VOLTCRAFT SL-451 User manual




 G

1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 25
2. Intended Use .............................................................................................................................. 26
3. Delivery content .......................................................................................................................... 27
4. Symbol explanation .................................................................................................................... 27
5. Safety instructions ...................................................................................................................... 27
6. Operating elements .................................................................................................................... 30
7. Software installation ................................................................................................................... 32
8. Initial operation ........................................................................................................................... 32
9. Basic setup setting ..................................................................................................................... 33
10. Device functions ......................................................................................................................... 35
11. Carrying out a measurement ...................................................................................................... 37
12. Data logger ................................................................................................................................. 39
13. Data transmission ....................................................................................................................... 40
14. Analog signal output ................................................................................................................... 40
15. Maintenance and cleaning ......................................................................................................... 41
16. Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................................... 41
17. Disposal ...................................................................................................................................... 42
18. Technical data ............................................................................................................................ 42


 
Dear Customer,
In purchasing this Voltcraft® product, you have made a very good decision for which we would like
to thank you.
Voltcraft® - In the eld of measuring, charging and network technology, this name stands for
high-quality products which perform superbly and which are created by experts whose concern is
continuous innovation.
From the ambitious hobby electronics enthusiast to the professional user, products from the
Voltcraft® brand family provide the optimum solution even for the most demanding tasks. And the
remarkable feature is: we offer you the mature technology and reliable quality of our Voltcraft®
products at an almost unbeatable price-performance ratio. In this way, we aim to establish a long,
fruitful and successful co-operation with our customers.
We wish you a great deal of enjoyment with your new Voltcraft® product!




 
The sound level measuring device is a digital device for measuring the sound level in Decibel (dB)
and corresponds to the demands of EN 61 672-1. The SL-451 is classied in Class 2 for general
eld tests (e.g. operative measurements). The measuring ranges can be calibrated via the integra-
ted adjustment feature.
The values measured and the current measurement units/functions are displayed digitally on a large
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).
A bar graph display enables the detection of fast and short sound levels.
Two frequency weighting lters (A/C) and two time weightings (fast/slow) can be preselected and
allow universal application.
Measuring is possible in a frequency range from 31.5 Hz (Hertz) up to 8 KHz (Kilo Hertz) as well as
a sound level from 30 to 130 dB.
The maximum values as well as the display content can be saved.
In order to suppress interfering wind noise, the device features an attachable wind protector, which
does not interfere with the sound level measuring.
The measuring device also features a display illumination. A data logger for internal measuring value
recording is installed. The measuring values can be transferred to a computer and analysed there
via the USB interface. A proportional voltage (10 mV DC/dB and max. 1 Vrms AC/130 dB) is output
at the AC/DC analog output.
A 9-V block battery (type 1604A) or the power adapter are required for operation.
Measurements must not be carried out under unfavourable ambient conditions.
Unfavourable ambient conditions are:
• wetness or high air humidity
• dust and ammable gases, vapours or solvents
• thunderstorms or similar conditions such as strong electrostatic elds etc.
Unauthorised conversion and/or modication of the device are inadmissible because of safety and
approval reasons (CE). Any usage other than described above is not permitted and can damage the
product and lead to associated risks such as short-circuit, re, electric shock, etc. Please read the
operating instructions thoroughly and keep them for further reference.



 
• Sound level measurement device • Power adaptor
• Carrying case • Tripod
• Wind protection • Screw driver which can be calibrated
• USB interface cable • 4 m microphone extension cable
• Software CD • Operating instructions
• 9 V block battery
 
An exclamation mark in a triangle indicates important instructions in this operating
manual which absolutely have to be observed.
The symbol can be found when you are to be given tips and information on operation.
 






Dear Customer, the following safety instructions are intended not only for the protection of your
health but also for the protection of the device. Please read carefully through the following points:



• The product is not a toy and should be kept out of reach of children and pets!
• On commercial premises, the accident prevention regulations of the Association of Industrial Profes-
sional Associations with respect to electrical systems and operating equipment must be observed.
• In schools, training centres, Hobby and DIY workshops, the handling of measuring appliances must
be responsibly supervised by trained personnel.
• Wear suitable hearing protection in loud environments. Excess sound levels may cause hearing
damage.
• When used in conjunction with other devices, observe the operating instructions and safety notices
of connected devices.
• The product must not be subjected to heavy mechanical stress or intense vibration.
• The product must not be exposed to electromagnetic elds, extreme temperatures, direct sunlight or
dampness.
• The device must not be exposed to humidity or liquids.
• The product should not be used immediately after it has been brought from an area of cold tempe-
rature to an area of warm temperature. Condensed water might destroy the product. Wait until the
product adapts to the new ambient temperature before use.
• If there is reason to believe that safe operation is no longer possible, put the device out of operation
and secure it against unintended operation. Safe operation is no longer possible if:
- the product shows visible damages,
- the product no longer works and
- the product was stored under unfavourable conditions for a long period of time,
- the product was subject to considerable transport stress.
• The manufacturer or supplier accepts no responsibility whatsoever for incorrect displays or the
consequences which can arise from such incorrect displays.



• Correct polarity must be observed while inserting the (rechargeable) battery.
• The (rechargeable) battery should be removed from the device if it is not used for a long period of
time to avoid damage through leaking. Leaking or damaged (rechargeable) batteries might cause
acid burns when in contact with skin, therefore use suitable protective gloves to handle corrupted
(rechargeable) batteries.
• (Rechargeable) batteries must be kept out of reach of children. Do not leave (rechargeable) batteries
lying around, as there is risk, that children or pets swallow them.
• (Rechargeable) batteries must not be dismantled, short-circuited or thrown into re. Never recharge
non-rechargeable batteries. There is a risk of explosion!

• The product must not be used for medical or public purposes.
• Repair works must only be carried out by a specialist/ specialist workshop.
• If you have queries about handling the device, that are not answered in this operating instruction, our
technical support is available under the following address and telephone number:

International: www.conrad.com/contact
United Kingdom: www.conrad-electronic.co.uk/contact


 
1. Measuring microphone with wind protection
2. LC display
3. Button “REC” to record measuring values
4. Button “SETUP” for basic settings
5. Button “FAST/SLOW” for measuring time switching
6. Button “MAX/MIN” for display of the maximum/minimum values
7. Button “LEVEL” for switching the measuring range
8. Button “Light” for display illumination
9. Button “A/C” for rating curve
10. “Hold” button to freeze a measuring value
11. ON/OFF button
12. Treaded socket for tripod
13. Battery compartment on the back side
14. Socket for power adaptor connection
15. Mini-USB port for interface cable
16. Analogue output
17. CAL calibration potentiometer



A. MAX/MIN Recording of the maximum/minimum values
B. Bar graph Analog display with range indication
C. TIME/DATE Date/time display
D. Measuring value
E. Clock symbol Active auto power OFF function
F. BAT Battery replacement display
G. REC Active data recording
FULL Internal data memory full
H. dBA Weighting lter for A line (=hearing)
dBC Weighting lter for C line (=linear)
I. HOLD The current reading is held
J. AUTO Automatic measuring range setting is active
K. FAST Fast time benchmarking (125 ms/measuring operation)
SLOW Slow time benchmarking (1s/measuring)
L. OVER Measuring range is exceeded
UNDER Measuring range is undercut


 
• Insert the CD into the CD-ROM of your computer.
• The installation will start automatically. If not, please go to your CD-ROM directory, and open the
installation le “autorun.exe”.
• Select your desired language from German, English and French.
• Follow the instructions on the dialog box, select the destination for the installation and complete the
installation.
• For further information, please refer to the operating instructions on the CD provided.
• The enclosed software is the Voltsoft standard edition. The professional version (Voltsoft Data
Logger, No. 10 13 33) is an optional item which you can purchase separately. If you purchase the
professional version, you will get the license key. Follow the steps in the Voltsoft user manual, to
register and upgrade your software to the professional version.
• Voltsoft software updates to the latest version of the Voltsoft program are available when the pro-
gram is running and the Internet is connected; or check for the latest Voltsoft update via
“http://www.conrad.com”
 

Before the initial operation of this meter, you must rst install a new 9 V block battery. Battery
installation is described in the “Maintenance and cleaning” section.

For long-term measuring operations, you have to use the enclosed power adaptor. Plug the power
adaptor into the DC socket on the side and connect it with a suitable mains outlet.