Radioshack SPL meter battery tester

[Raikirik]

Hey everyone

I just purchased an Analog Radioshack spl meter and tried out the battery test function with a brand new battery however, the needle does not go in the red battery test range. I tried measuring sound levels and it still responded but is it still possible for my unit to be defective?

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by Raikirik

Hey everyone

I just purchased an Analog Radioshack spl meter and tried out the battery test function with a brand new battery however, the needle does not go in the red battery test range. I tried measuring sound levels and it still responded but is it still possible for my unit to be defective?

I have the digital version and it has no battery check. When you turn it on, the LCD will have some info on it. If your SPL meter works and you are satisfied with the results, it is probably not defective. To be one hundred percent sure, you need to stop at a local Radio Shack and see if they have a similar model on hand for you to check.

[Raikirik]

Hey Big Daddy, I went ahead with your recommendation of checking another meter at the store and sure enough I had to get a replacement. Now that I tried measuring again, this one was picking up sound better than the previous one and on top of that the battery tester works!

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by Raikirik

Hey Big Daddy, I went ahead with your recommendation of checking another meter at the store and sure enough I had to get a replacement. Now that I tried measuring again, this one was picking up sound better than the previous one and on top of that the battery tester works!

Good news.

In the age of mass production and assembling electronic equipment in low cost countries under extremely difficult conditions, it is not unexpected for many new products to be defective. As an example, it appears that many new subwoofer amplifiers are defective. The problem has become epidemic. In the past few years, I have had to send my new cameras (both picture and video), computers, PS3, projector, and even my car back for warranty service. The sad part is that even after the service, some of these products continue to have problems.

[Raikirik]

Yikes.

I almost always have some sort of paranoia when it comes to purchasing something that has mechanical parts or electronics, even with high end collector's items. Sometimes you get lucky and get something that works fine and continues to work fine. Other times you get the item that is a hassle to return or get serviced. I definitely feel you on that Big D.