The PCE-FST-100-2010-NMS noise analyser is a professional acoustic sensor designed for continuous monitoring of sound levels in industrial, urban, school, production and technical environments. It is suitable when an occasional measurement with a handheld sound level meter is not enough and a fixed device is required to measure noise over time and transmit the values to a supervision, control or data acquisition system.

The measuring range of 30 ... 120 dBA allows very different acoustic situations to be monitored, from moderate environmental noise to high levels typically found in production areas, traffic zones, technical rooms, industrial plants, construction sites, running machines or environments where internal safety and comfort thresholds must be checked. The 1 dBA resolution is suitable for most continuous monitoring applications where the main purpose is to follow noise trends, detect threshold exceedances, compare working periods and document environmental conditions.

The specified accuracy is 2 % FS ±0.5 dB, referred to 94 dB @ 1 kHz. This makes the instrument suitable for technical checks and monitoring applications where reliable and repeatable measurement is required. The frequency range of 20 ... 12500 Hz covers a wide and useful spectrum for many industrial and environmental noise sources. A frequency weighting is used to provide a measurement that reflects the sensitivity of the human ear, making the data suitable for assessing perceived acoustic disturbance and comfort in workplaces or public areas.

The sensor uses a condenser microphone, a suitable solution for stable sound level detection. The response time of ≤ 2 s allows noise variations to be followed with good responsiveness while keeping the measured value readable and usable in monitoring systems. Time evaluation is direct, with a 1-second interval, which is useful for recording the evolution of the sound level without making the signal excessively unstable.

One of the most important features of the PCE-FST-100-2010-NMS analyser is the RS-485 output with Modbus RTU protocol. This interface allows the sensor to be integrated into existing plants, industrial control systems, PLCs, dataloggers, SCADA software, supervision panels or environmental monitoring networks. For a technician or system integrator, this means that the device can be installed as a permanent measuring point and the sound level can be acquired without manual readings.

The housing has an IP65 protection rating, making the instrument suitable for wall mounting and use in environments exposed to dust and water splashes. This feature is useful for outdoor applications, industrial areas, technical rooms, warehouses, loading zones, production departments and measuring points where the sensor must remain installed over time. Operating conditions are -20 ... 60 °C with 0 ... 80 % RH, while storage conditions are -20 ... 80 °C with 0 ... 80 % RH.

The compact dimensions of 150 x 133 x 42 mm and the weight of 230 g make installation easier on walls, supports, panels or dedicated structures. The 1 m cable allows connection to the power and communication system. The 10 ... 30 V DC power supply is suitable for many industrial installations and makes the device easy to integrate into low-voltage DC automation and monitoring systems.

In industrial applications, this noise analyser can be used to monitor departments with machine tools, compressors, extraction systems, ventilation systems, production lines, presses, automatic machines, test areas and zones where noise must be kept under observation. Continuous monitoring helps detect abnormal variations, progressive increases in noise, different operating conditions between shifts and possible indirect signs of wear, vibration or irregular machine operation.

In urban and public environments, the device can be used for road noise control projects, monitoring near schools, residential areas, construction sites, industrial zones, sports facilities or areas subject to acoustic variations during the day. For public authorities, acoustic consultants and research institutes, the possibility of installing a fixed sensor and reading the data via Modbus RTU provides a useful basis for continuous analysis and time comparisons.

A practical recommendation for obtaining more reliable measurements is to choose the installation point carefully. The microphone should be positioned in an area representative of the noise to be monitored, avoiding surfaces that generate excessive reflections, nearby obstacles, direct structural vibrations and very strong air currents. In outdoor environments, it is important to protect the sensor from accidental impacts and install it in a position that allows periodic maintenance and verification.

For correct integration into a data acquisition system, it is advisable to check the available power supply, connection length, Modbus addressing, RS-485 network configuration and compatibility with the software or PLC before installation. In systems with multiple sensors, wiring, line termination and protection against electrical interference must be handled carefully, especially in industrial environments with inverters, motors, welding machines or large electrical loads.

The PCE-FST-100-2010-NMS noise analyser is therefore a technical solution for users who need continuous, stable and integrable noise monitoring. It is not only intended as an immediate reading instrument, but as an installation sensor for environmental and industrial control systems. The combination of 30 ... 120 dBA measuring range, RS-485 Modbus RTU output, IP65 protection, condenser microphone, wall mounting and 10 ... 30 V DC power supply makes it suitable for many professional applications where the sound level must be monitored, recorded and analysed over time.

Delivery scope:

1 x PCE-FST-100-2010-NMS Environmental Meter
1 x Operating instructions
2 x Screws with dowels