Rion NA-28 User manual

3-20-41 Higashimotomachi, Kokubunji, Tokyo 185-8533, Japan
http://www.rion.co.jp/english/
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
SOUND LEVEL METER
NA-28

i
Organization of the NA-28 Documentation
Documentation for the Sound Level Meter NA-28 comes in three parts, as
listed below.
Instruction Manual (this document)
Describes operating procedures for the Sound Level Meter NA-28, connec-
tion and use of peripheral equipment such as a level recorder and printer,
and use of the memory card.
Serial Interface Manual
Describes communication with a computer, using the serial interface built
into the Sound Level Meter NA-28. The manual covers the communication
protocol, use of control commands for the sound level meter, format of data
output by the sound level meter, and other topics.
Technical Notes
This document provides in-depth information about sound level meter
performance, microphone construction and characteristics, inuence of
extension cables and windscreen on the measurement, and other topics.
* Company names and product names mentioned in this manual are usually
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

ii

iii
Organization of This Manual
This manual describes the features, operation and other aspects of the Sound Level
Meter NA-28 (with 1/3 octave analysis function). If the unit is used together with
other equipment to congure a measurement system, consult the documentation of
all other components as well. The following pages contain important information
about safety. Be sure to read and observe these in full.
This manual contains the following sections.
Outline
Gives basic information about the unit.
Controls and Functions
Briey identies and explains the operation keys and connectors and all
other parts of the unit.
Preparations
Explains how to check the unit before use and how to install and set up the
unit for measurement.
Calibration
Explains how to calibrate the unit for measurement.
Power On/Off
Explains how to operate the power switch of the unit.
Reading the Display
Explains symbols and other information shown on the display of the unit.
Measurement
Explains the basic procedures for measurement.
Store Operation
Explains how to store measurement data.

iv
Memory Card
Explains how to use a memory card with the unit.
Input/Output Connectors
Explains the input and output connectors of the unit.
Default Settings
Lists the factory default settings of the unit.
Setup File
Explains how to start up the unit using settings saved in a setup le.
Optional Accessories
Explains how to use the optional microphone extension cable, printer, and
level recorder with the unit.
Specications
Lists the technical specications of the unit.

v
FOR SAFETY
In this manual, important safety instructions are specially marked as shown
below. To prevent the risk of death or injury to persons and severe damage
to the unit or peripheral equipment, make sure that all instructions are fully
understood and observed.
Caution
Important
Disregarding instructions
printed here incurs the risk of
injury to persons and/or dam-
age to peripheral equipment.
Disregarding instructions
printed here incurs the risk of
damage to the product.
Mentioned about the tips to
use this unit properly. (This
messages do not have to do
with safety.)
Note

vi

vii
Quantier notation
(Sound level and sound pressure level are expressed uniformly as sound pres-
sure level, distinguished by the use of frequency weighting.)
Display on
NA-28 Measurement value
the time weighting characteristics
F, S, 10 ms I
Lp
Sound pressure
level
A-weighted sound pressure level LAF, LAS, LA10ms LAI
C-weighted sound pressure level LCF, LCS, LC10ms (LCI)
Z-weighted sound pressure level LZF, LZS, LZ10ms (LZI)
Leq
Equivalent
continuous
sound level
Equivalent continuous A-weighted
sound level LAeq LAIeq
Equivalent continuous C-weighted
sound level LCeq (LCIeq)
Equivalent continuous Z-weighted
sound level LZeq (LZIeq)
LE
Sound exposure
level
A-weighted sound exposure level LAE (LAIE)
C-weighted sound exposure level LCE (LCIE)
Z-weighted sound exposure level LZE (LZIE)
Lmax, Lmin
Maximum sound
level
Maximum A-weighted sound level
LAFmax, LASmax, LA10msmax LAImax
Maximum C-weighted sound level
LCFmax, LCSmax, LC10msmax (LCImax)
Maximum Z-weighted sound level
LZFmax, LZSmax, LZ10msmax (LZImax)
LN
Percentile sound
level
Percentile A-weighted sound level LAFNn, LASNn, LA10msNn (LAINn)
Percentile C-weighted sound level LCFNn, LCSNn, LC10msNn (LCINn)
Percentile Z-weighted sound level LZFNn, LZSNn, LZ10msNn (LZINn)
Lpeak
Peak sound level
A-weighted peak sound level (LApeak)---
C-weighted peak sound level LCpeak ---
Z-weighted peak sound level LZpeak ---
Ltm5
Takt-max sound
level(5sec)
Takt-max A-weighted sound level(5sec)
LAtm5 ---
Takt-max C-weighted sound level(5sec)
(LCtm5)---
Takt-max Z-weighted sound level(5sec)
(LZtm5)---
Note
The combination of peak sound pressure level and takt-max
with I characteristics does not exist.
Measurement value shown in brackets ( ) indicates items
that can be displayed as operation steps but are not used or
not suitable.

viii

ix
Quantier Notation of Sound Level Meter NA-28 According to International
Standards and JIS
(Excerpts from ISO 1996, 3891, IEC 61672-1:2002, JIS Z 8202, 8731)
Des cription Frequency
weighting
IS O
notation
IE C
notation
JIS
notation
NA-28
notation
Sound level
LpLp
LP
A-weighted sound level
Lp
A
Lp
A
A
LA
C-weighted sound level C
LC
Equivalent continuous sound
le ve l
LPeq
Equivalent continuous A-weighted
sound level A
L
Ae q,
TL Ae q,
TL
Ae q,
T
LAe q
Equivalent continuous C-weighted
sound level C
L
Ceq,
T
LCeq
Sound exposure level
LPE
A-weighted sound exposure level A
L
AE
L
AE,
TL
AE
LAE
C-weighted sound exposure level C
LCE
L
A5,
T
LA05
L
A10,
T
LA10
Percentile A-weighted sound
le ve l
L
A
N
,
T
A
L
A
N
,
TL
A50,
T
LAN LA50
L
A90,
T
LA90
L
A95,
T
LA95
Maximum A-weighted sound
le ve l A
LAma x
Minimum A-weighted sound
le ve l A
LAmin
LCpk C-weighted peak sound level C
L
Cpeak
L
A5,
T
L
A10,
T
L
A50,
T
L
A90,
T
L
A95,
T
Z
Z
Z

x

xi
Precautions
Operate the unit only as described in this manual.
The NA-28 is a precision instrument. Protect it from shocks and vibrations.
Take special care not to touch the microphone diaphragm. The diaphragm
is a very thin metal lm which can easily be damaged.
Use only the microphone/preamplier assembly with the number as shown
on the name plate of the unit.
Ambient conditions for operation of the unit are as follows: temperature
range -10 to +50°C, relative humidity 10 to 90%RH.
Protect the unit from water, dust, extreme temperatures, humidity, and
direct sunlight during storage and use. Also keep the unit away from air
with high salt or sulphur content, gases, and stored chemicals.
Always turn the unit off after use. Remove the batteries from the unit if
it is not to be used for a long time (a week or more). When disconnecting
cables, always grasp the plug and do not pull the cable.
Before using the unit and before putting it away, always check that the
microphone grid has not become loose. If this has happened, refasten the
microphone grid rmly and then use or store the unit.
Clean the unit only by wiping it with a soft, dry cloth or, when neces-
sary, with a cloth lightly moistened with water. Do not use any solvents,
cleaning alcohol or chemical cleaning agents.
Do not try to disassemble or alter the unit. Otherwise type certication
will become invalid. In case of an apparent malfunction, do not attempt
any repairs. Note the condition of the unit clearly and contact the sup-
plier.
Do not tap the LCD panel or other surfaces of the unit with a pointed
object such as a pencil, screwdriver, etc.
Take care that no conductive objects such as wire, metal scraps, conduc-
tive plastics etc. can get into the unit.

xii
To ensure continued accuracy, have the unit checked and serviced at
regular intervals.
When using the unit for commercial purposes or for certication, ofcial
certication is required every ve years. Contact the supplier.
Dispose of the unit and of batteries only according to national and local
regulations at the place of use.
To conform to the EU requirement of the Directive
2002/96/EC on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equip-
ment, the symbol mark on the right is shown on the
instrument.

xiii
Contents
Organization of the NA-28 Documentation ..................................... i
Organization of This Manual ........................................................ iii
Outline ............................................................................................1
Controls and Functions ...................................................................3
Front View.................................................................................3
Microphone/Preamplier .....................................................3
Display .................................................................................3
Operation key panel .............................................................4
Bottom View..............................................................................7
Rear View..................................................................................8
Preparations ....................................................................................9
Power.........................................................................................9
AC adapter .........................................................................10
Windscreen (WS-10)................................................................ 11
Diffuse Field Correction..........................................................12
Tripod Mounting......................................................................12
Memory Cards (CF Card) and Program Cards.........................13
Inserting a card ..................................................................13
Microphone Extension Cables (EC-04 series) .......................... 14
Connection to a Printer............................................................16
Connection to a Level Recorder (LR-07, LR-20A) ...................16
Connection to a Computer .......................................................17
Setting the Date and Time ....................................................... 18
Measurement in a dark location ...............................................21
Sub Channel Settings...............................................................22
Trigger Mode Settings .............................................................23
Sleep Mode ........................................................................26
Comparator Output ..................................................................30
About the comparator output..............................................31
Language Selection..................................................................32

xiv
Calibration ....................................................................................33
Electrical calibration ..........................................................33
Power On/Off................................................................................37
To turn the unit on..............................................................37
To turn the unit off .............................................................38
Reading the Display ......................................................................39
Sound level meter mode screen................................................39
Analyzer mode screen .............................................................44
T-L (Time/Level) display screen..............................................44
Numeric display screen............................................................45
Indicator messages...................................................................46
Menu List Screen.....................................................................47
System................................................................................47
Display ...............................................................................50
I/O (Input/Output).............................................................. 51
Store...................................................................................53
Measurement......................................................................54
Print ...................................................................................56
Recall.................................................................................57
Measurement.................................................................................59
Sound Level Measurement.......................................................59
Sound level, sound pressure level .......................................59
Equivalent Continuous Sound Level (LAeq) Measurement...61
Sound Exposure Level (LAE) Measurement ........................66
Maximum Sound Level (Lmax) and
Minimum Sound Level (Lmin) Measurement....68
Selecting the Lmax/Lmin type...............................................70
Percentile Sound Level (LN) Measurement .........................71
Additional Processing Value (Lpeak, LAtm5) Measurement...73
Back-Erase Function...........................................................76
Marker ...............................................................................77
Max Hold ...........................................................................78
Delayed Measurement ........................................................79

xv
Store Operation .............................................................................81
Inserting and Removing the CF Card ......................................84
Manual ....................................................................................85
Memory Store ....................................................................85
Auto1 .......................................................................................91
Auto2.......................................................................................97
Memory Card................................................................................99
Using a memory card .........................................................99
Input/Output Connectors............................................................. 103
AC OUTPUT......................................................................... 103
DC OUTPUT......................................................................... 105
TRIG IN/COMP OUT jack....................................................106
Default Settings...........................................................................108
Setup File.................................................................................... 110
Preparing a setup le for automatic loading ..................... 111
Saving a setup le.................................................................. 113
Copying a setup le to CF card.............................................. 114
Optional Accessories................................................................... 115
Microphone Extension Cables (EC-04 series) ........................ 115
Printer.................................................................................... 116
Level Recorder LR-07/LR-20A.............................................. 119
Program Cards....................................................................... 121
Remote control ......................................................................122
Specications ..............................................................................124

xvi

1
Outline
The Sound Level Meter NA-28 allows octave and 1/3 octave band analysis in
real time. It conforms to legal requirements for quantity measurements and to
JIS and IEC standards. It supports diffuse sound eld measurements and also
meets standard requirements when the supplied windscreen is mounted.
The NA-28 consists of the 1/2-inch electret condenser microphone UC-59,
preamplier NH-23, and the main unit. The main unit is equipped with an
LCD panel, operation keys, AC and DC output connector, USB port, com-
parator output, external trigger input, and infrared remote control sensor.
The unit supports real-time octave band analysis in the range from 16 Hz to
16 kHz, and real-time 1/3 octave band analysis in the range from 12.5 Hz to
20 kHz. It is also possible to perform octave and 1/3 octave band analysis
simultaneously. (In this case, the upper limit is 8 kHz for octave band and
12.5 kHz for 1/3 octave band.)
Measurement results are stored directly on a CompactFlash memory card
(called CF card in this manual).
Communication with a computer is possible via the built-in USB port. Be-
cause the USB port conforms to storage specications, the NA-28 will be
recognized as a removable disk when connected to a computer. This allows
transfer of data from the CF card to the computer without having to remove
the CF card from the NA-28. USB host functionality is also provided, allow-
ing the use of a USB printer.
The infrared remote control available as an option allows control of the
NA-28 without a cable link.
The comparator output is an open collector type, which can be used for
control of external equipment. Conversely, the trigger input allows control
of the NA-28 from another device.
Optional program cards for implementing architectural acoustics measure-
ments and other types of measurement are also supported.

2
Outline
The Sound Level Meter NA-28 allows the following quantity measure-
ments.
Main processing (sound level meter mode, analyzer mode)
Simultaneous measurement of all items with selected time weighting and
frequency weighting characteristics
Sound level Lp
Equivalent continuous sound level Leq
Sound exposure level LE
Maximum sound level Lmax
Minimum sound level Lmin
Percentile sound level LN(1 to 99) 1-increment steps,
max. 5 values, calculated from
Lpor Leq,1sec
In sound level meter mode, in addition to the main processing items, one
of the following measurements can be selected.
Peak sound level Lpeak
Takt-max sound level Ltm5
Frequency weighting characteristics are the same as for the sub
channel.
Frequency weighting characteristics A, C, Z
Time weighting characteristics
(main channel) F, S, 10 ms
(sub channel) F, S, 10 ms, I
A color LCD with backlight shows measurement parameters and measure-
ment values in sound level meter mode and analyzer mode.
The following options are available separately, to further enhance the range
of applications for the product.
Printer
For producing hard copy of measurement data (including stored
memory data).
Level recorder LR-07, LR-20A (No CE)
For recording sound level changes over time.