Monarch Instrument Nova-Strobe BA User Manual

Printed in the U.S.A. © Monarch Instrument 2003 all rights reserved

1071-4820-110

Nova-Strobe BA

Portable Stroboscopes

15 Columbia Drive

Amherst, NH 03031-2334 USA

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

Website: www.monarchinstrument.com

Nova-Strobe BB

and

MONARCH INSTRUMENT

Instruction Manual

11. This instrument is not user serviceable. For technical assistance, contact

recovery of the metal and plastic components as the proper method of

waste management. Contact distributor for appropriate product return

procedures.

the sales organization from which you purchased the product or Monarch

Instrument directly.

10. This product contains sealed lead acid batteries which must be disposed

proper precautions.

of in accordance with Federal, State, & Local Regulations. Do not

incinerate. Batteries should be shipped to a reclamation facility for

9. This instrument may not be safe for use in certain hazardous

environments, and serious personal injury or death could occur as a

result of improper use. Please refer to your facility’s safety program for

8. Do not direct strobe flash toward certain data collectors, as it may

temporarily interrupt data collector operation, and could result in loss of

stored data.

7. Do not allow cables extending from unit to come into contact with rotating

machinery, as serious damage to the equipment, or severe personal

injury or death may occur as a result.

6. Do not allow liquids or metallic objects to enter the ventilation holes on

the stroboscope as this may cause permanent damage and void the

warranty.

1. Read and follow all instructions in this manual carefully, and retain this

3. Use of this product may induce an epileptic seizure in persons prone to

5. There are lethal voltages present inside this product. Refer to the section

on Lamp Replacement before attempting to open this product.

4. Objects viewed with this product may appear to be stationary when in

this type of attack.

fact they are moving at high speeds. Always keep a safe distance from

moving machinery and do no touch the target.

2. Do not use this instrument in any manner inconsistent with these

manual for future reference.

operating instructions or under any conditions that exceed the

environmental specifications stated.

Safeguards and Precautions

referencing this clause.

SELLER warrants that any software supplied will operate in accordance with the

documentation or manual supplied therewith in all material respects when used in strict

compliance with such documentation or manual. Notwithstanding the foregoing, BUYER

acknowledges that, since software is complex and therefore may have defects, BUYER’s

sole and exclusive remedy for any such defects or breach of this warranty shall be to

require SELLER, within a reasonable period of time, to provide all reasonable programming

services to correct programming errors in the software. Except as provided above SELLER

MAKES AND BUYER RECEIVES FROM SELLER NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES

OF ANY KIND WITH RESPECT TO ALL OR ANY PORTION OF SOFTWARE AND BUYER

HEREBY AGREES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT ACCEPTS THE SOFTWARE IN ‘AS IS’

CONDITION. SELLER HEREBY EXPRESSLY EXCLUDES ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES

OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH RESPECT TO

THE SOFTWARE. BUYER agrees that any specific right or remedy granted to BUYER

hereunder with respect to any breach or default by SELLER shall be in lieu of all other

rights and remedies otherwise available to BUYER at law or in equity as the result of such

breach or default, regardless of whether based on contract, tort, strict liability, or other

theory of liability.

IN NO EVENT SHALL SELLER BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL,

CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE LOSSES OR DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT

LIMITED TO, LOSSES OR DAMAGES FOR ANY LOST PROFITS OR LOST DATA) AS THE

RESULT OF ANY BREACH OR DEFAULT BY SELLER WITH RESPECT TO THE HARDWARE

OR SOFTWARE, EVEN IF SELLER HAS BEEN ADVISED OR MADE AWARE OF THE

POSSIBILITY OF ANY SUCH LOSSES OR DAMAGES AND REGARDLESS OF WHETHER

THE CLAIM IS BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHER THEORY OF

LIABILITY.

This limited warranty does not extend or apply to consumables (including, but not limited

to, lamps and batteries, if applicable) or equipment, instruments or accessories which are

warranted separately by the original manufacturer of these items.

SELLER warrants hardware products to be free from any defect in materials or workmanship

for a period of one (1) year from date of shipment to BUYER. SELLER’s entire liability and

BUYER’s sole and exclusive remedy resulting from any defect in workmanship or material

in the hardware product covered by this limited warranty shall be limited to and fully

discharged by the SELLER’s option of replacement or repair of such item without charge.

The limited warranty provided in this clause is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or

implied, arising by law or otherwise. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY

AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE EXCLUDED. This limited warranty

shall not be modified except by an arrangement signed by both parties specifically

LIMITED WARRANTY

December 2002

Manufacturer (Amherst, NH) Alan Woolfson, VP Engineering (Authorized Signature)

and therefore conforms with the requirements of Council Directive

89/336/EEC relating to electromagnetic compatibility and Council Directive

73/23/EEC and 93/68/EC relative to the low voltage directive with

ammendments. This declaration is derived from the following reports: Retlif

Labs - R-3514N (11-99), Curtis Strauss Labs - R980555-1 (08-98), Retlif

Labs - R-3993 (07-02), Monarch Technical File for BB/BA Strobes.

LVD: EN61010-1

EMC: EN61326:1997

BB - Class B

BA - Class A

to which this declaration relates is in conformity with the following standards:

Name: NovaStrobe - Stroboscope

Models: BB 115/230, BA 230

declares under Monarch’s sole responsibility that the product:

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

15 Columbia Drive, Amherst NH 03031 USA

Division of Monarch International Inc.

Monarch Instrument

As Manufacturer:

1.0 SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................................... 1

8.0 OPTIONS AND ACCESSORIES .................................................................. 6

7.2 Charging the Batteries ....................................................................... 5

7.3 Battery Disposal ................................................................................ 5

7.0 BATTERY POWERED MODELS ONLY....................................................... 5

7.1 Low Battery Indication ........................................................................ 5

6.2 Fuse Replacement ............................................................................. 5

6.0 LAMP AND FUSE REPLACEMENT ............................................................ 3

6.1 Lamp Replacement ............................................................................ 3

4.0 OPERATION ................................................................................................ 2

5.0 USING THE STROBOSCOPE TO MEASURE RPM .................................... 2

3.0 PREPARATION FOR USE ........................................................................... 2

3.1 Power ................................................................................................ 2

2.2 Display Panel .................................................................................... 1

2.0 OVERVIEW ................................................................................................ 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2.1 Direct Digital Synthesis ..................................................................... 1

1

“Direct Digital Synthesis” is the method by which the Strobe’s internal microprocessor gener-

ates all the signals required to set internal flash rates. In analog stroboscopes, these values are

adjusted using a single or multiple turn potentiometer (knob), which generally lack sensitivity

and tend to drift with time. It is very difficult to set absolute values on analog stroboscopes.

The digital strobe synthesizes all signals digitally, in small, very precise steps. These signals are

derived from a stable crystal oscillator. There is no user calibration or adjustment required to

ensure an accurate reading. These steps are as small as 1 flash per minute. Thus absolute values

may be dialed in very easily and accurately. The Strobe’s adjustment knob is actually a digital

encoder that is connected directly to the microprocessor.

2.2 Display Panel

The display panel consists of a liquid crystal display with six alphanumeric digits, which

indicate the flash rate. The battery-powered model will also flash the low battery icon ( )

on the display when the battery is getting low. The display will show “LO BAT” on steady

when the strobe

turned off.

2.0 OVERVIEW

All descriptions in this manual apply to both the “Basic” battery powered (BB) and “Basic” AC

2.1 Direct Digital Synthesis

Light Power Average: 7 W

Flash Duration 25-50 microseconds typical

Weight Battery powered: 2.5 lbs [1.13 kg] including batteries

Input Power BB - Battery powered: Internal Rechargeable Batteries 6 Vdc, External AC

Display 6-digit alphanumeric LCD display with 0.3 inch [7.62 mm] high digits

Indicators Low Battery

Knob Adjustment Digital Rotary switch with 36 detents per revolution; velocity sensitive

Memory Last setting before power down is remembered and restored on next power

1.0 SPECIFICATIONS

Flash Range 100 - 8000 FPM (Flashes Per Minute)

Flash Rate Accuracy ± 1 FPM

Flash Rate Resolution 1 FPM

Display Update Rate Instantaneous

Time Base Ultra Stable Crystal Oscillator

mains powered (BA) digital stroboscopes except where noted.

The Nova-Strobe Basic models are sophisticated digital instruments with many features yet remain

simple to operate. The Strobe’s internal microprocessor and digital encoder knob ensure precise

settings and measurement. The Strobe “remembers” the previous setting when the power is

must be recharged.

AC powered: 1.5 lbs [0.68 kg]

Instantaneous (per flash): 140 mJoule

BA - AC powered: 115 Vac (BA-115) or 230 Vac (BA-230)

up

recharger (115 Vac or 230 Vac)

8.0 OPTIONS AND ACCESSORIES

CC-7 Latching carrying case for Strobe with provision for accessories

L-1902 Replacement lamp for BB or BA Strobes

R-5 Slow Recharger 115 Vac 50/60 Hz (14 hour) for battery operated Nova-Strobes

R-6 Same as above, except 230 Vac 50/60 Hz

SPC-1 Splash proof Protective vinyl Cover for Battery Powered Strobe

CAL-N.I.S.T. N.I.S.T. Traceable Certificate of Calibration

6

5

7.0 BATTERY POWERED MODEL ONLY

Pb

RECYCLE

Pbs BATTERY

DO NOT

INCINERATE

The batteries may be recharged at any time. You do not need to wait until the low battery

condition is indicated.

7.3 Battery Disposal

Prior to disposing of the battery-powered strobe, the user must remove the sealed lead acid

batteries. To do this, remove the lens, reflector and lamp as detailed in the Lamp Replacement

section. This will expose 4 screws that must be removed so the reflector housing can be

dismantled. There are four additional screws in the case half opposite the input and output

jacks that must be removed. The case halves can now be separated, exposing the batteries.

Remove the cables from the batteries and place tape over the battery terminals to prevent them

from shorting. The batteries should be sent to a recycling center or returned to the factory. The

rest of the parts may now be disposed of.

WARNING: The unit may be left on to charge overnight, but the unit should not be

3. Plug the recharger into an AC mains wall outlet.

behind the handle).

left on charge indefinitely (more than 36 hours) as this will damage

the lead acid batteries.

age the stroboscope and void the warranty.

CAUTION: Use of rechargers other than the one supplied (R-5 or R-6) will dam-

The charger will take up to 14 hours to fully charge the batteries. The batteries must be charged

to 100% regularly or the batteries will lose capacity.

To charge the battery powered strobe with the recharger:

1. Release the trigger so the strobe is off.

2. Plug the recharger cable into the recharger socket (located below the display panel

the unit will operate again. Do not leave the unit on once “LO BAT” is displayed.

the strobe will stop flashing, and “LO BAT” will be displayed until the strobe is shut off. When

7.2 Charging the Batteries

“LO BAT” is displayed, the unit should be turned off and the batteries

must be recharged before

7.1 Low Battery Indication

When the batteries are low, the low battery icon ( ) blinks on the display once per second.

The strobe may still be used for about 5 minutes. When the battery charge is further depleted,

image seen).

harmonics of the actual speed. The first SINGLE reference point you see is the true speed. To

confirm the true speed, note the reading and adjust the stroboscope to exactly half this reading. You

should again see a single reference point (which may be phase shifted with respect to the first

the flash rate down. At some point you will stop the motion with only a single image of the

reference point (object) in view. Note that at a flash rate twice the actual speed of the image you will

see two images. As you approach the correct speed you may see three, four or more images at

needs to mark the object with a piece of tape or paint in a single location to be used as a reference

point. Look only at the reference point.

If the speed of rotation is within the range of the stroboscope, start at the highest flash rate and adjust

considered. First, the object being measured should be visible for all 360° of rotation (e.g. The end of

a shaft). Second, the object should have some unique part on it, like a bolt, key way or imperfection

to use as a single reference point. If the object being viewed is perfectly symmetrical, then the user

5.0 USING THE STROBOSCOPE TO MEASURE RPM

The primary use for a stroboscope is to stop motion for diagnostic inspection purposes. However

the stroboscope can be used to measure speed. In order to do this, several factors need to be

The Strobe may be hand held or mounted on a tripod or other user supplied bracket using the ¼-20

4.0 OPERATION

To turn on the stroboscope, depress and hold the trigger. The trigger may be locked in position using

the side-locking button. To do this while holding the unit in the right hand, depress the trigger as far

as it will go, and then using the thumb press the locking button. You may release the trigger and the

trigger will be held in place. To release, simply depress the trigger and then release.

When the strobe is powered up, it will begin flashing immediately. It will remember the last internal

flash rate in FPM.

Turn the knob counter clockwise to increase the flash rate and clockwise to decrease it. The knob is

velocity sensitive. Turn the knob slowly to have each “click” is equal to 1 FPM. Turning the knob

more quickly will adjust the FPM by larger steps. When adjusting flash rate, quickly turn the knob

to coarsely change the FPM. Then slowly turn the knob for fine adjustments. Turn slower still for

very fine adjustments.

actual operating time of the stroboscope depends on the flash rate and duty cycle of operation.

Slower flash rates increase the operating time.

by no flash and the display show “LO BAT”. At this time the batteries

must be recharged. The

before use (see section 7.2). This model can operate continuously in excess of 55 minutes at

6000 flashes per minute from fully charged batteries. The strobe has a protection feature that

prevents the strobe from operating if the battery voltage is low. This condition is indicated

The BA AC powered strobe must have its power cord plugged into an AC outlet (115 Vac or

230 Vac).

The BB battery-powered strobe has internal rechargeable batteries. The unit should be charged

UNC bushing at the base of the handle.

3.1 Power

3.0 PREPARATION FOR USE

2

3

The stroboscope is designed to discharge the internal high voltages within 30 seconds. How-

ever, caution should be exercised when replacing the lamp.

The lamp can be replaced by using only a pocket screwdriver. It is not necessary to remove

any screws to replace the lamp. A spare lamp is supplied with each new BB and BA Strobe

Kit or can be ordered separately.

To change the lamp:

1. Push apart the two tabs on the side of the reflector housing and remove the front lens using

a small screwdriver to help pry one tab and lift the lens. Take care not to pry the tab any

more than is necessary to free the lens. The reflector is held in place by the front lens and

will come loose, but is not necessary to remove the reflector.

WARNING: Before attempting to remove the lamp, make sure the stroboscope

is turned off and any mains cord removed from the ac outlet. Allow

the lamp to cool, waiting at least 1 minute.

6.0 LAMP AND FUSE REPLACEMENT

stroboscope when the flash rate is slower than 300 FPM. Therefore, stroboscopes are just about

impossible to use below 300 FPM for inspection or to measure RPM.

In instances when you can shut down the device and install a piece of reflective tape, then an optical

tachometer is easier to use for RPM measurement. Stroboscopes must be used when you can’t

shut down the device. The human eye is not easily tricked into seeing a stopped image by a

6.1 Lamp Replacement (L-1902)

For a two point calculation the actual speed is given by:

For a three point calculation:

RPM = AB/(A-B)

RPM = 2XY(X+Y)/(X-Y)

X = (A-B) and

Y = (B-C)

2

where

reach a third SINGLE image at speed “C”.

Flash Rate (FPM) 500 1000 2000 4000 6000 8000

Stopped Image 1/4 times 1/2 times 1 time 2 times 3 times 4 times

Figure 1 Object Rotating at 2000 FPM

If the speed is outside the full scale range of the stroboscope (8,000 FPM), it can be measured using

the method of harmonics and multipoint calculation. Start at the highest flash rate and adjust the flash

rate down. You will encounter multiple images so be aware of these. Note the flash rate of the first

SINGLE image you encounter, call this speed “A”. Continue decreasing the flash rate until you

encounter a second SINGLE image. Note this speed as “B”. Continue decreasing the speed until you

Per Minute (RPM) at the highest flash rate that gives only one stationary image of the key way.

For example, when viewing a shaft with a single key way you will see one stationary image of the key

way at the actual speed and at 1/2,1/3,1/4, etc, of the actual speed. You will see 2 images of the key

way at 2 times the actual speed, 3 key way at 3 times, etc. The FPM equals the shafts Revolutions

6.2 Fuse Replacement

There is a fuse inside the unit which may be accessed by removing the lens and reflector (refer

to section 6.1). Under normal operating conditions, the fuse should never blow. Examples of

abnormal operating conditions would be foreign materials entering the strobe, such as water,

ink, etc. If the fuse needs to be replaced, replace only with a fuse of the same type

and value:

BB - Battery Powered: Slow Blow – 2.5A, 5x20 mm fuse (part# 1062-3004-008)

BA - AC Powered: Fast Blow - 750mA, 2AG fuse (part# 1062-0201-001)

4. Reinstall the reflector and then position the front lens in place matching up the notches on

the lens with the two small tabs on the housing to prevent lens rotation (see Figure 2).

Push the tabs on the front rim outward and press the lens into place.

Figure 2 Lamp Replacement

Notches

Red Dots

WARNING: Do NOT touch the new lamp with bare fingers.

CAUTION: Do NOT allow the reflector to contact the lamp.

is in straight and centered in the reflector hole.

3. The lamps are polarized and must be put into the socket matching polarity. Using a lint

free cloth, match up the red dot on the plug with the red dot on the socket and gently

rock the lamp back and forth while pushing it into place (see Figure 2). Make sure the lamp

2. Hold the lamp with a cloth between your forefinger and thumb and rock it back and forth

gently while pulling out. Do not attempt to rotate the lamp. The lamp is socketed and

will come out easily when pulled.

4