Quest Engineering OB-100

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 OB-100 Specifications

General

Brand	Quest Engineering
Model	OB-100
Category	Music Equipment
Language	English

Summary

Introduction to the Model 1800

Assembling the Meter

Instructions for connecting the microphone and preamplifier to the sound level meter unit.

Microphone Handling and Storage

Guidelines for proper care and storage of the sound level meter's microphone.

Meter Overview and Controls

The Display

Details of the LCD display, including numeric readout, bar indicator, and annunciators.

Meter Controls

Explanation of the function of various buttons and switches on the meter.

Meter Functionality and Settings

Overload Detection

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

Output Jacks

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

Meter Configuration and Operation

Internal Switches and Connectors

Details on internal switches and external filter connectors for settings and connectivity.

Response and Range Settings

Explanation of Response, Weighting, Mode, and dB Range switch functions.

Meter Maintenance and Calibration

Battery Check and Replacement

Procedure to check battery strength and indicators for replacement.

Calibration Procedure

Step-by-step guide for calibrating the Model 1800 sound level meter.

Operating Considerations

Meter and Microphone Placement

Recommendations for optimal placement of the meter and microphone for accurate measurements.

Background Noise and Wind Effects

How background noise and wind affect measurements and methods to mitigate them.

Data Output and Logging

Chart Recording

Instructions for connecting to and using a chart recorder for analog output.

Data Logging with NL-15

Setup and operation for using the NL-15 Noise Data Logger with the meter.

Technical Information (Model 1800)

Principles of Operation

Overview of the analog and digital circuitry and its reliability.

Microphone and Preamplifier Specs

Details on microphone types accepted, polarization, and preamp input characteristics.

Response Charts and Noise Levels

Plots showing meter response and data on internal electrical noise.

Specifications (Model 1800)

Measurement Standards and Display

Details on standards met, display type, resolution, and annunciators.

Printout and Operation Modes

Information on printout content and the meter's various operational modes.

Model OB-100 Filter Introduction

OB-100 Filter Controls and Connector

Explanation of OB-100 filter controls and the 30-pin connector for meter interface.

OB-100 Operational Check

Procedure to check the OB-100 filter's calibration and operation with the meter.

Model OB-100 Operation and Data

Taking Measurements with OB-100

Instructions for performing measurements using the OB-100 in MANUAL or AUTO filter modes.

Reviewing OB-100 Data

How to review stored measurement data for each frequency band.

Model OB-100 Technical Info and Specs

OB-100 Technical Information

Details on OB-100 filter standards and normalized passband characteristics.

OB-100 Specifications

Specifications for OB-100 filter standards, center frequencies, and selection.

Model OB-300 Filter Introduction

OB-300 Filter Controls and Connector

Explanation of OB-300 filter controls and the 30-pin connector for meter interface.

OB-300 Operational Check

Procedure to check the OB-300 filter's calibration and operation with the meter.

Model OB-300 Operation and Data

Taking Measurements with OB-300

Instructions for performing measurements using the OB-300 in MANUAL or AUTO filter modes.

Reviewing OB-300 Data

How to review stored measurement data for each frequency band.

Model OB-300 Technical Info and Specs

OB-300 Technical Information

Details on OB-300 filter standards and normalized passband characteristics.

OB-300 Specifications

Specifications for OB-300 filter standards, center frequencies, and selection.

Addendum and Downloading Instructions

Addendum for Model 1800-5

Changes required for the 5dB exchange rate version of the Model 1800 meter.

Downloading Data to Computer

Steps for downloading data from the meter to a computer using DOS or Windows.

Service and Warranty Policy

Service Policy

Procedures for returning equipment for repair or recalibration and factory contact information.

Warranty Policy

Details on the one-year warranty coverage, limitations, and exclusions for instruments and components.