User's Guide
3-Axis G-Force Datalogger
Model VB300
99 Washington Street
Melrose, MA 02176
Phone 781-665-1400
Toll Free 1-800-517-8431
Visit us at www.TestEquipmentDepot.com
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the VB300 G-Force Dat alogger. The Model VB300 can measure and record
shock and vibration (acceleration) readings over its ± 18g measu re m ent range. This device will record 3-axis
g-force and related peaks to provide a history of shock and vibration conditions. The real time clock provides time
stamps for all data.
The user can easily configure the logging rate, high/low alarm and start-mode, and download the stored data by
plugging the VB300 into a PC's USB port and running the supplied PC software. Measurement data can be plotted,
printed and exported for use with other applications such as word processors an d spreadshe et s. The data lo gger
is supplied with a long-life 1000 hour lithium battery.
The VB300 memory uses a 4MB Flash device that can hold 168042 Normal recordings or 112028 Motion
Detection recordings per axis.
This meter is shipped fully tested and calibrated and, with proper use, will provide years of reliable service.
Features
Records 3-axis g force shock and vibration
Built-in accelerometer
Measures static and dynamic acceleration
Real time operation (time stamped data)
Normal and Motion detection mode
Real time FFT frequency analysis
Manual and A utomatic datalogger start modes
Selectable data sampling rate
Status Indication via Red and Green LEDs
USB Interface for Set-up and Data Download
User-Programmable motion thresholds
Long battery life - 1000 hours
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Description
Meter Description
1. USB connector
2. RECORD LED
3. ALARM LED
4. Datalogger Start / Stop Button
5. Axis reference diagram
Note: Battery compartment access screws (2) located on rear of unit. Refer to the battery installation section for further details.
Pedestal Mount Description
1. Mounting screw holes
2. Swivel latch
3. Swivel latch lock
4. Mounting magnets
FRONT VIEW REAR VIEW
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Mounting the VB300
The VB300 fits securely in the supplied mounting pedest al. Unscrew the pedestal latch and snap the VB300 into the
pedestal. Secure the latch and follow one of the mounting methods below. There are three mounting methods for
affixing the pedestal to the area under test:
1. Magnetically: Powerful magnets are built into the rear of the pedestal
2. Adhesive: Use glue (not supplied) to affix the pedestal to the area under test
3. Screws: Three mounting holes are provided on the pedestal for screw mounting (screws not supplied)
LED Status Indication
LED
Record Alarm
* To save power, the VB300’s LED flashing cycle can be changed to via the supplied software.
** To save power, alarm LEDs for temperature can be disabled via the supplied soft ware.
†
When the battery is low, all operations will be disabled automatically. NOTE: Logging automatically stops
when the battery weakens (logged data will be retained).
Description Action
LEDs not flashing
-No logging in process
-No battery found
-Battery completely discharged
Green single flash every 10 sec. *
-Logging, no alarm**
Red single flash every 30 sec. *
-Low Battery
Red and Green alternating flashing
every 60 seconds;
-Datalogger memory is full
- Install battery
- Replace the battery and
download the data
Press and hold the datalogger
Start/Stop button on the VB300
until the red LED flashes four
times to stop logging
If the unit is datalogging it will
stop automatically. The Data will
NOT be lost. Replace battery
-Download data
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Datalogging Software Program
INSTALLING THE DATALOGGER SOFTWARE
Install the supplied Windows
drive. If the installation program does not automatically open and provide on-screen prompts (as shown in diagram
below), open and browse the CD-ROM drive, then find and double-click on the SETUP.EXE file included on the
program disk. Follow the on-screen prompts as shown below to complete the installation.
Before running the datalogger software, please connect the VB300 to the PC and install the USB Driver software as
described in the next section.
TM
PC Datalogger Software by placing the supplied program disk in the PC’s CD-ROM
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INSTALLING THE USB DRIVER
The PC will prompt for the USB Driver installation immediately after the main software program is installed. A
window similar to the one shown below will appear to prompt for the installation. Simply click INSTALL to continue.
To install the driver manually, plug the VB300 into an available USB port on the PC. If this is the first
VB300 is connected to the particular port on the PC, the following screen will appear:
Make sure the program disk is still in the PC CD-ROM drive. Select the ‘recommended’ installation and follow the
on-screen prompts to complete the driver installation. If this is a repeat connection of the VB300 to the USB port,
the driver installation process will be automatically skipped.
time that the
RUNNING THE DATALOGGER SOFTWARE
With the VB300 inserted in the PC’s USB port, double-click the program icon (located on the desktop) to laun ch the
program. The main software screen will appear.
Instructions for using the Datalogger Software are contained in the HELP Utility available from the HELP menu in
the software program. Please read the HELP Utility thoroughly in order to fully understand the software and the
related functionality of the VB300.
Note: When the VB300 is connected to the USB port, its battery discharges at a higher rate than normal. To
conserve battery life, do not leave the VB300 connected to the USB port for a prolonged period of time.
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Basic Datalogger Operation
This section covers only the starting and stopping of the Datalogger’s recording functions. All other information is
provided in the HELP utility within the software program.
1. Configure the Datalogger’s sample rate, motion detection threshold, record mode, LED flash cycle and more
using the supplied software program. Refer to the instructions included in the software program’ s HELP utility
to configure the datalogger and to otherwise use the software.
2. If AUTO start is selected in the software, the datalogger will begin logging data the moment the software
window is closed. If MANUAL is selected, press and hold the dat alogger start/stop button until the green LED
flashes; the datalogger LED flashes periodically (flash interval time selectable in software) in dicating that the
datalogger is recording.
3. To stop datalogging, press and hold the start/stop button while the unit is datalogging. The red LED will
quickly flash indicating that datalogging has stopped. Refer to the LED status table earlier in this manual for
interpreting the LED flash information.
4. Refer to the software HELP utility for transferring the data from the logger to the PC.
1g OFFSET
The axis (or combination of axis) parallel to the earth surface will indicate the 1g force related to gravitational
force.
5g
4g
3g
2g
1g
0g
-1g
YXZ
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Specifications
Acceleration
Accuracy
Frequency Range
Datalog Memory
Logging rate
Data format
Computer PC interface
Hardware requirements
System requirements
Operating temperature
Storage temperature
Range: ± 18g Resolution: 0.00625g
± 0.5g
0 to 60Hz
4MB Flash stores 168042 Normal recording records or 112028 Motion Detection
records per axis.
Selectable sampling interval: From 50ms up to 24 hours
Time stamped peak acceleration and freefall; Average and Peak Vector sums
USB
8MB RAM; 2MB Hard Drive space for software program; USB jack
Windows
32 to 104
0 to 140
TM
XP, VISTA, WindowsTM 7 (32 and 64 bit)
o
F (0 to 40oC)
o
F (-10 to 60oC)
Battery type
Power consumption
Battery life
Dimensions/Weight
3.6V Lithium (1/2 AA) 1.0Ah (Saft LS-14250 or equiv)
1mA (typical, while recording); < 15µA while idling
1000 hours approx.
3.7 x 1.1 x 0.8” (95 x 28 x 21mm) / 6oz (172g)
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Battery Replacement
The VB300 does not lose its stored readings when the battery expires or when the battery is replaced. The data
logging process will however be stopped and cannot be re-started until the battery has been replaced and the
logged data has been downloaded to PC.
The battery life is rated for approx. 1000 hours. If in doubt, replace the battery before logging critical data. Use
only 3.6V lithium batteries. Before replacing the battery, remove the datalogger from the PC.
Note: When the VB300 is connected to the USB port, its battery discharges at a higher rate than normal. To
conserve battery life, do not leave the VB300 connected to the USB port for a prolonged period of time.
1. Remove the two Phillips screws identified with the two smaller arrows in the diagram below.
2. Slide the battery compartment cover in the direction of the larger arrow.
3. Replace the battery with one of the same type (3.6V lithium, ½ AA 1.0Ah, Saft LS-14250 or equiv).
4. Close the battery compartment and tighten with the two screws.
WARNING: Handle lithium batteries carefully, observe warnings on battery casing. Dispose of in accorda nce with
local regulations.
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