LD 720 Manual

Model 720
Reference Manual
Larson Davis Inc.

1681 West 820 North
Provo, UT 84601-1341
Phone: (801) 375-0177
FAX: (801) 375-0182
www.larsondavis.com
I720.01 Rev.C
Copyright
Copyright 2003 by Larson Davis, Incorporated. This manual is copyrighted, with all rights
reserved. The manual may not be copied in whole or in part for any use without prior written
consent of Larson Davis, Inc.
Disclaimer
The following paragraph does not apply in any state or country where such statements are not
agreeable with local law:
Even though Larson Davis, Inc. has reviewed its documentation, Larson Davis Incorporated makes
no warranty or representation, either expressed or implied, with respect to this software and
documentation, its quality, performance, merchantability, or fitness for a particular purpose. This
documentation is subject to change without notice, and should not be construed as a commitment or
representation by Larson Davis, Inc.
This publication may contain inaccuracies or typographical errors. Larson Davis, Inc. will
periodically update the material for inclusion in new editions. Changes and improvements to the
information described in this manual may be made at any time
Equal Opportunity Employer
Larson Davis is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color,
religion, gender, national origin, disability or veteran status.
..Please examine your instrument and record the following information below. You may be asked to
give this information in any future communications you have with Larson Davis, Inc.
Record of Serial Number and Purchase Date
System 720 Serial #: _____________________
Purchase Date:
Recycling
Larson Davis, Inc. is an environmentally friendly organization and encourages our customers to be
environmentally conscious. When this product reaches its end of life, please recycle the product
through a local recycling center or return the product to:
Larson Davis, Inc.
Attn: Recycling Coordinator
1681 West 820 North
Provo, Utah, USA 84601
where it will be accepted for disposal

Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction 1-1
About This Manual .................................................................................................1-2
About This Chapter.................................................................................................1-3
Formatting Conventions .........................................................................................1-3
Features ...................................................................................................................1-4
Model 720 Components..........................................................................................1-6
Block Diagram ...................................................................................................1-9
Getting Started ......................................................................................................1-11
Unpacking and Inspection................................................................................1-11
Accessories.......................................................................................................1-12
Optional Equipment .........................................................................................1-12
Battery Installation ...........................................................................................1-15
Environmental Considerations .........................................................................1-17
Chapter 2 Overview to Model 720 2-1

Understanding the Model 720 Keypad ...................................................................2-2
Getting to Know Screen Symbols...........................................................................2-7
Understanding the Model 720 Screen.....................................................................2-8
Turning On the Model 720 .....................................................................................2-8
Checking the Battery Voltage.................................................................................2-9
Turning Off the Model 720...................................................................................2-10
Chapter 3 Calibration 3-1

Calibrating the Model 720 ......................................................................................3-2
Chapter 4 Quick Start 4-1

Setting Parameters Using Function Keys ...............................................................4-1
Setting Parameters Using Numbers and Other Characters .....................................4-2
Setting Time, Date, and Day parameters ................................................................4-6
AC/DC Output ........................................................................................................4-7
Chapter 5 Performing a Measurement/Reading the Data 5-1

Taking a Measurement............................................................................................5-1
SLM ...................................................................................................................5-2
Lmax-Lmin ........................................................................................................5-5
PEAK-UWPK ....................................................................................................5-6
Ln .......................................................................................................................5-7
Leq .....................................................................................................................5-8
Dose ...................................................................................................................5-8
BATTERY .......................................................................................................5-12
MEMORY........................................................................................................5-12
Chapter 6 Timed Measurement 6-1

Using the Timer for Unattended Readings. ............................................................6-1
Using the Time Key Functions ...............................................................................6-4
Setting the Password Lock to Protect Settings .......................................................6-5
Chapter 7 History Functions 7-1

Setting and Viewing Advanced functions ..............................................................7-1
Time History ......................................................................................................7-2
Time History Data..............................................................................................7-4
Log .....................................................................................................................7-4
Interval History ..................................................................................................7-5
Exceedance.........................................................................................................7-8
Setting PassBy Functions.................................................................................7-11
Overload................................................................................................................7-13
Chapter 8 Parameters 8-1

Parameter Key Access Review ...............................................................................8-2
Entering and Exiting the Setup Menu ................................................................8-2
Locating Parameters...........................................................................................8-2
Changing Parameters — Enter, Modify.............................................................8-3
Error Messages:..................................................................................................8-4
Learning to Store and Retrieve Setup Memory ......................................................8-4
Storing a Setup ...................................................................................................8-5
Recalling a Setup ...............................................................................................8-6
Model 720 Setup Parameters ..................................................................................8-6
System (1-20) R U S ..........................................................................................8-7
Timer (21-27) U T..............................................................................................8-9
Lock (28-34) U L .............................................................................................8-10
Calibration (35-36) U C ...................................................................................8-11
Sound Level Meter (39-50) C ..........................................................................8-11
Dose (51-54) E .................................................................................................8-12
LN Statistical Levels (55-58) B .......................................................................8-13
Exceedance Levels (61-65) V ..........................................................................8-13
Exceedance History (66-68, 162).....................................................................8-14
Interval History (72-79) M...............................................................................8-15
Time History (80-87) H ...................................................................................8-16
Print Options (89-112) s...................................................................................8-17
Additional System Functions (159,162) ..........................................................8-19
Chapter 9 Memory Usage 9-1

Determine Storable Data.........................................................................................9-1
Estimating Memory Usage .....................................................................................9-2
Chapter 10 Printing a Report 10-1

Normal Printout Parameters..................................................................................10-1
Printing Reports ....................................................................................................10-2
Appendix A Specifications A-1

Type .......................................................................................................................A-2
Reference Direction ...............................................................................................A-2
Measurement Ranges .............................................................................................A-3
RMS Detector ...................................................................................................A-3
Other Detectors .................................................................................................A-3
Reference Level .....................................................................................................A-3
Frequency Weightings ...........................................................................................A-4
Detector Time Weightings.....................................................................................A-5
Effects of Temperature ..........................................................................................A-6
Effects of Humidly.................................................................................................A-6
Limits of Temperature and Humidity ....................................................................A-6
Positioning of Instrument and Observer for Best Measurements ..........................A-6
AC and DC Outputs ...............................................................................................A-6
AC Output .........................................................................................................A-7
DC Output .........................................................................................................A-7
Reference Frequency .............................................................................................A-7
Stabilization Time..................................................................................................A-7
Microphone Electrical Impedance .........................................................................A-8
Functions Measured ...............................................................................................A-8
Data Storage...........................................................................................................A-8
Data Communications............................................................................................A-8
Digital Display .......................................................................................................A-9
Digital Display Resolution.....................................................................................A-9
Display Bargraph ...................................................................................................A-9
Real-time Clock/Calendar......................................................................................A-9
Run-time Clock......................................................................................................A-9
Standards Met ......................................................................................................A-10
Power Supply .......................................................................................................A-10
Dimensions/Weight (with Microphone, Preamplifier and Battery).....................A-10
Appendix B Serial Port Interface Remote Control B-1

Model INT002 Interface Cable.............................................................................. B-2
Daisy Chain Addressing ........................................................................................ B-2
Commands ............................................................................................................. B-3
History Oriented Commands ............................................................................ B-4
Mode Commands .............................................................................................. B-5
“Read” Variables............................................................................................... B-6
Other Read Commands ................................................................................... B-12
Group Read Programming ................................................................................... B-12
Querying and Setting Parameters ........................................................................ B-13
Querying Parameters....................................................................................... B-14
Setting Parameters........................................................................................... B-15
Option Parameters ...................................................................................... B-15
Numeric Parameters ................................................................................... B-16
Character String Parameters....................................................................... B-16
Template Parameters .................................................................................. B-16
Parameter List ...................................................................................................... B-18
Histogram Reports .......................................................................................... B-21
Tailored Report .......................................................................................... B-21
Miscellaneous............................................................................................. B-22
Error Checking I/O.......................................................................................... B-23
History Records ................................................................................................... B-25
Types of History......................................................................................... B-25
Advance...................................................................................................... B-26
Backup........................................................................................................ B-26
Find............................................................................................................. B-26
History Data Variables......................................................................................... B-26
Exceedance History Variables ........................................................................ B-26
Interval History Variables ............................................................................... B-27
Run Log Variables .......................................................................................... B-29
Calibration History Variables ......................................................................... B-29
Time History Variables ................................................................................... B-29
Histogram Table Variables ............................................................................. B-30
Print Commands .................................................................................................. B-31
Error Messages and Warnings ............................................................................. B-32
Appendix C Glossary C-1

Appendix D Warranty/Customer Satisfaction 2-1
CHAPTER
1 Introduction
Welcome to the Larson•Davis Model 720. Your new

hand held Model 720 from Larson•Davis is a combina-
tion Type 2 precision integrating sound level meter and
a statistical data logger that exceeds all worldwide
accuracy requirements for the measurement of noise.
The Model 720 measures sound with the ease of opera-

tion of a “point and shoot” sound level meter. The lat-
est advances in surface mount technology, pre-
polarized electret microphone, and internal firmware
have been combined in a rugged, lightweight yet
extremely versatile unit.
Many sound level meters in the market can create sig-

nificant measurement errors because of their limited
dynamic range, pulse range, and crest factor. The
Model 720 does not have these limitations.
Furthermore, its internal firmware is designed to

accommodate changing regulations and to overcome
sound measurement problems. While the Model 720 is
the size of a dosimeter, it may also be used as an envi-
ronmental noise monitor offering features which will
ensure quality measurements for many years.
We invite you to read this manual to get the most out

of your new Larson•Davis sound level meter.
6/7/05 Introduction 1-1

About This Manual
This manual has 10 chapters and 3 appendices cover-

ing the following topics:
• Chapter 1 - Introduction: Overview of this user man-

ual and the Model 720’s functions and measure-
ment capabilities.
• Chapter 2 - Overview to Model 720: Understanding

the keyboard and screen, turning the instrument on
and off, and checking the battery voltage.
• Chapter 3 - Calibration: Using a reference to calibrate

the instrument and its importance.
• Chapter 4 - Quick Start: Setting parameters, using

function keys, and using numbers and other char-
acters.
• Chapter 5 - Performing a Measurement / Reading the

Data: taking a measurement and becoming familiar
with the function keys.
• Chapter 6 - Timed Measurement: Using the timer for

unattended readings, setting additional parame-
ters, and using the password lock.
• Chapter 7 - History Functions: Setting parameters for

exceedance levels and history settings, interval and
time history settings, and daily history.
• Chapter 8 - Parameters: A complete listing of all

parameter items and an explanation of their basic
functions.
• Chapter 9 - Memory Usage: Sizing parameter needs to

insure adequate memory for any given measure-
ment.
• Chapter 10 - Printing a Report: Turning gathered data

into a printed report.
1-2 Model 720 User Manual 6/7/05

• Appendix A - Specifications: A listing of acoustic,
electronic, environmental, and physical characteris-
tics of the Model 720.
• Appendix B - Model 720 Serial Port Interface Remote

Control: Setting interface commands with their syn-
tax.
• Appendix C - Glossary: Definitions of key terms and

concepts used commonly in the sound industry.
• Appendix D - Index: Alphabetical listing of all major

components of this manual.
About This Chapter
Specifically, this introductory chapter covers the fol-

lowing topics:
• Formatting Conventions: Explanation of the fonts

and other formatting conventions used in this man-
ual.
• Model 720 Features: A listing of the featured charac-

teristic, and capabilities of the Model 720.
• Model 720 Components: Description and diagrams

of the Model 720 external parts.
• Getting Started: Instructions for unpacking, a list-

ing of accessories and optional equipment and ini-
tial setup.
Formatting Conventions
This manual uses the following formatting conven-

tions:

Functions accessed by pressing a key on the Model 720
keypad are shown with an icon, for example:
Press e and then press c
In step-by-step directions, the process (what you do) is

shown in the left column, and the rationale (why you
do it) with other cautions and comments are shown in
the right column.
Follow these steps to access the parameters using

numeric values:
Notice that the flashing (f) has been Step 1 To access parameters using numeric values,
replaced by a flashing (n) indicating press m.
the numeric key access. The flashing
parenthesis, indicate this field is
ready to receive numeric input.
Entering 0 before the new number Step 2 Press 0 and then 6. The number 6 is assigned
will remove any prior parameter set- to the Current Time parameter:
tings.
Especially important information is shown in italics,

for example:
To access items 48-50, Overall Exchange Rate,

Overall Threshold, Overall Criterion, press the d
key.
Features
The Larson•Davis Model 720 meets the requirements

of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
S1.4, International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
651, and 804-1985 standards for Type 2 accuracy and
offers the following features:

• Dynamic range of more than 100 dB for error free
measurements.
• Impulse measuring range greater than 100 dB.
• Standard microphone allows measurements typi-

cally between 30 and 140 dBA in one range.
• Multiple detectors provide simultaneous RMS and

PEAK measurements.
• Leq integrated level (duration ranging from 1 sec-

ond to 99 hours, manually controlled).
• Measures FAST, SLOW, Unweighted PEAK,

Weighted PEAK, Impulse, Leq, LDOD, LOSHA,
Dose, Projected Dose, TWA, Sel (Lae), Lmax, Lmin,
four user-defined Ln’s, and more.
• User selectable dose exchange rate, criterion,

threshold, and reference duration.
• Measures and stores more than 40,000 different

DOSE combinations in a single measurement.
Allows comparisons of different DOSE standards
using the same data.
• Complete data logging capabilities with 64 Kobe

standard memory.
• Time history sampling periods are user selectable

from 1 second up to one sample every 255 seconds.
• Quartz clock/calendar system for data annotation.
• Calibration from front panel (using an appropriate

calibration source).
• Easy one step reset of measurement.
• Battery level indication.
• Standard 9V internal alkaline battery life of more

than 16 hours (or external power using L•D cable #
CBL035 for longer measurements).

• RS-232 computer interface standard. All functions
fully programmable. Comes complete with PC
SWW_SLM_UTIL software for data retrieval and
translate binary files to ASCII format. Other PC
software also available.
• Large, two line, 32 character, high contrast LCD dis-

play.
• Small [20 x 7.5 x 2.5 cm HWD (8 x 3 x 1")] and with-

out the nose cone [15 x 7.5 x 2.5 cm HWD (6 x 3 x
1")] and lightweight, 326 g (11 oz.), including micro-
phone and battery.
• Rugged ABS case with EMI and RFI protection.
• Environmental enclosures available for system

security and protection from inclement weather
conditions.
• Durable membrane keypad.
• Two-year warranty (see warranty statement on the

copyright page at the front of this manual).
Model 720 Components
A layout of the Model 720 is shown below

Microphone
Windscreen
LARSON•DAVIS
LCD Display
MODEL 720
Modify
AC/DC Out
7 8 9
TIME TIMER TAKT LDL
LEQ SEL TWA DOSE
4 5 6
CAL L MIN UWPK BATT
SLM L MAX PEAK LN
1 2 3 Nose Cone
LOCK MEM LOG
SHIFT EXCD HIST
INTV
Cancel 0 . Enter
OFF STR RCL RESET
ON PRINT SETUP R/S
TYPE 2 INTEGRATING SOUND LEVEL METER Keypad
Serial Interface Port

Figure 0-1 Model 720. The Model 720 is a convenient
hand-held sound level meter with a simple user
interface.
As can be seen, the standard Model 720 includes the

following:
• Model PRM789 3/8 inch preamplifier. The pream-

plifier cable may be looped inside the provided
nose cone when the meter is used as a hand held.
• A two-line, 32-character, high-contrast LCD dis-

play.
Keep clean and protect from con- • Model M1, 3/8 inch prepolarized microphone. The
densing moisture and water. Rain microphone is rugged and reliable but the Model
droplets or other foreign matter on 720 should be kept in its protective case when not
the diaphragm may alter the micro- in use. Avoid unnecessary shock (Although an L•D
phones’s response. Please use a microphone can survive being dropped, it should
windscreen whenever possible. be handled with care).
• A 20-key membrane keypad.
• Model 720 precision hand-held Sound Level Meter

with removable nose cone. Powered internally by 9
volt cell, or by an external battery or AC/DC
adapter.
• WS002 3/8 inch windscreen.
• An AC/DC mini phone connector with pinout

shown on page 4-7.
A 5-pin cable connector with the pinout shown in fig-

ure Figure 1-2 (note that it may be used to access exter-
nal power):
Using cable CBL038 or INT002 and

related software, the 5-pin connector Figure 0-2 External 5-pin Serial Communications
is used both for external power and Connector Pinout.
for the remote interface.

Pin 2: TXD Transmitted Data from 720
Pin 3: RXD Received Data to 720
Pin 4: Ext Batt External Battery to 720

3 2
4 1
5
Pin 5: DTR Data Terminal Ready from 720
Pin 1: GND Digital Signal Ground
Block Diagram
All the standard functions of a precision sound level

meter are provided: instantaneous level, Leq, SEL,
Lmax, Lmin, Dose, projected dose, etc. In addition,
many valuable parameters can be stored: time history
interval data such as Ln’s and Leq, etc. Level calibration
is performed in a few key strokes, and every change or
check is entered in a calibration log.
The Model 720’s large data memory frees the user

from the concern of data loss caused by memory limi-
tations. Furthermore, measurements can be printed or
transmitted at up to 19.2 K baud via RS-232 for
archiving.
Despite its numerous functions, the Model 720 is easy

to use.
Annotated displays indicate units and measurement

mode. The single setup menu lets the user scroll
through and program parameters or use an index key
to modify specific information. Multiple measurement
setups can be stored in memory for later recall. And of
course, complete setups can also be transferred from a
computer.
The block diagram below shows how the Model 720

sound level meter merges state-of-the-art analog cir-
cuitry, a powerful microcomputer controller and a
large amount of usable data memory.

The signal from the microphone/preamplifier is input
directly to the linear peak detector and, through the
selected A- or C-weighting filter, to the root-mean-
square (RMS) and weighted peak detectors. Analog to
digital conversion is performed maintaining a full 110
dB range for the rms signal. The numeric data is then
analyzed by the Model 720’s dedicated digital proces-
sor.
712/720 Block Diagram

Microphone
A LCD Keypad
40 RMS 39
Filter
Slow, Fast, Impl Clock
Timer
C
42
Filter Micro- RAM
Peak 1 A:D
processor 64K
Flash
128K
Peak 2 Internal Power
9V Battery Supply
5-pin
Weighted Connector
AC/DC Output
N Indicates parameter number
Flat 0 dB
41
20 dB
Figure 0-3 Block Diagram.
With system programming residing in PROMs (pro-

grammable read-only memory), upgrade or future
changes in regulations can easily be accommodated.
Measurement modes are selected and shown in infor-
mative screens on the 32 character liquid crystal diode
(LCD) display. The custom keypad provides direct
access to the needed data or setup item. An accurate
built-in Quartz clock/calendar and timer are ideal for
unattended measurements and time stamping of
events.
The 64 KB memory can be used to store time, exceed-

ance or interval data as selected by the user. All can be
printed or transferred to an external computer via the
serial port, even during data gathering. L•D PC-com-
patible software employs a binary data dump method
for even faster data transfer. External battery or DC

power may be supplied through the same five pin con-
nector.
Getting Started
This section outlines the steps you need to follow

when you first receive and unpack the Model 720. The
following topics are covered:
• Unpacking and Inspection.
• Accessories and Optional Equipment.
• Connecting Internal or External Power.
• Environmental Considerations.
• Preparing to use the Model 720.
You will then be ready to use the Model 720 for actual
measurements (as described later in Chapter 4 of this
manual).
Unpacking and Inspection
Your Model 720 has been shipped in protective pack-

aging. Please verify the package contents with the fol-
lowing list (Accessories and Optional Equipment) and
retain the shipping containers for safe shipment at a
future date. Report any damage or shortage immedi-
ately to Larson•Davis, Inc. at (801) 375-0177.
If you have not already done so, please record, at the

beginning of this manual (see the copyright page),
your instrument’s serial number (located on the label
on the back of the Model 720), the microphone serial
number (located inside the microphone), the preamp
serial number, and the purchase date. You will be
asked to give this information in any future communi-
cations you may have with Larson•Davis, Inc.

Accessories
The Model 720 is delivered with the following standard

accessories:
• The standard Model 720 Precision Sound Level

Meter including a Model M1 3/8" air condenser
microphone and Model 789 preamplifier.
A good quality alkaline cell should • Alkaline battery, 9 volts (IEC GLR61 or NEDA/
provide more than 16 hours of Model ANSI 1604A).
720 operation. Since most recharge-
able cells have less capacity, expect • User manual.
shorter use.
• Soft belt pouch (L•D part # CCS009).
Wind noise can adversely affect mea- • WS002 a 3/8 inch mini-windscreen.
surements. Using the windscreen on
the microphone reduces wind noise • SWW_SLM_UTIL software.
and protects the element from dust
and bumps. Utility software package allowing data retrieval and
translation of binary files, generated by the Model 720,
to ASCII File Format via RS-232 connection, and is
capable of editing and storing instrument setup
parameter to the PC, or loaded directly to sound level
meter.
Optional Equipment
The following optional equipment is also available:
• CBL033: Printer cable for direct printout to serial

printer, 6 feet.
• CBL034: Connects Model 720 and un-wired cable

end (4-conductor shielded).
• CBL035: Connects Model 720 and customer sup-

plied external battery.
• CBL038: Connects Model 720 to battery and RS232

port of most laptop computers. CBL077 extension
cable or similar recommended if longer length
required.

• CBL042 AC/DC output of the Model 720 to RCA/
BNC connectors.
• INT002: RS-232 cable level converter for data trans-

fer to PC. Requires 9 V battery or external AC
power supply (P5001 included). Note that external
supply will also power the Model 720.
• PSA001: AC/DC power adapter, 115 Vac to 9 Vdc,

50-60 Hz for use with INT002.
• CCS002: Custom hard shell, airtight, watertight

case (13 1/2 X 12 7/8 X 6 in).
• CBL040: Similar to INT002 but allows one to “daisy

chain” an additional Model 720.
• PS002: AC/DC power adapter, 220 Vac to 9Vdc, 50-

60 Hz for use with INT002.
• EPS012: Weatherproof fiberglass case with custom-

cut foam interior and desiccant. Sealed signal cable
feedthrough. Features lock hasp and may be
chained through handle for security.
• EPS013: Same as EPS012 but with 8 Ah, 12 Volt

rechargeable battery BAT004. Provides 1 week
operation in normal conditions. Includes CBL038
and battery charger.

Note Figure 1-4 or call Larson•Davis for additional
information on these and other accessories.
WS001* WS005 Windscreen

2570
2575
with birdspikes
2520
2530
Rainhat with
WS005
electrostatic actuator
1/2-inch Microphone
EPS012 Environmental Case
2540
2559
2541
2560
2551
ADP008
ADP011 PRM2101
720 SYSTEM 2106/7/8

EPS013 Environmental Case w/ Battery
PRM828*
Note: Those items marked with "*"
are standard included accessories.
Software
SWW SLM UTIL*
SWW SLM LINK
EXCXXX SWW ENV
(20’ Max) SWW REM
SWW NMS
SWW ACS
(20’)
AC Out (black)
CBL042 (6’)
DC Out (red) Larson
LARSON DAVIS 720 SLM
Modify
Davis
CBL009-020 (820 OPT01 required)
TIME
L EQ
7
TIMER
SEL
8
L DN
T.A.
9
LDL
DOSE
WEB Page
4 5 6
CAL LMIN UWPK BATT

SLM LMAX PEAK LN
CCS009 SHIFT
1
LOCK
EXCD
2
MEM
INTV
.
3
LOG
HIST
(1.5’)
Cancel 0 Enter
Soft Case*
STR
PRINT
RCL
SETUP
RESET
R/S
TYPE 1 INTEGRATING SOUND LEVEL METER
Battery (powers 2101 heater and EA)
INT002 (12’)
4 Conductor CBL034 (6’)
Shielded PSA001 Desktop Computer
To next SLM
CBL040 (12’)
Battery to CBL035 (4’)
power 720 PSA001
(alligator clips) CBL116 (1.5’) CBL077 (6’, optional)
Laptop Computer
PSA005 AC/DC Adaptor (2’)
Battery
CBL033 (6’)
CBL116 (1.5’) CBL077 (6’, optional) Serial Printer
(2’)
Figure 0-4 720 System Diagram
Battery Installation
To insert the 9 volt battery in the Model 820, remove

the battery cover at the lower left side of the instru-
ment by sliding it out as shown in Figure 0-5 .

Figure 0-5 Remove Battery
With the battery door removed, drop the battery into

the opening in the case as shown in Figure 0-6 , mak-
ing certain that the battery is aligned with the positive
and negative electrodes as shown on the graphic inside
the battery compartment.
Figure 0-6 Inserting Battery
Internal battery life is approximately 16 hours. (Refer

to the description in Chapter 2 of this manual for addi-
tional battery information.)
The cable CBL116 SLN serial connectivity kit, which

allows connection of the 820 to a PC or modem, pro-
vides the connection of an external power adaptor
such as the PSA017 or similar
Alternatively, you may use an external power source via pin

1(GND) and pin 4(+) of the 5-pin connector. To do this,
order cable #CBL035 from Larson Davis. The Model 820
accepts 7-16 Vdc @ 30 mA and is internally fused at 0.5 A.
• An internal battery with a full charge will retain

memory for 3 months with the instrument off.

Caution: Weak batteries should • The instrument will turn off when the usable bat-
always be replaced. Discharged battery capacity drops to 10%. This will leave approxi-
teries will cause memory loss and mately 1 month of memory retention.
may leak and damage the Model 720.
Always turn the instrument off and Before turning off, four low battery messages will
disconnect external peripherals appear, one every 16 seconds. After 64 seconds the
before removing the internal battery. instrument turns itself off.
Failure to do so may cause data loss.
Do not press ON while there is no • With the battery removed, a capacitor will retain
battery in the SLM. memory for several minutes (during battery
change).
• The Model 720 will instantly turn off should the

voltage drop to less then about 4.4 V. An error mes-
sage will be displayed at next power-up: “Warning
Power Failure”.
Once the battery is installed, the Model 720 is ready for

use.
Environmental Considerations
The Model 720 sound level meter can be both used and
stored in a wide range of temperature, free of moisture
and non-condensing humidity conditions. Some pre-
cautions should be taken. For example, allow the
Model 720 ample time to adjust to abrupt temperature
changes. Condensation may form inside a cold Model
720 if it is brought into a warm room or vehicle and
may persist long after the outside case has adjusted to
the ambient temperature.
Also, temperatures inside closed vehicles can reach

excessive levels. Therefore, do not leave the instrument in
direct sunlight in a vehicle. A simple safeguard is to keep
the instrument inside a sealed foam insulated case or
bag with desiccant silica gel, available at photographic
equipment stores or from Larson•Davis.

CHAPTER
2 Overview to Model 720
Once your Model 720 is unpacked and connected to a

battery (or external power supply), you can turn it on
and take simple measurements. In this chapter, we dis-
cuss the following:
• Understanding the Model 720 Keypad.
• Understanding the Model 720 Screen.
• Getting to Know Screen Symbols.
• Turning on the Model 720.
• Checking the Battery Voltage.
• Turning off the Model 720.
6/7/05 Overview to Model 720 2-1

Understanding the Model 720 Keypad
The keypad for the Model 720 has 20 keys as seen in

the following figure (Figure 2-1):
LARSON•DAVIS
MODEL 720
Modify
7 8 9
TIME TIMER TAKT LDL
LEQ SEL TWA DOSE
4 5 6
CAL L MIN UWPK BATT
SLM L MAX PEAK LN
1 2 3
LOCK MEM LOG
SHIFT EXCD HIST
INTV
Cancel 0 . Enter
OFF STR RCL RESET
ON PRINT SETUP R/S
TYPE 2 INTEGRATING SOUND LEVEL METER
Figure 0-1 Model 720 Keypad.
These keys perform the following functions. (This

information is covered in more detail in chapter 4, of
this manual.)
Keys Functions
White White functions are accessed by pushing

buttons directly.
Blue Blue functions are accessed by first press-
ing the U key.
The smaller letters/numbers above the
keys are accessed by the adjoining key at
the appropriate time to be explained
later.

Keys Functions
O ON: Turns on the Model 720.

c CANCEL: When the Model 720 is on, this
button serves to return to a previous
menu, or “Cancel” the present function.
OFF: SHIFT OFF turns off the Model 720
after it has been stopped.
s Print: Access to a list of reports scrolled

through the display; a key name is indi-
cated for each one. If there is a “+” fol-
lowing the key name then the options
function will be invoked after selecting
that key, otherwise the particular report
will be printed immediately.
STR: A permanent storage register for
parameters and calibration data in
EEPROM type memory that is not lost
when all power is lost. There are 2 RAM
registers to store data.
R SETUP: Enables the setting of desired

parameters, each accessed by using the
up and down arrow keys.
RCL: The EEPROM register and the RAM
register may be recalled by pressing the
RCL key, scrolling to the desired register
and pressing ENTER.
S R/S: This key starts and stops measure-

e ments
RESET: Restarts a measurement by eras-
ing the values just measured.This func-
tion can be used whether a measurement
is in the “run” or “stop” mode.
ENTER: used to enter new parameters
selected by the user.
U SHIFT: Allows access to the blue letter

functions on the keypad.

Keys Functions
L EXCD: The Exceedance History is a

record of noise events which exceed a
programmed level for a time greater than
a programmed minimum time period.
See parameters 66-70.
LOCK: The lock functions protect instru-
ment data and configuration.The level of
security is configured in Setup.
M INTV: The Interval History provides a

history of a number of measurements
values for a moderate size time interval,
1 minute to larger than 99 hours in one
minute or greater steps. It is pro-
grammed by parameters 72-79.
MEM: Memory use in percent, bytes free
and total byte available are provided as
well as a count of all of the History
Records stored in memory.
H HIST: The Time History function is a

record of short interval Leq reading and
optionally, a Peak, UWPK, or Lmax read-
ing. The interval can vary from 1 second
to 255 sec. History period is set by
parameters 83-84.
LOG: The Run/Stop Log is a time record
of all the actions which start or stop the
data taking process of the Model 720.
C CAL: Calibration information and con-

trol. Initially, in the CAL-a display, the
current calibration offset is displayed
with a flashing prompt to press either the
UP arrow key to check the calibration or
press the d key to change the calibration.
SLM: The Sound Level Meter function
displays the current Sound Pressure
Level (SPL) while the instrument is in the
Run Mode or the SPL at the instant it was
last stopped.

Keys Functions
V LMAX: The maximum SPL, or Lmax, is the

largest sampled SPL for the overall mea-
surement period, displayed with the date
and time of its occurrence. Two addi-
tional screens, accessed by pressing the
left or right arrows, show the number of
times the SPL exceeded two fixed levels.
LMIN: The minimum SPL, or Lmin, is the
lowest sampled SPL for the overall mea-
surement.
K PEAK: The highest weighted Peak Detec-

tor output level, Lpk. Date and time of the
occurrence of the Lpk is also shown. The
number of times the weighted peak level
exceeds a programmed threshold is also
counted and displayed (-b window).
UWPK: The highest UnWeighted Peak
Detector output level, LUWPK. The date
and time of the occurrence of the Luwpk
is also shown. The number of times the
weighted peak level exceeds a pro-
grammed threshold is also counted and
displayed (-b window).
B Ln: The LN values represent the SPL

exceeded n% of the run time. All values
from 1% to 99% are available, two of four
are displayed at a time and can be
changed even while running.
BATT: This key gives the percentage of
power remaining in the 9 V battery, or
external supply.
BATT-b: Gives Model 720 revision num-
ber and date.

Keys Functions
T LEQ: The Equivalent Level or Leq is a

Time Weighted Average based on an
exchange rate of 3dB (true energy mea-
sure) with no threshold.
TIME: The date and time of last reset or
measurement start are available from the
Time-a display. The current date and
time are shown with the Time-b display.
t SEL: The Single Event Level or Sound

Exposure Level is an energy reading in
decibels. It is the TWA level plus 10 times
the log of measurement time in seconds.
SEL-b: Gives exposure in Pa2H which is a
linear representation of energy.
TIMER: The ability to take a measure-
ment at a specific time and date is avail-
able, thus permitting unattended
measurements, i.e. one or two measure-
ments/day between two dates or a single
block measurement from a start date and
time to a stop date and time.
WA TAKT: The German Takt Maximal Lev-

els.
TWA: Shows the overall TWA and Run
Time.
E DOSE: The Dose and Projected Dose

sound exposure percentages are dis-
played in these screens. Parameters #48-
51 control the Dose measurement.
LDL: Logged Dated Logic allows the user
to recalculate TWA, SEL, DOSE and Pro-
jected Dose using new Exchange Rate,
Threshold, and Criterion parameters
during or after a measurement.

Keys Functions
ud Arrows: Up, Down, Left and Right arrows

lr are used to change fields, to modify
m information within a given field and can
be used in conjunction with other keys to
allow other functions.
Modify: Prepares the field for changes
while in setup.
Getting to Know Screen Symbols
Symbols basic to the Model 720 are included below.

These are generally found to the right of the screen.
The Operating Mode Indicator, upper right character,
indicates whether data is being accumulated or not
and has the modes indicated by the first four exam-
ples.
The Keyboard Status Indicator displays which key

functions are active. The lower four modes are possible
and appear in the lower right corner or the display.
Symbol Functionality
SsS (flashing upper case to lower case) -

Model 720 is stabilizing upon warm-up
(10-45 sec.), or SETUP weighting (8s), or
bias voltage (30s) change in stop mode.
Stop mode - no data is being taken.
Run mode
OVLD Overload - These letters in succession

occur alternately with the stick figure
with 8 second intervals when an over-
load has occurred.

Symbol Functionality
f (flashing) - Indicates that the function

keys (Lmin, Dose, etc.) are used for differ-
ent purpose in the current function.
n Indicates that numeric key input mode is

active.
S12 U key active (secondary function in blue

lettering).
SrS If the Model 720 is still stabilizing upon

warm-up and the R/S (Run) button is
pushed, (r) will flash alternately with (S).
Understanding the Model 720 Screen
The operating screen for the Model 720 has several

fields which vary according to the keys pressed on the
keypad.
The most pertinent information is generally at the top

and center to left and instructions are generally on the
bottom center to left. Several characters are consistent
in their appearance. We will now turn the Model 720
on and examine a variety of possible screens.
Turning On the Model 720
Three successive displays will appear Step 1 Press O to power the Model 720 and initiate a
while the meter stabilizes for 10-45 self test:
seconds. The first display has copy-
right information and appears only 1
to 2 seconds
M S

The second display shows the pro- Step 2 The next display automatically appears.
duction date and the serial number
uniquely assigned to your Model
720. This message appears for only 1 s
or 2 seconds.
This screen will remain until the Step 3 The third screen automatically appears:
user inputs other commands.The
flashing uppercase (S) indicates sys-
tem initiation and will continue 10- S
45 seconds.
When the system initiation is com- The third screen appears almost immediately showing
plete, a stick figure in the upper right the title information for the current or last reading and
corner of the display will appear is programmable by the operator.
seated indicating the Model 720 is in
STOP mode.
At this point, you can change the parameters and

begin taking actual measurements.
Checking the Battery Voltage
The Model 720 continuously monitors its battery volt-

age to ensure accurate measurements. It has a battery
life of about sixteen hours. It will turn off automati-
cally when the voltage falls below 5.7 volts. Therefore
you should verify that the remaining battery capacity
is sufficient before you make an especially critical or
lengthy measurement.
WARNING! Do not press the B key during a measurement since it

will pause the measurement while pressed.

Remember, pushing a button can Step 1 To manually check battery voltage, simply
produce small low-level noises which press the UB keys. Information sim-
can affect your readings. In addition, ilar to the following will display
the Model 720 momentarily pauses
the current measurement whenever
a key is pressed (in order to interpret
the keyboard event). Therefore,
where possible, do not press the B
key during a valid event you wish to
measure.
The first screen shows the percentage

of power left in the battery, the inter-
nal power source, “INT”; the second
display indicates external power is
being used, “EXTV.”
Turning Off the Model 720
The instrument will not allow itself To turn off the Model 720, simply press the UO
to be turned off until in (Stop) mode. key.
This feature will insure that no
important data is lost.

CHAPTER
3 Calibration
Because of variation in microphone sensitivities, a

sound level meter must be calibrated to a reference
sound level for accurate measurements. This is easily
performed with the Model 720. You will need a cali-
brator with an appropriate adapter for the Model 720
microphone, such as the Larson•Davis CAL150. This
L•D calibrator outputs 114 dB, or 94 dB, with respect
to 20 µPa, and at a frequency of 1000 Hz. At this fre-
quency, the relative response for A and C weightings
is the same.
NOTE: A precision calibrator is not necessary for this part of the

tutorial, but you should make it a regular practice to perform an
instrument calibration before and after you take actual measure-
ments in the field. However, you do not have to recalibrate the
Model 720 when you change the settings.
Please note that if you use a calibrator which uses

another frequency some corrections may be required
depending on the weighting. The output level and the
frequency of your calibrator should be listed on its
label. Use this level with specific environmental and
weighting corrections to calibrate the Model 720 level.
6/7/05 Calibration 3-1

Calibrating the Model 720
To begin the calibration process check or insert the

new calibration level given in parameter 35.
The Larson•Davis Model CAL150 Step 1 To do this press R, m, 3 and 5, then

calibrator outputs 114 dB or 94 dB e. The following screen will appear:
re. 20 µPa. Note that the Model 720
automatically uses the C-weighting
while calibrating. This ensures a cor-
rect reading at typical calibration
frequencies of 250 Hz to 1 kHz.
Step 2 Press m, then enter the “SPL” value of

your calibrator (if other than [114.0]), includ-
ing any corrections for pressure, etc.
Step 3 The next setup item allows entry of the cali-

brator serial number, for record keeping pur-
poses. Press the d, or R, m, 3 and 6,
and e.Press m to change the serial
number, enter the correct numbers and press
e.
Refer to the specific instructions Step 4 Seat the microphone fully in the calibrator
accompanying your calibrator for cavity. If possible both units should be at the
accomplishing this step. same temperature and stationary so that
hand vibrations are not transmitted to the
SLM.
Step 5 Press c to exit calibration setup. Then,

activate the calibrator by pressing the button
on its side.

Pressing the u will check calibra- Step 6 Press the U and C on the Model 720.
tion, pressing the d will change This display indicates the current sensitivity
it. off set and will be blinking between two set-
tings:
In this screen, an error message may Step 7 Pressing the d key will initiate a calibra-
initially prompt for a reset. The dif- tion change. Do that now:
ference between the current and the
last calibration is 0.0 db. If the level
is not stable enough for proper cali-
bration, the Model 720 will exit the
calibration mode without changing
its calibration level. The “c” indi-
cates the instrument is calibrating.
The Model 720 will wait until the

reading is stable (indicator is
SsSsSs...., then adjust the offset for
the proper reading CcCcCc..... An
improper calibration offset (for Step 8 To Reset the Model 720 for re-calibration,
instance, something greater than press U and S.
34.0 dB) may indicate that the cali-
bration tone was shut off before cali-
bration was completed. You may
repeat the previous steps or perform
a Cal check.
The display will ask if you want to Step 9 Press e. Reset is complete and the
“Reset ALL Data?” You do. instrument will return to the calibration
mode.
Step 10 To leave the calibration mode, press c.
6/7/05 Calibration 3-3

CHAPTER
4 Quick Start
Before running a simple measurement it is important

to set a few parameters to meet your needs and
become familiar with related functions. In this chapter
we will discuss these items:
• Setting parameters using R, m, and e
• Using numbers and other characters
• Setting Time, Date, and Day parameters
Setting Parameters Using Function Keys
The Parameter fields can be accessed in several ways:
• By entering numbers assigned to each parameter

(the numbers are located above the keys on the key-
pad and are discussed later in the chapter)
• By scrolling up or down using the u or d keys
• By using any white or blue function keys
Follow these steps to access the parameters using

numeric values:
A complete list of parameters and Step 1 With the Model 720 on, press R and the
their assigned numbers is found in following screen appears:
Chapter 8.
6/7/05 Quick Start 4-1

Notice that the flashing (f) has been Step 2 To access parameters using numeric values,
replaced by a flashing (n) indicating press m:
the numeric key access. The flashing
parenthesis, indicate this field is
ready to receive numeric input.
Entering 0 before the new number Step 3 To access the Current Time, press 0 and then
will remove any prior parameter set- 6. The number 6 is assigned to the Current
tings. Time parameter:
The third way to access Current Step 4 Press m to prepare the screen for changes
Time parameter, press R in the Current Time. Notice the flashing (f)
UT. Remember, press m changes to (n).
to change or correct the field and
press e. Step 5 Using numeric keys make changes and press
e, or if the time is correct, just press
e.
Step 6 To exit the setup mode, press c.
Setting Parameters Using Numbers and Other Characters
The Model 720 has the ability to show 3 lines for your
Company Name and one line for the Measurement
Title which is used on the reports. These parameters
are entered from the keyboard.
Through the keyboard, you can enter all of the capital

letters from A to Z, the digits 0 to 9, and some punctu-
ation characters. There are three levels of U func-
tions when in the “Alpha Parameter Modify Mode.”
The charts below (Figures 4-1 to 4-4), show the charac-

ters that are available. They are listed according to the
number of times you consecutively press the U
key. The shift indicator in the lower right corner of the

instrument’s display will show the number of times
the U key has been pressed by showing the let-
ter n and S, then 2 and 3 respectively for 0 to 3 presses.
This panel is available without

pressing the shift key, or the equiva-
lent of 0 presses.
Figure 0-1 Standard Alpha-Numeric Keyboard Layout
This panel is accessed by pressing

the shift key one time. The (S) will
appear in the lower right corner of
the display indicating this panel is
accessed.
Figure 0-2 S Shift Level-1 Alpha Numeric Keyboard
This panel is accessed by pressing

the shift key two times. The number
(2) appears in the lower right corner
of the display indicating this panel is
accessed.
Figure 0-3 2 Shift Level - 2 Alpha-Numeric Keyboard

This final panel is accessed by press-
ing the shift key three times. The
number (3) appears in the lower
right corner of the display indicating
this panel is accessed.
Figure 0-4 3 Shift Level - 3 Alpha-numeric Keyboard
All but the last of these screens you Step 1 To enter a name, for example, turn the Model
have seen before. This display is to 720 on and press these keys to access the first
set one of four custom instrument name field, R m 0 2 e:
name screens which will appears
each time you turn the instrument
on.
Notice the parentheses begin to flash Step 2 Press m.

and the (f) changes to (n) and the (L)
is underscored (Larson-Davis). You
may now enter the appropriate let-
ters here by using the “Alpha Char-
acter Keyboard Entry” shown above.
The flashing (n) is replaced by (S) Step 3 Press U.

and will remain for five seconds. At
this time you may select any charac-
ter from the S-table, press that key
and it will replace the letter at the
cursor (_). The cursor then moves to _
the next letter. Use the r l keys
to move the cursor without changing
the letters.
The (n) is replaced by (2) for five sec- Step 4 Press U twice.
onds. Letters from the 2-panel are
available for entry.

A (3) will appear for five seconds. Step 5 Press U three times,
The letters from the 3-panel are
available for entry. Example: To enter the company name of Lar-
son•Davis in the first line, follow these steps:
The display in Step 1 above will
appear. a. To access the Name Display turn on the
meter. Press R m 02 e
If you change your mind about clear-
ing the field, hit c to return to the b. Press m to place the cursor at the begin-
original title. Repeat a and b in Step ning or use the l oor r to position
5 to return to this point. the cursor.
Enter the (L) key, second from the c. To clear the field, if necessary, press
lower left. The cursor will automati- U twice and the l key.
cally move to the next letter.
d. The letter (L) is on the S-field. Press
Enter the (A) key. U.
Enter the (R,S,O) keys con-

secutively or one at a time. e. The letter (A) is on the S-field. Press U
again.
Complete the rest of the entries in the
same fashion. f. The (R,S,O) keys are in the 2-field.
Press U twice to access the 2-field.
g. To Clear the field, press U twice to

access the 2-chart and press the Clear key.
h. To replace a character with a Space, press

U twice to access the 2-field and press
the Space key.
Step 6 When the first line is completed press the d

to go to the next field, the second line.
Three lines are available for entry, Step 7 Press m and select the appropriate chart
i.e. company address, telephone. by pressing U and the desired character
key.
Step 8 When the second line is complete, press the

d to go to the next field, the third line, and
repeat the process.

The first and fourth lines will appear Step 9 The fourth line is for the Measurement Title.
on screen when the Model 720 is Press the d key.
turned on.
Step 10 To exit the setup mode, press c
Setting Time, Date, and Day parameters
Once you have set the parameters, you can now enter
the correct time and date. The Model 720 has a 24 hour
(military time) clock where afternoon hours are
denoted by adding 12 hours, e.g. 3:45 p.m. = 15:45 hrs.
Modify this parameter as follows:
The current time is displayed. If it is Step 1 With the Model 720 on, press R UT:
incorrect, enter the correct time.
Step 2 Press the mkey and use the numeric

keys to enter correct time and then press
e:
The current date will appear. If it is Step 3 The Current Date is the next field. Press the
incorrect press m to access the field, d to the next display:
enter the correct date using the cor-
responding number keys and press
e.
If the day is incorrect press m Step 4 The Day of the Week is in the next field. Press
and r or l to the correct day. Press d to access that field.
e.
Step 5 To exit the setup mode, press c.

AC/DC Output
AC and DC is accessed by the use of the optional

CBL042 or by using a stereo miniphone plug as shown
in figure 4-5. The DC output provides a voltage from
the RMS detector that is proportional to the sound
level. The scale is 20.3 mV/dB. The output voltage is 0-
3 volts with an output impedance of 600¾. The AC
output gives an AC signal proportional to input signal
and can be Flat or A and C weighted. It is used to
record the input signal to the Model 720 (see Appendix
A for more details).
CBL042 AC Output (black)

DC Output (ring)
AC Output (tip)
Ground (sleeve)
DC Output (red)
Figure 0-5 AC/DC Output Connector

CHAPTER
5 Performing a Measurement/
Reading the Data
With the basic parameters set and the instrument cali-

brated (as discussed in Chapters 3 and 4), you are
ready to take a measurement and examine the read-
ings from the data collected.
Taking an actual measurement with the Model 720

only requires pressing the S or RUN/STOP key.
In this chapter we will:
• Take a measurement.
• Examine and briefly explain the function keys asso-

ciated with the measurement, i.e. C V B
T W t E and M.
• Stopping the measurement.
Taking a Measurement
This section will address measurements and the infor-

mation available during and after the measurement
has been taken. The most basic function of the Model
720 is to measure sound pressure. Follow these steps to
examine the SLM function key:
6/7/05 Performing a Measurement/Reading the Data 5-1

SLM
This instrument can store a great Step 1 Turn the Model 720 on and wait for the unit
variety of measurements in memory to become stable. Press S. The stick figure
depending on the current parameter in the upper right corner will appear to be
setup. Nevertheless, current mea- running.
surements are always easily avail-
able from the keypad.
The display now reads a C-weighted, Step 2 With the instrument in RUN mode, press
slow average reading of 84.5 dBC C. The current sound pressure level is dis-
(re. 20 µPa). The level is also shown played:
on a semi-analog bar graph. Parame-
ters 39-43 affect these values and
parameters 45-47 effect the Current
SLM.
The Lmin and Lmax for the current Step 3 An additional six screens are available from
reading at the current time are dis- this display. Press the d key to access the
played in the first screen. Notice that first:
the current sound pressure level con-
tinues to read in the upper left cor-
ner and fluctuates. Note that even in
the stop mode the Model 720 contin-
ues to monitor SPL while in this
window.
****
These values may be checked at any time while the

measurement is being taken, or final readings after the
measurement has been completed. Be careful not to
bump or drop the instrument as the results of the read-
ing will be affected.

The Peak and Unweighted Peak are Step 4 Press the d key again for the second
displayed here. Note that the Model screen. In this example the measurement has
720 is still taking a measurement been stopped. Notice the figure is at rest:
here, however in the stop or pause
mode the Model 720 continues to
display the detected values on the
upper right hand side of the screen.
The numbers on the left are the high-

est during the measurement and the
numbers on the right are the current
Peak and Unweighted Peak.
The Leq values are shown here to be Step 5 Press the d key for the third screen:
85.5 dB, C-weighted, the measure-
ment ran for 3 minutes plus. Should
an Overload occur, one of four letters
(OVLD), would flash alternately
with the stick figure in the upper
right corner (see Chapter 7).
The SEL level (using 3 dB exchange Step 6 Press the d key for the fourth screen:
rate) is 109.1 dB and the duration of
the measurement is given.
The Alarm can be set to begin a mea- Step 7 The next screen addresses the Alarm time and
surement at a designated time. The current temperature. Press the d key the
“??:??” here indicates the next mea- fifth screen will appear:
surement has not been chosen. The
current internal temperature as mea-
sured by the Model 720 is shown in
the lower portion of the screen.

The Model 720 has been pro- Step 8 The property controlling the final screen in
grammed to save power whenever it this series is built into the Model 812 to con-
can. Each time input is made this the serve power. Press the d key.
internal timer will start at 100 and
count downward. If not programmed
to do otherwise, the Model 720 will 0
turn itself off when this screen
reaches 0, just over two minutes.
Step 9 Pressing the d key again will scroll loop

you back to the SLM original screen.
Now that you are more familiar with the information

available in the displays above, lets take a closer look
at the parameters that affect these readings.
Slow: exponential avg: 1 sec con- Step 1 To access these parameters turn the Model
stant 720 on by pressing c. Next press R
m 3 9 e (Or press R, C), and
Fast; exponential avg: 1/8 second the following screen will appear:
constant.
Impl: impulse response.
For OSHA measurements, this is

normally set to Slow. For environ-
mental measurements, Fast or Slow
may be used. Within a given period Step 2 The Detector prompt has three possibilities
of time, the Fast detector will take indicated above. Press mr to access
more measurements than the Slow. desired setting, and e
Therefore, the Fast detector is likely
to measure more higher and lower
levels than the Slow detector.
The A and C weightings simulate Step 3 To set the Frequency Weighting, press d to
human hearing response and meet item 40. You can choose either A or C weight-
type 2 standards for accuracy (A16, ing:
C16 and Flat do not apply to the
Model 720). [A, A16, C, C16, Flt]
Step 4 The Model 720 has been preset at [A]. To

change the setting press mr to the pre-
ferred setting and e.

F+20 means Flat plus 20 dB of level Step 5 Find item 41 by pressing d AC Out Weight-
added. ing, which has the values listed here. Choose
one by pressing r. [Flat, Whgt, F+20,
W+20 means Weighted with 20 dB W+20]
of level added.
Flat record all sound and C weight- Step 6 Item 42, UwPk Weighting, press the d
ing simulates the human hearing at again. Chose from the values listed with r.
higher sound levels.
[Flat, C]
Step 7 Press c to exit setup mode.
Lmax-Lmin
We have already looked at the Lmax and Lmin in a pre-

vious screen. These values are also available directly
from display keys. They can be accessed while the unit
is taking a reading or in the stop mode. Only when the
unit is running is the data recorded. These measure-
ments are usually read after they have been taken and
the measurement is stopped. Here we will examine
them while a measurement is being taken:
The highest RMS level occurred at Step 1 Press V to view the greatest value of the
9:19 hrs., and was 99.2 dBA on the RMS SPL since the beginning of the measure-
given date. Additional screens are ment:
available here recording the number
of times the current reading has
reached predetermined levels
(selected in parameters 61-62).
In this example, parameter 61 was Step 2 Press the r key and examine the second
set to 55 dB and C-weighted (param- screen available in this series:
eter 40). In this measurement the
RMS has topped this level 11 times.

The display shows that parameter 62 Step 3 Press the r key to find the third screen:
was set to (65 dB) and is C-
weighted. This measurement topped
this level 6 times.
The same key, V, finds the Lmin values in conjunction

with the U key.
The current measurement Lmin Step 1 Examine these values; press the U and
occurred on November 27, 1996, at V keys and the following display will
9:21 A.M. (Remember, the Model appear:
720 used military time to designate
between A.M. and P.M.) That Lmin
value was 51.5 dB.
There are no other screens available

from this display.
PEAK-UWPK
The Model 720 also has a peak level detector. Its values
during the measurement (or when stopped) are found
by pressing the K key.
PEAK is a weighted value and repre- Step 1 Access Peak values. Press K:
sents a true Peak SPL from the on-
board Peak Detector. In this example
the PEAK is 116.2 dB and occurred
at the time and date shown on the
screen. Parameter 63 sets the level
above which the readings must go to
be recorded by the Model 720.
Parameter 63 controls the setting for Step 2 The second display available from this func-
this measurement. Here the setting tion is accessed by pressing the r key:
is 74 dB, C-weighted and in this
measurement was exceeded 46 times.

Unweighted Peak (UWPK) has two screens available
as well and are accessed with the U and K
keys.
The unweighted peak value is the Step 1 Press U and K and examine these
unfiltered (no A or C weighting) sig- values for the current reading:
nal from the Peak Detector.
The value for the UWPK is set in Step 2 For the second screen, press the r key:
parameter 64 and is 85 dB. This
value was reached 30 times.
Ln
Ln values are determined by parameters 55-60 and

should be examined next in our current measurement.
Parameters 55-56 in this example Step 1 Access Ln by pressing the B key and a
were set to 5 and 10 respectively. screen similar to the following will appear:
This screen shows their values in
this measurement. These indicate the
sound pressure levels that were
exceeded 5% and 10% of the mea-
surement duration.
Parameters 57-58 were set at the Step 2 Press the r key to access the second screen:
given values shown in the screen
and their readings are apparent.

Leq
The average RMS level is 68.2 dB, The average RMS level, the Leq, is displayed by press-
slow, average for the 12 minute and ing T.
14.9 second measurement period.
Dose
DOSE, the noise exposure, may be calculated with

three different sets of parameters:
• Current.
• LDL (Logic Data Log).
• Overall.
Parameters 45-54 are used with the calculation to

arrive at the current dose from the current data and
sets the exchange rate, threshold level, and criteria
level for the current measurement. These can be set
differently from the overall in order to give different
dose readings.
Parameter 51, Full Dose Period (or To protect the measurement, the OVERALL Dose set-
Criterion Time) applies to Current tings (parameters 48-50) may not be modified once the
Overall and LDL. measurement has started without a reset. However,
OVERALL CRITERION may be changed at any time.
If you wish to look at dose with different exchange and

threshold values, LDL may be used by modifying the
LDL settings (parameters 52-54). Note that the run
time for LDL and OVERALL is always the same.
A new measurement may be started at any time with-

out effecting the Overall Dose using the Current Dose
settings by modifying the CURRENT exchange rate
and threshold settings. An automatic reset occurs

when CURRENT settings are modified creating a new
CURRENT dose measurement based on data collected
from that time on.
Before we continue with our present measurement,

take a minute to examine the parameter values avail-
able, all of which will effect the measurement.
The Current Exchange Rate parameter, item 45, is

accessed by the following steps:
The appropriate value for this Step 1 Press O, R, m, 4 and 5, then

parameter is established by enforce- e. The choices here are listed below:
ment authorities in various coun-
tries. In the USA, OSHA mandates [3dB, 4dB, 5dB, 6dB]
a 5 dB exchange rate.; 3 dB is com-
mon in most other countries.
Note that these can be changed with-

out a (Reset-all).
The Current Threshold, item 46, has a range from 0 to

255 dB.
The normal Dose setting for thresh- Step 2 Press the d key and choose the desired dB
old is 80 dB which allows the instru- level for the Current Threshold. Larson-Davis
ment to virtually ignore sound has preset this parameter to 80 dB.
below that level as it does not con-
tribute significantly to the weight of Step 3 If you wish to change this level press m,
the measurement data sought, and enter the desired dB numerically and press
saves memory as well. e.
The Current Criterion is the next parameter, item 47,

and has been preset to 90 dB in a range of 0 to 255 dB.
Damage to hearing normally occurs Step 4 Press the d key, item 47. Press e if
with lengthy exposure to sound at 90 you wish to keep the 90 dB level, or press
dB and above. For this reason the m, enter the desired dB numerically and
Criterion is generally set at 90 dB. press e.
The Current Dose is often used as a second Dose mea-

surement. The collected data is available on the print-
out.

The Overall Dose parameters have the same available
settings as the current settings and are accessed in the
same way.
Changes can be made in any display Step 5 To access items 48-50, Overall Exchange Rate,
by pressing m, entering desired val- Overall Threshold, Overall Criterion, press the
ues, and pressing e. d key.
The overall criterion level set in item Full Dose Hours, item 51, has a range of 0 to 99 hours
50 and the dose hours set in item 51 but is normally set to an 8 hour workday.
determine what is 100% dose.
Step 6 To access Full Dose Hours press the d
key.
OSHA criterion is 90 dB, Threshold Parameters 52-54 are a second set used to calculate
is 80 dB, Exchange Rate is 5 dB, and overall dose from the overall data. Data already in
the Full Dose hours (Criterion Time) memory is recalculated with new parameters using
is 8 dB. LDL (log Data Logic).
Step 7 To look at DOSE, press E.
This step will not work while in the Step 8 To look at Projected Dose, press r to the
SETUP mode. PROJ-b screen.
Step 9 If you wish to alter the LDL Exchange,

Threshold or Criterion settings, press m,
enter the desired values, and press e.
This step will not work while in the Step 10 To look at LDL, press U and E.
SETUP mode either.
Dose readings are usually read and have more mean-
ing after the measurement is completed. Return to the
recent measurement and examine the values recorded
there:

Step 1 Press the E key where two screens are
available. Press the r key to access the
second screen:
The measurement ran for nearly four
hours and the dose was 0.28%.
The Projected Dose extrapolates the

eight hour dose from dose A which is
the current measured dose.
LDL readings are displayed on four screens. View

these screens using the following steps:
Notice in the reading the LDL Step 1 Press the U and E keys:
Threshold is set at 80 (parameter 49)
The Overall Exchange Rate is set at
3 dB (parameter 48). The overall cri-
terion has been set at 90 (parameter
50). Any of these 3 parameters can
be modified and a new dose, pro-
jected dose, Leq, and SEL will be
computed
The Overall Criterion has been set at

90 (parameter 50).
Step 2 Press the r key to see the fourth screen

for Projected Dose.
-d
27.87%

BATTERY
In Chapter 2 we accessed the Battery information to

check the amount or voltage remaining in our battery.
This function has additional screens available. The first
two indicate the amount of voltage remaining and the
second shows the information related to the last revi-
sion.
The Revision number and date are Step 1 Access the Battery display by pressing U
shown. and B Press the r key to access the
second screen:
Eight additional screens are avail- Step 2 To access the Battery “c” screen press the r
able from this function. Warning or key. To view warning or error messages press
Error messages encountered during the d key:
normal operation will be displayed
here in the order they happen. They
are accessed by either the l and
r keys, or the u and d keys
which will scroll only the warning
messages.
MEMORY
Memory will be addressed in Chapter 9, but it would

be well to examine the M key functions here. Stan-
dard memory size is 64 Kilobytes. Three screens are
available from this function.

This screen shows the percentage of Step 1 Press U and M. A screen similar to
memory left of the total available. the following will appear:
55099 divided by 55197 = 99.82%
Total Exceedances were 27,total Step 2 Press the r key to access the next screen:
Intervals were 3, and 1 Daily Histo-
ries. Should any of four let-
ters,“OVLD” flash in the place of
the figure in the upper right, this
would indicate there was an Over-
load during the reading (see chapter
7).
This display indicates there are 8 Step 3 The third screen gives additional information.
Histories in memory, 3 Logs and 0 Press the r key to examine this screen:
Calibrations. Hs is the number of
time history samples, Lg is the num-
ber of RUN/STOP’s made, and CL is
the number of calibration check
records.
Stopping the Measurement
Press S to stop the measurement. The stick figure

will resume the resting position. To view any of the
previous measurement data simply press the appro-
priate key and the information will appear.

CHAPTER
6 Timed Measurement
The ability to take a measurement at a specific time

and date is one of the unique qualities of the Model
720. This feature allows you to take unattended mea-
surements. Accessed through the TIMER key, this flex-
ible system has modes to permit one or two
measurements a day between two dates, or, a single
block measurement from a start date and time to a stop
date and time.
In this chapter we will discuss:
• Using the Timer for Unattended Readings.
• Using the Time Key Functions.
• Setting the Password Lock to Protect Settings.
Using the Timer for Unattended Readings.
Examine the t capabilities by looking at the parameter

fields:
The Timer parameters, 21-27 begin Step 1 Turn the Model 720 on, press O followed
with this screen, parameter 21. by R, U, and t. The following
display will appear:
6/7/05 Timed Measurement 6-1

Block: Run Time 1 on Run Date to Step 2 Press m to access the cursor in brackets.
Stop Time 1 on Stop Date. With the brackets flashing use the r to
select one of four possibilities:
1/Day: Run Time 1 to Stop Time 1
each day from Run Date to Stop [Off, Block, 1/Day, or 2/Day].
Date.
Example: Suppose we want to measure a given area
2/Day: Run Time 1 to Stop Time1 near a large machine in a factory for 5 days, 2 periods
and Run Time 2 to Stop Time 2 each each day.
day from Run Date to Stop Date.
Step 3 To do this, choose [2/Day] and press e.
Step 4 To continue, press the d to access the

next parameter screen.
To continue our example, we want to start 26 Septem-

ber at 8:30 A.M. and end at 12:00 noon, begin again at
1:00 P.M. and end at 4:30 P.M. each day for 5 days.
If the date is incorrect, simply press Step 5 Press m to change the date and enter 09 26
m and enter the correct data, then 96. Press e. The new Timer Run Date is
press e. now 26 Sep 1996.
Step 6 To access Timer Stop, press the d. A Previ-

ously entered date will appear.
Step 7 To change the date, press m and enter

the 5 day ending date, i.e. October 1, i.e. 01 10
96 e and the following display will
appear.

The five day block is now set. Next we will set
the time periods each day within the block.
Step 8 Press the d to Run Time 1, and press

m. Our start up time is 8:30 A.M. so press
08 30 and e, and the display should
look like this:
Step 9 Press the d to Stop Time 1. Press m to

enter the numbers 12 00, and then press
e:
Notice that military time is used Step 10 Press the d to Run Time 2. Press m to
(0:01-24:00) to avoid confusion with enter 13 00, our afternoon start time. Press
A.M. to P.M. e.
Step 11 Press the d to Stop Time 2. Press m to

enter 16 30 and e.
Step 12 To check your Timer setup, press c.

This will return you to the main screen. Press
Ut and the following screen should
appear:

Step 13 If you press the r key, it will give you the
morning time run. If you press the r
again it will give you the afternoon time run
settings:
The Model 720 can now be turned off by pressing U

O and placed in the test area. Make sure to check the bat-
tery (Chapter 2) or connect to external power. Also consider
the safety of the instrument during the test period. Finally,
verify that the current time and date are set correctly in the
internal clock. The following section covers setting the time
and date. The Model 720 will turn itself on and begin mea-
surement at the appropriate time.
Using the Time Key Functions
In Chapter 5 we learned to take a measurement and

examine some of the data gathered during that read-
ing. The TIME key functions as a record of when the
last measurement started. Two screens are available in
this function.
Current time, day, and day of week Step 1 Press U and T to access this infor-
are controlled by parameter 6-8. mation:
This screen displays the time and

date the current or last measurement
began.

The second display shows the cur- Step 2 Press the d key to access the second screen:
rent date, day, and time.
Step 3 Press c to return to the main screen.
Setting the Password Lock to Protect Settings
The Model 720 SLM can insure that your settings will
not be disturbed by providing a Lock Password
parameter (items 28-34).
Step 1 From the previous field press d, or from

the main screen, press R m 2 8
e. You can also press R, U,
L:
Refer to Chapter 4 to review entering Step 2 Press m and enter your personal combi-
numbers or letters by using the nation of numbers or letters from 1-8 charac-
U key. ters.
If you choose to use this feature,

enter something you won’t forget i.e.
a name or birth year, and press e.

These setup items (parameters 28- Step 3 To turn on the Lock, press the d, m and
34), control whether or not the lock r keys. When [Yes} appears, press e.
feature will work for that particular
function. For example, if Yes is
entered for Lock Setup, then the R/S
function can be used when this Lock
function is implemented. Press d to
see other functions that can be
locked. See chapter 8, parameters 28-
34.
Notice that as you enter your code Step 4 If you should wish to unlock the system for
only (********) appear to protect your further input or readings, press U and
password. Again, make the password L, then m.
easy to remember should you wish to
use this function.
Enter your password code and press

e. The Model 720 is now unlocked
and accessible for additional entries.

CHAPTER
7 History Functions
The process of measuring and recording units of

sound and retrieving the data for study and under-
standing is enhanced by additional functional capabili-
ties of the Model 720 Sound Level Meter.
This chapter will cover:
• Setting and Viewing Advanced Functions
- Time History
- Time History Data
- Log and Data
- Interval History
- Interval History Data
- Exceedance
- Setting PassBy functions
• Dealing with OVERLOAD.
Setting and Viewing Advanced functions
The Model 720 has a variety of advanced functions

that allow for gathering and storing great amounts of
data with any given measurement. In this section we
will learn how to access the parameters, choose the
proper settings, and view some of the data collected.
6/7/05 History Functions 7-1

Time History
Time History record includes the RMS integrated level

and, if selected, Peak, Unweighted Peak, or Lmax.
Parameters 80-87 allow you to select the period for the
history and what data are to be saved.
Yes: With this item set to “Yes”, the Step 1 Turn the Model 720 on and access Time His-
time history function is enabled. tory parameters. Press R H. The follow-
Despite Model 720’s large memory, ing screen, item 80, Time history Enable
ensure anticipated requirements do appears:
not exceed available memory.
Step 2 To enter [Yes] press m r to [Yes] and

e.
Normally all data is taken with 0.1 Step 3 Press the d to item 81, History Resolution:
dB resolution (2 bytes/level). To save
memory, this option allows storage (1.0 dB, 0.1 dB).
of history in 1.0 dB resolution.
Step 4 To change this setting press m r
e.
This option allows saving the Step 5 To access item 82, Hist Save Peak press d:
weighted peak (Peak), unweighted
Peak (UWPK) or Max RMS level [No, Peak, UWPK, Lmax]
(Lmax) with each RMS history sam-
ple. Step 6 You may press m and make your selec-
tion with r and then press e.
Step 7 Press thed to item 83, Hist Period:
(0-255 units)

These options select the history Step 8 Use the m and r to select the value
period length as determined by the you want for this field.
value set in parameter #83 times the
units set in parameter #84. For
example, selecting a period of 180
and a unit of 10 seconds would give
1800 seconds or 30 minutes for each
Leq history period. A period of 2 and
a unit of 1/32 second would result in
a history stored every 1/16 second.
Setting Item #83 to 0 is equivalent to
setting it to 256.
This is for editing purposes only. All Step 9 Press the d to item 85, Hist Base. The set-
history is stored regardless of this ting range is: (0-255 dB).
base level. However, only data above
the base level are displayed. Step 10 To enter a value, press m, the value,
e.
This parameter controls the stored Step 11 Press the d to item 86, Hist Base Mode:
data which the preceding base level
operates. For example, if this was set [Off, RMS, Peak].
to Peak and the base level set to 100
dB, only peaks 100 dB and above Step 12 To change the field press m, r, and
would be displayed. e.
The Model 720 provides an ampli- Step 13 Press the d to item 87, Histogram Resolu-
tude distribution that can be read on tion for these options: [1/8, 1/2, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0, 10]
the display. If the resolution is not
satisfactory, a different one may be Step 14 Select the value you want. Press m, r
selected and the amplitude distribu- to the proper setting, and then press e.
tion re-displayed or printed. This is
possible because all data is stored to
the nearest 1/8 dB.

Time History Data
The Time History is used to view the In Chapter 5 we learned how to take a measurement.
data that was acquired with the set- To examine the History of that measurement take the
tings discussed in the previous sec- following steps:
tion. In this example, you will view
the Leq and Peak data that was gath-
ered during the history period.
This display contains History infor- Step 1 To access Time History, press H, and a
mation about the measurement. It screen similar to the following will appear:
was started by a key stroke.
Press the d key to view other read- Step 2 Press the d key to see the beginning of
ings. dozens of readings:
Log
The Log key is a Run/Stop log. It indicates how many

times the measurement was started and stopped., and
at what time.
Once the measurement is in progress, information can

be examined as follows:

This screen gives you information Step 1 Press U and H and several screens
about the most current readings. become available:
This measurement was started by a
key stroke. The Log screen shows the
cause and action taking place. In this
example “Key” means that a key
such as S caused the action “Run”.
The following actions: Run/Stop,
Pause, Cont., Reset, Mark can be
produced by one of the following Step 2 Press the r key for the next screen:
causes: Key, I⁄O, TIMER, CAL,
INTV, BATT, or HALT. Note that
most of the causes are triggered by
software.
The Log information indicates that Step 3 Go back to LOG-a by pressing the r key.
the measurement was stopped by Scroll through the record logs by pressing
keystroke. If a low battery had been d:
the reason for the measurement stop-
ping, “BATT” would have appeared.
To retain data already gathered, the
Model 720 will terminate the mea-
surement when battery power
becomes low.
Step 4 The u and d keys may be used to look
at additional records. Press the r to look
at associated dates and times.
Interval History
The Interval History parameters allow you to select and

define the Interval size and determine what data are to
be saved.
Each Interval gives you Leq, SEL, Min, Max, Peak,

UWPK, Exceedance count, and, if you turn this feature
on, Ln’s. Listed below is each parameter and a brief
explanation of its function.

With this item set to (Yes), the Inter- Step 1 To access the Interval History parameters
val Time History is enabled. Note: press OR M. You may also use
Be sure that total memory require- numeric values, i.e. OR m 7 2
ments do not exceed available mem- e. The choices are:
ory.
(Yes, No).
This parameter is the exchange rate Step 2 Press the d to access the next parameter,
used for each interval. Set this to 3 73, Intv Exchange Rate for these choices:
dB for community noise and 5 dB for
OSHA studies. (3dB, 4dB, 5dB, 6dB).
This sets the TWA threshold for the Step 3 Press the d to item 74, Intv Threshold. You
interval time history. For hearing may find 80 dB preset but you may enter
conservation purposes, 80 dB is rec- another value: (0-255).
ommended. For most community
noise purposes, set this parameter to
0 or slightly above the noise floor.
This sets the period for the interval Step 4 Press the d to item 75, Intv Period. Press
history (a 1 second interval may be m and the numeric values for the interval
selected by entering 00:00). period desired, and then press e:
hh:mm.
The Model 720 allows synchronizing Step 5 Press the d to Intv Time Sync, item 76, for
the interval report with the Daily these choices: (Yes, No)
History Report. If (Yes) is entered,
the Interval Report will be started
(or restarted if already running) at
the start of each hour. For this to
work properly the Interval Time
should be one hour or some multiples
of hours. The benefit of synchroniz-
ing the hourly levels and the interval
reports is that all the statistics Lmax,
Ln, etc.) are available for the hourly
noise levels that make up the daily
report.
Yes: This option allows the four Lns Step 6 Press the d to item 77, Intv Save Ln’s. The
for the interval report to be stored. Choices are: [Yes, No]

Yes: This option will cause the Step 7 Press the d to item 79, Intv Auto Stop. The
Model 720 to automatically stop at choices are: [Yes, No]
the end of each interval, allowing the
precise timing of a series of manual
measurements. To start a new mea-
surement, the S key must be
pushed.
No: This mode must be off for all

automated measurements. It is rec-
ommended that INTV Time Sync be
set to “No” to get the full desired
period.
Eight screens are available from the Step 8 To view Interval Histories after a measure-
INTV mode. The screen at the left ment has been taken, press M. A screen
gives the Time and Date of a given similar to the one below will appear:
Interval. Duration, Leq, Lmin and
Lmax, Peak and UWPK, and the level
setting measurements.
INTV-a gives time, interval number Step 9 Examine the data available in each INTV.
and date Press r and scroll to each. The l will
also work. Note the scroll is a loop.
NTV-b gives duration and interval
number Step 10 Press the d or u keys to view the next
or previous Interval, respectively.
INTV-c gives SEL and Leq.
INTV-d gives min and max level

and the number of times level went
over RMS exceedance 1.
INTV-e gives peak and unweighted

peak levels.
INTV- f-g gives statistical informa-

tion. “h” is not used in the 720.

Exceedance
Exceedance is defined as an acoustic event character-

ized by the sound level going above or exceeding a
predetermined level. An exceedance event requires
the following to occur:
• The SPL must be above the RMS EXCD LVL 1

(parameter 61), or
• the weighted peak level must be above the PEAK

EXCD LEVEL (parameter 63), or
• the unweighted peak level must be above the

UWPK EXCD LEVEL (parameter 64), and
• must be true for longer than the minimum dura-

tion (parameter 68).
Exceedance Level parameters are used to define the

noise threshold levels to be used when counting the
number of Exceedance during a measurement. The
number of times one of the four levels were exceeded
will be given in the data report.
To find the Exceedance parameters, items 61-65, turn

the Model 720 on and press the R V. Notice the
available settings, 0 to 255 dB for items 61-64:
• 61 - RMS Excd Lvl 1 - First RMS detector exceed-

ance level.
• 62 - RMS Excd Lvl 2 - Set above Level 1.
• 63 - Peak Excd Level - Weighted peak exceedance

level.
• 64 - Uwpk Excd Level - Unweighted peak exceed-

ance level.

After exceedance, level must drop • 65 - Excd Hysteresis - (0-9)
this amount below the exceedance
threshold before a new exceedance is An exceedance count, on the other hand, is obtained
logged. This prevents multiple whenever the level goes above RMS EXCD LVL 1,
exceedance for a single event if level RMS EXCD LVL 2, PEAK EXCD LVEL, and UWPK
fluctuates about the threshold. EXCD LEVEL are indicated on the printout respec-
tively. This count has nothing to do with duration but
only indicates the number of times the level went
above the various exceedance levels.
The Exceedance History parameters, items 66-68,

allow you to select and define what data are to be
saved in memory during an exceedance.
Each exceedance indicates the time it started, dura-

tions, symmetry, Leq, SEL, Lmax, Peak, and Time His-
tory (if desired).
Step 1 Press R and L to access item 66

from the previous field, or press R,
m, 66, and e.
Here is a brief explanation of each parameter:
[Yes} would insure the exceedance • 66 - Excd Enable - [Yes, No]

report will be stored in memory
when exceedance conditions 61-65
are met.
Used to calculate exceedance inte- • 67 - Excd Exchange - [3dB, 4dB, 5dB, 6dB]
grated level and normally set at 3 dB
(Leq). 4 dB gives L_DOD, 5 dB gives
LOSHA, 6 dB gives L_Avg.
This parameter sets the minimum • 68 - Ex Min Duration - (0-255)

duration in seconds of exceedance
records. Use the d key to scroll through the fields. Use the
m, r and e keys to make any changes
desired within each field.

Tmax
____________
End of
Start of Exceedance
Exceedance Lmax
(Tstart) Hysteresis
___________Threshold______________________
________
______Duration____________
Figure 0-1 Exceedance diagram
The diagram above is an example of an exceedance

with markings of explanation.
It should be noted here that additional parameter set-

tings have been added out of numerical sequence to
satisfy additional needs found in the field. These will
be treated now:
Must be in [Level]. [Passby] treated • 162 - Excd Trigger: [Level, PassBy]

later.
Occurrence Time = Tstart if set to [Start].
Occurrence Time = Tmax if set to [Max].
T max – T start
Symmetry = 100 × -----------------------------
Duration
Lmax must be > RMS Level 1.
Only events that are longer than the minimum dura-

tion set and having Lmax greater than the RMS Exceed-
ance Level 1, parameter 61, will be recorded. It is also
important to set the Excd Time History Period to 0.5 or
1 second by entering a 16 or 32 for parameter 70, since
the exceedance time history buffer is used to create this

function. The max duration of a passby event is 128
samples which is 64 or 128 seconds depending on
whether 16 or 30 is used in parameter 70.
To examine Exceedance data collected follow these

steps:
Five screens are available. Time and Step 1 Press L. The following screen appears
Date and the Exceedance number, with some variation:
(as seen in the screen to the left),
Duration, Leq comparisons, Lmax,
Symmetry, Peak and UWPK.
Step 2 Press the r key to access the five screens

available in the EXCD mode, including Dura-
tion, Leq, Lmax, Pk, UWPK.
Step 3 To examine the properties of each exceedance

record use the d key for each of the five
screens.
Setting PassBy Functions
The PassBy Function is a special exceedance event

detector that measures the Lmax, Leq, and SEL of the
highest event to raise and lower Š 10 dB in SPL. It is
used to capture single events such as a vehicle or craft
passby, or other event noises such as blasts or gas get-
ting noise. In addition to the levels measured, the date
and time of the Lmax and the duration of the event are
recorded.The maximum duration of passby event may
be 1 or 2 minutes depending on the shape of the event.
Maximum passby duration will be reduced if exceed-
ance is reduced.
When the Exceedance History and Step 1 To enable the Passby function, turn on the
Passby, parameter 66 and 162, is Model 720 and then press R, m, 162,
enabled, a Passby record will be cre- and e. The screen will show either of
ated whenever a delta 10dB event is two options: [Level, PassBy].
detected (See Figure 7-2).

The occurrence time or Maximum Step 2 Press m and then press r to
Level must be equal to or greater [PassBy] and then press e.
than the RMS EXCD LVL 1
(parameter 61).
Passby’s Max
Start of 10dB
Exceedance Occurrence
Time
Duration
Figure 0-2 Passby Diagram
After taking a reading with [Passby] enabled, you may

wish to examine the Passby events. You may also look
at this while the instrument is running. To do this fol-
low this step:
If “PSBY” appears in the screen it Step 1 Press L (Exceedance, which is now

means you are in the Max PassBy Passby), and using the u or d keys,
data screen. Hit U l to get into the scroll through the events. Use the l or r
Exceedance PassBy screen. keys to look at information about this event.
Five screens are available here by

using the r key, giving time and date
of the occurrence, duration, and Leq
comparisons.
a. EXCD-a: Time, PassBy record, and date.
b. EXCD-b: Duration and record number of PassBy

event.
c. EXCD-c: SEL and Leq of PassBy event.

Symmetry when used in PassBy d. EXCD-d: Max RMS level and Symmetry of PassBy
mode is an indication of where record.
Occurrence Time (or Max Level)
occurs in the event. To clarify, 25% e. EXCD-e: Peak PassBy level and UWPK of PassBy
symmetry would indicate Max Level record.
happened 1/4 of the way into the
event in linear time. 50% would
suggest that the Occurrence Time
happened half way into the event,
and so forth.
The Single Highest Passby event is Step 2 To examine the Maximum PassBy of all those
accessed by pressing U and l while in collected, press U and the l key.
the EXCD Mode. Use the l and r keys to access the
following data windows:
PSBY-a: Time and Date of maximum PassBy.
PSBY-b: Duration of maximum PassBy.
PSBY-c: Leq and SEL of maximum PassBy.
PSBY-d: Leq and Max RMS level.
Step 3 To return to the Exceedance PassBy data

screens, press U l.
Overload
It should be noted that during any measurement an

OVERLOAD may occur. Such an occurrence happens
when input exceeds all reasonable parameters set by
the Model 720 (such as dropping or jarring the instru-
ment). Should an OVERLOAD occur during a mea-
surement, the data accumulated during the occurrence
will not be accurate.
The Model 720 registers an OVERLOAD in the upper

right corner of the display where the running figure
appears. The figure takes one step each second. At
intervals, 8 seconds apart, the letters O, V, L, D, will
appear in succession. The measurement should be

retaken. The Interval Report on the printout will indi-
cate which interval had the OVERLOAD.

CHAPTER
8 Parameters
As we have seen in previous chapters, the Model 720

owes its versatility in great part to a flexible setup.
More than 90 parameters and options can be selected
to tailor the Model 720 to any measurement. Four pre-
programmed setups for standard applications are in
memory. One may use these as blueprints for modifi-
cations. It is also possible to store up to 11 other setups
in memory for later recall. Along with downloadable
setups from software, this truly makes the Model 720 a
myriad of instruments in one.
In this chapter we will review the following:
• Parameter access keys, R m e c
• Learn to store and retrieve complete setups from

the various memory registers
• List all parameters with a short explanation.
6/7/05 Parameters 8-1

Parameter Key Access Review
Entering and Exiting the Setup Menu
Master Reset: If for some reason it Some setup items may be changed while the Model
appears that a master reset is 720 is running, but parameters influencing data integ-
required (similar to rebooting a PC), rity require a memory Reset ALL.
it may be accomplished (with the
unit off) by holding down the V, Step 1 Enter the setup by pressing R.The fol-
S, and l key, and then pushing the lowing will appear:
O key. Warning: This is not like
U S in that this procedure
will destroy all data and setups and
return the 720 to the factory default
configuration. You will have to re-
enter all your setups.
Step 2 To exit back to the main screen, press

c.
Step 3 Return to the setup menu. Press R.
Locating Parameters
When in the setup menu, the arrow keys allow move-

ment from one parameter to another. One may also
use a function key or directly index to the appropriate
parameters.
All items in the list of parameters Step 1 From the Setup menu press d to move down
can be accessed by using the u the list of parameters one at a time.
and d.
Step 2 When the arrow keys are used in conjunc-
tion with the Shift key, U the Model
720 will take you to the top or bottom of the
parameters list.
Press Ud to move to the bottom of

the parameter list.

The Model 720 moves you to the Step 3 Press the C key.
RMS detector parameters.
You are now at the beginning of the Step 4 Press the U m keys and then 6 1.
Exceedance parameters, item Press e.
61.
NOTE: Numbers are entered at the current cursor position. Enter
leading zeros if necessary.
Changing Parameters — Enter, Modify
This one has rounded brackets that Parameters may consist of numeri33cal values, charac-
mean this is an “entry parameter”. ter fields or selected choices. Numerical or character
Type the number or character fields are shown between parentheses:
desired (see Chapter 4). If there is an
angle bracket “>” then the entry
field is too big to fit the screen and
will scroll with the r key.
Another parameter type is the template entry parame-

ter. These prompt for specific data entry. For example:
For both types, follow these simple steps:
Step 1 Press m.
For complete coverage of numerical Step 2 Enter a value from the numerical keypad. Use
and alpha entry see chapter 4. the U key for alphabetical input.
Step 3 Confirm any change with e.
Step 4 Cancel any change by pressing c

before e.

Parameters whose value is selected from a few possi-
ble choices are displayed with the current setting
inside square brackets:
To make a selection:
Step 1 Press m and then the l and r

keys.
Step 2 Confirm change with e.
Step 3 Cancel change by pressing c before

e.
Error Messages:
Entry errors will be noted by a warning message. For

example:
Verify the correct entry format.
Learning to Store and Retrieve Setup Memory
The current setup parameters can be stored internally

in two ways for later recall:
• In two RAM (random access memory) registers
• In one EEPROM register (electronically erasable

programmable read-only memory)

Setups stored in RAM occupy the same memory as the
data (64 KB). They may be lost if battery power is
removed for more than a few minutes. One set of
parameters at a time can be stored in the EEPROM.
Parameters in the EEPROM register are secure even if
the batteries are disconnected for long periods of time,
since the EEPROM does not require bias voltage to
maintain its state. A minimum of 5,000 STORE opera-
tions are possible with the EEPROM.
Storing a Setup
Remember, to reset memory press U The Model 820 must be stopped and memory reset to
S e. store to the EEPROM.
The EEPROM (.) register is the Step 1 Press U s

default. In this instance, the title of
the measurement is “TECH
WRITER”.
Step 2 The u d keys will scroll through the

two RAM registers. For example, press d
twice:
The RAM register “1” is empty.
Step 3 To store the current setup to the displayed

RAM 1, register, press e:

Recalling a Setup
Memory must be reset before a recall of setup parame-

ters can be accomplished.
Step 1 In the stop mode, press U S e

to reset memory. Then press U R.
RAM registers 0 and 1 and Step 2 The EEPROM (.) is again the default. Use r
EEPROM register will recall previ- and d to scroll through the two RAM registers
ously stored calibration data. or u to recall the programmed ROM setups.
STORE saves the CAL data so that Note that the first ROM is the default.
the calibration for may be stored and
recalled as desired.
Model 720 Setup Parameters
Setup parameters of the Model 720 are listed below.

Modifying some setup parameters, such as going from
a FAST to a SLOW meter response, may not be
allowed unless the data is reset. This prevents corrup-
tion of the overall noise data.
Parameters are listed below in logical groups, with

their number and direct index key (if available). Valid
entry formats are listed, (0), for numerical, [0], for
selection. Some reserved parameters, or selections are
not available. Many of these are active in the Model
870, the Model 720’s big brother.

System (1-20) R U S
The following parameters define measurement names,

set clock and determine interface parameters.
No. Prompt Entry Comment
1 Reset ALL Data? [No Yes] This parameter allows a U

S without leaving SETUP.
Note: If this parameter is set to
Yes, a RESET will occur, and the
parameter will automatically
revert to No.
2-4 Name (up to 30 characters) Place any message you desire in

these 3 lines. (The 3 lines of name
are savable only in EEPROM.)
5 Title (up to 30 characters) Used to describe a measurement

or setup
6 Current Time (hh:mm:ss) also accessed w/ U T
7 Current Date (mm/dd/yy) The 720 is Year 2000 Compliant.

Leap years are considered. For
years less than the year manufac-
tured, the 21st century is assumed
(2000-2092), otherwise the 20th
century is used (1993-1999)
8 Day of Week [Sun-Sat]
9 Baud Rate [300-19200] Baud rate of the serial interface.

Serial printer or computer rate
should be the same.
10 RS-232 Address (0-127) Enables addressed communica-

tion mode for a network of L•D
SLMs. Each must have a unique
address. Normally only one
Model 720 is used, thus the
address should be set to 0 to dis-
able.

11 RS-232 Handshak- [None, Hdwr, XOFF, RS-232 handshaking protocol. 720
ing Both] - SW1 uses [None].
12 COM Ports Hand- [None, Hdwr, XOFF, Serial handshaking protocol.

shaking Register Both] Model 720 -SW1 uses [None].
Note: To conserve power, the Model
720 turns off the serial port after 255
sec. of non-use. To keep unit on and
connected, an external power supply
must be used.
14 Output 1 Logic Off True takes it to 5 volts.When set to

RMS (R) Off, DTR is DTR
PEAK (P)
R+P
INTV (I) Indication that Interval started
and will stay on time set in
R+I parameter 15.
P+I
R+P+I
A:D (A) Logic control including “A” are
R+A not applicable to the 720.
P+A
R+P+A
I+A
R+I+A
P+I+A
R+P+I+A
R/S Run/Stop
15 Output 1 Timer (enter time) There are 2 modes to the Logic

Output Time now: If the time is
set to 5 sec or less it is assumed to
be a minimum time and the out-
put will be asserted for a mini-
mum of the time selected. If the
time is programmed to be greater
than 5 sec then the time is consid-
ered to be the maximum duration
that the pulse should last and the
output will be asserted for a mini-
mum of 5 sec and a maximum of
the time programmed.

20 Power Save [Auto Off, Manual Auto Off: If in the Stop mode and
Off, Audio Off] if no keys are pressed or com-
mands given for 12 min, the
Model 720 will turn off automati-
cally.
Manual Off: The Model 720 will
not turn off until the O key is
pressed, a computer “Off” com-
mand is given, or the batteries
become low.
Audio Off: Not available on the
Model 720.
Timer (21-27) U T
These parameters are used when Start and Stop of

measurements are to be controlled by the clock.
21 Timer Mode [Off, Block, 1/day, Block: Run Time 1 on Run Date
2/day to Stop Time 1 on Stop Date
1/day: Run Time 1 to Stop Time
1 each day from Run Date to
Stop Date
2/day: Run Time 1 to Stop Time
1 and Run Time 2 to Stop Time 2
each day from Run date to Stop
Date
22 Timer Run Date (dd/mm/yy) See Timer Mode comment
23 Timer Stop Date (dd/mm/yy) See Timer Mode comment
24 Timer Run Time 1 (hh:mm:ss) See Timer Mode comment
25 Timer Stop Time 1 (hh:mm:ss) See Timer Mode comment
26 Timer Run Time 2 (hh:mm:ss) See Timer Mode comment
27 Timer Stop Time 2 (hh:mm:ss) See Timer Mode comment

Lock (28-34) U L
These parameters limit access of certain functions to

those with the correct password.
For complete instruction on setting Step 1 After setting password and lock options, exit
the Lock parameters, see chapter 6. the setup and press UL to lock.
Step 2 To unlock, press UL, then m,

and enter the password.
28 Lock Password (8 characters) Enter your password
29 Lock R/S Key [No, Yes] Lock mode change
30 Lock Setup [No, Yes] Lock changes to setup
31 Lock Function [No, Yes] Lock changes to displayed func-

tion
32 Lock Reset [No, RES-ALL, Lock memory reset

Cur+All]
33 Lock ON Key [No, Yes]
34 Lock I/O [No, Yes]

Calibration (35-36) U C
35 CAL Level (114.00) Enter the sound pressure level of

(0-255 dB) your calibrator
36 Calibrator S/N (to 8 char.) Calibrator serial no. will be printed
Sound Level Meter (39-50) C
These parameters define the sound level meter charac-

teristics. Most changes will require a US if
memory holds previous data.
39 Detector [Slow, Fast, Impl] Slow: exponential avg: 1 second

constant.
Fast: exponential avg: 1/8 second
constant.
Impl: impulse response.
40 Frequency Weight- [A,A16,C,C16] A and C weightings meet Type 2

ing specifications. Note: A16 and C16
not applicable to the Model 720.
41 AC Out Weighting [Flat, Wght, F+20, F+20: Flat Level with 20 dB gain.
W+20] W+20: Weighted with 20 dB gain.
42 Unweighted Peak [Flat, C]
44 Reference Level (0 to 255 dB) measured level - reference level =

relative level used in some func-
tions
45 Current Exchange [3dB,4dB,5dB,6dB] Exchange rate for currant TWA or

Rate 1 Dose readings. For OSHA use 5dB.
46 Current (0 to 255 dB) Levels above threshold are inte-

Threshold 1 grated into currant TWA or Dose
readings. For OSHA use 80 dB.

47 Current (0 to 255 dB) 100% dose if this level is main-
Criterion 1 tained for full dose period. For
OSHA use 90 dB.
48 Overall [3dB,4dB,5dB,6dB] Exchange rate for overall TWA or

Exchange Rate 2 Dose readings.
49 Overall (0 to 255 dB) Levels above threshold are inte-

Threshold 2 grated into overall TWA or Dose
readings.
50 Overall (0 to 255 dB) 100% dose if this level is main-

Criterion 2 tained for full dose period.
Dose (51-54) E
The noise exposure Dose may be calculated with three

different set of parameters: Current, Overall, and LDL.
See section on occupational noise for additional infor-
mation. The dose displayed with the E key is the
Overall Dose.
51 Full Dose Hours (0 - 99) This is normally set to 8 for an 8

hour workday. It is used with the
criterion level to determine a 100%
projected dose.
52 LDL Exchange [3dB,4dB,5dB,6dB] Use LDL function to reevaluate

stored data with new dose param-
eters.
53 LDL Threshold (0-255 dB)
54 LDL Criterion (0-255 dB)

LN Statistical Levels (55-58) B
Lnn is the RMS noise level which was exceeded nn% of

the time. The Ln’s are computed from the overall level
distribution histogram or each interval’s level histo-
gram (see item 77). The measured and displayed Lnn
may be changed during the measurement. The four nn
are automatically listed in increasing order.
55 Lnn 1 Percent (0 to 99)
Exceedance Levels (61-65) V
These parameters define noise threshold levels to be

used when counting the number of exceedances dur-
ing a measurement (viewed in MAX-b and c displays
for rms, PEAK-b, UWPK-b for peak exceedance), and
triggering the exceedance history (see parameter 66).
61 RMS Excd Lvl 1 (0 - 255 dB) First rms detector exceedance

level.
62 RMS Excd Lvl 2 (0 - 255 dB) Set above Level 1.
63 Peak Excd Level (0 - 255 dB) Weighted peak exceedance level.
64 Uwpk Excd Level (0 - 255 dB) Unweighted peak exceedance

level.

65 Excd Hysteresis (0 - 9) This sets the amount, once an
exceedance occurs, that the level
must drop below the exceedance
level before the Exceedance event
ends and a new exceedance can
occur. Normally set this level to 2
or 3 dB. This prevents multiple
exceedances for a single event if
the level flickers around the
threshold.
Exceedance History (66-68, 162)
These parameters select and define what data are to be

saved in memory during an exceedance.
66 Excd Enable [No, Yes] Yes: Exceedance report will be

stored in memory when exceed-
ance conditions above are met.
67 Excd Exchange [3dB,4dB,5dB,6dB] Used to calculate exceedance inte-

grated level. Normally this is set
to 3dB (Leq). 4dB gives L_DOD,
5dB gives LOSHA, 6dB gives
L_Avg.
68 Ex Min Duration (0-255) Exceedance must last at least this

many seconds to be logged.
162 Excd Trigger [Level, Bypass] Bypass: Enables a variable thresh-

old.

Interval History (72-79) M
No Prompt Entry Comment

.
72 Intv Enable [No, Yes] Interval report will be stored in

memory if Yes is entered.
73 Intv Exchange [3dB, 4dB, 5dB, 6dB] Used to calculate interval inte-
grated level. Normally this is set to
3 dB (Leq). 4 dB gives LDOD, 5 dB:
LOSHA, 6 dB: LAvg.
74 Intv Threshold (0 to 255 dB) Levels above threshold are inte-

grated during each interval, nor-
mally 0 dB for Leq. For noise
hygiene interval TWA, set to dose
threshold.
75 Intv Period (hh:mm) This sets the period for the interval
history from 1 minute up to 99:59.
A 1 second interval may also be
selected by entering 00:00.
76 Intv Time Sync [No, Yes] Synchronizes start of interval with

clock and daily history report. If
Yes is entered, the interval report
will be started (or restarted if
already running) at the start of
each hour or minute depending on
Intv duration.
77 Intv Save Ln’s [No, Yes] Selects whether interval Ln’s are
stored. The Ln’s stored are those in
effect (items 55-60) at end of inter-
val.
79 Intv Auto Stop [No, Yes] If yes, automatically stops instru-

ment at the end of each interval for
precise timing of series of manual
measurements. Use R/S key to
restart.

Time History (80-87) H
This third type of history is the most conventional. The

rms integrated level and, if selected, a maximum read-
ing are stored in memory at the end of each time his-
tory period.
No Prompt Entry Comment

.
80 HIST Enable [No, Yes] Time history report will be stored

if Yes is entered. Despite the
Model 720’s large memory, ensure
anticipated requirements do not
exceed available memory.
81 Hist Resolution [0.1dB, 1.0dB] Normally, all data is taken with

0.1 dB resolution (2bytes/level).
Allows storage of history with 1
dB resolution to conserve mem-
ory(1byte/level).
82 Hist Save Peak [No, Peak, UWPk, This option allows saving the his-
Lmax] tory period’s highest weighted
(Peak), unweighted Peak (UWPk)
or RMS level (Lmax) with each
RMS history sample.
83 Hist Period (1-255 units) Multiplier of units of time below

sets rate at which history samples
are stored. Ex: 1 x 60.0s for minute
by minute history, 16 x 1/32s for
0.5 second history.
85 Hist Base (0-255 dB) This is for editing purposes only.

All history is stored regardless of
this base level. However, only
noise data above the base level are
displayed on the screen.
86 Hist Base Mode [Off, RMS, Peak] Type of noise data used by the
base mode

87 Histogram Resolu- [1/8, 1/2, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0, Selects the interval in dB of the
tion 10] overall time level amplitude distri-
bution.
Print Options (89-112) s
These parameters allow for tailored reports of the

Model 720 data during or after the measurement. They
can be accessed from outside the SETUP by pressing s,
then 7 for printer type and options. Refer to section on
printouts for samples of information found on each
printout.
89 Prn Data Report [No, Yes] Prints quick data report.
90 R/S and Cal Log [No, Yes] Prints Run/Stop and calibration
log report.
91 Setup Report [No, Yes] Prints list of current setup param-

eters.
92 RMS Histogram [No, Yes] Prints histogram of overall rms

levels.
93 Lowest Level (0 - 255) RMS Histogram lowest printed

level
94 Highest Level (0 - 255) RMS Histogram highest printed

level
95 Histogram Resl. [1/8, 1/2, Spacing in dB between histogram

1.0,2.0,5.0,10] entries
96 Peak Histogram [No, Yes] Prints histogram of overall peak

levels.
97 Lowest Level (0 - 255) Peak Histogram lowest printed

level
98 Highest Level (0 - 255) Peak Histogram highest printed

level

99 Histogram Resl. [1.0,2.0,5.0,10] Spacing in dB between histogram
entries
100 UwPk Histogram [No, Yes] Prints histogram of overall

unweighted peak levels.
101 Lowest Level (0 - 255) UWPk Histogram lowest printed

level
102 Highest Level (0 - 255) UWPk Histogram highest printed

level
103 Histogram Resl. [1.0,2.0,5.0,10] Spacing in dB between histogram

entries
104 EXCD Report [No, Short, Long] Prints exceedance report.
105 Lowest Rec. # (0 - 65535) Starting exceedance record num-

ber of printout
106 Highest Rec. # (0 - 65535) Ending exceedance record num-

ber of printout
107 INTV Report [No, Short, Long] Prints interval report
108 Lowest Rec. # (0 - 65535) Starting interval record number of

printout
109 Highest Rec. # (0 - 65535) Ending interval record number of

printout
110 HIST Report [No, Yes] Prints time history report
111 Lowest Rec. # (0 ->999999) Starting history record number of

printout
112 Highest Rec. # (0 ->999999) Ending history record number of

printout

Additional System Functions (159,162)
159 Power Mode [Normal, Ext CO] Normal: meter uses internal bat-
tery unless greater external volt-
age is also applied.
Ext CO: (external cutoff) when
external power falls below 10.5 V,
meter turns off to prevent battery
damage.
162 EXCD Trigger [Level, Passby] Passby: Enables a variable thresh-

old

CHAPTER
9 Memory Usage
Each of the Model 720’s History Functions use space

out of a common memory. The amount each record
takes is based on the options selected. In this chapter
we will provide information that will assist you to:
• Determine the amount of storable data considering

the given options.
• Estimate memory usage by giving an example of a

test reading and an associated chart to determine
the memory needed to complete the reading.
Determine Storable Data
The following tables indicate the amount of memory

used for each type of record:
Exceedance Records Excd History Enable = [Yes] Prm66
Options -- add bytes shown if enabled Bytes
Basic Exceedance Record 32
Interval Records Intv History Enable = [Yes] Prm 72
Options -- add bytes shown if enabled Bytes
Basic Interval Record 34
Intv Save Ln’s = [Yes] Prm 77 +18
6/7/05 Memory Usage 9-1

Time History Records Time History Enable =
[Yes] Prm 80
Options Bytes
Hist Resolution Prm 81 Hist Save Peak Prm 82
[1.0dB] [No] 1
[0.1dB] [No] 2
[1.0dB] [Peak, UwPk, Max, Wind] 2
[0.1dB] [Peak, UwPk, Max, Wind] 4
Other Histories and Memory Usage Bytes
Run Log History 20 bytes per record
Calibration Log History 17 bytes per record
Ram Setup Register 506 bytes per register

(Registers 0-9, Bytes used per register stored)
Estimating Memory Usage
The easiest way to estimate the memory usage is to

work on a time basis such as one day. Consider the fol-
lowing:
• Estimate how many Exceedances will occur in a

normal day
• Calculate the number of Interval, Time History,

Daily, Run Log and Calibration Check records that
will be performed in a day.
• Based on the options chosen calculate the number

of bytes required for each record type.
• Multiply by the number of records expected per

day,

• Sum these values and this is the number of bytes
required per day.
• Divide this value into the amount of available

memory in the Model 720 (see U M) and this is the
number of days the Model 720 can gather data.
As an example, let's assume a job requires monitoring

the noise made by trucks coming and going from a fac-
tory near a residential area. From an initial site survey
it is discovered that all trucks are over 65dBA at the
boundary of the road and residential property and that
there seems to be a truck passing the site every 3 min-
utes. The occupants of the residential area want to
know how many trucks are traveling this road and
why they are disturbed by some more than others. The
Exceedance Function will be used to detect events over
65dBA and there is expected 20 events per hour or 240
per day (20 events/hour time 12 hours/day) assuming
that the plant operations will be reduced during the
night. Statistics based on hourly intervals and a one
minute time history are desired to identify disturbance
pattern. The following completed work sheet shows
the calculations for this example:
Line Exceedance Memory Estimation Bytes 4Used Bytes needed
1 Basic Exceedance Record 32 4 32
2 Save Full Accumulator and Count in 16 4 16

Binary (aux Cntl Reg bit value 16)
prm210
3 TOTAL Bytes / Excd sum lines >>>>>> 48

1-2
4 Anticipated Excd / Day Enter >>>>>> 240

Number
5 TOTAL Excd Bytes / Day Multiply >>>>>> 11520

lines 3 &
4

Line Interval Memory Estimation Bytes 4Used Bytes needed
6 Basic Interval Record 34 4 34
7 Intv Save Ln’s = [Yes] Prm 77 18 4 18
8 Intv Save Ln Table 384 0
9 TOTAL Bytes / Intv sum lines >>>>>> 52

6-8
10 Anticipated Intv / Day Enter >>>>>> 24

Number
11 TOTAL Excd Bytes / Day Multiply >>>>>> 1248

lines
9&10
Line Time History Memory Calculation Bytes Bytes
Hist Resolution Hist Save Peak
16 [1.0dB] [No] 1
17 [0.1dB] [No] 2
18 [1.0dB] [Peak|UwPk|Max|Wind] 2
19 [0.1dB] [Peak|UwPk|Max|Wind] 4
20 TOTAL bytes / Hist Record Select the appropriate # of 2

bytes from lines 16-19
21 Hist Records / Day Enter Number Calculate 1440

24 hours divided by Hist Period in i.e. 24/(60 sec/3600 sec per
hours hour)= 1440
22 TOTAL Hist Bytes / Day Multiply lines 23 and 24 - 2880

copy
-copy to 29
Line Memory Use per Day Calculation Bytes Bytes
23 Exceedance History bytes / day from line 5 11520

Line Memory Use per Day Calculation Bytes Bytes
24 Interval History bytes / day from line 11 1248
26 Time History bytes / day from line 22 2880
27 Run Log bytes / day 2/(nx20) X 20 = 40

n= number of Run Log records / day n x 20 bytes/record
28 Calibration Log bytes / day 1/(nx17) X 17 17

n x 17 bytes/record
29 Setup RAM Registers bytes used 0/(nx506) = 0

n=number of registers stored / day n x 506 bytes/record
30 TOTAL bytes used / day Sum lines 23-29 15,705
31 Model 720’s Memory Size (64000) See SYSTEM-b 64,000
32 TOTAL Run Time in days Divide line 31 by 30 4.07

until out of memory

CHAPTER
10 Printing a Report
The Model 820 allows for tailored reports of data dur-

ing and after measurements. In this chapter we will
access the printing option parameters for Normal
Printouts and print a report.
Normal Printout Parameters
Before proceeding with printing, baud rate needs to be

determined and entered. Set parameter 9 to proper
baud rate determined by type of printer used. If, after
starting printing, bad information is printed, baud rate
or printer type is probably set incorrectly. To cancel
printing, hit U and S.
Normal printouts can be accessed from outside the

SETUP mode by following these steps:
Step 1 Turn the Model 720 on and press s. The

following display will appear briefly and
then scroll automatically through several
options:
6/7/05 Printing a Report 10-1

Step 2 To tailor your report and select the printer
type and options, press 7 and the following
screen will appear:
There are several options here which include:
[HPJet, HPLzr, ASCII, Epson, IBM]
Step 3 You can change the printer selection by press-

ing the m key and then r to the
printer you will use, and press e.
Items 89-112 allow you to select the Step 4 Press the d key to the next display, item
reports which are to be printed and 89 (duplicated here as item 177), the begin-
how the output data are to be config- ning of the parameters that manage printouts:
ured.
Items 89-112 are copied sequentially

into items 177-200 for printing tai-
lored reports, and may be edited
directly for one printing, and then
they will revert to settings entered in
Step 5 Scroll through these parameters with the d
parameters 89-112.
key and make your selections. Press m
to access the appropriate choice and press
e.
NOTE: For a complete list of Print Options, see Chapter 8.
Printing Reports
Printing reports is easy as connecting your Model 720

to a printer and pressing a key. Using the CBL033
serial printer cable, connect your serial printer to the
Model 820 at its bottom port. Let’s look at the print
options again:

You will notice that the scroll is Step 1 Turn the Model 720 on and press s. The
quite rapid. To slow it down so you display will begin to scroll through the vari-
can study the options, use the u or d ous print options available. Here are some of
keys and the display will remain for the screens:
five seconds before returning to
automatic scroll.
A “+” following the key name indi-

cates the option function will be
invoked after selecting that key, oth-
erwise the particular report will be
printed immediately.
This option allows you to access the

printer setup status.
This option will return you to the

Printout Parameters and will start
with the printer type selection. The d
key will access item 89 of the Print-
out Parameters.
This option allows you to tailor your

own report changing the settings of
parameter items 89-112.
The brackets contain the command Step 2 Press the d key until you find the Exceed-
that will produce the Exceedance ance History report screen:
Report, i.e. [EXCD].
Step 3 To generate an Exceedance Report, press the

L key. Assuming your reading has Exceed-
ances, the report will contain all recorded
occurrences during the test period.
6/7/05 Printing a Report 10-3

CHAPTER
A Specifications
This Appendix contains the specifications for the

Model 720 in the following order:
• Type
• Reference Direction
• Measurement Ranges
• Reference Level
• Frequency Weighting
• Detector Time Weightings
• Effects of Temperature
• Effects of Humidity
• Limits of Temperature and Humidity
• Microphone Extension Cables
• Positioning of Instrument and Observer for Best

Measurements
• AC and DC Outputs
• Reference Frequency
• Stabilization Time
• Microphone Electrical Impedance
• Functions Measured
• Data Storage
6/7/05 A-1
• Data Communications
• Digital Display
• Digital Display Resolution
• Display Bargraph
• Real-time Clock/Calendar
• Run-time Clock
• Typical Noise Floors
• Standards Met
• Power Supply
• Dimensions/Weight (with Microphone, Preampli-

fier, and Battery)
Type
The Larson•Davis Model 720 with attached PRM 828

preamp and Model 2541 microphone is a combination
Type 2 precision integrating sound level meter and sta-
tistical data logger.
Reference Direction
The reference direction is perpendicular to the plane of

the microphone diaphragm when using a free field
microphone in a free field. The microphone should be
pointed directly at the source.
When using a random incident microphone in a free

field, the microphone should be pointed 80 degrees off
axis of the source of the sound.
When in a random sound field, a random incident

microphone may be pointed in any direction.
A-2 Model 720 User Manual 6/7/05

Measurement Ranges
RMS Detector
Dynamic Range > 110.0 dB
Primary Indicator Range > 105.0 dB
The instrument will have a different Noise Floor,

Lower Limit, and Overload Level, depending on the
sensitivity of the microphone used. Some typical val-
ues, for 2 different Larson•Davis microphones, are
listed in the table below.
Max Level for

A Weight C Weight Overload Pulses of
Lower Limit Max Peak
Noise Floor - Noise Floor - Level Crest Factor
dBSPL Level dBSPL
dBSPL dBSPL dBSPL = 10
dBSPL
30.5 30.0 35.5 142.0 145.0 124.0
The data in the above table was obtained by electri-

cally testing a number of instruments. For all electrical
tests, the microphone was replaced with an equivalent
electrical impedance (Larson•Davis ADP018 micro-
phone adapter).
Other Detectors
• Weighted Peak Detector = 85.0 dB
• Unweighted Peak Detector = 38.0 dB
• AC Output = 85.0 dB
• DC Output = 105.0 dB
Reference Level
The reference level is 114.0 dB SPL.
6/7/05 A -3
Frequency Weightings
The available frequency weightings for the Models 720

are described in the table below.
Flat Weight-
Detector A Weight C Weight
ing
RMS √ √
Weighted Peak √ √
Unweighted Peak √ √
AC Output √ √ √
DC Output √ √
NOTES:
1. The RMS frequency weighting is selected via param-

eter #40, “Frequency Weighting”. The Weighted Peak
Detector, and DC Output frequency weighting always
matches the RMS Detector frequency weighting.
2. The Unweighted Peak Detector frequency weighting

is selected via parameter #42 “UWPK Weighting”;
therefore, it can be set independent of the RMS Detec-
tor frequency weighting. The Unweighted Peak Detec-
tor’s typical FLAT frequency response is shown in the
table below.
3. The AC Output frequency weighting is selected via

parameter #41, “AC Out Weighting”. It can be set to
Flat weighting, or it can be set to match the RMS Detec-
tor frequency weighting. The AC output’s FLAT fre-
quency response is shown in the table below.
Unweighted Peak FLAT Frequency Response
Unweighted Peak Unweighted Peak Unweighted Peak
Nominal Nominal Fre- Nominal
FLAT Weighting - FLAT Weighting - FLAT Weighting -
Frequency Hz quency Hz Frequency Hz
dB dB dB
10 -3.4 160 0.0 2500 0.0
12.5 -2.5 200 0.0 3150 -0.1
16 -1.7 250 0.0 4000 -0.2

Unweighted Peak FLAT Frequency Response
20 -1.2 315 0.0 5000 -0.2
25 -0.8 400 0.0 6300 -0.3
31.5 -0.5 500 0.0 8000 -0.4
40 -0.3 630 0.0 10000 -0.5
50 -0.2 800 0.0 12500 -0.8
63 -0.1 1000 0.0 16000 -0.9
80 0.0 1250 0.0 20000 -1.2
100 0.0 1600 0.0
125 0.0 2000 0.0
AC Output FLAT Frequency Response

Nominal AC Output FLAT Nominal AC Output FLAT Nominal AC Output FLAT
Frequency Hz Weighting - dB Frequency Hz Weighting - dB Frequency Hz Weighting - dB
10 -7.6 160 -0.1 2500 0.0
12.5 -6.2 200 -0.1 3150 0.0
16 -4.7 250 -0.1 4000 0.0
20 -3.5 315 0.0 5000 0.0
25 -2.5 400 0.0 6300 0.0
31.5 -1.7 500 0.0 8000 -0.1
40 -1.2 630 0.0 10000 -0.1
50 -0.9 800 0.0 12500 -0.2
63 -0.6 1000 0.0 16000 -0.3
80 -0.3 1250 0.0 20000 -0.5
100 -0.3 1600 0.0
125 -0.2 2000 0.0
Detector Time Weightings
The available RMS detector time weightings are FAST,

SLOW, and IMPULSE. There are also two available
PEAK detectors (Weighted Peak, Unweighted Peak).
• Weighted Peak Detector Rise Time: 60 µs
• Unweighted Peak Detector Rise Time: 30 µs
6/7/05 A -5
Effects of Temperature
The SPL level varies ð 0.5 dB when the complete

instrument is tested over the -10° C to 50° C tempera-
ture range. The reference reading, for this test, is taken
at 20° C and 36% relative humidity (RH); the input sig-
nal is at 1000 Hz.
Effects of Humidly
The SPL level varies ð 0.5 dB when the complete

instrument is tested over the 30% to 90% RH range.
This test is performed at 40° C, with an input signal of
1000 Hz.
Limits of Temperature and Humidity
Permanent damage can occur when stored or operated

above 60° C or below -20° C. Condensation of moisture
will make readings inaccurate but will be correct when
moisture has dissipated.
Positioning of Instrument and Observer for Best

Measurements
Measurements can be made with the Model 720 held in

one hand, with the arm extended away from the body;
however, better measurements can be made with the
Model 720 placed on a tripod.
AC and DC Outputs
The output impedance is 600 ¾ for both the AC and

DC outputs of the Model 720. For minimal error use

instruments with Š 100 k¾ input impedance when
making AC or DC output readings.
AC Output
• Output Impedance: 600 ¾
• Gain: 0 dB or 20 dB (User Selectable)
• Measurement Range: 88.0 dB
DC Output
• Output Impedance: 600 ¾
• Scale: 20 mV/dB
• Measurement Range: 105.0 dB
• Voltage Range: 0 to 3 volts
• Temperature Coefficient: 936 µV/° C
Reference Frequency
The reference frequency is 1000 Hz.
Stabilization Time
The Model 720 will not proceed to a running condition

until it is allowed to stabilize. At power-on, the stabili-
zation time is approximately 10 seconds. A shorter sta-
bilization time is also invoked when certain settings
(Weighting, Detector, etc.) are changed.
6/7/05 A -7
Microphone Electrical Impedance
The Larson•Davis ADP018 should be substituted for

the 3/8" microphone when performing electrical tests
on the Model 720.
Functions Measured
• Leq, Lmax, Lmin, TWA, SEL
• Dose, Projected Dose, Ln (1% - 99%)
• Sound Exposure in pascal squared hours (SE in

Pa2H)
• Time History, Histograms, Measurement Time-

Date-Duration
• Taktmaximal 3 and 5
• Exceedance Events
Data Storage
• 64k byte Memory
Typically, 3 month memory retention with fresh bat-

tery.
Memory protected during battery change (2 minutes

minimum).
Data Communications
• Serial interface for computer, printer, and modem

communications
• Data Rate: 19,200 bits per second

Digital Display
• 2 line, 32 digit, 7 segment LCD
• Full ASCII character set
• Fully annotated date displays parameter with units
Digital Display Resolution
• dB levels: 0.1 dB
• Dose: 0.01%
• Elapsed Time: 0.1 second
Display Bargraph
• 120 dB range, 1 dB resolution for SPL
Real-time Clock/Calendar
• 24 hour clock: hh:mm:ss
• 1 second resolution
• 100 year calendar: 01JAN1999
• Automatic run/stop timer with two alarms and

four alarm times
• Year 2000 compliant
Run-time Clock
• 0.1 second resolution
• Format: hhhhh:mm:ss.s
6/7/05 A -9
• Maximum > 4 years
Standards Met
• ANSI S1.4-1983 Type 2
• ANSI S1.25-1991 Type 2
• IEC 651 Type 2
• IEC 804 Type 2
• Directive 86/188/EEC
• Directive IEC/TC-29
Power Supply
• Internal: 9 V battery, typically 20 hour operation

(actual run-times vary depending on operating con-
ditions)
• External: 7 to 16 VDC, 30 mA current drain
• Battery-life indication selected from keyboard or

computer program
Dimensions/Weight (with Microphone, Preamplifier and

Battery)
• Width: 3in. (7.5 cm)
• Length: 8 in. (20 cm)
• Length: 6 in. (15 cm) without nose cone
• Depth: 1.0 in. (2.5 cm)
• Weight (with battery): 11 oz. (326 gm)
• Shipping weight: 3 lbs (1.4 kg)

CHAPTER
B Serial Port Interface Remote

Control
The Model 720 is fully controllable remotely via Serial

Port interface. Setup items and operational mode can
be altered. Data can also be dumped to or queried by
the controlling computer.
The Model 720 may be connected to the computer

directly or through a modem that is initialized to be
operate to be operated transparently (Auto-answer, no
echo, and no responce: ATE0X0V0Q1S0=1). A network
of many instruments can be formed, all controlled by
one computer by using the address-ability mode.
This chapter will describe the Serial Port interfacing of

the Model 720 and the various interface commands
with their syntax. These commands are a subset of the
Larson•Davis Model 870 commands.
In this chapter we will cover the following items:

• Model INT002 Interface Cable ............................................2
• Daisy Chain Addressing......................................................2
• Commands.............................................................................3
• Group Read Programming................................................11
• Querying and Setting Parameters ....................................12
• Parameter List .....................................................................16
• History Records ..................................................................22
• History Data Variables.......................................................23
• Print Commands.................................................................27
• Error Messages and Warnings..........................................28
6/7/05 B-1
Model INT002 Interface Cable
The Serial Port communication is made through the 5-

pin connector at the base of the Model 720. Interface
signals usually need to be converted for proper com-
munication with desktop computers. The Model
INT002 Cable/Level Converter is required for this
purpose. Its electronic circuits provide the correct RS-
232 signal levels and polarities. When used with the
AC/DC adapter, the INT002 also powers the units
externally, minimizing battery depletion during Serial
Port transfers.
Step 1 With the instrument turned off, insert the

cable connector in the 5-pin port.
Baud rate, Serial Port address and Step 2 Connect the cable to the of the computer,
handshaking protocol are selected using the supplied 9-25 pin adapter if neces-
using parameters 9, 10 and 12. sary.
Unless using addressing, set the
address to (0). Signal 5-Pin configurations for the INT002 follow:
712, 720, 812,& 820 5-pin Connector Computer DB-9
End Connector End
Ground Pin1/Shield Pin5/Shield
TXD Pin 2/Red Pin 3/Red
RXD Pin3/Yellow Pin 2/Yellow
Power Pin4/Blue
DTR Pin 5/White Pin 4/Blue
DSR Pin 6/White
CTS Pin 8/White
Daisy Chain Addressing
The following instruments are com- A network of instruments may be interconnected to

patible on a common network: Mod- one computer using the appropriate cabling, such as
els 712, 720, 812, 820, 870, and the CBL040, and each may be controlled individually.
TAC100. Future instruments may Each is given a unique address (parameter 10). The
also be compatible with this network. addresses are sent as a single byte ranging in value
from 129 to 255 representing address 1 to 127 respec-
tively (address plus 128).Whenever an address byte is
received only the corresponding instrument is enabled
to receive commands.
B-2 Model 720 User Manual 6/7/05

A broadcast command can be sent. By sending an
address of zero, CHR$(128), all units on the chain will
become addressed and accept the commands that fol-
low. Only the device with an address of 1 will respond
to the commands if data transfer is required. This will
allow all units to be started at the same moment, or to
have the same parameter sent to all devices with one
command, i.e. set all clocks to the same time.
WARNING! These devices cannot be just paralleled together. That

would short outputs together and damage the instru-
ments. Use the designated cables.
Commands
The commands are a series of ASCII characters with an

alpha command and one or two numeric operands fol-
lowed by a charge return, ASCII 13. The commands
may be spelled out though only the first character is
significant. i.e. READ 123 may be abbreviated to R123.
Every command has a response to acknowledge that it
was received correctly and to provide data requested.
The following tables summarize all of the commands

and are listed in this order: mode control commands
first, parameter commands next, data extraction com-
mand and report/data download command last.
[.] Square brackets indicate optional characters or operands.
Syntax Response
R[ead] variable_number, operand_2] variable_value
S[et] parameter_number, parameter_value acknowledge
S[et] parameter_number, option_number acknowledge
S[et] parameter_number; option_text acknowledge i.e. “Set 8; [Thu]” will set day of week to
Thursday
Q[uery] parameter_number, option_flags] parameter_value
6/7/05 B -3
Query Option flags may be added for combined effect.
32-Index Number
8-Tab over response
2-print in braces
1-Print parameter name
K[ey] key_simulation_string acknowledge
M[ode] mode_number acknowledge
History Oriented Commands
E[xceedance] variable_number [,relative_rec] variable_value
E[xceedance] variable_number [,time_hist_num] variable_value
I[nterval] variable_number [,relative_rec] variable_value
L[og] variable_number [,relative_rec] variable_value
C[alibration] variable_number variable_value
H[istory] variable_number [,relative_rec] variable_value
T[ables] variable_number [, table] variable_value
A[dvance] range [,history_number] acknowledge
B[ackup] range [,history_number] acknowledge
F[ind] record_number [,history_number] acknowledge
P[rint] report_number acknowledge

Mode Commands
Format for the Mode Commands is:
Command Description
M1 Power On, clear error message list and reset display functions to “–a” windows
M2 Power Off
M3 Run
M4 Stop
M5 View
M6 Mark
M7 Reset Current Data (use S1,1 for Reset-All)
M8 Reset Histories Only
M 9,1 High Resolution Levels (to I/O channel only). Increased resolution I/O is possi-
ble by using the M9,1 command. All sound levels are then sent with an addi-
tional fractional character (nnn.nn) giving 1/100th dB resolution. The Model
720 acquires noise data with 1/32 dB resolution. Greater resolution is
achieved through averaging. HOWEVER, THIS DOES NOT IMPROVE
ACCURACY. Refer to the specifications or device specific performance
results for the accuracy of the system.
M 9,0 Restores 1/10th dB resolution
M 10 Lock 720 (leave 720’s power on)
M 11 Lock 720 and Power Off.To unlock the unit and send the lock combination to the unlock param-
eter with the S230,cccccccc command where cccccccc is the correct combination entered
before locking.
M 1000 Non-destructive memory test (walking bit)
M 1001 Destructive memory test (pattern test)
M 2222 Store current settings and calibration to EEPROM
6/7/05 B -5
“Read” Variables
Syntax Variable Description Response
R1 _DEVTYPE Device manf. and model String
R2 _DT.TM Current Date and Time ddd ddmmmyyyy hh:mm:ss
R3 _STAT Status RUN/PAUSE/STOP/RESET-C/

RESET-O, LOCKED
A short form of the status command is R3,1 which has

a 5 character response.
• The first is an “s” when stabilizing or a space when

ready.
• The second is the current mode: “S” for Stopped,

“R” for Running, “P” for Paused, “C” for Calibrat-
ing, “V” for View mode, “O” for stopped with over-
all data reset and “C” for stopped with Current
data set reset.
• The third character is the Lock Status and is either

an “L” or a “U”. The fourth character is the Halt
Line Status and is a “1” if high and a “0” if low. The
fifth or last character will be an “a” if an Alarm has
been detected.
R4 _C.SPL Current SPL nnn.nn dB
R5 _O.RTIME OverAll Runtime hhhhh:mm:ss.s
R6 _O.STIME OverAll Start Date and Time ddmmmyy hh:mm:ss
R7 _C.RTIME Current Runtime hhhhh:mm:ss.s
R8 _C.STIME Current Start Date and Time ddmmmyy hh:mm:ss
R9 _O.TWA Overall TWA (Time Wght Avg) nnn.n dB
R 10 _O.XR Overall Exchange Rate Text ccccc
R 11 _C.TWA Current TWA (Time Wght Avg) nnn.n dB
R 12 _C.XR Current Exchange Rate Text ccccc

R 13 _O.SEL Overall SEL nnn.n dB
R 14 _C.SEL Current SEL nnn.n dB
R 15 _O.LMIN OverAll Minimum Level nnn.n dB
R 16 _O.TMIN OverAll Lmin Date and Time ddmmmyy hh:mm:ss
R 17 _C.LMIN Current Minimum Level nnn.n dB
R 18 _C.TMIN Current Lmin Date and Time ddmmmyy hh:mm:ss
R 19 _O.LMAX OverAll Maximum Level nnn.n dB
R 20 _O.TMAX OverAll Lmax Date and Time ddmmmyy hh:mm:ss
R 21 _C.LMAX Current Maximum Level nnn.n dB
R 22 _C.TMAX Current Lmax Date and Time ddmmmyy hh:mm:ss
R 23 _O.LPEAK OverAll Peak Level nnn.n dB
R 24 _O.TPEAK OverAll Lpeak Date and Time ddmmmyy hh:mm:ss
R 25 _C.LPEAK Current Peak Level nnn.n dB
R 26 _C.TPEAK Current Lpeak Date and Time ddmmmyy hh:mm:ss
R 27 _O.LUWPK OverAll UWPk Level nnn.n dB
R 28 _O.TUWPK OverAll Luwpk Date and Time ddmmmyy hh:mm:ss
R 29 _C.LUWPK Current UWPk Level nnn.n dB
R 30 _C.TUWPK Current Luwpk Date and Time ddmmmyy hh:mm:ss
R 31 _RMSCNT OverAll RMS Exceedances #1 nnnnn
R 32 _RMSCNT2 OverAll RMS Exceedances #2 nnnnn
R 33 _PEAKCNT OverAll Peak Exceedances nnnnn
R 34 _UWPKCNT OverAll UWPk Exceedances nnnnn
R 35 _OVLDCNT Overloads nnnnn
R 36 _PSECNT Number of PAUSES nnnnn
R 37 _PTIME PAUSE Time (OFF not inc.) hhhhh:mm:ss
R 38 _LN1 Ln 1 nnn.n dB
6/7/05 B -7
R 44 _O.DOSE Overall Dose nnnnn.n%
R 45 _C.DOSE Current Dose nnnnn.n%
R 46 _O.PROJ Overall Projected Dose nnnnn.n%
R 47 _C.PROJ Current Projected Dose nnnnn.n%
R 48 _LDLDOSE LDL Dose nnnnn.n%
R 49 _LDLPROJ LDL Projected Dose nnnnn.n%
R 50 _LDLLINT LDL Lint nnn.n dB
R 51 _LDLSEL LDL SEL nnn.n dB
R 52 _LDLXR LDL Exchange Rate Text ccccc
R 53 _LDLVALID LDL Valid display (see note below) cccccc
NOTE: An LDL (Logged Data Logic) recalculation can be started

with a R 53 Command. When the Model 720 is RUNNING the
Valid condition will remain in effect for 1 second. The R 53 Com-
mand provides three responses, LDL Valid, Calculating, and LDL
Invalid.
R 54 _RELLVL Last Level Relative to REFLVL (see Q 44) -nnn.n
R 55 _TABLE Display Histogram Selected ccc
R 56 _COUNT Display Overall Count nnnnnk
R 57 _O.LEQ Overall Leq nnn.n dB
R 68 _EXLEQ Total EXCD Leq nnn.n dB
R 69 _EXTIM Total EXCD Time hhhhh:mm:ss.s
NOTE: The exceedance Leq, R68, and exceedance time, R69,

include data from qualified events that are stored in the EXCD
History. If an event is discarded because it was shorter than the
minimum duration then it will not be included in these values.

R 70 _BGLEQ Background Leq nnn.n dB
R 86 _BATT Battery Level nnn%
R 87 _BATTSRC Battery Source (INT/EXT) ccc
R 88 _TEMP Temperature -nnn.n
R 89 _SERNUM Serial Number ccccc
R 90 _REVNUM Software Rev. & Rev. Date n.nnn ddmmmyyyy
R 91 _FREEMEM Free Memory nnnnnnn
R 92 _RECLOG Number of RUN/STOP Records nnnnn
R 93 _RECEXCD Number of EXCD Records nnnnn
R 94 _RECINTV Number of INTV Records nnnnn
R 95 _RECHIST Number of HIST Records nnnnn
R 97 _RECCAL Number of Calibration Check Records nnnnn
R 98,n _ERRMSG Error Message List cccccccccccccccccccccc(n) is

the error list number, 1-8, 1
being latest error, or nnn,
nnn...nnn if n=0 or omitted then
the 8 error codes are output as
number.
R 99 _LOGIC1 Logic Output 1 State {On/Off} unused
R 100 _LOGIC2 Logic Output 2 State {On/Off} unused
R 101 _REPORT Report Number nnnnn
R 102 _PAGE Page Number nnnnn
R 103 _PRNLINE Printer Line Number nnn
R 104 _CALTIME Calibration Date/Time ddmmmyy hh:mm:ss
R 105 _CHKTIME Cal Check Date/Time ddmmmyy hh:mm:ss
R 106 _OFFSET Cal Offset nnn.n
R 107 _CHKLVL Cal check Level nnn.n + OFFSET
R 108 _RMSEX RMS Exceedance Flag 1 *
6/7/05 B -9
R 109 _RMSEX2 RMS Exceedance Flag 2 *
R 110 _PKEX PEAK Exceedance Flag *
R 111 _UWPKEX UWPK Exceedance Flag *
R 112 _OVLD System Overload Flag *
R 113 _EXXR Excd Exchange Rate Text ccccc
R 114 _IVXR Intv Exchange Rate Text ccccc
R 115 _AUTOADV Auto-Advance History Ind. +
R 137 _ALMTIM Next Alarm Time hh:mm
R 138 _IVTIME Interval Date and Time of Occurrence ddmmmyy hh:mm:ss
R 139 _IVDUR Interval Duration hh:mm:ss / mm:ss.ss
R 140 _IVLINT Interval Lint nnn.n dB
R 141 _IVSEL Interval SEL nnn.n dB
R 142 _IVMAX Interval Lmin nnn.n dB
R 143 _IVMIN Interval Lmax nnn.n dB
R 144 _IVPEAK Interval Lpeak nnn.n dB
R 145 _IVUWPK Interval UnWeighted Peak nnn.n dB
R 146 _HISTLEQ AUTO-SEND HISTORY LEQ nnn.n dB
R 150 _RUNCNT Number of RUNS & CONTINUES nnnnn
R 151 _POFAULT Power On Fault Cause Character c

D Data Checksum Corrupt
E EEPROM Checksum Corrupt
K Key Reset (4+ RESET+ l+
On)
P Parameter Checksum Cor-
rupt
O Opcode Error
R RAM Setup Register Corrupt
T Test Memory Corrupt
W Watchdog Reset
An indicator has been added to the ON display on the top

line of the 720’s display to show faults that were detected by

the power on test procedure. The R151 command will dis-
play the fault character to a computer. :
R 152 _INRMS Internal RMS detector level nnn.nn dB
R 153 _INPEAK Internal PEAK detector level nnn.nn dB
R 154 _INUWPK Internal UwPk detector level nnn.nn dB
R 155 _KEYCNT Free Bytes in Keyboard Stack nnn
The number of keys in the keyboard stack is available

with the R155 command. This is used with keyboard
simulation to prevent the loss of keys.
R 156 _BGTIM Background Leq Time hhhhh:mm:ss.ss
R 157 _CALSTAT Calibration Status <<UnStable>>
R 158 _MEMSIZ Total number of bytes for histories nnnnnnn
R 159 _MEMUSE Memory Available in percent nnn.nn
R 160 _O.OVLD OVERALL OVERLOAD FLAG c

2
R 162 _O.SE Overall Sound Exposure nnnnn.n P H
Sound Exposure (E) is calculated and displayed in pas-

cal squared hours as needed in some of the European
Countries. This value is read with the R162 command
and is available in the top line of the DOSE-a display.
The formula used is:
E = T • (10^(Leq/10)) • 20µPa2,
where E is the Exposure, T is the elapsed time in hours, and

20µPa2 is the reference sound pressure 20 micro pascal
squared.
R 163 _TAKT3 TAKT 3 nnn.n dB
R 164 _TAKT5 TAKT 5 nnn.n dB
R 165 _PsByTim PassBy Time of Occurance ddmmmyy hh:mm:ss
R 166 _PsByDur PassBy Event Duration hh:mm:ss / mm:ss.ss
6/7/05 B -11
R 167 _PsByMax PassBy Lmax nnn.n
R 168 _PsByLeq PassBy Leq nnn.n
R 169 _PsBySel PassBy SEL nnn.n
R 170 _RevNumSL SLM Firware Rev. & Rev. Date n.nnn ddmmmyyyy
M
Other Read Commands
Other read commands are macro commands that send

multiple “R” variables, so multiple data can be
retrieved from the 720 with one command. Other com-
mands O 1, O 2, and O 4 are preprogrammed macros
while O 3 is a user-defined macro which is pro-
grammed by the Group command.
Code Description Response
O1 Read SLM data nnn.n, nnn.n, nnn.n, nnn.n<CR><LF> R 4 (SPL), (R 11 (TWA), R

17, (Lmin), R 21 (Lmax)<CR><LF>)
O2 Read Wind Data nnn.n, ccc, nnn.n, nnn.n, ccc<CR><LF>
O3 Read Group of “R” variables <as programmed>

programmed by the group
programming command G n,r
• <SOH><HIGH_COUNT><LOW_COUNT><...data...><CHKSM><CR><LF>
O4 Read 814’s LCD Display, bit • There are 1024 bytes of screen data (8 lines of 128 bytes each)
mapped in a binary format • Bits in each byte represent a verticle column of 8 pixels with the lsb on top
Group Read Programming
The group command permits the programming of a

user-defined macro with up to eight (8) Read variables.
The macro is executed with the G0 or O[ther] 3 com-
mands which returns the list of defined read variables.
Use the following command syntax to program each

desired read variable and its position in the macro.
Syntax Response

G[roup]n, var_no <cr><lf>
Example: G1, 4 <cr> assigns the current SPL to the first group option
Example: G2, 15 <cr> assigns Lmin to the second option
Example: G3, 19 <cr> assigns Lmax to the third option
Example: G4, 0 <cr> terminates group command programming
Where n is from 1 to 8, indicating the macro position

and var_no is the number of the “R” variable associ-
ated with the position. Use a var_no of “0” to define
the last position when less than eight are desired.
After programming this group read list, the response

to G0 is 59.5, 38.6, 102.2, the SPL, Lmin and Lmax respec-
tively.
The Group command can be programmed to automat-

ically send the group data at a periodic rate as set by
the Auto-Send Leq function. If the first variable of the
group is programmed to be R 146, the AUTO-SEND
HISTORY LEQ, with a G1,146 command then the
entire group will be sent out automatically when the
Auto-Send functions sends it’s Leq. This function is
enabled with setting #151, AUTO-SEND HISTORY
[No|Yes] or the S151,1 command.
Querying and Setting Parameters
Parameters select what functions are enabled and

determine how the measurements are performed. Set-
tings can be both queried and set. The settings num-
bers provided below in the “Parameters List” section
are for both the Query (Q) and Set (S) commands. See
Chapter 8 for additional information. There are four
types of settings:
• Option e.g. [Sun|Mon|Tues…|Sat]
• Numeric e.g. (123.45)
6/7/05 B -13
• Character e.g. (Gas Flare, Test 1); can be up to 30
characters
• Template e.g. (hh:mm:ss)
Brackets indicate optional characters and operands.
<cr> = carriage return; <lf> = line feed; _ = space
Querying Parameters
When querying a parameter begin the query com-

mands with Q. Brackets indicate optional characters
and operands. <cr> = carriage return; <lf> = line feed;
_ = space
Syntax Response
Q[uery]item_number[,flag] Depends on flag
Option flags elicit the following responses:
Flag Response
none Current parameter
1 Parameter name and current setting
2 Current parameter setting (including spaces) in brackets or parentheses
3 Parameter name and current setting (including spaces) in brackets or parentheses
32 Option number for option parameter
Flag values may be added together for desired combi-

nations:
Example: Response
1.Q66 No
2.Q66, 1 Excd History Enable=No
3.Q66, 2 [_No]

4.Q66, 32 0
5.Q66, 3 Excd History Enable=[_No]
Responses are denoted by (x) for option parameters

and (n) if numerical parameters.
Setting Parameters
Option Parameters Option parameters can be set in two ways: a. option

number and b. actual option text.
a.Option Number
Syntax Response
S[et]item_number,option_number <cr><lf>
Example: S9, 3 sets setting 9:Baud Rate to option 3 which sets the
baud rate to 9600
Example: S66, 1 sets Excd History Enable to Yes.
Example: S84, 0 sets Hist Period Units to _1/32s
Example: S84, 1 sets Hist Period Units to _1.0s
b. Option Parameters Text
Querying an option parameters with Option parameters texts is preceded by a semicolon

a flag of 2 will return the parame- and enclosed by brackets. Index settings text must
ter’s value enclosed in brackets as include the same number of characters that are given
needed when using the option text when queried, including spaces, which are indicated
syntax. below with “__”.
Syntax Response
S[et]item_number; [option_text] <cr><lf>
Example: S9; [_9600] sets Baud Rate to 9600.
Example: S66; [Yes] sets Excd History Enable to Yes.
Example: S84; [_1/32s] sets Hist Period Units to 1/32s
6/7/05 B -15
Example: S84; [_1.0s] sets Hist Period Units to 1.0s
Numeric Parameters
Syntax Response
S[et]item_number, parameter_value <cr><lf>
Example: S62, 120 sets RMS Excd Level 2 to 120.
Character String Parameters To include leading spaces in a character string parame-

ter, precede the character string with a “`” (leading sin-
gle quote or grave accent, ASCII 9610 or 6016).
Syntax Response
S[et]item_number;`character_string <cr><lf>
Example: S2; ` ABC Acoustics sets Name to ABC Acoustics.
Template Parameters Date
The month, day, and year are entered in that order and
are separated by “/”. The display shows day,
month(abbreviated), and year in that order.
Syntax Response
S[et]item_number; mm/dd/yy <cr><lf>
S22, 05/23/89 sets Timer Run Date to 23May1989.
Time
The hour, minutes, and seconds are entered in that

order and are separated by “:”. Military (24 hour clock)
time is used: i.e. add 12 to afternoon hours.
Syntax Response
S[et]item_number; hh:mm:ss <cr><lf>

Example: S24, 14:25:33 sets Timer Run Time 1 to 14:25:33.
6/7/05 B -17
Parameter List
Com- Variable Description Comment

mand
Q1 Q.RESALL RESET-ALL
Q2 Q.HDG1 HEADING LINE #1
Q5 Q.TITLE MEASUREMENT TITLE
Q6 Q.TIME CURRENT TIME
Q7 Q.DATE CURRENT DATE
Q8 Q.DAY DAY OF WEEK
Q9 Q.BAUD COM1 BAUD RATE
Q 10 Q.SADDR COM1 ADDRESS
Q 12 Q.HS COM PORT HANDSHAKING REGISTER
Q 14 Q.LOGIC1 OUTPUT 1 LOGIC
Q 15 Q.OUTI2TIM OUTPUT 1 HOLD TIME
Q 20 Q.PWRSV POWER SAVE OPTIONS
Q 21 Q.TIMMD TIMER MODE
Q 22 Q.RUND TIMER RUN DATE
Q 23 Q.STOPD TIMER STOP DATE
Q 24 Q.RUNT1 TIMER RUN TIME 1
Q 25 Q.STOPT1 TIMER STOP TIME 1
Q 26 Q.RUNT2 TIMER RUN TIME 2
Q 27 Q.STOPT2 TIMER STOP TIME 2
Q 28 Q.LKCOMB LOCK COMBINATION
Q 29 Q.LKRS LOCK R/S KEY

Q 30 Q.LKSU LOCK SETUP
Q 31 Q.LKFN LOCK FUNCTION
Q 32 Q.LKRES LOCK RESET
Q 33 Q.LKPWR LOCK THE ‘ON’ KEY
Q 34 Q.LKIO LOCK I/O
Q 35 Q.CALLVL CAL LEVEL
Q 36 Q.CALSN CALIBRATOR S/N
Q 37 Q.AUTOCAL AUTO-CALIBRATION MODE
Q 38 Q.CALTIM AUTO CAL TIME
Q 39 Q.DETC DETECTOR
Q 40 Q.WGHT FREQUENCY WEIGHTING
Q 41 Q.ACOUT AC Out eighting and Gain
Q 42 Q.PkWght UwPk Detector or Weighting
Q 44 Q.REFLVL RELATIVE LEVEL REFERANCE (see R

54)
Q 45 Q.CXRATE CURRENT EXCHANGE RATE
Q 46 Q.CTHOLD CURRENT THRESHOLD
Q 47 Q.CCRIT CURRENT CRITERION
Q 48 Q.OXRATE OVERALL EXCHANGE RATE
Q 49 Q.OTHOLD OVERALL THRESHOLD
Q 50 Q.OCRIT OVERALL CRITERION
Q 51 Q.DOSET DOSE PERIOD
Q 52 Q.LDLXRATE LDL EXCHANGE RATE
Q 53 Q.LDLTHOL LDL THRESHOLD

D
Q 54 Q.LDLCRIT LDL CRITERION
Q 55 Q.LNN1 Lnn 1 PERCENT
6/7/05 B -19
Q 61 Q.RMSTH1 RMS EXCD LEVEL 1
Q 62 Q.RMSTH2 RMS EXCD LEVEL 2
Q 63 Q.PKTH PEAK EXCD LEVEL
Q 64 Q.UWTH UWPK EXCD LEVEL
Q 65 Q.HYST EXCD HYSTERESIS
Q 66 Q.EXENB ENABLE EXCD HISTORY
Q 67 Q.EXXRT EXCD EXCHANGE RATE
Q 68 Q.EXMIN EXCD MINIMUM DURATION
Q 72 Q.IVENB ENABLE INTV HISTORY
Q 73 Q.IVXRT INTV EXCHANGE RATE
Q 74 Q.IVTHOLD INTV THRESHOLD
Q 75 Q.IVPER INTV PERIOD
Q 76 Q.IVSYNC INTV TIME SYNC
Q 77 Q.IVLN INTV SAVE Ln’S
Q 79 Q.IVSTOP INTV AUTO STOP
Q 80 Q.HSTENB ENABLE TIME HIST
Q 81 Q.HSTRES HIST RESOLUTION
Q 82 Q.HSTPK HIST SAVE PEAK
Q 83 Q.HSTPER HIST PERIOD
Q 85 Q.HSTBASE HIST BASE
Q 86 Q.HSTMODE HIST BASE MODE
Q 87 Q.HGRES HISTOGRAM TABLE RESOLUTION
Q 89 Q.PRNRPT DATA REPORT (x)
Q 90 Q.PRNLOG R/S AND CAL LOG (x)
Q 91 SETUP REPORT (x)

Histogram Reports
The RMS, Peak and UWPk histogram reports have

been implemented with this revision. The unformatted
reports have also been developed and the format is the
level of the first bin followed by the number of sam-
ples in each bin (in hex, 0-9 & a–). There are 1024 RMS
bins and 128 Peak and UWPk bins, this corresponds to
1/8th dB resolution for RMS and 1dB resolution for
the peak tables.
Q 92 RMS HISTOGRAM TABLE (x)
Q 93 RMS HISTOGRAM TABLE LOW VALUE (n)
Q 94 RMS HISTOGRAM TABLE HI VALUE (n)
Q 95 RMS HISTOGRAM TABLE RESOLUTION (x)
Q 96 PEAK HISTOGRAM TABLE (x)
Q 97 PEAK HISTOGRAM TABLE LOW VALUE (n)
Q 98 PEAK HISTOGRAM TABLE HI VALUE (n)
Q 99 PEAK HISTOGRAM TABLE RESOL (x)
Q 100 UWPK HISTOGRAM TABLE (x)
Q 101 UWPK HISTOGRAM TABLE LOW VALUE (n)
Q 102 UWPK HISTOGRAM TABLE HI VALUE (n)
Q 103 UWPK HISTOGRAM TABLE RESOL (x)
Tailored Report
Q 104 EXCD REPORT (x)
Q 105 EXCD REPORT LOW RECORD (n)
Q 106 EXCD REPORT HIGH RECORD (n)
Q 107 INTV REPORT (x)
Q 108 INTV REPORT LOW RECORD (n)
Q 109 INTV REPORT HIGH RECORD (n)
6/7/05 B -21
Q 110 HIST REPORT (x)
Q 111 HIST REPORT LOW RECORD (n)
Q 112 HIST REPORT HIGH RECORD (n)
Miscellaneous
Q 159 Q.PWRMD POWER MODE [Normal|Ext CO]
Special Functions - Advanced use only. Remaining commands are not available on SETUP menu.
Q 162 Q.EXTrig EXCD Passby Trigger Mode (x)
Q 163 Q.ExTime EXCD Occurrence Time (x)
Q 174 Q.RTFRMT UNFORMATTED REPORTS (x)
Q 175 Q.RPTBEG Begin Printing (x)
Q 176 Q.PTYPE PRINTER TYPE (x)
Q 177 DATA REPORT (x)
Q 178 R/S AND CAL LOG (x)
Q 179 SETUP REPORT (x)
Q 180 RMS HISTOGRAM TABLE (x)
Q 181 Q.RMSLO RMS HISTOGRAM TABLE LOW VALUE (n)
Q 182 Q.RMSHI RMS HISTOGRAM TABLE HI VALUE (n)
Q 183 Q.RMSRS RMS HISTOGRAM TABLE RESOLUTION (x)
Q 184 PEAK HISTOGRAM TABLE (x)
Q 185 PEAK HISTOGRAM TABLE LOW VALUE (n)
Q 186 PEAK HISTOGRAM TABLE HI VALUE (n)
Q 187 PEAK HISTOGRAM TABLE RESOL (x)
Q 188 UWPK HISTOGRAM TABLE (x)
Q 189 UWPK HISTOGRAM TABLE LOW VALUE (n)
Q 190 UWPK HISTOGRAM TABLE HI VALUE (n)
Q 191 UWPK HISTOGRAM TABLE RESOL (x)

Q 192 EXCD REPORT (x)
Q 193 EXCD REPORT LOW RECORD (n)
Q 194 EXCD REPORT HIGH RECORD (n)
Q 195 INTV REPORT (x)
Q 196 INTV REPORT LOW RECORD (n)
Q 197 INTV REPORT HIGH RECORD (n)
Q 198 HIST REPORT (x)
Q 199 HIST REPORT LOW RECORD (n)
Q 200 HIST REPORT HIGH RECORD (n)
Q 202 Q.CALMODE CALIBRATION MODE
Q 203 Q.ULCOMB UNLOCK COMBINATION(cccccccc)
Q 204 Q.IONAME I/O FILENAME(cccccccc)
Q 205 Q.ERCHK ENABLE ERROR CHECKING I/O
Error Checking I/O
The error checking I/O protocol verifies that com-

mands and data are transferred without errors.
• To enable error checking the @ command or S205,1

command is used.
• To disable error checking two <CR> characters in a

row may be sent (if not in the Modem Mode) or the
S205, 0F command is sent.
The “F” is the check character for the S205, 0 com-

mand. A detailed description of the protocol is avail-
able from Larson•Davis and the latest revisions of
software utilize the protocol.
This parameter is set to the noise floor of the instru-

ment so that it can properly indicate “Near Noise
Floor” messages when within 10dB of the noise floor.
It is also used with NF Compensate, Q208, which will
6/7/05 B -23
place the Model 720 in an extended Linearity Range
Mode. The true noise floor of the entire system must be
measured and entered in Q207. This will vary with the
selected input weighting or microphone sensitivity.
An equivalent microphone capacitance can be used
after calibration to determine the noise floor. It may
also be possible to remove the microphone bias to
obtain this value. When properly set up the linearity
range can be increased by 10dB.
NOTE: The mode is always turned off with a CAL Change.
Q 210 Q.CNTRLREG AUX CONTROL REG BIT Register, sum the values for each bit to be set…
Bit Description/Sum bit value
Save Interval Ln Tabe (Binary): 1
Enable Auto-Cal-Check a midnight: 2
Use LD Model 2400 Modem Controls: 4
Take Double Cal Checks (for 2202 only): 8
Save Daily Ln Table (Binary): 16
Automatically RUN on Power-On: 32
Automatically Restart on Op-Code Error: 64
Internal flag, DO NOT SET: (128)
Q 211 Q.EXREC EXCD RECORD NUMBER
Q 212 Q.IVREC INTV RECORD NUMBER
Q 213 Q.HSTREC HIST RECORD NUMBER
Q 214 Q.LOGREC RUN-LOG RECORD NUMBER
Q 216 Q.CALREC CALIBRATION RECORD NUMBER
Q 217 Q.TBLLVL LOCATE HISTOGRAM TABLE LEVEL
Q 226 Q.OVLDLVL OVERLOAD LEVEL
Q 227 Q.RMSOS RMS CALIBRATION OFFSET
Q 228 Q.PKOS PEAK TO RMS CAL OFFSET
Q 229 Q.UWPKOS UwPk TO RMS CAL OFFSET

History Records
The various histories of the Model 720 are each

accessed in a similar fashion. The Find command is the
primary method of locating a history record for ran-
dom (nonsequential) access. For example, to find the
one hundred twenty-fifth Exceedance record you send
the command F125,1 <cr> where the [,1] specifies that
it is an Exceedance record to be found (as defined in
the “history_number” column above). The Advance
and Backup commands are generally used next. They
extract data after the initial find command.
The Find command takes longer to execute as the

record number increases in size, therefore, for sequen-
tial data extraction locate the first desired record with
the Find command and then use the Advance com-
mand. The [,relative_rec] option can be used to retrieve
data forward or backward from the current record
number without changing that record number; it is a
signed 8-bit value, i.e. 1 to 127 is positive 1 to 127 while
128 to 255 is -128 to -1 respectively. Refer to parameters
211 through 214 to query the current record number.
Setting these parameters to a desired record number is
an alternate form of the Find command.
Brackets in the syntax indicate optional characters and

operands.
<cr> = carriage return; <lf> = line feed
Types of History Denoted in syntax by history_no:

1=Exceedance (E)
2=Interval (I)
3=Daily (D) (not available on 720)
4=Run Log (L)
5=Calibration (C)
6=Time (H)
7=Histogram Table (T)
6/7/05 B -25
Advance Advance a number of records from present record
number. If no num_record (number of records) is pro-
vided, 1 is assumed.
Syntax Response
A[dvance][num_record][, history_no] <cr><lf>
Example: A9,5 Adavnces calibration history by 9 records
Backup Backup a number of records from present record num-

ber. If no num_record (number of records) is provided, 1 is
assumed.
Syntax Response
[Backup][num_record][, history_no] <cr><lf>
Example: B9,5 Backs up the calibratoin history by 9 records from the

current calibration history
Find Find record number directly.
Syntax Response
F[ind]rec_no[, history_no] <cr><lf>
Example: F9,5 Locates calibration history record 9
Generally you use the Find command to get to the first

record (F1,2) and the Advance command (A) to move
up through the records.
History Data Variables
Exceedance History Variables

operands.
Syntax Response

E[xceedance]var_no Excd_var
Example: E9 __2 (Overload count from current record)
E1 Date and Time of Occurrence ddmmmyy hh:mm:ss
E2 Duration hh:mm:ss / mm:ss.ss
E3 TWA nnn.n dB
E4 SEL nnn.n dB
E5 Lmax nnn.n dB
E6 Lpeak nnn.n dB
E7 UnWeighted Peak nnn.n dB
E8 Peak Exceedance Count nnn
E9 Overload Counts nnn
E 10 Illegal Indication BEEP$+”ILLEGAL”
E 25 EXCD SYMETRY nnn.nn%
E 101 Excd Variables 1-10 Macro
Interval History Variables

operands.
Syntax Response
I[nterval]var_no Intv_var
Examples:
I1 01Jan1997 01:25:00
I 1,-5 01Jan1997 01:20:00 (from 5 previous)
I1,5 01Jan1997 01:30:00 (from 5 after)
6/7/05 B -27
I1 Date and Time of Occurrence ddmmmyy hh:mm:ss
I2 Duration hh:mm:ss / mm:ss.ss
I3 TWA nnn.n dB
I4 SEL nnn.n dB
I5 Lmin nnn.n dB
I6 Lmax nnn.n dB
I7 Lpeak nnn.n dB
I8 UnWeighted Peak nnn.n dB
I9 RMS Exceedance Count nnn
I 10 Peak Exceedance Count nnn
I 11 UnWeighted Peak Excd Count nnn
I 12 Overload Counts nnn
I 13 nn 1 Lnn
I 14 Ln 1 nnn.n dB
I 15 nn 2 Lnn
I 16 Ln 2 nnn.n dB
I 17 nn 3 Lnn
I 18 Ln 3 nnn.n dB
I 19 nn 4 Lnn
I 20 Ln 4 nnn.n dB
I 21 nn 5 Lnn
I 22 Ln 5 nnn.n dB
I 23 nn 6 Lnn
I 24 Ln 6 nnn.n dB
I 101 Intv Variables 1-24 Macro

Run Log Variables

operands.
Syntax Response
L[og]var_no log_var
Example: L1 Run/Stop number
L1 Run/Stop Number nnnnn
L2 Run/Stop Type {RUN/STOP/CONT/PAUSE/MARK}
L3 Cause {TIMER/KEY/A:D-n/HALT/INTV/BATT}
L4 Day, Date and Time ddd ddmmmyyyy hh:mm:ss
L 101 Run-Log Variables L1-L4 all variable values
Calibration History Variables
Brackets in the syntax indicate optional characters.
Syntax Response
C[alibration]var_no cal_var
Example: C1 114.0 (checked level)
Time History Variables

operands.
Syntax Response
H[istory]var_no time_var
6/7/05 B -29
H2 123.4 (Peak level in current record )
H1 RMS Level nnn.n dB
H2 Peak Level nnn.n dB
H3 Run Time of Sample (calc) hhhhh:mm/hh:mm:ss/mm:ss.ss
H4 HISTORY BARGRAPH ==========-----
Histogram Table Variables

operands.
Table Number:
• 1=RMS,
• 2=Peak,
• 3=Unweighted Peak.
If the table number is omitted then the last previously

used table is selected. If no table has been used then
RMS is used by default.
Syntax Response
T[able]var_no[, table] table_var
Example: T1,1 -75.0 (RMS current bin level)
T 1 [,n] Level of current bin nnn.n dB
T 2 [n] Count of samples nnnnnc (c= K or M for Kilo or Mega)
T 3 [,n] Percent of total nnn.nn%
T 5 [, n] Prints the accumulated timer for the current hhhhh:mm:ss.s

level/bin. The table number is optional.

Print Commands
Brackets in the syntax indicate optional characters.
cr = carriage return; lf = line feed
Syntax Response
P[rint]print_no <cr><lf>
Example: P1 Data Report is printed to computer.
P9 (1) sets all report enables in setup to [No]

S177,1 (2) sets the Data report, Run-log, and EXCD report enables (short) to [Yes] and
S178,1 (3) begins printing to the computer
S192,1
P100
P0 Standard Report (Formatted from normal setup parameters, parameters 89 to 112)
P1 Data Report
P2 Data & Histograms
P3 Short Full Report (Histories with SHORT option)
P4 Long Full Report (Histories with LONG option)
P9 All Report Enables Turned OFF
P 100 Begin Printing a Report
P 101 Begin Printing using RXD as Hardware Handshake flow control
P 999 Abort Printing
X 100 XMODEM Begin Printing (same as P100 except through the XMODEM communication protocol)
^X^X CANcel transfer mode, 2 in a row (ASCII <CAN> or CHR$(24))
6/7/05 B -31
Error Messages and Warnings
The error code or warning code listed is the number

provided by R98.
All error messages begin with: CHR$(7), “ERROR - ”
Error Code Message
1 “COUNT OVERFLOW”
2 “EXPONENTIAL OVERFLOW”
3 “RTX TASK SELECT”
4 “ILLEGAL EXCHANGE RATE”
5 “UNKNOWN INTERRUPT”
6 “WATCHDOG RESET”
7 “RAM BANK ERROR”
8 “OPCODE ERROR”
All warning messages begin with: CHR$(7), “WARN-

ING -”
Warning Message
Code
128 “Out of Memory”
129 “Battery Low”
130 “POWER FAILURE”
131 “DIVISION BY ZERO”
132 “Operand-1 Range”
133 “Operand-2 Range”
134 “DPC Format”
135 “Key Has No Effect”
136 “Stop Required”

137 “Key Has No Effect In “VIEW””
138 “Parameter Entered Wrong”
139 “RESET-ALL Required”
140 “Use ARROWS, (ON) to Exit”
141 “Use NEXT/PREV or ENTER”
142 “Invalid Numeric Entry”
143 “OPEN #”
144 “Already Open”
145 “No History Yet”
146 “At End of History”
147 “At Start of History”
148 “History Format Error”
149 “Unknown I/O Command”
150 “I/O Operand Invalid”
151 “Unable to Calibrate”
152 “EEPROM Write Error”
153 “Memory was Lost, Data Reset!”
154 “RECALL- Not Found”
155 “Function Not Implemented”
156 “System Locked”
157 “A:D Stack Full”
158 “A:D Over-Run”
159 “Serial Port Framing”
160 “Serial Port Line Noisy”
161 “Serial Port Over-Run”
162 “Wait for Stabilization”
163 “Power Turned Off”
6/7/05 B -33
164 “Time/Date Not Set!”
165 “Printer Already BUSY”
166 “Lithium Battery Low”
167 “Timer ON Pending”
168 “External Power Fail”
169 “Calibration Changed”
170 “I/O Stack Overflow”

CHAPTER
C Glossary
This appendix contains technical definitions of key acoustical and vibration terms commonly
used with Larson•Davis instruments. The reader is referred to American National Standards
Institute document S1.1-1994 for additional definitions. Specific use of the terms defined are
in the main body of the text.
Allowed Exposure Time (Ti) It is the allowed time of exposure to sound of a constant A-
weighted sound level given a chosen Criterion Level, Crite-
rion Duration, and Exchange Rate. The equation for it is
Tc Tc
T i = ----------------------------------------
- = -----------------------------------------
(L – Lc ) ⁄ Q (L – Lc ) ⁄ q
2 avg 10 avg
where Lc is the Criterion Level, Tc is the Criterion Duration,
Q is the Exchange Rate, K is the Exchange Rate Factor and
Lavg is the Average Sound Level.
Example: If Lc = 90, Tc = 8, Q = 3 and Li = 95 then
8 8
T i = ------------------------------- - = 5.656 = 5 hours and 39 minutes
= -------------------------
( 95 – 90 ) ⁄ 10 ( 95 – 90 ) ⁄ 3
10 2
This means that if a person is in this area for 5 hours and 39

minutes he will have accumulated a Noise Dose of 100%.
Standard: ANSI S12.19
Average Sound Level (Lavg) It is the logarithmic average of the sound during a Measure-
ment Duration (specific time period), using the chosen
Exchange Rate Factor. Exposure to this sound level over the
period would result in the same noise dose and the actual
6/7/05 C-1
(unsteady) sound levels. If the Measurement Duration is the
same as the Criterion Duration, then Lavg=LTWA(LC)
T
 2 
1 ( Lp ( t ) ) ⁄ q 
L avg = qLog 10  --- 10 ∫ dt
T 
 T 
1
where the Measurement Duration (specified time period) is

T=T2-T1 and q is the Exchange Rate Factor. Only sound lev-
els above the Threshold Level are included in the integral.
Calibration Adjustment of a sound or vibration measurement system so

that it agrees with a reference sound or vibration source. It
should be done before each set of measurements.
Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL, Lden) A rating of community noise exposure to
all sources of sound that differentiates between daytime,
evening and nighttime noise exposure. The equation for it is
0700 1900 2200 2400
∑ ∑ ∑ ∑
( L + 10 ) ⁄ 10 L ⁄ 10 ( L + 5 ) ⁄ 10 ( L + 10 ) ⁄ 10
i i i i
L = 10log 10 + 10 + 10 + 10
den 10
0000 0700 1900 2200
The continuous equivalent sound level is generally calcu-

lated on an hourly basis and is shown in the equation as L.
The levels for the hourly periods from midnight to 7 a.m.
have 10 added to them to represent less tolerance for noise
during sleeping hours. The same occurs from 10 p.m. to mid-
night. The levels for the hourly periods between 7 p.m. and
10 p.m. have 5 added to them to represent a lessened toler-
ance for noise during evening activities. They are energy
summed and converted to an average noise exposure rating.
Criterion Duration (Tc) It is the time required for a constant sound level equal to the
Criterion Level to produce a Noise Dose of 100%. Criterion
Duration is typically 8 hours.
Example: If the Criterion Level = 90 dB and the Criterion
Duration is 8 hours, then a sound level of 90 dB for 8 hours,
C-2 Model 720 User Manual 6/7/05

will produce a 100% Noise Dose. See Noise Dose.
Criterion Sound Exposure (CSE) The product of the Criterion Duration and the mean
square sound pressure associated with the Criterion Sound
Level when adjusted for the Exchange Rate. It is expressed in
Pascals-squared seconds when the exchange rate is 3 dB.
where q is the Exchange Rate Factor. See Exchange Rate.
Lc ⁄ q
CSE = T c 10
Criterion Sound Level (Lc) It is the sound level which if continually applied for the Cri-
terion Duration will produce a Noise Dose of 100%. The cur-
rent OSHA Criterion Level is 90 dB.
Daily Personal Noise Exposure (LEP,d) It is the level of a constant sound over the Criterion
Duration that contains the same sound energy as the actual,
unsteady sound over a specific period. The period is gener-
ally shorter, so the sound energy is spread out over the Crite-
rion Duration period.
Example: If the Criterion Duration = 8 hours and the specific
period is 4 hours and the average level during the 4 hours is
86 dB, then the LEP,d = 83 dB.
Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL, Ldn) A rating of community noise exposure to all
sources of sound that differentiates between daytime and
nighttime noise exposure. The equation for it is
0700 2200 2400
∑ ∑ ∑
( L + 10 ) ⁄ 10 L ⁄ 10 ( L + 10 ) ⁄ 10
i i i
L = 10Log 10 + 10 + 10
dn 10
0000 0700 2200
The continuous equivalent sound level (See definition) is

generally calculated on an hourly basis and is shown in the
equation as L. The values for the hourly periods from mid-
night to 7 a.m. have 10 added to them to represent less toler-
ance for noise during sleeping hours. The same occurs from
10 p.m. to midnight. They are energy summed and con-
verted to an average noise exposure rating.
Decibel (dB) A logarithmic form of any measured physical quantity, typi-

cally used in sound and vibration measurements. Whenever
6/7/05 C -3
the word level is used it implies this logarithmic form. The
relationship is relatively simple, but the mathematics can
become complex. It is widely used and was developed so
that the very wide range of any quantity could be repre-
sented more simply. It is not possible to directly add or sub-
tract physical quantities when expressed in decibel form.
The word level is always attached to a physical quantity
when it is expressed in decibels; for example Lp represents
the sound pressure level. The table below shows the actual
value of a specific item, such as sound pressure, for which
the level is to be determined. First the value is put into expo-
nential form in powers of ten; the exponent is the Bel. The
exponent is then multiplied by ten to yield the decibel. This
procedure converts multiplication into addition; every time
10 is added to the level, the value is multiplied by 10. When the
value is not a even multiple of ten the exponent is more com-
plicated as shown in the table. Every time the level increases
by 3 dB, the value is multiplied by 2 (doubled). These two
rules are worth remembering.
Linear form Level form
Exponential Form 10•Exponent
Ration of Value to Reference
of Ratio
1 100 0
10 101 10
100 102 20
200 102.3 23
1000 103 30
10000 104 40
100000 105 50
1000000 106 60
The definition of decibel is intended for power-like quanti-

ties (W). Sometimes power is represented by the square of a
measured quantity and this results in a different form of the
equation (See Sound Pressure Level).
W L ⁄ 10
L = 10Log 10 ------- W = W 0 10
W0
The value of the item in the table is not the value of the quan-
tity itself but the ratio of that quantity to a reference quan-
tity. So for every level in decibels there must be a reference
quantity. When the quantity equals the reference quantity

the level is zero. To keep the values above zero, the reference
is generally set to be the lowest value of the quantity.
Department of Defense Level (LDOD) The Average Sound Level calculated in accordance
with Department of Defense Exchange Rate and Threshold
Level. See Average Sound Level
Dose (See Noise Dose)
Detector The part of a sound level meter that converts the actual fluc-
tuating sound or vibration signal from the microphone to
one that indicates its amplitude. It first squares the signal,
then averages it in accordance with the time-weighting char-
acteristic, and then takes the square root. This results in an
amplitude described as rms (root-mean-square).
Eight Hour Time-Weighted Average Sound Level (L TWA(8)) It is the constant sound level
that would expose a person to the same Noise Dose as the
actual (unsteady) sound levels. The equation for it is
D
L TWA ( 8 ) = L c + qLog 10  ---------
 100
NOTE: This definition applies only for a Criterion Duration

of 8 hours.
Energy Equivalent Sound Level (Leq) The level of a constant sound over a specific time
period that has the same sound energy as the actual
(unsteady) sound over the same period.
T2 2
T1 ∫
p ( t ) dt
L eq = 10Log 10 --------------------------
2
po T
where p is the sound pressure and the Measurement Dura-

tion (specific time period) T=T2-T1. See Sound Exposure
Level.
Exchange Rate (Q), Exchange Rate Factor (q), Exposure Factor (k) It is defined in ANSI
S1.25 as “the change in sound level corresponding to a dou-
bling or halving of the duration of a sound level while a con-
stant percentage of criterion exposure is maintained.” The
6/7/05 C -5
rate and the factors are given in the table below.
Exchange Rate, Q Exchange Rate Exposure Factor, k
Factor, q
3.01 10 1
4 13.333 .75
5 16.667 .60
6.02 20 .50
Far Field There are two types of far fields: the acoustic far field and the
geometric far field.
Acoustic Far Field: The distance from a source of sound is

greater than an acoustic wavelength. In the far field, the
effect of the type of sound source is negligible. Since the
wavelength varies with frequency (See the definition of
Wavelength), the distance will vary with frequency. To be in
the far field for all frequencies measured, the lowest fre-
quency should be chosen for determining the distance. For
example, if the lowest frequency is 20 Hz, the wavelength at
normal temperatures is near 56 ft. (17 m); at 1000 Hz, the
wavelength is near 1.1 ft. (1/3 m). See the definition of
Acoustic Near Field for the advantages of in the acoustic far
field.
Geometric Far Field: The distance from a source of sound is

greater than the largest dimension of the sound source. In
the far field, the effect of source geometry is negligible.
Sound sources often have a variety of specific sources within
them, such as exhaust and intake noise. When in the far field,
the sources have all merged into one, so that measurements
made even further away will be no different. See the defini-
tion of Geometric Near Field for the advantages of being in
the geometric far field.
Free Field A sound field that is free of reflections. This does not mean
that the sound is all coming from one direction as is often
assumed, since the source of sound may be spatially exten-
sive. See the definitions of near and far fields for more detail.
This definition is often used in conjunction with reverberant
field.
Frequency (Hz, rad/sec) The rate at which an oscillating signal completes a complete
cycle by returning to the original value. It can be expressed

in cycles per second and the value has the unit symbol Hz
(Hertz) added and the letter f is used for a universal descrip-
tor. It can also be expressed in radians per second, which has
no symbol, and the greek letter ω is used for a universal
descriptor. The two expressions are related through the
expression ω=2¼f.
Frequency Band Pass Filter The part of certain sound level meters that divides the fre-
quency spectrum on the sound or vibration into a part that is
unchanged and a part that is filtered out. It can be composed
of one or more of the following types:
Low Pass: A frequency filter that permits signals to pass

through that have frequencies below a certain fixed fre-
quency, called a cutoff frequency. It is used to discriminate
against higher frequencies.
High Pass: A frequency filter that permits signals to pass

through that have frequencies above a certain fixed fre-
quency, called a cutoff frequency. It is used to discriminate
against lower frequencies.
Bandpass: A frequency filter that permits signals to pass

through that have frequencies above a certain fixed fre-
quency, called a lower cutoff frequency, and below a certain
fixed frequency, called an upper cutoff frequency. The differ-
ence between the two cutoff frequencies is called the band-
width. It is used to discriminate against both lower and
higher frequencies so it passes only a band of frequencies.
Octave band: A bandpass frequency filter that permits signals

to pass through that have a bandwidth based on octaves. An
octave is a doubling of frequency so the upper cutoff fre-
quency is twice the lower cutoff frequency. This filter is often
further subdivided in 1/3 and 1/12 octaves (3 and 12 bands
per octave) for finer frequency resolution. Instruments with
these filters have a sufficient number of them to cover the
usual range of frequencies encountered in sound and vibra-
tion measurements.The frequency chosen to describe the
band is that of the center frequency. Note table in Frequency
Filter - Frequency Weighting.
Frequency Filter - Weighted A special frequency filter that adjusts the amplitude of all
parts of the frequency spectrum of the sound or vibration
6/7/05 C -7
unlike band pass filters. It can be composed of one or more
of the following types:
A-Weighting: A filter that adjusts the levels of a frequency

spectrum in the same way the human ear does when
exposed to low levels of sound. This weighting is most often
used for evaluation of environmental sounds. See table
below.
B-Weighting: A filter that adjusts the levels of a frequency
exposed to higher levels of sound. This weighting is seldom
used. See table below.
C-Weighting: A filter that adjusts the levels of a frequency
exposed to high levels of sound. This weighting is most often
used for evaluation of equipment sounds. See table below.
Flat-Weighting: A filter that does not adjust the levels of a fre-
quency spectrum. It is usually an alternative selection for the
frequency-weighting selection.
Center Frequencies, Hz Weighting Network Frequency
Response
1/3 Octave 1 Octave A B C
20 -50.4 -24.2 -6.2
25 -44.7 -20.4 -4.4
31.5 31.5 -39.4 -17.1 -3.0
40 -34.6 -14.2 -2.0
50 -30.2 -11.6 -1.3
63 63 -26.2 -9.3 -0.8
80 -22.5 -7.4 -0.5
100 -19.1 -5.6 -0.3
125 125 -16.1 -4.2 -0.2
160 -13.4 -3.0 -0.1
200 -10.9 -2.0 0

Center Frequencies, Hz Weighting Network Frequency
Response
1/3 Octave 1 Octave A B C
250 250 -8.6 -1.3 0
315 -6.6 -0.8 0
400 -4.8 -0.5 0
500 500 -3.2 -0.3 0
630 -1.9 -0.1 0
800 -0.8 0 0
1000 1000 0 0 0
1250 0.6 0 0
1600 1.0 0 -0.1
2000 2000 1.2 -0.1 -0.2
2500 1.3 -0.2 -0.3
3150 1.2 -0.4 -0.5
4000 4000 1.0 -0.7 -0.8
5000 0.5 -1.2 -1.3
6300 -0.1 -1.9 -2.0
8000 8000 -1.1 -2.9 -3.0
10000 -2.5 -4.3 -4.4
12500 -4.3 -6.1 -6.2
16000 16000 -6.6 -8.4 -8.5
20000 -9.3 -11.1 -11.2
Leq See “Energy Equivalent Sound Level”, “Sound Level”,

Energy Average”, and “Time Weighted Average”
Level (dB) A descriptor of a measured physical quantity, typically used

in sound and vibration measurements. It is attached to the
name of the physical quantity to denote that it is a logarith-
mic measure of the quantity and not the quantity itself. The
word decibel is often added after the number to express the
same thing. When frequency weighting is used the annota-
tion is often expressed as dB(A) or dB(B).
Measurement Duration (T) The time period of measurement. It applies to hearing dam-
age risk and is generally expressed in hours.
Microphone Guidelines Microphone - Types: A device for detecting the presence of

sound. Most often it converts the changing pressure associ-
ated with sound into an electrical voltage that duplicates the
changes. It can be composed of one of the following types:
6/7/05 C -9
Capacitor (Condenser): A microphone that uses the motion of
a thin diaphragm caused by the sound to change the capaci-
tance of an electrical circuit and thereby to create a signal.
For high sensitivity, this device has a voltage applied across
the diaphragm from an internal source.
Electret: A microphone that uses the motion of a thin dia-
phragm caused by the sound to change the capacitance of an
electrical circuit and thereby to create a signal. The voltage
across the diaphragm is caused by the charge embedded in
the electret material so no internal source is needed.
Microphone - Uses: The frequency response of microphones

can be adjusted to be used in specific applications. Among
those used are:
Frontal incidence (Free Field): The microphone has been

adjusted to have an essentially flat frequency response when
in a space relatively free of reflections and when pointed at
the source of the sound.
Random incidence: The microphone has been adjusted to have
an essentially flat frequency response for sound waves
impinging on the microphone from all directions.
Pressure: The microphone has not been adjusted to have an
essentially flat frequency response for sound waves imping-
ing on the microphone from all directions.
What a microphone measures: A microphone detects more than

just sound. The motion of a microphone diaphragm is in
response to a force acting on it. The force can be caused by a
number of sources only one of which are we interested:
sound. Non-sound forces are: (1) direct physical contact such
as that with a finger or a raindrop; (2) those caused by the
movement of air over the diaphragm such as environmental
wind or blowing; (3) those caused by vibration of the micro-
phone housing; and (4) those caused by strong electrostatic
fields.
Rules:
1. Do not permit any solid or liquid to touch the microphone
diaphragm. Keep a protective grid over the diaphragm.
2. Do not blow on a microphone and use a wind screen over
the microphone to reduce the effect of wind noise.
3. Mount microphones so their body is not subject to vibra-
tion, particularly in direction at right angles to the plane of
the diaphragm.
4. Keep microphones away from strong electrical fields.

A microphone measures forces not pressures. We would like the
microphone to measure sound pressure (force per unit area)
instead of sound force. If the pressure is applied uniformly
over the microphone diaphragm a simple constant (the dia-
phragm area) relates the two, but if the pressure varies
across the diaphragm the relationship is more complex. For
example, if a negative pressure is applied on one-half the
diaphragm and an equal positive pressure is applied to the
other half, the net force is zero and essentially no motion of
the diaphragm occurs. This occurs at high frequencies and
for specific orientations of the microphone.
Rules:
1. Do not use a microphone at frequencies higher than speci-
fied by the manufacturer; to increase the frequency response
choose smaller microphones.
2. Choose a microphone for free field or random incidence to
minimize the influence of orientation.
A microphone influences the sound being measured. The micro-

phone measures very small forces, low level sound can run
about one-billionth of a PSI! Every measurement instrument
changes the thing being measured, and for very small forces
that effect can be significant. When sound impinges directly
on a microphone the incident wave must be reflected since it
cannot pass through the microphone. This results in the
extra force required to reflect the sound and a microphone
output that is higher than would exist if the microphone
were not there. This is more important at high frequencies
and when the microphone is facing the sound source.
Rules:
1. Do not use a microphone at frequencies higher than speci-
fied by the manufacturer; to increase the frequency response
choose smaller microphones.
2. Choose a microphone for free field or random incidence to
minimize the influence of orientation.
A microphone measures what is there from any direction: Most
measurements are intended to measure the sound level of a
specific source, but most microphones are not directional so
they measure whatever is there, regardless of source.
Rules:
1. When making hand-held measurements, keep your body
at right angles to the direction of the sound you are inter-
ested in and hold the meter as far from your body as possi-
ble. Use a tripod whenever possible.
2. Measure the influence of other sources by measuring the
6/7/05 C -11
background sound level without the source of interest. You
may have to correct for the background.
Near Field There are two types of near fields: the acoustic near field and
the geometric near field.
Acoustic Near Field: The distance from a source of sound is

less than an acoustic wavelength. In the near field, the effect
of the type of sound source is significant. Since the wave-
length varies with frequency (See the definition of Wave-
length), the distance will vary with frequency. The most
common example of a near field is driving an automobile
with an open window. As you move your ear to the plane of
the window, the sound pressure level builds up rapidly
(wind noise) since most of the pressure changes are to move
the air and very little of it compresses the air to create sound.
Persons not far way, can hardly hear what you hear. The
acoustic near field is characterized by pressures that do not
create sound that can be measured in the far field. Therefore
measurements made here are not useful in predicting the
sound levels far way or the sound power of the source.
Geometric Near Field: The distance from a source of sound is

less than the largest dimension of the sound source. In the
near field, effect of source geometry is significant. Sound
sources often have a variety of specific sources within them,
such as exhaust and intake noise. When in the near field, the
sound of a weaker, but close, source can be louder than that
of a more distant, but stronger, source. Therefore measure-
ments made here can be used to separate the various sources
of sound, but are not useful in predicting the sound levels
and sound spectrum far from the source.
Noise Typically it is unwanted sound. This word adds the response

of humans to the physical phenomenon of sound. The
descriptor should be used only when negative effects on
people are known to occur. Unfortunately, this word is used
also to describe sounds with no tonal content (random):
Ambient: The all encompassing sound at a given location

caused by all sources of sound. It is generally random, but
need not be.
Background: The all encompassing sound at a given location
caused by all sources of sound, but excluding the source to
be measured. It is essentially the sound that interferes with a

measurement.
Pink: It is a random sound that maintains constant energy
per octave. Pink light is similar to pink noise in that it has a
higher level at the lower frequencies (red end of the spec-
trum).
White: It is a random sound that contains equal energy at
each frequency. In this respect, it is similar to white light.
Noise Dose (D) It is the percentage of time a person is exposed to noise that
is potentially damaging to hearing. Zero represents no expo-
sure and 100 or more represents complete exposure. It is cal-
culated by dividing the actual time of exposure by the
allowed time of exposure. The allowed time of exposure is
determined by the Criterion Duration and by the sound level
(the higher the level, the shorter the allowed time). The
sound levels must be measured with A-frequency weighting
and slow exponential time weighting. See Projected Noise
Dose.
T 100T ( L – L ) ⁄ Q
D = 100 ---- = ------------ 10 i c
Ti Tc
where T is the Measurement Duration and Ti is the Allowed

Exposure Time.
Noise Exposure (See Sound Exposure)
OSHA Level (LOSHA) The Average Sound Level calculated in accordance with the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration Exchange
Rate and Threshold Level.
Preamplifier A part of the sound level meter that matches a particular

model of microphone to the meter. It must be chosen in con-
junction with a microphone and a cable that connects them.
Projected Noise Dose It is the Noise Dose expected if the current rate of noise expo-
sure continues for the full Criterion Duration period.
6/7/05 C -13
Single Event Noise Exposure Level (SENEL, LAX) The total sound energy over a specific
period. It is a special form of the Sound Exposure Level
where the time period is defined as the start and end times of
a noise event such as an aircraft or automobile passby.
Sound The rapid oscillatory compressional changes in a medium

(solid, liquid or gas) that propagate to distant points. It is
characterized by changes in density, pressure, motion, and
temperature as well as other physical quantities. Not all
rapid changes in the medium are sound (wind noise) since
they do not propagate.
The auditory sensation evoked by the oscillatory changes.
Difference between sound and noise: Sound is the physical phe-

nomenon associated with acoustic (small) pressure waves.
Use of the word sound provides a neutral description of
some acoustic event. Generally, noise is defined as
unwanted sound. It can also be defined as sound that causes
adverse effects on people such as hearing loss or annoyance.
It can also be defined as the sound made by other people. In
every case, noise involves the judgment of someone and puts
noise in the realm of psychology not physics.
Rules:
1. Use word sound to describe measurements to remove the
emotional overtones associated with the word noise. Some
sound metrics use noise in their name and it is proper to use
the name as it is.
Sound Exposure (SE) It is the total sound energy of the actual sound during a spe-
cific time period. It is expressed in Pascals-squared seconds.
T2
2
SE = ∫ pA ( t ) dt
T1
where pA is the sound pressure and T2 - T1 is the Measure-

ment Duration (specific time period).
When applied to hearing damage potential, the equation is
changed to
where k is the Exposure Factor. See Exchange Rate.
Sound Exposure Level (SEL, LET) The total sound energy in a specific time period. The
equation for it is

T2
k
∫ [ p ( t ) ] dt
2
SE = A
T1
T2
∫
2
p ( t ) dt
1 T
SEL = 10Log 10 ------------------------
2
-
p0 T
The sound pressure is squared and integrated over a specific

period of time (T2-T1) this is called the sound exposure and
has the units Pascal squared- seconds or Pascal squared-
hours. P0 is the reference pressure of 20 µPa and T is the ref-
erence time of 1 second. It is then put into logarithmic form.
It is important to note that it is not an average since the refer-
ence time is not the same as the integration time.
Sound Pressure The physical characteristic of sound that can be detected by

microphones. Not all pressure signals detected by a micro-
phone are sound (e.g., wind noise). It is the amplitude of the
oscillating sound pressure and is measured in Pascals (Pa),
Newtons per square meter, which is a metric equivalent of
pounds per square inch. To measure sound, the oscillating
pressure must be separated from the steady (barometric)
pressure with a detector. The detector takes out the steady
pressure so only the oscillating pressure remains. It then
squares the pressure, takes the time average, and then takes
the square root (this is called rms for root-mean square).
There are several ways this can be done.
6/7/05 C -15
Moving Average: The averaging process is continually accept-
ing new data so it is similar to an exponential moving aver-
age. The equation for it is
t
1 2 –( t – ξ ) ⁄ T
p rms =
T ∫
--- p ( ξ )e dξ
ts
The sound pressure is squared and multiplied by a exponen-

tial decay factor so that when the time of integration is near
the current time (t) it is essentially undiminished. For times
older (less) than the current time, the value is diminished
and so becomes less important. The rate at which older data
are made less influential is expressed by the constant T. The
larger is it the slower the decay factor reduces and the slower
the response of the system to rapid changes. These are stan-
dardized into three values called Time Weighting. See the
values below.
Fixed Average: The averaging process is over a fixed time

period. The equation for it is
T2
1 - 2
p rms = ∫
----------------------
( T2 – T1 )
p ( t ) dt
T1
The sound pressure is squared and averaged over a fixed

time period. Unlike the moving average, the sound pres-
sures in all time intervals are equally weighted.
Sound Pressure Level (SPL, Lp) The logarithmic form of sound pressure. It is also expressed
by attachment of the word decibel to the number. The loga-
rithm is taken of the ratio of the actual sound pressure to a
reference sound pressure which is 20 MicroPascals (µ Pa).
There are various descriptors attached to this level depend-

ing on how the actual sound pressure is processed in the
meter:
Instantaneous: The time varying reading on a meter face on in

a meter output due to changes in the sound pressure. The
reading will depend on the time-weighting applied.
The fundamental relationship between the two is logarith-

mic
p rms L p ⁄ 20
L p = 20log 10 ---------
- p rms = p 0 10
p0
where p0 is the reference sound pressure of 20 µPa. The

square of the sound pressure is a power-like quantity that
can be expressed in the original form of the level definition
2
p rms 2 2 L p ⁄ 10
L p = 10log 10 ---------
2
- p rms = p 0 10
p0
Sound Pressure Level can be converted to sound pressure as

follows. If the sound pressure is 1 Pascal, then the sound
pressure level is
1
- = 20log 10 [ 50000 ] = 20 [ 4.699 ] = 94.0dB
L p = 20log 10 ---------------------
–6
20 • 10
Calibrators often use a level of 94 dB so they generate a

sound pressure of 1 Pascal.
If the sound pressure level = 76.3 dB, then the sound pres-
sure is
–6 76.3 ⁄ 20 3.815 – 6 – 2.185

Pa = 20 • 10 • 10 = 20 • 10 = 20 • 10 = 20 [ 0.0065 ] = 0.13
Energy Average (Leq): The value of a steady sound measured

over a fixed time period that has the same sound energy as
the actual time varying sound over the same period. This
descriptor is widely used. It is a fixed average (See Sound
Pressure).
Impulse: The value of an impulsive sound. The reading will
6/7/05 C -17
depend on the time-weighting applied.
Unweighted Peak: The peak value of a sound with a meter that

has flat frequency weighting and a peak detector.
Weighted Peak: The peak value of a sound with a meter that

has a frequency weighting other than flat and a peak detec-
tor.
Sound Power(W) The sound power emitted by a sound source. It is measured

in Watts.
Sound Power Level (PWL, Lw) The logarithmic form of sound power. It is also expressed by
attachment of the word decibel to the number. The loga-
rithm is taken of the ratio of the actual sound power to a ref-
erence sound power, which is 1 pico-watt. Sound power
level cannot be measured directly, but can only be deduced
through measurements of sound intensity or sound pressure
around the source. The equation for it is
W L w ⁄ 10
L w = 10log 10 ------- W = W 0 10
W0
Sound Speed, (c,) The speed at which sound waves propagate. It is measured
in meters per second. It should not be confused with sound
or particle velocity which relates to the physical motion of
the medium itself.
c = 20.05 degC + 273 m ⁄ sec
c = 49.03 degF + 460 ft ⁄ sec
Spectrum (Frequency Spectrum) The amplitude of sound or vibration at various frequen-

cies. It is given by a set of numbers that describe the ampli-
tude at each frequency or band of frequencies. It is often
prefixed with a descriptor that identifies it such as sound
pressure spectrum. It is generally expressed as a spectrum
level.
Threshold Sound Level (Lt) The A-weighted sound level below which the sound pro-
duces little or no Noise Dose accumulation and may be dis-

regarded. It is used for hearing damage risk assessment.
Time Weighted Average Sound Level (TWA, LTWA(TC)) It is the level of a constant sound
over the Criterion Duration, that would expose a person to
the same Noise Dose as the actual (unsteady) sound over the
same period. If the Exchange Rate is 3 dB then the TWA is
equal to the Leq.
T
 2 (L (t)) ⁄ K 
1
L TWA ( TC ) = Klog 10  --- 10 ∫ dt
p
T 
 T 
1
where Tc=T2-T1 and K is the Exchange Rate Factor. It is used

for hearing damage risk assessment.
Time Weighting The response speed of the detector in a sound level meter.
There are several speeds used.
Slow: The time constant is 1 second (1000 ms). This is the

slowest and is commonly used in environmental noise mea-
surements.
Fast: The time constant is 1/8 second (125 ms). This is a less
commonly used weighting but will detect changes in sound
level more rapidly.
Impulse: The time constant is 35ms for the rise and 1.5 sec-
onds (1500 ms) for the decay. The reason for the double con-
stant is to allow the very short signal to be captured and
displayed.
Vibration The oscillatory movement of a mechanical system (generally

taken to be solid). It is used as a broad descriptor of oscilla-
tions.
Wavelength (l) The distance between peaks of a propagating wave with a

well defined frequency. It is related to the frequency through
the following equation
6/7/05 C -19
λ = c--
f
where c is the sound speed and f is the frequency in Hz. It

has the dimensions of length.
Wavenumber (k) A number that is related to the wavelength of sound and is

used to compare the size of objects relative to the wave-
length or the time delay in sound propagation. It is related to
wavelength through the following equation
k = 2π -------- = ω
------ = 2πf ----
λ c c
where λ is the wavelength, c is the sound speed, f is the fre-

quency in Hz, and ω is the radian frequency. It has the
dimensions of inverse length.
Yearly Average Sound Level (YDNL, Lydn) The Day-Night Average Sound Level for each
day is averaged over the entire year. It is calculated as fol-
lows
365
1 Ldn 1 ⁄ 10
L ydn = 10 log ---------
365 ∑ 10
i=1

APPENDIX
D Warranty/Customer Satisfaction
A. Total Customer Satisfaction. Larson Davis, Inc. (“LD”) guarantees Total Customer Satisfaction.
If, at any time you are not completely satisfied with any LD product, LD will repair, replace or
exchange it at no charge, except as otherwise provided in this Limited Warranty. The employees of
LD strive to provide superior, unmatched customer service. Should you find yourself dissatisfied with
any LD product for any reason, consult a LD Application engineer or local representative/ distributor
to discuss your situation.
B. Purchase Price Refund/Limited Warranty. LD warrants to the original purchaser (the "Buyer")
that, unless otherwise expressly specified in writing by a LD officer, all LD products shall be free of
defects in material and workmanship for a period of two (2) years from date of original purchase. In
furtherance of LD's commitment to Total Customer Satisfaction, LD will, for a period of one (1) year
from date of original purchase, refund 100% of the customer's purchase price for any LD product with
which the buyer is not completely satisfied, subject to the exceptions contained in Paragraph J of this
Limited Warranty. The option of a refund may be selected during this one (1) year period in lieu of
repair, replacement or exchange of the product.
Extended Labor Warranty. In furtherance of LD's commitment to Total Customer Satisfaction,

LD offers an extended labor warranty of one (1) year on all products calibrated or certified by a
factory technician at any time or from time-to-time during the first seven years of the product life
from date of manufacture. The customer's sole remedy pursuant to this extended warranty is to
receive free labor for any repairs required during the period in which the extended warranty is
effective. This extended labor warranty is subject to the limitations as outlined in Paragraph J.
Service & Repair Limited Warranty. In addition to the limited warranties set forth above, LD
offers a 90-day parts and labor limited warranty for all repair work performed at the factory. This
warranty is limited to parts repaired or replaced at the factory by LD. This warranty is also subject
to the limitations as outlined in Paragraph J.
C. Shipping Charges. The buyer will return the product freight prepaid by the Buyer to an
authorized service center. The product will be returned to the buyer freight prepaid by LD.
D. Products Manufactured by Others. This Limited Warranty does not cover any products
manufactured by others. Such products are subject to the warranty, if any, of their respective
manufacturers, and to be repaired only by a respective authorized service person for such products.
LD shall have no obligation to undertake repairs of products manufactured by others.
June 7, 2005 Model 720 User Manual D-1

E. NO SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. LD'S SOLE
OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY ARE SET FORTH ABOVE IN
PARAGRAPHS A, B, C AND D. IN NO EVENT SHALL LD (ITS CONTRACTORS OR
SUPPLIERS) BE LIABLE TO THE BUYER FOR ANY LOST PROFITS, DIRECT,
INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER
BASED ON CONTRACT, IN TORT OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY. SUCH DAMAGES
FOR WHICH LD SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED
TO, LOST TIME AND CONVENIENCE, LOSS OF USE OF THE PRODUCT, THE COST OF
A PRODUCT RENTAL, COSTS OF GASOLINE, TELEPHONE, TRAVEL OR LODGING,
THE LOSS OF PERSONAL OR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY, AND THE LOSS OF
REVENUE.
Some states do not permit the limitation or disclaimer of incidental or consequential damages.
Therefore, the above disclaimer of incidental or consequential damages may not apply to certain
purchasers.
F. NO LIABILITY IN EXCESS OF PURCHASE PRICE. IN NO EVENT SHALL LD'S

OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE
OF THE PRODUCT PLUS ANY SHIPPING CHARGES THAT LD MAY BE OBLIGATED
TO PAY PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH C ABOVE.
G. NO EXTENSION OF STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS. ANY REPAIRS PERFORMED

UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL NOT IN ANY WAY EXTEND THE
STATUTES OF LIMITATIONS FOR CLAIMS UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY.
H. WAIVER OF OTHER WARRANTIES. THE EXPRESS WARRANTIES SET FORTH IN

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY ARE IN LIEU OF AND EXCLUDE ANY AND ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE.
Some states do not permit the disclaimer of implied warranties. Therefore, the above disclaimer of
implied warranties may not apply to certain purchasers.
I. Procedure for Warranty Performance. If the product fails to perform to LD's specifications, the
Buyer must provide LD with the applicable model and serial numbers, the date of purchase, and the
nature of the problem.
J. ADDITIONAL EXCLUSIONS FROM THIS LIMITED WARRANTY.

NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY CONTAINED IN THIS
LIMITED WARRANTY, THIS LIMITED WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER ANY OF THE
FOLLOWING:
1.EQUIPMENT THAT HAS BEEN ABUSED, DAMAGED, USED BEYOND RATED

CAPACITY, OR REPAIRED BY PERSONS OTHER THAN AUTHORIZED SERVICE
PERSONNEL.
D-2 Model 720 User Manual June 7, 2005

2.DAMAGE CAUSED BY ACTS OF GOD THAT INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED
TO, HAILSTORMS, WINDSTORMS, HURRICANES, TORNADOES, SANDSTORMS,
LIGHTNING, FLOODS AND EARTHQUAKES.
3.DAMAGE UNDER CONDITIONS CAUSED BY FIRE OR ACCIDENT, BY ABUSE OR

BY NEGLIGENCE OF THE USER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OTHER THAN LD, BY
IMPROPER INSTALLATION, BY MISUSE, BY INCORRECT OPERATION, BY
“NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR”, BY IMPROPER ADJUSTMENT OR ALTERATION, BY
ALTERATIONS NOT COMPLETED BY AUTHORIZED SERVICE PERSONNEL, OR BY
FAILURE OF PRODUCTS PARTS FROM SUCH ALTERATIONS.
4.COSTS OF REPAIRING DAMAGE CAUSED BY POOR OR IMPROPER

MAINTENANCE OR UNAUTHORIZED REPAIR.
5.COSTS OF MODIFYING THE PRODUCT IN ANY WAY ONCE DELIVERED TO THE

BUYER, EVEN IF SUCH MODIFICATIONS WERE ADDED AS A PRODUCTION
CHANGE ON OTHER PRODUCTS MADE AFTER THE BUYER'S PRODUCT WAS
BUILT.
Authority to Alter This Limited Warranty. No agent, representative, distributor, or authorized

dealer of LD has any authority to alter the terms of this Limited Warranty in any way. This Limited
Warranty may be altered only in a writing signed by an authorized officer of LD.
June 7, 2005 Model 720 User Manual D-3

D-4 Model 720 User Manual June 7, 2005
Index
A Display
digital................................................. A-9
AC Duration
output specifications ......................A-7 measurement .................................... C-9
American National Standards Institute Dynamic range .......................................1-5
(ANSI) ........................................ 1-4
ANSI E
standards met................................... A-10
EEPROM
B Register .............................................8-5
Environment
Battery effects of Temperature .................... A-6
directions for checking.................... 2-9 Error .......................................................... B-32
internal life of ................................... 1-16 messages and warnings .................. B-32
Baud Rate ................................................. 8-7 Error Checking
I/O ....................................................B-23
C Exceedance ......................................7-8, 8-13
Calendar Exceedance diagram ..............................7-10
real-time ...........................................A-9 Exceedance History ...............................8-14
Calibration ..............................1-5, 8-11, C-1 Exchange Rate ......................................... 8-11
glossary ............................................. C-2 glossary ............................................. C-5
Character Parameters ............................. B-16 Exchange Rate Factor
Clock glossary ............................................. C-5
real-time ...........................................A-9 Exposure Factor
run-time............................................. A-9 glossary ............................................C-5
clock .......................................................... 8-7
Commands F
status .................................................B-6
Far Field.................................................... C-6
Criterion ..........................................8-12, C-2
acoustic .............................................. C-6
sound level........................................ C-3
geometric........................................... C-6
Formatting Conventions .......................1-3
D Free field................................................... C-6
Daily History ........................................... 8-16 Frequency
Data band pass filter ................................C-7
determine storable ........................... 9-1 glossary ............................................. C-6
Date ..........................................................8-7 Hz, rad/sec ....................................... C-7
Dc Frequency Weightings
output specifications ....................... A-7 specifications .................................... A-4
Decibel ...................................................... C-3
Department of Defense H
level ...................................................C-5
Histogram
Detector ............................................ 8-11, C-5
Index-1
variables ...........................................B-30 Block Diagram .................................1-9
Histogram Reports.................................. B-21 Components...................................... 1-7
History Features ............................................. 1-4
commands......................................... B-4 Introduction .....................................1-1
records ..............................................B-25 Keypad .............................................. 2-2
Hysteresis................................................. 8-14 optional equipment .........................1-12
Screen.................................................2-8
I System Diagram ..............................1-9
Turning On ....................................... 2-8
I/O Error Checking ...............................B-23
Model 720 Components ......................... 1-7
interface ...................................................8-7
Model 820
International Electrotechnical Commission
Glossary, App C............................... C-1
(IEC)............................................ 1-4
Specifications, App A .....................A-1
Interval History ....................................... 8-15
Interval Variables ...................................B-27
N
K Near Field
acoustic .............................................. C-12
keys
geometric ..........................................C-12
functions of ......................................2-2
glossary ............................................C-12
L Noise
ambient.............................................. C-12
Leq............................................................. 1-5 Background ......................................C-12
glossary ............................................. C-5 compensate .......................................B-23
Level C-9 daily personal exposure.................. C-3
Dept of Defense................................ C-5 dose(D) .............................................C-13
LN exposure ...........................................C-13
Ln Statistical Levels ......................... 8-13 floor ...................................................B-23
Statistical Levels............................... 8-13 glossary ....................................C-2, C-12
Lock ..........................................................8-10 pink .................................................... C-13
projected noise dose .......................C-13
M single event exposure level(SENEL,Lax)
Messages ............................................................ C-13
error messages and warnings ........ B-32 white .................................................. C-13
Microphone Numeric Parameters ..............................B-16
guidelines.......................................... C-9
what it measures .............................C-10 O
microphone reference number .............1-11 Off
Microphones directions for turning off ...............2-10
capacitor ............................................ C-10 OSHA
electrit ................................................ C-10 level ...................................................C-13
uses ...................................................C-10 Overload................................................... 7-13
Mode
commands......................................... B-5
Model 720
Index-2
P Setup
Parameters ........................................ 8-6
Parameter ................................................B-16 storing ...............................................8-5
Chapter8 ...........................................8-1 Setup Memory ........................................8-4
character............................................ B-16 SLM
character strings............................... B-13 Sound Level Meter ..........................8-11
indexed.............................................. B-13 Sound
numeric ....................................B-13, B-16 average level (lavg) .........................C-1
query .................................................B-14 day-night average level ..................C-3
setting ...............................................B-13 energy average(Leq)........................ C-17
template............................................. B-13 exposure ............................................ C-14
PassBy ......................................................7-11 exposure level ..................................C-14
Passby Diagram .....................................7-12 fixed average .................................... C-16
Peak ..................................................5-3, 8-16 glossary ............................................C-14
Pin ............................................................B-2 impulse .............................................C-17
Pin configurations................................... B-2 instantaneous ...................................C-16
Power intensity(l) ........................................C-17
connecting ........................................1-15 moving average ...............................C-15
external..............................1-15 to 1-16 pressure ............................................C-15
internal .............................................. 1-15 sound pressure level(SPL,Lp) ........ C-16
specifications ...................................A-10 unweighted peak ............................. C-17
Power Save............................................... 8-9 weighted peak ..................................C-17
Preamplifier ............................................. C-13 yearly average level(YDNL, Lydn) C-20
Print .......................................................... 8-17 Sound Level
commands ........................................B-31 threshold(Lt) ....................................C-18
Sound Level Meter
R SLM .................................................... 8-11
RAM registers.......................................... 8-5 Sound Power ...........................................C-17
Reference Direction level(PWL,Lw).................................. C-17
specifications .................................... A-2 Sound Pressure Level (see Sound) ....... C-16
Reference Level ....................................... 8-11 Sound Speed ............................................ C-17
specifications ...................................A-4 Specifications
Register frequency weightings...................... A-4
RAM...................................................8-5 reference direction ..........................A-2
Register, EEPROM .................................. 8-5 reference level................................... A-4
RESET-ALL.............................................. 8-2 temperature .....................................A-6
RS-232 ......................................................1-6 type .................................................... A-2
data communications .....................A-8 Spectrum
RS-232 Address ....................................... 8-7 frequency ..........................................C-18
RS-232 interface....................................... B-1 Standards
Run Log Variables .................................B-29 ANSI .................................................A-10
Status
S command .......................................... B-6
Store
serial number ..........................................1-11
determine strorable data ................9-1
Index-3
T Weighting ................................................8-11
frequency........................................... C-7
Temperature time ...................................................C-19
specifications ...................................A-6
template ...................................................B-16
Template Parameters .............................B-16
Threshold ................................................8-12
Time
allowed Exposure time(Ti) ............. C-1
weighting .......................................... C-19
Time History............................................ 8-15
TWA
time weighted average sound
level(TWA, LTWA(TC) ...C-18
Type
specifications ...................................A-2
Type 2 ......................................................1-4
U
Unweighted ............................................. 5-3
V
Variables
calibration history ...........................B-29
exceedance history........................... B-26
histogram .........................................B-30
histogram table ...............................B-30
interval .............................................B-27
interval history ................................B-27
run log ..............................................B-29
time history....................................... B-29
Vibration .................................................C-19
W
Warnings error messages .....................B-32
Warranty ..................................................2-1
warranty ..................................................1-6
Wavelength(l)
glossary ............................................C-19
Wavenumber
glossary ............................................C-19
Weighted
8-hour time weighted average sound
level ..................................... C-5
Index-4

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Model 720

Larson Davis Inc.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Record of Serial Number and Purchase Date

System 720 Serial #: _____________________

where it will be accepted for disposal

Chapter 2 Overview to Model 720 2-1

Chapter 3 Calibration 3-1

Chapter 4 Quick Start 4-1

Chapter 5 Performing a Measurement/Reading the Data 5-1

Chapter 6 Timed Measurement 6-1

Chapter 7 History Functions 7-1

Chapter 8 Parameters 8-1

Chapter 9 Memory Usage 9-1

Chapter 10 Printing a Report 10-1

Appendix A Specifications A-1

Appendix B Serial Port Interface Remote Control B-1

Appendix C Glossary C-1

Welcome to the Larson•Davis Model 720. Your new

The Model 720 measures sound with the ease of opera-

Many sound level meters in the market can create sig-

Furthermore, its internal firmware is designed to

We invite you to read this manual to get the most out

6/7/05 Introduction 1-1

This manual has 10 chapters and 3 appendices cover-

• Chapter 1 - Introduction: Overview of this user man-

• Chapter 2 - Overview to Model 720: Understanding

• Chapter 3 - Calibration: Using a reference to calibrate

• Chapter 4 - Quick Start: Setting parameters, using

• Chapter 5 - Performing a Measurement / Reading the

• Chapter 6 - Timed Measurement: Using the timer for

• Chapter 7 - History Functions: Setting parameters for

• Chapter 8 - Parameters: A complete listing of all

• Chapter 9 - Memory Usage: Sizing parameter needs to

• Chapter 10 - Printing a Report: Turning gathered data

1-2 Model 720 User Manual 6/7/05

• Appendix B - Model 720 Serial Port Interface Remote

• Appendix C - Glossary: Definitions of key terms and

• Appendix D - Index: Alphabetical listing of all major

About This Chapter

Specifically, this introductory chapter covers the fol-

• Formatting Conventions: Explanation of the fonts

• Model 720 Features: A listing of the featured charac-

• Model 720 Components: Description and diagrams

• Getting Started: Instructions for unpacking, a list-

This manual uses the following formatting conven-

6/7/05 Introduction 1-3

Press e and then press c

In step-by-step directions, the process (what you do) is

Follow these steps to access the parameters using

Especially important information is shown in italics,

To access items 48-50, Overall Exchange Rate,

The Larson•Davis Model 720 meets the requirements

1-4 Model 720 User Manual 6/7/05

• Impulse measuring range greater than 100 dB.

• Standard microphone allows measurements typi-

• Multiple detectors provide simultaneous RMS and

• Leq integrated level (duration ranging from 1 sec-

• Measures FAST, SLOW, Unweighted PEAK,

• User selectable dose exchange rate, criterion,