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Commtest Instruments vbBalancer Instrument Reference Manual

Imbalance correction instruments
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Instrument Reference
Guide
vbBalancer™ and vbBalancer+™
Imbalance Correction Instruments
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Revision May 19
2008

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Summary of Contents for Commtest Instruments vbBalancer

  • Page 1 Instrument Reference Guide vbBalancer™ and vbBalancer+™ Imbalance Correction Instruments Revision May 19 2008...
  • Page 2 Neither Commtest Instruments Ltd nor its employees, dealers, agents or distributors shall be liable to the user of this document or any other person or entity with respect to any liability, loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by this document.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Section 1: Introduction..........1 Standard Features ..............1 Standard Kit Items ..............2 Instrument Capabilities............3 Precautions................5 Hazardous Locations ............. 7 Instrument Connections ............9 Front Panel Buttons ............. 10 LED Indicators ..............11 Charging the Battery Pack ........... 12 Battery Features ..............
  • Page 4 Connecting Sensors to the Instrument ......... 29 Mounting Sensors ..............30 Setting up the Accelerometer ..........31 Permanent Mounting ..............32 Setting up the Tachometer........... 32 Tachometer Signal from a Keyphasor® ....... 34 Section 4: Balancing Rotors ........35 Methods for Balancing Rotors..........35 The Balancing Process ............
  • Page 5 Step 6. Viewing and Saving Balancing Jobs ......57 Section 6: Analyzing Measurements Onsite.....58 Tips for Taking Measurements..........58 Walk-through: Taking Measurements........59 Working with Charts............. 62 Analyzing Measurements............. 62 Using Cursors ................63 Zooming..................65 Viewing Multiple Charts............66 Changing Chart View ............
  • Page 6 Section 8: Measurement Types and Their Uses..82 Spectrum ................82 Waveform ................83 Tachometer Display ............. 83 Bump Test ................84 Coast-down/Run up ............. 85 Taking Multi-channel Simultaneous Measurements ..... 86 Setting up Sensors and Channels ..........86 Saving Multi-channel Measurements ........87 Section 9: Taking Recordings ........89 Walk-through: Taking Recordings ........
  • Page 7 Deleting Sensors ..............104 Working with Notes ............105 Creating Notes................. 105 Editing Notes ................105 Attaching Notes ............... 105 Viewing Notes................106 Removing Notes ..............106 Deleting a Note Permanently........... 106 Deleting all Recordings in a Folder ........107 Deleting all Stored Information ...........
  • Page 8 Appendix: Specifications .........122 vbBalancer................. 122 vbBalancer+............... 124 Index ................126 viii...

  • Page 9: Section 1: Introduction

    Section 1: Introduction Please keep this Instrument Reference Guide for future reference and read it before operating your balancing instrument. Although this book makes use of common balancing and vibration analysis concepts, it is not intended as a comprehensive guide or training manual.

  • Page 10: Standard Kit Items

    Standard Kit Items vbBalancer portable imbalance correction instrument • (vbBalancer or vbBalancer+) with carry strap and sensor bracket Power adapter 12 V 3 A output, center positive • DC car adapter 12 V DC output • USB data transfer cable •...

  • Page 11: Instrument Capabilities

    Instrument Capabilities vbBalancer instrument capabilities vary according to model variant. For details of your specific instrument model's capabilities, see the information listed below. Measurement Channels (Max) vbBalancer vbBalancer+ Dual (2) Channel Simultaneous Four (4) Channel Simultaneous Balancing Capability vbBalancer vbBalancer+...
  • Page 12 Measurement Capabilities vbBalancer vbBalancer+ Spectrum/Waveform Bump Test Coast-down/Run-up Sensor Output Accepted vbBalancer vbBalancer+ Acceleration Velocity Displacement Section 1: Introduction...

  • Page 13: Precautions

    Precautions Please read and understand this section before operating your instrument. Heed all warnings and recommendations to prevent data loss, data inaccuracy, damage to the instrument, or injury to yourself. Do not attach sensors to any object with a high potential voltage i.e.
  • Page 14 Use only an approved power adapter 12 V 3 A output, center positive. Do not use the plug-pack transformers supplied with previous Commtest instrument versions (such as the vb1000-3000 and Profiler) as these transformers will be damaged. The cover over the comms and charger connectors provides an essential seal.

  • Page 15: Hazardous Locations

    Hazardous Locations Selected models of the vbBalancer range have been approved by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) for use in hazardous locations meeting this classification: Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, D. Those models are clearly identified with the CSA logo and a Hazardous Location information panel.
  • Page 16 Section 1: Introduction...

  • Page 17: Instrument Connections

    (Channels 2 to 4) 6. LEMO four-pin tachometer input * This feature is only available on the vbBalancer+ instrument model Note: The comms and charger area's protective rubber gasket should be kept closed and in place when collecting data in the field.

  • Page 18: Front Panel Buttons

    Front Panel Buttons Instrument Front Panel Turn the instrument On/Off. Cancel/Go Back. A long press takes you back to the Main Menu. Accept/Go forward to the next menu. Activate alternate functions for each key. In some menus the keys can perform several functions; to see what options are available press ALT to toggle the key functions.

  • Page 19: Led Indicators

    Indicates that the instrument battery is Charging (RED) charging. Illuminates when a DSP or critical error Danger (RED) occurs. used vbBalancer instruments Alert (AMBER) models. Indicates that a measurement is being, or OK (GREEN) has been, collected successfully (without an error or alert triggered).

  • Page 20: Charging The Battery Pack

    Charging the Battery Pack Warning: Before charging the battery pack, ensure that the power transformer used is an approved power adapter 12 V 3 A output, center positive. Do not use the plug-pack transformers supplied with previous Commtest portable analyzers such as the vb1000-3000 or Profiler instruments.

  • Page 21: Removing The Battery Pack

    10 minutes as this will cause the date/time to be lost. However, all data will be retained. Replacement batteries (part number BATT0206) are available from authorized Commtest Instruments distributors. Warnings: Power should not be supplied to the instrument when removing the battery.

  • Page 22: Operating Overview

    Operating Overview You can use the instrument to perform the following tasks: Balance machines using single and dual plane methods • Take live, free run measurements for onsite analysis of • vibration spectra and waveforms Balancing You can analyze and correct rotating mass imbalance problems in-situ.

  • Page 23: Onsite Analysis

    Onsite Analysis You can measure vibration spectra and waveforms, and analyze these onsite. This is suitable for one-off investigations. Set measurement parameters on the instrument. • Measure and analyze the spectrum or waveform. • Record the data to memory (optional). •...

  • Page 24: Section 2: Instrument Basics

    Section 2: Instrument Basics This section describes how to perform basic functions on your instrument. You will learn to: Power up the instrument and turn it off • Navigate menus and select options • Enter and edit characters and punctuation •...

  • Page 25: Navigating Menus

    Note: Once powered up, and with a battery state above 25%, pressing the button will place the instrument into Sleep Mode not Complete Powerdown Mode. If the battery state falls below 25% charge, the instrument will enter Complete Powerdown Mode immediately when turned off.

  • Page 26: Using Navigation Keys And Icons

    Using Navigation Keys and Icons Use the keypad arrows and on-screen arrow icons to navigate backwards/forward through menus, move up/down and across lists, and expand/collapse structures containing other items. When you are working with large numbers of machines, press to collapse the displayed machine structures.

  • Page 27: Selecting An Option From A List

    Selecting an Option from a List When there are a large number of choices available they will display in list format. On-screen arrows allow you to scroll up, down, or across a multi-column list by pressing the arrow keys. To select an option from a list use the arrows keys to move •...
  • Page 28 Press Spectrum Waveform. Left and right facing • arrows will appear on the right-hand side of the screen indicating that you can 'jump' to either end of this list. To jump to the last entry in the list press Press •...

  • Page 29: Canceling An Option

    Canceling an Option To cancel an option press This will normally return you • to the previous menu. If you have opened several sub-menus, pressing this key will return you to the original menu. A long press will return you to the Main Menu. Displaying Hint Labels and Detailed Help Each on-screen icon can also display a hint label.

  • Page 30: Displaying Alternative Options

    Example: From the Main Menu press Review Vibration. (A long • press on will return you to the Main Menu if you have another menu open.) Press to display the hint labels and press this key again • to hide them. Press and hold to display more detailed help information.

  • Page 31: Entering Alphanumeric Characters

    Chart menu before pressing However, in many menus one key can perform two functions. When this is the case a small icon will appear at the top of the screen (see the arrow in the previous picture). Pressing the key causes a different set of options to appear.
  • Page 32 Example: To rename the currently selected folder to FANS: From the Main Menu press Folders. • Press Edit Name. • Press then Clear All to clear the current folder • name. Press three times until 'F' displays. • To enter the letter 'a', press once.

  • Page 33: Entering Punctuation, Spaces And Special Characters

    Press four times to display 's'. • To enter a space between words press . If you make a • mistake and wish to delete a character press Press then to display the advanced editing menu • containing options for using upper and lower case characters etc.

  • Page 34: Using Other Icons

    Spaces and special characters You can insert spaces between words, change from upper to lower case and delete or insert special characters as required. Pressing to display hint labels will help you use the various editing commands. Example: From the Main Menu press Folders.
  • Page 35 To do this Create a new machine Create a new point Create a new location Create a new parameter set Use these icons to manage all your items. To do this Create a new item Edit the selected item Delete the selected item Copy the selected item into memory Paste the copied item to the highlighted position Section 2: Instrument Basics...

  • Page 36: Section 3: Using Sensors

    How to correctly mount a sensor • Supported Sensor Types The following table summarizes the sensitivities and types of measurement that can be taken by each sensor supported on each instrument model. vbBalancer Sensor Type Sensitivity Measurement Types Acceleration Accelerometer mV/g 0.1-10 000...

  • Page 37: Connecting Sensors To The Instrument

    Sensors are connected to the instrument via BNC and, in the case of the vbBalancer+ instrument, seven-pin LEMO socket. Use the provided triple BNC adapter (LEMO breakout cable) to connect channels 2 through 4 if using these channels on a vbBalancer+ instrument. BNC (left), seven-pin LEMO (right) Note: The triple BNC adapter's three BNC inputs are numbered to indicate channel.

  • Page 38: Mounting Sensors

    Warning: Do not remove the LEMO connector by pulling the sensor cable. This may damage the cable. Always remove by gripping the end connector. Sensor Inputs Input vbBalancer vbBalancer+ BNC 1 (Channel 1) BNC 2 (Channel 2) LEMO 1 (Channels 2-4)

  • Page 39: Setting Up The Accelerometer

    Plug the accelerometer connector into an instrument BNC sensor input (or into a triple BNC adapter connected to the instrument if using a vbBalancer+ instrument). Now screw the accelerometer into the magnetic base and attach it to the measurement point using...

  • Page 40: Permanent Mounting

    Keep the accelerometer clear from other cables, ensuring it • is not twisted, kinked or tangled. Permanent Mounting To mount using the stud method, prepare a mounting spot on the machine following the specifications shown in the diagram below. Unscrew the magnetic base from the sensor and screw onto •...
  • Page 41 Setting up the tachometer Locate the drill hole in the tachometer and screw this onto • the end of the mounting base movable arm. Plug the cable socket into the tachometer connecting pins • then turn the locking ring to make a secure connection. Locate the TACH input on the instrument and attach the •...

  • Page 42: Tachometer Signal From A Keyphasor

    If your machine has a proximity-probe based tachometer sensor (e.g. Keyphasor®), this can be used as the tach signal for your vbBalancer+ instrument. The sensor should have a buffered front-panel BNC output, to ensure the instrument's measurements can’t interfere with pre-existing speed measurements. Keyphasor LEMO connector tach cables can be purchased through your local Commtest reseller for this purpose.

  • Page 43: Section 4: Balancing Rotors

    Section 4: Balancing Rotors This section describes the procedure for performing balancing operations with your instrument. You will learn to: Understand the balancing process • Select appropriate balancing settings • Set up a balancing job • Manually enter balancing values •...

  • Page 44: The Balancing Process

    The centrifugal force of a heavy spot on the rotor that causes the rotor to vibrate increases with the square of the rotational speed. The vibration level of the rotor may be acceptable at one speed but not at another. Therefore, it is important to always allow the rotor to settle to its normal operating speed before taking balancing analysis measurements.

  • Page 45: Tips For Balancing

    Trim Balance - Take a measurement in each plane to confirm that the rotor is balanced. Any residual imbalance can be removed via additional trim balance cycles. Tips for Balancing Before performing a balance job, clean the rotor removing • any dirt or loose-hanging material such as rust, flaking paint etc, which may affect balancing results if they fall off later.

  • Page 46: Suggested Trial Weight Mass And Location

    heavy spot). Setting up the Tachometer (page 32) contains information on how to set up the tachometer to measure phase angles. Suggested Trial Weight Mass and Location The instrument can assist with balancing operations by calculating an appropriate trial weight mass and location for you. Please refer to topics CH Position and Reference Mark, for help with calculating the trial weight location, and Machine Information, for help with calculating the trial weight mass.

  • Page 47: Setting Up A Balancing Job

    To enter your own values for CH1 press (press • CH2 when using two channels, or and then select a channel when using three or more on a vbBalancer+). Press to enter an amplitude value and to enter • phase. Press twice to exit and return to the Initial, Trial or Trim Reading Menu and continue the balancing job.

  • Page 48: Balance Planes And Weight Positions

    Balance Planes and Weight Positions Use these options to set the type of balance job (single or dual plane) and specify a weight position reference system i.e. where on the rotor you will place the balance weights in relation to a reference mark.

  • Page 49: Sensors

    Press Balance Planes then use the arrow keys to • highlight the number of balance planes to use. Press to select. This will display the Balance Weight • Setup Menu. From the Balance Weight Setup Menu press Plane A • Weight Position then use the arrow keys to highlight your choice and press to select.

  • Page 50: Ch Position

    This ability provides confidence that a balance on any one axis has not worsened vibrations on the other. The vbBalancer instrument allows simultaneous two channel dual plane monitoring. If you want the instrument to help you determine where to •...
  • Page 51 If the Balance Sensor Setup Menu is not already displayed • press # Sensors from the Balance Setup Menu, select the number of sensors to use then press Press CH1 Position and enter the angle from the • tachometer to your sensor then press For dual plane balancing, repeat this step if you want the instrument...

  • Page 52: Averages

    Averages Averaging the 'out of balance' values can increase the accuracy of your measurements, allowing the instrument to make more precise recommendations for the size and placement of balance weights. A higher number of averages produces more accurate measurements, but lengthens the recording time accordingly. Machine Information Entering machine information is optional.

  • Page 53: Weight Orientation

    Do not rotate the rotor in the direction specified. Tach Trigger Tach Trigger allows you to specify whether you are using a standard tachometer or a Keyphasor® if using a vbBalancer+ instrument. Weight Lin Dist Weight Lin Dist allows you to specify the measurement units for linear speed distance, balance weights and rotor weight.

  • Page 54: Store Units

    To change the displayed units press Weight Lin Dist • then press to cycle through the linear speed options or to open the Weight Units Menu where you can set balance and rotor weight units. When you have set your units press to navigate back to •...

  • Page 55: Reviewing Previous Balancing Jobs

    Use the left-hand arrow keys to highlight one of the trim • weights you want to remove then press Remove or Keep. The calculator will re-calculate the suggested weight/angle accordingly. You can experiment with different remove/keep combinations by repeating this process (to add a subtracted weight back to the calculator press again).
  • Page 56 The newest balance job is highlighted at the top of the • column. Press to display the selected recording or use the left-hand up/down arrow keys to select another. In the Balancing Menu press View and Save to see the •...

  • Page 57: Section 5: Balancing Walk-Through

    Section 5: Balancing Walk-through This walk-through guides you through the process of balancing a rotor using single and dual plane balancing. Dual plane balancing requires additional steps; these extra steps are indicated with this symbol You will learn to: Take initial imbalance measurements •...

  • Page 58: Step 2. Take An Initial Reading

    Step 2. Take an Initial Reading Stop the machine. • Attach the sensor to the bearing housing closest to the rotor. • For best results attach it in the radial direction in which the machine is most flexible (and vibrates the most). Attach a sensor to each of the bearings supporting the rotor.

  • Page 59: Step 3. Take A Trial Reading

    amplitude of 3.59 mil. The aim is to reduce this to an acceptable level. For dual plane balancing two sets of values will display. Wait for the readings to stabilize then press • Step 3. Take a Trial Reading Stop the machine. •...
  • Page 60 The trial weight position should be near the rim of the rotor • but can be at any angular position. Starting at the reference mark, measure the angular position in the direction you specified for the Weight Orientation. This will be either WR (with rotation) or AR (against rotation).
  • Page 61 Press to take a reading of the imbalance with the trial • weight added. After a few seconds, the instrument displays the speed of the rotor in RPM and Hz, the vibration level with the trial weight added. Wait for the readings to stabilize then press If the trial •...

  • Page 62: Step 4. Balance The Rotor

    Perform the same procedure for Plane B (attach a trial weight, enter its position and specify whether weight is being added or drilled out). If you are removing trial weights the Plane A trial weight must be removed before performing the Plane B trial reading.

  • Page 63: Step 5. Perform Trim Balancing

    Attach or remove the recommended correction weight as • indicated by the instrument then proceed to Trim Balance. For dual plane balancing two sets of values will display. Step 5. Perform Trim Balancing Replace safety covers, start the machine again and let the •...
  • Page 64 Press to accept this measurement. The instrument will • now display the details of additional weight adjustments required to trim balance the rotor (i.e. to further reduce the level of vibration/imbalance). You can end balancing at this point or continue with another reposition of trim balance weights, as indicated, to improve on the balance level.

  • Page 65: Step 6. Viewing And Saving Balancing Jobs

    Step 6. Viewing and Saving Balancing Jobs This step is optional. To view the Balancing Report Menu • press The screen displays the results of your initial and trial readings, the balance reading and any trim balances. Saving the balance job From the Balancing Report Menu press Save Balance •...

  • Page 66: Section 6: Analyzing Measurements Onsite

    Section 6: Analyzing Measurements Onsite This section describes how to take measurements and perform onsite analysis. You will learn to: Take a measurement • Change how a measurement is displayed • Perform analysis using cursors and zooming • Set a measurement's RPM •...

  • Page 67: Walk-Through: Taking Measurements

    In addition to the measurements that you will be taking, if • possible, stop and listen to the sound of the machine; look for loose bolts and oil leaks; take note of any machine parts that are vibrating visibly; feel for hot bearings and manually ‘feel’...
  • Page 68 Select your measurement type by using the arrow keys to • move the selection bar then press or by pressing the quick access buttons to the right of the screen. The measurement default settings are displayed on-screen. • You can change any of these defaults before taking a measurement.
  • Page 69 To stop the measurement press You can now analyze • the measurement on-screen, including displaying the amplitude of spectral peaks and identifying harmonics (see Analyzing Measurements). To stop viewing the measurement and exit without saving • press To save the measurement press and select an existing •...

  • Page 70: Working With Charts

    To select a different sensor press then press • Sensor Setup. Press the Change Sensor key opposite your chosen measuring channel then use the left-hand arrow keys to highlight a sensor and to select it. Press the left-hand arrow key beside your chosen channel to enable it then press twice to begin measuring.

  • Page 71: Using Cursors

    Pressing displays analysis options Using Cursors Cursors are a valuable tool for analyzing your data. You can use them to show the amplitude and frequency of a peak, identify harmonics, and show the frequency difference between two peaks. Placing a cursor on the chart Press repeatedly to activate a cursor and move •...
  • Page 72 Clearing cursors Press then Clear Cursors to remove all cursors • and harmonics. Displaying the amplitude/frequency of a peak Press repeatedly to activate a cursor and move • it across the screen. The frequency and amplitude values indicated by the cursor will display at the top right of the screen.

  • Page 73: Zooming

    Displaying harmonics Press then press Harmonics Sidebands. Press • repeatedly to move the cursor over different peaks. Additional cursors will display at frequency or time values that are whole-number multiples of the frequency or time value indicated by the main cursor. Turning harmonics off Press then press...

  • Page 74: Viewing Multiple Charts

    Zooming out Press X Axis Expand repeatedly to zoom out • horizontally and to zoom out vertically. Viewing Multiple Charts When you measure more than one channel simultaneously, or display both a spectrum and waveform, each chart will display on-screen. You can view the measurements on all charts at the same time (waveform or spectra only when viewing three of more measurements simultaneously) or select a specific chart to work with.

  • Page 75: Setting The Y Axis (Amplitude) Scale

    Note: The following functions are only available when viewing multi-channel (two or more) and multi-domain (spectrum+waveform) measurements. Selecting a chart layout With the charts displayed press to display hint labels. • Press Change View to alter the currently displayed • chart type.

  • Page 76: Amplitude Display Units

    With the spectrum measurement displayed on-screen (either • still measuring or stopped) and highlighted press then Y Axis Log to set the Y axis (amplitude) scaling options. Press Linear Log dB repeatedly to toggle between • Linear, Log, and dB scaling (vdB and adB scaling are only available when measuring...

  • Page 77: Setting The Rpm

    Store Units Max dB Value Max dB Value Linear Scale Log Scale Acceleration , mm/s , mm/s Velocity mm/s, µm/s mm/s, µm/s Displacement mil, mm, µm mm, µm Store Units Y Axis Fixed Y Axis Fixed Linear Scale Log Scale Acceleration automatic, current, mm/s , mm/s...

  • Page 78: Viewing Orders

    Enter a value using the number keys then press • Entering the RPM using the 1X peak Press to move the cursor to the 1X peak. • Press then Set RPM. The frequency of your • selected peak will be displayed. Press to save this frequency as the RPM value.

  • Page 79: Viewing Revolutions

    Viewing Revolutions When Revs are displayed, the time axis of a waveform chart is labeled in revolutions of running speed instead of your regular measurement units. With the waveform chart displayed, set the RPM as • described previously. The bottom axis will update to display revs.
  • Page 80 Creating a new machine Press Save to.. (keys depending on the number • of channels used for the measurement), then press Create New Machine. The following image shows the machine creation icons after pressing to display hint labels Creating a new machine to save the measurement to Enter a name for this machine then press •...

  • Page 81: Section 7: Setting Measurement Options

    Section 7: Setting Measurement Options This section describes the different parameters used to take measurements and how to apply them. You will learn: What the various parameters are for spectra, waveforms and • other measurement types How to create parameter sets for taking measurements •...
  • Page 82 Units Spectrum Time Waveform Scaling Scaling Accel g, m/s RMS, 0-pk, RMS, 0-pk, pk-pk pk-pk Veloc mm/s, in/s As above As above Disp mm, µm, mil As above As above Unit Set Custom Frequency Hz Hz, CPM vdB Units vdB SI (1e-6 mm/s) vdB US (1e-5 mm/s) vdB US, vdB SI adB Units adB SI (1 µm/s adB US (1 µg)

  • Page 83: Setting Measurement Parameters

    Setting Measurement Parameters When you select a measurement type e.g. Spectrum Waveform from the Measure Menu the default parameters display on-screen. Spectrum measurement setup showing default parameters Example: From the Main Menu press Measure Vibration then • press Spectrum Waveform. Press to display hint labels then press Create New...

  • Page 84: Creating Your Own Parameter Sets

    Spectral lines sub-menu Creating Your Own Parameter Sets To create a new parameter set that you can store and reuse, do the following: 1. Open the menu for the measurement type you want to create (from the Main Menu press Measure Vibration then use the arrow keys to select the required measurement type and press...

  • Page 85: Assigning Sensors To Channels

    Press Edit Name and enter a name for this parameter • set then press Change Store Units to Acceleration. Press and select • the Accel then press Set the Fmax to 1500 CPM. Press Fmax Fmin then • press to set the RPM to 10 x the machine running speed.

  • Page 86: Explaining Spectrum Parameters

    Press Sensor Setup then press Change Sensor • opposite your chosen measuring channel. (If this is new sensor that has not yet been defined in the instrument you will need to create a sensor definition before you can assign it to a channel. See Defining and Editing Sensors on page 101.) Use the arrow keys to highlight a sensor then press •...

  • Page 87: Spectral Lines

    In general, the higher the operating speed of the machine, the higher the Fmax needs to be to capture all crucial information. For vibration involving fingered elements such as gear teeth, fan blades, pump vanes, and bearing elements, an Fmax equal to 3 times the number of fingers multiplied by the operating speed is usually sufficient.

  • Page 88: Tach Trigger

    Tach Trigger When you select Tach Trigger, measuring begins only when a tachometer pulse is detected. If Tach Trigger is set to OFF the instrument will begin measuring as soon as the settling time has elapsed. Averaging When measuring vibration, several spectra are usually measured and averaged to produce an average vibration chart.

  • Page 89: Duration

    Tip: An easy way to select the number of samples and duration is to let the instrument set them for you. Set the Equivalent Fmax so that it covers your required frequency range; the instrument will select the maximum number of samples and duration that can be used with this Fmax.

  • Page 90: Section 8: Measurement Types And Their Uses

    Section 8: Measurement Types and Their Uses This section describes setup take different measurements types. You will learn: How to take different types of measurements • The uses of different measurement types • Spectrum A vibration spectrum is a chart of vibration amplitude versus vibration frequency.

  • Page 91: Waveform

    From the Main Menu press Measure Vibration then • press Spectrum Waveform. Use the left-hand arrow keys to select a parameter set or • create a new one by pressing and setting the parameters as required. Press to begin measuring. •...

  • Page 92: Bump Test

    Tach Type. This option is only available if using a vbBalancer+ instrument. Bump Test Note: This feature is not available on the vbBalancer instrument model. The bump test is a useful vibration analysis technique to help identify resonance frequencies in a machine's structure. It requires ‘bumping’...

  • Page 93: Coast-Down/Run Up

    Coast-down/Run up Note: This feature is not available on the vbBalancer instrument model. Coast-down and run-up measuring involves taking a series of recordings with a short delay between them. This technique can be used to study the resonance behavior of a machine as its speed...

  • Page 94: Taking Multi-Channel Simultaneous Measurements

    A large number of recordings are taken during a coast-down or run-up. If you intend to repeat the process several times on a machine we recommend you save each set of recordings to a separate location so that they can be easily distinguished. Taking Multi-channel Simultaneous Measurements Taking a multi-channel measurement uses the same process as...

  • Page 95: Saving Multi-Channel Measurements

    Repeat this process to enable additional channels then press • twice to begin measuring. To save the measurements refer to the next topic. Saving Multi-channel Measurements 1. When you are ready to stop measuring press 2. Press Save. This opens the Select Location to Save Menu.
  • Page 96 4. Use the arrow keys to select a location to save the measurement or press if you need to create a new location. (See Storing Measurements on page 71 for more information.) 5. Press to return to the Select Locations Menu. Repeat this process from step 3 to store your other measurement(s).

  • Page 97: Section 9: Taking Recordings

    Section 9: Taking Recordings This section describes how to take recordings with your instrument. You will learn to: Take recordings • Review and delete recordings • Attach notes to recordings • Walk-through: Taking Recordings The following instructions assume that you have already created your machine structures and have assigned parameter sets to the measurement locations.

  • Page 98: Taking Individual And Multiple Recordings

    5. To take an individual recording, highlight the parameter set that you wish to record. If you want to record all parameter sets at a location, highlight the location. The recordings will be taken one after the other in the sequence that they appear in the instrument.

  • Page 99: Saving Recordings

    To record every parameter set under a location, highlight the • location and press to begin recording. Saving Recordings When you are in the Record Review Menu you have several options for saving your recordings. Auto Save The instrument momentarily displays the recorded information on-screen before returning you to the Record Review Menu.
  • Page 100 Record/Review + Warn displays in the lower right-hand corner of the screen. To review stored recordings 1. From the Main Menu press Review Vibration. 2. To select a recording for review, use the left-hand arrow keys to scroll up and down and press Expand Navigator repeatedly to expand out a machine so that its locations and parameter sets become visible.

  • Page 101: Deleting Recordings

    1. When a recording is displayed you can use cursors, harmonics and zooming to better analyze the data. Press to display hint labels and refer to the appropriate topics in Analyzing Measurements (page 62) for details of how to use cursors and zooming. 2.

  • Page 102: Section 10: Creating, Editing And Deleting Items

    Section 10: Creating, Editing and Deleting Items This section describes the procedures for creating folders, machines and other items within the instrument. You will learn to: Create and manage machine structures, sensors and notes • Copy and delete items • Restore items •...
  • Page 103 Starting at the bottom of the diagram a recording is the data you collect at a particular location on a machine. A parameter set defines a list of measurement parameter values that are used to take a recording. Because parameter sets are stored in the instrument they can be retrieved and reused, which saves time when you are taking large numbers of identical recordings.

  • Page 104: Working With Folders

    Working with Folders Creating a Folder From the Main Menu press twice. • Enter a name for the folder then press The newly • created folder will be highlighted. Press again to select and you will be returned to the Main Menu. When you create new machines they will be placed in whichever folder is currently selected.

  • Page 105: Working With Machines

    From the Main Menu press Folders. • Press The Restore Folders screen will open. • Use the left-hand menu arrows to select a folder to restore. • The date beside the folder indicates when it was deleted. Press to restore the selected folder. •...

  • Page 106: Creating Parameter Sets

    Icon Machine Point Location Parameter (Schedule) To create a new machine press Add New Machine. • Enter a name for the machine then press • To create points, locations and parameter sets, press the • keys beside the appropriate on-screen icons and repeat the previous instructions.

  • Page 107: Adding Structures To Existing Machines

    To assign the default parameter set to this location press • , or to create a new parameter set press The new parameter set will appear at the top of the list ready for editing. To rename this parameter set press Edit Name.

  • Page 108: Copying Machine Structures

    Select the machine, point or location where you want to add • the new structure then press to display the machine creation icons. Press the appropriate keys beside each icon to create that • item. Copying Machine Structures You can copy an entire machine or just part of its structure, such as a point or parameter set, and add the copied items to other machines.

  • Page 109: Deleting Machine Structures

    If no machines are displayed press repeatedly to make • them visible. Use the left-hand arrow keys to select a machine. To make • the points and other lower level items visible press repeatedly. Select the item you wish to rename then press Edit •...
  • Page 110 To create a new sensor press Create New Sensor or • use the left-hand arrow keys to select an existing sensor then press to change its settings. Define the settings by pressing the corresponding keys. • When you are finished press Edit the Name.

  • Page 111: Using The Bias Voltage Check

    Toggle Bias Voltage Check on and off (none), and edit, create or delete this value. Notes on defining and editing sensors: Once a sensor has been defined as a particular sensor type, • e.g. accelerometer, you will not be able to change the sensor's type if the instrument contains any recordings taken with that sensor;...

  • Page 112: Deleting Sensors

    Press the Change Sensor button opposite the channel you • will use. Press Edit Sensor to edit the configuration of an • existing sensor, or Create New Sensor. Configure the sensor's normal parameters (name, type, settling, units etc.). Press Bias Voltage Check to open the Bias Voltage •...

  • Page 113: Working With Notes

    Working with Notes Creating Notes You can create and store notes up to 50 characters in length on the instrument. These can be attached to any part of a machine structure or route item (but not schedule entries). From the Main Menu press Review Vibration.

  • Page 114: Viewing Notes

    Use the arrow keys to highlight the item you want to attach • the note to. Press to display the Note Menu then press Create • New Note. Select a note then press to attach it to your chosen • item, or to create a new note.

  • Page 115: Deleting All Recordings In A Folder

    In the Note Entry Menu use the arrow keys to select the note • then press Delete Note. If the note is attached to any items you will prompted to • confirm your action. Press to confirm. Deleting all Recordings in a Folder To delete an individual recording please refer to topic Deleting Recordings on page 93.

  • Page 116: Section 11: Utilities

    Section 11: Utilities This section describes how to use the utility functions of your instrument. You will learn to: Set the instrument date and time • Adjust the LCD display • Change the LCD interface language • Set up direct printing from the instrument •...

  • Page 117: Selecting Your Local Timezone

    Press repeatedly to cycle between date display formats • (from DD/MM/YYYY to MM/DD/YYYY, for example). Selecting Your Local Timezone From the Main Menu press Options. • Date/Time then press Edit Timezone. Press • Use the arrow keys to highlight your local timezone then •...

  • Page 118: Printing Directly To A Network Printer

    Use the left-hand arrow keys to select a • language from the list of those available. The two windows at the bottom of the screen demonstrate how the language selected will appear. Press to save your language selection. • Printing Directly to a Network Printer Your balancing instrument can be configured to print balancing reports directly to PCL-enabled network printers.

  • Page 119: Adjusting Screen Contrast

    selected beside it). The IP address will be listed under the 'Port' column. Press Queue Name and enter the printer's Queue • Name then Note: The Queue Name is a unique identifier, sometimes known as a 'Printer ID'. Many printers have a factory-configured Queue Name that can be found in the printer's user manual, or printed on a label attached to the printer itself.

  • Page 120: Recharging The Instrument

    Use the keys to adjust the backlight brightness • or turn it off then press Recharging the Instrument Plug the power transformer into a standard power outlet and • attach the connector to the instrument's charger socket. You can continue to use the instrument while the battery is charging.

  • Page 121: Setting Backlight Timeout

    Setting Backlight Timeout The backlight will turn off automatically after the timeout period has elapsed (60 seconds by default). If a measuring period exceeds the backlight timeout, the backlight will remain on during measuring and will turn off when measuring is complete. From the Main Menu press Options.

  • Page 122: Setting Complete Powerdown Timeout

    Note: If the battery level drops to 25% or less, sleep mode is disabled. instrument will immediately enter Complete Powerdown Mode when Power is pressed, or at the completion of the Sleep Mode Timeout period. Setting Complete Powerdown Timeout Complete powerdown turns the instrument off after a set period of time (1 hour by default) in Sleep Mode.

  • Page 123: Backing Up The Instrument Database

    Backing Up the Instrument Database If you wish to transfer existing balance jobs or recordings to a PC for backup purposes, you can make a local copy of the instrument database using the vbXManager application. This instrument database can then be stored and returned to the instrument at a later time for review.

  • Page 124: Upgrading Instrument Firmware (Proflashing)

    Click the Tasks tab then the Overwrite button in the • Overwrite Database area. Browse to the database file you wish to upload to the instrument and click the Open button. Upgrading Instrument Firmware (Proflashing) From time to time Commtest will release new versions of instrument firmware.
  • Page 125 Click the Proflash button under the Setup tab. The Proflash • window will appear, listing the available firmware version(s) stored on your PC. With newest 'recommended' firmware version • highlighted, click the Proflash button. When prompted press on the instrument. PROFLASHING may take several minutes during which the instrument will display a series of progress messages.

  • Page 126: Section 12: Troubleshooting

    Section 12: Troubleshooting Contacting Technical Support If you have any problems please contact Commtest support staff directly for assistance. Our e-mail address is help@commtest.com. We also provide a searchable knowledge base of frequently asked questions (FAQ) on our website at www.commtest.com. Resetting an Unresponsive Instrument Warning: An unresponsive instrument (one that does not respond to key presses) will continue drawing power until it is reset or turned off.
  • Page 127 If you change the network address you must change it in both the instrument and software so that they can communicate (this does not apply if you are only changing the last digit of the IP address). Setting the USB Network Address From the instrument's Main Menu press Options then •...

  • Page 128: Ethernet Connection Lost In Windows Vista

    Ethernet Connection Lost in Windows Vista Computers using the Microsoft Vista Ultimate operating system may lose Ethernet communications with vbBalancer instruments following communication via USB. This is the result of a network protocol incompatibility. To resolve this problem disable support for the IPv6 network protocol in Vista.
  • Page 129 Note: Disabling IPv6 will prevent you from using Windows Meeting Space or any application that relies on the Windows Peer-to-Peer Networking platform or the Teredo transition technology. If you wish to use these applications, simply re-enable IPv6 support. Ethernet instrument connections will be unaffected by the reactivation of IPv6 support as the compatibility problem is resolved by the initial performance of the procedure above.

  • Page 130: Appendix: Specifications

    Appendix: Specifications vbBalancer Specifications Model vbBalancer Remarks Sensors Sensor input 2 channels Simultaneous sampling Sensors Accelerometer AC coupled range 16 V peak-peak Allows for ± 8 V sensor output swing (± 80 g) Connectors 2 x BNC (CH1/CH2) Safety feature: Break-free inline connector...
  • Page 131 Revised 16 May 2008. While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information we advise that information in this document may contain technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Commtest Instruments Ltd may at any time and without notice make improvements and/or changes to the products described.

  • Page 132: Vbbalancer

    Specifications Model vbBalancer+ Remarks Sensors Sensor input 4 channels Simultaneous sampling Sensors Accelerometer, Velocity, Displacement AC coupled range 16 V peak-peak Allows for ± 8 V sensor output swing (± 80 g) DC coupled ranges 0 V to 20 V, -10 V to 10 V, -20 V to 0 V e.g.
  • Page 133 Revised 16 May 2008. While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information we advise that information in this document may contain technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Commtest Instruments Ltd may at any time and without notice make improvements and/or changes to the products described.

  • Page 134: Index

    degrees • 40 Index fixed positions • 40 initial reading • 36, 42, 50 printing reports • 57, 110 Accelerometer reference mark • 40, 42, 44 drive current • 5, 101 report • 47, 57 sensitivity • 28 trial reading • 36, 51 setting up •...
  • Page 135 Zooming charts • 65 Copying items • 26, 100 Incompatible sensor • 101 Cursors • 63 Initial reading • 36, 50 Instrument capabilities by model • Date and time • 108 Instrument I/O ports • 9 Deleting items • 101 all stored information •...
  • Page 136 bias voltage • 103 connecting • 29 Orders • 70 mounting • 30, 31 Overall (power level) • 73 sensitivity • 28 Overlap percentage • 80 supported types • 28 Settling time • 101 Parameter sets, defining, working Spectral lines • 79 with •...

This manual is also suitable for:

Vbbalancer+

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