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Specifies operating environment: altitude, humidity, and ambient temperature.
Provides guidelines for instrument maintenance and cleaning procedures.
Explains safety symbols including CE mark for EMC compliance.
Describes the meter's applications in noise projects, quality control, and environmental sound measurement.
Lists key features like MAX/MIN, A/C weighting, FAST/SLOW response, and analog outputs.
Details compliance with IEC61672-1 CLASS2 and measurement accuracy.
Covers frequency range, dynamic range, and selectable level ranges.
Defines display, update rate, hold, alarm, power, and environment specs.
Identifies the windscreen, LCD, and major buttons on the sound level meter.
Explains the symbols and functions displayed on the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD).
Details the function of each button on the device for operation.
Controls backlight and DATALOGGER response setting via the backlight button.
Manages data recording, DATALOGGER response, and data zero functions using the REC button.
Activates the hold function to freeze the displayed reading using the HOLD button.
Details the procedure for adjusting the device's time and date using the SETUP button.
Describes how to configure USB communication for data transfer with a computer.
Allows selection of different measurement level ranges (Lo, Med, Hi, Auto) using the LEVEL button.
Details functions of MAX/MIN, weighting, response, and power buttons.
Describes DC power, USB, and AC/DC signal output interfaces.
Identifies calibration potentiometer, tripod mount, battery cover, and microphone.
Specifies settings for Frequency weighting, Time weighting, and Level range before calibration.
Details inserting the microphone into a calibrator and adjusting the potentiometer.
Recommends a recalibration cycle of 1 year for the product.
Instructions for battery installation and AC adapter usage.
Steps for operating the meter, selecting settings, and measuring.
Guidelines for instrument storage, operation, wind, and vibration.
Lists all items included in the product package.
Instructions for installing the meter's software and necessary drivers.
Steps to copy drivers, connect the meter, and install the software via USB.
Explains how COM ports are added in Device Manager after driver installation.
Describes how to confirm data transmission to the computer.
This document describes the Protech QM1598 Professional Sound Level Meter, a device designed for measuring various environmental sounds. It is suitable for applications in factories, schools, offices, traffic areas, and households, among others. The meter conforms to IEC61672-1 CLASS2 standards for sound level meters.
The Protech QM1598 is a versatile sound level meter capable of performing a range of measurements and offering several useful features. It supports both MAX and MIN measurements, allowing users to capture the highest and lowest sound levels during a measurement period. The device also provides indications for "OVER" and "UNDER" range conditions, alerting the user when the input sound level exceeds or falls below the set limits of the selected range.
It offers two frequency weighting options: A-Weighting (dBA) and C-Weighting (dBC). A-Weighting is used for general noise sound level measurements, mimicking the human ear's response to sound. C-Weighting is used for measuring sound levels of acoustic material or machine monitoring, providing a flatter response across the frequency spectrum.
The meter also features two time weighting options: FAST and SLOW. FAST response (125ms) is used for instant sound measurements, while SLOW response (1s) is used for average sound level measurements, providing a more stable reading for fluctuating noise.
For data management, the QM1598 includes a DATALOGGER function, enabling the recording of data into the computer. It also has an AUTO level range selection feature, which automatically adjusts the measurement range (Lo, Med, Hi) to ensure accurate readings. A "HOLD" function is available to freeze the current reading on the display.
The device is equipped with analog AC/DC outputs, allowing connection to external devices such as frequency analyzers or X-Y shaft recorders. The AC output provides 1Vrms corresponding to each range step, while the DC output provides 10mV/dB. Additionally, it has a USB interface for data traffic, facilitating connection to a computer for software-based analysis and data transfer.
The QM1598 is designed for ease of use with a clear LCD display and intuitive button controls.
Power and Display: To power on the meter, press the power button. The LCD display shows a 4-digit reading with a resolution of 0.1dB, updated twice per second. The display also indicates the selected range (30-130dB), frequency weighting (dBA/dBC), time weighting (FAST/SLOW), and MAX/MIN hold status. A backlight button allows users to turn the backlight ON/OFF for better visibility in different lighting conditions.
Level Range Selection: The "LEVEL" button allows users to cycle through different level ranges: "Lo" (30dB~80dB), "Med" (50dB~100dB), "Hi" (80dB~130dB), and "Auto" (30dB~130dB). This ensures that the meter operates within the appropriate range for the measured sound level, preventing "OVER" or "UNDER" indications unless the sound truly exceeds the meter's capabilities.
Frequency and Time Weighting: Dedicated buttons for frequency weighting (A/C) and time weighting (FAST/SLOW) allow users to quickly select the desired measurement parameters based on the application.
MAX/MIN Measurement: Pressing the "MAX/MIN" button once enters MAX/MIN measurement mode. "MAX" will appear on the LCD, and the meter will capture and hold the maximum sound level. Pressing the button again will display "MIN," capturing and holding the minimum sound level. A third press exits this mode.
Data Recording (DATALOGGER): To start data recording, press the "REC" button after powering on the meter. "REC" will appear on the display, indicating that data is being recorded. To stop recording, press the "REC" button again. It is crucial not to power off the device while recording to avoid data errors. The DATALOGGER response time can be adjusted by pressing the backlight button continuously before power-on, then using the "LEVEL" button to set the memory time, and "HOLD" to save the setting.
Data Zero Function: To delete data in the DATALOGGER, press the "REC" button continuously before powering on. Release the button when "CLR" appears on the display. Powering on after this will confirm that the data has been deleted.
Time Chip Adjustment: The "SETUP" button is used for adjusting the meter's internal clock. Press "SETUP" and then power on the meter. When "TIME" appears, release "SETUP" to enter time adjustment mode. The display will show the date. Subsequent presses of "SETUP" will cycle through minute, hour, and year adjustment modes. Use the "LEVEL" button to make adjustments and "HOLD" to save them. If the battery is exhausted or replaced, and the time cannot be adjusted, the time chip may need to be initialized first.
USB Communication: To connect the meter to a computer for data transfer, turn on the meter and connect it via USB. Ensure the correct COM port (COM3 or COM4) is selected in the software. Pressing "SETUP" will make the auto power-off symbol disappear from the display, indicating that USB data transmission is active.
Calibration: The meter includes a calibration potentiometer (CALL) for external standard level calibration adjustments. For calibration, set the frequency weighting to A-weighting, time weighting to FAST, and level range to 50~100dB. Insert the microphone into a calibrator (e.g., 94dB@1kHz), turn on the calibrator, and adjust the CALL potentiometer until 94.0dB is displayed on the unit.
Environment Conditions: The meter is designed to operate in specific environmental conditions:
Cleaning and Repair: For cleaning, periodically wipe the case with a dry cloth. Do not use solvents or eradicators on the instrument. Any repairs or servicing not covered in this manual should be performed by qualified personnel.
Battery Management: The meter uses one 9V battery. When the battery voltage drops, a low battery symbol will appear on the LCD, indicating that the battery needs to be replaced. For long-term storage, remove the battery to prevent leakage and potential damage to the instrument. The meter also features an auto power-off function, shutting down after approximately 15 minutes of inactivity to conserve battery life. This feature can be disabled during USB communication.
Microphone Care: When using the instrument in windy conditions, it is essential to mount the windscreen to prevent undesirable signals from being picked up. Keep the microphone dry and avoid severe vibration to ensure accurate measurements and prolong its lifespan.
Recalibration: All products are calibrated before shipment. A recommended recalibration cycle is once a year to maintain accuracy.
General| Diode Test | Yes |
|---|---|
| Transistor Test | Yes |
| Continuity Buzzer | Yes |
| Square Wave Output | Yes |
| Power Supply | 9V battery |
| Measurement Range | Depends on function |
| Resolution | Depends on range |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 40°C |
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