Pulsar NoisePen 26 User manual

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User Manual for NoisePen Dosemeter
Model 26

The content of this manual, any illustrations, technical information and descriptions
within this document were correct at the time of going to print.
Pulsar Instruments 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
Pulsar Instruments plc.
No liability is accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions in this manual, although due
care has been taken to ensure that it is complete and as accurate as possible.
Accessories supplied by Pulsar Instruments plc. have been designed for use with the
instrumentation manufactured by Pulsar Instruments Plc. No responsibility is accepted
for damage caused by the use of any other parts or accessories.
The NoisePen is designed and manufactured in the United Kingdom by:
Pulsar Instruments plc, The Evron Centre, John Street, Filey North Yorkshire, YO14 9DW,
United Kingdom.
Pulsar Instruments plc, the Pulsar Instruments plc logo, NoisePen are either registered
trademarks or trademarks of Pulsar Instruments plc in the United Kingdom and/or other
countries. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft, Inc. All other
trademarks acknowledged
© Copyright : Pulsar Instruments plc. 2016
Version 6 June 2016

About this manual
The instructions in this user manual refer to the operation of Pulsar Instruments
plc NoisePen personal noise dosemeter.
The NoisePen configuration will be set at the factory depending on customer or
geographical requirements, therefore some options or views shown in this manual
may not be applicable.
This manual describes the recommended usage of the NoisePen. Any warnings
will be indicated by the following warning symbol:

Pulsar NoisePen Dosemeter User Manual
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User Manual for NoisePen Dosemeter ................................................................1
Model 26 ............................................................................................................1
About this manual ..............................................................................................3
Preface...............................................................................................................5
Instrument Overview .........................................................................................6
Introduction .......................................................................................................8
Getting Started.................................................................................................10
Quick Start...................................................................................................... 10
Unpacking the instrument for the first time ......................................................... 10
Charging the NoisePen...................................................................................... 11
NoisePen Indicator ........................................................................................... 12
Connecting to AnalyzerPlus ............................................................................... 12
Checking the Configuration................................................................................ 13
User Settings................................................................................................... 13
Performing a Calibration ................................................................................... 14
Manual Measurement (starting and stopping a measurement) ............................... 15
Downloading a Measurement ............................................................................. 16
Clearing the Memory ........................................................................................ 16
Viewing Measurement Data ............................................................................... 16
Setting Scheduled Measurements....................................................................... 17
Windshield ...................................................................................................... 17
Mounting and Wearing the NoisePen................................................................... 18
Accessories ..................................................................................................... 20
Troubleshooting ............................................................................................... 21
Additional Information .....................................................................................23
CE Certificate of Conformity .............................................................................24
Appendix A –Specifications .............................................................................25
Warranty .......................................................................................................... 28
Guarantee ........................................................................................................ 29
Pulsar Instruments Contact .............................................................................30

Pulsar NoisePen Dosemeter User Manual
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Preface
Thank you for purchasing the NoisePen personal dosemeter system from Pulsar
Instruments plc.
The Pulsar NoisePen is a powerful two channel instrument providing simple operation for
a wide range of customer and geographical regulatory requirements. Channel one
monitors RMS noise level, whilst channel two monitors the Peak level.
Pulsar Instruments will guide the user through the regulatory requirements of the users’
industry and country and pre-configure the NoisePen at the factory prior to shipping.
This enables the user to receive and start using the NoisePen with little or no additional
setup, avoiding the risk of incorrect measurements being made.
This manual describes the procedure that should be followed to operate the NoisePen
dosemeter, as well as comprehensive technical information, using optional accessories
and troubleshooting.
This manual also contains an introduction to what a personal noise dosemeter is, and
how it works.

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Instrument Overview
Windshield
Microphone
Indicator
Mini USB
Reset Button

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Key Features of the NoisePen
Microphone –PM2 ½” Pre-polarised Free-field Condenser Microphone
Windshield –foam windshield
USB –Mini USB socket
LED Indicator
Pocket Clip
Strap fastening screws
Reset button
Clip
Screws for
various strap
options

Pulsar NoisePen Dosemeter User Manual
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Introduction
The new Pulsar NoisePen has no controls or cables, which means that it can be used in
situations where the wearer is working in confined spaces or where a cable could present
a risk of being caught in machinery.
*The NoisePen setup is pre-configured prior to shipping to provide the simplest operation
for the User, whilst still providing useful functionality including scheduled measurements
to aid the user.
All user setup and measurement downloads are through the USB connector to a PC using
the simple to use AnalyzerPlus software. This provides a simple single point for
managing all NoisePens and all data.
A personal noise dosemeter measures, stores and calculates parameters required to
comply with Occupational Noise regulations. The NoisePen is a small device that can be
worn by a user which will measure the noise over a set duration, typically an 8hr period
of time, and provide an indication of whether the user was subjected to a noise dose in
excess of the recommended levels. If this occurs or the level approaches this level then
appropriate action is required, possibly moving away from noisy equipment, working for
shorter durations in that location or wearing hearing defenders.
The key parameters relating to noise dosemeters are:
Parameter
Configuration Options*
Exchange Rate
3dB or 5dB
Threshold
70-90dBA (1 dB steps) or None
Criterion Level
70-90dBA (1 dB steps)
Criterion Time
8, 10, 12, 16 or 18h
Time Weighting
Fast, Slow, None
Frequency Weighting
Channel 1 –‘A’
Channel 2 (Peak) –‘C’, ‘Z’
* These parameters are pre-configured before shipping to the customer. Pulsar will
discuss your requirements with you prior to shipping to ensure that you have the
correct configuration for your needs.
The main channel used for estimating dose is derived from an ‘A’weighted signal which
is averaged (integrated) and accumulated only if the signal exceeds the Threshold. If
the accumulated level reaches the Criterion Level before the Criterion Time a dose
exceedance has occurred.
The exchange is the increase in noise level that corresponds to a doubling of the noise
level, typically 3dB exchange rate is used and applied to LAeq, whilst the US applies 5dB
exchange rate which applies to TWA.
Requirements for applicable configuration options are dependent upon the industry or
country the NoisePen will be used in, as a guide the table below lists these.

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Regulation
Body or
Country
Threshold
(dB)
Criterion
Level
(dB)
Time
Weighting
Frequency
Weighting
Criterion
Time
(Hrs)
Exchange
Rate
(dB)
EU & UK
None
85
None
A, C Peak
8
3
OSHA HC
80
85
Slow
A, C Peak
(115dB(A)
Max)
8
5
OSHA PEL
90
90
Slow
A, C Peak
(115dB(A)
Max)
8
5
MSHA HC
80
85
Slow
A
8
5
MSHA NC
90
90
Slow
A
8
5
NIOSH
80
85
Slow
A, C Peak
8
3
ACGIH
80
85
Slow
A, C Peak
8
3
DOD USAF
80
85
Slow
A
8
3
Korea
80
85
Slow
A
8
5
New
Zealand
None
85
None
A, Lin
Peak
8
3
Brazil
80
85
Slow
A
8
5

Pulsar NoisePen Dosemeter User Manual
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Getting Started
Quick Start
There are different ways to use the NoisePen.
-Programme measurement –start time and duration of measurement.
-Manual start and stop by plugging into AnalyzerPlus.
The following instructions summarise the recommended steps that should be followed to
perform a manual measurement:
Plug the NoisePen into PC with AnalyzerPlus installed
Ensure the NoisePen has been fully charged
Perform acoustic calibration
Start measurement
Unplug NoisePen from USB
Attach NoisePen to user
Leave running for duration or work shift
Remove NoisePen from user
Plug the NoisePen into PC with AnalyzerPlus installed
Stop measurement
Perform acoustic calibration
Download measurement
Generate Report
Acoustic calibration before and after a measurement is highly recommended and may be
mandatory in certain circumstances to ensure accuracy of the NoisePen throughout the
measurement.
Unpacking the instrument for the first time
Carefully remove all components of the NoisePen system from the shipping container or
carrying case and inspect for possible damage or missing items. If there appears to be
damage or something missing contact Pulsar Instruments immediately.

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Charging the NoisePen
In order to maintain accurate battery level indication it is
recommended that the NoisePen is fully charged before first use or if
it has gone flat.
Upon receiving your NoisePen, please fully charge it before use. The NoisePen has an
internal battery pack which is charged when plugged into USB.
Plug the NoisePen into a USB power source (either a PC or 5V USB Power Supply). The
LED on the NoisePen will turn RED to indicate it is charging. When fully charged the LED
indicator will turn BLUE.
The actual time to fully charge a NoisePen will depend on the current capability of the
USB source, but will typically be less than four hours for a fully discharged NoisePen.
A fully charged NoisePen is capable of 24hrs of measurements.
When unplugged from the USB and not measuring the NoisePen will go to sleep after 15
seconds. Whilst in sleep mode it will draw minimum power to retain battery power.
Typical shelf life whilst in sleep mode is 30 days, but it should be recharged before
making any measurements if left on the shelf for a while.

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For correct charging and power use indication the USB should be
capable of supplying greater than 200mA. Some USB hubs of PC
Tablets may not be able to supply this.
NoisePen Indicator
The NoisePen indicator will indicate the following states of operation:
RED solid –plugged into USB and charging
BLUE solid –plugged into USB and fully charged
BLUE flashing –unplugged from USB and measuring
OFF –unplugged from USB and not measuring
RED flashing –Battery low or Memory Full
RED/ BLUE alternate flash –dose exceedance measured
RED/BLUE Solid –Boot loader mode ready for firmware upgrade
Connecting to AnalyzerPlus
Most User Interface with the NoisePen is through the AnalyzerPlus software. Install and
run AnalyzerPlus and plug the NoisePen into the PC with the supplied USB cable. A
NoisePen Model 26 instrument window will pop up in the bottom left.
This provides access to NoisePen controls.
The NoisePen is designed to work with USB2.0 and USB3.0 on
operating systems supporting these.
In the event of USB issues, please contact Pulsar Instruments with
details of USB type, hardware used and operating system details.

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Checking the Configuration
To review the configuration of the NoisePen, connect to AnalyzerPlus. When the
instrument has appeared in the bottom left window, select ‘Configure’ and then the
‘Settings’ tab. This tab will display how the NoisePen has been configured. Check the
configuration is as requested.
User Settings
The user can set the following:
Date and clock
Categories –Person, Place and Project
Schedules
The time and date are automatically synchronised to the PC when plugged in with
AnalyzerPlus running.
Categories can be set to aid searching for measurements after downloading. Three fields
can be entered, Person, Place and Project.
Connect the NoisePen to AnalyzerPlus, when the instrument window appears in the
bottom left, select ‘Configure’. In the information tab, type in the Person, Place, Project
fields as required, press ‘Save to Instrument’.
See the scheduled measurement section for details on setting a scheduled
measurement.

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Performing a Calibration
It is recommended that regular calibration checks are performed on the NoisePen,
typically before and after a measurement, because the microphone is susceptible to
minor damage from even small knocks.
The calibration applies corrections (if needed) to ensure that your measurements are as
accurate as possible.
To perform a calibration of the NoisePen, connect to AnalyzerPlus. When the instrument
has appeared in the bottom left window remove any windshield and place an acoustic
calibrator on the microphone.
Ensure that the small pressure equalisation hole next to the microphone cavity on the
calibrator is not blocked, as this could cause damage to the microphone.
The calibrator should be the correct level for the configuration of the NoisePen, typically
94 or 114dB. Switch the calibrator on and press ‘Calibrate’in AnalyzerPlus. The result
of the calibration will be reported, along with the present offset from the last factory
calibration.
Replace the windshield.
Note there is a -0.3dB correction between pressure and free field for the microphone
used on the NoisePen.
Calibration is only possible if it is within +/-2dB of the last factory calibration and is
within +/-0.075dB for 5 consecutive seconds.

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Only a Pulsar Instruments calibrator should be used with the NoisePen, as these have
the appropriate correction factor for the difference between the free field and pressure
responses of the microphone.
Manual Measurement (starting and stopping a measurement)
A manual measurement can be started and stopped by connecting to AnalyzerPlus.
To start a manual measurement connect the NoisePen to AnalyzerPlus, perform a
calibration per the section above. Remove the Calibrator and replace the windshield,
press ‘Start’ in the instrument window in the bottom left.
The measurement should be started within an hour of the last calibration for a pre-
measurement calibration to be registered.
Unplug the NoisePen and attach it to the User for the duration of the measurement.
To stop a measurement remove the NoisePen from the user and connect it to
AnalyzerPlus. Press ‘Stop’ when the bottom left instrument window appears.
Repeat the calibration as described above.
The measurement can now be downloaded.

Pulsar NoisePen Dosemeter User Manual
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Downloading a Measurement
Connect the NoisePen to AnalyzerPlus, when the instrument window appears in the
bottom left, select ‘Download’.
If there are measurements in the instrument a window will open listing the
measurements available for download. Measurements can be organised into categories
as desired.
Tick the ‘Open after download’ button if desired.
Either select a group of measurements to download and select ‘Download’ or double
click on a single measurement to download.
Measurements are downloaded to the PC.
Clearing the Memory
Clearing the memory will remove all the measurements from the NoisePen.
Connect the NoisePen to AnalyzerPlus. When the instrument window appears in the
bottom left, select ‘Configure’. Select the Controls tab and then select ‘Clear
Memory’. A confirmation window will appear, confirm as required.
Viewing Measurement Data
Measurements can be selected in the top left window of AnalyzerPlus, they can be
searched by selecting Instrument, Person, Place or Project.
Double click on a measurement to view. The data can now be reviewed and a report
created as required. Calibration data can be viewed by selecting the ‘Calibration
Information’ button.
Any overload (signal exceeding 140dB) will be displayed as a red ‘Overload’ at the top of
the measurement.
Right click on the measurement gives Export, Delete or Create a Group options.
To close a measurement, either click the small cross on the right of the measurement
tab, or centre press the measurement tab.

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Setting Scheduled Measurements
Scheduled measurements can be created to delay a single measurement or create a
repeat measurement to start at the same time for selected days over the next seven
days.
Up to 12 schedules can be set up to 28 days into the future.
To set schedules, connect the NoisePen to AnalyzerPlus, when the instrument window
appears in the bottom left, select ‘Configure’. Select the Controls tab and select
‘Enable Schedules’ and ‘New Schedule’. Configure the schedules as desired and
select ‘Save to Instrument’.
Remove the USB and the NoisePen will start measuring at the scheduled time.
Schedules can be disabled, enabled and cleared in the same window.
Windshield
The windshield WP26 provides a degree of dust protection for dusty work environments,
wind noise reduction and a degree of noise reduction in the event of the microphone
being knocked.
The windshield is simply fitted to the microphone by pushing over the top of the
microphone when not making a recording. No correction is required to acoustic results
for the windshield.

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Mounting and Wearing the NoisePen
The NoisePen is supplied with a pocket clip to allow it to be clipped to an item of clothing
for ease of use.
Pulsar recommend that the NoisePen is mounted on the shoulder within 10cm of the ear
to provide best possible measurements. A suitable strap can be ordered from Pulsar,
part number NP2.

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An alternative option is NP3, which includes a 50cm velcro strip suitable for mounting on
the arm.
NP4 is an adjustable, vertical, elastic mount option with a crocodile fixing clip.
Care should be taken with any mounting option selected to ensure
the NoisePen is secure and will not fall.
Care should be taken with mounting the NoisePen to avoid any
extenuous noise sources, for example the microphone rubbing
against clothing.

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Accessories
The Noisepen is supplied as standard with:
Model 26 –NoisePen
NP1 –Pocket clip
WS26 - NoisePen Windshield
The following accessories are available for use with the NoisePen:
NP2 –Leather mounting strap for shoulder
NP3 –Metal clip Velcro strap for arm
NP4 –Vertical strap for shoulder
K6 –Small packing case for 2 pens
K7 –Small packing case for 5 pens
K8 –Safety Professional Kit Case
PS26 –5V USB power supply
DC26 –USB cable for NoisePen
Model 106 –Class 2 94dB calibrator
Model 108 –Class 2 114dB calibrator