ARTA 80 Technical Notes

Windows software

A80W, a Windows application, enables one-third octave spectral data to be viewed, saved-to and read from disk, printed, and exported to other Windows applications. Using a serial link data may be transferred between the PC and an ARTA 80 audio analyser.

Click here to download a80setup.exe

Replacement batteries, types and sources

The internal power source for the ARTA 80 audio analyser is a rechargeable Lead Acid battery.
The typical life for this battery is about five years after which time it must be replaced. Towards the end of its life its charge holding capability may be reduced. The battery is no longer available from ABACUS ELECTRICS however it is a standard type and compatible units are available worldwide from a number of manufacturers.
Nominally measuring 54.9mm high, 97.3mm long and 25.5mm deep the battery is 6 volts with 1.2Ah capacity. The table below lists the stock codes of a number of manufacturers and stockists.

When replacing the battery the adhesive foam on the top face of the battery should be transferred to the new battery.
Manufacturer                               Stock Number
Sonnenschein                                dryfit A506 1,2S
Equivalant from RS Components: 597-784
Equivalant from Farnell:                2475275
Power-Sonic                                  PS-612
Panasonic                                      LCR6V1.3P
Kobe                                              HP1.2-6(6M1.2)
FIAMM-GS                                      FG10121
PORTALAC                                     PE6V1.2
HARIO                                            HR 6V 1.3P
Winner                                           6-1.2(6V-1.2AH)
CSB                                                GP613
CARTRONIC                                    Series 2000 6V 1,2AH
Yuasa                                             NP 1.2-6
The ARTA 80 also contains a lithium battery used for sustaining the spectral memories and power-on configuration when the analyser is switched off. This original battery has a nominal fifteen year life and most have lasted longer.
A suitable replacement is the SL 750 PR from Tadiran Batteries.
It can be supplied by Rapid Electrics as part number 59-2147.

Audio Connectors, types and sources

The audio connectors used on the ARTA 80 audio analyser are of the Tini-QG family manufactured by Switchcraft. With the appearance of standard XLR connectors they are physically smaller. Cable used with these connectors should have a maximum diameter of 4mm.
Supplied with the ARTA 80 analyser are one TA5MX, one TA3MX, and two TA3FX connectors. These are sufficient to produce a line-input cable, noise output cable, and a microphone extension cable.
In the United Kingdom these connectors are available from most electronic component suppliers. The table below cross refers the Switcraft part numbers to various suppliers stock-code numbers. If needed, replacement chassis connectors are available from the same suppliers.

                              TA3MX      TA5MX       TA3FX
RS Components     628-5601  628-5639  628-5651
Farnell                    1192834    1192836    1192832

Configuration Switch Settings

The configuration switches, situated on the ARTA 80 analyser's recessed connector panel, allow certain less-used functions to be selected when required.
The table below shows all configuration switch functions and may printed to serve as an aide-memoir. For full descriptions of the functions consult the handbook.

Switches 1 to 4 cause 'special programs' to be executed:

Switch Number
   1    2    3    4               Program          Function
 Off Off Off Off                  0                No Program - normal operation
 On  Off Off Off                  1                SPL and dBu meter
 Off  On Off Off                  2                Auto-switch Left and Right Input
 On  On Off Off                   3                Average memories 25 - 28 into 29 and memory copy
 Off  Off On Off                  4                Reverberation time (RT60) with optional A80rv
 On  Off On Off                   5                Gated octave-band noise
 Off  On On Off                   6                Noise Criteria
 On  On  On Off                   7                Memory edit
 Off Off  Off On                   8                Set power-on status
 Off On  On  On                  14               Communication with a IBM PC (A80W.EXE)
 On  On  On On                   15               Fast data output

Switches 5 to 8 control the printer and RS232 functions:

Switch Number                           On                                                           Off
           5                          Memory 30 normal                             ISO2969 curve in memory 30
           6                          Narrow print-out, or                           Normal width print-out,
                                       RS232 300 baud                                 or RS232 1200 baud
           7                          Select Parallel printer                          Select RS232 serial output
           8                          DATA key for display shift key, no       DATA key for printing and down-
                                       printing or down-loading                     loading, no display shift

Note For later firmware (version 157 or above):
Switch 6 On = LaserJet printer, Off = Epson dot-matrix printer

Disassembly Instructions

A user may need to replace the main analyser battery or effect minor repairs. This document for down-load explains how to dismantle and reassemble the ARTA 80 audio analyser.

Click here to download a80dis.pdf