Understanding Your Meter

• 1). Press the power button to turn on the meter. The meter also has an auto power-off feature that shuts the meter off after 10 minutes. Put the meter in Record mode by pressing the "Rec Max/Min" button.
  
  
• 2). Read the lower portion of the screen to see the meter's configuration. The configuration shows frequency weighting, response time and auto range.
  
  
• 3). Change the frequency weighting by pressing the "A/C" button. The frequency changes to "A" or "C." In "A" mode, the sound meter responds by boosting and cutting amplitude over a frequency spectrum, necessary for environmental measurements, regulatory testing, law enforcement and workplace design. "C" weighting allows for flat response measurements, which is best for machines and engines.
  
  
• 4). Change the response time by pressing the "Fast/Slow" button. The screen changes to show "Fast" or "Slow." The "Fast" option captures noise peaks and noises occurring very quickly. "Slow" response time helps monitor a sound source with a consistent noise level.
  
  
• 5). Press the "Range" button to scroll through Auto, 30-80 dB, 50-100 dB and 80-130 dB.
  
  
• 6). Calibrate the meter often to ensure that the meter works properly, especially after long periods of idling.
  
  

Calibration

• 1). Place the external calibrator over the sound meter's microphone, then turn on the calibrator.
  
  
• 2). Read the measurement on the calibrator. The meter needs to read close or exactly as the set dB output level. Typical outputs are 94 dB and 114 dB.
  
  
• 3). Adjust the calibration pot in the output/calibration compartment, if necessary, to bring the meter display in line with the calibrator's output signal.
  
  

Taking Measurements

• 1). Hold the meter in your hand then place on a desktop or mount on a tripod. Point the microphone toward the source of the sound to measure. Read the measurement on the screen in dB units.
  
  
• 2). Press the "Hold" button to freeze the reading on the display. Press the "Hold" button again to remove the reading.
  
  
• 3). Press the "Max Hold" button to display PH. The meter now only displays the highest reading. Press the "Max Hold" button again to remove the setting.
  
  
• 4). Press the "Rec Max/Min" button to take measurements for later recall. The meter monitors the highest and lowest readings. Press the "Rec" button again to view the maximum reading when finished. Press the same button again to view the minimum reading.
  
  
• 5). Press and hold the "Rec" button to exit the "Rec Max/Min" mode. If you want to clear a maximum or minimum reading, press and hold the "Hold" key while viewing either reading.