Hand-held vibration spectrum analyser

Edited by the Processingtalk editorial team Feb 6, 2008

New Datastick VSA-1225 Vibration Spectrum Analyser enables use of vibration analysis in predictive maintenance to help reduce costly downtime by early diagnosis of potential machine failures

Datastick Systems has introduced the VSA-1225 Vibration Spectrum Analyser, its first product on the Windows Mobile / Pocket PC platform, according to Michael Scandling, Datastick Vice President of Marketing.

This PDA-based vibration analyser / data collector, which includes new version 1.8 of the Datastick Spectrum software suite, is being demonstrated at the IMC 2007 International Maintenance Conference in Daytona Beach this week.

The VSA-1225 joins the Datastick line of Palm-based VSAs in enabling cost-conscious companies to use vibration analysis in machine condition monitoring, predictive maintenance, and routine troubleshooting.

The VSA-1225 consists of Datastick hardware and software, plus the Hewlett-Packard iPAQ handheld computer, and one or more sensors.

The VSA-1225 hardware module attaches firmly to a HP iPAQ hx2400-series or hx2700-series hand-held.

The iPAQ supplies the computing power and 128 MB of data storage, while the Datastick VSA hardware module supplies the sensor power, Datastick electronics, and interface.

SD (Secure Digital) memory cards - up to 2 GB each - provide virtually unlimited auxiliary storage.

The module has a standard BNC connector and a very low-noise input that accommodates and powers almost any ICP-type piezoelectric accelerometer or ICP-type velocity sensor.

For the hand-held computer, the Datastick Spectrum software suite includes Datastick Spectrum and Datastick Review software.

New Version 1.8 of Datastick Spectrum software records and shows vibration FFT spectra in acceleration, velocity, and displacement displays, and now in a new vibration decibel display.

In addition, Spectrum provides time-domain acceleration waveforms, and records and displays overall vibration with colour-coded ISO (or custom) alert levels.

Using Datastick Review, the customer can compare previous readings with the current reading in Spectrum.

Vibration data is transferred to the PC by copying the data directly from the SD card.

The system includes new version 1.8 of Datastick Reporting System (DRS) software for the PC, which imports the data from the hand-held into a special Microsoft Excel-based application on the PC.

Reports are created with just a mouse click, and since DRS is based on Excel, users can share data freely across a network or by email, or publish reports to the web.

"Datastick removes barriers that have prevented companies from using the powerful tool of vibration analysis to reduce unpredicted machine downtime," said Scandling: "The new VSA is another tool in helping companies achieving cost savings while providing an easy-to-use vibration analyser that can be learned quickly.

Customers who do not have in-house vibration analysts can send their data to the consultant of their choice because our completely open PC software is based on Excel".

"We welcome Hewlett-Packard, a leader here in Silicon Valley, as a platform partner," said Penny Melrose, Datastick CEO: "Like Datastick, Hewlett-Packard has defined its focus as simplifying technology experiences for all of its customers, and its iPAQ line of hand-helds exemplifies this".

The VSA module includes an extremely low-noise analog input for standard ICP-type accelerometers and velocity sensors, optimised digital circuitry, and a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery with optimised power management to allow the VSA-1225 to operate and power ICP sensors far beyond an eight-hour shift.

"Some of our customers have requested that Datastick develop its vibration analysers for the Pocket PC platform.

The new VSA-1225 has been specifically designed to meet their needs," said Steve Sabram, Datastick Chief Technology Officer and President.

Datastick Systems, designs and develops innovative, cost-effective hand-held test and measurement software and hardware for a broad range of industrial, research, environmental, and scientific markets.

Datastick developed the first general-purpose data acquisition hardware and software system for the Palm platform.