Larson Davis Spartan 821 User manual

I821.03(A) Spartan 821/721 Manual i-1
Larson Davis
Spartan™ 821/721
Reference Manual

I821.03(A) Spartan 821/721 Manual i-2
Copyright
Copyright 2022-2023, by PCB Piezotronics, Inc. This manual is copyrighted, with all rights reserved. The manual may not be
copied in whole or in part for any use without prior written consent of PCB Piezotronics, Inc.
Disclaimer
The following paragraph does not apply in any state or country where such statements are not agreeable with local law:
Even though PCB Piezotronics, Inc. has reviewed its documentation, PCB Piezotronics Inc. makes no warranty or
representation, either expressed or implied, with respect to this instrument and documentation, its quality, performance,
merchantability, or fitness for a particular purpose. This documentation is subject to change without notice, and should not
be construed as a commitment or representation by PCB Piezotronics, Inc.
This publication may contain inaccuracies or typographical errors. PCB Piezotronics, Inc. will periodically update the material
for inclusion in new editions. Changes and improvements to the information described in this manual may be made at any
time.
Safety
If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by Larson Davis, the protection provided by the equipment may be
impaired.
Recycling
PCB Piezotronics, Inc. is an environmentally friendly organization and encourages our customers to be environmentally
conscious. When this product reaches its end of life, please recycle the product through a local recycling center or return the
product to:
PCB Piezotronics, Inc.
Attn: Recycling Coordinator
1681 West 820 North
Provo, Utah, USA 84601-1341
Warranty
For warranty information, go to the Larson Davis Product Warranty page.
Contact Larson Davis
Website
www.larsondavis.com
Worldwide Corporate Headquarters
Larson Davis - a PCB Piezotronics division
3425 Walden Avenue
Depew, NY 14043-2495 USA
Toll-free (in the US): 888-258-3222
Phone: [phone]
USA fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]

Spartan 821/721 Manual ii-1
Chapter 1 Product Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.1 Hardware Overview
1.2 Package Contents
1.2.1 Spartan 721 or 821
1.3 Available Options and Accessories
1.3.1 Firmware Options
1.3.2 Hardware Options and Accessories
1.3.3 Ordering Information
Chapter 2 Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.1 Assembling Your Meter
2.1.1 Connecting the Preamplifier and Microphone
2.1.2 Connecting or Disconnecting the Preamplifier From the Meter
2.2 Powering the Meter
2.2.1 Powering On, Off, or Sleeping the Screen
2.2.2 LED Status Light
2.2.3 Using Battery Power
2.2.4 Charging Batteries by External Power
2.3 Calibrating the Meter
2.3.1 About Acoustic Calibration
2.3.2 Calibrating Your Instrument
2.3.3 About Scheduling Factory Calibration
2.4 Display Overview
2.4.1 Understanding Status Bar and Indicators
2.4.2 Navigating the Meter’s Display
2.4.3 Tools Menu Overview
2.4.4 Display Settings
2.5 Working With Internal Storage
Chapter 3 Meter Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
3.1 Selecting Settings
3.2 Measurement Settings
3.3 System Settings
3.4 Exceedance Settings
3.5 Calibration Settings
3.6 Mode Control Settings
3.7 Dosimetry Settings

Spartan 821/721 Manual ii-2
3.8 Ln Settings
3.9 Community Noise Settings
3.10 Markers Settings
Chapter 4 Managing Measurement Data Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
4.1 Utilizing the Files View
4.1.1 Viewing a Measurement Data File
4.2 Managing SD Card Storage
4.2.1 Preparing a MicroSD Card For Use
Chapter 5 System Tools and Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
5.1 Utilizing the Meter Lock
5.2 About This Meter
5.3 Troubleshooting the 721 or 821
5.4 Troubleshooting File Storage
Chapter 6 Software, Firmware, and Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
6.1 Updating the G4 LD Utility Software
6.2 Upgrading 721 or 821 Firmware or Options
Appendix A Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
A.1 Instrument Hardware Specifications
A.1.1 Compliance or Standards Met
A.1.2 Hardware Physical Specifications
A.1.3 Typical Electrical Frequency Response
A.1.4 Microphone Model 377B02 Filter Response and Corrections
A.1.5 Microphone Model 375A04 Filter Response and Corrections
A.1.6 Hardware Interface Specifications
A.1.7 USB Client Interface Specifications
A.1.8 Bluetooth™ Low Energy Interface
A.1.9 AC/DC Output Specifications
A.1.10 Wireless Charger Specifications
A.1.11 External DC Power Supply Specifications
A.1.12 Battery Power Specifications
A.1.13 Instrument Date and Time Specifications
A.1.14 Data Storage Specifications
A.1.15 Electrostatic Discharge Specifications
A.1.16 Environmental Conditions Specifications
A.1.17 Mechanical Vibration Effects Recommendations

Spartan 821/721 Manual ii-3
A.1.18 Care and Cleaning
A.1.19 Electromagnetic Compatibility Effects
A.1.20 FCC/IC Compliance
A.2 Instrument Performance Specifications
A.2.1 SLM Performance Specifications
A.2.2 Measurement System Specifications
A.3 Model PRM721 and PRM821 Specifications
A.4 Octave Band Analysis Specifications
A.5 Directional Response
A.5.1 XY Plane Frequency Response
A.5.2 XZ Plane Frequency Response
A.5.3 Directional Response Tables Without Windscreen
Appendix B Measuring Sound Using IEC 61672-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
B.1 IEC 61672-1 Section 9.3
Appendix C Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1

Spartan 821/721 Manual 1
Chapter 1 Product Overview
The Spartan 821 or 721 from Larson Davis is a precision sound level meter that is
compatible with a variety of accessories, which makes it an ideal hand-held instrument for
a wide range of acoustic tests. Additionally, the touchscreen interface makes this SLM as
easy to use as your smart phone for acoustic applications, such as:
• Industrial Hygiene studies
• Product noise evaluation
• Production line acoustic testing
• Site assessment
• Mining and industrial operations and noise exposure
The instrument, with noted accessories, performs the following operations and more:
• Dosimetry with customizable measurement setup
• Displays “Overall” measurement metrics for the current measurement
• Attended or unattended noise monitoring for short or long term
• Charging via AC or DC external power with the internal battery charger
• 1/1 Octave and 1/3 Octave filter analysis (on enabled units)
In this module:
1.1 Hardware Overview - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1-2
1.2 Package Contents - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1-3
1.3 Available Options and Accessories - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1-5
1

Spartan 821/721 Manual Hardware Overview 2
1.1 Hardware Overview
FIGURE 1-1 Main Body: Front and Back
Preamplifier release
LED Status Light Indicator
See 2.2.2 LED Status Light
Power
button
SD Card access door
CAUTION Power off the meter
before opening the door.
See 4.2 Managing SD Card
Storage
Wireless
Charge Coils
(Internal)
Bluetooth
Meter mount

Spartan 821/721 Manual Package Contents 3
FIGURE 1-2 Main Body: Bottom Connectors
1.2 Package Contents
The meter and accessories are shipped in protective packaging. We recommend that you
verify that all parts and accessories for the configuration you selected are contained in
your shipment.
Please report any damage immediately to Larson Davis, a division of PCB Piezotronics, Inc.
(See contact information on the back page of the manual.) We also recommend retaining
the packaging for safe shipment for calibration service.
2. USB port/power supply
1. Audio/DC
Output port
SD Card access door
CAUTION Do not open while
meter is powered on.
1. The Audio Port (output only) is a TRRS 3.5 mm audio
jack. Alternatively, this port may be used to output a
correlating voltage to the measured signal. See 3.3
System Settings.
2. USB 2.0 full-speed interface, USB-C connector. It is
used for communication, full meter control, charging,
and downloading data to PC using the CBL242-03
cable.
3. The External Power Connector is a 2.5 mm 12 V DC
power connector for an external power source.
3. External power

Spartan 821/721 Manual Package Contents 4
1.2.1 Spartan 721 or 821
Item Description
1. Spartan 821/Spartan 721 Class 1 Acoustic SLM with Dosimetry
Class 2 Acoustic SLM with Dosimetry
2. 377B02/375A04 Microphone ½-inch free-field, pre-polarized microphone, 50 mV/Pa
3. PRM821/PRM721 Preamplifier
4. CCS060 Case (Optional) Hard shell carrying case with fitted foam.
5. X21-SD-8GB Removable Memory MicroSD Card 8 GB Industrial-grade
6. LD USB Drive:
Not for data storage
Includes: G4 LD Utility software, Spartan Reference Manual, Digital
Calibration Certificates
7. WS001 3 ½-inch windscreen to be placed over the microphone and preamp
8. CBL242-03 Cable USB-C to C with USB-A adapter
1.
2.
4.
5.
7.
6. 8.
3.
CAUTION:
Mic and preamp
are sensitive to
static electricity

Spartan 821/721 Manual Available Options and Accessories 5
1.3 Available Options and Accessories
1.3.1 Firmware Options
The following options are available to purchase from your sales representative.
Table 1.1 Optional Firmware Packages
1.3.2 Hardware Options and Accessories
The Spartan 721 or 821 is adaptable to a wide range of acoustic measurement applications
when equipped with the needed accessory sensors, adapters, and protective accessories.
The following table contains only a few examples of available hardware options. For a
complete listing of standard and system accessories, see 1.3.3 Ordering
Information
Octave Band Analysis
(X21-OB3)
Description: Simultaneous, real-time 1/1 & 1/3 Octave Frequency Analysis
for the range of 6.3 Hz to 20 kHz. Compliant with IEC 61260:2014 Class 1
and ANSI S1.11-2014 Class 1 standards.
Bluetooth Disabled
(X21-NBT)
Description: Disables Bluetooth connectivity during the time the setting is
enabled.
LEARN MORE For more information on installing and enabling these firmware options, see
6.2 Upgrading 721 or 821 Firmware or Options .
Table 1.2 Hardware Options and Accessories
Description Options Available
Accessory Kit Options
Class 1 Accessory kit (X21-ACC) for Spartan 821
• Case (CCS060)
• Power supply (PSA045)
• Class 1 calibrator (CAL200)
• Windscreen (WS001)
Class 2 Accessory kit (X21-ACC1) for Spartan 721
• Case (CCS060)
• Power supply (PSA045)
• Class 2 calibrator (CAL150)
• Windscreen (WS001)
Calibrator Options Larson Davis Class 1 Calibrator; 94/114 dB @ 1 kHz (CAL200)
Larson Davis Class 2 Calibrator; 94/114 dB @ 1 kHz (CAL150)
microSD Card Access Door Replacement door (X21-DOOR)

Spartan 821/721 Manual Available Options and Accessories 6
1.3.3 Ordering Information
Additional information including can be found on the Larson Davis Website:
Configuration Guide
Spartan Page
Equivalent Electrical
Impedance Adapter Options
12 pF, BNC Input Adapter for ½-inch microphone (ADP090). This adapter is
used for electrical testing.
BNC In-Line, Low Pass Filter, 75kHz (ADP092) This adapter acts as a series
capacitor with the same capacitance as the microphone it replaces. If you’re
making a square wave pulse measurement, include a 75kHz, low pass, T-filter with
the adapter.
Accessory Cables
• Microphone Extension Cable, shielded: (EXCXXX) where XXX is the length in feet (Available in 10, 20,
50, 100, and 200-foot lengths)
• Wireless charge pad Qi/WPC-compatible receiver (PSA046) with USB cable
• Cable, 2.5 mm power connector to Anderson Powerpole for outdoor noise monitoring system
(CBL241-01)
Table 1.2 Hardware Options and Accessories (Continued)
Description Options Available
Table 1.3 Spartan Sound Level Meters
Model 721IH 721IH-D 821IH 821IH-D
Class 2 2 1 1
Time History
Logging
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Measurement
History
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Dosimetry ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
OBA (1/1 and 1/3
Bands)
✓ ✓
Table 1.4 Spartan Order Item Details
Part Number Description
721IH Spartan Model 721 class 2 sound level meter with logging, measurement history,
free-field microphone (50mV/Pa), preamplifier (PRM721), X21-SD-8G, & USB-C
cable (CBL242-03), and noise dosimetry (X21-DOS)
721IH-B Spartan Model 721 class 2 sound level meter without microphone, preamplifier
or accessories except USB-C cable (CBL242-03) and noise dosimetry (X21-DOS).
Meter body, X21-SD-8G, and USB-C cable only

Spartan 821/721 Manual Available Options and Accessories 7
721IH-D
Spartan Model 721 class 2 sound level meter with logging, measurement history,
1/1 & 1/3 octave filters, free-field microphone (50mV/Pa), preamplifier (PRM721),
X21-SD-8G, and USB-C cable (CBL242-03) and noise dosimetry (X21-DOS)
821IH Spartan Model 821 class 1 sound level meter with logging, measurement history,
free-field microphone (50mV/Pa), preamplifier (PRM821),X21-SD-8G, USB-C
cable (CBL242-03) and noise dosimetry (X21-DOS)
821IH-B Spartan Model 821 class 1 sound level meter without microphone, preamplifier
or accessories except USB-C cable (CBL242-03) and noise dosimetry (X21-DOS).
Meter body, X21-SD-8G, and USB-C cable only
821IH-D
Spartan Model 821 class 1 sound level meter with logging, measurement history,
1/1 & 1/3 octave filters, free-field microphone (50mV/Pa), preamplifier (PRM821),
X21-SD-8G, USB-C cable (CBL242-03), and noise dosimetry (X21-DOS)
CBL242-03 USB-C to USB-C cable with USB-A Adapter
CCS060 Hard shell shipping and carrying case for SoundExpert Models 721 & 821 and
Spartan Models 721 & 821 sound level meters
PRM721 Preamplifier, 1/2", for SoundExpert 721 and Spartan 721
PRM821 Preamplifier, 1/2", for SoundExpert 821 and Spartan 821
PSA045 Universal AC power supply with USB-C output connector. Does not include USB
cable (CBL242-03)
PSA046 Qi charger pad with USB-C connector. Pad only, does not include USB cable
(CBL242-03) or power supply (PSA045).
X21-ACC Accessory kit for SoundExpert 721/821 and Spartan 721/821 sound level meters.
Includes case (CCS060), power supply (PSA045), USB-C cable (CBL242-03), Class1
calibrator (CAL200) & windscreen (WS001)
X21-ACC1 Accessory kit for SoundExpert 721 and Spartan 721 sound level meters. Includes
case (CCS060), power supply (PSA045), USB-C cable (CBL242-03), Class 2
calibrator (CAL150) & windscreen (WS001)
X21-DOOR Replacement memory cover for models 721 & 821
X21-NBT Firmware option for SoundExpert 721/821 and Spartan 721/821 to disable
internal Bluetooth
X21-OB3 Add 1/1 and 1/3 octave filters to Spartan 721/821 or SoundExpert 721/821
X21-SD-8GB 8 GB, industrial grade microSD memory chip for use in SoundExpert 721/821 and
Spartan 721/821
X21-SP Screen protector for Spartan 721/821. Includes 2 screen protectors with wipes
and cleaning cloth.
DVX017 Bluetooth USB Adapter for PC
Table 1.4 Spartan Order Item Details (Continued)
Part Number Description

Spartan 821/721 Manual 8
Chapter 2 Getting Started
In this module:
2.1 Assembling Your Meter - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -9
2.1.1 Connecting the Preamplifier and Microphone
2.1.2 Connecting or Disconnecting the Preamplifier From the Meter
2.2 Powering the Meter - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -10
2.2.1 Powering On, Off, or Sleeping the Screen
2.2.2 LED Status Light
2.2.3 Using Battery Power
2.2.4 Charging Batteries by External Power
2.3 Calibrating the Meter - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -12
2.3.1 About Acoustic Calibration
2.3.2 Calibrating Your Instrument
2.3.3 About Scheduling Factory Calibration
2.4 Display Overview - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -13
2.4.1 Understanding Status Bar and Indicators
2.4.2 Navigating the Meter’s Display
2.4.3 Tools Menu Overview
2.4.4 Display Settings
2.5 Working With Internal Storage - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -22
2

Spartan 821/721 Manual Assembling Your Meter 9
2.1 Assembling Your Meter
The meter is designed with a removable preamplifier and microphone. This allows you to
remove and store these accessories in protective cases for transport or when not in use.
In this section:
•2.1.1 Connecting the Preamplifier and Microphone
•2.1.2 Connecting or Disconnecting the Preamplifier From the Meter
2.1.1 Connecting the Preamplifier and Microphone
CAUTION Do not handle the microphone and preamplifier without observing the
following cautions:
• Avoid static discharge to the pogo pin (e.g. ground yourself)
• Do not use excessive force
• Gripping tightly or screwing threads tightly is unnecessary
• Do not remove the microphone grid cap and expose the diaphragm
• Do not allow dust or debris to collect in preamplifier or microphone
FIGURE 2-1 Microphone and Preamplifier Threaded Assembly
2.1.2 Connecting or Disconnecting the Preamplifier From the Meter
To Connect the Preamplifier:
The preamplifier is marked to enable correct alignment when connecting to the meter.
Observe each step of the following process to prevent unnecessary damage.
CAUTION Do not attempt to screw the preamplifier into the meter’s preamplifier
housing.
The preamplifier and 1/2-inch microphone screw
together. The microphone should seat smoothly
against the preamplifier.
Lightly grip the microphone (not the grid cap) and
gently unscrew and separate the threaded assembly.

Spartan 821/721 Manual Powering the Meter 10
Step 1. Look for an engraved line along the length
of the preamplifier. When correctly
assembled, the engraved line aligns with
the top of the preamp release button
(Figure 2-2).
Step 2. With the marks on both pieces aligned,
insert the 5-pin connector of the
preamplifier into the preamp housing and
beyond the preamp seal until it latches with
a small audible click.
To Disconnect the Preamplifier:
Press and hold the preamp release button, then pull the preamplifier assembly from the
meter.
2.2 Powering the Meter
The meter is engineered to be power-conscious. Indications, status details, and other
power-related details appear throughout the meter interface. This simplifies the task of
monitoring power while you work.
In addition, the meter provides power-saving settings also described in this section.
The meter will not allow measurements to begin until the system is stabilized.
In this section:
•2.2.1 Powering On, Off, or Sleeping the Screen
•2.2.2 LED Status Light
•2.2.3 Using Battery Power
•2.2.4 Charging Batteries by External Power
2.2.1 Powering On, Off, or Sleeping the Screen
Power On: Press and hold the Power button for 1 to 2 seconds to power on the meter.
Power indications for the meter are located on the Live tab, which is the first screen you
see after powering on.
Power Off: Press and hold the Power button for 4 to 5 seconds to power off the meter. The
display will show a countdown.
When not actively using the meter, quick press the power button to put the screen to sleep.
Quick press the power button again to wake the screen. The display will automatically
sleep based on the Display Sleep Time setting.
FIGURE 2-2
Alignment of
preamp
engraving
Preamp
release
button

Spartan 821/721 Manual Powering the Meter 11
2.2.2 LED Status Light
The meter uses the front LED to display the colors shown in Table 2.3 to indicate the
associated meter state. You can disable this light in the settings. See 3.3 System Settings
2.2.3 Using Battery Power
Battery Charging/Status Indicators
The battery icon (top right of the meter status bar) indicates the current battery level and
charging status by the color and volume. An animated charging bolt appears over the
battery icon when charging. When using battery power, the battery icon indicates the state
of the battery from depleted to fully charged (left to right).
You can also find the percent remaining of the internal battery on the Live System card,
along with the current power source.
2.2.4 Charging Batteries by External Power
Use one of the following external power sources to simultaneously power the meter and
charge the meter’s internal batteries:
• USB-C cable (CBL242-03)
• Wireless charging pad (PSA046)
• 12V power through the External Power Connector
TABLE 2.3
Color Blink
(every 2 seconds) Meter State
Green Running
Yellow Paused
White Stopped/Reset
Red Power button is pressed
TABLE 2.4 Battery Indicator States
Indicator Description
Fully charged battery; 100% capacity
Fully charged battery; 100% capacity and connected to power
source the charging bolt stays on and does not animate.
When connected to a power source, with the battery at less than
100% capacity, the animated charging bolt appears. The battery
charges until full or until the meter is disconnected from
external power.
Low Battery
Less than 1% charge remaining; Dead Battery Notice displays
when attempting to power on the meter. Connect to a power
source via charging cable or place meter on wireless charging
pad.

Spartan 821/721 Manual Calibrating the Meter 12
Utilizing External Power Connections
TAKE NOTE The operating temperature range is –22 to 140 °F (–30 to 60 °C). For
additional detail, see A.1.16 Environmental Conditions Specifications.
When utilizing the included USB-C cable with a 5V, 3A supply, the meter’s battery reaches
maximum charge in under 8 hours.
Charging via the Wireless Charging Pad
When utilizing the included universal power supply and optional wireless charging pad
(PSA046), the 721 or 821 reaches maximum charge in under 13 hours. View additional
details in A.1.10 Wireless Charger Specifications
Step 1. Rest the back case of the meter on the wireless charging pad. This positions the
meter’s internal charging coils over the pad. For the location of the internal
charging coils, review the back label of the meter.
Step 2. The wireless charging pad must be powered by the included USB cable. When
the meter is powered on and charging, the on-screen battery icon displays an
animated charging bolt (see Table 2.4).
2.3 Calibrating the Meter
In this section:
•2.3.1 About Acoustic Calibration
•2.3.2 Calibrating Your Instrument
•2.3.3 About Scheduling Factory Calibration
2.3.1 About Acoustic Calibration
In acoustic calibration, the sound level calibrator (CAL200) provides an acoustic signal of a
known amplitude (94/114 dB) and frequency (1000Hz) to the microphone which is used as
a reference to adjust the system sensitivity. In the meter, the system sensitivity updates
with each calibration.
We recommend that you calibrate prior to each measurement. Transporting or even
repositioning may introduce variations in temperature and humidity, which impact the
accuracy of the meter, microphone, and preamplifier.
When the sound level meter is not used near reference environmental conditions, then
corrections will need to be added for the ambient temperature and the prevailing static
pressure. Check the calibration data shipped from Larson Davis with the calibrator to get
corrections for the influence on the calibrator output level.
TAKE NOTE An acoustic calibrator creates an acoustic pressure field of a known
amplitude. The 377B02 and 375A04 are free field microphones, not pressure
microphones, so a small correction should be applied for the most accurate
acoustic calibration. In the calibration settings of the 821/721, adjust the output
level of the calibrator down by 0.12 dB from the level shown on the calibrator's
calibration certificate to account for this. For example, if the calibration sheet says
that the calibrator output is 114.02 dB, then the value entered into the meter for the
calibrator's output should be 113.90 dB.

Spartan 821/721 Manual Display Overview 13
2.3.2 Calibrating Your Instrument
The meter has an automatic calibration feature that allows you to calibrate from any view
as long as the meter is stopped and reset. You may turn off the auto-calibration feature in
the Calibration settings. You may also begin a calibration from the Tools Calibrate.
Step 1. Insert the microphone into the opening at the bottom of the calibrator.
Step 2. Turn on the calibrator.
TAKE NOTE The calibrator turns off after one minute. Press the power button
again to reset this time.
Step 3. The meter displays the “Calibrating” dialog, which shows the Measurement
level (dB), the Calibrator level setting (dB), and the detected change (Delta dB).
Step 4. Select Accept when complete.
TAKE NOTE If you receive an error message (such as Calibration Out of Range),
select Cancel. Verify that the calibrator level and your meter’s calibrator setting
are the same. Ensure the calibrator is seated correctly on the microphone. Then
perform the calibration again. If the problem persists, contact support.
2.3.3 About Scheduling Factory Calibration
Service and certified internal calibration for your meter at the factory may be scheduled at
your convenience. We recommend either annual or biennial factory calibration.
The data from the factory calibration is stored in the meter and stated in the
documentation that returns with your meter.
2.4 Display Overview
In this section:
•2.4.1 Understanding Status Bar and Indicators
•2.4.2 Navigating the Meter’s Display
•2.4.3 Tools Menu Overview
•2.4.4 Display Settings

Spartan 821/721 Manual Display Overview 14
2.4.1 Understanding Status Bar and Indicators
The status bar at the top of the screen displays the measurement, and battery status as
shown in Figure 2-5.
FIGURE 2-5 Elements of the Status Bar
1. Live Metric
2. Live Metric Level (dB)
3. Current Date, Time
4. Overload Indicator
5. Under Range Indicator
6. Bluetooth Indicator
7. Meter State Indicator
8. Battery Level/Charge Status
9. Overall Run Time
1. Live Metric
You may change the metric displayed by tapping the name and select from the popup list.
2. Live Metric Level (dB)
The live level of the selected live metric.
3. Current Date, Time
The date and time of the meter. Connect to G4 to update.
4. Overload Indicator
An overload occurs when the sound level exceeds the upper limit of the meter. The
Overload Indicator flashes to indicate an overload is occurring. The indicator remains
solid (not flashing) indicating an overload has occurred during the current measurement.
Reset the measurement to clear the indicator. Tap Tools Reset to reset the
measurement.
5. Under Range Indicator
The meter displays the Under Range Indicator when the sound level is too low to measure
accurately. For additional detail about the range of your model, see A.2.1 SLM
Performance Specifications.
6. Bluetooth Indicator
The Bluetooth Indicator displays only when the meter has an active Bluetooth connection.
2. 3. 4.
7.
8.
6.
1.
5.
9.

Spartan 821/721 Manual Display Overview 15
7. Meter State Indicator
Caution Status
A caution or warning icon displays in the center of the meter status bar when the microSD
card is not responding to the meter.
FIGURE 2-6 Caution Status
While the caution icon displays, most meter actions are disabled. Do the following, to
address it:
a. Power down the meter.
b. Discharge any electrostatic build-up.
c. Open the microSD card access door on the bottom rear of the meter, and
remove and reinsert the SD card.
d. Replace the microSD card access door, and then power on the meter.
If an SD card is installed and the caution icon is present, first reboot the meter. If this does
not clear the caution status, you will need to backup any valuable data on the SD card and
format it. To do this, do the following:
a. Immediately power down the meter.
b. Insert the microSD card into a PC to download saved files
c. Format the microSD card in the PC and replace the microSD card.
To format the SD card without backing up saved files, do the following:
a. On the meter, select Tools System Utilities  Format and Restore.
b. Confirm your selection, and the meter clears any saved data and reformats the
SD card.
8. Battery and Charge Status
Indicates the internal battery level and whether the meter is charging.
Table 2.1 State
Meter State
Running
Paused
Stopped
Reset
Error