User Manual: SL-13A Sound Level Meter
Introduction
This sound level meter is used to measure the sound level of the environment, such as factory, workshop, school, residence, office area, traffic road, audio, and so on. It is also suitable for noise engineering, product quality control, health prevention and control, etc. It can also measure ambient temperature and humidity.
Note: Before using the instrument, please read this manual carefully and save it for future reference.
Device Overview
The device is a handheld sound level meter with a digital display, several control buttons, and a microphone.
Key components:
- [protection cover]
- [wind ball]
- [microphone]
- Digital Display Screen
- [power key]
- [data hold key]
- [backlight key]
- [MAX/MIN key]
- [°C/°F key]
- [F/S key]
Display Screen
The display screen shows various readings and status indicators.
Typical description: symbol description
| Symbol | Description | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX | Maximum value | °C | Celsius |
| MIN | Minimum value | °F | Fahrenheit |
| AVG | Average value | [low battery symbol] | Low battery |
| FAST | Quick response (125 ms) | RH% | Humidity unit |
| SLOW | Slow response (1 sec) | A | A weighted |
| [data hold symbol] | Data hold | C | C weighted |
Operation
Considerations
- Wind blowing across the microphone increases the noise measurement. Use the supplied windscreen to cover the microphone when applicable.
- Calibrate the instrument before each use if possible, especially if the meter has not been used for a long period of time.
- Do not store or operate the instrument in areas of high temperature or humidity.
- Keep the meter and microphone dry.
- Avoid severe vibration.
- Remove the battery when the meter is to be stored for long periods of time.
Measurement
- Open the protection cover of the meter.
- Press the [power key] to turn on the device.
- Use the F/S button to select 'FAST' (125 ms) or 'SLOW' (1 sec) time weighting. Depending on the selection, 'FAST' or 'SLOW' appears on the display.
- After the power is turned on, the meter will start to display the sound pressure level reading.
- Hold the meter and let the microphone face the sound source to be measured.
- Read the measured value from the display.
- Press the [power key] again to turn off the power.
Fast/Slow Time Weighting
Use the 'FAST' response to capture noise peaks as well as fast-emerging noise. The 'SLOW' response is selected to monitor sound sources with consistent noise sound pressure levels, and also to average out rapidly changing noise. 'Fast' response can be selected for most applications.
Data Hold
Press the [data hold key] to enable the data retention function. Press the button again to turn off the data hold function and return to the normal measurement function.
Backlight
Press and hold the [backlight key] for more than 2 seconds to enable or disable the backlight function.
MAX/MIN Function
Press the [MAX/MIN key] to enable the maximum and minimum functions. Then press the [MAX/MIN key] again to display the maximum and minimum values. Press and hold for about 2 seconds to return to normal measurement function.
Temperature Unit Selection
Press the [°C/°F key] to shift the temperature unit between °C or °F.
A/C Weighted Selection (for model B)
Press and hold the [°C/°F key] for about 2 seconds to switch between A or C weighting.
Automatic Power Off
When the instrument is turned on, the [auto power off symbol] is displayed. The automatic shutdown function is turned on by default. If there is no operation within 10 minutes, the meter will automatically shut down.
To cancel the automatic shutdown function: press and hold the [power key] before turning on the instrument, then press the [power key] to turn on the power. Release the [power key] after turning on the instrument. The automatic shutdown will be cancelled if the [auto power off symbol] is not displayed.
Restart the instrument after shutdown to restore the automatic shutdown function.
Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display screen | LCD display |
| Range | 30-130dBA or 30-130dBC (for model B) |
| Frequency | 30Hz-8KHz |
| Dynamic Range | 50 dB |
| Accuracy | ±1.5dB (94dB@1KHz) ±5dB (94dB@8KHz) |
| Frequency weighting | A weighting, C weighting (for model B) |
| Time weighting | FAST: 125ms, SLOW: 1sec |
| Microphone | Electret condenser |
| Temperature Range | -20.0°C ~ 60.0°C (-4.0°F ~ 140.0°F) |
| Temperature Accuracy | 0.0°C ~ 45.0°C (32°F ~ 113°F): ±1.0°C/2.0°F Others: ±1.5°C/3.0°F |
| Humidity Range | 0.0% ~ 99.9%RH |
| Humidity Accuracy | 20% ~ 80%: ±5.0RH; Others: ±6.0RH |
| Auto power off | 10 minutes |
| Power | 3 x 1.5V AAA batteries |
| Operating conditions | 0 ~ 50°C, <80%RH, altitude less than 2000m |
| Storage conditions | -10 ~ 50°C, <80%RH (remove the battery) |
Maintenance
Battery Replacement
When the meter shows the [low battery symbol], please replace the battery in time.
- Unscrew the battery cover, and then open the battery cover.
- Remove the batteries from the battery compartment.
- Install the new battery correctly according to the positive and negative marks on the bottom of the battery compartment.
- Reinstall the battery cover and fasten the screws to secure it.
Cleaning
Caution: To avoid damaging the case, do not use corrosive agents or solvents to clean the instrument.
Wipe the shell regularly with detergent or a damp cloth and detergent.
