This document describes the CENTER 323 Data Logger Sound Level Meter, a device designed for measuring sound levels and logging data. It is a portable instrument that complies with IEC 61672-1 class 2 and ANSI S1.4 Type2 standards, making it suitable for various sound measurement applications.
Function Description
The CENTER 323 is primarily a sound level meter with integrated data logging capabilities. Its core function is to measure ambient sound pressure levels and display them on a backlit LCD panel. The device can store these measurements internally or transmit them to a computer via a USB interface for further analysis.
Key functions include:
- Sound Level Measurement: It captures sound levels within a specified range and displays them digitally and as a 30-segment bar graph.
- Frequency Weighting: Users can select between A and C frequency weighting to suit different measurement requirements. A-weighting is typically used for general noise sound levels, while C-weighting is for measuring the sound level of acoustic material.
- Time Weighting: The meter offers FAST and SLOW time weighting options. FAST response is used for sound sources with short bursts or catching sound peaks, while SLOW setting is for measuring average sound levels.
- Data Logging: The device can record up to 64,000 data points, including the measured sound level, date, and time. This feature is crucial for long-term monitoring and analysis of sound environments.
- Real-Time Data Transfer: Through its USB interface and accompanying Windows software (SE-323), the meter can transfer real-time measurement data to a computer for live graphing and analysis.
- AC/DC Signal Output: The meter provides both AC and DC signal outputs, allowing it to be connected to other recording or analysis equipment. The AC output is 1 Vrms at full scale, and the DC output is 10mV/dB.
- Alarm Function: It includes an alarm function that indicates "OVER" when the input exceeds the upper limit of the range and "UNDER" when the input is less than the lower limit.
- Maximum/Minimum Hold: This mode allows the instrument to capture and hold the maximum and minimum noise levels over a measurement period, which are automatically updated in memory.
Usage Features
The CENTER 323 is designed for user-friendly operation with a clear LCD display and intuitive button controls.
Power and Display:
- Power On/Off: Press the power button to turn the meter on. To turn it off, press and hold the power button until "OFF 3, 2, 1" appears on the screen.
- LCD Backlight: Press the power button to toggle the LCD backlight on or off, improving readability in dark environments. The backlight can also turn off automatically after 30 seconds to conserve battery power.
- Auto Power Off: By default, the unit enters auto power off mode after 30 minutes of inactivity to save battery life. This feature is disabled when connected to a PC or during recording. It can also be manually disabled by pressing and holding the FAST/SLOW button while powering on the meter.
- Battery Capacity Indicator: The display shows a battery capacity indicator, allowing users to monitor the remaining battery power. A "Lo bat" warning appears when the battery is almost empty, and the meter will stop if it's in record mode.
Measurement Control:
- Frequency Weighting (A/C): The A/C button allows users to switch between A and C frequency weightings.
- Time Weighting (FAST/SLOW): The FAST/SLOW button selects between FAST and SLOW time weightings.
- Level Range Control: The LEVEL button cycles through "Lo," "Med," "Hi," and "Auto" level ranges, enabling the user to select the appropriate measurement range.
- MAX/MIN Mode: Pressing the MIN/MAX button enters the maximum and minimum recording mode. In this mode, the meter continuously stores and updates the maximum and minimum values. Pressing the button repeatedly displays the maximum, minimum, and current values. To exit this mode, press and hold the MIN/MAX button until the "MAX MIN" symbol disappears.
Data Logging and Interval Setup:
- Recording (REC): Press the REC button to start recording data. The "REC" symbol will appear on the display. Pressing it again stops the recording.
- Auto Store Interval Setup: To set the recording interval, power off the unit, then press and hold the A/C button while powering it on. Press the INTV(SLOW) button, and "Int" will appear with a flashing second display. Use the REC or LEVEL buttons to adjust the minutes and seconds for the interval (maximum 1 minute, minimum 1 second). Press INTV(SLOW) again to confirm, or the power button to cancel.
- Memory Full Indication: The LCD will show "FULL" when 64,000 records are stored in memory.
Date and Time Setting:
- To set the date and time, turn off the unit. Press and hold the A/C button, then press the power button to enter SETUP mode, indicated by "SEt" blinking. Press the CLOCK(MAX) button to access clock settings. Use the REC or LEVEL buttons to adjust the year, and the CLOCK(MAX) button to move to the next value (month, date, hour, minute, second). Press CLOCK(MAX) again to exit SETUP mode.
Calibration:
- The meter can be calibrated to 94dB. To do this, press and hold the MIN/MAX button while powering on the meter. "CAL 94dB" will appear. Insert the microphone into the calibrator, and use the REC or LEVEL buttons to adjust the number. Press MIN/MAX to finish, or the power button to cancel.
Software Interface (SE-323):
- The SE-323 software allows users to connect the meter to a PC via USB. It provides features for real-time graphing, data logging, and saving recorded data in various formats (binary, text, Excel). The software includes a main menu with options to open/save files, print graphs, control the meter, view real-time graphs, and load recorded data from the meter.
Maintenance Features
Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and accuracy of the CENTER 323.
- Cleaning: Periodically wipe the case with a dry cloth. Avoid using abrasives or solvents on the instrument.
- Battery Management:
- The device uses four 1.5V AAA batteries. Ensure correct polarity when loading batteries.
- Rechargeable AAA batteries can be used, but a separate charger is required as the unit does not recharge them.
- If the unit will not be used for an extended period, remove the main batteries to prevent damage from fluid leakage.
- The internal rechargeable backup battery keeps the clock running for 30 minutes when the main power is off and is recharged by the main batteries when powered on.
- Environmental Precautions:
- Avoid storing or operating the instrument in high temperature and high humidity environments.
- Keep the microphone dry and protect it from severe vibration.
- When not in use for a long time, store the instrument in a low humidity environment with the batteries removed.
- Windscreen Usage: When making outdoor measurements or measuring near air conditioning equipment, use the provided windscreen to reduce wind noise, which can cause measurement errors.
- Recalibration: While the products are calibrated before shipment, a recommended recalibration cycle of 1 year is suggested to maintain accuracy.
- Servicing: Repairs or servicing not covered in the manual should only be performed by qualified personnel. Use only specified replacement parts when servicing.
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