Scout and Vbseries Reference Guide

SCOUT & vbSeries
Instrument Reference Guide

SCOUT100-Ex, SCOUT140-Ex
vb5, vb6, vb7, vb8
4 March 2015
GE Measurement & Control

COPYRIGHT 2015 Bently Nevada, Inc & GE Energy (New Zealand) Ltd.
All rights reserved
No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without the prior written
permission of Bently Nevada.
The information provided in this document is subject to change without
notice. Names and data used in examples are fictitious unless otherwise
noted. This document is distributed as is, without warranty of any kind,
either expressed or implied, respecting the contents of this document,
including but not limited to implied warranties for the documents
quality, performance, merchantability, or fitness for any particular
purpose. Neither GE Energy (New Zealand) Ltd, nor its employees,
dealers, agents or distributors shall be liable to the user of this document
or any other person or entity with respect to any liability, loss or damage
caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by this document.
Trademarks
The following are trademarks of Bently Nevada, Inc, a wholly owned
subsidiary of General Electric Company:
Registered trademarks Ascent, Bently Nevada, Commtest,
Keyphasor, vbOnline, vbSeries
Trademarks Ranger, System 1
Other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their
respective owners.
Printed in New Zealand. Uncontrolled when transmitted electronically.
GE Measurement & Control
Additional Information
This manual does not contain all the information required to operate
and maintain the product. Refer to the Ascent Reference Guide for the
required information (available from Help menu in Ascent).
Product Disposal Statement

Customers and third parties, who are not member states of the
European Union, who are in control of the product at the end of its life or
at the end of its use, are solely responsible for the proper disposal of the
product. No person, firm, corporation, association or agency that is in
control of product shall dispose of it in a manner that is in violation of
any applicable federal, state, local or international law. GE Energy (New
Zealand) Ltd is not responsible for the disposal of the product at the end
of its life or at the end of its use.
SCOUT and vbSeries Instrument Reference Guide
Contents
SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................... 1
PRECAUTIONS............................................................................................................................. 2
HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS ......................................................................................................... 4
CSA Certification vbSeries Instruments ......................................................... 4
IECEx / ATEX Certification SCOUT Instruments .......................................... 6
INSTRUMENT CONNECTIONS ................................................................................................... 9
FRONT PANEL BUTTONS ........................................................................................................10
LED INDICATORS .....................................................................................................................11
CHARGE BATTERY PACK .........................................................................................................12
BATTERY FEATURES .................................................................................................................13
REMOVE BATTERY PACK .........................................................................................................14
CABLE TEST ..............................................................................................................................15
OPERATING OVERVIEW...........................................................................................................16
Onsite Analysis ..............................................................................................................17
Recording Routes .........................................................................................................18
Balancing .........................................................................................................................19
Keypad Entry ..................................................................................................................20
SECTION 2 INSTRUMENT FUNDAMENTALS ........................................... 21
SWITCH INSTRUMENT ON OR OFF .......................................................................................21
USE MAIN MENU .....................................................................................................................22
RETURN TO PREVIOUS MENU ................................................................................................22
USE NAVIGATION KEYS AND ICONS .....................................................................................22
SELECT MENU ITEMS...............................................................................................................24
Select Option ..................................................................................................................24
Jump To End of List.....................................................................................................24
Scroll through Multi-column List ..........................................................................25
Cancel Option ................................................................................................................25
Display Hint Labels and Detailed Help ..............................................................26
Display Alternative Options ....................................................................................28
Enter Characters ..........................................................................................................29
Example Rename Folder .....................................................................................30
ADDITIONAL ICONS .................................................................................................................32
SECTION 3 SENSORS ................................................................................. 33
CONNECT SENSOR TO INSTRUMENT.....................................................................................33
MOUNT SENSOR ......................................................................................................................33
SET UP ACCELEROMETER........................................................................................................34
Permanent Mounting .................................................................................................35

SET UP TACHOMETER ..............................................................................................................36
TACHOMETER SIGNAL FROM KEYPHASOR ........................................................................38
Manual Keyphasor Threshold settings ..............................................................40
USE STROBE LIGHT .................................................................................................................43
SECTION 4 MEASUREMENT TYPES AND THEIR USES ........................... 44
SPECTRUM ................................................................................................................................44
Strobe Output ................................................................................................................46
Read Speed of Connected Strobe ..............................................................................48
WAVEFORM ..............................................................................................................................49
DEMODULATION ......................................................................................................................50
Bandwidth .......................................................................................................................50
Analyze Demodulation Data ..................................................................................52
DEMOD SPECTRUM .................................................................................................................53
6PACK .......................................................................................................................................53
Streamlined Parameter Settings ..........................................................................54
6Pack Demodulation Processing .........................................................................55
TACHOMETER DISPLAY ...........................................................................................................56
TIME SYNCHRONOUS AVERAGING ........................................................................................57
BUMP TEST ...............................................................................................................................58
COAST-DOWN/RUN-UP .........................................................................................................59
Tips for Coast-down/Run-up recordings .........................................................59
Deactivate Saving Waveform Data for Coast-down/Run-up
Measurement .................................................................................................................60
Take Coast-down/run-up Measurement .........................................................61
CROSS CHANNEL PHASE ........................................................................................................62
Recommendations for Cross Channel Phase ................................................63
Fault Types and their Phase Relationships .....................................................64
Measuring Cross Channel Phase .........................................................................67
Setup ..................................................................................................................................67
Measure Cross Channel Phase..............................................................................68
1 Plan Cross Channel Spectrum (ODS) Recording Routine ................69
2 Setup .........................................................................................................................70
3 Take Cross Channel Spectrum (ODS) Recording .................................73
4 Review Data ..........................................................................................................75
REVIEW DATA IN ODS SOFTWARE .......................................................................................76
LONG TIME WAVEFORMS.......................................................................................................78
Measure Long Time Waveforms ..........................................................................78
View Long Time Waveforms on Computer .....................................................80
ORBIT PLOT ..............................................................................................................................81
Use Orbit Plot Measurement Mode .....................................................................84
ii
Take Orbit Plot Measurement on Route............................................................86

MODAL IMPACT TESTING........................................................................................................87
1 Plan Impact Test Routine ................................................................................88
2 Setup .........................................................................................................................88
3 Perform Trial Impact .........................................................................................91
Disable Warning Messages...........................................................................................93
4 Perform Actual Modal Impact Test ............................................................93
Specify Locations and Directions for Saved Impacts ........................................95
5 Review Data ..........................................................................................................96

KEYPAD ENTRY.........................................................................................................................97
ORDER TRACKING....................................................................................................................99
Take Order Tracked Measurement ................................................................... 100
AVERAGE VALUE MEASUREMENTS .................................................................................... 104
TAKE MULTI-CHANNEL SIMULTANEOUS MEASUREMENTS ............................................ 104
Set up Sensors and Channels ............................................................................. 105
Save Multi-channel Measurements ................................................................. 106
SECTION 5 SET MEASUREMENT OPTIONS ........................................... 108

SET MEASUREMENT UNITS AND SPECTRUM SCALING ................................................... 108
SET MEASUREMENT PARAMETERS ..................................................................................... 110
CREATE YOUR OWN PARAMETER SETS.............................................................................. 112
ASSIGN SENSORS TO CHANNELS ....................................................................................... 113
SPECTRUM PARAMETERS..................................................................................................... 114
Fmax................................................................................................................................ 115
Spectral Lines.............................................................................................................. 116
Fmin ................................................................................................................................. 116
Tach Trigger ................................................................................................................. 116
Averaging...................................................................................................................... 116
Number of Averages ..................................................................................................... 117

Averaging Types.............................................................................................................. 117
Average Overlap ............................................................................................................. 117
Windowing ................................................................................................................... 118
Choose Window Type ................................................................................................... 118
WAVEFORM PARAMETERS................................................................................................... 118

Equivalent Fmax ........................................................................................................ 119
Number of Samples ................................................................................................. 119
Duration ......................................................................................................................... 119
ADDITIONAL MEASUREMENT PARAMETERS ..................................................................... 119
SECTION 6 TAKE RECORDINGS ............................................................. 120
WALKTHROUGH TAKE RECORDINGS............................................................................ 120
TAKE INDIVIDUAL AND MULTIPLE RECORDINGS.............................................................. 121
Individual recording ................................................................................................. 121
iii
Multiple recording ..................................................................................................... 121

SAVE RECORDINGS............................................................................................................... 122
REVIEW RECORDING ............................................................................................................ 123
Review Current Recording .................................................................................... 123
Review Stored Recording ...................................................................................... 124
DELETE RECORDING............................................................................................................. 125
ATTACH NOTE ....................................................................................................................... 125
BASELINE RECORDINGS ....................................................................................................... 126
SECTION 7 ANALYZING MEASUREMENTS ONSITE ............................. 127
TIPS FOR TAKING MEASUREMENTS.................................................................................... 128
WALKTHROUGH TAKE MEASUREMENT........................................................................ 129
CHANGE DEFAULT MEASUREMENT SETTINGS ................................................................. 131
CHARTS .................................................................................................................................. 132
ANALYZE MEASUREMENTS.................................................................................................. 133
Cursors ........................................................................................................................... 134
Show or Hide Harmonics ...................................................................................... 136
Zoom ............................................................................................................................... 137
VIEW MULTIPLE CHARTS ..................................................................................................... 138
Select Chart .................................................................................................................. 138
Display Single Chart ................................................................................................ 138
CHANGE CHART VIEW ......................................................................................................... 139
Select Chart Layout.................................................................................................. 139
Change Multi-chart Layout Display........................................................................ 139
SET Y AXIS (AMPLITUDE) SCALE ......................................................................................... 140

Fixed Y Axis scale options ..................................................................................... 141
AMPLITUDE DISPLAY UNITS ................................................................................................ 142
vdB ................................................................................................................................... 143
adB ................................................................................................................................... 143
SET RPM................................................................................................................................ 143
Enter RPM manually ................................................................................................ 143
Enter RPM using 1X peak ...................................................................................... 144
VIEW ORDERS ....................................................................................................................... 145
VIEW REVOLUTIONS ............................................................................................................. 146
SAVE MEASUREMENT........................................................................................................... 146
Save to Existing Machine ...................................................................................... 147
Save to New Machine ............................................................................................. 148
CHANGE SCREEN CONTRAST WHILE IN MEASURE MODE ............................................ 149
SECTION 8 SEND AND RECEIVE INFORMATION ................................. 150
TRANSFER RECORDINGS FROM INSTRUMENT TO ASCENT ............................................. 150
TRANSFER FOLDERS FROM ASCENT TO INSTRUMENT .................................................... 152
iv
Resend Updated Folder ......................................................................................... 153
Retain Stored Recordings ........................................................................................... 153

Retain Baseline Recordings on Instrument......................................................... 153
SYNCHRONIZE TIME ZONE ON INSTRUMENT AND COMPUTER ..................................... 154

EXPORT OR IMPORT DATA USING USB FLASH DRIVE .................................................... 155
Export Data using USB Flash Drive .................................................................. 156
Import Data using USB Flash Drive ................................................................. 157
REMOTE COMMS FUNCTIONALITY ...................................................................................... 157
Receive Data from Remote Comms Server.................................................. 158
Send Data from Instrument to Remote Comms Server ......................... 159
CONNECT TO WI-FI NETWORK.......................................................................................... 160
Set up wireless network ........................................................................................ 161
Connect instrument to wireless network ...................................................... 163
Specify preferred wireless connection ........................................................... 164
Using Wi-Fi with your smart phone ................................................................. 165
UFF EXPORT ......................................................................................................................... 166
SECTION 9 WORKING WITH ROUTES ................................................... 167
WHAT IS A ROUTE? .............................................................................................................. 167

WALKTHROUGH TAKE ROUTE RECORDINGS .............................................................. 168
USE BAND ALARMS AND BASELINE OVERALLS ON ROUTE ........................................... 171
View Alarm Bands Configured in Ascent....................................................... 173
RECORD MULTIPLE CHANNELS ON ROUTE ...................................................................... 174
Axis Mode...................................................................................................................... 175
Point Mode ................................................................................................................... 176
Complete Multi-Channel Setup .......................................................................... 177
TRIAXIAL MEASUREMENTS .................................................................................................. 177
ENTER MACHINE SPEED ON ROUTE .................................................................................. 180
View Machine and Point Speed Details ......................................................... 182
SKIP ROUTE ENTRIES AND MACHINES .............................................................................. 182
LOCATE SKIPPED ROUTE ENTRIES ..................................................................................... 183
TRACK PROGRESS THROUGH ROUTE ................................................................................ 184
SAVE ROUTE RECORDING ................................................................................................... 185
Select Save mode for recording ......................................................................... 186
Select Recording to Review.................................................................................. 187
RETAKE RECORDING ............................................................................................................ 188
DELETE ROUTE RECORDING ............................................................................................... 189
TAKE OFF-ROUTE RECORDING .......................................................................................... 190
EDIT OR DELETE ROUTE....................................................................................................... 190
SECTION 10 CREATE, EDIT, AND DELETE ITEMS ................................. 191
STORAGE CAPACITY AND RECORDING VOLUME.............................................................. 191
ORGANIZE AND STORE RECORDINGS ................................................................................ 192

FOLDERS ................................................................................................................................ 194
Create Folder ............................................................................................................... 194
Change Selected Folder ......................................................................................... 194
Rename Folder ........................................................................................................... 194
Delete Folder ............................................................................................................... 195
Restore Deleted or Overwritten Folder........................................................... 195
MACHINES ............................................................................................................................. 196
Create Machine Structure ..................................................................................... 197
Create Parameter Set ............................................................................................. 198
Change Sensor ........................................................................................................... 199
Add Structure to Existing Machine ................................................................... 199
Copy Machine Structure ........................................................................................ 200
Rename Machine Structure ................................................................................. 201
Delete Machine Structure ..................................................................................... 202
SENSORS ................................................................................................................................ 203
Define or Edit Sensors............................................................................................. 203
Bias Voltage Check................................................................................................... 205
Set Default Sensor .................................................................................................... 206
Change Sensor Temporarily ...................................................................................... 207

Change Default Sensor ................................................................................................ 207
Delete Sensor .............................................................................................................. 207

NOTES .................................................................................................................................... 207
Create Note .................................................................................................................. 208
Edit Note ........................................................................................................................ 208
Attach Note .................................................................................................................. 209
View Note...................................................................................................................... 209
Detach Note................................................................................................................. 209
Delete Note Permanently ...................................................................................... 210
DELETE ALL RECORDINGS IN FOLDER ............................................................................... 210
DELETE ALL STORED INFORMATION .................................................................................. 211
SECTION 11 BALANCING ROTORS ........................................................ 212
METHODS FOR BALANCING ROTORS ................................................................................ 212
BALANCING PROCESS .......................................................................................................... 213
BALANCING TIPS ................................................................................................................... 214
TACHOMETER ........................................................................................................................ 214
SUGGESTED TRIAL WEIGHT MASS AND LOCATION ........................................................ 215
MANUALLY ENTER BALANCING DATA............................................................................... 215
SET UP BALANCING JOB...................................................................................................... 216
Balance Planes and Weight Positions ............................................................ 217
Balance Planes ................................................................................................................ 217
vi
Weight Position (Reference Mark) ........................................................................... 217
# Sensors ...................................................................................................................... 219
Channel Position ............................................................................................................. 220
Averages........................................................................................................................ 221
Machine Information ............................................................................................... 222
Rotor Weight, Diameter, and Speed....................................................................... 222

Reference Mark ............................................................................................................... 223
Filter Bandwidth ........................................................................................................ 224

Weight Orientation ................................................................................................... 224
Tach Trigger ................................................................................................................. 225
Weight Lin Dist ........................................................................................................... 225
Store Units .................................................................................................................... 225
COMBINE AND SPLIT TRIM WEIGHTS ................................................................................ 225
Combine/Adjust Weights ...................................................................................... 226
Split Weight .................................................................................................................. 227
ADJUST WEIGHTS FOR NEW RADIUS LOCATION ............................................................ 229
REVIEW PREVIOUS BALANCING JOBS ............................................................................... 230
SECTION 12 BALANCING WALKTHROUGH.......................................... 231
STEP 1 SET UP NEW BALANCE JOB ............................................................................. 232

STEP 2 TAKE INITIAL READING ...................................................................................... 233
STEP 3 TAKE TRIAL READING ........................................................................................ 235
STEP 4 BALANCE ROTOR................................................................................................ 238
STEP 5 PERFORM TRIM BALANCING ............................................................................ 239
STEP 6 VIEW OR SAVE BALANCING JOB ..................................................................... 240
Save balance job ....................................................................................................... 241
SECTION 13 GENERAL SETUP OPTIONS ............................................... 242
SET DATE AND TIME ............................................................................................................. 242
Adjust Date or Time Format ................................................................................ 243
SELECT LOCAL TIME ZONE .................................................................................................. 243
DAYLIGHT SAVING AUTOMATIC ADJUSTMENT ................................................................ 244
ADJUST SOUND VOLUME.................................................................................................... 245
SET INSTRUMENT LANGUAGE ............................................................................................. 245
ADJUST SCREEN CONTRAST ............................................................................................... 245
SWITCH BACKLIGHT ON/OFF ............................................................................................ 246
ESTIMATE REMAINING OPERATING TIME .......................................................................... 246
CONSERVE BATTERY POWER .............................................................................................. 247
Set Backlight Timeout ............................................................................................. 247
Set Sleep Mode Timeout ........................................................................................ 248
Change Default Sleep Mode Timeout .................................................................... 248

Switch Instrument On ................................................................................................... 248
Set Complete Powerdown Timeout ................................................................. 249
vii
MANAGE INSTRUMENT MEMORY ....................................................................................... 249

Check Available Memory ....................................................................................... 250
Instrument Memory Warnings ........................................................................... 250
80% Memory Capacity Warning ....................................................................... 251
95% Memory Capacity Warning.............................................................................. 252

100% Memory Capacity Warning ........................................................................... 252
Free up Instrument Memory ................................................................................ 253

Reformat Memory Card ......................................................................................... 254
Empty Recycle Bin .................................................................................................... 255
Overwrite Primary Database with Mirror Backup .................................... 256
DISPLAY SYSTEM INFORMATION ........................................................................................ 257
FLEX FEATURES ..................................................................................................................... 258
UNLOCK FEATURES .............................................................................................................. 260
UPGRADE INSTRUMENT FIRMWARE PROFLASH ......................................................... 261
PROFLASH PROCEDURE....................................................................................................... 262
SECTION 14 TROUBLESHOOTING .......................................................... 263

RESET INSTRUMENT.............................................................................................................. 263
TROUBLESHOOT NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS ............................................................. 264
Set Ethernet Network Address ........................................................................... 265
Reset Network Values to Factory Default............................................................ 265
ETHERNET CONNECTION LOST IN WINDOWS VISTA ...................................................... 266

INDEX ............................................................................................................. 267
viii
Section 1 Introduction
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
vb5
vb6
vb7
vb8
Although this guide makes use of common vibration analysis and

balancing concepts, it is not intended as a comprehensive guide or
training manual. Please ensure you have the relevant knowledge and
experience to carry out the procedures described. It is essential to follow
all appropriate safety precautions when working near rotating
machinery.
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 I.e. a voltage that exceeds 50 V DC
or 32 V AC or the Safety Extra Low Voltage (SELV)
defined by your local power authority.
Ensure the cables and neck strap cannot become
entangled with any rotating or moving machinery.
Do NOT bring any objects that are sensitive to
magnetic fields near the magnetic mounting bases
(e.g. cardiac pacemakers, credit cards, floppy disks,
video tapes, audio cassette tapes, or mechanical
watches).
Explosion Hazard When working in a hazardous
area with risk of flammable gases, all precautions and
limitations explained in the following Hazardous
Locations section must be followed.
Do NOT detach the battery pack from the instrument
for more than 10 minutes. This will erase the
instrument's date and time (it will retain all recordings
and other information).
Neck straps must be connected to the instrument
using the 2.5 turn stainless steel rings provided. The
strap must NOT be connected directly to the unit. This
will defeat the 10 kg safety release provided by the
rings. Replacement rings are available.
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 communication and charger
connectors provides an essential seal. The cover must
be in place whenever you use the instrument in an
industrial environment. Failure to comply with this
requirement might void your warranty. IP65 rating
only applies while the cover is securely in place.
Transfer information stored in the instrument to a PC
before reprogramming (PROFLASHING) the instrument
with new firmware. PROFLASHING the instrument will
delete all stored information.
To obtain accurate measurements, ensure the drive
current is switched on when using an IEPE/ICP-type
accelerometer.
Mount the sensor correctly before taking

measurements. This will ensure your readings are
accurate and consistent.
Use a mild detergent diluted with warm water to
clean your instrument. Do NOT use abrasive or
polishing substances, hydrocarbons, petrochemicals,
or solvents, as these will degrade the plastic casing.
Do NOT place the instrument or magnetic mounting
base where the temperature might exceed 140F
(60C). This will degrade the battery pack and magnet.
Take particular care when using a Commtest Sensor
Keeper. Doing so brings the sensors magnetic
mounting base close to your chest pocket, exposing
you and the contents of your pocket to a strong
magnetic field. Do NOT use the Sensor Keeper if you
have a pace-maker or another medical device.
If your instrument malfunctions, return it to an

authorized dealer. Do NOT attempt to repair the
instrument yourself as this will void your warranty.
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 Class I; Division 2; Groups A, B, C, and D.
These instruments are clearly identified with the CSA logo and a
Hazardous Locations information panel. The Class I Division 2
classification is officially defined in the Canadian Electrical Code, part 1.
In summary, it is a location in which volatile flammable gases or vapors
are present but confined within closed systems from which they can
escape only in case of accidental rupture or abnormal operation; or in
which ignitable concentrations of gases are normally prevented by
positive pressure or mechanical ventilation, and which might become
hazardous through abnormal operation of the ventilation equipment.
The approval specifically covers use in the United States of America and
any other countries which recognize the CSA certification.
When using a certified instrument in a hazardous location, the
installation must comply with the Installation Control Drawing for
Hazardous Locations, including all its footnotes and warnings.
Your instrument will be supplied, complete with appropriate sensors for
use in Class I Division 2 environments. As indicated in the diagram, you
can use alternative sensors, provided these are certified for use in these
locations, and provided their entity parameters meet the limits shown in
the drawing.
Installation Control Drawing for Hazardous Locations
IECEx / ATEX Certification SCOUT Instruments

SCOUT100-Ex and SCOUT140-Ex portable vibration analyzers are IECEx /
ATEX certified Identified by the
label.
logo on the rear instrument
If you need to use your instrument in hazardous areas, please ensure it

is the appropriate variant for your country. Refer to the following pages
for the hazardous area usage instructions.
The
logo on the rear label indicates your instrument has been
approved for use in hazardous locations with the following classification:
II 3 G Ex ic IIB T4 Gc
Group II = non-mining
Category 3 = Zone 2
Atmosphere G = Gas
Protection method ic = intrinsic safety for zone 2
Explosion Group IIB = gases such as Ethylene
Temperature Class T4 = surface will not exceed 135C
Protection level c = Zone 2
The approval covers use in Europe (under ATEX) and any other countries
that recognize the IECEx certification.
When using a certified instrument in a hazardous location, the
installation must comply with the following Installation Control Drawing
for ATEX Hazardous Locations GE2214VBX , including all its footnotes
and warnings.
Your instrument will be supplied, complete with appropriate sensors for
use in Zone 2 environments. As indicated in the following drawing, you
can use alternative sensors, provided these are certified for use in these
locations, and provided their entity parameters meet the limits shown in
the drawing.
Installation Control Drawing GE2214VBX for ATEX Hazardous Locations
IECEx / ATEX Declaration of Conformity
Instrument Connections
The top panel of the instrument is equipped with the following
connectors:
Top panel
Label
number
Feature
Description
Ethernet port
Connects to a standard 8P8C (RJ45)

male plug terminator
USB host port
Connects to an external USB memory

device for data import and export
MORE: See Export/Import Data via an
External USB Flash Drive.
USB socket
Provides a data connection between

the instrument and an Ascent
software host computer
Charger power socket Enables you to power the instrument

(12 Volt 3 Amp input) and charge the its battery pack
BNC sensor input
Channel 1
BNC sensor input
Channel 2
LEMO four-pin
tachometer input
IMPORTANT! Ensure the protective rubber cover is securely
fastened over the instrument communication ports while you
collect data in the field. Failure to do this may void your warranty.
The IP65 rating only applies while the rubber cover is securely
fastened.
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 In some menus, keys
can perform several functions. To see the available options, press
ALT and toggle the key functions.
Help key Access easy-to-see hint labels. A long press displays
detailed contextual help text.
Navigate up/down through a list Press and hold to move more
rapidly through a list.
Navigate left/right Expands and collapse a level in the navigator

and directs movement between split-screen menus (e.g. Record
Review menu).
Buttons on front panel of your instrument
10
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
supply
(GREEN)
Illuminates when power is supplied to the instrument from

the power adapter.
Charging
(RED)
Indicates the instrument battery is charging.
Danger
(RED)
Illuminates when:
A DSP or critical error occurs.
A measurement is less than 25% or greater than
200% of the preset baseline value.
MORE: See Baseline Recordings.
Alert
(AMBER)
The sensor bias voltage is outside the specified

range.
Illuminates when a measurement is less than 50% or

greater than 150% of the preset baseline value.
OK (GREEN) Indicates that a measurement is being, or has been,

collected successfully. No error or alert has been triggered.
11
Charge Battery Pack

To charge your battery pack:
1.
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.
2.
Connect the AC power adapter included with your instrument to a

powered outlet (100-240 Volt, 50/60 Hz).
NOTE: You can also use the optional car adapter charging lead to
charge the battery pack in a vehicle with a 12 V negative-chassis
power system.
3.
Connect the adapter's DC output to your instrument's charger

power socket The instrument's Power Supply and Charging LED
indicators illuminate to indicate that the instrument is charging.
NOTE: The battery will be fully charged in approximately 3 hours.
NOTE: Ensure you charge the fast-charge Lithium Ion battery pack
for at least 1 hour before or during its initial use.
12
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. The backup remains charged by the battery pack,
provided the battery is functioning correctly. Your instrument includes a
number of features that help ensure the battery pack is always
sufficiently charged.
The table outlines the battery behavior in its different states.
Battery state
Behavior
Below 7 Volts
Instrument automatically switches off the back

light to prevent further power drainage. It
displays a flashing battery icon to indicate the
battery needs to be recharged.
At 6.5 Volts
Instrument automatically powers down.
Charge of 25% or less
Instrument enters Complete Powerdown mode

when powered off (rather than Sleep mode).
13
Remove Battery Pack

To remove the battery pack from your instrument:
1.
2.
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. This will cause the instrument date/time
to be reset. Stored measurement data or recordings will NOT be
lost.
WARNING! Ensure power is NOT supplied to the instrument when
you remove the battery. Unplug any connected power adapters
before removing the battery.
WARNING! You should NOT re-insert a damaged battery in your
instrument. Dispose of damaged batteries responsibly and in
accordance with local regulations. Do NOT disassemble the
battery or use fire to dispose of it. Replacement batteries are
available from authorized distributors (part number BATT0206).
14
Cable Test
To display a live bias voltage graph of all connected channels and
determine whether your sensors and cables are working correctly:
1.
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.
2.
3.
Press
or
Measure.
Use the navigation keys provided to scroll down and select Cable
Test.
4.
5.
Press
The current voltage displays in real time.
Move the cable joints to determine whether there is an intermittent
short:
Consistent data (e.g. a straight line) indicates the cable is
working correctly.
Varying data (e.g. a varying line) indicates there is a problem
with the cable.
TIP: You can view the data that displays for a particular channel in
more detail. To do this, press
you wish to view > Press
data.
to toggle and select the channel

to access an enlarged view of the
NOTE: You can run a cable test for any standard sensor that is
supported by your instrument, including accelerometers, velocity
sensors, and proximity probes.
Cable test reveals sensor is functioning correctly
15
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 (offsite analysis).
Use keypad entry to enter additional machine information and
process inputs.
Balance machines using single and dual plane methods.
16
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:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Set measurement parameters on your instrument.

Measure and analyze the spectrum or waveform.
Record the data to memory (optional).
Transfer the data to your computer for further analysis (optional).
>
>
17
>
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.
Recording routes is particularly useful if you routinely monitor a large
number of machines. It enables you to build up a history of machine
states and conditions over time.
To record a route:
1.
Create a recording route on your computer.

MORE: See the Ascent Reference Guide for instructions.
2.
3.
4.
Transfer the route to your instrument.

Collect data for each item on the recording route as prompted by
your instrument.
Transfer the collected data to your computer for further analysis.
>
>
18
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:
1.
2.
3.
Take an initial measurement of the imbalance.

Attach a trial weight to the balancing plane.
Take another measurement.
TIP: For dual-plane balancing, do the same for the second plane.
4.
5.
Attach correction weights to the balancing planes as recommended

by your instrument.
Take a measurement in each plane to confirm the rotor is balanced.
NOTE: You can use Trim Balancing to remove any residual
imbalance.
TIP: You can swap the display so that the rotation shown on the
screen matches the rotation of the shaft you are looking at.
>
>
19
>
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.
If you include keypad entries in a route, your instrument will prompt you
to enter values at specific points along the route. Keypad entries can
also be used as onscreen reminders to perform machine checks (e.g. for
checking temperature and pressure).
To collect and record entries using the keypad:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Create keypad entries as part of a recording route.

Transfer your entries to your instrument.
Enter the values for each keypad entry item (when prompted to do
so by your instrument).
Transfer the values and recordings you have collected to your
computer for analysis.
>
>
20
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
Access more detailed help for a feature
Switch Instrument On or Off

You can press the power
off.
button to switch your instrument on or
NOTE: If your instrument is switched on and it has a battery state

above 25%, it will enter Sleep mode when you press the power
button. If the battery has less than 25% charge remaining,
your instrument will enter Complete Powerdown Mode when you
switch it off.
When you switch your instrument on, the main menu displays the
following details:
The remaining battery charge amount

Today's date and time
The serial number and firmware version
Your user-defined description
The name of the currently selected folder
TIP: You can press and hold either cancel
the main menu.
21
button to return to
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.
Return to Previous Menu

You can press the cancel
button to return to the previous menu. If
you have opened several submenus, pressing this key will return you to
each previous menu item.
You can press and hold the cancel
menu.
button to return to the main
Use Navigation Keys and Icons

You can use the arrow icons on the keypad and screen to:
Navigate backwards and forwards through menus
Move up and down and across lists
Expand and collapse structures that contain other items
22
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.
Move one column to the right in a multi-column list.
Expand the highlighted machine structure to show its points,
locations, and parameter sets.
Move to the right of the screen in a split-screen menu.
Collapse the highlighted machine structure so that only the top
level displays.
Move to the left of the screen in a split-screen menu.
When you are working with large numbers of machines, you can
use the collapse
icon to collapse the machine structures
displayed. This will speed up navigation, enabling you to move the
selection bar from machine to machine, instead of scrolling
through each individual parameter set, location, or point.
Using the collapse icon
23
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:
1.
Use the arrows keys to move the selection bar until your option is
highlighted,
2.
Press
to select the required option.
Using the arrow keys to navigate to the required menu item
Jump To End of List

Left and right arrows display on the right of your screen when several
menu options are available. If required, you can:
Press
to jump to the first list entry.
Press
to jump to the final list entry.
24
To jump directly to the end of a list:

1.
Open the main menu.

TIP: You can press and hold the cancel
main menu from a submenu.
button to return to the
2.
Press button
to access the Measure menu.
3.
Press button
to select the Spectrum Waveform menu.
4.
Press button
to drill down for more details about the Spectrum
Waveform Left and right arrows display on the right of the screen.
5.
Press button
to select the first list entry, or button
select the final list entry.
to
Using the left and right arrows to navigate to the required menu item
Scroll through Multi-column List

You might find lengthy lists displayed in several columns. Where this
happens, you can jump across columns and scroll up or down.
Cancel Option
You can press the cancel
you to the previous menu.
button to cancel an option and return
TIP: You can press and hold the cancel

main menu.
25
button to return to the
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:
1.
Open the main menu.

TIP: Press and hold the cancel
button to return to the main
menu from a submenu you have open.
2.
Open the required menu (e.g. press button

Review menu).
to open the Record
3.
Press the help
4.
Press and hold the help
5.
6.
Press the help

key again to hide the detailed help text.
Press any key to hide the hint labels.
key to display the associated hint labels.

key to display more detailed help.
26
Viewing hint labels
Accessing more detailed help
27
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
display at the top of the screen.
You can press the
key to access a different set of options.
View of menu before pressing
View of menu after pressing
28
icon will
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.
EG: To enter the number 7, press
four times.
You can insert spaces between words, change from upper to lower case,
and delete or insert special characters as required.
Pressing
commands.
to display hint labels will help you use the various editing
TIP: If you press a different key, the cursor will jump to the next
space. If you need to use a character that is on the same key as
the previous character, pause for a moment until the cursor moves
forward. This will ensure you do NOT overwrite your text.
TIP: Press
character.
if you make a mistake and wish to delete a
29
Example Rename Folder

This example explains how to rename a folder:
1.
Open the main menu.
2.
Press
Folders & USB Export.
3.
Press
to change the folder name.
4.
5.
Press
> Press
to clear the current folder name.
Press the buttons provided to select the required letter.
EG: Press
three times to enter the letter F.
6.
Press
to enter a space between words.
7.
Press
to access the punctuation options
8.
Press
> Press
to display the advanced editing menu
You can use this to change case, delete characters, and more.
9.
Press
text.
to save your changes once you have finished entering
Entering characters
30
Using the advanced options
31
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.
Icon
Function
Create a new machine
Create a new point
Create a new location
Create a new parameter set
The table lists the additional icons you can use to manage any item.
Icon
Function
Create a new item
Edit the selected item
Delete the selected item
Copy the selected item into memory
Paste the copied item to the highlighted position
32
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
Connect Sensor to Instrument

You can connect a sensor to the instrument via a BNC connector.
BNC connector
To attach a sensor cable plug to a BNC connector, insert the cable and
gently turn it clockwise.
To remove a sensor cable plug from a BNC connector, grip the end of
the cable plug, gently twist it anti-clockwise, and pull it up.
WARNING! Do NOT pull the sensor cable to remove the BNC
connector. Doing this can damage the cable.
Mount Sensor
The sensor mounting you choose will affect the accuracy (and therefore
repeatability) of your vibration measurements.
For walkathon data collection, accelerometers are usually mounted
using the supplied magnetic base. However, for optimal high frequency
results, you can stud-mount these (see Permanent Mounting).
NOTE: Ensure you mount tachometers, displacement sensors,
proximity probes, and current sensors according to the
manufacturer's instructions.
33
Section 3 Sensors
Set up Accelerometer
To set up your accelerometer:
1.
2.
3.
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, nonflexible structure, where vibration from the rotating part of the
machine will be accurately transmitted.
Do NOT attach sensors to sheet metal, guards, or any machine
structure that is NOT closely coupled to the source of vibration
in the spinning rotor. The vibration of this kind of structure will
be different to the vibration source.
The attachment structure must be at least 10 times heavier
than the accelerometer itself. Do NOT mount the accelerometer
on lightweight motors or similar parts as the weight of the
accelerometer will distort the vibration signal. Use a smaller
accelerometer for small structures.
To avoid distorted signals, attach the accelerometer as closely
as possible to, and in line with, the centerline of the bearings.
The mounting surface should be flat and smooth where the
accelerometer makes contact. Attach the accelerometer using
the magnetic accelerometer base supplied or a threaded stud
on the machine surface. The accelerometer should NOT move
independently of the machine part it is attached to.
Ensure the accelerometer is oriented correctly. Vibration can
vary significantly with direction.
If you are undertaking an ongoing study of a particular
measurement point, always attach the accelerometer at exactly
the same position you used for previous measurements
TIP: Mark the position if necessary.
Keep the accelerometer clear from other cables to ensure it is

NOT twisted, kinked, or tangled.
34
Section 3 Sensors
Permanent Mounting
To mount a sensor using the stud method:
1.
2.
3.
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.
CAUTION! Do NOT use a wrench to tighten the accelerometer. This
may damage the sensor.
Stud mounting spot
35
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.
The tachometer also provides information on the angle at which the
rotor is vibrating. The angle is measured from a fixed reference mark on
the rotor called the phase angle. To balance a rotor, you need to
consider the amplitude of vibration and the phase angle. The amplitude
shows the severity of the imbalance. The phase angle indicates the
geometry of the imbalance.
WARNING! The laser tachometer is a class 2 laser product. Do
NOT stare into the laser beam.
To set up your tachometer:

1. Screw the block grip extension of the tachometer into the end of the
mounting base articulated arm.
2. Plug the cable socket into the tachometer connecting pins > Turn
the locking ring to make the connection secure.
3. Locate the TACH input on your instrument > Attach the other end of
the cable to this (the LEMO end).
4. Stop the rotor.
5. Cut out a small strip of the reflective tape supplied (approximately 5
mm x 15 mm (0.2" x 0.5").
6. Stick this piece of reflective tape to a machine part that rotates at
the rotor speed (e.g. the shaft).
NOTE: This trigger spot should provide a pronounced increase in
reflection as it passes under the tachometer light beam. The tape
width must be at least double the diameter of the light beam spot.
7.
8.
Mount the tachometer magnetic base to a stationary portion of the

machine, close to the trigger spot.
Position the tachometer slightly away from the center line of the
rotating machine part so that reflections from the surface of the
machine part do NOT interfere with it.
9. Start the rotor > Wait until it is running at normal running speed.
10. Open the main menu on your instrument.
11. Press
36
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. If the RPM does NOT stabilize,
adjust the position of the tachometer.
Ideal sensor positioning
Preparing to take a tachometer reading
37
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.
TIP: You can purchase Keyphasor LEMO connector tach cables
through your local reseller.
You should adjust the Keyphasor proximity sensor gap so the driver
box output is -8 V +/- 2 V (i.e. -6 V to -10 V) when the sensor is over the
shaft. This is the normal mid-range position for these sensors. When the
sensor is over the keyway, its output will be -14 V to -22 V (depending on
the make and model).
A number of enhancements are available for instruments with serial
numbers 45000 and higher when taking recordings with a Keyphasor
tachometer:
There are two additional Keyphasor voltage threshold levels,

making it easier to choose an appropriate threshold for the
machines Keyphasor probe gap. The previous single threshold
level was found to be incompatible with some Keyphasors that
had non-standard gap settings. When you take a recording
using a Keyphasor tachometer, your instrument will let you
know if a recording is tach-triggered but no pulses are detected.
You will then be shown the RPM measurements obtained at
each threshold level and be prompted to select the one that
provides the best measurement of the machines speed. When
the recording is received into Ascent, your Keyphasor threshold
level selection will be retained for future recordings on that
machine.
The Tachometer input of these instruments is also sensitive to

both positive and negative signal pulses. Consequently there is
no longer a requirement to use the special Keyphasor Tach
cable (black strain relief, product code KEY70258). Instead you
can use either that cable or the TTL Tach cable (red strain relief,
product code TTL70259).
38
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. when you take coast-down recordings on a
machine with rolling element bearings). The disadvantage of
selecting Tach Triggering is that spectral averaging will average
away the non-synchronous peaks. This is not ideal when you
are trying to find rollingelement bearing faults. Additionally, in
Tach Trigger mode, the tach signal must be present. This means
the recording cannot be completed if the tach is disconnected
or faulty. In contrast, RPM Only mode records the speed if this is
available. Consequently, if the tach signal is not present, the
recording is still completed and its RPM value is set to the
machines default speed.
The additional Keyphasor thresholds are available for the following

measurement types:
Spectrum/Waveform
Demodulation
Time synchronous Averaging
Bump Test
Coast Down/Run-up
Long Time Waveform
Orbit Plot
39
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:
1.
Use the KEY70258 or TTL70259 cable to connect the TACH input of

your instrument to the buffered output of the Keyphasor proximitor.
2.
Press
3.
Select the required measurement type > Press
4.
5.
Press
Tach.
Select the required threshold.
6.
Press
Tach to select ONE of these options:
RPM only If you only want to record the machine speed (if
available) and do NOT require phase data, tach triggering, or
time synchronous averaging.
Triggered If you want to capture phase and/or perform time
synchronous averaging. You can also select this option if you
are recording an Orbit plot and require revolution markers.
Use the keys provided to select the required threshold.
7.
or
Measure.
.
TIP: Use the default 13V setting if you are using a Keyphasor but
are unsure which threshold to select. Press
Off if you will NOT
be using any form of tachometer. Press
for help.
40
Section 3 Sensors
Selecting the appropriate voltage for your tachometer and machine
41
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. To do this:
1.
Press
2.
Select Tachometer Display > Press
3.
Press
Tach Threshold Your instrument scans through the
3V, 8V, 13V, and 18V threshold levels, displaying the RPM value
detected at each one.
Use the keys provided to select the threshold that delivers a stable
RPM reading and matches the expected speed of the machine you
are testing The threshold value you selected will be used for all
subsequent recordings on the machine you are measuring.
4.
or
Measure.
.
NOTE: Your instrument will increase the duration between

thresholds to find lower RPM values. This process can take just
over a minute. A value of zero will display if there is no RPM value.
Correcting the threshold setting for your tachometer and machine
42
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.
MORE: For more information on other types of connectors and
signals, see Strobe Output and the Frequently Asked Questions.
43
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
Spectrum
A vibration spectrum is a chart of vibration amplitude versus vibration
frequency. The vibration spectrum of a machine component shows the
frequencies at which the component is vibrating and the amplitude of
vibration for each of these frequencies.
Spectra consist of discrete spectral lines displayed at fixed frequency
intervals. The height of each spectral line represents the amplitude of
vibration at that frequency. The more spectral lines in a spectrum, the
higher the resolution of the spectrum.
NOTE: Higher spectrum resolutions use more memory.
Simplified version of discrete vibration spectrum
44
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:
1.
Open the main menu.
2.
Press
3.
4.
Press
to access the Spectrum Waveform.
Use the arrow keys on the left to select an existing parameter set or
5.
press
to create a new set > Set the parameters as required.
Press
to start measuring.
45
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. It is also useful as a means of visually inspecting the
condition of equipment while it is in motion.
Depending on the capabilities of the strobe, machine speeds of up to
140 Hz, 8400 CPM are supported. Some strobe models may only support
frequencies below approximately 80 Hz, 4800 CPM.
NOTE: This feature requires a LEMO-to-strobe (LEMO to twin 3.5
mm plugs) cable and a suitable externally-controllable strobe
lamp.
Ensure you connect only one 3.5 mm plug at a time (either the black
Read or red Drive plug. Connecting both Read and Drive plugs to the
strobe's input and output sockets will typically force the strobe into
external Drive mode. This will disable the strobe's ability to read and
provide a tachometer signal to the instrument.
NOTE: To read tachometer speed from a strobe, the strobes output
must be set to output a positive signal (NOT a negative one). This is
only required on some strobe models, such as some Monarch
models. Read the strobe's operating instructions for details.
46
To regulate the speed of a connected strobe:

1.
2.
3.
4.
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.
Connect a vibration sensor to the instrument's vibration sensor input
(LEMO or BNC) and to the equipment you wish to measure.
5.
Press
Measure > Press
Spectrum Waveform.
6.
Press
Spectrum Waveform The Spectral Lines and WFM
Buffer screen will open.
7.
Press
Spec Wfm repeatedly until Spectrum displays.
8.
Press
to return to the Spectrum Waveform screen.
9. Press
twice to start the measurement.
10. Wait until the spectrum measurement stabilizes,
11. Use the
Cursor Left and
Cursor Right keys to move the
dotted vertical cursor line to a spectral peak below 140 Hz, 8400
CPM.
TIP: For more precise positioning of the cursor, zoom into the
spectrum display using the
X Axis Zoom key.
NOTE: The 1X peak should typically be the largest peak on
normally functioning rotating equipment.
12. Press ALT then

Extended Commands to open the Extended
Graph Commands window.
13. Select Strobe Light > Press
A strobe icon will display over
the vertical cursor line on the spectrum display.
14. Point the strobe lamp at the rotating equipment and activate The
rotating component matching the frequency selected on the
spectrum display will appear to freeze in place, or move slowly,
allowing a visual inspection.
47
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 > Cycle through each spectral peak
to identify the components generating vibrations at each frequency.
NOTE: Clearing the cursors (ALT then
) will NOT disable the
strobe cursor. To cancel the cursor you must exit the spectrum
measurement screen.
Read Speed of Connected Strobe

To read the speed of a connected strobe:
1.
2.
3.
Connect the LEMO-to-strobe cable's LEMO plug to your instrument's

tachometer socket.
Connect the black Read 3.5 mm to the strobe lamp's output socket
Ensure the Drive plug is disconnected and the strobe is set to
Positive Signal Mode (POS) if required by the strobe model.
Activate the strobe lamp and adjust the output rate as required.
NOTE: The strobe frequency must be kept below 140 Hz, 8400
CPM.
4.
Press
Measure > Press
Tach.
5.
Press
Tach Type repeatedly to set the tachometer to Standard
The current frequency of the strobe light will display.
48
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. The
more sample points in a spectrum, the higher the resolution of the
waveform (but the more memory used).
The key parameters you need to set are the duration and number of
samples:
The duration determines the equivalent Fmax value. If you later

transfer the waveform to Ascent and display it as a spectrum,
the Fmax value will be used on the chart.
The number of samples controls the number of spectral lines
used when you transfer the waveform to Ascent and display it
as a spectrum.
To access this measurement type:

1.
Press
or
Measure.
2.
3.
Press
Spectrum Waveform.
Press the arrow keys on the left to select an existing parameter set
4.
(or press
to create a new set).
Set the parameters as required.
5.
Press
to start measuring.
49
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. The resulting spectrum, with the low
frequency data removed, will now clearly show the high frequency
impact signals and harmonics.
Demodulation is also useful as an early warning device as it detects
bearing tones before they are visible in a normal spectrum.
The high frequency signals that demodulation aims to extract are very
localized, therefore extra care must be taken to ensure the
accelerometer is set up correctly. Ensure that the:
Accelerometer is mounted close to the signal source.
Accelerometer is well coupled, using either stud mounting or a
very strong magnet on bare metal. A handheld probe or stinger
is NOT recommended.
Accelerometer mounting is consistent between visits, otherwise
trend plots of overall RMS values will be meaningless.
Bandwidth
The bandwidth you select determines which range of frequencies the
demodulation process will use. If possible, your instrument will suggest a
suitable demodulation bandwidth using the machine's default RPM
when configuring a demodulation recording.
For most standard speeds (above 1000 RPM), a bandwidth of 2 - 10 kHz
will typically be recommended and automatically selected when you
open the Bandwidth window (
Bandwidth after selecting a
measurement type of Demod).
50
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
500 Hz - 10 kHz
1 kHz - 10 kHz
2 kHz - 10 kHz
4 kHz - 10 kHz
<100 RPM
100 - 300 RPM
300 - 1000 RPM
1000 - 3000 RPM
>3000 RPM
To view the full range of available bandwidths on the instrument, select

Show Complete List at the bottom of the bandwidth selection list.
If a default machine speed has NOT been configured, your instrument
will NOT be able to recommend a bandwidth. You will need to manually
select a bandwidth option suitable for the application. In this case, you
can use the following steps to determine an appropriate bandwidth:
1.
Press
Measure > Press
Spectrum Waveform to take a
quick snapshot spectrum measurement.
2.
Press
to create a new parameter set > Set the store units to
Acceleration and the Fmax to 20 000 Hz (1200 kCPM).
3.
4.
Press
to start measuring.
Examine the chart for a region of broadband high frequency noise
(haystack).
When you set up your demodulation measurement, select a
bandwidth that includes the haystack but excludes any large
individual peaks.
5.
IMPORTANT! It is very important that all the large-amplitude/lowfrequency peaks are rejected. If no significant haystacks are
displayed, we recommend a standard bandwidth of 2 - 10 kHz
(120 - 600 kCPM). Proceed with the demodulation measurement
when you have determined an appropriate bandwidth.
51
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. trend plots, alarms, fault
frequencies, bearings, and gears).
Here are some points to remember when analyzing demodulation data:
Bearing tones that appear in the demodulated spectrum but
NOT in the normal spectrum are a good early warning indicator
of insufficient lubrication (and other problems).
As the bearing deteriorates, the baseline noise level increases
and bearing tones develop running speed sidebands.
In the final stages of bearing wear, the bearing tones may
become less prominent as cracks and pits become more
rounded and distributed over the race.
52
Demod Spectrum
To use the Demod Spectrum:
1.
Press
or
Measure.
2.
3.
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.
4.
Press
to start measuring.
6Pack
6Pack supports up to six measurements. You can take these
simultaneously from a single data stream/channel (across a maximum
of three channels). All standard condition monitoring data can be
acquired in one step, in the time normally required to take a single
conventional recording.
A 6Pack recording may include some or all of the following
measurement types for each recorded channel:
High Frequency Spectrum

High Frequency Waveform
Low Frequency Spectrum
Low Frequency Waveform
Demodulation Spectrum
Demodulation Waveform
53
To take a 6Pack measurement:

1.
Press
or
Measure.
2.
3.
Press
6Pack.
4.
to create a new set.

5.
Press
Spectrum Waveform,
Demod Band (Dmin).
6.
Use keys
,
, and
you wish to record.
7.
Press
HF Fmax (Dmax), or
to select the measurement types
to begin sampling.
NOTE: The six recording types that comprise a 6Pack

measurement are saved as a single recording for each channel,
not as individual High Frequency, Low Frequency, and
Demodulation.
Streamlined Parameter Settings

The following simplifications have been applied to 6Pack measurements:
The sensor type must be Accelerometer.

The High Frequency and Demodulation measurements are
measured in Acceleration units only.
All spectra and waveforms have the same resolution (maximum
3200 lines, 40 kHz for single channel and 1600 lines, 20 kHz for
dual channel).
The Demod Bandwidth upper limit is automatically set to equal
the HF Fmax.
Averaging type, number, and overlap are the same for all
spectra.
Fmin and Demodulation Fmin are the same.
Fmax and Demod Fmax are the same.
NOTE: Several charts will display when you use the 6Pack feature,
especially when you measure with two channels.
MORE: See View Multiple Charts for more information on multichart layout options.
54
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. By contrast, classic Demod relies on
rectification and low pass filtering to achieve a similar result. The new
algorithm works very well over a wide range of impact signals, but uses
far less computing power than classic Demod. This allows the 6Pack
system to operate at full 40 kHz speed on two channels simultaneously,
providing twelve processed outputs.
The new algorithm has been carefully calibrated so that its response to
typical impacting signals is very close to that of classic Demod. You
should NOT see a marked difference when switching to the 6Pack
method.
55
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.
View the phase angle of the vibration relative to the tach signal.
Take a quick preview of the out of balance level.
Connect the tachometer that will be used to measure the RPM
Attach a vibration sensor if you wish to see the vibration
amplitude.
1.
Press
or
2.
Press
Tach.
3.
Press
to select the standard tachometer or Keyphasor
sensor The Tachometer Reading menu will display a continuously
updating RPM and the equivalent value in Hz.
To see the amplitude and phase angle relative to the tachometer
signal:
4.
Measure.
a.
Press
required.
Tach + Vibration > Change any parameters as
b.
Press
to take the reading.
Comparing the amplitude and phase angle with the tachometer signal
56
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. Those that are
non-synchronous will be cancelled out from the spectrum.
The key parameters you need to set are the duration, number of
samples, and number of averages.
The duration determines the equivalent Fmax value. If the waveform is
later transferred to Ascent and displayed as a spectrum, this Fmax value
will be used on the chart. The number of samples controls the number of
spectral lines used when the waveform is transferred to Ascent and
displayed as a spectrum.
TIP: We recommend you use 16 or more averages in order to
remove non-synchronous peaks from the final spectrum.
NOTE: You must use a tachometer or Keyphasor to trigger your
measurements.
To conduct time synchronous averaging:

1. Connect the tachometer or Keyphasor that will be used to trigger
your measurements.
2.
Press
or
Measure.
3.
4.
Press
Time Synch Avg.
NOTE: If you are creating a new parameter set, select the number
of samples, duration, and tach trigger source. Press
to set the number of averages.
5.
6.
Press
to start measuring.
57
and
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. Careful selection of the
mallet or hammer is required, along with the strength and direction of
the bump to ensure that suitable frequencies are injected into the
structure without causing damage.
Bump test measurements are taken in free run mode and use peak hold
averaging. Your instrument will take continuous samples and update the
peak value for each spectral line whenever a line exceeds its previous
value.
To perform a bump test:
1.
Press
2.
3.
Use the arrow keys on the left to select Bump Test > Press
.
4.

5.
6.
or
Measure.
Press
to begin sampling and bump the machine with a
hammer.
Repeat step 5 several times.
58
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.
Tips for Coast-down/Run-up recordings

We recommend using a tachometer to obtain the RPM reading for each
measurement as this will aid interpretation.
You can set the recording interval as a time interval between recordings
or a change in machine RPM. We suggest setting it to a change in
machine RPM, with the RPM Difference set to machine speed / 20. This
will result in approximately 20 recordings being taken during a complete
coast-down or run-up.
Several recordings are taken during a coast-down or run-up. If you
intend to repeat the process several times on a machine, we
recommend you save each set of recordings to a separate location so
you can easily distinguish between these.
59
Deactivate Saving Waveform Data for Coastdown/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. Doing so will enable you to take recordings much more
rapidly during the machine coast-down/run-up.
To deactivate this option and ensure only spectrum data is saved:
1.
2.
Press
or
Measure.
Locate and select the Coast-down/Run-up measurement type >
Press
3.
Press
Spectrum Waveform.
4.
Press
Spec Wfm repeatedly to toggle between EITHER of these
options:
Spec + Wfm Spectrum and Waveform data will be saved
when you take a coast-down/run-up measurement.
Spectrum Only Spectrum data will be saved when you take a
coast-down/run-up measurement.
5.
Press
to confirm your selection.
60
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:
1.
2.
Press
or
Measure.
Use the arrow keys on the left to highlight Coast-down/Run-up >
3.
Press
.
Use the arrow keys on the left to select a parameter set > Press
4.

5.
Press
6.
7.
Press
again to start measuring.
After the first spectrum has been recorded, switch off the machine,
or begin ramping its speed up or down.
Once the machine has stopped rotating, or its speed has been fully
8.
> Select the machine location to save measurements to.
adjusted, press
to stop measuring and return to the Coastdown/Run-up menu.
NOTE: The measurement location will contain several
measurements. You can transfer these to Ascent and display them
as a waterfall chart. If you used the tachometer as well, you can
also display your measurements as a bode plot.
61
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. For example, misalignment can show up at
1X RPM, similar to imbalance. Knowledge of the phase relationships of
various machine faults will help confirm the existence of a specific
machine fault and help prevent misdiagnosis.
Cross Channel Phase is a convenient method of taking phase
measurements. It does NOT require the use of a tachometer or reflective
tape. Instead, phase is measured between two sensors.
NOTE: When taking measurements, be aware of the direction each
sensor is facing. If you are measuring across the coupling in the
axial direction, you will probably turn the sensors in opposite
directions, thereby introducing an additional 180 phase change.
Remember to take this into consideration when analyzing the
phase measurements.
62
Recommendations for Cross Channel Phase

When conducting a cross channel phase analysis, we recommend you:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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. Do NOT move this sensor once testing has started.
Try out different locations with the channel 2 sensor, noting the
phase and amplitude relationships compared to the fixed channel 1
position.
Repeat steps 2 and 3 at any other locations of interest.
63
Fault Types and their Phase Relationships

The table outlines fault types and their phase relationships.
FAULT TYPE
DESCRIPTION
Misalignment General
PHASE RELATIONSHIP
High amplitude peaks will appear at 1X,
2X, and sometimes 3X the running
speed. Look for a 180 ( 30) phase
change across the coupling in the axial
direction (for angular misalignment) or
radial direction (for parallel, offset
misalignment).
Bearing misalignment (cocked bearing)
will cause a twisting motion in the axial
direction. Look for a 180 ( 30) phase
change from the top to the bottom of
the bearing housing, or from one side to
the other.
Imbalance
General
A high amplitude peak will appear at 1X

the running speed. Confirm that the
phase difference from horizontal to
vertical on the bearing is close to 90 (
40). The phase difference between left
and right horizontal locations should be
within 30 of the phase difference
between left and right vertical
locations. If the phase is unstable, there
may be another reason for a large
running speed vibration (e.g. looseness
or misalignment).
You can investigate the degree of
couple imbalance versus force
imbalance by looking at the phase
difference between the two sides of the
machine. If there is little couple
imbalance, only a single plane
correction may be required to balance
the rotor.
64
Resonance
Flexible
structures
High amplitude peaks will appear

where natural resonance frequencies of
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. The phase change will be 180
when there is a stationary point
between the sensors.
Variable speed You can vary the machine speed to

machines
investigate resonance. A phase shift of
180 will occur as machine speed is
increased from below a resonance to
above it. A 90 phase shift will be
present at the resonant frequency. If a
machine is running close to resonance,
any small speed variation will cause
large phase shifts.
At a bearing
Look for a change from the normal 90

phase difference in the horizontal and
vertical directions at 1X. When a natural
frequency is close to 1X in either
direction, that phase angle may be
heading for its 90 phase change. This
means the two phases may no longer
be 90 apart (assuming the structure
has a different natural frequency in
either direction).
65
Eccentric belt General

pulley
A high amplitude peak will appear at 1X

the running speed of the pulley. Look
for a phase change of either 0 or 180
between the horizontal and vertical
readings. This indicates straight line
motion instead of the usual 90
difference. This symptom is similar to
bearing resonance (described above).
However, in this case, the direction of
maximum vibration will be in line with
the two belts.
Mechanical
looseness
General
High amplitude peaks will show up at

several multiples of the running speed
and sometimes even multiples of 0.5X
running speed (e.g. 1.5X, 2.5X), etc. Look
for fluctuating phase readings at a
location from one recording to the next.
Also compare the phase readings at 30
increments around a bearing housing.
The phase will be significantly different
at each angle.
Soft foot
A high amplitude peak will show up at

1X the running speed. Look for a 90 to
180 phase change between the
machine foot and its concrete base. The
soft foot may also have a different
phase measurement from the other
feet.
66
Measuring Cross Channel Phase

The Cross Channel Phase measurement option has been enhanced. Its
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. While recording,
a graph displays on your screen, showing your data. You can adjust the
position of the cursor on this graph to access more details about a peak
of interest, including phase and coherence data.
Setup
To select your preferred settings for a cross channel phase recording:
1.
1.
Connect two sensors to the appropriate machine locations.

Assign two sensors and enable both channels:
a.
b.
Press
> Press
Sensor Setup.
Create or select your sensors as required.
c.
Press
to continue.
NOTE: The lowest channel will be used as the reference channel.

For example, if you have enabled CH2 and CH3, CH2 will be used
as the reference channel.
2.
3.
Press
or
Measure.
Use the navigation keys provided to locate and select Cross
Channel Phase > Press
4.
Press
Store Units > Select ONE of these units according to
your requirements:
Acceleration
Velocity
Displacement
5.
Press
6.
Press
7.
Enter the required rpm value > Press
8.
Press
.
Speed/Freq of Interest.
.
Filter Bandwidth > Select the required bandwidth.
67
9.
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.
Measure Cross Channel Phase

To measure cross channel phase:
1.
2.
Press
or
Measure.
Use the navigation keys provided to locate and select Cross
Channel Phase > Press
3.
Select the required parameter set you have set up > Press
Recording will start automatically.
4.
Press
to display labels for the additional viewing options:
5.
Press
to zoom in to the Y axis.
6.
Press
to expand the Y axis.
7.
Press
to zoom in to the X axis.
8.
Press
to expand the X axis.
9.
Press
to move the cursor left.
10. Press
to move the cursor right.
11. Press
to change the display of the sensor orientation.
NOTE: The instrument will perform a spectral peak search on the

reference channel at the frequency entered. The frequency of the
actual peak displays in the top right of the screen. The instrument
then looks at exactly the same frequency on the other response
channels and displays the phase difference Delta <value> 2/1
(CH2 - CH1). The instrument also displays the phase angles and
amplitudes of both channels at your chosen peak frequency.
68
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:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Planning and noting the locations and directions for your recordings.
Setting up your channels and sensors to measure the frequency you
are interested in.
Taking recordings at the specific locations and directions used.
Reviewing the data:
On your instrument
In Ascent
In Operating Deflection Software (ODS) such as MEscope
MORE: Contact your local sales representative for more details
about this feature.
1 Plan Cross Channel Spectrum (ODS) Recording

Routine
We recommend you draw a quick sketch of the machine you are
investigating and number the points you plan to measure 1, 2, 3,
etc. Doing so will ensure you can specify the names, locations, and
directions for your readings once you have taken these.
69
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. The lowest channel (e.g. CH1) will be used as the
reference channel.
To set up your channels and sensors:
1.
2.
Press
or
Measure.
Use the navigation arrows to select Cross Channel Spectrum (ODS)
3.
> Press
.
Select your preferred FRF unit Accelerance / Mobility /
Compliance:
a.
b.
Press
Store Units.
Use the navigation arrows to select your preferred unit > Press
.
NOTE: This selection is the modal equivalent of choosing between
acceleration, velocity, and displacement. Consequently,
Accelerance is the better choice for very high frequencies, while
compliance is the better option for very low frequencies.
Frequency Response Function (FRF) units are derived automatically
based on your unit selection.
4.
Specify your preferred spectral lines and samples:

a.
b.
Press
Spectrum Waveform.
Use the navigation arrows to select the required option > Press
.
70
5.
Select the required Fmax setting Ensure this value covers any
frequencies at which the machine could exhibit mechanical
resonance:
a.
b.
Press
Fmax Fmin.
.
NOTE: If required you can press
to disable automatic
incrementing of the reference sensor (lowest channel number) as
you take your recordings (NOT recommended).
6.
7.
Press
to access additional setup options:
a.
Press
Number of Averages to change the default number
of averages taken.
b.
Press
Point Name Increment to change the default
interval at which points will automatically increment.
c.
Press
Average Overlap repeatedly to toggle and select
the required percentage.
d.
Press
Window to toggle between Hanning and
Rectangular options.
e.
Press
Sensor Setup to set up your channels and sensors
as required.
Press
to exit when you have finished selecting the required
parameters You can now start recording.
71
Selecting the required parameter settings
72
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. However, when you save your recordings you
will need to specify the points and directions you used for these so keep
your test plan close at hand.
To take a Cross Channel Spectrum (ODS) recording:
1.
2.
Position your reference sensor at a location on the machine where

there is a strong vibration signal at all frequencies of interest.
Position your roving sensor according to the measurement plan you
drew up.
Select the required parameter set listed on the left.
3.
4.
Press
to start a recording with these parameters.
Wait for the sensor to settle Recording will start automatically.
5.
Press
or
to display the cursor Use the navigation
arrows to move the cursor to a peak of interest.
TIP: To hide the cursor, Press
(Press
> Press
Clear Cursors.
to display the instrument labels).
6.
Press
to toggle between displaying:
Two graphs, one showing data from the reference channel, the
other showing data from your second channel.
The default view of three graphs showing coherence, FRF, and
Phase data.
7.
Press
to save the recording.
73
8.
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.
Press
to specify the reference point you used during the
recording > Press

c.
Press
Press
d.
Press
Press
.
to specify the direction you used for your reference
Press
exit.
to specify the direction you used for your other
sensor > Press

9.
to select the point for the other channel you used >
sensor > Press

e.
to save your data and move to the next point, or
Taking a Cross Channel Spectrum (ODS) recording
74
to
4 Review Data
Once you have taken Cross Channel Spectrum (ODS) recordings you can
review your data:
On your instrument press

or
In Ascent
In ODS software such as MEscope
Record Review.
Reviewing a Cross Channel Spectrum) recording on your instrument
75
Review Data in ODS software

If you are using ODS software such as MEscope, 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
MEscope, construct the model using the sketch you drew, along with the
numbered points.
To review the data in ODS software such as MEscope:
1.
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 and that any write protect tabs are unlocked.
2.
Press
Folders & USB Export on the main menu The USB
Flash Drive screen opens.
NOTE: If you have NOT yet attached a USB flash drive, do this now
and press
USB Flash Drive.
3.
4.
Press
to export the data in Universal File Format (UFF) format.
Use the navigation buttons to select the required machine > Press
5.
.
Use the navigation buttons to select the required modal impact or
6.
7.
8.
Cross Channel Spectrum (ODS) recordings > Press

.
Disconnect the flash drive.
Connect the memory stick to the PC running the ODS software.
Use the standard data import functionality provided in the ODS
software to import the data.
76
Exporting data to an external USB flash drive
Importing data into MEscope
77
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. The length of time you can record for depends
on the Equivalent Fmax. This determines the sample rate/lines of
resolution and the available memory remaining in the instrument.
Measure Long Time Waveforms

Duration is the total amount of time available for recording and is
displayed in seconds. You can record for the full length of time available
or set a shorter time period. Your chosen time period is shown on top,
while the available time is shown in brackets below this value.
The Equivalent Fmax (which determines the maximum frequency
displayed on your screen) will affect the available recording time. A high
Fmax reduces recording time, while a low Fmax increases the total
amount of time available for recording.
While your instrument is recording, you can display the signal on your
screen as a waveform. Alternatively, you can convert it to a spectral
display by pressing Display Type & Resolution and selecting your
preferred display type.
78
To measure long time waveforms:

1.
2.
Press
or
Measure.
Use the arrow keys on the left to highlight Long Time Waveform >
Press
3.
Use the arrow keys to select a parameter set or press

a new set.
to create
4.
5.
Set the parameters as required > Press

.
Use the navigation keys to select a location to save your data to.
NOTE: Each input channel must either be saved to a unique
location, or not saved.
6.
Press
to start measuring.
NOTE: During measuring, the number at the top of your screen

indicates how many recordings have been taken. Spectrum and
waveform measurements are displayed simultaneously by default.
NOTE: When measuring is complete, your screen will display a
waveform block (or spectrum if you selected this option). It will also
show a trend in the overall power of the last recording.
7.
8.
To view the power in another recording, use the arrows on the right
to move the cursor.
If you used a speed sensor, the top chart can also display the trend
in machine speed Press
and RPM.
to toggle between overall power
NOTE: When measuring is finished, the selected measurement

location will contain several individual recordings.
NOTE: When the waveforms are later transferred to the software
and displayed as spectra, the equivalent Fmax value will be used
on the chart. The actual sampling rate is 2.56 times higher than
this Fmax value.
79
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. To do this,
select Analyze > Partial Waveform Analysis or Freq. Based Waveform
Analysis.
MORE: See the Ascent Reference Guide.
You can combine up to 100 sample recordings in a single long time

waveform chart in Ascent. For example, if individual recordings taken on
your instrument used 4096 samples, the maximum long time waveform
length displayed in Ascent would include 409,600 samples, resulting in
160,000 lines of resolution (409,600 divided by 2.56).
80
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. Unbalanced or misaligned machinery
may exhibit as circular orbits, figure eights, leaning orbits, or flat orbits.
Rub or looseness may display as indents around the circumference of
the orbit plot, or small loops around the larger plot orbit. You can use
orbit plots to detect abnormal movements of the shaft in the bearing
(e.g. unbalance, misalignment, or rubbing against a drive casing. The
shaft movement will give you an indication of its cause. For example, if
there is a lot of up/down movement, the machine feet might not be
bolted down tightly enough.
Two probes are used when taking and analyzing enhanced orbit plot
recordings. These are nominally referred to as X and Y. By convention,
when viewing the machine from the driver to the driven end, the Y probe
is positioned 90 degrees counter-clockwise from the X probe.
The direction of shaft rotation is not important for the X and Y position.
You just need to ensure you view the machine from the driver to the
driven end. For example, the Y probe will be positioned 90 degrees
counter-clockwise from the X probe regardless of the actual angles and
positions used.
81
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
the resolution and length of the orbit recording. We suggest 1024
samples and a duration that covers 4-6 revolutions of the machine
being tested. For example, an 890 RPM system (14.8 Hz) has 1 revolution
every 67 milliseconds (6 x 67ms = 402 ms). If you choose 400 ms for the
duration, you will just capture 6 revolutions of the machine.
NOTE: Severe rub or looseness can produce random orbit plots.
Once the recordings have been received in Ascent, you can select a
recording from either location > Select Chart > Orbit+Waveform. The
recording at the other location is automatically selected for plotting
when you choose the orbit plot option.
NOTE: If you have modified the legacy Orbit chart, this might also
display on the Chart menu
82
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

vertical) and include the direction of the shaft rotation for
display and analysis.
Record tach pulses for any tach-triggered waveform recording,
using one average.
Easily take orbit plot recordings on a route you have set up in
Ascent.
NOTE: When using your instrument to collect data on route, if the
route includes corresponding recordings for two different axes on
the same bearing, these will be collected as an orbit recording.
MORE: Contact your sales representative.
83
Use Orbit Plot Measurement Mode

To take an orbit plot measurement:
1.
Press
or
Measure.
2.
3.
Use the arrow keys on the left to highlight Orbit Plot > Press
.
4.
press
to create a new one.
5.
Configure your sensors by pressing
6.
Enable two sensors > press
>
Sensor Setup.
NOTE: Ideally the sensors used to take the measurements should

be displacement probes. This is because you are measuring the
physical movement of the shaft. If required, you can also take the
measurements with accelerometers (if no displacement probes are
available). These measure the movement of the bearing housing,
not the shaft.
7.
Press
samples.
Number of Samples > Select an appropriate number of
TIP: We recommend 1024 samples.
8.
Press
duration.
Wfm Duration Total Time > Select a measurement
TIP: We recommend 4-6 revolutions. You could select

Revs
followed by the number of revolutions or an equivalent duration in
seconds/milliseconds.
9.
Press
mode.
Tach Trigger repeatedly to select the required tach
NOTE: If OFF is selected, you will be prompted to enter the

machine's RPM manually before you start measuring.
10. Press
to begin sampling The sensors will settle and the orbit
plot will display.
84
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.
NOTE: You must specify the vertical and horizontal channels in
order to correctly view the orbit plot in Ascent.
NOTE: The circle icon indicates the start position of the waveform.
The triangle indicates the end.
13. Press
views.
Change View to toggle between orbit plot and waveform
Orbit plot
85
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:
1.
Press
Options.
2.
Press
Sensor Setup.
3.
Enable two sensors > press
NOTE: Ideally the sensors used to take the measurements should

be displacement probes. This is because you are measuring the
physical movement of the shaft. If required, you can also take the
measurements with accelerometers (if no displacement probes are
available). These measure the movement of the bearing housing,
not the shaft.
To take an orbit plot measurement on route:

1.
2.
Press
or
Route.
Select the route you have set up and imported from Ascent.
3.
Press
to toggle to the Axis/Point Mode to Multi-Axis (X & Y for
Orbit).
Press the buttons on the left of the Multi-Channel On Route screen to
specify you X and Y axes.
Press the buttons on the right of the Multi-Channel On Route screen
4.
5.
to specify all the other the axes you wish to record > Press
6.
Select the axis point you wish to take a recording for > Press
begin sampling.
to
7.
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.
8.
Press
Save to save the two waveform measurements used to
generate the orbit plot.
NOTE: You must specify the vertical and horizontal channels in
order to correctly view the orbit plot in Ascent.
NOTE: The circle icon indicates the start position of the waveform.
The triangle indicates the end.
86
9.
Press
views.
Change View to toggle between orbit plot and waveform
Preparing to take an orbit plot recording on route
Modal Impact Testing

This section explains how to do modal impact testing on your
instrument. This process involves:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Planning and noting the locations and directions for your impact
test.
Setting up your parameters, hammer, and sensors to measure the
frequency you are interested in.
Performing trial impacts with your hammer on the machine you are
investigating This trial phase provides an opportunity to
experiment with different hammer tips and force of impact to
ensure you are prepared to take high quality recordings.
Performing actual impacts in Run mode and recording the specific
locations and directions used.
Reviewing the data:
On your instrument
In Ascent
MORE: Contact your local sales representative for more details
about this feature.
MORE: Learn more about the fundamentals of modal testing.
87
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.
NOTE: You can either use a pre-defined machine structure that you
have already downloaded to your instrument, or create the
machines and points as you execute the impact tests.
2 Setup
Before you can use your instrument to do a modal impact test recording,
you will need to specify the appropriate settings for your channels and
sensors (e.g. spectral parameter settings such as Fmax, Fmin, lines, and
number of averages). Selecting the appropriate settings will enable you
to measure the frequency of interest on the machine you are examining.
EG: You might want to measure two channels with 3 kHz Fmax.
To set up the channels and sensors on your instrument:

1.
2.
Press
or
Measure.
Use the navigation arrows to select Modal Impact Testing > Press
3.
.
Select your preferred FRF type Accelerance/Mobility/Compliance:
a.
b.
Press
Store Units.
Use the navigation arrows to select your preferred unit > Press
.
NOTE: This selection is the modal equivalent of choosing between
acceleration, velocity, and displacement. Consequently,
Accelerance is the better choice for very high frequencies, and
compliance for very low frequencies. Frequency Response
Function (FRF) units are derived automatically based on your unit
selection.
88
4.
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.
b.
5.
Press
Spectrum Waveform.
.
Select the required Fmax setting Ensure the measurement range
covers the frequency range of interest. Typical values are Fmin = 1
Hz (60 cpm) and Fmax = approximately 10 times the machine
running speed:
a.
b.
Press
Fmax Fmin.
6.
.
Specify the total time required to take a waveform recording:
7.
8.
Press
Wfm Duration Total Time.
Select the required option.
9. Press
.
10. Select the force signal trigger level:
a.
Press
b.
Press
Change Channels to enable the appropriate
channels.
Press a button on the left beside the channel(s) you wish to
enable.
Press a button on the right beside the sensor you wish to
change > Select the required option.
c.
d.
Hammer Trigger.
MORE: Ensure you enter the Hammers sensitivity correctly (this

value is normally printed on the hammer). You can now enter the
Hammer Trigger level Typically a low value such as 1% of the
hammers full scale range. You can adjust this when performing
Trial impacts.
89
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.
c.
Press
Auto-Increment Upon Save to toggle between the
available options:
Hammer Point Hammer point name is incremented each
time you save.
No Increase Hammer point is not incremented.
Sensor Point Measure by impacting the same location
and moving the sensor (sensor point name is incremented).
d.
Press
Point Name Increment to change the default
interval at which points will automatically increment.
e.
Press
Sensor Setup to set up your channels and sensors
as required.
12. Press
to exit when you have finished selecting the required
parameters.
Selecting the required parameter settings
90
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. If required, you can disable these warning
messages.
NOTE: Trial data is not retained.
To run a trial impact:

1.
Press
or
2.
Press
to scroll and select Modal Impact Testing > Press
3.
4.
5.
Select the required modal impact test > Press

.
Connect your impact hammer to the CH1 port on your instrument.
Connect your sensor.
6.
Press
to confirm your hammer and sensor are connected
correctly.
Wait for the instrument to settle.
Use your hammer to impact the relevant point on the machine you
are examining.
7.
8.
Measure.
TIP: Ensure you keep track of the points on the machine you are
measuring as you will need to specify these once you have run a
modal impact test.
91
9.
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
impact you have executed and wish to start taking actual
recordings in Run mode.
Press
to take another trial impact.
Press
to discard the impact you have just taken.
NOTE: You can press

to toggle between displaying impact and
response waveforms; and impact and response spectra. All these
graphs display in real time while you are acquiring data.
TIP: Press
to access more detail about the warning message
while it displays.
TIP: You do NOT need to press a button to retain an impact. You
can simply execute a new impact to achieve this.
TIP: You might need to change the end of your impact hammer to
improve the frequency content of the impact Your instrument
will suggest this if necessary.
Executing a trial impact
Pressing ? while a warning message displays to access more detail about it
92
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). To do disable the warning messages:
1.
2.
Press
or
Measure.
Use the navigation arrows to select Modal Impact Testing > Press
.
3.
Press
4.
Press
.
Manage Warnings.
4 Perform Actual Modal Impact Test

Once you have performed one or more trial impacts and are satisfied
that you are set up to obtain good quality data, you can enter Run mode
and perform an actual impact test. This involves executing a number of
impacts for each point according to your labeled machine test plan, and
then saving each group of recordings against the relevant point. As you
perform impacts, your instrument keeps track of the recordings for each
point, and can automatically increment the name or number of each
point as you save each recording and move to the next point. When you
save your impacts you will need to specify the points and directions you
used for these so keep your test plan close at hand.
93
To execute an actual impact test in Run mode:

1.
Exit Trial recording mode.

TIP: The recording mode in use displays at the top of the screen
(Trial or Run).
2.
3.
Use your impact hammer to impact the relevant point on the

machine you are measuring.
Review the message that displays on the screen:
Press
Save when you have finished taking all your impact
tests at this location.
NOTE: To help you keep track of where you are in the recording
sequence, your instrument automatically increments the point
names each time you save a recording. It also supports a point
sequence that includes a number and text E.g. Motor1, Motor2,
etc. However, simply using numbers is quicker and easier than
using an alphanumeric name for each point.
Press
if you are satisfied with the impact you have
executed and wish to perform another impact.
TIP: Alternatively you can simply perform another trial impact
The instrument is ready and waiting for you.
Press
to discard the impact you have just taken.
NOTE: You can only discard the most recent impact taken. It is not
possible to discard older impacts.
NOTE: You can press
to toggle between displaying impact and
response waveforms; impact and response spectra; and
Coherence/FRF/Phase graphs. All these graphs display in real time
while you are acquiring data.
TIP: Press
to access more detail about the warning message
while it displays.
TIP: You do NOT need to press a button to retain an impact. You
can simply execute a new impact to achieve this.
94
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
1.
Specify the locations and directions for the impacts you have saved:
a.
Press
Machine Name > Select or specify the machine you
performed the impact test on (e.g. Rotor 1) > Press
b.
Press
Hammer Point > Select or add the name of the point
c.
at which you performed the impact (e.g. Right Side) > Press
Select the point names for the channels you used.
d.
Press
Hammer Axis to select the direction of the impacts.
NOTE: Each response channel must be saved to a unique point or

axis.
e.
Press the button(s) beside the Channel Axis labels > Select the
direction(s) you used > Press
2.
3.
4.
Press
to exit when you have finished specifying the details for
the impacts you executed.
Move your sensor or hammer to its new location and perform more
modal impacts in Run mode.
Press
to return to the Modal Impact Testing screen.
Taking an actual recording in Run mode

So far there have been 3 impacts in this recording
95
5 Review Data
Once you have taken modal impact recordings you can review the data:
On your instrument press
or
Record Review.
MORE: Click here to learn more about reviewing stored recordings.
In Ascent
96
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).
1.
2.
Press
or
Measure.
Use the arrow keys on the left to highlight Keypad Entry > Press
.
3.
4.
Use the arrow keys on the left to select a keypad entry or press
to create a new one.
If you are creating a new keypad entry, use the arrow keys to
highlight it > Press
measure.
Unit to select the type of unit you wish to
5.
Press
Display > Enter the text that will display on your screen
when you collect the data (e.g. Enter Machine RPM).
6.
Press
instead of taking a measurement > Use the keypad to
enter your value.
7.
8.
Press
to select a machine location to save the data to.
Use the arrow keys on the left to scroll up and down.
9.
Press
(Expand Navigator) repeatedly to expand a machine so
its points and locations become visible.
10. Press
to save the data to your chosen location.
97
Using the keypad to enter measurements
98
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.
This problem does NOT apply to normal constant-speed machines. It
relates to variable-speed machines and is of particular concern on low
speed machines. Low speed measurements tend to be very long in
duration. This allows time for the machines speed to change
significantly while a recording is taken.
The number of orders being recorded is also a significant factor that
must be understood in relation to peak smearing. Consider a turbine
that experiences a speed increase of 2% during a recording. This speed
variation will have relatively little impact on the first order running speed
peak. However, at 50 orders the impact will be significant. The peak will
be smeared from its original location to the original location of the 51st
order (2% x 50 orders = 100% of an order).
The order tracking system prevents smearing of spectral peaks. To do
this, it automatically adjusts the data sampling rate to obtain a constant
number of samples per revolution of the machine. To provide the precise
timing information required, a tachometer sensor must be used. This
tachometer should be positioned on the highest speed shaft if the
machine uses a gearbox. This will provide the most frequent timing
information to the order tracking system.
To achieve order tracking, your instrument digitally resamples data
during acquisition at the required samples-per-rev rate. The digital
processing techniques employed ensure very high signal quality and are
able to tolerate significant machine speed variations of between half
and twice the speed relative to the machine speed when recording
starts.
99
Automatic sample rate adjustment over varying speeds
Take Order Tracked Measurement

Order tracking can only be applied to Spectrum, Waveform, Coastdown/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.
NOTE: Order tracked recordings can also be configured in Ascent.
See the Software Reference Guide for more information.
NOTE: Phase data is not available for order-tracked recordings.
To take an order tracked measurement:

1.
2.
3.
Press
or
Measure.
Use ONE of these methods to select the required measurement type:
Press
Press
Demodulation.
Use the arrow keys on the left to select Coast-down/Run-up or
Orbit Plot.
Press
Spectrum Waveform.
100
4.
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 coastdown/run-up measurement.
5.
Press
Number of Samples if you are taking an Orbit Plot
measurement.
Use the arrow keys on the left to select the lines of resolution for the
measurement, or samples for orbit plots.
NOTE: Order tracked recordings are limited to 6400 lines of
resolution for single channel recordings, and 3200 lines for dual
channel recordings.
6.
7.
Press
to save your changes and return to the main
measurement screen.
Use EITHER of these measurements, depending on the type of
measurement:
Press
Fmax Fmin for measurements based on orders.
Press
on revs.
Wfm Duration Total Time for measurements based
8.
Press
Ord Trk or Revs Trk or use the left and right arrow keys
9.
to select the text Tracked from the select box > Press
.
Enter the number of orders or revolutions that will be tracked.
NOTE: This value must be between 1 and 999.
NOTE: To revert the measurement to a non-order tracked
recording, press
Ord or Revs > Enter a new value.
Alternatively, you can use the arrow keys to select an Fmax or the
text Orders or Revs > Press
101
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. The values beside
Wfm Duration Total Time
display the number of revolutions that will be tracked, together
with the text Rev Trk. If these values are NOT entered manually,
they are calculated using the fact that revolutions multiplied by
orders must equal lines of resolution. The parameter set will be
appended with the text [OT] to indicate the measurement is now
order tracked.
11. Repeatedly press

Tach Trigger on the main menu to select a
Standard or Keyphasor tachometer.
NOTE: An order tracked measurement CANNOT be taken without a
tachometer. If OFF is selected, an alert will display when you
attempt to take the measurement. It will advise you that a
tachometer is required. When a tachometer is specified and order
tracking is activated, RPM is measured throughout the recording
and then averaged to get a final weighted RPM.
12. Attach the vibration sensor.

13. Connect the tachometer that will be used to measure machine RPM.
14. Press
> Press
Sensor Setup.
15. Specify a sensor (or two sensors if taking an Orbit Plot
measurement) > Press
16. Press
to take the reading The plot details displayed in the
top left of the screen will be appended with the text [OT] to indicate
the measurement is order tracked.
17. Press
Save to select a machine location to save this data to.
18. Use the arrow keys on the left to scroll up and down.
19. Press
(Expand Navigator) repeatedly to expand a machine so
its points and locations display.
20. Press
to save the data to the required location.
102
Example of tracked measurement
103
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. For example, you can measure the
proximity probe gap. Other supported sensor types (Acc./Vel./Displ.) are
typically AC-coupled.
Some instruments also support Frequency, Voltage, Temperature,
Pressure, Power, Force, Volume Flow Rate, Mass Flow Rate, and userdefined units. This capability enables these instrument models to make
the most use of Average Value measurements.
1.
Press
or
Measure.
2.
3.
Use the arrow keys on the left to select Average Value > Press
.
4.
press
Set the recording parameters as required.
NOTE: Ensure the sensor setup corresponds with the measurement
type you wish to take. Create new sensors where necessary. The
instrument will record values in the sensor's native units only.
5.
Press
to start recording.
Take Multi-channel Simultaneous

Measurements
The process for taking a single or multi-channel measurement is very
similar. The only difference is that for multi-channel measurements, you
must enable more than one channel, and save each measurement
separately. You do NOT have to save each channel's measurements. You
can selectively choose the ones you wish to keep.
EG: You can save a measurement taken on channel 2 but discard a
measurement taken on channel 1.
104
Set up Sensors and Channels

To set up sensors and channels:
1.
Select your measurement type and parameters as usual.
2.
3.
4.
Press
> Press
Sensor Setup.
Assign and enable a sensor for each channel you are measuring.
Press Change Sensor opposite your chosen measuring channel.
NOTE: If this is new sensor that has NOT yet been defined in the
instrument, you will need to create a sensor definition before you
can assign it to a channel. See Defining and Editing Sensors.
5.
7.
Use the arrow keys to select a sensor > Press

to assign it to
your channel.
To enable the channel for measuring, press a key on the left beside
your chosen channel Enabled will display beside the channel to
indicate you can now use it to take measurements.
Repeat this process to enable additional channels.
8.
9.
Press
twice to start measuring.
Save your measurements.
6.
Setting up sensors and channels
105
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. This will cause Ascent to delete one of your measurements. To
prevent this, we recommend you store your recordings in measurement
locations that reflect the direction the sensors were placed when the
measurement was taken.
To save multi-channel measurements:
1.
Press
when you are ready to stop measuring.
2.
3.
4.
Press
Save This opens the Select Location to Save menu.
Press Save to on the right beside the channel you wish to save.
Use the arrow keys to select an existing location to save the
measurement to, or press
to create a new location.
NOTE: You can save each channel's measurements or select only

those you wish to keep.
5.
6.
Press
to return to the Select Locations menu.
Repeat steps 3 to 5 to store your other measurement(s).
TIP: To undo saving of a measurement, press the channel's Save
key again The text will change to Don't Save.
7.
Press
when you have selected all the measurements you want
to save Your instrument will display Data Saved before returning
to the measurement screen.
106
Saving multi-channel measurements
107
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
Which measurement units and overall scaling options are
available
How to assign sensors to channels
Set Measurement Units and Spectrum

Scaling
You can choose the standard US or SI units, or choose your own
preferences. The tables below outline the available options.
To select your preferred measurement options:
1.
Open the main menu.
2.
Press
3.
4.
Press
repeatedly to toggle the unit set displayed.
Select Custom to set your own preferences > Press the keys beside
the first option you wish to change.
Press the keys repeatedly to cycle through the various options.
5.
6.
Options > Press
Measuring Units.
Press
when you have finished to save your settings and return
to the Measurement Units menu.
108
Units
Spectrum Scaling Time Waveform Scaling
Accel
g, m/s2
RMS, 0-pk, pk-pk
RMS, 0-pk, pk-pk
Veloc
mm/s, in/s
As above
As above
Disp
mm, m, mil
As above
As above
Current
Amps
As above
As above
Unit Set
SI
US
Custom
Frequency
Hz
CPM
Hz, CPM
vdB Units
vdB SI (1e-6
mm/s)
adB SI (1 m/s2)
vdB US (1e-5 mm/s) vdB US, vdB SI

adB US (1 g)
adB US, adB SI
Linear Speed
Distance
mm
in
mm, in
Weight
g, kg
lb, oz
lb, oz, tons, kg,

g
adB Units
Balancing Units
Quantity
Acceleration
Velocity
Displacement
Units
in/s, mm/s
mm, m, mil
Scaling
RMS, 0-pk, pk-pk
109
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:

1.
Open the main menu.
2.
Press
Measure > Press
3.
Press
to display the hint labels.
4.
Press
Create New Paramset The default parameters for a
spectrum measurement display.
Press a key beside a parameter value to change it This will cause
the parameter to cycle through the available options. Alternatively, a
submenu will display, enabling you to enter a value using the
5.
Spectrum Waveform.
keypad or select a value from the list. Press

changes if you have opened a submenu.
6.
Press
to save your
to display Averaging parameters and Window type.
110
Spectral lines submenu
111
Create your own Parameter Sets

You can create a new parameter set which you can store and reuse. To
do this:
1.
Access the measurement type you wish to create:

a. Open the main menu.
b.
c.
Press
or
Measure.
Press the arrow keys to select the required measurement type.
d.
Press
to select it.
2.
Press
3.
Press
Create New Paramset to create a copy of the default
parameter set.
4.
Press
to redisplay the hint labels.
5.
Press
Edit Name > Enter a description for your parameter set >
6.
Press
.
Press the keys beside the relevant options to set the measurement
parameters.
EG: You could create a custom parameter set for a spectrum
waveform and change the store units to acceleration, set the Fmax
to 1500 CPM; the ORD to 10 x the machine running speed; the
number of spectral lines to 3200; and the average overlap to
62.5%.
MORE: If you have already defined a sensor and enabled a
channel, you can now press
to take a measurement. See
Assigning Sensors to Channels.
112
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.
If you unplug a sensor in order to take a different type of measurement
(e.g. if you swap an accelerometer for a current sensor), you will need to
assign this new sensor to the channel.
To assign a sensor to a channel:
1.
Open the main menu.
2.
Press
3.
Press
Sensor Setup > Press Change Sensor beside your
chosen measuring channel.
Options.
NOTE: If this is a new sensor that has NOT yet been defined in the
instrument, you will need to create a sensor definition before you
can assign it to a channel. See Defining and Editing Sensors.
4.
5.
Use the arrow keys to select a sensor > Press

to assign it to the
measuring channel you selected.
Press a key on the left beside your required channel to enable it for
measuring The channel will be labeled Enabled to indicate you
can now use it to take measurements.
6.
Press
twice to return to the main menu.
NOTE: You can enable as many channels as required.
113
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
114
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. For vibration
involving fingered elements such as gear teeth, fan blades, pump vanes,
and bearing elements, an Fmax equal to three times the number of
fingers multiplied by the operating speed is usually sufficient. For
vibration not involving fingered elements, an Fmax equal to 40 times the
operating speed is usually sufficient.
Some instruments support 60 KHz and 80 kHz Fmax options. This is in
addition to the normal options of up to 40 kHz. The special 60 kHz and
80 kHz high frequency ranges can be recorded in Acceleration and
single channel only. Instruments that support these Fmax ranges will
provide consistent, trendable readings, even though their normal noise,
distortion, and anti-aliasing specification (-70 dB) is not met in the 60 kHz
and 80 kHz high frequency ranges.
NOTE: If you want to add support for up to 80 kHz Fmax on an
instrument manufactured before 1 March 2013, you will need to
return the instrument to New Zealand for calibration.
MORE: Contact your local sales representative for details.
You can specify the Fmax of a measurement as an exact value or a

multiple (order) of a machine's running speed. To do this:
1.
Select your measurement type.
2.
3.
4.
Press
Fmax Fmin.
Press the ORD orders keys.
Enter an Fmax orders value.
5.
Press
twice to return to the measurement setup.
NOTE: When you take a measurement, the resulting display will

use an Fmax with the specified number of orders. The value will be
rounded up to the closest Fmax if an exact match is NOT available.
115
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. We recommend you only use several spectral
lines when required.
EG: You may need to use several spectral lines when you need to
distinguish between two closely-spaced vibration frequencies, or
when the Fmax is very large.
For coast-down or run-up measurements, we recommend a resolution

of 400 lines.
Fmin
You can use the Fmin setting to eliminate the ski-slope effect from the
low frequency end of the spectra. All spectral lines below the Fmin value
will be set to zero and will NOT be included in the overall RMS
calculation.
Tach Trigger
When you select Tach Trigger, measuring will only start when a
tachometer pulse is detected. If Tach Trigger is set to OFF, the instrument
will start measuring as soon as the settling time has elapsed.
Averaging
When measuring vibration, several spectra are usually measured and
averaged to produce an average vibration chart. The averaging process
minimizes the effect of random variations or noise spikes that are
inherent in vibration signals. Averaging is applied to amplitude values,
NOT to the frequency range.
You can press
from your preferred measurement setup menu to
display the available averaging options.
116
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.
Four averages are sufficient in most cases. You can set the number of
averages to one if spectra averaging is NOT required (e.g. with run-up
and coast-down recordings).
Averaging Types
The following averaging types are available:
Linear averaging This is suitable in most cases. The

amplitude value at each frequency of a spectrum is added to
the same frequency of the next spectrum. The sum is then
divided by the number of averages taken.
Exponential averaging This is occasionally used during
manual measurements to give the advantage of a fast update
rate, while maintaining some averaging. The most recent
spectra have more influence on the average than earlier
measurements. Averaging is continuous until you stop the
measurement.
Peak hold This is useful for measuring the maximum
amplitude peak that occurs over a period of time. It is also
useful for measuring resonances during a bump test. Peak hold
does NOT average the amplitude values. It records and displays
the maximum amplitude of each spectral line.
Average Overlap
Overlapping is a means of quickly collecting and displaying data. As
vibration measurements are collected, a percentage of the new data is
combined (overlapped) with each subsequent measurement. The higher
the overlap percentage, the less newly acquired data is needed to
generate a spectrum and the faster the spectrum can be displayed. An
overlap percentage of 50% is ideal in most cases.
117
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. Windowing involves multiplying blocks of data values by a
suitable mathematical function (window type). This ensures the data
block begins and ends with zero amplitude and makes the data block
display as a complete wave.
NOTE: Windowing is NOT available with waveforms.
Choose Window Type

You can choose between the following types of windows:
Hanning window Provides the best frequency resolution. This

is a good general purpose window.
Rectangular The FFT is NOT adjusted (i.e. this is equivalent to
NOT using a window).
Each window type has characteristics that make it better suited for
some applications and less well suited for others. You should match the
window type to the nature of the signal you are trying to capture (e.g.
random or transient signals).
Waveform Parameters
This section provides more information on the available waveform
parameters:
Equivalent Fmax
Number of Samples
Duration
118
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.
Changing the Equivalent Fmax directly affects the sampling rate, which
has an inverse effect on the duration of the waveform.
Number of Samples
The resolution of the waveform increases with the number of samples
used. The more samples, the more information the waveform contains.
However, more samples in a waveform means more memory is used to
store the waveform.
TIP: You can let your instrument set the number of samples and
duration for you. To access this feature, simply set the Equivalent
Fmax so that it covers your required frequency range. Your
instrument will select the maximum number of samples and
duration that can be used with this Fmax. You can then adjust
these values as required.
Duration
The duration of a waveform is its recording time. The duration value
depends on the number of samples selected. Increasing the number of
samples increases the duration.
Additional Measurement Parameters

The following additional measurement parameters are available:
Bandwidth Available with Demod Spectrum. The bandwidth

you select determines which range of frequencies the
demodulation process will use.
Machine speed Available with Cross Channel Phase. When
you measure cross channel phase, ensure you specify the
frequency you are investigating. Typically, this is the machine
running speed.
119
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
Walkthrough Take Recordings

Once you have created your machine structures and assigned
parameter sets to the measurement locations, you can take recordings.
To do this:
1.
2.
3.
Connect your sensors to the appropriate measurement locations.

Set up the tachometer (if you are taking tachometer readings).
Ensure the folder containing the machines you want to monitor is
selected The name of the currently selected folder will display on
the main menu beside the Folders feature.
NOTE: To select a different folder, press
Folders & USB Export
> Use the arrow keys to select the required folder > Press
. This
loads the folder and all its machines into current memory and
returns you to the main menu.
4.
Press
folder.
Record Review to display the machines in the selected
5.
Press
Save (if required).
MORE: See Recording Save Options.
6.
7.
Use the arrow keys on the left to scroll up and down > Press
Expand Navigator repeatedly to expand a machine so its points
and locations display.
Highlight the parameter set you wish to record.
TIP: If you want to record all parameter sets at a location, highlight
the location The recordings will be taken in the order in which
they appear on your instrument.
120
8.
Press
to start the first recording,
NOTE: Your instrument and sensor will take a short time to settle
before recording starts.
9.
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
individually. This enables you to selectively record data. You can also
speed up data collection by reducing the number of key presses needed
to take multiple recordings at a single location.
Individual recording
To record an individual parameter set, select the set > Press
start recording.
to
Multiple recording
To record every parameter set in a location, select the location > Press
to start recording.
121
Save Recordings
There are several options for saving your recordings when you open the
Record Review menu. The table outlines these.
Auto Save, Your instrument momentarily displays the recorded
information on the screen before returning you to the
BL,
Record Review menu.
Bands
Auto +
Delay,
BL, Bands
Your instrument displays the recorded information on the

screen for several seconds before returning you to the
Record Review menu.
BL
Your instrument displays a data quality message if the

difference between the last measurement taken and the
preconfigured baseline value is outside the typical or
expected range of variance. This applies if a baseline has
been configured and if the measurement differs from the
baseline by more than 50%.
Bands
Your instrument displays band alarms if these have

previously been configured in Ascent.
122
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:
Manual
Save,
BL, Bands
Return you to the Record Review menu.

Start taking the next recording If you have
selected a location with multiple parameter sets
beneath it.
Your instrument will continuously record the signal and
update the information displayed on the screen.
Press
to stop measuring.
Press
to save the recording.
Press
to record the next parameter set without saving
your current recording. This will either:
Return you to the Record Review menu.

Start taking the next recording If you have
selected a location with multiple parameter sets
beneath it.
Review Recording
You can review a recording as soon as you have taken it, or once you
have stored it.
Review Current Recording

To review a recording as soon as you have taken it, set the instrument's
save option to Record/Review. To do this:
1.
Press
or
Record Review on the main menu.
2.
Press
repeatedly until Rec/Review displays in the bottom right
of the screen.
123
Review Stored Recording

To review recordings you have taken and stored:
1.
2.
Press
or
Use the arrow keys on the left to scroll up and down > Select the
recording you wish to review.
3.
Press
4.
Press
Expand Navigator repeatedly to expand a machine so
its locations and parameter sets display.
5.
Press
Review Selected Recording to display the newest
recording.
to display the button labels.
NOTE: When you highlight a parameter set, its associated

recordings display in the Review column. The newest recording is
highlighted at the top of the column.
6.
Display older recordings:

a.
Press
to select the Review column A black border
displays around the column to indicate you can now move
up/down through the recordings.
b.
Use the arrow keys on the left to select a recording > Press
to display your selection.
NOTE: An asterisk beside a recording indicates that more than one
recording type is contained within the record (spectrum and
waveform, or 6Pack combination measurements, for example).
7.
Use the cursors, harmonics, and zooming to analyze the data better.
MORE: See Analyze Measurement for more information on using
cursors and zooming.
8.
Press
View Schedule (if required).
9.
Press
to return to the Review column when you have finished
reviewing the recording.
10. Select another recording for review or press and hold

to the main menu.
124
to return
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:
1.
2.
Press
or
Use the arrow keys on the left to scroll up and down > Select the
recording you wish to review.
3.
Press
to delete the recording.
4.
Press
to confirm the deletion.
Attach Note
You can add a text note or comment to a recording. To do this:
1.
Highlight the recording in the Review column.
2.
Press
to open the Note menu.
125
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. You can send the full baseline spectrum or only the overall
value. If you choose to use a full spectrum, you will be able to display the
full baseline spectrum and the overall value on the instrument. This will
enable you to make detailed comparisons, however it will take a long
time to send the data to your instrument.
The next time you take a recording, the overall power level for the
baseline will display in the top right corner of the screen, directly
underneath the overall power level for the current recording. The LED
lights on the instrument will also indicate the status of the recording,
relative to the baseline.
NOTE: You can only display baseline recordings when you take a
recording from the Record Review or Route menu. You CANNOT
display a baseline from the Measure Menu. Baseline recordings are
identified by an arrow > symbol to the left of the recording list.
Instrument LEDs indicating status of recording relative to baseline
126
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
Set the RPM for a measurement
Store a measurement
127
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. bearings) are the same as those that
define their wear. For multi-operating mode machines, it is best
to take measurements when the loads on the bearings are at a
maximum. Ensure you take all future measurements in the
same mode.
Ensure you do NOT lean on the machine or place a heavy object
on it (e.g. a heavy tool box). Doing so will change the vibratory
behavior of the machine.
Stop any machines that are operating near the machine you are
measuring (if possible). Machines operating nearby can affect
the vibration of the machine you are measuring.
In addition to taking measurements:
Stop and listen to the sound of the machine.

Look for loose bolts and oil leaks.
Check whether any machine parts are vibrating visibly.
Touch the machine to check for hot bearings (if it is safe to do
so).
Touch the area that is vibrating (e.g. with a screwdriver) to look
for symptoms that might later aid vibration analysis (if it is safe
to do so).
If you have a stroboscope, you can use this to freeze rotating
shafts, belts, and couplings. This will enable you to observe the
operating shapes and relative speeds of these parts, which will
help with later vibration analysis.
MORE: See Strobe Output for more information on using your
instrument to automatically control strobe frequencies.
128
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.
To measure a machine's vibration using your instrument:
1.
2.
4.
Attach the sensor to the machine.

Attach the tachometer if you wish to take rotor speed and phase
angle recordings.
Start the machine you wish to record (if it is not already running) >
Wait until the machine is operating at its normal load and running
speed.
Open the main menu on your instrument.
5.
6.
Press
or
Measure.
Use the arrow keys to select the required measurement type > Press
7.
.
Change the default settings for the measurement option (if
required).
3.
MORE: See Change Default Measurement Settings below.
8.
Press
to start the measurement.
NOTE: The instrument and sensor will take a short time to settle
before measuring begins.
NOTE: Measurements are taken in free run mode. This means the
signal on your screen continually updates until you stop the
measurement.
9. Press
to stop the measurement.
10. Analyze the measurement on your screen E.g. You can display the
amplitude of spectral peaks and identify harmonics.
MORE: See Analyze Measurements.
11. Press
to save the measurement (if required) > Select an
existing machine location (or create a new one).
MORE: See Save Measurement.
129
12. Press
saving.
to stop viewing the measurement and exit without
Taking measurements
130
Change Default Measurement Settings

To change the default settings for a measurement option:
1.
Press a key on the right beside a setting you wish to change.
2.
Press
> Press a key beside a setting you wish to change > Enter
a value or select the required value from the list.
3.
Press
4.
Press
> Press
to access the Sensor Setup option and
select a different sensor.
Press the required button on the right to select the required
measuring channel.
Use the arrow keys on the left to highlight the required sensor >
5.
6.
to apply your changes and return to the previous menu.
7.
Press
to proceed with your selection.
Press the required button on the right to enable your preferred
measuring channel.
8.
Press
twice to start measuring.
Changing the default measurement settings
131
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
Viewing two waveforms simultaneously
132
Analyze Measurements
You can press
to stop and analyze a measurement. When you do
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.
Pressing
to display analysis options
133
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
the chart
Press
or
repeatedly to activate a
cursor and move it across the screen.
Press and hold a key to move the cursor
rapidly from peak to peak within a displayed
waveform recording.
Place a second cursor

on the chart
Press
Second Cursor The second
cursor will NOT be visible immediately as it will
be placed directly behind the first cursor. The
values for the new cursor will display at the top
of the screen.
Press
or
repeatedly to move the
cursor to either side so that it becomes visible.
Toggle the active

cursor
Clear cursors
Press
Second Cursor to toggle between
the two cursors. The selected cursor will be
darker with a dashed line. The inactive cursor
will be a lighter gray with a finely dotted line.
Press
then
Clear Cursors to remove
all cursors and harmonics.
Display the amplitude

or
or frequency of a peak Press
cursor and move it across the screen. The
frequency and amplitude values indicated by
the cursor will display at the top of the screen.
A horizontal crosshair across the active cursor
will indicate the interpolated amplitude of the
selected peak at the cursor location.
134
Display the frequency

or time difference
between peaks
Press
or
cursor and move it to the first peak.
Press
Second Cursor to add a new cursor
to the display > Press

or
to move it to the second peak.
repeatedly
The values for both cursors will display in the

top of the screen. The delta
symbol will
display on the far right. The value beside the
delta displays the frequency or time difference
between the two peaks.
The delta indicates the frequency/amplitude difference of two peaks
135
Show or Hide Harmonics

To hide or show harmonics:
1.
2.
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.
3.
Press
or
repeatedly to move the cursor over different
peaks Additional cursors will display as whole-number multiples
of the frequency or time value indicated by the main cursor.
4.
Press
> Press
sidebands.
Clear Cursors to remove all harmonics and
136
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
and expansion screen to indicate when zooming is available.
If the magnifying glass icons are NOT visible, press
to toggle them on.
Press
to display hint labels for the zooming and
expansion options.
Zoom
horizontally
across chart
You can use the arrow keys on the right to expand the
peaks of a spectrum or waveform. To do this:
1.
Move the cursor to the position of interest.
2.
Press
X Axis Zoom repeatedly to zoom in to
the cursor position.
NOTE: You will zoom in by a factor of two per
key press.
The more spectral lines or waveform sample points

used, the more times you can zoom.
Zoom
vertically and
horizontally
Zoom out
To see low amplitude peaks more clearly:

1.
Move the cursor to the position of interest.
2.
Press
Y Axis Zoom to zoom in by a factor of
two per key press.
3.
Press
X Axis Zoom to expand the frequencies
on either side of the cursor.
Press
X Axis Expand repeatedly to zoom out
horizontally.
Press
to zoom out vertically.
137
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. For example, you
might be viewing 6Pack recordings. This applies to waveform or spectra
only.
When you use an analysis option (e.g. zooming), this will only be applied
to the selected chart.
Select Chart
To select a chart:
1.
Display your charts.
2.
Press
3.
Press
Select Chart The axes of the chart become thicker
and darker to indicate the chart is selected.
4.
Press
repeatedly to toggle to the chart you wish to work with.
Display Single Chart

To display one chart:
1.
Select a chart to make it fill the screen.
2.
Press
> Press
Chart Zoom.
NOTE: Once you have zoomed in to a single chart on a multi-chart

measurement type (e.g. spectrum + waveform or 6Pack), you can
press
charts.
3.
Change View to toggle between measurement type
Repeat step 2 to redisplay all charts (if required).
138
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.
Select Chart Layout

To select a chart layout:
1.
2.
Press
3.
Press
Change View to change the chart type currently
displayed. Press repeatedly to toggle between waveform or
spectrum displays for up to four channels, and spectrum +
waveform to view both measurement types on your screen
simultaneously for individual channels.
Change Multi-chart Layout Display

To change a multi-chart layout display:
1.
2.
Press
3.
Press
> Press
Layout screen.
4.
Press
to choose the channels you want displayed in your Multi
Chart Layout screen.
5.
Press
or
Chart Data Change to open the Multi Chart
to select a layout.
NOTE: For single channel displays you can choose waveform,

spectrum, or spectrum + waveform. For multi-domain
measurements that use three or more channels which all display
simultaneously, you can only display waveform or spectrum
simultaneously.
139
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. The Linear scale is suitable for most cases. Log scaling (base 10) is
more useful for displaying vibration for very large or very small
amplitudes.
To access the required option:
1.
2.
Display the spectrum measurement on your screen.

Highlight your spectrum measurement.
3.
Press
> Press
scaling options.
4.
Press
Linear Log dB repeatedly to toggle between Linear, Log,
and dB scaling.
Y Axis Log to set the Y axis (amplitude)
NOTE: VdB and adB scaling are only available when you measure
velocity and acceleration respectively.
5.
Press
Y Axis Max This is the highest amplitude value that will
be displayed on your screen.
6.
Use the arrow keys to highlight a value > Press

value.
7.
Press
Y Axis Range repeatedly to toggle the Y Axis range
This selects the lowest amplitude value that will be displayed on
your screen, relative to your chosen Max value.
8.
Press
screen.
to select the
when you have finished to return to the measurement
140
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 Enables the instrument to auto-scale the left axis

to accommodate the highest and lowest peaks.
Current Fixes the Y axis to whatever amplitude is currently
displaying, regardless of how large or small the peaks become.
141
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
measurements.
Linear and Log scaling are available for all measurement types.
The tables list the amplitude display units you can choose from.
Store Units
Max dB Value
Max dB
Value
Linear Scale
Log Scale
Acceleration
m/s2, mm/s2
m/s2, mm/s2
Velocity
mm/s, m/s
mm/s, m/s
Displacement
Current
mil, mm, m
mm, m
mA, A
mA, A
Store Units
Y Axis Fixed
Y Axis Fixed
Linear Scale
Log Scale
mm/s2
Acceleration
automatic, current,
Velocity
automatic, current, m/s
Displacement automatic, current, m

Current
automatic, current, A
142
m/s2, mm/s2
mm/s, m/s
mm, m
mA, A
vdB
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 1x10-6 mm/s. It is the SI
reference level. The value 1e-5 mm/s is the reference level used by the
US Navy and several American industries.
adB
The vibration acceleration level adB (US) is 20 times the logarithm of the
ratio of the RMS acceleration level to 1 g RMS.
The SI version of adB is less commonly used, and has a reference value
of 1 m/s2.
Set RPM
Setting the 1X RPM enables you to view the chart in orders (for spectra)
or revs (for waveforms).
You can enter the RPM manually (if you know it), or set the RPM from a
spectral 1X peak.
Enter RPM manually

To enter the RPM manually:
1.
Display a measurement.
2.
3.
Press
> Press
Select Set RPM.
4.
Enter a value using the number keys > Press
Extended Commands.
143
Enter RPM using 1X peak

To enter the RPM using the 1X peak:
1.
Press
or
repeatedly to move the cursor to the 1X peak.
2.
3.
Press
> Press
Extended Commands.
Select Set RPM The frequency of your selected peak will display.
4.
Press
to save this frequency as the RPM value.
NOTE: If a tachometer is connected to your instrument, it will use

the RPM from the tachometer rather than an entered value.
Setting the RPM
144
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.
You can also move a cursor to a peak of interest. The exact number of
orders at that frequency will display at the top of your screen.
To view an order:
1.
2.
Display a spectral chart.

Set the RPM.
3.
4.
Press
> Press
X Axis Orders.
Repeat the previous step to deactivate orders.
145
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:
1.
2.
Display the waveform chart,

Set the RPM The bottom axis will display the revs.
Waveform chart displaying revs on the X axis
Save Measurement
To save a measurement, press
to stop the measurement > Press
Save. You now need to select or create a machine, point, and

location to save the measurement to.
146
Save to Existing Machine

To save your measurement to an existing machine:
1.
Press a key beside Save to.

NOTE: You can use keys
to
depending on the number of
channels you used for the measurement.
2.
Press
or
to scroll up and down.
3.
Press
Expand Navigator repeatedly to expand a machine so
its points and locations become visible.
4.
Press
to save the recording to your chosen location.
147
Save to New Machine

To save a measurement to a new machine:
1.
Press a key beside Save to.

NOTE: You can use keys
to
depending on the number of
channels you used for the measurement.
2.
Press
Create New Machine.
3.
Enter a name for the machine > Press
4.
Repeat this process to create a point
5.
Press
6.
Press
.
.
and use the arrow keys to select a location.

until you see the message Data Saved.
Functions that display when you press
148
after creating a new machine
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:
1.
Press and hold
2.
Press
to toggle between a high or low screen contrast.
or
MORE: You can access additional settings by pressing

>
LCD Contrast/Backlight/Sound.
Adjusting screen contrast while in Measure mode
149
Options
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
receives the recordings.
Import and export data using a USB flash drive.
Transfer Recordings from Instrument to

Ascent
You can transfer recordings you have taken on your instrument to
Ascent.
NOTE: Before your instrument can communicate with Ascent, you
will need to add it in Ascent. See the Ascent Reference Guide for
details.
To transfer recordings from your instrument to Ascent:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Connect your supplied USB data transfer cable to your computer

and the USB to PC port on your instrument.
Switch your instrument on.
Open Ascent.
Click the Receive button to establish communication between
Ascent and your instrument.
Ensure the Comms Method field is set to Instrument.
Select your instrument in the dropdown list provided All folders
located on your instrument will display.
Tick the checkboxes beside the data folders you wish to transfer to
Ascent.
Click Receive at the bottom of the window to start transferring
recordings.
Click OK when the transfer is complete > Click Close.
150
Transferring recordings to Ascent
151
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.
To transfer recordings from your instrument to Ascent:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Connect your supplied USB data transfer cable to your computer

and the USB to PC port on your instrument.
Switch your instrument on.
Open Ascent.
Click the Send button to establish communication between Ascent
and your instrument.
Ensure the Comms Method field meets your requirements.
NOTE: Typically this field is set to Instrument; however you can
select a different option if required.
6.
7.
Select your instrument from the dropdown list provided.

Tick the checkboxes beside the folders you wish to transfer.
NOTE: Tick Include Baseline Spectra or Include Alarm Bands if you
wish to send this data to your instrument. Doing so will slow the
folder transfer times if you are transferring a large database that
has several alarms and baseline spectra configured.
MORE: See Baseline Recordings, Using Band Alarms and Baseline
Overalls on a Route, and the Ascent Reference Guide for more
information.
8. Click Send to start transferring your folders.

9. Click OK when the transfer is complete.
10. Click Close.
152
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.
Each time you resend an existing folder from Ascent to your instrument,
it will overwrite the contents of the folder on the instrument. Any
machines, routes, and parameter sets, etc that you have added or
deleted in Ascent will also be added or deleted on the instrument.
Additionally, all stored recordings in the instrument are also deleted. This
is designed to free instrument memory and save you the task of
manually deleting recordings, machine definitions, and more.
Retain Stored Recordings

If you do NOT wish to overwrite an existing recording, simply rename the
folder on your instrument or in Ascent before you resend it. Your
instrument will treat this as a new folder and will NOT overwrite the
contents of the existing folder.
Retain Baseline Recordings on Instrument

If a recording is marked as Baseline in Ascent, it will be transferred to the
instrument when the folder is resent. If a different recording is marked as
baseline in the instrument, this will be replaced with the newly sent
baseline.
153
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.
To use this feature, the receiving computer must have Synchronize VB
Date and Time with the PC switched on.
To synchronize the time zone on your instrument and computer:

1.
Open the main menu.
2.
Press
3.
Press
Ascent Time Sync to toggle the setting The following
options are available:
Auto Synchronize the date and time whenever data is
transferred.
Off Do NOT synchronize the date and time. The instrument
will continue to use the date and time settings you have
specified manually.
Manual Synchronize the date and time only if the time zone is
different or your instrument time differs from your computer by
more than one minute. If you select Manual. You will be
prompted to update your instrument date/time. When this
twice.
happens, press
to synchronize the time or
the instrument's existing date/time settings.
154
to keep
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). You can transfer routes, recordings, balance
jobs, sensor configurations, and other data. You can generate portable
XML data using compatible software like Ascent.
EG: You can import an XML file containing a route, and all
associated machines and schedule entries generated in Ascent at
another physical location. This file could be emailed or sent on CDROM and imported using your instrument's USB host port (you do
NOT need to use Ascent). The route would then be collected as
normal and the measurements exported once, using the USB host
port as XML. When returned to the original sender, the instrument
XML file could be imported into Ascent for normal
measurement/route analysis.
If you export or import data using a USB flash drive, note that:
A route (or routes) can be created at one location.

The route(s) can be sent to an instrument and operator at a
geographically remote second location.
The completed route can be returned without re-installing
Ascent / Without direct communication between Ascent and
your instrument.
155
Export Data using USB Flash Drive

You can export data to an external USB flash drive. To do this:
1.
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. Ensure any write protect tabs are unlocked.
2.
Press
Folders & USB Export on the main menu The USB
Flash Drive screen opens.
NOTE: if you have NOT yet attached a USB flash drive, do this now
and press
USB Flash Drive.
3.
4.
Press
Select Window to toggle between the available options:
Instrument Folders screen.
Export to Ascent folder on USB flash drive.
USB flash drive's Import from Ascent folder.
Select Instrument Folders.
5.
Use the
and
wish to export.
6.
Press
Export Folder to export the selected folder > Press
to confirm the transfer The data will be exported in XML format to
the SCOUT / vbSeries to Ascent folder at the root of your flash drive.
If the drive is blank, the folder will be generated automatically.
Import the XML file into Ascent.
7.
arrow keys on the left to select a folder you
MORE: See Import/Export as XML in the Ascent Reference Guide.
Export data to external USB flash drive
156
Import Data using USB Flash Drive

To import data from an external USB flash drive:
1.
Press
2.
Press
USB Flash Drive on the Folder Management screen
The USB Flash Drive screen opens.
3.
Press
Select Window to toggle between the available options:
Instrument Folders screen
USB flash drive's Exported to Ascent folder
USB flash drive's Import from Ascent folder
Select USB (Import from Ascent).
4.
Folders & USB Export on the main menu.
5.
Use the
and
arrow keys to select an XML file to import
The instrument will list the XML files contained in the Ascent to
SCOUT / vbX folder on the USB flash drive, and the root of the USB
flash drive.
6.
7.
Press
Import Folder to import the selected file.
Return to the main menu The instrument automatically opens the
imported folder. This is listed beside the Folders menu option.
Remote Comms functionality

Once you have completed the initial setup requirements for the Remote
Comms system, you can exchange data between Ascent and a remote
instrument using the Remote Comms server.
MORE: See the Remote Comms Guide on the Commtest website.
157
Receive Data from Remote Comms Server

To receive data from your Remote Comms server onto your instrument:
1.
Press
Remote Comms > Wait while your instrument connects
to the server.
2.
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.
3.
Select the folder containing the data you wish to receive > Press
.
Receiving data from your Remote Comms server onto your instrument
158
Send Data from Instrument to Remote Comms

Server
To send data from your instrument to your Remote Comms server:
1.
Press
Remote Comms > Wait while your instrument connects
to the server.
2.
Press
Sync with Server or
Send Folder.
NOTE: The option displayed depends on the settings you specified

for Remote Comms on your instrument.
3.
4.
Select the folder you wish to send the data to > Press
Take EITHER of these actions:
Press
Delete if you wish to delete the folder you have
just uploaded.
Press
Continue if you wish to retain the folder you
have uploaded to the server.
Sending data from an instrument to a Remote Comms server
159
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

A suitable USB-Wi-Fi dongle (available from your local
Commtest distributor)
You will NOT be able to connect your instrument wirelessly where setting
up a connection requires a browser-based interaction For example in
a hotel room or coffee shop where you are required to enter your name
or a code to activate the Wi-Fi connection. However, you will be able to
connect your instrument wirelessly to:
A wireless router in a home-based network

An office or industrial wireless network
A Personal hotspot on a smartphone
160
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.
To connect to a wireless network for the first time:
1.
Insert your Wi-Fi dongle in the USB port of your instrument.

NOTE: Wi-Fi networking requires the use of a specific USB dongle.
These are available for purchase separately from your local
Commtest distributor.
2.
Press
Options Wi-Fi is listed as not connected beside the
Comms button.
3.
Press
Comms.
4.
Press
Wi-Fi.
5.
Press
to select your region:
6.
a.
Press
Continue to acknowledge the legal warning.
b.
Select your region > Press
Select the required network > Press

TIP: Press
> Press
7.
.
.
if the network you wish to connect to is not listed

Create Wi-Fi Connection.
Enter the required details.

TIP: Contact your IT professional if you are unsure of these details.
8.
Press
161
Selecting your Wi-Fi region
Creating a Wi-Fi connection
162
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
Your instrument will automatically connect to your preferred network.
To preserve battery power, we recommend you remove your Wi-Fi
adapter from the USB port when you have finished communicating. This
also applies when the instrument is switched off.
NOTE: The IP65 environmental sealing certification for the
instrument is only met when the rubber cover for the connectors is
in place. This is particularly important if you are working in a wet
or dusty environment.
TIP: If the LED light is off and your Wi-Fi dongle is not working, the
over-current protection of the USB port might have tripped. You
will need to remove and re-insert the instrument battery to resolve
this.
163
Specify preferred wireless connection

If you have connected to more than one wireless connection, you can
specify you preferred default connection. To do this:
1.
Insert your Wi-Fi dongle in the USB port of your instrument.
2.
Press
Options.
3.
Press
Comms.
4.
Press
Wi-Fi.
5.
Press
Preferred Wi-Fi Networks.
6.
Select your preferred network > Press

beside your selection.
A icon displays
Specifying your preferred Wi-Fi network
164
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 WiFi hotspot (Android), or internet sharing (Windows phone).
MORE: See the Apple User Documentation for information on
personal hotspots.
Once you have set up a Wi-Fi hotspot or internet sharing on your smart
phone, you can use its cellular data connection to access the internet.
This is especially useful if you need to connect your instrument to a
Remote Comms server that is available via the internet You will be
able to upload and download data using this connection.
0
Setting up a Wi-Fi hotspot on an iPhone
165
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
data or only FRF and Coherence data.
When you are doing a Cross Channel Spectrum you can export
all data or only Cross Channel Spectrum data.
Choosing to include only FRF and Coherence data in the UFF file
Only FRF and Coherence data is imported into MEscope
166
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
Review recordings during a route
Take off-route recordings
What is a Route?
A route is an ordered list of measurement locations and predefined
measurement setups (parameter sets) that you follow when taking
recordings. Using a route makes it easier to take recordings and
minimizes the potential for mistakes. When the instrument is operating
in route mode, it will guide you through each measurement location.
Creating a route involves:
1.
2.
Creating the machines and measurement setups.

Creating routes by selecting these items and placing them in the
required order.
NOTE: A route can only be made up of machines that are stored in
the same folder as the route.
3.
Using Ascent to create and manage your route library.

MORE: See Creating a Route in the Ascent Reference Guide.
4.
Transferring folders to the instrument.

NOTE: You can send routes to your instrument until its memory
capacity is reached.
167
Walkthrough Take Route Recordings

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. This is particularly
useful if a machine is temporarily unavailable. If this happens, you can
continue taking measurements and return to the machine at a later
time.
If a location contains several route entries that do NOT require a change
of sensor, the recordings can be taken automatically one after the other.
To access this feature, you select the required location. If an individual
route entry is highlighted, the instrument will only collect that route
entry. It will then wait for input from you. If you need to change sensors,
a message will display, telling you which sensor or tachometer to
connect.
168
To take recordings using a route:

1.
Press
2.
Use
Route from the main menu.

and
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.
3.
Press
The screen displays the machines and locations. The
highlight bar indicates where the route will start. Beside each
location is a number indicating how many route entries will be
recorded.
TIP: Use the arrow keys to see the route entries attached to each
location.
4.
5.
Press
Change Font Size to increase or decrease the font size
of the displayed Route contents,
Change the time format displayed on the Route screen to 12- or 24hour format (as required).
MORE: See Adjust Date or Time Format for more information.
6.
Attach your sensor to the location indicated on your instrument's

screen.
TIP: Highlight the location (rather than one of its parameter sets) if
you want to record all parameter sets at this location
automatically (instead of manually starting each measurement).
169
7.
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. The
Machine RPM box will display if the machine is RPM-based. If the
machine is linear speed, the Linear Speed box will display. Enter
the machine speed manually before continuing, or aim the laser
tachometer at the reflective tape on the shaft to acquire the speed
automatically.
NOTE: Speed multiplier configured in Ascent will be applied
automatically to all measurements. However, the following
exceptions apply for RPM-based machines The multiplier value
will be ignored if the measurement is tachometer-triggered. For
linear speed machines, the multiplier will be ignored if a physical
tachometer is configured.
8.
Press
again to start the next measurement Continue to take
recordings until all route entries have been recorded.
Taking recordings using a route
170
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.
MORE: See Baseline Recordings for trigger levels.
NOTE: Alarm band warnings support only spectrum
measurements, not waveforms.
Your instrument will either display a message stating the alert condition,
or indicate the alert state using the Danger, Alert, and OK LED Indicators.
1.
Press
Route on the main menu.
2.
Use
and
to locate and select a route The Baseline
Overall and Alarm Band alert notification type you configure will be
used globally for all routes stored on your instrument. Consequently
the choice of route is NOT important.
3.
Press
to select the highlighted route.
4.
Press
then
5.
Press
Baseline Overall repeatedly to cycle through the
baseline alert options:
Warn & LEDs will display a message and illuminate the
appropriate instrument LEDs if the baseline overall you have
configured in Ascent differs significantly from the measurement
being collected.
LEDs only will illuminate the instrument LEDs A message will
NOT display if the Baseline and measurement differ notably
from one another.
Disabled will NOT indicate if the baseline overall and
measurement differ significantly.
Alarms The Alarms screen will open.
NOTE: If triggered, a message on your screen will indicate the

percentage of the measurement overall relative to the configured
Baseline Overall (for example, Overall value is 50% of baseline).
171
6.
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.
LEDs only will only illuminate the instrument LEDs. If the
measurement exceeds the specific alarm levels, a message will
NOT display.
Disabled will NOT indicate that a band alarm level has been
exceeded, if this occurs.
NOTE: If triggered, the onscreen alert will specify the alarm state
and band range that has been exceeded. The highest alarm state
will display if more than one alarm is triggered.
172
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:
1.
2.
Press
or
Use the arrow keys on the left to select a recording for review.
3.
Press
Expand Navigator repeatedly to expand a machine until
its locations and parameter sets display.
NOTE: When you select a parameter set, its associated recordings
will display in the Review column. The newest recording is
highlighted at the top of the column.
4.
Press
Review Selected Recording.
5.
Press
> Press
6.
Use keys
and
Select Alarm Bands.
7.
Press
The Alarm Band or Bands associated with the
measurement will display. The alarm name will be listed, followed by
the:
Measurement type the alarm applies to (Spectrum, Waveform,
Demod Spectrum, etc.),
Frequency range covered by the alarm in Orders or Hz/CPM.
Alarm type (Peak or Power).
Extended Commands.
to scroll down the list of available options >
EG: Bearing Frequencies (Spectrum) 500Hz - 900Hz (Power)

indicates that the schedule entry includes an alarm named
Bearing Frequencies. This alarm applies to spectra between 500
and 900 Hz. It is checked against measurement Power values (i.e.
the overall RMS value rather than the highest absolute peak in the
frequency range).
NOTE: When you take a measurement that exceeds the alarm
band thresholds configured in Ascent, an alert notification will
display on the instrument above the chart display.
173
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. When you start the recording, all
measurements will be taken simultaneously.
To record multiple channels on a route:
1. Specify which channel will be used to record each point or axis.
EG: Use channel 1 to collect all recordings taken on the horizontal
axis, Use channel 2 for the vertical axis.
2.
Select the route you wish to record.
3.
Press
on the Route screen to display the Multi-Channel On
Route menu.
4.
Press
Axis/Point Mode > Choose whether you want to operate
in Multi-Axis or Multi-Point mode.
Record multiple channels on a route
174
Axis Mode
You can use Axis mode to record two or more axes simultaneously (e.g.
Horizontal and Vertical). To select Axis mode:
1.
Specify a channel and axis combination.
2.
Press
Axis on CH1 (or
select an axis.
for CH2) > Use the arrow keys to
NOTE: Once selected, you must only use this channel when taking
recordings on your chosen axis (for the duration of this route).
3.
Press
Selecting Axis mode
175
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). If more than one axis defined is defined at one or more of the
points, your instrument will require all axes to be the same. This is to
allow for some flexibility while limiting the chance of confusion.
To select Point mode:
1.
Press
Axis/Point Mode to switch between Point and Axis.
2.
Press
Point on CH1 (or
select a point.
3.
Press
for CH2) > Use the arrow keys to
NOTE: As an alternative to these steps, you can assign all Inboard

bearings to channel 1, press
to create a new match string, and
enter Inb. The preview list will show all matching points in the
current folder. For some naming conventions, you will need to use
a space ("_") within the match string to differentiate between the
points (e.g. NDE and _DE).
176
Complete Multi-Channel Setup

Once you have selected your mode, you can complete the setup. To do
this:
1.
Tell your instrument which channel to use for any other axes/points
(e.g. axial):
a.
Press
to select CH1.
b.
Press
to select CH2 The text All Others will display.
2.
Press
to cancel multi-channel recording The text (none) will
display in the left column. This indicates that no channels are
designated to a specific axis.
3.
4.
Press
to redisplay your route.
Start recording as normal.
NOTE: A summary of the multichannel configuration displays on
the Route screen. For example, Points: Dual Chan 1, 2 indicates
dual channel acquisition in Points mode.
Triaxial Measurements
If you have a four-channel instrument, you can save time by using a
triax sensor to take three measurements at once. Configuring a triaxial
on-route recording on your instrument involves:
Creating three locations at a single point in Ascent (e.g.

Horizontal, Vertical, Axial).
Setting each of these locations to correspond with one of the
three available triax sensor axes (X, Y, or Z, matching the
orientation of the sensor when mounted).
177
To configure a triaxial on-route recording on your instrument:

1.
2.
3.
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. Do NOT assign the same axis to more
than one location.
TIP: Use the Structure report in Ascent to review your database
setup and set the report to Machines, Points, Locations.
MORE: See your Ascent Software Reference Guide for more
information.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Saved a route and transfer it to your instrument.

Switch on your instrument.
Select the route you wish to record > Press
.
Press
Multi-Channel on Route on the route screen.
Check that
Axis/Point Mode is set to Axes.
Press the button repeatedly to cycle through the two available
options.
10. Press
Axis on CH2 The Axis selection list will display.
NOTE: Triaxial recordings use channels 2, 3, and 4 on the
instrument via the 7-pin LEMO connector. BNC Channel 1 is NOT
available or used for this measurement type.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Select Triax Sensor from the selection list > Press

Ensure channel 2 is assigned to the X axis.
Ensure channel 3 is assigned to the Y axis.
Ensure channel 4 is assigned to the Z axis.
Press
.
NOTE: The channel configuration displayed beside

MultiChannel on Route on the Route screen will read Triax Chan (1), 2, 3,
4. The (1) indicates that any locations which do NOT have a Triax
Axis set to X, Y, or Z will be recorded with channel 1. If your
instrument route screen indicates [CH1] beside a location, or asks
you to connect a sensor to channel 1, check the Triax Axis setting
at that location.
16. Press
to take the triaxial measurement. The triaxial
measurements will be stored individually under their respective
locations, with identical timestamps.
178
Configuring a triaxial on-route recording on your instrument
Reviewing a recording taken with a triax sensor
179
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. To do this, right-click a machine in
the folder tree on the left > Select Edit.
You can only edit the speed value via the instrument interface. If the
machine has been configured to ask users for a speed reading, a
machine speed window will open before location measurements are
taken. You may also manually enter the machine speed at any time. To
do this, select a location > Press
RPM or Linear Speed.
NOTE: The Linear Speed window displays the roller diameter and
point multiplier (Point level) specified in Ascent. Speed multipliers
configured in Ascent are applied automatically to all
measurements. However, for RPM-based machines, the multiplier
will be ignored when the measurement is tachometer-triggered.
For linear speed machines, the multiplier will be ignored when a
physical tachometer is configured.
Machine RPM
180
Linear Speed
181
View Machine and Point Speed Details

To view current speed details for a machine or point:
1.
2.
Press
or
Use the arrow keys to navigate to a point or machine.
TIP: Use
and
to move up and down. Use
collapse and expand items.
3.
and
to
Press
Edit Name The screen displays the selected point
item's speed type, default speed, and RPM multiplier (if configured in
Ascent). It will also indicate whether the Ask user for speed checkbox
has been selected in Ascent. If you have selected a machine (rather
than a point), the screen will display the speed type and default
speed. It will also indicate whether the user will be asked to enter a
machine speed prior to taking the specified measurement. This
information is read-only, it cannot be edited.
Skip Route Entries and Machines

You can change the order in which you collect recordings. To do this, you
jump to a different position in the route. This enables you to skip
individual route entries, locations, or entire machines. It is useful if a
machine on your route is temporarily unavailable but will be available
for recording later in the day.
If you jump to a different position in a route, the instrument will pause
after each location's parameter sets have been recorded. This enables
you to continue to follow the route as it has been defined, or manually
choose the next route entry. Whenever you skip to a different position in
the route, your instrument will continue the route from that point
forward.
To skip individual entries or entire machines:
1.
Use the arrow keys on the left to move the selection bar up or down.
2.
Press
repeatedly to expand a machine so its locations and
route entries become visible.
3.
Press
to start recording again at the selected position.
182
Locate Skipped Route Entries

You can locate and record any route entries you have skipped, at any
time during your route. To do this:
1.
Display your route.
2.
Press
3.
Press
(Prev Free Recording) or
(Next Free Recording) to
jump to the next or previous unrecorded parameter set.
4.
Press
then
to continue recording as normal.
183
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
to
return to the Route menu. The percentage completed (expressed as the
number of route entries that have been recorded) displays beside the
route name.
To return to the route and resume recording, ensure your route is
highlighted and press
twice The instrument will automatically
continue where you stopped recording.
Track progress through route
184
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. You can use this mode if you want to
analyze each machine's condition as you collect the route.
Auto Save This method saves each recording. It then
redisplays the Route menu so you can select the next recording.
If required, you can review individual recordings as soon as you
have taken them, or at any time during route collection.
MORE: See Select Recording to Review.
Free Run, Manual Save The instrument takes a measurement

that updates continuously. This enables you to watch the signal
as it displays on your screen. You can save the measurement or
stop measuring without saving. This method is ideal if you want
to briefly check each machine's condition and only save
individual recordings when a machine requires further
investigation.
MORE: See Save Measurement.
Auto+Delay This method is the same as Auto Save. However,

it instructs the instrument to pause briefly on the measurement
screen after each route recording before returning to the Route
menu. This pause enables you to view the measurement briefly
before continuing with the route.
185
Select Save mode for recording

To select the appropriate save mode for your recording:
1.
Highlight your route in the Route menu.
2.
Press
to display your route.
3.
Press
options.
Recording Save Mode repeatedly to toggle between the
Save options shown at bottom right of screen
186
Select Recording to Review

To display your route:
1.
Press
2.
Use the arrow keys to highlight your route > Press
3.
Use the arrow keys to select a machine (if required) > Press
repeatedly to expand the machine so the parameter sets display.
4.
5.
Highlight a parameter set > Press

Review Recordings.
Select a route recording if more than one recording is listed > Press
.
TIP: Check the date/time-stamp to find the required recording.
NOTE: If you collect the same measurement as an off-route
recording, both this and the route recording will display in the list.
6.
Press
to display the hint labels and use cursors, harmonics,
and zooming to analyze your data.
MORE: See Analyze Measurement for details on how to use cursors
and zooming.
7.
Press
twice to return to your route when you have finished
reviewing the recording.
Select recording to review
187
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:
1.
Display your route.
2.
Press
3.
4.
Use the arrow keys to select your route > Press

.
Select the machine containing your route recordings.
5.
Press
repeatedly to expand the machine so the locations and
parameter sets display.
Use EITHER of these methods, depending on your requirements:
Select a location to retake all recordings at that location.
Select a parameter set to retake an individual recording.
6.
7.
Press
You will be prompted to keep or replace recordings; or
to cancel this action.
8.
Press
to replace your earlier recordings.
188
Delete Route Recording

You can delete a route recording. To do this:
1.
Display your route.
2.
Press
3.
4.
Use the arrow keys to select your route > Press

.
Use the arrow keys to select the machine that contains the
recording.
5.
Press
display.
6.
Highlight the parameter set you recorded earlier > Press

Review Recordings.
Select your route recording (if there is more than one recording in
the list).
7.
repeatedly to expand the machine so the parameter sets
TIP: Use the date/timestamp to identify your route recording.
8.
Press
to delete the recording.
9.
Press
to return to your route.
189
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.
To take an off-route recording:
1.
2.
3.
Press and hold

to temporarily step out of the route and return
to the main menu You can set up a new measurement from here.
Take and review the measurement as usual,
Save the measurement to the machine location (if required).
NOTE: When next you transfer data to your computer, any
additional recordings you have saved will be sent, along with the
collected route.
4.
5.
Press
Route on the main menu to return to the route.
Use the arrow keys to select your route.
6.
Press
A message will display ask if you wish to continue.
7.
Press
to continue from where you stopped measuring.
Edit or Delete Route

You can use Ascent to create, edit, and delete routes. You CANNOT edit
or delete routes directly on your instrument.
To remove a route:
1.
2.
Delete the route from the folder tree in Ascent.

Send the folder that used to contain the route to your instrument
Because the folder no longer contains the original route, this route
will NOT display on your instrument.
NOTE: Deleting a route does NOT delete the machines and
parameter sets that comprise it. These will remain stored in the
instrument.
To edit a route, make your changes in the Ascent folder tree > Resend
the folder to your instrument.
190
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

Copy and delete items
Restore items
Rename and edit items
Attach and remove notes
Storage Capacity and Recording Volume

Your instrument's storage capacity is determined by the amount of
available memory space. There is no limit to the number of routes,
folders, and machines you can store on your instrument. However, the
memory space on your instrument will decrease as you store recordings.
The number of recordings you can store depends on the type and setup
of those recordings.
EG: You can store more 400 line spectra than 10-minute long time
waveforms because spectra take up less memory space.
191
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.
The image outlines the hierarchical data storage structure which your
instrument uses.
Data storage structure on your instrument
192
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.
Route
This is a sequential list of machine measurement locations

you follow when taking recordings.
Point
A point represents the position on a machine where a

measurement will be taken.
EG: Drive end or driven end.
Location
Also known as axis, this refers to the direction a sensor is

facing when you place it on a machine.
EG: Horizontal, vertical, tangential.
Because you can vary the direction (location) of the sensor

with each new recording, each machine point can have
several locations.
Parameter This defines a list of measurement parameter values used
set
to take a recording. Because parameter sets are stored in
the instrument, they can be retrieved and reused. This saves
time when you are taking large numbers of identical
recordings.
You can identify parameter sets by their parameter value
summaries (e.g. accel 400 ms or veloc 1000 Hz).
Recording This is the data you collect at a particular location on a
machine.
You can identify recordings by their date/time stamps.
NOTE: Routes, folders, machines, points, and locations are
identified by the names you give them.
193
Folders
You can create, rename, delete, and restore folders.
Create Folder
To create a folder:
1.
2.
Press
twice on the main menu.
Enter a name for the folder.
3.
Press
The newly created folder is selected.
4.
Press
menu.
again to select your new folder and return to the main
Change Selected Folder

When you create a new machine it is placed in the folder you have
currently selected. To change the selected folder:
1.
2.
Press
Use the arrow keys to select the required folder.
3.
Press
Rename Folder
To rename a folder:
1.
2.
Press
3.
4.
Press
Edit Name.
Edit the name as required.
5.
Press
194
Delete Folder
To delete a folder:
1.
2.
Press
3.
Press
Delete Folder.
Restore Deleted or Overwritten Folder

A folder backup is automatically generated every time you delete a
folder. This makes it possible to recover recordings or routes you
previously stored in a folder you have deleted. Note that only the five
most recently deleted folders are retained in your instrument's Recycle
folder. You can also recover folders that were overwritten when you
clicked Send in Ascent. The folder's restore point will be the date and
time of its original deletion.
To restore a folder that has been deleted and over-written:
1.
Press
2.
Press
The Restore folder from the Recycle Bin screen will
display.
Use the arrows keys on the left to select a folder to restore.
3.
TIP: The date beside the folder indicates when it was deleted.
4.
Press
to restore the selected folder.
NOTE: If you have created a new folder with the same name as the
backup folder, the existing folder will be overwritten during the
restoration process. You can rename the current folder to prevent
this from happening,
WARNING! All folder backups will be erased during an instrument
Proflash.
NOTE: The parameter set and sensor tables are global across all
folders. Consequently, the restore process will be most successful if
none of the parameter set and sensor tables have been deleted
since the folder was overwritten or deleted.
195
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.
The quickest, easiest way to create your machines is in Ascent. You can
create your folders, machines, and schedule entries, then send these to
your instrument.
When you create machines and measurement parameter sets on your

instrument, these are automatically added to your Ascent database
when you transfer data from the instrument to your PC.
196
Create Machine Structure

To create your machine structure:
1.
Select the folder you wish to store your machines in.
2.
Press
3.
Use the arrow keys on the left to select a folder > Press
4.
Press
or
5.
Press
to display the machine creation icons.
6.
Press
Add New Machine to create a new machine.
7.
8.
Enter a name for the machine > Press

.
Press the keys beside the relevant icons on the screen to create
points, locations, and parameter sets.
Key
Icon Description
Machine
Point
Location
Parameter set (Schedule)
197
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:
1.
2.
Press
or
Use the arrow keys on the left to select a machine.
TIP: If there are no machines displayed, press
visible.
to make these
3.
Press
repeatedly to expand the machine until the required axis
location is selected.
4.
Press
to display the machine creation icons > Press
Add
New Schedule.
Select a measurement type The screen will display the default
parameters for your measurement.
5.
6.
Press
to assign the default parameter set to this location (if
required).
7.
Press
to create a new parameter set It will display at the top
of the list, ready for editing.
8.
Press
9.
for the parameter set > Press

.
Edit the other parameters as required.
Edit Name to rename the parameter set > Enter a name
10. Press
to assign a different sensor (see below) or press
return to the Record Review menu.
198
to
Change Sensor
If required you can change the sensor assigned to the parameter set. To
do this:
1.
2.
Press
Sensor Setup.
Press Change Sensor beside your measuring channel > Select a
different sensor.
3.
Press
Create New Sensor to define a new sensor.
MORE: See Define and Edit Sensor.
4.
5.
6.
Press
Select as Default to select the sensor you wish to use for
schedule entries sent from Ascent.
Press the key on the left beside your chosen channel to enable it (if
required).
Press
twice to return to the Record Review menu.
Add Structure to Existing Machine

You can add structures to an existing machine structure. To do this:
1.
Press
2.
3.
Press
on the main menu to display your machines.
4.
Press
repeatedly to expand the machine so its points and
other lower level items display.
Select the machine, point, or location where you wish to add the
new structure.
5.
6.
7.
or
Press
to display the machine creation icons.
Press the appropriate key beside each icon to create that item.
199
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. The recordings are NOT copied.
1.
Press
Review Record on the main menu.
2.
3.
Press
to display your machines.
4.
5.
Press
repeatedly to make the points and other lower level
items visible.
Highlight the item you wish to copy.
6.
7.
Press
> Press
Copy.
Use the arrows on your screen to select the location for your copied
item > Press
Paste.
200
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. If you want to rename a location from horizontal to
vertical, (for example), simply create a new vertical location on a
point and copy any required parameter sets from the horizontal
location, then delete the horizontal location.
1.
Press
or
2.
3.
Press
repeatedly to display the machines.
4.
Press
items.
5.
Select the item you wish to rename > Press
6.
Edit the name as required > Press
repeatedly to display the points and other lower level

Edit Name.
NOTE: The screen will also display point and machine speed details
(e.g. speed type, default speed, RPM multiplier). This information is
read-only and cannot be edited.
201
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.
To delete a machine structure:

1.
Press
or
2.
3.
Press
repeatedly to display your machines (if required).
Use the arrow keys to select the required machine.
4.
Press
items.
5.
Select the item you wish to delete > Press
6.
Press
repeatedly to display the points and other lower level

Delete.
when prompted to confirm your action.
202
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.
Once a sensor has been defined as a particular sensor type (e.g.
accelerometer), you will NOT be able to change the sensor type if the
instrument contains any recordings that have been taken with that
sensor. Your instrument will associate these recordings with their sensor.
If you need to redefine the sensor type, first delete all the associated
recordings on your instrument.
When you set the parameters for a measurement, you cannot choose
settings that conflict with the type of measurement you are trying to
create (e.g. if you are measuring acceleration, you cannot select a
current sensor). When you try to take the measurement, the instrument
will display a message to say the sensor is incompatible and that it
cannot take that type of recording and sensor.
203
To define or edit a sensor:

1.
Press
2.
Press
Sensor Setup > Press Change Sensor opposite your
Follow EITHER of these steps according to your requirements:
3.
4.
Options on the main menu.
Press
Create New Sensor to create a new sensor.
Use the arrow keys on the left to select an existing sensor >
Press
to change its settings.
Press the corresponding keys to define the settings:
Edit the Name.
Toggle the Sensor Type between acceleration,
velocity, displacement, and current.
Toggle the Voltage Ring and Coupling settings.
Toggle Auto Settling ON/OFF. When Auto Settling is
ON, your instrument will ignore the user-specified
settling time (see above) and automatically select the
most efficient settling time for your sensor type.
Edit the Sensitivity. The range of sensitivities will vary
depending on the selected sensor's Store Unit. To
enter a decimal point, press
then
Toggle the Store Unit (e.g. between mV/g and

mV/m/s2 for accelerometers).
Toggle the sensor's Drive Current ON/OFF. Drive
Current is the 2.2 mA power supply for ICP-type
accelerometers.
Toggle Bias Voltage Check on and off (none). Edit,
create, or delete this value.
5.
Press
when you have finished editing the sensors.
204
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).
Most accelerometers have an output voltage centered on 12 V DC.
Consequently your instrument has a default bias voltage range of 8-16V.
Some sensors use a lower or higher bias voltage. If you are using a
sensor like that, review the manufacturer's documentation and create a
new Bias Voltage range according to your requirements.
205
To change the Bias Voltage range settings for a sensor:

1.
Press
2.
3.
Press
Sensor Setup.
Press Change Sensor beside the channel you wish to use.
4.
Press
5.
sensor, or
Create New Sensor to create a new sensor.
Configure the sensor's normal parameters (name, type, settling,
units, etc).
6.
Press
Edit Sensor to edit the configuration of an existing
Bias Voltage Check to open the Bias Voltage screen.
NOTE: Pressing
7.
Press
8.
Press
9.
Enter a name > Press
toggles the Bias check on/off.
Create New Bias Voltage.

.
.
TIP: You can use the name of the sensor.
10. Press
Min Bias > Enter the minimum bias Voltage level > Press
.
11. Press
Max Bias > Enter the maximum bias voltage level > Press
.
12. Press
twice to select the new bias check configuration The
sensor will now use the new or edited bias values.
Set Default Sensor

When you specify a default sensor and enable its measuring channel,
your instrument will assume you are using this sensor to take all
subsequent measurements. You can change to a different sensor
temporarily or change the default sensor.
206
Change Sensor Temporarily

To temporarily switch to using a different sensor:
1.
2.
Open the Measurement Setup screen.

Select the type of measurement you wish to take.
3.
Press
> Press
Change Default Sensor

To change the default sensor:
1.
Press
2.
Press
3.
Press
Select as Default to select the sensor you wish to use for
the schedule entries sent from Ascent.
Delete Sensor
If required you can remove a sensor from your machine. To do this:
1.
Press
2.
3.
Press
Use the arrow keys on the left to select the required sensor.
4.
Press
Delete Sensor.
Notes
You can create, view, attach, edit, and remove notes.
207
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.
To create a note:
1.
Press
or
2.
Press
to display the Note menu.
3.
Press
New Note.
4.
Press
in the Note Entry menu > Enter your text.
TIP: Press
Press
5.
Press
to enter punctuation. Press

>
to enter a space.
to delete characters.
to save the note.
Edit Note
To edit a note:
1.
Press
or
2.
Press
3.
Press
Create New Note.
4.
Press
Edit Note on the Note Entry menu > Enter your new text.
NOTE: You will be prompted to create a new note if the note is

attached to any items.
TIP: Press
5.
Press
to enter punctuation. Press
to save the note.
208
to enter a space.
Attach Note
You can attach notes to the machines, points, and axes within the
machine structure. To attach a note:
1.
Use the arrow keys to select the item you wish to attach the note to.
2.
Press
3.
4.
Press
Create New Note.
Select the required note.
5.
Press
note.
to attach it to your chosen item or
TIP: Press
6.
to create a new
again to attach additional notes (if required).
Press
to return to the previous menu The note
icon will
display beside your chosen item to indicate a note is attached.
View Note
To view a note:
1.
Use the arrow keys to select the item with the attached note.
2.
Press
Notes.
Detach Note
Removing a note only detaches it from a selected item. The note will
remain in the Note Entry menu where you can select and attach it to
other items.
To detach a note:
1.
Use the arrow keys to highlight the item with the note attached.
2.
Press
remove.
to display the Note menu > Select the note you wish to
3.
Press
Delete Note.
4.
Press
to return to the previous menu.
209
Delete Note Permanently

To delete a note permanently:
1.
Press
or
2.
Press
3.
4.
Press
.
Use the arrow keys to select the note you wish to delete.
5.
Press
Delete Note If the note is attached to any items, you
will be prompted to confirm your action.
6.
Press
to confirm.
Delete all Recordings in Folder

You can Delete an Individual Recording or delete all recordings in a
folder. To delete all the recordings within a folder:
1.
2.
Press
3.
Press
Delete Recording.
4.
Press
to confirm you wish to proceed.
210
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. Doing this will restore your instrument to its default factory
settings.
You should only empty the database on your instrument if it becomes
corrupt, or if you are certain you no longer require any of the information
stored on your instrument (e.g. if you plan to resell the instrument).
Before emptying the database, transfer any information you wish to
save into Ascent.
WARNING! Emptying the database on your instrument removes
all information you have stored there. You will lose all machines,
routes, parameter sets, and notes you have stored on your
machine. Only the factory default settings will remain (e.g. axis
names, parameter sets, and notes).
To delete the information stored on your instrument:

1.
Press
2.
Press
Empty Database.
3.
Press
twice to confirm.
211
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
Use the instrument's suggested balance weight calculations
Methods for Balancing Rotors

Your instrument can balance rotors that are rigid and do NOT flex
significantly at their operating speeds.
An unbalanced rotor has an uneven mass distribution that causes the
rotor to vibrate when it rotates. Balancing a rotor requires correcting the
uneven mass distribution by adding or removing weight to/from
precisely calculated positions on the rotor.
You can balance a rigid rotor in one or two planes. You can correct any
uneven mass distribution in the rotor by adding/removing weights
to/from one or two selected cross-sectional planes on the rotor.
For single plane balancing, the mid-plane of the rotor is usually used as
the balancing plane. The planes at the extreme ends of the rotor are
usually used for dual-plane balancing. However, other planes on the
rotor can also be used.
The effect of a rotating weight (i.e. centrifugal force) increases with the
radial distance of the weight. Consequently it is common to add weight
to, or remove weight from, the rim of the rotor (rather than a position
close to the center of rotation). Making weight adjustments at the largest
possible radial distance minimizes the amount of weight that needs to
be added to, or removed from, the rotor.
212
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. Therefore, it is important to always allow the rotor to settle to
its normal operating speed before taking balancing analysis
measurements.
Whether a rotor should be balanced in one plane or two depends on the
dimensions and operating speed of the rotor. The table outlines a
commonly used guideline.
Rotor Length to
Operating Speed
Balancing Technique
1000 RPM or less
Single-plane balancing
More than 1000 RPM
Dual-plane balancing
150 RPM or less
Single-plane balancing
More than 150 RPM
Dual-plane balancing
Diameter Ratio
0.5 or less
More than 0.5
NOTE: Before attempting to balance a rotor, you must confirm that

the cause of vibration is uneven mass distribution in the rotor.
Good balancing results can only be obtained if vibration is caused
by uneven rotor mass distribution. Attempting to balance a rotor
with other problems will generally NOT reduce the vibration level.
Balancing Process
You can balance a rigid rotor in one or two planes. This involves:
Setting Balancing Parameters Select the units and balancing

method.
Initial Reading Measure the initial imbalance.
Trial Reading Attach a trial weight to the balancing plane
and take another measurement. For dual plane balancing, do
the same for the second plane.
Balancing Attach correction weights to the balancing plane(s)
as recommended by the instrument.
Trim Balance Take a measurement in each plane to confirm
the rotor is balanced. Any residual imbalance can be removed
via additional trim balance cycles.
213
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
rotor speed or obstruct machine motion. If possible, manually
rotate the rotor to ensure the weight does NOT clash with any
part of the machine. Keep in mind that the rotor's center line
may shift when it operates at its normal speed.
Ensure the weight of any mechanism used to hold the
correction weights in place is included as part of the correction
weight. If you are welding on the weight, ensure the weight of
the flux is NOT included (scrape the flux off before weighing the
electrode).
Ensure the shape of the correction weight does NOT cause it to
become a dirt trap. Dirt accumulated on the weight can cause
rotor imbalance.
It is important to attach the correction weight(s) at the same
radial distance as the trial weight.
EG: If the trial weight was attached 2 mm/inches from the center
of the rotor, the correction weight must also be attached 2
mm/inches from the center of the rotor.
Tachometer
The tachometer provides your instrument with information regarding
the rotational speed of a rotor and the angle at which the rotor is
vibrating. The angle is measured from a fixed reference mark on the
rotor. It is called the phase angle. To balance a rotor, you must consider
the amplitude of vibration and the phase angle. The amplitude shows
the severity of the imbalance. The phase angle indicates the geometry of
the imbalance (i.e. the location of the heavy spot).
MORE: See Set up Tachometer to learn how to set up the
tachometer to measure phase angles.
214
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. Doing so enables you to:
Interrupt the balancing process without saving the values, then

re-enter these later and continue balancing.
Experiment with different trial weight masses and placements
to see the effect on the imbalance, without having to attach
weights to the machine.
Calculate the effect of further trim balances.
Change the units used in a final balancing report by selecting
different units, then re-entering the collected values.
To enter a value manually:

1.
Work through your balancing setup process as usual.
2.
Press
to take a reading The CH1
icon will display.
NOTE: For a dual plane balance, the CH2 icon will also display.
3.
To enter your own values for CH1, press

for two channel measurements).
4.
Press
to enter an amplitude value > Press
phase value.
5.
Press
twice to exit and return to the Initial, Trial, or Trim
Reading menu and continue your balancing job.
215
(or press
for CH2
to enter a
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.
To set up a balancing job:

1.
Press
Balance on the main menu.
2.
Press
New Job This clears any existing setup data from
previous balancing jobs.
3.
Press
Setup > Use the options in the Balance Setup menu to
apply your preferred balancing settings.
Setting up a balancing job
The rest of this section describes the Balance Setup menu options.
Balancing Walkthrough explains how to use these options when
performing a balancing job.
216
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).
Balance Planes
To select the required balance planes:
1.
Press
Balance.
2.
Press
Setup.
3.
Press
> Use the arrow keys to highlight the number of balance
planes to use.
4.
Press
This will display the Balance Weight Setup menu.
Weight Position (Reference Mark)

Performing balancing operations on a rotor requires you to establish a
positioning system for balance weights. To do this, first establish a
reference mark somewhere on the rotor circumference. You can then
choose the weight positioning system most appropriate for your balance
job:
Degrees Measure the angle in degrees from your reference

mark (0 - 359). The radius of the rotor must stay constant.
Circumference arc Measure the linear distance around the
outside of the rotor from the reference mark to the balance
weights.
# Fixed positions Create a fixed number of attachment
positions.
EG: Drilled and tapped holes that are equally spaced on a fixed
radius from the center of rotation.
TIP: To assist with physical balancing setup, you can use a different
weight position system for each balancing plane.
217
To perform a balancing operation:

1.
Press
2.
Press
New Job to clear your setting.
3.
Press
Setup to use your existing configuration.
4.
Press
Balance Planes > Use the arrow keys to select the
number of balance planes to use.
5.
Press
to proceed with your selection The Balance Weight
Setup menu displays.
6.
Press
7.
Use the arrow keys to select the required option > Press
8.
Enter the required value > Press
Plane A Weight Position.

.
NOTE: If you select circumference arc or # fixed positions, the

Circumference or # Fixed Position submenus will open. Here you
need to specify the rotor circumference or the number of fixed
positions.
NOTE: You can set the circumference units used (inches or mm) in
the Balance Setup screen. To do this, press
Weight Lin Dist >
Press
9.
Linear Distance.
Press
Plane B Weight Position if you selected dual plane
balancing > Repeat the previous steps for Plane B.
10. Press
repeatedly if necessary to return to the Balance Setup
menu and specify your sensor settings.
NOTE: If you selected dual plane balancing, pressing
will
automatically take you to the Balance Sensor Setup menu.
218
# 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:
1.
Press
Balance.
2.
Press
Setup.
3.
Press
# Sensors.
4.
Select the number of sensors required > Press
5.
Press
CH1 Sensor > Select an existing sensor or press
Create New Sensor as required.
6.
Press
7.
Press
to specify a second sensor for dual plane balancing (if
required).
to return to the Balance Sensor Setup menu.
NOTE: Some instruments support simultaneous two-channel dual

plane monitoring.
8.
Use the CH Position option on the left of your screen if you want
your instrument to help you determine where to place trial weights
(if required).
219
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. The aim is to reduce the initial vibration in order to maximize
the accuracy of the trial weight readings. Your instrument will
recommend a trial weight angle based on the:
Phase of the initial reading.

Angle between the tachometer and sensor (CH Position).
Angle between the tachometer reflective tape and the weight
reference mark on the rotor (Reference Mark).
You need to enter both the CH Position and the Reference Mark location.
This will enable your instrument to calculate the trial weight angle.
Once you take the initial reading, your instrument will display the
suggested trial weight angle in the upper right of the screen.
Angles are measured in the direction you designate as your Weight
Orientation (i.e. with rotation or against rotation).
If you are performing a dual plane balance, you should only use this
option in cases where each balance plane is physically close to its
sensor, and the two planes are separated by a distance greater than the
rotor diameter. For overhung rotors, this option should only be used for
single plane balancing on the closest bearing and balance plane, to help
with reducing the static imbalance. The CH2 sensor and weight
reference mark must be in line with that of CH1.
220
To specify your channel position:

1.
Press
Balance.
2.
Press
Setup.
3.
Press
# Sensors.
4.
Select the number of sensors to use > Press
5.
Press
6.
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.
Using channel position
Averages
Averaging the out of balance values can increase the accuracy of your
measurements. This enables your instrument to make more precise
recommendations for the size and placement of balance weights. A
higher number of averages produces more accurate measurements, but
lengthens the recording time accordingly.
221
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. The aim is to calculate a trial weight
which will cause a significant change from the initial reading.
To enter the rotor's weight and diameter:
1.
Press
Balance.
2.
Press
Setup.
3.
4.
Press
Machine Information on the Balance Setup menu.
Use the options on your screen to enter the values.
TIP: If you need to enter a decimal point, press
> Press
5.
Return to the Balance Setup menu if you need to change a

measurement unit (e.g. for rotor weight or diameter).
6.
Press
7.
Change the units as required > Press
Weight Lin Dist.

.
NOTE: Once you take the initial reading, your instrument will
display the suggested trial weight mass.
NOTE: A suggested angle and weight will NOT be provided by the
instrument if you are using Manual input mode without a
tachometer connected.
222
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. This
enables your instrument to calculate the trial weight angle.
To enter your reference mark details:
1.
Press
Machine Information on the Balance Setup menu.
2.
Press
Reference Mark > Enter the angle from the tachometer
3.
reflective tape to your reference mark > Press

.
Enter zero if these marks are aligned with each other.
NOTE: Once you take the initial reading, your instrument will
display the suggested trial weight angle in the top right of the
screen.
223
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

bandwidth of the running speed divided by 200. This option
removes most nearby frequencies, but will result in slower
measurement times.
Medium Uses an automatic FMax value of 10 x RPM and a
filter bandwidth of the running speed divided by 40. This is a
good general purpose filter.
Wide Uses an automatic FMax value of 40 x RPM and a filter
bandwidth of the machine running speed divided by 10. This
option should be used for low speed machines or when short
measurement times are important.
EG: If you were to balance using the Narrow option on a machine
running at 3000 RPM, the filter and resolution would be set to 15
RPM (3000 RPM divided by 200), or 300 RPM if using the Wide
setting (3000 RPM divided by 10).
Weight Orientation
Weight Orientation enables you to choose where to place balance
weights on a rotor, relative to the rotor's direction of rotation. You can
place these:
With rotation (WR) You choose a reference point, then place

your weights forward of that point in the direction of rotation
(i.e. in the same direction as the rotor turns).
Against rotation (AR) If the rotor is turning forward, place
your weights backwards from the reference point (i.e. in the
opposite direction of the rotors rotation).
IMPORTANT! Ensure you measure angles in the direction specified
with the rotor stationary. Do NOT rotate the rotor in the direction
specified.
224
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. To change the units
displayed:
1.
Press
Weight Lin Dist.
2.
Press
to cycle through the linear speed options or
to
open the Weight Units menu where you can set balance and rotor
weight units.
3.
Press
to navigate back to the Balance Setup menu when you
have set your units.
Store Units
Store units enable you to specify your preferred measurement units and
overall scaling for balancing jobs.
Combine and Split Trim Weights

As you continue to fine-tune a balance job, you may end up with several
trim weights fixed at various angles on the balancing planes. You can
combine all trim weights for an individual plane into one weight/angle
solution, or split a larger trim weight into several smaller weight/angle
solutions using the Adjust Weights and Split Weight calculators.
225
Combine/Adjust Weights
To combine and adjust weights:
1.
Take a trim reading.
2.
Press
to display the Balance Weight menu (or
Readings from the Balancing menu).
Press the arrow key on the left beside Plane A or B.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Balance
Press
Adjust Weights The Adjust Weights menu displays the
locations and amounts of your individual trim weights, the weight
vector (Existing Total), and the target weight and angle (the trim
weight/angle solution you hope to achieve).
Use the arrow keys on the left to select one of the trim weights you
want to remove.
Press
Remove or Keep The calculator will recalculate the
suggested weight/angle.
NOTE: You can experiment with different remove/keep
combinations by repeating this process. Press
again to add a
subtracted weight back to the calculator.
7.
Press
when you are satisfied with the suggested weight
calculation.
Combine and adjust weights
226
Split Weight
You can split a larger weight into two smaller trim weights. To do this:
1.
2.
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.
3.
4.
Press
Split Weight The Split Weight menu displays the
location and amounts of your current individual trim weight (Target
Weight/Target Angle). It also shows the resultant effective weight
and angle that your split configuration will achieve (the trim
weight/angle solution).
5.
Press
6.
Enter the weight of the first split weight > Press
7.
Press
8.
Enter the proposed angle of the first weight > Press

The
instrument will suggest the second trim weight placement angle
and size beside Second Weight and Second Angle. The effective
(single-weight equivalent) of the new split weights solution will be
displayed beside Resultant Weight and Resultant Angle. If
required, you can also manually experiment with the size and
position of the second weight. To do this, you adjust the second
First Weight.
.
First Angle
weight using
Second Weight and
Second Angle.
Remember that the combination of the two weight/angle solutions
should approximate the original single weight solution as displayed
beside Target Weight and Target Angle.
9.
Press
when you are satisfied with the suggested weight
calculation.
227
Splitting a weight
228
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.
Because trim weight positions are not always suitable, your instrument
includes a calculation tool. This tool recalculates the required weight for
various locations along the balancing radius.
To reposition trim weight along the balance radius:
1.
2.
Press
to display the Balance Weight menu (or press
Balance Readings from the Balancing menu).
3.
Press
Change Radius Plane A (or Plane B) The Change
Radius screen opens.
4.
Press
5.
Enter the current radius position > Press
Old Radius.
.
NOTE: The value can be in any distance (unit: feet, inches, meters,
etc). Only the ratio between the old and new radius is being
calculated.
6.
7.
Press
New Radius.
Enter a new radius position.
8.
Press
The new adjusted weight suitable for this new radius
will be displayed beside New Radius at the center of the LCD screen
in the default weight values previously configured for the
instrument.
229
Adjusting weights for a new radius location
Review Previous Balancing Jobs

You can review previous balancing jobs. To do this:
1.
Press
2.
3.
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.
4.
Press
to select the Recordings column A black border will
display around it, indicating you can now browse through the
recordings. The newest balance job is highlighted at the top of the
column.
5.
Press
to display the selected recording or use the up/down
arrows on the left to select another.
6.
Press
View and Save on the Balancing menu to access the
Balancing report.
230
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.
This section explains how to perform the following tasks:
Take initial unbalance measurements

Set up and apply trial weights
Balance the rotor using correction weights
Perform trim balancing to further reduce vibration
Save and review your balancing job
Produce balancing reports
231
Step 1 Set up New Balance Job

To set up a new balance job:
1.
Press
Balance on the menu > Press
previous settings.
2.
3.
Press
Setup.
Use the options in the Balance Setup menu to choose the required
settings for your balancing job.
Set up new balance job
232
New Job to clear any
Step 2 Take Initial Reading

To take an initial reading:
1.
2.
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).
For dual plane balancing, attach a sensor to each of the

bearings supporting the rotor. It is NOT important how the
sensors are paired or which sensor is attached to which
end.
3.
4.
Set up the tachometer (see Setting up the Tachometer.

Start the machine > Let the rotor settle to its normal operating
speed.
NOTE: Because the vibration level depends on the speed of the
rotor, it is important to take all readings while the rotor is
operating at its normal speed.
5.
6.
Press
from the Balance Setup menu to take the initial reading
The initial reading measures the out of balance level of the rotor.
After a few seconds, the instrument displays the speed of the rotor
in RPM and Hz, the vibration level due to the imbalance (i.e.
amplitude at 1X the rotor speed), and the phase angle of the
vibration.
For dual plane balancing, two sets of values display.
7.
Wait for the readings to stabilize > Press
233
Taking an initial reading
234
Step 3 Take Trial Reading

To take a trial reading:
1.
2.
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. The reference mark can be at any position
around the balancing plane. It does NOT need to be referenced to
the tachometer reflective tape position.
For dual plane balancing, ensure you also establish a
reference mark on Plane B. It does NOT need to
correspond with the Plane A reference mark.
3.
Attach a trial weight to the balancing plane.

IMPORTANT! Ensure the trial weight is NOT too large as this may
damage machine bearings. You will also need to ensure it is NOT
too small, as its effect will be imperceptible. Your trial weight must
be of sufficient mass to change the imbalance by approximately
30% in amplitude or 30% in phase (these figures are the industry
norm). The change must be seen by at least one sensor for each
Trial reading. This will enable the instrument to calculate
accurately.
4.
Ensure the trial weight position is close to the rim of the rotor.
NOTE: It can be at any angular position.
5.
Starting at the reference mark, measure the angular position in the

direction you specified for the Weight Orientation This will either
be With Rotation (WR) or against rotation (AR).
6.
7.
Press
from the Trial Weight menu.
Enter the value for your trial weight.
TIP: If you need to enter a decimal point, press
> Press
8.
Press
9.
Press
> Enter the position of your trial weight in relation to the
reference mark.
10. Press
to return to the Trial Weight menu.
to return to the Trial Weight menu.
235
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 After a few seconds, the instrument displays the speed of
the rotor in RPM and Hz, the vibration level with the trial weight
added.
236
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.
17. Press the appropriate key when the instrument displays the prompt
Will the Trial Weight be removed now?
NOTE: You can redo the trial reading several times if required or
continue with balancing.
237
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.
Step 4 Balance Rotor

The Balance Weight menu displays when you complete the Initial and
Trial Readings. Your instrument displays the weight required to correct
the initial imbalance and the angular position at which it must be
attached.
To balance the rotor:
1.
Stop the machine.

IMPORTANT! If you are removing trial weights as you go, ensure
you do this before attaching your correction weight.
2.
3.
Attach or remove the recommended correction weight as indicated

by your instrument.
Proceed to Trim Balance.
For dual plane balancing, two sets of values will display.
Balancing the rotor
238
Step 5 Perform Trim Balancing

To perform trim balancing:
1.
2.
3.
Replace safety covers,

Start the machine again.
Let the rotor settle to its normal operating speed.
4.
Press
to take a trim reading After a few seconds, the
instrument displays the vibration level with the imbalance corrected.
5.
Press
to accept this measurement The instrument displays
the details of the additional weight adjustments required to trim
balance the rotor (i.e. to further reduce the level of
vibration/imbalance). You can end balancing at this point or
continue with another reposition of trim balance weights (as
indicated) to improve on the balance level. Repeat trim balancing
until you are satisfied with the results.
Taking a trim reading
239
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.
Accessing a Balancing report
240
Save balance job

To save the balance job:
1.
2.
Press
Save Balance Job from the Balancing Report menu.
Select or create a machine to save the balancing job to.
3.
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.
NOTE: You can save multiple balance jobs to a single machine to
create a history of balancing.
241
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
Adjust the LCD display
Change the LCD interface language
Manage the battery pack
Release your instrument's memory
View the instrument's system information
View the instruments unlocked features
Activate your instrument's mirror backup database
Format (erase) your instrument's flash memory
Upgrade your instrument's firmware
Set Date and Time

You can set the time in 12- or 24-hour format. Recordings are date- and
time-stamped according to this clock. Your instrument adjusts the date
and time automatically to accommodate leap years and daylight saving.
You can also select your local time zone automatically. To set the date
and time:
1.
Press
2.
Press
Date/Time.
3.
4.
Press
to set the date or
to set the time.
Press the number keys to enter your values The cursor will
automatically advance to the next position.
TIP: If you enter an incorrect number, press the key repeatedly until
the cursor returns to the beginning of the line, then start again.
5.
Press
to save your changes.
242
Adjust Date or Time Format

To adjust the date and time format:
1.
Press
2.
Press
Date/Time.
3.
Press
repeatedly to cycle between date display formats (e.g.
from DD/MM/YYYY to MM/DD/YYYY).
4.
Press
to toggle between 12- and 24-hour time formats.
Select Local Time Zone

To select your local time zone:
1.
Press
2.
Press
Date/Time.
3.
Press
Edit Time zone.
4.
Use the arrow keys to select your local time zone > Press
TIP: Use
and
. to jump to the top or bottom of the list.
243
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.
To access these options:
1.
Press
Options.
2.
Press
Date/Time.
3.
Press
Daylight Saving repeatedly to toggle between the
available options:
Auto Adjust
Do Not Adjust
NOTE: If your country is not listed in the available time zones, you
will need to select a country with the same GMT offset. Once you
have done this, ensure you set the Daylight Saving option to 'Do
Not Adjust'.
Setting your instrument to automatically adjust to daylight savings
244
Adjust Sound Volume

You can adjust the sound volume. To do this:
1.
Press
2.
Press
LCD Contrast / Backlight / Sound.
3.
Use the arrow keys on the left to adjust the volume up
or down
.
4.
Press
to save your setting.
Set Instrument Language

The language displayed on your instrument varies from region to region
based on the original purchase location. Some regions (e.g. North and
South America) support more than one language. To change the
language displayed on your instrument:
1.
Press
2.
3.
Press
Language.
Use the arrow keys on the left to select a language The two
windows at the bottom of the screen demonstrate how the
language selected will appear.
4.
Press
to save your language selection.
Adjust Screen Contrast

You can adjust the contrast on your screen. To do this:
1.
Press
2.
Press
LCD Contrast / Backlight / Sound The screen displays
a chart and text so you can preview the effect your adjustments will
make on the display.
3.
Use the
and
contrast > Press
keys to increase or decrease the screen

.
245
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:
1.
Press
2.
Press
LCD Contrast / Backlight / Sound.
3.
Press
and
off > Press
to adjust the backlight brightness or switch it

.
If the backlight level is set to High, the LCD backlight level will be reduced
automatically to the Low setting ten seconds before it times out (as
configured in Setting Backlight Timeout). This advance notice enables
you to press any key (e.g. ALT) to return the backlight to its previous
level.
Estimate Remaining Operating Time

Your instrument can estimate its operating time based on the amount of
current remaining in the battery and the average current usage. The
true operating time before the battery runs flat will depend on how you
use the instrument. To check the estimated operating time remaining:
1.
Press
2.
Press
Battery Pwr Mngmnt.
NOTE: The battery State percentage value and Time Left figure on
the Battery and Power Management screen will NOT attain
maximum accuracy until the battery has completed at least one
learn cycle. This consists of using your instrument until the battery
discharges to a near empty state (below 7 V, when a battery
warning icon displays in the middle of the LCD screen, then
performing a complete charge cycle (a full three hour charge
without interruption). Until this sequence is complete, the 0% and
100% indications may be inaccurate by +/-10%.
246
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
Screen brightness/contrast
Backlight brightness and timeout period
Sleep Mode timeout
Shutdown timeout
Set Backlight Timeout

The backlight will switch off automatically once the timeout period has
elapsed (60 seconds by default). If a measuring period exceeds the
backlight timeout, the backlight will remain on during measuring and
switch off when measuring is complete.
To change the default timeout period for the backlight:
1.
Press
2.
Press
Battery Pwr Mngmnt.
3.
4.
Press
Turn Off Backlight.
Enter a value in seconds (1-9999).
5.
Press
247
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). However, it is less battery
efficient than using the Complete Powerdown option because the
internal module remains switched on. Your instrument will power down
completely once the complete powerdown timeout period has elapsed.
When recording a route, powering up the instrument from Sleep mode
will return you to the last displayed menu. In all other cases, your
instrument will display the main menu.
Change Default Sleep Mode Timeout

To change the default time period for Sleep mode timeout:
1.
Press
2.
Press
Battery Pwr Mngmnt.
3.
Press
Enter Sleep Mode > Enter a value in minutes (minimum
1, maximum 9999).
4.
Press
Switch Instrument On
Press
Power to power up the instrument from Sleep mode.

NOTE: Sleep mode is disabled if the battery level drops to 25% or
less. The instrument will immediately enter Complete Powerdown
Mode when
Power is pressed, or at the completion of the
Sleep Mode Timeout period.
248
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:
1.
Press
2.
Press
Battery Pwr Mngmnt.
3.
4.
Press
Complete Powerdown.
Enter a value in hours (1-9999).
5.
Press
Manage Instrument Memory

Your instrument's internal memory requires occasional maintenance to
ensure it operates efficiently. Storing large numbers of recordings on
your instrument significantly extends data transfer time. As with PCs, the
storage performance decreases as the instrument memory gets
fragmented with use.
The following topics explain:
How to check the available memory on your instrument

The types of memory warnings you may encounter over time
The procedures for freeing instrument memory and formatting
the instrument's internal memory card.
249
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:

1.
Press
Options on the main menu The percentage of
instrument memory currently being used will display beside

Memory & System.
2.
Press
Memory & System to display the instrument's actual
memory usage.
3.
Press
to return to the Options menu.
Instrument Memory Warnings

Approximately one third of your instrument's 1 GB of internal memory is
taken up by system data. All remaining data capacity is available for
recordings, notes, and routes. This free memory is capable of
accommodating significant amounts of measurement data.
It is possible for your instrument's memory to become full if large
numbers of high resolution recordings are taken over a long period of
time, or if older recordings are allowed to accumulate unnecessarily.
Large amounts of data will slow the instrument and increase recording
times. You should delete unnecessary data or transfer it to Ascent
whenever possible.
If 80% or more of your instrument memory capacity has been used, a
series of alert messages will display.
250
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%. You can accomplish this by deleting recordings or folders from
your instrument, or emptying the recycle bin on your instrument.
80% memory capacity warning
A message will also display to warn you of high memory use. This
message will appear shortly after the 80% threshold is crossed,
regardless of the screen currently being viewed, and will require
acknowledgement.
251
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.
Instrument memory on Ascent Send window

If memory use is allowed to exceed 95% of your instrument's capacity, a
second message will display to warn you of high memory use.

If your instrument's memory use is allowed to reach 100% of its
maximum capacity, a message will display to advise you that no more
recordings can be saved.
252
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.
Measurements within the folder will be deleted from your instrument.
Formatting your instrument's memory will also increase available
memory by deleting all machines, routes, and recordings.
MORE: See Reformat Memory Card.
Emptying your instrument's recycle bin will also achieve this.

MORE: See Empty Recycle Bin.
To manually delete individual folders from your instrument:

1.
2.
Press
Folders & USB Export from the main menu.
Select the required folder.
3.
Press
Delete Folder.
TIP: Avoid deleting folders that contain measurements which have

NOT been received into Ascent, unless you are certain they are
NOT required.
253
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. Data corruption that
cannot be removed by deleting individual files will also be corrected by
the formatting process.
Your instrument will suggest you format its memory once 365 days or
more have passed since the last flash memory format occurred, or every
50 000 recordings. Once formatted, these counters will be reset.
Formatting your instrument memory will delete all routes, machines,
parameter sets, notes, and recordings. This returns the device's memory
to its original blank factory configuration. The formatting process will
take about ten minutes.
NOTE: If you wish to retain data stored on your instrument, you
can use Ascent to retrieve this information from your instrument
before formatting. The formatting process will delete all data on
your instrument.
To reformat your memory card:

1.
Press
2.
Press
Memory & System to open the Memory screen Your
instrument's current memory usage will display.
3.
Press
4.
Press
to confirm you wish to format your instrument's memory
The format process will start. During this time, your instrument will
display a series of progress messages. Do NOT interrupt the
formatting process. Doing so might damage the instrument.
5.
Press and hold
6.
Press
Reformat Memory Card.
when the formatting is complete.
to restart your instrument.
254
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. If you do this, all folders in the recycle bin will also be
erased during an instrument Proflash.
To empty your instrument's recycle bin:
1.
Press
2.
Press
You will be asked to confirm you wish to empty the
recycle bin.
3.
Press
to proceed or
to cancel.
255
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
exact duplicate of the current system database, and is
continually updated in real time.
If database corruption is detected (e.g. from a memory failure), your

instrument will automatically prompt you to overwrite the bad primary
database with the good mirror database when you switch it on.
To overwrite your current system database with the mirror backup
database:
1.
Press
2.
Press
Memory & System to open the Memory screen.
3.
Press
Swap to Mirror DB.
4.
Press
to overwrite the primary database with the mirror
backup, or
to cancel.
NOTE: Once the mirror database has been overwritten, you should
immediately import all data from your instrument to Ascent. You
should then format your memory card before taking any further
measurements.
256
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:
1.
Press
2.
Press
Memory & System to access the Memory screen Your
instrument's system details display below the System heading:
Firmware Version Your instrument's current firmware
version. New firmware versions are released regularly and can
be downloaded from the Commtest website at
http://www.commtest.com.
MORE: See Upgrade Instrument Firmware for instructions on
installing new firmware versions.
Firmware Backup The firmware version that will be used if

you restore the backup firmware version by pressing
Restore Backup Firmware. Restoring your instrument firmware
will reset the instrument to its factory state. This action should
only be taken if a conflict arises with a new firmware version, or
if the installed instrument firmware becomes corrupt.
PCB Revision This is your instrument PCB board version.
Possible revisions are C, D, and E. Revision E versions include
USB host ports and C1D2 CSA certification. Revision C and D
boards are found in earlier instrument versions.
OS version The instrument's operating system.
Instrument Region The region your instrument has been
configured to and the available languages supported. These
include English (English), Americas (English, French, and Spanish),
Europe (French, Spanish, Hungarian), Russia (Russian) and China
(Chinese).
Processor Type The (CPU) processor type used on your
instrument.
The screen also displays your instrument's unique 20-digit serial number.
This serial number may be requested by the technical support team in
order to create customized upgrade packages tailored to your
instrument.
257
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.
If you purchase a Flex feature, you can easily review the licensing status
of these at any time. To do this:
1.
Press
Options.
2.
Press
Model + Features.
MORE: Contact your local sales representative to arrange a license

for a feature you wish to add.
MORE: Refer to your Ascent Reference Guide to learn how to apply
our license in Ascent.
Checking the licensing details for any additional features
258
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:
1.
Press
Options.
2.
Press
Memory & System The Flex Capable listing at the
bottom of the screen indicates either Yes or No.
MORE: Contact Commtest Support if your instrument is currently
not set up to support Flex features.
Determining whether your instrument is currently set up to

support the addition of Flex features
259
Unlock 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.
If you purchase additional features you can easily review the licensing
status of these at any time. To do this:
1.
Press
Options.
2.
Press
Model + Features.
MORE: Contact your local sales representative to arrange a license

for a feature you wish to add. Click here to learn how to apply your
license in Ascent.
Checking the licensing details for any additional features
260
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.
WARNING! Proflashing will restore the instrument to the factory
default state and delete all stored information. This includes
folders, routes, machines, parameter sets, recordings and balance
jobs. If you wish to save any of this information, please transfer all
folders to the software before Proflashing your instrument.
To check if a newer firmware version is available, visit

http://www.commtest.com/what_s_new/product_releases. Firmware
files are included with Ascent, and not typically provided individually.
Update your version of Ascent to access newer instrument firmware.
261
Proflash Procedure
To upgrade your instrument firmware:
1.
Ensure your instrument is already configured in Ascent.

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
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.
Open Ascent.
Select Edit > Manage > Instruments.
Double-click your instrument in the new window.
TIP: You can identify your instrument by its serial number.
NOTE: If the vbX Properties window does NOT open immediately,
select your instrument from the Manage Instrument panel.
Press Configure.
Click the Proflash button under the Setup tab You will see a list
the available firmware version(s) stored on your PC.
9. Select the newest recommended firmware version.
10. Click the Proflash button.
7.
8.
11. Press
on your instrument (when prompted).
NOTE: Proflashing may take several minutes. During this time your
instrument will display a series of progress messages.
WARNING! Do NOT interrupt the Proflash process. Doing so can
damage your instrument.
12. Once Proflashing has completed, restart the instrument by holding

then pressing
262
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
Reset Instrument
An unresponsive instrument (one that does not respond when you press
the keys) will continue drawing power until it is reset or switched off. To
conserve power, reset your instrument as soon as possible.
NOTE: Resetting your instrument will NOT delete previously stored
data or settings.
To reset your instrument, hold

and press
will power off and restart immediately.
263
Your instrument
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. it has an exception rule applied to it).
When you use cabled Ethernet (RJ45), your instrument and Ascent use a
default network address to communicate. Usually you will NOT need to
change this. However, it is possible that this address may interact
negatively with other devices on a network. This conflict may result in
other network connections being lost while your instrument is connected
to your computer.
To resolve this conflict, change the Ethernet network settings in your
instrument and Ascent.
NOTE: Your changes will only take effect once your instrument
hardware has been reset.
If you change the network address, you must change it in your

instrument and software so the two can communicate.
NOTE: This does NOT apply if you are only changing the last digit
of the IP address.
264
Set Ethernet Network Address

To set the Ethernet network address:
1.
Press
2.
Press
Comms.
3.
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:
4.
Press
to use DHCP > Press
your changes.
Press
to reset and apply
> Enter your new network IP values manually > Press
+
changes.
to reset the instrument hardware and apply your
NOTE: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a network

protocol that automatically configures TCP/IP networked devices.
Reset Network Values to Factory Default

To reset the network values to the factory default:
1.
Press
2.
Press
Comms.
3.
Press
Factory Default > Hold
your instrument.
and press
to reset
NOTE: The factory default values are Ethernet IP: DHCP (Auto).
265
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:
1.
2.
3.
Select Start > Control Panel > View network status under Network
and Internet.
Click Manage network connections on the left.
Right-click the Local Area Connection #X icon > Select Properties.
TIP: You can identify the correct icon by the subheading vbX #X, if
#X is the USB port number.
4.
5.
Deselect the checkbox beside Internet Protocol Version 6

(TCP/IPv6) under This connection uses the following items.
Click OK.
NOTE: Disabling IPv6 will prevent you from using Windows
Meeting Space or any application that relies on the Windows Peerto-Peer Networking platform or the Teredo transition technology. If
you wish to use these applications, re-enable IPv6 support.
Ethernet instrument connections will be unaffected by the
reactivation of IPv6 support. This is because the compatibility
problem is resolved by the initial performance of the procedure
above.
266
Index
6
6Pack ............................................................................................................................................53
A
Accelerometer
drive current ................................................................................................................ 2, 203
setting up ..............................................................................................................................34
specifying settings ........................................................................................................ 203
adB ............................................................................................................................................. 142
scaling ...................................................................................................................... 140, 142
units ........................................................................................................................... 108, 142
Amplitude
scale ..................................................................................................................................... 140
units ........................................................................................................................... 108, 142
Amplitude and phase ..........................................................................................................67
AR (against rotation) .......................................................................................................... 226
Averaging ..................................................................................................................... 116, 223
exponential ....................................................................................................................... 117
linear..................................................................................................................................... 117
number of .......................................................................................................................... 117
overlap ................................................................................................................................ 117
peak hold ........................................................................................................................... 117
time synchronous .............................................................................................................57
B
Balance weights ....................................................................................................... 218, 223
placing ................................................................................................................................. 226
Balancing
against rotation .............................................................................................................. 226
circumferance arc ......................................................................................................... 218
degrees ............................................................................................................................... 218
fixed positions ................................................................................................................. 218
initial reading .............................................................................................. 213, 222, 236
reference mark .......................................................................................... 218, 222, 225
report ........................................................................................................................ 233, 243
trial reading ........................................................................................................... 213, 238
trim balance ................................................................................................ 213, 228, 242
units ...................................................................................................................................... 228
267
walkthrough ..................................................................................................................... 234

WR (with rotation) .......................................................................................................... 226
Baseline recordings ........................................................................................................... 126
Battery
conserving power .......................................................................................................... 251
features..................................................................................................................................13
recharging ............................................................................................................................12
removing ...............................................................................................................................14
C
Channels .................................................................................................................................. 138
assigning sensors to ......................................................................................... 105, 113
multi-channel measuring .......................................................... 104, 105, 106, 174
Charts ........................................................................................................................................ 132
scaling ............................................................................................................ 108, 140, 142
working with multiple charts ........................................................................ 138, 139
zooming .............................................................................................................................. 137
Zooming charts .............................................................................................................. 137
Connect instrument to wireless network ............................................................... 163
Connect to Wi-Fi Network .............................................................................................. 160
Connections ................................................................................................................................ 9
Copying items ............................................................................................................... 32, 200
Cross channel phase ...........................................................................................................67
CSA certification ....................................................................................................................... 4
Cursors ..................................................................................................................................... 134
D
Data export ............................................................................................................................ 155
Date and time ............................................................................................................ 245, 246
Deleting items ....................................................................................................................... 202
all stored information .................................................................................................. 211
folders .................................................................................................................................. 195
notes .......................................................................................................................... 209, 210
recordings .................................................................................................... 125, 189, 210
restoring ............................................................................................................................. 195
routes ................................................................................................................................... 190
sensors ................................................................................................................................ 207
Delta .................................................................................................................................. 67, 134
Demodulation .......................................................................................................... 50, 52, 53
bandwidth ......................................................................................................................... 119
Drive current .................................................................................................................... 2, 203
268
E
Exponential averaging ..................................................................................................... 117
F
Fixed positions...................................................................................................................... 218
Flex Features ......................................................................................................................... 262
Fmax ............................................................................................................................... 115, 116
equivalent Fmax ............................................................................................................ 119
Fmin ........................................................................................................................................... 116
Folders, defining, working with......................................................................... 192, 194
transferring to the software .................................................................................... 150
H
Harmonic cursors ............................................................................................................... 134
Hazardous locations .............................................................................................................. 4
I
Incompatible sensor ......................................................................................................... 203
Initial reading ............................................................................................................. 213, 236
Instrument I/O ports............................................................................................................... 9
K
Keypad entries ................................................................................................................ 20, 97
Keyphasor..................................................................................................................................38
L
Language, setting ............................................................................................................... 248
LCD screen .................................................................................................................. 248, 249
Linear averaging ................................................................................................................. 117
Log range ................................................................................................................................ 140
M
Machines, defining, working with............................................................................... 196
Measurements
measurements analyzing ......................................................................................... 133
order tracked ........................................................................................................... 99, 100
saving .................................................................................................................................. 146
taking ........................................................................................................................ 128, 129
Memory, capacity .................................................................................................... 191, 257
available amount........................................................................................................... 254
269
deleting all information .............................................................................................. 211

freeing up........................................................................................................................... 257
reformatting ..................................................................................................................... 258
use of......................................................................................................................... 116, 119
N
Notes ......................................................................................................................................... 207
O
Off-route recordings ......................................................................................................... 190
Order Tracking.............................................................................................................. 99, 100
Orders ....................................................................................................................................... 145
Overall (power level) ............................................................................................... 108, 126
Overlap percentage .......................................................................................................... 117
P
Parameter sets, defining, working with ....................................................... 110, 112
Peak hold averaging ......................................................................................................... 117
Phase angles .................................................................................................... 56, 62, 64, 67
PROFLASH, firmware upgrading ................................................................................. 265
R
Receive Data Remotely on Instrument from Ascent........................................ 158
Recordings
deleting .................................................................................................................... 125, 210
multi-channel ....................................................................................................... 104, 106
reviewing............................................................................................................................ 123
saving .................................................................................................................................. 122
taking ................................................................................................................................... 120
Remote Comms on your Instrument ........................................................................ 157
Report, balancing .................................................................................................... 233, 243
Resolution .................................................................................................................... 116, 119
Revs, waveforms ................................................................................................................. 146
Routes, working with ........................................................................................................ 167
off-route recordings ..................................................................................................... 190
skipping route entries.................................................................................................. 182
RPM, setting ........................................................................................................................... 143
rpm displaying ...................................................................................................................56
S
Send data ........................................................................................................... 150, 152, 155
270
Sensors
bias voltage ...................................................................................................................... 205
connecting ...........................................................................................................................33
mounting....................................................................................................................... 33, 34
Set up wireless network .................................................................................................. 161
Settling time........................................................................................................................... 203
Specify preferred wireless connection .................................................................... 164
Spectral lines ......................................................................................................................... 116
Strobe, using..................................................................................................................... 43, 46
System information ........................................................................................................... 261
T
Tachometer ...................................................................................................................... 36, 56
from a strobe ......................................................................................................................46
triggering ........................................................................................................................... 116
Time synchronous averaging ..........................................................................................57
Trial reading ................................................................................................................ 213, 238
Trim balance............................................................................................................... 213, 242
Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................. 267
network communications ......................................................................................... 268
Resetting the instrument ........................................................................................... 267
restore a deleted folder .............................................................................................. 195
U
UFF Export .............................................................................................................................. 166
Upgrading the instrument ............................................................................................. 265
USB .................................................................................................................................................. 9
USB flash device ............................................................................................................. 155
V
vdB .............................................................................................................................................. 142
scaling ...................................................................................................................... 140, 142
units ........................................................................................................................... 140, 142
W
Windowing ............................................................................................................................. 118
WR (with rotation) ............................................................................................................... 226
271

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SCOUT & vbSeries

Instrument Reference Guide

GE Measurement & Control

GE Measurement & Control

Product Disposal Statement

SCOUT and vbSeries Instrument Reference Guide

SCOUT and vbSeries Instrument Reference Guide

Permanent Mounting .................................................................................................35

Read Speed of Connected Strobe ..............................................................................48

SCOUT and vbSeries Instrument Reference Guide

Take Orbit Plot Measurement on Route............................................................86

Disable Warning Messages...........................................................................................93

4 Perform Actual Modal Impact Test ............................................................93

Specify Locations and Directions for Saved Impacts ........................................95

5 Review Data ..........................................................................................................96

SECTION 5 SET MEASUREMENT OPTIONS ........................................... 108

Number of Averages ..................................................................................................... 117

Windowing ................................................................................................................... 118

Choose Window Type ................................................................................................... 118

WAVEFORM PARAMETERS................................................................................................... 118

SCOUT and vbSeries Instrument Reference Guide

Multiple recording ..................................................................................................... 121

Change Multi-chart Layout Display........................................................................ 139

SET Y AXIS (AMPLITUDE) SCALE ......................................................................................... 140

SCOUT and vbSeries Instrument Reference Guide

Resend Updated Folder ......................................................................................... 153

Retain Stored Recordings ........................................................................................... 153

SYNCHRONIZE TIME ZONE ON INSTRUMENT AND COMPUTER ..................................... 154

WHAT IS A ROUTE? .............................................................................................................. 167

SCOUT and vbSeries Instrument Reference Guide

ORGANIZE AND STORE RECORDINGS ................................................................................ 192

Change Sensor Temporarily ...................................................................................... 207

Delete Sensor .............................................................................................................. 207

Balance Planes ................................................................................................................ 217

SCOUT and vbSeries Instrument Reference Guide

Weight Position (Reference Mark) ........................................................................... 217

# Sensors ...................................................................................................................... 219

Channel Position ............................................................................................................. 220

Rotor Weight, Diameter, and Speed....................................................................... 222

Filter Bandwidth ........................................................................................................ 224

STEP 1 SET UP NEW BALANCE JOB ............................................................................. 232

Change Default Sleep Mode Timeout .................................................................... 248

Set Complete Powerdown Timeout ................................................................. 249

SCOUT and vbSeries Instrument Reference Guide

MANAGE INSTRUMENT MEMORY ....................................................................................... 249

95% Memory Capacity Warning.............................................................................. 252

Free up Instrument Memory ................................................................................ 253

SECTION 14 TROUBLESHOOTING .......................................................... 263

Reset Network Values to Factory Default............................................................ 265

ETHERNET CONNECTION LOST IN WINDOWS VISTA ...................................................... 266

Although this guide makes use of common vibration analysis and

Only use an approved power adapter 12 V 3 A

Mount the sensor correctly before taking

If your instrument malfunctions, return it to an

CSA Certification vbSeries Instruments

Installation Control Drawing for Hazardous Locations

IECEx / ATEX Certification SCOUT Instruments

logo on the rear instrument

If you need to use your instrument in hazardous areas, please ensure it

Installation Control Drawing GE2214VBX for ATEX Hazardous Locations

IECEx / ATEX Declaration of Conformity

Connects to a standard 8P8C (RJ45)

USB host port

Connects to an external USB memory