Ivie IE-45 RTA - Real Time Analysis - Manual (Page 30)

Ivie IE-45 Manual
page 30
Strip Chart Recorder
Strip Chart
The Strip Chart feature of the IE-45 harks back to the days of pen on strip chart paper. We still find this type of
visual presentation to be one of the clearest and easiest to “digest” when looking at amplitude over time. With
Strip Chart, it is possible to record and review variations in amplitude over times ranging from one minute to
eight hours. Data collected in Strip Chart measurements can be viewed on-screen and/or on the PC, or can be
stored for later analysis.
To begin making a Strip Chart measurement, first select the desired weighting or filtering for the recording.
Unweighted (Z), A, or C weighting may be selected. Additionally the measurement can be band limited to one of
several octave filters (125 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz, or 4 kHz). This can be useful in crafting a meas-
urement that will be meaningful for the purpose intended.
Next, select the broadband SPL response detector. The standard Type I SPL detectors (Fast, Slow, Peak and
Impulse) can be selected. Impulse would rarely be used. Fast and Peak provide very useful data for analysis,
and Slow would be used for most environmental noise measurements, as many OSHA and other regulatory
measurements specify A weighted, Slow measurements.
The final set-up requirement for making a Strip Chart measurement is to select the length of the recording
desired. This is chosen by making a selection in “Chart Time” (Options> Chart Time). Additionally, you can set
visual minimum and maximum indicators with the Set dB Levels (Options > Set dB Levels) boxes. This gives a
visual indication when levels go above or below the levels you have set, and can be very useful locating "prob-
lem levels" at a glance.
In the "Options” Pull-down menu, you can also select the vertical display dB/division. The dB/Div and recording
time are shown in the upper left of the main display window.
Once all the selections are made, you can “drop the pen” onto the “paper” by tapping “Start.” It is possible to
stop the recording at any time by tapping “Stop.” At the end of the designated recording time it will automatically
stop and present a screen to name and store the recorded measurement.
Reviewing a recorded Strip Chart measurement is intuitive. Follow the directions on the opposing page.
Additionally, the following tips can be very helpful:
Tip #1:
In addition to using the software “slider” to page through the displayed data, you can also use the sliding “joy-
stick” to walk the cursor to the left or right on the chart. When you reach the edge of the screen, the cursor will
“bump” to the next page and reposition itself to the next pixel (it will appear to jump from one side of the screen
to the other) on the chart.
Tip #2:
When recording a Strip Chart with a longer chart time, you will want to consider the battery life of the Q1 or
other computer you may be using. Additionally, depending on how you have your computer set up, you may
encounter power management limitations. Before making extended Strip Chart measurements, check your bat-
tery status to assure you have the necessary operating time available. Also make sure the power management
settings of your Q1, or other computer, are set such that they will not put your computer “to sleep” before your
measurement is completed.
Power management settings can be changed using the standard Windows@ XP interface.