Video Review:

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Text Review:

Here is an interesting gadget from Jürgen Grau.  It is a VFD tube based sound pressure level meter.  The tube is an IV-26 with seven large indicators stacked vertically.  As the sound level rises so does the height of the indicator.  The sound is sensed via a built in microphone placed on the base right in front of the tube.

The device displays the sound level in several ways.  When you’re building the kit, you have the option to choose between a single dot and bar graph mode.  In dot mode, only the top most position is illuminated.  So, if the readout is 74 dBa, then only that position is illuminated.  In bar graph mode, the dots below it are illuminated as well.  Finally, the user can select between peak mode and average (RMS).  All of these setting are achieved by setting a solder jumper on the PCB.

Jurgen took great efforts to make sure this device was accurate.  The readout shows the sound level in both decibels (A Weighted for human hearing) and Sone.  According to the website: “The microphone is matched to the sensitivity of human hearing and the OP amp based active multipole equalization, full wave precision rectifier and integration circuit ensure that the display is accurate.”

I want to call out the enclosure too.  The footprint is nearly identical to the NixieTherm but don’t be fooled, this design has some big improvements.  First, the scale has several bright warm-white LEDs.  This makes the markings much easier to read in daylight and it even appears that the markings are slightly deeper to help with this as well.  The scale now is slightly thicker and has more robust mounting hardware inside the base of the unit which adds to stability.  While this isn’t a kid’s toy, it is a solid design.

So what do I think?  Well, this is a great device.  It is fun to watch and it does exactly what you expect it to.  For 79 EUR, you can’t really go wrong with this.  (It would probably make a great Christmas gift too....)

Photos:

Nixie SPL VFD meter

Nixie SPL VFD meter

Nixie SPL VFD meter

Nixie SPL VFD meter

Nixie SPL VFD meter

Nixie SPL VFD meter

Nixie SPL VFD meter

Nixie SPL VFD meter

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