Rion NA-83 User manual

3-20-41 Higashimotomachi, Kokubunji, Tokyo 185-8533, Japan
http://www.rion.co.jp/english/
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
SOUND LEVEL METER
NA-83

i
Organization of This Manual
This manual describes the features, operation and other aspects of the Sound Level
Meter NA-83. If the unit is used together with other equipment to congure a mea-
surement 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. The display content is also explained.
Connections
Explains how to connect the microphone and AC adapter.
Menu Setup
Describes the various menu screens that are used for setting up the unit.
Calibration and Operation Check
Explains how to calibrate the unit and verify correct operation.
Measurement
Explains the basic procedure for making a measurement.
Connectors
Provides information about the MIC. IN connector on the front panel, and
the pin layout of the connector on the rear panel. A connection diagram is
also shown.
Default Values
Lists the settings that are active when power is supplied.

ii
* All company names and product names mentioned in this manual are
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Technical Reference
Provides information about the conguration of the unit, electrical and
acoustic specications, IEC compliance, and other items.
Specications
Lists the technical specications of the unit.
Serial Interface
Transfer Format and Protocol
Provides information about connection to a computer, and the procedures
for command reception and data transfer.
Commands
Lists the commands that are available to control the unit and retrieve mea-
surement data.

iii
FOR SAFETY
In this manual, important safety instructions are specially marked as shown
below. To prevent the severe damage to the unit or peripheral equipment,
make sure that all instructions are fully understood and observed.
Important
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

iv
Precautions
Operate the unit only as described in this manual.
The NA-83 is a precision instrument. Protect it from shocks and vibra-
tions. 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 with the number as shown on the name plate of
the unit.
Do not use the unit in an environment where the specications for ambi-
ent temperature and humidity may be exceeded (temperature range -10
to +50˚C, relative humidity 10 to 90%).
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. 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.

v
The product described in this manual is in conformity with the
following standards;
EN61326-1:2006/IEC 61326-1:2005
Electrical equipment for measurement control and laboratory
use.
RION Co., Ltd.
3-20-41 Higashimotomachi, Kokubunji, Tokyo 185-8533, Japan
RION Co., Ltd. Europe Representative Ofce Schaepmanlaan 66, 4623 XZ,
Bergen op Zoom, The Netherlands
To conform to the EU requirement of the Directive
on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment,
the symbol mark on the right is shown on the
instrument.
To ensure continued accuracy, have the unit checked and serviced at
regular intervals.
Dispose of the unit according to national and local regulations at the place
of use.

vi
Contents
FOR SAFETY........................................................................................ iii
Outline ....................................................................................................1
Controls and Functions ...........................................................................2
Front panel .........................................................................................2
Right side panel .................................................................................3
Left side panel ...................................................................................5
Rear panel ..........................................................................................6
Display panel .....................................................................................7
Outdoor Microphone MS-11 ............................................................10
Connections ..........................................................................................11
Using the All-Weather Windscreen WS-13 ......................................11
Microphone connection ...................................................................16
Mounting the All-Weather Windscreen WS-13 on a tripod ..............17
Mounting on All-Weather Windscreen Tripod ST-81 .................. 17
Mounting on All-Weather Windscreen Tripod ST-88 .................18
Power on/off switching (AC adapter connection) .............................21
Power on ....................................................................................21
Power off ....................................................................................21
Connection of AC/DC OUT connector ............................................22
Menu Setup ...........................................................................................23
Microphone integrated sound source setup ......................................23
Frequency weighting setup ..............................................................24
Time weighting setup .......................................................................25
AC/DC OUT setup ..........................................................................26
Windscreen correction setup screen .................................................27
Calibration and Operation Check ..........................................................28
Calibration with microphone integrated sound source .....................28
Atmospheric pressure correction ................................................29
Acoustic calibration with Sound Calibrator NC-74 ...........................30
Operation check with microphone integrated sound source .............32

vii
Measurement ...........................................................................................33
Measurement of time-weighted sound level Lp(instantaneous value) .33
Measurement of maximum time-weighted sound level Lmax ..............35
Connectors ..............................................................................................37
MIC. IN connector .............................................................................37
Rear-panel connector .........................................................................38
Wiring diagram ..................................................................................39
DC power supply ......................................................................... 40
Reset control ............................................................................... 40
Default Values .........................................................................................41
Technical Reference .................................................................................42
Microphone and Preamplier .............................................................42
Construction and Operation Principle............................................42
Thermal Characteristics ................................................................43
Humidity Characteristics...............................................................43
Preamplier.................................................................................. 44
Integrated sound source ............................................................... 44
Condensation-preventing heater ................................................... 44
Inuence of Microphone Extension Cable ..........................................45
Frequency Weighting Network........................................................... 46
RMS Detection Circuit and Time Weighting ......................................47
Inuence of Background Noise.......................................................... 50
Description for IEC 61672-1 ...............................................................51
IEC61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) Frequency Response ...........................59
Reference incidence direction and reference point position ...........61
Frequency Response .....................................................................62
Effect of All-Weather Windscreen WS-13 ....................................62
The greatest susceptibility conguration for radio frequency elds ...... 64
Frequency response adjustment data for periodic test................... 64
The lower and upper limits of the linear operating range ............. 65
Directional Characteristics ........................................................... 66
Random incidence response correction......................................... 69
Statement of conforming to the basic statement............................ 69
Specications ..........................................................................................70

viii
Serial Interface
Transfer Format and Protocol ................................................................80
Transfer protocol .............................................................................80
Local Mode/Remote Mode ..............................................................80
Transfer codes ..................................................................................81
Transfer format ................................................................................82
Block reception processing .........................................................83
Communication cutoff .....................................................................88
Ratings ............................................................................................88
Commands .............................................................................................89
Command list ...................................................................................89
Command format .............................................................................90
Error codes ......................................................................................91
Command send example ..................................................................91
Command description ......................................................................92
Measurement parameter related commands ................................92
Calibration/operation check related commands ..........................95
Measurement data retrieval related commands ...........................96
Setting and information related commands ................................98
Example for control via external commands ....................................99

1
Outline
The NA-83 is a Sound Level Meter that conforms to Measurement Law re-
quirements for precision sound level meters, IEC 61672-1:2002 Class 1 (JIS
C 1509-1:2005 Class 1). It features a wide measurement range for sound
levels from 28 dB to 138 dB without range switching. Measurement values
are displayed on the integrated LCD panel.
Features
- Combination with Outdoor Microphone MS-11 with built-in heater and All-
Weather Windscreen WS-13 allows continuous long-term outdoor use.
- Built-in sound source of Outdoor Microphone MS-11 allows acoustic cali-
bration by remote operation.
- Windscreen correction feature of NA-83 ensures compliance with Measure-
ment Law requirements for precision sound level meters, IEC 61672-1:2002
Class 1 (JIS C 1509-1:2005 Class 1) also when All-Weather Windscreen
WS-13 is mounted.
- AC/DC output connector provides either AC or DC output signal (switch-
able).
- Serial communication enables data transfer and measurement control. Data
for time-weighted sound level Lpsampling value, maximum sound level
Lmax, minimum sound level Lmin, and time-average sound level Leq are sent
simultaneously at intervals of 100 ms.

2
Controls and Functions
Front panel
AC/DC OUT connector
Supplies either an AC or DC output signal (selectable). For details on
the AC/DC OUT setup screen, see page 26.
AC OUT is a frequency based signal using C weighting.
DC OUT is a level signal with logarithmic compression, based on the
currently selected frequency weighting and time weighting settings.
Serial number plate
Shows the model type and serial number about the unit and micro-
phone.
AC/DC OUT connector cap
This cover protects the connector from dust and other contamination. It
should be in place when not using the connector.
MIC. IN connector
This is the microphone connector. The Outdoor Microphone MS-11 via
its extension cable is to be connected here.
NA-83
AC/DC OUT
MIC. IN
AC/DC OUT connector
AC/DC OUT connector cap
MIC. IN connector
Serial number plate

3
Controls and Functions
Right side panel
Lp/Lmax key
Determines whether sound level measurement is for instantaneous
value or maximum hold value. When a menu screen has been called up
with the MENU key, the key serves for selecting a setting item.
MENU key
Each push of this key cycles through the menu screens listed below.
Frequency weighting setup
Time weighting setup
Calibration/operation check with microphone integrated sound
source
Calibration with external sound calibrator
AC/DC OUT setup
Windscreen correction setup
Microphone integrated sound source setup
Measurement screen
Fast
30 80 130
dB
m
s
Lp/Lmax
CAL ADJ.
MENU
DC IN 10- 15V
Display
CAL ADJ. keysMENU keyLp/Lmax key

4
Controls and Functions
CAL ADJ. keys
When the “Calibration/operation check with microphone integrated
sound source” screen and “Calibration with external sound calibrator”
screen is used, these keys serve to adjust the calibration level.
When another menu screen is shown, the keys serve for returning to the
measurement screen. While the measurement screen is shown, the keys
have no function.
Display
This LCD panel shows the sound level as well as information about set-
tings, under-range and over-range condition, and other items.

5
Controls and Functions
Left side panel
Name plate
Shows information about the model name, type, serial number, micro-
phone serial number, standard compliance, etc.
MADE IN JAPAN
MODEL NA-83
SOUND LEVEL METER
SER.NO.
MICROPHONE MS-11
NO.
IEC 61672-1:2002 Class 1
Name plate

6
Controls and Functions
Rear panel
Power supply connector
A DC source rated for 10 to 15 V can be connected here. The AC
adapter RC45-12L should be used.
Connector cover plate
Protects the rear-panel connector.
For serial communication, remove this cover and plug the supplied
communication connector (KEL 8300-032-281) into the rear-panel con-
nector.
Power supply connector
Connector cover plate
(for rear-panel connector)

7
Controls and Functions
Display panel
AC/DC OUT indicator
Shows the AC/DC OUT setting.
AC: AC OUT is selected.
dC: DC OUT is selected.
Windscreen correction indicator
Appears when the windscreen correction has been set to ON.
This setting can be made at the Windscreen correction setup screen
(page 27).
CAL indicator
This indicator is shown constantly when “Calibration with microphone
integrated sound source” (page 28) or “Operation check with micro-
phone integrated sound source” (page 32) is carried out.
When “Acoustic calibration with Sound Calibrator NC-74” (page 30) is
carried out, the indicator ashes.
Fast Slow
Over
max
Under Over
30 80
m
130
dB
ss
AC/DC OUT
indicator
Windscreen
correction
indicator
CAL indicator
Microphone integrated
sound source
frequency indicator
MS-11 indicator
Bar graph
Over-range
indicators
Numeric readoutTime weighting
indicators
Frequency weighting
indicator
Power supply
voltage indicator
Under-range
indicator
Maximum value
measurement indicator

8
Controls and Functions
Microphone integrated sound source frequency indicator
When “Calibration with microphone integrated sound source” or “Op-
eration check with microphone integrated sound source” is carried out,
the frequency of the integrated sound source is shown here. The follow-
ing four indications are available.
“25”: 250 Hz “50”: 500 Hz “1”: 1 kHz “4”: 4 kHz
MS-11 indicator
This indicator is shown when the integrated sound source of the Out-
door Microphone MS-11 can be used.
The sound source is enabled by setting it to ON on the microphone in-
tegrated sound source setup screen (page 23).
Bar graph
Shows the instantaneous value of the sound level (updated every 100
ms).
Over-range indicators
Indicate that the sound level signal has exceeded the upper limit of the
allowable range.
If the instantaneous value of the sound level has exceeded the range,
the right-side indicator is shown for at least 1 second.
If the sound level during maximum value measurement has exceeded
the range at least once, the left-side indicator appears and is held
until the end of maximum value measurement.
Numeric readout
Normally, the sound level is shown here as a dB value.
Time weighting indicators
Show the selected time weighting.
“Fast”: Time weighting F (Fast-response)
“Slow”: Time weighting S (Slow-response)
Frequency weighting indicator
Show the selected frequency weightings.
“A”: A weighting
“C”: C weighting
“p”: Z weighting

9
Controls and Functions
Power supply voltage indicator
Shows the voltage of the power supplied to the unit, as follows.
[ ] (2 segments on): approx. 11.3 to 15 V
[ ] (1 segment on): approx. 9.8 to 11.3 V
[ ] (ashing): lower than approx. 9.8 V
Under-range indicator (UNDER)
When the sound level signal has dropped below the lower limit of the
allowable range, this indicator is shown for at least one second.
Maximum value measurement indicator
To make a maximum value measurement, press the Lp/Lmax key so that
this indicator is shown.

10
Controls and Functions
Outdoor Microphone MS-11
Integrated sound source
This source is driven by a signal from the NA-83 and generates a cali-
bration tone (1 kHz, 114 dB, at an atmospheric pressure of 101.3 kPa)
within the microphone cartridge. It can be used to calibrate and verify
operation of the system consisting of the microphone and sound level
meter.
Heater
This device serves to prevent internal condensation in the MS-11. The
heat value is about 0.9 W. It is integrated in the preamplier section.
Atmospheric pressure equalization hole
This hole of 0.5 mm diameter equalizes differences in air pressure in-
side and outside of the MS-11.
Important
Never remove the microphone cartridge.
Do not remove the grid. Otherwise the diaphragm
may become deformed or damaged, which will
result in impaired performance.
Do not block the atmospheric pressure equaliza-
tion hole with tape or similar. If pressure cannot
be equalized, microphone performance will be
impaired.
Grid Microphone cartridge
Preamplifier
Integrated sound source
Heater
Atmospheric pressure
equalization hole