Sonel LXP-10B User manual

1
OPERATING MANUAL
DATA LOGGING LIGHT METERS
LXP-10B, LXP-10A
SONEL SA
Świdnica, Poland
SONEL TEST & MEASUREMENT Inc.
Santa Clara, Ca 95051 USA
Version 1.03

2
The Sonel LXP family of digital data-logging light meters are precision instruments used to measure il-
luminance (lux and foot-candles) in field conditions. The meters are compact and durable units thanks
to their simple-to-use design. They meet the requirements of CIE spectral sensitivity curves for spec-
tral response. The photosensitive element used in these meters consists of a very stable and durable
silicon photodiode with a spectral sensitivity filter, and is cosine-corrected.
Important features of the devices include:
•maximum resolution of light metering: 0.01 lx (0.001 fc) - LXP-10B, 0.001 lx (0.001 fc) - LXP-10A,
•high accuracy and fast response time,
•data-hold function for holding the measured values displayed on the screen with automatic reset,
•no need to use correction factors for different light sources owing to adjustment of spectral sensi-
tivity ensuring correct measurements of light intensity regardless of the nature of radiation,
•short response times to changing light intensity,
•"Peak-hold" function that enables the user to measure the peak signal of light pulse longer than
0.1 s and shorter than 1 s,
•automatic power off after 5, 10 or 15 minutes, or auto-off function,
•measurements of maximum and minimum values,
•relative readings,
•large and readable display with backlit function,
•USB socket for connecting the meter to a PC,
•six measuring ranges –LXP-10A,
•memory space for 999 results, view on the meter or download to a PC,
•data logger with a logging capacity of 16000 values.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital de-
vice, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is
no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
CAUTION:
Equipment changes or modifications not expressly approved by SONEL TEST &
MEASUREMENT Inc., the party responsible for FCC compliance, could void the user’s au-
thority to operate the equipment, and could create a hazardous condition.

3
CONTENTS
1FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................4
1.1 DISPLAY......................................................................................................................4
2SETTINGS...............................................................................................................4
3TAKING MEASUREMENTS......................................................................................5
4SPECIAL FEATURES ................................................................................................5
4.1 DATA HOLD MODE FOR HOLDING DISPLAYED DATA ...........................................................5
4.2 PEAK HOLD FUNCTION FOR READ-OUT OF PEAK VALUES.....................................................5
4.3 DESCRIPTION OF THE DEVICE...........................................................................................6
4.4 MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM VALUE MODE ..........................................................................6
4.5 RELATIVE MODE MEASUREMENT......................................................................................6
4.6 USB MODE ................................................................................................................7
4.7 DISPLAY BACKLIGHT ......................................................................................................7
4.8 MEMORY FUNCTION .....................................................................................................7
4.9 DATA LOGGING FUNCTION .............................................................................................7
5CHARACTERISTICS OF SPECTRAL SENSITIVITY ........................................................8
6RECOMMENDED LIGHTING....................................................................................9
7CONNECTION ........................................................................................................9
8REPLACING THE BATTERY ......................................................................................9
9CLEANING, MAINTENANCE AND CALIBRATION ...................................................10
10 STORAGE.............................................................................................................10
11 DISMANTLING AND DISPOSAL.............................................................................10
12 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................10
13 STANDARD EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED BY SONEL INCLUDES: ....................................11
14 SERVICE...............................................................................................................12

4
1Functional Description
1.1 Display
The main measurement display field.
Bar graph - analogue scale for showing rapid changes in light intensity.
Other data.
Sampling period and units.
Date and time.
Measurement units.
Data logging ON/OFF
Memory mode.
Additional data
Units.
Relative measurement.
Battery status.
Symbol of MIN / MAX values (also for PEAK HOLD function).
Symbol of HOLD function.
2Settings
Use the SET button to enter the meter settings. The and buttons are used to set parameter
values. The and buttons are used to move to the next parameter. Settings are introduced in the
following order:
unit (lx or fc) → sampling period (every 1 s to 60 s) → day → month → year → hour → minute →
second → sounds (On/Off) → AutoOFF (300 s, 600 s, 900 s, none (---)) → unit ... Exit settings by
pressing SET - selected/changed settings will be saved.

5
3Taking measurements
•Press the power button in order to switch the meter ON.
•The device starts in the automatic range selection mode. To change to manual range selection
mode press RANGE button for 2 sec. Ranges are selected by pressing the RANGE button. The
range is displayed at the top of the display. Pressing the RANGE button again for 2 seconds will
return the device to the automatic range selection mode.
•Remove the cover from the photodetector and point it perpendicularly to the light source.
•Read the nominal value of the lighting from the display.
•If the instrument displays "OL" the input signal is too strong and you need to set a higher measur-
ing range.
•After completing the measurement cover the photodetector with its cover and turn the meter OFF.
4Special Features
4.1 DATA HOLD mode for holding displayed data
•Press HOLD button to select the Data Hold mode. When HOLD mode is selected the meter latch-
es the currently displayed result numerically, while the bar graph continues to show real-time con-
ditions.
•Press again HOLD again to exit Data Hold mode and return to normal operation.
4.2 PEAK HOLD function for read-out of peak values
PEAK HOLD function enables the user to measure the peak signal of light pulses longer than 0.1 s
and shorter than 1 s. The bar graph shows current result continuously.
•Press PEAK to enter Pmax data logging mode and place the device in the light measuring area.
•Press PEAK button again to enter Pmin data logging mode.
•Press PEAK button again to exit Peak Hold mode and return to normal operation.

6
4.3 Description of the device
Power Button: Turns the light meter ON/OFF.
Liquid crystal display 3 3/4": digital display with a maximum reading of 3999, symbols of meas-
ured values, symbols of functions, etc.
RANGE button: Selects either Manual or Automatic range setting.
LOGG button: turns data logger or backlight ON/OFF, or erasing data logger memory.
ENTER/MEM button: Enters values into memory, view or delete memory.
SET button: Enters the meter settings.
HOLD button: Holds the displayed data or "up" cursor.
PEAK: Holds the peak values or "right" cursor.
MAX/MIN button: Reads the maximum or minimum value; or "left" cursor.
REL button: Relative measurement or "down" cursor.
Measuring head with sensor.
4.4 Maximum and minimum value mode
•Press MAX/MIN button to read the maximum value (MAX).
•Press MAX/MIN button again to read the minimum value (MIN).
•Press MAX/MIN button again exit this mode and return to normal operation mode.
•The bar graph shows current result continuously.
4.5 Relative mode measurement
•Press the REL button to start the relative measurement mode. The numerical display shows the
difference between the currently measured value and a reference value that was saved at the in-
stant when the REL button was pressed. If the current reading is identical to the reference value
the display will show zero. The bar graph shows the real-time result continuously.
•Press REL again to exit the relative measurement.

7
4.6 USB Mode
•Connect the light meter to your computer via the USB port.
•Start the Sonel Reader program on your computer.
•The meter operates in data reading mode.
•To read the data stored in memory use the appropriate commands in the software. The software
enables the user to select between reading measurement memory or data logger memory.
4.7 Display backlight
•Press the backlight button briefly to switch it ON.
•Press the backlight button briefly again to switch it OFF.
4.8 Memory function
•To save the current data in memory press the ENTER/MEM button. The display will show MEM for
3 seconds along with the cell number in which the measurement is saved. New measurements are
saved automatically to the next available cell. When the memory is full instead of a cell number the
display will show ‘---‘ and the measurement will not be saved.
•To recall measurement results from the memory - press and hold the ENTER/MEM button for 2
seconds.
•Use the and buttons to view individual memory cells. Pressing the and buttons will
in turn display: measured value, unit, date and time of measurement and information on memory;
main (general) memory or memory of individual functions e.g. Pmax, Pmin, MAX, MIN, REL. The
data may also be accessed from a PC.
•To return to the normal operation - press and hold the ENTER/MEM button for 2 seconds.
•To clear the memory, turn the meter ON while holding down ENTER/MEM button. The process of
erasing the memory lasts about 10 seconds. The main display will show and the cell number
display field will show numbers of cells decreasing to zero, indicating remaining cells to be erased.
After erasing the memory, the meter returns to the measurement mode
4.9 Data Logging function
•Set the time and the sampling rate as in section 2 above, the default sampling rate is 1 sec.
•To start the data logging function press and hold the LOGG button for 2 seconds. The display will
show LOGG and free memory space will be displayed as a percentage value (from 100% to 0%).
The memory stores the measured value, plus date and time.
•The LOGG indicator flashes at the sampling period intervals.
•When the memory is full the percentage value is shown at 0% and a double beep indicates the
end of data logging.
•If data logging mode is activated when the memory is full then after 2 seconds the meter exits the
logging mode and the LOGG message will disappear –followed by a double beep.
•To stop data logging press and hold the LOGG button for 2 seconds, the meter returns to normal
operation mode. Data logging may be re-started if desired.
•Data logging puts results into a memory area separate from the cell-memory area designated for
storing individual measurements. During logging individual measurements can also be saved on
the fly in memory cells. This may be done by a short press of the MEM/ENTER button. The display
shows LOGG and MEM, and displays the number of memory cell where the measurement is
saved. When the data has been saved the display will continue to show LOGG. To save another
individual measurement in the next memory cell repeat this process.
•To clear the memory of the meter, turn the meter ON while holding down LOGG button. The main
display will show and the percentage value field will show the amount of free space that will
change from 0 to 100 % when erasing progresses. After erasing the memory, the meter returns to
the measurement mode.
•Logged data may be read with the Sonel Reader PC software provided with the meter.

8
5Characteristics of spectral sensitivity
Installed photodiodes with filters makes the spectral sensitivity characteristics well matched to the re-
quirements of C.I.E. (INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION ON ILLUMINATION). Sensitivity parameters V
(λ) are presented on the following charts.
LXP-10A
Charakterystyka korekcji widmowej V(λ)
0,00000
0,10000
0,20000
0,30000
0,40000
0,50000
0,60000
0,70000
0,80000
0,90000
1,00000
380 430 480 530 580 630 680 730 780
Długość fali w nm
Czułość względna
V(λ)_wzorca
V(λ)_LXP-10A
LXP-10B
Charakterystyka korekcji widmowej V(λ)
0,00000
0,10000
0,20000
0,30000
0,40000
0,50000
0,60000
0,70000
0,80000
0,90000
1,00000
380 430 480 530 580 630 680 730 780
Długość fali w nm
Czułość względna
V(λ)_wzorca
V(λ)_LXP-10B
Fig. 1 Characteristics of spectral sensitivity
LP-10A
Features of spectral correction V(λ)
LP-10B
Features of spectral correction V(λ)
WAVELENGTH [nm]
Relative sensitivity
Relative sensitivity
WAVELENGTH [nm]
reference
reference

9
6Recommended lighting
LOCATION
lx
fc
OFFICE
Conference room, reception
200 to 750
18 to 70
Office work
700 to 1,500
65 to 140
Typing, designing
1,000 to 2,000
93 to186
FACTORY
Visual works on the production line
300 to 750
28 to 70
Inspection works
750 to1,500
70 to 140
Electronic components, assembly line
1,500 to 3,000
140 to 279
Packaging, corridors
150 to 300
14 to 28
HOTEL
Public rooms, cloakroom
100 to 200
9 to 18
Reception
200 to 500
18 to 47
Cash register
750 to 1,000
70 to 93
SHOP
Interiors, stairs, corridors
150 to 200
14 to 18
Display window, packing table
750 to 1,500
70 to 140
The front side of a display window
1,500 to 3,000
140 to 279
HOSPITAL
Patient room, store
100 to 200
9 to 18
Room for medical examination
300 to 750
28 to 70
Operating theatre, emergency cases
750 to 1,500
70 to 140
SCHOOL
Assembly hall, interiors, gym
100 to 300
9 to 28
Classrooms
200 to 750
18 to 70
Laboratory, library, labs
500 to 1,500
47 to 140
1fc=10,76lx
7Connection
•Turn on the meter,
•activate USB mod (see section 4.6),
•start "SONEL READER" software to operate the meter.
Note: switch OFF the light meter before connecting USB cable to the meter socket.
8Replacing the battery
Note:
While performing the measurements with the battery symbol displayed, the user must be
aware of additional measurement uncertainties or unstable operation of the device.
•If the battery charge is too low the display will show the discharged battery symbol. Replace the
battery with a new one.
•To replace the battery turn the meter OFF, open the battery compartment cover.
•Remove the old battery and replace with a new standard 9V battery, then re-attach the cover.

10
9Cleaning, Maintenance and Calibration
•Clean the white circle on the detector with a damp cloth if necessary.
•Do not store the device in conditions of excessive heat or humidity.
The calibration interval for the photodetector will vary depending on the operating conditions, but in
general, its sensitivity is reduced in direct proportion to the product of light intensity and operating
time. To maintain the basic accuracy of the meter periodic calibration is recommended (see section
16).
10 Storage
When storing the meter:
•disconnect the probe from the meter,
•make sure that the meter and accessories are dry,
•remove the batteries if the meter is to be stored for a prolonged period.
11 Dismantling and Disposal
•Scrap and disused electric and electronic equipment should be disposed of selectively, i.e. not
placed with waste of another kind.
•Scrap and disused electric and electronic equipment should be sent to a collection point in ac-
cordance with local regulations for the disposal of electric and electronic equipment.
•Before the equipment is sent to a collection point do not dismantle or disassemble any elements.
•Observe local regulations concerning the disposal of electronic equipment, and depleted batteries.
12 Technical specifications
LP-10B PROBE
Range
of display [lx]
Resolution [lx]
Spectral un-
certainty
Basic uncer-
tainty
0 to 39.99
0.01
f1 ≤ 6 %
±(5 %+5 digits)
40.0 to 399.9
0.1
400 to 3999
1
4.00 k to 39.99 k
0.01 k
40.0 k to 399.9 k
0.1 k
Range
of display [fc]
Resolution [fc]
Spectral un-
certainty
Basic uncer-
tainty
0 to 3.999
0.001
f1 ≤ 6 %
±(5 %+5 digits)
4.00 to 39.99
0.01
40.0 to 399.9
0.1
400 to 3999
1
4 k to 39.99 k
0.01 k
•displaying the result in lx or fc
•Class B of the meter
LP-10A PROBE
Range
of display [lx]
Resolution
[lx]
Spectral un-
certainty
Basic uncerta-
inty
0 to 3.999
0.001
f1 ≤ 2 %
±(2 %+5 digits)
4.00 to 39.99
0.01
40.0 to399.9
0.1
400 to 3999
1
4.00 k to 39.99 k
0.01 k
40.0 k to 399.9 k
0.1 k

11
Range
of display [fc]
Resolution
[fc]
Spectral un-
certainty
Basic uncerta-
inty
0 to 3.999
0.001
f1 ≤ 2 %
±(2 %+5 digits)
4.00 to39.99
0.01
40.0 to 399.9
0.1
400 to 3999
1
4.00 k to 39.99 k
0.01 k
•displaying the result in lx or fc (displaying fc result with reduced resolution due to the display
limitations)
•Class A of the meter
Note: 1 fc=10.76 lx; 1 klx=1000 lx; 1 kfc=1000 fc
Other technical data
a) display ........................................................................3-3/4" digital LCD with 40-segment bar-graph
b) range exceeded..........................................................................................."OL" message displayed
c) spectral sensitivity ............................................CIE spectral sensitivity (CIE human eye sensitivity)
d) cosine correction (f2’) .................................................................................................................±3 %
e) sampling rate .............................................................................................................. 1.3 times / sec
f) photodetector .....................................................one silicon photodiode and spectral sensitivity filter
g) memory .............................................................................................................................999 results
h) recorder memory ..........................................................................................................16000 results
i) working temperature ..............................................................................0°C to 50°C / 32°F to 122°F
j) operational relative humidity ............................................................................................0% to 80%
k) storage temperature ............................................................................-20°C to 70°C / -4°F to 158°F
l) relative humidity.................................................................................................................0% to 70%
m) power source .....................................................................9 V battery or 8.4 V rechargeable battery
n) length of the measuring probe ....................................................................... approx. 100 cm / 3.3 ft
o) dimensions of the measuring probe...................115 mm × 60 mm × 20 mm / 4.5 in × 2.4 in × 0.8 in
p) dimensions of the control panel ........................ 170 mm × 80 mm × 40 mm / 6.7 in × 3.1 in × 1.6 in
q) weight ........................................................................................................................390 g / 0.85 lbs
r) interface ..................................................................................................................................... USB
13 Standard equipment supplied by Sonel includes:
•Hand-held control panel LXP-10
•9V battery
•Measuring probe LP-10A or LP-10B
•USB cable
•CD with PC software
•Operating manual
•Warranty card
•Hard case

12
14 Service
Contact the manufacturer for warranty and post-warranty service:
SONEL SA
58-100 Świdnica
Poland
tel. [phone]
fax [phone]
E-mail: ex[email protected]
Web page: www.sonel.pl
SONEL Test & Measurement, Inc.
Santa Clara, Ca 95054 USA
tel. [phone]
fax [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Web: www.soneltest.com
Attention:
Service and repairs must be performed only by Sonel or an authorized Sonel
service center.