background image

www.castlegroup.co.uk 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SONIK Sound Level Meter 

 

Operating Manual 

Models S and SE 

 

Castle Group Ltd 

Salter Road 

Scarborough 

North Yorkshire 

YO11 3UZ, UK

 

 

Copyright © Castle Group Ltd 2018 

 

All rights reserved.  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a 

retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, 

photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the permission of the copyright holder. 

 

HB/0142/030/EL  

Rev A 

Summary of Contents for SONIK S

Page 1: ...orth Yorkshire YO11 3UZ UK Copyright Castle Group Ltd 2018 All rights reserved No part of this publication may be reproduced stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic mechanical photocopying recording or otherwise without the permission of the copyright holder HB 0142 030 EL Rev A ...

Page 2: ...rophone and Pre Amplifier 3 Microphone Types 3 Microphone Polarisation 4 Microphone Sensitivity 4 Removal of Microphone 5 Pre Amplifier Removal Fitting 5 Microphone Extension Cable 6 Certifiable Calibration 7 Chapter 3 8 Measuring Sound 8 Incidence Angle 8 Pressure Field meeting ANSI Standards 8 Free Field meeting IEC Standards 8 Sound Level General Advice 9 ...

Page 3: ...5 16 Using Your SONIK 16 Real Time 16 Recording 17 Recording Screen Display 17 Time History Disabled 17 Time History Enabled 17 Time History Disabled Duration Timer Set 18 Time History Enabled Duration Timer Set 18 Stopping an Active Recording 19 Save 19 Don t Save 19 File Review 20 Exit 20 Auto Playback 21 Chapter 6 22 Software 22 dBdataPro 22 The CastleCloud 22 ...

Page 4: ...Measurement Setup 30 Weightings Range 30 Range 31 Frequency Weighting 31 Time Weighting 31 Exposure 31 UK EU 32 OSHA PEL 32 Data Recording 33 Time History On Disabled 34 Time Interval 34 Timer Selection 35 Percentiles SONIK SE Only 36 File Manager 37 Load File 38 Filter Selection 38 Delete File 39 Delete All Files 40 Template Manager SONIK SE Only 41 Instrument Setup 42 Screen 42 Brightness 42 ...

Page 5: ...bration 47 Cal Value dB 47 Chapter 8 49 Measurement Screens 49 Measurements 49 Measurements Table 50 Exposure 51 Percentiles LN SONIK SE Only 51 Chapter 9 52 Accessories 52 Chapter 10 53 Customer Support 53 Warranty and After Sales Service 53 Instrument Disposal 54 Disclaimer 55 ...

Page 6: ...and practical case which has been specifically developed for this application The SONIK provides you with choice when it comes to analysing your data meaning you can always choose the most effective solution for your needs The USB drive supplied with your instrument contains the latest version of dBdataPro Renowned for its simplicity and ease of use this PC based software is a comprehensive data a...

Page 7: ...EQ LMAX LPEAK Template Environmental Measurement 1 LEQ LMAX LE L10 L90 L1 L5 L50 L95 or L99 Measurement 2 LEQ LMAX LPEAK Template Noise at Work Measurement 1 LEQ LMAX LEP d Exposure Points Dose Dose per Hour Exposure Pa2h Measurement 2 LEQ LMAX LPEAK Model S Measurement 1 LEQ LMAX LEP d Exposure Points Dose Dose per Hour Exposure Pa2h Measurement 2 LEQ LMAX LPEAK ...

Page 8: ...Each one however has a different sound incidence angle The sound incidence angle determines the angle the SONIK sound level meter is held relative to the actual noise source being measured Free Field Sound Incidence Angle 0 Point the sound meter directly towards the noise source Pressure Field Sound Incidence Angle 90 Point the sound meter at 90 to the noise source Random Incidence Field Point the...

Page 9: ...he sensitivity of a microphone is determined by the output voltage it produces for a defined sound source Microphones are manufactured with numerous sensitivity levels and operate within a specified tolerance Different microphones of the same model may therefore give slight differences in readings when used on the same sound meter To allow for this all SONIK sound level meters have been designed t...

Page 10: ... microphone diaphragm which should never be touched or be subject to dust or dirt Doing so may damage the microphone beyond repair or affect its acoustic response dramatically Pre Amplifier Removal Fitting To attach the pre amplifier position the RED orientation key on the pre amplifier with the RED identification mark on the SONIK sound level meter and gently push the pre amplifier into the conne...

Page 11: ...he extension cable connector with the RED identification mark on the SONIK sound level meter and gently push the extension cable into the connector To fit the pre amplifier to the extension cable see Pre Amplifier Removal Fitting above To remove gently pull the extension cable connector by pulling on the knurled part of the stem ...

Page 12: ...w calibration certificate Castle Group Ltd offers a complete calibration service offering either a full UKAS calibration or a standard traceable calibration which can be supplied with or without a test report It is recommended that your sound meter instrumentation is calibrated annually to ensure your measuring equipment is completely accurate and fully compliant ...

Page 13: ...or details of the measuring incidence angle for each microphone type Pressure Field meeting ANSI Standards Pressure Field microphones required incidence angle of 90 therefore whilst measuring ensure your SONIK sound level meter is at 90 relative to the noise source being measured Free Field meeting IEC Standards Free Field microphones require an incidence angle of 0 therefore whilst measuring alwa...

Page 14: ...erefore advisable to determine if an overload will occur on the selected range before measuring In such cases you will need to select a higher range to accommodate the higher peak levels See Weightings and Range for peak range limits on each individual range If the noise levels are 0 1dB too low for the range selected then the meter will display an under range condition Under these circumstances y...

Page 15: ...r range if the noise levels are too low for the current range On either of these occasions the SONIK will display this on your screen For overload this is displayed as OL in bold red lettering or inside a red box and under range is similarly displayed however shows UR These can always be found in the same place on each measurement screen as shown below Overload Under Range Overload Under Range ...

Page 16: ...n overload for both ranges During overload or under range conditions the bar displayed at the bottom of the measurement home screen will change to grey indicating that you re operating outside of the current range Some screens displayed may not be available on your instrument depending on your model and the template currently selected Overload Under Range Overload Under Range ...

Page 17: ...12 Chapter 4 Getting Started Keypad Layout Soft Key 2 Soft Key 1 Directional Keys Up Down Left Right Power Reset or Screen Grab OK Record Stop ...

Page 18: ...insert the batteries using the correct polarity which is clearly shown where the batteries are located Replace the battery door securely before using the instrument In all power configurations press and hold the Power Key for approximately one second to switch the instrument on To switch the instrument off hold the Power Key down for approximately three seconds and follow the on screen instruction...

Page 19: ...NIK sound level meter to easily identify the functionality or useful settings of the instrument L Low Measuring Range Active M Medium Measuring Range Active H High Measuring Range Active USB Active Battery Charge Recording Data Active File Review Active ...

Page 20: ...nformation icons the current time date measurement range and the current screen selected The bottom lighter orange bar will display the Record or File Review symbols in a similar position to the image shown below Note that the image below may have different values to those on your display ...

Page 21: ...and File Review shows a green directional arrow Real Time Record File Review Real Time This is the standard mode of operation for your SONIK sound level meter The menu system can be accessed whilst in real time mode and the instrument settings can be changed if required Measurement screens are accessible but not all parameters all available whilst real time mode is active It is possible to reset p...

Page 22: ...ll affect the information and how it s displayed on your SONIK instrument Time History Disabled If Time History is not enabled for the recording the bottom bar will only indicate the elapsed recording time Time History Enabled When Time History is enabled for the recording the bottom bar will display the elapsed recording time and the current interval countdown time Elapsed Recording Time Interval...

Page 23: ...bottom bar will only display the elapsed recording time Time History Enabled Duration Timer Set When both Time History and Duration Timer are enabled for the recording the bottom bar will display the elapsed recording time and the current interval countdown time Elapsed Recording Time Interval Countdown Time Elapsed Recording Time ...

Page 24: ...an Active Recording Pressing the Stop key during an active recording will display the available options Save Select Yes by pressing Soft Key 2 Don t Save Select No by pressing Soft Key 1 to return to Real Time mode ...

Page 25: ...he Up or Down Arrow keys to scroll measurement screens or the Left or Right Arrow keys to scroll measurement parameters Use Soft Key 2 to swap between measurement 1 or measurement 2 Use the Left or Right Arrow keys to scroll parameters Exit Select Exit using Soft Key 1 to quit File Review and return to Real Time mode Recording Start Time Recording Date ...

Page 26: ...s located in the File Manager section of the Main Menu and can be enabled or disabled by pressing OK When enabled after a recording has been saved your SONIK will automatically enter File Review instead of returning to Real Time mode ...

Page 27: ...er information and details can be found in the dBdataPro manual located on the USB drive provided with your instrument The CastleCloud The CastleCloud is the latest software solution developed by Castle Group and can be accessed by visiting TheCastleCloud com The CastleCloud as its name may suggest utilises Cloud based software This means you can view your data from anywhere in the world providing...

Page 28: ...ows you to upload your recordings via your PC using the included Micro USB Cable and your PC s internet connection The Gateway app can be downloaded from TheCastleCloud com and installed on any computer Double click the launch icon to run the application ...

Page 29: ...o your CastleCloud account by clicking on the Login button Enter your login details and if required tick Remember Me to save your login details Click the Login Button to login using the details provided Once logged in successfully the active account will be shown ...

Page 30: ...25 Change Account If multiple accounts are held then click on the Change Cloud Account button and select the required account ...

Page 31: ...o the internet Click on Connect to Your Instrument A list of all files that can be sent to your CastleCloud account will be displayed within the application Select the file s that you wish to send and then click on the Send Selected Files to Your Active Cloud Account button All selected files will then be uploaded and viewable online through your CastleCloud account ...

Page 32: ...eway Software version is displayed Click on Check for New Version to check TheCastleCloud com for updated software and follow on screen prompts as required Update Instrument Software Select Update and then Instrument Software to check and update your instruments software if available ...

Page 33: ... o Weightings Range o Data Recording o Exposure o Percentiles SONIK SE Only File Manager o Load file o Delete File o Delete All Files o Auto Playback Templates SONIK SE Only o All Parameters o Environmental o Noise at Work Instrument Setup o Screen o Date o Time o Bar Levels Calibration Information ...

Page 34: ...e displayed using the symbol when available Similarly Soft Key 2 can be used to go back to the measurement screen this will be displayed as Home when available The Main Menu is not available when the sound level meter is recording Scroll the available options using the Up or Down Arrow keys press OK to choose the highlighted selection Hold down the Directional Arrow keys to rapidly amend or scroll...

Page 35: ... options using the Up or Down Arrow keys press OK to choose the highlighted selection Weightings Range Select Weightings Range to change the measurement range and the weightings applied to each measurement Scroll through the available options using the Up or Down Arrow keys and use the Left or Right Arrow keys to amend the selection ...

Page 36: ...hting however measurement 2 can be freely switched between A C and Z weightings Time Weighting Both Measurement 1 and Measurement 2 can also have independent Time Weightings applied Select between S Slow F Fast or I Impulse weightings Exposure The Exposure menu allows you to alter how your SONIK records Exposure data Scroll the available options using the directional Arrow keys and press the Left ...

Page 37: ...ge Rate 3 Criterion 85 Threshold Off OSHA PEL In order to comply with OSHA PEL legislation Exchange Rate Criterion and Threshold should be set as below Exchange Rate 5 Criterion 90 Threshold 80 The Exposure measurement screen displays and records the following parameters LAEPd Exposure Pa 2 h DOSE DOSE HR POINTS POINTS Hr ...

Page 38: ...e recording If the Duration Timer has been set under Timer Selection this will be shown on the Data Recording screen as the Total Record Time If no settings are made with Timer Selection then Not Set will be shown Scroll the available options using the Up or Down Arrow keys Press OK or the Left Right Arrow keys to toggle Time History On Use the Left or Right Arrow keys to amend the values for Shor...

Page 39: ...lable In this case the instrument will record one set of measurements over the total measurement time Time Interval When Time History On is enabled each recording will calculate data over the Time Interval selected The available options for Time Intervals are as follows 1s 10s 1m 5m 10m 15m 30m 1hr 8hr 12hr Calculations over Time Intervals are not displayed on screen ...

Page 40: ...tion Timer With the option enabled use the Left or Right Arrow keys to move and highlight the selection to change Use the Up or Down Arrow keys to amend the selection The Duration Timer can be used with or without Time History enabled The settings can be amended as shown below 00 to 23 HRS 00 to 59 MIN 00 to 59 SEC ...

Page 41: ...to be recorded Highlight the required LN and press the OK key to toggle the LN on The instrument is capable of measuring 3 Percentiles simultaneously one user selected from the selection above and L10 and L90 which are fixed Percentiles LNs ideally require at least 5 minutes recording time to gather enough data to be accurate ...

Page 42: ...les and toggle Auto Playback off on Option availability will depend on data files being saved No files saved Files saved Scroll the available options using the Up or Down Arrow keys press OK to choose from the following Load File Delete File Delete All Files Auto Playback ...

Page 43: ...then the Left or Right Arrow keys can be used to scroll the data files by page Press Soft Key 2 labelled Filter to open a new window for file filtering options Filter Selection Filter the list of saved data files by the selections made Scroll the options using the Up or Down Arrow keys and press the OK Key or the Left Right Arrow keys to toggle each available option Only one option from All Time T...

Page 44: ...able data files using the Up or Down Arrow keys press OK to select the file to delete If multiple files exist then the Left or Right Arrow keys can be used to scroll the data files by page Press Soft Key 1 labelled Yes to delete all the associated files Press Soft Key 2 labelled No to cancel ...

Page 45: ...All Files Choose Delete All Files to delete all data recordings Press Soft Key 1 to cancel and go back to the previous screen Press Soft Key 2 labelled Confirm to delete all files Deleted files are unrecoverable ...

Page 46: ...g the Up or Down Arrow keys press OK to choose the highlighted template The Template enabled will determine which parameters your instrument will or will not measure Noise at work will enable Exposure and disable Percentiles Environmental will enable Percentiles and disable Exposure All Parameters will enable all parameters ...

Page 47: ...ing the Up or Down Arrow keys press OK to choose from the following Screen Date Time Bar Levels Screen Select Screen to alter the screen colour and access power saving features Brightness Use the Left Right Arrow keys to adjust the screen brightness as required Increased screen brightness reduces battery operating time ...

Page 48: ...ture will automatically dim the screen to after a set period of time to reduce operating power and increase battery run time Use the Left Right Arrow keys to adjust the Auto Dim as below Off or 1 to 15 minutes 1m recommended Pressing any key whilst auto dim is active will return the screen to its standard brightness setting ...

Page 49: ...Left Right Arrow keys to move forward or back Press Soft Key 2 labelled Done to accept the date changes Time Enter the current date using the time zone specific to your region Use the Up Down Arrow keys to adjust the value Use the Left Right Arrow keys to move forward or back Press Soft Key 2 labelled Done to accept the date changes ...

Page 50: ...45 Information Select to show instrument specific information ...

Page 51: ...n Arrow keys Use the Left Right Arrow keys to adjust as follows Yellow 40 to 100dB Red 80 to 140dB Red values cannot be set lower than Yellow values and any value below Yellow will be displayed as Green on the display Settings made for Red are range dependant values between 121 and 140 will only be visible Red on the High range ...

Page 52: ... or 1dB steps using the Up or Down Arrow keys Include both atmospheric pressure and microphone dependant pressure to free field corrections in the Cal Value Ensure the calibrator is attached to the microphone by gently inserting the microphone into the cavity of the calibrator A certain amount of resistance should be felt whilst inserting the microphone as the O ring on the calibrator forms a seal...

Page 53: ... then you will be shown the following If the calibration is not successful then you will be shown the following Please ensure your calibrator is switched on giving the correct output level and that you have entered the correct Cal Value ...

Page 54: ...choosing settings Percentiles are only ever available for Measurement 1 Scroll the available measurement screens using the Up or Down Arrow keys Measurements Your SONIK instrument will always show the Measurement Screen below after powering up Measurement 1 on this screen is identified by having the larger font size The colour coded measurement bar graph is only applicable to Measurement 1 and the...

Page 55: ... markers on either side of the parameter Use the Left or Right Arrow keys to scroll the available parameters on either Measurement 1 or 2 Measurements Table The Measurements Table screen shows all standard parameter values available on your SONIK sound meter conveniently on one screen for both Measurement 1 and Measurement 2 Arrow Markers ...

Page 56: ...ed Measurements To edit the Exposure Time value press Soft Key 2 to highlight Time use the Up Down Arrow keys to adjust the value Left Right to move and Soft Key 2 to confirm Percentiles LN SONIK SE Only The SONIK can measure a maximum of 3 Percentiles at any one time L10 L90 are fixed and one additional percentile can be selected from L1 L5 L50 L95 or L99 under Percentiles LN in Measurement Setup...

Page 57: ...1141 xx USB Cable 1m A to micro B ZL1108 01 USB Wall Plug UK PSU6 Rubber Protective Sleeve Blue dB001B Rubber Protective Sleeve Yellow dB001Y Techno Line NiMH Battery Charger UK 01BATTCHARGER Eneloop Pro AA Rechargeable Batteries Pack 4 01AANiMH ENELOOP Class 1 Microphone 25mV Pa MK80 Class 2 Microphone 25mV Pa MK79 Pre Amplifier Assembly Microphone Not Included MK141 Hand Strap 70MIS02525 ...

Page 58: ...n authorized agent All instruments are designed to meet rigid British and International Standards An annual calibration is recommended to ensure that these high standards are maintained This is particularly important for cases in which instrument readings are to be used in litigation or compliance work For warranty and service return to The Service Department Castle Group Ltd Salter Road Cayton Lo...

Page 59: ...ldlife and also human health When situated near populated areas these toxins can cause problems to communities as their water and soil is polluted Many of the electrical items that we throw away can be repaired or recycled Recycling items helps to save natural finite resources and also reduces the environmental and health risks associated with sending waste electrical goods to landfill To minimise...

Page 60: ...ion Castle Group Ltd makes no representation or warranties as to the completeness or accuracy of this information Castle Group Ltd assumes no responsibility or liability for any injury loss or damage incurred as a result of misinterpreted or inaccurate information Any documentation supplied with your product is subject to change without notice ...

Reviews: