NoiseScout allows around the clock, unattended sound level monitoring, with all levels recorded in the NTi Audio's familiar XL2 Sound Level Meter available in real-time on a website for viewing in graphs and for download. Automatic alert emails are sent as soon as a limit is exceeded. The latest NoiseScout feature even offers the ability to set individual limits for day and night.
NoiseScout constantly monitors for alarm conditions, both for short-term, unattended measurements of a few hours, as well as for long-term measurements over many months. The XL2 stores the sound level data on site and transmits it automatically to the NoiseScout server. The web browser displays the measured values graphically, and automatic emails inform users about any limits exceeded at the measuring location. This provides a robust 24/7 control solution of remote sound levels.
NoiseScout comprises the XL2 Sound Level Meter, a professional, Class 1 calibrated noise measurement solution, and a Netbox device with mobile data modem, which serves as an interface for the control of the XL2 and the remote access to the measured data. The monitoring station is connected to the Internet via 3G, LAN or Wi-Fi. The online data service is offered within an innovative “pay-per-use” credit scheme and allows flexible setting of the limit values.
The Noise Monitoring Station is operated in either Gateway mode or Managed mode. In Gateway mode, the user can download the broadband levels, 1/3 octave levels, and the audio recording as a WAV file via a gateway server to the XL2. Access to the measured values is through a secure FTP connection from any computer. All original data is available for download during the ongoing measurement. In addition, the live levels can be fetched directly from the XL2 in real-time.
In Managed mode, the XL2 is configured via the NoiseScout web portal. Access to the measured values is therefore through a browser from any desktop computer or smartphone. In addition, automatically generated emails alert the user to any limits exceeded at the measuring location. The web portal presents the live level and historical levels in intervals specified by the user. If several monitoring stations are operated at the same time, all locations are displayed together in a Google Maps view.
Whichever mode is chosen the analysis and post-processing of the measured data is neatly done with the Data Explorer PC-software. The software presents an overview of all noise data at a glance and allows for individualized presentation of measurement reports.
The XL2 ‘Remote Measurement Option’ is required for the real-time remote access to the measured levels on the XL2. The complete command set for remote access is documented in a user manual. The XL2 ‘Data Explorer Option’ allows users to import the measurement data into the XL2 Data Explorer PC-software.
Day and Night Monitoring
In the latest version, NTi Audio NoiseScout offers flexible settings for distinct time periods. Limits and pre-warning levels can be individually defined for multiple monitored levels. For example, the maximum permitted noise levels for residential areas of 50 dB during the day and 35 dB at night, is now supported by NoiseScout; In addition, a pre-warning level of e.g. 47 dB at day and 32 dB at night can be configured. As soon as the measured values reach this pre-warning level, the user in charge automatically receives an email and can act as a preventive measure before any applicable guidelines have been violated. The time period to be monitored is also freely selectable between 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 60 minutes or the entire day or night time block.
NoiseScout provides further features. For example, if the limit is specified as a maximum of 50 dB for each hour, NoiseScout also measures the level of each five-minute interval during this hour. This allows immediate action to be taken before a non-compliance condition arises at the end of the hour period.
This way, the NoiseScout system ensures compliance with all noise regulations, the recorded data can be exported from the website and analyzed, generating detailed, professional measurement reports. NTi Audio created a NoiseScout live demo, which can be accessed online.
www.nti-audio.com/en/solutions/noise-monitoring/unattended-monitoring.aspx
