PeakTech 8005 Digital Sound Level Meter Operation Manual

Safety Precautions

This PeakTech 8005 Digital Sound Level Meter complies with European Community Directives 2004/108/EC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) and 2006/95/EC (Low Voltage), as amended by 2004/22/EC (CE-Marking), with pollution degree 2. To ensure safe operation and prevent serious injury from electrical hazards, the following safety precautions must be observed. Damages resulting from non-compliance with these instructions are excluded from any legal claims.

• Always comply with warning labels and other information on the equipment.
• Avoid use in areas with highly fluctuating air pressure (e.g., aircrafts, high altitude), as this can negatively affect measurement accuracy.
• Do not expose the equipment to direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, extreme humidity, or dampness.
• Protect the equipment from shocks or strong vibrations.
• Do not operate near strong magnetic fields (e.g., motors, transformers).
• Keep hot soldering irons or guns away from the equipment.
• Allow the equipment to stabilize at room temperature before taking measurements, especially after transport between cold and warm environments.
• Do not modify the equipment.
• Avoid placing the equipment face-down on work surfaces to prevent damage to front controls.
• Opening, servicing, and repair work must only be performed by qualified service personnel.
• Measuring instruments are not toys and should be kept out of reach of children.

Cleaning the Cabinet

Clean the unit only with a damp, soft, lint-free cloth and a commercially available household cleanser. Ensure no liquid enters the equipment to prevent short circuits or damage.

1. Introduction

The PeakTech 8005 is a digital sound level meter offering automatic or manual ranging from 30 to 130 dB with 0.1 dB resolution. It meets IEC 61672-1 Class 2 standards. An internal background noise absorber ensures accurate measurements even in high background noise environments. The meter features selectable fast and slow response times, A and C weighting, and a maximum hold function. It also includes AC/DC analog outputs, an internal data storage for 32000 measurements, and a USB interface for PC connectivity to capture sound level data.

2. Front and Panel Description

The PeakTech 8005 Digital Sound Level Meter features the following components:

1. Windscreen: Covers the microphone.
2. LCD Display: Shows digital readings and bar graph.
3. REC-button: Activates USB-interface for Real-Time-Mode and the Datalogger (internal memory) without USB-connection.
4. SETUP-button: For instrument adjustments and activating the USB-interface for Datalogger-connection.
5. FAST/SLOW change-over-switch: Toggles between fast and slow response times.
6. MAX/MIN change-over-switch: Toggles between maximum and minimum hold functions.
7. LEVEL-button: For manual range selection.
8. Backlight: Button to turn the display backlight on/off.
9. Frequency weighting selector button (A/C): Toggles between A and C frequency weighting.
10. DATA-HOLD-key: Freezes the current measurement on the display.
11. ON/OFF-button: Powers the meter on or off.
12. External DC 9V power supply terminal: For connecting an external 9V power adapter.
13. USB-interface terminal: For connecting to a PC via USB cable.
14. AC/DC signal output: Provides analog AC and DC signals.
15. Calibration potentiometer (CAL): For external standard level calibration adjustments.
16. Tripod mounting screw: For mounting the device on a tripod.
17. Battery cover: Access to the 9V battery compartment.
18. Microphone: Captures sound levels.

3. Measuring Sound Levels

Sound levels are displayed both digitally on the LCD and as a bar graph. To begin measuring, press the ON/OFF key to turn the meter on, then point the microphone towards the sound source.

3.1. Selecting A and C Weighting

Upon power-on, the meter defaults to A-weighting mode. A-weighting mimics human ear perception, increasing and decreasing amplitude across the frequency spectrum. It is suitable for applications like OSHA regulatory testing, environmental measurement, workplace design, and law enforcement. C-weighting provides a flat frequency response without amplitude changes, making it ideal for sound level analysis of engines and machinery. Press the A/C (9) key to toggle between A and C weighting. The active mode (dBA or dBC) is indicated on the right side of the LCD screen.

3.2. Selecting the Response Time

You can choose between fast or slow response times to suit different applications. For general criteria and measurements, a slow response time with A-weighting is often recommended. The meter powers on in fast response mode. Press the FAST/SLOW (5) key to toggle between fast and slow response. The active response time (fast or slow) is displayed on the right side of the LCD.

• FAST: 1 measurement per 125 ms
• SLOW: 1 measurement per second

3.3. Recording Maximum and Minimum Measurements

• MAX/MIN button: Press once to enter MAX/MIN measurement mode; 'MAX' appears, and the maximum sound level is captured. Press again for 'MIN' to appear, capturing the minimum sound level. Press a third time to exit MAX/MIN mode.
• HOLD button: Press to 'freeze' the current reading on the display.
• Power button: Turns the meter ON/OFF.
• External DC 9V power supply terminal: For connecting to a DC 9V power supply. Aperture size: external diameter 3.5mm, internal diameter 1.35mm.
• USB interface: Provides a 9600 bps serial interface for signal output.
• AC/DC signal output:
  • AC Output: 1Vrms corresponding to each range step. Output impedance: 100Ω.
  • DC Output: 10mV/dB. Output impedance: 1KΩ.

3.4. Selecting Automatic and Manual Ranging

The sound level meter offers four measurement ranges:

• AUTO: 30 ... 130 dB
• LO: 30 ... 80 dB
• MED: 50 ... 100 dB
• HI: 80 ... 130 dB

The meter starts in manual range mode, which is beneficial for known measurement ranges as it allows for faster readings. To switch to automatic range selection, press the LEVEL (7) key until 'AUTO' appears on the LCD. The meter will automatically adjust the range for highest accuracy, with the two-digit number to the left of the bar graph indicating the lower limit of the selected range. To return to manual range, press the LEVEL (7) key again until 'AUTO' disappears.

3.5. SETUP Button (Time Chip Adjustment)

To adjust the time chip, turn on the device while holding the SETUP button until the 'TIME' symbol appears. Release the SETUP button to enter time adjustment mode. The display will show the date (day) as '86-42-30'.

• Press SETUP a second time: Display shows '58-AN' (minute adjustment mode). Use LEVEL to adjust, HOLD to exit.
• Press SETUP a third time: Display shows 'h-P' (hour adjustment mode). Use LEVEL to adjust, HOLD to exit.
• Press SETUP a fourth time: Display shows '---' (date adjustment mode). Use LEVEL to adjust, HOLD to exit.
• Press SETUP a fifth time: Display shows '---' (month adjustment mode). Use LEVEL to adjust, HOLD to exit.
• Press SETUP a sixth time: Display shows '-4-05' (year adjustment mode). Use LEVEL to adjust, HOLD to exit.
• Press SETUP again, then HOLD to save all adjustments.

3.6. Calibration Potentiometer (CAL)

This potentiometer is used for external standard level calibration by a calibration laboratory.

3.6.1. Calibration Procedures

1. Set the meter to: Frequency weighting: A-weighting, Time weighting: FAST, Level range: 50~100dB.
2. Carefully insert the microphone housing into the 1/2 inch insertion hole of the calibrator (set to 94dB / 1kHz).
3. Turn on the calibrator and adjust the CAL potentiometer on the meter until '94.0dB' is displayed.

Note: All products are calibrated before shipment. A recalibration cycle of 1 year is recommended.

3.7. Measurement Preparation

• Remove the battery cover on the back and insert a 9V battery. Replace the cover.
• If the battery voltage drops or the battery ages, the low battery symbol (a battery icon with a plus sign) will appear on the LCD; replace the 9V battery.
• When using the AC adapter, insert the 3.5mm plug into the DC 9V connector on the side panel.

3.8. Operating Procedure

• Power on the meter.
• Press the LEVEL button to select the desired measurement range, ensuring 'UNDER' or 'OVER' does not appear.
• Select dBA for general noise levels or dBC for acoustic material measurements.
• Select FAST for instant sound levels or SLOW for average sound levels.
• Use the MAX/MIN button to measure maximum and minimum noise levels.
• Hold the instrument comfortably or fix it on a tripod, and measure sound levels at a distance of 1 to 1.5 meters from the source.

3.9. Notice

• Do not store or operate the instrument in high temperature or high humidity environments.
• If not in use for a long time, remove the battery to prevent leakage and damage.
• When using the instrument in windy conditions, a windscreen must be mounted to avoid undesirable signals.
• Keep the microphone dry and avoid severe vibration.

3.10. Installing the Software

• Start Windows.
• Insert the software CD into the CD/DVD drive.
• Run the SETUP.EXE installation program and install it to your desired directory.

3.11. USB Drive Installation

• Connect the PeakTech 8005 to your computer using the USB cable. Windows will detect it as new hardware.
• Open the 'Device Manager' from the 'Control Panel' (Start > Control Panel > System > Device Manager).
• Right-click the yellow-marked symbol 'CP2102 USB to UART Bridge Controller'.
• Select 'Update Driver Software'.
• Choose 'Search automatically for updated driver software' or 'Browse my computer for driver software' and navigate to the driver directory on your PeakTech 8005 software CD.
• The driver will install.
• After installation, verify in 'Device Manager' under 'Ports (COM & LPT)'. The driver should appear with a COM-Port number (standard: COM3). If a COM-Port higher than COM-4 is assigned, manually set it to COM3 or COM4 to avoid connection issues.

4. Operation Mode with PC-Connection

4.1. Operation with the Delivered Software (Real-Time-Mode)

USB Communication Settings:

Turn on the meter, connect it to the computer, and select COM3 or COM4 in the software. Press the 'REC' button on the P 8005. The battery symbol (a battery icon with a plus sign) will disappear from the display, indicating that the USB interface is transmitting data and the automatic power-off function is disabled.

• Start the application software and select the correct COM-Port from the main menu.
• Press the 'REC' button on the meter to activate USB communication.
• To start real-time measurement, select 'Real Time' > 'Setup' in the main menu. In this window, you can adjust measurement parameters such as maximum record values (up to 20000), sample rate (0.1 to 10 seconds), and chronological limits.
• After setting parameters, choose 'Run' under the 'Real Time' menu. The software will then record measurement values directly from the instrument.
• Upon completion, the software will prompt you to save the measured values (TXT or XLS format).

4.2. Operation with the Internal Memory of the PeakTech 8005 (Datalogger)

The datalogger allows recording and saving sound levels without a PC connection. Up to 32000 measured values can be stored internally and downloaded later using the provided software.

• To activate the datalogger, press the 'REC' button. 'REC' will appear on the display, and the battery symbol (a battery icon with a plus sign) will disappear. The datalogger will start recording measurements at 1 value per second.
• To deactivate the datalogger, press the 'REC' button again. 'REC' will disappear from the display.

Note: If the memory is full, 'FULL' will appear on the display. The memory must be erased before new measurements can be made. To avoid data errors, do not power off the device while the 'REC' function is active.

Erasing Internal Memory:

1. Press and hold the 'REC' button while turning on the unit.
2. 'CLA' (for Clear) will appear on the display.
3. The internal memory is now erased and ready for further measurements.

Adjusting Datalogger Response:

Press and hold the battery symbol (a battery icon with a plus sign) button continuously before powering on, then press it again to turn on the unit. Press the 'LEVEL' button to adjust the memory time (1-59 seconds), then press the 'HOLD' button to save the setting.

Downloading Saved Data from Internal Memory:

1. Connect the unit to the PC via USB cable.
2. Start the application software.
3. Choose the correct COM-Port in the main menu.
4. Press the 'SETUP' button on the unit. The battery symbol (a battery icon with a plus sign) will disappear, indicating the USB interface is ready to transmit data.
5. Choose 'Datalogger' in the main menu of the software.
6. The internal saved values will be transmitted, and 'Out' will appear on the unit's display. Transmission time depends on data volume.
7. After transmission, the download window will appear. Saved values are listed chronologically on the left. Double-click a line to view measurement data as a waveform on the right.
8. To save data to your PC, select 'Save Data' from the menu, specify the folder and filename, and confirm. Only files previously selected from the table can be saved.

5. Technical Specifications

6. Replacing the Battery

When the entire display shows the low battery symbol (a battery icon with a plus sign), the 9V battery has reached a critically low voltage level and should be replaced as soon as possible.

1. Remove the battery cover from the bottom side of the instrument.
2. Remove the old battery and replace it with a new 9V battery.
3. Ensure the battery is installed correctly with proper polarization and connected to the battery snap.
4. Replace the battery cover and snap it into place.

Statutory Notification about the Battery Regulations

Many devices include batteries, either for remote control or built into the device itself. As an importer, PeakTech is obligated under Battery Regulations to inform customers about disposal.

Old batteries must be disposed of at a council collection point or returned to a local shop free of charge. Disposal in domestic refuse is strictly forbidden. Used batteries obtained from PeakTech can be returned to their address (found on the last page of the manual) free of charge or by post with sufficient stamps.

Batteries containing harmful substances are marked with a crossed-out waste bin symbol (similar to 🗑️). Below this symbol, the chemical symbol for the harmful substance is indicated, e.g., 'Cd' for cadmium, 'Pb' for lead, and 'Hg' for mercury.

Further information on Battery Regulations can be obtained from the Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz und Reaktorsicherheit (Federal Ministry of Environment, Nature Conservation and Reactor Safety).

Copyright and Disclaimer

All rights, including translation, reprinting, and copying of this manual or parts thereof, are reserved. Reproduction of any kind (photocopy, microfilm, or other) is permitted only with written permission from the publisher.

This manual reflects the latest technical knowledge. Technical changes that serve progress are reserved.

PeakTech confirms that the unit is factory calibrated according to its technical specifications. Recalibration of the unit is recommended after 1 year.

© PeakTech® 07/2012/Th/Sch/pt.

PeakTech Prüf- und Messtechnik GmbH
Kornkamp 32
DE-22926 Ahrensburg / Germany
☎ +49-(0) 4102-42343/44
✆ +49-(0) 4102-434 16
✉ info@peaktech.de
🌐 www.peaktech.de