The remote access to the noise monitoring station is offered in two selectable modes, the 'Managed Mode' or the 'Gateway Mode'. In 'Managed Mode', NTi Audio manages and maintains the data synchronization to and storage on cloud servers. In 'Gateway Mode', you have full access to the data directly on the XL2 for secure download at your convenience via SFTP.
Managed Mode
How is NoiseScout setup in the Managed Mode?
NoiseScout is a plug & play solution:
- Register the NetBox at my.nti-audio.com
- Login at www.noisescout.com/
- Click “+ Add a New Job” (top middle of screen)
- Click on the Job name
- Click “+ Add a New Location to this Job” (to the right below the map)
- Connect the XL2 Sound Level Meter to the NetBox and establish Network connection
(LAN connects automatically, Mobile Data Communication settings need to be configured on the XL2)
Which sound pressure levels are available?
- Live Level
- LAS
- LAF
- LAeq5"
- LAeq15'
- LAFT3
- LAFT5
- LAF20-200
- LCS
- LCF
- LCeq5"
- LCeq15'
- LCPK
- LCPK5"
- LZ63Hz
- LZ125Hz
- Alarms
in 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 60 minute intervals, or for the whole measurement period
- LAeq, LCeq
- LAFmax, LASmax
LCFmax, LCSmax
- LAeq5"max, LAeq10'max, LAeq15'max, LAeq60'max
LCeq5"max, LCeq10'max, LCeq15'max, LCeq60'max
- LAeq20-200, LAFmax20-200
- LCeq - LAeq, LCPKmax
- LAFT3eq, LAFT5eq
- LAF1.0%, LAF5.0%, LAF10.0%, LAF15.0%, LAF90.0%, LAF95.0%, LAF99.0% in 5 minute intervals
- Detailed Data
in 1 second intervals
- LAeq, LCeq
- LAFmax, LASmax, LAImax
LCFmax, LCSmax, LCImax
- LAeq5", LAeq10', LAeq15', LAeq60'
LCeq5", LCeq10', LCeq15', LCeq60'
- LAeq20-200, LAFmax20-200
- LCeq - LAeq, LCPKmax
How are alarms send?
When the level exceeds the preset limit for the user-defined time interval an automated email is generated. The alarm may be sent to one or more emails simultaneously.
What is the expected data volume for mobile communication?
A NetBox creates about 20 MByte data per day. Occasionally (normally less than once a month) a firmware update is distributed with a size of 250 MByte. A SIM card monthly data volume of 1 GByte is recommended.
Is the RTA spectrum available?
Yes, kindly contact NTi Audio
Is audio recording available?
Yes, the following audio features are offered
- live audio listening
- audio files on alarms
- audio on key press
The audio files are available for download and import into the Data Explorer software for playback synchronized with the level data.
Generating audio files
“Audio files on alarm” are available in case the measured noise level exceeds the preset limit. For example the noise level LAeq exceeds the limit of 60 dBA for the 5 minute time interval.
The XL2 Sound Level Meter records the audio data locally on the meter throughout the ongoing measurement. In case of any exceeded limits, NoiseScout detects the three periods with the highest sound pressure level within the time interval and stores the audio data of these periods on the server. The length of each such audio file is 10 seconds.
"Audio files on key press" is available for noise nuisance monitoring. A person living next to a disturbing noise source may press a button on the Input Keypad; this triggers an audio file of 120 seconds - 30 seconds prior the keypress and 90 seconds after the keypress. This provides authorities immediate feedback about the type and nature of the disturbing noise.
What is the audio file format?
The audio file is offered as a WAV file with ADPCM compression and automated gain control. The sampling frequency is 12 kHz, thus offering good quality audio reproduction.
How long is the recorded data stored?
NTi Audio stores measurement data and audio recordings for a period of 1 (one) year on secure servers.
What are the update rates on the NoiseScout website?
- The live level is updated typically twice a second with a delay of about one to two seconds.
- The live operational parameters (like temperature or Network status) are updated about every 10 seconds.
- The graphs are updated about every 20 seconds.
What are the running costs of unattended noise monitoring with NoiseScout?
NTi Audio manages and maintains the data synchronization to and storage on cloud servers for your convenience. This service is offered at an annual flat-rate subscription service "NoiseScout 365" and alternatively with an innovative “pay-per-use” credit scheme, providing transparent and predictable cost control. The “pay-per-use” scheme is based on calendar days contained within the measurement data transferred from the XL2 Sound Level Meter to the server.
When are Data Day Credits deducted in the "pay-per-use" scheme?
As soon as the measurement is started ("ON") and a minimum period of 30 minutes/day is exceeded.
How many Data Day Credits are required for 7 days of noise monitoring by five XL2s?
35 Data Day Credits
How many Data Day Credits are required for 3 days of noise monitoring this month and 3 days next month?
6 Data Day Credits per XL2; credits are required only for days with actual measurements
How about if a measurement starts on 13:00 and finishes at 10:00 next day?
2 Data Day Credits are used since these are two calendar days
Is there a way to test or setup the XL2 and NetBox without paying data credits?
Yes, run the measurement for less than 30 minutes.
Gateway Mode - Full Flexibility
How is NoiseScout setup in the Gateway Mode?
NoiseScout is a plug & play solution:
- Login at my.nti-audio.com
- Register the NetBox using the Serial Number on the front of the NetBox (format xxxxx-xxxxx).
- Login at www.noisescout.com using your personal My NTi Audio username and password.
- Switch the Noise Monitor to “Gateway” Mode.
- Click the “Visit” button.
- Control the remote XL2 from within the browser.
Which measurement data is available?
- All broadband levels
- 1/1 or 1/3 octave RTA
- Audio recordings *.WAV
Connecting the XL2 within a local Network
The XL2 may also be remotely operated within a local network using the IP address of the connected NetBox.
Direct File Access to the XL2
Install your favorite FTP client software on your computer (such as WinSCP www.winscp.net or similar) and enter these settings in the FTP client software:
- Host: xl2gateway.nti-audio.com
- Username: xxxxx-xxxxx (NetBox serial number)
- Password: (the password you use at my.nti-audio.com)
- Port: 22
Can I download the noise data during the ongoing measurement?
Yes, all recorded data is available for download during the ongoing measurement.
How can I achieve an automated data download?
Commercial programs like WatchFTP, www.watchftp.com, can be used to automatically access and download the available data from the XL2 and delete the data from the XL2 SD-Card if required.
How to implement the XL2 Sound Level Meter into a third-party monitoring solution?
You may program a customized measurement application for remote sound level monitoring or automated measurement tasks. All remote measurement commands are available once the Remote Measurement Option is installed on the XL2. The measurement data may be captured in real time into a PC application, e.g. C# or LabView.
What are the running costs of unattended noise monitoring with NoiseScout?
NTi Audio manages and facilitates remote access to the XL2 Sound Level Meter for your convenience. The offered infrastructure overcomes the limitations of local area networks and avoids the necessity for you to set up a router with a direct connection from the NetBox to your PC. The remote access is offered at an annual flat-rate subscription service "NoiseScout 365" or alternatively with an innovative “pay-per-use” credit scheme, providing transparent and predictable cost control. The “pay-per-use” scheme is based on calendar days with remote data download from the XL2 Sound Level Meter or online monitoring.
When are Data Day Credits deducted in the "pay-per-use" scheme?
As soon as any measurement data is downloaded from the remote XL2 Sound Level Meter.
How many Data Day Credits are required for 7 days of noise monitoring by five XL2s?
5 Data Day Credits in case you download all the recorded data after 7 days at once
How many Data Day Credits are required for 3 days of noise monitoring this month and 3 days next month?
2 days per XL2; credits are required only for days with data download
How about if a measurement starts on 13:00 and finishes at 10:00 next day?
1 Data Day Credit is used for the data download after the completed measurement
More about "annual subscription" Running Costs - NoiseScout 365
How do I receive NoiseScout 365?
Contact your local NTi Audio partner for pricing details of NoiseScout 365.
Is NoiseScout 365 applicable to one Noise Monitor?
Yes, a purchased NoiseScout 365 annual subscription service is applicable to a single noise monitor. Purchase three subscriptions in case you run three noise monitors. The noise monitors may operate independently under different NoiseScout accounts.
When is the start and end date of NoiseScout 365?
The annual subscription service NoiseScout 365 is available immediately upon purchase and lasts for one year and then until the end of the month. You may also request a special start date for the subscription service.
More about "pay-per-use" Running Costs - Data Day Credits
Which Data Days Credit packages are available?
30 days, 100 days, 366 days (1 year), 1096 days (3 years)
Contact your local NTi Audio partner for pricing details.
How do I receive the Data Day Credits?
Your purchased Data Day Credits are activated in the background as soon as you start using NoiseScout. No package or licence is presently shipped to you.
How do I see the present Data Days Credits status?
NTi Audio or your local NTi Audio partner will provide you the actual Data Days Credit status. You will be contacted as soon as you are getting close to running out of credits.
Do Data Days Credits apply to a single user account?
Yes
Can Data Days Credits be shared among multiple XL2s?
Yes, all XL2s registered in a single user account share the purchased Data Days Credits.
Is one Data Day Credit used for one XL2 or multiple XL2s?
One Data Day Credit is used for one single XL2.
Are the Calendar Days based on the local time zone?
Yes, the calendar days are based on the local time zone.
How do you determine the time zone?
Set the measurement location in Google maps, and from there the time zone is derived.
Do unused Data Day Credits expire?
No
Can I move Data Day Credits from one account to another?
Credits can be moved on request from account A to account B in case the account A is closed.
How are Data Days Credits debited?
The online Data Day Credit monitoring is presently not available yet. Your partner will provide you a Data Day Credit statement for every month.
Configuration
4G/5G Connection for XL2 Sound Level Meter
Connect an external 4G or 5G gateway/router to the NetBox via LAN. The TRB140 gateway and the RUT240 router from Teltonika have been tested in this way. Devices that support RNDIS or a virtual network interface via USB, such as the TRB140 or NetGear AirCard 790, can be connected to the NetBox via USB to save energy.
Weather Station
Which weather stations are supported by NoiseScout?
NoiseScout supports Vaisala models WXT532, WXT533 and WXT536 www.vaisala.com.
- WXT532: Wind
- WXT533: Rain and wind
- WXT536: Air pressure, temperature, humidity, rain, and wind
Which weather data can be recorded?
- Wind speed in [m/s] or [mph]
- Wind direction in [°]
- Rain intensity [mm/h] or [in/h]
- Hail intensity [hits/cm²h] or [hits/in²h]
- Temperature [°C] or [°F]
- Relative humidity [%]
- Air pressure [hPa]
How do I connect the weather station with NoiseScout?
The weather station is connected to the NetBox via a 1.4 m USB cable. Alternatively, the weather station can also be ordered with a 10m cable and the WSP152 surge protector to bridge longer distances between the weather station and the NetBox. The connection from the WSP152 to the NetBox is again with the 1.4 m long USB cable.
In what interval is the weather data recorded?
Once per minute.
Where is the weather data stored?
The NoiseScout "Managed Mode" stores the weather data on the NoiseScout server. This data can be downloaded online at any time from the NoiseScout website in combination with the one-second noise Log Data. If the measuring station is offline, the NetBox stores the weather data for the last seven days.
The NoiseScout "Gateway Mode" stores the weather data of the last 30 days on the NetBox in a txt file. The data can be downloaded via a secure FTP connection or automatically synchronized with a local computer.
Is weather data available live online?
Yes, NoiseScout displays the current wind strength in the "Dashboard". The data on the website is updated every 15 seconds.
- Managed Mode: the current wind direction and wind strength is displayed at each individual Location
- Gateway Mode: the current wind speed is displayed at each individual measuring station
How much does the automatic availability of weather data in NoiseScout cost?
NTi Audio provides the infrastructure for the automatic availability of weather data in NoiseScout. This service is offered through the annual subscription "NoiseScout Weather 365". This ensures the full transparency of the connection service.
Order Information
- Weather Station WXT532
(wind speed, wind direction)
NTi Audio # 600 000 736
- Weather Station WXT533
(wind speed, wind direction, rain fall)
NTi Audio # 600 000 737
- Weather Station WXT536
(wind speed, wind direction, rain fall, temperature, air pressure, humidity)
NTi Audio # 600 000 738
- Over-voltage Protection for Weather Station
NTi Audio # 600 000 739
- NoiseScout Weather 365
NTi Audio # 600 000 442