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Sound Level Sensor User Manual

Order Code: SLS-BTA

The Sound Level Sensor measures sound level in decibels. It can be used for activities such as

  • Environmental noise studies
  • Sound level comparisons
  • Investigating room acoustics
  • Investigating sound insulation

Note: Vernier products are designed for educational use. Our products are not designed nor are they recommended for any industrial, medical, or commercial process such as life support, patient diagnosis, control of a manufacturing process, or industrial testing of any kind.

What's Included

  • Sound Level Sensor

Compatible Software and Interfaces

Choose a platform below to see its compatibility requirements.

LabQuest
InterfaceLabQuest App
LabQuest 3Full support
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest (discontinued)Full support
Computers
Software
InterfaceGraphical AnalysisLogger ProLogger Lite
LabQuest MiniFull supportFull supportFull support
LabQuest 3Full supportFull supportIncompatible
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full supportFull supportFull support
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full support 1Full supportFull support 1
Go!LinkFull supportFull supportFull support
LabQuest (discontinued)Full supportFull supportFull support
LabPro (discontinued)IncompatibleFull supportFull support

Compatibility Notes

  1. Connect LabQuest Stream via USB. Wireless connection is not supported.
Chromebook
Software
InterfaceGraphical Analysis
LabQuest MiniFull support
LabQuest 3Full support
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full support 1
Go!LinkFull support
LabQuest (discontinued)Full support

Compatibility Notes

  1. Connect LabQuest Stream via USB. Wireless connection is not supported.
iOS
Software
InterfaceGraphical AnalysisGraphical Analysis GW
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full supportFull support
LabQuest 3Full support 1Full support 1
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support 1Full support 1

Compatibility Notes

  1. iOS and Android devices can only connect to LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 via Wireless Data Sharing.
Android
Software
InterfaceGraphical AnalysisGraphical Analysis GW
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full supportIncompatible
LabQuest 3Full support 1Full support 1
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support 1Full support 1

Compatibility Notes

  1. iOS and Android devices can only connect to LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 via Wireless Data Sharing.
Arduino
Software
InterfaceArduino
Vernier Arduino® Interface ShieldFull support
LabVIEW
Software
InterfaceNI LabVIEW
SensorDAQ (discontinued)Full support
Vernier myDAQ AdapterFull support 1
Go!LinkFull support
LabQuest MiniFull support
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest 3Full support
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest (discontinued)Full support

Compatibility Notes

  1. You can only read the raw count/raw voltage output by this sensor. You must do the programming to convert to proper sensor units.
Texas Instruments
Software
InterfaceEasyDataTI-84 SmartViewDataQuestTI-Nspire Software
EasyLinkFull support 1Full support 2Full supportFull support 2
CBL 2 (discontinued)Full support 3IncompatibleIncompatibleIncompatible
LabPro (discontinued)Full support 3IncompatibleIncompatibleIncompatible
TI-Nspire Lab Cradle (discontinued)IncompatibleIncompatibleFull supportFull support

Compatibility Notes

  1. Use with TI-84 Plus calculators only.
  2. Requires an Easy to Go! adapter
  3. CBL 2 and LabPro interfaces cannot be used with TI-84 Plus CE calculators.

Getting Started

  1. Connect the sensor to the interface (LabQuest Mini, LabQuest 2, etc.).
  2. Start the appropriate data-collection software (Logger Pro, Logger Lite, LabQuest App) if not already running, and choose New from File menu.

The software will identify the sensor and load a default data-collection setup. You are now ready to continue your experiment.

If you are collecting data using a Chromebook™, mobile device such as iPad® or Android™ tablet, or a Vernier wireless sensor or interface, please see the following link for up-to-date connection information:

www.vernier.com/start/sls-bta

Using the Product

Connect the sensor following the steps in the Getting Started section of this user manual.

The sensing microphone on the Sound Level Sensor is located inside the hole in the top of the case. Because the microphone is located inside the sensor, it is helpful to point the microphone hole toward the source of the sounds you are measuring.

When using the Sound Level Sensor, be mindful of the environment around the sensor. Wind blowing across the opening or vibrations from the surface on which it is resting can cause the sensor to read much higher than it should. When collecting data, place the sensor on its foam feet or hold the sensor in your hand to separate the microphone from extraneous vibrations.

Calibration

The Sound Level Sensor will never need to be calibrated. Each sensor is carefully calibrated before it ships, and this unique calibration is stored on a smart chip in the sensor. Note: There is no method to perform a calibration of this sensor in most of our software programs; however, there is no need to do so. Logger Pro does allow for an approximate calibration, but the results would likely be less accurate than the custom factory calibration.

Specifications

Sensor

3/8" electret (prepolarized) condenser microphone

Measurement range

55 to 110 dB

Frequency range

30 to 10,000 Hz

Resolution

0.1 dB

Accuracy

3 dB (ref 90 dB @ 1 kHz)

Stored calibration

Sensor Reading = K0 + K1*voltage + K2*voltage^2

  • K0: 30.3014 dB
  • K1: 13.858 dB/V
  • K2: 2.173 dB/V2

How the Sensor Works

The Sound Level Sensor uses an electret condenser microphone mounted inside the sensor case. The output of this microphone is amplified, filtered, and averaged over 50 ms to produce a single sound pressure level measurement.

The Sound Level Sensor is A-weighted, meaning it discriminates against low frequencies, in a manner similar to the response of the ear. With this setting, the meter primarily measures in the 500 to 10,000 Hz range.

Suggested Sound Level Studies

You can collect sound level data in many real-world situations; for example, you can

  • Collect sound levels before, during, and after a concert or dance.
  • Collect sound levels throughout the day in a school hallway or shopping mall.
  • Use the Sound Level Sensor to judge cheering contests at pep rallies.
  • Collect data outside and inside a car equipped with a stereo system.
  • Make a model of an ear and ear canal. Measure sound levels at the “ear drum” when a headset is placed over the ear. Repeat the experiment, but place an earplug between the headset and the meter.

Example Sound Levels

Source Sound Pressure Level (dBA)
Threshold of pain 130
Construction noise 110
Subway train 100
Noisy restaurant 80
Busy traffic, normal radio 70
Normal conversation, dishwasher 60
Quiet office 50
Soft whisper 30
Threshold of hearing 0

Additional Experiments

For more information about experiments related to this product, see www.vernier.com/sls-bta

Troubleshooting

Connect the Sound Level Sensor to an interface. The data-collection software will identify the sensor and begin a live readout of the sound level. Normal classroom sound levels should be 60–70 dB; a quiet office should read around 55 dB.

For additional troubleshooting, see www.vernier.com/til/3485

Repair Information

If you have followed the troubleshooting steps and are still having trouble with your Sound Level Sensor, contact Vernier Technical Support at support@vernier.com or call 888-837-6437. Support specialists will work with you to determine if the unit needs to be sent in for repair. At that time, a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number will be issued and instructions will be communicated on how to return the unit for repair.

Warranty

Vernier warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of five years from the date of shipment to the customer. This warranty does not cover damage to the product caused by abuse or improper use. This warranty covers educational institutions only.

Contact Support

Fill out our online support form or call us toll-free at 1-888-837-6437.

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