Quest Engineering 1800 User Manual

Model 1800
Precision Integrating
Sound Level Meter
and
Model OB-100
Octave Band Filter
and
Model OB-300
1/1 - 1/3 Octave Band
Filter
instructions for
Note: Due to the new ATEX Directive in Europe, all references in this document to "Ex" or
"EEx" for intrinsic safety approvals should be disregarded effective 7/1/03 within the member
countries of the European Union (EU). At this time, this product is not approved in accordance
with the new ATEX Directive and is not sold for use in hazardous atmospheres or explosive
zones by customers within the EU. Outside of the EU, all references to intrinsic safety
continue without change.
59-332 Rev C
5/97
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MODEL 1800 PRECISION IMPULSE INTEGRATING SOUND LEVEL METER
WITH THE OB-100/OB-300
I. INTRODUCTION TO THE MODEL 1800 ................. 1
A. Assembling the Meter ..................... 1
Microphone Handling and Storage ............... 1
II. ABOUT THE METER ......................... 2
A. The Display .......................... 2
B. Meter Controls ........................ 3
HOLD Button ......................... 3
RESET Button ........................ 3
RUN Button ......................... 3
PRINT Button ........................ 3
BATTERY Button ....................... 4
RESPONSE Switch ....................... 4
WEIGHTING Switch ...................... 4
MODE Switch ......................... 4
dB RANGE Switch ....................... 5
POWER Switch ........................ 5
C. Overload Detection ...................... 5
D. Output Jacks ......................... 6
PRINT ............................ 6
DC ............................. 6
AC ............................. 6
DATA ............................ 6
E. External Filter Connector ................... 7
F. Internal Switches ....................... 7
Mic. Polarization ...................... 7
Baud Rate .......................... 7
Display Time ........................ 8
G. Printout ........................... 8
III. CHECKING THE METER INTEGRITY .................. 10
A. Battery Check ......................... 10
B. Calibration .......................... 10
IV. GENERAL OPERATING CONSIDERATIONS ................ 11
A. Meter / Microphone Placement ................. 11
B. Background Noise ....................... 11
C. Wind Screen Effects ...................... 12
D. Chart Recording ........................ 13
E. Data Logging with the NL-15 .................. 14
V. TECHNICAL INFORMATION ...................... 15
A. Principles of Operation .................... 15
B. Microphone .......................... 17
C. Preamplifier Input Characteristics .............. 18
D. Microphone Preamp Extension Cables .............. 19
E. Input Buffer Circuitry .................... 20
F. Weighting Characteristics ................... 21
G. Internal Electrical Noise ................... 22
H. Response Charts ........................ 23
VI. SPECIFICATIONS ......................... 26
VII. INTRODUCTION TO THE MODEL OB-100. ................ 29

Quest Engineering 1800 Specifications

General

Brand	Quest Engineering
Model	1800
Category	Music Equipment
Language	English

Summary

Model 1800 Precision Integrating Sound Level Meter

Introduction to the Model 1800

Overview of the Model 1800's capabilities and purpose.

About the Meter

Detailed explanation of the meter's features, controls, and indicators.

Meter Controls

Explanation of the operation of various meter buttons like HOLD, RESET, RUN, and PRINT.

Overload Detection

Information on how the meter indicates and handles signal overload conditions.

Output Jacks

Description of the PRINT, DC, AC, and DATA output jacks and their functions.

Internal Switches

Explanation of internal switches for Mic. Polarization and Baud Rate settings.

Checking the Meter Integrity

Battery Check

Procedure to check the battery strength indicator on the display.

Calibration

Steps to calibrate the Model 1800 using a Quest Calibrator.

General Operating Considerations

Meter / Microphone Placement

Recommendations for optimal placement of the meter and microphone.

Background Noise

Discussion on the impact of background noise on measurements.

Wind Screen Effects

How windscreens affect sound measurements and microphone performance.

Chart Recording

Instructions for connecting and using the meter with a chart recorder.

Data Logging with the NL-15

Procedures for using the NL-15 Noise Data Logger with the meter.

Technical Information

Principles of Operation

Overview of the Model 1800's analog and digital circuitry.

Microphone

Details on compatible microphones and their connection.

Response Charts

Plots showing meter response to various signal durations and settings.

Specifications

Introduction to the Model OB-100

About the Filter

Details on the filter's controls and connectors.

General Operating Procedure

Steps for operational checks and taking measurements with the filter.

Reviewing the Data

How to review measurement data collected with the filter.

Introduction to the Model OB-300

About the Filter

Details on the OB-300 filter's controls and connectors.

General Operating Procedure

Procedures for operational checks and taking measurements with the OB-300.

Reviewing the Data

How to review measurement data collected with the OB-300.

Addendum for the Model 1800-5

Downloading Instructions

Downloading Using DOS

Instructions for downloading data using DOS commands.

Downloading Using Windows™™

Guidance on using Windows software for data download.

Quest Service and Warranty Policy

Service Policy

Procedures for returning equipment for service or recalibration.

Warranty Policy

Details of the product's warranty terms and conditions.