Commtest Spotcheck Operating Manual
Software Reference Guide
Revision 11/07/2013
Spotcheck Reference Guide
COPYRIGHT © 2013 Bently Nevada, Inc & GE Energy (New Zealand) Ltd.
All rights reserved.
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permission of Bently Nevada.
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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 document’s
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.
Disclaimer
Information 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 document’s
quality, performance, merchantability, or fitness for any particular
purpose. Neither GE Energy (New Zealand) Ltd nor its employees,
dealers, 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.
Spotcheck Reference Guide
Contents
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION .......................................................................... 1
PRODUCT SUPPORT ...................................................................................................................1
ISO 10816-3:2009 Category and Definition .......................................................1
PRODUCT OVERVIEW .................................................................................................................2
STANDARD FEATURES ................................................................................................................3
UNITS OF MEASURE ...................................................................................................................4
STANDARD KIT ITEMS ................................................................................................................4
PRECAUTIONS..............................................................................................................................5
INSTRUMENT INPUT AND OUTPUT PORTS ..............................................................................6
FRONT PANEL..............................................................................................................................7
BATTERY PACK ............................................................................................................................8
Charge Battery Pack......................................................................................................8
Remove Battery Pack ....................................................................................................9
SECTION 2: INSTRUMENT BASICS ............................................................... 10
POWER ON/OFF ...................................................................................................................... 10
ACCELEROMETER SENSOR ..................................................................................................... 11
Sensor Guidelines ........................................................................................................ 12
VIBRATION OVERALL MEASUREMENTS ................................................................................ 13
DISPLACEMENT, VELOCITY, ACCELERATION ........................................................................ 14
TAKE VIBRATION OVERALL MEASUREMENT ........................................................................ 15
Tips for Taking Measurements .............................................................................. 16
ISO 10816-3 Vibration Alarms ............................................................................... 17
CHECK STATUS OF BEARING ................................................................................................. 19
Bearing Alarms.............................................................................................................. 20
TAKE TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT ................................................................................... 22
Laser Safety .................................................................................................................... 25
SECTION 3: SUPPLEMENTAL READING ....................................................... 26
ISO 10816-3 MACHINE GROUPS OVERVIEW .................................................................. 26
ISO 10816-3 SUPPORT CLASSES OVERVIEW .................................................................. 27
ASSESS BEARING STATE ......................................................................................................... 28
APPENDIX: SPOTCHECK SPECIFICATIONS ................................................. 29
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE ............................................................................................ 31
INDEX ............................................................................................................... 32
Spotcheck Reference Guide
Section 1: Introduction
Section 1: Introduction
Please read this guide thoroughly before operating your new Spotcheck
device, and retain for future reference.
IMPORTANT! It is essential to follow all appropriate safety
precautions when working near rotating machinery!
LASER RADIATION
DO NOT STARE INTO BEAM
CLASS 2 LASER
Product Support
If you have questions that are not answered by this reference guide,
please contact help@commtest.com for assistance. Alternatively, visit
our website at http://www.commtest.com for additional resources and
telephone contact details.
ISO 10816-3:2009 Category and Definition
Mechanical vibration. Evaluation of machine vibration by measurements
on non-rotating parts. Part 3: Industrial machines with nominal power
above 15 kW and nominal speeds between 120 RPM and 15 000 RPM
when measured in situ.
Spotcheck Instrument Reference Guide 1
Section 1: Introduction
Product Overview
The Spotcheck device is a microprocessor-controlled, handheld
machinery condition monitoring tool capable of measuring mechanical
vibrations using an attached accelerometer sensor and temperature via
an integrated infrared thermal sensor.
By comparing vibration velocity levels (inches per second RMS) against
the international ISO 10816-3:2009 standard, the device is also able to
display simple machinery health alarms.
When measuring bearing vibrations, alarms may indicate existing or
approaching bearing failures or seizures. These alarms are generated by
analyzing velocity (BV, in ips RMS) or acceleration (BG, in g RMS)
measurements at the higher frequencies typically associated with
bearing defects (above 1 kHz).
In addition to its vibration measurement abilities, the Spotcheck device
includes an integrated non-contact IR thermal sensor and laser pointer.
This sensor allows temperature measurements to be taken from
distances up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) away, locating potential mechanical
problems before expensive failures occur.
These measurement capabilities allow users of the Spotcheck device to
evaluate the condition of machinery in the field and determine whether
further mechanical investigation is required.
Spotcheck Instrument Reference Guide 2
Section 1: Introduction
Standard Features
Standard features on the Spotcheck device include:
• Overall Vibration Measurement. The Spotcheck device
measures overall vibration values for rotating machinery in
velocity (ips RMS), acceleration (g peak) and displacement (mil
Temperature values are displayed in Celsius (°C) or Fahrenheit (°F) units.
An integrated laser pointer is used to indicate the measurement location
on the surface being tested. This feature is typically used to measure
bearing temperatures.
peak-to-peak).
When measuring velocity, pressing the VIBRATION key will
'hold' the current measurement value onscreen and indicate an
alarm status according to the ISO 10816-3:2009 standard.
Pressing the SELECT key repeatedly will toggle between the
'machine groups' and 'support classes' that apply to this ISO
standard (machine groups and support classes are explained in
the 'Understanding ISO 10816-3 Vibration Alarms' section).
• Bearing Status Check. The Spotcheck device is able to measure
bearing vibration levels in velocity (ips RMS) and acceleration (g
RMS).
NOTE: Vibration acceleration and velocity levels for bearing
measurements include only frequencies between 1 kHz and 12
kHz.
When measuring bearing acceleration or velocity, pressing the
BEARING key will 'hold' the current measurement value
onscreen and indicate its alarm status. Pressing the SELECT
key repeatedly will toggle between bearing machine speeds,
allowing the selection of a bearing speed that most closely
approximates the speed of the bearing shaft.
• Temperature Measurement. The device's non-contact IR
temperature sensor measures surface temperatures between 20 °C and 120 °C (-4 °F to 248 °F) from distances of up to 2
meters or 6.5 feet.
Spotcheck Instrument Reference Guide 3
Section 1: Introduction
Units of Measure
The Units of Measure are factory-configured to be either imperial or
metric, however you can change this according to your preference. The
table shows how the values are displayed in units.
Unit of Measure Metric Imperial
Acceleration g peak g peak
Velocity mm/s rms in/s rms
Displacement µm p-p mils p-p
Temperature °C °F
Standard Kit Items
The following kit items are included in your kit when you purchase a
Spotcheck device:
• Spotcheck portable device
• 3.6 V, 1700 mA rechargeable Lithium battery pack
• 100 mV/g accelerometer sensor with integrated 80 cm cable
(BNC connector)
• Magnetic accelerometer base
• Accelerometer stinger probe attachment
• Mains battery charger (AC 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz input; 4.2 V DC
600 mA output)
• In-car battery charger (DC 12-24 V input; 4.2 V DC 600 mA
output)
• Instrument Reference Guide
• Hard carry case
NOTE: Thoroughly inspect your kit's contents upon receipt. If any
kit items are missing, please contact Commtest customer support
or your sales agent for assistance.
Spotcheck Instrument Reference Guide 4
Section 1: Introduction
Precautions
Please read and understand this section before operating your
Spotcheck device. Heed all warnings and recommendations to prevent
data inaccuracy, damage to the instrument, or injury.
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.
Do not stare directly into the laser pointer, or point the laser
at others. Doing so may cause permanent eyesight
damage.
Ensure the accelerometer cable cannot become entangled
with any rotating or moving machinery.
Do not bring any objects sensitive to magnetic fields near
the magnetic mounting bases (e.g. credit cards, floppy
disks, mechanical watches).
Do not operate the instrument in an explosive environment.
Use only an approved power adapter 4.2 V, 600 mA output,
center positive.
Use a mild detergent diluted in warm water to clean the
device. Do not use abrasive or polishing substances,
hydrocarbons, petrochemicals or solvents, as they will
degrade the plastic casing.
If the instrument malfunctions, return it to an authorized
dealer. Do not attempt to repair the instrument yourself as
this will void your warranty.
Spotcheck Instrument Reference Guide 5
Section 1: Introduction
Instrument Input and Output Ports
The top panel of the instrument is equipped with the following Input and
Output ports:
Device Top Panel (I/O)
1. BNC sensor input
2. Charger power input socket (4.2 Volt, 600 mA input)
3. Non-contact infrared temperature sensor
4. Laser pointer
Spotcheck Instrument Reference Guide 6
Section 1: Introduction
Front Panel
The table outlines the functions available on the front panel of the
Spotcheck device.
Instrument Front Panel
Function Description
Turns the instrument on and toggles selected values.
Activates the device's vibration measurement mode.
Holds or releases the current vibration reading on the LCD
screen. When taking Velocity measurements, pressing this
button will display an alarm value (see the
'Understanding ISO 10816-3 Vibration Alarms' section).
Activates the device's temperature sensor.
Enables/disables the laser pointer and holds/releases the
current temperature measurement on the LCD screen.
Activates the device's bearing measurement mode. When
taking a BG measurement, pressing this button will
display an alarm value (see the 'Understanding Bearing
Alarms' section).
Spotcheck Instrument Reference Guide 7
Section 1: Introduction
Battery Pack
The Spotcheck device is powered by a removable, rechargeable LithiumIon 3 V, 1700 mA battery pack. Once fully charged, the battery pack will
allow the device to operate continuously for up to 48 hours.
The battery's current charge level is indicated by a battery icon in the
upper right-hand corner of the LCD screen.
Charge Battery Pack
Battery Level Indicator (Top Right)
To charge the battery pack:
1. Connect the AC power adapter included with the device to a
powered outlet (100-240 Volt, 50/60 Hz).
2. Connect the charger power output plug to the device's charger
input socket — The included DC in-car charger may be used to
charge the battery pack in a vehicle with a 12 V negative-chassis
power system.
3. Connect the in-car charger's DC output to the device's charger
power socket.
Bi-color LEDs on the battery chargers indicate the battery's charge state
when connected and powered: orange when the battery is charging and
green once the charge cycle has completed.
A full battery charge from empty will complete in approximately three
hours.
IMPORTANT! Use only the AC mains or DC in-car battery chargers
included in your Spotcheck device kit. Other chargers may damage
the device and/or battery pack and may void your warranty.
Charge the battery pack for two hours before or during your first use of
the device. Replacement battery packs are available from Commtest
Instruments.
Spotcheck Instrument Reference Guide 8
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