TSI Instruments EG4 User manual

THE EDGE
PERSONAL NOISE DOSIMETER
MODEL EG4
USER MANUAL

TSI Contact/Service Information
iii
THE EDGE
PERSONAL NOISE DOSIMETER
MODEL EG4
TSI Contact/Service Information
Should your TSI equipment need to be returned for repair or for recalibration, please contact
the service department at the following number or access the online form via
http://rma.tsi.com. For technical issues, please contact Technical Support.
Service Department and Technical Support: 1-800-680-1220 (USA) or [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet: www.tsi.com
International customers
Contact your local, factory-authorized distributor from whom the product was purchased.
You can obtain the name and contact information of your local factory-authorized distributor
from TSI Incorporated by using the e-mail or telephone information listed above.

TSI Contact/Service Information
iv
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vTable of Contents
Table of Contents
TSI Contact/Service Information..................................................................................................... iii
International customers ....................................................................................................................iii
1: Introduction........................................................................................................................................ 1
Dosimetry........................................................................................................................................... 1
Noise dosimeter................................................................................................................................ 2
Range of sound ................................................................................................................................ 3
What do the standards say?............................................................................................................. 3
Applications of the Edge................................................................................................................... 4
Noise assessment steps................................................................................................................... 5
The Edge Model ............................................................................................................................... 5
2: Getting started ................................................................................................................................... 7
Checking the equipment .................................................................................................................. 7
Turning on ......................................................................................................................................... 8
LED indicator .................................................................................................................................... 9
Turning off ......................................................................................................................................... 9
Display and keypad......................................................................................................................... 10
Diagram .......................................................................................................................................... 10
TSI Detection Mangement Software (DMS)................................................................................... 11
Loading........................................................................................................................................... 11
Docking station functionality......................................................................................................... 11
Docking station components .......................................................................................................... 12
EdgeDock1 or EdgeDock5 ............................................................................................................. 12
Powering EdgeDock1 or EdgeDock5 ............................................................................................. 13
Charging your dosimeter ................................................................................................................ 14
Mounting the docking station to a wall............................................................................................ 15
Storing the dosimeter ..................................................................................................................... 15
3: Setting-up the Edge via DMS.......................................................................................................... 17
Noise studies................................................................................................................................... 17
Understanding what data is stored ............................................................................................... 18
Summary data ................................................................................................................................ 18
Time history .................................................................................................................................... 18
Logging........................................................................................................................................... 19
Views on the Edge .......................................................................................................................... 19
Definitions of data log values and views......................................................................................... 20
Edge Measurement descriptors/variants........................................................................................ 22
Docking............................................................................................................................................ 23
Communicating & downloading data .............................................................................................. 23
Customizing set-up parameters in DMS ....................................................................................... 24
Dosimeter setting............................................................................................................................ 25

Table of Contents
vi
Display setting ................................................................................................................................ 27
Security setting ............................................................................................................................... 28
Auto Run setting ............................................................................................................................. 29
Firmware update............................................................................................................................. 30
Saving and sending/setting configurations ..................................................................................... 31
4: Running and operating your dosimeter ........................................................................................ 33
Overview of running a study.......................................................................................................... 33
Positioning the Edge on your shirt.................................................................................................. 34
Windscreen and maintenance ........................................................................................................ 34
Checking battery power.................................................................................................................. 35
Calibrating ...................................................................................................................................... 36
Resetting the dosimeter.................................................................................................................. 37
Setting contrast on dosimeter......................................................................................................... 38
Running studies.............................................................................................................................. 39
Starting a run .................................................................................................................................. 39
Stopping a study............................................................................................................................. 40
Indicators/Icons on the display ....................................................................................................... 40
Viewing measurements on the display ......................................................................................... 41
Locking or securing your dosimeter during run .............................................................................. 41
Locking or Securing........................................................................................................................ 42
Unlocking........................................................................................................................................ 42
5: Viewing your studies in DMS.......................................................................................................... 43
Downloading data........................................................................................................................... 43
Viewing data and data finder page................................................................................................. 45
Report View .................................................................................................................................... 46
Panel Layout View(charts/graphs).................................................................................................. 47
6: Technical Support ........................................................................................................................... 49
LED indicator: disable/enable....................................................................................................... 49
Replacing microphone and windscreen ....................................................................................... 50
Attaching/Detaching ....................................................................................................................... 50
Hard Hat Attachment Kit................................................................................................................. 51
A: Specifications.................................................................................................................................. 53
Standards......................................................................................................................................... 53
Mechanical characteristics ............................................................................................................ 53
Electrical characteristics................................................................................................................ 53
Battery ............................................................................................................................................ 53
Environmental effects..................................................................................................................... 53
Temperature ................................................................................................................................... 53
User Interface .................................................................................................................................. 54
Display............................................................................................................................................ 54
Keypad ........................................................................................................................................... 54

List of Figures
vii
EdgeDock1 and EdgeDock5........................................................................................................... 54
Physical attributes of EdgeDock1 and EdgeDock5 ........................................................................ 54
Measurements................................................................................................................................. 55
Types.............................................................................................................................................. 55
Measurement parameters .............................................................................................................. 55
Calibration ...................................................................................................................................... 55
Communications............................................................................................................................. 55
Special functions ............................................................................................................................ 55
Edge Block Diagram ....................................................................................................................... 56
Edge Block Diagram (continued)................................................................................................... 57
Contact/Service information .......................................................................................................... 58
Technical Support Contacts ........................................................................................................... 58
Service Contact Information ........................................................................................................... 58
Returning for Service...................................................................................................................... 59
Warranty........................................................................................................................................... 60
B: Glossary of Terms........................................................................................................................... 61
C: Measurement equations................................................................................................................. 69
List of Figures
Figure 1-1: The Edge and dosimetry........................................................................................................................... 1
Figure 1-2: Illustration of how the dosimeter operates and processes........................................................................ 2
Figure 1-3: Parameter setup screen for eg4 ............................................................................................................... 6
Figure 2-1: Identifying your equipment........................................................................................................................ 7
Figure 2-2: Powered on with measurement view displayed........................................................................................ 8
Figure 2-3: Edge Keypad........................................................................................................................................... 10
Figure 2-4: EdgeDock1.............................................................................................................................................. 11
Figure 2-5: Attaching the charger adapter with the plug adapter .............................................................................. 12
Figure 2-6: Attaching charger adapter to EdgeDock1 and EdgeDock5 .................................................................... 13
Figure 3-1: Edge setup and retrieve data buttons in DMS ........................................................................................ 17
Figure 3-2: Sample summary data from DMS reporting............................................................................................ 18
Figure 3-3: Sample time history data (or logged data) chart ..................................................................................... 18
Figure 3-4: Communicating - connecting a docked Edge to a pc ............................................................................. 23
Figure 3-5: New Hardware wizard for Edge Dock ..................................................................................................... 24
Figure 3-6: Dosimeter screen .................................................................................................................................... 25
Figure 3-7: Edge display screen................................................................................................................................ 27
Figure 3-8: Edge security setting............................................................................................................................... 28
Figure 3-9: Edge auto run screen.............................................................................................................................. 29
Figure 3-10:Edge firmware update screen ................................................................................................................. 30
Figure 3-11:Saving and sending Edge setups ........................................................................................................... 31
Figure 4-1: Quick help list for running a study........................................................................................................... 33
Figure 4-2: Positioning/Attaching the Edge ............................................................................................................... 34
Figure 4-3: Battery indicators .................................................................................................................................... 35
Figure 4-4: Calibrating ............................................................................................................................................... 36
Figure 4-5: Splash screen ......................................................................................................................................... 37

List of Figures
viii
Figure 4-6: Resetting the Edge from the keypad....................................................................................................... 37
Figure 4-7: Changing the contrast from the keypad .................................................................................................. 38
Figure 4-8: Display screen while running .................................................................................................................. 39
Figure 4-9: Measurement view on the Edge.............................................................................................................. 41
Figure 4-10:Locking/Securing run .............................................................................................................................. 42
Figure 5-1: Communicating between your pc and the Edge ..................................................................................... 43
Figure 5-2: DMS start screen .................................................................................................................................... 44
Figure 5-3: Downloading with the Edge models eg3/eg4.......................................................................................... 44
Figure 5-4: Recent downloaded data ........................................................................................................................ 45
Figure 5-5: Data Finder page with the downloaded data .......................................................................................... 46
Figure 6-1: Microphone and windscreen assembly................................................................................................... 50
List of Tables
Table 2-1: LED indicators explained .......................................................................................................................... 9
Table 2-2: EdgeDock1 and EdgeDock5 components .............................................................................................. 12
Table 3-1: Dosimeter views and definitions ............................................................................................................. 21
Table 3-2: Dosimeter measurement descriptors/variants ........................................................................................ 22
Table 4-1: Indicators (i.e., run, stop, battery, and OL) ............................................................................................. 40

11: Introduction
Dosimetry
1: Introduction
Dosimetry
Measuring noise in the workplace is an important element of hearing conservation programs
and noise reduction programs. With a noise dosimeter, you can assess and determine a
worker’s daily exposure to noise levels. This information can be used to ensure compliance
with regulatory bodies or to ensure if hearing conservation programs are needed.
To get you started quickly with the Edge, the first chapter is dedicated to introducing basic
noise dosimetry terms and information. The subsequent chapters will guide you through setting
up the dosimeter, running studies, and assessing your results with easy to follow steps and
illustrations.
Figure 1-1: The Edge and dosimetry
CHAPTER
1

1: Introduction
Dosimetry
2
Noise dosimeter
What is a noise dosimeter and how does it compute measurements?
Essentially, a noise dosimeter is composed of the following: a microphone with a preamplifier,
a weighted network, fast or slow response time, an internal clock, calculator, and memory to
store logged data.
The illustration below is a diagram of a basic noise dosimeter. The microphone will, when
exposed to a sound pressure, generate an electrical signal. The signal will be increased by a
preamplifier, and then is regulated to an applicable level by the range control (dB range). The
signal then goes through a filter set or weighting system. The next circuit is the response
circuit, which controls the dampening of the readout. The response choices are typically Slow
or Fast. Finally, the results will display on the dosimeter screen.
For computation and storage, the clock tracks the sampling time. Dosimeters record how long
sound levels exceeded a set upper limit. The calculator computes an Lavg, a dose, a TWA,
and other data. The memory stores all times, calculations, and measurements.
For post-processing, DMS is used to view and analyze your measurement results with the
option to view and/or print reports.
Figure 1-2: Illustration of how the dosimeter operates and processes
DMS –Manage, setup and report
File storage
system
Calculator
Clock
Mic &
Preamp
Range control
(70–140 dB)
Apply filters
(Aor Cweighting)
Measurement
Results on the Edge
Fast/Slow
Response
A
C

1: Introduction
Dosimetry
3
Range of sound
Sound pressure is measured in decibels, or tenths of a Bel. Sound pressure level is indicated
as dB SPL. Since the human ear can detect sounds with an extensive range of amplitude, a
decibel scale is used to simplify the measurement results. For example, the ratio between the
threshold of hearing and threshold of pain in the human ear if measured in true energy is
10,000,000 times! The same range using the dB scale is 0–140 dB referenced to 20 µPa
(Micropascals).
The quietest sound that humans can hear has an amplitude of approximately 0 dB. Prolonged
exposure to sound pressure levels exceeding 85 dB can cause permanent damage to the ear.
Sound levels in excess of 130 dB are more than the human ear can safely withstand and can
result in serious pain and permanent damage.
What do the standards say?
Many organizations have studied and analyzed the effects of high sound exposure on hearing.
As a result, standards were developed to regulate personal noise exposure. In the United
States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Mine and Safety and
Health Administration (MSHA), and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH) have all created regulations and limitations on total permissible noise
exposure. International standards are specified by the health and safety regulations such as
the European Union (EU) Directive 2003/10/EC. Additionally, the International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) IEC-61252 has specific guidelines and regulations to monitor noise in the
workplace.
To access these copyrighted standards, please refer to the following:
OSHA—http://www.osha.gov
MSHA—http://www.msha.gov
NIOSH—http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise
ACGIH—http://www.acgih.org/
IEC—http://www.iec.ch

1: Introduction
Dosimetry
4
Applications of the Edge
The Edge has a cable-free, mounted microphone that converts sound pressure into an
electrical signal. This signal is conditioned, monitored, and integrated over time in order to
provide a host of automatically calculated values that can be used in occupational and
environmental noise assessments. Programmable parameters permit the Edge to serve many
applications. The Edge can be used in the following applications:
As a personal noise dosimeter—used to measure a
worker's daily exposure to noise levels. This information can
be used to ensure compliance with OSHA, MSHA, ACGIH,
IEC, or your own customized parameter settings to
determine if your workers are over-exposed to noise.
As a time-history monitor—used to provide a worker's
minute-by-minute noise exposure levels. This data can help
you identify major contributors to the average daily noise
exposure.
As a survey monitor
Throughout a plant/facility—used to oversee noise levels
throughout an entire facility. You can identify machines and
equipment which produce harmful noise levels.
Specific areas in a plant/facility—used to identify key areas
as “noisy” and implement noise control options. Employees
may be exposed to unacceptable noise levels.
As a peak dosimeter—used to detect the highest level of
instantaneous sound pressure.
Peak Measurement:121.20 dB
Time history: manufacturing

Introduction1: Introduction
Dosimetry
5
Noise assessment steps
1. Perform a task-based work flow analysis of unacceptable “noisy” areas and list
regulations/codes you will follow.
Observe facility/areas and jot down areas of concern
Check with standards and noise ordinance regulations in your region/city.
See Chapter 1 for basic information on dosimetry and standards
3. Running your studies.
Calibrate dosimeter
Attach the dosimeter
Run, observe, and stop your studies
Understand display indicators
See Chapter 4 “Running and operating the Edge”
4. View your results via DMS.
Working with Charts and Graphs
Organizing and saving your studies
See Chapter 5 to view measurements with Detection Management
Software DMS
5. Develop corrective actions.
Engineering: redesign tools, implement changes in workstation
Administrative: job sharing/rotations, redefinition of job functions, reduce duration
operating tool/equipment, and/or implement medical surveillance
2. Setting-up your dosimeter parameters for your noise studies.
Customize measurement setup (i.e., criterion level, threshold, weighting, exchange
rate, etc.)
See Chapter 2 for getting started with your dosimeter
See Chapter 3 for customizing your set-up parameters
See Chapter 5 for Noise study scenarios

Introduction
Dosimetry
6
The Edge Model
The “eg4” model features two virtual dosimeters with data logging. Once the parameters are
set and saved in the dosimeter, you can monitor two different dosimeters by a single press of
the Enter key. This will toggle you between the two dosimeters. The “eg3” model is equipped
with one dosimeter setting and will not data log (older model no longer available).
Figure 1-3: Parameter setup screen for eg4
Virtual dosimeters
You can monitor and log noise studies by enabling two different parameter settings in one
dosimeter, also referred to as “virtual dosimeters”. For instance, you may want to set one
dosimeter to log using the OSHA HC (Occupational Safety and Health Administration - Hearing
Conversation) parameters and also monitor noise with the OSHA PEL (Occupational Safety
and Health Administration –Permissible Exposure Level) settings.
A few scenarios of virtual dosimeters include:
Industrial noise control
Hearing conservation compliance
Work site assessments
Personal noise verification
Military applications
Regulatory compliance (i.e., OSHA, MSHA, IEC, ACGIH)

2: Getting started
Checking the equipment
7
2: Getting started
This chapter is designed to guide you through basic information you will need to begin logging
your studies.
Checking the equipment
If your instrument was sent to you in a storage case, you will want to remove all the packaging
and acquaint yourself with the following equipment so you can quickly get started with your
noise studies.
NOTE: Depending on the accessories you selected, the dosimeter may have the following
components. For the docking stations, you will either have an EdgeDock1 or an
EdgeDock5. (For more information on parts/accessories, please refer to
www.tsi.com.)
Figure 2-1: Identifying your equipment
CHAPTER
2
USB cable- connects
EdgeDock to the PC
EdgeDock1
**Universal charger
adapter (Power supply
cord for the docking
station)
Extra windscreen for
microphone
EdgeDock5
DMS software
Optional feature
Edge model eg4
microphone and
windscreen attached
mounting clasps
attached

2: Getting started
Turning on
8
Turning on
1. To turn on the Edge, press the on/off and enter button.
The Edge splash screen (see Figure 2-3 for an example) will appear indicating the
model (i.e. “eg4”) and firmware version. The screen will be in the measurement view.
Figure 2-2: Powered on with measurement view displayed
View
Displays measurement values, battery
information, and calibration information
LED Indicator
Battery indicator icon
If icon is fully shaded, this indicates full battery
power (approx. 35+ hours)

2: Getting started
Turning off
9
LED indicator
There is a three-color LED indicator on the Edge, located to the right of the TSI logo which
includes Red, Amber, and Green.
Table 2-1 identifies when and why the LED indicator color will appear.
NOTE: The LED indicator can be disabled via DMS (see section, “Dose indicator LED”).
LED indicator
Explanation
Red
A flashing red LED indicates the dose has exceeded the alarm level.
Amber
A flashing amber LED indicates the dosimeter is stopped and has not
exceeded the dose alarm level.
Green
A flashing green LED indicates the dosimeter is running and has not
exceeded the dose alarm level.
Table 2-1: LED indicators explained
Navigating
Once the dosimeter is “Powered-On”, press the up/down ▲/▼ arrows to navigate through
the measurement values and battery run time.
Turning off
1. Press and hold the on/off and enter button.
“3, 2, and 1” countdown will appear as the dosimeter is powered off.
NOTE: To halt the power off mode, simply let go of the on/off enter button.
LED indicator

2: Getting started
Display and keypad
10
Display and keypad
The keypad is used to run and stop your studies, view your measurement values, and power
on and off the dosimeter.
Diagram
The following diagram explains the features on the display and keypad.
Figure 2-3: Edge Keypad
Display (Splash screen shown)
View data and various indicators
Up Arrow ▲
Used to scroll through display/screen views
On/Off and Enter
Used to power On/Off the meter.
Used to switch between (toggle) dosimeter one
and dosimeter two measurements and settings.
Down arrow ▼
Used to scroll through display/screen views
Run ►and Stop ■
Used to activate meter when running or logging
measurements.
Used to Stop your noise study.
LED indicator
Red –indicates dose exceeded the alarm level
Amber –dosimeter stopped
Green –dosimeter measuring
Windscreen and microphone
EG-4

2: Getting started
TSI Detection Mangement Software (DMS)
11
TSI Detection Mangement Software (DMS)
TSI Detection Management Software (DMS) is a software application designed by TSI that
runs under the Windows®operating system. You can use DMS for a variety of functions related
to the Edge dosimeter and with many other TSI instruments. DMS has the ability to customize
your set-up parameters, display data, manipulate data, and create reports.
Loading
To load DMS, follow the screen prompts.
The software will automatically load the drivers for the EdgeDock1 and/or EdgeDock5. If
loading from the TSI Detection Internet site, follow the directions online located at
www.tsi.com.
Docking station functionality
Depending on the kit you purchased, you may have an EdgeDock1 and/or an EdgeDock5.
Both are designed similarly with the same LED indicators. The main difference with the
EdgeDock5 is that it has five bays for docking, charging, and/or managing the dosimeters. If
desired, the EdgeDock5 will charge all docked instruments at one time.
The docking station serves a dual-purpose role:
1. It is used to charge the battery on the dosimeter(s).
2. It is used to communicate between the software (DMS) and the dosimeter (i.e., import,
export settings and measurement files).
Figure 2-4: EdgeDock1
Charging Indicator
Power Indicator
Charge contacts
Power connector
USB connector

2: Getting started
Docking station functionality
12
Docking station components
The table below explains the EdgeDock1 or EdgeDock5 LED indicators, power connector, USB
connector, and contact pins.
Docking station
components
Explanation
Charging indicator
Identifies if the dosimeter is “charging” or “fully charged”. A red
blinking LED indicates the dosimeter is charging. A solid green
LED equates to a fully charged dosimeter. (Note the charging
indicator is the first, or top, LED indicator.)
Power indicator
An amber LED indicates the docking station is powered on.
Power connector
Attach the power connector cable to the docking station in order to
charge the dosimeter(s).
USB connector
Attach the USB connector to communicate with the dosimeter(s).
Charge Contacts
Placing the dosimeter (s) onto the charge contacts allows charging
and communication.
Table 2-2: EdgeDock1 and EdgeDock5 components
EdgeDock1 or EdgeDock5
The EdgeDock1 and EdgeDock5 are powered by a 12-volt charger adapter.
Figure 2-5 illustrates the assembly of the charger adapter and the plug adapter. It slides into place by
guiding it down the back cavity (opening) of the power supply.
NOTE: the example is a typical adapter which may be different than the one you are using.
Mechanically, it will function similarly.
Figure 2-5: Attaching the charger adapter with the plug adapter
B. Slide plug adapter into the crevices of base
A. Charger adapter