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To protect your warranty, you must complete and return a Warranty Registration Certificate, or complete the online Warranty Registration Form, within ten days of purchase. Units will be assumed out of warranty if there is no warranty card on file at Instantel. Retain this portion and the proof of purchase for your records.
Table of Contents Before You Begin..................v Check the Package Contents....................v Record the BlastMate III Identification Numbers ..............v Check Your Local Electric Power Supply................v Charge the Battery ......................vi Check the Monitor’s Memory ...................vi Complete and Return Your Registration Card..............vii Handling Precautions......................vii Condensed Instructions....................
Check Your Local Electric Power Supply Every BlastMate III comes with a 120 VAC 60 Hz input AC adapter providing 10 to 14 VDC, 500 mA output. An optional 220 VAC adapter is available. Check with your local power utility to ensure the supplied electric power may be used with the BlastMate III.
Before you use the BlastMate III, charge its battery for at least 24 hours. Although Instantel ships every BlastMate III fully charged, it is a good idea to top up the battery’s charge before use. Install the 5 amp/250 Volt fast blow fuse. Use a similar type fuse for replacements. To check the battery charge, turn the BlastMate III on and read the battery level displayed in the Main Window.
BlastMate III and the BlastWare III software programs for the first year. All you have to do is complete the registration card included with your BlastMate III and return it to Instantel by mail or facsimile within thirty (30) days of purchasing your new monitor.
The following typographical conventions appear throughout this manual. Bold type This type tells you which BlastMate III keys to press. For example, when you see Start Monitor key, it means press the Start Monitor key located on the BlastMate III keyboard.
The BlastMate III operates as a basic compliance monitor with intuitive functions and ease–of– use to help the first time operator setup and record an event quickly. The BlastMate III also offers advanced functions for specific applications where more information is collected and analyzed.
• National Frequency Analysis Standards – many national frequency analysis standards come with the BlastMate III. Future standards can be programmed into the monitor as they are implemented, with no additional cost or equipment change required, using BlastWare III software.
120 VAC and 220 VAC Adapter – connect the BlastMate III to your local electrical power supply. • Auto / 12 V Adapter – connect the BlastMate III to your vehicle’s 12 volt power supply or a 12 volt battery for remote installations. •...
ASIC UTORIAL In this tutorial, you will learn how to turn on and setup the BlastMate III to record an event and then print an Event Summary Report. Follow this tutorial to practice event monitoring. You can also use it as a guide when recording actual events.
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Up or Down Arrow key to scroll through the Recording Mode Windows until the Continuous Window appears. Press the Enter key to select this record mode. The BlastMate III is now set to record in the continuous record mode.
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Next, press the Up or Down Arrow key to display the event we recorded caused by clapping our hands in front of the microphone. We would like to print all the events stored in the BlastMate III at once, so we will follow the next step to print the events.
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Print All Events Window appears. Press the Enter key to print all events. At the bottom of the display, the BlastMate III indicates how many events will be printed and which event is currently printing.
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Scale COMPLIANCE REPORT Out of Range Frequency and Overswing Ratios SENSORCHECK for each Geophone Sensorcheck Results Battery Level after CALIBRATION INFORMATION Recording the Event Calibration Facility Date Calibrated Figure 2.3 BlastMate III Event Summary Report. 2–5 BlastMate III Operator Manual...
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Chapter 2 Notes: 2–6 BlastMate III Operator Manual...
3. C OMPLIANCE ODULE This chapter provides instructions to install and setup the BlastMate III. 3.1. What is Event Monitoring? Event monitoring measures both ground vibrations and air pressure. The monitor measures transverse, vertical, and longitudinal ground vibrations. Transverse ground vibrations agitate particles in a side to side motion.
4. BlastMate III Protected from Water The BlastMate III is splash resistant and designed to withstand temporary exposure to rain. It is not waterproof and should not be immersed in water. Immersing the monitor or installing the monitor where standing water may accumulate may damage the monitor.
Press the ground spikes fully into the ground. Level the standard transducer. Compact the material around the standard transducer while back filling to securely couple to the surrounding ground material. Press the Test key to check your sensors. 3–3 BlastMate III Operator Manual...
If using the leveling plate, level the standard transducer using the leveling feet and integrated bubble level. Tighten the retaining nut to finish the installation. Press the Test key to check your sensors using Sensorcheck. 3–4 BlastMate III Operator Manual...
Locate the mounting stand at the point of interest. The mounting stand may be inserted into the support bracket located on the front of the BlastMate III or it can be pressed into the ground. Check that the stand is firmly positioned and installed upright. Insert the microphone into the mounting bracket on the top of the stand, and attach the windscreen to reduce false triggering caused by wind.
3.6.1. On/Off Key The On/Off key turns the BlastMate III on or off. To turn the BlastMate III ON, press and hold the On/Off key until an audible beep sounds. To turn the BlastMate III OFF, display the main window then press and hold the On/Off key until two audible beeps sound.
You can view previously recorded events while the monitor is in the monitor mode. See the section describing the Event key, page 3–24. 3.7. Program Keys The Program keys access the BlastMate III recording settings and allow you to change how the monitor records events. 3.7.1. Record Mode Key The Record Mode key sets the record mode, sample rate, storage mode, and geophone range.
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Sample Rate The BlastMate III offers three sample rates: a standard rate of 1024 samples per second, a fast rate of 2048 samples per second, and a faster rate of 4096 samples per second (on channels 1 to 4 only).
(300 m) from the event to the BlastMate III to account for the speed of sound. For example, in the figure below the minimum record time required is 1.1 seconds. To be on the safe side and ensure you record all the event’s activity, set the record time to 2.0 seconds.
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Interval Window. Press the Up or Down Arrow keys to select an interval. Available intervals include 2, 5, and 15 seconds and 1, 5, and 15 minutes. Press the Enter key to save your setting. 3–10 BlastMate III Operator Manual...
The trigger level sets a threshold that must be exceeded by an event’s activity before the BlastMate III begins recording. Set a trigger level for the trigger source or sources chosen above. Use your judgment when setting the trigger level. You must set the level high enough so the BlastMate III does not trigger on unwanted events such as nearby vehicle traffic.
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To choose a setting, press the Setups Printer key when the Main Window is displayed. Press the Enter key repeatedly to display the Setup Printout Window. Press the Up or Down Arrow keys to display the required setting on the BlastMate III display. Press the Enter key to select and save the displayed setting.
To choose a setting, press the Setups Printer key when the Main Window is displayed. Press the Enter key repeatedly to display the Histogram Printout: Window. Press the Up or Down Arrow keys to display the required setting on the BlastMate III display. Press the Enter key to select and save the displayed setting.
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Chapter 3 (1) Monitor Once Only To set the BlastMate III to monitor at some time in the future, press the Setups Special key when the Main Window is displayed. Press the Down Arrow key to display the Monitor Once Only Window.
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Press the Enter key to scroll through the windows until the Sensorcheck: Window appears. Press the Up or Down Arrow key to display the Disabled, After Each Event, or Before Monitoring choices. Press the Enter key to select a choice when it appears on the BlastMate III display.
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Press the Up or Down key to display the two microphone types, Linear or “A” Weight. To choose a setting, display it on the BlastMate III display and press the Enter key. On eight channel monitors, set the microphone type for the second microphone, Mic2.
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Enter key to scroll through the windows until the Call Home: Window appears. Press the Up or Down Arrow key to display either Enabled or Disabled. Press the Enter key to save your setting. Note: Auto Call Home is supported by BlastMate III units with a serial number of 6000 or higher. 3–17...
LCD cycle. a. Reset Factory Defaults This function returns all the BlastMate III setups to the original factory defaults. If you choose to reset the monitor, all of your setups will lost and replaced with the factory defaults. You can reprogram your setups again anytime you want.
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The Auto Window operates when the trigger level is set to Auto. The Auto Window determines the length of time the BlastMate III continues to record after an event’s activity falls below the trigger level. This ensures that an events delayed activity, particularly air blast, is recorded. For...
Press the Enter key to save your setting. f. Power Saving Timeout The Power Saving Timeout is a timer that automatically turns the BlastMate III off when it has remained in the ready to monitor mode while detecting no key presses for a specified period of time.
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Note: The Daily Self Check function must be activated in order for the time to be corrected. The time is adjusted as part of the Daily Self Check. Please see page 3–14 for information on how to activate the Daily Self Check. 3–21 BlastMate III Operator Manual...
You may include a job number for each recorded event. Job numbers help you keep track of events stored in the BlastMate III or in a computer. Job numbers range from 1 to 9999. To display the Job Number Format Window, press the Notes key when the Main Window is displayed.
Up or Down Arrow key to set the date. Press the Enter key to save your setting. 3.8. Edit Keys The Edit keys help you navigate through the BlastMate III menus, enter your changes, get on–line help information, and exit a procedure. 3.8.1. Enter * Key The Enter * key scrolls through the BlastMate III windows, selects windows, and saves your settings.
The Events keys organize and print events stored in the BlastMate III. 3.9.1. List/Delete Key The List/Delete key lists events stored in the BlastMate III so you can view them. The key also deletes all events stored in the BlastMate III.
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Air Pressure Figure 3. 13 The View Event Window. b. Delete All Events Deleting all the events stored in the BlastMate III frees up internal memory space to record additional events. WARNING: Once the events have been deleted, they cannot be recovered.
3.9.2. Print Key Press this key to print an Event Summary Report for all the events stored in the BlastMate III or for specified events only. It also prints an event list and a monitor log. You can stop printing at any time by pressing and holding the Cancel key.
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Figure 3.14 Event List Printout. e. Print Monitor Log The BlastMate III creates a Monitor Log indicating all the monitoring sessions including start times, stop times, and the times of all recorded events. To print the monitor log, press the Events Print key when the Main Window is displayed. Press the Up or Down Arrow keys to scroll through the windows and display the Print Monitor Log Window.
Figure 3.15 Monitor Log Printout. 3.10. Printer Keys The Printer keys control the BlastMate III printer paper feed and roll takeup. 3.10.1. Paper Feed Key Pressing the Paper Feed key advances the paper one line. Press and hold the key to rapidly advance the paper.
Compliance Module 3.11. Back Light Key Pressing the Back Light key turns on the Back Light and illuminates the BlastMate III display. The length of time the light remains on is adjustable. See the Reference Chapter. 3.12. Keyboard Keys A full alphanumeric keyboard lets you enter information into the BlastMate III. The shift key, space key, return key, and delete key follow standard keyboard conventions like on a personal computer.
To test the sensors, press the Test key. The message “Press Enter to Perform Channel Check or Cancel to Exit” appears on the monitor’s display. Press the Enter key to continue. The following display appears: Figure 4.1 Test Display for the Advanced Module. 4–1 BlastMate III Operator Manual...
The Record Mode key sets the sample rate, and channel range. 4.3.1. Sample Rate The BlastMate III offers a number of sample rates in the advanced mode including 512, 1024, 2048, 4096, 8192, 16384 samples per second (32768 and 65536 optional). When displaying sample rates, the monitor displays only those sample rates available with the current channel configuration.
Choose a trigger source when using the single shot or continuous record modes. The trigger source sets the BlastMate III to trigger and start recording an event automatically when an event’s activity exceeds the trigger level for a channel. In advanced mode, you can choose any number of channels as trigger sources.
The trigger level sets a threshold that must be exceeded by an event’s activity before the BlastMate III begins recording. Set a trigger level for each channel chosen as a trigger source. To set the trigger level, press the Trigger Level key when the Main Window is displayed. The Trigger Level Window appears.
5. R EFERENCE This chapter discusses wall and ceiling installation procedures, and the theory of operation for Instantel’s standard transducer, microphone, Sensorcheck, anti-alias filter, and data analysis techniques. 5.1. Additional Installation Procedures The following sections outline procedures to install the standard transducer on walls and ceilings.
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Tighten the retaining nut on the bolt to secure the installation. Press the Test key to check your sensors using Sensorcheck. 5–2 BlastMate III Operator Manual...
Slide on 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) washer and a 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) lock washer over the bolt and tighten with the retaining nut. Press the Test key to check your sensors using Sensorcheck. 5–3 BlastMate III Operator Manual...
Press the Test key to check your sensors using Sensorcheck. 5.2. Theory of Operation This section describes how Instantel’s transducer and microphone operate. It also discusses Instantel’s Sensorcheck program, anti-alias filter, and the data analysis techniques used to calculate monitoring results.
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Instantel Standard Transducer Instantel offers a 2 to 300 Hz standard transducer in a round package. The transducer may be installed on a floor, wall, or ceiling using a variety of installation procedures including ground spikes, burying, mounting rod, or optional leveling plate with leveling feet and integrated bubble level.
Contact your dealer for further information. 5.3. Sensorcheck Sensorcheck performs a two stage test on the BlastMate III and its sensors. In the first stage, the program displays the BlastMate III serial number, software version, the total amount of memory installed in the BlastMate III, the total amount of memory available to store events, and the number of events presently stored in memory.
Acceptable overswing ratios range from 2.8 to 4.8. The figure below displays a graph of a geophone coil’s "free fall" response. A and A are used for overswing calculations. Figure 5.8 Calculating a Geophone's Overswing Ratio. 5–7 BlastMate III Operator Manual...
5.3.3. Sensorcheck Report The Sensorcheck report appears on the BlastMate III display. The message “All Channels Working, Press Print to Print” indicates the BlastMate III sensors have passed the Sensorcheck. 5.4. Anti-alias Filters Aliasing occurs when a high–frequency signal appears as an erroneous low frequency because the waveform was sampled at too low a sampling rate.
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In other words, the wavelength periods occur much faster than a BlastMate III can sample and use in the calculation. At higher frequencies there are fewer sample points per cycle and therefore greater error. The following table illustrates how error increases with frequency.
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Peak Displacement The BlastMate III calculates peak displacement, or particle distance traveled, by multiplying speed by time. In the BlastMate III the interval velocity is multiplied by the time interval and the resulting displacement segments are summed. ∑...
The BlastMate III calculates the peak vector sum for each point of the sampled waveforms and displays the largest value. Note that this is not necessarily at the peak velocity for an individual waveform.
Chapter 5 Note: The Zero Crossing Frequency calculation is performed for Linear microphones only. This calculation does not appear on the BlastMate III display or on Event Summary Reports when using an “A” Weight microphone. 5.6. Alternate Manual Waveform Calculations The following sections discuss manual waveform analysis techniques.
Maximum Acceleration (in./s × Maximum Acceleration (mm/s 5.6.3. Compound Waveforms If the record exhibits interference by two or more predominant frequencies then the maximum displacement will be the sum of the maximum of each individual frequency component. 5–13 BlastMate III Operator Manual...
π π × × Maximum Acceleration (mm/s 5.6.4. Irregular Waveforms AREA TO BE MEASURED Figure 5.16 Manual Waveform Calculations on Irregular Waveforms. a. Calculating Displacement: Maximum Displacement = area under curve measured by a planimeter. 5–14 BlastMate III Operator Manual...
To charge the battery, plug the AC adapter into the connector marked PWR located under the handle of the BlastMate III. Plug the other end into a 120 VAC 60 Hz electrical outlet. The battery charging indicator light turns on. For electrical outlets other than 120 VAC 60 Hz, you must use an optional power converter;...
6.4. Loading Paper into the Printer To load paper into the printer, turn the BlastMate III on and open the printer door. Remove the Paper Feed Roller, discard the old roll, and insert the new paper roll. Slide the Paper Feed Roller back into the slot in the printer compartment.
Maintenance Figure 6.2 Loading Paper into the Printer. For replacement paper, use Seiko TP–5000–80–25C or equivalent type paper. Contact Instantel or one of the following suppliers: U.S. Distributor – Sterling Electronics 800–745–5500 Canadian Distributor – Semad 800−387−0434 Mexico, South and Central America – Traderek International 909–861–0120 Japan and Asian Countries –...
Figure 6.3 Cleaning the Printer Head. 6.6. Paper Handling Precautions Please observe the following precautions, as recommended by the paper manufacturer, when handling the BlastMate III thermal paper. a. Avoid Hot and Humid Environment (1) Storage Instructions For long–term storage, store thermal paper in the dark at an average ambient temperature of less than 75 degrees fahrenheit (25 degrees celsius) and relative humidity of less than 65%.
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Please handle the paper with care. When the paper surface is sealed with a dirty or sweaty finger, the print image may fade slightly. Care should be taken when handling the paper. 6–5 BlastMate III Operator Manual...
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Chapter 6 Notes: 6–6 BlastMate III Operator Manual...
Backlight does not turn ON. Backlight on time set to zero. Increase the backlight on time. Low Battery level. Check the battery level and charge battery, as required. 7–1 BlastMate III Operator Manual...
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In the monitor setups, set Sensorcheck to Series III sensor that does not support Disabled. Sensorcheck. Check Microphone Message. Microphone not connected. Connect the microphone. Damaged microphone or microphone Have the microphone checked by an cable. authorized Instantel service facility. 7–2 BlastMate III Operator Manual...
Triax & Uniax Splitter Cable: for use with 8 channel units standard transducer and microphone 714A3901 Accessories MiniMate Plus to BlastMate III Cable: RS–232 cable for programming MiniMate Plus from BlastMate III 716A1801 BlastMate III replacement Printer Paper Roll (Package of 10) TP5000–80–25C...
64 domed tactile with separate keys for common functions. Display 4 line by 20 character high contrast backlit display with on line help. Battery Life 30 days continuous recording, 70 days with timer, printing will decrease life. Fuse 5 A/250 V BlastMate III Operator Manual...
Instantel reserves the right to change specifications without notice. c) Compliance Reports The BlastMate III supports numerous Compliance Reports, also called National Frequency Analysis Standards, including U.S.A. USBM/OSMRE, British Standard BS 6472, French GFEE, German DIN 4150, New Zealand 4403:1976, and Spain UNE 22.381. Two frequency standards, U.S.A.
With a fully charged battery, the BlastMate III has a battery life of 30 days in continuous monitor mode. If you use the Timer for eight hour daily monitoring, the battery life increases to approximately 70 days in monitor mode.
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Battery Capacity Varies with Ambient Temperature Battery capacity is a function of ambient temperature and rate of discharge. At 68°F (20°C) the rated capacity is 100%. The capacity increases above this temperature and decreases below this temperature. BlastMate III Operator Manual...
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Appendix Notes: BlastMate III Operator Manual...
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Ceiling Installation, Standard Transducer, 5–3 Analysis Techniques, 5–8 Channel Range, advanced module, 4–2 Anti-alias Filters, 5–8 Charge Weight, 3–21 Arrow Keys, 3–23 Cleaning the BlastMate III, 6–2 Auto Call Home, 3–17 Compliance Module, 3–1 testing, 3–17 Compliance Report (Compliance Module Only), 3–13 Auto Record Compliance Reports, A-5 definition of, 3–9...
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Job Number Format, 3–21 Geophone geo channels, 3–15 geo trigger level, 3–11 Keyboard operation, 5–5 BlastMate III keys, 1–4 range, 3–8 description of, 3–5 trigger source, 3–11 Keyboard Keys, 3–28 type (Compliance Module Only), 3–16 Geophone and Microphone, as trigger source, 3–11 Geophone Type (Compliance Module Only), 3–16...
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Printer Keys, 3–27 Monitoring LCD Cycle, 3–20 Program Keys, 3–7 Natural Frequency, 5–7 Range, geophone, 3–8 Notes Key, 3–21 Record Mode, 3–7 Number of Copies, for printed events, 3–12 continuous record mode, 3–7 I − 3 BlastMate III Operator Manual...
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Tutorial, 2–1 Sinusoidal Waveforms, 5–12 Soft Surface Installations, Standard Transducer, 3–3 Software Version, installed in the monitor, 2–1 Vertical Axis, 3–1 Sound Pressure, 5–11 View Events, 3–23 analysis, 5–11 peak sound pressure (PSP), 5–11 I − 4 BlastMate III Operator Manual...
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5–8 Warranty. See the title page limitation, 5–9 Waveform Calculations, see Data Analysis Techniques, not calculated for A Weight microphone, 5–12 5–8 sample rate error, 5–9 Waveform Plot, 3–12 sound pressure, 5–11 I − 5 BlastMate III Operator Manual...
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