060114

CEL-269 Digital Integrating Issue: 4

September 1999
Sound Level Meter - Instructions

ELECTRET MICROPHONE

MODE INDICATOR

LOW BATTERY INDICATOR

OVERLOAD INDICATOR

UNDER RANGE INDICATOR

DISPLAY
dB
DIGITAL INTEGRATING
SOUND LEVEL METER
RESET BUTTON
RESET RANGE RESPONSE
(CURRENT FUNCTION)
A HI OFF
A LO
C LO
F
S
RANGE SWITCH
MODE C HI I
CAL
HI = 65-135 dB(A)
LO= 30-100 dB(A) RESPONSE/POWER SWITCH

RETAINING CLIP (2)

MODE BUTTON

CALIBRATION CONTROL

COLOURED COVER

STANDARD 3.5mm 3 POLE

COAXIAL OUTPUT SOCKET
CEL-269 (NOT FOR POWER)

990016
 CEL-269 Digital Integrating Sound Level Meter
Instructions
INTRODUCTION
The CEL-269 Digital Integrating Impulse Sound A complete "CEL-269 Digital Integrating Impulse
Level Meter has been designed to meet the Sound Level Meter" consists of the following
measurement requirements of Safety Engineers, items.
Occupational Nurses, Industrial Safety Officers,
and other specialists who require inexpensive and CEL-269 Sound Level Meter,
easily used instrumentation to determine whether 32460 Microphone Cover,
industrial noise exposure areas require a more 16022 Type AAA Manganese
detailed investigation. Alkaline Battery (4 off),
38055 Screwdriver,
The instrument features an eight-bit micro- 60114 Instructions.
processor that calculates the time averaged levels
continuously. Leq (the equivalent continuous noise
The following accessories may be ordered
level) represents the steady continuous level
separately to enable the user to gain the
which would have the same energy content as
maximum advantage from the instrument.
the varying noise level being measured. It is
obtained by integrating sound pressure levels
CEL-4672/2 Windshield,
with respect to time according to:
CEL-5894 Case for measuring kit,
CEL-284/2 Acoustical Calibrator Class 1
T

T∫
(complete with CEL-4725
1 P
Leq = 10log ( ) dt
2
Microphone Coupler),
P0 CEL-282 Acoustical Calibrator Class 2
0
(complete with CEL-4725
Microphone Coupler),
Where P is the instantaneous sound pressure, P0
-5
C4963/2 Tape Recorder Cable (2 m) with
the reference pressure 2 x 10 Pa, and T the
3.5 mm jack plug & BNC plug for a.c
measurement duration.
output.

The microprocessor also calculates the time

constants required for measuring with the
standard time weightings: Fast, Slow, and PREPARATION FOR USE
Impulse (with reset function), and there is a
maximum hold mode that operates with all time Install four type AAA Manganese Alkaline

constants. batteries and the instrument is ready for use. Zinc

carbon batteries are NOT suitable.

The instrument satisfies the requirements of IEC

651 Type 2, BS 5969 Type 2, and ANSI S1.4 Type
2A standards for both free field and random
incidence sound level meters, IEC 651 Type 2
impulse sound level meters, and IEC 804, BS
6698 for integrating sound level meters.
The two battery compartments are exposed
when the coloured cover is removed as shown.
I for One compartment in the front of the instrument
inner case houses two batteries, with an identical
compartment at the back.

A clear and unambiguous digital indication of the

Observe the battery polarities indicated in the
A-weighted and C-weighted sound levels is
figure and in each compartment, and replace
provided by the custom made display, that
batteries when is indicated on the display.
includes an indication of overload and under range
conditions, and may be switched to show battery
voltage. Having inserted a set of batteries, replace the
coloured cover and ensure that it is firmly held by
the retaining clips. The actual battery voltage can
The instrument can measure sound levels
be determined by sliding the RESPONSE switch
between 30 dB(A) and 135 dB(A) in two ranges,
to F, then pressing the MODE button repeatedly
at frequencies between 10 Hz and 20 kHz. An
to cycle the display function until the voltage is
output signal is available from a single standard
displayed.
3.5 mm 3-pole coaxial socket, so that it may be
used with graphic level and tape recording
systems. The instrument is now ready for service.
Gain access to the TWO battery
compartments:
1

1
Squeeze the light coloured clips as 990017
shown at arrows 1. Then slide the coloured
cover off in the direction of arrow 2.

There are TWO battery compartments

2 Batteries
in Front
Compartment 2 Batteries
in Rear
Load 2 batteries into each Compartment
compartment, following the
990018
battery polarities shown here.
(Also shown inside the compartment)

Position the calibrator with

its label uppermost so that
both calibrator and meter
Press the switch can lay on a flat surface
here to switch the
calibrator on

Rotate the
screwdriver
to adjust
calibration Calibrator
level
Microphone Coupler
990019
Response "F"
Range "A Hi"
FIELD ACCURACY CHECK acoustic coupler used, the operating frequency,

(ACOUSTIC CALIBRATION) and the calibration level. Pistonphones operating

at 250 Hz may be used, however the instrument

Perform a field accuracy check (acoustic must be switched to C-weighted operation. It is

calibration) using a CEL-282 or CEL-284/2 recommended that the calibration be verified at at

Acoustical Calibrator immediately before and after least every year. Contact the CASELLA CEL

measurements are made as follows. Service Department at Bedford for details.

1. Remove the microphone cover. OPERATION

2. Fit the CEL-4725 Microphone Coupler on to 1. Insert batteries as described above.
the calibrator.

2. Calibrate the instrument.

3. Push the calibrator and coupler on to the
microphone, with the label at the top as 3. Switch the calibrator OFF.
shown.

4. Remove the calibrator and microphone coupler.

4. Slide the RANGE switch to A HI (high range).

5. Hold the instrument comfortably in the hand

5. Slide the RESPONSE switch to F (fast) to
and point the microphone at the suspected
switch the instrument on.
noise source.

6. Wait approximately 20 s for the instrument to

6. Range Selection
stabilise.

Select A HI or C HI (high) ranges.

The software version number will be indicated
at the start of this period, then the micropro-
These ranges cover sound levels between 65
cessor performs a series of test routines after
and 135 dB.
which the instrument is ready for use.

Select A LO or C LO (low) ranges when the

It always starts with sound pressure (SPL)
indicated sound level falls below 80 dB. A
measurement selected, which is the mode
constant reading of 65 dB may also indicate
used for calibration.
that LO range should be selected.

When is displayed, the batteries should be

If is indicated during a measurement, select
changed. The battery voltage can be shown on
one of the HI ranges.
the display by pressing the MODE button
several times until BATT is indicated.
If is indicated during a measurement, select
one of the LO ranges.
7. Press the bottom of the calibrator switch to
obtain 114 dB at 1 kHz.
7. Mode Selection

Early units had to be set to the 114.0 dB

calibration level. However, due to minor SPL (sound pressure level) mode is selected

changes in the ¼" microphone assembly, the automatically when the test routines are

calibration level for later units is 113.6 dB. completed. In this mode the current sound
pressure levels are displayed with a resolution

If this instrument has a serial number XX6XXX... of 0.1 dB, and updated every half second.

or higher, or a replacement CEL ¼"microphone

supplied after 1-1-96, use the 113.6 dB level. If SPL is not being indicated, or another mea-
surement mode is required, press the MODE

8. If necessary, carefully adjust the CAL control button several times to cycle the instrument

with the screwdriver provided until the through the measuring modes until the

indication is correct. relevant mode is displayed.

The CAL control uses 4 turns to give 12 dB of When MAX (Maximum Hold) mode is chosen,

adjustment. The instrument captures and holds the

maximum noise levels for long periods using
9. Switch the calibrator OFF, when not in use. ANY of the time weightings and ranges.

Other calibrators may be used, but the correct Press the RESET button to clear the MAX
indication will depend upon the volume of the display for the next measurement.
 When LEQ (Equivalent Noise Level Measure-
ment) mode is selected the current Leq
calculated by the microprocessor will be
displayed and updated every half second.

Press the RESET button to clear the LEQ

display for the next measurement.

8. Time-weighting Selection

TAPE RECORDER
Select F (fast response) when it is necessary to
follow the variation of noise levels.

Select S (slow response) when the general

sound levels are relatively constant.
C4963/2 CABLE

Select I (impulse response) for more rapidly

varying noise when it is necessary to investi-
gate the impulsive components.
LEVEL RECORDER
This setting has a fast rise time to capture the
level, with a slow decay that allows it to be
displayed for approximately 1.5 seconds.
C4963/2 CABLE

9. Switch the instrument OFF (RESPONSE switch

to OFF) when not in use; remove batteries
when out of service for long periods.

USE WITH RECORDERS 990020

Connection for tape recorders and graphic level proportional to indicated sound level, with 7.25 V

recorders is made via the same 3.5 mm 3-pole RMS full scale deflection.

coaxial socket in the bottom of the instrument, as

shown.
Connection between the sound level meter and
recorder is made via a C4963/2 (2 m) Cable
terminated with a BNC plug. The connections in
this cable provide a conditioned a.c output signal
When recordings are to be made, it is
recommened that the sound level meter be
calibrated as described above, and that a
calibration level be incorporated into the
recording. For more precise details refer to the
relevant recorder handbook.

Specification
Type: Typical instrument frequency range:
(within +0.5 to -3 dB)

Sound level meter according to ANSI S1.4 Type

Better than 10 Hz to 25 kHz in all ranges.
2A, IEC 651 Type 2, and BS 5969 Type 2.
Impulse sound level meter according to IEC 651
Accuracy: (under reference conditions)
Type 2 . I
Integrating averaging sound level meter according
to IEC 804 and BS 6698. ±1 dB.

Lowest frequency for non-linear

Dynamic range:
distortion <1 dB:

70 dB. 5 Hz.
 o
Measurement ranges: However above 40 C, accuracy within the limits
of IEC 651 can be obtained using the following

Range Frequency Display Primary Linearity correction, where t is

o
C:

Setting Weighting Range Range IEC 651

Corrected reading

A LO (low) A 30-100 dB 33-86 dB = display reading+ 0.05(t-40).

A HI (high) A 65-135 dB 68-12 dB

o
C LO (low) C 30-100 dB 33-86 dB Operating temperature range: -10 to +50 C.
o
C HI (high) C 65-135 dB 68-121 dB Storage range: -20 to + 60 C.

Note: The lower reading is quoted at +10 dB Effect of magnetic fields on accuracy:
on noise floor. Upper reading allows

crest factor 5. Negligible at all levels.

Lower than a reading of 30 dB(A) when tested

Directional response:
according to IEC 651 clause 8.4.

Within the limits of IEC 651.

Effect of vibration on accuracy:

Microphone type:
Less than 3 dB when tested according to IEC 651
clause 8.3.
CEL quarter-inch diameter pre-polarised electret,
typically 10 mV/Pa, permanently attached to the
Effect of operator:
instrument.

Negligible when instrument held at arm's length

The microphone meets Type 2 requirements for
with microphone pointing away from operator.
both free field and random incidence
measurement.
Frequency weightings:

Impedance to be substituted for micro-

A- and C-weightings according to ANSI S1.4 Type
phone:
2A, and IEC 651 Type 2.

Not possible, microphone permanently attached;

Time weightings:
contact CEL for method of measuring electrical
performance.
F (fast): 125 milliseconds,
S (slow): 1 second,
Calibration reference conditions:
I (impulse): 35 millisecond rise time,
1.5 second decay time.
Free field perpendicular incidence,
o
Ambient temperature: 20 C,
Digital display:
Relative humidity: 65%,
Measurement Range: HI (high),
4 digits,
Excitation SPL: 114 dB,
7 segments,
Frequency: 1 kHz.
10 mm high characters,
0.1 dB resolution.
Effect of humidity on accuracy: Display updated 2 times per second.

Less than ±0.5 dB over the range 30 to 90% RH Functions indicated:

(provided there is no condensation), relative to the
o
value at 65% RH and 40 C. SPL: Noise levels dB(A) and dB(C),
MAX: Holds noise readings of F, S, & I, with
Storage range: 20 to 95% RH non-condensing. no decay,
LEQ: Calculated Leq values based on a

Effect of temperature on accuracy: sampling rate of 160 samples per

second,

Less than ±0.5 dB over the range -10 to +40oC. BATT: Battery voltage,

Low battery level. (Indicated when

o battery falls below approximately 3.2
For temperatures between +40 and +50 C it is
V),
recommended that the instrument be recalibrated
at the operating temperature with a CEL-282 or Over load,

CEL-284/2. Under range.

Over load detection : Output:
Pre-weighting overload detector, with 2.5 second
dwell time.
Under range detection : AC:
In SPL and MAX modes, under range is indicated
when the measured RMS level falls below 65 dB
(HI Ranges) or 30 dB (LO Ranges), there is a 2.5
second dwell time.
In LEQ mode, under range is indicated if the
energy in a sample falls below 64.5 dB (HI
ranges) or 29.5 dB (LO ranges).
Otherwise the calculation would include at least
one incorrect sample. This is a permanent
indication that can be removed only by resetting
the instrument.
Start up stabilisation time:
20 seconds.
The Manufacturers reserve the right to change instrument specifications without prior notice.
Manufacturers Servicing & Warranty Arrangements
In order to ensure its rigid conformity with the
requirements of the specification, this instrument
is thoroughly inspected and calibrated prior to
dispatch from the factory. All technical
information for an individual instrument is filed
under the instrument serial number. Therefore,
the serial number should be quoted in any
correspondance concerning the instrument.
The manufacturers undertake to rectify any
defect in the instrument that is directly
attributable to faulty design or assembly, and
which becomes apparent during the warranty
period. In order to take advantage of this
warranty, the instrument must be returned,
carriage paid, to the manufacturer's factory or
accredited agent, where necessary repairs will be
carried out. The warranty period beginning with
the initial date shown on the Certificate of
Compliance is normally 12 months, but with
exceptions on certain specialised components
supplied by other manufacturers which are
warranted for shorter periods.
Some of the specialised components used in this
instrument may be subject to longer guarantees
by their actual manufacturers, and in all such
cases, the benefit of these undertakings will be
Standard 3 pole 3.5 mm coaxial socket with a.c
on pin and ground on sleeve.
Conditioned signal, 7.25 V RMS for
FSD,
Recommended impedance of load
>39 k Ω.
Batteries:
4 x IEC AAA Manganese Alkaline type.
Battery life is typically better than 20 hours with
continuous use.
Dimensions:
258 x 70 x 21 mm, (10 x 2.75 x 0.85 inches).
Weight:
200 g, (0.45 lb) excluding batteries.
passed on to the user. However, CASELLA CEL's
liability is limited to items of their own
manufacture, and they do not accept liability for
any loss resulting from the operation or
interpretation of the results from this equipment.
A comprehensive Instrument Calibration
Maintenance Agreement (ICMA) scheme is
available to extend the initial warranty period of
this instrument. At the end of the first warranty
period, it is recommended that the equipment be
returned to the CASELLA CEL Service and
Re-calibration Department at Bedford, where it
will be inspected and entered into the ICMA
scheme as required. The warranty will then be
extended for the period stated on the individual
schedule. Please contact your local CASELLA
CEL agent for full details of this service.
In addition, CASELLA CEL operates a NAMAS
accredited laboratory No. 0237 which is able to
perform certain acoustic calibrations with
traceability to U.K. National Standards, details on
request.
In the event of a malfunction developing during
the warranty period, the instrument should be
carefully packed and returned either to CASELLA
CEL's local agent, or in the case of domestic detailed description of the fault,
sales, to the CASELLA CEL Service Department List of any error messages that may have
at Bedford. been displayed.

Please include the following information:
Instrument Type(s) and Serial Number(s),
Customer name and address,
Contact name and phone number,
Details of any PC and Software involved,
Reason for returning the equipment with a
The necessary adjustments or repairs will be
carried out, and the instrument returned as soon
as possible.
After the warranty has expired (except on
approved accounts) service work is undertaken
against quotations, and all packing and transit
costs are charged extra.

CEL and DAWE instrumentation and software are designed, manufactured, and serviced by:

CASELLA CEL, Regent House, Wolseley, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 7JY, United Kingdom.
Phone: (44) 1234 844100 Fax: (44) 1234 841490, e-mail: celsales@casella.co.uk

17 Old Nashua Road #15, Amherst, NH 03031, U.S.A.

Phone: (1) 603 672 0031 Fax: (1) 603 672 8053 e-mail: cel_sales@compuserve.com