Measurement eZ-Record User Manual

eZ-Record User’s Manual

Data Acquisition and Record

the smart approach to instrumentation ™

IOtech, Inc.

25971 Cannon Road

Cleveland, OH 44146-1833

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

E-mail (sales): [e-mail]

E-mail (post-sales): [e-mail]

Internet: www.iotech.com

eZ-Record Manual

Data Acquisition and Record

p/n 1086-0922 Rev. 2.1

© 2001 by IOtech, Inc August 2001 Printed in the United States of America

Warranty Information

Your IOtech warranty is as stated on the product warranty card. You may contact IOtech by phone,
fax machine, or e-mail in regard to warranty-related issues.

Phone: [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]

Limitation of Liability

IOtech, Inc. cannot be held liable for any damages resulting from the use or misuse of this product.

Copyright, Trademark, and Licensing Notice

All IOtech documentation, software, and hardware are copyright with all rights reserved. No part of this product may be
copied, reproduced or transmitted by any mechanical, photographic, electronic, or other method without IOtech’s prior written
consent. IOtech product names are trademarked; other product names, as applicable, are trademarks of their respective
holders. All supplied IOtech software (including miscellaneous support files, drivers, and sample programs) may only be used
on one installation. You may make archival backup copies.

FCC Statement

IOtech devices emit radio frequency energy in levels compliant with Federal Communications Commission rules (Part 15)
for Class A devices. If necessary, refer to the FCC booklet How To Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems
(stock # 004-000-00345-4) which is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

CE Notice

Many IOtech products carry the CE marker indicating they comply with the safety and emissions standards of the
European Community. As applicable, we ship these products with a Declaration of Conformity stating which
specifications and operating conditions apply.

Warnings, Cautions, Notes, and Tips

Refer all service to qualified personnel. This warns of possible personal injury or equipment damage under noted
conditions. Follow all safety standards of professional practice and the recommendations in this manual. Using this
equipment in ways other than described in this manual can present serious safety hazards or cause equipment damage.

This warning symbol is used in this manual or on the equipment to warn of possible injury or death from electrical
shock under noted conditions.

Use proper ESD handling guidelines when handling equipment or components sensitive to damage from electrostatic
discharge. Proper handling guidelines include the use of grounded anti-static mats and wrist straps, ESD-protective bags
and cartons, and related procedures.

Specifications and Calibration

Specifications are subject to change without notice. Significant changes will be addressed in an addendum or revision to the
manual. As applicable, IOtech calibrates its hardware to published specifications. Periodic hardware calibration is not covered
under the warranty and must be performed by qualified personnel as specified in this manual. Improper calibration procedures
may void the warranty.

Quality Notice

IOtech has maintained ISO 9001 certification since 1996. Prior to shipment, we thoroughly test our products and review
our documentation to assure the highest quality in all aspects. In a spirit of continuous improvement, IOtech welcomes
your suggestions.

January 2001 eZ-Record Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................. 7

THIS MANUAL .......................................................................................... 7

ACTION BUTTONS ..................................................................................... 7

HOT KEYS (KEY COMMANDS)...................................................................... 8

GETTING STARTED ........................................................................................ 9

VERIFY SWITCH SETTINGS ......................................................................... 9

CONNECT SIGNALS TO THE INPUT BNCS ........................................................ 9

VERIFYING MEDALLION’S OPERATING CONDITION .......................................... 10

ORDER OF OPERATION ............................................................................ 10

CHAPTER ONE - MENUS ............................................................................. 11

FILE MENU ............................................................................................ 11

EDIT MENU ........................................................................................... 12

PLAYBACK SETUP ................................................................................... 22

WINDOW COLORS................................................................................... 23

PREFERENCES ....................................................................................... 24

TASK BAR ............................................................................................. 25

TASK MENU .............................................................................................. 27

MEASUREMENT ....................................................................................... 27

PLAYBACK / REVIEW ................................................................................ 27

CALIBRATION .......................................................................................... 27

AUTORANGE ........................................................................................... 30

EXPORT MENU .......................................................................................... 31

EXPORT TIME HISTORY DATA ..................................................................... 31

SETUP EXPORT FUNCTION DATA ................................................................ 32

WINDOW MENU ........................................................................................ 33

ADD FUNCTION VIEW .............................................................................. 33

ADD STRIP CHART ................................................................................. 33

DELETE WINDOW .................................................................................... 33

MODAL LOCATIONS WINDOW .................................................................... 33

CHANNEL MONITOR ................................................................................. 34

CASCADE .............................................................................................. 34

TILE VERTICALLY .................................................................................... 34

TILE HORIZONTALLY ................................................................................. 35

PLOT DISPLAY WINDOW .............................................................................. 35

USING BANKS AND FUNCTION FILES .............................................................. 47

Index .................................................................................................... 48

eZ-Record Manual January 2001

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January 2001 eZ-Record Manual

INTRODUCTION

eZ-Recorder is a graphical software interface that is used to measure and record
high frequency (vibration) data to the Medallion FFT Analyzer.

The Medallion Analyzer comes with 2-, 4-, 6-, 8-, or 16-input channels and one
output channel. It is used to acquire high frequency simultaneous data across all
active channels.

Data can be captured for instantaneous observation and analysis; and also
recorded at the same time. Recorded data can be analyzed at a later time. The
recorded data is raw Time data that is unaffected by display functions or any
averaging used to display the data during acquisition. You can therefore play
back this data many times using a different set of analysis features each time. As
you review the data, you have the option of saving individual functions. These
functions can also be saved and recalled.

Saved functions and saved recorded data can also be reviewed without the
Medallion hardware. Some limitations exist; for example, you can not trigger
recorded data. General post processing and the review and analysis of recorded
data does not require the presence of the Medallion hardware.

There are a series of built-in hot keys that facilitate operations. These are
especially useful, for example, when you are trying to operate the Medallion while
also driving a piece of equipment that you are testing.

Because this is a both a data acquisition system and a recorder for playback
operations, not all menu options and buttons are always operational. We
deliberately disable any operations that we think will allow you to corrupt your
data.

THIS MANUAL

In the Getting Started Section configuring and verifying the hardware setup is
explained. Correct switch settings are imperative for accurate results. Y ou are
also presented with an Order of Operation. Y ou will find that you will not always
need to follow this order . However when you don’t get the results you expected,
you may want to review this section and the section prior to it: “Verifying
Medallion’ s Operating Condition.” The rest of the manual explains the Menu
system and how to present the data in a meaningful format.

ACTION BUTTONS

Apply: Applies changes made in a window without closing the window.

OK: Applies changes made in a window and closes the window.

Cancel: Closes a window without applying changes. This is only valid if you

have not clicked the APPLY Button. If you have clicked the APPLY button,
only the changes you made since clicking the APPLY button are canceled.

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eZ-Record Manual January 2001

HOT KEYS (KEY COMMANDS)

Hot Keys or Key Commands are often used by technicians and engineers when
they are in the field or anywhere it is not convenient to use a mouse. The best
way to learn key commands and exactly what you can and cannot do with them is
to practice using them when it is not critical and when you have a functioning
mouse to use if necessary.

Menu Control

File Menu: “Alt” + “F”. Presents the File Menu.

File Open: “Alt” + “F” + “O” or “Ctrl” + “O”. Presents the Open File Dialog

window. Then use the “Tab” and arrow keys to select a file, provided it
appears in the window. You will have to use your mouse if the desired file is
located in another folder.

File Print: “Alt” + “F” + “P” or “Ctrl” + “P”. Presents the Print Dialog

window. If necessary, use the down arrow key to select a printer; then press
“Enter.”

Edit Menu: “Alt” + “E”. Presents the Edit Menu.

Edit Medallion: “Alt” + “E” + “M” or “Ctrl” + “M”. Presents the Medallion

Configuration window. You will need a mouse to access all the panels.

Edit Playback Setup: “Alt” + “E” + “P”. Presents the Playback Setup window.

Use the “Tab” and arrow keys to use this window; then press “Enter.”

Edit Window Colors: “Alt” + “E” + “C”. Presents the Plot Window Colors

window. Use the “Tab” to select a plot window characteristic, then press
“Enter”. The colors palette will open. Use the “Tab” to select a color. Press
“Enter”. Select another characteristic button, open the color palette, select a
color and press Enter. Repeat for each characteristic.

Window Menu: “Alt” + “W”. Presents the Window Menu. You will need the

mouse to make selections on this menu.

Plot Display Control

Display Function Menu: “D”

You can continue to use Key Commands and the Arrow keys to maneuver
through this menu and its submenus. i.e. Press D, C, then use the down arrow
and stop at Cursor, then press the right arrow to open the submenu, then use the
Up or Down arrow to select either Cursor On or Cursor Off. Finally press “Enter.”

Plot Grid On/Off: “G”

Cursor On/Off: “C”

Linear/Log Scale Toggle: “L”

Y-Axis Menu: “Y”

X-Axis Menu: “X”

Record/Playback Control

Play Forward: “P”

Play Backward: “Shift + P”

Step Forward and Record: “O”

Step Backward and Record: “Shift + O”

Halt Playback: “H”

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January 2001 eZ-Record Manual

GETTING STARTED

VERIFY SWITCH SETTINGS

The Medallion contains no relays. Switches control the input configuration.
These switches are set with rocker switches located under the access panel on
the bottom of the Medallion.

Improper settings CAN DAMAGE your equipment, and WILL PRODUCE

erroneous measurements.

CONNECT SIGNALS TO THE INPUT BNCS

Tip: Cap unused BNCs to reduce extraneous noise.

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eZ-Record Manual January 2001

VERIFYING MEDALLION’S OPERATING CONDITION

After the hardware is assembled, and the software is installed (See Getting
Started manual), you are ready to run your Medallion. Use this checklist to verify

that the Medallion hardware and software are operating properly .

Software Installed? See Software Installation in the Getting Started manual.

Hardware Switches Set? See Configuring the Medallion Front-End .

Hardware Connected? See Hardware Assembly .

eZ-Record Software running? On the Start menu select Programs, then

Zonic Medallion, and then eZ-Record. Your software opens to a Main
window where you can acquire/record new data, post-process existing data
either by playing back previously recorded data or recalling previously saved
functions.

If you are not using your Medallion analyzer, a message will appear that
hardware is not present. This is a reminder to you that new data can not be
acquired and that recorded data can not be processed with a trigger.

Signal Connected to Channel 1? Use Internal or External Signal Generator.

Signal Generator Turn ON? If using the Internal Signal Generator, press

Signal Generator button on the Task Bar in the Main window.

Medallion Acquiring Data? Click the Scope button. You should see a signal

with a 500 Hz Peak in the Plot Display window.

ORDER OF OPERA TION

1. Verify switch settings.

2. Connect signals to the input BNCs on the front of the Medallion.

3. Start the eZ-Record Software.

4. Configure the Medallion. On the Edit Menu select Medallion to open the
Medallion Configuration window. Review and edit the Medallion
configuration using the six tabs in the window.

5. If you need an output signal, click the Signal Generator button at the top of
the Main window.

6a. Recall previously captured data.
6b. Capture or record data. Click the SCOPE or Record button in the Task bar.

If you are setup for triggered acquisition, the analyzer status bar will change
from “Idle” to “A waiting T rigger .” When a trigger is recognized, the analyzer
status will change to “Triggered.” When a frame of data is captured, the
analyzer status will change to “Completed” and increment the Averages
status by one.

If the Averages status does not equal the number of averages requested in
the Analyzer Setup, the status will briefly change from “Idle” to “A waiting
Trigger.” If the Averages status does equal the number of averages
requested, the status will change to IDLE and the HALT button will change
to ACQUIRE. This indicates that one measurement has been captured.

7. Save your data. To save the function files, select Export on the File menu.

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January 2001 eZ-Record Manual

CHAPTER ONE - MENUS

FILE MENU

File Menu selections provide the means for opening, saving, and exporting files;
in addition to printing plotted data. File formats are .thd (time history data) and
.mds (medallion data set).

PEN FILE

O

This menu item opens saved files. Use standard Windows conventions to find the
file of interest. Highlight the file name of interest and click the Open button.

SAVE DATA SET

This menu item saves the current function files and their display setup. The file
extension is .mds. T o export these files see the Export Menu.

PRINT

The standard print window associated with your specific computer will open.
Select a printer and the number of copies needed before clicking OK.

Note: For printing purposes, if the background of the plot is black, it will be

changed to white.

EXIT

This menu item closes the eZ-Record application.

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eZ-Record Manual January 2001

EDIT MENU

Edit Menu selections provide the means make changes to the software
configuration.

EDALLION

M

In the Main Menu select Edit and then select Medallion. The Medallion
Configuration window will open. This window has six (6) panels.

Analyzer Tab - Acquisition Panel

Analysis Frequency: Selections range from 10 to 20,000 for 8 channel analyzers

and 10 to 10,000 for 16 channel analyzers. The bandwidth measurement unit
for the X-axis is specified in Hertz (Hz) or Cycles Per Minute (CPM). Click to
place a bullet next to your preference.

Blocksize is the number of data points in a frame or block of data. Sizes range

from 128 to 16384. Make your selection in the popup menu.
As frame size increases, the resolution of the data increases, the time required

to acquire a block of data increases and the amount of space required to save
the data increases.

The rest of the information in this section is calculated using your
specifications.

Frame Width = Frame Size / (Bandwidth x 2.56)
Delta X = (Bandwidth x 2.56) / Frame Size

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January 2001 eZ-Record Manual

Analyzer Tab - Trigger Panel

Triggering is the method used by the analyzer to start capturing and
processing data. To capture continuous data, select Free Run. To capture
transient data, select Input Channel and specify the channel where the
analyzer should expect to “see” the signal.

For example, if you are using an impact hammer for modal analysis, the
hammer is attached to the specified input channel. For this type of test, you
may also want to average a set number of acquisitions before saving the data
(See Number of Averages). Y ou may also want the option to automatically or
manually reject measurements caused by double hammers and overloads.
(See Block Rejection.) (Also see: Hints for Trigger Setup and Double
Hammer Rejection.)

Trigger conditions are used by the analyzer to determine the trigger signal’s
attributes required to start data acquisition. Triggered acquisition is typically
used to capture a specific recurring event. Because the analyzer is always
capturing data, and storing it in the memory buffer , you can specify a pre­trigger that tells the analyzer how much data you want captured before that
event occurs. This also insures that you get the full event and not just the
data that follows it. On the other hand, you may know that something is
occurring x amount of time after an event. In that case, you may want to set
up a post-trigger. A post-trigger tells the analyzer to look for an event, then
wait a specific amount of time and then start capturing data.

A trigger is specified by the signal level (as a percent of the Full Scale), the
signal’s location on a slope (ascending/positive; or descending/negative).
Other factors that determine what data is captured when a trigger condition
occurs are the amount of time (as a percentage of the frame/block of data)
associated with a pre- or post-trigger .

To understand the concept of Pre and Post Triggering you must remember
that when the green light on the front of the Medallion is glowing, it is
“seeing” data and sending that data to the DSP. If you have not clicked the
acquire button, this data is not processed. However, the DSP has 4 MB of
memory (memory buffer). It therefore has the capability to “remember” this
unprocessed data.

That said, lets look at trigger modes and what they mean.

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eZ-Record Manual January 2001

The pre-trigger mode includes data before the trigger event. When you specify a
pre-trigger, data in the memory buffer that precedes the trigger event is included
in the frame of captured data. The amount of data included is based on a percent
of the frame size.

A post trigger skips data immediately after the trigger event before it starts
capturing data. The amount of skipped data is based on a percent of the frame
size. This is specified in the Delay text field.

Free Run: Data acquisition and processing begin as soon as the Acquire

button is clicked.

Input Channel: Data acquisition and processing begin after the signal on the

specified channel reaches the defined trigger conditions.

Channel: This is the channel number where the analyzer will “look for” the

trigger signal.

Pre/Post Trigger: This is the amount of data, as a percent of the frame size,

that is captured before a trigger event (pre-trigger mode) or that is skipped
after a trigger event (post-trigger).

Neg/Pos: This is the (negative/decreasing or positive/increasing) slope of the

signal that defines a trigger condition. The signal must be on the defined
slope before it is considered a candidate for a trigger.

Trigger Level: This is as a percent of the Full Scale Voltage of the trigger

channel. The signal must pass through this level before it is considered a
candidate for a trigger. The slope of the signal must also meet defined trigger
slope condition before it is recognized as a trigger or trigger event.

Analyzer Tab - Averaging Panel

This is the type of averaging that will be calculated during data acquisition.

Averaging is one technique used to decrease the noise in a measurement.

Linear: All blocks of data are treated equally in terms of their effect on the

averaged result.

Exponential: Similar to linear averaging, Exponential requires a weighting factor

that either increases or decreases the effect of each new data block on the
resultant average.

Average Weight Factor: The Weighting Factor either increases or decreases

the effect of each new data block on the resultant average when
Exponential Averaging is used.

New Average = ((New Data) * A.W.F.) + (Old Average * (1-A.W.F))

Peak Hold: The resultant block of data is a collection of points that represent

the peak amplitude for each point in the block. With each new block of data,
the current data is compared with the new data on a point by point basis.
The highest amplitude for each point in the block is retained.

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January 2001 eZ-Record Manual

Linear (-): Also known as Negative Averaging; Linear (-) Averaging is a

technique used to identify the natural frequencies of in-service machines that
cannot be shut down for analysis. Linear (-) Averaging is a two step process.
First, a reference average is acquired. Second, a normal linear average is
acquired for each frame. The running average is subtracted from the
reference average and the result is displayed. The first time you attempt to
start data acquisition after you select Linear (-) averaging, the Negative
Averaging Setup/ Measurement window opens.

Time Sync: Time synchronous averaging uses a keyway, or a similar point of

reference, as a trigger. The blocksize is set to allow enough time for at least
one full revolution. This must be performed in Scope Mode.

Number of Averages: This specifies the condition for terminating a data

acquisition sample. After the number of averages (blocks/frames of data)
have been captured and averaged, the analyzer will automatically stop taking
new data. This sample can then be saved. If the number of averages is set to
zero, acquisition is continuous and must be halted by you.

Input Channels Tab

The Input Channel panel displays the current setup conditions of the input
channels on a channel-by-channel basis. Displays change as soon as they are
applied or okayed. Click on the Input Channels tab.

Note: When using the grid in this window, select a cell by clicking in it. You

many also highlight a range of cells by clicking on a second cell while
holding down the Shift key. A cell is selected (highlighted) when there is
a blue border around it.

No.: This column lists all the analyzer’s channels.
Active: When you start the analyzer, all input channels are active. For

channels you are not using, change the active status to FALSE. (Note: This
is optional.)

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