How much do you spend on your SPL db metre?

[JBL 4645]

I’ve estimated the cost to be around £24.00 pounds on 9volt ASDA batteries per year.

I use my SPL db metre mostly each day for sort periods the battery can last for around 9 hours before changing it.

I often spend £1.00 on 9volt per fortnight sometimes £2.00 pounds on 9volt batteries per fortnight.

The batteries on the left are being evaluated by Mr. Sooty as good. The batteries on the right go into battery container box for recycling, (hence their flat)!

How much do you think, you send on 9volts for the SPL db metre then?

[toddalin]

I paid $2,600 for my Quest Type 2 and another $600 for the Quest Type 1 calibrator. I couldn't afford the Bruell and Kjaer (started at >$4,500 for their Type 2) at the time.

[JBL 4645]

I paid $2,600 for my Quest Type 2 and another $600 for the Quest Type 1 calibrator. I couldn't afford the Bruell and Kjaer (started at >$4,500 for their Type 2) at the time.

That’s a lot of money for 9volt battery. I think your was mugged! I’m not talking about how much you spent on SPL db metre I’m talking about battery cost unless your SPL db metre is fitted with dilithium crystals.

Then again if you want to talk about the cost of the SPL db metre mine cost £25.00 and its been dropped on concrete more times then you’ve had hot dinners and its still working.

[toddalin]

That’s a lot of money for 9volt battery. I think your was mugged! I’m not talking about how much you spent on SPL db metre I’m talking about battery cost unless your SPL db metre is fitted with dilithium crystals.

Then again if you want to talk about the cost of the SPL db metre mine cost £25.00 and its been dropped on concrete more times then you’ve had hot dinners and its still working.

Well the meter takes two 9-volt batteries, and they last about a day in the field. If I'm doing 24-hour readings, that may go on for several days, I have an attachment that replaces the two batteries and allows me to use a 12 volt gel pack. The attachment was >$200.

The field calibrator uses one 9-volt battery and it lasts a year until it is replaced when the unit is recalibrated every year. (If I were to open the unit to change the battery, I would void the calibration seal.)

Calibration runs ~$450/year for the meter, the field calibrator, and the microphone. Even so, the meter has always been within 0.2 dB of specification in the calibration graphs, so nothing is ever done to it, other than a routine check out and certification.

Your meter may have been dropped and may still work for you, but use it for OSHA, Government, State, City, or any certifiable-work, write in your document what you used (don't forget to include the factory calibration records), and see how far that gets you.

Mine has paid for itself countless times over.

[JBL 4645]

Mine has paid for itself countless times over.

What do, lease it out? I take that as a yes if “it’s paid off”.

I forget to mention my SPL db metre was almost set on fire by a candle a few years ago. I guess the sound was too hot! The plastic underneath near to the mix is melted.

Most new SPL db metres I’ve seen don’t have an output device. I might look for another of the same SPL db metre I prefer VU meters than LCD readouts. Also LCD if dropped on floor could crack the LCD!

[Eaulive]

What do, lease it out? I take that as a yes if “it’s paid off”.

I forget to mention my SPL db metre was almost set on fire by a candle a few years ago. I guess the sound was too hot! The plastic underneath near to the mix is melted.

Most new SPL db metres I’ve seen don’t have an output device. I might look for another of the same SPL db metre I prefer VU meters than LCD readouts. Also LCD if dropped on floor could crack the LCD!

If for you, "to see a reading" is enough to say "it works" then fine. But for people who rely on this professionally, it's not enough.

Mine cost "only" 1400$ when I bought it and it's due for its calibration now.
As a matter of fact it's overdue.

[maxwedge]

You should use the batteries with the pink bunny, their mo better! j/k
Maybe you should invest in rechargables? Better for the planet anyway. But, I think the rechargable type may have a slightly lower voltage, so make sure your device can use them.

[JBL 4645]

You should use the batteries with the pink bunny, their mo better! j/k
Maybe you should invest in rechargables? Better for the planet anyway. But, I think the rechargable type may have a slightly lower voltage, so make sure your device can use them.

I’ll get Mr. Scott to energize the batteries. Captain, I don’t have the power.

I think the reachable battery would be exhausted within a few days. I’d have to have two 9volt reachable batteries while one is recharging I can be using the other. I’ll have a look for cheap 9volt reachable batteries.

I have to recharge the AA for my camera at least once every two days the flash eats the power up.

I might see if, The Pound Shop has any Duracell 9volt batteries next week. Anywhere else you’d be paying rip off prices for Duracell anywhere from £4.00 for a frigging 9volt!

[maxwedge]

I’ll get Mr. Scott to energize the batteries. Captain, I don’t have the power.

I think the reachable battery would be exhausted within a few days. I’d have to have two 9volt reachable batteries while one is recharging I can be using the other. I’ll have a look for cheap 9volt reachable batteries.

I have to recharge the AA for my camera at least once every two days the flash eats the power up.

I might see if, The Pound Shop has any Duracell 9volt batteries next week. Anywhere else you’d be paying rip off prices for Duracell anywhere from £4.00 for a frigging 9volt!

You know that my real name is Scott right?
They use to call me Scotty Power in my band 'cause I was so loud and always had power to spare!
So yeah, so when one goes low then stick another in and recharge the other!

[toddalin]

What do, lease it out? I take that as a yes if “it’s paid off”.

Yes, "lease it out" with my help included. My going rate is a steal at $75/hr. This usually entails the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report, also at that rate. Most people in my position charge twice that. I've had this meter ~15 years now.

[JBL 4645]

You know that my real name is Scott right?
They use to call me Scotty Power in my band 'cause I was so loud and always had power to spare!
So yeah, so when one goes low then stick another in and recharge the other!

no kidding huh. I need warp "11" it's one louder!

[JBL 4645]

Yes, "lease it out" with my help included. My going rate is a steal at $75/hr. This usually entails the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report, also at that rate. Most people in my position charge twice that. I've had this meter ~15 years now.

15 years!

I think I’ve had my Radio Shack SPL metre since mid 1990’s.

£45:96 that will buy nearly two weeks of shopping food!

Well I’m going to recharge myself now it’s been a long day.

[maxwedge]

no kidding huh. I need warp "11" it's one louder!

Yep, my Marshall's go to 11. The Fender's too!

[Eaulive]

Yes, "lease it out" with my help included. My going rate is a steal at $75/hr. This usually entails the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report, also at that rate. Most people in my position charge twice that. I've had this meter ~15 years now.

It is cheap, we charge more than that.

[JBL 4645]

Yep, my Marshall's go to 11. The Fender's too!

I had a feeling you’d say that.