TESTO 816-1 User manual

testo 816-1 Sound Level Meter
Instruction Manual

2

1 Contents
3
1Contents
1Contents ...................................................................................................3
2Safety and the environment....................................................................5
2.1. About this document........................................................................5
2.2. Safety ..............................................................................................5
2.3. Protecting the environment..............................................................6
3Specifications ..........................................................................................7
3.1. Use ..................................................................................................7
3.2. Technical data .................................................................................7
4Product description...............................................................................12
5Using the product ..................................................................................16
5.1. Commissioning ..............................................................................16
5.2. Switching on / off ...........................................................................16
5.3. Setting the date / time....................................................................16
5.4. Showing / hiding the date / time.....................................................17
5.5. Switching the display illumination on / off ......................................17
5.6. Changing the frequency weighting ................................................17
5.7. Changing the time weighting .........................................................17
5.8. Measuring......................................................................................18
5.9. Using the min / max hold function..................................................19
5.10. Using individual value storage .......................................................20
5.11. Using measurement series storage ...............................................20
5.12. Using AC / DC signal output ..........................................................21
5.13. Using PC interface.........................................................................22
6Maintaining the product ........................................................................22
6.1. Cleaning the instrument.................................................................22
6.2. Changing batteries ........................................................................22
6.3. Calibrating / adjusting the instrument ............................................22
7testo 816-1 software ..............................................................................23
7.1. System requirements.....................................................................23
7.2. Installing the drivers / software ......................................................23
7.3. Connecting the instrument to the PC.............................................23
7.4. Starting the software......................................................................24
7.5. User interface ................................................................................24
7.5.1. Main menu.....................................................................................................24

1 Contents
4
7.6. Real Time...................................................................................... 26
7.7. Data Logger .................................................................................. 28
8Tips and assistance .............................................................................. 29
8.1. Questions and answers ................................................................ 29
8.2. Accessories and spare parts......................................................... 30

2 Safety and the environment
5
2Safety and the environment
2.1. About this document
Use
> Please read this documentation through carefully and
familiarise yourself with the product before putting it to use. Pay
particular attention to the safety instructions and warning advice
in order to prevent injuries and damage to the product.
> Keep this document to hand so that you can refer to it when
necessary.
> Hand this documentation on to any subsequent users of the
product.
Warnings
Always pay attention to any information denoted by the following
warnings, indicated with warning pictograms. Implement the
precautionary measures specified!
Display Explanation
WARNING Indicates possible serious injury
CAUTION Indicates possible minor injury
ATTENTION Indicates circumstances which may result in
damage to the product
2.2. Safety
> Only use the product properly, for the purpose it is intended for
and within the parameters specified in the technical data. Do
not apply any force.
> Do not store the product together with solvents. Do not use any
desiccants.
> Only perform maintenance and repair work on this instrument
that is described in the documentation. Follow the prescribed
steps exactly. Use only original spare parts from Testo.
> Protect the instrument from rain and humidity. Make sure that
no fluids get into the microphone.

2 Safety and the environment
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2.3. Protecting the environment
> Dispose of faulty rechargeable batteries / spent batteries in
accordance with the valid legal specifications.
> At the end of its useful life, send the product to the separate
collection for electric and electronic devices (observe local
regulations) or return the product to Testo for disposal.

3 Specifications
7
3Specifications
3.1. Use
The testo 816-1 is a sound level meter with a measuring range of
30 to 130 dB, two time weightings, two frequency weightings,
minimum / maximum value function, individual value storage and
measurement series storage.
Measurement configurations and results are shown on the LCD
display. Measurement data can be stored in the instrument or
transferred to a Windows® PC via a PC interface.
Using the calibrator (accessory item), the meter can be adjusted
with the enclosed adjustment screwdriver.
The instrument fulfils the requirements of IEC 61672-1 Class 2.
3.2. Technical data
Feature Values
Microphone ½-inch electret condenser measurement
microphone 2.2 kohms input impedance
Frequency range 20 Hz to 8 kHz
Measuring range 30 to 130 dB
Noise level < 30 dB
Frequency weighting A / C
Time weighting FAST (125 mS), SLOW (1 s)
Accuracy ±1.4 dB (under reference conditions
@ 94 dB, 1 kHz )
Dynamic range 100 dB
Measurement data
memory
Individual value memory: 99 data records
Measurement series memory: 31,000 data
records
Digital display Resolution 0.1 dB, display refresh 0.5 s
Bar graph display 50 segments, resolution 2 dB, display
refresh 50 mS
AC output 1 Vrms at full deflection
DC output 10 mV / dB

3 Specifications
8
Feature Values
Voltage supply 4 x IEC LR6P (AA) batteries
Battery life approx. 30 h (alkaline batteries)
Power consumption approx. 0.3 W
Mains connection 9 V DC (8-10 V DC max)
Operating
temperature
0 to 40 °C
Operating humidity 10 to 90 % RH
Operating / storage
height
max. 2000m above sea level
Storage temperature -10 to 60 °C
Storage humidity 10 to 75 % RH
Dimensions
(L x W x H)
272 × 83 × 42 mm
Weight 390 g (including batteries)
Laws, guidelines,
standards
IEC 61672-1 Class 2, ANSI S 1.4 Type 2
ISO 9001:2008
Warranty 2 years
Warranty terms:
see www.testo.com / warranty

3 Specifications
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Directional characteristics of the microphone
Directional characteristics of the sound level meter

3 Specifications
10
Effect of the windscreen
Frequency weighting
Frequency [Hz] dBA(dB) dBC(dB) Error limits (dB)
20 -50.5 -6.2 ±3.5
31.5 -39.4 -3.0 ±3.5
63 -26.2 -0.8 ±2,5
125 -16.1 -0.2 ±2,0
250 -8.6 0.0 ±1,9
500 -3.2 0.0 ±1,9
1000 0.0 0.0 ±1,4
2000 1.2 -0.2 ±2,6
4000 1.0 -0.8 ±3,6
8000 -1.1 -3.0 ±5,6
Frequency weighting characteristics

3 Specifications
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Absolute pressure dependency
Height above sea
level [m]
Pressure [mbar] Offset value [dB]
0 – 250 1013 – 984 0.0
251 – 850 983 – 915 -0.1
851 – 1450 914 – 853 -0.2
1451 – 2000 852 – 795 -0.3
Temperature dependency
Values relating to:
• Ambient humidity: 65 %RH
• Sound pressure reference value: 124 dB
• Temperature range with discrepancy < 0.5 dB: 10 to 40 °C
Temperature [°C] Offset value [dB]
-10 -0.7
0 -0.7
5 -0.6
50 +1

4 Product description
12
4Product description

4 Product description
13
No. Element Description Function
1 On / Off Switch the instrument on / off
2 Individual value
storage data recall
Display the stored data of an individual
value storage.
3 Measurement series
storage
Start / stop automatic storage of
a measurement series.
4 Individual value
storage
Carry out manual storage of an individual
reading.
5 Up / down Edit view or value.
6 Time / date Show / hide values, edit values.
7 Measurement series
storage interval
Set interval.
8 Minimum /
maximum value
Display / save minimum / maximum value.
9 Display illumination Switch illumination on / off.
10 Frequency
weighting
Change frequency weighting.
11 Time weighting Change time weighting.
12 - Microphone Record readings.
13 CAL Adjustment screw Carry out adjustment.
14 PC PC interface Transfer data to PC.
15 OUTPUT AC / DC signal
output
Alternating / direct current signal output.
16 DC 9V DC-voltage input Voltage supply via external mains unit.
17 - Tripod threaded
connection
Mount instrument onto tripod.
18 - Battery
compartment
Internal voltage supply.

4 Product description
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Display
Element Description Function
Remaining
battery capacity
Remaining lifetime:
Fully partially discharged 
Replace battery
Automatic
instrument shut-
down
Automatic instrument shut-down
is activated
Hold minimum /
maximum value
Display the minimum / maximum
value.
Time weighting Display of the time weighting
configured.
Measuring range Minimum / maximum
measurable value.
Scale display Reading display via a scale.
Individual value
storage
Individual value display is
stored.
Time Display of time.

4 Product description
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Element Description Function
Individual value
storage memory
address
Memory address of the stored
value which is displayed.
Display of stored
individual value
Stored individual value is
displayed.
Frequency
weighting
Display of configured frequency
weighting.
Reading Display of reading
Date Display of date.
Alarm for
exceeding the
measuring range
Prompt due to exceeding the
maximum reading.
Memory full Prompt that reading memory is
full.
Measurement
series storage
Measurement series storage is
activated.
Alarm for falling
short of the
measuring range
Prompt due to falling short of the
minimum reading.

5 Using the product
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5Using the product
5.1. Commissioning
Inserting batteries
1. Remove Philips screw from the battery compartment using
a screwdriver.
2. Remove battery compartment cover.
3. Insert batteries. Observe the polarity!
4. Put cover back on the battery compartment.
5. Tighten screw using a screwdriver.
5.2. Switching on / off
Switching on (with automatic shut-down activation)
> Press the key.
- The instrument switches on and (automatic shut-down
activated) is displayed.
- The instrument switches off automatically if no key is pressed
for 30 minutes.
- The automatic shut-down is deactivated when the instrument is
connected to a PC or when automatic data recording is in
process.
Switching on (without automatic shut-down activation)
1. Hold down the key and press the key.
2. Hold down the key until the instrument switches on.
- The instrument switches on. is not displayed.
Switching off
> Hold the key down until P-OFF is displayed.
5.3. Setting the date / time
The integrated clock enables readings to be stored with the date
and time.
1. Hold down the key for 2 s.
The values are set in the following order: (year), (month), (day),
(hour), (minute), (second).

5 Using the product
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2. Press the or key to set a value, press the key to
change to the next value.
> Press the key to cancel the process.
5.4. Showing / hiding the date / time
> Press the key.
5.5. Switching the display illumination on / off
Switching on / off manually
> Press the key.
Automatic switch-off
The display illumination is switched off automatically after 30 s.
5.6. Changing the frequency weighting
Frequency weighting A is used for standard sound level
measurements. This weighting corresponds to the
perception of sound by the human ear. “Aurally
compensated” volume is referred to in this context.
If the low-frequency portions of a sound are also to be
weighted, frequency weighting C is used. If the displayed
C-weighting value is considerably higher than the A-
weighting value, then there is a large amount of low-
frequency noise.
> Press the key.
5.7. Changing the time weighting
The ranges “Slow”, with a time weighting of 1s, and “Fast”,
with a time weighting of 125ms, are available. The incoming
sound signals are incorporated over a period of 1 s or 125 ms
accordingly. If “Fast” is set, the rate at which readings are
shown in the display increases from one reading per second to
around 5 - 6 readings per second. The “Slow” time weighting
should be selected for noises whose signals only change in
volume gradually, such as machines, photocopiers, printers
etc. Select the “Fast” mode to measure sudden changes in
sound level (e.g. building machinery).
> Press the key.

5 Using the product
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5.8. Measuring
Information and recommendations
• Sound waves can be reflected off walls, ceilings and other
objects. If not handled correctly, the measuring instrument
housing and the person conducting the measurement are also
disruptive factors within the sound field and can result in
incorrect measurement results.
• Not only can the instrument housing and the person operating
the instrument impede the sound which comes from a particular
direction, they may even cause reflections, resulting in
significant measurement errors. Experiments have shown, for
example, that at frequencies around 400 Hz the body can
cause errors of up to 6 dB if a measurement is carried out less
than one meter away from the person. This error is smaller at
other frequencies, but a minimum distance should still be
observed. Generally, it is recommended that the measuring
instrument is held at least 30 cm - even better 50 cm - away
from the body.
• We recommend fitting the instrument to a tripod for exact
measurements
• Absolute pressure dependency: The measuring instrument is
calibrated at a height of 0 m above sea level in the factory.
Measurements at other heights give rise to measurement errors
which can be corrected using a table (see technical data).
Please subtract the corresponding offset value from the
measured value (e.g. - 0.1 dB for measurements at a height of
500 m above sea level). Prevent this measuring error by
adjusting the measuring instrument at the corresponding height
before (and after) each measurement. Follow the instruction
manual for the calibrator.
• Windscreen: The windscreen included in the delivery should
generally be set up for measurements outdoors or if the air is
moving. Wind noises around the microphone will cause a
measuring error as the useful signal (from the noise source)
and the wind noise will be added together.
The slight effect of the windscreen on the measurement result
is illustrated in the diagram on page 10.
• Overmodulation and undermodulation: With every
measurement cycle, the sound level meter checks whether the
measured sound level is within the scope of the measuring
range. Deviations are indicated by “Over” or “Under” on the
display. However, the criteria for overmodulation and
undermodulation are different. Overmodulation is signalled if
the maximum value (peak value e.g. short sound pulse, bang)

5 Using the product
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during the last measurement cycle was too high. This value
may be considerably higher than the actual value of the sound
level displayed. Therefore, “Over” may be signalled despite the
fact that a sound level within the normal framework of the
respective measurement range is shown. By contrast “Under” is
geared to the measured actual value and is therefore set when
the lower limit of the measurement range is undershot.
Carrying out a measurement
1. Switch the instrument on.
2. Set the measuring time (FAST / SLOW)
3. Set the frequency (A/ C)
4. Always aim the microphone directly at the sound source to be
measured (reference direction).
5.9. Using the min / max hold function
Holding readings
> Press the key.
- lights up. The maximum value since the function was
activated is displayed and held automatically.
> Press the key again.
- lights up. The minimum value since the function was
activated is displayed and held automatically.
> Press the key again.
- and flash. The current measurement value is
shown. The minimum value and maximum value since the
function was activated are automatically held.
> Press the key again.
- The hold function is deactivated.
Resetting the hold function
> Hold down the key for two seconds.
The recorded values are deleted.

5 Using the product
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5.10. Using individual value storage
Storing an individual value
> Press the key.
- lights up briefly and the individual value is stored under
the next available memory address.
Displaying a stored individual value
> Press the key.
- lights up. The individual value of the most recent
individual value storage and the memory address are displayed.
> Switch between individual memory addresses using the and
keys.
- If memory addresses have not yet been allocated, 00 is
displayed instead of the reading.
Deleting an individual value memory
1. Switch the instrument off.
2. Hold down the key and the key.
- While the keys are held down: CLr is displayed, SURE flashes
and a countdown (5 seconds) starts.
3. Once the countdown is complete, release the keys.
- The memory is deleted.
5.11. Using measurement series storage
Setting the storage interval
1. Press the key.
2. Use the and keys to set the interval (in seconds)
(minimum: 1 second, maximum 1 minute).
3. Press the key again.