CESVA SC260 User manual

SC260
Sound Level Meter
Spectrum Analyser
User’s Manual
MANUAL DEL USUARIO
USER’S MANUAL
BENUTZERHANDBUCH
MANUEL D'INSTRUCTIONS
MANUALE D’USO
MANUAL DE L’USUARI
M_SC260_v0008_20171024_EN

SC260
User’s Manual
1
ENGLISH
CONTENTS
1. GENERAL FEATURES..................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Operating modes and functions.................................................................................... 5
1.2 Main features of the SC260.......................................................................................... 7
1.3 Description of the SC260.............................................................................................. 9
1.4 Screen.........................................................................................................................11
1.5 Using the keyboard .....................................................................................................11
2. USING THE SC260..........................................................................................................14
2.1 First steps ...................................................................................................................14
2.1.1 Material and literature .......................................................................................14
2.1.2 SC260 power supply.........................................................................................14
2.1.3 Connecting and disconnecting the preamplifier, using the extension cable, the
windscreen and the outdoor kit ......................................................................................15
2.2 Beginning a measurement...........................................................................................17
2.2.1 Starting the SC260............................................................................................17
2.2.2 Selecting the measurement mode.....................................................................17
2.2.3 Checking the SC260.........................................................................................19
2.3 Measuring in sound level meter mode.........................................................................20
2.3.1 Prior adjustments: Preferential screen and integration time...............................20
2.3.2 Beginning a measurement ................................................................................22
2.3.3 Function display................................................................................................22
2.3.4 Interrupting a measurement ..............................................................................25
2.3.5 Consulting the data measured...........................................................................25
2.4 Measuring in spectrum analyser mode 1/1..................................................................26
2.4.1 Prior adjustments: integration time....................................................................26
2.4.2 Beginning a measurement ................................................................................27
2.4.3 Function display................................................................................................27
2.4.4 Stopping a measurement..................................................................................30
2.4.5 Consulting the data measured...........................................................................30
2.5 Measuring in spectrum analyser 1/3 mode..................................................................31
2.5.1 Prior adjustments: Integration time...................................................................31
2.5.2 Beginning a measurement ................................................................................32
2.5.3 Function display................................................................................................32
2.5.4 Interrupting a measurement ..............................................................................33
2.5.5 Consulting the data measured...........................................................................33
2.6 Overload indicator.......................................................................................................34
2.7 SC260 menu: Register management and settings ......................................................34
2.7.1 Accessing the menu..........................................................................................34
2.7.2 The SC260 menu..............................................................................................35
2.7.3 Register management.......................................................................................35
2.7.4 Printing..............................................................................................................35
2.7.5 Settings.............................................................................................................36
2.8 Turning the SC260 off.................................................................................................38
2.9 Warnings and precautions...........................................................................................38
2.10 Advice for carrying out measurements ......................................................................39

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3. DATA REGISTRATION ...................................................................................................40
3.1 Saving results..............................................................................................................40
3.2 Making a recording......................................................................................................41
3.2.1 Time synchronisation........................................................................................41
3.3 Kinds of recording .......................................................................................................42
3.3.1 Recording in sound level meter mode...............................................................42
3.3.2 Recording in spectrum analyser 1/1 mode ........................................................43
3.3.3 Recording in spectrum analyser 1/3 mode ........................................................44
3.3.4 Circular memory................................................................................................46
3.4 Viewing registers.........................................................................................................46
3.5 Erasing the memory....................................................................................................46
4. DATA TRANSFER AND PRINT-OUT..............................................................................47
4.1 AC output: recording calibrated measurements...........................................................47
4.2 RS-232 communications port ......................................................................................48
4.3 USB communications port...........................................................................................49
4.4 Data transfer to a PC: communication software...........................................................49
5. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS......................................................................................51
5.1 Measurement range....................................................................................................51
5.2 Detector - Functions LF, LSand LI................................................................................52
5.3 Peak detector - Lpeak function.......................................................................................52
5.4 Integrator - LT, Ltand LEfunctions...............................................................................52
5.5 Display update rates....................................................................................................53
5.6 Frequency weighting...................................................................................................53
5.7 AC output....................................................................................................................54
5.8 Octave band filters ......................................................................................................54
5.9 Measurement range (octave band spectrum analyser)................................................55
5.10 One-third octave band filters .....................................................................................55
5.11 Measurement range (one-third octave spectrum analyser)........................................56
5.12 Microphone ...............................................................................................................56
5.13 Directivity ..................................................................................................................56
5.14 Effect of the accessories on the microphone.............................................................57
5.15 Reference conditions.................................................................................................58
5.16 Warm-up time............................................................................................................58
5.17 Influence of temperature............................................................................................58
5.18 Influence of humidity .................................................................................................58
5.19 Electromagnetic compatibility....................................................................................59
5.20 Influence of vibration.................................................................................................59
5.21 Batteries & external supply........................................................................................60
5.22 Dimensions and weight .............................................................................................60
5.23 Memory.....................................................................................................................60
5.24 Calibration.................................................................................................................60
5.25 Standards..................................................................................................................61
5.26 Notes.........................................................................................................................61
5.27 Accessories...............................................................................................................62
6. APPENDIX A: Functions ................................................................................................63
6.1 Function summary table..............................................................................................63
6.1.1 Sound level meter mode functions....................................................................63
6.1.2 1/1 Spectrum analyser mode functions .............................................................64
6.1.3 1/3 Spectrum analyser mode functions .............................................................64
6.2 Definition of functions..................................................................................................65
6.2.1 Sound pressure level with fast and slow time weightings ..................................65

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6.2.2 Sound pressure level with ‘I’ time weighting ......................................................65
6.2.3 Sound pressure peak level................................................................................66
6.2.4 Equivalent continuous sound pressure level......................................................66
6.2.5 Sound exposure level (SEL)..............................................................................67
6.2.6 Percentile levels................................................................................................67
7. APPENDIX B: Reverberation Time Module...................................................................68
7.1 Activation of the Reverberation Time Module..............................................................68
7.2 Using the keyboard .....................................................................................................69
7.3 Using the SC260.........................................................................................................69
7.3.1 Switching on the SC260....................................................................................69
7.3.2 Accessing the Reverberation Time Mode 1/1...................................................69
7.3.3 Accessing the Reverberation Time Mode 1/3...................................................69
7.3.4 Switching off the SC260....................................................................................70
7.3.5 SC260 menu.....................................................................................................70
7.4 Measuring the Reverberation Time by octave bands...................................................70
7.4.1 Measuring the Reverberation Time ...................................................................70
7.4.2 Beginning a measurement ................................................................................70
7.4.3 Stopping the measurement...............................................................................72
7.4.4 Overload indicator.............................................................................................72
7.4.5 --- Indicator........................................................................................................73
7.5 Measuring the Reverberation Time by one-third octave bands....................................73
7.5.1 Measuring the Reverberation Time ...................................................................73
7.5.2 Displaying the one-third octave bands...............................................................73
7.5.3 Beginning a measurement ................................................................................74
7.5.4 Stopping the measurement...............................................................................75
7.5.5 Overload indicator)............................................................................................75
7.5.6 Indicator (---).....................................................................................................76
7.6 Data register................................................................................................................76
7.6.1 Saving results ...................................................................................................76
7.6.2 View register.....................................................................................................76
7.7 Technical Specifications..............................................................................................77
7.7.1 Measurement Range.........................................................................................77
7.7.2 Estimation of the slope of the decay curve........................................................79
7.7.3 Standards of measurement and calculation.......................................................79
7.8 Function summary table..............................................................................................79
7.8.1 Reverberation time mode functions...................................................................79
7.9 Definition of functions..................................................................................................80
7.9.1 Decay curve......................................................................................................80
7.9.2 Reverberation Time...........................................................................................80
8. APPENDIX C: Extended frequency module..................................................................81
8.1 Activation of the Extended frequency analysis module................................................81
8.2 Using the keyboard for 1/3 Extended Spectrum Analyser Mode..................................82
8.3 Using the keyboard for the FFT Narrow Band Frequency Analyser Mode...................82
8.4 Using the SC260.........................................................................................................83
8.4.1 Switch on the SC260........................................................................................83
8.4.2 Access to the 1/3 extended Spectrum Analyser ................................................83
8.4.3 Accessing the FFT Narrow Band Frequency Analyser ......................................83
8.4.4 Turning off the SC260.......................................................................................83
8.4.5 SC260 menu.....................................................................................................83
8.5 Measuring in 1/3 extended Spectrum Analyser mode..................................................84
8.5.1 Prior adjustments: Integration time...................................................................84
8.5.2 Beginning measurement ...................................................................................84
8.5.3 Function display................................................................................................85

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8.5.4 Interrupting the measurement ...........................................................................87
8.5.5 Consulting measured data ................................................................................87
8.5.6 Overload indicator.............................................................................................88
8.6 Measuring in FFT Narrow Band frequency Analyser Mode..........................................88
8.6.1 Prior adjustments: Integration time...................................................................88
8.6.2 Beginning a measurement ................................................................................89
8.6.3 Function display................................................................................................89
8.6.4 Interrupting the measurement ...........................................................................91
8.6.5 Consulting the data measured...........................................................................91
8.6.6 Overload indicator.............................................................................................91
8.7 Data registering...........................................................................................................91
8.7.1 Saving results ...................................................................................................92
8.7.2 Making a recording............................................................................................92
8.7.3 Time synchronisation........................................................................................93
8.7.4 Kinds of recording.............................................................................................93
8.8 Circular memory..........................................................................................................95
8.9 Viewing the register.....................................................................................................95
8.10 Technical specifications.............................................................................................95
8.10.1 One-third octave band filters.............................................................................95
8.10.2 Standards .........................................................................................................96
8.11 Function summary table............................................................................................96
8.11.1 1/3 Extended Spectrum analyser mode functions .............................................96
8.12 FFT narrow band frequency analyser........................................................................97
9. APENDIX D: Dosimeter Module for the assessment of noise in the workplace.........98
9.1 Dosimeter module activation .......................................................................................99
9.2 Using the keyboard for the dosimeter mode................................................................99
9.3 Using the SC260.........................................................................................................99
9.3.1 Switching on the SC260....................................................................................99
9.3.2 Accessing the Dosimeter mode.......................................................................100
9.3.3 Turning off the SC260.....................................................................................100
9.3.4 SC260 Menu...................................................................................................100
9.4 Measuring in dosimeter mode...................................................................................100
9.4.1 Prior adjustments............................................................................................100
9.4.2 Beginning a measurement ..............................................................................101
9.4.3 Function display..............................................................................................102
9.4.4 Interrupting the measurement .........................................................................104
9.4.5 Consulting measured data ..............................................................................104
9.4.6 Overload indicator...........................................................................................104
9.5 Data registering.........................................................................................................104
9.5.1 Saving final results..........................................................................................104
9.5.2 Making a recording..........................................................................................105
9.5.3 Time synchronisation......................................................................................105
9.5.4 Kinds of recording...........................................................................................106
9.6 Circular memory........................................................................................................107
9.7 Viewing the register...................................................................................................107
9.8 Technical specifications.............................................................................................108
9.8.1 Standards .......................................................................................................108
9.9 Functions definitions..................................................................................................108
9.9.1 Daily noise exposure level...............................................................................108
9.9.2 Sound exposure..............................................................................................108
9.9.3 Dose ...............................................................................................................108

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User’s Manual
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1. GENERAL FEATURES
The SC260 is a powerful, user-friendly instrument for acoustic measurements. It can work as
a class-2 integrating-averaging sound level meter that complies with international standard
IEC 61672 and its EU counterpart EN 61672. It also complies with international standards
IEC 60651 and IEC 60804 and their EU counterparts EN 60651 and EN 60804. The SC260
also complies with the American standards ANSI S1.4 and ANSI S1.43.
The SC260 is also a spectrum analyser measuring in real time and in one third octave bands
and octave bands*, with class 2 filters, which comply with IEC 61260 and EN61260. It also
complies with ANSI S1.11.
*ATTENTION:The Spectrum Analyser mode in one third octave bands and octave bands is
optional. Reference number SC260sb does not have this option. If you wish to incorporate it
you should acquire module FB260. Reference number SC260 does incorporate the analyser
mode in one third octave bands and octave bands.
Moreover, the SC260 offers the possibility of being upgraded with various modules to carry
out advanced acoustic measurements.
1.1 Operating modes and functions
The SC260, in its basic version (without modules), has the following operating modes:
Statistical Integrating Sound Level Meter
Octave band real time spectrum analyser
One-third octave band real time spectrum analyser
As Sound Level Meter (S) it measures in the whole dynamic range (single scale) and,
simultaneously, the following functions:
The sound pressure level with ‘S’, ‘F’ and ‘I’ time averaging. And their maximum and
minimum values during the measurement period and each second *
The peak sound pressure level corresponding to the measurement time and each second *
The sound exposure level, also known as SEL.
The equivalent continuous sound pressure level with programmable consecutive
integration time T and its maximum and minimum values, also known as Leq.
The equivalent continuous sound pressure level with integration time one second*
The equivalent continuous sound pressure level during the measurement period.
The equivalent continuous sound pressure level with time averaging ‘I’ and programmable
consecutive integration time T and integration time belonging to the measurement period.
125 ms Functions* (short functions):
oThe sound pressure level with ‘S’, ‘F’ and ‘I’ time weighting, sampled every
125 ms. 8 values per second *
oThe peak sound pressure level corresponding to the latest 125 ms. 8 values
per second *
oThe equivalent continuous sound pressure level with consecutive integration
time of 125 milliseconds (Short Leq). 8 values per second *

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All these functions are measured simultaneously with the following frequency weightings:
Frequency weighting A
Frequency weighting C
Frequency weighting Z (zero): Frequency Weighting equal to 0 dB from 10 Hz to 20 kHz
It also measures the following functions:
The total percentile levels corresponding to 1, 5, 10, 50, 90, 95 and 99 % of the entire
measurement and the partial levels of each T interval of the sound pressure level with time
averaging ‘F’ and frequency weighting A.
The SC260 also displays the following acoustic functions:
The subtraction of the equivalent continuous sound pressure level with time averaging ‘I’
and the equivalent continuous sound pressure level, corresponding to the measurement
time and to the programmable integration time T. These two functions measured with
frequency weighting A, C and Z
The subtraction of the equivalent continuous sound pressure level with frequency
weighting C and the equivalent continuous sound pressure level with frequency weighting
A, corresponding to the measurement time and to a programmable integration time T.
As an octave band spectrum analyser (1/1), it measures simultaneously and in all the
dynamic range (single scale) the following functions:
The equivalent continuous sound pressure level with programmable consecutive
integration time T and without frequency weighting for each octave band centred on
frequencies of 31.5, 63, 125, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, 8000 and 16000 Hz.
The equivalent continuous sound pressure level with programmable consecutive
integration time of 125 ms and without frequency weighting for each octave band centred
on frequencies of 31.5, 63, 125, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, 8000 and 16000 Hz*
The equivalent continuous sound pressure level of the integration time 125 ms and with
frequency weighting A, C and Z*
The maximum of the peak sound pressure level corresponding to the 125 ms integration
interval with frequency weighting A, C and Z.
The equivalent continuous sound pressure level of the T integration interval with frequency
weighting A, C and Z.
The maximum of the peak sound pressure level for the T integration interval with
frequency weighting A, C and Z.
The partial percentile levels corresponding to 1, 5, 10, 50, 90, 95 and 99 % of the
equivalent continuous sound pressure level corresponding to the T integration interval
measured for each octave band.
The overall percentile levels corresponding to 1, 5, 10, 50, 90, 95 and 99 % of the total
equivalent continuous sound pressure level measured with frequency weighting A and
corresponding to the integration time T.

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The SC260 has a background noise evaluation screen where the following acoustic functions
are shown:
The value of the NC (Noise Criterion) curve corresponding to the measured spectrum
The value of the NC curve that has not been exceeded in each octave band
As a one-third octave band spectrum analyser (1/3), it measures simultaneously and in all
the dynamic range (single scale) the following functions:
The equivalent continuous sound pressure level with programmable consecutive
integration time T and without frequency weighting for each one-third octave band centred
on frequencies of 20, 25, 31.5, 40, 50, 63, 80, 100, 125, 160, 200, 250, 315, 400, 500, 630,
800, 1000, 1250, 1600, 2000, 2500, 3150, 4000, 5000, 6300, 8000 and 10000 Hz
The equivalent continuous sound pressure level with programmable consecutive
integration time of 125 ms and without frequency weighting for each one-third octave band
centred on frequencies of 20, 25, 31.5, 40, 50, 63, 80, 100, 125, 160, 200, 250, 315, 400,
500, 630, 800, 1000, 1250, 1600, 2000, 2500, 3150, 4000, 5000, 6300, 8000 and 10000
Hz*
See APPENDIX A: Functions for the names and definitions of each of the functions
measured.
* The functions in italics are measured by the SC260 but are not shown on its screen. The way to get the
results of these functions is to make a real time measurement with the Capture Studio software application or
making a recording and downloading the results to a PC with the help of Capture Studio (see chapter 4).
1.2 Main features of the SC260
The SC260 is a user-friendly sound level meter that allows you to make sound
measurements quickly and conveniently. The SC260 measures simultaneously a wide range
of functions, with which it is possible to calculate the most important acoustic evaluation
indexes of the majority of countries in the world. The SC260 makes a quantitative analysis
(sound level meter parameters, spectral levels) and qualitative (impulsiveness indicators, low
frequency, background noise evaluation in rooms, etc.)
The most important features of the SC260 are the following:
The SC260 has been designed to be user-friendly; a single reading of the manual will
enable you to work intuitively with it.
The SC260 has a single user range; there is therefore no need to adjust the scale prior to
beginning a measurement, whatever the dynamic range of the sound event to be
measured.
Whether you use it as a sound level meter or spectrum analyser, the SC260
simultaneously measures all functions with all the available frequency weightings (A, C
and Z).
The SC260 microphone is detachable. You can unscrew it and move it away from the
SC260 by using the extension cable (CNRITV). The measurement equipment can be
completed with the outdoor kit, model TK1000 or TK200. See 2.1.3.
The SC260 is equipped with CAPTURE STUDIO communications software, allowing you
to configure the instrument and download all the recorded data and real-time

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measurements on to a personal computer. This way they can be viewed in electronic
format, exported to other programmes and its data shown in numeric and graphic format to
generate reports. See 4.4
The SC260 AC output is designed to pick up the direct preamplifier signal. This allows you
to make a calibrated recording on a D.A.T. and subsequently analyse it both quantitatively
(impulse or tonal sound level analysis) and qualitatively (exceptional sound event detection
–shouts, undesirable noises, etc.). The SC260 is equipped with a 40 dB built-in amplifier
to adapt the measurement range to the recording dynamic range. See 4.1.
The SC260’s graphic screen displays the measured functions in both graphic and numeric
formats. The graphic display is highly practical when it comes to studying a sound event,
evaluating its time history or analysing its spectral contents. The SC260’s screen lights up
at the push of a button, allowing you to work in dim conditions or in the dark.
The SC260’s membrane keyboard is absolutely flat. This way its excellent sound response
is never impaired.
The SC260 has an internal memory for storing the data measured. The storage of this data
in the memory can be set, allowing the form of data recording to be adapted to the kind of
measurement being conducted. See chapter 3.
The SC260 allows data stored in its memory to be downloaded simultaneously with the
process of measuring and recording. This feature together with the option to set the free
space of memory as a circular memory identifies the SC260 as the perfect platform for
permanent acoustic monitoring. See 3.3.4.
The SC260 has multiple language support and once a language is selected, it will remain
selected even if the unit is turned OFF (see paragraph 2.7.5)
The SC260 stores in its memory the time and date of the last time the sensitivity was
modified. (See 2.2.3)
The SC260 has two communication ports: RS-232 and USB. The USB port allows data to
be downloaded at high speed and the RS-232 offers compatibility with all computers and
enables communication ports to be generated through modem (telephone, mobile) or
Wireless. See 4.2.
The RS-232 communication port can be configured to connect a serial printer. For the
octave band spectrum analyzer and sound level meter modes, the SC260 will make a
continuous printing of the measured functions.
SC260 and CAPTURE STUDIO are compatible with Wireless technology. This wireless
technology makes the connection to CAPTURE STUDIO possible, within a radius of 100m,
of several SC260 sound level meters simultaneously. In this way, several sound level
meters can be converted in a high-performance multi-channel system.

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1.3 Description of the SC260
The main components of the SC260 are listed below, the numbers corresponding to those in
the outline drawing:
1. ½’’ condenser microphone. The SC260 works with the P-05 microphone. This kind
of microphone is removable. To move it away from the SC260 body, use the CNRITV
cable.
2. Preamplifier. Non-removable preamplifier.
3. Screen. Illuminated LCD graphic screen.
4. Membrane keyboard. Extra-flat keyboard designed to reduce the reflections that
may reach the microphone from the sound level meter case.
5. Characteristics plate. Showing the make, model and serial number of the sound
level meter, along with all the standards it complies with as class 2.
6. CE mark. European approval mark.
7. Tripod mount. Built-in support for tripod with standard ¼” W thread.
8. WEEE mark. Symbol indicating separate collection for electrical and electronic
equipment.
9. Battery cover. To change the battery, simply remove the cover.
10. AC output. Direct output from the preamplifier without frequency weighting. Specially
designed to make recordings on D.A.T. medium.
11. Connector: mini-B USB type connector for digital communication. It complies with
USB 2.0.
12. RS-232 input/output connector. SubD-type 9 pin-connector for serial connection of
the sound level meter to a personal computer and phone connection through modem
or for the continuous printing of the measured functions.
13. DC input: Input with which to connect to a DC mains supply (5 V, 100 mA). (AM240
or AM241)

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1.4 Screen
The SC260 mode in use is always indicated in the top right-hand corner of the screen:
Sound Level meter mode
Octave band Spectrum Analyser
One-third octave band Spectrum Analyser
While the SC260 is measuring, the following information appears in the bottom right-hand
corner of the screen:
The measurement time t elapsed
The integration time elapsed (between 0 and T).
(For LT the SC260 carries out consecutive
integrations of T time, whether it is functioning as
a sound level meter or spectrum analyser)
The T integration time (for LT only)
State of measurement indication:
measurement completed
measurement in progress
(flashing) measurement with recording in
progress
measurement temporarily paused
Note: Do not confuse the elapsed measuring time (t) with the integration time (T)
1.5 Using the keyboard
The following tables show the function of the different keys of the SC260.
GENERAL KEYS:
Key for switching the SC260 on and off (RED)
Key for turning the screen light on and off

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SC260 MENU KEYS:
Key to access the SC260 menu
Key to move downwards in the menu
Key to move upwards in the menu
Key to confirm or switch options
Key to return to the previous menu
SC260 SOUND LEVEL METER KEYS:
Key to begin or finish a measurement
a. Key to temporarily interrupt a measurement (PAUSE)
(while the SC260 is in )
b. To start recording data into memory (when SC260 is
stopped i.e. )
Key to select the frequency weighting displayed on the
screen
Key to select the function displayed on the screen
Key to select the desired sound level meter screen:
numerical, graphic, statistical or advanced
Key to switch from sound level meter to 1/1 spectrum
analyser
Key to access the preferred numerical screen, from the
numerical screen only
SC260 1/1 OCTAVE SPECTRUM ANALYSER KEYS:
Key to begin or finish a measurement
a) Key to temporarily interrupt a measurement (PAUSE)
(while the SC260 is in )
b) To begin recording (when SC260 is in )
Key to return to the previous octave band
Key to go on to the next octave band
Key to select the desired 1/1 spectrum analyser screen:
numerical, graphic, statistical or NC
Key to switch from the 1/1 spectrum analyser to 1/3
spectrum analyser

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SC260 1/3 OCTAVE SPECTRUM ANALYSER KEYS:
Key to begin or finish a measurement
c) Key to temporarily interrupt a measurement (PAUSE)
(while the SC260 is in )
d) To begin recording (when SC260 is in )
Key to return to the previous third octave band
Key to go on to the next third octave band
Key to select the desired 1/3 spectrum analyser screen:
numerical spectrum analysis or graphic spectrum analysis
Key to switch from the 1/3 spectrum analyser to the sound
level meter mode

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2. USING THE SC260
This chapter contains all the necessary information you need to configure and adjust the
SC260 and carry out sound level and spectrum measurements.
2.1 First steps
This section describes what to do before starting to use the SC260.
2.1.1 Material and literature
The first step is to check that all the material and literature supplied with the SC260 is there:
Material:
SC260 sound level meter
Case
Wind screen
Two 1.5 V alkaline batteries size AA (LR6)
USB-USB connection cable to connect the instrument to a PC
Communication software to download data into a PC: Capture Studio
Literature:
Sound level meter User’s Manual
Warranty
Should anything be missing, contact your official distributor.
2.1.2 SC260 power supply
Before turning the SC260 on, the first thing to do is
connect it to a battery or other power supply.
The SC260 sound level meter is fed by two 1.5 V alkaline
or lithium batteries sized AA (LR6) or by direct current
[13]. For DC supply use the AM240 (V= 230
V, 50 Hz) or AM241 (V= 110 V, 60 Hz) model mains
feeder. If both systems are used at the same time, the
SC260 selects the one offering the higher voltage. The
maximum permitted input voltage is 5.25 volts. This
means a “12 V” car battery should only be connected to
the SC260 through the AM140 converter. When the
SC260 is fed by the DC input, the symbol will appear
in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen
To fit the batteries, raise the battery compartment lid [9] at
the rear of the SC260. Insert the batteries as indicated in
the drawing that appears inside the battery compartment;
to do that press the negative pole against the spring and
fit the battery so that the positive pole presses against the
flat metallic contact.
1
1
2
1

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When the battery is insufficiently charged to allow the
SC260 to work properly, a battery icon appears flickering
in the bottom right-hand corner of the sound level meter
screen (see figure).
When this icon appears, the SC260 batteries must be
replaced. The SC260 will show the symbol for 5 minutes
and if a measurement or a recording is in progress, it will
stop it and will show the message “BATTERY FLAT” and
then the SC260 will automatically switch itself off.
To replace the batteries, stop the measurement in
progress and switch the sound level meter off. To remove
the batteries, open the battery compartment and press the
battery against the spring and pull it up, holding the
battery by its positive pole, as shown in the figure.
TIPS:
When an external power source is used (mains feeder or
battery), it is recommended that new batteries be fitted.
If the SC260 is to remain unused for some time, remove
the battery to prevent damage caused by battery leakage.
Always carry spare batteries, as it may not always be easy to find new ones.
2.1.3 Connecting and disconnecting the preamplifier, using the
extension cable, the windscreen and the outdoor kit
The SC260 microphone is completely detachable. This allows it to be moved it away from the
sound level meter and user. In this way the SC260 can be operated far from the place of
measurement, thereby avoiding possible interference. To do this, use the
CNRITV extension cable.
WARNING! :When connecting or disconnecting the microphone, the sound level meter must
be switched off.
2
1
2
1

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To detach the microphone from the sound level meter, simply unscrew it by hand (no tools).
To reconnect the microphone to the sound level meter, simply screw it back on.
NOTE: accepts no responsibility for any operations by unauthorised personnel,
which will be sufficient grounds for voiding the warranty.
To avoid the effects of wind noise, the windscreen, model PVM-05 can be
attached to the microphone, as shown in the following figure.
The measurement equipment can be completed with the outdoor kit, model
TK1000 or TK200, recommended for protecting the preamplifier + microphone unit from
adverse weather phenomena such as moderate rain and wind, birds, insects, humidity, etc.
The outdoor kits include a windscreen, rain protection, bird protection and a dehumidifier. For
more information, consult the corresponding user’s manual.
TK1000 TK200

SC260
User’s Manual
17
2.2 Beginning a measurement
2.2.1 Starting the SC260
To start the SC260, press the key:
The logo will appear on screen together with the SC260 sound level meter
model. A few seconds later, the initial screen predetermined in the menu configuration option
will appear (see 2.7.5). If the SC260 does not switch on, check that fully charged batteries
are fitted or that it is connected to a suitable power supply (see 2.1.2).
2.2.2 Selecting the measurement mode
Once the sound level meter is switched on, the initial screen appears, which may be one of
the sound level meter mode screens, one of the octave band spectrum analyser mode
screens or one of the one third octave band spectrum analyser mode screens.
The SC260 has, in its basic version (no modules), 3 measurement modes:
Sound Level Meter mode
Octave band spectrum analyser
One-third octave band spectrum analyser
To identify the measurement mode in use, look at the top right-hand corner of the screen.
As long as the SC260 is stopped ( ), it is possible to switch sequentially between
the modes by pressing this key:
When changing the mode, an identifying symbol will appear on the screen for a few seconds.
Each mode has several screens. To see them sequentially just press the key:
Each time a mode which has previously been used is returned to, the SC260
will show the screen last worked on.
Next, all screens of each mode are detailed:
SOUND LEVEL METER MODE: The sound level meter mode has 4 screens:
SOUND LEVEL METER NUMERIC SCREEN
SOUND LEVEL METER GRAPHIC SCREEN
SOUND LEVEL METER STATISTICAL SCREEN
SOUND LEVEL METER ADVANCED SCREEN
1/1 SPECTRUM ANALYSER MODE: This mode has the following 4 screens:
1/1 SPECTRUM ANALYSER MODE GRAPHIC SCREEN
1/1 SPECTRUM ANALYSER MODE NUMERIC SCREEN
1/1 SPECTRUM ANALYSER MODE STATISTICAL SCREEN
1/1 SPECTRUM ANALYSER MODE NC SCREEN
1/3 SPECTRUM ANALYSER MODE: this mode has 2 screens:
1/3 SPECTRUM ANALYSER MODE GRAPHIC SCREEN
1/3 SPECTRUM ANALYSER MODE NUMERIC SCREEN

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1/3 SPECTRUM
ANALYSER MODE
graphic
numeric
1/1 SPECTRUM
ANALYSER MODE
graphic
numeric
statistical
NC
SOUND LEVEL METER
MODE
Numeric
graphic
statistical
advanced