wmartin@ALMSA-1.ARPA (04/26/84)
From: Will Martin -- DRXAL-RI <wmartin@ALMSA-1.ARPA> I am writing some specifications for purchasing printers to be used in the office environment, so we want them to be quiet. Looking at source info like the tables of printer specs in the latest Mini-Micro Systems, and at manufacturers' literature, I see statements like "Noise level less than 55 dbA". I have not seen any info on how this noise level is measured and if there is a standard method of measurement that makes these figures comparable. I would think that there must be an ANSI standard or some other sort of standard procedure used in this case so I would write my specification as "Noise level no higher than 60 dbA, as measured in accordance with ANSI Standard XYZ-123" or the like. Otherwise any printer could beat any measurement spec -- "Sure, it's less than 60 dbA; you just have to stand over here 300 feet away!" Could someone point me to the relevant standard (if one exists) and tell me the magic phrase to use in writing such a specification? Or, if you know that no such standard exists, and these specs regarding noise level are just advertising hype, let me know that, too! Please reply directly to WMARTIN@ALMSA-1 (ARPANET/MILNET) or brl-vgr!wmartin (UUCP-land, will auto forward to my MILNET address). Thanks much! Will Martin USArmy DARCOM ALMSA St. Louis, MO
rms@inuxa.UUCP (R Sachs) (05/21/84)
* To W. Martin, who asked for the American National Standard for measuring the acoustic noise emitted by computer equipment, I refer you to ANSI S1.29-1979: Method for the Measurement and Designation of Noise Emitted by Computer and Business Equipment. You can order this standard (which you should also reference as ASA Catalog No. 29-1979) for $15.00 from Back Numbers Department, Dept. STD American Institute of Physics 335 East 45th St. New York, New York 10017 Tel 516-681-3800