WTF decibel test? TORCH LAKE MI
07-09-2012 | 06:12 PM
#12
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From: Akron, OH
Looks like its anyones guess... I did a search for "noise decibel meters that boat police use" - check out how many ordinances pop up!!! I would say that each city, or lake may have its own standards, but this company (if particular city/lake buys from them) is probably going to recommend their test standards. Bottom line is, its still in the hands of Barney Fiffe, and worse, Mayberry.
07-09-2012 | 06:35 PM
#14
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From: Michigan
07-09-2012 | 06:37 PM
#15
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From: Michigan
I bet my lunch that the new sherriff is using a different "weighting scale"
There are different db scales that relate to how humans can hear sound. A-weighting is most common, and what is usually used when measuring industrial sounds. If he had it on a different scale, or had the weighting turned off, you will get VERY different numbers. It would be important to read the statute, and understand what scale is expected by your governing body. If it does not say, I would collect evidence that OSHA uses A weighting and bring that to the new sherriff...make sure he takes the test again with the correct setting.
Yes, there are also max hold, and response functions on many db meters. If you set your meter to a slower response, it will not bounce around as much, and be more of an average...that would be in your favor, as it would not be showing the much higher spikes an engine can exhibit.
Get yourself a cheap radio-shack db meter...they work great.
There are different db scales that relate to how humans can hear sound. A-weighting is most common, and what is usually used when measuring industrial sounds. If he had it on a different scale, or had the weighting turned off, you will get VERY different numbers. It would be important to read the statute, and understand what scale is expected by your governing body. If it does not say, I would collect evidence that OSHA uses A weighting and bring that to the new sherriff...make sure he takes the test again with the correct setting.
Yes, there are also max hold, and response functions on many db meters. If you set your meter to a slower response, it will not bounce around as much, and be more of an average...that would be in your favor, as it would not be showing the much higher spikes an engine can exhibit.
Get yourself a cheap radio-shack db meter...they work great.
Last edited by onesickpantera; 07-09-2012 at 06:42 PM.
07-09-2012 | 07:01 PM
#16
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From: McHenry, Illinois
I have a radio shack DB meter. They are inexpensive and very good. 103 db is very loud. 90 db is not too tough to get to on a boat with mufflers. I once had a boat that was 572 CI blower with straight exhaust test at 105. That boat was really loud. When you would start it at the docks it would make people jump if they were not expecting it. I agree with the comments about what weighting scale he is using. Big differences. The radio shack meter will help a great deal. Most tests are 3' back and 3' up from the transom.
07-09-2012 | 07:51 PM
#17
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From: Fairfield, CT
103 doesn't sound right. I got a ticket on Lake George, NY for 99.2 dbs on my single 525 EFI with straight pipes. A sunsation with the same motor registered 98 and my brother 29 fountain with the same motor was 97 dbs. This was done with a meter stick to the transom. A guy on the lake with twin 500 efis and CMI mufflers pulled 90.3.
07-09-2012 | 08:00 PM
#18
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From: Mine Hill, NJ/Lake Hopatcong, NJ
103 doesn't sound right. I got a ticket on Lake George, NY for 99.2 dbs on my single 525 EFI with straight pipes. A sunsation with the same motor registered 98 and my brother 29 fountain with the same motor was 97 dbs. This was done with a meter stick to the transom. A guy on the lake with twin 500 efis and CMI mufflers pulled 90.3.
07-09-2012 | 09:36 PM
#19
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From: MI
I very much appreciate the offer but I think I will buy the same meter he has or atleast the same brand. I did get a good look at it.
07-09-2012 | 09:46 PM
#20
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From: MI
103 doesn't sound right. I got a ticket on Lake George, NY for 99.2 dbs on my single 525 EFI with straight pipes. A sunsation with the same motor registered 98 and my brother 29 fountain with the same motor was 97 dbs. This was done with a meter stick to the transom. A guy on the lake with twin 500 efis and CMI mufflers pulled 90.3.
