CASTLE Vexo H, GA2006H Operating Manual
www.castlegroup.co.uk
Vexo H - (GA2006H)
Hand Arm Tri-Axial Vibration Meter
&
O
perating Manual
Vexo H
HARM Vibration Meter Operating Manual
Published by Castle Group Ltd
Castle Group Ltd
Salter Road
Scarborough
North Yorkshire
YO11 3UZ, UK
Copyright © Castle Group Ltd 2012
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a
retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission
of the copyright holder.
Printed in the UK
Rev A
HB/2006/009/EL
Thank you for buying a Castle product, I am sure you will find both the goods and
the service to be of the highest quality but if not, then please feel free to write to
me personally and I will ensure that your needs are dealt with immediately.
This manual is designed to show you the operation of the goods you have
purchased and a very brief insight into vibration itself. If you would like to become
a competent person in the eyes of the law, then you may like to know more about
our Competent Persons training course for Human Vibration. You can visit
www.castletrainingacademy.com to find out more.
Castle Group has become the leading supplier of solutions for health and safety,
environmental compliance and plant maintenance and monitoring, with an ever
expanding offer comprising equipment for sale or rent, residential or in-house
training courses, consultancy services and equipment calibration. If you would
like to know more about any of our other products and services then please visit
www.castlegroup.co.uk or telephone us on +44(0)1723 584250.
Simon Bull
Managing Director
Note: for ‘Getting Started’ section please turn to Chapter 4
Precautions
• Only operate the instrument as described in this manual.
• These are precision instruments, protect from shocks and physical
extremes.
• Ambient conditions for the operation of the unit are as follows:-
Temperature: -10°C to +50°C
Relative Humidity: 25 to 90%
• Protect the unit from extremes of temperature and humidity, direct
sunlight and air with a high salt or sulphur content.
• Always turn the unit off after use.
• Do not use any solvents or cleaning agents on the instrument. Use only a
soft dry cloth or a soft cloth lightly moistened with water when necessary.
• Do not allow any conductive objects, such as wire or metal particles to
enter the unit.
• Do not try to disassemble the instrument or attempt any repairs as this will
invalidate your warranty. Take a note of the condition of the instrument and
contact your authorised Castle service station.
• To ensure continued precision performance of your instrument have it
checked and serviced at regular intervals.
Contacting Castle Group
This manual contains complete operating instructions for the Castle Vexo H
Vibration Meter, read it carefully and you will quickly become familiar with your
instrument and its operation.
If you do encounter problems with the operation of your instrument please feel
free to contact customer support with your enquiry on: -
Telephone: +44 (0)1723 584250
Fax: +44 (0)1723 583728
Website:
www.castlegroup.co.uk
Email: techsupport@castlegroup.co.uk
sales@castlegroup.co.uk
Contents
CHAPTER 1 ....................................................................................... 14
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 14
Vexo H (GA2006H) – Tri Axial Hand Arm Vibration Meter (HARM) ...... 14
CHAPTER 2 ....................................................................................... 15
Accelerometer Type, Removal and Fitting ....................................................................... 15
Accelerometer Type .............................................................................................................. 15
Vexo H - Hand Arm Tri-Axial Accelerometer (KD1010) ...................................... 15
Attaching & Removing the Accelerometer ................................................................ 16
CHAPTER 3 ....................................................................................... 17
Measuring Vibration ................................................................................................................... 17
Hand Arm Vibration ............................................................................................................... 17
Hand Arm Vibration Transducer Mounting ......................................................... 17
Vibration Direction ............................................................................................................ 18
Vibration Level .................................................................................................................... 19
Frequency Weighting Filter .......................................................................................... 19
Under Range & Overload Conditions....................................................................... 20
Under Range Condition ............................................................................................ 20
Overload Condition ...................................................................................................... 20
CHAPTER 4 ....................................................................................... 21
Getting Started .............................................................................................................................. 21
Keypad Layout .......................................................................................................................... 23
Powering Your Vexo Meter ................................................................................................ 24
Battery Indicator ................................................................................................................ 25
Recharging the Battery Pack ...................................................................................... 26
Switching Your Vexo Meter On/Off ............................................................................... 27
CHAPTER 5 ....................................................................................... 28
Menu Structure ............................................................................................................................. 28
Menu Options............................................................................................................................ 30
Range ...................................................................................................................................... 30
Files .......................................................................................................................................... 31
Open All ............................................................................................................................ 31
Open Today’s ................................................................................................................. 32
Open 7 Days................................................................................................................... 33
Delete Single File .......................................................................................................... 34
Delete All Files ............................................................................................................... 35
Settings .................................................................................................................................. 36
Units ................................................................................................................................... 36
Brightness ...................................................................................................................... 37
Auto Dim .......................................................................................................................... 37
General ............................................................................................................................. 38
Time .............................................................................................................................. 38
Date .............................................................................................................................. 39
File Naming ............................................................................................................... 39
Meter ...................................................................................................................................... 40
Reset ................................................................................................................................. 40
Configuration ................................................................................................................. 41
Exposure Points ...................................................................................................... 41
Show Results ........................................................................................................... 42
Information ..................................................................................................................... 42
Calibration ....................................................................................................................... 43
Measurement ......................................................................................................... 43
Sensitivity ................................................................................................................... 46
CHAPTER 6 ....................................................................................... 47
Using the Vexo H .......................................................................................................................... 47
Stop State ................................................................................................................................... 47
Record State ............................................................................................................................. 48
Playback ....................................................................................................................................... 49
Show Results - On ............................................................................................................. 50
Exposure Points - On ........................................................................................................ 51
Under Range Indicator ......................................................................................................... 52
Overload Indicator .................................................................................................................. 53
Parameters ............................................................................................................................... 54
Arms .................................................................................................................................. 54
Aeq ..................................................................................................................................... 54
Amax .................................................................................................................................. 54
Peak ................................................................................................................................... 54
Vector ............................................................................................................................... 54
Exposure .......................................................................................................................... 54
CHAPTER 7 ....................................................................................... 55
Downloading Saved Recordings to a PC ........................................................................... 55
CHAPTER 8 ....................................................................................... 56
Accessories ..................................................................................................................................... 56
CHAPTER 9 ....................................................................................... 57
Technical Specification ............................................................................................................... 57
Applicable Standards ............................................................................................................ 57
Noise Floors ............................................................................................................................... 57
Normal Operating Mode ..................................................................................................... 57
Overload & Under Range Triggering Points .............................................................. 57
Level Ranges ............................................................................................................................. 58
Frequency Weightings ......................................................................................................... 58
Accelerometer ......................................................................................................................... 59
Electrical Signal Input ............................................................................................................ 60
Maximum Electrical Signal Input For No Damage .................................................. 60
Environmental Stabilization Time .................................................................................... 60
Warm up Time ......................................................................................................................... 60
Settling Time ............................................................................................................................. 60
Temperature Operating Range ....................................................................................... 60
Effect of Air Temperature ................................................................................................... 61
Effect of Surface Temperature ........................................................................................ 61
Real Time Clock ....................................................................................................................... 61
Digital Signal Processing ..................................................................................................... 61
Analogue to Digital Converter & Microcontroller ................................................... 61
Displayed Measurement Resolution ............................................................................. 61
Display .......................................................................................................................................... 61
Memory ....................................................................................................................................... 62
Overload ....................................................................................................................................... 62
Size and Weight ....................................................................................................................... 62
Connections ............................................................................................................................... 62
AC Output .............................................................................................................................. 62
Wiring Configuration – 4 Pole Jack Socket 3.5mm .................................. 62
Download ............................................................................................................................... 63
Wiring Configuration - Micro USB ‘B’ Socket ................................................ 63
Input Signal ........................................................................................................................... 63
Wiring Configuration – (Lemo Socket EGG.0B.305.CLL) ........................ 63
Battery Recharge ............................................................................................................. 63
Batteries ..................................................................................................................................... 64
EC Declaration of Conformity ............................................................................................ 65
CHAPTER 10 .................................................................................... 66
Function Equations ....................................................................................................................... 66
CHAPTER 11 .................................................................................... 68
Customer Instrument Support .............................................................................................. 68
Warranty and After Sales Service ................................................................................. 68
Disclaimer................................................................................................................................... 70
Instrument Details .................................................................................................................. 70
Table of Figures
Figure 1 - Recommended Axes for Hand Arm Vibration ................................................ 18
Figure 2 - Keypad Layout ................................................................................................................ 23
Castle Group Ltd
If you want to keep up to date with the latest in health and safety, you
should attend a Castle FREE seminar. These are run around the country
and cover a wide range of topics. Packed with the latest information and
delivered with the help of practical demonstrations, these seminars are
a great way to really learn something at the same time as collecting cpd
points! Go to the website below to find the lasts dates and venues and to
see video clip samples.
www.need2know4free.com
Dedicated to professionals
in Health and Safety,
Environmental Compliance
and Plant Maintenance
Engineering, Castle set out
to help you in a way that
suits you best. We can
provide or rent equipment,
train you and your staff or
we can carry out work on
your behalf. We can even
mix it up to suit your way of
working.
• Measuring and Monitoring Instruments
• Equipment Rental
• Database and Data-management Software
• Training Courses and In-house Provision
• Calibration and Repair of Monitoring Equipment
• Consultancy for Health, Safety, Environment and Engineering
Solutions
• Online Knowledge
www.castlegroup.co.uk
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Compliance with legislation and mitigation of claims is really what health
and safety is about for most companies. That is how we are set up to
help you; Our training courses are all geared to that end as is any
equipment we might supply or rent to you. If you need us in person, we’ll
be there too! Call NOW on 01723 584250 and get your health and
safety compliance on-track, the way you want to do it! There are many
issues you might like us to have a look at
• Noise and Vibration at Work
• Audiometry
• HAVS Health Surveillance
• Health Screening
• Air Sampling and Gas Detection
• Indoor Air Quality
• Airflow
• EMF Testing and Monitoring
• Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)
• General Compliance and Risk
Assessment
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
In an increasingly sensitive atmosphere to environmental issues,
businesses have to be careful. Neighbours are increasingly aware of
theirs ‘right’ to complain and the environmental agencies are looking for
industry to clean up its act. Simply call us on 01723 584250 if you
have any environmental compliance issues and we will work with you to
find the best way forward.
• Noise for Planning
• Complaint Management
• Ground-Bourne & Building Vibration
• Stack-Emissions Monitoring
• Environmental Air Sampling
• Water Quality Testing
MAINTENANCE AND DIAGNOSTICS
Production plant needs maintenance and if this can be done only when
needed, then cost savings can be huge. Condition monitoring offers the
ability carry out predictive maintenance so shut-down is only when you
plan it and only when it’s needed. It is very simple to work out if this is the
right approach for your business, so give us a call on 01723 584250
so we find out how much you could save!
• Vibration Monitoring Systems
• Vibration Meters
• Temperature Monitoring System
• Thermometers
• Thermal Imaging
• Diagnostic Vibration Analysis
• Tachometers
• Inspection Endoscopes
Services
Castle Training Academy
Competence and Compliance training is essentially all about obtaining
the knowledge and skills required to get the job done. This is precisely
how Castle courses are set out, with a high degree of practical ‘handson’ experience mixed with some background theory and a lot of jobspecific information and discussion. If this doesn’t whet the appetite,
then there is also a fully inclusive dinner on the first nigh – perfect for
getting to know some of your peers! You can see a full list of courses on
our website.
• Health and Safety Compliance Courses
Noise, Vibration, COSHH, Asbestos
• Health Surveillance Courses
Audiometry, Lung Function, HAVS
• Environmental Monitoring Courses
Noise, Vibration, Air Quality
• Diagnostic Engineering Courses
• Maintenance and Monitoring Courses
In-house and Bespoke Training
The benefits of in-house training can be extensive. Training can be
tailored to your company, the timing can be made to suit your needs, you
get to keep your staff on-site and you can train many people at one go!
You can pick any of our standard courses, a shortened version as an
awareness session or a toolbox talk, or you can design your own course
covering a large range of topics. Visit our website for a list of ideas!
Castle Consultancy
Sometimes, the comfort of using an independent expert can be
extremely valuable, whether that be for short-term help, Engineering
project work, or an on-going support contract. Castle consultants are
always at the top of their game and are waiting to hear from you. Have a
look at our website or call on 01723 584250.
• Noise and Vibration, COSHH
Assessments
• Light, Temperature, EMF
Assessments
• Environmental Monitoring
• Expert Witness
• Diagnostic Engineering
• Engineering Control Solutions
• Risk Management
• Health Surveillance Services
• Health and Safety ‘Department’
Support Service
Castle Care
Maintaining calibrations on measuring equipment is absolutely essential
to the integrity of your data. At Castle, we can calibrate virtually anything
you have that can measure. We pride ourselves in fast-as-possible
turnaround times and can normally give up-front prices for almost any
equipment. Whether you have an anemometer, or a ‘zero-g‘
accelerometer, then call us for a price on 01723 584250.
• If it Measures, and can be done - we’ll Calibrate it
• UKAS Certificates Available
• Multiple levels of Calibration
Equipment Types Covered
• Air quality meters
• Air sampling pumps
• Air sampling calibrators
• Anemometers
• Audiometers
• Balances/Scales
• Barometers
• Dosemeters
• Electrical test equipment
• Force meters
• Gas Detectors
• Hygrometers
• Light meters
• Manometers
• Moisture meters
• Noise meters
• Pressure meters
• Sound level meters
• Sound analysers
• Strain gauges
• Tachometers
• Thermometers
• Thermo-hygrometers
• Thickness meters
• Timers
• Vibration meters
• Vibration analysers
• Weighing equipment
Castle Contract
If peace of mind for equipment calibrations is important to you – and it
should be, then check out our contract calibration deals. We will give you
discounted, fixed-annual-pricing for selections of equipment and we will
undertake to ensure calibration is maintained to your schedule. This is
designed to take all the hassle out of equipment calibration.
• Maintain Instrument Calibrations
• Hassle-Free Administration
• Discounted Calibration Fees
• Single-Source Supplier
Castle Rent
Rental is a great way to have the use of measurement equipment
without having to own it – especially is capital budgets are tight or it tax
is an issue. If you need a short term solution, additional equipment to
boost your capabilities or if contract-based tax deduction is important,
then Rental could well be the way to go. Go to our website to find the
huge range of equipment we have available.
You might also like to make use of our ex-rental purchase as a way of
keeping your equipment costs down.
• Easy on Cash-Flow
• Short or Long Term
Rentals
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Contracts
• Try Before You Buy
• 4 weeks for the Price of 3!
• No On-going Maintenance
If it exists - we’ll even source equipment for you!
www.castlegroup.co.uk
01723 584250
Page 14
Chapter 1
Introduction
Vexo H (GA2006H) – Tri Axial Hand Arm Vibration Meter (HARM)
Thank you for purchasing your product from Castle Group Ltd.
The Vexo H Tri Axial vibration meter brings simplicity, looks, value for money and
power to the world of vibration monitoring.
The instrument is fully compliant with the standard ISO 8041:2005 and has
been designed to make sure workers do not exceed the exposure to vibration
levels as stated by the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations (2005).
It boasts a clear easy to read colour LCD and has full data logging capabilities
with fast USB downloading to your laptop or PC. The Vexo incorporates internal
Flash memory to store all your recordings and the data can then be transferred
to the supplied software Vibdata LITE using the supplied USB cable or viewed
onscreen.
Not only does the Vexo H vibration meter have all these features in a small and
ergonomic case but it is also supplied with a rechargeable battery pack
featuring the latest NiMH technology which incorporates extremely low selfdischarge.
Every part of the Vexo has been thoughtfully designed. The case, accelerometer
and cable are all rugged for industrial use and the meter is extremely easy to
use with a simple three button operation, all you virtually need do is press the
power button and start recording.
With the Vexo H combating HAVS has become even easier.
Page 15
Chapter 2
Accelerometer Type, Removal and Fitting
The accelerometer for use with the Vexo H produces a Voltage Output
proportional to the signal being measured.
The table below shows the output voltage and specifications for the
accelerometer where g is the acceleration due to gravity on the Earth’s surface
and is defined as 9.80665 ms
-2
.
Acceleration is measured in metres per second per second (m/s/s) which can
be written as either of the following: -
• ms
-2
• m/s
2
Accelerometer Type
Vexo H - Hand Arm Tri-Axial Accelerometer (KD1010)
Accelerometer
Type
Output
Voltage
Operating
Range
Frequency
Response
Hand Arm 10mV/g ±200g 2 to 5000Hz ±10%
Hand Arm Vibration
Tri-Axial
Accelerometer
(KD1010)
Page 16
Attaching & Removing the Accelerometer
On the accelerometer cable connector locate the orientation key, and on the
instrument locate the RED keying identification mark of the 5 pin Lemo socket.
Position the accelerometer cable so that the orientation key is in line with the
RED mark and then gently push the accelerometer cable into the instruments
socket.
To unlatch and remove the accelerometer cable gently pull the on the knurled
part of the stem and pull the accelerometer from the instrument.
Do not twist the connector, doing so will likely damage internal wiring which
would not be covered under warranty.
Removal of the accelerometer can be achieved with the instrument powered on
or off.
Page 17
Chapter 3
Measuring Vibration
Hand Arm Vibration
It is advisable to validate your instrument prior to, and after taking
measurements using a known vibration source such as the Castle GA606
Vibration Calibrator.
To ensure measurements are as accurate and as repeatable as possible always
ensure that your cable is tightened securely to your accelerometer and that the
accelerometer is mounted as securely and as flush as possible to the vibration
source. The trailing cable of the accelerometer should also be attached to the
vibration source without creating a potential hazard for the operator or other
people.
Where possible always mount the accelerometer as near to the centre of
where the operator holds and grips the vibration source. In reality this is not
always possible and the best compromise must be achieved.
Measurement durations are dependant on the vibration source, and a minimum
period of 30 seconds for Hand Arm Vibration is recommended. Measurement
periods of 3 to 15 minutes are often used for Hand Arm vibration. These
increased durations will undoubtedly increase the accuracy and repeatability of
your measured results.
Hand Arm Vibration Transducer Mounting
The supplied mounting block can be attached to the HARM accelerometer using
the supplied screw and tightened using a Phillips screw driver. The mounting
block can then be mounted to the vibration source using hose clamps or plastic
ties. If plastic ties are used it is recommended that they are tightened using a
tie tensioning tool. Attaching devices such as clamps and the accelerometer to
hand held devices may alter the mass of the vibration source and will inevitably
slightly alter the vibration emitted from the device, it is therefore recommended
to keep the mass of hose clips or clamps to a minimum.
Other mounting possibilities to mount the accelerometer to the vibration source
are tapping a stud into the vibration source and attaching the accelerometer to
the stud. Alternatively the stud may be adhered to the device rather than
tapped with an adhesive that dries rigid. Castle Group Ltd can supply a glue and
stud pack if required, (order code KD1215). See Accessories for more options.
Page 18
Vibration Direction
For Hand Arm vibration, the three axes being measured can be measured in any
orientation; however it is recommended that the suggested axes indicated in the
figure below are used. If this is not possible, then choosing other axes
orientation is permissible and will not affect your measured data.
In all cases it is strongly recommended to make notes on the axes used relative
to the vibration source. This information will be required if vibration control is to
be implemented on the vibration source.
Figure 1 - Recommended Axes for Hand Arm Vibration
Page 19
Vibration Level
In some environments, high levels of vibration may occur. Before you record
measurements take the time to ensure you have selected the optimum range
for the process being recorded.
The optimum range is generally the lowest range that can be selected that does
not produce an overload condition for the process being monitored.
Where high levels of vibration are encountered the meter may register an
overload and in these circumstances the meter will display that this has
occurred. In such cases you will need to select the high range to accommodate
the higher peak levels and if Overload conditions are still occurring on the high
range it may be necessary to use an impact filter on the accelerometer.
If the vibration levels are too low for the range selected then the meter will
display an under range condition. Under these circumstances you will need to
select the low range if possible.
For more detailed information see Under Range & Overload Conditions.
Frequency Weighting Filter
The human body’s discomfort level to vibration alters depending on the vibration
frequency and where the vibration is in contact with the body.
Your Vexo H meter therefore has the following frequency weighting filter which
is applied to the measured vibration signal using a fast processor for superior
accuracy: -
Hand Arm Vibration
Filter Description
Wh
Always used for Hand Arm Vibration measurement in the X, Y
and Z Axis.
Wh Filter Frequency Response:
-70
-60
-50
-40
-30
-20
-10
0
0.10 1.00 10.00 100.00 1000.00 10000.00
Gain (dB)
Frequency (Hz)
Page 20
Under Range & Overload Conditions
Under Range Condition
An under range condition occurs when the vibration level is equal to, or lower
than the bottom of the current range the meter is set to. If this condition
occurs then the UR (Under Range) indicator will be displayed on your
instrument. In such circumstances it is highly recommended to change to a
lower range with a higher sensitivity as your meter will be out of specification.
The under range indicator will remain on for a minimum of 2 seconds or while
the under range condition remains.
Placement of the under range indicator can be found under Under Range
Indicator in Chapter 6.
See Technical Specification for a complete list of Under Range triggering
points.
Overload Condition
An overload condition occurs when either the peak signal starts to exceed the
signal handling capability of the specialised amplifier circuitry or if the vibration
level exceeds the top of the selected range by 5%. If the vibration source
saturates the input circuitry or is 5% greater than top of the selected range an
Overload condition occurs and an OL (Overload) indicator is displayed on your
instrument.
If an overload condition occurs it is highly recommended to change to a higher
range with a lower sensitivity as your meter will be out of specification.
The overload indicator will remain on for a minimum of 2 seconds or while the
overload condition remains.
Please be aware that the selected frequency weighting may attenuate the
displayed signal level below the overload triggering point but an overload can still
occur. This is because the overload operates from the unweighted input signal.
Placement of the overload indicator can be found under Overload Indictor in
Chapter 6.
See Technical Specification for a complete list of Overload triggering points.
Page 21
Chapter 4
Getting Started
The Vexo H instrument has three states of basic operation: -
• Stop State
• Record State
• Playback
Whilst the instrument is in the Record State the vibration activity is analysed
and all parameters available on your instrument are calculated.
The data captured is saved to the internal flash memory and can be viewed
onscreen or downloaded to Castle’s vibration analysis software Vibdata LITE or
VibdataPro as and when required.
To Start or Stop a recording press the following key
Whilst the instrument is in the Stop State, calculations are displayed on screen
but are not stored in flash memory.
Exposure Points are only available at the end of a recording or when viewing a
saved recording. The option to display Exposure Points must also be set to On.
During Stop State it is possible to change the Settings and undertake Calibration
of the instrument.
Stop State, Record State and playback can easily be distinguished: -
Record State
shows Record
Symbol and
Time Recorded
A
eq
m/s
2
OL
X: 4.12
m/s
2
OL
Y: 3.25
m/s
2
OL
Z: 4.01
00:02:01
W
h
Playback
Playback shows
Play Symbol
and Total Time
Recorded
W
h
A
rms
m/s
2
OL
X: 3.51
m/s
2
OL
Y: 2.18
m/s
2
OL
Z: 1.04
W
h
A
rms
m/s
2
OL
X: 3.51
m/s
2
OL
Y: 2.18
m/s
2
OL
Z: 1.04
00:00:01
Stop State
Record State
Page 22
Whilst in Stop State press to open the Main Menu. This key is also used to
step back to the previous screen.
With the Main Menu screen open, use to scroll down the list of available
options: -
Press to select the required option. Note that a recording cannot be started
from within the Main Menu.
Some options may also have further sub-menus where further options are
available. Again use the
key to scroll through the available options.
The menu structure is described in detail in Chapter 5.
Please be aware that your Vexo H instrument has a built in battery saving
function that automatically dims the display. Any key can be pressed to exit this
power saving function. See Auto Dim in Chapter 5 for more details.
If the instrument
has no files
saved then the
Files option is
not selectable
Menu
14:32 23/08/12
Range
Files
Settings
Meter
Menu
14:32 23/08/12
Range
Files
Settings
Meter
Page 23
Figure 2 – Keypad Layout
Keypad Layout
Please note that some keys have a dual function.
Power On / Off
Record / Stop
Main Menu
Scroll
OK
Back
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