Cirrus CR:800B Series User manual

CR:800B User Manual
Page 1
User Manual for the
CR:800B Series of Sound
Level Meters
This manual, the software to which it relates, the
program code and drawings are all:
© Copyright Cirrus Research plc 1989-2007

CR:800B User Manual
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The content of this manual, any illustrations, technical information and descriptions within this document
were correct at the time of going to print. Cirrus Research plc reserves the right to make any changes
necessary, without notice, in line with the policy of continuing product development and improvement.
No part of this publication may be duplicated, reprinted, stored in a data processing system or transmitted
by electronic, mechanical, photographic or other means, or recorded, translated, edited, abridged or
expanded without the prior written consent of Cirrus Research plc.
No liability is accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions in this manual, although due care has been taken
to ensure that is it complete and accurate as possible.
Accessories supplied by Cirrus Research plc have been designed for use with the instrumentation
manufactured by Cirrus Research plc. No responsibility is accepted for damage caused by the use of any
other parts or accessories.
In order to take account of a policy of continual development, Cirrus Research plc reserves the right to
change any of the information contained in this publication without prior notice.
Produced by Cirrus Research plc, Acoustic House, Bridlington Road, Hunmanby, North Yorkshire, YO14
0PH, United Kingdom.
© Copyright Cirrus Research plc 2007
Reference Number 07/03/CR:800B/03
Document Printing Date Monday, 23 July 2007

CR:800B User Manual
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Preface.........................................................................................................................6
Messages and Symbols ................................................................................................ 6
Section 1 Introduction.................................................................................................. 7
Main Features............................................................................................................. 7
Measurement Functions ............................................................................................... 7
Broadband Measurement Mode ..................................................................................... 7
1:1 & 1:3 Octave Band Measurement Mode .................................................................... 8
Options & Accessories.................................................................................................. 8
Section 2 Getting Started ............................................................................................. 9
How to... ................................................................................................................... 9
Make a 15 minute Broadband Measurement............................................................................... 9
Make a 1:1 Octave Band Measurement over 1 minute ................................................................. 9
Make a 1:3 Octave Band Measurement over 5 minutes................................................................ 9
Make a set of twenty four 1 hour measurements ........................................................................ 9
Quick Start............................................................................................................... 10
Switch on ............................................................................................................................10
Calibrate the Sound Level Meter..............................................................................................10
Set the measurement duration ...............................................................................................11
Check the measurement range ...............................................................................................11
Change the measurement function ..........................................................................................12
Start & Stop the measurement ...............................................................................................12
Review the measurement.......................................................................................................13
Unpacking and checking the Sound Level Meter............................................................. 14
Installing the software ............................................................................................... 14
Assembly ................................................................................................................. 14
Preamplifier .........................................................................................................................14
Using Microphone Extension Cables .........................................................................................16
Batteries .............................................................................................................................16
Using an external power supply ..............................................................................................17
Windshield...........................................................................................................................17
NK:70 Random Incidence Adaptor ...........................................................................................17
Switching On............................................................................................................ 18
Checking the Configuration of the Instrument ............................................................... 19
Time and Date......................................................................................................................19
Measurement Range..............................................................................................................19
Measurement Mode...............................................................................................................20
Measurement Duration ..........................................................................................................20
Measurement Auto Repeat .....................................................................................................21
Measurement Auto Synchronise ..............................................................................................21
Configuring the instrument from the Deaf Defier3 software .........................................................21
Calibration ............................................................................................................... 21
Starting a measurement ............................................................................................ 23
Broadband Mode...................................................................................................................23
1:1 Octave Band Mode ..........................................................................................................23
1:3 Octave Band Mode ..........................................................................................................24
Displaying the data during a measurement ................................................................... 25
Broadband Mode...................................................................................................................25
Pausing and Resetting a measurement ......................................................................... 26
Stopping the measurement......................................................................................... 26
Viewing the stored measurements ............................................................................... 27
After a measurement has been stopped ...................................................................................27
Recalling stored measurements...............................................................................................27
Section 3 Configuring the Sound Level Meter ............................................................. 28
Keypad.................................................................................................................... 28
Menu System ........................................................................................................... 28
Measurement Mode ................................................................................................... 29
Broadband Mode...................................................................................................................29
1:1 Octave Band Mode ..........................................................................................................30
1:3 Octave Band Mode ..........................................................................................................30

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Measurement Duration............................................................................................... 31
Measurement Auto Repeat.......................................................................................... 33
Measurement Auto Synchronise .................................................................................. 34
Measurement Range.................................................................................................. 35
Instrument Setup...................................................................................................... 37
Display Contrast ...................................................................................................................37
Time & Date.........................................................................................................................38
Calibration Level...................................................................................................................38
Display Resolution ................................................................................................................39
Time Weighting ....................................................................................................................40
Frequency Weighting.............................................................................................................41
Ln values.............................................................................................................................41
User Metric ..........................................................................................................................42
Configuring the instrument from the Deaf Defier3 software .........................................................43
Section 4 Viewing and Downloading the measurements............................................. 44
Recalling Stored Measurements................................................................................... 44
Broadband Measurement .......................................................................................................45
1:1 Octave Band Measurements..............................................................................................45
1:3 Octave Band Measurements..............................................................................................46
Checking & Clearing the memory................................................................................. 48
Downloading Measurements to the Software ................................................................. 49
Software Installation ................................................................................................. 49
Connecting the instrument to the PC............................................................................ 49
Understanding how the measurements are stored.......................................................... 51
Section 5 Maintenance & Care .................................................................................... 53
Section 6 Troubleshooting.......................................................................................... 54
Basics ..................................................................................................................... 54
Calibration ............................................................................................................... 54
Measurements & Settings........................................................................................... 54
Downloading Measurements ....................................................................................... 55
Section 7 Glossary...................................................................................................... 56
Appendix 1 Menu Structure ........................................................................................ 59
Appendix 2 Rating Plate Information ......................................................................... 61
Additional information................................................................................................ 61
Additional filter information ........................................................................................ 64
Appendix 3 Specifications........................................................................................... 67
Memory ................................................................................................................... 69
Weight .................................................................................................................... 69
Dimensions .............................................................................................................. 69
Batteries.................................................................................................................. 70
Battery Life .............................................................................................................. 70
Environmental .......................................................................................................... 70
External Connections ................................................................................................. 70
Outputs ................................................................................................................... 70
Output Cables........................................................................................................... 71
External Power ......................................................................................................... 71
Software Support...................................................................................................... 71
System Requirements................................................................................................ 71
Factory Options ........................................................................................................ 71
Electromagnetic Performance...................................................................................... 72
Appendix 4 Acoustic Calibrators................................................................................. 73
Operation................................................................................................................. 73
Switching on the Calibrator ....................................................................................................73
Permanent-on Mode ..............................................................................................................73
Calibrating a Sound Level Meter..............................................................................................74
Background Noise .................................................................................................................74
Stabilisation.........................................................................................................................74

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Changing the Battery................................................................................................. 75
Battery type.........................................................................................................................75
Specification............................................................................................................. 76
Technical Information ................................................................................................ 77
Free Field Correction.................................................................................................. 78
Microphone Correction Values.................................................................................................78
Example ..............................................................................................................................78
Appendix 5 Software Installation ............................................................................... 79
System Requirements................................................................................................ 79
Installation Requirements........................................................................................... 79
Appendix 6 Configuring the instrument from the software......................................... 80
Appendix 7 CE Certificate of Conformity..................................................................... 81
Warranty Information. ............................................................................................... 82
Cirrus Research Offices .............................................................................................. 83

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Preface
Thank you for purchasing the CR:800B Sound Level Meter. This powerful instrument
provides excellent expansion capability, and has been designed to provide reliable,
accurate measurements over a long period of time.
This manual describes the procedure that should be followed to set up and operate the
CR:800B Sound Level Meter, as well as comprehensive technical information, using
optional accessories as well as troubleshooting.
This manual also contains the information regarding the CR:514 and CR:515 Acoustic
Calibrators which has been supplied previously as a separate manual.
If you are a new user of Sound Level Meters or new to the CR:800B Sound Level Meter,
first read Section 1 Introduction to familiarise yourself with the features, components
and accessories supplied. Then read Section 2 Getting Started for step-by-step
instructions on how to use the instrument.
The different versions of the CR:800B are:
CR:811B Type 1 Broadband Only
CR:812B Type 2 Broadband Only
CR:821B Type 1 Broadband with 1:1 Octave Band Filters
CR:822B Type 2 Broadband with 1:1 Octave Band Filters
CR:831B Type 1 Broadband with 1:1 & 1:3 Octave Band Filters
CR:832B Type 2 Broadband with 1:1 & 1:3 Octave Band Filters
The CR:800B Sound Level Meters meet the requirements for Type 1 and Type 2 Sound
Level Meters according to IEC 60651 and 60804 depending upon the version of the
instrument. They also meet the new IEC 61672-1:2003 standard for Class 1 Group X or
Class 2 Group X Sound Level Meters as appropriate. Please refer to page 67 for full
technical details of the CR:800B Sound Level Meters.
To meet the requirements of ANSI S1.4 for Random Incidence microphone response, an
NK:70 Random Incidence Adaptor should be used when making measurements. Please
refer to page 17 for details of the use of the NK:70 Random Incidence Adaptor.
Messages and Symbols
Messages are used in this manual to bring important information to your attention. The
different message types are indicated as shown below.
Pay attention! A caution informs you that improper use of the equipment or
failure to follow instructions may cause data loss or may damage the
equipment.
Please read. A note is a hint or advice that helps you make best use of the
equipment and accessories.
i

CR:800B User Manual
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Section 1 Introduction
Main Features
Measurement Functions
The measurement functions that can be provided by the CR:800B depend upon the
options that have been fitted. If the instrument has been fitted with the 1:1 Octave
Band or the 1:3 Octave Band filters, these measurements will be available.
Listed below is a summary of the measurements that can be provided by the basic
Broadband instrument, and by the addition of the 1:1 Octave Band or the 1:3 Octave
Band filters.
If the Auto Repeat function is used, the CR:800B can be made to repeat the broadband
measurement up to 999 times. See page 21 for details of setting the auto repeat
function. The instrument can also be configured to synchronise the measurement start
time with the instrument clock. See page 21 for details of the Auto Synchronise
function.
Broadband Measurement Mode
In Broadband Mode, the instrument stored the overall values such as LAeq, LAFmax and
Ln’s as well as storing a noise profile, or Time History, during each measurement.
The CR:800B instruments can store up to 1,300 Broadband Measurements which can be
of any length, up to a maximum of 99 hours per measurement. With each
measurement is stored a noise profile which consists of 1 second Leq samples, with up
to a maximum of 11 days of Noise Profile being available. Please refer to the
Specifications on page 67 for full details of the available memory.
Function Frequency
Weighting Displayed as Maximum value
Minimum
value
A LAF L
AFmax L AFmin
C LCF L
CFmax L CFmin
Sound Level with Fast Time
Weighting Z LZF L
ZFmax L Zfmin
A LAS L
ASmax L ASmin
C LCS L
CSmax L CSmin
Sound Level with Slow Time
Weighting Z LZS L
ZSmax L Zsmin
A LAI L
AImax L AImin
C LCI L
CImax L CImin
Sound Level with Impulse
Time Weighting Z LZI L
ZImax L ZImin
A LAeqt - -
C LCeqt - -
Equivalent Continuous Sound
Pressure Level with
integration time t Z LZeqt - -
A LAE - -
C LCE - -
Sound Exposure Level (SEL)
Z LZE - -
Peak Sound Pressure C LCpeak - -
Takt Maximum Sound Level
DIN 45641 (LAFTeq) A LAFTeq - -
A LAIeqt - -
C LCIeqt - -
Impulse Weighted Equivalent
Sounds Press Level with
integration time t (LIeqt) Z LZIeqt - -

CR:800B User Manual
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Please note that only one Frequency Weighting can be selected at any time.
1:1 & 1:3 Octave Band Measurement Mode
In the 1:1 or 1:3 Octave Band Filter Mode, the CR:800B instrument provide a
sequential sweep through the filter bands over the measurement duration. In addition
to the frequency bands, the instruments also provide a measurement of the overall LAeq,
LCeq and LZeq functions.
Function Frequency
Weighting Displayed as Stored Measurement Applies to
Sound Level with Fast Time
Weighting Z LZF No
1:1 & 1:3
Octave Bands
Z LZeqt Yes
1:1 & 1:3
Octave Bands
A LAeqt Yes Broadband
C LCeqt Yes Broadband
Equivalent Continuous Sound
Pressure Level with
integration time t
Z LZeqt Yes Broadband
The 1:1 Octave Band Filters cover the following frequency bands: 31.5Hz to 16kHz
The 1:3 Octave Band Filters cover the following frequency bands: 25Hz to 16kHz
When the MO:800/6 Options is fitted, the 1:3 Octave Band Filters include the additional
20Hz and 20kHz 1:3 Octave Band Filters.
Options & Accessories
The CR:800B Series are also available with a range of options and accessories that can
enhance the performance and applications of the instrument. For full details, please
contact Cirrus Research plc or your local representative.
The most commonly used accessories are listed below.
CR:511E Acoustic Calibrator
CR:511F Acoustic Calibrator with PTB Type Approval
CR:512 Class 1 Acoustic Calibrator
CR:590 Barometer for use with CR:511F Acoustic Calibrator
UA:237 Windshield
CK:250 Carrying Case
CP:65 Carrying Pouch for Sound Level Meter
CT:1 Tripod
CM:270/1 Preamplifier Tripod Mount
ZL:202 2m Microphone Extension Cable
ZL:205 5m Microphone Extension Cable
ZL:210 10m Microphone Extension Cable
ZL:225 25m Microphone Extension Cable
CK:408 Outdoor Measurement Kit
CK:508 Lightweight Outdoor Measurement Kit
CU:195A Mains Power Supply (UK/US/EU)
SW:DD3 Deaf Defier3 Software
ZL:803 Printer Cable for Serial Printer
ZL:804 AC Output Cable to BNC Connector 2m
ZL:806 12v Power Cable for CR:800B & CR:800B Series 2m
ZL:807 2m AC Output Cable to BNC

CR:800B User Manual
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Section 2 Getting Started
How to...
These example settings are designed to demonstrate the different configurations that
are available from the CR:800B Sound Level Meters. Please check the configuration of
the instrument to match the measurement requirements of your application before
making a measurement.
Make a 15 minute Broadband Measurement
1. Switch on
2. Calibrate
3. Set Measurement Mode to Broadband
4. Set measurement duration to 15 minutes
5. Switch off Auto Repeat & Auto Synchronise
6. Set Measurement Range
7. Start Measurement
a. Run for 15 minutes
8. Stop Measurement
9. Review Measurement Data
Make a 1:1 Octave Band Measurement over 1 minute
1. Switch on
2. Calibrate
3. Set Measurement Mode to 1:1 Octave Band
4. Set Measurement Duration to 1 minute
5. Set Measurement Range
6. Start Measurement
a. Run for 1 minute
7. Stop Measurement
8. Review Measurement Data
Make a 1:3 Octave Band Measurement over 5 minutes
1. Switch on
2. Calibrate
3. Set Measurement Mode to 1:3 Octave Band
4. Set Measurement Duration to 5 minutes
5. Set Measurement Range
6. Start Measurement
a. Run for 5 minutes
7. Stop Measurement
8. Review Measurement Data
Make a set of twenty four 1 hour measurements
1. Switch on
2. Calibrate
3. Set Measurement Mode to Broadband
4. Set Measurement Duration to 1 hour
5. Set Auto Repeat to On
6. Set Number to 25
7. Set Auto Synchronise to On
a. Start Measurement
8. After 24 1 hour measurements the instrument will stop
9. Review Measurement Data

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Quick Start
Switch on
Key Press Display
When the instrument has switched on, the start-up screen will change to the standard
noise level display.
Calibrate the Sound Level Meter
If a microphone extension cable is to be used during a measurement, the
instrument must be calibrated with the cable attached.
Connect the Acoustic Calibrator to the Sound Level Meter and select the 94dB setting
on the Acoustic Calibrator. Press the Menu key to select the Calibrate option and press
OK to start the calibration procedure.
Key Press Display Comments

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If the calibration is successful , press the exit key to return to the main screen.
Set the measurement duration
Press the menu key to view the current measurement duration and the status of the
auto repeat and auto synchronise function. At the bottom of the screen is the current
configuration.
Key Press Display Comments
In this example, the measurement
duration is set to 15 minutes.
The Auto-Repeat function is
switched on.
The Auto-Synchronise function is
switched on.
If the measurement duration is not as required, use the Measurement Duration menu
option to set the required measurement duration. Refer to page 31 for details of setting
the measurement duration.
Check the measurement range
Press the Range key to check the current measurement range.
Key Press Display Comments
In this example, the measurement
range is set to 70dB to 140dB.
To change the measurement range, use the Up and Down Arrow keys to select the
required measurement range and press OK.

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Refer to page 35 for details of setting the measurement range and the use of the bar
graph display in choosing the correct measurement range.
Change the measurement function
To check the current measurement function and to change the measurement function,
press the menu key. Use the Up and Down arrows keys to select the required
measurement mode and OK to Select the mode required.
Key Press Display Comments
In this example, the instrument is
set to Broadband Measurement
Mode
Start & Stop the measurement
To start the measurement, press the Start Key
Key Press Display Comments
Press the Up and Down arrow keys to view the measurement functions during the
measurement.

CR:800B User Manual
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To stop the measurement, press the Stop Key.
Key Press Display Comments
The instrument stores the
measurement in memory and
enters the measurement review
mode.
Review the measurement
When the measurement has been stopped, the instrument automatically stores the
measurement in memory and enters the measurement review mode. Use the Up and
Down arrow keys to view the different measurement values and press the exit key to
return to the main display.
Refer to page 44 for details of the measurement review mode.

CR:800B User Manual
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Unpacking and checking the Sound Level Meter
Carefully remove the instrument from its shipping container and inspect it for possible
damage or missing items. If the meter appears to be damaged or something is missing,
contact Cirrus Research plc or your local representative immediately.
The basic CR:800B instrument is supplied with the following standard accessories:
Deaf Defier3 for Windows Software on CD-ROM
CR:800B User Manual
CR:800B Reference Card
ZL:800 RS232 Cable
Batteries 2 x AA
In addition, the Type 1 versions of the instrument are supplied with an MV:200C
Preamplifier and a microphone box. The microphone capsule will be fitted to the
MV:200C Preamplifier before shipping.
If you have ordered the instrument as a complete measurement kit, you will have also
received some further items such as an Acoustic Calibrator, Carrying Case and
Windshield.
Please refer Error! Reference source not found. for details of fitting the battery and
operation of this unit.
Installing the software
Before measurements can be downloaded from the CR:800B instrument, the Deaf
Defier3 software must be installed from the supplied CD.
Please refer to page 49 for further details of the installation of the Deaf Defier3
software.
Assembly
The CR:800B instruments are supplied fully assembled apart from the MV:200C
Preamplifier for Type 1 instruments and the batteries.
Preamplifier
The Type 1 versions of the CR:800B (CR:811B, CR:821B and CR:831B) are supplied
with a removable preamplifier, the MV:200C. Also, a removable preamplifier may be
fitted as an option to the Type 2 instruments.
This preamplifier must be connected to the Sound Level Meter before the unit is
switched on. This unit is connected to the top of the CR:800B using a locking ring. To
connect the MV:200C Preamplifier, follow the diagram below:

CR:800B User Manual
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(1) Drop the preamplifier into the socket on the Sound Level Meter
(2) Ensure the connector has located into the socket
(3) Tighten the Locking Ring.
Do not cross thread the locking ring. Damage caused by misuse is not
covered by the warranty for the instrument.
Removing the Preamplifier
Do not twist the preamplifier body. Unscrew the locking ring and pull the preamplifier
from the Sound Level Meter.

CR:800B User Manual
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Using Microphone Extension Cables
The CR:800B instruments can be used with a microphone extension cable if the
instrument is fitted with the removable preamplifier. If a microphone extension cable is
to be used during a measurement, the instrument must be calibrated with the cable
attached.
Connect the microphone extension cable in the same manner as the MV:200C
Preamplifier.
Batteries
The batteries of the CR:800B are located behind the cover on the bottom of the
instrument. Slide the cover to the right hand side to remove and to access the battery
holder.
Ensure the instrument is switched off. Remove the battery holder from the instrument
and insert the batteries. The CR:800B instruments uses two AA type batteries, also
known as LR6.
(1) Batteries
(2) RS232 Communications Socket
(3) External Power
Ensure that the batteries are inserted correctly. DO NOT reverse the polarity
of the batteries as this may cause damage to the instrument.

CR:800B User Manual
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Using an external power supply
The CR:800B can be used with an external
power supply. When the external supply is
connected, the CR:800B switches
automatically from the internal battery
power. When the external power is either
removed or switched off, the instrument will
automatically switch back to the internal
battery supply.
When an external supply is connected, the
display of the instrument will show a symbol
in the top right corner as shown below.
Windshield
The CR:800B Series can be used with a UA:237 90mm Foam Windshield which will
reduce the noise levels generated by air turbulence over the microphone capsule.
The windshield can also be used to protect the microphone capsule of the Sound Level
Meter from dust and fluids which may affect the performance of the instrument. To use
the UA:237 Windshield, push the hole in the windshield over the microphone of the
Sound Level Meter. The UA:237 Windshield must be removed before the Sound Level
Meter can be calibrated.
NK:70 Random Incidence Adaptor
The NK:70 Random Incidence Adaptor is designed to modify the
response of the microphone capsule from Free Field to Random
Incidence in order to comply with the requirements of ANSI
S1.4.
For instruments supplied for use outside of the USA, this
adaptor may not be supplied. For further details, please contact
your local representative or Cirrus Research plc.
To fit the NK:70 Random Incidence Adaptor, push the adaptor
over the microphone grill. Do not attempt to remove the
microphone grill as this may cause damage to the capsule.
To calibrate the instrument fitted with the microphone capsule,
remove the NK:70 Adaptor and follow the instructions supplied
with the instrument. Do Not attempt to calibrate the instrument
with the NK:70 fitted.

CR:800B User Manual
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Switching On
Key Press Display
When the instrument is first switched on, a Welcome screen is shown with the
instrument type and version number. After 3 seconds, the display will change and the
current Sound Level will be shown with the current configuration shown as above.
In this example, the instrument is showing the Fast A-Weighted Sound Level with the
current Date and Time shown at the bottom of the screen. The battery level is shown in
the top right hand corner of the display.
Across the top of the display, above the numbers, is shown the sound level as a bar
graph. This graph is scaled with the current measurement range. Please refer to page
35 for details of changing the measurement range.
The display will also show the battery level and when the instrument is in Overload or
Under Range. The Glossary on page 56 also describes the indication of Overload and
Under Range.
Low Battery Level Overload Under Range

CR:800B User Manual
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Checking the Configuration of the Instrument
The Setup of the instrument should be checked before making a measurement.
Time and Date
Key Press Display Comments
The current time and date are
shown at the bottom of the
screen.
Measurement Range
Key Press Display Comments
The current measurement range is
shown highlighted. Use the Up
and Down Arrows to change the
range.
Press the OK key to change the
range or Exit to discard.
The bar at the top of the screen
shows the noise level in proportion
to the measurement range.

CR:800B User Manual
Page 20
Measurement Mode
Key Press Display Comments
The current measurement mode is
shown on the screen.
In this example, the measurement
mode is Broadband.
Measurement Duration
Key Press Display Comments
The measurement duration is
shown at the bottom of the
screen.
In this example, the measurement
time is 15 minutes.
When the instrument is set to either 1:1 or 1:3 Octave Band Mode, the Run Duration is
divided between the frequency bands. For example, if the measurement duration is set
to 15 minutes, the CR:800B instrument will take a total of 15 minutes to complete the
sweep through the frequency bands.
To meet the accuracy required by the standards to which the instrument is designed to
meet, there is a minimum time required to measure each frequency band. Therefore,
the CR:800B enforces a minimum measurement duration of 1 minute for the 1:1
Octave Band Mode and 3 minutes for the 1:3 Octave Band Mode.