Atec VB User Manual

Built on the proven track record of the classic vbSeries® portable vibration analyzers and balancers, the all-new vbSeries data collectors, analyzers, and balancers have been re-engineered from the ground up to offer leading-edge reliability, accuracy and usability.

• Improved ergonomics for walk

around data collection

• Large, high resolution (HVGA) backlit LCD

• True left- and right-handed operation

• Multi-channel on route recordings

(collectors and analyzers only)

• 1 GB memory – virtually unlimited

spectra and waveform storage

• 10 hour battery life

• Lightweight, rugged IP65 rated cases

• DC coupled sensor support

• 12 800 lines of resolution (max)

• 40 kHz Fmax

• Single, Dual or Four-channel

recordings depending on model

• Triax. compatibility (vb6™ and

vb8™ instruments only)

• CSA Class I, Division 2 Hazardous

Locations certication

• USB host port for data transfer to

external USB memory

Choose the model most suitable for your needs.

Our tiered instrument range allows you to select an appropriate set of features at a cost effective price. Choose a model tailored to your requirements with the added peace of mind provided by our rock solid 5 year warranty.

Data Collectors Data Analyzers Balancers

Lean vb5 vb7 vbBalancer

Deluxe vb6 vb8 vbBalancer+

THE COMPLETE VIBRATION ANALYSIS PACKAGE

The vb8™ analyzer is a uniquely sophisticated and feature-packed instrument, yet it remains intuitive in operation and exible enough to suit every level of vibration analyst, from novice through to expert.

The included Ascent® software contains the collective experience of over 25 years of expert in-depth machine fault analysis.

1. Users with no prior experience or without previously recorded vibration history can now establish a measurement program utilizing proven baseline values from ISO standards and “The Proven Method” from Technical Associates.*

2. Experienced users can now generate meaningful spectral alarm bands automatically rather than just relying on basic overall alarms or spectral band guesswork.

3. Veteran analysts can now objectively evaluate and compare their ndings against a time-tested and proven historical foundation.

Ascent® Level 2 software:

• Fully automated measurement parameter and alarm setups based on “The Proven Method” from Technical Associates*

• ISO 2372 and 10816 standards

* The incorporation of The Proven Method is

available exclusively in Ascent® software

Enhanced instrument functionality

• 4 channel simultaneous recordings

• Triax. enabled

• 12 800 line FFT resolution

• 40 kHz Fmax

• 1 GB memory – virtually unlimited spectra storage

• Large, high resolution (HVGA) backlit LCD

• Comfortable, ergonomic case design

• Support for acceleration, velocity, displacement, DC coupled, current and voltage output sensors (both AC and DC coupled)

• 2 plane balancing with up to 4 sensors (simultaneous acquisition)

• Commtest’s unique 6Pack™ recording system: take up to 12 measurements simultaneously (HF, LF and Demodulation spectra and waveforms) across two channels

• Numeric parameter input via keypad with trend and alarm capability in Ascent® software

• Upgradeable using the ‘Proash’ system and free rmware updates for ve years

EASY AND EFFICIENT TWO CHANNEL CAPABILITY

The vb7™ analyzer offers the power and convenience of dual-channel measurement and dual-plane balancing. Its balancing functions enable the quick diagnosis and correction of dynamic unbalance, the most common form of unbalance. The vb7 instrument’s combination of accuracy, intuitive operation, ease of use and outstanding storage capacity ensures the vb7 analyzer delivers a premium return on investment. The vb7 instrument includes the powerful Ascent® software in the purchase price.

Ascent Level 2 enables you to program the instrument with thousands of separate machine denitions covering a number of route choices. A library of over 300 customizable parameter sets is also available enabling a vast array of measurement options.

Ascent Level 2 software:

• Route enabled - build routes in Ascent software and send to the instrument

• CBDb - Commtest Bearing Database with over 30 000 bearings

• Orbit and Bode plots

• Waveform analysis tools - perfect for the power user

• User-designable SQL/HTML reports - unlimited reporting exibility

• Statistical alarm creation and adjustment

Enhanced instrument functionality

• Improved ergonomics for walk around data collection

• 2 channel simultaneous recordings

• True left- and right-handed operation

• Wide measurement range: 1000 g, 25 000 mm/s, 2500mm

• 2 plane balancing

• ≥ 95 dB dynamic range

• 6400 line FFT resolution

• 40 kHz Fmax

• 1 GB memory – virtually unlimited spectra and waveform storage

• Laser speed sensor for automatic capture of machine running speed

• Keyphasor® tach mode

• 5 year warranty on the instrument hardware

HIGH RESOLUTION, FOUR CHANNEL MEASUREMENTS FOR PROACTIVE MAINTENANCE PROFESSIONALS

The vb6™ data collector is a four channel, routeenabled product that provides everything needed for advanced, high resolution data collection. This instrument includes a wide range of recording and measurement types at up to 12 800 lines of resolution. The vb6 includes the powerful Ascent® software in the purchase price.

Ascent Level 1 enables you to program the instrument with thousands of separate machine denitions covering a number of route choices. A library of over 300 customizable parameter sets is also available enabling a vast array of measurement options.

Ascent Level 1 software:

• Route enabled - build routes in Ascent software and send to the instrument

• CBDb - Commtest Bearing Database with over 30 000 bearings

Enhanced instrument functionality

• 4 channel simultaneous recordings

• 12 800 line FFT resolution

• 40 kHz Fmax

• Laser speed sensor for automatic capture of machine running speed

• 1 GB memory – virtually unlimited spectra storage

• ≥ 95 dB dynamic range

• Large, high resolution (HVGA) backlit LCD

• Voltage output sensor support

• User-dened recordings for Temperature, Pressure, Mass Flow, Force and Power

• 5 year warranty on the instrument hardware

THE ECONOMICAL SOLUTION FOR THE PROACTIVE MAINTENANCE PROFESSIONAL

The vb5™ data collector is a single channel, routeenabled product that provides everything needed for cost effective data collection and analysis. Using this instrument maintenance professionals are able to easily take recordings with up to 6400 lines of resolution and greater than 95 dB of dynamic range, and all at a low price that represents exceptional value for money. The vb5 instrument includes the powerful Ascent® software in the purchase price.

Ascent Level 1 software:

• Route enabled - build routes in Ascent software and send to the instrument

• CBDb - Commtest Bearing Database with over 30 000 bearings

Enhanced instrument functionality

• 1 channel recordings

• 6400 line FFT resolution

• 40 kHz Fmax

• 1 GB memory – virtually unlimited spectra storage

• ≥ 95 dB dynamic range

• Spectrum and Waveform recordings

• Large, high resolution (HVGA) backlit LCD

• 5 year warranty on the instrument hardware

FOUR CHANNEL UNBALANCE CORRECTION PACKAGE

Lightweight and extremely portable, the vbBalancer+™ 4 channel and vbBalancer™ 2

channel instruments are easily carried on site to

any problematic machine. Their 10 hour battery life and 1 GB of internal memory ensure progress is uninterrupted, practically eliminating the need to pause in order to connect to a PC or power supply.

The vbBalancer instruments also carry Commtest’s

legendary 5 year warranty and free lifetime support as standard.

Unbalance causes high levels of mechanical stress and vibration that are transferred directly to the bearings resulting in a proportional reduction in normal bearing life. With a few basic parameters the vbBalancer instruments calculate acceptable unbalance levels to ensure machinery operates within international ISO 1940 guidelines.

Setup vbBalancer instrument setup is minimal, quick and

easy. Only a few calibration runs are required, with or without removing your trial weight.

Memory

The vbBalancer instrument stores your previous balance run data. No need to waste valuable time performing calibration runs on repetitive or routine balance jobs.

Balance

Unbalance is computed quickly and the large backlit LCD display and user-friendly graphical interface indicate the angular position for weight correction.

The vbBalancer+ instrument allows full 4-sensor monitoring of both horizontal and vertical axes on each bearing. This ability provides condence that a balance on any one axis has not worsened vibrations on the other.

DATA COLLECTORS DATA ANALYZERS BALANCERS

SPECIFICATIONS vb5 vb6 vb7 vb8 vbBalancer vbBalancer+ REMARKS

Sensor Input

Channels (simultaneous)

1 4 2 4 2 4 Simultaneous sampling

Sensors

Accelerometer

Accelerometer, Velocity, Displacement, Current, Voltage

Accelerometer, Velocity, Displacement, Current

Accelerometer, Velocity, Displacement, Current, Voltage

Accelerometer

Accelerometer, Velocity, Displacement

AC coupled range

16 V peak-peak 16 V peak-peak 16 V peak-peak 16 V peak-peak 16 V peak-peak 16 V peak-peak

Allows for ± 8 V sensor output swing (± 80 g)

DC coupled range

–

0 V to 20 V, -10 V to 10 V,

-20 V to 0 V

0 V to 20 V, -10 V to 10 V,

-20 V to 0 V

0 V to 20 V, -10 V to 10 V,

-20 V to 0 V

– – e.g. for reading prox-probe gap

Connectors

BNC BNC, LEMO 2x BNC BNC, LEMO 2x BNC BNC, LEMO Safety feature: Break-free inline connector

Analog to digital conversion

24-bit ADC 24-bit ADC 24-bit ADC 24-bit ADC 24-bit ADC 24-bit ADC

Sensor excitation current

0 mA or 2.2 mA (congurable), 24 V maximum

2.2 mA required for ICP®-type accelerometer

Sensor detection

Warns if short circuit or not connected

Tachometer

Sensor

Laser sensor with reective tape included in kit

Sensor triggers on beam reection

Laser sensor range

10 cm to 2 m nominal 10 cm to 2 m nominal 10 cm to 2 m nominal 10 cm to 2 m nominal 10 cm to 2 m nominal 10 cm to 2 m nominal Dependent on size of reective tape

Other Sensor types supported

Contact, TTL pulse

Contact, TTL pulse, Keyphasor®

Contact, TTL pulse

Contact, TTL pulse, Keyphasor®

Optically isolated input

Power supply to sensor

5 V, 50 mA 5 V, 50 mA 5 V, 50 mA 5 V, 50 mA 5 V, 50 mA 5 V, 50 mA

TTL Pulse rating

3.5 V (4 mA) min, 28 V (6 mA) max, off-state 0.8 V

Keyphasor® threshold

– 13 V ± 1 V 13 V ± 1 V 13 V ± 1 V – 13 V ± 1 V

Speed range

30 RPM to 300 000 RPM (0.5 Hz to 5 kHz)

Parameter Indication

Maximum levels

›1000 g (10 000 m/s2), ›1000 in/sec (25 000 mm/s), ›100 in (2500 mm)

›1000 g (10 000 m/s2), ›1000 in/sec (25 000 mm/s), ›100 in (2500 mm), ›10 000 Amps

›1000 g (10 000 m/s2), ›1000 in/sec (25 000 mm/s), ›100 in (2500 mm)

Effective limit is sensor sensitivity and output voltage

Dynamic signal range

›95 dB ›95 dB ›95 dB ›95 dB ›95 dB ›95 dB

Harmonic distortion

Less than -70 dB typical Less than -70 dB typical Less than -70 dB typical Less than -70 dB typical Less than -70 dB typical Less than -70 dB typical Other distortions and noise are lower

Units

g or m/s2, in/s or mm/s, mil or mm or μm adB, vdB

g or m/s2, in/s or mm/s, mil or mm or μm adB, vdB, amps and user-dened

g or m/s2, in/s or mm/s, mil or mm or μm adB, vdB, amps

g or m/s2, in/s or mm/s, mil or mm or μm adB, vdB, amps and user-dened

g or m/s2, in/s or mm/s, mil or mm or μm adB, vdB

0-peak, peak-peak or RMS. Auto-scale by 1000x when required US & SI options for both adB & vdB

Magnitude & Cursors

Overall RMS value, dual cursors, harmonics

Digital readouts on chart

Accuracy

± 1% (0.1 dB) ± 1% (0.1 dB) ± 1% (0.1 dB) ± 1% (0.1 dB) ± 1% (0.1 dB) ± 1% (0.1 dB) For DC level (%F.S.) & AC measured at 100 Hz

Frequency response

± 0.1 dB from 10 Hz to 15 kHz; ± 3 dB from 1 Hz to 40 kHz

± 3 dB from 1 Hz to 5 kHz ± 3 dB from 1 Hz to 5 kHz

Acceleration and velocity. From value measured at 100 Hz

Spectrum Display

Fmax possible ranges

25, 50, 100, 125, 150, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, 1000, 1200, 1600, 2000, 2500, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 8000, 10 000, 15 000, 20 000, 30 000, 40 000 Hz

25, 50, 100, 125, 150, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 800,1000, 1200, 1600, 2000, 2500, 3000, 4000, 5000 Hz

Or equivalent CPM values Or orders-based from 1X to 999X

Fmin possible range

0 to Fmax 0 to Fmax 0 to Fmax 0 to Fmax 0 to Fmax 0 to Fmax

vb instrument zeroes all spectral lines below Fmin

Resolution

400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400 lines

400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12 800 lines

400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400 lines

400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12 800 lines

800 lines 800 lines

3200 lines max. for dual channel measurements

Frequency scale

Hz, CPM, Orders Hz, CPM, Orders Hz, CPM, Orders Hz, CPM, Orders Hz, CPM Hz, CPM Linear scale with zooming

Amplitude scale

Acceleration, velocity, displacement

Acceleration, velocity, displacement, current or user dened

Acceleration, velocity, displacement or current

Acceleration, velocity, displacement, current or user dened

Acceleration, velocity or displacement

Linear or log scales, auto or manual scaling

Window shapes

Hanning, rectangular Hanning, rectangular Hanning, rectangular Hanning, rectangular Hanning Hanning

Overlap

(0, 12.5, 25, 37.5, 50, 62.5, 75, 87.5) %

50% 50% Dependent on Fmax and number of lines

Number of averages

1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128 4 4

Increases sampling time proportionally

Averaging types

Linear, exponential, peak hold

Linear, exponential, peak hold, synchronous

Linear Linear

Demodulation bandwidths

21 bandwidth options 21 bandwidth options 21 bandwidth options 21 bandwidth options – –

Waveform Display

Number of samples

1024, 2048, 4096, 8192, 16 384

1024, 2048, 4096, 8192, 16 384, 32 768

1024, 2048, 4096, 8192, 16 384

1024, 2048, 4096, 8192, 16 384, 32 768

2048 2048

Time scale

10 ms to 640 seconds 10 ms to 640 seconds 10 ms to 640 seconds 10 ms to 640 seconds 160 ms to 32 seconds 160 ms to 32 seconds Or orders based from 1 to 999 revs

Time synchronous averages

Long time waveform

Up to 40 kHz Fmax (28 M samples)

– –

1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128 – – Only available when tachometer triggered

DATA COLLECTORS DATA ANALYZERS BALANCERS

SPECIFICATIONS vb5 vb6 vb7 vb8 vbBalancer vbBalancer+ REMARKS

Logging Features

Data storage 1 GB 1 GB 1 GB 1 GB 1 GB 1 GB

Data storage structure

Max Folder size

Direct print reports – –

Folders / machines / points / locations /routes

10 000 measurement locations

Folders / machines / points / locations /routes

10 000 measurement locations

Folders / machines / points / locations /routes

10 000 measurement locations

Via Ethernet to PCL-enabled printer

Folders / machines / points / locations /routes

10 000 measurement locations

Via Ethernet to PCL-enabled printer

Folders / Machines Folders / Machines No limits are applied, 50 character names

10 000 measurement locations

Via Ethernet to PCL-enabled printer

10 000 measurement locations

Via Ethernet to PCL-enabled printer

Balance reports

Balancing

Planes – – 2 planes, 2 sensors 2 planes, 4 sensors 2 planes, 2 sensors 2 planes, 4 sensors

Speed range – – 30 to 60 000 RPM 30 to 60 000 RPM 30 to 60 000 RPM 30 to 60 000 RPM

Measurement type – –

Weight modes – –

Remove trial weights – – Yes, No Yes, No Yes, No Yes, No Removed weight automatic recalculation

Manual data entry – – √ √ √ √ Allows re-entry of previous balance jobs

Storage – –

Channel selection – – Single or dual channel

Acceleration, velocity, displacement

Angle 0° to 360°, xed position, circumference arc

Against machines in data structure

Acceleration, velocity, displacement

Angle 0° to 360°, xed position, circumference arc

Against machines in data structure

Up to 4 channels simultaneous

Acceleration, velocity, displacement

Angle 0° to 360°, xed position, circumference arc

Against machines in data structure

Single or dual channel

Acceleration, velocity, displacement

Angle 0° to 360°, xed position, circumference arc

Against machines in data structure

Up to 4 channels simultaneous

e.g. weights on fan blades, linear dist around circumference

No limits are applied

Display & Communications

Resolution

Viewing area 4.6” x 3.1” (117 x 79) mm 4.6” x 3.1” (117 x 79) mm 4.6” x 3.1” (117 x 79) mm 4.6” x 3.1” (117 x 79) mm 4.6” x 3.1” (117 x 79) mm 4.6” x 3.1” (117 x 79) mm

Backlight White LED, 4V, 100 Cd/m2 White LED, 4V, 100 Cd/m2 White LED, 4V, 100 Cd/m2 White LED, 4V, 100 Cd/m2 White LED, 4V, 100 Cd/m2 White LED, 4V, 100 Cd/m2

Communications with PC USB and Ethernet USB and Ethernet USB and Ethernet USB and Ethernet USB and Ethernet USB and Ethernet

USB host port √ √ √ √ √ √ Save folders to USB ash drive

480 x 320 pixels (HVGA) Graphic Greyscale LCD

Route/Measurement transfer and Proash rmware upgrade

Battery & Charger

Battery Type

Operating time 10 hours 10 hours 10 hours 10 hours 10 hours 10 hours Backlight on (60 second timeout)

Charger type

Charge rate 3 A nominal 3 A nominal 3 A nominal 3 A nominal 3 A nominal 3 A nominal 3 hours for complete charge

Custom Lithium Ion pack,

7.4 V, 4500 mAh

Internal charging, automatic control

Custom Lithium Ion pack,

7.4 V, 4500 mAh

Internal charging, automatic control

Custom Lithium Ion pack,

7.4 V, 4500 mAh

Internal charging, automatic control

Custom Lithium Ion pack,

7.4 V, 4500 mAh

Internal charging, automatic control

Custom Lithium Ion pack,

7.4 V, 4500 mAh

Internal charging, automatic control

Custom Lithium Ion pack,

7.4 V, 4500 mAh

Internal charging, automatic control

External Power pack 12 V DC, 3 A output, included in kit

Mechanical

Size

Weight

9.9” W x 5.8” L x 2.4” H (252 x 148x 60) mm

2.7 lb (1.2 kg) including battery

Environmental

Operating Temp 14 °F to 122 °F (-10 to 50) °C 14 °F to 122 °F (-10 to 50) °C 14 °F to 122 °F (-10 to 50) °C 14 °F to 122 °F (-10 to 50) °C 14 °F to 122 °F (-10 to 50) °C 14 °F to 122 °F (-10 to 50) °C

Storage Temp & Humidity

EMC EN61326 EN61326 EN61326 EN61326 EN61326 EN61326

Ruggedness

Hazardous Locations

Certication

-4 °F to 140 °F (-20 to 60) °C, 95% RH