Rion NL-42 User manual

3-20-41 Higashimotomachi, Kokubunji, Tokyo 185-8533, Japan
http://www.rion.co.jp/english/
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Sound Level Meter
NL-42 / NL-52

i
Organization of the NL-42/NL-52 documentation
Documentation for the Sound Level Meter NL-42/NL-52 comes in three
parts, as listed below.
Instruction Manual (this document)
Describes operating procedures for the NL-42/NL-52, connection and use
of peripheral equipment such as a level recorder and printer, and use of the
SD memory card.
Serial Interface Manual
Describes communication with a computer, using the serial interface built
into the NL-42/NL-52. 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.
The current instruction manual is available on our website.
(http://www.rion.co.jp/english/)
* 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 NL-42/NL-
52. If the unit is used together with other equipment to congure a measurement
system, consult the documentation of all other components as well. Pages v and
following 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.
Reading the Display
Explains symbols and other information shown on the display of the unit.
Measurement
Explains the basic procedures for measurement.
Card capacity and store time
Lists the data store time corresponding to the SD memory card capacity,
etc.
Store Operation
Explains how to store measurement data.

iv
Input/Output Connectors
Explains the input and output connectors of the unit.
Default Settings
Lists the factory default settings of the unit.
Setup Files
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 unit.
Mentioned about the tips to
use this unit properly. (This
messages do not have to do
with safety.)
Note
WARNING Disregarding instructions
printed here incurs the risk of
death or severe injury to per-
sons.

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.)
Measurement value
The time weighting characteristics
F, S I
Lp
Sound pressure
level
A-weighted sound pressure level LAF, LAS LAI
C-weighted sound pressure level LCF, LCS (LCI)
Z-weighted sound pressure level LZF, LZS (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 LAImax
Maximum C-weighted sound level LCFmax, LCSmax (LCImax)
Maximum Z-weighted sound level LZFmax, LZSmax (LZImax)
LN
Percentile sound
level
Percentile A-weighted sound level LAFNn, LASNn(LAINn)
Percentile C-weighted sound level LCFNn, LCSNn(LCINn)
Percentile Z-weighted sound level LZFNn, LZSNn(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
Takt-max A-weighted sound level LAtm5 ---
Takt-max C-weighted sound level (LCtm5) ---
Takt-max Z-weighted sound level (LZtm5) ---
• Z-weighted level is the same as an existing at-weighted level.
• The combination of peak sound level and takt-max with I character-
istics does not exist.
• Generally, measurement value shown in brackets ( ) are not used or
not suitable for evaluation.

viii

ix
Quantier Notation of NL-42/NL-52 According to International Standards
and JIS
(Excerpts from ISO 1996, 3891, IEC 61672-1, JIS Z 8202, 8731)
NL-42/52
notation Description Frequency weighting
ISO
notation
IEC
notation
JIS
notation
LZSound level ZLp—Lp
LAA-weighted sound level ALpA—LpA
LCC-weighted sound level C———
LZeq
Equivalent continuous
sound level Z———
LAeq
Equivalent continuous
A-weighted sound level ALAeq,TLAeq,TLAeq,T
LCeq
Equivalent continuous
C-weighted sound level C—LCeq,T—
LZE Sound exposure level Z———
LAE
A-weighted sound
exposure level ALAE LAE,TLAE
LCE
C-weighted sound
exposure level C———
LAN
LA05
Percentile A-weighted
sound level ALAN,T
LA5,T—
LAN,T
LA5,T
LA10 LA10,T—LA10,T
LA50 LA50,T—LA50,T
LA90 LA90,T—LA90,T
LA95 LA95,T—LA95,T
LAmax
Maximum A-weighted
sound level A———
LAmin
Minimum A-weighted
sound level A———
LCpeak
C-weighted peak sound
level C—LCpeak —
• Z-weighted level is the same as an existing at-weighted level.

x
Precautions
Operate the unit only as described in this manual.
The NL-42/NL-52 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.
Do not use the preamplier of this unit with sound level meters of other
models. It may cause the preamplier to fail.
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. Also keep the unit away from air with high salt or
sulphur content, gases, and stored chemicals during storage and use.
If it starts raining while using the unit outside, stop the measurement and
protect the unit from getting wet. In case the unit gets wet, wipe it with
a dry cloth and let it dry in a well-ventilated place.
Always turn the unit off after use. Remove the batteries from the unit
if it is not to be used for a long time. Otherwise battery uid may leak,
posing a risk of corrosion and damage. Also disconnect the AC adapter
or battery pack.
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.
Store this unit in the right place in the supplied storage case.
Up to two units can be stored in the storage case. When storing the unit
in an empty space, protect the unit by wrapping it with cushioning mate-
rial. Note that we are not responsible for any failure or damage to the unit
which occurs while the unit is stored in an empty space.

xi
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. In case of an apparent malfunc-
tion, do not attempt any repairs. Note the condition of the unit clearly and
contact the supplier.
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.
To ensure continued accuracy, have the unit checked and serviced at
regular intervals. Contact the supplier.
Dispose of the unit and of batteries only according to national and local
regulations at the place of use.
Do not remove the seal on the rear of the unit. If the seal is removed, the
“water and dust resistant performance” of the unit is no longer guaran-
teed.
In order to maintain the “water and dust resistant performance” of the
unit, observe the following precautions.
- Make sure that the battery compartment lid and bottom cover of the
unit are rmly closed.
- Do not open the battery compartment lid or bottom cover while the
unit is wet.
- Do not leave the unit in a wet state. Always wipe off any moisture
and properly dry the unit.
- Have the unit regularly checked and calibrated, to ensure continued
“water and dust resistant performance”.
- We recommend to have the packing inside the case and the bottom
cover replaced regularly (fare-paying service). The recommended
replacement cycle is two years. If more than two years have elapsed,
the “water and dust resistant performance” of the unit will no longer
be guaranteed. Regarding replacement of the packing and the bottom
cover, please contact your supplier.

xii
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.
The life of the backup battery for the internal clock of the unit is limited.
You should have the battery replaced about once every ve years. Regard-
ing replacement of the battery, please contact your supplier.
Please note that this product is warranted up to the product purchase price
against defects in material.
Never format optional program cards such as the NX-42EX and NX-42WR
with SD memory card formatting software (such as SD Formatter, etc.).
Otherwise the program data on the card will be erased and the respective
functions can no longer be used. Restoration of the erased program is not
warranted.

xiii
Contents
FOR SAFETY.................................................................................v
Outline ............................................................................................1
Controls and Functions ...................................................................4
Front view..................................................................................4
Bottom view ..............................................................................7
Rear view...................................................................................8
Preparations ....................................................................................9
Power.........................................................................................9
Power on/off ............................................................................13
Windscreen (WS-10, WS-15, WS-16).......................................15
Diffuse sound eld correction..................................................16
SD memory card and program cards........................................17
Microphone extension cables (EC-04 series)............................18
Tripod mounting ......................................................................20
Connection to a printer (DPU-414) ..........................................21
Connection to a level recorder (LR-07, LR-20A) and
data recorder (DA-20, DA-40) ................................................23
Connection to a computer .......................................................24
Setting the date and time .........................................................25
Measurement in a dark location ...............................................26
Sub channel settings ................................................................28
Eco setting (Power-saving mode)............................................. 31
Comparator output...................................................................32
Language selection ..................................................................35
Calibration ....................................................................................36
Internal calibration (Electrical calibration) ..............................36
Acoustic calibration (with Sound Calibrator NC-74) ................38
Reading the Display ......................................................................40
Measurement screen display ....................................................40
Sub channel display screen ......................................................45
Processed data display screen other than Lpvalue ...................45

xiv
Time-Level screen ...................................................................46
Indicator messages...................................................................47
Menu list screen.......................................................................48
System (Language).............................................................50
Display ...............................................................................53
I/O......................................................................................56
Store...................................................................................58
Measure..............................................................................61
Save/Print...........................................................................64
Option ................................................................................65
Recall.................................................................................66
WR.....................................................................................69
MENU list items ................................................................70
Measurement.................................................................................71
Sound level (Lp) measurement .................................................71
Equivalent continuous sound level (Leq) measurement .............73
Sound exposure level (LAE), Maximum sound level (Lmax),
Minimum sound level (Lmin) and
Percentile sound level (LN) measurement .................................78
Additional processing value measurement ...............................79
Card capacity and store time .........................................................82
Using Auto store (when the NX-42EX is installed)..................82
When performing waveform recording
(when the NX-42WR is installed) ...........................................83
Store Operation .............................................................................84
Manual mode operation ...........................................................87
Auto mode operation ...............................................................91
Marker .....................................................................................94
Timer Auto mode operation .....................................................96
Data size information ............................................................ 101
About the store data format ................................................... 101
About SD memory cards........................................................ 101
Data recovery ........................................................................ 102
Formatting an SD memory card............................................. 103
Screen hard copy ..................................................................104

xv
Input/Output Connectors............................................................. 105
AC OUT connector................................................................ 105
DC OUT connector................................................................107
I/O connector.........................................................................109
Default Settings........................................................................... 110
Setup Files .................................................................................. 112
Resume function .................................................................... 112
Loading a start up le at startup ............................................ 112
Restoring default settings (factory default settings)................ 113
Using setup les..................................................................... 114
Setting a start up le.............................................................. 117
Optional Accessories................................................................... 118
Microphone extension cables (EC-04 series).......................... 118
Printer DPU-414 .................................................................... 119
Level recorder LR-07/LR-20A ...............................................122
Program options ....................................................................124
Specications ..............................................................................125

xvi

1
Outline
The Sound Level Meter NL-42 and NL-52 are designed for sound level
measurements according to the IEC standard. They support diffuse sound
eld measurements and also meets standard requirements when the supplied
windscreen is mounted.
The NL-42 and NL-52 consist of the 1/2-inch electret condenser microphone
UC-52 (for NL-42) and UC-59 (for NL-52), preamplier NH-24 (for NL-42)
and NH-25 (for NL-52), and the main unit. The preamplier can be used by
separating and extending from the main body. The unit is equipped with the
operation keys and 3-inch backlit semitransparent color TFT LCD display to
offer good visibility for indoor/outdoor use and also in a dark location.
The display supports various languages, and enables user-friendly, intuitive
operation which can be operated comfortably by persons who are inexperi-
enced in measurements.
The unit is equipped with AC OUT and DC OUT connector, I/O connector
and USB connector as the output connectors.
Since the main unit offers the “water and dust resistant performance”
equivalent to IP54 (except microphone unit), outdoor measurements can be
performed without undue worries and a risk of failure caused by a sudden
rain can be reduced.
The 113 dB wide linearity range enables measurement without switching
ranges. Measurement results data are stored on the internal memory or in-
serted SD memory card of the unit.
The unit is designed for power saving, so operates continuously for up to 24
hours on four size AA batteries.
Also, in consideration of environment, nickel metal hydride rechargeable
batteries can be used to help reduce the amount of battery waste.
Connecting to an external power is also possible. And the unit can be con-
nected the external power supply for the long time measurement.

2
Outline
Communication with a computer is possible via the built-in I/O connector
and USB connector. Because the USB connector conforms to storage speci-
cations, the unit will be recognized as a removable disk when connected
to a computer. This allows transfer of data from the SD memory card to the
computer without having to remove the SD memory card from the unit.
The RS-232C interface allows sending measurement data to a printer.
Various optional programs allow users to add the following functions: long-
time, continuous data recording to SD memory card, waveform recording,
and comparator output. Also, various measurements are supported including
octave and 1/3 octave band real-time analyses, FFT analysis, and additional
measurements such as time weighting I (impulse).
In addition to the measurements of sound level, equivalent continuous sound
level and maximum/minimum sound level, the unit can measure percentile
sound level and sound exposure level. Up to 1000 measurement results can
be stored in the main unit.
The NL-42/NL-52 allows the following quantity measurements.
Main processing
Simultaneous measurement of all items with selected time weighting (F,
S) and frequency weighting (A, C, Z) characteristics
Instantaneous sound pressure level Lp
Equivalent continuous sound pressure level
Leq
Sound exposure level LE
Maximum sound pressure level Lmax
Minimum sound pressure level Lmin
Percentile sound level LN1, LN2, LN3, LN4
(1 to 99, 1-increment steps)
LN5 (0.1 to 99.9, 0.1-increment
steps)