Description
Noise Level Meter Outdoor System – Weather Protection For Your Sound Level Meter
Pulsar Instruments Plc offer the option of converting your handheld instruments into either a short term or long term semi-permanent outdoor noise monitor using a specially designed outdoor kit. Environmental noise monitoring usually takes place outside and the sound measurement device is therefore subjected to various weather conditions.
Rain or even heavy fog can make using a normal sound level meter outside for long periods impractical, as moisture can damage the microphone capsule and, in extreme conditions, the instrument itself.
Some applications require you to measure for perhaps a few hours, half a day or overnight to get adequate data to monitor a noise issue, while other applications require longer-term measurements on a semi-permanent basis. Pulsar offer options for both short term and longer-term monitoring with our WK1 ‘short term’ and WK2 ‘long term’ kits.
These outdoor kits contain a weather-proof case to house the sound measurement device such as a sound level meter, acoustic calibrator and rechargeable power source.
NOTE: The WK1 and WK2 outside noise measurement kits do not include a sound level meter as standard. The following sound level meters from the Pulsar range are available to purchase with an optional WK1 lightweight outdoor monitoring kit:
- Pulsar Quantifier range of sound level meters
- Pulsar Model 33 data logging real-time analyser
WK1 Short Term Outdoor system
Please note: The WK1 short term outdoor kit is only intended for measurements that are for relatively short periods i.e. up to a day or overnight. If you require a system for longer measurements you should choose our WK2 long term outdoor kit.
To reduce cost, the pre-amplifier and microphone from the sound level meter itself are fitted within the ‘waterproof’ mounting system complete with windshield and bird-spikes.
The windshield system provides protection from the elements whilst the bird-spikes are needed to avoid birds perching on the windshield and affecting your noise measurements. This unit can then be mounted on a standard camera tripod.
The 10-metre cable coming from the microphone assembly is connected to the extremely robust weatherproof carry case which protects the instrument, power supply and accessories.
The WK2 Long Term Outdoor System
The full outdoor noise measurement device microphone system consists of an integral tripod and microphone assembly which hermetically seals the pre-amplifier and associated circuitry. This is to prevent humidity affecting the circuitry and introducing impedance and therefore measurement errors, so the WK2 system will work in conditions of up to 99% humidity to full performance.
The microphone windshield /bird spike assembly employs the same weatherproofing techniques normally used for permanent airport monitors. The adjustable tripod legs of the sealed unit can level the system to any surface and the ‘hook’ system* can be used to attach the assembly to a nearby permanent fixture or add extra weight to the assembly. This ‘tripod and microphone’ assembly can be easily transported using its tubular carry case.
The WK2 has a hook system at the top of the tripod legs to allow this to be chained down. The hook is on a standard 20mm conduit thread so that all the standard electrical fittings can be utilised to fasten the system in place. Some users mount the microphone on a vertical threaded conduit tube to place it at a special height.*
