Software upgrades PDA-based vibration analyser

Datastick Systems has begun shipping a new version of the Spectrum software for its PDA-based VSA-1212 vibration spectrum analyser for predictive condition-based maintenance.

Datastick Systems has begun shipping a new version of the Spectrum software for its PDA-based VSA-1212 vibration spectrum analyser for predictive condition-based maintenance.

The new version 1.5 of Datastick Reporting System for VSA software for machine histories and vibration analysis on desktop PCs is shipping simultaneously.

Both programs are included in the PDA-based VSA-1212 vibration spectrum analyser, which includes the VSA-1212 hardware module that snaps onto the back of a Palm OS PDA; Datastick Spectrum software for the PDA; and Excel-based Datastick Reporting System for VSA software for Windows PCs.

Any standard off-the-shelf ICP-type industrial accelerometer plugs easily into the VSA-1212 module.

Version 1.5 of Datastick Spectrum software for the PDA provides a completely revamped vibration severity alert-level system with colour display of alerts based on overall vibration levels, as well as linear averaging and peak-hold capabilities.

In addition, underlying software changes provide an order-of-magnitude improvement in low-level, low-frequency performance.

"We're particularly proud of the improvements in low-frequency velocity and displacement spectrum displays".

"It's important to many of our customers to pick out low-level subharmonics clearly and easily at frequencies below 5Hz".

"With version 1.5, this has been achieved", said Steve Sabram, Datastick's Chief Technology Officer.

"Quite frankly, I was surprised at the low noise floor".

"I thought my test rig was just about perfect, then these peaks just popped up".

"My other measuring gear did not see them at all", said Derek Norfield of Vibration and Balancing Solutions.

Datastick Spectrum 1.5's vibration severity alert-level system has been redesigned from the ground up, with a large, full-colour overall vibration and alert-level display that shares the screen with the vibration spectrum.

Alert levels can be set to ISO10816-3 guidelines or to any levels the user specifies.

The new peak hold and linear averaging features enable the user to hold or average two, four or eight captures for a more accurate look at changing machine conditions.

The companion desktop PC software, Datastick Reporting System (DRS) for VSA for Windows-compatible PCs, has also been elevated to version 1.5.

DRS automatically builds machine histories in Microsoft Excel on the PC with data imported from Datastick Spectrum.

The new DRS version 1.5 allows the user to sort machine histories by vibration-severity alert levels to find trouble areas quickly.

DRS for VSA version 1.5 also features improved auto-scaling as well instant hyperlinks between FFT spectrum and waveform graphs and the text of test-observation notes written during data collection on the handheld.

"The new DRS makes it easier for the user to assess changes in machine health by instantly spotting those machines with the most severe problems".

"DRS is popular with customers, who tell us that they like being able to exchange data files freely with anyone who has Excel".

"This makes it especially easy for a nonexpert user to send data to any vibration consultant for assistance", said Scandling.

"This is a great combination - a miniature, custom vibration unit that snaps onto my PDA and uses its super high-res screen to produce eye-popping sharp vibration spectra in just a few seconds".

"Most of my customers don't know much about vibration, but they know what they like".

"They like when I e-mail an Excel spreadsheet graph labeled with the source of their problem".

"No software to buy, nothing to install, and they can put it straight into a PowerPoint presentation and be a hero", said Norfield.

With Datastick Spectrum, all the vital waveform or FFT spectral information appear on one screen on the PDA.

Data can be shown in terms of acceleration, velocity, or displacement with the option of showing overall vibration and vibration alert levels in any view.

Versatile cursor-point tools enable precise zooming and numerical readout of any data point.

They can also show the relationship between any two data points.

An "add note" feature allows the user to attach written observations to individual waveform or spectrum captures.

After the data is captured on the PDA, the user exports it to a Windows-compatible PC by pushing a button on the PDA's recharging cradle.

Once on the PC, the data is imported into the desktop DRS software for further analysis using waveform and spectrum graphics, and comparison using stacked spectra and waterfall graphs as well as numerical tables.

Handhelds supported include: Palm Tungsten T, T2, T3, C, Garmin iQue 3200, and Garmin iQue 3600.

Up to 22Mbyte of recorded waveform and spectrum data can be stored in the Palm OS Garmin iQue 3200 or 3600 PDA - data from more than 700 inspection checkpoints - before exporting the data to the PC.

An optional ruggedised case protects the system in rough industrial environments.

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