Rion DA-21 User manual

3-20-41 Higashimotomachi, Kokubunji, Tokyo 185-8533, Japan
http://www.rion.co.jp/english/
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
4 channel Data Recorder
DA-21

i
Organization of this manual
This manual describes the features, operation and other aspects of the 4 channel
Data Recorder DA-21. 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 section starting on page iii contains important information and precautions
about safety. Be sure to read and observe these in full.
This manual contains the following sections.
Outline
Gives basic information on the unit.
Controls and Functions
Explains the keys, indicators, connectors, and all other parts on the panels
of the unit.
Power On/Off
Explains how to turn the unit on and off.
Display Explanation
Explains the various items that are shown on the display panel.
Menu Operations and Setting Items
Lists the basic steps that are common to all menus, and explains the indi-
vidual setting items.
Preparations
Explains checks and other steps to take before starting to record. Sensor
connection and setup as well as other functions are also explained here.
Recording
Explains the recording process as well the voice memo and marker functions.
Recall/Playback of Recorded Data
Explains how to recall and delete recorded data.

ii
Messages
Explains the meaning of messages that appear on the display and counter-
measures to take in response to such messages.
Filter Characteristics
Shows the high-pass lter and low-pass lter characteristics.
Settings and Other Information
For convenient reference, this section lists all menu settings, data recording
operation types, and other relevant information.
WAVE File Format
Provides information about the WAVE le format used by the unit for
recording data.
Specications
Lists the technical specications of the unit.
* Company names and product names mentioned in this manual are usually
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
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.
The product described in this manual is in conformity with the fol-
lowing European standards;
Conforming Standards
CE Marking
Low Voltage Directive: 2006/95/EC EN61010-1:2010
EMC Directive: 2004/108/EC EN61326-1:2013
This product can be used in any areas including residential areas.

iii
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.
Contains special information
that is helpful in utilizing the
features of the unit, but that is
not directly related to safety.
Note

iv
Caution
When using earphones, beware of excessive volume levels
When connecting earphones to the Monitor Out connector of this unit, use
only earphones with a volume adjustment function, because there is a risk
of excessive volume levels.
Do not play the supplied disc in a CD player
The supplied viewer software installation disc is not a music CD. Inserting
this disc in a CD player poses the risk of excessive volume levels that can
cause hearing damage and damage to the CD player.
Be careful around rotating machinery
When using the unit near rotating machinery, take care that cables cannot
be caught in the machinery.
Avoid excessive force and abrupt operation
Applying strong force to the keys or card slot cover of the unit can lead to
damage and injury. When connecting or disconnecting cables and opening
or closing the card slot cover, take care not to pinch your ngers.

v
Important
Check the install CD before installation
Before inserting the supplied viewer software install CD in the CD-ROM
drive of a computer, be sure to visually check the disc. If there are any cracks
or scratches or if the disc is deformed, do not insert the disc in the CD-ROM
drive. Otherwise there is a risk of damage to the CD-ROM drive.
Handle batteries correctly
If batteries are inserted with wrong polarity or otherwise mishandled, battery
uid may leak and overheating may occur.
Do not apply excessive voltage
Make sure that voltage applied to the power supply connector (DC IN), to the
Input connectors, and to the external trigger (Ext. Trig.) connector does not
exceed the specied values. Otherwise there is a risk of damage to the unit.

vi
Usage Precautions
Operate the unit only as described in this manual.
Observe the following conditions with regard to locations for use and
storage of the unit:
• Do not use or store the unit in locations where the specied permis-
sible range for temperature and humidity may be exceeded (-10ºC to
+50ºC, max. 90% RH).
• Do not use or store the unit in locations where there are rapid and
drastic changes in temperature or where there is a possibility of con-
densation.
• Do not use or store the unit in locations that may be subject to splashes
of water or other liquids.
• Do not use or store the unit for an extended time in locations that may
be exposed to direct sunlight.
• Do not use or store the unit in locations that may be subject to air
with high salt or sulphur content, or subject to the inuence of gases
and other chemicals.
• Do not use or store the unit in slanted or instable locations.
• Do not use or store the unit in locations that may be subject to vibra-
tions or shock.
If batteries are inserted with wrong polarity or otherwise mishandled,
battery uid may leak and overheating may occur.
Make sure that voltage applied to the power supply connector (DC IN)
and to the signal Input connectors does not exceed the specied values.
Take care that cables and other parts cannot be caught in rotating ma-
chinery.
Do not apply strong force to the keys or card slot cover of the unit. Oth-
erwise there is a risk of damage to the unit or injury to ngers etc. When
connecting or disconnecting cables and opening or closing the card slot
cover, take care not to pinch your ngers.
Use only earphones with volume control function at the Monitor Out
connector of this unit, and beware of excessive volume levels.
Use only SD memory cards supplied by Rion. Other commercially avail-
able cards may not operate properly with the unit.

vii
Verify before use that all cables are correctly and safely connected. Do not
bend cables sharply or subject them to pressure. When removing cables,
always grasp the plug or connector and do not pull the cable.
Do not apply strong shock to the connected cables to the unit. Otherwise
the cables may remove from the unit.
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.
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, conductive
plastics etc. can get into the unit.
Do not disassemble the unit or attempt internal alterations. In case of
malfunction, do not attempt any repairs. Note the condition of the unit
clearly and contact your supplier.
Clean the unit only by wiping it with a soft, dry cloth or, when necessary,
with a cloth lightly moistened with water. Do not use any solvents, cleaning
alcohol or chemical cleaning agents.
When returning the unit for maintenance or servicing, use the original
packing to protect it from shocks and vibration.
The life of the backup battery for the internal clock of the unit is lim-
ited. You should have the battery replaced about once every ve years.
Regarding 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.
Dispose of the unit and of batteries only according to national and local
regulations at the place of use.

viii
Open source software
This product contains the open source software of the following licenses.
(1) GPL
(2) GPL v 2
(3) GPL v 3
(4) Boost Software License
Those source codes of the open source software according to the li-
cense agreement will be given. Those source codes are available for
download from the Rion Support Room (http://svmeas.rion.co.jp/).
Note that we assume no responsibility for the source code.
Note that we are not responsible for exact details of the source code.
For details on the license, click [Manual] - [Open Source License]
folder in the supplied CD-ROM.
AC adapter precautions
Use only the specied AC adapter available as an option for the DA-21
(NC-98C). Use of any other adapter can lead to damage or unexpected
accident. Take care not to mix up the AC adapter with the AC adapter of
another product.

ix
Contents
FOR SAFETY............................................................................... iii
Outline............................................................................................1
Controls and Functions....................................................................5
Front panel.................................................................................5
Rear panel................................................................................10
Right side panel .......................................................................12
Bottom panel ...........................................................................13
Power On/Off................................................................................14
Display Explanation ......................................................................17
Display screen..........................................................................17
Menu Operations and Setting Items ..............................................30
General menu operation steps ..................................................30
Menu Items..............................................................................39
<Input> menu.....................................................................39
<Rec.Parameters> menu.....................................................44
<Trigger> menu..................................................................46
<Bar Graph> menu.............................................................50
<System> menu..................................................................51
<Synchronization> menu....................................................55
Preparations ..................................................................................56
Preparations and checks before recording................................57
Power supply ......................................................................57
SD memory card preparations ............................................ 61
External equipment (sensor etc.) connections .....................64
Input settings......................................................................65
Recording parameter settings...................................................70
Input range setting..............................................................70
Sampling ............................................................................73
Recording process ..............................................................74
Auxiliary function setup..........................................................84
Device index number (<System> menu: Index)...................84
Voice memo/marker ...........................................................85

x
Preventing inadvertent operation (key lock and menu lock) 87
Remote control operation ...................................................89
Connection to a computer .......................................................90
Inter-unit synchronization........................................................91
Tachometer signal input ...........................................................93
Recording......................................................................................94
Recording steps .......................................................................94
1. Checks before recording ......................................................94
2. Input range setting / Calibration signal recording ................96
3. Recording ............................................................................98
Using the voice memo/marker function.................................. 102
Data recording example ......................................................... 105
Recall/Playback of Recorded Data ..............................................108
Activating recall mode...........................................................108
Playback of recorded data ...................................................... 111
Canceling recall mode ........................................................... 115
Other information .................................................................. 115
Messages..................................................................................... 119
Filter Characteristics ...................................................................128
Settings and Other Information ................................................... 129
Approximate recording times ................................................129
Menu items ............................................................................130
Data recording ....................................................................... 133
Representative value of inherent noise ...................................138
Power save settings ................................................................ 138
WAVE File Format...................................................................... 139
Basic structure ....................................................................... 139
Basic WAVE le structure ................................................ 139
File structure and size ......................................................140
Invalid values......................................................................... 141
Data types.............................................................................. 142
Chunks .................................................................................. 143
Specications .............................................................................. 152

1
Outline
The DA-21 is a compact, lightweight data recorder designed for waveform
recording. The unit can be powered from batteries, for convenient use in the
eld.
To record sound or vibration waveforms, microphones or accelerometers can
be connected easily. The capability for sensor drive power supply (CCLD) is
also provided. Unlike with conventional units having only general-purpose
connectors, the design of the DA-21 eliminates the need to set up additional
connection equipment, allowing quick and uncomplicated recording start.
Features
The unit has the following features.
Simultaneous recording of electrical signals in up to 4 channels.
Compact and lightweight body ensures easy portability. A set of four
IEC LR6 (size AA) alkaline batteries will power the unit for about
8 hours of continuous use (at 23ºC, frequency range setting 100 Hz,
4-channel input, CCLD off, backlight off).
CCLD support allows easy hookup of sensors including microphones
and accelerometers.
A wide range of sensors for converting sound pressure, vibrations,
rotation, temperature or other measurement quantities into an electrical
signal (AC or DC) is supported. Measurement quantities measured
by sensors are displayed in units “V”, “V/EU”, “mV/(m/s2)” or “dB”
with a user selectable setting range.
Frequency range from DC to 20 kHz allows recording of a wide range
of phenomena.
Recorded data are stored on SD memory card in WAVE format. For
example, when using a 32 GB card, available recording time with the
20 kHz frequency range setting and continuous recording in 4 input
channels is about 23 hours.
Voice memo and marker information can also be recorded, to facilitate
later data management.

2
Outline
Accurate playback of data is possible, making it easy for example to
check the reliability of data in the eld. The playback signal can also
be output to an analyzer or similar equipment.
Supplied viewer software (AS-70 Viewer) for use on a computer
provides the required features for checking and storing the recorded
waveform data (including voice memo and marker), as well as fre-
quency weighting and time weighting functions. The software runs
on Windows computers.
Synchronize two DA-21 units to record signals simultaneously up to
8 channels.

3
Outline
System conguration
Sensor/Measuring instrument
SD memory card
4 Channel Data Recorder
DA-21
Waveform monitoring equipment
Voltmeter
FFT analyzer
Other equipment
Application software
Supplied: Viewer software
Waveform analysis software CAT-WAVE
(The version corresponding to DA-21
is required. )
Generic waveform processing software
(up to 2 channels)
Automobile running test
(sound and vibration data)
Road traffic noise
(sound pressure waveform data)
Product inspection data
Other data
Playback signal
monitoring output
Temperature meter
Microphone Accelerometer
Sound level meterTachometer
Vibration level meter
Other sensor
Analysis
Target
Windows Computer
(generic)
WAVE files created by the DA-21 are not
supported by the DA-20PA1, DA-40 Viewer
or CAT-78WR application software.
(NOTE)
Optional:
Waveform analysis software AS-70
STOP PLAY REC PAUSE ENT
DA-21
4ch DATA RECORDER
CARD
POWER
OVERLOAD CARD CAPACITY
LIGHT RECALL RANGE CLEAR Ov MENU
4
3
2
1

4
Outline
Operation environment
The DA-21 allows various operations for recording data. The general concept
of the basic functions is as shown in the diagram below.
Main screen This screen appears as the rst screen, a short
while after power to the unit is turned on. The
menu screens, recording procedure, and recall
mode are all accessed from the main screen. Input
range selection is also possible from this screen.
Menu screen Pressing the [MENU] key at the main screen brings
up a menu screen. There are a number of menu screens
that give access to recording parameters, input settings,
and various other settings (see page 30).
Recording procedure Pressing the [REC] key at the main screen initiates
the recording procedure. This encompasses all
steps required to record data (see page 94).
Recall mode Pressing the [RECALL] key at the main screen acti-
vates the recall mode. In this mode, you can check,
playback and delete recorded data (see page 108).
Main screen
Menu screen
(for changing settings)
Recall mode
(for processing of recorded data)
Recording procedure
(record data)
[MENU]
[MENU]
or [STOP]
Recording end
or [STOP]
[RECALL]
[RECALL]
Power ON
[REC]

5
Controls and Functions
Front panel
STOP PLAY REC PAUSE ENT
DA-21
4ch DATA RECORDER
CARD
POWER
OVERLOAD CARD CAPACITY
LIGHT RECALL RANGE CLEAR Ov MENU
4
3
2
1
(1) POWER key
(2) STOP key
(3) PLAY key
(4) REC key
(5) PAUSE key
(13) MENU key
(12) RANGE key
(11) RECALL key
(9) LIGHT key
(10) CLEAR Ov key
(7) ENT key
PAUSE
indicator
PLAY
indicator
REC
indicator
OVERLOAD
indicator
CARD CAPACITY indicator
Card slot cover
(6) key
(8) key

6
Controls and Functions
Display panel
Shows input data, recorded data, menus for changing settings, etc.
Key names and functions
The DA-21 has some dedicated keys that perform only a specic function,
and some keys that perform various functions depending on the current
operating state.
(1) [POWER] key
Serves to turn the unit on and off. The key must be kept depressed for
about 2 seconds.
(2) [STOP] key
Serves to stop data recording or data playback. The key is also used for
menu operations and other functions.
(3) [PLAY] key
Serves to start data playback.
(4) [REC] key
Serves to start data recording.
(5) [PAUSE] key
Serves to pause and resume data playback.
(6) [ ]/[ ] keys
These keys serve to switch the input range, select a monitor channel, and
perform menu operations.
(7) [ENT] key
This key serves to conrm an item to be changed and accept a setting
that has been made. It is used when setting the input range, performing
menu operations, etc.
(8) [<]/[>] keys
These keys serve to change the data display format, change the le num-
ber, perform fast reverse/forward during playback, and perform menu
operations.

7
Controls and Functions
(9) [LIGHT] key
Serves to control backlighting of the LCD screen. The backlight is turned
on or off depending on the key press timing. When the LCD backlight
has been activated, it will automatically turn itself off if there has been
no key activity for a certain period. (The duration of this period can be
changed with a menu setting.)
Note
When the remaining battery capacity is low and the
battery icon (page 23) is ashing, the backlight does
not operate.
(10) [CLEAR Ov] key
Serves to clear the overload history display. This display indicates if there
has been any overload condition between the point when the key was last
pressed and the current time (see page 24).
(11) [RECALL] key
Serves to activate the recall mode and to cancel the recall mode and return
to the main screen.
(12) [RANGE] key
Serves to activate and cancel the input range setting condition. In recall
mode, the key serves to delete the recording data selected by cursor.
(13) [MENU] key
Serves to bring up a menu screen or return to the main screen.
There are a number of menu screens which allow changing the settings of
the unit. Menu screens are organized by function category, such as input
settings, recording parameters, etc.
Key lock
Pressing and holding the [<] and [>] keys together for a few seconds ac-
tivates the key lock condition. In this condition, all keys except the [<]/
[>] keys and the [LIGHT] key are inactive. The condition is indicated by
a key lock icon that appears on the display (page 87).
To cancel the key lock condition, press and hold the [<] and [>] keys
together once more.

8
Controls and Functions
Indicator names and functions
(1) OVERLOAD indicator
Indicates that the input signal level in a channel is excessive. While the
indicator is lit, correct recording is not possible for that channel.
Lit in red: While the input signal is causing overload and for 1 second
after the overload condition ceases, the indicator is lit.
(2) PLAY indicator
Indicates that recorded data are being played back.
Flashing in green: Recorded data are being played back.
(3) REC indicator
Indicates the operating condition during data recording.
Flashing in red: Data are being recorded.
Flashing in green: Unit is in trigger standby condition.
STOP PLAY REC PAUSE ENT
DA-21
4ch DATA RECORDER
CARD
POWER
OVERLOAD CARD CAPACITY
LIGHT RECALL RANGE CLEAR Ov MENU
4
3
2
1
(4) PAUSE indicator
(2) PLAY indicator
(3) REC indicator
(1) OVERLOAD indicator (5) CARD CAPACITY indicator