Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Radio Shack discontinues their analog SPL meter

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Posted by Ron Yost (Member # 1850) on 12-27-2003, 12:58 PM:

Just wanted to let you know that Radio Shack is dropping their analog SPL meter. Apparently there are a few left in stores, but that will be it. They will continue the digital model. If you want/need the superior analog version, better go out and try to find one soon.

Ron Yost

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 12-27-2003, 01:05 PM:

In canada they had discontinued that one a long time ago

Posted by Pete Naples (Member # 761) on 12-27-2003, 01:25 PM:

And here in th UK Tnady/Radio Shack dissapeared from our streets some years ago now [Frown]

Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 12-27-2003, 03:39 PM:

The exact same meter was sold in Germany by www.conrad.com under the manufacturer name "Voltcraft". Maybe it is still available somewhere.

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 12-27-2003, 03:53 PM:

Rat Shack discontinued it about 10 years ago, and promptly brought it back, due to the outcry.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 12-27-2003, 04:38 PM:

Sorry to see it go. There was a whole web site dedicated to making the necessary mods to that meter to make it very accurate. Took a look for that site but couldn't find it any longer either. I never used one myself but I've surprisingly seen it used by alot of big industry people. Ever since that time that Gord and I were at Toronto Science And Surplus and we each bought a used Bruel And Kejr SPL meter I never considered the Rat meter.

Mark @ CLACO

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 12-27-2003, 04:40 PM:

The Cel SPL meter is one of the best to use as it has a small capsule

Posted by Ron Lacheur (Member # 1126) on 12-27-2003, 07:27 PM:

I went looking for the Analog Rat Shack meter earlier this year. I couldn't find it so I had to settle with the $100 digital one. [Mad]

Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 12-28-2003, 12:04 AM:

I always have to give my Radio Shack analog meter a few whacks before it works properly. You can have 150db of pink noise going and the needle doesn't move. Whack it and suddenly it does. You gotta show it who's boss.

Posted by Aaron Garman (Member # 1653) on 12-28-2003, 12:57 AM:

Does it still cost $30? Mine just broke (go figure) and I might get a new one or try to get it fixed. All I use it for is setting reference in my home theater. Does anyone reccomend anything else that would do that job if I fail to get another one?

AJG

Posted by Manny Knowles (Member # 1171) on 12-28-2003, 02:44 AM:

I have to beat mine into submission, too.

With that in mind, maybe I should encase it in LEATHER BABY, YEAH! [Eek!]

Posted by Fabrice Dubourg (Member # 1635) on 12-28-2003, 06:42 AM:

that's not a bad thing!
i've used analog and digital meters and it never work properly...
at this price it's so amazing!

Posted by Bruce McGee (Member # 131) on 12-28-2003, 07:36 AM:

I dont know what is going on in the minds of management at Rat Shack. The local stores have dropped component part sales, too.

I went there before Christmas to find something for my nephew that might drive his mother crazy when he opened his presents. All they had was tons of electronic toys, and DVD players with home theatre systems.

The salesman tried to sell me a cell-phone, and wanted my phone number AGAIN!

The sales people in both of the local RS stores are on the rude side, and are pushy. I have a feeling that this will be the end of Radio Shack in the near future.

Posted by Ron Lacheur (Member # 1126) on 12-28-2003, 02:12 PM:

Bruce,

I was thinking the same thing. Their recent ad campaign is down right hilarious.

Radio Shack has for some reason lost sight of selling resistors and diodes, to converting their stores to a scaled down " Best Buy " or " Circuit City ".

Posted by Robb Johnston (Member # 239) on 12-28-2003, 11:52 PM:

I brought this issue up with a family member who works for Radio Shack and asked if they were bringing in another model and they said that they would let me know.

There will be another analog SPL Meter on RS shelves next catalog year.

Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 12-29-2003, 01:45 AM:

I will believe that when I see it. I have my "old" analog one and I'm happy!

If they really are considering a new analog (analogue...for Gordon) version, I hope the hell it's at least as good as the old one ...or better!

>>> Phil

Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 12-29-2003, 02:22 AM:

Without starting another religious discussion about analog vs. digital (please!!!!!!!!!), why would you absolutely need to have the analog SPL meter instead of the digital one?

Posted by Christopher Seo (Member # 7) on 12-29-2003, 11:52 AM:

And for that matter, how did an inexpensive Radio Shack product become an industry standard?

Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 12-29-2003, 12:08 PM:

I'm interested in the answers to Christopher's question, too.

As to Michael's point--apparently the RS analog meter actually worked better and was cheaper than the digital version. I've never actually used either, so I wouldn't know. Usually I just turn up the pink noise while the floor staff is cleaning the theatre. When they start giving me dirty looks, I know it's loud enough. Gotta love the built-in pink noise generators in the CP500 and 650. [Smile]

Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 12-29-2003, 03:51 PM:

For me, the RS analog meter is/was a great tool for quickly checking a theatre's spl, outside noise encroachment, etc.

I have compared it's readings to several RTA's including a $5k LinearX and the overall spl is right on.

It is a very handy tool for a ...ummmm, "quickie"! [beer]

>>> Phil

Posted by Robb Johnston (Member # 239) on 12-29-2003, 08:23 PM:

The reason that I prefer the analog SPL to the Digital is simple. The digital version does not go to a decimal place. So it is difficult to tell if you are from 84.6 to 85.4. The analog you can see how far between numbers you are.

But that is just me.

Posted by Ken Layton (Member # 133) on 12-30-2003, 12:51 AM:

It never fails to amaze me. The rare instances when Radio Shack actually comes up with a good product, they discontinue it!

Why don't they just change their company name to 'Yuppie Shack'?

Posted by Manny Knowles (Member # 1171) on 12-30-2003, 02:40 AM:

Nothing against wanting everything to be perfect, but can anyone really perceive a difference between 84.6 and 85.4 ?

Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 12-30-2003, 03:06 AM:

Not really. I can see Robb`s point, though. But for me that doesn`t really matter. The reading will be different anyway depending on where exactly you stand in the theatre. I have the digital Radio Shack SPL meter, but now I am using the built-in (digital) meter in my IE-33 (which has 1/10 dB readings).