Anybody know anything about DB meters?

[spearmint]

I have a truck repair lot next to me and the noise is incredible. If they are over 85 db I think they are illegal. Any ideas how to check?

[BigGuynRusty]

[quote spearmint]I have a truck repair lot next to me and the noise is incredible. If they are over 85 db I think they are illegal. Any ideas how to check?
Get a DB Meter?!?!

What is REALLY your question?
A. What is a DB Meter?
B. How do I use a DB Meter?
C. What is the legal DB Limit?

BGnR

[spearmint]

I guess want a cheap DB meter. I know what DB's are all about. The limits are exposure to over 85 for a prolonged time.

[dbow]

radio shack used to have a decent cheap one

[dbow]

used to be cheaper
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index....Id=2103667&cp=&origkw=spl&kw=spl&parentPage=search

[JoeM]

It's dB and you want to measure sound pressure levels (SPL). Radio Shack used to make a good inexpensive unit but it looks like it has been replaced, as mentioned above. Years ago, you could rent one from sound companies for a day. You could check your yellow pages and possibly rent.

some links:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=pd_s...-alias=aps&keywords=spl%20meter

[Dick Moore]

Get the Radio Shack meter, set it to "A" weighting, "slow" response, and gather some info, then ask the civic authorities to do a measurement on their own, based on the readings you get. They will not accept your readings, but those readings might help get them moving...... The margin of error on the RS meter is roughly +/- 3dB, close enough to give you a right to sqawk. Be sure to record the time of day and exact location of your measurement, hold the meter at arm's length. The working end should roughly point toward the noise source, but is not critical as long as it's withiin a 30 degree arc of the source.

[Racer X]

I checked out a few places to get pro audio, video and electronic stuff from, and all had meters starting at $50 on up. For example

The one at radio shack has been cheaper, or the one it replaced was, but that was years ago, so still only $50 isn't bad.

[RAMd®d]

Once you get a dB meter, you'll need to know that the legal limits are in your area, and exactly how they're measured.

[spearmint]

Thanks for the tips! Radio Shack sounds like the deal.