18
19
measurements
Sound Level
measurements
Sound Level
How do I measure an
average sound level with the
soundBadge?
Th
e soundBadge calculates energy-
balanced average sound levels known
as Leq. Th
ere are two ways to make
an average measurement: (1) during
a sub-measurement (which does not
require the elapsed timer to be set-up
and does not record a data fi le); (2)
while recording a main-measurement
to a data fi le using the elapsed timer.
Take an average reading using a
sub-measurement
Press
to advance to the
LEVEL
page. Press
until
AVE
is displayed.
Press and hold
to cycle through
to the combination of frequency
weighting (A, C, or no weighting) and
time constant (fast = 1/8s or slow =
1s) you require.
Press
and
together to start a
sub-measurement. Dots will appear
on either side of
AVE
to indicate a sub-
measurement is in progress.
Press
and
together again to end the
sub-measurement.
Note: For main-measurements A-weightings
are always available but only the last selected
fast/slow time constant and C/Z weighting
can be viewed. When a sub-measurement
is ended, the display reverts to its previous
value.
Take an average reading using a main
measurement
Press
to advance to the
LEVEL
page.
Press and hold
to cycle through to the
combination of frequency weighting (C,
or no weighting) and time constant (fast =
1/8s or slow = 1s) you require. (A is always
measured).
Press the
button to advance to the
TIME
main page. If
ELAPSED TIME
is not
displayed, press the
button to display it.
Reset the elapsed timer by pressing and
holding the
button for 5 seconds. Hold
the button while several fl ashing indicators
are displayed and until the timer displays
00:00 and begins to count-up. Th
is will also
reset and record the noise dose, maximum
levels, peak level, and peak counts.
Return to the
LEVEL
main page by
pressing the
button.
Press the
button to display
AVE
.
Press
and
together from the
ELAPSED TIME
page to pause.
When should I measure the
average sound level over a period
of time?
When regulations specify time limits
tied to an A-weighted level, it is
the average A-weighted level that is
specifi
ed. Although average levels
are specifi ed, it isn’t always practical
to measure an average for an entire 8
hours. Averaging for less time (e.g. 15
minutes) can be used as an estimate.
