3M Personal Safety Division 3MTM SoundPro SE/DL Series Sound Level Meters SoundPro User Manual
3M TM SoundPro Sound Level Meter 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.
ii Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction .............................................................................................................. 1 Models and options.................................................................................................. 1 Frequency resolution ............................................................................................... 2 Octave bands ..............................................................................................
iii Table of Contents Checking or changing type .................................................................................................. 15 Using power supply or auto adapter ..................................................................................... 17 Turning on .............................................................................................................. 18 Start screen and the keypad ..................................................................................
iv Table of Contents Setting up auto-run ................................................................................................ 38 Date setting ........................................................................................................................... 38 Days of week setting ............................................................................................................. 40 Auto-run shutdown screen ......................................................................
v Table of Contents Measurement range .............................................................................................................. 60 Calibrate.................................................................................................................. 61 Calibration screen ................................................................................................................. 61 Pre-Calibration...............................................................................
vi Table of Contents Impulse noise .................................................................................................................. 79 Reverberation options ........................................................................................................... 80 Setting up reverberation........................................................................................................ 81 Running reverberation test..................................................................
vii Table of Contents Conducting a level setup (for STI-PA) ................................................................................ 103 Running a speech intelligibility study .................................................................................. 103 STI-PA results screens ....................................................................................................... 104 STI-PA measurement and scale results screen ............................................................
viii Table of Contents DC output ............................................................................................................................ 123 Specifications ....................................................................................................... 125 Conformance to standards .................................................................................. 125 Acoustics ......................................................................................................
ix Table of Contents Logging (optional) ................................................................................................ 133 Part numbers ........................................................................................................ 133 Replacement parts ........................................................................................................ 133 Optional parts .........................................................................................................
x Table of Contents Figure 4-2: Figure 4-3: Figure 4-4: Figure 4-5: Figure 4-6: Figure 4-7: Figure 4-8: Figure 4-9: Figure 4-10: Figure 4-11: Figure 4-12: Figure 4-13: Figure 4-14: Figure 4-15: Figure 4-16: Figure 4-17: Figure 4-18: Figure 5-1: Figure 5-2: Figure 5-3: Figure 5-4: Figure 5-5: Figure 5-6: Figure 5-7: Figure 5-8: Figure 5-9: Figure 5-10: Figure 5-11: Figure 5-12: Figure 5-13: Figure 5-14: Figure 5-15: Figure 6-1: Figure 6-2: Figure 6-3: Figure 6-4: Figure 6-5: Figure 6-6: Figure 6-7: Figure
xi Table of Contents Figure 6-17: Figure 6-18: Figure 6-19: Figure 6-20: Figure 6-21: Figure 6-23: Figure 6-26: Figure 6-27: Figure 7-1: Figure 7-2: Figure 7-3: Figure 7-4: Figure 7-5: Figure 7-6: Figure 7-7: Figure 7-8: Figure 7-9: Figure 7-10: Figure 7-11: Figure A-1: Figure A-2L Curve results................................................................................................................. 97 Measurement type selection (STIPA) .............................................................
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CHAPTER 1 1 Models and options Octave bands Introduction The SoundPro SE and DL series of sound level meters (SLM) from 3M 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.
Frequency resolution 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.
Frequency resolution Third -octave bands Third -octave bands Each octave band can be divided into three adjacent bands called thirdoctave 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.
4 Frequency resolution Naming bands Exact Center Names of Octave Frequency (Hz) Bands (Hz) Names of Third-octave Bands (Hz) 12.589 15.849 12.5 16 16 19.953 20 25.119 25 31.623 31.5 39.811 40 50.119 63.096 31.5 50 63 63 79.433 80 100.00 100 125.89 125 158.49 160 199.53 251.19 125 200 250 250 316.23 315 398.11 400 501.19 500 630.96 630 794.33 1000.0 800 1000 1258.9 1000 1250 1584.9 1995.3 500 1600 2000 2000 2511.9 2500 3162.3 3150 3981.1 4000 5011.
5 Logging explained Analysis type 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.
6 Physical Characteristics Hardware interfaces 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.
7 Physical Characteristics Hardware interfaces 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 (300ma minimum).
8 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). 1 2 3 \UNIT INFO SoundPro DL-1-1/3 Serial # BIF120010 Revision B 12M Installed Features: CURVES STI-PA Figure 1-5: The Unit Information screen Screen contents The lines indicated in Figure 1-7 will contain the following information.
9 Detection Management Software DMS DMS Start Page Detection Management Software DMS 3M™ Detection Management Software DMS is used to record, report, chart and analyze data collected for assessment of select occupational health hazards in the workplace.
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CHAPTER 11 2 Checking the equipment DMS Start Page 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 your instrument was sent to you in a storage case, you will want to 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.
12 Microphone and accessories Installing the preamp Installing the preamp The preamplifier is detachable for storage purposes or if you wish 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. Twist preamp locking ring onto SoundPro Figure 2-2: SoundPro & Preamp 1.
13 Microphone and accessories Class/Type 1 and Class/Type 2 instrument Class/Type 1 and Class/Type 2 instrument The SoundPro is shipped with the Type 1 in a protective case with a serial number labeled on the side of the microphone. Similarly, the SoundPro with the Class/Type 2 microphone is also shipped in a protective case.
14 Providing power Installing Batteries Providing power You can power the instrument 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.
15 Providing power Battery power explained 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”.) 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).
16 Providing power Checking or changing type Battery Check screen 1. Turn on the SoundPro SE/DL by pressing On/Off/ESC the start screen. • . You will be at If turned on, ensure you are at the start screen by pressing On/Off/Esc repeatedly until the start screen appears. Setup Figure 2-6: Selecting Setup in the Start Screen 2. Press Up/Down arrows to highlight Setup and then press Enter 3. In the Setup screen, select Battery, then press Enter Check screen appears. . .
17 Providing power Using power supply or 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 3M, 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’re installed in the instrument.
18 Turning on Start screen and the keypad Turning on 1. To turn on the SoundPro, press the On/Off/Esc screen appears. key until the start 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 softkeys are used to setup the instrument, run a study, stop a study, view your measurement values, and power on and off the meter.
19 SoundPro functionality The keypad explained SoundPro functionality The keypad explained The SoundPro SE/DL keypad consists of three general types of keys: softkeys, navigation keys and dedicated keys. 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.
20 SoundPro functionality Indicators explained Indicators explained Status information is provided by the instrument at the top of the display. Below is a summary of all of the indicators. 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 is fully charged. Run state. This icon appears when a study is running. Paused state.
21 Turning off Navigating 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 wish 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., will display on the top of the screen). 2. Press and hold the On/Off/ESC disappears.
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23 CHAPTER Basic setups 3 Navigating Basic setups This chapter covers the basic features and setups of SoundPro SE/DL that establish the instrument’s operating conditions. For information about the more advanced SoundPro SE/DL 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.
24 Basic setups Changing microphone settings Changing microphone settings Microphone settings This procedure applies only to Class/Type 1 models. 1. Turn on the SoundPro SE/DL 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 Enter . arrows to highlight Setup and then press 3. In the Setup screen, select Sig. Input, then press Enter Input screen appears. .
25 Basic setups Time and date 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. • 7. Polarization field - Polarization remains highlighted. Continue to press Enter to change (or toggle) the value from 0 V to 200 V. Once desired fields are changed, press On/Off/ Esc the Start screen.
26 Basic setups Measurement type (SLM, 1/1, 1/3, STI-PA, RT60) 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’re 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.
27 Basic setups Meter 1/Meter 2 Parameters (i.e. response time, weighting) Meter 1/Meter 2 Parameters (i.e. response time, weighting) Setting up Meter 1 and Meter 2 parameter settings are changed through the softkeys and the Measure Set screen of the SoundPro. 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 3.
28 Basic setups Measurement setup (for community noise) 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. 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. 1.
29 Basic setups Measurement setup (for community noise) • 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 “CA measurement settings.” • TAKTMX ~ Press Enter sec., or Off. one or more times to select 3 sec., 5 6. To change other measurement settings, repeat steps 4-5. 7. When finished, press On/Off/Esc to exit the screen.
30 Basic setups 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.
31 Logging Logging options Logging Logging options If the logging option was purchased, you will have the following four types of measurement options: Figure 3-7: Logged Data Chart example • Average (AVG on the display), Peak, Maximum (MAX on the display), Minimum (MIN on the display).
32 Logging Setting logging options Setting logging options To set logging only options (Average, Peak, Maximum, Minimum) Enabling or disabling logging options 1. Ensure you are at the start screen. • If turned on, repeatedly press On/Off/Esc start screen (see Figure 3-3 above). • To turn on, press and hold On/Off/Esc appears. 2. Press Up/Down until you return to the until the start screen to highlight Setup and then press Enter 3. Select Logging by pressing Up/Down Enter . .
33 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. a. To change the percentage, repeatedly press Up/Down select a specific percentage. to b. Press right/left arrow to move back to Exceedance level field. 7.
34 Setting up display options Language 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 start screen (see Figure 3-3 above). • To turn on, press and hold On/Off/ESC appears. 2. Press Up/Down until you return to the until the start screen to highlight Setup and then press Enter 3.
35 Setting up display options Backlight Backlight Typically, the SoundPro 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. 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.
36 Setting up display options Contrast 7. To set the backlight, press the backlight button on the keypad. 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’re not supposed to show). Reduce setting to avoid ghosting. Changing the contrast on the display 1.
CHAPTER 4 37 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.
38 Auto-Run Date setting Auto-Run SoundPro SE/DL has four automatic run modes which include: Date autostart 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 LevelTriggered settings.
39 Setting up auto-run Date setting 5. Press one of the four softkeys 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 softkey. (For example, Figure 4-3 displays setting up softkey #1 parameters. When activated a “+” symbol appears.) 6. To set Date values, press Enter • to move to the first field.
40 Setting up auto-run Days of week setting NOTE: To enable Auto-run, ensure the instrument is powered off and the date and time settings were programmed for the future. 10. When powered off, an Auto-Run shutdown screen will appear. (Please see section, “Auto-Run shutdown screen”.) Days of week setting The Days of the Week (DOW) setting is a pre-programmed weekly auto-run with specified days, start time, duration.
41 Setting up auto-run Days of week setting 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), Saturday (S). • For example, Figure 4-5 displays Sunday (S), Tuesday (T), Thursday (T), and Saturday (S) selected as pre-programmed run days. 6.
42 Setting up auto-run 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 AutoRun 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.
43 Setting up auto-run Timed run setting 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 wish. 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 Enter to select. to highlight and press 3.
44 Setting up auto-run Level-triggered auto-on setting 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 press Enter . 2. Select Auto-Run by using Up/Down Enter to select. to highlight Setup and to highlight and press 3.
45 Setting up auto-run Level-triggered auto-on setting LevelTriggered Explanation of Settings B. Action After selecting specific filter mode settings, the instrument is set to trigger based on Run/Pause mode or Run/Stop mode. C. Source The source can be set to Meter 1, Meter 2, filters, curve, external trigger, timed run trigger mode, and a delay.
46 Locking setup or run mode Setting secure run or secure setup (locking) 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 until you are viewing the appropriate setting. repeatedly 13.
47 Locking setup or run mode Setting secure run or secure setup (locking) Setting secure run or secure setup (locking) 1. From the start screen, press the Lock softkey. Lock: th Press 4 softkey to select “Lock” screen 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.
48 Locking setup or run mode 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” appears. This will be the unlock code.
49 Locking setup or run mode Disabling secure run or secure setup (unlocking) 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. • Press On/Off/Esc repeatedly until the Start screen appears. This will Enable the Secure Setup (or locking setup).
50 Digital outputs/Triggering Tracking runs Digital outputs/Triggering All digital output signals (also referred to as “Triggering”) appear on pins of the Auxiliary Port (“Auxiliary port” on page 7). 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 press Enter . to highlight Setup and 2.
51 Communications Digital outputs and SPL 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.
52 Communications QSP/Serial QSP/Serial (Figure 4-14). For QSP-II communications, USB should be set to “QSP/Serial”. 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 the user 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.
53 Communications 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 “QSP/Serial” and “Mass Storage”. 5.
54 Communications GPS GPS The SoundPro 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 053729 Serial Cable. In many cases, a Male-Male DB-9 null modem connector will be required as well. The SoundPro 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.
55 Communications GPS • 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.
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57 CHAPTER Virtual meters 5 Meter 1/Meter 2 explained Preparing to measure & running This chapter explains the steps needed to prepare the SoundPro 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 operates with two parallel measurement systems called meters.
58 Overview of running a session/study 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. Quick Help List 1. Turn the SoundPro on and check your battery power. (See Chapter 1). 2. Format the card or delete session files from the SoundPro. 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).
59 Preparing to measure 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.
60 Preparing to measure Measurement 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 don’t 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.
61 Calibrate Calibration screen Calibrate 3M 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.
62 Calibrate Performing a calibration calibrate during a pause, the new calibration results replace the previous PostCalibration 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. Performing a calibration Before beginning your calibration, ensure the calibrator has sufficient battery power to perform the calibration.
63 Calibrate Performing a calibration Measurement value displayed graphically Measurement value Press up/down softkey to increase/decrease cal value Figure 5-3: Setting pre-cal screen 6. Allow the measurement to stabilize and then press dB level. Arrows to set 114.0 7. Press Enter to store the new calibration. The Calibration History screen will appear with the new calibration values in the display. Pre-Cal Displays precalibration information Figure 5-4: Calibration history screen 8.
64 Running a session/study Performing a calibration Pause indicator Post-Cal Displays postcalibration information 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.
65 Measurement navigation Using softkeys in measurement screens NOTE: The Lookup softkey is used to change the measurement options. There are five selections which include: SPL, Leq, Lpk, Lmax, Lmin.(See “Changing displayed measurement” for more information, on page 66.) 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.
66 Measurement navigation Using softkeys in measurement screens softkeys, the menus are visible in Softkey Region (i.e., “Cal” for Calibration menu). If necessary, press the Alternate Functions key ( ) to toggle the contents of the Softkey Region. Changing displayed measurement You can change the displayed measurement in any viewing area at any time.
67 Measurement screen icons Descriptor types options, please see “Measurement type” on page 26 and “Meter 1/Meter 2 parameters” on page 27.) 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 Softkey Region until you see the Viewing Descriptors. When the Viewing Descriptors are displayed, an Alternate Functions icon appears below the battery icon.
68 Measurement screens Bar Chart and Filtered Bar Chart Measurement screens Bar Chart and Filtered Bar Chart The first screen you’ll 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.
69 Measurement screens Community Noise screen Making changes to the Bar Chart or Filtered Bar Chart screen 1. 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. 2. Softkeys- If the session is in run, pause or stop mode you can change the following: Measurement displayed (via the lookup softkey) or Meter 1/Meter 2 screen.
70 Measurement screens Dosimetry screen Dosimetry screen The Dosimetry screen provides several types of measurements of the accumulated personal exposure to noise. See “Setting logging options” on page 32 for details. Dosimetry View Shows accumulated personal exposure to noise. • These measurements are affected by the settings in the “Meter Set” screen.
71 Measurement screens Tabulation screens 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. Tabulation view Shows the average SPL on Meter 1 only.
72 Time History/Back-erase screen Tabulation screens 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 one-second 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.
73 Back-erasing Results of back-erasing 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.
74 Back-erasing Results of back-erasing • Duration - The length, in time, of the segment to be back-erased is given in the Softkey 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 softkey labels appear in the Softkey Region of the display. 6. To cancel this screen, press to begin the process again.
75 Back-erasing Stopping a session 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” on page 50. Stopping a session is sometimes referred to as “closing the session.
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CHAPTER 77 6 Additional options Reverberation 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 model unless you specifically purchased these features. Please see 3M’s website 3m.com/detection for more information: • • • Reverberation STI-PA Curves Reverberation Reverberation is the distribution of sound in an enclosed space after the sound is removed or decayed.
78 Additional options Reverberation time (RT60) 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.
79 Additional options Reverberation (RT60) methods 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.
80 Additional options Reverberation options Reverberation options The following setup options are selectable via the Reverberation Time Options Setup menu (displayed in Figure 6-3). 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.
81 Additional options Setting up reverberation 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) & press 2. Select Options menu (by using Arrows) and press 3. Select Reverb Time (by using Arrows) and press . . . 4.
82 Additional options Running reverberation test 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.
83 Additional options Reverberation results 3. Select RT60 as the measurement mode from the Start screen. Measurement type Select RT60 for Reverb testing Figure 6-4: Reverb Time Setup screen 4. , Please 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.
84 Additional options Reverberation results 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. Viewing RT60 values of each band 1.
85 Additional options Reverberation results 2. Select the band to be deleted (by pressing left or right arrows.) 3. Press the Delete softkey. (Repeat steps if you wish to delete more bands.) 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.
86 Additional options 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. Column Explanation of data Freq The Frequency column displays the chosen filter bands (for 1/1 Octave the range is 63Hz – 8KHz and for 1/3 Octave the range is 50Hz – 10KHz). T60 T60 column displays the results of the decay curve in seconds.
87 Curves Captured curve applications 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.
88 Captured curves Setting up captured curves 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 softkey.) Selecting Measurement type Press first softkey until 1/1 or 1/3 is selected Figure 6-8: Selecting measurement type for curves 2. Next, select the measurement type, by selecting View Session (use Up/Down Arrow to select) and press Enter .
89 Captured curves Setting up captured curves • 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.
90 Captured curves Running captured curves 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 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 softkey.
91 Criterion curve families Types of Criterion Curves CAP-1 Press first softkey to assign a captured curve name (i.e., CAP1, CAP-2, CAP3, or CAP-4) Curve indicator Capture Press Capture softkey to Capture a curve. Figure 6-11: Capturing a curve (CAP-1) b. Evaluation mode: to capture a curve, the curve indicators will appear before and during your run. It will automatically save the run with curve indicators and assign the name you applied during the Options setup.
92 Criterion curve families Setting up criterion curves • 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.
93 Criterion curve families Setting up criterion curves 3. Press On/Off/Esc to return to the start screen. 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 . . Curves screen Evaluation mode Figure 6-13: Curves setup screen example 7. For the Mode, press Enter repeatedly to select either Survey or Evaluation setting.
94 Audiometric background curves 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).
95 Audiometric background curves Setting up audiometric background curves 2. Next, select the measurement settings, by selecting View Session (use Up/Down Arrow to select) and press Enter . 3. Select the following recommended meter 1 settings using the softkeys using the softkeys: measurement to Leq, Slow response, and Zweighting. • Setting measurement to Leq: Press the 1st softkey to access the • • “Lookup” menu. Using up/down arrows on the keypad, select “L_eq”.
96 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 125Hz-kHz, 250Hz – 8kHz, and 500Hz-8kHz 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.
97 Running and viewing curves 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).
98 Speech Intelligibility 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.
99 Speech Intelligibility Selecting STI scale or CIS scale 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. STI 00 - 0.30 scale Unacceptable 0.3 - 0.45 0.45 - 0.60 0.60 - 0.75 Poor Fair Good 0.75 - 1.00 Excellent Common Intelligibility Scale (CIS) Similar to the STI scale, the CIS scale uses a range from 0.0 to 1.
100 Speech Intelligibility Conducting a STI-PA test (overview of steps) Conducting a STI-PA test (overview of steps) 1. Calibrate the SoundPro. 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.
101 Speech Intelligibility STI-PA setup Post Process field An optional “captured curve” feature can be applied to your STI-PA testing. Essentially, you take a snap shot of the current sound level measurement and store it as your background noise. Once the background noise data is gathered, you can apply the captured noise during your STI-PA measurement. This may be used in a situation where you cannot play the test signal during “normal” working hours.
102 Speech Intelligibility STI-PA setup 6. To change the Scale field, press Up/Down arrows until Scale is highlighted and press Enter to change to either STI or CIS. Speech Intelligibility screen • Setup screen Captured Curve selection • If you captured background noise and want to apply it, select Cap1, Cap2, Cap3, or Cap4 to apply during STI-PA test Figure 6-19: STI-PA setup screen 7.
103 Speech Intelligibility Conducting a level setup (for STI-PA) Conducting a level setup (for STI-PA) • From a fixed-point, measure the A-weighted Sound Pressure Level of your mass notification system (or alarm system). When in the STI-PA screen, adjust the range as needed via the Up/Down Arrows. • Stop mode Range Press up/down arrows to adjust the range values The average dB level is displayed when in stop mode. NOTE: the instrument will display the LAS when in stop mode.
104 Speech Intelligibility STI-PA results screens 2. Play the signal over the loudspeaker and then locate yourself in the appropriate zone/room. 3. Verify that the range setting is appropriate for the level being measured. It is desirable to select the longest range that does not overload. (To change the range, press Up/Down Arrows from the STI-PA screen.) 4. Press the Run 5. key to begin your study. The meter will run for 15 seconds and then pause.
105 Speech Intelligibility STI-PA results screens STI-PA modulation screen In the Modulation measurement screen, the average decibel level over the runtime in seven octave bands ranging from 125HZ to 8KHz with 14 frequencies is displayed in a tabular format.
106 Speech Intelligibility STI-PA results screens STI-PA modulation envelope screen This screen reports a summary of the STI-PA modulation screen. 1. To view each band’s results, press Arrow key. NOTE: The results can be used to assess each frequency’s band modulation level to determine why it passed or failed (in order to correct any issues).
107 Speech Intelligibility STI-PA results screens 2. Setting up Curves: Select Setup and press Enter . • Select Options (via the Down Arrow and press Enter ). • Curves will be highlighted, press Enter . • Choose Survey as the Mode and Captured (CAP) as the Type and then press On/Off/Esc repeatedly to return to the Start screen. Mode When highlighted, press Enter continuously to toggle through the menu options and select Survey. NOTE: Survey/Eval. mode will compute the same results.
108 Speech Intelligibility STI-PA results screens CAP-1 Press first softkey to assign a captured curve name (i.e., CAP1, CAP-2, CAP3, or CAP-4) Curve indicator Capture Press Capture softkey to save the background noise/SPL. Figure 6-26: Captured curves/background noise 5. Once all background noise has been captured, refer to, “Applying captured curves” below.
109 Speech Intelligibility STI-PA results screens 4. Press the Run/Stop key while playing the test signal in the appropriate location/zone. The captured curve will automatically calculate with the STIPA results. NOTE: press the left/right arrow to view the modulation screen and/or the modulation envelope screen if desired.
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CHAPTER 111 7 Files STI-PA results screens Viewing Past Measurements This chapter explains how to view your past sessions and studies. It will also explain how to rename your sessions/studies and how to clear/reset the data on the memory card. Files A session file is automatically created when you begin the first study in that session. It contains the following types of information, as applicable: • Measurements - Measurements for each study in the session and overall measurements for the session.
112 File directories File directory screen explained automatically stored in the Session Directory, and Configuration Files are automatically stored in the Configuration Directory. The File directories screen can be used to: • View past sessions/studies via the Session Directory menu • View Configuration directory • Re-name last session file is an optional feature that is used as an organizational tool. • Save Configuration file is used to save a customized setup on the instrument if not using QSP-II.
113 File directories Viewing past sessions/studies (review mode) or session via the Data File screen. The results will be played back (also called review mode) in accordance with the analysis type that was selected when the measurements were stored. 1. From the Start screen, press the File softkey. Softkeys File Figure 7-2: Start menu screen 2. Session Directory will be highlighted, press Enter .
114 File directories Viewing past sessions/studies (review mode) 3. In the Data File screen, press Arrows to select one of the saved sessions and press Enter (to load the file). Data file Press “Load” softkey Figure 7-4: Data File screen 4. It will state “Loaded”. Press either Enter or On/Off/Esc key. 5. In the Start screen, the review indicator appears. Select either View Session or View Current Study (by pressing and ).
115 File directories Loading and deleting files 6. A bar chart or a filtered bar chart may appear (depending on your measurement setting). Press Enter to view various measurement screens. Review mode indicator Bar chart (SLM mode) results File path – indicates the name of session/study, the analysis type (SLM, 1/1, 1/3) Figure 7-6: Viewing past data example 7. Press Stop key to exit Review Mode. (The Pause icon will disappear leaving only the Stop indicator displayed on your screen.
116 File directories Session directory 4. To delete a file (if not applicable see step five), press to select appropriate file and press Delete softkey (see “a”). (The display will state the file was deleted.) Press key to return to the Data File screen. To delete more files, repeat this step. Press repeatedly to return to the start screen.+ Data File screen • Retrieve your past session/studies by selecting a file.
117 File directories Session directory Navigating in a session/config. directory Press any arrow key to move around in the directory. If there are multiple files, press the More softkey to navigate to additional screens. Press On/Off/Esc key to return to previous screen(s). Naming and renaming files There are common procedures that you can use to name and rename files, including a lookup capability that allows you to determine if a filename is already in use.
118 Configuration directory Saving (& naming) setup file (config. file) • Add a character by pressing the right arrow key. • Delete a character by pressing the left arrow key. • Repeat this step as necessary. 5. When finished, press 6. Press and Save will appear. to save the file name (or press On/Off/Esc to cancel). Configuration directory File Setups, or File Configurations, can be saved to the instrument in order to save and reuse for future.
119 Configuration directory Viewing, loading, deleting setup files (config.) 4. To change the file name follow below: • Press underline). • Optional Shortcut: press a softkey (has a character range) and then press to quickly move to the appropriate value. • Press Left arrow to delete a character (or move backwards). • Press Right arrow to add a character. • Repeat as necessary. to change the selected character (denoted by the 5.
120 Memory card Compatibility Memory card The memory card supplied with the instrument is used to store session and configuration files. If you run studies and sessions without a memory card, it will not store session files. In that case, running a session will automatically overwrite the information in the instrument’s memory from the previous session. Essentially, lack of a memory card converts a multi-session instrument into a single session instrument.
121 CHAPTER Communicating with a PC 8 Using Detection Management Software DMS Communicating This chapter covers issues related to the memory card, the USB port and the AC/DC outputs. Communicating with a PC Using Detection Management Software DMS When you download the data via the the download feature, the data is stored and viewable via the data finder page with advanced charting, tables, and reporting capability.
122 AC/DC output Using Detection Management Software DMS DMS and working with SoundPro data Viewing data and Data Finder Page 1. Communicating/connecting the Edge to the pc A. Turn On the Sound Pro. B. Plug in USB cable from SoundPro to pc. 2. DMS Welcome page and instrument communication A. Click on icon (see A) to access the Instrument download panel. A 3. SoundPro and downloading A. Select the SLM family and the SoundPro mode from the Instrument window (see A).
123 AC/DC output AC output AC/DC output Output signals are available at the AC/DC jack in the hardware interface panel at the base of the instrument (“Hardware interfaces” on page 6). Users are responsible for providing the cable to attach to this jack. For information about the pinout, see “AC/DC jack” on page 134. AC output The AC output is the amplified SPL of Meter 1. It is weighted depending on the "A, C, Z or F" selection for Meter 1.
124 AC/DC output DC output This page left blank intentionally Models SE and DL
125 Appendix A APPENDIX A Specifications Conformance to standards Acoustics IEC 61672-1 (2003) (2002-05) - Electroacoustics, Sound level meters, Part 1: Specifications. IEC 61672-2 (2003-04) - Electroacoustics, Sound level meters, Part 2: Pattern evaluation tests. IEC 61260 (1995-08) - Electroacoustics, Octave-band and fractional-octaveband filters. ANSI S1.11-2004 - American National Standard “Specification for OctaveBand and Fractional-Octave-Band Analog and Digital Filters.” ANSI S1.
126 Appendix A Size - 7.9 cm(W) X 28.2 cm (H) X 4.1 cm (thick); (with preamp and microphone) 3.1"(W) X 11.1"(H) X 1.6" (thick) (with preamp and microphone) • The width is measured across the face of the instrument. The length, which includes the preamplifier but not the microphone, is measured along the longest axis of the instrument. Weight - 0.54 kg (1.2 lbs), including batteries. Tripod mount - Threaded insert on the back of the instrument. Accepts a 1/4"-20 screw.
127 Appendix A External power External DC power may be provided to the Power jack from the AC or DC sources identified below. Power consumption will range from 1.0-1.5 W at 8-16 VDC. • 8 VDC - 125 to 190 mA. • 12 VDC - 85 to 125 mA. • 16 VDC - 60 to 90 mA. AC power source ~ Optional switching-type power supply, 3M part number 053-571. • Supply input - 100-240V, 47-63 Hz. • Supply output - 9VDC, 1.1A max. • DC connector - Cable has 2.
128 Appendix A Octave filters (optional) Number of bands ~ Eleven bands, with center frequencies (fc) ranging from 16 Hz to 16 kHz. The octave filters are flat within < 0.3 dB in each passband. The half-power points are at 0.707 fc and 1.414 fc. Octave skirts ~ With respect to fc: • fc/2 frequencies - Approximately 20 dB down. • 2fc frequencies - Approximately 30 dB down. • fc/10 frequencies - Approximately 70 dB down. • 10fc frequencies - Approximately 95 dB down.
129 Appendix A Humidity 10% to 90% RH (non condensing). User interface Display Size - 128 x 64 pixel display that measures 6 cm x 4.8 cm (2.4" x 1.9"). Lighting ~ Transflective to take advantage of ambient lighting plus fiberoptic backlighting that can be manually operated or set to turn off after a timed interval. Keypad Construction - Molded layer that holds fourteen press-sensitive buttons.
130 Appendix A denser (200 volts must be set to “On”). Use for general, higher-level, freefield measurements. QE4150 - Free-field, Class/Type 1 (optional) ½-inch diameter (.52"), condenser (200 volts must be set to “On”). Use for general free-field measurements. QE4170 - Pressure, Class/Type 1 (optional), 1-inch diameter (.938"), condenser (200 volts must be set to “On”).
131 Appendix A Communications ports Auxiliary - For trigger signals and RS-232 communication. USB - Mini USB connector. This port is used for data and file transfers between the instrument and a personal computer. Measurements Types SPL measures - SPL, Average value (Lavg or Leq), Maximum value (LMx), Minimum value (LMn), Peak value (LPk). Noise dosimetry - Sound Exposure Level (SEL), Time Weighted Average (TWA), Projected TWA (PTWA), Taktmaximal (TAKTMX), Dose, Projected Dose (PDSE), Exposure (EXP).
132 Appendix A Other Maximum peak level - 3 dB over the full scale reading. Calibration Pre-calibration - When performed, valid prior to the start of a session. Post-calibration - When performed, valid for the previous study in the session. Storage - All calibrations for a session are stored in the related session file. Calibrators - All 3M Calibrators have an output of 114dB at 1 kHz, and some may have other settings.
133 Appendix A Back-erase Erasing - Up to 20 seconds of sampled SPL data can be removed from the end of the last study. When removed, all calculations based on the removed segment of data are immediately updated. Editing - The length of the back-erased segment can be edited. Storage - Data removed by back-erasing is retained in the session file. Logging (optional) Measurements - User-selectable for each of the two meters.
134 Appendix A Optional parts Part Description Number 053-842 SoundPro SE/DL Class/Type 1 QE4170 microphone kit (QE4170 microphone and machined adapter to preamp). 053-843 SoundPro SE/DL Class/Type 1 QE4130 microphone kit (QE4130 microphone, 056-990 microphone-to-calibrator adapter and 059-344 windscreen). 053-844 SoundPro SE/DL Class/Type 1 QE4110 microphone kit (QE4110 microphone, microphone-to-calibrator adapter and 059-344 windscreen). 059-413 QE4110 free field microphone, 0.25" condenser type.
135 Appendix A Port pinouts AC/DC jack The pinout for the jack used for the AC/DC signals is displayed below in Figure A-1. This 3.5 millimeter jack is the same type of jack commonly used for stereo outputs in music systems. Figure A-1: Pinout for the AC/DC output jack Auxiliary connector The auxiliary connector in the base of the instrument can be used for input and output triggers (See “Triggers”) to receive GPS signals or for RS-232 serial communications.
136 Appendix A Block Diagram for SoundPro Models SE and DL
137 APPENDIX Appendix B Glossary of Terms B C-A The C-A measurement is an SPL average that enhances the low- frequency components of the sound signal. Figure B-1: C-A weighting response curve Center frequency The center frequency of each octave and third octave filter band. CNEL Community Noise Exposure Level. The accumulated exposure to sound measured in a 24hour sampling interval and artificially boosted during certain hours. For CNEL, samples taken between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.
138 Appendix B CT Criterion Time. At the Criterion Level, the time period over which the resulting dose is 100%. Usually is 8 hours. dB Sound Level Meters use the decibel as the unit of measure known as Sound Pressure Level (SPL). SPL uses the ratio between a reference level of 20 microPascals (.00002 Pascals) and the level being measured. SPL = 20 log (measured level/reference level) Example: the SPL for 1 Pascal is 20 log (1 Pascal/.00002 Pascal) = 94 dB 20 microPascals (.
139 Appendix B Exceedance Level (Ln) Exceedance levels represent the percent of the run time that was spent at or above the corresponding dB level. Example: An L40 equal to 73 dB would mean that for 40% of the run time, the decibel lever was equal to or higher than 73 dB. Exceedance levels can be set from 1% to 99%. Exchange Rate (ER) Also known as the Doubling Rate, this refers to how the sound energy is averaged over time.
140 Appendix B Exchange Rate of 3 dB. The display will switch to ExpHrs if RTIME is greater than 3600 seconds. EXP Sec = [ 2 ( L eq – 94 ) ⁄ 3.01 2 ] R TIM E Pa S Level (LFT) Notation used to represent sound pressure level measurements in IEC/ISO notation, where the measurements are made with particular frequency (F) and time (T) response parameters. For an actual measurement, the F and T parameters are replaced by standardized notation for those parameters.
141 Appendix B LDN Representing the Day/Night sound level, this measurement is a 24-hour average sound level where 10 dB is added to all of the readings that occur between 10pm and 7am. This is primarily used in community noise regulations where there is a 10 dB “penalty” for night time noise. Typically LDN’s are measured using A weighting, a 3 dB Exchange Rate, and no Threshold. L_Mn Minimum SPL. Lowest SPL measured over a time interval. L_Mx Maximum SPL. Highest SPL measured over a time interval.
142 Appendix B NCB (Balanced Noise Criterion Curves ) This is the most recent incarnation of the curves based on Beranek’s work (1987). This curve family goes beyond a simple tangency method to try to ensure a more neutral characteristic to the noise spectrum and also accounts for speech interference such as: rumble, rattle, and hiss. NCB was recommended for use with HVAC systems and similar applications and accounts for lower frequency sounds in comparison to NC curves.
143 Appendix B PTWA This is a projected TWA determined for a projected time (Prt) in relation to the Criterion Time (CT) as follows. TWA = L avg + ER log 2 Prt - dB -------CT Peak –C The following chart illustrates the range of Sound Level with C-weighted Peak. Level Range (dB) Peak C Level Range (dB) Level Range (dB) Peak C Level Range (dB) -20 to 70 42.2 to 73 20 to 110 42.7 to 113 -10 to 80 42.6 to 83 30 to 120 46.7 to 123 0 to 90 41.6 to 93 40 to 130 55.4 to 132 10 to 100 43.
144 Appendix B Response time (F,S, I) Relative response (dB) Selectable time response settings used in SoundPro SE/DL measurements. The response time is a standardized exponential time weighting of the input signal according to fast (F), slow (S) or impulse (I) time response relationships. Time response can be described with a time constant. The time constants for fast, slow and impulse responses are 0.125 s, 1.0 s and 35 ms, respectively. Impulse time response is 35ms rise with a constant decay of 2.
Appendix B Relative response (dB) 145 Burst duration, t (milliseconds) Figure B-4: Impulse response to a tone burst Room Criterion Curves (RC) Room Criterion curve’s was introduced in 1981 by Blazier to primarily rate noise in offices/room acoustics. This methodology calculates a numerical rating based on speech interference and indicates any interference such as hissing, rumbling, or vibration. SEL Sound Exposure Level.
146 Appendix B Taktmx A time average over a sampling interval that uses the highest level occurring during the preceding Taktmaximal Interval, either three or five seconds, and assumes that it was present for the whole Taktmaximal Interval. Third-octave band A Third-octave band is defined as a frequency band whose upper band- edge frequency is 1.26 times the lower band frequency. Threshold An SPL value that defines a lower level of acceptable values.
147 Appendix B Weighting (A, C, Z, F) SPL measurements are commonly weighted (scaled) in relation to their frequency components in order to provide a consistent basis for comparison to other measurements of the same type. In addition to the standardized A, C and Z weighting curves, you can select Fweighting (flat) which provides no weighting at all. The four SoundPro SE/DL weighting curves are plotted together in Figure B-5, where the F-weighting curve has been shifted up by 5 dB for graphical clarity.
148 Appendix B This page left blank intentionally Models SE and DL
149 Appendix C APPENDIX C Customer service Customer service Contacting 3M Instrumentation Should your 3M equipment need to be returned for repair or for recalibration, please contact the service department at the following number or access the online form via the website. For technical issues, please contact Technical Support. Service Department and Technical Support: 1 (800) 245-0779. Fax: 1 (262) 567-4047. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. United States Central. • E-mail: 3Mdetectionmail@mmm.
150 Appendix C Warranty 3MTM SoundPro Sound Level Meter LIMITED WARRANTY. 3M warrants SoundPro Sound Level Meter will be from free defective materials and workmanship for one year from date of purchase (indicated on the sales receipt), provided it is maintained and used in accordance with 3M instructions and/or recommendations. If any component becomes defective during the warranty period, it will be replaced or repaired free of charge.
151 Index APPENDIX D: INDEX AC/DC Output explained ................................. 122 Port location ............................................ 7 Alternate functions Indicator ................................................ 20 Altf ............................................................. 19 Arrows ....................................................... 19 Attaching calibrator to the SoundPro......... 62 Audiometric background curves Setting-up ..............................................
152 Index ExpHrs Defined................................................ 139 ExpSec Defined................................................ 139 File Setups(Config) Creating or saving ............................... 118 Files Loading and deleting ........................... 115 Naming/Renaming .............................. 117 FSetup Files (Config) Creating or saving ............................... 118 GPS Explained .............................................. 54 Setting ................................
153 Index Identified................................................ 18 Turning off ............................................. 21 Overload Indicator ................................................ 20 Overload (OL) Defined................................................ 142 Pascal (Pa) Defined................................................ 142 Past data Viewing ......................................112 Past Data Loading and deleting files ................... 115 Pause Indicator ......................
154 Index Loading ............................................... 119 Setup files(Config.) Viewing ............................................... 119 Setup screen Auto-run with date of week .................... 40 Backlight................................................ 35 Contrast................................................. 36 Display .................................................. 33 Language .............................................. 34 Measaurement type ..............................
About Us 3M Detection Solutions is a world class manufacturer of rugged, reliable instrumentation and software systems that help monitor and evaluate occupational and environmental health and safety hazards, including noise dosimetry, sound level monitoring, heat stress, indoor air quality and select toxic/combustible gases. The 3M Detection brand of instrumentation is used by safety and industrial hygiene professionals to help comply with applicable occupational standards and regulations.
