Summary of Contents for RPX Technologies DynaVibe GX Series
- Page 1 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual Software Version 1.13 Revised: May 2017 Doc: RPX-AXU-RP-GX2-113-A www.rpxtech.com...
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
DynaVibe GX Series User Manual Table of Contents Getting Started ___________________________________________________________ 2 Using this Manual ________________________________________________________ 2 Background Concepts ______________________________________________________ 2 Dynamic Balancing _______________________________________________________ 2 Spectral Analysis _________________________________________________________ 2 Applications _____________________________________________________________ 4 Propeller Balancing _______________________________________________________ 4 Rotorcraft Track and Balance _______________________________________________ 5... - Page 4 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual Important Notice Any system that distracts a pilot while operating an aircraft is a safety hazard. During the balancing procedure, please use extreme caution. Be very careful with cables and components, especially on pusher-type aircraft. ALWAYS confirm the ignition is off before rotating the propeller, main rotor, or tail rotor.
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Page 5: Getting Started
1 Getting Started Using this Manual This document describes the general operation of the DynaVibe GX series of dynamic balancers (including the GX2 and GX3). Some modes are only available on specific model variants and will be marked accordingly, such as “GX3 Only”. - Page 6 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual frequency are determined, spectral analysis displays vibration magnitudes of a broad range of frequencies on a graph. For example, in a fixed-wing piston-engine-driven aircraft, vibrations from engine misfire, prop imbalance, prop wash, imbalanced alternator, etc. will each occur at a different frequency and will be shown as individual peaks on the spectral graph.
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Page 7: Applications
DynaVibe GX Series User Manual 3 Applications Propeller Balancing Process Overview Balancing is an iterative process of vibration measurement and mass adjustments. To balance a propeller, first mount an accelerometer to the engine and an optical tach to the aircraft as described in the application note(s) listed below, or as described by the aircraft manufacturer’s... -
Page 8: Rotorcraft Track And Balance
DynaVibe GX Series User Manual Application Notes and Procedures This manual is not intended to be a comprehensive guide to propeller balancing. For process details please refer to the following documents: • Application Note: RPX-AFA-PR-BAL-00 “Dynamic Propeller Balancing on Aircraft”... -
Page 9: Vibration Spectral Analysis
DynaVibe GX Series User Manual other applications. Installing excessive weight may damage the assembly and the aircraft. The user must estimate the first trial weight addition based on the particular assembly being balanced when using AutoBalance mode for non-propeller applications. A common initial estimate for the trial weight is 0.1% of the overall rotating mass (0.001 x mass). -
Page 10: Turbine Vibration Surveys
DynaVibe GX Series User Manual Application Notes and Procedures • Application Note: RPX-AFA-PR-SPC-00 “Spectral Analysis of Piston Engine Aircraft” • Application Note: RPX-ARA-PR-SPC-00 “Spectral Analysis of Rotorcraft” Turbine Vibration Surveys Process Overview Vibration surveys are used to help verify turbine engine health. By monitoring a wide range of frequencies (up to 20 kHz) it is often possible to detect component balance issues, damaged bearings, and other turbine engine faults. -
Page 11: Dynavibe Gx Operation
DynaVibe GX Series User Manual 4 DynaVibe GX Operation Ports and Connections Optical Tach Accelerometers SD Card (Factory Only) & Accessories Left Right The DynaVibe GX ports are shown in the diagram above. Accelerometer Ports The left and right accelerometer inputs are on the left top face. The accelerometer cables are labeled “L”... -
Page 12: Optical Tach And Accessory Port
DynaVibe GX Series User Manual Optical Tach and Accessory Port The large circular port on the top face is for the optical tach and accessories, such as the DynaTrack. When not using the DynaTrack accessory, use this port for the optical tach. When using the DynaTrack, plug the DynaTrack into the GX using this accessory port and then plug the optical tach into the DynaTrack’s optical tach connector. -
Page 13: Turning On The System
DynaVibe GX Series User Manual The third key on the right of the bottom row is the Power key. Press and hold Power for a few seconds to turn the GX off. Press Power when the system is off to turn the system on. - Page 14 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual Home Screen Components Starting Modes Press the function key directly below a “soft menu” mode icon to activate that mode. Most operations on the DynaVibe GX will utilize the soft menus. Real-Time Clock The system’s real-time clock keeps track of the time to provide time-stamped reports. This helps the operator keep a history of when the work was performed.
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Page 15: Mode Summary
DynaVibe GX Series User Manual Mode Summary The DynaVibe GX family supports task-specific modes. Some modes are model-specific. The major function of each DynaVibe mode is summarized in the following table: Mode Name Model Purpose and Features • Automated weight solutions supporting multiple runs (up to 8) •... - Page 16 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual Mode Name Model Purpose and Features • Designed for use by Williams International Authorized Service Centers • Analyze high speed vibration up to 20 kHz • Velocity versus frequency with up to three limit ranges •...
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Page 17: Mode Specifics
DynaVibe GX Series User Manual 5 Mode Specifics Settings Mode Use the Settings mode to set the real-time clock’s date/time or adjust the Auto Power Off (APO) function. Press <3> (scroll right arrow) several times to scroll to the right-most mode icon on the Home screen. -
Page 18: Measure Mode
DynaVibe GX Series User Manual Measure Mode Left Right Optical Resume DynaTrack Accel. Accel. Tach After Accessory Switch (Auto Power Off) Input Input Power Off Setting Required: Required Optional Yes: Optional: Standard Standard Supported Supports Global (1 kHz) (1 kHz) APO Setting Accel. - Page 19 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual On the chart, the Left Channel accelerometer is labeled "1" and the Right Channel accelerometer is labeled "2". Measure Polar Chart Help Describes basic functions of the polar chart. Average Begins an averaging cycle before proceeding to the “Measurement Results”.
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Page 20: Ez Measure Mode
DynaVibe GX Series User Manual EZ Measure Mode Left Right Optical Resume DynaTrack Accel. Accel. Tach After Accessory Switch (Auto Power Off) Input Input Power Off Setting Required: Optional: Required Optional Yes: Standard Supports Global Standard Supported (1 kHz) (1 kHz) APO Setting Accel. - Page 21 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual EZ Measure Mode Setup – Direction of Rotation The next step is to configure the direction of rotation to clockwise (CW) or counterclockwise (CCW) as viewed from the mechanic’s side (spinner side) of the aircraft. Change the direction of rotation using the arrow keys so that the direction indicated by the circular arrow in the center of the diagram is the same as the direction of rotation on the propeller.
- Page 22 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual EZ Measure Mode Setup – Accelerometer Position After configuring the optical tach angle, the next step is to configure the accelerometer angular position as mounted on the aircraft. The accelerometer is typically mounted at the top of the engine, but may be mounted at a different location.
- Page 23 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual Weight locations setup screen Note: EZ Measure will start with the last used configuration. To reset to the default configuration, press “Defaults”. This will bring up the reset aircraft and sensor configuration confirmation screen. EZ Measure Mode Defaults Select “Reset”...
- Page 24 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual typically taken at normal cruise RPM. If cruise RPM is not practical, full static RPM may typically be used. Press “Help” (<F1>) for a brief description of the available functions. EZ Measure mode polar chart The polar chart shows the vibration magnitude and phase angle.
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Page 25: Autobalance Mode
DynaVibe GX Series User Manual Because the direction of rotation and locations of the accelerometer and optical tach were entered during configuration setup, the vibration position reported on the “Measurement Results” screen (and that was drawn on the polar chart) reflects the imbalance location as viewed under the following conditions: •... - Page 26 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual “Finished” then press “Report” to save your results. Do not press “Finished” before you are satisfied with the balance results. SETUP Prepare for Run Add Owner, Engine, Clear Area Horsepower Rating “Next” then “New Run”...
- Page 27 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual Job Setup The next step is to enter information for this particular balance job. Using the up and down arrows (<2> and <8>), move the cursor to choose an individual data field for editing. Once the desired data field is chosen, press “Edit”...
- Page 28 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual Once all safety considerations have been met, select “Next” to continue and begin runup. The system will display the “Tachometer Signal Required” screen until the optical tach detects a valid RPM. Tachometer Signal Required Once the engine is warmed up and running at cruise RPM, review the polar chart for the vibration magnitude and phase angle.
- Page 29 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual Maintain RPM after Pressing “Accept” Once averaging is complete, the DynaVibe will display "Maintain RPM. Acquiring spectrum…" as it records the engine's vibration spectrum. During this period, which should last a few seconds, maintain a stable RPM. This will allow the DynaVibe to record the vibration survey of the engine at the RPM of interest.
- Page 30 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual correction solution. The weights shown on the following screen are the TOTAL dynamic balance weights, not incremental additional weights. AutoBalance Weight Addition In this example AutoBalance run, the DynaVibe suggests 23.6 g correction weight at 334°, but there is not a weight-mounting location at that angle.
- Page 31 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual Weight Addition Screen Showing the Installed Weight(s) and Location The bolt-location numbers are indexed clockwise (as viewed from the spinner side) from the master bolt location as #1. Press "Show" on the Weight Addition screen to see a graphical representation of the setup along with numbered bolt locations used for the current job.
- Page 32 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual Review Runs Grid Use the arrow keys to move the cursor between rows and press “Detail” (<F2>) or Select (on key <5>) to review details on the chosen run as shown in the following graphic.
- Page 33 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual AutoBalance Run Summary Screen When the vibration is at an acceptable level, press “Finished” to complete the process. A typical balance goal is a vibration at or below 0.10 IPS. In our example, the third run yielded 0.04 IPS and the balancing job is complete.
- Page 34 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual based on the “Owner” field in the aircraft configuration and placed in the root folder of the SD card. Browse to the SD card then double-click a report to open it in your browser. A typical DynaVibe GX report Copyright ©...
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Page 35: Spectrum Mode
DynaVibe GX Series User Manual Spectrum Mode Left Right Optical Tach Resume DynaTrack Accel. Accel. After Accessory Switch (Auto Power Off) Input Input Power Off Setting Required: Optional: Recommended Optional Yes: Standard Supports Global Standard (To enable Supported (Screen (1 kHz) - Page 36 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual [L] R Switches the active accelerometer input between the left channel input (indicated by [L] R ) and right channel input (indicated L [R] ). Finished Returns the user to the Home screen. Velocity view is useful for the lower frequencies typically encountered in reciprocating (piston) engines and is a good indicator of relative stress on the assembly.
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Page 37: Totalvibe Mode
DynaVibe GX Series User Manual TotalVibe Mode Left Right Optical Resume After DynaTrack Accel. Accel. Tach Power Off Accessory Switch (Auto Power Input Input Off) Setting Required: Optional: Required Restarts Mode Yes: Standard Supports Standard (Previous Data Supported Used (1 kHz) -
Page 38: Vibesurvey Mode (Gx3 Only)
DynaVibe GX Series User Manual VibeSurvey Mode (GX3 Only) Left Right Optical Tach Resume DynaTrack Accel. Accel. After Accessory Switch (Auto Power Off) Input Input Power Setting Required: Optional Yes: High Speed Used (Recommended) Supported Used 15 Minute APO (20 kHz) when Global APO Accel. - Page 39 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual Select the number of limits for your application and the screen will advance to the Limit Values screen. VibeSurvey Limit Values screen F1: [Hz]→ CPM Switch units between Hz (indicated by [Hz]→ CPM ) and cycles per minute (indicated by Hz ...
- Page 40 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual VibeSurvey Graph of Velocity Data with Limits F1: Peak[ ] Toggles peak capture for each frequency bin On (indicated by Peak[X] ) or Off (indicated by Peak[ ] ). F2: Pause Freezes the current graph, peak reading, and tachometer reading.
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Page 41: Williams Mode (Gx3 Only)
DynaVibe GX Series User Manual Williams Mode (GX3 Only) Left Right Optical Tach Resume DynaTrack Accel. Accel. After Accessory Switch (Auto Power Off) Input Input Power Off Setting Required: Optional: APO DISABLED High Speed Used (Recommended) Supported Used (20 kHz) Accel. - Page 42 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual F1: [Hz]→ CPM Switch units between Hz (indicated by [Hz]→ CPM ) and cycles per minute (indicated by Hz [CPM] ). F2: Lim [3] →1 Cycles the number of active limits among 1, 2, and 3. The active number of limits is indicated within [ ] and the arrow indicates the next number to be cycled to upon pressing the key.
- Page 43 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual Exit Exits to the Home screen. The Williams spectrum graph of velocity data shows the frequency of vibration in Hz on the horizontal axis and the magnitude of the vibration in Inches Per Second (IPS) on the vertical axis. The horizontal axis has a fixed scale of 0 to 60,000 RPM.
- Page 44 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual The up arrow (<2> key “next higher peak”) and down arrow (<8> key: “next lower peak”) will search in the indicated frequency range and move the cursor to the next local peak found in the indicated direction.
- Page 45 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual Williams Acquire: Accel Condition Restart Clears any previously held peak data. F2\F3: Save Accel [#n] Saves the accumulated frequency response for the current condition (“Accel”, “Steady”, or “Decel”) to a CSV file on the SD card.
- Page 46 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual Windows File Explorer: DynaVibe SD Card with Williams Report Williams HTML Report Example Copyright © 2017 RPX Technologies, Inc. Doc: RPX-AXU-RP-GX2-113-A www.rpxtech.com Software Version: 1.13...
- Page 47 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual Note: Williams File Numbering The number inside the square brackets (e.g., “[#1]”) while acquiring conditions indicates the number of the current condition set. This is the number that will be used to name the HTML report created after collecting spectra for all three conditions and to name the temporary files for each condition within the set.
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Page 48: Rotorcraft (Gx3 Only)
DynaVibe GX Series User Manual Rotorcraft (GX3 Only) Left Right Optical Resume DynaTrack Accel. Accel. Tach After Accessory Switch (Auto Power Off) Input Input Power Off Setting Required Recommended Optional Yes: Optional: Optional: Standard Standard (Required for Supports Global (1 kHz) - Page 49 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual DynaTrack Cable Connections to DynaVibe GX3 The DynaTrack has a single cable that breaks out into three connectors. Do NOT connect or disconnect the DynaTrack while the DynaVibe is powered On. • The male 4-pin connector goes into the top of the DynaVibe GX3, replacing the optical tach connector.
- Page 50 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual Once the accelerometers are properly connected, press <F4> (“OK”) to continue. The “Connecting to DynaTrack” screen appears. If you have a DynaTrack connected to the GX3 and the screen displays “DynaTrack Not Detected” and then shows “Waiting for Tach,” power off the GX3 and check your connections.
- Page 51 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual Note: To provide accurate blade track data, the DynaVibe requires accurate rotor diameter, blade chord dimension, and number of blades. Regardless of the rotorcraft selected, you must verify that these settings are correct for your ship.
- Page 52 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual Note: Once the rotor is started, the Inclination value is disabled and replaced by the Radial Focal Distance and Radial Focal Percentage. The Radial Focal Distance is the distance out from the rotor center to where the DynaTrack optically monitors the blade track.
- Page 53 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual example screen has zero bars of contrast because the rotor blades are not moving, therefore there is no change in brightness to compare. Contrast will not be measured until the rotor blades are moving. CAUTION: Verify that the areas around the rotorcraft’s main rotor and tail...
- Page 54 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual Blades 2 through 6: Other blades are numbered from Blade 1 in the direction of rotor rotation. On a 2-bladed ship, blade 2 is considered the Slave Blade in this manual. Copyright © 2017 RPX Technologies, Inc.
- Page 55 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual Note: The DynaVibe always reports the Blade 1 as zero track error since it is the reference. Positive track values indicate the blade is tracking higher than Blade 1 and negative track values indicate the blade is tracking lower than Blade 1.
- Page 56 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual Condition Report The Condition Report also shows the quality of the collected data and the Lateral and Vertical vibration during the data collection for a track. Noise and quality give an indication of the percentage of rotations from which good blade track data was captured.
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Page 57: System Maintenance
DynaVibe GX Series User Manual 6 System Maintenance Cleaning DynaVibe GX Body The case and keyboard can be periodically wiped with a clean, dry cloth. The screen window can be cleaned with clean cloth dampened with water. Do not use solvents or spray liquid directly on any part of the DynaVibe GX. -
Page 58: Troubleshooting
DynaVibe GX Series User Manual 7 Troubleshooting Symptom Possible Cause Action Problem with Be sure the accelerometer mount is short, stiff, and all bolts are Accelerometer securely tightened. Mount Tachometer signal fluctuations cause erratic IPS readings. If the Unstable IPS Inconsistent Tach indicated RPM is not stable, then do not use the IPS readings. - Page 59 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual Symptom Possible Cause Action Check items in “Unstable IPS reading or No Tach Signal” above. Use a shorter, stiffer mount for the accelerometer. If the mount is nearing resonance, then the phase angle will be unstable.
- Page 60 DynaVibe GX Series User Manual Symptom Possible Cause Action There are many sources of vibrations and dynamic balancing only addresses vibrations at the tach frequency. Troubleshoot using spectra mode. Vibrations Present Verify compression on all cylinders, a weak cylinder will cause at Multiple significant vibration.
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