Casella USA

17 Old Nashua Road #15

Amherst, NH 03031-2839

CEL-228 Impulse
Sound Level Meter
& Octave Band Analyser

Handbook
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Casella USA
17 Old Nashua Road #15
Amherst, NH 03031-2839

Introduction CEL-228/K1
CEL-228 Impulse Sound Level
This instrument combines a sound level meter Meter and Octave Band Analyser
and octave analyser giving measurement CEL-184 Acoustic Calibrator
versatility together with convenient handheld CEL-3379 Microphone Coupler
operation. It provides, therefore, a practical and CEL-2962 Foam windshield
economic solution to a wide range of noise 6F22 Batteries, 3 off
measurement problems. When used in its sound D 3380 Carrying Case
level meter mode the CEL-228 will perform all RS 1 Calibration Screwdriver
the general purpose functions expected of a full This Handbook
specification instrument giving a clear and
accurate indication on its linear 40dB meter CEL-228/K2
scale of the level in terms of either dB(A) or
dB(Flat), with a choice of fast, slow or impulse In this kit a CEL personal noise dose meter is
time constants. The maximum hold function may provided in addition to the other items listed and
be selected to capture the highest level during a modified case to accept this additional item is
the measurement sequence to facilitate part number CEL-3380/1. The dose meter
measurement of transient events. calibrator type CEL-182 and a CEL-2834
coupler are provided in place of the CEL-184
Having identified a problem then the octave filter calibrator. The presentation case shown in the
may be selected and the instrument will indicate schedule of parts for the noise dose meter is not
the band level in each octave enabling a full then provided.
spectrum of the noise to be obtained. From this
information the significant frequencies can be If the sound level meter only is required it is
identified and the appropriate remedial action specified as CEL-228/X and, in this instance, the
prescribed. Eight octave bands are available zip case type CEL-3341 is provided in place of
plus high- and low-pass modes and these are the accessories listed above. It is also
selected, in turn, by means of electronic recommended that the windshield type
switches activated from push buttons on the CEL-3482 be used with the X version as it may
instrument's front panel. be accommodated within the zip case.

The CEL-228 meets the International Standard Preparation of the Instrument

for general purpose sound level meters and is
provided as a complete kit under the reference The battery compartment is located in the rear of
CEL-228/K1 or CEL-228/K2 An output socket is the instrument and is accessible when the two
provided to feed ancillary instrumentation such retaining screws have been removed. The
as graphic level recorders or instrumentation batteries should be connected to the two flying
tape recorders. leads and placed in the battery compartment
before replacing the cover. To check the
Schedule of Parts batteries the ON/OFF switch should be set to
the battery position and the meter should then
The instrument is normally provided as a indicate within the scale banded BATT if they
complete measurement kit under the number have sufficient charge to operate the instrument
CEL-228/K1 or CEL-228/K2 and these comprise correctly. The batteries must be removed if
the following individual items: either becomes discharged or if the instrument
is not going to be used for some time. As an
alternative to the primary cells provided, nickel
cadmium rechargeable batteries type RS 591
089 may be used with this instrument. A suitable
charger for these NiCad batteries is the type RS
591 067 which must be specified separately.

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Casella USA
17 Old Nashua Road #15
Amherst, NH 03031-2839

Calibration
The calibration level is 90dB(A) and this should
In line with current instrument practice all types cause a corresponding Indication on the scale.
of sound level meters should be regularly Should the instrument have drifted due to
calibrated to ensure the accuracy of the reading environmental influences it may be reset by
obtained. For this purpose the CEL-184 means of the CAL control located through the
Acoustic Calibrator is provided. To check the aperture in the front panel of the instrument.
calibration of the CEL-228, the CEL-3379 Using the screwdriver provided the level maybe
coupler supplied with the kit should be placed reset to the correct reading. If large changes in
over the microphone ensuring that it is correctly the calibration level are observed, the meter
seated against the shoulder in the microphone should be returned to our service department or
coupler. The calibrator may then be placed over your local agent.
the coupler and microphone assembly, here
again ensuring that both '0' rings are passed Where the CEL-228/K2 has been supplied it
and the coupler and calibrator are correctly must be noted that the CEL-1 82 calibrator
seated. Switch on both the calibrator and the produces a level of 11 6.5dB and the necessary
sound level meter, the latter having its range amendment to the procedure outlined above will
selector set to the 60dB(A) range. be necessary to take account of this.

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Casella USA
17 Old Nashua Road #15
Amherst, NH 03031-2839

Controls and Indicators FILTER UP/FILTER DOWN

OFF/BATT/ON These push button switches are used to shift the

octave centre frequency with each operation of
In the OFF position no functions are performed the switch moving the filter one step in the
and the instrument draws no power. In the required direction.
BATTERY position the meter indicates the on
load voltage of the lower of the two batteries 30/60/90
with the end of useful battery life shown as the
lower mark on the scale; hence, when end of life This control selects the measurement range by
is indicated both batteries must be changed. setting the meter scale zero to the value
When in the ON position the instrument carries selected; hence, the answer is given by reading
out its selected functions. the appropriate scale on the switch plus the
meter. Measurement ranges provided are,
FAST/SLOW/IMP therefore, 30-70, 60-100 and 90-130. It must be
remembered, however, that on the top range the
This switch selects the time constants employed RMS levels are within specification over a span
in the RMS detector and these are as defined in 90-120 whilst the additional 10dB is provided for
the International Standards - 1 25msec for FAST the maximum hold function. This results from the
and 1 second for SLOW, The IMPULSE use of a high sensitivity microphone to enable
response provides a 35msec time constant for measurements to be made at 30dB(A) and it
rising edges and 1.5 seconds for failing ones. will, therefore, saturate at 135dB(A).

MAX/NORM OUTPUT SOCKET

In the NORM position the instantaneous RMS This 3.5mm miniature jack socket provides a
level is displayed on the meter whist in the MAX feed of the conditioned AC output to ancillary
setting the meter will hold the maximum level instrumentation such as tape recorders,
logged during the measurement sequence. In frequency analysers, etc.
order to reset the maximum hold circuit, the
switch should be returned from MAX to NORM. OVERLOAD
The maximum hold must be reset if the
measurement range is changed. This indicator is illuminated if the instrument is
indicating an incorrect answer due to
A/LIN/FILTERS overloading of its amplifiers. When this occurs
the measurement must be repeated on a higher
The standardised 'A’ weighting is provided in the range.
'A’ position of this switch giving results in dB(A).
In the FLAT position the unweighted microphone
signal is passed to the display giving results in
dB(Flat/Lin). When the filter position is selected
the individual octave bands are connected in
circuit and the particular band is indicated by the
array of indicator lamps above the meter
movement.

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Casella USA
17 Old Nashua Road #15
Amherst, NH 03031-2839

Technical Description Manufacturer's Servicing And Warranty

Arrangements
The instrument covers the range of sound levels
from 30-120dB(A) in three measurement ranges Each instrument has been carefully inspected
and has both fast and slow meter and calibrated prior to dispatch from our factory
characteristics. In addition it is provided with the in order to ensure its rigid conformity with the
impulse time constant to facilitate the subjective requirements of our specification. All technical
assessment of transient sounds as well as a information relating to individual instruments is
maximum hold circuit that is operational in filed under the instrument's serial number. It is
conjunction with all three time constants. For important, therefore, to always quote this
broad band measurements the standard 'A: and number in any correspondence with the
Flat (Linear) frequency weightings are provided, manufacturers. The serial number is located on
whilst for more detailed analysis eight octave the back of the instrument. The manufacturers
bands are provided covering the centre undertake to rectify any defect in the instrument
frequencies 63 Hz - 8kHz. Outside those that is directly attributable to faulty design or
standard bands additional low and high-pass assembly and which becomes apparent during
modes are available he 31 Hz and 16kHz band the first twelve months from the date of the initial
components. calibration.

The instrument employs a high sensitivity Many of the specialized components used in the
electret condenser microphone that has a instrument are subject to separate warranties by
proven record of calibration stability in respect of their actual manufacturers and in all cases
both its amplitude and frequency responses. benefit of these undertakings will be passed
Signals are fed through the preamplifier stages onto the end user. However, Computer
and onto the calibrated range changing Engineering's (CEL’s) liability is limited to items
attenuators and the frequency conditioning of their own manufacture and they do not accept
circuits. After additional amplification the signals liability for any loss resulting from the operation
are processed by a new design of wide dynamic or interpretation of the results from this
range RMS detector. This provides a logarithmic equipment. In the event of a malfunction
output over a 40dB dynamic range enabling a developing the instrument should be carefully
clear indication of the sound level on a linear packed and returned to either the
scaled meter. The wide dynamic range that this manufacturer's agent in the territory or, in the
arrangement permits considerably improves the case of domestic sales, to our Hitchin factory
interpretation of the results as it eliminates the along with a detailed description of the fault. The
need for continual range changing that is necessary repairs will be undertaken and the
necessary when the older style of instrument instrument returned as soon as possible. After
having a logarithmic scale is used. When the the warranty has expired, except on approved
maximum hold mode is selected the RMS signal accounts, service work is undertaken against
is fed to an analogue hold that is then connected quotation and all packing and transit costs are
to the meter via a buffer amplifier. The charged extra. In the case of sales in the UK,
instrument is powered by two standard 9V service contracts are available for the
batteries and is housed within a pressed instruments and full details of these are
aluminium case that is contoured to provide the available on request.
correct acoustic characteristics.

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Casella USA
17 Old Nashua Road #15
Amherst, NH 03031-2839

Specification REFERENCE CONDITIONS FOR

CALIBRATION
Accuracy
Sound level meter: IEC 651, BS 5969 and ANSI Type of sound field
S1.4 in the type 2 category. DIN 45 634 Free
Filters: IEC 225, BS2475, ANSI S. 11 class 11
Ranges Reference incidence direction
30 - 70 dB, 60 - 100 dB and 90 - l30 dB Microphone diaphragm
Measuring Limits
Self-noise less than 25dB(A) or less than Reference pressure level
40dB(Flat). 135dB absolute maximum. 94 dB relative to 0.00002 Pa
Microphone
17 mm (0.67 inch) electret condenser type Reference frequency
Frequency Response 1 kHz
dB(A), Flat or 8 octave bands 63 Hz - 8kHz. Reference measurement range
Plus 31.5Hz low band and 16kHz high band. 60-100
Display
47 mm (1.9 inch) meter movement covering 40 Reference temperature
dB dynamic range. 20'C
Time Weightings
Fast, Slow and Impulse as per standards. Date ........................
Maximum Hold
Analogue hold of maximum RMS level with a Calibration Certificate
decay rate of less than 1 dB/5 min at 20ºC.
Calibration CEL-228 serial number ...................... .... ... .
Field calibration checks by means of CEL-184 or
CEL-182 Acoustic Calibrators (NB coupler type CEL-184 serial number ……………………….
CEL-3379 necessary for X version).
Auxiliary Output Date …………………………………………….
3.5 mm jack feed of conditioned AC output at
1.0V for FSD via 3k3 Ohms. CEL Instruments are manufactured and serviced
Batteries by:
3 x 6 F22 (or equivalent) - 2 for sound level
meter and one for calibrator. Casella CEL Inc.
Temperature Range 17 Old Nashuia Road #15,
-10 to +50ºC operational. -15 to +60ºC storage. Amherst, NH 03031 USA
Humidity Range PHONE (800) 366-2966
30% to 90% for ±0.5 dB FAX (603) 672-8053
Electromagnetic Interference [email protected]
<MSD for 400 A/M
Vibration Interference
<62d B (Flat) for 1 m/sec/sec In line with our policy of continual design
Dimensions improvement we reserve the right to amend any
235mm x 75mm x 54mm (9.2in x 3in x 2.1in) of the details in this handbook.
Weight
425g (15oz)

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