Monitor noise all over the world with the Ranos dB 2
The Ranos product range consists of two high accuracy, wireless outdoor sound level meters and cloud applications suitable for permanent and temporary installation anywhere around the worldnwithout a wired power or data connection.
We supply the Ranos dB in a class 1 and a class 2 measurement accuracy version. The Ranos dB is powered by solar energy, works fully autono-
mously and has LoRa connectivity. This is why you can use this stateof-the-art device anywhere in the world. The housing is made of recyclable ABS material and is completely waterproof.
We offer a user friendly configuration app and a dashboard for device management, data collection and data visualization.
High accuracy
The Ranos dB 2 measurement accuracy is according to IEC 61672-1:2014 class 2, with a linear linear dynamic range of 40-120 dB(A). This means that all measurement specifications and/or features that are required by the standard are present. The performance has been validated by an accredited lab using IEC 61672-3:2013 testing procedures.
A standard sound calibrator according to IEC 60942 can be used for periodical field calibration.
The measurements and calculations run continuously (at a bit depth of 24 bit and a sample rate of 48 kHz), this is necessary for accurate time-averaged continuous sound level measurements and for minimum/maximum sound level measurements.
There are no physical differences between the Ranos dB 1 and Ranos dB 2, the only difference is that the dB 1’s microphone is factory calibrated and corrected individually using a 200 coefficient FIR filter.
Microphone
The Ranos dB microphones are developed, manufactured and tested in house for optimal performance as part of the product. The microphones are based on an ECM (Electret Condenser Microphone) element. They are robust, relatively low cost, waterproof (IP67) and have a free field sound field property.
Additionally, the microphones are detachable for transport and for separate mounting. Optional mounting hardware and cables for separate mounting are available.
Wireless
The Ranos products use the LoRa / LoRaWAN radio communication platform and support the EU868, US915 and AS923 frequency plans. It supports Class C networks, allowing the cloud server to send direct messages to the Ranos dB. LoRa’s low power consumption and long range enables use in remote locations. The available bandwidth is low, but more than enough for the majority of applications.
Additionally, there are several other advantages such as:
- No or low data subscription cost.
- No Sim-cards are needed.
- Several network options are available (public, commercial or set up your own).
GPS
The GPS provides an accurate source of time and location. The location can be included with the payload so it can tell you where it is. This is useful in cases where there are lots of Ranos’, or where the Ranos’ are constantly moving. No need to pin each Ranos on the map manually. At every new GPS fix, the internal RTC (Real Time Clock) is re-synchronized to the GPS time. This is an important aspect as the timestamp(s) included with each payload needs to be accurate for the data to be useful in comparisons or in time dependent applications. The accurate internal time allows us to implement a time synchronization feature, which synchronizes the sampling and transmission times of multiple Ranos’. The GPS only turns on for a short moment at each (configurable) time interval passing, and the GPS is kept in standby for the rest of the time to reduce power consumption.
Measurements
Lots of measurements consisting of the standard IEC 61672-1:2014 time and frequency weightings are available.
The following measurements are available via wireless LoRa communication: LAfast, LAslow, LCfast, LCslow, LAeq, LCeq, LAmax, Lamin, LCmax, LCmin. Detailed information can be found in the instruction manual. The time period over which the minimum, maximum and time-averaged continuous sound level measurements (LAeq, LCeq) are calculated is configurable. One, more or all measurements can be configured to be used simultaneously.
Power
The Ranos dB does not need an external power source, it can run off of the integrated battery and solar panel continuously. Please note that this is not true for all locations. The solar irradiation might not be sufficient the whole year around in the more northern and southern parts of the world. We provide the necessary calculations and information in our instruction manual. A generic type SLA (Sealed Lead Acid) battery is used for its wide charge and discharge operating temperature range. SLA is one of the very few technologies that can be charged in sub zero temperatures.
Weatherproof
All the Ranos dB’s external parts are rated IP67 or better, they are UV resistant and can withstand an operating temperature range of at least -10 to +50 degrees Celsius. Rain is enough to clean off the solar panel in most cases. Manual cleaning might be needed in cases where it is very dusty, or where there is snow for longer periods of time. A special vent membrane that does not let through moisture, but does let through gasses is used to make sure the air volume inside of the housing can expand and contract due to varying weather conditions throughout the day.
Mounting
Three convenient mounting options are available: pole mount, wall mount, or it can be set on top of a surface. All-round, pole mounting is the best mounting solution. It interferes the least with the measurements acoustically. The necessary components for pole mounting are supplied with the Ranos dB as standard.
Optionally the Ranos dB can be wall mounted, a wall mounting bracket is available. To reduce the acoustic influence of a wall or a large diameter pole, the microphone can be mounted at a distance from the object using an optional microphone extension arm and cables. Several arm and cable lengths are available. Lastly it is also possible to set the Ranos dB on top of a surface. Rubber stick-on feet are provided as standard to prevent damage to the bottom of the Ranos dB.
Software
We provide a complete software package for everything from device registration to data collection and visualization. All software is developed to be user friendly and intuitive. No coding or other software knowledge is necessary:
- The Connect App is available for Windows and Android and needs a wired USB connection with the Ranos. It is used for device registration, configuration, testing and calibration. Additionally, it can be used for true real time monitoring.
- The Connect Dashboard is available for any OS with a modern web browser. It is used for device management, project management, user management, data collection, data visualization and more. Once a device has been registered using the Connect App and your account, the devices will automatically be made available to that account in the Connect Dashboard. Connect Dashboard is ready for use with TTN, Helium, KPN and more to come.
For those who want to use their own software or dashboard, we provide payload information and a working (online) example payload parser.
Documentation
Please find detailed information and specifications under Support.
* Prices do not include services and accessories
