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Section 1 — Introduction Resend Updated Folder ..................155 Retain Stored Recordings ..................155 Retain Baseline Recordings on Instrument ............. 155 ........156 YNCHRONIZE ONE ON NSTRUMENT AND OMPUTER USB F ............ 157 XPORT OR MPORT ATA USING LASH RIVE Export Data using USB Flash Drive ..............
You can use this Reference Guide in conjunction with the Ascent Reference Guide. Please read this guide before operating your Bently Nevada SCOUT or Commtest vbSeries Portable Vibration Analyzer and keep it for future reference. This guide applies to the following instrument models: SCOUT100-Ex • SCOUT140-Ex • •...
Section 1 — Introduction Flex Features Some of the features available with the 2013 release are included by default for some new models, and available for purchase with other older models. When you purchase an additional Flex feature, you will receive a license for it which you can activate via Ascent.
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Section 1 — Introduction Some older instruments are not automatically compatible with Flex features. To check whether your instrument is currently configured to support the addition of Flex features: Press Options. Press Memory & System — The Flex Capable listing at the bottom of the screen indicates either Yes or No.
Section 1 — Introduction Precautions Ensure you read and understand this section before operating your instrument. Pay attention to all warnings and recommendations to prevent data loss, data inaccuracy, damage to the instrument, or injury to you. Do NOT attach sensors to any object with a high potential voltage —...
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Section 1 — Introduction Only use an approved power adapter — 12 V 3 A output, center positive. Do NOT use the plug-pack transformers supplied with previous instrument versions. Doing so will damage these transformers. The cover over the comms and charger connectors provides an essential seal.
Section 1 — Introduction Hazardous Locations SCOUT and vbSeries instruments are rated differently for hazardous environments — SCOUT instruments hold an IECEx/ATEX rating, while vbSeries instruments are CSA-certified. CSA Certification — vbSeries Instruments Your Portable Vibration Analyzer has been approved by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) for use in hazardous locations that meet the following classifications —...
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Section 1 — Introduction Installation Control Drawing for Hazardous Locations...
Section 1 — Introduction IECEx / ATEX Certification — SCOUT Instruments SCOUT100-Ex and SCOUT140-Ex portable vibration analyzers are IECEx / ATEX certified — Identified by the logo on the rear instrument label. If you need to use your instrument in hazardous areas, please ensure it is the appropriate variant for your country.
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Section 1 — Introduction Installation Control Drawing GE2214VBX for ATEX Hazardous Locations...
Section 1 — Introduction Instrument Connections The top panel of the instrument is equipped with the following connectors: Top panel Label Feature Description number Connects to a standard 8P8C (RJ45) Ethernet port male plug terminator Connects to an external USB memory USB host port device for data import and export MORE: See...
Section 1 — Introduction Front Panel Buttons The table outlines the functions of the buttons on the front panel of your instrument. Switch the instrument On/Off. Cancel/Go Back — A long press takes you back to the main menu. Accept/Go Forward to the next menu. Activate alternate functions for each key —...
Section 1 — Introduction LED Indicators There are five LED indicators on the front panel of your instrument. These indicate the instrument's current state and warn you of any measurement problems. Instrument LEDs Power Illuminates when power is supplied to the instrument from supply the power adapter.
Section 1 — Introduction Charge Battery Pack To charge your battery pack: Ensure the power adapter you are using is suitable (i.e. 12 Volt, 3 Amp output, center positive). NOTE: The power adapter supplied with your instrument has the correct DC voltage. Connect the AC power adapter included with your instrument to a powered outlet (100-240 Volt, 50/60 Hz).
Section 1 — Introduction Battery Features Your instrument is powered by a rechargeable custom Lithium Ion battery pack with a normal operating range of 6.5 - 8.4 V. It is equipped with an internal backup energy source to protect your data and settings in case the battery pack is momentarily removed from the instrument.
Section 1 — Introduction Remove Battery Pack To remove the battery pack from your instrument: Use a 2 x Phillips head to loosen the screws that attach the battery cover to the bottom panel of the instrument. Set the battery cover aside and extract the battery. WARNING! Do NOT detach the battery pack from the instrument for more than 10 minutes.
Section 1 — Introduction Cable Test To display a live bias voltage graph of all connected channels and determine whether your sensors and cables are working correctly: Secure your sensor so that it does not move — You could attach it to a machine that is not running or hold it with a clamp.
Section 1 — Introduction Enlarged view of selected channel reveals problematic sensor connection Operating Overview You can use your instrument to: Take live, free run measurements for onsite analysis of vibration • spectra and waveforms. Record routes and store vibration data for transfer to a PC (off- •...
Section 1 — Introduction Onsite Analysis You can use your instrument to measure vibration spectra and waveforms. You can then analyze your data onsite immediately. This is ideal for one-off investigations that fall outside your regular scheduled monitoring route. To do an onsite analysis: Set measurement parameters on your instrument.
Section 1 — Introduction Recording Routes You can take vibration recordings for all monitored machines and transfer these to your computer for analysis. Your instrument can guide you through a predefined data recording sequence known as a route. You can create a route on your computer and transfer it to your instrument.
Section 1 — Introduction Balancing Depending on your instrument, you can analyze and correct rotating mass imbalance problems where they occur. A rigid rotor can be balanced in one or two planes. To address a balancing problem where it occurs: Take an initial measurement of the imbalance.
Section 1 — Introduction Keypad Entry You can create keypad entries to define process input values such as current or flow rates. You can enter process input values manually using the keypad (instead of attaching a sensor to your machine). You can then transfer the data you have collected to your computer, along with your normal measurements.
Section 2 — Instrument Fundamentals Section 2 — Instrument Fundamentals This section explains how to: Switch your instrument on and off • Navigate around menus and select menu items • Enter and edit characters and punctuation • View hint labels for the buttons on your screen •...
Section 2 — Instrument Fundamentals Main menu that displays when you switch your instrument on Use Main Menu To navigate around the menu, press the key of the task you want to perform. For example, you can press to take measurements, and to review recordings.
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Section 2 — Instrument Fundamentals The table outlines the functions of the navigation keys and icons. Move the selection bar in the required direction. Move the selection bar to the top of a single column list. Move one column to the left in a multi-column list. Move the selection bar to the bottom of a single column list.
Section 2 — Instrument Fundamentals Select Menu Items When several menu items are available, these will display in list format, along with arrows on the screen. You can press the arrow keys to scroll up, down, or across a multi-column list. Select Option To select an option from a list: Use the arrows keys to move the selection bar until your option is...
Section 2 — Instrument Fundamentals To jump directly to the end of a list: Open the main menu. TIP: You can press and hold the cancel button to return to the main menu from a submenu. Press button to access the Measure menu. Press button to select the Spectrum Waveform menu.
Section 2 — Instrument Fundamentals Display Hint Labels and Detailed Help The functions on your screen have hidden hint labels and more detailed snippets of help attached to them. To give you more screen space, the help is hidden by default. To access the hint labels and more detailed snippets of help: Open the main menu.
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Section 2 — Instrument Fundamentals Viewing hint labels Accessing more detailed help...
Section 2 — Instrument Fundamentals Display Alternative Options For several of the menu options, one key can perform more than one function. When an additional menu option is available, an icon will display at the top of the screen. You can press the key to access a different set of options.
Section 2 — Instrument Fundamentals Enter Characters The names you enter can be up to 50 characters long. These can contain a mixture of upper and lower case letters, spaces, numbers, and punctuation. To enter letters and numbers, press the keys repeatedly to cycle through the characters until you reach the one you want to use.
Section 2 — Instrument Fundamentals Example — Rename Folder This example explains how to rename a folder: Open the main menu. Press Folders & USB Export. Press to change the folder name. Press > Press to clear the current folder name. Press the buttons provided to select the required letter.
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Section 2 — Instrument Fundamentals Using the advanced options...
Section 2 — Instrument Fundamentals Additional Icons There are additional icons you can use to manage your machines and other items. TIP: Press to display the hint labels for a function. The table lists the additional icons you can use to manage your machines.
Section 3 — Sensors Section 3 — Sensors This section explains how to use the sensors that are compatible with your instrument. You will learn: How to use the accelerometer and tachometer supplied with • your instrument How to mount a sensor correctly •...
Section 3 — Sensors Set up Accelerometer To set up your accelerometer: Plug the accelerometer connector into the BNC sensor input of your instrument. Screw the accelerometer into the magnetic base. Attach the accelerometer to the measurement point using these guidelines: Attach the accelerometer to a sturdy, rigidly mounted, non- •...
Section 3 — Sensors Permanent Mounting To mount a sensor using the stud method: Follow the specifications shown in the diagram below to prepare a mounting spot on the machine. Unscrew the magnetic base from the sensor. Screw the sensor onto the threaded stud. TIP: We recommend you use a thread locking compound.
Section 3 — Sensors Set up Tachometer A tachometer collects information about a machine's rotation speed. It provides you with an exact reading of machine speed as a measurement is taken. This is more accurate than using a default RPM because a machine's speed can vary significantly under different loads.
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Section 3 — Sensors 12. Press to access the Tach menu. 13. Press to access the Tach Type > Toggle this setting to Standard (if you are using the supplied tachometer). — The screen will display the rotor running speed in RPM and Hz. These values will continuously update but should stabilize, indicating that the tachometer is triggering reliably.
Section 3 — Sensors Tachometer Signal from Keyphasor ® If your machine has a proximity-probe-based tachometer (tach) sensor (e.g. Keyphasor®), you can use this as the tach signal for your instrument. The sensor should have a buffered front-panel BNC output. This will ensure your instrument's measurements do NOT interfere with pre-existing speed measurements.
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Section 3 — Sensors In addition to the existing Tach Trigger and Off tachometer • modes, it is possible to set the mode to RPM Only for all instruments and threshold levels (standard and Keyphasor). You can use the RPM mode when you need the tachometer to record machine running speed, but do not require tach triggering (e.g.
Section 3 — Sensors Manual Keyphasor Threshold settings If a recording is tach-triggered but no pulses are detected, your instrument will prompt you to select the appropriate Keyphasor threshold settings. However, you can also access these settings manually if required. To do this: Use the KEY70258 or TTL70259 cable to connect the TACH input of your instrument to the buffered output of the Keyphasor proximitor.
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Section 3 — Sensors Selecting the appropriate voltage for your tachometer and machine...
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Section 3 — Sensors Semi-automatic Keyphasor Threshold Selection If a recording is tach-triggered but no pulses are being detected, your instrument will prompt you to select the appropriate Keyphasor threshold. If you are performing a Tachometer Display measurement, you can also bring up the same semi-automatic selection screen.
Section 3 — Sensors Use Strobe Light If you have a strobe light with an output signal, you should be able to connect it to the tachometer input of your instrument. If your strobe light has a BNC connector and a TTL output (0 to 5 V), you can purchase a suitable cable (with a LEMO connector) from your distributor.
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses This section describes how to set up and take different measurement types. You will learn: How to take different types of measurements • The uses of different measurement types •...
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Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses The key parameters you need to set are the number of spectral lines and the Fmax. Doing so will ensure all crucial information is captured. To set these parameters: Open the main menu. Press to access the Measure menu.
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Strobe Output Your instrument can be used to regulate the output frequency of an attached strobe lamp. Alternatively, it can be used to read the output of a strobe as a tachometer signal. This capability is helpful when identifying the source of vibration and unbalance in high speed machinery.
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Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses To regulate the speed of a connected strobe: Connect the LEMO-to-strobe cable's LEMO plug to the instrument's tachometer socket. Connect the red Drive 3.5 mm plug to the strobe lamp's input socket. Ensure the Read plug is disconnected.
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses 15. To change the frequency of the strobe light to another peak, or to fine-tune the frequency, select another spectral peak on the graph using the cursor keys — The strobe light frequency will change to match the new peak's frequency >...
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Waveform Waveforms show how vibration levels change over time. A vibration waveform chart represents a series of equally spaced discrete sample points connected by straight lines. The chart shows the vibration level (amplitude) at each time interval during the measurement period.
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Demodulation The demodulation process looks for repetitive patterns created by impact events that lie embedded within a time waveform. The process works by extracting the low amplitude, high frequency impact signals and then tracing an 'envelope' around these signals to identify them as repetitions of the same fault.
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Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses The table includes typical bandwidth recommendations that may be made by your instrument, based on the default machine speed: Demod Bandwidth Recommended Speed Range 250 Hz - 10 kHz <100 RPM 500 Hz - 10 kHz 100 - 300 RPM 1 kHz - 10 kHz 300 - 1000 RPM...
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Broadband high frequency noise (haystack) Analyze Demodulation Data Measuring, recording, and viewing data is exactly the same for a Frequency/Acceleration spectrum. You can also transfer the demodulation spectra to Ascent and analyze it with the same techniques used for normal spectra (e.g.
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Demod Spectrum To use the Demod Spectrum: Press Measure. Press Demod. Use the arrow keys on the left to select a parameter set or press to create a new one > Set the parameters as required. NOTE: Ensure you set the bandwidth first, as this will determine the range of available Fmax values.
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses To take a 6Pack measurement: Press Measure. Press 6Pack. Use the arrow keys on the left to select a parameter set or press to create a new set. Set the parameters as required. Press HF Fmax (Dmax), or Spectrum Waveform,...
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses 6Pack Demodulation Processing 6Pack measurements use a slightly different Demod algorithm to the one used when taking ”Demod” measurements (the classic algorithm). The new algorithm performs ‘enveloping’ around the high frequency impact events, in much the same way a user does by eye when viewing a high frequency waveform.
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Tachometer Display Tachometer Display shows an updating readout of the machine speed. It can also display the amplitude and phase angle of the 1X vibration the instrument. This can be used to: Verify the machine running speed.
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Time Synchronous Averaging Time synchronous averaging is a useful vibration analysis technique for distinguishing between spectral peaks that are very close to the machine's running speed (but not exact harmonics of it). After performing a large number of averages, peaks that are whole number multiples of the running speed will still be visible.
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Bump Test The bump test is a useful vibration analysis technique. You can use it to help identify resonance frequencies in a machine's structure. This test requires bumping (i.e. hitting) the machine structure when the machine is stopped, while taking a peak hold measurement.
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Coast-down/Run-up Coast-down and run-up measuring involves taking a series of recordings with a short delay between them. You can use this technique to study the resonance behavior of a machine as its speed gradually increases during power-up, or decreases during coast-down.
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Deactivate Saving Waveform Data for Coast- down/Run-up Measurement When you take a Coast-down/Run-up recording, the waveform data is saved along with the spectrum data. However, this means the pace at which you can take these recordings is slower. If you do not need to collect the waveform data, we recommend you specify this when setting up the recording.
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Choosing to save only spectrum data when doing a coast-down/run-up recording Take Coast-down/run-up Measurement To take a coast-down/run-up measurement: Press Measure. Use the arrow keys on the left to highlight Coast-down/Run-up > Press Use the arrow keys on the left to select a parameter set >...
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Cross Channel Phase Phase analysis is an effective way to diagnose machine faults such as misalignment, resonance, soft foot, and looseness. Phase analysis is also useful for distinguishing faults that look like imbalance but are actually caused by something else.
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Recommendations for Cross Channel Phase When conducting a cross channel phase analysis, we recommend you: Determine the exact frequency of interest. To do this, you can use spectra to identify high amplitude peaks at specific frequencies. Position the channel 1 sensor in a location which has high vibration at this frequency.
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Fault Types and their Phase Relationships The table outlines fault types and their phase relationships. FAULT TYPE DESCRIPTION PHASE RELATIONSHIP Misalignment General High amplitude peaks will appear at 1X, 2X, and sometimes 3X the running speed.
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Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Resonance High amplitude peaks will appear Flexible where natural resonance frequencies of structures the structure coincide with excitation frequencies (e.g. 1X, other low orders of running speed, or blade pass frequency). Look for a 0° phase change when both sensors are positioned in the same direction between two stationary points.
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Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Eccentric belt A high amplitude peak will appear at 1X General pulley the running speed of the pulley. Look for a phase change of either 0° or 180° between the horizontal and vertical readings.
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Measuring Cross Channel Phase The Cross Channel Phase measurement option has been enhanced. It’s easier to change the speed of interest during the recording. This could be the actual speed of the machine or the frequency of interest. Additionally you can choose the required filter bandwidth you wish to monitor, and the number of averages you wish to take.
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses 10. Press Number of Averages > Select the required number of averages. NOTE: Coherence calculations require spectral averaging to be performed. This means if you set the number of averages to 1, Coherence will not display.
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Measuring cross channel phase Cross Channel Spectrum (ODS) This section explains how to use the Cross Channel Spectrum (ODS) measurement mode. This process is similar to modal impact testing. It involves: Planning and noting the locations and directions for your recordings. Setting up your channels and sensors to measure the frequency you are interested in.
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses 2 — Setup Before you can use your instrument to take a Cross Channel Spectrum (ODS) recording, you will need to specify the appropriate settings for your channels and sensors. You will need at least two sensors enabled for this type of recording.
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Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Select the required Fmax setting — Ensure this value covers any frequencies at which the machine could exhibit mechanical resonance: a. Press Fmax Fmin. b. Use the navigation arrows to select the required option > Press NOTE: If required you can press to disable automatic incrementing of the reference sensor (lowest channel number) as...
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Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Selecting the required parameter settings...
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses 3 — Take Cross Channel Spectrum (ODS) Recording Once you have selected your parameter set you can start taking Cross Channel Spectrum (ODS) recordings according to the labeled machine test plan you have created. Your instrument keeps track of the recordings for each point.
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Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Specify the locations and directions for the readings you have saved: a. Press Machine Name > Select or specify the machine you performed the impact test on (e.g. Rotor 1) > Press b.
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses 4 — Review Data Once you have taken Cross Channel Spectrum (ODS) recordings you can review your data: On your instrument press Record Review. • In Ascent • In ODS software such as ME’scope •...
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Review Data in ODS software If you are using ODS software such as ME’scope, you can import the modal impact and Cross Channel Spectrum (ODS) data stored on your instrument into this program and conduct a more detailed analysis. When importing modal impact data into ODS software such as ME’scope, construct the model using the sketch you drew, along with the numbered points.
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Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Exporting data to an external USB flash drive Importing data into ME’scope...
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Long Time Waveforms Long time waveforms enable you to take a continuous recording over a long time period (several hours, if required). This is useful for capturing transients. Once you have started measuring, recordings are taken continuously until your specified time period has elapsed, or you stop the measurement manually.
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Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses To measure long time waveforms: Press Measure. Use the arrow keys on the left to highlight Long Time Waveform > Press Use the arrow keys to select a parameter set or press to create a new set.
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Measuring long time wave forms View Long Time Waveforms on Computer When you have finished recording, the selected measurement location will contain several individual sample recordings. Once you have transferred these to your computer, you can use the waveform analysis tools to create a high resolution spectrum of the recordings.
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Orbit Plot An orbit plot shows the motion of the center of mass of a shaft. You can plot a shaft's vibration in two directions simultaneously (e.g. vertical and horizontal) to get a trace of the motion of that shaft. A perfectly balanced shaft with no movement in any direction produces a dot in the middle of the plot.
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Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses The sensors used to take the measurements should be displacement probes. This is because we are measuring the physical movement of the shaft, not its speed. (You can take the readings with an accelerometer if no displacement probes are available but there will be a small loss of accuracy in the displayed plot when the signals are integrated.) The number of samples and measurement duration you choose determines...
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Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses The availability of orbit plot functionality depends on your licensing agreement. If you have the enhanced orbit plot functionality you will also be able to: Position your probes at custom angles (e.g. 45 degrees from •...
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Use Orbit Plot Measurement Mode To take an orbit plot measurement: Press Measure. Use the arrow keys on the left to highlight Orbit Plot > Press Use the arrow keys on the left to select an existing parameter set or press to create a new one.
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Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses 11. Press again once the plot has stabilized — A single waveform orbit measurement displays. NOTE: Filtering is NOT supported on your instrument. You can use Ascent for advanced analysis. 12. Press Save to save the two waveform measurements used to generate the orbit plot.
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Take Orbit Plot Measurement on Route Before you take an orbit plot measurement on route you will need to enable two sensors. To do this: Press Options. Press Sensor Setup. Enable two sensors > press NOTE: Ideally the sensors used to take the measurements should be displacement probes.
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Press Change View to toggle between orbit plot and waveform views. Preparing to take an orbit plot recording on route Modal Impact Testing This section explains how to do modal impact testing on your instrument.
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses 1 — Plan Impact Test Routine We recommend you draw a quick sketch of the machine you are investigating and number the points you plan to impact “1”, “2”, “3”, etc. Doing so will ensure you can specify the names, locations, and directions for your impacts once you have executed these.
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Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Specify your preferred spectral lines and samples — A value of 400 or 800 lines is typically adequate. If an inappropriate value is chosen, your instrument will provide suggestions during the trial impacts.: a.
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Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses 11. Press to access the additional setup options: a. Press Number of Averages to change the default number of averages taken. b. Press Manage Warnings > Enable or disable the warnings as required. Press Auto-Increment Upon Save to toggle between the available options:...
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses 3 — Perform Trial Impact Once you have set up your channels and sensors, and created a numerically labelled machine impact test plan, you will need to perform a few trial impacts. Data quality messages display when execute trial impacts to help ensure you have the right setup to measure the frequency of interest.
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Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Review the message that displays on the screen to determine whether you are ready to take real recordings, or whether you need to execute more trial impacts: Press Start Recording if you are satisfied with the trial •...
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Disable Warning Messages While you execute impacts, you will receive warning messages to guide you through the process. If required you can disable these messages (for example, you might wish to do this if there are some warning situations that cannot be avoided).
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Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses To execute an actual impact test in Run mode: Exit Trial recording mode. TIP: The recording mode in use displays at the top of the screen (Trial or Run). Use your impact hammer to impact the relevant point on the machine you are measuring.
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Specify Locations and Directions for Saved Impacts Once you have saved your recordings, you will need to specify the locations and directions of the impacts. To do this Specify the locations and directions for the impacts you have saved: a.
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses 5 — Review Data Once you have taken modal impact recordings you can review the data: On your instrument press Record Review. • MORE: Click here to learn more about reviewing stored recordings.
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Keypad Entry You can use keypad entries to collect additional information about the machine you are measuring (e.g. temperature or motor current). When collecting data, you must manually enter a numeric value using your keypad (rather than collect data with a sensor).
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Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Using the keypad to enter measurements...
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Order Tracking If machine speed varies significantly while a recording is being taken, the resulting spectral peaks might display as smeared bumps rather than sharp peaks. Subtle spectral features that indicate early bearing or mechanical defects may no longer be clearly resolved in the spectrum.
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Automatic sample rate adjustment over varying speeds Take Order Tracked Measurement Order tracking can only be applied to Spectrum, Waveform, Coast- down/Run-up, Demodulation, and Orbit Plot measurements on certain instruments. NOTE: By default, the X axis on an order tracked spectra is in Orders not CPM.
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Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Use EITHER of these methods, depending on the type of measurement: Press Spectrum Waveform > Spec Wfm if you are • taking a spectrum, waveform, demodulation, or coast- down/run-up measurement. Press Number of Samples if you are taking an Orbit Plot •...
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Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses 10. Press to return to the main measurement screen. NOTE: The values beside Fmax Fmin on the main measurement screen now list the orders that will be tracked, together with the text Ord Trk. This indicates the measurement will be order tracked.
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Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Example of tracked measurement...
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Average Value Measurements Average value measurements apply to DC-coupled sensors only. You can use this measurement type to determine an average DC value during a user-specified measurement period. The average value can be trended and alarmed in Ascent.
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Set up Sensors and Channels To set up sensors and channels: Select your measurement type and parameters as usual. Press > Press Sensor Setup. Assign and enable a sensor for each channel you are measuring. Press Change Sensor opposite your chosen measuring channel.
Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Save Multi-channel Measurements If you wish to transfer your measurements to Ascent, be aware that the program identifies recordings by their location and date/time stamps. If two or more recordings are taken at the same time and saved to the same location, they will have identical date/time stamp and location details.
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Section 4 — Measurement Types and their Uses Saving multi-channel measurements...
Section 5 — Set Measurement Options Section 5 — Set Measurement Options This section describes the different parameters used to take measurements and how to apply them. You will learn: What the various parameters are for spectra, waveforms, and • other measurement types How to create parameter sets for taking measurements •...
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Section 5 — Set Measurement Options Units Spectrum Scaling Time Waveform Scaling g, m/s RMS, 0-pk, pk-pk RMS, 0-pk, pk-pk Accel mm/s, in/s As above As above Veloc Disp mm, µm, mil As above As above Current Amps As above As above Unit Set Custom...
Section 5 — Set Measurement Options Set Measurement Parameters When you select a measurement type (e.g. Spectrum Waveform from the Measure menu), the default parameters display. Default parameters for spectrum measurement setup To set measurement parameters: Open the main menu. Press Measure >...
Section 5 — Set Measurement Options Create your own Parameter Sets You can create a new parameter set which you can store and reuse. To do this: Access the measurement type you wish to create: a. Open the main menu. b.
Section 5 — Set Measurement Options Assign Sensors to Channels You will need to specify which sensor is assigned to each channel. When you take a measurement, the instrument will detect which sensor is being used, offer you the appropriate measurement unit, and the overall scaling options to display on your screen.
Section 5 — Set Measurement Options Assigning a sensor to a measurement channel Spectrum Parameters This section provides more information on the available spectrum parameters: Fmax • Spectral lines • Fmin • Tach trigger • Averaging • Windowing •...
Section 5 — Set Measurement Options Fmax Fmax is the maximum frequency displayed on the spectrum (i.e. the frequency range, over which vibration amplitudes are displayed, starting from zero). In general, the higher the operating speed of the machine, the higher the Fmax needs to be to capture all crucial information.
Section 5 — Set Measurement Options Spectral Lines The resolution of the spectrum increases with the number of spectral lines used (i.e. the more spectral lines, the more information the spectrum contains). However, the more spectral lines used, the longer the measurement takes.
Section 5 — Set Measurement Options Number of Averages The larger the number of spectra used for averaging, the more any noise spikes in vibration signals are reduced, and the more accurately true spectral peaks are represented. However, the larger the number of averages, the more data needs to be collected, and the longer it will take to obtain the average spectrum.
Section 5 — Set Measurement Options Windowing Measured data is NOT usually used directly to generate a spectrum. It is first modified using a Window function. The purpose of windowing is to compensate for certain FFT algorithm limitations that cause signal leakage.
Section 5 — Set Measurement Options Equivalent Fmax You can use equivalent Fmax to control the waveform sampling rate by expressing it in terms of the maximum frequency of interest. For example, if you want a waveform with frequency content (Equivalent Fmax) up to 1 kHz, the instrument will automatically sample at 2.56 kHz.
Section 6 — Take Recordings Section 6 — Take Recordings This section explains how to take recordings with your instrument. You will learn to: Take recordings • Review and delete recordings • Attach notes to recordings • Create and display baselines •...
Section 6 — Take Recordings Press to start the first recording, NOTE: Your instrument and sensor will take a short time to settle before recording starts. To take additional recordings, select another parameter set (or select a location to record all parameter sets under that location). Taking recordings Take Individual and Multiple Recordings You can record all parameter sets at a location or select parameter sets...
Section 6 — Take Recordings Save Recordings There are several options for saving your recordings when you open the Record Review menu. The table outlines these. Your instrument momentarily displays the recorded Auto Save, information on the screen before returning you to the Record Review menu.
Section 6 — Take Recordings Record/Re Your instrument pauses after each recording so you can review the details on your screen. view, BL, Bands Press to take the next recording, This will either: Return you to the Record Review menu. •...
Section 6 — Take Recordings Review Stored Recording To review recordings you have taken and stored: Press Record Review on the main menu. Use the arrow keys on the left to scroll up and down > Select the recording you wish to review. Press to display the button labels.
Section 6 — Take Recordings 11. Press to select recordings from a different parameter set, location, or machine navigate — This will take you back to the machine list in the Record column. A black border will display around the Record column to indicate you can now select items. The black border indicates all recordings can be reviewed Delete Recording To delete a recording:...
Section 6 — Take Recordings Baseline Recordings Baseline recordings are mainly used to assess the data quality of new recordings. If the new overall value has changed significantly compared to the baseline, you should recheck the sensor position and mounting. The baseline is selected in Ascent and sent to your instrument when you click Send.
Section 7 — Analyzing Measurements Onsite Section 7 — Analyzing Measurements Onsite This section explains how to take measurements and perform onsite analysis. You will learn how to: Take a measurement • Change the way a measurement displays • Use cursors and zooming to analyze your measurements •...
Section 7 — Analyzing Measurements Onsite Tips for Taking Measurements Here are some tips to consider when taking measurements: Use the operating mode typical of the machine in question (e.g. • typical load and running speed). This will ensure the loads on the components (e.g.
Section 7 — Analyzing Measurements Onsite — Walkthrough Take Measurement You can measure a machine onsite and analyze the machine's vibration on your instrument's screen as it occurs. This is a quick way to check a machine. If required, you can also record your vibration measurements, save these against a new or existing machine, and transfer the data to your computer later for analysis.
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Section 7 — Analyzing Measurements Onsite 13. Press to stop viewing the measurement and exit without saving. Taking measurements...
Section 7 — Analyzing Measurements Onsite Change Default Measurement Settings To change the default settings for a measurement option: Press a key on the right beside a setting you wish to change. Press > Press a key beside a setting you wish to change > Enter a value or select the required value from the list.
Section 7 — Analyzing Measurements Onsite Charts You can display a separate chart on your screen for each measurement channel. Doing this enables you to: Watch several live measurements simultaneously • Freeze and compare all measurements on your screen • Toggle between charts to view each one individually •...
Section 7 — Analyzing Measurements Onsite Analyze Measurements You can press to stop and analyze a measurement. When you this, the overall vibration value will display at the top of the screen. TIP: You can press to display hint labels for analysis options such as zooming and cursors.
Section 7 — Analyzing Measurements Onsite Cursors Cursors are a valuable tool for analyzing your data. You can use them to show the amplitude and frequency of a peak, identify harmonics, and show the frequency difference between two peaks. The table provides more detail on working with cursors. Place one cursor on Press repeatedly to activate a...
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Section 7 — Analyzing Measurements Onsite Display the frequency Press repeatedly to activate a or time difference cursor and move it to the first peak. between peaks Press Second Cursor to add a new cursor to the display > Press repeatedly to move it to the second peak.
Section 7 — Analyzing Measurements Onsite Show or Hide Harmonics To hide or show harmonics: Press > Press Harmonics Sidebands. Repeat the previous step to cycle between harmonic, harmonic & sideband cursors, and normal cursors — The selected cursor type is identified by a brief message on your screen.
Section 7 — Analyzing Measurements Onsite Zoom Zooming enables you to take a closer look at a specific area of interest on a chart. The table explains the zooming options available. Chart zoom Magnifying glass icons display on the left of your screen to indicate when zooming is available.
Section 7 — Analyzing Measurements Onsite View Multiple Charts When you measure more than one channel simultaneously, or display a spectrum and a waveform, both charts will display on your screen. You can view the measurements on all charts at the same time when you view three of more measurements simultaneously.
Section 7 — Analyzing Measurements Onsite Change Chart View You can toggle between waveform and spectrum recordings, and set the default layout of multi-channel and single-channel onscreen measurements. To do this, you use the Change View and Multi Chart Layout features. NOTE: The following functions are only available when viewing multi-channel (two or more) and multi-domain (spectrum + waveform) measurements.
Section 7 — Analyzing Measurements Onsite Set Y Axis (Amplitude) Scale You can toggle the left axis scale between Linear, Log, and dB to increase or decrease the amplitude of the peaks displayed. This enables you to see the bigger picture or access a more detailed view of your data.
Section 7 — Analyzing Measurements Onsite Fixed Y Axis scale options Setting a Max dB value sets the highest value the amplitude axis can display. If a peak goes above this value while you are measuring, you will NOT see the top of the peak. When using Linear scaling you have two extra display options: Automatic —...
Section 7 — Analyzing Measurements Onsite Amplitude Display Units Your chosen store units (acceleration, velocity, etc) determine the amplitude scaling options available: VdB scale is only available if you are taking velocity • measurements. AdB is only available if you are taking acceleration •...
Section 7 — Analyzing Measurements Onsite The vibration velocity level vdB is 20 times the logarithmic of the ratio of the RMS velocity level to a reference velocity value (the vdB reference). The value 1e-6 mm/s is an abbreviation for 1x10 mm/s.
Section 7 — Analyzing Measurements Onsite Enter RPM using 1X peak To enter the RPM using the 1X peak: Press repeatedly to move the cursor to the 1X peak. Press > Press Extended Commands. Select Set RPM — The frequency of your selected peak will display. Press to save this frequency as the RPM value.
Section 7 — Analyzing Measurements Onsite View Orders When orders are displayed, the frequency axis of a spectral chart is labeled in order of running speed, rather than Hz or CPM. This enables you to see how closely spectral peaks correspond to the running speed of the machine.
Section 7 — Analyzing Measurements Onsite View Revolutions When revolutions (revs) are displayed, the time axis of a waveform chart is labeled in revolutions of running speed, instead of your regular measurement units. To view the revolutions: Display the waveform chart, Set the RPM —...
Section 7 — Analyzing Measurements Onsite Save to Existing Machine To save your measurement to an existing machine: Press a key beside Save to. NOTE: You can use keys depending on the number of channels you used for the measurement. Press to scroll up and down.
Section 7 — Analyzing Measurements Onsite Save to New Machine To save a measurement to a new machine: Press a key beside Save to. NOTE: You can use keys depending on the number of channels you used for the measurement. Press Create New Machine.
Section 7 — Analyzing Measurements Onsite Change Screen Contrast While in Measure Mode You can make a quick adjustment to the screen contrast without exiting Measure or Route mode. This is useful when you are working in an environment that has varying light conditions. To access this option: Press and hold Press to toggle between a high or low screen contrast.
Section 8 — Send and Receive Information Section 8 — Send and Receive Information This section describes how to transfer information between your instrument and Ascent. You will learn to: Transfer information to and from your instrument. • Synchronize your instrument's time zone with the computer that •...
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Section 8 — Send and Receive Information Transferring recordings to Ascent...
Section 8 — Send and Receive Information Transfer Folders from Ascent to Instrument You can transfer data folders you have stored in Ascent to your instrument. NOTE: Before your instrument can communicate with Ascent, you will need to add it in Ascent. See the Ascent Reference Guide for details.
Section 8 — Send and Receive Information Resend Updated Folder You will usually create all your machines in Ascent software and send these to your instrument only once. However, if you add or change a route, machine, or parameter set in the software, you will need to resend that folder to the instrument so it can update to include your changes.
Section 8 — Send and Receive Information Synchronize Time Zone on Instrument and Computer Your instrument's date and time may differ from that of the computer which receives the recordings, particularly if you are sending recordings to a country or region in a different time zone. You can synchronize your instrument time with that of the host (data recipient) computer by automatically updating the instrument's date/time each time you transfer data using Send or Receive.
Section 8 — Send and Receive Information Export or Import Data using USB Flash Drive You can use the USB host port to transfer data to and from your instrument using a USB memory device (e.g. flash drive or externally powered USB hard drive).
Section 8 — Send and Receive Information Export Data using USB Flash Drive You can export data to an external USB flash drive. To do this: Securely connect a USB flash drive to your instrument's USB host port. TIP: Ensure the USB flash drive you are using has enough storage space.
Section 8 — Send and Receive Information Import Data using USB Flash Drive To import data from an external USB flash drive: Press Folders & USB Export on the main menu. Press USB Flash Drive on the Folder Management screen — The USB Flash Drive screen opens.
Section 8 — Send and Receive Information Receive Data from Remote Comms Server To receive data from your Remote Comms server onto your instrument: Press Remote Comms > Wait while your instrument connects to the server. Press Receive Folder or Sync with Server. NOTE: The option displayed depends on whether Sync is enabled under the settings for Remote Comms on your instrument.
Section 8 — Send and Receive Information Send Data from Instrument to Remote Comms Server To send data from your instrument to your Remote Comms server: Press Remote Comms > Wait while your instrument connects to the server. Press Sync with Server or Send Folder.
Section 8 — Send and Receive Information Connect to Wi-Fi Network Connecting your instrument to a Wi-Fi network enables you to use any Ethernet networking infrastructure you have access to. In order to use Wi-Fi networking, you must have: An instrument with serial number 45000 or higher •...
Section 8 — Send and Receive Information Set up wireless network When you connect your instrument to a wireless network for the first time, you will need to enter the relevant connection details. Your instrument will retain these automatically the next time you connect. You will also need to specify your region and preferred network.
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Section 8 — Send and Receive Information Selecting your Wi-Fi region Creating a Wi-Fi connection...
Section 8 — Send and Receive Information Connecting to your preferred Wi-Fi network Connect instrument to wireless network Once you have set up your preferred wireless connection, your instrument retains these details, enabling you to connect quickly and easily whenever required. To connect your instrument to the wireless connection you have set up, simply insert your Wi-Fi dongle into the USB port of your instrument —...
Section 8 — Send and Receive Information Specify preferred wireless connection If you have connected to more than one wireless connection, you can specify you preferred default connection. To do this: Insert your Wi-Fi dongle in the USB port of your instrument. Press Options.
Section 8 — Send and Receive Information Using Wi-Fi with your smart phone You can use Wi-Fi to connect your instrument to your smart phone. To do this you will need to set up a personal hotspot (iPhone), a portable Wi- Fi hotspot (Android), or internet sharing (Windows phone).
Section 8 — Send and Receive Information UFF Export Different data is required for different types of analysis in ME'scope. To cater for this, you can specify the kind of data you wish to send when exporting UFF files from your instrument: When you are doing Modal Impact Testing you can export all •...
Section 9 — Working with Routes Section 9 — Working with Routes This section describes how to manage routes with your instrument. You will learn to: Use a route to take recordings • Change the order in which recordings are collected •...
Section 9 — Working with Routes — Walkthrough Take Recordings using Route Once you have taken the first recording, your instrument will continue to guide you through the remaining route entries. You can take recordings sequentially as they appear in the route list, or change the order as you go by skipping individual route entries or machines.
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Section 9 — Working with Routes To take recordings using a route: Press Route from the main menu. to scroll through the list and select a route. TIP: Use the arrow keys on the right to see the machines listed on your selected route.
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Section 9 — Working with Routes Press to start recording — When the first location's recordings are complete, the Route menu displays again with the next location highlighted. A percentage % symbol indicates how many of the previous location's route entries were recorded. NOTE: Depending on your configuration in Ascent, you may be asked for a machine speed value while collecting routes.
Section 9 — Working with Routes Use Band Alarms and Baseline Overalls on Route You can compare Baseline Overalls and spectrum Alarm Bands in Ascent to measurements you take when collecting routes. Alerts can then be displayed on the instrument if an alarm threshold is exceeded or if a measurement differs significantly from the Baseline Overall.
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Section 9 — Working with Routes Press Alarm Bands repeatedly to cycle through the spectral band alarm alert options: Warn & LEDs will display a message on your screen and • illuminate the appropriate instrument LEDs if the spectrum band alarm you have configured in Ascent is exceeded by the measurement.
Section 9 — Working with Routes View Alarm Bands Configured in Ascent You can view Alarm Bands configured in Ascent when you review the measurements on your instrument. To do this: Press Record Review on the main menu. Use the arrow keys on the left to select a recording for review. Press Expand Navigator repeatedly to expand a machine until its locations and parameter sets display.
Section 9 — Working with Routes Record Multiple Channels on Route Routes in Ascent are single-channel sequences of measurement locations to be recorded. Your instrument can re-interpret these single channel sequences for multichannel acquisition. When you collect route measurements, your instrument will prompt you to place the required number of sensors on their respective locations if a multi-channel recording is required.
Section 9 — Working with Routes Axis Mode You can use Axis mode to record two or more axes simultaneously (e.g. Horizontal and Vertical). To select Axis mode: Specify a channel and axis combination. Press Axis on CH1 (or for CH2) > Use the arrow keys to select an axis.
Section 9 — Working with Routes Point Mode You can use Point mode to record two points simultaneously (e.g. Inboard and Outboard). Typically, you will use this feature when there is only one axis defined at each point (e.g. horizontal on each machine bearing).
Section 9 — Working with Routes Complete Setup Once you have selected your mode, you can complete the setup. To do this: Tell your instrument which channel to use for any other axes/points (e.g. axial): a. Press to select CH1. b.
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Section 9 — Working with Routes To configure a triaxial on-route recording on your instrument: Open Ascent. Right-click a location > Select Edit. Choose one of the three available axes from the Triax Axis dropdown list for each of the three locations. NOTE: Each of the three locations must have a different/unique Axis name and triaxial axis.
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Section 9 — Working with Routes Configuring a triaxial on-route recording on your instrument Reviewing a recording taken with a triax sensor...
Section 9 — Working with Routes Enter Machine Speed on Route The linear or RPM-based speed of the selected machine (as configured in Ascent or on your instrument) is displayed in the Route screen. You can configure the machine speed type (RPM-based or Linear Speed) on the Machine Editor panel in Ascent.
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Section 9 — Working with Routes Linear Speed...
Section 9 — Working with Routes View Machine and Point Speed Details To view current speed details for a machine or point: Press Record Review on the main menu. Use the arrow keys to navigate to a point or machine. TIP: Use to move up and down.
Section 9 — Working with Routes Locate Skipped Route Entries You can locate and record any route entries you have skipped, at any time during your route. To do this: Display your route. Press then to display the hint labels. Press (Prev Free Recording) or (Next Free Recording) to...
Section 9 — Working with Routes Track Progress through Route As you progress through a route, the screen displays the percentage of route entries that have been recorded at each location. To see what percentage of the entire route is complete, press return to the Route menu.
Section 9 — Working with Routes Save Route Recording There are four ways to save your route recordings: Record & Review — The instrument will pause after taking a • measurement and continue to display the chart until you start the next recording.
Section 9 — Working with Routes Select Save mode for recording To select the appropriate save mode for your recording: Highlight your route in the Route menu. Press to display your route. Press Recording Save Mode repeatedly to toggle between the options.
Section 9 — Working with Routes Select Recording to Review To display your route: Press Route on the main menu. Use the arrow keys to highlight your route > Press Use the arrow keys to select a machine (if required) > Press repeatedly to expand the machine so the parameter sets display.
Section 9 — Working with Routes Retake Recording When you retake a recording, you can replace or keep your previous reading. You can also select individual recordings to replace. To retake a recording: Display your route. Press Route on the main menu. Use the arrow keys to select your route >...
Section 9 — Working with Routes Delete Route Recording You can delete a route recording. To do this: Display your route. Press Route on the main menu. Use the arrow keys to select your route > Press Use the arrow keys to select the machine that contains the recording.
Section 9 — Working with Routes Take Off-Route Recording When collecting data, you may decide to take additional measurements that are NOT part of the route sequence. This might be necessary if a machine's vibration pattern looks different to what you expected when you took the measurement.
Section 10 — Create, Edit, and Delete Items Section 10 — Create, Edit, and Delete Items This section describes the procedures for creating folders, machines, and other items on your instrument. You will learn how to: Create and manage machine structures, sensors, and notes •...
Section 10 — Create, Edit, and Delete Items Organize and Store Recordings In addition to analyzing recordings onsite, you can store recordings on your instrument, transfer these to your computer and analyze these in your own time. TIP: Analysis is best carried out away from machines in a safe, quiet environment.
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Section 10 — Create, Edit, and Delete Items The table provides more detail on the components of the data storage structure on your instrument. Folder This is used to group and identify machines. EG: If you collect vibration data from several factories, you should use a different folder to hold each factory's machines.
Section 10 — Create, Edit, and Delete Items Folders You can create, rename, delete, and restore folders. Create Folder To create a folder: Press twice on the main menu. Enter a name for the folder. Press — The newly created folder is selected. Press again to select your new folder and return to the main menu.
Section 10 — Create, Edit, and Delete Items Delete Folder To delete a folder: Press Folders & USB Export on the main menu. Use the arrow keys to select the required folder. Press Delete Folder. Restore Deleted or Overwritten Folder A folder backup is automatically generated every time you delete a folder.
Section 10 — Create, Edit, and Delete Items Machines If you intend to take large numbers of recordings on a regular basis, you should create permanent machine structures. This will enable you to save your recordings to named locations. You can group your machines within different folders so they can be segregated by type, geographic location, frequency of data collection, and more.
Section 10 — Create, Edit, and Delete Items Create Machine Structure To create your machine structure: Select the folder you wish to store your machines in. Press Folders & USB Export on the main menu. Use the arrow keys on the left to select a folder > Press Press Record Review on the main menu.
Section 10 — Create, Edit, and Delete Items Create Parameter Set A parameter set describes the settings used to take a measurement. A parameter set includes information such as the type of measurement, Fmax, units of measurement, number of averages, and more. To create a parameter set: Press Record Review on the main menu.
Section 10 — Create, Edit, and Delete Items Change Sensor If required you can change the sensor assigned to the parameter set. To do this: Press Sensor Setup. Press Change Sensor beside your measuring channel > Select a different sensor. Press Create New Sensor to define a new sensor.
Section 10 — Create, Edit, and Delete Items Copy Machine Structure You can copy an entire machine or part of its structure (e.g. a point or parameter set). You can then add the copied items to other machines. NOTE: Only the machine structure is copied when a new machine is created in this way.
Section 10 — Create, Edit, and Delete Items Rename Machine Structure If required, you can rename a machine structure. CAUTION! Ascent identifies machines structures and sensors by their names. If you rename an item on your instrument, Ascent will treat this as a new item when you transfer the data. NOTE: The default locations (horizontal, vertical etc) cannot be renamed.
Section 10 — Create, Edit, and Delete Items Delete Machine Structure If required you can delete a machine structure. NOTE: When you delete a machine structure, any parameter sets that are used by a deleted machine will NOT be removed. They will remain stored in your instrument so you can apply them to future recordings.
Section 10 — Create, Edit, and Delete Items Sensors You can: Define and edit sensors • Check the Bias Voltage • Set the default sensor • Delete sensors • Define or Edit Sensors Ascent identifies sensors by their names. If you rename a sensor on your instrument, then send the folder to your computer, Ascent will identify this as a new sensor.
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Section 10 — Create, Edit, and Delete Items To define or edit a sensor: Press Options on the main menu. Press Sensor Setup > Press Change Sensor opposite your chosen measuring channel. Follow EITHER of these steps according to your requirements: Press Create New Sensor to create a new sensor.
Section 10 — Create, Edit, and Delete Items Editing a sensor Bias Voltage Check The Bias Voltage Check enables your instrument to warn you of errors or fault conditions (e.g. short-circuits, faulty sensors, or open-circuits). Your instrument achieves this by comparing the actual sensor bias voltage with the expected voltage range (as configured on your instrument).
Section 10 — Create, Edit, and Delete Items To change the Bias Voltage range settings for a sensor: Press Options on the main menu. Press Sensor Setup. Press Change Sensor beside the channel you wish to use. Press Edit Sensor to edit the configuration of an existing sensor, or Create New Sensor to create a new sensor.
Section 10 — Create, Edit, and Delete Items Change Sensor Temporarily To temporarily switch to using a different sensor: Open the Measurement Setup screen. Select the type of measurement you wish to take. Press > Press Change Default Sensor To change the default sensor: Press Options on the main menu.
Section 10 — Create, Edit, and Delete Items Create Note You can create and store notes that are up to 50 characters long on your instrument. You can attach these to any part of a machine structure or route item (but not schedule entry). Any notes you have attached will be sent to your Ascent database when you transfer your collected data.
Section 10 — Create, Edit, and Delete Items Attach Note You can attach notes to the machines, points, and axes within the machine structure. To attach a note: Use the arrow keys to select the item you wish to attach the note to. Press to display the Note menu.
Section 10 — Create, Edit, and Delete Items Delete Note Permanently To delete a note permanently: Press Record Review on the main menu. Press to display the Note menu. Press Use the arrow keys to select the note you wish to delete. Press Delete Note —...
Section 10 — Create, Edit, and Delete Items Delete all Stored Information All folders, machines, parameter sets, recordings, and notes are stored in a single database. You can empty the database on your instrument to clear out all your machine structures, customized settings, and recordings.
Section 11 — Balancing Rotors Section 11 — Balancing Rotors This section describes the procedure for performing balancing operations. You will learn to: Understand the balancing process • Select appropriate balancing settings • Set up a balancing job • Manually enter balancing values •...
Section 11 — Balancing Rotors The centrifugal force of a heavy spot on the rotor that causes the rotor to vibrate increases with the square of the rotational speed. The vibration level of the rotor may be acceptable at one speed but not at another.
Section 11 — Balancing Rotors Balancing Tips Here are some tips for balancing a rotor: Before performing a balance job, clean the rotor by removing • any dirt or loose-hanging material (e.g. rust, flaking paint). If the debris later falls off, this may affect the balancing results. Ensure any weight(s) you add will NOT come loose at the normal •...
Section 11 — Balancing Rotors Suggested Trial Weight Mass and Location Your instrument can assist with balancing operations by calculating an appropriate trial weight mass and location for you. MORE: See Machine Information for help with calculating the trial weight mass. Manually Enter Balancing Data You can enter amplitude and phase values manually for the initial, trial, and trim readings.
Section 11 — Balancing Rotors Set up Balancing Job The Balance Setup menu gives you a large degree of flexibility in how you set up balancing jobs. Many of the setup items are optional and you can select items in any order you wish. EG: You can select a machine to save the balancing report to at the beginning or end of the process, or perform balancing without saving the report.
Section 11 — Balancing Rotors Balance Planes and Weight Positions You can use balance planes and weight positions to set the type of balance job (single or dual plane) and specify a weight position reference system (i.e. where on the rotor you will place the balance weights in relation to a reference mark).
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Section 11 — Balancing Rotors To perform a balancing operation: Press Balance on the main menu. Press New Job to clear your setting. Press Setup to use your existing configuration. Press Balance Planes > Use the arrow keys to select the number of balance planes to use.
Section 11 — Balancing Rotors # Sensors You can use this option to specify the type and number of sensors you are using. This menu also contains an option that enables your instrument to recommend where to place trial weights (optional). To set up your sensors for balancing: Press Balance.
Section 11 — Balancing Rotors Channel Position Using channel (CH) position is optional. You can use it in conjunction with Reference Mark. The instrument uses this information to calculate where on the rotor you should place your trial weights after taking an initial reading.
Section 11 — Balancing Rotors To specify your channel position: Press Balance. Press Setup. Press # Sensors. Select the number of sensors to use > Press Press CH1 Position > Enter the angle from the tachometer to your sensor > Press For dual plane balancing, repeat the above step if you want your instrument to recommend trial weight placement angles for both planes.
Section 11 — Balancing Rotors Machine Information Entering machine information is optional. It enables you to specify some of the physical properties of the machine being balanced. Rotor Weight, Diameter, and Speed Entering the rotor's weight and diameter helps your instrument calculate the appropriate size and placement of trial weights based on your machine's physical properties.
Section 11 — Balancing Rotors Reference Mark Reference Mark is an optional item you can use in conjunction with CH Position. Your instrument uses this information to calculate where on the rotor you should place your trial weights after taking an initial reading. You need to enter the Reference Mark Location and CH Position.
Section 11 — Balancing Rotors Filter Bandwidth Bandwidth filtering is used to filter unwanted vibrations close to the machine running speed. The following three settings are available: Narrow — Uses an automatic FMax value of 2 x RPM and a filter •...
Section 11 — Balancing Rotors Tach Trigger The Tach Trigger enables you to specify whether you are using a standard tachometer or a Keyphasor®. Weight Lin Dist You can use Weight Lin Dist to specify the measurement units for linear speed distance, balance weights, and rotor weight.
Section 11 — Balancing Rotors Combine/Adjust Weights To combine and adjust weights: Take a trim reading. Press to display the Balance Weight menu (or Balance Readings from the Balancing menu). Press the arrow key on the left beside Plane A or B. Press Adjust Weights —...
Section 11 — Balancing Rotors Split Weight You can split a larger weight into two smaller trim weights. To do this: Take a trim reading. Press to display the Balance Weight menu (or press Balance Readings from the Balancing menu). Press the arrow key on the left beside Plane A or B.
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Section 11 — Balancing Rotors Splitting a weight...
Section 11 — Balancing Rotors Adjust Weights for New Radius Location Trim weight positions may be unsuitable in some situations. For example, an obstruction might prevent you from placing a weight on a fan blade near the blade tip. In this case you would need to move the weight closer to the fan hub.
Section 11 — Balancing Rotors Adjusting weights for a new radius location Review Previous Balancing Jobs You can review previous balancing jobs. To do this: Press Balance on the main menu. Press Select Machine. Use the arrow keys on the left to select a machine — All balancing jobs associated with that machine will display in the Recordings column on the right.
Section 12 — Balancing Walkthrough Section 12 — Balancing Walkthrough This walkthrough section guides you through the process of balancing a rotor using single and dual plane balancing. Dual plane balancing requires additional steps. These are indicated with the dual plane symbol.
Section 12 — Balancing Walkthrough — Step 1 Set up New Balance Job To set up a new balance job: Press Balance on the menu > Press New Job to clear any previous settings. Press Setup. Use the options in the Balance Setup menu to choose the required settings for your balancing job.
Section 12 — Balancing Walkthrough — Step 2 Take Initial Reading To take an initial reading: Stop the machine. Attach the sensor to the bearing housing closest to the rotor. TIP: For best results, attach the sensor in the radial direction in which the machine is most flexible (and vibrates the most).
Section 12 — Balancing Walkthrough — Step 3 Take Trial Reading To take a trial reading: Stop the machine. Establish a reference mark on the balancing plane — This will be used to measure the angular position of the trial weight and the final balance weights.
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Section 12 — Balancing Walkthrough 11. Press to specify whether you are adding or removing (drilling out) a weight. 12. Replace the safety covers. 13. Start the machine again. 14. Let the rotor settle to its normal operating speed. 15. Press to take a reading of the imbalance with the trial weight added —...
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Section 12 — Balancing Walkthrough 16. Wait for the readings to stabilize > Press NOTE: If the trial weight was NOT of sufficient mass to affect the imbalance, the instrument will display a warning prompt. You can redo the trial reading several times if required, or continue with balancing.
Section 12 — Balancing Walkthrough For dual plane balancing, perform the same procedure for Plane B — Attach a trial weight, enter its position, and specify whether weight is being added or drilled out. If you are removing trial weights, you must remove the Plane A trial weight before you do the Plane B trial reading.
Section 12 — Balancing Walkthrough — Step 5 Perform Trim Balancing To perform trim balancing: Replace safety covers, Start the machine again. Let the rotor settle to its normal operating speed. Press to take a trim reading — After a few seconds, the instrument displays the vibration level with the imbalance corrected.
Section 12 — Balancing Walkthrough Taking a trim reading — Step 6 View or Save Balancing Job If required you can view and save your balancing job (optional). Press to view the Balancing Report menu — This displays the results of your initial and trial readings, the balance reading, and trim balances.
Section 12 — Balancing Walkthrough Save balance job To save the balance job: Press Save Balance Job from the Balancing Report menu. Select or create a machine to save the balancing job to. Press — The balance job will be saved to the same machine in your Ascent database the next time you transfer the containing folder to your computer.
Section 13 — General Setup Options Section 13 — General Setup Options This section describes how to: Set the date and time on your instrument • Synchronize the date and time on your instrument with Ascent • Set instrument to automatically adjust to Daylight Saving •...
Section 13 — General Setup Options Adjust Date or Time Format To adjust the date and time format: Press Options on the main menu. Press Date/Time. Press repeatedly to cycle between date display formats (e.g. from DD/MM/YYYY to MM/DD/YYYY). Press to toggle between 12- and 24-hour time formats.
Section 13 — General Setup Options Daylight Saving Automatic Adjustment You can set your instrument to automatically adjust to Daylight Saving. This is important for ensuring data is imported correctly when you are working with remote instruments in different time zones. If required, you can also deactivate the automatic adjustment to Daylight Saving.
Section 13 — General Setup Options Adjust Sound Volume You can adjust the sound volume. To do this: Press Options on the main menu. Press LCD Contrast / Backlight / Sound. Use the arrow keys on the left to adjust the volume up or down Press to save your setting.
Section 13 — General Setup Options Switch Backlight On/Off The backlight consumes a relatively high level of power and will automatically switch off after a timeout period. To switch the backlight on or off: Press Options on the main menu. Press LCD Contrast / Backlight / Sound.
Section 13 — General Setup Options Conserve Battery Power The length of time you can operate your instrument for depends on how you use it and the settings you apply. You can adjust the following settings to reduce power consumption and increase your instrument's operating time: Sound volume •...
Section 13 — General Setup Options Set Sleep Mode Timeout Sleep mode switches your instrument off if no keys are pressed for a set period of time (15 minutes by default). This method of automatically powering off the instrument conserves battery charge. It also enables fast powering up (approximately 3-7 seconds).
Section 13 — General Setup Options Set Complete Powerdown Timeout After a set period of time in Sleep Mode (1 hour by default), complete powerdown will switch your instrument off. The change the default time period for the Complete Powerdown Timeout: Press Options on the main menu.
Section 13 — General Setup Options Check Available Memory The Memory menu displays information about: Your instrument's memory capacity • The amount of memory in use • The number of folders, schedule entries, and recordings stored • in the instrument. To check how much memory is available on your instrument: Press Options on the main menu —...
Section 13 — General Setup Options 80% Memory Capacity Warning If memory use is allowed to exceed 80% of your instrument's total memory capacity, a flashing warning will display on the main menu. This message will remain until the memory use has been reduced to below 80%.
Section 13 — General Setup Options High memory use warning Your instrument's memory use is also displayed in the Send and Receive windows in Ascent. A message will display on these panels to warn of excessive memory use once memory consumption exceeds 80% of your instrument's 1 GB memory capacity.
Section 13 — General Setup Options Free up Instrument Memory You should remove unnecessary data from your instrument whenever possible. Ideally you should transfer recordings to Ascent, then delete these measurements from your instrument memory. The easiest way to do this is to receive all data from your instrument into Ascent. You can then immediately resend the folder from Ascent to your instrument.
Section 13 — General Setup Options Reformat Memory Card Like conventional hard drives, data stored on flash memory devices can become fragmented over time and gradually slow data to read/write speed. Reformatting this memory will return it to its factory state, and detect and quarantine any bad data sectors that may have developed since the memory device was manufactured.
Section 13 — General Setup Options Empty Recycle Bin A folder backup is automatically generated every time a folder is deleted and stored in your instrument's recycle bin. To free additional memory capacity on your instrument you can empty the recycle bin, removing these backup files.
Section 13 — General Setup Options Overwrite Primary Database with Mirror Backup Your instrument includes two operational databases: A primary database used to store system information, • measurements, and setup data. A secondary mirror backup database. The mirror database is an •...
Section 13 — General Setup Options Display System Information If you encounter a problem with your instrument and require assistance from Customer Support, you may be asked to provide specific information about your instrument system. To access these details: Press Options on the main menu.
Section 13 — General Setup Options Unlockable Features Some of the features available with the 2013 release are included by default for some models, and available for purchase with other models. When you purchase an additional feature, you will receive a license for it which you can apply to your instrument using Ascent.
Section 13 — General Setup Options Upgrade Instrument Firmware — Proflash We will periodically release new versions of instrument firmware. These upgrades enable you to take advantage of product enhancements and new features that were created after your instrument was purchased. To reprogram an instrument with newer firmware you must PROFLASH the instrument with a new firmware file.
Section 13 — General Setup Options Proflash Procedure To upgrade your instrument firmware: Ensure your instrument is already configured in Ascent. MORE: See the Ascent Reference Guide. Connect your instrument to your PC using the supplied USB cable or any Ethernet cable. Transfer any information on your instrument you wish to keep.
Section 14 — Troubleshooting Section 14 – Troubleshooting If you are having problems with your instrument, you can: Contact Technical Support • Reset your instrument • Change the USB Communications mode • Troubleshoot the network communications • Re-establish an Ethernet connection lost in Windows Vista •...
Section 14 — Troubleshooting Troubleshoot Network Communications Before you change your network configuration, ensure a firewall is NOT responsible for your communication difficulties. Temporarily disable any active firewalls (e.g. Windows Firewall) or check the application masvb32.exe has permission to access your network through your firewall (i.e.
Section 14 — Troubleshooting Set Ethernet Network Address To set the Ethernet network address: Press Options on the main menu. Press Comms. Press Ethernet — A message will ask whether you wish to use a DHCP server to assign an IP address to the instrument. Use EITHER of these methods according to your requirements: Press to use DHCP >...
Section 14 — Troubleshooting Ethernet Connection Lost in Windows Vista If you are using Windows Vista, you may lose an Ethernet communication with your instrument after communicating via USB. This is the result of network protocol incompatibility. To resolve this problem, disable support for the IPv6 network protocol in Vista: Select Start >...