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Castle group dBAir Operating Manual

Sound level meter
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dBAir Sound Level Meter

Operating Manual

Castle Group Ltd
Salter Road
Scarborough
North Yorkshire
YO11 3UZ, UK
Copyright © Castle Group Ltd 2017
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a
retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the permission of the copyright holder.
Rev B
HB/141/030/EL
www.castlegroup.co.uk

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  • Page 1: Operating Manual

    Scarborough North Yorkshire YO11 3UZ, UK Copyright © Castle Group Ltd 2017 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the permission of the copyright holder.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Chapter 1 ..............1 Introduction ........................... 1 Chapter 2 ..............2 dBAir Models & Features......................2 Safety ................................2 Safety Octave ............................. 2 Environmental ............................2 Environmental Octave ..........................3 Safety & Environmental ......................... 3 Safety & Environmental Octave ......................3 Consultant ..............................
  • Page 4 Sound Level – General Advice ......................10 Chapter 4 ............... 11 Getting Started ........................11 Keypad Layout ............................11 Powering Your dBAir Sound Level Meter .................. 12 Instrument Icons ........................... 13 Icon Location ..........................14 Chapter 5 ............... 15 Using Your dBAir ........................15 Real Time ..............................
  • Page 5 Chapter 6 ............... 28 TheCastleCloud Gateway ...................... 28 Logging In ..............................29 Change Account ........................... 30 Connect to dBAir ........................... 31 Update Gateway Software ........................ 32 Update Instrument Software ......................33 Update Instrument HPD ........................34 Chapter 7 ............... 35 Menu Navigation &...
  • Page 6 UK/EU ............................ 42 OSHA (PEL) ........................... 43 Custom ........................... 43 Upgrade to Exposure ....................... 44 Data Recording ..........................45 Time History On - Enabled ....................46 Time History On - Disabled .................... 47 Short Time Interval ......................48 Long Time Interval ......................48 Timer Selection ........................
  • Page 7 Upgrade to Event Recording ................65 Save as Template ........................66 File Manager ............................67 Load File ............................68 Filter Selection ........................68 Send Files To Cloud ........................69 Filter Selection ........................70 Clear Cloud File Queue ......................71 Delete File ............................72 Delete All Files ..........................
  • Page 8 Screen Colour ........................94 Auto Dim ..........................95 Enable Screen Shot ......................95 Date..............................96 Time ..............................96 Language ............................97 Information ............................. 97 SPL Bar Levels ..........................98 USB Drive ............................99 Support ............................100 Calibration ............................. 101 Cal Value (dB) ..........................101 Cal History ............................

  • Page 9: Chapter 1

    An alert in The Castle Cloud will inform you when updates are available. Not only that, your dBAir sound level meter can act as a USB drive allowing you access to your saved recordings and transfer the standard format .csv recorded files so you can open them in your favourite spread sheet application and create your own reports.

  • Page 10: Chapter 2

    Chapter 2 dBAir Models & Features A list of dBAir models and features are listed below. The dBAir models are presented with all of the required features to fulfil specific applications where noise measurement is a requirement, such as for Safety or Construction.

  • Page 11: Environmental Octave

    Ln values (L , 0.1dB resolution) Hearing Protector Calculator Voice Memo Recording Noise Event Recording Safety & Environmental Octave dBAir Safety & Environmental Octave (GA141SEO) , Exposure Points, Dose PEAK EP’d Statistical Parameters: L , NA, 10 user-definable evening...

  • Page 12: Consultant

    Consultant Professional configuration, choose from the parameters listed below. dBAir Consultant (GA141X) Standard: • L PEAK • Voice Memo Recording Options: • Exposure: L , Exposure Points, Dose EP’d • Statistics: , NA, 10 user-definable Ln values (L evening night , 0.1dB resolution)

  • Page 13: Microphone And Pre-Amplifier

    Each one however, has a different sound incidence angle. The sound incidence angle determines the angle the dBAir sound level meter is held relative to the actual noise source being measured.

  • Page 14: Microphone Polarisation

    Different microphones of the same model may therefore give slight differences in readings when used on the same sound meter. To allow for this all dBAir sound level meters have been designed to accommodate any variations in the tolerance of the supplied microphone up to ±3dB.

  • Page 15: Removal Of Microphone

    Pre-Amplifier Removal & Fitting To attach the pre-amplifier, position the RED orientation key on the pre-amplifier with the RED identification mark on the dBAir sound level meter and gently push the pre- amplifier into the connector. To remove, gently pull the pre-amplifier stem away from the instrument body.

  • Page 16: Certifiable Calibration

    The calibration process includes the microphone, pre-amplifier and sound level meter. Any change in this measurement chain will require a new calibration certificate. Castle Group Ltd offers a complete calibration service offering either a full UKAS calibration or a standard traceable calibration which can be supplied with or without a test report.

  • Page 17: Chapter 3

    Startup Options for further details. Incidence Angle It is essential that you hold your dBAir sound level meter at the correct angle to the noise source depending on the microphone type supplied with your meter. The type of microphone supplied with your instrument will either be Free Field or...

  • Page 18: Sound Level - General Advice

    Sound Level – General Advice In some environments, high levels of noise can occur. The Castle dBAir sound level meter has therefore been designed for complete accuracy up to sound levels of 140dB. Before you record measurements, take the time to ensure you have chosen the optimum range for the process to be recorded.

  • Page 19: Chapter 4

    Chapter 4 Getting Started This user manual is written for all models of the dBAir sound level meter. Some parameters and features may not be available for your specific model. Please review your model in the dBAir Models & Features to determine which parameters and features are available where required.

  • Page 20: Powering Your Dbair Sound Level Meter

    Powering Your dBAir Sound Level Meter Your dBAir sound level meter can be powered from four 1.5V AA size batteries, four 1.2V rechargeable batteries or via the micro USB connector via a USB port or power supply capable of delivering 0.5A.

  • Page 21: Instrument Icons

    Instrument Icons Several icons are used on the dBAir sound level meter to easily identify the functionality or useful settings of the instrument: - Low Measuring Range Active High Measuring Range Active User Template Active Voice Memo Recorded (Flashes whilst recording)

  • Page 22: Icon Location

    Icon Location The top light blue bar on your dBAir instrument displays most of the information icons, the current time, date and the current screen selected: - The bottom dark blue bar will display the Record, File Review or Stop symbols in a similar position to the image shown below.

  • Page 23: Chapter 5

    Chapter 5 Using Your dBAir The dBAir sound level meter has three primary operational modes, these are: - • Real Time • Recording • File Review Each can be quickly identified by viewing the bottom bar, Real Time has no icon, Record...

  • Page 24: Recording

    Recording Recording data is achieved by pressing the Record key. The settings for the recording are all made under Measurement Setup, Data Recording. If Smart Timers or Start On have been selected, then the instrument may show Record Pending: - This indicates that a recording is scheduled to start at the specific time or date set.

  • Page 25: Recording Screen Display

    Recording Screen Display The settings made under Data Recording will affect the information and how its displayed on your dBAir instrument. Time History Disabled If Time History is not enabled for the recording, the bottom bar will only indicate the...

  • Page 26: Time History Disabled, Duration Timer Set

    Time History Disabled, Duration Timer Set When Time History is disabled for the recording but the Duration Timer is enabled, the bottom bar will only display the remaining recording time: - Remaining Recording Time Time History Enabled, Duration Timer Set When both Time History and Duration Timer are enabled for the recording, then the bottom bar will display the remaining recording time and the current long interval countdown time: -...

  • Page 27: Time History Enabled, Interval Timer Set

    Time History Enabled, Interval Timer Set When both Time History and Interval Timer are enabled for the recording, then the bottom bar will display the remaining interval timer repeats and the current long interval countdown time: - Long Interval Countdown Time Remaining Interval Timer Repeats...

  • Page 28: Stopping An Active Recording

    Stopping an Active Recording Pressing the Stop key during an active recording will display a Yellow standard stop symbol to indicate the recording has been temporarily halted and will also display the available options: - Scroll the available options using the Up or Down Arrow keys, press OK to choose from the following: - •...

  • Page 29: Voice Memo

    Voice Memo Select Voice Memo to attach a voice memo audio recording to the current data recording. Press the Stop key to stop the voice memo audio recording and return to the available options.

  • Page 30: File Review

    File Review The settings that were made under Data Recording will affect the information and how its displayed on your dBAir instrument. Use the Up or Down Arrow keys to scroll measurement screens or the Left or Right Arrow keys to scroll measurement parameters.

  • Page 31: Time History Enabled

    Time History Enabled If Time History had been enabled for the recording, the bottom bar will display the selected long interval and the time this long interval started recording: - Long Interval Record Start Time Selected Long Interval With the Long Interval Selected, use the Left or Right Arrow keys to scroll and select any of the Long Interval periods.

  • Page 32: Time History Disabled, Duration Timer Set

    Time History Disabled, Duration Timer Set If Time History had not been enabled for the recording but the Duration Timer has, the bottom bar will only indicate the total recording time: - Total Record Time...

  • Page 33: Time History Enabled, Duration Timer Set

    Time History Enabled, Duration Timer Set When both Time History and Duration Timer were enabled for the recording, then the bottom bar will display the remaining recording time and the current long interval countdown time: - Long Interval Record Start Time Selected Long Interval With the Long Interval Selected, use the Left or Right Arrow keys to scroll and select any of the Long Interval periods.

  • Page 34: Time History Enabled, Interval Timer Set

    Time History Enabled, Interval Timer Set When both Time History and Interval Timer were enabled for the recording, then the bottom bar will display the selected Long Interval record start time and the selected Interval Timer Repeat: - Long Interval Record Start Time Selected Interval Timer Repeat With the Long Interval Selected, use the Left or Right Arrow keys to scroll and select any of the Long Interval periods.

  • Page 35: File Review Options

    Select Exit to quit File Review mode and return to Real Time mode. Menu Select Menu to access the menu system of the dBAir sound level meter, the File Review mode remains active. Access the Hearing Protector Database using the file open in File Review.

  • Page 36: Chapter 6

    Chapter 6 TheCastleCloud Gateway The Castle Gateway app allows you to upload your recordings via your PC using the included Micro USB Cable and your PC’s internet connection. You can also update your instruments software as and when required. An alert in The Castle Cloud will inform you when updates are available.

  • Page 37: Logging In

    Logging In With the Castle Gateway application open, login to your CastleCloud account by clicking on the Login button: - Enter your login details and if required tick Remember Me to save your login details. Click the Login Button to login using the details provided. Once logged in successfully the active account will be shown: -...

  • Page 38: Change Account

    Change Account If multiple accounts are held then click on the Change Cloud Account button and select the required account: -...

  • Page 39: Connect To Dbair

    Connect to dBAir Ensure the dBAir sound level meter is switched on and attach the supplied USB cable to the sound meter and your PC. Your PC must also be connected to the internet. USB Drive must be activated to allow the gateway application access to your dBAir...

  • Page 40: Update Gateway Software

    Update Gateway Software Select Update and then Gateway Software: - The current Gateway Software version is displayed: - Click on Check for New Version to check TheCastleCloud.com for updated software and follow on screen prompts as required.

  • Page 41: Update Instrument Software

    Update Instrument Software Select Update and then Instrument Software: - The current Instrument Software version is displayed: - Click on Check for New Version to check TheCastleCloud.com for updated software and follow on screen prompts as required.

  • Page 42: Update Instrument Hpd

    Update Instrument HPD Select Update and then Instrument HPD: - The current Instrument HPD version is displayed: - Click on Check for New Version to check TheCastleCloud.com for an updated version and follow on screen prompts as required.

  • Page 43: Chapter 7

    The Main Menu is available to all models of dBAir sound level meters and is selected using Soft Key 1 when labelled as Menu. On most screens within the dBAir menu system, Soft Key 1 can be used to go back to the previous screen, this will be displayed using the symbol when available.

  • Page 44: Measurement Setup

    Measurement Setup Select Measurement Setup to change how and what your sound level meter records and displays. Scroll the available options using the Up or Down Arrow keys, press OK to choose the highlighted selection.

  • Page 45: Function

    Function Scroll the available options using the Up or Down Arrow keys, press OK to choose the highlighted selection. Octave band analysis does not have to be used and can be disabled as required. Only one analysis method can be selected at any time and all analysis is on Measurement One only.

  • Page 46: Third Octave

    Third Octave When the function Third Octave is selected, one third octave band analysis is performed on measurement one and will produce the additional following parameter data for the short and long interval if used at the following frequencies: - Frequencies 12.5Hz, 16Hz, 20Hz, 25Hz, 31.5Hz, 40Hz, 50Hz, 63Hz, 80Hz, 100Hz, 125Hz, 160Hz, 200Hz, 250Hz, 315Hz, 400Hz, 500Hz, 630Hz, 800Hz, 1kHz, 1.25kHz, 1.6kHz, 2kHz,...

  • Page 47: Upgrade To Octave Band Analysis

    Upgrade to Octave Band Analysis If your particular dBAir model doesn’t not have access to octave band analysis, either full octave and/or third octave, then you will be shown the screen below. You can upgrade your dBAir sound level meter remotely from your office in...

  • Page 48: Weightings & Range

    Right Arrow keys to amend the selection. Range Your dBAir is fitted with two operating ranges named Low and High. The Low range measures linearly from 25dB to 100dB whilst the High range measures linearly from 45dB to 140dB.

  • Page 49: Results Selection

    Scroll the available options using the directional Arrow keys, press OK to toggle the highlighted selection. Please note that the above screen may differ to the model of dBAir sound level meter you own, an example of another model is shown below where certain parameters are...

  • Page 50: Exposure

    Exposure Under Exposure you can enable or disable if your dBAir sound level meter displays and records exposure data. Scroll the available options using the directional Arrow keys, press OK or the Left, Right Arrow keys to toggle the highlighted selection.

  • Page 51: Osha (Pel)

    OSHA (PEL) Select this option for requirements meeting OSHA (PEL) legislation. Exchange Rate, Criterion and Threshold are fixed as below: - • Exchange Rate = 5 • Criterion = 90 • Threshold = 80 When OSHA (PEL) is selected the Exposure measurement screen displays and records the following parameters: - •...

  • Page 52: Upgrade To Exposure

    Upgrade to Exposure If your particular dBAir model doesn’t have access to Exposure data, then you will be shown the screen below. You can upgrade your dBAir sound level meter remotely from your office in a matter of minutes. Call us on +44 (0) 1723 584250.

  • Page 53: Data Recording

    Data Recording Select Data Recording to determine if the data recording should contain a time history and if used which time interval periods are to be used. The instrument records over the time periods determined by the Time History settings in conjunction with the settings made within the Timer Selection or by the user manually stopping the recording.

  • Page 54: Time History On - Enabled

    Time History On - Enabled When Time History On is enabled the dBAir sound level meter will simultaneously and independently record data at the selected Short and Long Time Interval Settings. Time Start of Recording Where: - • = Short Time Interval •...

  • Page 55: Time History On - Disabled

    Time History On - Disabled If Time History On is disabled, then all data recordings made will not contain any Time History data and the Short and Long Time Interval settings become unavailable. In this case, you will just get one set of measurements over the total measurement time.

  • Page 56: Short Time Interval

    Short Time Interval When Time History On is enabled, each recording will calculate data over the Short Time Interval selected. The available options for the Short Time Interval are as follows: - • 10ms, 100ms, 200ms, 500ms, 1 to 59s, 1 to 60m If timers are used, then non-cumulative data is reset at the start of each Short Interval period.

  • Page 57: Timer Selection

    Timer Selection Choose Timer Selection to set the overall automatic recording length. Scroll the available options using the Up or Down Arrow keys. Press OK to toggle the selected option On/Off. Only one of the following options can be enabled at any time: - •...

  • Page 58: Smart Timer

    Smart Timer The dBAir sound meter allows the use of two simultaneous Smart Timers where the user can select the Start/Stop day and the Start/Stop times. Smart Timers can be used with or without Time History enabled. The settings can be amended as shown below: - Start: (Day, Hours, Minutes) •...

  • Page 59: Duration Timer

    Duration Timer The Duration Timer allows the user to manually enter the total recording time and can be used with or without Time History enabled. The settings can be amended as shown below: - • 000 to 999 HRS, 00 to 59m The option Start On becomes available if Duration Timer is enabled Interval Timer The Interval Timer is only available when Time History On is enabled and allows the user...

  • Page 60: Statistics

    Statistics Select Statistics to determine if the data recording should contain statistical data which may be useful for environmental applications. Statistics are only available to instrument models fitted with this feature. Scroll the available options using the Up or Down Arrow keys. Press the OK key to select Percentiles (LN) or Lden.

  • Page 61: Percentiles

    Percentiles Choose Percentiles to enable or disable Percentiles, commonly referred to as LNs, by using the OK key or the Left, Right Arrow keys to amend Enable LNs between the following options: - • Off, Measure 1, Measure 2 or Measure 1 & 2 When LNs are enabled the selection of individual LNs becomes available using the Up or Down Arrow keys to scroll.

  • Page 62: Lden

    Lden Choose Lden to set day, evening and night settings. Press OK or the Left, Right Arrow keys to toggle enable Lden. When enabled Day, Evening and Night become available. Scroll the available options using the Up or Down Arrow keys and use the Left or Right Arrow keys to amend the values.

  • Page 63: Upgrade To Statistics

    Upgrade to Statistics If your particular dBAir model doesn’t have access to Statistical data, then you will be shown the screen below. You can upgrade your dBAir sound level meter remotely from your office in a matter of minutes. Call us on +44 (0) 1723 584250.

  • Page 64: Audio Recording

    Audio Recording The Audio recording screen is available to all models of dBAir to allow setting Voice Memo audio recording. Event recording however is only available to specific models. Scroll the available options using the Up or Down Arrow keys.

  • Page 65: Voice Memo

    Voice Memo Voice Memo allows the user to attach a voice recording to a data recording. All voice memo audio files can be a maximum length of one minute and are saved as .wav file format, recorded at 12kHz, 16 bit and unweighted. Settings for Voice Memo are as follows: - •...

  • Page 66: End

    The user can be prompted automatically to attach a voice memo at the end of a recording. Scroll the available options using the Up or Down Arrow keys ensuring Save is selected and press the OK key. Press the OK key to start a Voice Memo recording or Soft Key 2 labelled Skip to save the data recording without creating a voice memo.

  • Page 67: Off

    Select Off for Voice Memo when automatic prompts are not required. Adding a Voice Memo can still be achieved either during a recording, after a recording or when in file File Review to view a saved data file. During a data recording press the Stop key, the recording is paused. Use the Up or Down Arrow keys to highlight Voice Memo.
  • Page 68 During file File Review press the Stop key, the recording is paused. Use the Up or Down Arrow keys to highlight Voice Memo then press the OK key to start a Voice Memo recording. Press the OK key to stop the Voice Memo recording and attach to the open data recording.

  • Page 69: Event Recording

    Event Recording Event Recording is only available to specific models and is a powerful feature that allows the user to set automatic noise event audio recordings that are triggered and recorded as required. All event recordings are saved as .wav file format, unweighted and limited to 2GB in size.

  • Page 70: Record Method

    Record Method Set the recording method of the Event Recording, the options are listed below: - • Cont • Trig Continuous (Cont) Setting the recording method to Cont will produce a continuous noise event audio file as soon as the data recording is started, it will not require a trigger event. The audio file ends when the data recording ends or up to a maximum file size of 1.9GB.

  • Page 71: Trigger Edge

    Trigger Edge Use the Left, Right Arrow keys to select between: - • Rise • Fall When set to Rise, triggering of the noise event audio file recording will begin when the Trigger Level is reached on the positive rising edge of the input noise, i.e. when the noise increases past the trigger level.

  • Page 72: Trigger Freq

    The available Trigger Frequencies depend on the operating function the dBAir sound level meter is set to. If the dBAir is set to use the Full Octave function, then the following Trigger Frequencies are available: - • All, 16Hz, 31.5Hz, 63Hz, 125Hz, 250Hz, 500Hz, 1kHz, 2kHz, 4kHz, 8kHz, 16kHz...

  • Page 73: Amplify Noise Events

    Imagine a noise event recording is triggered at 100dB, a fairly loud noise event, however the dBAir sound level meter measures sound up to 140dB and as such the noise event is insignificant in comparison.

  • Page 74: Save As Template

    Save as Template Choose Save as Template to save all current settings to a file known as a Template which can be loaded at any time to your exact requirements, quickly and easily. Templates can be recalled using Template Manager in the Main Menu. Scroll the available options using the Up or Down Arrow keys, by default Upper Case is selected.

  • Page 75: File Manager

    File Manager Select File Manager to load saved data files, send files to the cloud manually and set file orientated options. Option availability will depend on data files being saved and Wi-Fi being enabled: - No files saved Files saved, Wi-Fi Off Files saved, Wi-Fi On Scroll the available options using the Up or Down Arrow keys, press OK to choose from the following: -...

  • Page 76: Load File

    Right Arrow keys to toggle each available option. Only one option from All Time, Today, Previous 7 Days or Current Month can be selected at any time. Some options may be grey and not selectable depending on your dBAir sound level meter model.

  • Page 77: Send Files To Cloud

    Send Files To Cloud Scroll the saved data files using the Up or Down Arrow keys, press the OK Key to manually send the selected file to TheCastleCloud.com. During an upload a black arrow will be shown over the Wi-Fi symbol. The file number and total number of data files saved are listed in red.

  • Page 78: Filter Selection

    Right Arrow keys to toggle each available option. Only one option from All Time, Today, Previous 7 Days or Current Month can be selected at any time. Some options may be grey and not selectable depending on your dBAir sound level meter model.

  • Page 79: Clear Cloud File Queue

    Clear Cloud File Queue Select Clear Cloud File Queue to cancel all the pending file uploads. This option only becomes available if a file exists in the upload queue.

  • Page 80: Delete File

    Delete File Choose Delete File to delete one individual data recording and any associated audio recordings. Scroll the available data files using the Up or Down Arrow keys, press OK to select the file to delete. If multiple files exist, then the Left or Right Arrow keys can be used to scroll the data files by page.

  • Page 81: Delete All Files

    Delete All Files Choose Delete All Files to delete all data recordings and all associated audio recordings. Press Soft Key 1 to cancel and go back to the previous screen. Press Soft Key 2 labelled Confirm to delete all files. Deleted files are unrecoverable.

  • Page 82: Auto File Naming

    Each file is then time and date stamped in the format as per language selected, in the UK this is as follow: - • TIME – hhmmss • DATE – ddmmyy File names on the dBAir display are supressed, the date is not visible.

  • Page 83: Auto File Review

    Auto File Review When Auto File Review is enabled then when each data recording ends and is saved either automatically or manually then the dBAir automatically displays the file. Save CSV File Enable Save CSV File to also save a CSV file.

  • Page 84: Template Manager

    Select Template Manager to load, save, edit or create templates. Option availability will depend on user templates existing or factory pre-installed templates being supplied with your particular model of dBAir sound level meter. Scroll the available options using the Up or Down Arrow keys, press OK to choose the selection.

  • Page 85: Create Template

    Create Template Select Create Template to change the instrument settings and store them into a new template. Create Template is very similar to the Measurement Setup screen which can be referred to for further information. Scroll through the options using the Up or Down Arrow keys, press OK to choose the selection and adjust the instrument settings as required.

  • Page 86: Edit Template

    Edit Template Select Edit Template to quickly amend the instrument settings held within a saved template. Scroll the available templates using the Up or Down Arrow keys, press OK to load and edit the highlighted template. If multiple templates exist, then the Left or Right Arrow keys can be used to scroll the templates by page.

  • Page 87: Delete Template

    Delete Template Choose Delete Template to delete one individual template file. Scroll the available templates using the Up or Down Arrow keys, press OK to select the template to delete. If multiple templates exist, then the Left or Right Arrow keys can be used to scroll the templates by page.

  • Page 88: Save Current Setup

    Save Current Setup Choose Save Current Setup to save the current instrument settings as a template with your chosen name. Scroll the available options using the Up or Down Arrow keys, by default Upper Case is selected. Use the Left, Right Arrow keys to adjust the character as required: - •...

  • Page 89: Hearing Protection

    Hearing Protection Hearing Protection is only available on specific dBAir models and is an internally stored database of leading manufacturers hearing protectors. Selecting Hearing Protection allows you quickly and easily to identify which hearing protector would suit a specific noise environment after analysing your measured data.

  • Page 90: Best Available Method

    Octave Method The most accurate method to calculate hearing protection data. Octave Method is only available if your dBAir sound meter model is fitted with octave band analysis and if the data recording was recorded utilising full octave or third octave analysis.
  • Page 91 Hearing protection models are shown alongside the calculated assumed protection value. The listing is in order showing the lowest assumed protection value first. Scroll the available hearing protection models using the Up or Down Arrow keys or by page using the Left or Right Arrow keys. Press the OK key to select the highlighted model and show the frequency data for the open data file.

  • Page 92: Hml Method

    HML Method The second most accurate method to calculate hearing protection data and one that does not require octave band analysis, however the data file must be recorded using the following Frequency Weightings: - • Measurement 1 = ‘A’ Weighting •...
  • Page 93 Scroll the available hearing protection models using the Up or Down Arrow keys or by page using the Left or Right Arrow keys, press the OK key to select the highlighted model and show the data for the open data file. Not all hearing protectors have HML data.

  • Page 94: Snr Method

    SNR Method The least most accurate method to calculate hearing protection data and one that does not require octave band analysis, however the data file must be recorded using the following Frequency Weightings: - • Measurement 1 = ‘C’ Weighting Scroll the available manufacturers using the Up or Down Arrow keys or by page using the Left or Right Arrow keys, press the OK key to select the highlighted option and show the calculated protection level for each model of the manufacturer.
  • Page 95 Scroll the available hearing protection models using the Up or Down Arrow keys or by page using the Left or Right Arrow keys, press the OK key to select the highlighted model and show the data for the open data file. Not all hearing protectors have SNR data.

  • Page 96: Settings

    Settings Adjust setting values to determine how the assumed protection value is calculated. HSE Correction The UK Health & Safety Executive recommend that a ‘Real World’ derating factor is used when calculating protection levels. It is highly recommended that in the UK this derating factor is applied by selecting +4dB. The available options for HSE correction are as follows: - •...

  • Page 97: Upgrade To Hearing Protection

    Upgrade to Hearing Protection If your particular dBAir model doesn’t have access to Hearing Protection, then you will be shown the screen below. You can upgrade your dBAir sound level meter remotely from your office in a matter of minutes. Call us on +44 (0) 1723 584250.

  • Page 98: Instrument Setup

    Instrument Setup Instrument Setup is available to all models of dBAir and is where specific instrument settings are made. Scroll the available options using the Up or Down Arrow keys, press OK to choose from the following: - • Wi-Fi •...

  • Page 99: Wi-Fi

    Wi-Fi To upload data to TheCastleCloud.com directly from the instrument using a Wi-Fi connection, Wi-Fi must be enabled on the instrument and connected to a network that is within range. Press OK or the Left, Right Arrow keys to toggle WiFi On. When WiFi On is enabled then the options for Wi-Fi become available, scroll these options using the Up or Down Arrow keys.

  • Page 100: Wifi Networks

    WiFi Networks Allow several seconds for your dBAir to discover any networks. The network name is displayed with the connection type or status underneath and the networks signal strength. Scroll the available networks using the Up or Down Arrow keys.

  • Page 101: Network Settings

    If the connection is successful, Connected will be shown under the network name and the Wi-Fi icon will be shown in the top light blue bar. You cannot connect to networks that require a browser login as dBAir does not have a web browser.

  • Page 102: Screen

    Screen Select Screen to amend how the dBAir screen looks and power saving features. Brightness Use the Left, Right Arrow keys to adjust the screen brightness as required. Increased screen brightness reduces battery operating time. Screen Colour Use the Left, Right Arrow keys to toggle the screen colour between White or Black: -...

  • Page 103: Auto Dim

    Gimp can be downloaded free at the following address: - • https://www.gimp.org/ When Screen Shot is enabled the Power key cannot be used to reset parameters. All saved screen shot files are accessible using the dBAir in USB Drive mode.

  • Page 104: Date

    Date Enter the current date using the date format specific to your region. Use the Up, Down Arrow keys to adjust the value. Use the Left, Right Arrow keys to move forward or back. Press Soft Key 2 labelled Done to accept the date changes. Time Enter the current date using the date format specific to your region.

  • Page 105: Language

    Language Scroll the available operating language options using the Up or Down Arrow keys. Press the OK key or use the Left, Right Arrow keys to switch the selected language as required. If a language is inadvertently selected, press the following key sequence to access the language screen: - Soft Key 1, Up, Up, Up, Ok, Down, Down, Down, Down, Ok Information...

  • Page 106: Spl Bar Levels

    SPL Bar Levels Select to adjust the levels at which colour coding of the SPL bar appears. Scroll the options using the Up or Down Arrow keys. Use the Left, Right Arrow keys to adjust as follows: - Yellow: 40 to 100dB Red: 80 to 140dB Red values cannot be set lower than Yellow values and any value below what is set for Yellow will be displayed Green on the display.

  • Page 107: Usb Drive

    USB Drive When USB Drive is enabled and a USB lead is plugged into the dBAir instrument and a PC then the SD card of the dBAir becomes available. Plug in the USB cable and the following screen to activate the USB Drive will be...

  • Page 108: Support

    Use the OK key or the Left, Right Arrow keys to move forward or back. Press the OK key to enter to register the code. You can upgrade your dBAir sound level meter remotely from your office in a matter of minutes. Call us on +44 (0) 1723 584250.

  • Page 109: Calibration

    Calibration Select Calibration to acoustically calibrate your dBAir sound level meter. It is recommended that the calibration procedure is undertaken prior to, and after measurements have been taken using the Castle GA607 acoustic calibrator. Automatic calibration reminder can be activated, see Startup Options.
  • Page 110 If the calibration is successful, then you will be shown the following: - If the calibration is not successful, then you will be shown the following: - Please ensure your calibrator is switched on giving the correct output level and that you have entered the correct Cal Value.

  • Page 111: Cal History

    Cal History The dBAir sound level meter will store the time and date of the last 1000 successful calibrations. To the right of each calibration are internal scaling factors for the low and high ranges, these figures have only one purpose and this is to indicate any drift in your calibrations.

  • Page 112: Startup Options

    Scroll the options using the Up or Down Arrow keys, Use the OK key or the Left, Right Arrow keys to toggle the selection. Calibration Reminder Enable to show if the dBAir instrument has a valid calibration and when the next factory calibration is due. Calibrate Instrument Enable to automatically enter the instrument calibration function during start-up.

  • Page 113: Chapter 8

    Scroll the available measurement screens using the Up or Down Arrow keys. Measurements Your dBAir instrument will always start showing the Measurement Screen shown below and is available for all models of the dBAir: - Measurement 1 on this screen is identified by having the larger font size, required for legislation in certain countries.
  • Page 114 To disable or enable the parameters available on the Measurements Screen see Results Selection in the Measurement Setup menu. Only parameters specific to the model of dBAir sound meter owned are available, see dBAir Models & Features for specific parameter availability as required.

  • Page 115: Measurements Table

    Measurement 1 and Measurement 2. The Measurement Table is available for all models of the dBAir: - To disable or enable the parameters available on the Measurements Table Screen see Results.

  • Page 116: Exposure

    Exposure The Exposure screen is only available for dBAir sound level meters fitted with this option and can either be calculated from Measurement 1 or Measurement 2. See Exposure in Measurement Setup for details on how to change the calculated Measurements.

  • Page 117: Percentiles (Ln)

    Percentiles (L The Percentiles (LN) screen is only available for dBAir sound level meters fitted with this option. Percentiles can be turned Off and the percentile level changed. See Percentiles (LN) in Measurement Setup for further details.

  • Page 118: Lden

    Lden The Lden screen is only available for dBAir sound level meters fitted with this option and only calculated from Measurement 1. Lden parameters can be turned Off and the times and penalties amended. See Lden in Measurement Setup for further details.

  • Page 119: 1/1 Octave

    1/1 Octave The 1/1 Octave screen is only available for dBAir sound level meters fitted with this option and only calculated from Measurement 1. The 1/1 Octave can be turned Off if required. See Function in Measurement Setup for further details.

  • Page 120: 1/3 Octave

    1/3 Octave The 1/3 Octave screen is only available for dBAir sound level meters fitted with this option and only calculated from Measurement 1. The 1/3 Octave can be turned Off if required. See Function in Measurement Setup for further details.

  • Page 121: Chapter 9

    Chapter 9 Accessories Item Order Code Kit Case for dBAir & Accessories KA017 Dual Level Calibrator GA607 Weatherproof Enclosure (48 Hours) KA022 ▪ Spare 12V / 12Ah Lead Acid Battery 01KA021BATT Weatherproof Enclosure (4 Days) KA023 Weatherproof Enclosure (8 Days) KA024 ▪...

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