Decibel measuring project

[Alan S. Olson]

Hi All -

I'm new to this newsgroup, so if this is better suited for another
newsgroup, i apologize.

I want to piece together a project to constantly measure and store decibel
levels coming from my neighbor's house. Can anyone give me any suggestions
for a good decibel meter that could safely be mounted outside of my house by
a window, and one that would preferably have the option of sending the
levels wirelessly to some sort of receiver, be it bluetooth, or something
else.

I want ot take readings every so many minutes and store them on a computer
to track the sound levels. I'm just not familiar with the decibel meter
side of it. I can put together the computer integration, but i need some
help with the actual measurement equipment.

Thanks much,

Alan Olson

[Todd H.]

"Alan S. Olson" > writes:
> Hi All -
>
> I'm new to this newsgroup, so if this is better suited for another
> newsgroup, i apologize.
>
> I want to piece together a project to constantly measure and store decibel
> levels coming from my neighbor's house. Can anyone give me any suggestions
> for a good decibel meter that could safely be mounted outside of my house by
> a window, and one that would preferably have the option of sending the
> levels wirelessly to some sort of receiver, be it bluetooth, or something
> else.
>
> I want ot take readings every so many minutes and store them on a computer
> to track the sound levels. I'm just not familiar with the decibel meter
> side of it. I can put together the computer integration, but i need some
> help with the actual measurement equipment.

http://www.google.com/search?q=logging+dB+meter+weatherproof

http://www.noisemeters.com/product/cr703.asp


But that's mighty damned pricey.

Software like this:
http://www.ecgcorp.com/avsite/avdocs/software.html
or
http://www.ptolserv.com/
or
http://interwld.com/pico/pico-picolog_data_acquisition_software.htm


Then, better to spend the money on an acoustic calibrator, hang an
inexpensive microphone out the window, run it back to your sound card,
do the logging, calibrate the level with the acoustic calibrator, and
go from there.

Tis an interesting problem. Wonder if local law enforcement might
have something similar. Violation of noise ordinances are a criminal
matter (city vs defendant), I believe, so wouldn't law enforcement
have to be involved anyhow? Or just trying to collect enough data to
demonstrate the complaint for the city to legislate?


Best Regards,
--
/"\ ASCII Ribbon Campaign | Todd H
\ / | http://www.toddh.net/
X Promoting good netiquette | http://triplethreatband.com/
/ \ http://www.toddh.net/netiquette/ | "4 lines suffice."

[Alan S. Olson]

Thanks for the quick reply Todd.

My problem is that my local village ordinance is VERY VERY VAGUE, with no
specifics. We've called the local sheriff's dept several times, and if its
not happening when they come by, there is nothing they can do and quite
frankly, they quickly get tired of these complaints, which understandably
can appear childish. But when you're dealing w/ a neighbor who doesn't give
a #$@%, what other recourse do you have.

I spoke with a lawyer who strongly suggested i do something like i've
outlined below so that i can establish a pattern of behavior, so i think it
is something i truly need to do.

I'll look into your links and followup later.

Thanks again,

Alan



"Todd H." > wrote in message
...
> "Alan S. Olson" > writes:
>> Hi All -
>>
>> I'm new to this newsgroup, so if this is better suited for another
>> newsgroup, i apologize.
>>
>> I want to piece together a project to constantly measure and store
>> decibel
>> levels coming from my neighbor's house. Can anyone give me any
>> suggestions
>> for a good decibel meter that could safely be mounted outside of my house
>> by
>> a window, and one that would preferably have the option of sending the
>> levels wirelessly to some sort of receiver, be it bluetooth, or something
>> else.
>>
>> I want ot take readings every so many minutes and store them on a
>> computer
>> to track the sound levels. I'm just not familiar with the decibel meter
>> side of it. I can put together the computer integration, but i need some
>> help with the actual measurement equipment.
>
> http://www.google.com/search?q=logging+dB+meter+weatherproof
>
> http://www.noisemeters.com/product/cr703.asp
>
>
> But that's mighty damned pricey.
>
> Software like this:
> http://www.ecgcorp.com/avsite/avdocs/software.html
> or
> http://www.ptolserv.com/
> or
> http://interwld.com/pico/pico-picolog_data_acquisition_software.htm
>
>
> Then, better to spend the money on an acoustic calibrator, hang an
> inexpensive microphone out the window, run it back to your sound card,
> do the logging, calibrate the level with the acoustic calibrator, and
> go from there.
>
> Tis an interesting problem. Wonder if local law enforcement might
> have something similar. Violation of noise ordinances are a criminal
> matter (city vs defendant), I believe, so wouldn't law enforcement
> have to be involved anyhow? Or just trying to collect enough data to
> demonstrate the complaint for the city to legislate?
>
>
> Best Regards,
> --
> /"\ ASCII Ribbon Campaign | Todd H
> \ / | http://www.toddh.net/
> X Promoting good netiquette | http://triplethreatband.com/
> / \ http://www.toddh.net/netiquette/ | "4 lines suffice."

[Todd H.]

"Alan S. Olson" > writes:
> Thanks for the quick reply Todd.
>
> My problem is that my local village ordinance is VERY VERY VAGUE, with no
> specifics. We've called the local sheriff's dept several times, and if its
> not happening when they come by, there is nothing they can do and quite
> frankly, they quickly get tired of these complaints, which understandably
> can appear childish. But when you're dealing w/ a neighbor who doesn't give
> a #$@%, what other recourse do you have.
>
> I spoke with a lawyer who strongly suggested i do something like i've
> outlined below so that i can establish a pattern of behavior, so i think it
> is something i truly need to do.
>
> I'll look into your links and followup later.

Cool--makes sense. Good luck with it!

Unfortunately the logging environmental db meters i dug up in 10 min
of googling on the subject all seem to be specialty equipment with
very large price tags.

Something automated and continuous would have more psychological
weight to it than hand measurements with a handheld meter in a log
book, for sure.

Your biggest bang for the buck here will be with an inexpensive
microphone hooked to recording or data logging software, and then
borrowing or buying an acoustic calibrator so the recording or data
logs can be referenced to the calibration tone.


--
/"\ ASCII Ribbon Campaign | Todd H
\ / | http://www.toddh.net/
X Promoting good netiquette | http://triplethreatband.com/
/ \ http://www.toddh.net/netiquette/ | "4 lines suffice."

[andy]

Try posting your query here: alt.sci.physics.acoustics. It is likely
that several of the readers will not only be familiar with performing
this type of measurement but also the laws which govern allowable noise
levels. They could also indicate where you can hire the kit.