CASTLE VibA8 Operating Manual

CASTLE VibA8 Operating Manual

Vibration level meter
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VibA(8) Vibration Level Meter
Operating Manual
Castle Group Ltd
Salter Road
Scarborough
North Yorkshire
YO11 3UZ, UK
Copyright © Castle Group Ltd 2020
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a
retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the permission of the copyright holder.
HB/2009/020/EL
Rev A
www.castlegroup.co.uk

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Summary of Contents for CASTLE VibA8

  • Page 1 Scarborough North Yorkshire YO11 3UZ, UK Copyright © Castle Group Ltd 2020 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the permission of the copyright holder.
  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Contents Chapter 1 ..............1 Introduction ..........................1 Chapter 2 ..............2 Frequency Weighting Filters ..................... 2 Hand Arm Vibration (HAVS) .................... 2 Whole Body Vibration (WBV) ..................3 Chapter 3 ..............4 Accelerometer Details ......................4 Attaching & Removing the Accelerometer ................. 4 Accelerometer Types ..........................
  • Page 3 Chapter 5 ............... 11 Getting Started ........................11 Keypad Layout ............................11 Powering Your VibA(8) Vibration Meter ..................11 Battery Level Indicator ....................13 Switching the VibA(8) Meter On/Off .................. 14 Auto Power Off ..........................14 Instrument Icons ........................... 15 Icon Location ..........................
  • Page 4 Software ..........................26 VibdataPro ............................... 26 Chapter 8 ............... 27 Menu Structure ........................27 Menu Navigation & Settings ..................28 File Manager ............................29 Load File ............................30 Filter Selection ........................30 Delete File ............................31 Delete All Files ..........................32 Auto Playback ..........................
  • Page 5 Screen ............................... 44 Brightness ..........................44 Screen Colour ........................44 Auto Dim ..........................44 Date..............................45 Time ..............................45 Language ............................46 Restore Defaults .......................... 46 Information ............................... 47 Chapter 9 ............... 48 Measurement Screens ..................... 48 Measurement Screen 1 ........................48 Measurement Screen 2 ........................
  • Page 6: Chapter 1

    Chapter 1 Introduction Thank you for purchasing your VibA(8) vibration meter from Castle Group Ltd. Your new Vibration meter is at the forefront of design and technology and yet has been developed for seamless intuitive operation without the unnecessary complexity of traditional vibration meters.
  • Page 7: Chapter 2

    Chapter 2 Frequency Weighting Filters The human body’s response to vibration alters depending on the vibration frequency and where the vibration is in contact with the body. Your VibA(8) meter has the following frequency weighting filters which are applied to the measured vibration signal using digital processing for superior accuracy.
  • Page 8: Whole Body Vibration (Wbv)

    Whole Body Vibration (WBV) Wd Band Limited Wk Band Limited...
  • Page 9: Chapter 3

    Chapter 3 Accelerometer Details Accelerometers by the very nature of their manufacture are precision components that are easily damaged through incorrect use. Great care must be taken when using the instrument to ensure the longevity of the Accelerometer. Attaching & Removing the Accelerometer Align the orientation keys between the accelerometer cable and instrument socket, which are easily identified with a Red marking and then gently push the accelerometer cable into the instruments socket.
  • Page 10: Accelerometer Types

    Accelerometer Types The accelerometers for use with the VibA(8) produce a Voltage Output proportional to the signal being measured. The table below shows the output voltage and specifications for the accelerometer where g is the acceleration due to gravity on the Earth’s surface and is defined as 9.80665 ms Acceleration is measured in metres per second per second (m/s/s) which can be written as either of the following: -...
  • Page 11: Certifiable Calibration

    The calibration process includes the transducer and vibration level meter. Any change in this measurement chain will require a new calibration certificate. Castle Group Ltd offers a complete calibration service offering either a full UKAS calibration or a standard traceable calibration which can be supplied with or without a test report.
  • Page 12: Chapter 4

    Chapter 4 Measuring Vibration Always calibrate your VibA(8) vibration level meter prior to and after taking measurements using a known vibration source, such as the Castle GA606 Vibration Level Calibrator. Vibration Level – General Advice To ensure measurements are as accurate and as repeatable as possible always...
  • Page 13: Hand Arm Vibration Transducer Mounting

    Alternatively, the stud may be adhered to the device rather than tapped with an adhesive that dries rigid. Castle Group Ltd can supply a glue and stud pack if required, (order code KD1215).
  • Page 14: Vibration Level

    Vibration Level In some environments, high levels of vibration may occur. Before you record measurements take the time to ensure you have selected the optimum range for the process being recorded. The optimum range is generally the lowest range that can be selected that does not produce an overload condition for the process being monitored.
  • Page 15: Under Range & Overload Conditions

    Under Range & Overload Conditions Under Range Condition An under-range condition occurs when the vibration level is equal to, or lower than the bottom of the current range the meter is set to. If this condition occurs then the UR (Under Range) indicator will be displayed on your instrument.
  • Page 16: Chapter 5

    Chapter 5 Getting Started Keypad Layout Please note that some keys have a dual function. Soft Key 2 Soft Key 1 Left Right Down Power...
  • Page 17: Powering Your Viba(8) Vibration Meter

    Powering Your VibA(8) Vibration Meter Your VibA(8) Vibration level meter can be powered from four 1.5V AA size batteries or the micro USB connection via a USB port or similar. The battery compartment is located at the rear of your Vibration meter, remove the battery door and insert the batteries using the correct polarity which is shown where the batteries are fitted and indicated in the image below: - Replace the battery door securely before using the instrument.
  • Page 18: Battery Level Indicator

    Battery Level Indicator The VibA(8) meter is equipped with an approximate multi-level battery indicator as shown below: - 100% At approximately 5% charge the battery indicator will show flash RED, if the batteries are not replaced the unit will automatically shut down and save the recording if necessary.
  • Page 19: Switching The Viba(8) Meter On/Off

    Switching the VibA(8) Meter On/Off In all power configurations press and hold the Power Key for approximately one second to switch the instrument on. To switch the instrument off, hold the Power Key down for approximately two seconds and follow the on-screen instructions. Shutdown Shutdown CAUTION...
  • Page 20: Instrument Icons

    Instrument Icons Several icons are used on the VibA(8) Vibration level meter to easily identify the functionality or useful settings of the instrument: - Low Measuring Range Active HIGH High Measuring Range Active USB Active Battery Charge Recording Data Active File Review Active Hand Arm Accelerometer Attached Whole Body Accelerometer Attached...
  • Page 21: Icon Location

    Icon Location The top orange bar on your VibA(8) instrument displays most of the information icons, the current time, date, measurement range and the current screen selected: - 09:01 23/06/17 HIGH Main Menu The bottom grey bar will display the Record or File Review symbols in a similar position to the image shown below.
  • Page 22: Chapter 6

    Chapter 6 Using Your VibA(8) First Time Setup When powering on your meter for the first time, the instrument will take you through a number of windows prompting you to confirm some basic settings. Language Sprache Time Date English UK Deutsche 12:09:18 14/05/18...
  • Page 23: Accelerometer Fitting

    Accelerometer Fitting Each time a transducer is auto-detected including if powered on with the accelerometer fitted, then a short delay of 60 seconds occurs to allow the hardware time to settle and adjust to the detected accelerometer. Please wait until the countdown completes before measurements are taken. Bypassing the delay by pressing Soft Key 2 labelled O allows access to the menu system, however it is highly recommended to wait 60 seconds before recording data.
  • Page 24: Operation

    Operation The VibA(8) vibration level meter has three primary operational modes, these are: - • Real Time • Recording • File Review Each mode can be quickly identified by viewing the bottom bar; Real Time has no icon, Record has a standard red record symbol and File Review shows a green directional arrow.
  • Page 25: Real Time

    Real Time This is the standard mode of operation for your VibA(8) vibration level meter. The menu system can be accessed whilst in real time mode and the instrument settings can be changed if required. Measurement screens are accessible but not all parameters are available whilst real time mode is active.
  • Page 26: Recording

    Recording Recording data is achieved by pressing the Record key whilst in real time or playback mode. The settings for recording are applied under Data Recording under either Hand Arm Setup or Whole Body Setup. Data Recording under Hand Arm and Whole Body Setup are independent of each other.
  • Page 27: Time History Enabled, Duration Timer Set

    Time History Disabled, Duration Timer Set When Time History is disabled for the recording but the Duration Timer is enabled, the bottom bar will only display the elapsed recording time: - Measurements 1/3   5000.0 5000.0 5000.0   00:01:35 Elapsed Recording Time Time History Enabled, Duration Timer Set...
  • Page 28: Stopping An Active Recording

    Stopping an Active Recording Pressing the Stop key during an active recording will display the available options: - Measurements 1/3   5000.0 5000.0 Save File? 5000.0   Save Select Yes by pressing Soft Key 2. Don’t Save Select No by pressing Soft Key 1 to return to Real Time mode.
  • Page 29: File Review

    File Review File Review can be accessed by either manually loading a file under File Manager or by enabling the Auto Playback function (see below). File review allows you to view measurement information for any recordings saved on your instrument. The main File Review screen displays general measurement information, as shown below.
  • Page 30: Auto Playback

    Auto Playback Auto Playback is located in the File Manager section of the Main Menu, and can be enabled or disabled by pressing OK. When enabled, after a recording has been saved, your VibA(8) will automatically enter File Review instead of returning to Real Time mode. File Manager File Manager Load File...
  • Page 31: Chapter 7

    Chapter 7 Software The VibA(8) presents you with the perfect option for data analysis software; The PC based software Vibdata. This provides a simple and free data analysis solution. VibdataPro Vibdata is a PC based software and is available in two forms: - •...
  • Page 32: Chapter 8

    Chapter 8 Menu Structure...
  • Page 33: Menu Navigation & Settings

    Menu Navigation & Settings The Main Menu can be selected using Soft Key 1 when labelled as Menu. On most screens within the VibA(8) menu system, Soft Key 1 can be used to go back to the previous screen, this will be displayed using the symbol when available.
  • Page 34: File Manager

    File Manager Select File Manager to load saved files, delete saved files and toggle Auto Playback off/on. Option availability will depend on data files being saved: - File Manager File Manager Load File Load File Delete File Delete File Delete All Files Delete All Files Auto Playback Auto Playback...
  • Page 35: Load File

    Load File Scroll the saved data files using the Up or Down Arrow keys, press the OK Key to open the selected file in File Review mode. The file number and total number of data files saved are located at the top left-hand side of the list.
  • Page 36: Delete File

    Delete File Choose Delete File to delete one individual data recording. Delete File 1/24 100817_090000 100817_090010 110817_090000 120917_090000 100817_090000 100817_090010 110817_090000 120917_090000 120917_090000 120917_090000 ILTER Home Scroll the available data files using the Up or Down Arrow keys, press OK to select the file to delete.
  • Page 37: Delete All Files

    Delete All Files Choose Delete All Files to delete all data recordings. Delete All Files CAUTION Delete All Files Are You Sure? ONFIRM Home Press Soft Key 1 to cancel and go back to the previous screen. Press Soft Key 2 labelled Confirm to delete all files. Deleted files are unrecoverable.
  • Page 38: Auto Playback

    Auto Playback When enabled, after a recording has been saved, your VibA(8) will automatically enter File Review instead of returning to Real Time mode. File Manager File Manager Load File Load File Delete File Delete File Delete All Files Delete All Files Auto Playback Auto Playback Auto File Naming...
  • Page 39: Hand Arm And Whole Body Setup

    Hand Arm and Whole Body Setup Select either Hand Arm Setup or Whole Body Setup depending on the accelerometer you are using to change your recording settings and how information is displayed. Scroll the available options using the Up or Down Arrow keys, press OK to choose the highlighted selection.
  • Page 40: Results Selection

    Results Selection Select Results selection to change the results displayed in the playback screens. Results Selection Results Selection Vector Sum Vector Sum Dominant Axis Dominant Axis Exposure Points Exposure Points Crest Factor Hand Arm Whole Body Data Recording Select Data Recording to enable Time History and to choose any time interval periods required.
  • Page 41: Time History On - Disabled

    Time History On - Disabled If Time History On is disabled, then all data recordings made will not contain any Time History data and the Interval settings become unavailable. In this case, the instrument will record one set of measurements over the total measurement time.
  • Page 42: Timer Setup

    Timer Setup Choose Timer Setup to set the overall automatic recording length. Timer Setup Timer Setup Timer Setup Enabled Enabled Enabled Edit Edit Edit Timer Record Length Timer Record Length Timer Record Length 00 : 00 : 30 00 : 00 : 30 : 00 : 30 Home Home...
  • Page 43: Exposure Values

    Exposure Values The Exposure menu allows you to alter how your VibA(8) records Exposure data. Scroll the available options using the directional Arrow keys and press the OK key to change the highlighted selection. Hand Arm Values Exposure Values Exposure Values Hand Arm Hand Arm Action Value...
  • Page 44: Channel Setup

    Channel Setup The VibA(8) also allows the user to modify the channel settings. Changing these settings is advised for advanced users only. Sensor Setup Channel Setup Channel Setup Channel Setup Channel 1 Channel 1 Channel 1 Axis Axis Axis Scaling Scaling Scaling Channel 2...
  • Page 45: Calibration

    Select Calibration to calibrate your VibA(8) vibration level meter. It is recommended that the calibration procedure is undertaken prior to, and after measurements have been taken using the Castle GA606 vibration calibrator. The VibA(8) features three alternatives for field calibration, these are as follows: •...
  • Page 46: External Calibrator

    External Calibrator External Calibrator External Calibrator External Calibrator External Calibrator Channel 1 Channel 1 Channel 1 Hand Arm Hand Arm Hand Arm Channel 2 Channel 2 Channel 2 X Axis - m/s X Axis - m/s X Axis - m/s 10.00 10.00 10.00...
  • Page 47: Calibrator Level

    Calibrator Level Use the Left or Right Arrow keys to change the selection and move the cursor. Use the Up or Down Arrow keys to amend the value of the selection. Calibrator Level Hand Arm 10.00 Home For Hand Arm vibration the limits are as follows: - •...
  • Page 48: General Settings

    General Settings Select General Settings from the main menu to access instrument settings. General Settings Units Screen Time Date Language Restore Defaults Home Scroll the available options using the Up or Down Arrow keys, press OK to choose from the following: - •...
  • Page 49: Screen

    Screen Select Screen to alter the screen colour and access power saving features. Screen Screen Screen Brightness Brightness Brightness Screen Colour Screen Colour Screen Colour White White White Auto Dim Auto Dim Auto Dim Home Home Home Brightness Use the Left, Right Arrow keys to adjust the screen brightness as required. Increased screen brightness reduces battery operating time.
  • Page 50: Date

    Date Enter the current date using the date format specific to your region. Date 14/05/18 Home Use the Up, Down Arrow keys to adjust the value. Use the Left, Right Arrow keys to move forward or back. Press Soft Key 2 labelled Save to accept the date changes. Time Enter the current date using the time zone specific to your region.
  • Page 51: Language

    Language Select to change the operating language of the instrument. Language Sprache English UK Deutsche ONFIRM ACHSTER Home Home Scroll the options using the Up or Down Arrow keys and press Soft Key 2 to confirm selection. Language options are not available on all models. Restore Defaults Restore Defaults gives you the option to restore all instrument settings to their factory default.
  • Page 52: Information

    Information Select to show instrument specific information. Information VIBA(8) Human Vibration Meter Software Version 1.02 Free Memory 100% Serial Number 069999 Calibration Due 01/04/20 Home This will include the name of the meter, software version, memory available, serial number and calibration due date.
  • Page 53: Chapter 9

    Chapter 9 Measurement Screens The VibA(8) vibration level meter provides various measurement screens. Scroll the available measurement screens using the Up or Down Arrow keys. Measurement Screen 1 Your VibA(8) instrument will always show the Measurement Screen below after powering up, defaulting to Measurements 1/3 ...
  • Page 54: Measurement Screen 2

    Measurement Screen 2 Press either the Up or Down Arrow Keys to scroll between the measurement screens. The screen below features exposure time, press Soft Key 2 labelled T to adjust the Exposure Time. Press either the Left or Right Arrow Keys to scroll between HRS and MIN. Press either the Up or Down Arrow Keys to change the value of HRS or MIN.
  • Page 55: Measurement Screen 3

    Measurement Screen 3 Press either the Up or Down Arrow Keys to scroll between the measurement screens. If A(8) is selected press Soft Key 2 labelled T to adjust the Exposure Time. Press either the Left or Right Arrow Keys to scroll between HRS and MIN. Press either the Up or Down Arrow Keys to change the value of HRS or MIN.
  • Page 56: Chapter 10

    Chapter 10 Accessories Item Order Code Calibrator GA606 Kit Case for VibA(8) & Accessories KA019 USB Cable 1m (A to micro B) ZL1108-01 USB Wall Plug (UK) PSU6 Rubber Protective Sleeve - Blue dB001B Rubber Protective Sleeve - Yellow dB001Y Rubber Protective Sleeve –...
  • Page 57: Chapter 11

    In the event of a fault occurring, during the warranty period, the instrument should be returned to Castle Group Ltd, in its original packaging, or to an authorized agent. Please enclose a clear description of the fault or symptom.
  • Page 58: Instrument Disposal

    There are various collection systems in place within the EU for the disposal of your product. To find the nearest UK waste recycling point in your area, enter your postcode in the website www.recycle-more.co.uk For more information please contact your local authority, the dealer where you purchased your product or Castle Group Ltd...
  • Page 59: Disclaimer

    Castle Group Ltd makes no representation or warranties as to the completeness or accuracy of this information. Castle Group Ltd assumes no responsibility or liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred as a result of misinterpreted or inaccurate information.

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