Formatting the card will clear out all of data before your study begins. Choosing to select

specific session files and delete will also clean up the instrument’s sessions (see Chapter 7).

3. Adjust your settings to fit the specifications of your sound study (see Chapters 4 and 6).

4. Set the measurement range (see Chapter 5).

5. Calibrate the SoundPro meter (see Chapter 5).

6. Position the SoundPro meter in the field and connect appropriate external devices if applicable.

7. Press the Run/Pause key to start the session (see Chapter 5).

8. To Pause the session (if needed) press the Run/Pause key (see Chapter 5).

9. When you are ready to end your session/study, press the Stop key.

NOTE: You must be in pause mode to stop a session/study (see Chapter 5).

10. Review your measurement results on the SoundPro display (see Chapter 5). Or view results in

QSP-II, see Communicating in Chapter 8.

Meter 1/Meter 2 explained

Overview of running a session/study

The list below is a brief overview of the steps for running a study.

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

53 Preparing to measure

Storing Data

Explanations

Session

A session is comprised of one or more studies and uses data derived or accumulated from those studies to arrive at session results. The measurements in a session are the same ones made in each study in the session. For example, the maximum SPL determined for each study in a session is compared to the maximums for each other study in the session to determine the maximum SPL for the entire session. Likewise, an average or an accumulation for a study is continued using data from subsequent studies in the session to arrive at the corresponding average or accumulation for the entire session.

Studies

Studies are periods in a session during which measurements are acquired, processed and saved by the instrument. The duration of each study period is called the study’s run time.

Session and Study Scenario

You will be running a sound test in a machine shop. Your main objective is to determine the noise in three different work areas of the plant which include two different machinist areas and a welding area. You set the SoundPro to run and pause three times at one-hour intervals. When the tests are completed, you upload the data into QSP-II. The tests will store as one “Session” under “Downloaded” node and each one-hour test is denoted as a “Study.”

Sessions and Studies

Preparing to measure

Sessions and Studies

Before you begin running a session/study, there are a couple items to consider:

 Understanding sessions and studies  Adjusting the measurement range before running a study  Calibrating the instrument

The following components explain how the data is stored on the instrument.

Table 5-2: Sessions and studies explained

 CAUTION: The memory card should not be inserted or removed during a study or you could lose data.

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

54 Preparing to measure

Range

Measurement range

You select the decibel range before running the first study in the session. Setting the measurement range helps keep the desired measurements within the linear range of operation. If you do not make an optimal range selection, low levels of sound can be hidden in the instrument noise (below the noise floor of the instrument), and high levels of sound can be distorted (the instrument is “overloaded”). Measurements at these extremes are invalid. For information about these and other terms that may be unfamiliar to you, see the glossary in this manual (Appendix B, “Glossary”).

 Measurement range selection

1. From Start screen, select either View Current Study or View Session. The bar chart screen

appears. To select, press ▲/▼ arrows and then press .  NOTE: The bar chart screen may appear with a different measurement displayed and a

different range. This is dependent on the settings you may have selected. (For more information, please see “Measurement Type.”)

2. (Depending on if you selected basic SLM or applied 1/1 or 1/3 octave band filters) a bar chart

screen or a filtered bar chart screen will appear, press ▲/▼. This changes the range, and the change is confirmed in the screen in two ways.

 Ranges - A different range may appear each time you press an arrow key. The instrument

provides eight selectable ranges, each with different minimum and maximum values. (For more information about ranges, please see “Ranges” in the Specifications in Appendix A).

• SPL value – Depending on if you have the instrument set to measure basic sound level

measurements (see “A” below) or filtered sound level measurements (see “B” below), the

following two types of screens may appear. The level increases or decreases in relation to the range selection

Figure 5-1: Bar chart screen (A) and Filtered Bar Chart (B)

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

55 Calibrate

Calibration screen

Calibrate

TSI recommends calibrating your Verifier before you run a STI-PA measurement and after to ensure highly accurate measurement results.

The microphone should be calibrated before use for a number of reasons.

First, the microphone is sensitive to humidity and pressure changes. Calibrating before taking measurements assures that your level measurements are accurate for the current environment. Performing a calibration verification (post-cal) allows you to verify that conditions have not significantly affected your readings.

Calibrating also serves the dual purpose of checking the microphone for significant damage, such as a torn or contaminated diaphragm.

You can calibrate the instrument in the field with reference to the output of a calibrated sound source. TSI offers a line of acoustic calibrators that are available (such as the QC10/20).

Calibration screen

The Calibration screen contains a calibration option, called Calibrate, and a Calibration History. The history shows Pre-Calibration (Pre-Cal) and Post-Calibration (Post-Cal) results for previous calibrations, as applicable. For each calibration type, the resulting SPL level is shown along with the time and the date of the calibration.

Pre-Calibration

The main reason to calibrate is to adjust the current microphone reading to match a reference input, usually provided by a calibrator.

A Pre-Calibration is conducted when the session is stopped. When you calibrate during a stopped session, the new calibration results replace the previous Pre-Calibration results and the Post-Calibration results are removed. You will always see the last Pre- Calibration results.

Post-Calibration

A post-cal is really a calibration verification; that is, it does not change the instrument’s calibration. It compares the microphone's current level with the value read from the last calibration (assuming that the same source is used).

A Post-Calibration is a calibration done during a session pause. When you calibrate during a pause, the new calibration results replace the previous Post-Calibration results without affecting the Pre-Calibration results. You will not see Post-Calibration results if a pre- calibration was performed but not followed by a Post-Calibration.

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

56 Calibrate

Cal Adapter

Insert into cavity of QC10/QC20

QC10/QC20

Select 1 kHz and 114 dB

Microphone

Place calibrator over microphone

Performing a calibration

Before beginning your calibration, ensure the calibrator has sufficient battery power to perform the calibration. Also, you will want to insert the “cal adapter” into the mouth of the calibrator.

If the SoundPro Sound Level Meter has a windscreen, please remove.

 Calibrating

1. Ensure the SoundPro meter is turned On and is either stopped or paused.

2. Attach the calibrator and cal adapter to the SoundPro meter. Set the calibrator to 1 kHz and 114

dB (if it is a selectable).

Figure 5-2: Attaching calibrator to SoundPro

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

57 Calibrate

Pre-Cal

Displays precalibration information

Measurement value

Measurement value displayed graphically

Press up/down soft key to increase/decrease cal value

Performing a calibration

3. From the Start screen, press the Cal soft key and the Cal screen will open.

4. Select Calibrate by pressing ▲/▼ Arrows (if not selected) and press Enter to open the

5. Switch On the Calibrator.

6. Allow the measurement to stabilize and then press ▲/▼ Arrows to set 114.0 dB level.

7. Press Enter to store the new calibration. The Calibration History screen will appear with the

Pre-Cal screen.

Figure 5-3: Setting pre-cal screen

new calibration values in the display.

Figure 5-4: Calibration history screen

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

58 Running a session/study

Post-Cal

Displays postcalibration information

Pause indicator RunTime

Run icon

Battery icon

Lookup soft key

Performing a calibration

8. Press On/Off/Esc key to exit the Cal screen.

9. For a Post Calibration, ensure the SoundPro is in “Pause” mode. (Essentially, run a

measurement and press the run/pause key.) The Pause indicator will appear at the top of the display.) Then repeat the Calibration steps above and press Enter to store the Post Calibration information. A sample screen is displayed below with post calibration history.

Figure 5-5: Post-Calibrate history screen

Running a session/study

You run a “session”, commonly called opening a session, by running (or starting) the first measurement. To run a “study”, you would press pause and then proceed in the run mode. This would save the measurement as a “study.” Studies will be saved as you continue to run and pause your measurements.

Once stopped, this will save as one session.

 Running a session/study

1. From the Start screen, select either View Session or select View Current Study.

2. To select, press ▲/▼ arrows and then press .

3. Press to begin measuring. A session is currently open for the instrument when either the Run icon or the Pause icon appears in the Status Area at the top of the screen.

Figure 5-6: Bar Chart screen in run mode

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

59 Measurement navigation

Measurement screens

Explanations

Bar Chart or Filtered Bar Chart

Depending on if you selected SLM, 1/1 octave, or 1/3 octave, one of these screens will appear.

Tabular screen

Available for Meter 1 only. If your instrument contains a filter option and is set to an octave or third-octave analysis type, the screen that appears next in order after the Bar Chart is a Tabular screen. There may be one or more additional Tabular screens depending upon the analysis type that is in effect.

Dosimetry screen

Available for both meters, all viewing areas and all instrument types.

Community screen

Available only for Meter 1 and all instrument types, but not for studies. This screen will not appear when viewing the current study.

Time Log screen

Available for both meters, but only for broadband studies.

Using soft keys in measurement screens

 NOTE: The Lookup soft key is used to change the measurement options. There are five

selections which include: SPL, Leq, Lpk, Lmax, and Lmin. (See “Changing displayed measurement” for more information.)

Measurement navigation

You can navigate through the measurement screens by repeatedly pressing . The first screen you encounter when viewing a measurement screen is a bar chart or filtered bar chart screen. The subsequent screens that appear depend upon the measurement setup, the meter selection and the type of analysis. There are four possible screen types:

Table 5-3: Measurement screens explained

 NOTE: If you are not running a study when you enter a viewing area, only the SPL measurement is

being measured and is available for viewing. The values for any other measurement in the Selection Panel discussed under, “Changing displayed measurement”, are replaced by dashed lines.

Using soft keys in measurement screens

The soft keys function in relation to the contents of the Soft key Region of the display. To use the soft keys, the menus are visible in Soft key

Region (i.e., “Cal” for Calibration menu). If necessary, press the Alternate Functions key ( ) to toggle the contents of the Soft key Region.

Changing displayed measurement

You can change the displayed measurement in any viewing area at any time. There are five measurement options available: SPL (L_), average SPL (L_av or L_eq depending upon the exchange rate setting for the selected meter), peak SPL (L_Pk), maximum SPL (L_Mx) and minimum SPL (L_Mn). The labels comply

with IEC/ISO notation (“IEC/ISO notation”), where the underline character represents the time response

and frequency weighting settings for the selected meter.

 Changing displayed measurement

1. If necessary, press (Alternate Functions key) to show the soft key labels.

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

60 Measurement navigation

Lookup soft key

Selection Panel

This appears when lookup soft key is pressed.

The diamond symbol  indicates which measurement is selected. (L_eq). Press Enter key to confirm new selection.

Using soft keys in measurement screens

2. Press the soft key to display the Selection Panel. The available measurements are

arranged in a column, with the selected measurement marked.

Figure 5-7: Selecting measurements with Lookup soft key

3. Press ▲/▼ to make a different selection.

4. With your selection marked, press or press to make the change effective.

 NOTE: When viewing during broadband analysis, you can use the left/ right arrow keys to

change measurements.

Analysis type, time response and weighting

If your instrument has a filtering option, you can change the analysis type. To change the analysis type, time response, and/or weighting, you must be in the View Current Studies screen or in the View Session screen. Also, the current session must be stopped (or “closed”). For more details on changing these options, please see “Measurement type” and “Meter 1/Meter 2 parameters.”)

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

61 Measurement screen icons

Viewing Descriptors

Explanations

Session identification. This field tells you the name of the session that you’re viewing,

either the current one or the one you loaded before entering the viewing area

Study identification. This field, which appears only when you are viewing a study, identifies the sequential number of the study in the session (01-99).

Measurement label. This field identifies the displayed measurement in IEC/ISO notation.

Stop icon

Alternate functions icon

Viewing descriptors

Descriptor types

Measurement screen icons

The measurement screen descriptors and icons identify certain conditions that exist currently in the display. Press (Alternate Functions key) to toggle the contents of the Soft key Region until you see

the Viewing Descriptors. When the Viewing Descriptors are displayed, an Alternate Functions icon appears below the battery icon.

The Broadband chart figure below displays an example of these icons and descriptors.

Descriptor types

Figure 5-8: Example measurement icons & descriptors

Table 5-4: Measurement icons and screen descriptors explained

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

62 Measurement screens

Broadband amplitude

Amplitude in the band

Selected band

Broadband Bar Chart view Shows SPL average amplitude (or value) of Meter 1

 Will display only if octave band is

enabled

Soft keys (menus options)

Bar Chart View

Shows SPL average value of Meter 1.

 Will display only if SLM is selected

as the measurement mode.

Soft keys (menus options)

Bar Chart and Filtered Bar Chart

Measurement screens

Bar Chart and Filtered Bar Chart

The first screen you will see in a viewing area contains a bar chart for broadband or filtered measurements.

For the bar chart screen, the amplitude of the displayed measurement is shown both graphically by the length of the bar and numerically below the bar. The bar appears (and usually fluctuates) if the measured value is above the minimum value for the selected measurement range.

For the filtered bar chart screen, the dominant characteristic of this screen is the multi-element bar chart. The chart shows measurements in each filter band and broadband values for both meters. That means that for octave analysis the screen contains 13 bars (11 for filters and 2 for broadband), and for thirdoctave analysis the screen contains 35 bars (33 for filters and 2 for broadband). A bars appears (and usually fluctuate) if the measured value for the bar is above the minimum value for the selected measurement range.

Figure 5-9: Bar Chart screen and Filtered Bar Chart screen

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

63 Measurement screens

Community Noise View

Only appears on Meter 1 when you are not viewing the current study and when the community noise parameters are activated.

Exceedance levels Taxtmaximal

Value is 90 dB at 3 sec. intervals

Dosimetry View Shows accumulated personal exposure to noise.

These measurements are affected by the settings in the “Meter Set” screen.

Community Noise screen

 Making changes to the Bar Chart or Filtered Bar Chart screen

 The Range - The scale, shown above the chart, is fixed and cannot be changed in the run or

pause mode (or if you are viewing past studies). If the session is in stop mode (or closed), press ▲/▼ to change the range.

 Soft keys- If the session is in run, pause or stop mode you can change the following:

Measurement displayed (via the lookup soft key) or Meter 1/Meter 2 screen. If the session is stopped (or closed), then you can also change the response time and weighting.

Community Noise screen

This screen shows the results of measurements commonly associated with community noise studies. Results are only available in this screen for those measurements that are activated for the current session on meter 1.

The screen components are explained in detail in the “Measurement setup for Community Noise.”

 NOTE: Community noise measures are determined only for sessions, not for studies, so you will not

see this screen when viewing current studies.

Figure 5-10: Community Noise screen

Dosimetry screen

The Dosimetry screen provides several types of measurements of the accumulated personal exposure to noise. See “Setting logging options” for details.

Figure 5-11: Dosimetry screen

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

64 Measurement screens

Tabulation view Shows the average SPL on Meter 1 only.  Only available if a filter option and 1/1

or 1/3 octave band is enabled on your meter.

Tabulation screens

Dosimetry measurements

Dosimetry measurements depend upon the run time—the longer the run time the greater the accumulated dose. Accordingly, dose measurements will either remain the same or grow during a study or session. They are determined from broadband data regardless of the selected analysis type.

Tabulation screens

The Tabulation screen shows measurements for two broadband measurements and for all the bands for the selected analysis type. For octave analysis, all bands are visible in a single tabulation screen. When viewing third-octave analysis, however, it takes three screens to display the tabulated measurements for all bands. Press to ◄/► cycle through them.

Figure 5-12: Tabulation screen for octave filtering

1/1 and 1/3 octave analysis measurement results

 Measurements and meters - All tabulated values in this screen are for the displayed measurement

and the selected meter.

 Broadband measurements - The first measurement in the screen is a broadband measurement for

the selected meter. Following that measurement, is the number of the selected meter (Meter 1 in this example).

 Filtered measurements - After the broadband measurement, all other measurements given in the

display are for Meter 1 in each of the frequency bands according to the type of analysis performed. For each band, the center frequency of the band is given and the measurement in that band is given at the right of the band’s identification.

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

65 Time History/Back-erase screen

Data points

Results of back-erasing

Time History/Back-erase screen

When conducting a broadband study, you can view as much as the last 20 seconds of Max SPL in this screen. The current Max appears at the right border of the Time Log chart (time=0) and advances, in onesecond increments, toward the left border of the chart. The data leaving the chart at the left border is always a measurement that occurred 20 seconds ago.

Figure 5-13: Back-erasing

Back-erasing

You can remove undesirable data at the end of a study with a process called back-erasing. Back-erasing is available only under these conditions.

 Analysis type - Back-erasing is unavailable for filtered studies.  Viewing areas - You must be in either the View Current Studies or View Session viewing area.

Back-erasing is not available in View Past Studies.

 Restricted to the pause -You can back-erase only during the pause that follows a study. Back-

erasing is not available for past studies in the session.

 Not all studies - Because back-erasing requires a manual intervention, it is unavailable for triggered

or Auto-Run studies.

Results of back-erasing

Back erasing causes the following changes to the study and to the session in which the study occurs.

 Run times - The run time of the back-erased study is shortened by the duration of the removed

segment. The run time of the session is also reduced by the same amount.

 Measurements - All measurements that use data that was removed by back-erasing are corrected,

as appropriate. For example, if the maximum SPL had occurred in that erased segment, the instrument re-evaluates the remaining data in the study to find a different maximum value.

 Meters - Back-erasing applies on the same basis to both meters.  Storage - The session file is corrected to reflect the new run times and other changes that resulted

from the back-erasing.

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

66 Back-erasing

Time Line

Softkey Region

Zero Marker

20-second

Marker

Results of back-erasing

 Back erased raw data - The raw data that you removed by back-erasing is saved in the session’s

file. You can post-edit back-erased data with DMS software.

 How to back-erase

1. While running a study, view the Time Log screen in either the View Current Study or the View Session viewing area.

2. If you see data that you would like to remove from the study, press the pause key to pause the

study.

3. Press the left arrow to move the back-erase Time Line from right to left. With reference to the

Time Log figure below, the Time Line starts at the Zero Marker and can be moved all the way across the screen to the 20-second Marker. All of these characteristics help you identify the segment to be back- erased.

 Zero Marker - Identifies the end of the back-erased segment. This is always the end of the

study.

 Time Line - Identifies the beginning of the back-erased segment. Duration - The length, in

time, of the segment to be back-erased is given in the Soft key Region of the display.

Figure 5-14: Time Log screen

4. You can adjust the Time Line by pressing ◄/►.

5. When you have the Time Line in position, press . The Time Line disappears and the soft key

labels appear in the Soft key Region of the display.

6. To cancel this screen, press ◄/► to begin the process again. The Time Line will reappear and

you can select a different segment to back-erase.

 NOTE: At any time you can leave the time log screen, and return another time to edit the

back-erase segment provided that you have not started another study.

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

67 Back-erasing

Stop icon

Stop key

Run/Pause key

Stopping a session

You can stop the session manually or with a trigger command, but only when the instrument is in the Pause state. When the session is stopped, the Stop icon ■, appears in the Status Area and the RunTime

clock is zeroed. For information about using triggers, see “Digital Outputs/Triggers.”

Stopping a session is sometimes referred to as “closing the session.” Conversely, a session is often described as “open” when the instrument is either in a run or pause state.

Stopping and pausing

A manual session stop is a little different from a study pause. To pause a study , press the Run/Pause key and the command is immediately executed. To stop a session ■; however, you need to press and

hold the Stop key.

If you do not press and hold the stop key for the 3-second countdown period, the stop command is ignored and the session remains open. If you hold throughout the countdown, the following events occur in proper sequence.

Figure 5-15: Stopping and pausing

• Stopped - The session is stopped.

• Transferred - The session data in memory is transferred to the memory card.

• Cleared - The instrument’s memory is cleared of session data.

 Zeroed - The RunTime clock is cleared to zero.

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

68 Back-erasing

Stopping a session

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SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

RT60, Curves, and STI-PA

CHAPTER

Additional options

RT60, Curves, and STI-PA

Additional options

In this chapter, it is important to note that these features are additional add-on options and may not be available on your SoundPro® Sound Level Meter model unless you specifically purchased these features.

Reverberation

Reverberation is the distribution of sound in an enclosed space after the sound is removed or decayed. How is reverberation, or reverb, created in enclosed spaces? A sound is generated in an enclosed structure with a combination of the direct sound source (which travels from the sound source to listener by the shortest path without interfering with room surfaces) and the reflected indirect sound source. The total sound source echoes and decays as the sound is absorbed by the materials in the room (i.e., walls, carpet, furniture, concrete, etc...) and air. This is noticeable when the sound source stops but the reflections continue, decreasing in amplitude, until they can no longer be heard.

Reverberation time (RT60)

Reverberation time is a measurement used to evaluate and measure sound decay in a specific space,

tailored to speech or music, such as: classrooms, auditoriums, gymnasiums, concert halls/theatres, (etc.). For room acoustic, results are used to ensure quality sound is evenly dispersed throughout a specific room with limited echoes/refractions. For music or performance auditoriums (i.e., symphonies), higher reverb. Time is preferred so the ending results are more robust.

The Reverberation Time over each octave band can be analyzed using a decay curve. Each octave band shows the time of sound at the start and after the activation of the noise system using either interrupted or impulse sound methods.

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

70 Additional options

Decay Curve

Drop of sound pressure from Maximum to its ambient background level.

dB level 1

dB level2

Reverberation

The example below displays the Reverberation Time in an enclosed room. How it is measured with the impulse method: (1) A starter gun provides a broad impulsive spectrum noise at 110 dB. The instrument automatically begins plotting the sound decay (see dB level 1) and stops as the noise falls off (see dB level 2). Hence, the rate of decay is calculated from decay curve (or regression line) which will give you the rate of decay in the room. The RT60 measurement is calculated with the Txx time (i.e., T20) factored in and extrapolated to a 60 dB drop.

Figure 6-1: Reverb Time

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

71 Additional options

Background noise level

Reverberation (RT60) methods

The two methods supported by the SoundPro are the Interrupted noise method and the Impulse noise method. While the initial sound source used is different, the ending decay curve results are very similar providing accurate RT60 measurements.

Interrupted noise

The Interrupted noise method, applied with pink noise, is used with a portable sound system, such as a dodecahedral speaker, or with an existing sound system (only recommended if the sound system has a quality, omni-directional, sound system.) With the interrupted noise method, the sound source emits a high-level source and falls-off, returning to its original ambient background level. The Reverb Time is measured between T1 and T2 indicators with an ending RT60 time value.

 NOTE: T1 is calculated from two reference points on the regression line to ensure an accurate sound

level capture

Figure 6-2: Interrupted noise example

Impulse noise

The Impulse noise method requires a broad-spectrum impulsive noise source, such as a starter pistol, in a room to be tested. Typically, the RT60 decay start will begin at a high-level source and decays, reporting a Reverberberation Time.

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

72 Additional options

Field Description

Explanation of field selections

Method -

Selecting the calculation process of RT60 reverb time.

Interrupted – (This is the default method setting.)

Interrupted method uses a constant sound source (i.e., dodecahedral speaker), waiting for the level to stabilize, and then the source is turned off. (The method uses random noise or pink noise to test reverb. time.)

Impulse – Impulse method is when the user tests the room with a broad spectrum impulsive noise, such as a starter pistol or a balloon popping.

Averaging – Selecting how it will calculate Average for Reverbtime

Measurement – The RT60 result times for each filter band of the 1/1 Octave or 1/3 Octave modes are averaged across the studies to arrive at a session average RT60 for that frequency band.

Ensemble - The decay curves for each filter band of the 1/1 Octave or 1/3 Octave modes are averaged across the studies to arrive at an average session decay curve for that frequency band that is then used to calculate the session RT60 for that band. This results in either eight or twenty-four session ensembles, one for each frequency band in 1/1 Octave or 1/3 Octave modes, respectively.

Threshold -

Specifies the dB level for triggering the start or run of the instrument. The interpretation of this field is dependent on the measurement method.

Auto - (This is the default threshold setting.) The instrument will automatically chose the level and calculate RT60. When in run mode, it sets the threshold relative to the noise level in the room. It provides a trigger level which is customized to each band.

40 dB – 140 dB (in 1dB increments). The threshold decibel is user-selectable between 40 dB to 140 dB in one decibel increments.

 For Interrupted Noise method, level below this threshold will trigger the start of a

measurement.

 For Impulse method, levels above this threshold will trigger the start of a

measurement.

Measure -

The expected decay value

Auto - (This is the default Measure setting.) The instrument will automatically pick the best Txx value based on the expected decay (i.e., T20).

T60 (T10 – T60) – (The default setting is Auto.) The selected “Txx” value is the actual amount of drop/decay the instrument measured. The selectable ranges are T10-T60.

Filters -

1/1 or 1/3 bands

Measurements are plotted and stored in 1/1 or 1/3 octave band chart and decay chart. This field is only selectable if both 1/1 and 1/3 octave filter bands are installed features. Otherwise, the instrument will apply the installed filter.

Reverberation options

The following setup options are selectable via the Reverberation Time Options Setup menu (displayed in Figure 6-3).

Table 6-1: Reverberation time set-up options

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73 Additional options

Reverb Time options

a. Method field

b. Averaging field

c. Threshold field

d. Measure field e. Filters field

Reverberation options

Setting up reverberation

The Reverb Time screen is used to change or view your reverberation settings. The steps below outline how to change the parameters. Please review Table 6-1: “Reverb time set-up options” for an explanation of parameters.

1. From the start screen, select Setup (by using ▲/▼ Arrows) and press .

2. Select Options menu (by using ▲/▼ Arrows) and press .

3. Select Reverb Time (by using ▲/▼ Arrows) and press .

4. In the Reverb Time screen to change the settings, follow below:  To change the Method field, press to switch between “Interrupted” or “Impulse” (when

Method is selected).

 To change the Averaging field, press to switch between “Measurement” or “Ensemble”

(when Averaging is selected).

 To change the Threshold, press . Press to toggle between “Auto” or a “dB” level value.

To change the dB level, press ▲/▼ Arrows to a specific decibel level is selected (i.e., 80 dB) (when Threshold is selected).

 To change the Measure field, press to toggle between “Auto” or an “RT” value is selected

(when Measure is selected). To change, press ▲/▼ Arrows to a specific decibel level is selected (i.e., 80 dB) (when Threshold is selected).

 To change the Filters field, press to switch between “1/1” or “1/3” (when Filters is

selected).

Figure 6-3: Reverb Time Setup screen

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74 Additional options

Running reverberation test

There are a couple factors to consider when conducting a reverberation test. Depending on if you will be measuring voice in a room, hall, theatre (etc.), ISO 3382 standard recommends measuring reverberation time for speech from 63 HZ to 4 kHz. However for rooms with other intentions (i.e., music/acoustical concerts), one-third octave bands from 100 Hz to 5 kHz can be used/applied. ISO 3382 also recommends a minimum number of recorded studies in order to obtain a reliable reverb measurement session. This is done for two reasons: (1) because the test signal is random noise, there will be a bit of run-to-run variance. By taking a number of measurements from the same location and averaging them together, you get a more reliable estimate of the actual measurement (2) Because the acoustics in a room may vary, it is suggested to do spatial averaging - taking measurements from multiple locations in the room and average them together to get an average measurement for the room.

Once the setup options are selected, please follow the procedures below to run and view RT60 measurements.

 Reverberation (RT60) Test

1. Select setup parameters via the Reverb Time screen (see “Setting up Reverberation” above).

2. (Skip this step if threshold is set to “Auto.”) View the ambient noise in the room (the L

and note the value. NOTE: To ensure a decay curve, at least 45 dB above background noise level is

recommended.)

 To view the ambient sound in the room do one of the following:

(A) From the Start screen, select SLM as the measurement type and select View

Current Study.

 Verify that the range setting is appropriate for the level being measured. It is

desirable to select the longest range that will not overload. Press Up/Down Arrows to change range. (For more details, please see “Measurement range.”)

 Press Run/Pause key and notate the average level.

NOTE: You may need to press the Look-up soft key and select Leq to

view the average ambient sound level. For more information please refer to, “Changing displayed measurements.”)

 When completed, press Run/Pause key and then press Stop key to end the

session.

(B) Follow “A” above but select 1/1 or 1/3 as the measurement type.

ZMAX

value)

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75 Additional options

Measurement type

Select RT60 for Reverb testing

Reverberation results

3. Select RT60 as the measurement mode from the Start screen.

4. Choose one of the following methods to conduct your test:  Interrupted Method: Pump noise through room with existing sound system or a portable

sound system. Allow level to stabilize. Then press Run .

 Impulse Method: Press Run . Impulse the room with a broad spectrum impulsive

noise (i.e., starter gun).

5. Depending on your Setup options, the Reverb Time will automatically trigger and record the

results.

 NOTE: You may want to repeat this process a few times to ensure the readings are

Figure 6-4: Reverb Time Setup screen

accurate. Once the RT60 is captured, a pause indicator will appear at the top of the screen. To run another study, press the Run key again and follow step 4. Or if you do not want to combine all of the run/pauses into a session, press Stop and then Proceed with the Run key and follow step 4.

Reverberation results

There are three viewable screen reverberation results which include the RT60 Summary chart, Decay Curve screen, and the Tabular Summary screen. When the SoundPro meter is in pause mode, you can view the charts and graphs by toggling through the screens via the Enter key. If you will be running multiple studies, you may want to review the data at the end of the session. In this example, you would access the File\Session\Data File screen and select a past study. (For more information, see “Viewing past sessions/studies” in Chapter 7.)

RT60 summary screen

This is a vertical bar chart that will plot the T60 values taken from each octave band or 1/3 octave band.

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76 Additional options

Filter band results

Displays the RT60 filter band frequency values

60(20)

States that T60 measurement was extrapolated from a T20 measure.

Overall RT60 value of selected band.

Selected band

RT60 bar chart

Decay (To view decay

results, press soft key)

Reverberation results

Viewing RT60 values of each band

1. The decay value for each specific band is viewable by pressing the left/right arrow keys.

 NOTE: Bands with invalid T60 values will show dashes (---) instead of a value.

Figure 6-5: RT60 bar chart screen

Deleting RT60 value in a filtered band

This optional feature allows you to delete a selected filtered band from the session average and is

available when in review mode of “view current study” screens. (This may be used, if for example, you had someone accidentally walk in during your test and begin speaking. You could delete the bands which interfered with your test from the RT60 average results.)

1. To delete a filtered band, select either the RT60 Summary screen or the Decay curve screen.

2. Select the band to be deleted (by pressing left or right arrows.)

3. Press the Delete soft key. (Repeat steps if you want to delete more bands.)

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77 Additional options

Overall decay time

Sound pressure level

RT60 (To view RT60 results, press soft key)

Decay curve

Reverberation results

Decay curve screen

This chart displays the (average or ensemble) results of a single Reverb Decay curve from the study (i.e., one filter band)/or the average of all studies within that session. (For more information, refer to “Sessions and Studies” in Chapter 5).

 Viewing decay value of each band

1. The decay value for each specific band is viewable by pressing the left/right arrow keys.

Figure 6-6: Decay curve screen

 NOTE: To delete a curve, please see “Deleting RT60 value in a filtered band” above.

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78 Curves

Column

Explanation of data

Freq

The Frequency column displays the chosen filter bands (for 1/1 Octave the range is 63 Hz – 8 kHz and for 1/3 Octave the range is 50 Hz – 10 kHz).

T60

T60 column displays the results of the decay curve in seconds.

R2 column displays the reverberation time measurements. The values represent a “goodness to

fit” ranging between 0 to 1 values, where 0 = failed and 1 = perfect.

Txx

Txx column displays the actual measurements of the RT60s’ values.

Summary of the Reverb Decay curve results for each octave band.

NOTE: The Txx value may show

different ranges when “Auto” is

selected for the trigger mode.

Reverberation results

Tabular RT60 screen

This is a table-formatted screen which details a summary of the Reverb Decay Curve of each band. The following table is a brief summary of the tabular data.

Table 6-2: Tabular RT60 field explanation

Figure 6-7: Tabular octave filtering RT screen

NOTE: If “---”dashes appear, this indicates the measurement values are invalid.

 Viewing Tabulation RT60 screen

1. To view all of the octave band filters, press the Up/Down Arrow keys to page through the filters’

data results.

Curves

Curves, also referred to as “Acoustic Spectral Curves”, is used to evaluate the quality of noise in new or existing buildings. The SoundPro models SE and DL support the following:

 Captured curves  Noise Criterion curves: NC curves, PNC curves, NCB curves, NR curves, RC curves,  Audiometric Booth Background Curves: ANSI 53.1, OSHA, and ISO AM Booth

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79 Captured curves

 Application 1 - Baseline: Applying a captured curve as a baseline or reference curve for

noise abatement investigation.

 The operator captures the original noise and then makes various changes to the machine

and/or enclosure and looks to see how much of a difference the change made.

 Application 2- Quality Control: Using a captured curve as a Quality Control (QC) evaluation.

The instrument has been pre-loaded with a sound curve that represents the allowable levels for some product.

 Once the product comes off the assembly line, it runs and the measurements are compared

to the allowable levels. If levels exceed the curve, it is sent back for rework.

 Application 3: Process monitoring: A set of machinery is monitored to watch for changes in

the operating sound.

 If the measured sound exceeds the sound curve, it is an indication to the operator that

“something bad” is happening (i.e., over exposure) and he needs to shut things down and

call maintenance before more damage occurs.

Captured curve applications

Captured curves

Captured Curves, is a user-defined criterion curve, which allows the user to make a measurement with a 1/1 octave band frequency or a 1/3 octave band frequency distribution and save or capture the spectral curve. This snapshot can be displayed in DMS as a baseline or reference curve. A new measurement is then made and superimposed over the captured baseline curve to illustrate octave band frequency deviations from the original distribution, creating a user-defined criterion curve. This may be kept just as a reference, or it may be used as an evaluation for product or process comparisons, job task risk assessments, environmental investigations, and other applications.

Captured curve applications

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80 Captured curves

Selecting Measurement type

Press first soft key until 1/1 or 1/3 is selected

Setting up captured curves

 Setting up Captured Curves Settings and measurement settings

1. From the start screen, select either 1/1 octave or 1/3 octave for the measurement type.

(Repeatedly press first soft key.)

Figure 6-8: Selecting measurement type for curves

 Next, select the measurement type, by selecting View Session (use Up/Down Arrow to

select) and press Enter . Select the appropriate meter 1 settings (using the soft keys) and set the response time, weighting, and measurement type. (See Figure 3-4 for an example).

 NOTE: It is recommended to set Meter 1 to Slow response, Z-weighting, and

measurement to Leq.

2. Press On/Off/Esc to return to the start screen.

3. Select Setup (use up/down arrows to highlight) and press Enter .

4. Select Options menu (use up/down arrows to highlight) and press Enter .

5. Select Curves menu (use up/down arrows to highlight) and press Enter .

6. For the Mode, press Enter

explanation below).

 Survey Mode: dynamically evaluates the noise and reports the appropriate noise curve.

Typically used if you want to take multiple curve samples to evaluate and re-evaluate noise in a room/zone.

 Evaluation Mode: evaluates the noise levels against specific criterion. This is primarily used

when you are capturing one to four different curves. With this option, you assign a Capture name (Cap-1, Cap-2, Cap-3, Cap-4) in the setup menu and then run a captured curve study. To assign a new captured curve name, you return to the Options menu, select a name and then return back to view session mode and run your study.

repeatedly to select either Survey or Evaluation setting. (See

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81 Captured curves

Mode

Press Enter repeatedly to toggle between Survey and Evaluation modes.

Curves screen

Type

“Captured (CAP)” automatically

appears when you select Survey as the type.

Selecting Measurement type

Press first soft key until 1/1 or 1/3 is selected

Running captured curves

 NOTE: Whether you choose Survey or Evaluation mode, the captured curved results will

7. Depending on your selection in step 4, refer to the following:

 If Survey Mode was selected, please see step 6.  If Evaluation mode was selected, press Up/Down ▲/▼ to highlight Criterion. Repeatedly

8. Press On/Off/Esc twice to return to the start screen.

report the same data. The survey mode is recommended for Captured Curves since it is slightly easier to use in the field.

press Enter to select Cap-1, Cap-2, Cap-3, Cap-4.

Figure 6-9: Captured Curves and Survey mode

Running captured curves

Capturing a curve allows you to take a snapshot of the current octave noise profile. Once the captured curve is selected and applied, the SoundPro Sound Level Meter will automatically calculate the captured curve results with the STI-PA measurement.

1. From the Start screen, select either 1/1 octave or 1/3 octave for the measurement type. (Repeatedly press first soft key.)

Figure 6-10: Selecting 1/1 or 1/3 for measurement type

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82 Criterion curve families

CAP-1

Press first soft key to assign a captured curve name (i.e., CAP-1, CAP2, CAP-3, or CAP-4)

Capture

Press Capture soft key to Capture a curve.

Curve indicator

Running captured curves

2. To run a captured curve study, press Up/Down ▲/▼ to select (or highlight) View Session and press Enter .

3. In the View session screen, select the appropriate meter 1 settings by using the corresponding soft keys for response time, weighting and measurement type (lookup key).

4. Press Run to start your study. Depending on if you chose survey mode (see “a” below) or evaluation mode (see “b” below) in the setup screen, do one of the following:

a. Survey mode: When you are ready to capture a curve, press Altf key (on keypad) and the

soft key menu will expand. Repeatedly press first soft key to assign a capture curve name (You have four options: Cap-1, Cap-2, Cap-3, or Cap-4). Then, to Capture, press the second soft key.

b. Evaluation mode: To capture a curve, the curve indicators will appear before and during your

5. To view your results, repeatedly press Enter (See section, “Running a curve study and viewing

Criterion curve families

Criterion curves is another option to display and record a selection of spectral curves for use in room and building acoustic measurements and noise control engineering. The objective of a criterion curve is to specify the ambient noise in a room or environment with a single number or statement, rather than individually specifying multiple octave or third-octave band limits (as you do with captured curves).

Figure 6-11: Capturing a curve (CAP-1)

run. It will automatically save the run with curve indicators and assign the name you applied during the Options setup. To capture additional curves, assign a new name via the Options menu

and then run another test. (See “Setting up Captured Curves” for details.)

results.”)

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83 Criterion curve families

Selecting Measurement type

Press first soft key until 1/1 or 1/3 is selected.

Types of Criterion Curves

The SoundPro Models SE/DL support a family of criterion curve families which are explained below. (For more information, please see glossary.)

 Noise Criterion Curves (NC) – uses a tangency method and is typically used for HVAC room or

building acoustic comparisons.

 Preferred Noise Criterion Curves (PNC) – uses a tangency method but accounts for lower

frequencies compared with the NC method.

 Room Criterion Curves (RC) –calculates a numerical rating based on speech interference and

indicates any interference such as hissing, rumbling, or vibration. (This method was introduced to determine noise in offices/room acoustics.)

 Balanced Noise Criterion Curves (NCB) –are one of the newer methods that indicate interference

from rumble, rattle, and hiss.

 Noise Rating Curves (NR) – used primarily in Europe, Australia, and other country’s room and

building acoustic measurements, HVAC studies, machine noise evaluations, and for some community noise enforcement applications.

Setting up criterion curves

Setting up criterion curves is similar to setting up captured curve parameters. However, with criterion curves, you select a specific curve type and then it is applied during your study (or test).

 Setting up criterion curves and appropriate measurement type

1. From the start screen, select either 1/1 octave or 1/3 octave for the measurement type.

(Repeatedly press first soft key.)

2. Next, select the measurement type, by selecting View Session (use Up/Down Arrow to select)

and press Enter . Select the appropriate meter 1 settings (using the soft keys) and set the response time, weighting, and measurement type. (See Figure 3-4 for an example).

3. Press On/Off/Esc to return to the start screen.

Figure 6-12: Selecting measurement type for curves

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84 Criterion curve families

Curves screen

Evaluation mode

Setting up criterion curves

4. Select Setup (use up/down arrows to highlight) and press Enter .

5. Select Options menu (use up/down arrows to highlight) and press Enter .

6. Select Curves menu (use up/down arrows to highlight) and press Enter .

7. For the Mode, press Enter repeatedly to select either Survey or Evaluation setting. (Please see

explanation below).

 Survey Mode: dynamically evaluates the noise and reports the appropriate noise curve.

Typically used if you want to take multiple curve samples to evaluate and re-evaluate noise in a room/zone.

 Evaluation Mode: evaluates the noise levels against specific criterion.

 NOTE: Whether you choose Survey or Evaluation mode, the criterion curved results will

8. Select a type by pressing Up/Down ▲/▼ to move to the Type field.

9. Repeatedly press Enter

 NOTE: Depending on the Criterion curve you select, you may or may not have the option to

Figure 6-13: Curves setup screen example

report the same data.

to toggle between the five-criterion curve options.

set the Criterion field. If the Criterion field appears once you select the type, adjust this field by using the Up/Down arrows to move to the field and press Enter repeatedly to change the criterion.

10. Press On/Off/Esc twice to return to the start screen.

To run your Curve study, please see section, “Running and viewing a curve study.”

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85 Audiometric background curves

Selecting measurement type

Press first soft key until 1/1 or 1/3 is selected

Setting up audiometric background curves

Audiometric background curves

The SoundPro SE/DL series supports the following two types of audiometric test room sound level curves:

 Audiometric Test Room Background Sound Level Curves (OSHA) which compares the ambient noise

readings to the maximum permissible ambient noise levels (MPANLs) at 500 Hz, 1K, 4K, 8K as specified by the OSHA Hearing Conservation Amendment (1983).

 Audiometric Test Room Background Sound Level Curves (ANSI) which compares the ambient noise

to selectable criterions specified in ANSI S3.1-1999 and allows for a variety of audiometric earphones using 1/1 and 1/3 octave band analysis.

Setting up audiometric background curves

For set-up parameters, it is recommended to set Meter 1 to Slow Response, Z-Weighting, and measurement to Leq before you run your study.

Additionally, the measurement type should be set to 1/1 octave for OSHA audiometric testing and should be set to 1/1 or 1/3 octave for ANSI audiometric testing. The steps below detail the procedures.

 Setting up audiometric background curves and measurement parameters

1. From the start screen, select either 1/1 octave or 1/3 octave for the measurement type.

(Repeatedly press first soft key.)

2. Next, select the measurement settings, by selecting View Session (use Up/Down Arrow to

select) and press Enter .

Figure 6-14: 1/1 or 1/3 octave measurement type for audiometric testing

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86 Audiometric background curves

Lookup menu Timed Response

Weighting

Mode – select Eval Type – ANSI Booth Criterion - field will only appear if

ANSI AM Booth is selected in type field

Curves screen

Setting up audiometric background curves

3. Select the following recommended meter 1 settings using the soft keys using the soft keys:

measurement to Leq, Slow response, and Z-weighting.

 Setting measurement to Leq: Press the 1

up/down arrows on the keypad, select “L_eq.” A diamond character  indicates the “selected” measurement.

 Setting timed response: Repeatedly press 2

(recommended is “S” for slow response.) An underline denotes the “selected” response.

 Setting Weighting: Repeatedly press 3

(recommended is “Z” for Z-weighting).

Figure 6-15: Selecting measurement type for curves

4. Press On/Off/Esc to return to the start screen.

5. Select Setup (use up/down arrows to highlight) and press Enter .

6. Select Options menu (use up/down arrows to highlight) and press Enter .

7. Select Curves menu (use up/down arrows to highlight) and press Enter .

8. For the Mode field, select Eval (“Evaluation”) by repeatedly pressing Enter .

9. For the Type field, select one of the following by pressing the down arrow to move to the type

field and repeatedly press Enter .

 ANSI AM Booth or OSHA AM Booth

Figure 6-16: Audiometric booth setup in the curves screen

soft key to access the “Lookup” menu. Using

soft key to select appropriate setting

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87 Running and viewing curves

Curve measurements and results

10. (Skip this step if you selected OSHA AM Booth). To select a Criterion, press the down arrow and

repeatedly press Enter . You have the following three settings in the testing ranges of 125 Hz-kHz, 250 Hz – 8 kHz and 500 Hz-8 kHz octave or one-third octave bands.

 NC refers to “not covered” ears in relation to a person in a hearing booth without the use of

hearing protection.

 SA refers to “Supra-aural” which is used when a persons is in a hearing booth with large

headphones.

 INS refers to “Insert” which is used when a person is in a hearing booth with ear inserts.

11. Press On/Off/Esc twice to return to the start screen.

 To run your Curve study, please see section, “Running and viewing a curve study.”

Running and viewing curves

After you have enabled curve mode, type, and criterion (only applicable for evaluation mode), you are now ready to run a curve study.

When viewing your measurements it is important to understand how your results will display. The following is an explanation of the curve types:

 If NC, PNC, NR, NCB, or RC are selected these will display in 1/1 octave only.  If Captured Curves are selected, this will display in 1/1 octave or 1/3 octave.  If OSHA Audiometric is selected, it will display in 1/1 octave only. If ANSI Audiometric is selected, it

will display in 1/1 octave or 1/3 octave.

Curve measurements and results

 Running a curve study and viewing results

1. From the Start screen, ensure you are in 1/1 or 1/3 mode. Then, press the Up/Down arrows until

“View Session” is highlighted.

2. Press the ► Run key to begin your study. When completed, press pause and stop keys to end

the session.

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88 Running and viewing curves

(a) Sample bar chart with curves

(b) Tabulation screen

(d) Dosimetry screen

(e) Delta screen

Curve measurements and results

3. To view your results, press Enter . The following screens appear.

(a) Sample bar chart – displays 1/1 octave band with curve and sound values plotted on the

spectrum. (See “a” below: A- selected band, B- curve indicator, C- amplitude in band.) (b) Tabular screen – shows 1/1 octave band values in a table format (see “b” below). (c) Community noise – displays community noise (see “Community Noise screen” for a

screen example).

(d) Dosimetry screen - shows dosimetry measurements (see “e” below). (e) Delta screen – displays difference between the selected curve and current measurement,

in each filter band. A positive value is the amount exceeding the curve (see “(e) Delta

screen” and reference “A” in the figure) and a negative value is the amount below the curve.

NOTE: For a captured curve, it will display CAP-1(or applied captured 1-4) in the top left

instead of a criterion curve (NC-30). You may have to select LEQ to view the results via the Look-up key.

Figure 6-17: Curve results

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89 Speech Intelligibility

STI Scale

00 - 0.30

0.3 - 0.45

0.45 - 0.60

0.60 - 0.75

0.75 - 1.00

Unacceptable

Poor

Fair

Good

Excellent

STI Scale

00-0.48

0.48 - 0.65

0.65 - 0.78

0.78 - 0.88

0.88 - 1.0

Bad

Poor

Fair

Good

Excellent

STI-PA testing

Speech Intelligibility

Another available add-on feature is Speech Transmission Index (STI) used to evaluate and classify speech intelligibility dependent of background noise level. STI is the standardized measurement in the IEC 60268-16:1998 standard.

STI-PA testing

STI refers to the amount of modulation preserved in the broadcasting of an artificial speech signal through an alarm system. The intelligibility measurement is a single value between zero and one, which factors in corruption of speech, with modulating speech frequencies over octave bands between 125 Hz to 8 kHz.

STI-PA is measured using seven octave bands and two modulation indices per octave band simultaneously allowing a 15-second measurement. In essence, any noise which masks (or corrupts) the talker-to-listener path is evaluated and a recommended measurement is computed at the end of an intelligibility test. The following sections briefly address points to consider when setting up a STI-PA test.

Zones

Where do I measure speech intelligibility?” A building or stadium can be broken into “zones.” Each “zone” has a room with one alarm system. In some situations, one room may have more than one alarm system or may have a change in ceiling height (such as an atrium or a balcony seating versus lower level seating). In those instances, each section would be considered a zone and each zone would be tested. After determining the “zones” in your building, it is recommended to design a map of the key zones/rooms. Generally, a zone is a 20 x 20 area. If the room is larger than 20 x 20, it is recommended to take another measurement in this section.

Selecting STI scale or CIS scale

With the SoundPro Sound Level Meter, you have two measurement options which will determine the intelligibility of your building which are the STI scale and the CIS scale (explained below.)

STI scale

The scale identifies if the mass notification system is intelligible or unintelligible based on a STI scale ranging from 0.0 to 1.0 where 0.5 to 1.0 is considered a passing score, per NFPA 72 and IEC 60849.

Common Intelligibility Scale (CIS)

Similar to the STI scale, the CIS scale uses a range from 0.0 to 1.0 to determine if the MNS is intelligible. However, with the CIS scale, a rating of 0.7 to 1.0 is an “intelligible” score, per the IEC 608489 and NFPA 72.

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90 Speech Intelligibility

1. Calibrate the SoundPro Sound Level Meter.

2. Set-up your STI-PA options via the” Measures” setup screen. (Select the measurement type as

STI-PA.)

3. A level setup is conducted. From a fixed-point, the technician measures the A-weighted SPL of

MNS message (or alarm system). The test signal volume should approximately match the MNS message volume. (You would adjust the test signal to match the LAS value.)

4. The test signal is played through buildings voice system (PA system).

5. The technician/sound tester positions himself/herself in “zones”/building areas.

 It is recommended to design a map of “zones” (or rooms) to indicate where you will be taking

your measurements.

 Set measuring range appropriately.

6. STI-PA measurement is conducted. Press the Run/Pause key to start the study.

 NOTE: If you want to post-process your intelligibility measurements with previously

captured background noise, you would first capture curves and then apply this during your study.

7. After a 15-second countdown, either a STI or CIS level is displayed with a pass/fail message.

8. The technician/sound tester moves throughout the building and measures in all zones/rooms.

 NOTE: A zone/room is typically a room 20 x 20. More than one measurement may be

required if the room exceeds this size.

9. The tests are noted as pass/fail.

 NOTE: the past tests can be reviewed and loaded via the File System screen.

Conducting a STI-PA test (overview of steps)

When to take STI-PA readings?

Scenario one

You may be able to run the test signal through the PA system during normal business hours. In this scenario, you would set the meter to STI-PA and select either STI scale or CIS scale and run your study in the mapped “zone” areas.

Scenario two

In other situations, running a test tone through a PA system during business hours could be distracting and not feasible for your environment. In this situation, it is recommended to follow these procedures:

 First, take sample background noise measurements during business hours. These are saved and

stored on the Verifier as “Captured Curves.” The verifier will save up to four “captured curves”

 Second, in the STI-PA options, select the appropriate captured curve.  Third, run your measurements at the appropriate time of day (i.e., late evening/early morning). (The

applied captured curve will automatically factor into your study.)

 Fourth, view your results on the display of the instrument (or in Microsoft

Excel® spreadsheet

program by using the File converter tool.)

Conducting a STI-PA test (overview of steps)

SoundPro® Sound Level Meters Models SE and DL

TSI Quest Soundpro SE Series, Soundpro DL Series User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Dangers, Warnings, Cautions & Battery

Intended Use:

Models and options

Octave bands

Frequency resolution

Third-octave bands

Naming bands

Analysis type

Logging explained

Physical Characteristics

The Display

Hardware interfaces

Memory card slot

USB port

AC/DC port

Power jack

Auxiliary port

Information screen

Screen contents

Detection Management Software DMS

DMS Start Page

Checking the equipment

Installing the preamp

Microphone and accessories

Class/Type 1 and Class/Type 2 instrument

Windscreen

Providing power

Installing Batteries

Battery power explained

Checking or changing type

Using power supply or auto adapter

Turning on

Start screen and the keypad

SoundPro functionality

The keypad explained

Indicators explained

Navigating

Turning off

Changing microphone settings

Changing microphone settings

Time and date

Measurement type (SLM, 1/1, 1/3, STI-PA, RT60)

Meter 1/Meter 2 Parameters (i.e. response time, weighting)

Measurement setup (for community noise)

C-A measurement settings

Logging

Logging options

Exceedance level

Filters

Logging interval

Setting logging options

Setting up display options

Language

Backlight

CONTRAST

Auto-Run

Setting up auto-run

Date setting

Days of week setting

Auto-run shutdown screen

Auto-run shutdown screen explained

Timed run setting

Level-triggered auto-on setting

Locking setup or run mode

Setting secure run or secure setup (locking)

About Secure Run

About Secure Setup

Disabling secure run or secure setup (unlocking)

Secure code backup number

Digital outputs/Triggering

Tracking runs

Digital outputs and SPL

Communications

QSP/Serial

Mass Storage

Viewing real-time measurements remotely