Speakers

README.TXT SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL CALCULATOR WITH SPEAKER DATABASES AND CONVERSIONS Version 1.01 (C) Copyright Colt Tech, 1995 This document contains notes for the SPL Calculator Version 1.01 for Psion 3A. ------------------------ DISCLAIMER ------------------------ As the information contained within this program is based on manufacturers published data, the Author takes no responsibility for its' authenticity or the accuracy of any calculations based on said data The disk and programmes contained in it have been virus checked at source. However, the Author takes no responsibility for any bugs or viruses which may arise from using this program and the program is run at the operators own risk. ------------------------ How to Use This Document ------------------------ To view README.TXT on screen in Windows Notepad, maximize the Notepad window. To print README.TXT, open it in Windows Write, Microsoft Word, or another word processor. Then select the entire document and format the text in 10-point Courier before printing. ******************************************************************* Read Part 1 - Software Installation Information - before installing. ******************************************************************* ======== Contents ======== Part Description ---- ----------- 1 Software Installation Information 2 About the SPL Calculator 3 SPL Calculator 4 Speaker review, mods and entry 5 Printing to file 6 Cable line loss calculator 7 Cable data modifications 8 Printing 9 Conversions 10 Shareware registration ========================================= Part 1: Software Installation Information ========================================= Both these programmes need approximately 70K free memory to run. PATools comprises TWO applications; Sound Pressure Level Calculator Cable line loss calculator Both or either of these programmes can be loaded onto the PSION and some of the files are shared. It is possible to create a PATools GROUP with PATool.IBX as the icon (see the Psion handbook for more details). To install either of the PATools create a PATOOLS subdirectory off the APP directory where the program is to be loaded. Load the following files into yourPsion 3A in the appropriate directory: For the SPL Programme only install the following FILE SIZE DIRECTORY README.TXT This file Speakers.OPA 12.9K \APP The SPL prog PATool.IBX 600 \APP The program icon Cabinet.DBF 3K \APP\PATOOLS Database Horn.DBF 3K \APP\PATOOLS Database Ceiling.DBF 3K \APP\PATOOLS Database REORDER.OPO 300 \APP\PATOOLS Re-order Conv.OPO 7K \APP\PATOOLS Conversions Database.OPO 2K \APP\PATOOLS Database handling For the Cable loss calculator only install the following FILE SIZE DIRECTORY README.TXT This file Cable.OPA 12.4K \APP The Line Loss prog PATool.IBX 600 \APP The program icon Cable.DBF 400 \APP\PATOOLS Cable database REORDER.OPO 300 \APP\PATOOLS Re-order Conv.OPO 7K \APP\PATOOLS Conversions Database.OPO 2K \APP\PATOOLS Database handling For BOTH install the following FILE SIZE DIRECTORY README.TXT This file Speakers.OPA 12.9K \APP The SPL prog Cable.OPA 12.4K \APP The Line Loss prog PATool.IBX 600 \APP The program icon Cabinet.DBF 3K \APP\PATOOLS Database Horn.DBF 3K \APP\PATOOLS Database Ceiling.DBF 3K \APP\PATOOLS Database Cable.DBF 400 \APP\PATOOLS Cable database REORDER.OPO 300 \APP\PATOOLS Re-order Conv.OPO 7K \APP\PATOOLS Conversions Database.OPO 2K \APP\PATOOLS Database handling You need 44K of free space on the disk for the full installation ====================== Part 2: About the SPL Calculator ====================== ---------------------------------------------------- Overview ---------------------------------------------------- The SPL calculator is a tool to aid designers of Public Address installations by calculating sound pressure levels for a range of speakers. For the SPL Calculations three databases are provided (for Horns/ Projectors, Cabinets/Columns and Ceiling/Suspension) each containing the following information; Part number Speaker name Tappings available (up to 6) Sensitivity (dB @ 1W1m) Description Manufacturer The databases are opened by selecting from the MENU Horns <Psi H> Ceiling <Psi C> Cabinet <Psi B> The user calls up an item from the databases provided and uses these to form the basis of the calculations. The results can be exported to a text file. ==================================================== Part 3: Sound Pressure Level Calculator ==================================================== ----------------------- The Screen ----------------------- The SPL Calculator screen can be split into two areas; Data Input Results ----------------------- Data Input ----------------------- Speaker database. Three databases are provided (for Horns/ Projectors <PSION H>, Cabinets/Columns <PSION B> and Ceiling/Suspension <PSION C>). Speaker part no. This is shows the part number of the selected speaker with the Manufacturers name (if supplied). To select a new speaker use <Psion S> Description. The description associated with the accessed speaker Sensitivity. The sensitivity is given in dB @ 1W1m. This data is supplied from the database. The figure can be updated in the calculator screen without affecting the database. To enter a different sensitivity to that supplied in the database use <PSION V> Distance to subject (r). Enter the straight line distance in meters to the listener (ie apply Pythagorous if the subject is at an angle). The results are automatically re-calculated if this figure is changed. Enter the distance using the DATA menu <PSION D> Required SPL at r. Enter the Sound Pressure Level required at the listener position. Enter the SPL using the DATA menu <PSION D> Off axis angle. Enter the off axis angle of the listener. A general angular response has been allocated to each speaker group as follows; Horn; 30 degrees +0dB 60 degrees +6dB 90 degrees +14dB 120 degrees +16dB 150 degrees +20dB 180 degrees +20dB Ceiling 30 degrees +1dB 60 degrees +5dB 90 degrees +8dB 120 degrees +12dB 150 degrees +15dB 180 degrees +15dB Cabinet 30 degrees +2dB 60 degrees +5dB 90 degrees +8dB 120 degrees +13dB 150 degrees +15dB 180 degrees +15dB IMPORTANT; THESE FIGURES ARE EXTREMELY GENERAL AND SHOULD ONLY BE TAKEN AS AN INDICATION. CHECK THE MANUFACTURERS DATA SHEET FOR ACCURATE INFORMATION. Enter the angle using the DATA menu <PSION D> ----------------------- Results ----------------------- SPL @ 1m. The Sound Pressure Level 1m from the speaker needed to achieve the SPL at the listener. Theoretical tap. The tapping required to achieve the SPL at the listener. Actual Tap. The closest tapping available on the speaker selected. This figure can be manually set (for example is non standard speaker is being used). Actual SPL. The SPL at the listener achieved with the speaker set at the ACTUAL tap. ==================================================== Part 4: Speaker data review, modification and entry ==================================================== Speaker data is contained in the following files Cabinet.DBF \APP\PATOOLS Horn.DBF \APP\PATOOLS Ceiling.DBF \APP\PATOOLS Review, modify or add speakers in the DATA application. There are a number of rules associated with the databases: The programme does not allow blank text fields (ie Description or Manufacturer. Use a <SPACE> TAP 1 is the HIGHEST available tap down to the LOWEST in TAP 6. ALL the TAP fields must be used. If there are less than 6 taps the last fields MUST contain the LOWEST tap. A small application is included in the programme called ReOrder <PSION L> which puts the selected database into NAME order. This is useful as any changes to the databases messes the order. ============================================================= Part 5: Printing to File <PSION P> ============================================================= The PRINT>FILE option allows the user to print to a TEXT file. The calculator allows the user to save the results into a file which can be read in Word. Once opened the file is ammended each time it is printed to allowing multiple results to be saved. IMPORTANT; If a file already exists when the calculator is started it will generate a new file with the same name and NOT ammend it. ============================================================= Part 6: Cable Line loss calculator ============================================================= The Line Loss Calculator works out the loss at each speaker on a NON LOOP BACK speaker circuit. It bases the calculation on cable attenuation, average speaker tapping and spacing. The calculator uses a database of cable characteristics which can be updated. The screen comprises a number of areas Cable spec (single and dual cable options) System Data Results ----------------------- Cable spec ----------------------- If a dual cable solution in required use the TWO CABLE <PSION T> option. This brings up two cable selections Cable Cross Section; To call up a standard cable from the data choose CABLE <PSION C> from the menu. The calculate function is carried out automatically on each selection Impedence; Calling a standard cable inserts the figure. This figure can be changed manually using the IMPEDENCE <PSION I> from the menu ----------------------- DATA <PSION D> ----------------------- Distance to first speaker/end of first cable; Enter the distance from the amplifier in meters. (If TWO CABLE option chosen). Distance to first speaker; This is the distance in meters from the end of the first cable to the first speaker. Average speaker tapping; Entered in Watts. Total number of speakers Average speaker spacing; Distance in meters between speakers (not including the distance to the first speaker). Amplifier line voltage <PSION V> ----------------------- Results ----------------------- The main results box gives the loss at the speaker furthest from the amplifier. Also given is the new effective power of the speaker (ie the loss of the line has the same effect as reducing the tapping at the speaker) ============================================================= Part 7: Cable data modification and entry ============================================================= The Cable Data is kept in a standard database which can be updated with the Psion DATA application. The database should be Re-Ordered <PSION L> when changed ============================================================= Part 8: Printing <PSION P> ============================================================= The print option allows the user to print to a file. The calculator allows the user to save the results into a file which can be read in WORD or imported into most Word Processors. Once opened the file is ammended each time it is printed to allowing multiple results to be saved. IMPORTANT; If a file already exists when the calculator is started it will generate a new file with the same name and not ammend it. ----------------------- Cable Line Loss Calculator ----------------------- Prints the results as seen on the screen Plus the line loss list. Loss list; This is a list of the losses at all the speakers on the line (starting at the speaker closest to the amplifier). ============================================================= Part 9: Conversions ============================================================= Some useful conversions are available from the Conversions menu <PSION N>. This brings up the menu. To return to the tapping calculator select Return <PSION U> The conversions include; Length (m > cm > inches > feet > yards) Area (m sq > sq feet > sq yards) Volume (m cu> cu feet > cu yards) Acoustics (RASTI > %ALcons) Some useful standards are available from the Conversion menu including; Absorbtion of Materials Common Reverberation Times ============================================================= Part 10: Shareware Registration ============================================================= PA Tools V1.01 1995 from Colt Tech is SHAREWARE, not free software. If you continue to use PA Tools you MUST register. Registration removes the "Pain" screen, removes the limit on the no of items loaded from the databases (set at 20 for unregistered users) and allows printing of results to file. It is as simple as entering a special key-code at the Register menu <PSION R> To register send 10 Pounds Stirling to; I.Penson,42 The Colts,Bishops Stortford, Herts,CM23 4DL, ENGLAND