Using the Real-Time Analyser

The P33 is a very powerful meter that can measure different parameters simultaneously and be configured in many different ways. However, once configured (usually the default settings are fine), it is extremely quick and easy to use.

The examples below are for specific applications and should give a good idea on how to use the meter. Once configured for other applications, actual use is pretty much the same, no matter what parameters you are measuring.

For most applications you need:

• LAeq,t - usually shortened to Leq and shown on the meter's display as LAt
• LCPeak - the C - weighted Peak, used for occupational noise measurement
• L90 - Level exceeded for 90% of the time, for environmental noise surveys
• Octave or 1/3 Octave Band Spectrum

Starting the Measurement

Press the Record key to start a measurement. This key tells the meter to start and to automatically save the measurement.

If the time integration time T has been set then the meter will also store all the parameters (Leq, Max, Min, Ln, etc.) every T seconds.

During the measurement you can view different parameters and frequency weightings without interrupting it.

Finishing the Measurement

To end a measurement press the Stop key. The measurement will be stored and the meter returned to its stopped state, showing the results of the last measurement.

You can use the Screen key (shared with OK) to view the different parameters such as the Lns (L10, L90, etc.) and to display the time history graph of the noise.

Selecting Octave or 1/3 Octave Band Mode

By default the meter switches on in broadband mode. Switch to Octave Band by pressing the Mode key (shared with Cancel). Press the Mode key again to select 1/3 Octave Bands.

If you find that you make more frequency analysis measurements than broadband then you can set the meter to automatically start up in either Octave or 1/3 Octave band mode.

Starting the Measurement

Press the Record key to instruct the meter to start and to automatically save the measurement.

If an integration time T has been set then the meter will store the spectrum every T seconds too. It can also be set to store a spectrum every 1/8 of a second (125 ms).

Finishing the Measurement

To end a measurement press the Stop key.

You can use the Screen key to view the levels in each band, displayed in decibels, but with so many numbers it is usually better to download the measurement to a computer for viewing graphically.