812 Manual

Model 812
Reference Manual
Larson Davis Inc.

1681 West 820 North
Provo, UT 84601-1341
Phone: (801) 375-0177
FAX: (801) 375-0182
www.larsondavis.com
I812.01 Rev.C
Copyright
Copyright 2003 by Larson Davis, Incorporated. This manual is copyrighted, with all rights
reserved. The manual may not be copied in whole or in part for any use without prior written
consent of Larson Davis, Inc.
Disclaimer
The following paragraph does not apply in any state or country where such statements are not
agreeable with local law:
Even though Larson Davis, Inc. has reviewed its documentation, Larson Davis Incorporated makes
no warranty or representation, either expressed or implied, with respect to this software and
documentation, its quality, performance, merchantability, or fitness for a particular purpose. This
documentation is subject to change without notice, and should not be construed as a commitment or
representation by Larson Davis, Inc.
This publication may contain inaccuracies or typographical errors. Larson Davis, Inc. will
periodically update the material for inclusion in new editions. Changes and improvements to the
information described in this manual may be made at any time
Equal Opportunity Employer
Larson Davis is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color,
religion, gender, national origin, disability or veteran status.
..Please examine your instrument and record the following information below. You may be asked to
give this information in any future communications you have with Larson Davis, Inc.
Record of Serial Number and Purchase Date
System 812 Serial #: _____________________ PRM828 Pre-amp. Serial #: ______________

Microphone Model #: ___________________ Microphone Serial # ____________________
Purchase Date: _________________________
Recycling
Larson Davis, Inc. is an environmentally friendly organization and encourages our custom-
ers to be environmentally conscious. When this product reaches its end of life, please recycle
the product through a local recycling center or return the product to:
Larson Davis, Inc.
Attn: Recycling Coordinator
1681 West 820 North
Provo, Utah, USA 84601
where it will be accepted for disposal

Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction 1-1
About This Manual ............................................................................................. 1-2
About This Chapter ............................................................................................ 1-3
Formatting Conventions .................................................................................... 1-3
Features................................................................................................................. 1-5
Model 812 Components ..................................................................................... 1-7
Block Diagram .............................................................................................. 1-10
Getting Started................................................................................................... 1-12
Unpacking and Inspection .......................................................................... 1-12
Accessories .................................................................................................... 1-13
Optional Equipment .................................................................................... 1-15
Battery Installation ...................................................................................... 1-17
Memory Retention........................................................................................ 1-19
Environmental Considerations................................................................... 1-20
Preparing to Use the Model 812 - Connecting the Mic/Preamp........... 1-20
Chapter 2 Overview to Model 812 2-1

Understanding the Model 812 Keypad............................................................ 2-2
Turning On the Model 812............................................................................... 2-10
Turning Off the Model 812 .............................................................................. 2-12
Chapter 3 Calibration 3-1

Calibrating the Model 812.................................................................................. 3-1
Chapter 4 Quick Start 4-1

Setting Parameters Using Function Keys ........................................................ 4-1
Setting Parameters Using Numbers and Other Characters .......................... 4-3
Setting Time, Date, and Day parameters ......................................................... 4-6
Chapter 5 Performing a Measurement/Reading the Data 5-1

Taking a Measurement ....................................................................................... 5-1
SLM................................................................................................................... 5-1
Lmax-Lmin ...................................................................................................... 5-6
PEAK-UWPK .................................................................................................. 5-7
Ln ...................................................................................................................... 5-8
Leq .................................................................................................................... 5-9
Dose .................................................................................................................. 5-9
5/27/05 1
BATTERY .......................................................................................................5-13
MEMORY .......................................................................................................5-14
Stopping the Measurement ..............................................................................5-14
Chapter 6 Timed Measurement 6-1

Using the Timer for Unattended Readings......................................................6-1
Chapter 7 History Functions 7-1

Setting and Viewing Advanced Functions ......................................................7-1
Time History ....................................................................................................7-1
Time History Data...........................................................................................7-3
Log and Data ...................................................................................................7-4
Interval History ...............................................................................................7-5
Setting PassBy Functions ...............................................................................7-7
Chapter 8 Parameters 8-1

Parameter Key Access Review...........................................................................8-1
Entering and Exiting the Setup Menu..........................................................8-1
Locating Parameters .......................................................................................8-2
Changing Parameters — Enter, Modify ......................................................8-3
Error Messages ................................................................................................8-4
Learning to Store and Retrieve Setup Memory...............................................8-4
Storing a Setup ................................................................................................8-5
Recalling a Setup .............................................................................................8-6
Model 812 Setup Parameters..............................................................................8-7
System (1-20) R U S..........................................................8-7
Timer (21-27) U T ........................................................................8-10
Lock (28-29) U P ...............................................................................8-11
Calibration (35-36) U C...................................................................8-11
Sound Level Meter (39-50) C .......................................................................8-11
Dose (51) o ............................................................................................8-13
LN Statistical Levels (55-58) B..............................................................8-13
Exceedance Level Count (61-65) V.......................................................8-14
Interval History (72-79) M
Time History (80-87) ................................................................................. H8-14
Print Options (89-112) s .......................................................................8-17
Chapter 9 Memory Usage 9-1

Determine Storable Data.....................................................................................9-1
Estimating Memory Usage .................................................................................9-3
2 Model 812 User Manual 5/27/05

Chapter 10 Printing a Report 10-1
Normal Printout Parameters ........................................................................... 10-1
Printing Reports ................................................................................................ 10-3
App. A Specifications A-1

Type...................................................................................................................... A-2
Reference Direction............................................................................................ A-2
Measurement Ranges ........................................................................................ A-3
RMS Detector ................................................................................................. A-3
Other Detectors.............................................................................................. A-4
Reference Level................................................................................................... A-4
Frequency Weightings....................................................................................... A-4
Detector Time Weightings ................................................................................ A-7
Effects of Temperature ...................................................................................... A-7
Effects of Humidly ............................................................................................. A-7
Limits of Temperature and Humidity ............................................................ A-7
Microphone Extension Cables.......................................................................... A-8
Optimal Positioning of Instrument and Observer ........................................ A-8
AC and DC Outputs .......................................................................................... A-8
AC Output ...................................................................................................... A-8
DC Output ...................................................................................................... A-9
Reference Frequency.......................................................................................... A-9
Stabilization Time............................................................................................... A-9
Microphone Electrical Impedance ................................................................... A-9
Functions Measured......................................................................................... A-10
Data Storage ...................................................................................................... A-10
Data Communications..................................................................................... A-10
Digital Display.................................................................................................. A-10
Digital Display Resolution.............................................................................. A-11
Display Bargraph ............................................................................................. A-11
Real-time Clock/Calendar.............................................................................. A-11
Run-time Clock................................................................................................. A-11
Standards Met................................................................................................... A-11
Power Supply.................................................................................................... A-12
Dimensions/Weight (with Microphone, Preamplifier and Battery) ........ A-12
App. B Serial Port Interface Remote Control B-1

Model INT002 Interface Cable...................................................................... B-2
Daisy Chain Addressing ............................................................................... B-3
5/27/05 3
Commands ...................................................................................................... B-4
History Oriented Commands
Mode Commands........................................................................................... B-5
“Read” Variables............................................................................................ B-6
Other Read Commands............................................................................... B-11
Group Read Programming ......................................................................... B-12
Setting Parameters ....................................................................................... B-13
Numeric Parameters ............................................................................... B-13
Indexed Parameters ................................................................................ B-13
Character String Parameters.................................................................. B-14
Template Parameters .............................................................................. B-15
Query Parameters ........................................................................................ B-16
Histogram Reports .................................................................................. B-20
Tailored Report........................................................................................ B-20
Error Checking I/O................................................................................. B-23
History Records............................................................................................ B-25
Types of History ...................................................................................... B-25
Advance.................................................................................................... B-25
Backup ...................................................................................................... B-26
Find............................................................................................................ B-26
History Data Variables ................................................................................ B-26
Interval History Variables...................................................................... B-26
Run Log Variables................................................................................... B-28
Calibration History Variables................................................................ B-28
Time History Variables........................................................................... B-29
Histogram Table Variables .................................................................... B-29
Print Commands .......................................................................................... B-30
Error Messages and Warnings ................................................................... B-31
App. C Glossary C-1

App. D Warranty/Customer Satisfaction D-1
4 Model 812 User Manual 5/27/05

CHAPTER
1 Introduction
Welcome to the Larson Davis Model 812. Your new

hand held Model 812 from Larson Davis is a combina-
tion Type 1 precision integrating sound level meter and a
statistical data logger that exceeds all worldwide accu-
racy requirements for the measurement of noise.
The Model 812 measures sound with the ease of opera-

tion of a “point and shoot” sound level meter. The latest
advances in surface mount technology, air condenser
microphones, and internal firmware have been com-
bined in a rugged, lightweight yet extremely versatile
unit.
Many sound level meters in the market can create signif-

icant measurement errors because of their limited
dynamic range, pulse range, and crest factor. The Model
812 does not have these limitations.
Furthermore, its internal firmware is designed to accom-

modate changing regulations and to overcome sound
measurement problems. While the Model 812 is the size
of a dosimeter, it may also be used as an environmental
noise monitor offering features which will ensure qual-
ity measurements for many years.
We invite you to read this manual to get the most out of

your new Larson Davis sound level meter.
5/27/05 Model 812 User Manual 1-1

About This Manual
This manual has 10 chapters and 4 appendices covering

the following topics:
• Chapter 1 - Introduction: Overview of this user manual

and the Model 812’s functions and measurement
capabilities.
• Chapter 2 - Overview to Model 812: Understanding the

keyboard and screen, turning the instrument on and
off, and checking the battery voltage.
• Chapter 3 - Calibration: Using a reference to calibrate

the instrument and its importance.
• Chapter 4 - Quick Start: Setting parameters, using

function keys, and using numbers and other charac-
ters.
• Chapter 5 - Performing a Measurement / Reading the

Data: taking a measurement and becoming familiar
with the function keys.
• Chapter 6 - Timed Measurement: Using the timer for

unattended readings, setting additional parameters,
and using the password lock.
• Chapter 7 - History Functions: Setting parameters for

history settings, interval, passby, time history, and
daily history.
• Chapter 8 - Parameters: A complete listing of all

parameter items and an explanation of their basic
functions.
• Chapter 9 - Memory Usage: Sizing parameter needs to

insure adequate memory for any given measurement.
• Chapter 10 - Printing a Report: Turning gathered data

into a printed report.
• Appendix A - Specifications: A listing of acoustic, elec-

tronic, environmental, and physical characteristics of
the Model 812.
1-2 Model 812 User Manual 5/27/05

• Appendix B - Model 812 Serial Port Interface Remote Con-
trol: Setting interface commands with their syntax.
• Appendix C - Glossary: Standard definitions of key

terms and concepts used in the sound industry.
• Appendix D - Index: Alphabetical listing of all major

components of this manual.
About This Chapter
Specifically, this introductory chapter covers the follow-

ing topics:
• Formatting Conventions: Explanation of the fonts and

other formatting conventions used in this manual.
• Model 812 Features: A listing of the featured character-

istic, and capabilities of the Model 812.
• Model 812 Components: Description and diagrams of

the Model 812 external parts.
• Getting Started: Instructions for unpacking, a listing of

accessories and optional equipment and initial setup.
Formatting Conventions
This manual uses the following formatting conventions:
Functions accessed by pressing a key on the Model 812

keypad are shown with an icon, for example:
Press e and then press c
In step-by-step directions, the process (what you do) is

shown in the left column, and the rationale (why you do

it) with other cautions and comments are shown in the
right column. For example:
Microphone Polarization Voltage is preset by Larson Davis at 200 volts. Should this
parameter be incorrect, the Model 812 will not calibrate correctly.
Step 1 Check the microphone polarization by looking at setup parameter 43. To do this
turn on the Model 812, press R, m, 4 and 3, and e. The following
display will appear:
Especially important information is shown in italics, for

example:
To access items 48-50, Overall Exchange Rate,

Overall Threshold, Overall Criterion, press the d
key.
Features
The Larson Davis Model 812 meets the requirements of

the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) S1.4,
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 651,
and 804-1985 standards for Type 1 accuracy and offers
the following features:
• Dynamic range of more than 110 dB for error free

measurements.
• Impulse measuring range greater than 100 dB.
• Standard microphone allows measurements typically

between 30 and 140 dB(A) in one range. Optional
microphones allow measurements as low as 20 dB or
as high as 190 dB(A). Mic. bias is user selectable: 0, 28,
and 200 V.

• Selectable A and C frequency weightings for hearing
protector applications.
• Multiple detectors provide simultaneous RMS and

PEAK measurements.
• Measures FAST, SLOW, Unweighted PEAK,

Weighted PEAK, Impulse, Leq, LDOD, LOSHA, Dose,
Projected Dose, TWA, Sel (Lae), Lmax, Lmin, Ln, and
more.
• User selectable dose exchange rate, criterion, thresh-

old, and reference duration.
• Measures and stores more than 40,000 different

DOSE combinations in a single measurement. Allows
comparisons of different DOSE standards using the
same data.
• Complete data logging capabilities with 64 kB stan-

dard memory.
• Passby event data such as time, duration, Lmax, Leq,

SEL, integrated about 10 dB of the maximum.
• Time history sampling periods are user selectable

from 1 second up to one sample every 255 seconds.
• Quartz clock/calendar system for data annotation.
• Calibration from front panel (using an appropriate

calibration source).
• Easy one step reset of measurement.
• Battery level indication.
• Standard 9V internal alkaline battery life of more

than 16 hours (or external power using Larson Davis
cable # CBL035 for longer measurements).
• RS-232 computer interface standard. All functions

fully programmable. Comes complete with PC
SWW_SLM_UTIL software for data retrieval and
translate binary files to ASCII format. Other PC soft-
ware also available.

• Large, two line, 32 character, high contrast LCD dis-
play.
• Small [33cm H x 7.5cm W x 2.5cm D (13" x 3" x 1")

HWD and lightweight, 370g (13 oz.), including
microphone and battery.
• Rugged ABS case with EMI and RFI protection.
• Environmental enclosures available for system secu-

rity and inclement weather conditions.
• Durable membrane keypad.
• Two-year warranty (see warranty statement on the

copyright page at the front of this manual).
Model 812 Components
A layout of the Model 812 is shown below:

Microphone
Microphone
Preamplifier
LCD Display
Keypad
Connector
AC/DC Out
Connector
(Cal/Heater
Port) Optional
Connector Serial
Battery
Port
Compartment
Figure 1-1 Model 812. The Model 812 is a convenient hand-

held sound level meter with a simple user interface.

As can be seen, the standard Model 812 includes the fol-
lowing:
• Model PRM828 is a 5 1/2 inch precision preamplifier

using a standard 5-pin microphone SwitchCraft™
connector and may be extended up to 20 feet with
EXCXXX microphone cable. The preamplifier is
removed by depressing the small black latch button
with a fingertip, while gently pulling it away from
the mating connector
• A two-line, 32-character, high-contrast LCD display.
• One of the 1⁄2 inch precision air condenser micro-

phones in Table 1-8, “Microphones for use with 812".
The microphones are rugged and reliable but should
be kept in their protective case when not in use.
Avoid unnecessary shock (Although a Larson Davis
microphone can survive being dropped, it is a deli-
cate, precise transducer that should be handled with
care)..
Sensitivity
Microphone Type mV/Pa Bias
2540 Free-field 14.5 Voltage

Required
2541, 377B41 Free-field 44.5 Voltage

Required
377A02 Free-field 50.0 Prepolarized
377A20 Random 50.0 Prepolarized
2559 Random 12.9 Voltage

Required
2560, 377A60 Random 45.2 Voltage

Required
Table 1-1 Microphones for use with 812
Keep clean and protect from

condensing moisture and water.
The microphone’s ultra-thin

diaphragm is covered by a
protective grid which should not
be removed in normal use. Rain
droplets or other foreign matter on
the diaphragm may alter the
microphones’s response. Please use
a windscreen whenever possible.
Replace the desiccant cartridge
when necessary.
• A 20-key membrane keypad.
• Model 812 precision hand-held Sound Level Meter

with integral nose cone. Powered internally by 9 volt
cell, or by an external battery or AC/DC adapter.
• WS001 3 1/2 inch windscreen.
• An AC/DC mini phone connector with pinout

shown on page 4-10.
• A 5-pin cable connector with the pinout shown in fig- Using cable CBL038 or INT002
ure Figure 1-2 (Note that this connector is used to and related software, the 5-pin
access external power): connector is used both for
external power and for the
remote interface.
2 - TXD Transmitted Data fm 812
3 - RXD Received Data to 812

3 2
4 - External Battery to 812 4 1

5
5 - DTR Data Terminal Ready
1 - Ground
Figure 1-2 External 5-pin Cable Connector Pinout.

Block Diagram
All the standard functions of a precision sound level

meter are provided: instantaneous level, Leq, SEL, Lmax,
Lmin, Dose, projected dose, etc. In addition, many valu-
able parameters can be stored: time history interval data
such as Ln’s and Leq, etc. Level calibration is performed
in a few key strokes, and every change or check is
entered in a calibration log.
The Model 812’s large data memory relieves the user

from the worry of data loss caused by memory limita-
tions. Furthermore, measurements can be printed or
transmitted at up to 19.2 K baud via RS-232 for further
manipulation or archiving.
Despite its numerous functions, the Model 812 is still

extremely easy to use.
Annotated displays indicate units and measurement

mode. The single setup menu lets the user scroll through
and program parameters or use an index key to modify
specific information. Multiple measurement setups can
be stored in memory for later recall. And of course, com-
plete setups can also be transferred from a computer.
The block diagram below shows how the Model 812

sound level meter merges state-of-the-art analog cir-
cuitry, a powerful microcomputer controller and a large
amount of usable data memory.
The signal from the precision air condenser micro-

phone/preamplifier is input directly to the linear peak
detector and, through the selected A- or C-weighting fil-
ter, to the root-mean-square (rms) and weighted peak
detectors. Analog to digital conversion is performed
maintaining a full 110 dB range for the RMS signal. The
numeric data is then analyzed by the Model 812’s dedi-
cated digital processor.

812 Block Diagram
Microphone
A LCD Keypad
40 RMS 39
Filter Slow, Fast, Impl Clock
Timer
C
42
Filter Micro- RAM
0/28/200 V 43 Peak 1 A:D
processor 64K
Bias Supply
Flash
128K
Peak 2 Internal Power
9V Battery Supply
5-pin
Weighted Connector
AC/DC Output
N Indicates parameter number
Flat 0 dB
41
20 dB
Figure 1-3 812 Block Diagram

With system programming residing in Flash ROM
(reprogrammable read-only memory), upgrades or
future changes in regulations can easily be accommo-
dated. Measurement modes are selected and shown in
informative screens on the 32 character liquid crystal
display (LCD) . The custom keypad provides direct
access to the needed data or setup item. An accurate
built-in Quartz clock/calendar and timer are ideal for
unattended measurements and time stamping of events.
The 64 KB memory can be used to store time, exceedance

or interval data as selected by the user. All can be
printed or transferred to an external computer via the
serial port, even during data gathering. Larson Davis
PC-compatible software employs a binary data dump
method for even faster data transfer. External battery or
DC power may be supplied through the same five pin
connector.
Getting Started
This section outlines the steps you need to follow when

you first receive and unpack the Model 812. The follow-
ing topics are covered:
• Unpacking and Inspection.
• Accessories and Optional Equipment.
• Connecting Internal or External Power.
• Environmental Considerations.
• Preparing to use the Model 812.
• Connecting the Amp/Preamp.
You will then be ready to use the Model 812 for actual
measurements (as described later in Chapter 4 of this
manual).
Unpacking and Inspection

Your Model 812 has been shipped in protective packag-
ing. Please verify the package contents with the follow-
ing list (Accessories and Optional Equipment) and retain
the shipping containers for safe shipment at a future
date. Report any damage or shortage immediately to
Larson Davis, Inc. at (801) 375-0177.
If you have not already done so, please record, at the beginning
of this manual (see the copyright page), your instrument’s
serial number (located on the label on the back of the Model
812), the microphone serial number (located inside the micro-
phone), the preamp serial number, and the purchase date. You
will be asked to give this information in any future communi-
cations you may have with Larson Davis, Inc.
Accessories
The Model 812 is delivered with the following standard

accessories:
• The standard Model 812 Precision Sound Level Meter

including one of the 1/2 inch precision air condenser
microphones in Table 1-1, “Microphones for use with
812" on page ’ 1- 8 and Model 828 preamplifier.
• Alkaline battery, 9 volts (IEC GLR61 or NEDA/ANSI A good quality alkaline cell should
1604A). provide more than 16 hours of
Model 812 operation. Since most
rechargeable cells have less
capacity, expect shorter use.
• User manual.
• Soft carrying case belt pouch (Larson Davis part #

CCS009).
• WS001 a 3 1/2 inch windscreen. Wind noise can adversely affect

measurements. Using the
windscreen on the microphone
reduces wind noise and protects
the element from dust and bumps.
• SWW_SLM_UTIL software. Utility software package allowing

data retrieval and translation of

binary files, generated by the
Model 812, to ASCII File Format
via RS-232 connection, and is
capable of editing and storing
instrument setup parameter to the
PC, or loaded directly to sound
level meter.

Optional Equipment
The following optional equipment is also available:
• CBL033: Printer cable for direct printout to serial

printer, 6 feet.
• CBL034: Connects Model 812 to bare-ended cable end

(4-conductor shielded).
• CBL035: Connects Model 812 and customer supplied

external battery.
• CBL042 AC/DC output of the Model 812 to RCA/

BNC connectors.
• CBL116 Connects Model 820 to to a PC or a modem.

Provides connection for external power adaptor such
as PSA017 or similar.
• INT002: RS-232 cable level converter for data transfer

to PC. Requires 9 V battery or external AC power
supply (PSA001 included). Note that external supply
will also power the Model 812.
• EXCXXX: Microphone extension cable, length XXX

feet.
• PSA001: AC/DC power adapter, 115 Vac to 9 Vdc,

50-60 Hz for use with INT002.
• CCS002: Custom hard shell, airtight, watertight case

(13 1/2 X 12 7/8 X 6 in).
• CBL040: Similar to INT002 but allows one to “daisy

chain” an additional Model 812.
• PSA002: AC/DC power adapter, 220 Vac to 9Vdc, 50-

60 Hz for use with INT002.
• EPS012:CCS002 weatherproof fiberglass case with

custom-cut foam interior and desiccant. Sealed signal
cable feedthrough. Features lock hasp and may be
chained through handle for security.
• EPS013: Same as EPS012 but with 8 Ah, 12 Volt

rechargeable battery BAT004. Provides 1 week opera-
tion in normal conditions. Includes CBL038 and bat-
tery charger.
Note Figure 1-4 or call Larson Davis for additional infor-

mation on these and other accessories.
WS001*
2570
2575
2520
2530
WS005 Windscreen
with birdspikes
EPS012 Environmental Case
2540
2559
2541
2560
2551
ADP008
ADP011
2106/7/8
812 SYSTEM EPS013 Environmental Case w/ Battery

PRM828*
Note: Those items marked with "*"
are standard included accessories.
Software
SWW SLM UTIL*
SWW SLM LINK
EXCXXX SWW ENV
(20’ Max) SWW REM
SWW NMS
SWW ACS
AC Out (black)
CBL042 (6’)
DC Out (red) Larson
LARSON DAVIS 820 SLM
Modify
Davis
TIME
L EQ
7
TIMER
SEL
8
L DN
T.A.
9
LDL
DOSE
WEB Page
4 5 6
CAL LMIN UWPK BATT

SLM LMAX PEAK LN
CCS009 SHIFT
1
LOCK
EXCD
2
MEM
INTV
.
3
LOG
HIST
Cancel 0 Enter
Soft Case*
STR RCL RESET
PRINT SETUP R/S
TYPE 1 INTEGRATING SOUND LEVEL METER
INT002 (12’)
4 Conductor CBL034 (6’)
Shielded PSA001 Desktop Computer
To next SLM
CBL040 (12’)
Battery to CBL035 (4’)
power 820 PSA001
(alligator clips) CBL116 (1.5’) CBL077 (6’, optional)
Laptop Computer
Figure 1-4 System Diagram

Battery Installation
To insert the 9 volt battery in the Model 812, remove the

battery cover at the lower left side of the instrument by
sliding it out as shown in Figure 1-5
Figure 1-5 Remove Battery DoorRemove Battery Door

With the battery door removed, drop the battery into the
opening in the case as shown in Figure 1-6 , making
certain that the battery is aligned with the positive and
negative electrodes as shown on the graphic inside the
battery compartment.
Figure 1-6 Inserting Battery
Internal battery life is approximately 16 hours. (Refer to

the description in Chapter 2 of this manual for additional
battery information.)
The cable CBL116 SLN serial connectivity kit, which

allows connection of the 820 to a PC or modem, provides
the connection of an external power adaptor such as the
PSA017 or similar
Alternatively, you may use an

external power source via pin
1(GND) and pin 4(+) of the 5-pin
connector. To do this, order cable
#CBL035 from Larson Davis. The
Model 820 accepts 7-16 Vdc @ 30
mA and is internally fused at 0.5
A.

Memory Retention
Certain safeguards have been included to prevent data

loss:
• An internal battery with a full charge will retain

memory for 3 months with the instrument off.
• The instrument will turn off when the usable battery Caution: Weak batteries should
capacity drops to 10%. This will leave approximately always be replaced. Discharged
1 month of memory retention. batteries will cause memory loss
and may leak and damage the
Before turning off, four low battery messages will Model 812. Always turn the
appear, one every 16 seconds. After 64 seconds the instrument off and disconnect
instrument turns itself off. external peripherals before
removing the internal battery.
Failure to do so may cause data
loss. Do not press ON while there
is no battery in the SLM.

• With the battery removed, a capacitor will retain
memory for several minutes (during battery change).
• The Model 812 will instantly turn off should the volt-
age drop to less then about 4.4 V. An error message
will be displayed at next power-up: “Warning Power
Failure”.
Once the battery is installed, the Model 812 is ready for

use.
Environmental Considerations
The Model 812 sound level meter can be both used and
stored in a wide range of temperatures free of moisture
and non-condensing humidity conditions. Moisture will
cause the breakdown of an air condenser microphone.
Some common sense precautions should be taken. For
example, allow the Model 812 ample time to adjust to
abrupt temperature changes. Condensation may form
inside a cold Model 812 if it is brought into a warm room
or vehicle and may persist long after the outside case has
adjusted to the ambient temperature.
Also, temperatures inside closed vehicles can reach

excessive levels. Therefore, do not leave the instrument in
direct sunlight in a vehicle. A simple safeguard is to keep
the instrument inside a sealed foam insulated case or
bag with desiccant silica gel, available at photographic
equipment stores or from Larson Davis.
Preparing to Use the Model 812 - Connecting the Mic/Preamp
Before powering the SLM, carefully thread the micro-

phone on the preamplifier. The microphone bias voltage
is not dangerous, but installing or removing the micro-
phone with the instrument on may damage the electron-
ics. Insert the 828 in the nose cone or extension cable by
lining up the latch button with the channel in the mating
connector. The small black dot should click and pro-
trude at the base of the 828 after insertion. It must be
depressed completely to remove the preamplifier from

the mating connector.

CHAPTER
2 Overview to Model 812
Once your Model 812 is unpacked and connected to a

battery (or external power supply), you can turn it on
and take simple measurements. In this chapter, we dis-
cuss the following:
• Understanding the Model 812 Keypad.
• Understanding the Model 812 Screen.
• Getting to Know Screen Symbols.
• Turning on the Model 812.
• Checking the Battery Voltage.
• Turning off the Model 812.
5/27/05 Model 812 User Manua 2-1

Understanding the Model 812 Keypad
The keypad for the Model 812 has 20 keys as seen in the
following figure (Figure 2-1):
LARSON•DAVIS
812 SLM
LARSON DAVISMODEL 812
Modify
Modify
7 8 9
7 8 9
TIME C-A TAKT E
TIME
LEQ TIMER
SEL L DN
TWA LDL
DOSE
L EQ SEL T.A. DOSE
4 5 6
4 5 6
CAL L MIN UWPK BATT
CAL
SLM LLMAX
MIN UWPK
PEAK BATT
LN
SLM LMAX PEAK LN
1 2 3
1 2 3
LOCK MEM LOG
SHIFT LOCK MEM LOG
SHIFT PASSBY INTV HIST
EXCD INTV HIST
Cancel
Cancel 00 . . Enter
Enter
OFF STR RCL RESET
ON STR
PRINT RCL
SETUP RESET
R/S
PRINT SETUP R/S
TYPE
TYPE11INTEGRATING
INTEGRATINGSOUND
SOUNDLEVEL
LEVELMETER
METER
Figure 2-1 Model 812 Keypad.

These keys perform the following functions. (This infor-
mation is covered in more detail in chapter 4, of this
manual.)
Keys Functions
White White functions are accessed by pushing

buttons directly.
Orange Orange functions are accessed by first
pressing the U key.
The smaller letters/numbers above the
keys are accessed by the adjoining key at
the appropriate time to be explained
later.
O ON Turns on the Model 812.

CANCEL: When the Model 812 is on, this
button serves to return to a previous
c menu, or “Cancel” the present function.
OFF: SHIFT OFF turns off the Model 812
after it has been stopped.
s PRINT: Access to a list of reports scrolled

through the display; a key name is indi-
cated for each one. If there is a “+” fol-
lowing the key name then the options
function will be invoked after selecting
that key, otherwise the particular report
will be printed immediately.
STR: A permanent storage register for
parameters and calibration data in
EEPROM type memory that is not lost
when all power is lost. There are 10 RAM
registers to store data.
R SETUP: Enables the setting of desired

parameters, each accessed by using the
up and down arrow keys.
RCL: The EEPROM register and the RAM
register may be recalled by pressing the
RCL key, scrolling to the desired register
and pressing ENTER.

Keys Functions
S R/S: This key starts and stops measure-

ment.
RESET: Restarts a measurement by eras-
e ing the values just measured.This func-
tion can be used whether a measurement
is in the “run” or “stop” mode.
Enter: used to enter new parameters
selected by the user.
U SHIFT: Allows access to the Orange letter

functions on the keypad.
P PASSBY: The PassBy function is a special

event detector which measures the Lmax,
Leq, and SEL of the highest SPL event
making a 10dB or greater SPL excursion.
Three additional fields show Duration,
Exchange rates, SEL and Lmax.
LOCK: The lock functions protect instru-
ment data and configuration.The level of
security is configured in Setup.
M INTV: The Interval History provides a

history of a number of statistical values
for a moderate size time interval, 1
minute to larger than 99 hours in one
minute or greater steps. It is pro-
grammed by parameters 72-79.
MEM: Memory use in percent, bytes free
and total byte available are provided as
well as a count of all of the History
Records stored in memory.
H HIST: The Time History function is a

record of short interval Leq reading and
optionally, a Peak, UWPK, or Lmax read-
ing. The interval can vary from 1 second
to 255 sec. History period is set by
parameters 83-84.
LOG: The Run/Stop Log is a time record
of all the actions which start or stop the
data taking process of the Model 812.

Keys Functions
C CAL: Calibration information and con-

trol. Initially, in the CAL-a display, the
current calibration offset is displayed
with a flashing prompt to press either the
UP arrow key to check the calibration or
press the d key to change the calibration.
SLM: The Sound Level Meter function
displays the current Sound Pressure
Level (SPL) while the instrument is in the
Run Mode or the SPL at the instant it was
last stopped.
V LMIN: The maximum SPL, or Lmax, is the

largest sampled SPL for the overall mea-
surement period, displayed with the date
and time of its occurrence. Two addi-
tional screens, accessed by pressing the
left or right arrows, show the number of
times the SPL exceeded two fixed levels.
LMAX: The minimum SPL, or Lmin, is the
lowest sampled SPL for the overall mea-
surement.
K PEAK: The highest weighted Peak Detec-

tor output level, Lpk. Date and time of the
occurrence of the Lpk is shown. The num-
ber of times the weighted peak level
exceeds a programmed threshold is also
counted and displayed (-b window).
UWPK: The highest UnWeighted Peak
Detector output level, LUWPK. The date
and time of the occurrence of the Luwpk
is also shown. The number of times the
weighted peak level exceeds a pro-
grammed threshold is also counted and
displayed (-b window).

Keys Functions
B LN: The Ln values represent the SPL

exceeded n% of the run time. All values
from 1% to 99% are available, two of the
four are displayed at a time and can be
changed even while running.
BATT: This key gives the percentage of
power remaining in the 9 V battery, or
external supply.
BATT-b: Gives Model 812 revision num-
ber and date.
T LEQ: The Equivalent Level or Leq is a

Time Weighted Average based on an
exchange rate of 3dB (true energy mea-
sure) with no threshold.
TIME: The date and time of last reset or
measurement start are available from the
Time-a display. The current date and
time are shown with the Time-b display.
g SEL: The Single Event Level or Sound

Exposure Level is an energy reading in
decibels. It is the TWA level plus 10 times
the log of measurement time in seconds.
SEL-b: Gives exposure in Pa2H which is a
linear representation of energy.
C-A: The C-A function, a hearing protec-
tor evaluation, calculates a running C-
weighted Leq and a running A-weighted
Leq in a sequential manner and the differ-
ence between them is calculated and
shown giving a C-A value.
A TWA: Time Weighted Average SPL. This

display shows the Overall TWA and
Run-Time.
W TAKT: The German Takt Maximal Lev-
els, Takt 3 and Takt 5 are an integration
of the largest level in a 3 second and 5
second period respectively.

Keys Functions
E DOSE: The Dose and Projected Dose

sound exposure percentages are dis-
played in these screens. Parameters #48-
o 51E: Sound
control the Dose measurement.
Exposure is a linear energy
reading used to assess potential for hear-
ing loss or annoyance.
Arrows: Up, Down, Left and Right arrows

u are used to change fields, to modify
d information within a given field and can
be used in conjunction with other keys to
l allow other functions.
Modify: Prepares the field for changes
r while in setup.
m

Getting to Know Screen Symbols
Symbols basic to the Model 820 are included below.

These are generally found to the right of the screen. The
Operating Mode Indicator, upper right character, indi-
cates whether data is being accumulated or not and has
the modes indicated by the first four examples.
The Keyboard Status Indicator displays which key func-

tions are active. The lower four modes are possible and
appear in the lower right corner or the display.
Symbol Functionality
SsS (flashing upper case to lower case) Model

812 is stabilizing upon warm-up (10-45
sec.), or SETUP weighting (8s), or bias
voltage (30s) change in stop mode.
Stop mode - no data is being taken.
Run mode
OV Overload - These letters in succession

occur alternately with the stick figure
with 8 second intervals when an over-
LD load has occurred.

Symbol Functionality
f (flashing) - Indicates that the function

keys (Lmin, Dose, etc.) are used for differ-
ent purpose in the current function.
n Indicates that numeric key input mode is

active.
S,2,3 U key active (secondary function in

orange lettering).
SrS If the Model 812 is still stablizing upon

warmup and the R/S (Run) button is
pushed, (r) will flash alternately with (S).

Understanding the Model 812 Screen
The operating screen for the Model 820 has several fields
which vary according to the keys pressed on the keypad.
The most pertinent information is generally at the top

and center to left and instructions are generally on the
bottom center to left. Several characters are consistent in
their appearance. We will now turn the Model 820 on
and examine a variety of possible screens.
Turning On the Model 812
Step 1 Press O to power the Model 812 and initiate a Three successive displays will
self test: appear while the meter stabilizes
for 10-45 seconds. The first display
has copyright information and
M appears only 1 to 2 seconds.
The second display shows the pro-

duction date and the serial number
uniquely assigned to your Model
812. This message appears for only
1 or 2 seconds.
Step 2 The third screen automatically appears: This screen will remain until the
user inputs other commands.The
flashing uppercase (S) indicates
system initiation and will con-
tinue 10-45 seconds.

The third screen appears almost immediately showing When the system initiation is com-
the title information for the current or last reading and is plete, a stick figure in the upper
programmable by the operator. right corner of the display will
appear seated indicating the Model
812 is in STOP mode.
At this point, you can change the parameters and begin

taking actual measurements.
Checking the Battery Voltage
The Model 812 continuously monitors its battery voltage WARNING!Do not press the
to ensure accurate measurements. It has a battery life of B key during a measure-
about sixteen hours. It will turn off automatically when ment since it will pause the
the voltage falls below 5.7 volts. Therefore you should measurement while pressed.
verify that the remaining battery capacity is sufficient
before you make an especially critical or lengthy mea-
surement.
Step 1 To manually check battery voltage, simply Remember, pushing a button can
press the UB keys. Information simi- produce small low-level noises
lar to the following will display: which can affect your readings. In
addition, the Model 812 momen-
tarily pauses the current measure-
ment whenever a key is pressed (in
order to interpret the keyboard
event). Therefore, where possible,
do not press the B key during a
valid event you wish to measure.
The first screen shows the percent-

age of power left in the battery, the
internal power source, “INT;” sec-

ond display indicates external
power is being used, “EXTV.”
Turning Off the Model 812
To turn off the Model 812, simply press the UO The instrument will not allow
key. itself to be turned off until in
(Stop) mode. This feature will
insure that no important data is
lost.

CHAPTER
3 Calibration
Because of variation in microphone sensitivities, a sound

level meter must be calibrated to a reference sound level
for accurate measurements. This is easily performed
with the Model 812. You will need a calibrator with an
appropriate adapter for the Model 812 microphone, such
as the Larson Davis CAL200. This Larson Davis calibra-
tor outputs 114 dB, or 94 dB, with respect to 20 µPa, and
at a frequency of 1000 Hz. At this frequency, the relative
response for A and C weightings is the same.
NOTE: A precision calibrator is not necessary for this part of the

tutorial, but you should make it a regular practice to perform an
instrument calibration before and after you take actual measurements
in the field. However, you do not have to recalibrate the Model 812
when you change the settings.
Please note that if you use a calibrator which uses

another frequency some corrections may be required
depending on the weighting. The output level and the
frequency of your calibrator should be listed on its label.
Use this level with specific environmental and weight-
ing corrections to calibrate the Model 812 level.
In order to perform calibration, the Microphone Polar-

ization Voltage needs to be properly set.
Calibrating the Model 812
Microphone Polarization Voltage is preset by Larson

Davis at 200 volts. Should this parameter be incorrect,
the Model 812 will not calibrate correctly.
Step 1 Check the microphone polarization by looking

at setup parameter 43. To do this turn on the
Model 812, press R, m, 4 and 3, and
e. The following display will appear:
The flashing (f), the Keyboard Sta-

tus Indicator, displays which key
functions are active. This indicates
that the function keys are used for
different purpose in current func-
tion.
Step 2 Should the brackets contain a value other than In this screen the value [200} is
[200] e.g. [28] or [0], press ther until the value selected from three options: [200,
[200] appears, and then press e. If you 28, 0]
are using a pre-polarized microphone, this
parameter should be set to 0.
Step 3 Press c to return to the main screen:
Step 4 To begin the calibration process, check or insert The Larson-Davis Model CA200
the new calibration level given in parameter 35. calibrator outputs 114 dB re20
To do this press R, m, 3 and 5, then µPa. Note that the Model 812
e. The following screen will appear: automatically uses the C-weight-
ing while calibrating. This ensures
a correct reading at typical calibra-
tion frequencies of 250 Hz to 1
kHz.

Step 5 Press m, then enter the “SPL” value of
your calibrator (if other than [114.0]), including
any corrections for pressure, etc.
Step 6 The next setup item allows entry of the calibra-

tor serial number, for record keeping purposes.
Press the d, or R, m, 3 and 6,
and e.Press m to change the serial
number, enter the correct numbers and press
e.
Step 7 Seat the microphone fully in the calibrator cav- Refer to the specific instructions
ity. If possible both units should be at the same accompanying your calibrator for
temperature and stationary so that hand vibra- accomplishing this step.
tions are not transmitted to the SLM.
Step 8 Press c to exit calibration setup. Then, activate

the calibrator by pressing the button on its side.
Step 9 Press the U and C on the Model 812. Pressing the u will check calibra-
This display indicates the current sensitivity off tion, pressing the d will change
set and will be blinking between two settings: it.

Step 10 Pressing the d key will initiate a calibration In this screen, an error message
change. Do that now: initially prompted for a reset(see
step 12 to reset). The difference
between the current and the last
calibration is 0 dB. If the level is
not stable enough for proper cali-
bration, the Model 812 will exit
the calibration mode without
changing its calibration level. The
“c” indicates the instrument is
calibrating.
The Model 812 will wait until the

reading is stable (indicator is
SsSsSs...., then adjust the offset for
the proper reading CcCcCc..... An
improper calibration offset (for
instance, something greater than
39.0dB) may indicate that the cali-
bration tone was shut off before
calibration was completed, or that
polarization was not properly set.
You may repeat the previous steps
or perform a Cal check.
Step 11 To Reset the Model 812 for re-calibration, press The display will ask if you want to
U and R. “Reset ALL Data?” You do.
Step 12 Press e. Reset is complete and the instru-

ment will return to the calibration mode.
Step 13 To leave the calibration mode, press c.

CHAPTER
4 Quick Start
Before running a simple measurement it is important to

set a few parameters to meet your needs and become
familiar with related functions. In this chapter we will
discuss these items:
• Setting parameters using R, m, and e
• Using numbers and other characters
• Setting Time, Date, and Day parameters
Setting Parameters Using Function Keys
The Parameter fields can be accessed in several ways:
• By entering numbers assigned to each parameter (the

numbers are located above the keys on the keypad
and are discussed later in the chapter)
• By scrolling up or down using the u or d keys
• By using any white or Orange function keys
Follow these steps to access the parameters using

numeric values:
Step 1 With the Model 812 on, press R and the fol- A complete list of parameters and
lowing screen appears: their assigned numbers is found in
chapter 8. You have already visited
parameter 43, Microphone Polar-
ization, and found it preset to
[200].

Step 2 To access parameters using numeric values, Notice that the flashing (f) has
press m: been replaced by a flashing (n)
indicating the numeric key access.
The flashing parenthesis, indicate
this field is ready to receive
numeric input.
Step 3 To access the Current Time, press 0 and Entering 0 before the new number
then 6. The number 6 is assigned to the Cur- will remove any prior parameter
rent Time parameter: and press S settings.
Step 4 Press m to prepare the screen for changes The third way to access Current
in the Current Time. Notice the flashing (f) Time parameter, press R
changes to (n). U T. Remember, press m
to change or correct the field and
press e.

Step 5 Using numeric keys make changes and press
e, or if the time is correct, just press e.
Step 6 To exit the setup mode, press c.
Setting Parameters Using Numbers and Other Characters
The Model 812 has the ability to show 3 lines for your
Company Name and one line for the Measurement Title
which is used on the reports. These parameters are
entered from the keyboard.
Through the keyboard, you can enter all of the capital

letters from A to Z, the digits 0 to 9, and some punctua-
tion characters. There are three levels of U func-
tions when in the “Alpha Parameter Modify Mode.”
The charts below, (Figures 4-1 to4-4), show the charac-

ters that are available. They are listed according to the
number of times you consecutively press the U
key. The shift indicator in the lower right corner of the
instrument’s display will show the number of times the
U key has been pressed by showing the letter n
and S, then 2 and 3 respectively for 0 to 3 presses. This panel is available without
pressing the shift key, or the equiv-
alent of 0 presses.
Figure 4-1 Standard Alpha-Numeric Keyboard Layout

This panel is accessed by pressing
the shift key one time. The (S) will
appear in the lower right corner of
the display indicating this panel is
accessed.
Figure 4-2 S Shift Level-1 Alpha Numeric Keyboard
This panel is accessed by pressing

the shift key two times. The num-
ber (2) appears in the lower right
corner of the display indicating
this panel is accessed.
Figure 4-3 2 Shift Level - 2 Alpha-Numeric Keyboard
This final panel is accessed by

pressing the shift key three times.
The number (3) appears in the
lower right corner of the display
indicating this panel is accessed.
Figure 4-4 3 Shift Level - 3 Alpha-numeric Keyboard

Step 1 Turn the Model 812 on and press these keys: All but the last of these screens you
R m 0 2 e: have seen before. This display is to
set one of four custom instrument
name screens which will appears
each time you turn the instrument
on.
Step 2 Press m. Notice the parentheses begin to

flash and the (f) changes to (n) and
the (L) is underscored (Larson-
Davis). You may now enter the
appropriate letters here by using
the “Alpha Character Keyboard
Entry” shown above.
Step 3 Press U three times: The flashing (n) is replaced by (S),

(2), and (3) respectively, and will
remain for five seconds. At this
time you may select any character
_ from the S, 2, or 3-tables, press
that key and it will replace the let-
ter at the cursor (_). The cursor
then moves to the next letter
Example: To enter the company name of Larson Davis

in the first line, follow these steps:
Step 1 To access the Name Display turn on the meter. The display in Step 1 above will
Press R m 02 e. appear.
Step 2 Press m to place the cursor at the beginning

or use the l or r to position the cursor.
Step 3 To clear the field, if necessary, press U If you change your mind about
twice and the l key. clearing the field, hit c to return to
the original title. Repeat a and b in
Step 5 to return to this point.
Step 4 The letter (L) is on the S-field. Press U. Enter the (L) key, second from
the lower left. The cursor will
automatically move to the next let-
ter.

Step 5 The letter (A) is on the S-field. Press U Enter the (A) key.
again.
Step 6 The (R,S,O) keys are in the 2-field. Press Enter the (R,S,O) keys
U twice to access the 2-field. consecutively or one at a time.
Step 7 To Clear the field, press U twice to access

the 2-chart and press the Clear key.
Step 8 To replace a character with a Space, press Complete the rest of the entries in
U twice to access the 2-field and press the the same fashion.
Space key.
Step 9 When the first line is completed press the d to

go to the next field, the second line.
Step 10 Press m and select the appropriate chart by Three lines are available for entry,
pressing U and the desired character key. i.e. company address, telephone.
Step 11 When the second line is complete, press the

d to go to the next field, the third line, and
repeat the process.
Step 12 The fourth line is for the Measurement Title. The first and fourth lines will
Press the d key. appear on screen when the Model
812 is turned on.
Step 13 To exit the setup mode, press c.
Setting Time, Date, and Day parameters
Once you have set the parameters, you can now enter
the correct time and date. The Model 812 has a 24 hour
(military time) clock where afternoon hours are denoted
by adding 12 hours, e.g. 3:45 pm = 15:45 hrs. Modify this
parameter as follows:
Step 1 With the Model 812 on, press R The current time is displayed. If it
UT: is incorrect, enter the correct time.

Step 2 Press the mkey and use the numeric keys to
enter correct time and then press e.
Step 3 The Current Date is the next field. Press the d The current date will appear. If it
to the next display: is incorrect press m to access the
field, enter the correct date using
the corresponding number keys
and press e.
Step 4 The Day of the Week is in the next field. Press If the day is incorrect press m and r
d to access that field. or l to the correct day. Press
e.
To exit the setup mode, press

c.

AC/DC Output
AC and DC is accessed by the use of the optional

CBL042 or by using a stereo miniphone plug as shown in
figure 4-5. The DC output provides a voltage from the
RMS detector that is proportional to the sound level. The
scale is 20.3 mV/dB. The output voltage is 0-3 volts with
an output impedance of 600¾. The AC output gives an
AC signal proportional to input signal and can be Flat or
A and C weighted. It is used to record input signal to the
Model 812 (see Appendix A for more details).
Figure 4-5 AC/DC Output Connector

CHAPTER
5 Performing a Measurement/
Reading the Data
With the basic parameters set and the instrument cali-

brated (as discussed in Chapters 3 and 4), you are ready
to take a measurement and examine the readings from
the data collected.
Taking an actual measurement with the Model 812 only

requires pressing the S or RUN/STOP key.
In this chapter we will:
• Take a measurement.
• Examine and briefly explain the function keys associ-

ated with the measurement, i.e. C V K B
T W A o and M.
• Stopping the measurement.
Taking a Measurement
This section will address measurements and the infor-

mation available during and after the measurement has
been taken. The most basic function of the Model 812 is
to measure sound pressure. Follow these steps to exam-
ine the SLM function key:
SLM
Step 1 Turn the Model 812 on and wait for the unit to

become stable. Press S. The stick figure in This instrument can store a great
the upper right corner will appear to be run- variety of measurements in mem-
ning. ory depending on the current
parameter setup. Nevertheless,
current measurements are always
easily available from the keypad.
Step 2 With the instrument in RUN mode, press C. The display now reads an C-
The current sound pressure level is displayed: weighted, slow average reading of
84.5 dBC (re 20 µPa). The level is
also shown on a semi-analog bar
graph. Parameters 39-43 affect
these values and parameters 45-47
effect the Current SLM.
Step 3 An additional six screens are available from The Lmin and Lmax for the current
this display. Press the d key to access the first: reading at the current time are dis-
played in the first screen. Notice
that the current sound pressure
level continues to read in the upper
left corner and fluctuates. Note
**** that even in the stop mode the
Model 812 continues to monitor
SPL while in this window.
a. Parameter 61: RMS Exceedance.
Notice the space beneath “88.4” in
b. Parameter 62: RMS Exceedance 2. this screen. The “****” are in an
area where six fields of information
c. Parameter 63: Peak Exceedance. are available. Respectively, with
the controlling parameter, these
d. Parameter 64: UWPK Exceedance. are listed to the left. If these param-
eter values have been triggered, the
e. Parameter 112: Overload (current). “*” will appear to indicate that the
record contains information
f. Parameter 160: O.OVLD (overall overload). related to that occurrence.

These values may be checked at any time while the mea-
surement is being taken, or final readings after the mea-
surement has been completed. Be careful not to bump or
drop the instrument as the results of the reading will be
affected.
Step 4 Press the d key again for the second screen. In The Peak and Unweighted Peak
this example the measurement is running. are displayed here. Note that even
Notice the figure is in motion: in the stop mode, the Model 812
continues to display the detected
values on the upper right hand
side of the screen.
The numbers on the left are the
highest during the measurement
and the values on the right are the
current Peak and Unweighted
Peak.
Step 5 Press the d key for the third screen: The Leq values are shown here to be
74.9 dB, C-weighted, the measure-
ment ran for 5 minutes 46.8 sec-
onds. Should an Overload occur,
one of four letters (OVLD) would
flash alternately with the stick fig-
ure in the upper right corner (see
Chapter 7).
Step 6 Press the d key for the fourth screen: The SEL level (using 3dB
exchange rate) is 100.3 dB and the
duration of the measurement is
given.
Step 7 The next screen addresses the Alarm time and The Alarm can be set to begin a
current temperature. Press the d key and the measurement at a designated time.
fifth screen will appear: The “??:??” here indicates the
next measurement has not been
chosen. The current internal tem-
perature as measured by the Model
812 is shown in the lower portion
of the screen.

Step 8 The property controlling the final screen in this The Model 812 has been pro-
series is built into the Model 812 to conserve grammed to save power whenever
power. Press the d key. it can. Each time input is made the
internal timer will start at 100 and
count downward. If not pro-
0 grammed to do otherwise, the
Model 812 will turn itself off when
this screen reaches 0, just over two
minutes.
Pressing the d key again will scroll loop you back to

the SLM original screen.
Now that you are more familiar with the information

available in the displays above, lets take a closer look at
the parameters that affect these readings.
Step 1 To access these parameters turn the Model 812 Slow: exponential avg.: 1 second
on by pressing c. Next press R m constant.
3 9 e (Or press R, C), and the Fast: exponential avg.: 1/8 second
following screen will appear: constant.
Impl: impulse response.
For OSHA measurements, this is

normally set to Slow. For environ-
mental measurements, Fast or
Slow may be used. Within a given
period of time, the Fast detector
will take more measurements than
the Slow. Therefore, the Fast detec-
tor is likely to measure more
higher and lower levels than the
Slow detector.
Step 2 The Detector prompt has three possibilities

indicated above. Press mr to access
desired setting, and e
Step 3 To set the Frequency Weighting, press d to item The A and C weightings simulate
40. There are several possibilities here: human hearing response and meet
Type 1 precision standards for
[A, A16, C, C16, Flt] accuracy. Flat (no weighting)
allows the signal to pass through
unfiltered (A16, C16 and Flat do
not apply to the Model 812).

Step 4 The Model 812 has been preset at [A]. To
change the setting press m r to the pre-
ferred setting and e.
Step 5 Find item 41 by pressing d, AC Out Weighting, F+20 means Flat plus 20 dB of
which has the values listed here. Choose one by level added.
pressing r. [Flat, Whgt, F+20, W+20] W+20 means Weighted with 20
dB of level added.
Step 6 Item 42, UwPk Weighting, press the d key Flat record all sound and C
again. Chose from the values listed with r weighting simulates the human
[Flat, C] hearing at higher sound levels.
Step 7 Item 43, Mic Polarization, was touched upon This selects the polarization volt-
earlier. age for the microphone. Choose 28
or 200 V (typically 200 V is cho-
sen) for condenser type micro-
phones and 0 V for pre-polarized
microphones (electret).

Step 8 Item 44, the Reference Level. All measurements
are offset by this dB reference level, normally
set at 114.0 dB or 94.0 dB.
Step 9 Press c to exit setup mode.
Lmax-Lmin
We have already looked at the Lmax and Lmin in a previ-

ous screen. These values are also available directly from
display keys. They can be accessed while the unit is tak-
ing a measurement or in the stop mode. Only when the
unit is running is the data recorded. These measure-
ments are usually read after they have been taken and
the measurement is stopped. Here we will examine them
while a measurement is being taken:
Step 1 Press V to display the greatest RMS SPL The highest RMS level occurred at
value since the beginning of the measurement: 11:25 hrs., and was 91.6 dBA on
the given date. Additional screens
are available here recording the
number of times the current read-
ing has reached predetermined lev-
els (selected in parameters 61-62).
Step 2 Press the r key and examine the second In this example, parameter 61 was
screen available in this series: set to 55 dB and C-weighted
(parameter 40). In this measure-
ment the RMS has topped this
level 13 times.
Step 3 Press the r key to find the third screen: The display shows that parameter
62 was set to (65 dB) and is C-
weighted. This measurement
topped this level 9 times.

The same key, V, finds the Lmin values in conjunction
with the U key.
Step 1 Examine these values; press U V and The current measurement Lmin
the following display will appear: occurred on November 1, 1996, at
11:22 hrs. (Remember, the Model
812 used military time to desig-
nate between A.M. and P.M.)
That Lmin value was 49.6 dB.
There are no other screens avail-

able from this display.
PEAK-UWPK
The Model 812 also has a peak level detector. Its values
during the measurement (or when stopped) are found
by pressing the K key.
Step 1 Access Peak values. Press K: PEAK is a weighted value and rep-
resents a true Peak SPL from the
on-board Peak Detector. In this
example the PEAK is 111.2 dB and
occurred at the time and date
shown on the screen. Parameter 63
sets the level above which the read-
ings must go to be recorded by the
Model 812.
Step 2 The second display available from this function Parameter 63 controls the setting
is accessed by pressing the r key: for this measurement. Here the set-
ting is 74 dB, C-weighted and in
this measurement was equal to or
exceeded 156 times.
Unweighted Peak (UWPK) has two screens available as The unweighted Peak value is the
well and are accessed with the U and K keys. unfiltered (no A or C weighting)
signal from the Peak Detector).

Step 1 Press U and K and examine these val-
ues for the current reading:
Step 2 For the second screen, press the r key: The value for the UWPK is set in
parameter 64 and is 85 dB. This
value was reached 161 times.
Ln
Ln values are determined by parameters 55-60 and

should be examined next in our current measurement.
Step 1 Access Ln by pressing the B key and a screen Parameters 55-56 in this example
similar to the following will appear: were set to 5 and 10 respectively.
This screen shows their values in
this measurement. These indicate
the sound pressure levels that were
exceeded 5 and 10% of the mea-
surement duration.
Step 2 Press the r key to access the second screen: Parameters 57-58 were set at the
given values shown in the screen
and their readings are apparent.

Leq
The average RMS level, the Leq, is displayed by pressing The average RMS level in this
T. reading is 82.2 dB, slow, average
for the 8 minute and 14.5 second
measurement period.
Dose
DOSE, the noise exposure, may be calculated with two

different sets of parameters:
• Current.
• Overall.
Parameters 45-51 are used with the calculation to arrive

at the current dose from the current data and sets the
exchange rate, threshold level, and criteria level for the
current measurement. These can be set differently from
the overall in order to give different dose readings.
To protect the measurement, the OVERALL Dose set- Parameter 51, Full Dose Period (or
tings (parameters 48-50) may not be modified once the Criterion Time) applies to Current
measurement has started without a reset. However, Overall.
OVERALL CRITERION may be changed at any time.

A new measurement may be started at any time without
effecting the Overall Dose using the Current Dose set-
tings by modifying the CURRENT exchange rate and
threshold settings. An automatic reset occurs when
CURRENT settings are modified creating a new CUR-
RENT dose measurement based on data collected from
that time on.
Before we continue with our present measurement, take

a minute to examine the parameter values available, all
of which will effect the measurement.
The Current Exchange Rate parameter, item 45, is

accessed by the following steps:
Step 1 Press O R, 4 and 5, then e. The The appropriate value for this
choices here are listed below: parameter is established by
enforcement authorities in various
[3dB, 4dB, 5dB, 6dB] countries. In the USA, OSHA
mandates a 5 dB exchange rate. 3
dB is common in most other coun-
tries.
Note that these can be changed

without a (reset-all).
The Current Threshold, item 46, has a range from 0 to 255

dB.
Step 2 Press the d key and choose the desired dB The normal Dose setting for
level for the Current Threshold. Larson Davis threshold is 80 dB which allows
has preset this parameter to 80 dB. the instrument to virtually ignore
sound below that level as it does
not contribute significantly to the
weight of the measurement data
sought, and saves memory as well.

Step 3 If you wish to change this level press m,
enter the desired dB numerically and press
e.
The Current Criterion is the next parameter, item 47, and

has been preset to 90 dB in a range of 0 to 255 dB.
Step 4 Press the d key, item 47. Press e if you Damage to hearing normally
wish to keep the 90 dB level, or press m, occurs with lengthy exposure to
enter the desired dB numerically and press sound at 90 dB and above. For this
e. reason the Criterion is generally
set at 90 dB.
The Current Dose is often used as a second Dose mea-

surement. The collected data is available on the printout.
The Overall Dose parameters have the same available set-

tings as the current settings and are accessed in the same
way.
Step 5 To access items 48-50, Overall Exchange Rate, Changes can be made in any dis-
Overall Threshold, Overall Criterion, press the play by pressing m, entering
d key. desired values, and pressing
e.
Full Dose Hours, item 51, has a range of 0 to 99 hours but

is normally set to an 8 hour workday.
Step 6 To access Full Dose Hours press the d key. The overall criterion level set in
item 50 and the dose hours set in
item 51 determine what is 100%
dose.
Step 7 To look at DOSE, press E.

Step 8 To look at Projected Dose, press r to the This step will not work while in
PROJ-b screen. the SETUP mode.
Step 9 To look at Sound Exposure, E, press U This step will not work while in
and o. the SETUP mode either.

Dose readings are usually read and have more meaning
after the measurement is completed. Returning to our
recent measurement, let’s examine the Eo key
and look at the values recorded there:
Step 1 Press the E key where two screens are

available. Press the r key to access the sec-
ond screen:
The measurement ran for 6 hours,

14 minutes, and the dose was
0.08%.
The Projected Dose extrapolates

the eight hour dose from dose A
which is the current measured
dose.
The Exposure reading is displayed on the next screen.

We will visit this screen using the following steps:
Step 1 Press the U and keys: Notice in this reading the Pa2H
value is given, along with the mea-
surement time.
The TAKT is the final function we will consider in this

area. This function gives Takt 3 and Takt 5 levels which
are an integration of the largest level in a 3 second and a
5 second period respectively.
Step 2 Access TAKT by pressing U and W. The measurement is C-weighted

and the values as indicated.

BATTERY
In Chapter 2 we accessed the Battery information to

check the amount or voltage remaining in our battery.
This function has additional screens available. The first
two indicate the amount of voltage remaining and the
second shows the information related to the last revi-
sion.
Step 1 Access the Battery display by pressing U The Revision date is shown.
and B. Press the r key to access the second
screen:
Step 2 Press the d key and a screen similar to the fol- Eight additional screens are
lowing will appear: available from this function.
Warning or Error messages
encountered during normal
operation will be displayed
here in the order they happen.
They are accessed by either the
l and r keys, or the u
and d keys which will scroll
only the warning messages.

MEMORY
Memory will be addressed in Chapter 9, but it would be

well to examine the M key functions here. Standard
memory size is 64 KBytes. Three screens are available
from this function.
Step 1 Press U and M. A screen similar to the This screen shows the percentage
following will appear: of memory left of the total avail-
able.
55099 divided by 55197= 99.82%
Step 2 Press the r key to access the next screen: Total Exceedances were 37 total
Intervals were 4, and 1 Daily His-
tories.
Step 3 The third screen gives additional information. This display indicates there are 18
Press the r key to examine this screen: Histories in memory, 8 Logs and 0
Calibrations. Hs is the number of
time history samples. Lg is the
number of RUN/STOPs made,
and CL is the number of calibra-
tion check records.
Stopping the Measurement
Press S to stop the measurement. The stick figure will

resume the resting position. To view any of the previous
measurement data simply press the appropriate key and
the information will appear.

CHAPTER
6 Timed Measurement
The ability to take a measurement at a specific time and

date is one of the unique qualities of the Model 812. This
feature allows you to take unattended measurements.
Accessed through the TIMER key, this flexible system
has modes to permit one or two measurements a day
between two dates, or, a single block measurement from
a start date and time to a stop date and time.
In this chapter we will discuss:
• Using the Timer for Unattended Readings.
• Using the Time Key Functions.
• Setting the Password Lock to Protect Settings.
Using the Timer for Unattended Readings.
Examine the timer capabilities by looking at the parame-

ter fields:
Step 1 Turn the Model 812 on, press O followed by The Timer parameters, 21-27
R, 2, and 1. The following display will begin with this screen, parameter
appear: 21.

Step 2 Press m to access the cursor in brackets. Block: Run Time 1 on Run Date to
With the brackets flashing use the r to select Stop Time 1 on Stop Date.
one of four possibilities: 1/Day: Run Time 1 to Stop Time 1
each day from Run Date to Stop
[Off, Block, 1/Day, or 2/Day]. Date.
2/Day: Run Time 1 to Stop Time1
and Run Time 2 to Stop Time 2
Date.
Example: Suppose we want to measure a given area near

a large machine in a factory for 5 days, 2 periods each
day.
Step 3 To do this, choose [2/Day] and press e.
Step 4 To continue, press the d to access the next

parameter screen, item 22.
To continue our example, we want to start 26 September

at 8:30 A.M. and end at 12:00 noon, begin again at 1:00
P.M. and end at 4:30 P.M. each day for 5 days.
Step 5 Press m to change the date and enter 09 26 If the date is incorrect, simply
96. Press e. The new Timer Run Date is press m and enter the correct data,
now 26 Sep 1996. then press e.

Step 6 To access Timer Stop, press the d. A Previ-
ously entered date will appear.
Step 7 To change the date, press m and enter the

5 day ending date, i.e. first of October, i.e. 01
10 96 e and the following display will
appear.
The five day block is now set. Next we will set

the time periods each day within the block.
Step 8 Press the d to Run Time 1, and press m.

Our start up time is 8:30 A.M. so press 08 30
and e, and the display should look like
this:
Step 9 Press the d to Stop Time 1. Press m to enter the

numbers 12 00, and then press e:
Step 10 Press thed to Run Time 2. Press m to enter 13 Notice that military time is used
00, our afternoon start time. Press e. (0:01-24:00) to avoid confusion
A.M. to P.M.

Step 11 Press the d to Stop Time 2. Press m to enter
16 30 and e.
Step 12 To check your Timer setup, press c. This

will return you to the main screen. Press
Ut and the following screen should
appear:
Step 13 If you press the r key, it will give you the

morning time run. If you press the r again
it will give you the afternoon time run settings:
The Model 812 can now be turned off by pressing UO and

placed in the test area. Make sure to check the battery (Chapter
2) or connect to external power. Also consider the safety of the
instrument during the test period. Finally, verify that the cur-
rent time and date are set correctly in the internal clock of the
812. The following section covers setting the time and date.
The Model 812 will turn itself on and begin measurement at
the appropriate time.

Using the Time Key Functions
In Chapter 5 we learned to take a measurement and

examine some of the data gathered during that reading.
The TIME key functions as a record of when the last
measurement started. Two screens are available in this
function.
Step 1 Press U and T to access this informa- Current time, day, and day of
tion: week are controlled by parame-
ter 6-8.
This screen displays the time and

date the current or last measure-
ment began.
Step 2 Press the r key to access the second screen: The second display shows the cur-
rent date, day, and time.

Step 3 Press c to return to the main screen.
Setting the Password Lock to Secure Settings
The Model 812 SLM can insure that your settings will
not be disturbed by providing a Lock Password parame-
ter (items 28-29).
Step 1 From the previous field press d, or from the Refer to Chapter 4 to review enter-
main screen, press R m 2 8 e. ing numbers or letters by using the
You can also press R, U, L: U key.
Step 2 Press m and enter your personal combina- If you choose to use this feature,
tion of numbers or letters from 1-8 characters. enter something you won’t forget
i.e. a name or birth year, and press
e.
Step 3 To turn on the Lock, press the d, m and

r keys. When [Yes} appears, press e.
Step 4 If you should wish to unlock the system for fur- Notice that as you enter your code
ther input or readings, press U and L, only (********) appear to protect
then m. your password. Again, make the
password easy to remember should
you wish to use this function.
Enter your password code and

press e The Model 812 is
now unlocked and accessible for
additional entries.

CHAPTER
7 History Functions
The process of measuring and recording units of sound

and retrieving the data for study and understanding is
enhanced by additional functional capabilities of the
Model 812 Sound Level Meter.
This chapter will cover:
• Setting and Viewing Advanced Functions
- Time History and Data

- Log and Data
- Interval History
- Interval History Data
- PassBy functions
• Dealing with OVERLOAD.
Setting and Viewing Advanced Functions
The Model 812 has a variety of advanced functions that

allow for gathering and storing great amounts of data
with any given measurement. In this section you will
learn how to access the parameters, choose the proper
settings, and view some of the data collected.
Time History
Time History records includes the RMS integrated level

and, if selected, Peak, Unweighted Peak, or Lmax. Param-
eters 80-87 allow you to select the period for the history
and what data are to be saved.

Step 1 Turn the Model 812 on and access Time History Yes: With this item set to “Yes”,
parameters. Press R H. The following the time history function is
screen, item 80, Time history Enable appears: enabled. Despite Model 812’s large
memory, ensure anticipated
requirements do not exceed avail-
able memory.
Step 2 To enter [Yes] press m r to [Yes] and

e.
Step 3 Press the d to item 81, History Resolution: Normally all data is taken with 0.1
dB resolution (2 bytes/level). To
(1.0 dB, 0.1 dB). save memory, this option allows
storage of history in 1.0 dB resolu-
tion.
Step 4 To change this setting press m r e.
Step 5 To access item 82, Hist Save Peak press d: This option allows saving the
weighted peak (Peak), unweighted
[No, Peak, UWPK, Lmax] Peak (UWPK) or Max RMS level
(Lmax) with each RMS history
sample.
Step 6 You may press m and make your selection

with r and then press e.
Step 7 Press the d to item 83, Hist Period: See the following step.
(0-255 units)
Step 8 Press the d to item 85, Hist Base. The setting This is for editing purposes only.
range is: All history is stored regardless of
this base level. However, only data
(0-255 dB). above the base level are displayed.
Step 9 To enter a value, press m, the value,

e.
Step 10 Press the d to item 86, Hist Base Mode: This parameter controls the stored
data which the preceding base level
[Off, RMS, Peak]. operates. For example, if this was
set to Peak and the base level set to

100 dB, only peaks 100 dB and
above would be displayed.
Step 11 To change the field press m, r, and

e.
Step 12 Press the d to item 87, Histogram Resolution for The Model 812 provides an ampli-
these options: tude distribution that can be read
on the display. If the resolution is
[1/8, 1/2, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0, 10] not satisfactory, a different one
may be selected and the amplitude
distribution re-displayed or
printed. This is possible because all
data is stored to the nearest 1/8 dB.
Step 13 Select the value you want. Press m, r to

the proper setting, and then press e.
Time History Data
In Chapter 5 you learned how to take a measurement. To The Time History is used to view
examine the History of that measurement take the fol- the data that was acquired with the
lowing steps: settings discussed in the previous
section. In this example we are
viewing the Leq and Peak data that
was gathered during the history
period.
Step 1 To access Time History, press H, and a screen This display contains History
similar to the following will appear: information about the measure-
ment. It was started by a key
stroke.

Step 2 Press the d key to see what could be the Press the d key to view other
beginning of dozens of readings depending readings.
upon your measurement:
Log and Data
The Log key function in SETUP is a Run/Stop log. It

indicates how many times the measurement was started
and stopped, and at what time.
Once the measurement is in progress, information can be

examined as follows:
Step 1 Press U and H and access Log screens: This screen gives you information
about the most current readings.
This measurement was started by
a key stroke. If it had been started
by preset alarm, “Key” would have
been replaced with “Alm”.
Step 2 Press the r key for the next screen:
Step 3 Go back to LOG-a by pressing the r key. Tog- The Log information indicates that
gle through the record logs by pressing d: the measurement was stopped by
keystroke. If a low battery had been
the reason for the measurement
stopping, “BATT” would have
appeared. To retain data already
gathered, the Model 812 will ter-
minate the measurement when
battery power becomes low.

Step 4 The u and d keys may be used to look at
additional records. Press the r to look at
associated dates and times.
Interval History
The Interval History Parameters allow you to select and

define the interval size and determine what data are to
be saved. Each interval gives you Leq, SEL, Min, Max,
Peak, UWPK, Exceedance count, and, if you turn this
feature on, Ln’s. Listed below is each parameter and a
brief explanation of its function.
Step 1 To access the Interval History parameters press With this item set to (Yes), the
OR M. You may also use numeric val- Interval Time History (ITH) is
ues, i.e. OR m 7 2 e. The enabled. Note: Be sure that total
choices are: memory requirements do not
exceed available memory.
[Yes, No]
Step 2 Press the d to access the next parameter, 73, This parameter is the exchange
Intv Exchange Rate for these choices: rate used for each interval. Set this
to 3 dB for community noise and 5
[3dB, 4dB, 5dB, 6dB] dB for OSHA studies.
Step 3 Press the d to item 74, Intv Threshold. You may This sets the TWA threshold for
find 80 dB preset but you may enter another the interval time history. For hear-
value: ing conservation purposes, 80 dB
is recommended. For most commu-
(0-255) nity noise purposes, set this
parameter to 0 or slightly above
the noise floor.
Step 4 Press the d to item 75, Intv Period. Press This sets the period for the interval
m and the numeric values for the interval history. (A 1 second Interval may
period desired, and then press e: be selected by entering 00:00)
(hh:mm)
Step 5 Press the d to Intv Time Sync, item 76, for The Model 812 allows synchroniz-
these choices: ing the interval report with the
Daily History Report. If (Yes) is
[Yes, No] entered, the Interval Report will be
started (or restarted if already run-

ning) at the start of each hour. For
this to work properly the Interval
Time should be one hour or some
multiples of hours. The benefit of
synchronizing the hourly levels
and the interval reports is that all
the statistics (Lmax, Ln, etc.) are
available for the hourly noise levels
that make up the daily report.
Step 6 Press the d to item 77, Intv Save Ln’s. The Yes: This option allows the four
Choices are: Ln’s for the interval report to be
stored.
[Yes, No]
Step 7 Press the d to item 79, Intv Auto Stop. The Yes: This option will cause the
choices are: Model 812 to automatically stop at
the end of each interval, allowing
[Yes, No] the precise timing of a series of
manual measurements. To start a
new measurement, the S key
must be pushed.
No: This mode must be off for all

automated measurements. It is rec-
ommended that Intv Time Sync be
set to “No” to get the full desired
period.
Step 8 To view Interval Histories after a measurement Eight screens are available from
has been taken, press M. A screen similar to the INTV mode. The screen at the
the one below will appear: left gives the Time and Date of a
given Interval. Duration, Leq, Lmin
and Lmax, Peak and UWPK, and
the level setting measurements.
Step 9 Examine the data available in each INTV. Press INTV-a gives time, interval num-
r and scroll to each. The l will also work ber and date
and the scroll is a loop.
INTV-b gives duration and inter-
val number

INTV-c gives SEL and Leq.
INTV-d gives min and max level

and the number of times level went
over RMS exceedance 1.
INTV-e gives peak and

unweighted peak levels.
INTV- f-h gives statistical infor-

mation.
Step 10 Press the d or u keys to view the next or

previous interval, respectively.
Setting PassBy Functions
The PassBy Function is a special event detector that mea-

sures the Lmax, Leq, and SEL of the highest single event
to raise and lower Š 10 dB in SPL over the measurement
period. It captures events such as a vehicle or aircraft
passby, or other event noises such as blasts or gas get-
ting noise. In addition to the levels measured, the date
and time of the Lmax and the duration of the event are
recorded.The maximum duration of passby event may
be 1 or 2 minutes depending on the shape of the event.
_________________________
Start of 10dB
Passby Occurrence
Time
___________________________________
Duration
Figure 7-1 Passby Diagram

After taking a reading you may wish to examine the Max
Passby event. You may also look at this while the instru-
ment is running. To do this follow this step:
Step 1 Press to view Passby.
Step 2 Using the r or l keys, scroll through the Four screens are available here by
information available in Passby: using the r key, giving time and
date of the occurrence, duration,
and Leq.
a. PSBY-a: Time and date.
b. PSBY-b: Duration of PassBy event.
c.PSBY-c: SEL and Leq of PassBy event.
d. PSBY-d: Max RMS level andLeq of PassBy

record.

Overload
It should be noted that during any measurement an

OVERLOAD may occur. Such an occurrence happens
when input exceeds all reasonable parameters set by the
Model 812 (such as dropping or jarring the instrument).
Should an OVERLOAD occur during a measurement,
the data accumulated during the occurrence will not be
accurate.
The Model 812 registers an OVERLOAD in the upper

right corner of the display where the running figure
appears. The figure takes one step each second. At inter-
vals, 8 seconds apart, the letters O, V, L, D, will appear in
succession. The measurement should be retaken. The
Interval Report on the printout will indicate which inter-
val had the OVERLOAD.

CHAPTER
8 Parameters
As we have seen in previous chapters, the Model 812

owes its versatility in great part to a flexible setup. More
than 160 parameters and options can be selected to tailor
the Model 812 to any measurement. Four prepro-
grammed setups for standard applications are in mem-
ory. One may use these as blueprints for modifications.
It is also possible to store up to 3 other setups in memory
for later recall. Along with downloadable setups from
software, this truly makes the Model 812 a myriad of
instruments in one.
In this chapter we will review the following:
• Parameter access keys, R m e c.
• Learn to store and retrieve complete setups from the

various memory registers.
• List all parameters with a short explanation.
Parameter Key Access Review
Entering and Exiting the Setup Menu
Some setup items may be changed while the Model 812

is running, but parameters influencing data integrity
require a memory Reset ALL.
Step 1 Enter the setup by pressing R.The following

will appear:
Step 2 To exit back to the main screen, press c.
Step 3 Return to the setup menu. Press R.
Locating Parameters
When in the setup menu, the arrow keys allow move-

ment from one parameter to another. One may also use a
function key or directly index to the appropriate param-
eters.
Step 1 From the Setup menu press d one parameter. All items in the list of parame-
Press d to go to the next parameter. ters can be accessed by using
the u and d.
Step 2 When the arrow keys are used in conjunction

with the Shift key, U, the Model 812 will
take you to the top or bottom of the parameters
list.
Step 3 Press U d to move to the bottom of the

parameter list.
Step 4 Press the C key. The Model 812 moves you to

the RMS detector parameters
Step 5 Press the U m keys and then 6 1. You are now at the beginning of
Press e. the Exceedance parameters, item
61.
-2 Model 812 User Manual 5/27/05

NOTE: Numbers are entered at the current cursor position. Enter
leading zeros if necessary.
Changing Parameters — Enter, Modify
Parameters may consist of numerical values, character This one has rounded brackets that
fields or selected choices. Numerical or character fields mean this is an “entry parameter”.
are shown between parentheses: Type the number or character
desired (see Chapter 4). If there is
an angle bracket “>” then the
entry field is too big to fit the
screen and will scroll with the r
key.
Another parameter type is the template entry parameter.

These prompt for specific data entry. For example:
For both types, follow these simple steps:
Step 1 Press m.
Step 2 Enter a value from the numerical keypad. Use For complete coverage of numeri-
the U key for alphabetical input. cal and alpha entry see chapter 4.

Step 3 Confirm any change with e.
Step 4 Cancel any change by pressing c before

e.
Parameters whose value is selected from a few possible

choices are displayed with the current setting inside
square brackets:
To make a selection:
Step 1 Press m and then the l and r keys.
Step 2 Confirm change with e.
Step 3 Cancel change by pressing c before

e.
Error Messages
Entry errors will be noted by a warning message. For

example:
Verify the correct entry format.
Learning to Store and Retrieve Setup Memory
The current setup parameters can be stored internally in

two ways for later recall:

• In two RAM (random access memory) registers
• In one EEPROM register (electronically erasable pro-

grammable read-only memory)
Setups stored in RAM occupy the same memory as the

data (64 KB). They may be lost if battery power is
removed for more than a few minutes. One set of param-
eters at a time can be stored in the EEPROM. Parameters
in the EEPROM register are secure even if the batteries
are disconnected, since the EEPROM does not require
bias voltage to maintain its state. A minimum of 5,000
STORE operations are possible with the EEPROM.
Storing a Setup
The Model 812 must be stopped and memory reset to Remember, to reset memory press
store to the EEPROM. U S e.
Step 1 Press U s: The EEPROM (.) register is the

default. In this instance, the title of
the measurement is “TECH
WRITER”.

Step 2 The u d keys will scroll through the two
RAM registers (0-9). For example, press d
twice:
The RAM register “1” is empty.
Step 3 To store the current setup to the displayed

RAM 1, register, press e:
Recalling a Setup
Memory must be reset before a recall of setup parame-

ters can be accomplished.
Step 1 In the stop mode, press U S e to

reset memory. Then press U R.
Step 2 The EEPROM (.) is again the default. Use r and RAM registers 0 to 9 and
d to scroll through the two RAM registers or the EEPROM register will recall pre-
programmed ROM setups. viously stored calibration data.
STORE saves the CAL data so
that the calibration for several dif-
ferent microphones may be stored
and recalled as desired. For exam-
ple, Register 1 could store the cali-
bration for a Model 2560
microphone, 2 for a Model 2540, 3

for dBµV. ROM registers A, B,
and = do not affect calibration
data.
Model 812 Setup Parameters
Setup parameters of the Model 812 are listed below.

Modifying some setup parameters, such as going from a
FAST to a SLOW meter response, may not be allowed
unless the data is reset. This prevents corruption of the
overall noise data.
Parameters are listed below in logical groups, with their

number and direct index key (if available). Valid entry
formats are listed, (0), for numerical, [0], for selection.
Some reserved parameters, or selections are not avail-
able. Many of these are active in the Model 870, the
Model 812’s big brother.
System (1-20) R U S
The following parameters define measurement names,

set clock and determine interface parameters.
No. Prompt Entry Comment
1 Reset ALL Data? [No Yes] This parameter allows a U

S without leaving SETUP. Note: If
this parameter is set to Yes, a RESET
will occur, and the parameter will
automatically revert to No.
2-4 Name (up to 30 characters) Place any message you desire in these
3 lines. (The 3 lines of name are sav-
able only in EEPROM.)
5 Title (up to 30 characters) Used to describe a measurement or

setup
6 Current Time (hh:mm:ss) also accessed w/ U t

7 Current Date (mm/dd/yy) The 812 is year 2000 compliant. Leap
years are considered. For years less
than the year manufactured, the 21st
century is assumed (2000-2092), oth-
erwise the 20th century is used (1993-
1999)
8 Day of Week [Sun-Sat]
9 Baud Rate [300-19200] Baud rate of the serial interface.

Serial printer or computer rate should
be the same.
10 RS-232 Address (0-127) Enables addressed communication

mode for a network of Larson Davis
SLMs. Each must have a unique
address. Normally only one Model
812 is used, thus the address should
be set to 0 to disable.
12 COM Ports Hand- [None, Hdwr, XOFF, Serial handshaking protocol. Model
shaking Register Both] 812 -SW1 uses [None]. Note: To con-
serve power, the Model 812 turns off
the serial port after 255 sec. of non-
use. To keep unit on and connected,
an external power supply must be
used.
14 Output 1 Logic Off True takes it to 5 volts.

RMS (R) When set to Off, DTR is DTR
PEAK (P)
R+P Indication that Interval started and
INTV (I) will stay on time set in parameter 15.
R+I
P+I
R+P+I Logic control including “A” are not
A:D applicable to the Model 812.
R+A
P+A
R+P+A
I+A
R+I+A
P+I+A Run/Stop
R+P+I+A
R/S

15 Output 1 Timer (enter time) There are 2 modes to the Logic Out-
put Time now: If the time is set to 5
sec or less it is assumed to be a mini-
mum time and the output will be
asserted for a minimum of the time
selected. If the time is programmed to
be greater than 5 sec then the time is
considered to be the maximum dura-
tion that the pulse should last and the
output will be asserted for a minimum
of 5 sec and a maximum of the time
programmed.
20 Power Save [Auto Off, Manual Off, Auto Off: If in the Stop mode and if
Audio Off] no keys are pressed or commands
given for 12 min, the Model 812 will
turn off automatically.
Manual Off: The Model 812 will not
turn off until the OFF key is pressed,
a computer OFF command is given,
or the batteries become low.
Audio Off: Not available on the
Model 812.
Timer (21-27) U T
These parameters are used when Start and Stop of

measurements are to be controlled by the clock.
21 Timer Mode [Off, Block, 1/day, 2/ Block: Run Time 1 on Run Date to
day Stop Time 1 on Stop Date
1/day: Run Time 1 to Stop Time 1
Date
2/day: Run Time 1 to Stop Time 1
and Run Time 2 to Stop Time 2
each day from Run date to Stop
Date
22 Timer Run Date (dd/mm/yy) See Timer Mode comment

23 Timer Stop Date (dd/mm/yy) See Timer Mode comment
24 Timer Run Time 1 (hh:mm:ss) See Timer Mode comment
25 Timer Stop Time 1 (hh:mm:ss) See Timer Mode comment
26 Timer Run Time 2 (hh:mm:ss) See Timer Mode comment
27 Timer Stop Time 2 (hh:mm:ss) See Timer Mode comment
Lock (28-29) U P
These parameters limit access of certain functions to

those with the correct password.
Step 1 After setting password and lock options, exit For complete instruction on set-
the setup and press U P to lock. ting the Lock parameters, see chap-
ter 6.
Step 2 To unlock, press UP, then m, and enter the pass-

word.
28 Lock Password (8 characters) Enter your password
29 Lock R/S Key [No, Yes] Lock mode change

Calibration (35-36) U C
35 CAL Level (114.00) Enter the sound pressure level of your

(0-255 dB) calibrator
36 Calibrator S/N (to 8 char.) Calibrator serial no. will be printed
Sound Level Meter (39-50) C
These parameters define the sound level meter charac-

teristics. Most changes will require a US if memory holds
previous data.
39 Detector [Slow, Fast, Impl] Slow: exponential avg: 1 second con-

stant.
Fast: exponential avg: 1/8 second con-
stant.
Impl: impulse response.
40 Frequency Weighting [A,A16,C,C16] A and C weightings meet Type 1 spec-

ifications. Note: A16 and C16 not
applicable to the Model 812.
41 AC Out Weighting [Flat, Wght, F+20, F+20: Flat Level with 20 dB gain.
W+20] W+20: Weighted with 20 dB gain.
42 Unweighted Peak [Flat, C]
43 Mic. Polarization [0, 28, 200] This selects the polarization voltage
Voltage for the microphone. Chose 28 or 200
V for condenser type microphones and
0 V for pre-polarized microphones
(electret).
44 Reference Level (0 to 255 dB) measured level - reference level = rel-

ative level used in some functions
45 Currant Exchange [3dB,4dB,5dB,6dB] Exchange rate for currant TWA or

Rate 1 Dose readings. For OSHA use 5dB.

46 Current (0 to 255 dB) Levels above threshold are integrated
Threshold 1 into currant TWA or Dose readings.
For OSHA use 80 dB.
47 Currant (0 to 255 dB) 100% dose if this level is maintained

Criterion 1 for full dose period. For OSHA use 90
dB.
48 Overall [3dB,4dB,5dB,6dB] Exchange rate for overall TWA or

Exchange Rate 2 Dose readings.
49 Overall (0 to 255 dB) Levels above threshold are integrated

Threshold 2 into overall TWA or Dose readings.
50 Overall (0 to 255 dB) 100% dose if this level is maintained

Criterion 2 for full dose period.
Dose (51) o
The noise exposure Dose may be calculated with three

different set of parameters: CURRENT, OVERALL, and
LDL. See section on occupational noise for additional
information. The dose displayed with the o key is Dose
2.
51 Full Dose Hours (0 - 99) This is normally set to 8 for an 8 hour

workday. It is used with the criterion
level to determine a 100% projected
dose.

LN Statistical Levels (55-58) B
Lnn is the rms noise level which was exceeded nn% of

the time. The Ln’s are computed from the overall level
distribution histogram or each interval’s level histogram
(see item 77). The measured and displayed Lnn may be
changed during the measurement. The six nn are auto-
matically listed in increasing order.
55 Lnn 1 Percent (0 to 99)
Exceedance Level Count (61-65) V
These parameters define noise threshold levels to be

used when counting the number of exceedances during
a measurement (viewed in MAX-b and c displays for
rms, PEAK-b, and UWPK-b for peak exceedance ).
61 RMS Excd Lvl 1 (0 - 255 dB) First rms detector exceedance level.
62 RMS Excd Lvl 2 (0 - 255 dB) Set above Level 1.
63 Peak Excd Level (0 - 255 dB) Weighted peak exceedance level.
64 Uwpk Excd Level (0 - 255 dB) Unweighted peak exceedance level.

65 Excd Hysteresis (0 - 9) This sets the amount, once an exceed-
ance occurs, that the level must drop
below the exceedance level before the
Exceedance event ends and a new
exceedance can occur. Normally set
this level to 2 or 3 dB. This prevents
multiple exceedances for a single
event if the level flickers around the
threshold.
Interval History (72-79) M
72 Intv Enable [No, Yes] Interval report will be stored in mem-

ory if Yes is entered.
73 Intv Exchange [3dB, 4dB, 5dB, 6dB] Used to calculate interval integrated
level. Normally this is set to 3 dB
(Leq). 4 dB gives L_DOD, 5 dB:
LOSHA, 6 dB: L_Avg.
74 Intv Threshold (0 to 255 dB) Levels above threshold are integrated

during each interval, normally 0 dB
for Leq. For noise hygiene interval
TWA, set to dose threshold.
75 Intv Period (hh:mm) This sets the period for the interval
history from 1 minute up to 99:59. A 1
second interval may also be selected
by entering 00:00.
76 Intv Time Sync [No, Yes] Synchronizes start of interval with

clock and daily history report. If Yes
is entered, the interval report will be
started (or restarted if already run-
ning) at the start of each hour or
minute depending on Intv duration.
77 Intv Save Ln’s [No, Yes] Selects whether interval Ln’s are
stored. The Ln’s stored are those in
effect (items 55-60) at end of interval.

79 Intv Auto Stop [No, Yes] If yes, automatically stops instrument
at the end of each interval for precise
timing of series of manual measure-
ments. Use R/S key to restart.
Time History (80-87) H
This third type of history is the most conventional. The

rms integrated level and, if selected, a maximum reading
are stored in memory at the end of each time history
period.
80 HIST Enable [No, Yes] Time history report will be stored if

Yes is entered. Despite the Model
812’s large memory, ensure antici-
pated requirements do not exceed
available memory.
81 Hist Resolution [0.1dB, 1.0dB] Normally, all data is taken with 0.1 dB
resolution (2bytes/level). Allows stor-
age of history with 1 dB resolution to
conserve memory(1byte/level).
82 Hist Save Peak [No, Peak, UWPk, This option allows saving the history
Lmax] period’s highest weighted (Peak),
unweighted Peak (UWPk) or rms
level (Lmax) with each RMS history
sample.
83 Hist Period (1-255 units) Multiplier of units of time in parame-

ter #84 sets rate at which history sam-
ples are stored. Ex: 1 x 60.0s for
minute by minute history, 16 x 1/32s
for 0.5 second history.
85 Hist Base (0-255 dB) This is for editing purposes only. All
history is stored regardless of this
base level. However, only noise data
above the base level are displayed on
the screen.

86 Hist Base Mode [Off, RMS, Peak] Type of noise data used by the base
mode
87 Hist Resolution [1/8, 1/2, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0, Selects the interval in dB of the over-
10] all time level amplitude distribution.
Print Options (89-112) s
These parameters allow for tailored reports of the Model

812 data during or after the measurement. They can be
accessed from outside the SETUP by pressing s, then 7
for printer type and options. Refer to section on print-
outs for samples of information found on each printout.
89 Prn Data Report [No, Yes] Prints quick data report.
90 R/S and Cal Log [No, Yes] Prints Run/Stop and calibration log
report.
91 Setup Report [No, Yes] Prints list of current setup parameters.
92 RMS Histogram [No, Yes] Prints histogram of overall rms levels.
93 Lowest Level (0 - 255) RMS Histogram lowest printed level
94 Highest Level (0 - 255) RMS Histogram highest printed level
95 Histogram Resl. [1/8, 1/2, 1.0,2.0,5.0,10] Spacing in dB between histogram

entries
96 Peak Histogram [No, Yes] Prints histogram of overall peak lev-

els.
97 Lowest Level (0 - 255) Peak Histogram lowest printed level
98 Highest Level (0 - 255) Peak Histogram highest printed level
99 Histogram Resl. [1.0,2.0,5.0,10] Spacing in dB between histogram

entries
100 UwPk Histogram [No, Yes] Prints histogram of overall

unweighted peak levels.

101 Lowest Level (0 - 255) UWPk Histogram lowest printed
level
102 Highest Level (0 - 255) UWPk Histogram highest printed

level
103 Histogram Resl. [1.0,2.0,5.0,10] Spacing in dB between histogram

entries
107 INTV Report [No, Short, Long] Prints interval report
108 Lowest Rec. # (0 - 65535) Starting interval record number of

printout
109 Highest Rec. # (0 - 65535) Ending interval record number of

printout
110 HIST Report [No, Yes] Prints time history report
111 Lowest Rec. # (0 ->999999) Starting history record number of

printout
112 Highest Rec. # (0 ->999999) Ending history record number of

printout

CHAPTER
9 Memory Usage
Each of the Model 812’s History Functions use space out

of a common memory. The amount each record takes is
based on the options selected. In this chapter we will
provide information that will assist you to:
• Determine the amount of storable data considering

the given options.
• Estimate memory usage by giving an example of a

test reading and an associated chart to determine the
memory needed to complete the reading.
Determine Storable Data
The following tables indicate the amount of memory

used for each type of record:
Interval Records Intv History Enable = [Yes] Prm 72
Options -- add bytes shown if enabled Bytes
Basic Interval Record 34
Intv Save Ln’s = [Yes] Prm 77 18
Time History Records Time History Enable =

[Yes] Prm 80
Options Options
Hist Resolution Prm 81 Hist Save Peak Prm 82 Bytes

[1.0dB] [No] 1
[0.1dB] [No] 2
[1.0dB] [Peak, UwPk, Max, Wind] 2
[0.1dB] [Peak, UwPk, Max, Wind] 4
Other Histories and Memory Usage Bytes
Run Log History 20 bytes per record
Calibration Log History 17 bytes per record
Ram Setup Register 506 bytes per register

(REgisters 0-9, Bytes used per register stored)

Estimating Memory Usage
The easiest way to estimate the memory usage is to work

on a time basis such as one day. Consider the following:
• Calculate the number of Interval, Time History, Run

Log and Calibration Check records that will be per-
formed in a day.
• Based on the options chosen calculate the number of

bytes required for each record type.
• Multiply by the number of records expected per day,
• Sum these values and this is the number of bytes

required per day.
• Divide this value into the amount of available mem-

ory in the Model 812 (see U M) and this is the number
of days the Model 812 can gather data.
As an example:
Line Interval Memory Estimation Bytes Used Bytes needed
6 Basic Interval Record 34 34
7 Intv Save Ln’s=[Yes] Prm 77 18 18
8 Intv Save Ln Table 384 0
9 TOTAL Bytes / Intv sum lines 6-8 52
10 Anticipated Intv / Day Enter Number 24
11 TOTAL Bytes / Day Multiply lines 9 & 10 1248
Line Time History Memory Calculation Bytes Bytes
Hist Resolution Hist Save Peak
16 [1.0dB] [No] 1

Line Time History Memory Calculation Bytes Bytes
17 [0.1dB] [No] 2
18 [1.0dB] [Peak|UwPk|Max|Wind] 2
19 [0.1dB] [Peak|UwPk|Max|Wind] 4
20 TOTAL bytes / Hist Record Select the appropriate # of bytes from 2

lines 16 - 19
21 Hist Records / Day Enter Number Calculate 1440

24 hours divided by Hist Period in hours i.e. 24/(60 sec/3600 sec per hour)= 1440
22 TOTAL Hist Bytes / Day Multiply lines 20 and 21 - copy to 26 2880
Line Memory Use per Day Calculation Bytes Bytes
24 Interval History bytes / day from line 11 1248
26 Time History bytes / day from line 22 2880
27 Run Log bytes / day 2/(nx20) X 20 = 40

n= number of Run Log records / day n x 20 bytes/record
28 Calibration Log bytes / day 1/(nx17) X 17 17

n x 17 bytes/record
29 Setup RAM Registers bytes used 0/(nx506) = 0

n=number of registers stored / day n x 506 bytes/record
30 TOTAL bytes used / day Sum lines 23-29 4185
31 Model 812’s Memory Size (64000) See SYSTEM-b 64000
32 TOTAL Run Time in days Divide line 32 by 31 15.29

until out of memory

CHAPTER
10 Printing a Report
The Model 812 allows for tailored reports of data during

and after measurements. In this chapter we will access
the printing option parameters for Normal Printouts and
print a report.
Normal Printout Parameters
Before proceeding with printing, baud rate needs to be

determined and entered. Set parameter 9 to proper baud
rate determined by type of printer used. If, after starting
printing, bad information is printed, baud rate or printer
type is probably set incorrectly. To cancel printing, hit
U and S.
Normal printouts can be accessed from outside the

SETUP mode by following these steps:
Step 1 Turn the Model 812 on and press s. The follow-

ing display will appear briefly and then scroll
automatically through several options:
Step 2 To tailor your report and select the printer type

and options, press 7 and the following screen

will appear:
There are several options here which include:
[HPJet, HPLzr, ASCII, Epson, IBM]
Step 3 You can change the printer selection by press-

ing the m key and then r to the printer
you will use, and press e.
Step 4 Press the d key to the next display, item 89 Items 89-112 allow you to select
(duplicated here as item 177), the beginning of the reports which are to be printed
the parameters that manage printouts: and how the output data are to be
configured.
Items 89-112 are copied sequen-

tially into items 177-200 for print-
ing tailored reports, and may be
edited directly for one printing,
and then they will revert to set-
tings of parameters 89-112.
Step 5 Scroll through these parameters with the d For a complete list of Print
key and make your selections. Press m to Options, see Chapter 8.
access the appropriate choice and press e.

Printing Reports
Printing reports is easy as connecting your Model 812 to

a printer and pressing a key. Using the CBL033 serial
printer cable, connect your serial printer to the Model 812
at its bottom port. Let’s look at the print options again:
Step 1 Turn the Model 812 on and press s. The

display will begin to scroll through the various
print options available. Here are some of the
screens:
You will notice that the scroll is
quite rapid. To slow it down so
you can study the options, use the
u or d keys and the display will
remain for five seconds before
returning to automatic scroll.
This option allows you to access

the printer setup status.
This option will return you to the

Printout Parameters and will start
with the printer type selection. The
d key will access item 89 of the
Printout Parameters.
This option allows you to tailor

your own report changing the set-
tings of parameter items 89-112
but imputting the entries in items
177-200. After the printout is
complete, the values will revert
back to factory settings.

APPENDIX
A Specifications
This Appendix contains the specifications for the Model

812 in the following order:
• Type
• Reference Direction
• Measurement Ranges
• Reference Level
• Frequency Weighting
• Detector Time Weightings
• Effects of Temperature
• Effects of Humidity
• Limits of Temperature and Humidity
• Microphone Extension Cables
• Positioning of Instrument and Observer for Best Mea-

surements
• AC and DC Outputs
• Reference Frequency
• Stabilization Time
• Microphone Electrical Impedance
• Functions Measured
• Data Storage
5/27/05 Model 812 User Manual A-1

• Data Communications
• Digital Display
• Digital Display Resolution
• Display Bargraph
• Real-time Clock/Calendar
• Run-time Clock
• Typical Noise Floors
• Standards Met
• Power Supply
• Dimensions/Weight (with Microphone, Preamplifier,

and Battery)
Type
The Larson Davis Model 812 with attached PRM 828

preamp and Model 2541 microphone is a combination
Type 1 precision integrating sound level meter and sta-
tistical data logger. The Model 812 can also be used with
any of the Larson Davis 1/2" condenser microphones.
They may also be used with any Larson Davis 1/4" or 1"
microphones provided they are used with an ADP011
(1/4"to 1/2"preamp adapter) or an ADP008 (1" to1/2"
preamp adapter) attached to the PRM 828. The Model
812 polarization voltage can be set to either 200V or 28V.
Reference Direction
The reference direction is perpendicular to the plane of

the microphone diaphragm when using a free field
microphone (e.g. Larson Davis 2540 or 2541) in a free
field. The microphone should be pointed directly at the
source.
A-2 Model 812 User Manual 5/27/05

When using a random incident microphone in a free
field, the microphone should be pointed 80 degrees off
axis of the source of the sound.
When in a random sound field, a random incident

microphone (e.g. Larson Davis 2559 or 2560) may be
pointed in any direction.
Measurement Ranges
RMS Detector
Dynamic Range > 110.0 dB
Primary Indicator Range > 105.0 dB
The instrument will have a different Noise Floor, Lower

Limit, and Overload Level, depending on the sensitivity
of the microphone used. Some typical values, for 2 dif-
ferent Larson Davis microphones, are listed in the table
below.
Max Level for

A Weight C Weight Overload Pulses of
Lower Limit Max Peak
Microphone Noise Floor - Noise Floor - Level Crest Factor
dBSPL Level dBSPL
dBSPL dBSPL dBSPL = 10
dBSPL
2541 17.5 16.5 23.5 130.0 133.0 112.0
2559 29.0 28.0 35.0 141.5 144.5 123.5

The data in the above table was obtained by electrically
testing a number of instruments. For all electrical tests,
the microphone was replaced with an equivalent electri-
cal impedance (Larson Davis ADP005 microphone
adapter).
Other Detectors
• Weighted Peak Detector = 85.0 dB
• Unweighted Peak Detector = 38.0 dB
• AC Output = 88.0 dB
• DC Output = 105.0 dB
Reference Level
The reference level is 114.0 dB SPL.
Frequency Weightings
The available frequency weightings for the Models

812⁄820 are described in the table below.
Flat Weight-
Detector A Weight C Weight
ing
RMS √ √
Weighted Peak √ √
Unweighted Peak √ √
AC Output √ √ √
DC Output √ √
NOTES:
1. The RMS frequency weighting is selected via parame-

ter #40, “Frequency Weighting”. The Weighted Peak
Detector, and DC Output frequency weighting always

matches the RMS Detector frequency weighting.
2. The Unweighted Peak Detector frequency weighting

is selected via parameter #42 “UWPK Weighting”; there-
fore, it can be set independent of the RMS Detector fre-
quency weighting. The Unweighted Peak Detector’s
typical FLAT frequency response is shown in the table
below.
3. The AC Output frequency weighting is selected via

parameter #41, “AC Out Weighting”. It can be set to Flat
weighting, or it can be set to match the RMS Detector fre-
quency weighting. The AC output’s FLAT frequency
response is shown in the table below.
Unweighted Peak FLAT Frequency Response
Unweighted Peak Unweighted Peak Unweighted Peak
Nominal Nominal Fre- Nominal
FLAT Weighting - FLAT Weighting - FLAT Weighting -
Frequency Hz quency Hz Frequency Hz
dB dB dB
10 -3.4 160 0.0 2500 0.0
12.5 -2.5 200 0.0 3150 -0.1
16 -1.7 250 0.0 4000 -0.2
20 -1.2 315 0.0 5000 -0.2
25 -0.8 400 0.0 6300 -0.3
31.5 -0.5 500 0.0 8000 -0.4
40 -0.3 630 0.0 10000 -0.5
50 -0.2 800 0.0 12500 -0.8
63 -0.1 1000 0.0 16000 -0.9
80 0.0 1250 0.0 20000 -1.2
100 0.0 1600 0.0
125 0.0 2000 0.0
AC Output FLAT Frequency Response

Nominal AC Output FLAT Nominal AC Output FLAT Nominal AC Output FLAT
Frequency Hz Weighting - dB Frequency Hz Weighting - dB Frequency Hz Weighting - dB
10 -7.6 160 -0.1 2500 0.0
12.5 -6.2 200 -0.1 3150 0.0
16 -4.7 250 -0.1 4000 0.0
20 -3.5 315 0.0 5000 0.0
25 -2.5 400 0.0 6300 0.0
31.5 -1.7 500 0.0 8000 -0.1
40 -1.2 630 0.0 10000 -0.1
50 -0.9 800 0.0 12500 -0.2

AC Output FLAT Frequency Response
63 -0.6 1000 0.0 16000 -0.3
80 -0.3 1250 0.0 20000 -0.5
100 -0.3 1600 0.0
125 -0.2 2000 0.0

Detector Time Weightings
The available RMS detector time weightings are FAST,

SLOW, and IMPULSE. There are also two available
PEAK detectors (Weighted Peak, Unweighted Peak).
• Weighted Peak Detector Rise Time: 60 µs
• Unweighted Peak Detector Rise Time: 30 µs
Effects of Temperature
The SPL level varies ð 0.5 dB when the complete instru-

ment is tested over the -10° C to 50° C temperature
range. The reference reading, for this test, is taken at 20°
C and 36% relative humidity (RH); the input signal is at
1000 Hz.
Effects of Humidly
The SPL level varies ð 0.5 dB when the complete instru-

ment is tested over the 30% to 90% RH range. This test is
performed at 40° C, with an input signal of 1000 Hz.
Limits of Temperature and Humidity
Permanent damage can occur when stored or operated

above 60° C or below -20° C. Condensation of moisture
will make readings inaccurate but will be correct when
moisture has dissipated.

Microphone Extension Cables
When measuring signals below 20 kHz, up to a 12 foot

microphone extension cable may be used with the model
812.
Optimal Positioning of Instrument and Observer
Measurements can be made with the model 812 held in

one hand, with the arm extended away from the body;
however, better measurements can be made with the
Model 812 placed on a tripod.
AC and DC Outputs
The output impedance is 600 ¾ for both the AC and DC

outputs of the Model 812. For minimal error use instru-
ments with ≥ 100 kΩ input impedance when making
AC or DC output readings.
AC Output
• Output Impedance: 600 Ω
• Gain: 0 dB or 20 dB (User Selectable)
• Measurement Range: 88.0 dB

DC Output
• Output Impedance: 600 Ω
• Scale: 20 mV/dB
• Measurement Range: 105.0 dB
• Voltage Range: 0 to 3 volts
• Temperature Coefficient: 936 µV/° C
Reference Frequency
The reference frequency is 1000 Hz.
Stabilization Time
The model 812 will not proceed to a running condition

until it is allowed to stabilize. At power-on, with the
polarization voltage set to 200V or 28V, the stabilization
time is approximately 45 seconds. With the polarization
voltage set to 0V, the stabilization time is approximately
10 seconds. A shorter stabilization time is also invoked
when certain settings (Weighting, Detector, etc.) are
changed.
Microphone Electrical Impedance
The Larson Davis ADP005 should be substituted for the

1/2" microphone when performing electrical tests on the
Model 812. The Larson Davis ADP002 is used in place of
a 1/4" microphone, and the Larson Davis ADP006 is
used in place of the 1" microphones.

Functions Measured
• Leq, Lmax, Lmin, TWA, SEL
• Dose, Projected Dose, Ln (1% - 99%)
• Sound Exposure in pascal squared hours (SE in Pa2H)
• Time History, Histograms, Measurement Time-Date-

Duration
• Taktmaximal 3 and 5
Data Storage
• 812: 64k byte Memory
Typically, 3 month memory retention with fresh battery.
Memory protected during battery change (2 minutes

minimum).
Data Communications
• Serial interface for computer, printer, and modem

communications
• Data Rate: 19,200 bits per second
Digital Display
• 2 line, 32 digit, 7 segment LCD
• Full ASCII character set
• Fully annotated date displays parameter with units

Digital Display Resolution
• dB levels: 0.1 dB
• Dose: 0.01%
• Elapsed Time: 0.1 second
Display Bargraph
• 120 dB range, 1 dB resolution for SPL
Real-time Clock/Calendar
• 24 hour clock: hh:mm:ss
• 1 second resolution
• 100 year calendar: 01JAN1999
• Automatic run/stop timer with two alarms and four

alarm times
Run-time Clock
• 0.1 second resolution
• Format: hhhhh:mm:ss.s
• Maximum > 4 years
Standards Met
• ANSI S1.4-1983 Type 1
• ANSI S1.25-1991 Type 1
• IEC 651 Type 1

• IEC 804 Type 1
• Directive 86/188/EEC
• Directive IEC/TC-29
Power Supply
• Internal: 9 V battery, typically 20 hour operation

(actual run-times vary depending on operating con-
ditions)
• External: 7 to 16 VDC, 30 mA current drain
• Battery-life indication selected from keyboard or

computer program
Dimensions/Weight (with Microphone, Preamplifier and

Battery)
• Width: 3in. (7.6 cm)
• Length: 13 in. (33 cm)
• Depth: 1.0 in. (2.5 cm)
• Weight: 13 oz. (370 gm)
• Weight (w/o preamp & microphone): 11 oz. (310 gm)
• Shipping weight: 3 lbs (1.4 kg)

APPENDIX
B Serial Port Interface Remote

Control
The Model 812 is fully controllable remotely via Serial

Port interface. Setup items and operational mode can be
altered. Data can also be dumped to or queried by the
controlling computer.
The Model 812 may be connected to the computer

directly or through a modem. A network of many instru-
ments can be formed, all controlled by one computer by
using the address-ability mode.
This chapter will describe the Serial Port interfacing of

the Model 812 and the various interface commands with
their syntax. Modem control is also covered. These com-
mands are a subset of the Larson Davis Model 870 com-
mands.
In this chapter we will cover the following items:

• Model INT002 Interface Cable............................................2
• Daisy Chain Addressing......................................................3
• Commands ............................................................................3
• Group Read Programming................................................11
• Setting Parameters..............................................................12
• Query Parameters...............................................................15
• History Records ..................................................................23
• History Data Variables.......................................................25
• Print Commands.................................................................28
• Error Messages and Warnings..........................................29
5/27/05 Model 812 User Manual B-1

Model INT002 Interface Cable
The Serial Port communication is made through the 5-

pin connector at the base of the Model 812. Interface,
interface signals usually need to be converted for proper
communication with desktop computers. The Model
INT002 Cable/level converter is required for this pur-
pose. Its electronic circuits provide the correct signal lev-
els and polarities. When used with the AC/DC adapter,
the INT002 also powers the units externally, minimizing
battery depletion which can be substantial during Serial
Port transfers.
Step 1 With the instrument turned off, insert the cable

connector in the 5-pin port.
Step 2 Connect the cable to the of the computer, using Baud rate, Serial Port address and
the supplied 9-25 pin adapter if necessary. handshaking protocol are selected
using parameters 9, 10 and 12.
Unless using addressing, set the
address to (0).
B-2 Model 812 User Manual 5/27/05

Signal 5-Pin configurations for the INT002 follow:
812 5-pin Connector End Computer DB-9
Connector End
Ground Pin1/Shield Pin5/Shield
TXD Pin 2/Red Pin 3/Red
RXD Pin3/Yellow Pin 2/Yellow
Power Pin4/Blue
DTR Pin 5/White Pin 4/Blue
DSR Pin 6/White
CTS Pin 8/White
Daisy Chain Addressing
A network of instruments may be interconnected to one The following instruments are

computer using the appropriate cabling, such as the compatible on a common network:
CBL040, and each may be controlled individually. Each Models 712, 720, 812, 820, 870,
is given a unique address (parameter or item 10). The and TAC100. Future instruments
addresses are sent as a single byte ranging in value from may also be compatible with this
129 to 255 representing address 1 to 127 respectively network.
(address plus 128). Whenever an address byte is
received only the corresponding instrument is enabled
to receive commands.

A broadcast command can be sent. By sending an
address of zero, CHR$(128), all units on the chain will
become addressed and accept the commands that fol-
low. Only the device with an address of 1 will respond
to the commands if data transfer is required. This will
allow all units to be started at the same moment, or to
have the same parameter sent to all devices with one
command, i.e. set all clocks to the same time.
These devices cannot be just paralleled together. That

would short outputs together and damage the instru-
ments. Use the designated cables.
Commands
The commands are a series of ASCII characters with an

alpha command and one or two numeric operands fol-
lowed by a charge return, ASCII 13. The commands
may be spelled out though only the first character is sig-
nificant. i.e. READ 123 may be abbreviated to R123.
Every command has a response to acknowledge that it
was received correctly and to provide data requested.
For high reliability systems there is an error-checking
protocol that is added to ensure proper command data
transferal. See Error Checking Protocol on page 34.
The following tables summarize all of the commands

and are listed in this order: mode control commands
first, parameter commands next, data extraction com-
mand and report/data download command last.
[.] Square brackets indicate optional characters or operands.
Syntax Response
R[ead] variable_number 0, operand_2] variable_value
S[et] parameter_number, parameter_value acknowledge
S[et] parameter_number, fixed_parameter_index acknowledge
S[et] parameter_number; fixed_parameter_prompt acknowledge i.e. “Set 8; [Thu]” will set day of week to Thursday
Q[uery] parameter_number 0, option_flags] parameter_value

Option flags may be added for combined effect.
32-Index Number
8-Tab over response
2-print in braces
1-Print parameter name
K[ey] key_simulation_string acknowledge
M[ode] mode_number acknowledge
History Oriented Commands
I[nterval] variable_number [,relative_rec#] variable_value
L[og] variable_number [,relative_rec0, variable_value
C[alibration] variable_number variable_value
H[istory] variable_number [,relative_rec#] variable_value
T[ables] variable_number [, table] variable_value
A[dvance] range [,history_number] acknowledge
B[ackup] range [,history_number] acknowledge
F[ind] record_number [,history_number] acknowledge
P[rint] report_number acknowledge
Mode Commands
Format for the Mode Commands is:
Command Description
M1 Power On, clear error message list and reset display functions to “–a” windows
M2 Power Off
M3 Run
M4 Stop
M5 View
M6 Mark
M7 Reset Current Data (use S1,1 for Reset-All)

M8 Reset Histories Only
M9 High Resolution Levels (to I/O channel only). Increased resolution I/O is possible by using the M9,1 command.
All sound levels are then sent with an additional fractional character (nnn.nn) giving 1/100th dB resolution.
The Model 812 acquires noise data with 1/32 dB resolution. Greater resolution is achieved through averaging.
HOWEVER, THIS DOES NOT IMPROVE ACCURACY. Refer to the specifications or device specific perfor-
mance results for the accuracy of the system.
M 10 Lock 812 (leave 812’s power on)
M 11 Lock 812 and Power Off.To unlock the unit and send the lock combination to the unlock parameter with the
S230,cccccccc command where cccccccc is the correct combination entered before locking.
M 1000 Non-destructive memory test (walking bit)
M 1001 Destructive memory test (pattern test)
“Read” Variables
Syntax Variable Description Response
R1 _DEVTYPE Device manf. and model String
R2 _DT.TM Current Date and Time ddd ddmmmyyyy hh:mm:ss
R3 _STAT Status RUN/PAUSE/STOP/RESET-C/RESET-

O, LOCKED
A short form of the status command is R3,1 which has a

5 character response.
• The first is an “s” when stabilizing or a space when

stable.
• The second is the current mode: “S” for Stopped, “R”

for Running, “P” for Paused, “C” for Calibrating, “V”
for View mode, “O” for stopped with overall data
reset and “C” for stopped with Current data set reset.
• The third character is the Lock Status and is either an

“L” or a “U”. The fourth character is the Halt Line
Status and is a “1” if high and a “0” if low. The fifth
or last character will be an “a” if an Alarm has been
detected.
R4 _C.SPL Current SPL nnn.nn dB
R5 _O.RTIME OverAll Runtime hhhhh:mm:ss.s
R6 _O.STIME OverAll Start Date and Time ddmmmyy hh:mm:ss

R7 _C.RTIME Current Runtime hhhhh:mm:ss.s
R8 _C.STIME Current Start Date and Time ddmmmyy hh:mm:ss
R9 _O.TWA Overall TWA (Time Wght Avg) nnn.n dB
R 10 _O.XR Overall Exchange Rate Text ccccc
R 11 _C.TWA Current TWA (Time Wght Avg) nnn.n dB
R 12 _C.XR Current Exchange Rate Text ccccc
R 13 _O.SEL Overall SEL nnn.n dB
R 14 _C.SEL Current SEL nnn.n dB
R 15 _O.LMIN OverAll Minimum Level nnn.n dB
R 16 _O.TMIN OverAll Lmin Date and Time ddmmmyy hh:mm:ss
R 17 _C.LMIN Current Minimum Level nnn.n dB
R 18 _C.TMIN Current Lmin Date and Time ddmmmyy hh:mm:ss
R 19 _O.LMAX OverAll Maximum Level nnn.n dB
R 20 _O.TMAX OverAll Lmax Date and Time ddmmmyy hh:mm:ss
R 21 _C.LMAX Current Maximum Level nnn.n dB
R 22 _C.TMAX Current Lmax Date and Time ddmmmyy hh:mm:ss
R 23 _O.LPEAK OverAll Peak Level nnn.n dB
R 24 _O.TPEAK OverAll Lpeak Date and Time ddmmmyy hh:mm:ss
R 25 _C.LPEAK Current Peak Level nnn.n dB
R 26 _C.TPEAK Current Lpeak Date and Time ddmmmyy hh:mm:ss
R 27 _O.LUWPK OverAll UWPk Level nnn.n dB
R 28 _O.TUWPK OverAll Luwpk Date and Time ddmmmyy hh:mm:ss
R 29 _C.LUWPK Current UWPk Level nnn.n dB
R 30 _C.TUWPK Current Luwpk Date and Time ddmmmyy hh:mm:ss
R 31 _RMSCNT OverAll RMS Exceedances #1 nnnnn
R 32 _RMSCNT2 OverAll RMS Exceedances #2 nnnnn
R 33 _PEAKCNT OverAll Peak Exceedances nnnnn
R 34 _UWPKCNT OverAll UWPk Exceedances nnnnn
R 35 _OVLDCNT Overloads nnnnn
R 36 _PSECNT Number of PAUSES nnnnn
R 37 _PTIME PAUSE Time (OFF not inc.) hhhhh:mm:ss

R 38 _LN1 Ln 1 nnn.n dB
R 44 _O.DOSE Overall Dose nnnnn.n%
R 45 _C.DOSE Current Dose nnnnn.n%
R 46 _O.PROJ Overall Projected Dose nnnnn.n%
R 47 _C.PROJ Current Projected Dose nnnnn.n%
R 48 _LDLDOSE LDL Dose nnnnn.n%
R 49 _LDLPROJ LDL Projected Dose nnnnn.n%
R 50 _LDLLINT LDL Lint nnn.n dB
R 51 _LDLSEL LDL SEL nnn.n dB
R 52 _LDLXR LDL Exchange Rate Text ccccc
R 53 _LDLVALID LDL Valid display (see note below) cccccc
R 54 _RELLVL Last Level Relative to REFLVL -nnn.n
R 55 _TABLE Display Histogram Selected ccc
R 56 _COUNT Display Overall Count nnnnnk
R 57 _O.LEQ Overall Leq nnn.n dB
R 58 _D.LEQ Daily Leq nnn.n dB
R 59 _H.LEQ Hourly Leq nnn.n dB
R 60,h _HNL Hourly Leq 0-23 nnn.n dB
R 61,h _HNLPART Hourly Leq partial indicator nnn.n dB
R 62 _O.LDN Overall LDN nnn.n dB
R 63 _D.LDN Daily LDN nnn.n dB
R 64 _H.LDN Hourly LDN nnn.n dB
R 65 _O.CNEL Overall CNEL nnn.n dB
R 66 _D.CNEL Daily CNEL nnn.n dB
R 67 _H.CNEL Hourly CNEL nnn.n dB

NOTE: An LDL (Logged Data Logic) recalculation can be started
with a _LDLVALID I/O Read Command. When the Model 812 is
RUNNING the Valid condition will remain in effect for 1 second.
The _LDLVALID Read Command provides three responses, LDL
Valid, Calculating, and LDL Invalid.
NOTE: The exceedance Leq, R68, and exceedance time, R69, include
data from qualified events that are stored in the EXCD History. If an
event is discarded because it was shorter than the minimum duration
then it will not be included in these values.
R 70 _BGLEQ Background Leq nnn.n dB
R 71-85 _unused unused variable
R 86 _BATT Battery Level nnn%
R 87 _BATTSRC Battery Source (INT/EXT) ccc
R 88 _TEMP Temperature -nnn.n
R 89 _SERNUM Serial Number ccccc
R 90 _REVNUM Software Rev. & Rev. Date n.nnn ddmmmyyyy
R 91 _FREEMEM Free Memory nnnnnnn
R 92 _RECLOG Number of RUN/STOP Records nnnnn
R 94 _RECINTV Number of INTV Records nnnnn
R 95 _RECHIST Number of HIST Records nnnnn
R 97 _RECCAL Number of Daily Records nnnnn
R 98,n _ERRMSG Error Message List cccccccccccccccccccccc(n) is the error

list number, 1-8, 1 being latest error, or
nnn, nnn...nnn if n=0 or omitted then
the 8 error codes are output as number.
R 99 _LOGIC1 Logic Output 1 State {On/Off} unused
R 100 _LOGIC2 Logic Output 2 State {On/Off} unused
R 101 _REPORT Report Number nnnnn
R 102 _PAGE Page Number nnnnn
R 103 _PRNLINE Printer Line Number nnn
R 104 _CALTIME Calibration Date/Time ddmmmyy hh:mm:ss
R 105 _CHKTIME Cal Check Date/Time ddmmmyy hh:mm:ss
R 106 _OFFSET Cal Offset nnn.n
R 107 _CHKLVL Cal check Level nnn.n + OFFSET
R 108 _RMSEX RMS Exceedance Flag 1 *

R 109 _RMSEX2 RMS Exceedance Flag 2 *
R 110 _PKEX PEAK Exceedance Flag *
R 111 _UWPKEX UWPK Exceedance Flag *
R 112 _OVLD System Overload Flag *
R 113 _EXXR Excd Exchange Rate Text ccccc
R 114 _IVXR Intv Exchange Rate Text ccccc
R 115 _AUTOADV Auto-Advance History Ind. +
R 137 _ALMTIM Next Alarm Time hh:mm
R 138 _IVTIME Interval Date and Time of Occurrence ddmmmyy hh:mm:ss
R 139 _IVDUR Interval Duration hh:mm:ss / mm:ss.ss
R 140 _IVLINT Interval Lint nnn.n dB
R 141 _IVSEL Interval SEL nnn.n dB
R 142 _IVMAX Interval Lmin nnn.n dB
R 143 _IVMIN Interval Lmax nnn.n dB
R 144 _IVPEAK Interval Lpeak nnn.n dB
R 145 _IVUWPK Interval UnWeighted Peak nnn.n dB
R 146 _HISTLEQ AUTO-SEND HISTORY LEQ nnn.n dB
R 150 _RUNCNT Number of RUNS & CONTINUES nnnnn
R 151 _POFAULT Power On Fault Cause Character c

D Data Checksum Corrupt
E EEPROM Checksum Corrupt
K Key Reset (4+ RESET+ l+ On)
P Parameter Checksum Corrupt
O Opcode Error
R RAM Setup Register Corrupt
T Test Memory Corrupt
W Watchdog Reset
An indicator has been added to the ON display on the top line

of the 812’s display to show faults that were detected by the
power on test procedure. The R151 command will display the
fault character to a computer. The indicators are:
R 152 _INRMS Internal RMS detector level nnn.nn dB
R 153 _INPEAK Internal PEAK detector level nnn.nn dB

R 154 _INUWPK Internal UwPk detector level nnn.nn dB
R 155 _KEYCNT Free Bytes in Keyboard Stack nnna
R 156 _BGTIM Background Leq Time hhhhh:mm:ss.ss
R 157 _CALSTAT Calibration Status <<UnStable>>
R 158 _MEMSIZ Total number of bytes for histories nnnnnnn
R 159 _MEMUSE Memory Available in percent nnn.nn
R 160 _O.OVLD OVERALL OVERLOAD FLAG c
R 161 _unused unused variable
R 162 _O.SE Overall Sound Exposure nnnnn.n P2H
a. The number of keys in the keyboard stack is available with the R155 command. This is used with
keyboard simulation to prevent the loss of keys.
Other Read Commands
Sound Exposure (E) is calculated and displayed in pascal

squared hours as needed in some of the European Coun-
tries. This value is read with the R162 command and is
available in the top line of the DOSE-a display. The for-
mula used is:
E = T • (10^(Leq/10)) • 20µPa2,
where E is the Exposure, T is the elapsed time in hours,

and 20µPa2 is the reference sound pressure 20 micro pas-
cal squared.
R 163 _TAKT3 Takt Maximal 3 Second nnn.n dB
R 164 _TAKT5 Takt Maximal 5 Second nnn.n dB

Group Read Programming
Code Description Response
O1 Read SLM data nnn.n, nnn.n, nnn.n, nnn.n<CR><LF> R 4 (SPL), R 11 (TWA), R 17, (Lmin),
R 21 (Lmax)<CR><LF>
O2 _unused unused variable
O3 Read Group of “R” variables pro-

grammed by G n,r
O4 Read 812’s LCD Display, each line sep-

arated by <LF>
The group read command G0 and the O[ther]3 com-

mand return the values of a list of up to 8 read variables
previously defined by the programmer.
Syntax Response
G0 or 03 cr values of variables, separated by commas
In order to define the variables read by group read com-

mands, use the following command for each desired
read variable.
Syntax Response
G[roup]n, var_no cr lf
Where n is from 1 to 8, indicating the group list index

and var_no is the number of the “R” variable associated
with the index. Use var_no of “0” to define the last
group list index when n<8.
Example
G1, 4 cr assigns the current SPL to the first group index

G2, 15 cr assigns Lmin to the second index
G3, 19 cr assigns Lmax to the third index
G4, 0 cr terminates group command programming

After programming this group read list, the response to
G0 is 59.5, 38.6, 102.2, the SPL, Lmin and Lmax.
Setting Parameters
All commands begin with S. See Chapter 8 for a list of all

the parameters and their settings. Note that the parame-
ter numbers are for both Set (S) and Query (Q) com-
mands. There are four types of parameters:
• Numeric
• Indexed
• Character strings
• Template
Brackets indicate optional characters and operands.
cr = carriage return; lf = line feed; _ = space
Numeric Parameters
Syntax Response
S[et]item_number, parameter_valuecr lf
Example:
S62, 120 sets RMS Excd Level 2 to 120.
Indexed Parameters
Indexed parameters can be set in two ways: a. index

number and b. actual indexed parameter value.
a.Index Number
Syntax Response
S[et]item_number,index_number cr lf

Example:
S9, 3 sets parameter 9:Baud Rate to third possible value of 2400.
S66, 1 sets Excd History Enable to Yes.
S84, 0 sets Hist Period Units to _1/32s
S84, 1 sets Hist Period Units to _1.0s
b.Index Parameter Text
Indexed parameter texts must be preceded by a semico-

lon and enclosed by brackets. Indexed parameter texts
must include the maximum number of characters,
including spaces, which are indicated below with “__”.
This command may be used with flag 2 of the query
command, which automatically encloses the parameter
and required spaces in brackets.
Syntax Response
S[et]item_number; [indexed_parameter_text] cr lf
Examples:
S9; [_2400] sets Baud Rate to 2400.
S66; [Yes] sets Excd History Enable to Yes.
S84; [_1/32s] sets Hist Period Units to 1/32s
S84; [_1.0s] sets Hist Period Units to 1.0s
Character String Parameters
To include leading spaces in a character string parame-

ter, precede the character string with a “`” (leading sin-
gle quote or grave accent, ASCII 9610 or 6016).
Syntax Response
S[et]item_number;`character_string cr lf

Example:
S2; ` ABC Acoustics sets Name to ABC Acoustics.
Template Parameters
_Date
The month, day, and year are entered in that order and
are separated by “/”. The display shows day,
month(abbreviated), and year in that order.
Syntax Response
S[et]item_number; mm/dd/yy cr lf
Example:
S22, 05/23/89 sets Timer Run Date to 23May1989.
_Time
The hour, minutes, and seconds are entered in that order

and are separated by “:”. Military (24 hour clock) time is
used: i.e. add 12 to afternoon hours.
Syntax Response
S[et]item_number; hh:mm:ss cr lf
Example:
S24, 14:25:33 sets Timer Run Time 1 to 14:25:33.

Query Parameters
All these commands begin with Q. Brackets indicate

optional characters and operands. See Chapter on
SETUP for a list of all the parameters and their settings.
cr = carriage return; lf = line feed; _ = space
Syntax Response
Q[uery]item_number[,flag] Depends on flag
Option flags elicit the following responses:
Flag Response
none Current parameter
1 Parameter name and current setting
2 Current parameter setting (including spaces) in brackets or parentheses
3 Parameter name and current setting (including spaces) in brackets or parentheses
32 Index number for indexed parameter
Flag values may be added together for desired combina-

tions:
Example: Response
1.Q66 No
2.Q66, 1 Excd History Enable=No
3.Q66, 2 [_No]
4.Q66, 32 0
5.Q66, 3 Excd History Enable=[_No]
Responses are denoted by (x) if Yes/No or (n) if numeri-

cal.
Command Variable Description Comment
Q1 Q.RESALL RESET-ALL
Q2 Q.HDG1 HEADING LINE #1

Q5 Q.TITLE MEASUREMENT TITLE
Q6 Q.TIME CURRENT TIME
Q7 Q.DATE CURRENT DATE
Q8 Q.DAY DAY OF WEEK
Q9 Q.BAUD COM1 BAUD RATE
Q 10 Q.SADDR COM1 ADDRESS
Q 11 Q.NI RESERVED PARAMETER
Q 12 Q.HS COM PORT HANDSHAKING REGISTER
Q 13 Q.NI RESERVED PARAMETER
Q 14 Q.LOGIC1 OUTPUT 1 LOGIC unused
Q 15 Q.OUT1TIM OUTPUT 1 HOLD TIME unused
Q 16 Q.LOGIC2 OUTPUT 2 LOGIC
Q 17 M Q.OUT2TI OUTPUT 2 HOLD TIME unused
Q 18 Q.HALT HALT LINE MODE Halt Line Mode Q18 has a [None]
state available. This allows systems
with intrusion alarm hardware to be
disabled during servicing. The
choices are: [None | Pause | Toggle
| Level | Alarm].
Q 19 Q.BEEP BEEP WHILE RUNNING unused
Q 20 Q.PWRSV POWER SAVE OPTIONS
Q 21 Q.TIMMD TIMER MODE
Q 22 Q.RUND TIMER RUN DATE
Q 23 Q.STOPD TIMER STOP DATE
Q 24 Q.RUNT1 TIMER RUN TIME 1
Q 25 Q.STOPT1 TIMER STOP TIME 1
Q 26 Q.RUNT2 TIMER RUN TIME 2
Q 27 Q.STOPT2 TIMER STOP TIME 2
Q 28 Q.LKCOMB LOCK COMBINATION
Q 29 Q.LKRS LOCK R/S KEY
Q 30 Q.LKSU LOCK SETUP

Q 31 Q.LKFN LOCK FUNCTION
Q 32 Q.LKRES LOCK RESET
Q 33 Q.LKPWR LOCK THE ‘ON’ KEY
Q 34 Q.LKIO LOCK I/O
Q 35 Q.CALLVL CAL LEVEL
Q 36 Q.CALSN CALIBRATOR S/N
Q 37 Q.AUTOCAL AUTO-CALIBRATION MODE
Q 38 Q.CALTIM AUTO CAL TIME
Q 39 Q.DETC DETECTOR
Q 40 Q.WGHT FREQUENCY WEIGHTING
Q 41 Q.HPASS HIGH PASS FILTER unused
Q 42 Q.LPASS LOW PASS FILTER unused
Q 43 Q.MICV MIC POLARIZATION unused
Q 44 Q.REFLVL RELATIVE LEVEL REFERANCE
Q 45 Q.CXRATE CURRENT EXCHANGE RATE
Q 46 Q.CTHOLD CURRENT THRESHOLD
Q 47 Q.CCRIT CURRENT CRITERION
Q 48 Q.OXRATE OVERALL EXCHANGE RATE
Q 49 Q.OTHOLD OVERALL THRESHOLD
Q 50 Q.OCRIT OVERALL CRITERION
Q 51 Q.DOSET DOSE PERIOD
Q 52 Q.LDLXRATE LDL EXCHANGE RATE
Q 53 Q.LDLTHOLD LDL THRESHOLD
Q 54 Q.LDLCRIT LDL CRITERION
Q 55 Q.LNN1 Lnn 1 PERCENT
Q 61 Q.RMSTH1 RMS EXCD LEVEL 1

Q 62 Q.RMSTH2 RMS EXCD LEVEL 2
Q 63 Q.PKTH PEAK EXCD LEVEL
Q 64 Q.UWTH UWPK EXCD LEVEL
Q 65 Q.HYST EXCD HYSTERESIS
Q 66 Q.EXENB ENABLE EXCD HISTORY
Q 67 Q.EXXRT EXCD EXCHANGE RATE
Q 68 Q.EXMIN EXCD MINIMUM DURATION
Q 69 Q.EXHENB EXCD TIME-HIST ENABLE
Q 70 Q.EXPER EXCD TIME-HIST PERIOD
Q 71 Q.EXADEN EXCD SAVE A:D ENABLE unused
Q 72 Q.IVENB ENABLE INTV HISTORY
Q 73 Q.IVXRT INTV EXCHANGE RATE
Q 74 Q.IVTHOLD INTV THRESHOLD
Q 75 Q.IVPER INTV PERIOD
Q 76 Q.IVSYNC INTV TIME SYNC
Q 77 Q.IVLN INTV SAVE Ln’S
Q 78 Q.IVADEN INTV SAVE A:D unused
Q 79 Q.IVSTOP INTV AUTO STOP
Q 80 Q.HSTENB ENABLE TIME HIST
Q 81 Q.HSTRES HIST RESOLUTION
Q 82 Q.HSTPK HIST SAVE PEAK
Q 83 Q.HSTPER HIST PERIOD
Q 84 Q.HSTUNIT HIST PERIOD UNITS
Q 85 Q.HSTBASE HIST BASE
Q 86 Q.HSTMODE HIST BASE MODE
Q 87 Q.HGRES HISTOGRAM TABLE RESOLUTION
Q 88 Q.DYENB ENABLE DAILY LDN HISTORY
Q 89 Q.PRNRPT DATA REPORT (x)
Q 90 Q.PRNLOG R/S AND CAL LOG (x)
Q 91 Q.PRN... SETUP REPORT (x)

Histogram Reports
The RMS, Peak and UWPk histogram reports have been

implemented with this revision. The unformatted
reports have also been developed and the format is the
level of the first bin followed by the number of samples
in each bin (in hex, 0-9 & a–). There are 1024 RMS bins
and 128 Peak and UWPk bins, this corresponds to 1/8th
dB resolution for RMS and 1dB resolution for the peak
tables.
Q 92 Q.PRN... RMS HISTOGRAM TABLE (x)
Q 93 Q.PRN... RMS HISTOGRAM TABLE LOW VALUE (n)
Q 94 Q.PRN... RMS HISTOGRAM TABLE HI VALUE (n)
Q 95 Q.PRN... RMS HISTOGRAM TABLE RESOLUTION (x)
Q 96 Q.PRN... PEAK HISTOGRAM TABLE (x)
Q 97 Q.PRN... PEAK HISTOGRAM TABLE LOW VALUE (n)
Q 98 Q.PRN... PEAK HISTOGRAM TABLE HI VALUE (n)
Q 99 Q.PRN... PEAK HISTOGRAM TABLE RESOL (x)
Q 100 Q.PRN... UWPK HISTOGRAM TABLE (x)
Q 101 Q.PRN... UWPK HISTOGRAM TABLE LOW VALUE (n)
Q 102 Q.PRN... UWPK HISTOGRAM TABLE HI VALUE (n)
Q 103 Q.PRN... UWPK HISTOGRAM TABLE RESOL (x)
Tailored Report
Q 104 Q.PRN... EXCD REPORT (x)
Q 105 Q.PRN... EXCD REPORT LOW RECORD (n)
Q 106 Q.PRN... EXCD REPORT HIGH RECORD (n)
Q 107 Q.PRN... INTV REPORT (x)
Q 108 Q.PRN... INTV REPORT LOW RECORD (n)
Q 109 Q.PRN... INTV REPORT HIGH RECORD (n)
Q 110 Q.PRN... HIST REPORT (x)
Q 111 Q.PRN... HIST REPORT LOW RECORD (n)
Q 112 Q.PRN... HIST REPORT HIGH RECORD (n)
Q 113 Q.PRN... DAILY NOISE REPORT (x)
Q 114-120 RESERVED PARAMETER 18-24 respectively

Q 121-150 Reserved
Miscellaneous
Q 151 Q.AUTOLEQ AUTO-SEND HISTORY LEQ TO PRN unused
Q 152 Q.EAON ELECTROSTATIC ACTUATOR OFF/ON
Q 153 Q.HEATER HEATER LINE OFF/ON unused
Q 154 Q.MDMMD MODEM MODE (x)
Q 155 Q.DIAL MODEM DIAL OUT MODE (x)
Q 156 Q.PHONE MODEM PHONE NUMBER (30 char)
Q 157 Q.MONNUM Monitor Number (nnn)
Q 158 Q.MDMI MODEM INIT STRING (30 char)
Q 159 Q.PWRMD POWER MODE [Normal|Ext CO]
Q 160 Q.PWRCO EXTERNAL POWER CUT OFF VOLTAGE
Q 161 Q.TMEXPR TIMED EXCD PERIOD
Special Functions - Advanced use only. Remaining commands are not available on SETUP menu.
Q 162-167 Q.NI18-23 RESERVED PARAMETER 18-23
Q 168 Q.RTEXCD REAL-TIME EXCD REPORT (x)
Q 169 Q.RTINTV REAL-TIME INTV REPORT (x)
Q 170 Q.RTHIST REAL-TIME HIST REPORT (x)
Q 171 Q.RTLOG REAL-TIME RUN-LOG RPT (x)
Q 172 Q.RTDAY REAL-TIME DAILY REPORT (x)
Q 173 Q.RTCAL REAL-TIME CAL REPORT (x)
Q 174 Q.RTFRMT UNFORMATTED REPORTS (x)
Q 175 Q.RPTBEG Begin Printing (x)
Q 176 Q.PTYPE PRINTER TYPE (x)
Q 177 Q.RPT DATA REPORT (x)
Q 178 Q.RPT--- R/S AND CAL LOG (x)
Q 179 Q.RPT--- SETUP REPORT (x)
Q 180 Q.RPT--- RMS HISTOGRAM TABLE (x)
Q 181 Q.RMSLO RMS HISTOGRAM TABLE LOW VALUE (n)
Q 182 Q.RMSHI RMS HISTOGRAM TABLE HI VALUE (n)

Q 183 Q.RMSRS RMS HISTOGRAM TABLE RESOLUTION (x)
Q 184 Q.RPT--- PEAK HISTOGRAM TABLE (x)
Q 185 Q.RPT--- PEAK HISTOGRAM TABLE LOW VALUE (n)
Q 186 Q.RPT--- PEAK HISTOGRAM TABLE HI VALUE (n)
Q 187 Q.RPT--- PEAK HISTOGRAM TABLE RESOL (x)
Q 188 Q.RPT--- UWPK HISTOGRAM TABLE (x)
Q 189 Q.RPT--- UWPK HISTOGRAM TABLE LOW VALUE (n)
Q 190 Q.RPT--- UWPK HISTOGRAM TABLE HI VALUE (n)
Q 191 Q.RPT--- UWPK HISTOGRAM TABLE RESOL (x)
Q 192 Q.RPT--- EXCD REPORT (x)
Q 193 Q.RPT--- EXCD REPORT LOW RECORD (n)
Q 194 Q.RPT--- EXCD REPORT HIGH RECORD (n)
Q 195 Q.RPT--- INTV REPORT (x)
Q 196 Q.RPT--- INTV REPORT LOW RECORD (n)
Q 197 Q.RPT--- INTV REPORT HIGH RECORD (n)
Q 198 Q.RPT--- HIST REPORT (x)
Q 199 Q.RPT--- HIST REPORT LOW RECORD (n)
Q 200 Q.RPT--- HIST REPORT HIGH RECORD (n)
Q 201 Q.RPTEND DAILY NOISE REPORT (x)
Q 202 Q.CALMODE CALIBRATION MODE
Q 203 Q.ULCOMB UNLOCK COMBINATION(cccccccc)
Q 204 Q.IONAME I/O FILENAME(cccccccc)
Q 205 Q.ERCHK ENABLE ERROR CHECKING I/O

Error Checking I/O
The error checking I/O protocol verifies that commands

and data are transferred without errors.
• To enable error checking the @ command or S205,1

command is used.
• To disable error checking two <CR> characters in a

row may be sent (if not in the Modem Mode) or the
S205, 0F command is sent.
The “F” is the check character for the S205, 0 command.

A detailed description of the protocol is available from
Larson Davis and the latest revisions of software utilize
the protocol.
Q 206 Q.TBLMODE Ln table mode [Overall| Daily]
Q 207 Q.NFLVL NOISE FLOOR LEVEL
This parameter is set to the noise floor of the instrument

so that it can properly indicate “Near Noise Floor” mes-
sages when within 10dB of the noise floor. It is also used
with NF Compensate, Q208, which will place the Model
812 in an extended Linearity Range Mode. The true noise
floor of the entire system must be measured and entered
in Q207. This will vary with the selected input weighting
or microphone sensitivity. An equivalent microphone
capacitance can be used after calibration to determine
the noise floor. It may also be possible to remove the
microphone bias to obtain this value. When properly set
up the linearity range can be increased by 10dB.
NOTE: The mode is always turned off with a CAL Change.
Q 208 Q.NFMODE NOISE FLOOR COMP MODE
Q 209 Q.875MD 875 RTA MODE [None|Excd|Intv|Dual] unused
Q 210 Q.CNTLREG AUX CONTROL REG
Q 211 Q.EXREC EXCD RECORD NUMBER
Q 212 Q.IVREC INTV RECORD NUMBER
Q 213 Q.HSTREC HIST RECORD NUMBER
Q 214 Q.LOGREC RUN-LOG RECORD NUMBER

Q 215 Q.DYREC DAILY RECORD NUMBER
Q 216 Q.CALREC CALIBRATION RECORD NUMBER
Q 217 Q.TBLLVL LOCATE HISTOGRAM TABLE LEVEL
Q 218-225 Q.NI42-Q.N149 RESERVED PARAMETER 42-49 respectively
Q 226 Q.OVLDLVL OVERLOAD LEVEL
Q 227 Q.RMSOS RMS CALIBRATION OFFSET
Q 228 Q.PKOS PEAK TO RMS CAL OFFSET
Q 229 Q.UWPKOS UwPk TO RMS CAL OFFSET
Q 230-231 Q.NI51-Q.N152 RESERVED PARAMETER 51-52
Q 232 Q.TEMP ENTER CURRENT TEMPERATURE
Q 233 Q.SERNUM ENTER SERIAL NUMBER

History Records
The various histories of the Model 812 are accessed in a

similar fashion. After using a direct index to the correct
record, one can advance or back up a certain number of
records to the new value to be read.
Brackets in the syntax indicate optional characters and

operands.
cr = carriage return; lf = line feed
Types of History
Denoted in syntax by history_no:

1=Exceedance (E)
2=Interval (I)
3=Daily (D)
4=Run Log (L)
5=Calibration (C)
6=Time (H)
7=Histogram Table (T)
Advance
Advance a number of records from present record num-

ber.
If no num_record (number of records) is provided, 1 is

assumed.
Syntax Response
A[dvance][num_record][, history_no] cr lf
Example:
A9, 5 (current record is 17): calibration history(s) record 26 (17+9) is located.

Backup
Backup a number of records from present record num-

ber.
Syntax Response
[Backup][num_record][, history_no] cr lf
If no num_record (number of records) is provided, 1 is

assumed.
Example:
B9, 5 (current record is 17): locates calibration history

record 8 (17-9).
Find
Find record number directly.
Syntax Response
F[ind]rec_no[, history_no] cr lf
Example:
F9,5: locates calibration history record 9
Generally one uses the Find command to get to the first record
(F1,2) and the Advance command (A) to move up through the
records.
History Data Variables
Interval History Variables

operands.
Syntax Response
I[nterval]var_noIntv_var

Example:
I9, -5 (current record is 17)
RMS Exceedance count in record 12.
Example:
I9, 5 (current record is 17)
RMS Exceedance count in record 22
I1 Date and Time of Occurrence ddmmmyy hh:mm:ss
I2 Duration hh:mm:ss / mm:ss.ss
I3 Lint nnn.n dB
I4 SEL nnn.n dB
I5 Lmin nnn.n dB
I6 Lmax nnn.n dB
I7 Lpeak nnn.n dB
I8 UnWeighted Peak nnn.n dB
I9 RMS Exceedance Count nnn
I 10 Peak Exceedance Count nnn
I 11 UnWeighted Peak Excd Count nnn
I 12 Overload Counts nnn
I 13 nn 1 Lnn
I 14 Ln 1 nnn.n dB
I 15 nn 2 Lnn
I 16 Ln 2 nnn.n dB
I 17 nn 3 Lnn
I 18 Ln 3 nnn.n dB
I 19 nn 4 Lnn
I 20 Ln 4 nnn.n dB
I 21 nn 5 Lnn
I 22 Ln 5 nnn.n dB

I 23 nn 6 Lnn
I 24 Ln 6 nnn.n dB
I 101 Intv Variables 1-24 Macro
Run Log Variables

operands.
Syntax Response
L[og]var_nolog_var
Example: L1 Run/Stop number
L1 Run/Stop Number nnnnn
L2 Run/Stop Type {RUN/STOP/CONT/PAUSE/MARK}
L3 Cause {TIMER/KEY/A:D-n/HALT/INTV/BATT}
L4 Day, Date and Time ddd ddmmmyyyy hh:mm:ss
L 101 Run-Log Variables L1-L4 all variable values
Calibration History Variables
Brackets in the syntax indicate optional characters.
Syntax Response
C[alibration]var_no cal_var
Example:
C1 checked level
C1 Checked Level nnn.n
C2 Day, Date and Time ddd ddmmmyyyy hh:mm:ss
C3 Calibration Mode [Manual/Auto]
C4 Cal Status [OK/Bad]

C 101 Cal Variables 1-4 all variable values
Time History Variables

operands.
Syntax Response
H[istory]var_no time_var
Example:
H2 Peak level in current record
H1 RMS Level nnn.n dB
H2 Peak Level nnn.n dB
H3 Run Time of Sample (calc) hhhhh:mm/hh:mm:ss/mm:ss.ss
H4 HISTORY BARGRAPH ==========-----
Histogram Table Variables

operands.
Table:
• 1=RMS,
• 2=Peak,
• 3=Unweighted Peak.
Default is last used table or RMS.
Syntax Response
T[able]var_no[, table] table_var

Example:
T1,1 RMS current bin level
T 1,na Level of current bin nnn.n dB
T 2,n Count of samples nnnnnc (c= K or M for Kilo or Mega)
T 3,n Percent of total nnn.nn%
T 5 [, n] Prints the accumulated timer for the current level/bin. hhhhh:mm:ss.s

The table number is optional.
a. Where n equals the table number: 1-RMS, 2-Peak, & 3-UnWeighted Peak.
Print Commands
Brackets in the syntax indicate optional characters.
cr = carriage return; lf = line feed
Syntax Response
P[rint]print_no cr lf
Example:
P1 cr lf
Example:
P9cr (1) sets all report enables in setup to [No]

S177,1cr (2) sets the Data report, Run-log, and EXCD report enables (short) to
S178,1cr [Yes] and
S192,1cr (3) begins printing to the computer
P100cr
Syntax Description
P0 Standard Report (Formatted from normal setup parameters)
P1 Data Report
P2 Data & Histograms
P3 Short Full Report (Histories with SHORT option)

P4 Long Full Report (Histories with LONG option)
P9 All Report Enables Turned OFF
P 100 Begin Printing a Report
P 101 Begin Printing using RXD as Hardware Handshake flow control
P 999 Abort Printing
X 100 XMODEM Begin Printing (same as P100 except through the XMODEM communication protocol)
^X^X CANcel transfer mode, 2 in a row (ASCII <CAN> or CHR$(24))
Error Messages and Warnings
The code listed is the number provided by R98.
All error messages begin with: CHR$(7), “ERROR - ”
Error Code Message
1 “COUNT OVERFLOW”
2 “EXPONENTIAL OVERFLOW”
3 “RTX TASK SELECT”
4 “ILLEGAL EXCHANGE RATE”
5 “UNKNOWN INTERRUPT”
6 “WATCHDOG RESET”
7 “OPCODE ERROR”
All warning messages begin with: CHR$(7), “WARN-

ING - “
Add 128 to these numbers to get the actual warning

number.
Warning Code Message
128 “Out of Memory”
129 “Battery Low”
130 “POWER FAILURE”
131 “DIVISION BY ZERO”

132 “Operand-1 Range”
133 “Operand-2 Range”
134 “DPC Format”
135 “Key Has No Effect”
136 “Stop Required”
137 “Key Has No Effect In “VIEW””
138 “Parameter Entered Wrong”
139 “RESET-ALL Required”
140 “Use ARROWS, (ON) to Exit”
141 “Use NEXT/PREV or ENTER”
142 “Invalid Numeric Entry”
143 “OPEN #”
144 “Already Open”
145 “No History Yet”
146 “At End of History”
147 “At Start of History”
148 “History Format Error”
149 “Unknown I/O Command”
150 “I/O Operand Invalid”
151 “Unable to Calibrate”
152 “EEPROM Write Error”
153 “Memory was Lost, Data Reset!”
154 “RECALL- Not Found”
155 “Function Not Implemented”
156 “System Locked”
157 “A:D Stack Full”
158 “A:D Over-Run”
159 “Serial Port Framing”
160 “Serial Port Line Noisy”
161 “Serial Port Over-Run”
162 “Wait for Stabilization”

163 “Power Turned Off”
164 “Time/Date Not Set!”
165 “Printer Already BUSY”
166 “Lithium Battery Low”
167 “Timer ON Pending”

APPENDIX
C Glossary
This appendix contains technical definitions of key acoustical and vibration terms commonly
used with Larson Davis instruments. The reader is referred to American National Standards
Institute document S1.1-1994 for additional definitions. Specific use of the terms defined are
in the main body of the text.
Allowed Exposure Time (Ti) It is the allowed time of exposure to sound of a constant A-
weighted sound level given a chosen Criterion Level, Crite-
rion Duration, and Exchange Rate. The equation for it is
Tc Tc
T i = ----------------------------------------
- = -----------------------------------------
(L – Lc ) ⁄ Q (L – Lc ) ⁄ q
2 avg 10 avg
where Lc is the Criterion Level, Tc is the Criterion Duration,
Q is the Exchange Rate, K is the Exchange Rate Factor and
Lavg is the Average Sound Level.
Example: If Lc = 90, Tc = 8, Q = 3 and Li = 95 then
8 8
T i = ------------------------------- - = 5.656 = 5 hours and 39 minutes
= -------------------------
( 95 – 90 ) ⁄ 10 ( 95 – 90 ) ⁄ 3
10 2
This means that if a person is in this area for 5 hours and 39

minutes he will have accumulated a Noise Dose of 100%.
Standard: ANSI S12.19
Average Sound Level (Lavg) It is the logarithmic average of the sound during a Measure-
ment Duration (specific time period), using the chosen
Exchange Rate Factor. Exposure to this sound level over the
period would result in the same noise dose and the actual
5/27/05 Model 812 User Manual C-1

(unsteady) sound levels. If the Measurement Duration is the
same as the Criterion Duration, then Lavg=LTWA(LC)
T
 2 
1 ( Lp ( t ) ) ⁄ q 
L avg = qLog 10  --- 10 ∫ dt
T 
 T 
1
where the Measurement Duration (specified time period) is

T=T2-T1 and q is the Exchange Rate Factor. Only sound lev-
els above the Threshold Level are included in the integral.
Calibration Adjustment of a sound or vibration measurement system so

that it agrees with a reference sound or vibration source. It
should be done before each set of measurements.
Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL, Lden) A rating of community noise exposure to
all sources of sound that differentiates between daytime,
evening and nighttime noise exposure. The equation for it is
0700 1900 2200 2400
∑ ∑ ∑ ∑
( L + 10 ) ⁄ 10 L ⁄ 10 ( L + 5 ) ⁄ 10 ( L + 10 ) ⁄ 10
i i i i
L = 10log 10 + 10 + 10 + 10
den 10
0000 0700 1900 2200
The continuous equivalent sound level is generally calcu-

lated on an hourly basis and is shown in the equation as L.
The levels for the hourly periods from midnight to 7 a.m.
have 10 added to them to represent less tolerance for noise
during sleeping hours. The same occurs from 10 p.m. to mid-
night. The levels for the hourly periods between 7 p.m. and
10 p.m. have 5 added to them to represent a lessened toler-
ance for noise during evening activities. They are energy
summed and converted to an average noise exposure rating.
Criterion Duration (Tc) It is the time required for a constant sound level equal to the
Criterion Level to produce a Noise Dose of 100%. Criterion
Duration is typically 8 hours.
Example: If the Criterion Level = 90 dB and the Criterion
Duration is 8 hours, then a sound level of 90 dB for 8 hours,
C-2 Model 812 User Manual 5/27/05

will produce a 100% Noise Dose. See Noise Dose.
Criterion Sound Exposure (CSE) The product of the Criterion Duration and the mean
square sound pressure associated with the Criterion Sound
Level when adjusted for the Exchange Rate. It is expressed in
Pascals-squared seconds when the exchange rate is 3 dB.
where q is the Exchange Rate Factor. See Exchange Rate.
Lc ⁄ q
CSE = T c 10
Criterion Sound Level (Lc) It is the sound level which if continually applied for the Cri-
terion Duration will produce a Noise Dose of 100%. The cur-
rent OSHA Criterion Level is 90 dB.
Daily Personal Noise Exposure (LEP,d) It is the level of a constant sound over the Criterion
Duration that contains the same sound energy as the actual,
unsteady sound over a specific period. The period is gener-
ally shorter, so the sound energy is spread out over the Crite-
rion Duration period.
Example: If the Criterion Duration = 8 hours and the specific
period is 4 hours and the average level during the 4 hours is
86 dB, then the LEP,d = 83 dB.
Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL, Ldn) A rating of community noise exposure to all
sources of sound that differentiates between daytime and
nighttime noise exposure. The equation for it is
0700 2200 2400
∑ ∑ ∑
( L + 10 ) ⁄ 10 L ⁄ 10 ( L + 10 ) ⁄ 10
i i i
L = 10Log 10 + 10 + 10
dn 10
0000 0700 2200
The continuous equivalent sound level (See definition) is

generally calculated on an hourly basis and is shown in the
equation as L. The values for the hourly periods from mid-
night to 7 a.m. have 10 added to them to represent less toler-
ance for noise during sleeping hours. The same occurs from
10 p.m. to midnight. They are energy summed and con-
verted to an average noise exposure rating.
Decibel (dB) A logarithmic form of any measured physical quantity, typi-

cally used in sound and vibration measurements. Whenever

the word level is used it implies this logarithmic form. The
relationship is relatively simple, but the mathematics can
become complex. It is widely used and was developed so
that the very wide range of any quantity could be repre-
sented more simply. It is not possible to directly add or sub-
tract physical quantities when expressed in decibel form.
The word level is always attached to a physical quantity
when it is expressed in decibels; for example Lp represents
the sound pressure level. The table below shows the actual
value of a specific item, such as sound pressure, for which
the level is to be determined. First the value is put into expo-
nential form in powers of ten; the exponent is the Bel. The
exponent is then multiplied by ten to yield the decibel. This
procedure converts multiplication into addition; every time
10 is added to the level, the value is multiplied by 10. When the
value is not a even multiple of ten the exponent is more com-
plicated as shown in the table. Every time the level increases
by 3 dB, the value is multiplied by 2 (doubled). These two
rules are worth remembering.
Linear form Level form
Exponential Form of 10•Exponent
Ration of Value to Reference
Ratio
1 100 0
10 101 10
100 102 20
200 102.3 23
1000 103 30
10000 104 40
100000 105 50
1000000 106 60
The definition of decibel is intended for power-like quanti-

ties (W). Sometimes power is represented by the square of a
measured quantity and this results in a different form of the
equation (See Sound Pressure Level).
W L ⁄ 10
L = 10Log 10 ------- W = W 0 10
W0
The value of the item in the table is not the value of the quan-
tity itself but the ratio of that quantity to a reference quan-
tity. So for every level in decibels there must be a reference
quantity. When the quantity equals the reference quantity

the level is zero. To keep the values above zero, the reference
is generally set to be the lowest value of the quantity.
Department of Defense Level (LDOD) The Average Sound Level calculated in accordance
with Department of Defense Exchange Rate and Threshold
Level. See Average Sound Level
Dose (See Noise Dose)
Detector The part of a sound level meter that converts the actual fluc-
tuating sound or vibration signal from the microphone to
one that indicates its amplitude. It first squares the signal,
then averages it in accordance with the time-weighting char-
acteristic, and then takes the square root. This results in an
amplitude described as rms (root-mean-square).
Eight Hour Time-Weighted Average Sound Level (L TWA(8)) It is the constant sound level
that would expose a person to the same Noise Dose as the
actual (unsteady) sound levels. The equation for it is
D
L TWA ( 8 ) = L c + qLog 10  ---------
 100
NOTE: This definition applies only for a Criterion Duration

of 8 hours.
Energy Equivalent Sound Level (Leq) The level of a constant sound over a specific time
period that has the same sound energy as the actual
(unsteady) sound over the same period.
T2 2
T1 ∫
p ( t ) dt
L eq = 10Log 10 --------------------------
2
po T
where p is the sound pressure and the Measurement Dura-

tion (specific time period) T=T2-T1. See Sound Exposure
Level.
Exchange Rate (Q), Exchange Rate Factor (q), Exposure Factor (k) It is defined in ANSI
S1.25 as “the change in sound level corresponding to a dou-
bling or halving of the duration of a sound level while a con-
stant percentage of criterion exposure is maintained.” The

rate and the factors are given in the table below.
Exchange Rate, Q Exchange Rate Exposure Factor, k
Factor, q
3.01 10 1
4 13.333 .75
5 16.667 .60
6.02 20 .50
Far Field There are two types of far fields: the acoustic far field and the
geometric far field.
Acoustic Far Field: The distance from a source of sound is

greater than an acoustic wavelength. In the far field, the
effect of the type of sound source is negligible. Since the
wavelength varies with frequency (See the definition of
Wavelength), the distance will vary with frequency. To be in
the far field for all frequencies measured, the lowest fre-
quency should be chosen for determining the distance. For
example, if the lowest frequency is 20 Hz, the wavelength at
normal temperatures is near 56 ft. (17 m); at 1000 Hz, the
wavelength is near 1.1 ft. (1/3 m). See the definition of
Acoustic Near Field for the advantages of in the acoustic far
field.
Geometric Far Field: The distance from a source of sound is

greater than the largest dimension of the sound source. In
the far field, the effect of source geometry is negligible.
Sound sources often have a variety of specific sources within
them, such as exhaust and intake noise. When in the far field,
the sources have all merged into one, so that measurements
made even further away will be no different. See the defini-
tion of Geometric Near Field for the advantages of being in
the geometric far field.
Free Field A sound field that is free of reflections. This does not mean
that the sound is all coming from one direction as is often
assumed, since the source of sound may be spatially exten-
sive. See the definitions of near and far fields for more detail.
This definition is often used in conjunction with reverberant
field.
Frequency (Hz, rad/sec) The rate at which an oscillating signal completes a complete
cycle by returning to the original value. It can be expressed
in cycles per second and the value has the unit symbol Hz

(Hertz) added and the letter f is used for a universal descrip-
tor. It can also be expressed in radians per second, which has
no symbol, and the greek letter ω is used for a universal
descriptor. The two expressions are related through the
expression ω=2¼f.
Frequency Filter - Band Pass The part of certain sound level meters that divides the fre-
quency spectrum on the sound or vibration into a part that is
unchanged and a part that is filtered out. It can be composed
of one or more of the following types:
Low Pass: A frequency filter that permits signals to pass

through that have frequencies below a certain fixed fre-
quency, called a cutoff frequency. It is used to discriminate
against higher frequencies.
High Pass: A frequency filter that permits signals to pass

through that have frequencies above a certain fixed fre-
quency, called a cutoff frequency. It is used to discriminate
against lower frequencies.
Bandpass: A frequency filter that permits signals to pass

through that have frequencies above a certain fixed fre-
quency, called a lower cutoff frequency, and below a certain
fixed frequency, called an upper cutoff frequency. The differ-
ence between the two cutoff frequencies is called the band-
width. It is used to discriminate against both lower and
higher frequencies so it passes only a band of frequencies.
Octave band: A bandpass frequency filter that permits signals

to pass through that have a bandwidth based on octaves. An
octave is a doubling of frequency so the upper cutoff fre-
quency is twice the lower cutoff frequency. This filter is often
further subdivided in 1/3 and 1/12 octaves (3 and 12 bands
per octave) for finer frequency resolution. Instruments with
these filters have a sufficient number of them to cover the
usual range of frequencies encountered in sound and vibra-
tion measurements.The frequency chosen to describe the
band is that of the center frequency. Note table in Frequency
Filter - Frequency Weighting.
Frequency Filter - Frequency Weighting A special frequency filter that adjusts the ampli-
tude of all parts of the frequency spectrum of the sound or
vibration unlike band pass filters. It can be composed of one
or more of the following types:

A-Weighting: A filter that adjusts the levels of a frequency
spectrum in the same way the human ear does when
exposed to low levels of sound. This weighting is most often
used for evaluation of environmental sounds. See table
below.
B-Weighting: A filter that adjusts the levels of a frequency

exposed to higher levels of sound. This weighting is seldom
used. See table below.
C-Weighting: A filter that adjusts the levels of a frequency
exposed to high levels of sound. This weighting is most often
used for evaluation of equipment sounds. See table below.
Flat-Weighting: A filter that does not adjust the levels of a fre-
quency spectrum. It is usually an alternative selection for the
frequency-weighting selection.
Center Frequencies, Hz Weighting Network Frequency Response
1/3 Octave 1 Octave A B C
20 -50.4 -24.2 -6.2
25 -44.7 -20.4 -4.4
31.5 31.5 -39.4 -17.1 -3.0
40 -34.6 -14.2 -2.0
50 -30.2 -11.6 -1.3
63 63 -26.2 -9.3 -0.8
80 -22.5 -7.4 -0.5
100 -19.1 -5.6 -0.3
125 125 -16.1 -4.2 -0.2
160 -13.4 -3.0 -0.1
200 -10.9 -2.0 0
250 250 -8.6 -1.3 0
315 -6.6 -0.8 0
400 -4.8 -0.5 0
500 500 -3.2 -0.3 0
630 -1.9 -0.1 0
800 -0.8 0 0
1000 1000 0 0 0
1250 0.6 0 0
1600 1.0 0 -0.1
2000 2000 1.2 -0.1 -0.2
2500 1.3 -0.2 -0.3
3150 1.2 -0.4 -0.5
4000 4000 1.0 -0.7 -0.8
5000 0.5 -1.2 -1.3
6300 -0.1 -1.9 -2.0
8000 8000 -1.1 -2.9 -3.0
10000 -2.5 -4.3 -4.4
12500 -4.3 -6.1 -6.2
16000 16000 -6.6 -8.4 -8.5
20000 -9.3 -11.1 -11.2

Leq See “Energy Equivalent Sound Level”, “Sound Level”,
Energy Average”, and “Time Weighted Average”
Level (dB) A descriptor of a measured physical quantity, typically used

in sound and vibration measurements. It is attached to the
name of the physical quantity to denote that it is a logarith-
mic measure of the quantity and not the quantity itself. The
word decibel is often added after the number to express the
same thing. When frequency weighting is used the annota-
tion is often expressed as dB(A) or dB(B).
Measurement Duration (T) The time period of measurement. It applies to hearing dam-
age risk and is generally expressed in hours.
Microphone Guidelines Microphone - Types: A device for detecting the presence of

sound. Most often it converts the changing pressure associ-
ated with sound into an electrical voltage that duplicates the
changes. It can be composed of one of the following types:
Capacitor (Condenser): A microphone that uses the motion of

a thin diaphragm caused by the sound to change the capaci-
tance of an electrical circuit and thereby to create a signal.
For high sensitivity, this device has a voltage applied across
the diaphragm from an internal source.
Electret: A microphone that uses the motion of a thin dia-
phragm caused by the sound to change the capacitance of an
electrical circuit and thereby to create a signal. The voltage
across the diaphragm is caused by the charge embedded in
the electret material so no internal source is needed.
Microphone - Uses: The frequency response of microphones

can be adjusted to be used in specific applications. Among
those used are:
Frontal incidence (Free Field): The microphone has been

adjusted to have an essentially flat frequency response when
in a space relatively free of reflections and when pointed at
the source of the sound.
Random incidence: The microphone has been adjusted to have
an essentially flat frequency response for sound waves
impinging on the microphone from all directions.
Pressure: The microphone has not been adjusted to have an
essentially flat frequency response for sound waves imping-
ing on the microphone from all directions.

What a microphone measures: A microphone detects more than
just sound. The motion of a microphone diaphragm is in
Microphone Guidelines, cont.response to a force acting on it. The force can be caused by a
number of sources only one of which are we interested:
sound. Non-sound forces are: (1) direct physical contact such
as that with a finger or a raindrop; (2) those caused by the
movement of air over the diaphragm such as environmental
wind or blowing; (3) those caused by vibration of the micro-
phone housing; and (4) those caused by strong electrostatic
fields.
Rules:
1. Do not permit any solid or liquid to touch the microphone
diaphragm. Keep a protective grid over the diaphragm.
2. Do not blow on a microphone and use a wind screen over
the microphone to reduce the effect of wind noise.
3. Mount microphones so their body is not subject to vibra-
tion, particularly in direction at right angles to the plane of
the diaphragm.
4. Keep microphones away from strong electrical fields.
A microphone measures forces not pressures. We would like the
microphone to measure sound pressure (force per unit area)
instead of sound force. If the pressure is applied uniformly
over the microphone diaphragm a simple constant (the dia-
phragm area) relates the two, but if the pressure varies
across the diaphragm the relationship is more complex. For
example, if a negative pressure is applied on one-half the
diaphragm and an equal positive pressure is applied to the
other half, the net force is zero and essentially no motion of
the diaphragm occurs. This occurs at high frequencies and
for specific orientations of the microphone.
Rules:
1. Do not use a microphone at frequencies higher than speci-
fied by the manufacturer; to increase the frequency response
choose smaller microphones.
2. Choose a microphone for free field or random incidence to
minimize the influence of orientation.
A microphone influences the sound being measured. The micro-

phone measures very small forces, low level sound can run
about one-billionth of a PSI! Every measurement instrument
changes the thing being measured, and for very small forces
that effect can be significant. When sound impinges directly
on a microphone the incident wave must be reflected since it
cannot pass through the microphone. This results in the

extra force required to reflect the sound and a microphone
output that is higher than would exist if the microphone
were not there. This is more important at high frequencies
and when the microphone is facing the sound source.
Rules:
1. Do not use a microphone at frequencies higher than speci-
fied by the manufacturer; to increase the frequency response
choose smaller microphones.
2. Choose a microphone for free field or random incidence to
minimize the influence of orientation.
A microphone measures what is there from any direction: Most
measurements are intended to measure the sound level of a
specific source, but most microphones are not directional so
they measure whatever is there, regardless of source.
Rules:
1. When making hand-held measurements, keep your body
at right angles to the direction of the sound you are inter-
ested in and hold the meter as far from your body as possi-
ble. Use a tripod whenever possible.
2. Measure the influence of other sources by measuring the
background sound level without the source of interest. You
may have to correct for the background.
Near Field There are two types of near fields: the acoustic near field and
the geometric near field.
Acoustic Near Field: The distance from a source of sound is

less than an acoustic wavelength. In the near field, the effect
of the type of sound source is significant. Since the wave-
length varies with frequency (See the definition of Wave-
length), the distance will vary with frequency. The most
common example of a near field is driving an automobile
with an open window. As you move your ear to the plane of
the window, the sound pressure level builds up rapidly
(wind noise) since most of the pressure changes are to move
the air and very little of it compresses the air to create sound.
Persons not far way, can hardly hear what you hear. The
acoustic near field is characterized by pressures that do not
create sound that can be measured in the far field. Therefore
measurements made here are not useful in predicting the
sound levels far way or the sound power of the source.
Geometric Near Field: The distance from a source of sound is

less than the largest dimension of the sound source. In the
near field, effect of source geometry is significant. Sound

sources often have a variety of specific sources within them,
such as exhaust and intake noise. When in the near field, the
sound of a weaker, but close, source can be louder than that
of a more distant, but stronger, source. Therefore measure-
ments made here can be used to separate the various sources
of sound, but are not useful in predicting the sound levels
and sound spectrum far from the source.
Noise Typically it is unwanted sound. This word adds the response

of humans to the physical phenomenon of sound. The
descriptor should be used only when negative effects on
people are known to occur. Unfortunately, this word is used
also to describe sounds with no tonal content (random):
Ambient: The all encompassing sound at a given location

caused by all sources of sound. It is generally random, but
need not be.
Background: The all encompassing sound at a given location
caused by all sources of sound, but excluding the source to
be measured. It is essentially the sound that interferes with a
measurement.
Pink: It is a random sound that maintains constant energy
per octave. Pink light is similar to pink noise in that it has a
higher level at the lower frequencies (red end of the spec-
trum).
White: It is a random sound that contains equal energy at
each frequency. In this respect, it is similar to white light.
Noise Dose (D) It is the percentage of time a person is exposed to noise that
is potentially damaging to hearing. Zero represents no expo-
sure and 100 or more represents complete exposure. It is cal-
culated by dividing the actual time of exposure by the
allowed time of exposure. The allowed time of exposure is
determined by the Criterion Duration and by the sound level
(the higher the level, the shorter the allowed time). The
sound levels must be measured with A-frequency weighting
and slow exponential time weighting. See Projected Noise
Dose.
where T is the Measurement Duration and Ti is the Allowed

Exposure Time.
Noise Exposure (See Sound Exposure)

T 100T ( L – L ) ⁄ Q
D = 100 ---- = ------------ 10 i c
Ti Tc
OSHA Level (LOSHA) The Average Sound Level calculated in accordance with the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration Exchange
Rate and Threshold Level.
Preamplifier A part of the sound level meter that matches a particular

model of microphone to the meter. It must be chosen in con-
junction with a microphone and a cable that connects them.
Projected Noise Dose It is the Noise Dose expected if the current rate of noise expo-
sure continues for the full Criterion Duration period.
Single Event Noise Exposure Level (SENEL, LAX) The total sound energy over a specific
period. It is a special form of the Sound Exposure Level
where the time period is defined as the start and end times of
a noise event such as an aircraft or automobile passby.
Sound The rapid oscillatory compressional changes in a medium

(solid, liquid or gas) that propagate to distant points. It is
characterized by changes in density, pressure, motion, and
temperature as well as other physical quantities. Not all
rapid changes in the medium are sound (wind noise) since
they do not propagate.
The auditory sensation evoked by the oscillatory changes.
Difference between sound and noise: Sound is the physical phe-

nomenon associated with acoustic (small) pressure waves.
Use of the word sound provides a neutral description of
some acoustic event. Generally, noise is defined as
unwanted sound. It can also be defined as sound that causes
adverse effects on people such as hearing loss or annoyance.
It can also be defined as the sound made by other people. In
every case, noise involves the judgment of someone and puts
noise in the realm of psychology not physics.
Rules:
1. Use word sound to describe measurements to remove the
emotional overtones associated with the word noise. Some

sound metrics use noise in their name and it is proper to use
the name as it is.
Sound Exposure (SE) It is the total sound energy of the actual sound during a spe-
cific time period. It is expressed in Pascals-squared seconds.
T2
2
SE = ∫ pA ( t ) dt
T1
where pA is the sound pressure and T2 - T1 is the Measure-

ment Duration (specific time period).
When applied to hearing damage potential, the equation is
changed to
T2
k
∫ [ p ( t ) ] dt
2
SE = A
T1
where k is the Exposure Factor. See Exchange Rate.

Sound Exposure Level (SEL, LET) The total sound energy in a specific time period. The
equation for it is
T2
∫
2
p ( t ) dt
T1
SEL = 10Log 10 ------------------------
2
-
p0 T
The sound pressure is squared and integrated over a specific

period of time (T2-T1) this is called the sound exposure and
has the units Pascal squared- seconds or Pascal squared-
hours. P0 is the reference pressure of 20 µPa and T is the ref-
erence time of 1 second. It is then put into logarithmic form.
It is important to note that it is not an average since the refer-
ence time is not the same as the integration time.
Sound Pressure The physical characteristic of sound that can be detected by

microphones. Not all pressure signals detected by a micro-

phone are sound (e.g., wind noise). It is the amplitude of the
oscillating sound pressure and is measured in Pascals (Pa),
Newtons per square meter, which is a metric equivalent of
pounds per square inch. To measure sound, the oscillating
pressure must be separated from the steady (barometric)
pressure with a detector. The detector takes out the steady
pressure so only the oscillating pressure remains. It then
squares the pressure, takes the time average, and then takes
the square root (this is called rms for root-mean square).
There are several ways this can be done.
Moving Average: The averaging process is continually accept-

ing new data so it is similar to an exponential moving aver-
age. The equation for it is
t
1 2 –( t – ξ ) ⁄ T
p rms =
T ∫
--- p ( ξ )e dξ
ts
The sound pressure is squared and multiplied by a exponen-

tial decay factor so that when the time of integration is near
the current time (t) it is essentially undiminished. For times
older (less) than the current time, the value is diminished
and so becomes less important. The rate at which older data
are made less influential is expressed by the constant T. The
larger is it the slower the decay factor reduces and the slower
the response of the system to rapid changes. These are stan-
dardized into three values called Time Weighting. See the
values below.
Fixed Average: The averaging process is over a fixed time

period. The equation for it is
T2
1 2
p rms =
( T2 – T1 ) ∫
----------------------- p ( t ) dt
T1
The sound pressure is squared and averaged over a fixed

time period. Unlike the moving average, the sound pres-
sures in all time intervals are equally weighted.

Sound Pressure Level (SPL, Lp) The logarithmic form of sound pressure. It is also expressed
by attachment of the word decibel to the number. The loga-
rithm is taken of the ratio of the actual sound pressure to a
reference sound pressure which is 20 MicroPascals (µ Pa).
There are various descriptors attached to this level depend-
ing on how the actual sound pressure is processed in the
meter:
Instantaneous: The time varying reading on a meter face on in

a meter output due to changes in the sound pressure. The
reading will depend on the time-weighting applied.
The fundamental relationship between the two is logarith-

mic
p rms L p ⁄ 20
L p = 20log 10 ---------- p rms = p 0 10
p0
where p0 is the reference sound pressure of 20 µPa. The

square of the sound pressure is a power-like quantity that
can be expressed in the original form of the level definition
2
p rms 2 2 L p ⁄ 10
L p = 10log 10 ---------
2
- p rms = p 0 10
p0
Sound Pressure Level can be converted to sound pressure as

follows. If the sound pressure is 1 Pascal, then the sound
pressure level is
1
- = 20log 10 [ 50000 ] = 20 [ 4.699 ] = 94.0dB
L p = 20log 10 ---------------------
–6
20 • 10
Calibrators often use a level of 94 dB so they generate a

sound pressure of 1 Pascal.
If the sound pressure level = 76.3 dB, then the sound pres-
sure is
–6 76.3 ⁄ 20 3.815 – 6 – 2.185

Pa = 20 • 10 • 10 = 20 • 10 = 20 • 10 = 20 [ 0.0065 ] = 0.13
Energy Average (Leq): The value of a steady sound measured

over a fixed time period that has the same sound energy as

the actual time varying sound over the same period. This
descriptor is widely used. It is a fixed average (See Sound
Pressure).
Impulse: The value of an impulsive sound. The reading will

depend on the time-weighting applied.
Unweighted Peak: The peak value of a sound with a meter that

has flat frequency weighting and a peak detector.
Weighted Peak: The peak value of a sound with a meter that

has a frequency weighting other than flat and a peak detec-
tor.
Sound Power(W) The sound power emitted by a sound source. It is measured

in Watts.
Sound Power Level (PWL, Lw) The logarithmic form of sound power. It is also expressed by
attachment of the word decibel to the number. The loga-
rithm is taken of the ratio of the actual sound power to a ref-
erence sound power, which is 1 pico-watt. Sound power
level cannot be measured directly, but can only be deduced
through measurements of sound intensity or sound pressure
around the source. The equation for it is
W L w ⁄ 10
L w = 10log 10 ------- W = W 0 10
W0
Sound Speed, (c,) The speed at which sound waves propagate. It is measured
in meters per second. It should not be confused with sound
or particle velocity which relates to the physical motion of
the medium itself.
c = 20.05 degC + 273 m ⁄ sec
c = 49.03 degF + 460 ft ⁄ sec
Spectrum (Frequency Spectrum) The amplitude of sound or vibration at various frequen-

cies. It is given by a set of numbers that describe the ampli-
tude at each frequency or band of frequencies. It is often
prefixed with a descriptor that identifies it such as sound

pressure spectrum. It is generally expressed as a spectrum
level.
Threshold Sound Level (Lt) The A-weighted sound level below which the sound pro-
duces little or no Noise Dose accumulation and may be dis-
regarded. It is used for hearing damage risk assessment.
Time Weighted Average Sound Level (TWA, LTWA(TC)) It is the level of a constant sound
over the Criterion Duration, that would expose a person to
the same Noise Dose as the actual (unsteady) sound over the
same period. If the Exchange Rate is 3 dB then the TWA is
equal to the Leq.
T
 2 (L (t)) ⁄ K 
1
L TWA ( TC ) = Klog 10  --- 10 ∫ dt
p
T 
 T 
1
where Tc=T2-T1 and K is the Exchange Rate Factor. It is used

for hearing damage risk assessment.
Time Weighting The response speed of the detector in a sound level meter.
There are several speeds used.
Slow: The time constant is 1 second (1000 ms). This is the

slowest and is commonly used in environmental noise mea-
surements.
Fast: The time constant is 1/8 second (125 ms). This is a less
commonly used weighting but will detect changes in sound
level more rapidly.
Impulse: The time constant is 35ms for the rise and 1.5 sec-
onds (1500 ms) for the decay. The reason for the double con-
stant is to allow the very short signal to be captured and
displayed.
Vibration The oscillatory movement of a mechanical system (generally

taken to be solid). It is used as a broad desciptor of oscilla-
tions.

Wavelength (l) The distance between peaks of a propagating wave with a
well defined frequency. It is related to the frequency through
the following equation
λ = c--
f
where c is the sound speed and f is the frequency in Hz. It

has the dimensions of length.
Wavenumber (k) A number that is related to the wavelength of sound and is

used to compare the size of objects relative to the wave-
length or the time delay in sound propagation. It is related to
wavelength through the following equation
k = 2π -------- = ω
------ = 2πf ----
λ c c
where λ is the wavelength, c is the sound speed, f is the fre-

quency in Hz, and ω is the radian frequency. It has the
dimensions of inverse length.
Yearly Average Sound Level (YDNL, Lydn) The Day-Night Average Sound Level for each
day is averaged over the entire year. It is calculated as fol-
lows
365
1 Ldn 1 ⁄ 10
L ydn = 10 log ---------
365 ∑ 10
i=1

APPENDIX
D Warranty/Customer Satisfaction
A. Total Customer Satisfaction. Larson Davis, Inc. (“LD”) guarantees Total Customer Satisfaction.
If, at any time you are not completely satisfied with any LD product, LD will repair, replace or
exchange it at no charge, except as otherwise provided in this Limited Warranty. The employees of
LD strive to provide superior, unmatched customer service. Should you find yourself dissatisfied with
any LD product for any reason, consult a LD Application engineer or local representative/ distributor
to discuss your situation.
B. Purchase Price Refund/Limited Warranty. LD warrants to the original purchaser (the "Buyer")
that, unless otherwise expressly specified in writing by a LD officer, all LD products shall be free of
defects in material and workmanship for a period of two (2) years from date of original purchase. In
furtherance of LD's commitment to Total Customer Satisfaction, LD will, for a period of one (1) year
from date of original purchase, refund 100% of the customer's purchase price for any LD product with
which the buyer is not completely satisfied, subject to the exceptions contained in Paragraph J of this
Limited Warranty. The option of a refund may be selected during this one (1) year period in lieu of
repair, replacement or exchange of the product.
Extended Labor Warranty. In furtherance of LD's commitment to Total Customer Satisfaction,

LD offers an extended labor warranty of one (1) year on all products calibrated or certified by a
factory technician at any time or from time-to-time during the first seven years of the product life
from date of manufacture. The customer's sole remedy pursuant to this extended warranty is to
receive free labor for any repairs required during the period in which the extended warranty is
effective. This extended labor warranty is subject to the limitations as outlined in Paragraph J.
Service & Repair Limited Warranty. In addition to the limited warranties set forth above, LD
offers a 90-day parts and labor limited warranty for all repair work performed at the factory. This
warranty is limited to parts repaired or replaced at the factory by LD. This warranty is also subject
to the limitations as outlined in Paragraph J.
C. Shipping Charges. The buyer will return the product freight prepaid by the Buyer to an
authorized service center. The product will be returned to the buyer freight prepaid by LD.
D. Products Manufactured by Others. This Limited Warranty does not cover any products
manufactured by others. Such products are subject to the warranty, if any, of their respective
manufacturers, and to be repaired only by a respective authorized service person for such products.
LD shall have no obligation to undertake repairs of products manufactured by others.
May 27, 2005 812 Manual D-1

E. NO SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. LD'S SOLE
OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY ARE SET FORTH ABOVE IN
PARAGRAPHS A, B, C AND D. IN NO EVENT SHALL LD (ITS CONTRACTORS OR
SUPPLIERS) BE LIABLE TO THE BUYER FOR ANY LOST PROFITS, DIRECT,
INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER
BASED ON CONTRACT, IN TORT OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY. SUCH DAMAGES
FOR WHICH LD SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED
TO, LOST TIME AND CONVENIENCE, LOSS OF USE OF THE PRODUCT, THE COST OF
A PRODUCT RENTAL, COSTS OF GASOLINE, TELEPHONE, TRAVEL OR LODGING,
THE LOSS OF PERSONAL OR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY, AND THE LOSS OF
REVENUE.
Some states do not permit the limitation or disclaimer of incidental or consequential damages.
Therefore, the above disclaimer of incidental or consequential damages may not apply to certain
purchasers.
F. NO LIABILITY IN EXCESS OF PURCHASE PRICE. IN NO EVENT SHALL LD'S

OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE
OF THE PRODUCT PLUS ANY SHIPPING CHARGES THAT LD MAY BE OBLIGATED
TO PAY PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH C ABOVE.
G. NO EXTENSION OF STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS. ANY REPAIRS PERFORMED

UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL NOT IN ANY WAY EXTEND THE
STATUTES OF LIMITATIONS FOR CLAIMS UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY.
H. WAIVER OF OTHER WARRANTIES. THE EXPRESS WARRANTIES SET FORTH IN

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY ARE IN LIEU OF AND EXCLUDE ANY AND ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE.
Some states do not permit the disclaimer of implied warranties. Therefore, the above disclaimer of
implied warranties may not apply to certain purchasers.
I. Procedure for Warranty Performance. If the product fails to perform to LD's specifications, the
Buyer must provide LD with the applicable model and serial numbers, the date of purchase, and the
nature of the problem.
J. ADDITIONAL EXCLUSIONS FROM THIS LIMITED WARRANTY.

NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY CONTAINED IN THIS
LIMITED WARRANTY, THIS LIMITED WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER ANY OF THE
FOLLOWING:
1.EQUIPMENT THAT HAS BEEN ABUSED, DAMAGED, USED BEYOND RATED

CAPACITY, OR REPAIRED BY PERSONS OTHER THAN AUTHORIZED SERVICE
PERSONNEL.
D-2 812 Manual May 27, 2005

2.DAMAGE CAUSED BY ACTS OF GOD THAT INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED
TO, HAILSTORMS, WINDSTORMS, HURRICANES, TORNADOES, SANDSTORMS,
LIGHTNING, FLOODS AND EARTHQUAKES.
3.DAMAGE UNDER CONDITIONS CAUSED BY FIRE OR ACCIDENT, BY ABUSE OR

BY NEGLIGENCE OF THE USER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OTHER THAN LD, BY
IMPROPER INSTALLATION, BY MISUSE, BY INCORRECT OPERATION, BY
“NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR”, BY IMPROPER ADJUSTMENT OR ALTERATION, BY
ALTERATIONS NOT COMPLETED BY AUTHORIZED SERVICE PERSONNEL, OR BY
FAILURE OF PRODUCTS PARTS FROM SUCH ALTERATIONS.
4.COSTS OF REPAIRING DAMAGE CAUSED BY POOR OR IMPROPER

MAINTENANCE OR UNAUTHORIZED REPAIR.
5.COSTS OF MODIFYING THE PRODUCT IN ANY WAY ONCE DELIVERED TO THE

BUYER, EVEN IF SUCH MODIFICATIONS WERE ADDED AS A PRODUCTION
CHANGE ON OTHER PRODUCTS MADE AFTER THE BUYER'S PRODUCT WAS
BUILT.
Authority to Alter This Limited Warranty. No agent, representative, distributor, or authorized

dealer of LD has any authority to alter the terms of this Limited Warranty in any way. This Limited
Warranty may be altered only in a writing signed by an authorized officer of LD.
May 27, 2005 812 Manual D-3

D-4 812 Manual May 27, 2005
Index
A output specifications ......................A-8
Decibel .....................................................C-3
AC Department of Defense
output specifications ......................A-9 level ...................................................C-5
American National Standards Institute Detector ...................................................8-11,
(ANSI) .......................................1-5 C-5
ANSI Display
standards met ..................................A-11 digital ................................................A-10
Duration
B measurement ...................................C-9
Battery Dynamic range .......................................1-5
internal life of ..................................1-18
Battery Voltage E
directions for checking ...................2-11
EEPROM
Baud Rate ................................................8-8
Register .............................................8-5
Environment
C effects of Temperature ...................A-7
Calendar Error .........................................................B-31
real-time ...........................................A-11 messages and warnings .................B-31
Calibration ..............................................1-6, Error Checking
3-1, ..............................................8-11, I/O ....................................................B-23
C-1 Exceedance ..............................................8-14
glossary ............................................C-2 Exceedance History ...............................8-14
calibration ...............................................3-2 Exchange Rate ........................................8-12
Character Parameters ............................B-14 glossary ............................................C-5
Clock Exchange Rate Factor
real-time ...........................................A-11 glossary ............................................C-5
run-time ............................................A-11 Exposure Factor
clock .........................................................8-7 glossary ............................................C-5
Commands
status .................................................B-6 F
Criterion ..................................................8-12,
Far Field ...................................................C-6
C-2
acoustic .............................................C-6
sound level .......................................C-3
geometric ..........................................C-6
Formatting Conventions .......................1-3
D Free field ..................................................C-6
Daily History ..........................................8-17 Frequency
Data band pass filter ................................C-7
time history ......................................7-3 glossary ............................................C-6
Date ..........................................................8-8 Hz, rad/sec ......................................C-7
Dc Frequency Weightings
Index-1
specifications ...................................A-4 error messages and warnings .......B-31
frequency weightings ............................1-5 Microphone
guidelines .........................................C-9
H what it measures .............................C-10
microphone
Histogram
reference number ............................1-13
variables ...........................................B-29
Microphone Extension Cables
Histogram Reports .................................B-20
specifications ...................................A-8
History
Microphones
commands ........................................B-5
capacitor ...........................................C-9
records ..............................................B-25
electrit ...............................................C-9
Hysteresis ................................................8-14
uses ....................................................C-9
I Mode
commands ........................................B-5
I/O Error Checking ...............................B-23 Model 812 ................................................3-1
indexed ....................................................B-13 Block Diagram .................................1-10
Indexed Parameters ...............................B-13 Components .....................................1-7
interface ...................................................8-7 Features ............................................1-5
International Electrotechnical Commission Keypad .............................................2-2
(IEC) ...........................................1-5 optional equipment ........................1-15
Interval History ......................................8-14 Screen ................................................2-10
Interval Variables ...................................B-26 System Diagram ..............................1-10
Intrusion alarm .......................................B-17 Model 820
Glossary, App C ..............................C-1
K Specifications, App A .....................A-1
Key
Lmin/Lmax .....................................8-14 N
key Near Field
shift ...................................................2-9 acoustic .............................................C-11
keys geometric ..........................................C-11
functions of ......................................2-3 glossary ............................................C-11
Noise
L ambient .............................................C-12
Leq Background ......................................C-12
glossary ............................................C-5 compensate ......................................B-23
Level .........................................................C-9 daily personal exposure .................C-3
Dept of Defense ...............................C-5 exposure ...........................................C-13
LN floor ...................................................B-23
Ln Statistical Levels ........................8-13 glossary ............................................C-2,
LN Statistical Levels ..............................8-13 C-12
Lock ..........................................................8-11 projected noise dose .......................C-13
single event exposure level(SENEL,Lax)
M C-13
numeric ....................................................2-9
Messages
Index-2
Numeric Parameters ..............................B-13 Register
RAM ..................................................8-5
O Register, EEPROM .................................8-5
Reset .........................................................3-4
Off
RESET-ALL .............................................8-1
directions for turning off ...............2-12
RS-232 ......................................................1-6
OSHA
data communications .....................A-10
level ...................................................C-13
RS-232 Address ......................................8-8
Overload ..................................................2-8
RS-232 interface ......................................B-1
P Run Log Variables ..................................B-28
Run mode ................................................2-8
Parameter ................................................B-13,
B-15 S
character ...........................................B-14
serial number ..........................................1-13
character strings ..............................B-13
Setup
Exceedance .......................................8-14
parameters .......................................8-7
indexed .............................................B-13
setup
numeric ............................................B-13
print ..................................................10-3
query .................................................B-16
Setup Memory ........................................8-4
setting ...............................................B-13
SLM
template ............................................B-13
Sound Level Meter ..........................8-11
Time History Data ..........................7-3
Sound
Peak ..........................................................8-16
average level (lavg) .........................C-1
Pin ............................................................B-3
day-night average level ..................C-3
Pin configurations ..................................B-3
energy average(Leq) .......................C-16
polarization .............................................3-1
exposure ...........................................C-14
Power
exposure level ..................................C-14
external .............................................1-18
fixed average ...................................C-15
glossary ............................................C-13
Power Save ..............................................8-10
impulse .............................................C-16
Preamplifier ............................................C-13
Print .........................................................8-17, instantaneous ...................................C-16
10-1 intensity(l) ........................................C-17
commands ........................................B-30 moving average ...............................C-15
parameters .......................................10-1 pressure ............................................C-14
reports ..............................................10-3 sound pressure level(SPL,Lp) .......C-15
unweighted peak ............................C-16
R weighted peak .................................C-17
yearly average level(YDNL, Lydn) C-19
RAM Sound Level
registers ............................................8-6 threshold(Lt) ....................................C-17
Reference Direction Sound Level Meter
specifications ...................................A-2 SLM ...................................................8-11
Reference Level ......................................8-12 Sound Power ...........................................C-17
specifications ...................................A-4 level(PWL,Lw) .................................C-17
Index-3
Sound Pressure Level (see Sound) ......C-15 Vibration ..................................................C-18
Sound Speed ...........................................C-17
Specifications W
frequency weightings .....................A-4
Warnings error messages ......................B-31
microphone extension cables ........A-8
Warranty .................................................D-1
reference direction ..........................A-2
warranty ..................................................1-7
reference level .................................A-4
Wavelength(l)
temperature .....................................A-7
glossary ............................................C-18
type ...................................................A-2
Wavenumber
Spectrum
glossary ............................................C-19
frequency .........................................C-17
Weighted
Standards
8-hour time weighted average sound
ANSI .................................................A-11
level ....................................C-5
Status
Weighting ................................................8-12
command .........................................B-6
frequency ..........................................C-7
time ...................................................C-18
T Weightings
Temperature A and C .............................................5-4
template ...................................................B-15
Template Parameters .............................B-15
Threshold ................................................8-12
Time
allowed Exposure time(Ti) ............C-1
weighting .........................................C-18
Time History ...........................................8-14
data ...................................................7-3
TWA
time weighted average sound
level(TWA, LTWA(TC) ...C-18
Type
Type 1 ......................................................1-5
V
Variables
calibration history ...........................B-28
exceedance history ..........................B-26
histogram .........................................B-29
histogram table ...............................B-29
interval .............................................B-26
interval history ................................B-26
run log ..............................................B-28
time history ......................................B-29
Index-4

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Model 812

Larson Davis Inc.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Record of Serial Number and Purchase Date

System 812 Serial #: _____________________ PRM828 Pre-amp. Serial #: ______________

where it will be accepted for disposal

Chapter 2 Overview to Model 812 2-1

Chapter 3 Calibration 3-1

Chapter 4 Quick Start 4-1

Chapter 5 Performing a Measurement/Reading the Data 5-1

Chapter 6 Timed Measurement 6-1

Chapter 7 History Functions 7-1

Chapter 8 Parameters 8-1

Chapter 9 Memory Usage 9-1

2 Model 812 User Manual 5/27/05

App. A Specifications A-1

App. B Serial Port Interface Remote Control B-1

App. C Glossary C-1

4 Model 812 User Manual 5/27/05

Welcome to the Larson Davis Model 812. Your new

The Model 812 measures sound with the ease of opera-

Many sound level meters in the market can create signif-

Furthermore, its internal firmware is designed to accom-

We invite you to read this manual to get the most out of

5/27/05 Model 812 User Manual 1-1

This manual has 10 chapters and 4 appendices covering

• Chapter 1 - Introduction: Overview of this user manual

• Chapter 2 - Overview to Model 812: Understanding the

• Chapter 3 - Calibration: Using a reference to calibrate

• Chapter 4 - Quick Start: Setting parameters, using

• Chapter 5 - Performing a Measurement / Reading the

• Chapter 6 - Timed Measurement: Using the timer for

• Chapter 7 - History Functions: Setting parameters for

• Chapter 8 - Parameters: A complete listing of all

• Chapter 9 - Memory Usage: Sizing parameter needs to

• Chapter 10 - Printing a Report: Turning gathered data

• Appendix A - Specifications: A listing of acoustic, elec-

1-2 Model 812 User Manual 5/27/05

• Appendix C - Glossary: Standard definitions of key

• Appendix D - Index: Alphabetical listing of all major

About This Chapter

Specifically, this introductory chapter covers the follow-

• Formatting Conventions: Explanation of the fonts and

• Model 812 Features: A listing of the featured character-

• Model 812 Components: Description and diagrams of

• Getting Started: Instructions for unpacking, a listing of

This manual uses the following formatting conventions:

Functions accessed by pressing a key on the Model 812

Press e and then press c

In step-by-step directions, the process (what you do) is

5/27/05 Model 812 User Manual 1-3

Especially important information is shown in italics, for

To access items 48-50, Overall Exchange Rate,

The Larson Davis Model 812 meets the requirements of

• Dynamic range of more than 110 dB for error free

• Impulse measuring range greater than 100 dB.

• Standard microphone allows measurements typically

1-4 Model 812 User Manual 5/27/05

• Multiple detectors provide simultaneous RMS and

System 812 Serial #: _______ PRM828 Pre-amp. Serial #: