Support & Questions
Find out more about the SoundSign
On this page you will find commonly asked questions about the SoundSign and other useful information. Please check this page regularly as the information will be updated.
- How much do the SoundSign units weigh?
- The Master and Remote Sound Sign units both weigh 640 gms (22 oz)
- How long can the CR:203 Data Logger store data?
- The CR:203 Data Logger can be configured to record noise levels at different rates and this determines the maximum recording time as listed below.
1 second = 9 hours
2 seconds = 18 hours
10 seconds = 90 hours
1 minute = 22 days
The data logger stores a Slow Sound Level (LAS) sample at the start of each measurement period and this information is shown on the graph when the measurement data is downloaded.
- The CR:203 Data Logger can be configured to record noise levels at different rates and this determines the maximum recording time as listed below.
- The SoundSign unit lights up constantly and does not switch off after 30 seconds.
- Is the power connected to the correct socket on the top of the SoundSign?
The outer socket is for power and the inner socket is the connection to a Remote Display unit. If the power is connected to the inner socket, the SoundSign will light up constantly. This will cause no damage to the SoundSign.
The inner socket is usually covered by a small protective cover which must be removed to connect a Remote Display unit.
This may also be caused if the trigger level is set too low. Click here for details of how to set the trigger level.
- Is the power connected to the correct socket on the top of the SoundSign?
- What operating systems is the SoundSign software compatible with?
- The SoundSign software which is provided with the CR:203 Data Logger can be run under the following operating systems:
Microsoft Windows XP
Microsoft Windows Vista
The SoundSign software is 32bit and 64 bit compatible and can be run under any versions of Windows XP or Windows Vista.
During the installation of the software, warnings may appear regarding the installation of the drivers for the USB data logger. If you see this type of warning, click continue. This is generated by the operating system when the drivers being installed are not signed.
This will not cause any damage or harm to your PC. If you have any questions regarding the installation of the software, please contact us.
Please note that the SoundSign software is not Mac compatible.
- The SoundSign software which is provided with the CR:203 Data Logger can be run under the following operating systems:
- Are there any licensing restrictions on the SoundSign software?
- No. The SoundSign software is supplied free of any installation or licensing restrictions and can be installed on as many PC's as is required.
- What length of cable can I run between a Master unit and the Remote units without affecting the performance?
- The SoundSign Remote Display units are supplied with a 10m cable to connect to a controlling Master unit.
It is possible to use longer cables between the Master and Remote units as long as the cables are of low resistance.
The power to the Remote Display units is provided by the interconnection cable and if the cable has a significant resistance, power will be lost and the brightness of the Remote Display units will be reduced.
As long as a high quality, low resistance cable is used, distances of up to 100m are possible between a Master Unit and a Remote Display Unit.
Please contact us for further information.
- The SoundSign Remote Display units are supplied with a 10m cable to connect to a controlling Master unit.
- Can a windshield be used for the microphone?
- Yes. A standard Cirrus UA:237 (90mm) or UA:239 (45mm) windshield can be used with the SoundSign microphone unit.
- How much warranty cover is provided with the SoundSign?
- All Cirrus Research plc instruments, including the SoundSign, are supplied with a standard 24 month (2 year) warranty.
- All Cirrus Research plc instruments, including the SoundSign, are supplied with a standard 24 month (2 year) warranty.
- Do I need to re-calibrate the unit?
- It is possible to calibrate the SoundSign using an Acoustic Calibrator such as the Cirrus CR:514.
This allows you to check that the trigger level is operating correctly and that the unit is operating as expected.
If you are using a long microphone extension cable to allow the microphone to be positioned away from the SoundSign, we would recommend using an Acoustic Calibrator when setting the trigger level to ensure that any losses in the microphone cables are taken into account.
- It is possible to calibrate the SoundSign using an Acoustic Calibrator such as the Cirrus CR:514.
- What should I do if I damage the SoundSign or if it goes wrong?
- If you have any questions or problems with the SoundSign, please contact us and we will be pleased to help.
Please do not attempt to repair or open the SoundSign unit which contains precision electronics. There are no user serviceable parts inside the SoundSign.
- If you have any questions or problems with the SoundSign, please contact us and we will be pleased to help.
- How much does the SoundSign cost?
- For prices and ordering information, please click here
- How do I connect the Data Logger to the SoundSign?
- The Data Logger is connected via the socket located between the microphone and power sockets.
A protective cover is supplied with the SoundSign to keep debris from getting inside when the Data Logger is not being used.
When the Data Logger is not connected to the SoundSign, replace this protective cover.
- The Data Logger is connected via the socket located between the microphone and power sockets.
- Does the Data Logger need to stay connected to the PC?
- No. The setup procedure for the Data Logger is:
1. Install the SoundSign software onto the PC
2. Run the software
3. Connect the Data Logger to the PC using a free USB port
4. Configure the Data Logger using the software and start the logger
5. Remove the Data Logger from the PC
6. Remove the protective cover from the SoundSign. This is located between the Microphone and Power Sockets.
7. Carefully insert the Data Logger into the socket.
The Data Logger is now running and ready to store data from the SoundSign. To remove the Data Logger, simply un-plug it from the SoundSign.
Run the software before connecting the Data Logger.
- No. The setup procedure for the Data Logger is:
- The Data Logger is not recognised by the software
- The Data Logger has an internal battery that will be drained if the unit is left connected to a PC for a long period. Always remove the data logger from the PC when it is not being used.
The Data Logger is quite heavy and if it is connected to a USB port on a PC, ensure that the connection is good and that the unit has not pulled away from or out of the USB socket.
If the Data Logger cannot be recognised by the software, the internal battery may be flat and should be replaced.
- The Data Logger has an internal battery that will be drained if the unit is left connected to a PC for a long period. Always remove the data logger from the PC when it is not being used.