Instruction Manual
7.0 OPTIONS AND ACCESSORIES
PSC-2U Universal Recharger, 115/230 Vac with USA, U.K., AUS,
Euro Adapter Plugs for battery operated Nova-Strobes
CC-7 Latching carrying case for Strobe with provision for
accessories (included with BBL Kit)
CC-12 Deluxe water-tight latching carrying case for Strobe with
provision for accessories
SPC-1 Splash proof Protective vinyl Cover for Battery Powered
Strobes ONLY
CAL-N.I.S.T N.I.S.T. Traceable Certificate of Calibration / Re-calibration
Protective Rubber cover that fits over reflector housing to protect
Rubber Cover
strobe
MONARCH INSTRUMENT
Nova-Strobe BBL
Basic Battery LED Stroboscope
Printed in the U.S.A.
Copyright 2012 Monarch Instrument, all rights reserved
12
1071-4230-111R-1012
15 Columbia Drive
Amherst, NH 03031 USA
Phone: (603) 883-3390
Fax: (603) 886-3300
E-mail: support@monarchinstrument.com
Website: www.monarchinstrument.com
Safeguards and Precautions
1. Read and follow all instructions in this manual carefully, and retain
this manual for future reference.
2. Do not use this instrument in any manner inconsistent with these
operating instructions or under any conditions that exceed the
environmental specifications stated.
3. Certain strobe frequencies can trigger epileptic seizures in those
prone to that type of attack.
4. Users should not stare directly at the light source.
5. Prolonged exposure to the light can cause headaches in some
people.
6. Objects viewed with this product may appear to be stationary when
in fact they are moving at high speeds. Always keep a safe distance
from moving machinery and do no touch the target.
7. There are no user serviceable parts in this instrument. Refer service
to a qualified technician.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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 proper precautions.
Display LCD display with 6 numeric 0.506 inch [12.85
mm] high digits and 5 alphanumeric 0.282 inch
[7.17 mm] high digits
Indicators Battery level
Knob Adjustment Digital Rotary switch with 36 detents per
revolution; velocity sensitive
Input Power Battery powered: Internal Rechargeable Batteries
6 Vdc
Light Output Average: 3000 Lumens @6000 FPM 12" from lens
Flash Duration Adjustable 0.5 to 3000 microseconds or 0.2 to 14
degrees of rotation (auto adjust with flash rate)
Run Time 12 hours typical at 6000 FPM, and 2.8° pulse width
with fully charged batteries
Charge Time 4-5 hours typical with supplied recharger
Weight 1.875 lbs [0.8505 kg] including batteries
Safety This product is designed to be safe for indoor use
under the following conditions (per IEC61010-1).
Operating Temperature 32-104 ºF [0-40 °C]
Humidity Maximum relative humidity 80% for temperature
up to 88 °F [31 °C] decreasing linearly to 50%
relative humidity at 104 °F [40 °C]
Specifications subject to change without notice.
This product is CE certified and ROHS compatible.
Manufactured in an ISO9001 facility.
For troubleshooting information and technical support visit
www.monarchinstrument.com.
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When charging, the strobe will indicate
CHRGECHRGE
CHRGE
in the bottom of the
CHRGECHRGE
display. The recharger will fast charge the batteries for about 4-5 hours
and then trickle charge the batteries.
Allow the recharger to charge the batteries until the display shows
DONEDONE
DONE
DONEDONE
for peak battery life performance. If the batteries are not charged to
100% regularly, the batteries will lose capacity.
5.3 Stroboscope Disposal
Prior to disposing of the battery-powered strobe, the user
must remove the Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries. To do
this, remove the LED assembly first. This will expose four
(4) screws that must be removed so the reflector housing
can be dismantled. There are four (4) 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.
6.0 SPECIFICATIONS
Flash Range 30 - 500,000 FPM (Flashes Per Minute), 0.5 to
8333.33 Hz
Flash Rate Accuracy 0.01% of setting or ± last digit
Flash Rate Resolution 0.01 to 1 FPM (menu selectable), 0.1 FPM
resolution above 9,999.99 FPM, 1 FPM resolution
above 99,999.9
Display Update Rate Instantaneous
Time Base Ultra Stable Crystal Oscillator
11. Nova-Strobe LED units contain Nickel Metal Hydride batteries which
must be disposed of in accordance with Federal, State, & Local
Regulations. Do not incinerate. Batteries should be shipped to a
reclamation facility for recovery of the metal and plastic components
as the proper method of waste management. Contact distributor
for appropriate product return procedures.
In order to comply with EU Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste
Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE): This product
may contain material which could be hazardous to human health
and the environment. DO NOT DISPOSE of this product as
unsorted municipal waste. This product needs to be RECYCLED
in accordance with local regulations, contact your local authorities for more
information. This product may be returnable to your distributor for recycling
- contact the distributor for details.
Monarch Instrument’s Limited Warranty applies. See
www.monarchinstrument.com for details.
Warranty Registration and Extended Warranty coverage available online
at www.monarchinstrument.com.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 OVERVIEW ............................................................................ 1
1.1 Brightness .......................................................................... 1
1.1.1 Degree of Rotation Adjustment ................................. 3
1.1.2 Pulse Duration Adjustment ........................................ 3
2.0 PREPARATION FOR USE ..................................................... 4
3.0 LED STROBE OPERATION .................................................. 4
3.1 Adjusting the Flash Rate - RPM ................................. 4
3.1.1 Multiply or Divide By 2 ............................................... 5
3.2 Adjusting the Flash Duration (Brightness) ............... 5
3.2.1 Flash Duration - Degrees ........................................... 5
3.2.2 Flash Duration - Microseconds ................................. 6
3.3 Display Units ................................................................ 6
4.0 USING THE STROBOSCOPE TO MEASURE RPM ............. 6
5.0 BATTERIES ........................................................................... 8
5.1 Low Battery Indication ............................................................ 9
5.2 Charging the Batteries ............................................................ 9
5.3 Stroboscope Disposal ........................................................... 10
6.0 SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................. 10
7.0 OPTIONS AND ACCESSORIES ...........................................12
The enclosure contains control electronics to properly and safely charge the
batteries. Never remove the batteries from the enclosure and attempt to
charge externally. Always use the recharger supplied (PSC-2U).
5.1 Low Battery Indication
When the batteries are charged, there will be no battery icon indication.
When the batteries are low, the Low Battery icon will blink in the display.
The strobe may still be used for a short time.
Low Battery Icon = Outline blinking (very little time left)
The strobe has a protection feature that prevents the strobe from operating
if the battery voltage is too low. This condition is indicated by no
flash and the display shows “LO BAT”. At this time the batteries
must be recharged. Remember to release the trigger switch.
5.2 Charging the Batteries
The unit may be recharged at any time. You do not need to wait until
the low battery condition is indicated.
To charge the 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 behind the handle).
3. Plug the recharger into an AC mains wall outlet (115/230 Vac).
CAUTION: Use of rechargers other than the one supplied
(PSC-2U) will damage the stroboscope and void
the warranty.
When the recharger plug is inserted into the recharger jack, the strobe
will go into the Charging Mode. Make sure the trigger switch is not
depressed. The BBL strobe will not do anything else when charging
(e.g. it will not flash and the buttons have no function).
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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 reach a third SINGLE image at speed “C”.
For a two point calculation the actual speed is given by:
RPM = AB/(A-B)
For a three point calculation:
RPM = 2XY(X+Y)/(X-Y)2 where
X = (A-B) and Y = (B-C)
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 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.
5.0 BATTERIES
The Nova-Strobe LED is fitted with rechargeable NiMH (Nickel Metal
Hydride) batteries. These batteries contain fewer toxic metals than NiCd
(Nickel Cadmium) and are currently classified “environmentally friendly”.
They also have 30% more capacity than NiCd batteries of the same size.
Like NiCds, NiMH batteries are prone to self-discharge - 10 to 15% of
charge is lost in the first 24 hours then continues at a rate of 0.5 to 1% per
day. For maximum performance, charge the batteries just prior to use.
When not in use, the batteries should be charged at least every three months,
otherwise the battery capacity will be reduced or the batteries may become
unusable.
Charge the batteries before use and allow 3-5 cycles of charging and
discharging for batteries to reach full capacity.
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1.0 OVERVIEW
The Nova-Strobe Basic BBL LED
(Light Emitting Diode) is a rugged
portable battery powered LED
Stroboscopes used for inspection
and to stop motion to determine
the speed of rotating objects. The
unit has a pistol grip with lockable
trigger switch and wrist strap for
comfortable hand held operation
or it may be mounted on a tripod
using the integral ¼ -20 UNC
thread at the base of the handle.
The Basic LED Strobe has a two
line backlit alpha-numeric liquid
crystal display (LCD) and a 4 key keypad that enables the user to control
the operation of the unit. Most of the icons in the LCD display are not
used.
1.1 Brightness
GLOSSARY:
LED – Light Emitting Diode
msec – millisecond = 1/1,000 of a second
µsec – microsecond = 1/1,000,000 of a second
° = degree. One rotation = 360°
The strobe’s brightness depends on how wide the LED flash pulse is;
the wider the pulse, the brighter the visual output from the LEDs. Since
the strobe is primarily used on reciprocating or rotating targets there is
a downside to the wider flashes. All strobes work by giving short bursts
of light (the pulse width) at a rapid repetition rate (the flash rate). Strobes
Figure 1 LED Strobe
Control Panel
1
rely on the persistence of the human eye (the ability to remember and
image) and its response to bright light to give an apparent stop motion
image. Imagine a shaft rotating at 6000 RPM or one rotation every 1/
100 of a second (10 msec). If the strobe flashes once every 10 msec for
a brief moment, the user sees the flash at the same spot in the rotation of
the shaft and the persistence of the eye remembers this until the next
flash making the shaft appeared to be stopped. As the target is rotating
there is some movement evident during the strobe flash. The longer the
flash duration, the more obvious the rotation is and this increases the
blur.
This blur can be calculated – if the shaft takes 10 msec to complete one
revolution and the strobe flash duration is 100 µsec (1/100 of a
millisecond), the shaft will turn:
(flash duration/time per rotation) x 360°, which is (.0001/.01) x 360 = 3.6°.
So you will see the shaft move 3.6°. As the flash pulse widens you will
see greater degrees of rotation which results in more blur and a brighter
perceived illumination (the LEDs are on longer so the average light the
eyes see is greater). The trade-off is blur versus brightness. One also
has to take into account tangential velocity (rotational speed) – the further
away the rotating point is from the center axis the faster the tangential
velocity and the worse the blur appears to be – it is always the same
number of degrees of rotation but the physical length of the blur gets
bigger as the point moves faster. The strobe adjusts the width of the
pulse automatically to keep the degree of rotation visible constant.
There are two methods of adjusting the flash pulse width and hence the
brightness and consequently the blur.
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viewed is perfectly symmetrical, then the user 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 a
higher flash rate and adjust the flash rate down. At some point you will stop
the motion with only a single reference point of the object in view. Note that
at a flash rate twice the actual speed of the image you will see two images
(reference points). As you approach the correct speed you may see three,
four or more images at harmonics of the actual speed. The first SINGLE
image you see is the true speed. To confirm the true speed, note the reading
and adjust the stroboscope to exactly half this reading, or just press the ÷2
button. You should again see a single image (which may be phase shifted
with respect to the first image seen).
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 Per
Minute (RPM) at the highest flash rate that gives only one stationary image
of the key way.
Stopped Image 1/4 times 1/2 times 1 time 2 times 3 times 4 times
Flash Rate (FPM) 1000 1500 3000 6000 9000 12000
Actual RPM
Example: Object rotating at 3000 RPM
If the speed is outside the full scale range of the stroboscope (500,000 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
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3.2.2 Flash Duration - Microseconds
To view or adjust the flash duration in microseconds
press the BRIGHT button again after viewing degrees
or press the BRIGHT button twice from normal
operation. The display will show the current
flash duration in microseconds (uSECS) – this
may be calculated from phase degrees set
above. Use the knob to increase or decrease
the flash duration in microseconds. Adjusting the microseconds
will cause this to be the controlling parameter for pulse width. As
the flash rate increases or decreases the strobe will keep the flash
duration at the preset width in microseconds provided this does
not exceed the strobe specifications. Press the BRIGHT button
to exit the flash duration adjustment.
12341234
1234
12341234
uSECSuSECS
uSECS
uSECSuSECS
3.3 Display Units
The display can show the flash rate in revolutions per minute
(RPM) or per second (RPS or Hertz). To switch between
display modes press the DISPlay button shown right. The
display units will toggle at each press (RPM < > RPS).
4.0 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 RPM
/ RPS). In order to do this several factors need to be 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 reference point. If the object being
1.1.1 Degree of Rotation Adjustment
The first method is to adjust the flash pulse width for degree of
rotation visible (blur). The user can set this from 0.2 to 14 degrees
out of 360. The higher the setting the brighter the strobe appears
to be but the more blurred the target is. Optimal setting to stop
motion is 1.8 to 3.6°. The number of degrees is a proportional
amount and remains constant as the flash rate increases or decreases.
The strobe automatically calculates how wide the pulse width
should be at different flash rates to keep the blur constant – the
faster the flash rate the narrower the pulse width. The pulse width
equals: (setting in degrees/360) x (1/flash rate in Hz).
Thus the blur remains constant no matter what the flash rate*.
1.1.2 Pulse Duration Adjustment
The second method is to adjust the flash pulse width to a fixed
number of microseconds. Here the user sets the flash pulse width
in microseconds not degrees. As the flash rate increases the pulse
width stays the same and the image will get brighter and more
blurred as the flash width remains constant*. The degree of rotation
visible changes to keep the pulse width of the flash constant*.
*Note: There are two limits maintained by the strobe – the pulse
can never be greater than 3000 µs nor can it exceed 14° of rotation.
The strobe automatically adjusts these values as the flash rate is
increased or decreased to maintain these limits at all times. For
example - at a flash rate of 600 flashes per minute 14° of blur
represents a flash pulse width of 3800 µsec. The Strobe will limit
this value to 3000 µsec or 10.8° of rotation (blur).
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3
2.0 PREPARATION FOR USE
The Stroboscope may be hand held or mounted on a tripod or other user
supplied bracket using the ¼-20 UNC bushing at the base of the handle.
The LED Strobe is battery powered and has internal rechargeable batteries.
The unit should be charged before use (see section 5.0). The actual operating
time of the stroboscope depends on the flash pulse width. Narrower flash
widths increase the operating time. Note that the BBL strobe will not operate
from the recharger supplied with the unit.
To turn on the stroboscope, depress and hold the trigger. The trigger may be
locked in position using the side locking button. To lock the stroboscope on,
depress the trigger as far as it will go and then press the locking button. Once
the locking button is set you may release the trigger and the trigger will be
held in place. To unlock the stroboscope, simply depress the trigger and then
release.
NOTE: Unit must power down completely (OFF will be displayed and
then disappear) before unit will power on again. This is normal
operation. Wait 2 seconds before turning the unit back on again.
3.0 LED STROBE OPERATION
3.1 Adjusting the Flash Rate - RPM
The flash rate can be adjusted by turning the knob on the side of the
unit – counter clockwise to increase the flash rate and clockwise to
decrease the flash rate. The knob is rate sensitive, the faster you turn the
knob the greater the change in flash rate. The smallest adjustment is to
add or subtract one from the least significant (right most) digit on the
display.
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3.1.1 Multiply or Divide By 2
The strobe flash rate can be instantly doubled (x2) or
halved (÷2) by pressing the x2 and ÷2 buttons shown
right. This is useful in determining actual rotational
speed. Refer to the section on speed measurement –
Section 4.0. Note that if doubling or halving the flash
rate will cause the strobe to exceed its capability, the
display will show OVER or UNDER respectively and the flash
rate will remain at the current flash value.
3.2 Adjusting the Flash Duration (Brightness)
The flash duration, the width of the LED flash, can be adjusted by the
user to be a preset number of degrees of rotation (DEGS) or a fixed
with in microseconds (uSEC). The result is a more or less bright image
at the expense of less or more image blur. Read the section on Brightness
- Section 1.1.
3.2.1 Flash Duration - Degrees
To view or adjust the flash duration press the BRIGHT
button shown on the right. The display will show the
current flash duration in degrees of rotation – note that
there are 360° in a complete rotation. The
degrees shown is the amount of rotation visible
during the flash. The higher the degrees the
brighter the image and the more apparent the
blur. Use the knob to increase or decrease the flash duration in
degrees of rotation. Adjusting the degrees will cause this to be the
controlling parameter for pulse width. As the flash rate increases
or decreases the strobe will adjust the flash duration to keep it at
the preset number of degrees provided this does not exceed the
strobe specifications. Press any key other than BRIGHT to exit or
press BRIGHT again to go to MICROSECOND adjustment.
11
..
22
1
.
2
11
..
22
DEGSDEGS
DEGS
DEGSDEGS
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