CASTLE SONIK S User manual

www.castlegroup.co.uk
SONIK Sound Level Meter
Operating Manual
Models S and SE
Castle Group Ltd
Salter Road
Scarborough
North Yorkshire
YO11 3UZ, UK
Copyright © Castle Group Ltd 2018
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.
HB/0142/030/EL
Rev A

Contents
Chapter 1 ..................................................................1
Introduction...................................................................................................................................1
Chapter 2 ..................................................................2
Features .........................................................................................................................................2
Model SE ...................................................................................................................................................... 2
Template: All Parameters................................................................................................. 2
Template: Environmental................................................................................................... 2
Template: Noise at Work.................................................................................................. 2
Model S......................................................................................................................................................... 2
Microphone and Pre-Amplifier ..............................................................................................3
Microphone Types ................................................................................................................................... 3
Microphone Polarisation ............................................................................................................. 4
Microphone Sensitivity ................................................................................................................. 4
Removal of Microphone............................................................................................................... 5
Pre-Amplifier Removal & Fitting ........................................................................................................ 5
Microphone Extension Cable ..................................................................................................... 6
Certifiable Calibration............................................................................................................................. 7
Chapter 3 ..................................................................8
Measuring Sound........................................................................................................................8
Incidence Angle......................................................................................................................................... 8
Pressure Field - (meeting ANSI Standards)........................................................................ 8
Free Field - (meeting IEC Standards)...................................................................................... 8
Sound Level –General Advice............................................................................................................ 9

Overload and Under Range .............................................................................................................. 10
Chapter 4 ...............................................................12
Getting Started ........................................................................................................................12
Keypad Layout ........................................................................................................................................ 12
Powering Your SONIK Sound Level Meter ................................................................................ 13
Instrument Icons ................................................................................................................................... 14
Icon Location.................................................................................................................................. 15
Chapter 5 ...............................................................16
Using Your SONIK ...................................................................................................................16
Real Time.................................................................................................................................................. 16
Recording ................................................................................................................................................. 17
Recording Screen Display........................................................................................................ 17
Time History Disabled...................................................................................................... 17
Time History Enabled ....................................................................................................... 17
Time History Disabled, Duration Timer Set ........................................................... 18
Time History Enabled, Duration Timer Set............................................................. 18
Stopping an Active Recording................................................................................................ 19
Save ......................................................................................................................................... 19
Don’t Save............................................................................................................................. 19
File Review................................................................................................................................................ 20
Exit ............................................................................................................................................ 20
Auto Playback................................................................................................................................ 21
Chapter 6 ...............................................................22
Software......................................................................................................................................22
dBdataPro ................................................................................................................................................ 22
The CastleCloud..................................................................................................................................... 22

The CastleCloud Gateway.................................................................................................................. 23
Logging In.................................................................................................................................................. 24
Change Account .................................................................................................................................... 25
Connect to SONIK................................................................................................................................. 26
Update Gateway Software ................................................................................................................ 27
Update Instrument Software........................................................................................................... 27
Chapter 7 ...............................................................28
Menu Structure........................................................................................................................28
Menu Navigation & Settings...............................................................................................29
Measurement Setup ........................................................................................................................... 30
Weightings & Range.................................................................................................................. 30
Range...................................................................................................................................... 31
Frequency Weighting....................................................................................................... 31
Time Weighting .................................................................................................................. 31
Exposure .......................................................................................................................................... 31
UK/EU.................................................................................................................................... 32
OSHA (PEL)........................................................................................................................... 32
Data Recording............................................................................................................................. 33
Time History On - Disabled ............................................................................................ 34
Time Interval ........................................................................................................................ 34
Timer Selection................................................................................................................... 35
Percentiles (SONIK SE Only).................................................................................................... 36
File Manager ........................................................................................................................................... 37
Load File ........................................................................................................................................... 38
Filter Selection .................................................................................................................... 38
Delete File........................................................................................................................................ 39
Delete All Files ............................................................................................................................... 40
Template Manager (SONIK SE Only) ............................................................................................ 41
Instrument Setup.................................................................................................................................. 42
Screen............................................................................................................................................... 42
Brightness ............................................................................................................................ 42

Screen Colour ..................................................................................................................... 43
Auto Dim................................................................................................................................ 43
Date.................................................................................................................................................... 44
Time ................................................................................................................................................... 44
Information ..................................................................................................................................... 45
Bar Levels........................................................................................................................................ 46
Calibration ................................................................................................................................................ 47
Cal Value (dB) ................................................................................................................................ 47
Chapter 8 ...............................................................49
Measurement Screens .........................................................................................................49
Measurements ...................................................................................................................................... 49
Measurements Table.......................................................................................................................... 50
Exposure.................................................................................................................................................... 51
Percentiles (LN) (SONIK SE Only)................................................................................................... 51
Chapter 9 ...............................................................52
Accessories................................................................................................................................52
Chapter 10 ............................................................53
Customer Support ..................................................................................................................53
Warranty and After Sales Service ................................................................................................ 53
Instrument Disposal............................................................................................................................. 54
Disclaimer ................................................................................................................................................ 55

1
Chapter 1
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a SONIK from Castle Group Ltd.
Your new Sound Level meter is at the forefront of design and technology and yet has
been developed for seamless intuitive operation without the unnecessary complexity
of traditional sound level meters.
It boasts a high resolution large colour LCD with simple and clear visual data
representation, has advanced data recording capabilities which records your data to
the large internal memory at your disposal.
Equipped with a simple plug in microphone pre-amplifier, carry strap and a responsive
membrane keypad all housed in an elegant, balanced and practical case which has
been specifically developed for this application.
The SONIK provides you with choice when it comes to analysing your data, meaning
you can always choose the most effective solution for your needs.
The USB drive supplied with your instrument contains the latest version of dBdataPro.
Renowned for its simplicity and ease of use, this PC based software is a
comprehensive data analysis solution.
The SONIK also gives you the option of connecting to The Castle Cloud through a PC
app called the Castle Gateway. The CastleCloud is Castle Group’s latest software
solution, and its use of Cloud based software allows you to view your data from
anywhere in the world, providing you have an internet connection, and a device
capable of connecting to the internet.
Welcome to the new era in sound level measurement.

2
Chapter 2
Features
Model SE
Template: All Parameters
Measurement 1:
LEQ, LMAX, LE, LEP’d, %Dose, %Dose per Hour, Exposure (Pa2h), L10, L90, (L1, L5, L50,
L95 or L99)
Measurement 2:
LEQ, LMAX, LPEAK
Template: Environmental
Measurement 1:
LEQ, LMAX, LE, L10, L90, (L1, L5, L50, L95 or L99)
Measurement 2:
LEQ, LMAX, LPEAK
Template: Noise at Work
Measurement 1:
LEQ, LMAX, LEP’d, Exposure Points, %Dose, %Dose per Hour, Exposure (Pa2h)
Measurement 2:
LEQ, LMAX, LPEAK
Model S
Measurement 1:
LEQ, LMAX, LEP’d, Exposure Points, %Dose, %Dose per Hour, Exposure (Pa2h)
Measurement 2:
LEQ, LMAX, LPEAK

3
Microphone and Pre-Amplifier
Measurement microphones by the very nature of their manufacture are precision
components that are easily damaged through incorrect use. Great care must be
taken when using the instrument to ensure the longevity of the microphone.
Microphone Types
Three different types of microphone are manufactured, and each is designed for
measuring noise in different applications which is out of the scope of this manual.
Each one however, has a different sound incidence angle. The sound incidence angle
determines the angle the SONIK sound level meter is held relative to the actual noise
source being measured.
Free Field
Sound Incidence Angle = 0°
Point the sound meter directly towards the noise source
Pressure Field
Sound Incidence Angle = 90°
Point the sound meter at 90° to the noise source
Random Incidence Field
Point the sound meter at approximately 70° to the noise source
To comply with legislation all SONIK sound level meters outside of the US
are supplied with a Free Field measurement microphone, and a Pressure
Field measurement microphone within the US

4
Microphone Polarisation
Microphones require a polarisation voltage to operate and are manufactured in two
ways.
Externally Polarised
These microphones require an external charge for the microphone to operate which
is generally 200V and supplied by the sound level meter.
Pre-Polarised
These microphones generate the polarisation voltage internally and do not require the
externally generated 200V polarisation charge.
All microphones supplied with SONIK sound level meters are Pre-Polarised.
Microphone Sensitivity
The sensitivity of a microphone is determined by the output voltage it produces for a
defined sound source.
Microphones are manufactured with numerous sensitivity levels and operate within a
specified tolerance. 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 SONIK sound level meters have been designed to accommodate any variations in
the tolerance of the supplied microphone up to ±3dB.
All models of the SONIK sound level meter have been designed for microphones with a
sensitivity of 25mV/Pa.
Great care must be taken to ensure the microphone and sound meter sensitivities
match otherwise incorrect readings will occur.

5
Microphone
Pre-Amplifier
Removal of Microphone
The microphone is fitted to the pre-amplifier by screwing the microphone in a
clockwise direction ensuring that the pre-amplifier spring pin is located centrally in the
microphone.
To remove the microphone, unscrew in an anti-clockwise direction.
The microphone has a protection grid which can also be unscrewed and removed,
great care must be taken to ensure that this is NOT removed. Underneath the
protection grid is the microphone diaphragm which should never be touched or be
subject to dust or dirt. Doing so may damage the microphone beyond repair or affect
its acoustic response dramatically.
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 SONIK 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.
To prevent damage occurring to your SONIK sound level meter or your
Pre-Amplifier assembly never attempt to twist the pre-amplifier.
Only Pull Out and Plug
In the Pre-Amplifier
DO NOT TWIST

6
Microphone Extension Cable
To attach the microphone extension cable (purchased separately), position the RED
orientation key on the extension cable connector with the RED identification mark on
the SONIK sound level meter and gently push the extension cable into the connector.
To fit the pre-amplifier to the extension cable, see Pre-Amplifier Removal & Fitting
above.
To remove, gently pull the extension cable connector by pulling on the knurled part of
the stem.

7
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.
It is recommended that your sound meter instrumentation is calibrated annually to
ensure your measuring equipment is completely accurate and fully compliant.

8
Chapter 3
Measuring Sound
Always calibrate your SONIK sound level meter prior to and after taking
measurements using a known sound source, such as the Castle GA607 Sound Level
Calibrator.
Incidence Angle
It is essential that you hold your SONIK 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
Pressure Field, see below for details of the measuring incidence angle for each
microphone type: -
Pressure Field - (meeting ANSI Standards)
Pressure Field microphones required incidence angle of 90°, therefore whilst
measuring ensure your SONIK sound level meter is at 90° relative to the noise source
being measured.
Free Field - (meeting IEC Standards)
Free Field microphones require an incidence angle of 0°, therefore whilst measuring
always point your SONIK sound level meter directly towards the noise source being
measured.
To comply with legislation all SONIK sound level meters outside of the US
are supplied with a Free Field measurement microphone, and a Pressure
Field measurement microphone within the US

9
Sound Level –General Advice
In some environments, high levels of noise can occur. The SONIK sound level meter
models S & SE have 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 application. Wherever possible, the optimum range is when
the average measured signal is approximately half way between the top of the range
and the bottom of the range without an overload condition.
The SONIK will register an overload if the noise level exceeds the linear operating
range of the range selected by 0.5dB, it is therefore advisable to determine if an
overload will occur on the selected range before measuring. In such cases, you will
need to select a higher range to accommodate the higher peak levels. See
Weightings and Range for peak range limits on each individual range.
If the noise levels are 0.1dB too low for the range selected, then the meter will display
an under range condition. Under these circumstances, you will need to select a lower
range.
For more detailed information, see Overload and Under Range below.
If measuring low level noise, then be aware of the inherent noise levels caused by a
combination of thermal and electrical noise from both the microphone and the sound
level meter. Measuring data that lies within 10dB of the lowest quoted level on the
lowest measuring range may be influenced by the self-noise of the system.

10
Overload and Under Range
As mentioned in the previous General Advice section, the SONIK will register an
overload if the noise level exceeds the current measurement range, and will register
under range if the noise levels are too low for the current range.
On either of these occasions, the SONIK will display this on your screen. For overload
this is displayed as ‘OL’ in bold red lettering or inside a red box, and under range is
similarly displayed however shows ‘UR’. These can always be found in the same place
on each measurement screen, as shown below.
Overload
Under Range
Overload
Under Range

11
Under range on each measurement acts independently and under some conditions
may display under range on only one measurement. Overload does not act this way
and will display an overload for both ranges.
During overload or under range conditions, the bar displayed at the bottom of the
measurement home screen will change to grey, indicating that you’re operating
outside of the current range.
Some screens displayed may not be available on your instrument,
depending on your model and the template currently selected.
Overload
Under Range
Overload
Under Range

12
Chapter 4
Getting Started
Keypad Layout
Soft Key 2
Soft Key 1
Directional Keys:
Up, Down, Left,
Right
Power,
Reset or Screen Grab
OK, Record, Stop

13
Powering Your SONIK Sound Level Meter
Your SONIK sound level meter can be powered from four 1.5V AA size batteries, four
1.2V rechargeable batteries or the micro USB connection via a USB port or power
supply capable of delivering 0.5A.
The battery compartment is located at the rear of your sound meter, remove the
battery door and insert the batteries using the correct polarity which is clearly shown
where the batteries are located.
Replace the battery door securely before using the instrument.
In all power configurations press and hold the Power Key for approximately one
second to switch the instrument on.
To switch the instrument off, hold the Power Key down for approximately three
seconds and follow the on-screen instructions, note that if no key is pressed within two
minutes of switching the sound level meter on then the unit will automatically power
down.

14
Instrument Icons
Several icons are used on the SONIK sound level meter to easily identify the
functionality or useful settings of the instrument: -
L
Low Measuring Range Active
M
Medium Measuring Range Active
H
High Measuring Range Active
USB Active
Battery Charge
Recording Data Active
File Review Active

15
Icon Location
The top dark orange bar on your SONIK instrument displays most of the information
icons, the current time, date, measurement range and the current screen selected: -
The bottom lighter orange bar will display the Record or File Review symbols in a
similar position to the image shown below. Note that the image below may have
different values to those on your display: -