Use the Cloud for Continuous Long-Term Noise Monitoring

The cloud now empowers the data reporting and management needs of datalogger users, thanks to Convergence Instrument’s (CI) Cloud-Data-Solutions. The service enables all of CI’s Wi-Fi-enabled dataloggers to report captured data straight to the cloud and offers multiple datalogger benefits for customers. Users can access recorded data from anywhere in the world at any time using a simple web browser, and receive email alerts when sound or vibration levels have passed predetermined thresholds.

A few simple steps are all that is needed to configure the Convergence Instruments Wireless Sound Level Meter Data Logger (NSRTW_mk2) to the cloud and reap the benefits of more efficient data management, as well as receive alarms in the form of emails.

NSRTW_mk2, the second generation of CI’s generation of Wi-Fi-enabled, smart integrating sound-level meter/datalogger, includes a digital MEMS microphone, an accurate date/time clock, a non-volatile 128 Mb recording memory and wireless connectivity.

Operation

Step-by-step instructions are available for the configuration of an instrument to use the cidatasolutions.com cloud service. The web page for the instrument cloud configuration contains settings for the measurements, the Wi-Fi connection and the email alerts.

[ DOWNLOAD THE PDF CLOUD INSTRUMENT SETUP ]

Measurement Settings

These include five parameters and they are easy to configure:

• The weighting curve: The dB-A weighting curve follows the sensitivity of human hearing, so use dB-A for any measurement that is related to human hearing or assessment of noise nuisance.
• The log interval, which is recommended to be one second or less. A small log interval, however, can result in larger data sets and can impact the amount of data visualized on the cloud. When post-processing is not required at all, it can be a good idea to set the log interval to longer values, such as one minute, 10 minutes or one hour.
• The type of data to record: That can be Lmin, Lmax and/or LEQ.
• The time-constant, which is only relevant for Lmin and Lmax. That value represents the response time of the sound level meter, and is typically set to 125 milliseconds (fast) or one second (slow).
• Select bandwidth: 16 kHz, which is often adequate for most measurements. It provides a slight advantage (10 to 20 percent) in terms of power consumption. This is the preferred setting when the instrument is not externally powered, and measurement time needs to be as long as possible. 24 kHz provides a slight increase in bandwidth at a slight increase in power consumption.

Wi-Fi Connection Settings

• The Wi-Fi access point parameters, including the type of encryption, SSID (name of the router or access point) and password (if any) must be configured. This is used for data reporting and email alerts.
• The connect interval that defines the connection schedule the instrument will follow to report its data. This is typically 10 minutes. Every Wi-Fi connection consumes power and frequent connections will drain the battery faster. It should not be too long either, otherwise it may take a while until the latest measured data is reported. A connect interval between 10 minutes and one hour is recommended.
• The Wi-Fi report checkmark must be checked or the instrument will not report its measured data. Even if this checkmark is not checked, the instrument will still send email alerts if they are enabled.

Email Alert Settings

The NSRTW_mk2 can send email alerts when the measured parameter crosses an adjustable threshold, as well as when the battery is dying. To set up email alerts, the following parameters must be set:

• The email address of the recipient of the alert.
• The threshold: If a level alert is enabled, the threshold must be set.
• The checkmarks: To enable a battery or level alert email.

With this degree of peerless connectivity, datalogger applications are more transparent than ever before.