SPM BEARING CHECKER Quick Start

Important information
Bearing Checker is a portable instrument for fast and easy measure-
ment of bearing condition in preventive maintenance. The instru-
ment is powered by a lithium-ion battery, which is charged via the
mini-B USB communication output.
- The instrument is intended for professional, industrial process, and
educational use only while taking into consideration the technical
specifications.
- Charge the battery within the charging temperature range (0° to +45
°C) in a dry office environment, otherwise it can become damaged.
- Charge the battery before storing the BearingChecker for a longer
period of time (>6 months). The reason for this is that the cells can
not withstand being fully discharged.
- The instrument must be sent to a certified SPM Instrument service
and calibration partner for replacement of a discharged battery.
- When measuring, ensure that no cables etc. can be caught in ro-
tating parts which can cause injury.
- For safety reasons, the measurement device must only be operated
and maintained by properly trained personnel.
- Service and repairs of the measurement device may only be per-
formed by SPM Instrument authorized service technicians.
- Never use alcohol or ammonia-based cleaning fluid to clean the
instrument screen.
Technical specifications
Dimensions, BC200: 207x74x 41 mm, 335 g
(8.1x 2.9 x1.6 in, 11.8 ounces)
Dimensions, BC250: 184x74x41 mm, 300 g
(7.2 x 2.9 x1.6 in, 10.6 ounces)
Protection class: IP65
Power supply: 3.63 V Lithium Ion, Mini-B USB
rechargeable
Battery life: > 25 hours of normal use
Charger, 90647: 100-240 V, 50-60 Hz, 6 W
Charging temperature: 0° to +45 °C (32° to 113 °F)
Operating temperature: –10° to +50 °C (14° to 122 °F)
Input connector: mini coax, for external shock pulse
sensors
Measurement technique: dBm/dBc, measuring range
–9 to 90 dBsv, +3 dBsv
Sensor type: built-in probe sensor or external
sensor type 40000 or 42000,
TRA73 or TRA74
Measurement evaluation
1 2
3 4
5 6
The headphones are used to verify and trace shock pulse sources. The signal
from a bearing should be highest on the bearing housing. If you get a higher
signal outside of the bearing housing (across an interface in the material),
you are most likely measuring shock pulses from another bearing or some
other source. Typical for bearing signals is that the stronger shock pulses,
best heard a few dB below the peak level, appear at random intervals.
1. For a good bearing, the dBm is within the green zone. dBm and dBc are
close together.
2. The shock pulse pattern from a damaged bearing contains strong pulses
in the red zone, a random sequence, and a large difference between
dBm and dBc. When you lubricate the bearing, the values should drop
but rise again.
3. A dry running bearing has a high carpet value very close to the dBm.
When you lubricate the bearing, the values should drop and stay low. A
similar pattern is caused by pump cavitation, in which case readings on
the pump housing are stronger than those taken on the bearing housing,
and are not influenced by lubricating the bearing.
4. A regular pattern, containing bursts of strong pulses in a rhythmic se-
quence, is caused by e.g. scraping parts.
5. Individual pulses in a regular sequence are caused by clicking valves,
loose parts, or regular load shocks.
6. A sudden drop in the shock pulse level is suspicious. Check your measur-
ing equipment. If the reading is correct, you may have a slipping bearing
ring.
Read the measurement evaluations directly in the instrument by doing a
measurement to obtain a reading, then scroll down using the DOWN key.
The explanation for the evaluation is then displayed on the screen.
make
MAINTENANCE
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