Calibration FAQ
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Calibration Glossary
- Calibration - the comparison of Instrument performance to a standard of known accuracy.
- Uncertainty - no measurements can be perfect - uncertainty is expressed as a range of values in which the true value is estimated to lie, within a given statistical confidence. (NPL)
- Traceability - ability to demonstrate an unbroken chain of comparisons all with stated uncertainties ending with a National Standards Agency - NIST (VIM - International Vocabulary of Basic and General Terms in Metrology)
- Accreditation - demonstrated compliance with a standard - validated by a recognized third party agency. Acts as a basis for Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA) with accreditation agencies in other countries.
- What is the calibration process ?
- What is an Accredited Calibration ?
- Which instruments have calibration service available ?
- How much does the calibration cost?
- How long does the calibration take?
- What happens if my instrument fails calibration?
- I just ordered a new instrument. Do I have to pay extra for the calibration?
- How often should I calibrate my instrument?
- What is the difference between AP Factory Adjustment and Calibration?
What is the calibration process ?
- The Customer submits an Order Request form online or via fax. AP and the Customer agree on a date to ship the unit to the factory and pricing is confirmed. AP can also help determine whether a full calibration or just a Factory Adjustment is required.
- When the unit arrives, AP evaluates the unit to determine it is operational and runs a Self Check. If the unit passes the Self Check, it is Calibrated by comparison to our Lab's accredited equipment and a Calibration Report is generated.
- If the unit meets all published specifications, a Calibration Certificate is issued and the unit is returned to the Customer along with the Report and Certificate.
In the event that the unit fails calibration AP will contact the Customer to discuss repair or adjustment options.
What is an Accredited Calibration ?
The Lab has been audit by a recognized third party Accrediting agency to verify the lab meets operational and technical requirements. Audio Precision Calibration Services has been accredited under ISO 17025 by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation - A2LA. A2LA is Full Member of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation - ILAC, which serves as the world's principal international forum for the development of laboratory accreditation practices and the recognition of competent test facilities worldwide.
Which instruments have calibration service available ?
AP offers Accredited Calibrations on most current instruments.
System Two (all models) |
Available |
APx585-586 (all models) |
Available |
ATS-2 (all models) |
Available |
|
Portable One (most models*) |
Available |
ATS-1 (all models) |
Available |
|
System One ( all models) |
Not supported |
DCX-127 |
To be announced |
AUX-0025 |
To be announced |
APx581 |
To be announced |
How much does the calibration cost?
Calibration prices vary depending on the instrument, warranty status and whether other work is being done at the same time. Please contact Audio Precision Service for a quote.
How long does the calibration take?
The estimated time for Accredited Calibration of all instruments is two weeks from the date of the arrival of the instrument. Audio Precision does offer a one week Expedited Service for an additional charge.
What happens if my instrument fails calibration?
A unit "fails" calibration if it is determined not to meet its specification. What happens depends on whether the unit is under warranty or not.
- For products that are returned to AP in the first year under warranty, AP will repair, adjust and recalibrate the instrument at no charge.
- For products that are returned to AP after the first year but still under warranty, AP will repair and adjust at no charge, however, because we recommend an annual calibration, any calibration after the first year will be charged for.
- For products out of warranty, we will contact you and discuss your options: Repair, adjust and calibration, or return the unit uncalibrated.
I just ordered a new instrument. Do I have to pay extra for the calibration?
An Accredited Calibration is included with most new instruments. (See Which Instruments Are Calibrated)
How often should I calibrate my instrument?
Audio Precision recommends that instruments be calibrated once a year.
What is the difference between AP Factory Adjustment and Calibration?
The AP Factory Adjustment process uses calibrated test equipment to adjust instruments to factory specifications. The final step in the Factory Adjustment process uses software tests that measure and compare the instrument signal generator to the instrument signal analyzer as the method of ensuring instruments meet AP Factory specifications (Self Check). AP will still offer the choice of Calibration or Factory Adjust for all new or instruments returned for service.
The AP Accredited Calibration process uses calibrated test equipment to calibrate and document the performance of an instrument and provides a report and certificate.
Because a Factory Adjustment does not require all the documentation of certified Accredited Calibration, it is less expensive.