Timegrapher reading details

Just wondering: an answer not found on Google?

Regarding the test period, since I have no idea what machine this is, that is best answered by reading the manual, because I'm not certain this means the same thing across different manufacturers.

The settling time will vary based on the movement. When you move the microphone stand, this will disturb the balance, so the movement needs time for the rate to resume normal timing - generally speaking a faster beat movement will recover more quickly that a slower beat movement. The first thing is to move the mic stand carefully, so you disturb the balance the least amount. Most modern watches will call for a 20 second recovery time between readings, but some longer. If you want to be sure, wait a minute.

If you are using a display with the line creeping across, then you need to pick a way of getting a reading that eliminated your own bias. There is usually some text on the lower part of the display towards the right end, or a button that you can use as the spot where you look at the number and write it down. So waiting for the line to move across to that spot, then look at the current number and taking that as the reading, will ensure that the reading is unbiased - as you know it can fluctuate across the screen, so that's why this is done.

Hope this helps.

Cheers, Al