Advanced Datalogging

Sound Meter

850013

1
Advanced Datalogging Sound Meter 850013

Copyright ©2010 by Sper Scientific

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Printed in the USA

The contents of this manual may not be reproduced or

transmitted in any form or by any means electronic,
mechanical, or other means that do not yet exist or
may be developed, including photocopying, recording,
or any information storage and retrieval system without
the express permission from Sper Scientific.

7720 E. Redfield Rd. Suite #7, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Tel: (480) 948-4448 Fax: (480) 967-8736
Web: www.sperscientific.com

2
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

MATERIALS SUPPLIED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

POWER SUPPLY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

LCD DISPLAY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

KEYPAD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

SETUP MODE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 13

CALIBRATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . 15

BATTERY REPLACEMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

PC CONNECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

WARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

3
 INTRODUCTION
The Sper Scientific Advanced Datalogging Sound Meter
(Model 850013) uses a single range of 30 ~ 130 dB. This
dynamic range eliminates the need to manually select and
change ranges, alleviating the problem of lost data
associated with range changes in auto-ranging models. All
test parameters are simultaneously displayed on a large,
bright backlit display that features 0.1 dB resolution and a
bar graph. Data can be stored in the meter or directly
saved on a computer through the PC interface.

This meter measures sound in decibels (dB). Although it is

used for a wide variety of other measurements in science
and engineering, the decibel is most commonly recognized
as a measure of the intensity of a sound wave. The decibel
is a unit of power ratio with the number of units equal to a
constant times the logarithm to the base 10 of two sources
of intensity.

4
 FEATURES
 ANSI S1.4 Type 2 and IEC-61672-1 Class 2 standard
compliant

 Large, backlit LCD with bar graph

 Datalogger capacity of 31,000 records

 Manual reading recording memory (99 data points)

 LCD recording readout ( 99 memories capacity)

 PC connection

 A/C frequency rating scale

 Fast/slow time weighting scale

 Minimum/maximum

 Over/under alarms

 AC/DC recorder output

 Auto power off

5
 MATERIALS SUPPLIED

 Meter
 USB cable
 Software
 Windscreen
 Calibration tool
 Recorder output plug
 4 AA batteries
 Instruction manual
 Hard carrying case

6
 POWER SUPPLY

The meter is powered by 4 AA 1.5V batteries or an AC

adapter. When using the AC adapter, insert the adapter
plug into the DC9V connector on the bottom of the meter.

Note…
When the AC adapter is connected, the meter will supply
power from the adapter rather than the batteries.

When using batteries as the power source, periodically

check the folowing indicator to determine the battery
capacity.

When the battery power is almost empty, the symbol

will disappear from the LCD. Press MEM or REC. “Lo Bat”
appears on the LCD. If the meter is in recording mode, it
will stop recording.

For battery replacement, see page 18.

7
 LCD DISPLAY

Battery capacity indicator

Auto power off indicator
Minimum/maximum indicator
Time weighting indicator
Level range indicator
Bar graph
Manual store indicator
Time
Memory address
Recall indicator
Frequency weighting indicator
Level reading
Date
Over-range signal indicator
Memory full
Recording datalogger indicator
Under-range signal indicator

8
 KEYPAD

1. POWER
Press to turn the unit on. To turn the unit off, press and
hold POWER until “P-OFF” appears on the LCD.
Auto Power Off - To save battery life, the unit defaults to
the auto power off mode when turned on. The unit will
turn off after 30 minutes of inactivity. The auto power
off function is disabled when connected to a PC or when
the recording function is in process.
9
 KEYPAD
To disable auto power off: With the meter turned off,
press and hold MEM, and then press POWER to turn
the unit on. Continue holding MEM until the meter
starts to function. The symbol will disappear from
the LCD when the auto power off function is disabled.

Note…
When the meter is turned on, the LCD shows how
much internal memory space is available for use.

2. RECALL
Recalls data from the manual store.

3. REC
Press to start recording. “REC” appears on the display.
Press again to stop recording.

4. MEM
Press to store measurement data using manual store.

5. /
Press or to increase or decrease the value.

6. CLOCK
Press to turn the date and time display on or off.
Press and hold for at least 2 seconds to set the date and
time.

7. INTV
Adjusts auto store interval time.

MIN/MAX
Press to enter the maximum and minimum recording
mode. See page 15 for detailed instructions on using
the minimum and maximum functions.

10
 KEYPAD

9. BACKLIGHT
Press to turn the backlight on. Press again to turn the
backlight off. The backlight will turn off automatically
after 30 seconds.

10. A/C
Sets frequency rating to A or C scale.

11. FAST/SLOW
Sets time weighting to Fast or Slow.

12. Microphone
½ inch Electret Condenser microphone

13. CAL potentiometer

Calibration control for level calibration adjustment.

14. PC connection
The PC jack signal output is a 9600 bps N 8 1 serial
interface. Use the accessory RS232/USB interface
cable to connect to the PC.

11
 KEYPAD
15. AC/DC signal output jack
Connect the AC/DC output (located on the bottom of the
unit) to the level recorder.
AC: 1 Vrms corresponding to 130 dB (with frequency
weighting)
DC: Output: 10 mV/dB

DC Signal
AC Signal Ground

16. External DC 9V power supply jack

Connect the AC adapter.

17. Tripod mounting thread

For long-term measurements, the unit can be mounted
on a camera tripod. Be careful to avoid dropping the
unit.

18. Battery compartment

12
 SETUP MODE
Setting the Clock

This meter includes a clock that records the date and time
along with measured data.

1. Press and hold CLOCK for longer than 2 seconds.

2. Press or to adjust the number, press CLOCK to

adjust the next item.

3. The setting adjustment order is year→ month→ day→

hour→ minute→ second. Press CLOCK to complete
adjustment. To cancel a setup process, press POWER.

Note…
An internal (rechargeable) backup battery runs the clock
when the meter is turned off. The backup battery is
recharged by the main batteries. The clock will run for 30
minutes on the backup battery alone. If the meter will not
be in use for an extended period (one month or longer),
remove the main batteries to prevent possible damage due
to battery fluid leakage. After reinstalling the batteries, set
the date and time.

13
 CALIBRATION
The meter has been factory calibrated. Annual calibration
is recommended for best results. Calibrate the instrument
before use if the meter was not used for one month or
longer or was operated in an undesirable environment (high
temperature and/or humidity, heavy dust).

1. Prepare for calibration by setting up the meter as

follows:

 Frequency scale: A
 Time weighting: FAST
 Measurement mode: Disable Min/Max function.
 Level range: 30 ~ 130 dB

2. Insert the microphone housing carefully into the insertion

hole of the acoustical calibrator.

3. Switch the calibrator to emit 94.0 dB. Turn the calibrator

on. Using the calibration tool, adjust the CAL
potentiometer on the meter until the LCD displays 94.0
dB.
Acoustical
Calibrator

Screwdriver

14
 MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES
1. Press POWER to turn the meter on.

2. Select the desired response time and frequency

weighting.

Note…
If the sound source consists of short bursts or sudden
changes in sound level, set the response time to FAST. To
measure typical sound level, use the SLOW setting.

3. Hold the meter in a comfortable position or attach to a

tripod and point the microphone towards the noise
source. The sound pressure level reading will appear
on the LCD.

Maximum and Minimum

1. With the meter turned on, press MIN/MAX. “MAX” and

the maximum value appear on the LCD. The LCD will
continuously update and display as new maximum
values are reached.

2. Press MIN/MAX again. “MIN” and the minimum value

appear on the LCD. The LCD will continuously update
and display as new minimum values are reached.

3. Press MIN/MAX again. The maximum and minimum

indicators will blink simultaneously to indicate that the
meter is recording maximum and minimum values. The
current value displays on the LCD. To view the
maximum and minimum values obtained during
recording (since Step 1 in the Maximum/Minimum
instructions), press MIN/MAX to view the maximum and
press MIN/MAX again to view the minimum.

15
 MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES
4. To exit this mode and clear all maximum and minimum
values, press and hold MIN/MAX until “MAX MIN”
disappears from the display.

Note…
Maximum and minimum values cannot be saved when
exiting the Maximum/Minimum Mode or when the meter is
turned off.

Datalogging

The data storage method can be set to auto or manual.

Auto Datalogging

To set the interval time:

1. Press INTV. “Int” and a seconds display appear on the

LCD.

2. Set the recording interval in minutes and seconds by

pressing or to adjust the number. The
maximum setting is 1 minute. The minimum setting is 1
second (“00:01”).

3. Press INTV to save and return to Normal Mode or press

POWER to cancel.

4. Press REC to start recording the measurements. The

values are stored in the meter’s memory. Press REC
again to stop recording.

Note…
While the meter is recording, most of the meter’s buttons
(such as RECALL, MEM, INTV, A/C, FAST/SLOW) will not
function. Setting adjustments should be made before
recording. When the maximum of 31,000 records are
16
 MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES
stored in the memory, “FULL” appears on the LCD.

Clearing Auto-Stored Data

1. Press and hold POWER to turn the meter off.

2. Press and hold REC. While still holding REC, press and
release POWER. “CLr” appears on the LCD. The LCD
displays “SURE 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.” (The meter allows 5 se-
conds to abort the operation by releasing REC.) Con-
tinue holding REC until the meter returns to Normal
Mode. The memory is now cleared.

Manually Storing Data

1. Press MEM to store up to 99 data point using manual

storage.

Reading Manually-Stored Data

1. Press RECALL. “READ” appears on the LCD.

2. Press or to select the data set. The data will

display on the LCD. If there are no data in a data set,
“MEM00” appears on the LCD. Press RECALL to exit
Recall Mode.

Clearing Manually-Stored Data

Press and hold RECALL. While still holding RECALL,

press and release POWER. “CLr” appears on the LCD.
The LCD displays “SURE 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.” (The meter allows
5 seconds to abort the operation by releasing RECALL.)
Continue holding RECALL until the meter returns to Normal
Mode. The memory is now cleared.

17
 BATTERY REPLACEMENT
1. Remove the screw at the top of the battery cover and lift
the cover off the meter.

2. Insert 4 AA batteries, ensuring correct polarity.

3. Replace the battery cover and tighten the screw to

secure.

Note…
This meter can use AA rechargeable batteries. A separate
charger must be provided for rechargeable batteries
because the meter is not designed to recharge batteries.

18
 MAINTENANCE
The following actions will keep the meter in good working
condition and ensure correct measurement technique:

 Wind blowing across the microphone may cause

additional noise and affect the reading. When taking
measurements in a windy environment, the windscreen
must be used to prevent interference.

 Do not store or operate the meter in high temperature or

high humidity environments. See Specifications (page
30) for recommended operating environment ranges.

 Keep the microphone dry and avoid severe vibration.

 Remove the batteries and store the meter in a low

humidity environment when not in use for an extended
period of time.

 Repairs or services not covered in this manual should

be performed by qualified personnel only. Please
contact Sper Scientific to speak with a technician.

 Periodically wipe the meter with a dry cloth. Do NOT

use abrasives or solvents on this meter.

19
 TROUBLESHOOTING
1. Meter connected to PC serial port and turned on but
still displays “NO CONNECTION”:

All serial ports may be occupied by other applications.

Close other applications. If the problem is still not
resolved, restart the computer and run the software
again.

2. Saving the graph to a file that can be used in Excel:

When saving the graph to a file, the default file format is

“*ghf.” Select the file type as “*csv” (Excel file format)
and save. The file is ready to open in Excel.

3. Uninstalling the SE390 software:

Open the control panel on your PC and launch the Add/

Remove programs application. Highlight SE390 and
click the Add/Remove button. The SE390 folder and
files will be removed from the PC.

4. Loading data failure:

Utilizing a notebook PC may cause a slow response.

5. Zooming in on the graph:

Press the left mouse button and drag the cursor to

select the new graph boundaries. Release the mouse
button.

6. Meter setup with real time sampling with FAST rate

(i.e., 0.1 second), some sampling data may be lost:

This may be caused by slow response time of the PC.

20
 PC CONNECTION
System Requirements

Windows NT 4.0/ NT2000/ XP/ VISTA

Minimum Hardware Requirements

PC or Notebook with Pentium 90 MHz or higher, 32 MB

RAM; At least 50 MB hard disk space available to install the
software. Recommended resolution of 800 x 600.

Installing the Software

1. Close all other applications before installing the

software.

2. Insert the setup CD into the CD drive of the PC.

3. Select the Start button on the Taskbar and select Run.

4. Type E:\SETUP and choose OK to copy SE390.exe

(executive file) and the help file to your hard drive
(default is c:\program files\SE390).

5. For detailed software operating instructions, refer to the

online help feature while executing SE390.

Main Menu

1. File_Open
Retrieves files from the disk

2. File_Save
Saves the active window (the caption bar is highlighted)
data to the disk

3. File_Print
Prints the data in the active window (graph or list)

21
 PC CONNECTION
4. File_Printer setup
Selects printer

5. File_Exit
Terminates the software program

6. View_Control Panel
Opens the Panel Window to allow control of the meter
via the button in Panel Window

7. View_Real Time Graph

Opens display to graph the current data

8. Real Time Data_Run

Starts collecting real time data

9. Real Time Data_Stop

Stops collecting real time data

10. Datalogger
Opens the Datalogger Window to allow loading of
recorded data from the meter to the PC

11. Ouput to Graph

Graphing tabular data

22
 PC CONNECTION
Graph

Tool Bar

- Display or hide Statistic1

- Display or hide Statistic2

- Normal cursor

- When selected, the mouse cursor will become a

cross sign when moving through the graph. Click on
the graph to mark a cross sign on the graph.

- When selected, the mouse cursor will become a “I”

sign (text tool) when moving through the graph.
Click on the graph to annotate.

- Color graph

- Monochrome graph

23
 PC CONNECTION
Graph Functions

 To select a rectangular area on the graph to zoom in for

detail:

There are two vertical lines on the graph (CURSOR A and

CURSOR B). Time and value display at the top and right
side of each cursor. Move the mouse cursor over cursor A
or B and click to drag the cursor to the left or right. Directly
below cursors A and B is a slider. Alternatively, click and
drag the slider to move cursor A or B. The statistic is
located under the slider. The statistic displays start time,
sampling rate, data number, and maximum and minimum in
the graph. The statistic also displays the maximum,
minimum, and average between cursors A and B; these da-
ta will update automatically as cursor A or B is moved.

 To customize the graph style:

Double click on the graph to open the option dialog. Right

click the graph (real time graph is not allowed) to open the
popup menu.

 To zoom in on the graph using the mouse:

Click the left mouse button and drag the cursor to select the
new graph boundaries. Release the mouse button. To un-
do the zoom, right click on the graph. Select Undo Zoom
from the popup menu.

24
 PC CONNECTION
Datalogger

Connect the meter to a PC. Select datalogger from the

main menu of the software or click from the tool bar to
load the recorded data from the meter. A progress indicator
will display the loading progress. If an error occurs, click
datalogger again. After the data loads, the left side of the
screen will show the number of data sets with detailed
information for each data set, including start data, start
time, recording rate and record numbers.

After loading the recorded data from the meter, the first da-
ta set will transfer to the graph and tabulate on the right

25
 PC CONNECTION
side. Click any data set to graph that set. The right side of
the screen displays the waveform graph and statistical
information of the selected data set.

Recording Real Time Data in Waveform

1. Press POWER to turn the meter on.

2. Connect the meter to the PC’s RS232/USB serial port

with the USB cable.

3. Start the software program.

4. If the connection is successful, the same value will

appear on the Panel Window and the meter. If the
meter fails to connect with the PC, “No Connection”
appears on the Panel Window.

5. When successfully connected to the PC, click to start

recording real time data. A waveform appears on the
Real Time Graph Window.

6. Click to stop recording.

Saving Real Time Data to a File

1. Select the graph window to save to the PC and click on

the graph window to make it active.

26
 PC CONNECTION

Active Window Non-Active Window

2. Select File_Save from the main menu or click from

the tool bar.

3. The save dialog window appears on the screen. Select

the file name and file type to save.

Note…
There are three file type options: binary (*.ghf), text (*.txt)
and Excel format (*.csv). Of the three file types, *.ghf files
use much less disk space to save the data but the format
can only be used with the SE390 software. Text files can
be opened by SE390 and any other word processing
program such as Word, Notepad, etc. Excel files can be
opened by SE390 and Microsoft Excel.

27
 PC CONNECTION
Loading Recorded Data from the Meter’s Memory and
Saving to a File

1. Press POWER to turn the meter on.

2. Press REC to start recording data.

3. When finished recording, press REC to stop recording

data.

4. Connect the meter to the PC’s RS232/USB serial port

with the USB cable.

5. Start the software program.

6. Select datalogger from the main menu or click from

the tool bar.

7. Refer to the datalogger section of this manual (page 25)

for more information.

28
 OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
 800003 AC Adapter
 840091 Windscreen Replacement
 840092 Bench-Top Tripod
 840093 Field Tripod
 840095 16’ Microphone Extension Cable
 850016 2 Pt. Acoustical Calibrator

29
 SPECIFICATIONS
Accuracy: ± 1.4 dB (under reference
conditions at 94 dB, 1 KHz)

Measurement range: 30 ~ 130 dB

Frequency range: 20 Hz ~ 8 KHz

Dynamic range: 100 dB

Digital display: 4 digits

Resolution: 0.1 dB
Display update: 0.5 seconds

Analog display: 50 segment bar graph

Resolution: 2 dB
Display update: 50 mS

Frequency weighting: A/C

Time weighting: FAST (124 mS)

SLOW (1 second)

Microphone: ½” electret condenser

Alarm function: “OVER” indicates that the input

is over the upper range limit
“UNDER” indicates that the input
is less than the lower range limit

Datalogging capacity: 31,000 records

Operating temperature: 0 ~ 40°C (32 ~ 104°F)

30
 SPECIFICATIONS
Operating RH%: 10 ~ 90% RH

Operating Altitude: Up to 2,000 meters

Storage Temperature: -10 ~ 60°C (14 ~ 140°F)

Storage RH%: 10 ~ 75% RH

AC adapter: Voltage 9 VDC (8-10 VDC Max)

AC output: 1 Vrms at FS (full scale)

DC output: 10 mV/dB

Power supply: 4 x IEC LR6P (AA) batteries

Battery life: Approximately 30 hours (alkaline

battery)

Power consumption: Approximately 0.3 W

Weight: 15 oz (420 g)

Dimensions: 10¾” x 3½” x 1½”

(272 x 83 x 42 mm)

31
 WARRANTY

Sper Scientific warrants this product against defects in

materials and workmanship for a period of five (5) years
from the date of purchase, and agrees to repair or replace
any defective unit without charge. If your model has since
been discontinued, an equivalent Sper Scientific product
will be substituted if available. This warranty does not
cover probes, batteries, battery leakage, or damage
resulting from accident, tampering, misuse, or abuse of the
product. Opening the meter to expose its electronics will
void the warranty. To obtain warranty service, ship the unit
postage prepaid to:

SPER SCIENTIFIC LTD

7720 E Redfield Rd, Suite 7
Scottsdale, AZ 85260

The defective unit must be accompanied by a description of

the problem and your return address. Register your product
online at www.sperscientific.com, or return your warranty
card within 10 days of purchase.

Revised 12/13/2012

32