HS5618A Integrated Sound Level Meter (Complete System)

Overview

The HS5618A Integrated Sound Level Meter is a compact, microprocessor-controlled instrument engineered for precision environmental and occupational noise assessment in compliance with international metrological standards. It operates on the principle of electret condenser microphone transduction coupled with digital signal processing to deliver traceable acoustic measurements aligned with IEC 61672-1:2013 Class 2 and JJG 188–2002 verification requirements. Designed for field-deployable reliability, the device captures time-weighted sound pressure levels across a broad dynamic range while supporting regulatory workflows including workplace noise exposure evaluation (e.g., OSHA 1910.95, EU Directive 2003/10/EC), community noise monitoring, and academic acoustics research. Its embedded real-time clock enables timestamped data acquisition, and its modular architecture supports seamless integration into larger environmental data management systems via standard serial communication protocols.

Key Features

• High-stability electret condenser microphone (HS14423, 1/2-inch diameter) with calibrated sensitivity and low self-noise
• Measurement range: 35 dB(A) to 130 dB(A), referenced to 20 µPa
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 10 kHz (±1.5 dB, A-weighted)
• Time-weighting options: Fast (F), Slow (S), and Max-hold mode for peak detection
• Integrated dose calculation engine compliant with ANSI S1.25 and ISO 1999 methodologies
• Automated measurement modes: L_p (instantaneous), L_eq,T (equivalent continuous), L_max, L_AE (sound exposure level), and %DL (noise dose)
• Preset measurement durations: 10 s, 1 min, 5 min, 10 min, 15 min, 20 min, 1 h, 8 h, and 24 h — plus manual mode with up to 24-hour continuous logging
• Real-time clock with full calendar and time-of-day stamping (year/month/day/hour/minute/second)
• Onboard memory: 1,000 single-event records + 64 hourly summary datasets
• RS-232C serial interface (DB9 female) for bidirectional data transfer to PC or HS4782 thermal printer
• Acoustic calibration support: Compatible with HS6020 pistonphone (94 dB @ 1 kHz)
• Power supply: Five AA alkaline cells (typical 20+ hours operation) or external DC 9 V input

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HS5618A is optimized for free-field and diffuse-field sound field conditions typical of outdoor ambient monitoring, indoor industrial environments, educational laboratories, and public health assessments. It accommodates standard 1/2-inch microphone accessories including windshields (included), extension cables (optional), and tripod mounts. All acoustic calibrations are traceable to national metrology institutes via certified pistonphones. The instrument meets the performance criteria for Class 2 sound level meters under IEC 61672-1:2013 and satisfies the metrological verification requirements of JJG 188–2002. While not intrinsically rated for hazardous locations, it may be deployed in conjunction with explosion-proof enclosures where required by local safety regulations (e.g., ATEX or IECEx zone classifications).

Software & Data Management

Data export via RS-232C follows ASCII-based protocol with configurable baud rates (default: 9600 bps, N-8-1). Raw datasets include timestamp, measurement mode identifier, numerical result, and unit designation (e.g., “2024-05-12 09:23:41, Leq, 82.4, dB(A)”). No proprietary software is bundled; however, the ASCII output format ensures compatibility with common spreadsheet applications (Microsoft Excel, LibreOffice Calc), statistical analysis tools (R, Python pandas), and validated laboratory information management systems (LIMS). Audit trail integrity is maintained through immutable internal timestamps and sequential record indexing. For regulated environments requiring electronic record compliance, users may implement supplementary validation protocols per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 or ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements.

Applications

• Environmental noise mapping near transportation corridors, construction sites, and urban residential zones
• Occupational hygiene surveys for hearing conservation programs (HCPs) and OEL (occupational exposure limit) verification
• Industrial machinery noise characterization during commissioning, maintenance, and ISO 14001 environmental audits
• Classroom and library acoustic quality assessments in educational facility design
• Field validation of noise control measures (barriers, enclosures, damping treatments)
• Baseline and post-intervention monitoring in public health epidemiology studies

FAQ

Is the HS5618A suitable for legal metrology or court-admissible noise evidence?
It meets Class 2 specifications per IEC 61672-1 and JJG 188–2002, making it appropriate for general environmental and occupational screening. For legally defensible measurements, periodic third-party calibration and documented traceability to national standards are mandatory.
Can the device perform octave or 1/3-octave band analysis?
No — the HS5618A is a broadband integrating sound level meter and does not include frequency-selective filtering capabilities.
What is the operating temperature range?
The instrument is rated for use between 0 °C and +40 °C, with relative humidity ≤ 90 % RH (non-condensing).
Does it support battery-level monitoring or low-power alerts?
Yes — the LCD displays battery status icon and triggers audible warning when voltage drops below operational threshold.
Is firmware upgrade capability available?
Firmware updates are performed via RS-232C using manufacturer-provided utility software; contact authorized distributor for revision history and update procedures.