You can configure your Nova sound level meter to be as basic or as advanced as you wish depending on the type of noise you want to measure and where. We know some of you will want some specific adds-on and others will want them all and this is where it gets interesting!
Here we list some of the most popular features that you can add to your Nova at the time of purchase or later on. It’s easy, just send us your meter back and we will upgrade it for you.
1. Manual Audio record
You may wish to record some of the noise you are measuring as you go along. This function is started manually using the audio soft key on your meter’s keypad. It will prompt your Nova to start recording raw WAV data. You can set the quality of the recording via our AnalyzerPlus software. Audio recording includes a 10 second back buffer. This covers the time it takes you to respond and press ‘record’ because it can be a bit tricky to record the beginning of a sound that catches your attention.
2. Audio note
Audio note allows you to record a spoken commentary and other information before a measurement. The function can be disabled from within the Nova reporting software programme: Pulsar AnalyzerPlus. Simply speak into the microphone when you are ready. The length of an audio recorded note can be set for 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes or unlimited. You can play your recordings back in the AnalyzerPlus software.
To use this option, your instrument needs to have the data logging function.
3. Back erase
So, you are busy measuring the noise from the cars on a road and a large truck passes by. If the intention is to measure cars only, you can exclude the truck from the overall measurement data by pressing the pause button and using the Back Erase button to remove the ‘offending’ section and exclude it from the calculations.
4. Timers
We offer a couple of timer options. They make precisely timed measurements (over pre-set or custom-defined durations) – a bit like a stop watch.
Single Timer
The single timer allows you to set a precise time that a single measurement will run for, as soon as you start measuring. You can still pause, stop or start your Nova sound level meter manually when the single timer is active.
Repeat timer
This function allows you to set the measurement time for repeated measurements. Set up options are Time on/off and measurement time (1 min, 2min, 5 min, 15 min, 30min, 1hr), Custom or Day/Evening/Night.
To use this function, your instrument needs to have the data logging function.
5. Noise Dose/TWA
You can select pre-defined parameters to comply with the noise legislation depending on the country you operate from and get, for example, an estimation of the noise Dose or estimated dose along with projected exposure calculator. The Time Weighted Average (TWA) is very useful to show a worker’s daily exposure to occupational noise (normalised to an 8 hour day), taking into account the average levels of noise and the time spent in each area.
6. 1: 1 Octave/Hearing Protection Selection
Your Nova meter can be equipped with real time 1:1 Octave Band Filters. These identify the frequency content of the noise in analytic detail such as, for example, in the case of noisy machinery and help you to control and reduce the noise. It can also be used to help with the calculation and prescription of hearing protection. For those with a Nova with the data logging function, the work will be done for you via the reporting software! Once the noise measurements are downloaded onto the computer, the software will analyse the data and automatically generate, lists of suitable hearing protection.
7. Ln Values
You will need this if you are involved in rating traffic noise along with background noise. This function allows you to measure and store statistical values during measurements. There are 7 Ln values available for each measurement and these are set by default on your Nova sound level meter to commonly used values (L1, L5, L10, L50, L90, L95 and L99). You are free to set your different requirements.
8. Memory
Did you know, your Nova has a 4GB removable memory card! It is partitioned into two sections, one is used to record time history and one is for audio. All you need to do is to allocate the space you want for each via the Pulsar AnalyzerPlus software. Although the memory is large, it is best practice to clear the memory once you have downloaded and created your reports. You can also clear, permanently, all stored measurements directly from the meter but you will be asked whether you are sure or not before you can proceed.
9. Languages
Let’s not forget that we cater for a global customer base and you can set your Nova to the following languages: English, French, German, Spanish and Italian.
10. Accessories
Your Nova sound level meter can be used with a range of accessories. The most commonly used include Class 1 or 2 acoustic calibrator, indoor tripod, input and output cables of various lengths. The Nova preamplifier is also removable and you can add microphone extension cables of different lengths to it.
All the options discussed above make the Nova a most versatile occupational sound level meter. This is exactly what you need for a changing workplace with diverse noise measurement needs. Which option will you add to your Nova sound level meter? We would like to hear what you think. If you would prefer to talk to us directly about the Nova sound level meter options, simply ring us on 01723 518011.
