CAISSON SL-200 User manual

CAISSON ELEKTRONIK GmbH
Boschstrasse 16, D-47533 Kleve, Deutschland
T: [phone]
[email protected] www.caisson-gmbh.de
SL-200
INTEGRATING-AVERAGING SOUND LEVEL METER
1. Introduction
SL-200 is a high performance, integrating-averaging sound level meter with an easy-to-use interface for
quick and simple measurements. This device is shipped fully tested and calibrated and, with proper use, will
provide years of reliable service.
Features include:
• Simple sound level checks
• Complies with IEC61672-1 CLASS 2
Standard
• Single measurement range 30 to 130 dB
• Fast, slow time weighting settings
• A and C frequency weighting settings
• Record max/min values over time
• Storage for last ten measurements
• Adjustable backlight
• Auto power-off
• Adjustable measurement time up to 10 hours
• Quasi-analogue bar graph
• Large LCD display screen for easy reading
• Tripod mountable
• Frequency range 31.5 Hz - 8 kHz

CAISSON ELEKTRONIK GmbH
Boschstrasse 16, D-47533 Kleve, Deutschland
T: [phone]
[email protected] www.caisson-gmbh.de
4.
5.
1.
2.
3.
j. a. c. k. b.
f. d. e. f. d. e.
j. h. i. l. g.
2. Meter description
1. A/C Frequency weighting button (menu up)
2. Power button
3. FAST/SLOW (F/S) time weighting button (menu
down)
4. ½ inch microphone
5. LCD display:
a. Sound pressure level value (LAF,LAS,LCF or LCS)
b. A/C: frequency weighting indicator
c. F/S: (Slow/Fast) time weighting indicator
d. min: minimum sound level reading
e. max: maximum sound level reading
f. Bar graph represents the current sound level
(2.5dB resolution)
g. LAeq: equivalent continuous sound level indica-
tor
h. LAeq: equivalent continuous sound level reading
i. Elapsed time indicator: Displays the amount of
time that has passed since measurement
j. Battery indicator
k. dB: sound level unit (decibel)
l. Measurements status indicator:
-
calculations are being made
-
calculations are stopped
LCD display description
Main screen (LAF,LAS,LCF or LCS) Measurement screen (LAeq)

CAISSON ELEKTRONIK GmbH
Boschstrasse 16, D-47533 Kleve, Deutschland
T: [phone]
[email protected] www.caisson-gmbh.de
3. Menu description
Press and hold the button for 3 seconds to access the menu. Buttons are used to navigate through
the items. Press the button to access desired position. You can choose from the following menu items:
<Measurement time>
<View results>
<Backlight>
<Language>
<Calibration>
<System information>
<Default settings>
<Exit>
<Measurement time>
With this function you can set measurement time. Use the buttons to set desired hours. Press the
button to move to the next parameter (minutes), repeat this procedure until the desired minutes and seconds
have been set.
<View results>
This option allows you to see the results of the last ten measurements. Press the buttons to scroll thro-
ugh the result list. Press the button to return to the menu.
<Backlight>
This option allows you to see the last ten saved measurement results. Press the buttons to scroll thro-
ugh the list of results. Press the button to go back to the menu.
To extend battery life during measurement, the meter automatically turns off the display backlight if you do
not press any button for 6 minutes. To turn the backlight on again, press any button.
<Language>
Use the buttons to switch between languages (English, Deutsch, Nederlands). Press to save the
setting and go back to the menu.
<Calibration>
Calibrating the Integrating Sound Level Meter (SL-200) requires an acoustical calibrator which provides a
stable sound pressure at 1kHz and 94dB.

CAISSON ELEKTRONIK GmbH
Boschstrasse 16, D-47533 Kleve, Deutschland
T: [phone]
[email protected] www.caisson-gmbh.de
Using the buttons, you can select one of the two types of calibration:
1. Factory – Select this option if you want to use the meter factory calibration set during manufacture.
2. User – Select this option if you want to use your own calibration.
If you decide to select option „User,” you will be able to choose between a new calibration (NEW – press
button ) and the calibration of the user stored in the device’s memory (CURRENT – press
button ).
Option „NEW” allows you to perform a new calibration as follows:
1. Stand away from loud sound sources that may interfere with the calibrator’s signal.
2. Fit Sound Level Calibrator carefully onto the sound level meter and rest the assembly on the table or
other fl at surface as shown in fi g.3.1.
3. Switch on the calibrator and wait approximately 5 seconds for all levels to stabilize.
4. Press the button to START calibration.
5. Wait until the display shows the value in the range of 93.8 - 94.0 dB.
If after a fi ve-second wait, the result is not within the range of 93.8 – 94.0dB
press the button again
6. To confi rm and save the calibration, press the button.
Fig. 3.1 Sound Level Calibrator fi tted onto your sound level meter
<System information>
This option is used to display information about the system which includes:
• fi rmware version
• date of production
• counter starts
• total working time
Press the button to go back to the menu.

CAISSON ELEKTRONIK GmbH
Boschstrasse 16, D-47533 Kleve, Deutschland
T: [phone]
[email protected] www.caisson-gmbh.de
<Default settings>
This option is used to restore default settings. Press the button to confi rm the reset or the button to
go back to the menu. This option sets to the default:
• measurement time 30 minutes
• language English
• backlight 100%
• calibration factory
• removes the list of saved 10 results
<Exit>
Press the button to back to main screen.
1. Press the button to switch the meter on.
2. Press the button to select the desired frequency weighting.
3. Press the button to select the desired response time.
4. The numeric level indication on the display shows the currently measured sound level. The reading is
updated depending on the chosen FAST/SLOW response time.
Fast – 0,5s
Slow – 1,0s
5. The quasi-analogue bar graph shows current sound pressure level. The reading is updated depending on
the chosen FAST/SLOW response time.
Fast – 0,125s
Slow – 1,0s
6. The max indicator shows the maximum sound level encountered during the measurement period; the
min indicator shows the minimum sound level. Press the button to reset min and max value.
4. Making a measurement
In order to access the measurement screen (LAeq - measurement), press and hold the button for
2,5 seconds.
By default, the LAeq (Equivalent continuous sound level) measurement is stopped.
Press the button to start measurement.
The current measurement time is displayed at the top of the display.
You can press the button to save measurement.
You can press and hold the button for 2.5 seconds to check the total measurement time.
You can go back to the main screen any time when measurement is running by pressing the button.

CAISSON ELEKTRONIK GmbH
Boschstrasse 16, D-47533 Kleve, Deutschland
T: [phone]
[email protected] www.caisson-gmbh.de
When the measurement ends, the measurement status indicator changes form to . The measurement
time and the LAeq will be automatically stored in the meter’s memory. To start measurement again press the
twice.
Note.
When measurement is running you cannot change frequency weighting fi lter and access to the menu.
In this case you will see on the display warning „Option locked when measurement is active!”.
To unlock this option, go back to the measurement screen and stop measuremet (press the button).
Switching off the instrument
• In order to switch the equipment off , press and hold the button for approx. 3 seconds. Note that
switching off the equipment is only possible from the main screen.
• The measuring instrument can switch off automatically after 6 min.
• If the battery conditions are so low that in fact it could lead to errors during the measurement the
equipment will automatically switch off , which is signaled earlier by the battery empty indicator.
5. Maintenance and service
SL200 is designed and constructed to provide many years of reliable operation. However, if a fault occurs
that impairs the meter’s correct function, then remove the batteries to prevent rish of futher damage.
For more information about preventing faults or damage to your sound level meter, please read the Instru-
ment Care section below.
Warranty
Notwithstanding the statutory warranty claims, CAISSON provides a warranty in accordance with the
laws of the Customer’s country for a period of at least two years from the date of sale of the device to the
end user. The warranty covers only those faults which are caused by defects in material or workmanship.
A warranty claim must be accompanied by a proof of purchase with the date of sale specifi ed. Warranty
repairs shall only be performed by an authorized distributor of CAISSON. The following are excluded from
the warranty:
• Use of force, damage caused by external factors or foreign bodies such as sand or water
• Damage caused by failure to comply with the instructions for use
• Normal wear and tear
The warranty does not cover devices that are partially or entirely disassembled.

CAISSON ELEKTRONIK GmbH
Boschstrasse 16, D-47533 Kleve, Deutschland
T: [phone]
[email protected] www.caisson-gmbh.de
Instrument care
• Protect the instrument from impact. Do not drop it or subject it to rough handling. Transport it in
the supplied carrying case.
• Never mix fresh and partially-used batteries.
• Do not attempt to remove the mesh cover from the microphone as this will cause damage and aff ect
the accuracy of the instrument.
• Protect the instrument from water, dust, extreme temperatures, high humidity and direct sunlight
during storage and use.
• For long-term storage, remove the batteries. Do not leave exhausted batteries in the instrument, as
they may leak and cause damage.
• If the instrument casing becomes dirty, then wipe it with a lightly dampened cloth. Do not use abra-
sive cleansers and solvents. Do not allow moisture to enter the microphone, connectors or casing.
Power supply
The SL200 is powered by two AA batteries. You may use either disposable or rechargeable batte-
ries. The Battery status indicates the battery charge level. If an empty battery icon is displayed, repla-
ce the batteries. Batteries should be replaced with a new set of batteries of the same kind. Do not use
a rechargeable battery in combination with a disposable battery or a partially discharged battery with a full
battery.
The fi gure below shows the location of the batteries in the battery compartment.

CAISSON ELEKTRONIK GmbH
Boschstrasse 16, D-47533 Kleve, Deutschland
T: [phone]
[email protected] www.caisson-gmbh.de
6. Specifi cations
STANDARDS
Conforms with the following:
• IEC61672-1 CLASS 2 Standard
ACCURACY
± 1.0 dB (ref. 94dB@1kHz, 125Hz, 4kHz)
± 2.0 dB ( < 100Hz )
FREQUENCY RANGE
31.5 Hz to 8 kHz
DYNAMIC RANGE
100 dB
MEASURING RANGES
RMS: Total range 30 – 130 dB
Peak: 30 – 133 dB
NOISE FLOOR
Below measurement range: < 29 dB
FREQUENCY WEIGHTINGS
A-weighting (RMS)
C-weighting (Peak)
TIME WEIGHTING
'F' (Fast)
'S' (Slow)
MICROPHONE
Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS)
Sensitivity: -46dB
SNR: 65dbA
Maximum SPL level: 160dB
DISPLAY
LCD showing:
• Input signal level – indicated with a quasi-a-
nalogue bar
• Warnings for: low battery
• Frequency and time weighting
• Minimum and maximum peak sound pressure
level
Update cycle:
• 0.5 s (numeric), 0.125 s (bar graph) – Fast
• 1 s (numeric), 1 s (bar graph) – Slow
Display of elapsed time:
from 00h 00m 00s up to 10h 00m 00s
RESPONSE TIME
Less than 4s
REFERENCE CONDITIONS
Reference Sound Pressure Level: 94dB
Reference Temperature: 22°C
Reference Frequency: 1000Hz
Reference RH: 55%
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
Storage Temperature: -30 to 55°C
Operating Temperature: -5 to 50°C
BATTERIES
Two 1.5V LR6/AA-size alkaline batteries
Power Consumption During Normal
Operation:
Less than 300mW
Lifetime (at room temperature):
Approximately: 20h
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Dimensions: 162 x 79 x 25 including microphone
Weight: 190 g (143 g) with batteries
ORDERING INFORMATION
Type Sound Level Meter dB10
Type Integrating-averaging Sound Level Meter
dB10
Included Accessories:
• two alkaine batteries