ACE INSTRUMENTS ACE-1000 User manual

Warranty
VW Data Recorder
[ Model ACE-1000 ]

Warranty
Limited Warranty
1. ACE INSTRUMENT CO., LTD. holds the full responsibility of our products regardless of
purchasing places and how you get it. The product passed a rigorous test and was under the
quality management by top engineers.
2. If any defects of manufacturing are found or any breakdown happens within 3 years from
purchasing date, we guarantee repair, adjustment and verification at no cost.
But, when you ask repair, adjustment and verification, ACE INSTRUMENT CO., LTD. is not
responsible for shipping and handling fees. In case the quality warrantee date has expired, or
any breakdown owing to carelessness has happened and other operations such as dealing
with zero point are needed, services would be provided at a minimum cost.
3. But, in the case the purpose of use is changed, incorrect installation, the use of components
for manufacturing and installation, and repair of other firms take place, ACE INSTRUMENT CO.,
LTD is not liable to Quality warrantee.
4. In case of a product defect in manufacturing during the warranty period, the product will be
replaced.
5. In case of failure or defect in the normal use of the user during the warranty period, repair,
calibration and replacement of parts will be free of charge.
6. In case of failure or defect caused by negligence of the user during the warranty period, repair,
calibration and replacement of parts will be charged.

Contents
- 1
1.
Introduction ·······································································································
2
1-1
Introduction ·····························································································
2
1-2
Feature & Advantages ···············································································
2
1-3
Main Function ··························································································
2
1-4
Name & Explanation for each part ································································
3
2.
Specifications ·····································································································
4
3.
Description for Using ···························································································
5
3-1
Detail description for the function ·································································
5
3-2
Description of MENU ·················································································
6
3-3
How to use ACE-1000················································································
7
4. Program usage ·····································································································
8
4-1 Connect ACE-1000 to computer ····································································
9
4-2 A1000Pro (Connect) ···················································································
9
4-3 A1000Pro (Edit) ·························································································
10
4-4 A1000Pro (Down) ······················································································
13
4-5 A1000Pro (Exit) ·························································································
15
5.
Calibration & Service ···························································································
16
5-1
Maintenance ····························································································
16
5-2
Calibration & service ·················································································
16
6.
Geotechnical Instruments Installation and Operation Tips ········································
17

1. Introduction
- 2
1-1 Introduction
Model ACE-1000 is a VW data recorder, designed to measure a VW sensor, which
generates a frequency with designed as a 4.8VDC low current charging circuit.
The ACE-1000 can store up to 4,000 measurement values for up to 64 data sets, and this
data can be transmitted to the computer via RS-232 communication, so it is useful in a large
field and the software has data sorting function It is possible to sort by sensor ID, date, and
time.
The ACE-1000 adopts 256 × 128 graphic large LCD to increase the visibility, it displays the
measurement related information at the same time and it is easy to use, and the backlight
function is installed so that it can be easily measured at night on the spot. On the large LCD,
the basic unit of the vibration sensor and the selected sweep band are displayed by default,
and the selected units (103Hz2, 4 types of strain, μsec) under Hz unit with displaying the
thermistor RTD temperature sensor selected from thermistor also the power, current time
are displayed simultaneously.
Among the six keys, the display unit and frequency band can be selected by the menu key.
If you select the frequency band, you can increase the resolution of the output device and
perform precise measurement.
Function to automatically shut off the power by user selection up to 60 minutes in 10
minutes to efficiently extend the battery life and the usage period, and it can measure 30
hours continuously with the Ni-MH rechargeable battery. You can use 10 years without
replacement. Another key feature is the ability to adjust the LCD resolution so that it can be
accurately measured in cold or hot areas.
Impact resistantABS Injection molding case is used for waterproof and damp proofing, and
it can be used in any bad condition. It is a high reliability product with advanced electronic
technology. It has better performance and function than any existing product.
1-2 Feature & Advantages
Model ACE-1000 has features as following:
Waterproof, damp-proof, portable structure
High accuracy and resolution
Adoption of Ni-MH rechargeable battery
Usable in low temperature
With Back Light function, possible to measure at night
LCD brightness function
Auto power off function
Display battery lamp (Charge mark: LED)
1-3 Main function
[ON]
Turn on the power.
[OFF]
Turn off the power.
[MENU]
Choose the level of Sweep or Unit, Contrast and temperature sensor.
[ENTER]
It is for changing the sweep or unit, temperature sensor and contrast.
[▲/LIGHT]
It is for changing the sweep or unit, temperature sensor and contrast, and for turning on and
off the backlight.
[▼/SAVE]
It is for changing the sweep or unit, temperature sensor and contrast, and for saving data.

1. Introduction
- 3
1-4 Name & Explanation for each part
LCD Display
①It shows date of measurement, measurement mode (Sweep, Unit), measured data and
temperature, remained battery, and saved ID.
Membrane Button
②- [ON] : Turn on the power
- [OFF] : Turn off the power.
- [MENU] : Useful to set a readout unit and measuring mode.
- [ENTER] : Choose and set measurement modes (Sweep, Temperature sensor,
Measurement unit, Data saving, Contrast, automatic power) and move
onto the next stage.
- [▲/LIGHT] : Useful to turn on/off the Backlight and to change options in Setting mode
of MENU Button.
- [▼/SAVE] : Useful to save data and to Data and to change options in Setting mode of
MENU Button.
[Transducer] Connector
③Connect to a jumper cable to measure the frequency.
[RS-232] Connector
④It is useful to download or delete the saved data from the computer, or to set the readout
unit.
[Charger] Connector
⑤Useful to charge the built-in battery. If it is fully charged, the lamp is off, while it is off
during recharging.
(It takes about 4 hours to charge the battery.)
Jumper Cable
A VW type sensor is used to connect with a clip.
(In the above figure it connects to Transducer Connector, No. ③)
RS-232 Cable
It is to connect a VW readout unit to the computer.
(In the above figure it connects with RS-232 Connector, No. ④)
Charging Adaptor
It is to charge the battery, which is installed in the VW readout unit.
(In the above figure it should be connected to charger connector, No. ⑤)
5
1
1
4
3
1
2
1

2. Specifications
- 4
2. Specifications
Model
ACE-1000
Applied sensor
VW type sensor
Frequency range
450∼6,000 Hz
Displayed units
Hz, 103Hz2, μsec, ℃, με0.3911, με0.7756, με3.304, με4.062
Resolution
0.01% FSR (0.1Hz)
Accuracy
0.02% FSR (0.1Hz)
Operating
temperature
-20∼50 ℃
Communication port
RS-232 Port
Temperature sensor
Thermistor(3kΩ), RTD(2kΩ)
Temperature
resolution
±0.1 ℃
Display
256×128 Graphic LCD
Keyboard
Membrane key & 6 Function keys pad
Data capacity
4,000 Data points distributed in maximum of 64 data sets
Power
4.8VDC / Rechargeable Ni-MH Battery
Battery life
30 Hours continuous
Dimension
234×197×114 mm
Weight
1.5 kg
Material of case
ABS Plastic case
Accessories
①Jumper cable
②Rechargeable adaptor
③RS-232 cable

3. Description for Using
- 5
3-1 Detail description for the function
■ Setting the Sweep and Measuring Unit
[MENU], [ENTER]
[▲/LIGHT]
Like the below table it is recommendable to change them by using [MENU], [ENTER] and
[▲/LIGHT] buttons, depending on the situations on the site.
[MENU]
[ENTER]
[▲/LIGHT]
Indication of LCD Display
-
-
1 Click
Main screen Backlight ON
-
-
2 Click
Main screen Backlight OFF
1 Click
-
-
Sweep Mode A / 0.45 kHz∼1.2 kHz
-
-
1 Click
Sweep Mode B / 0.8 kHz ∼2.0 kHz
-
-
2 Click
Sweep Mode C / 1.4 kHz ∼3.5 kHz
-
-
3 Click
Sweep Mode D / 2.4 kHz ∼6.0 kHz
-
1 Click
-
Temperature Sensor Type / RTD
-
-
1 Click
Temperature Sensor Type / NTC
-
1 Click
-
Display Mode 1 / Period(μs)
-
-
1 Click
Display Mode 2 / 103Hz2
-
-
2 Click
Display Mode 3 / με0.391
-
-
3 Click
Display Mode 4 / με0.7756
-
-
4 Click
Display Mode 5 / με3.304
-
-
5 Click
Display Mode 6 / με4.062
-
1 Click
-
LCD Contrast 10 (LCD Brightness
adjustment)
-
2 Click
-
POWER OFF TIMER(10min interval)
-
3 Click
-
Battery status
Display Version Information
Reference
(1) Temperature sensor
[RTD] indicates the resistance temperature device when the temperature sensor type is
specified. The resistance value changes according to the temperature change is positive
(+), [NTC] indicates the thermistor, and the resistance value change according to the
temperature change is negative (-).
(2) LCD Contrast
When the brightness of the LCD changes according to the weather, use the arrow keys to
adjust the brightness appropriately.
(3) POWER OFF TIMER
Use the arrow keys to turn off the auto power off and set it in every 10-minutes.

3. Description for Using
1. 5
- 6
■Saving Measurement
[MENU], [ENTER]
[▲/LIGHT], [▼/SAVE]
Like the below table it is useful to save the values in the VW data recorder by using
[MENU], [ENTER], [▲/LIGHT] and [▼/SAVE].
[MENU]
[ENTER]
[▲/LIGHT]
[▼/SAVE]
Indication of LCD Display
-
-
-
-
Indication of measured data
-
-
-
1 Click
ID setting screen
-
-
Click
-
Change ID (increase)
-
-
-
Click
ID change(decrease)
-
1 Click
-
-
Saving measured data
1 Click
Return to main display
Reference
Used while the measured value is on the screen.
Transducer Connector
& 10pin Jumper Cable
Connect 10Pin Connector with the Jumper Cable, connect a VW type sensor and measure
it as below table.
Function
Jumper Cable
Color
Jumper Cable
Clip Color
VW sensor
Cable Color
Measuring
Frequency
RED
RED
RED
BLACK
RED
BLACK
Measuring
Temperature
GREEN
BLACK
GREEN
WHITE
BLACK
WHITE
SHIELD
YELLOW
BLACK
Silver(no sheath)

3. Description for Using
2. 5
- 7
3-2 MENU Description (Applying display units by changes in Mode)
LCD light contrast
In principle LCD adjust the contrast. When a product is shipped, LCD contrast is set at "10"
(25 as a standard). If the area is hot or it is summer time, set at “5∼7”(about 30∼35℃).
If it is cold or winter time, set at “12∼15”(about 0∼15℃). The contrast can be adjusted
from 1 to 20.
Change of Sweep mode
Adjust the frequency range of the unit to come into the Sweep Mode, and change the
sweep mode.
Applying display unit by
Changes in Mode
As the below table, apply the measuring unit, depending on the change in the Display
Mode. VW ACE-1000 readout unit shows frequency (Hz) always, and simultaneously the
chosen display unit is shown as below.
MODE
Measuring Unit
Main display
Applying sensors
Mode 1
Period(μsec)
μs
All VW Sensors
Mode 2
103Hz2
103Hz2
VW Load Cells
Mode 3
Strain(με0.391)
0.391
VW Spot-weldable Strain
Gage
Mode 4
Strain(με0.7756)
0.7756
VW Shotcrete Strain Gage
Mode 5
Strain(με3.304)
3.304
VW Embedment Strain
Gage
Mode 6
Strain(με4.062)
4.062
VW Weldable Strain Gage
Reference
As A1000Pro saves only frequency (Hz), the saved data should be converted by it if you
use other units.
3-3 How to use ACE-1000
Model ACE-1000 is effectively used as following.
Connect a jumper cable to the connector.
Press [ON] button.
(After popping up ACE's logo, it converts into the Main screen.)
Check out the sweep and unit, and press [MENU], [ENTER],
[▲/LIGHT], [▼/SAVE] to set the basic menu.
(See [3-1] for detailed specifications and [3-2] for MENU)
Connect with a signal cable by the clip of the jumper cable.
(See [3-1] for detailed specifications)
Record or save the output frequency.
Get rid of the clip and turn off power.
Download the data by connecting RS-232 cable to the computer.

4. Program usage
5
- 8
Description
The "A1000Pro" is only program for model ACE-1000 VW data recorder.
This is program that you can check with download data in store data recorder and you can
use with change data to operation program like MS Excel. Only Ace Instrument offers
"A1000Pro".
Application description
The Application program belonging with our VW data recorder(ACE-1000) named
“A1000pro.exe" can be also downloaded from our website as below :
www.aceco.kr/download/software.
This file is not Installation version. So, you use it with copy in hard disk of your computer.
Check the program
Please contact us if you have questions or problems with theA1000Pro program.

4. Program usage
5
- 9
4-1 Connect ACE-1000 to computer
RS-232 Cable Connection
Connect the 10Pin male connector of the RS-232 cable included with the ACE-1000 and
connect the other 9pin female connector to the serial port of the computer with the
A1000Pro program.
4-2 A1000Pro (Connect)
A1000Pro launch
Operate the program of "A1000Pro" like the shape of follow.
ACE-1000 Connect
If operate the program, display main screen as follows.
Icon of [Edit] and [Down] is not activated, because this is not connect.
For connect of VW data recorder, turn on the power of data recorder and click
[Connect] icon with RS-232 Cable is a connective state.
Then, the connecting window display as the below and you must assign the
communication port. (If you click 'Auto', search for 'Com. Port' automatically and
connect.)
If connect the program and data recorder, icons in whole of main screen is activating as
follows

4. Program usage
5
- 10
4-3 A1000Pro (Edit)
A1000Pro Edit
In the screen with connect; click the [Edit] icon. Then, display window that able to check for
battery of data recorder and set an option of Clock setup, Reading setup, Save option, Auto
power break.
Clock setup
The first, you must set time of computer and VW data recorder.
You can hand-operated assign Date: and Time: by [Set] button.
Also, you can set the same time that you are in use computer.

4. Program usage
5
- 11
Reading setup
Reading setup menu can be remote control the Sweep mode and Temperature sensor type
[ ACE-1000 Sweep mode change ]
[ ACE-1000 Temp, Sensor Type change ]

4. Program usage
5
- 12
Save option
The save option is two ways as the below picture.
If you choose "Overwrite oldest readings [Continue recording]" mode, the oldest data is
deleted and the latest data is saved when the save capacity is full. If you choice "Stop
recording" mode, subsequent data is not save when the save capacity is full.
Auto power break (minute)
The Auto power break (minute) is function as auto power off.
This function can be set up to 60 minutes in every 10 minutes.

4. Program usage
5
- 13
4-4 A1000Pro (Down)
A1000Pro Down
If click the [Down] icon in the connected screen, display the screen that arranged all saved
data in VW data recorder as follows.
When a screen listing all saved data appears, click [ID:] option item to sort by all data
values or ID order.

4. Program usage
5
- 14
Save data
In the case of save data in down screen, click the [Save] button.
Then, display the save option window as the below picture.
File type option has function that able to choose extension of saved data. This
make use of extension of *.csv and *.dat for using in operation program like MS
Excel. And this make use of extension of *.txt for checking in text file program like
WordPad. After choose the txt file, save it. Then WordPad program is operating by
itself and is showing the data. At the Save folder option, you can choose and save
that you want to folder.
After completing the option check, click [OK] button to save the data and confirm when the
save complete message is generated.

4. Program usage
5
- 15
Data Delete
When the storage is completed, you should check the storage space and delete the data. If
you click the [Erase] button on the [Down] screen, a question about full deletion will be
displayed. After confirmation, all data will be deleted.
4-5 A1000Pro (Exit)
A1000Pro Exit
Close the program with click [Exit] icon of A1000pro main screen.

5. Calibration & Service
5
- 16
5-1 Maintenance
Keeping
Part from other goods or cover with attention sign not to be shocked or vibrated because
ACE-1000 VW data recorder is a precise apparatus with built-in electronic circuit.
Keep in well-ventilated room without direct light. Long exposure to direct light makes
measuring malfunction due to extreme temperature change.
Carrying
Take great care not to make big measuring errors based on changing zero point due to
heavy impact or vibration in carrying. Do not put any heavy things on it, settle down and
take actions not to be shocked when carrying in vehicles.
Keeping jumper cable
Do not bend the jumper cable. Keep it carefully so that it will not be disconnection. When
using it, do not pull it by pulling it hard or do not pull it with great force. When not using the
jumper cable, put it in a bag or case and store it in a place where it will not be damaged.
Check battery voltage
Confirm the voltage of the built-in battery before or after using it.
Too low voltage makes no signal of the measuring by the sensor.
Check measurement value
Please contact us if you think the measurement value is not correct when measuring the
sensor.
5-2 Calibration & service
Calibration
Model ACE-1000 VW data recorder is revised and shipped with exact input / output
specifications of the electric circuit by using each special rectifier.
Therefore it allows for highly stable and reliable values in every VW sensor.
Service
For effectively using a VW data recorder without any trouble, it is strongly recommended to
read the manual and to handle it consistently.
We will check any defects or performances if there are any troubles.
ACE INSTRUMENT A/S team
Tel) [phone] Fax) [phone]
[email protected]
www.aceinstrument.com

6. Geotechnical Instruments Installation and Operation Tips
5
- 17
1. Handling caution
Engineering measuring instrument is precisely
manufactured and sensitive. Don’t drop it and don’t allow it
to be exposed to external shocks. In particular, the VW
measuring instrument is likely to see its zero point changed
due to shocks.
2. Caution for storing calibration report
Calibration report is provided with each sensor.
Information at the moment of calibration includes
barometric pressure, calibration temperature, and
temperature sensor in use, calibration data, conversion
ratio and classification of signal cable by color. Therefore,
you should be careful with storing the information until all
work is done. In case the report is lost, tracking data and
product might be impossible.
3. Operation by an engineer
All the process should be operated by a skilled engineer to
prevent inappropriate choices such as errors of instrument
choice, installation and operation which make impossible
near-permanent calculation.
4. The need for shielding
It is common that sensor sends a weak electronic signal.
And sensor is under the influence of electromagnetic
induction, electrostatic induction static electricity
electrification generated when other control machine is on.
In particular, given that environmental condition of
engineering work involving welding, generator, motor,
antenna, and watery surface is poor, shielding and ground
wire should be connected in the case of output device
connection.
5. Caution for signal cable extension
There would be no problem that VW sensor outputting
frequency signal is connected for extension .in the case
that a sensor generating Voltage is connected for
extension, electronic sensors are vulnerable to changes in
resistance value. Therefore, the length of the cable plays
a big influence. So, you should adjust resistance change
value with adjustment value toward a sectional length of
signal cable by manufacturers. Also, extension seam part
should be finished up with Splice Kit (Epoxy).
6. The use of protection tube for signal cable
In the case of laying under the ground, dams, vulnerable
foundation, concrete structures can have a big
displacement, a source of signal cable disconnection. In
the case of ground construction, given the construction
condition, heavy equipment operation and frequent moving
construction can be a source of disconnection or sensor
damage. Therefore, caution should be taken for the
protection of sensors and signal cables. And minimize the
dangerous factors by using new construction pipe for
drainage system.
7. Installation of Amplifier with sensors generating mV
Engineering measuring machine generating electronic
signal has a 200-300 m transmission distance. In the case
Junction Box and Terminal Box have a long distance from
the measuring machine, an amplifier should be installed in
proportion of measurement distance to prevent drop of
voltage for sensor transmission.
8. Atmospheric pressure adjustment
When manometer is chosen as sensor, it is very sensitive
to change in atmospheric pressure. Therefore, for precise
measurement, places such as dams, valleys, the sea and
reclaimed lands with high fluctuation of atmospheric
pressure should adjust head height according to the
difference of the pressure by using mercury barometer.
9. Lighting rod construction
In the case of large engineering work near water such as
dams, lakes, the sea and large fields, valleys, lighting rods
connecting each sensor individually should be constructed
to protect sensors. Within the influence of over voltage,
sensors are likely to function poorly.
10. Caution for filter use in pressure sensors
Pressure sensors such as negative pore water pressure
have attached filters. Upon installation, make sure to let air
out of the inside of the filter. Given that densities of air
contraction and water are different, remained air might
cause an error to measured value. Also, at places where
unsaturated soil or negative pore water pressure are
expected, it is recommended to use 1μm high-density
ceramic filter.
11. Caution for bearing plate in use for load cell
For maintaining consistent measured value and high
precision, the use of bearing plate is important, during
installation of hard cell on Earth Anchor, heat processed
steel materials should be manufactured with the enough
thickness to endure unloading load and with the density of
within 0.5 degree in top-down parallel lines. High quality
products should be used for cone for spilt, cone-plate and
mutual taper processed density.
12. Sensor temperature adjustment
An element of VW sensors uses wire rod (used for piano
string) so that coefficient of linear expansion metallic
materials hold can cause errors of margin and sensors of
electricity and electron hold an adjustment factor. For
precise measurement, adjust the difference of temperature
with a mercury thermometer.
13. Auto Data Acquisition System requires UPS
In South Korea, relatively temporary blackout (0.5
seconds) is frequent. So overloading owing to simultaneous
uses of equipment and accumulated power cables on sites
are likely to cause ordinary and temporary blackouts,
leading to computer Down and errors of built-in software.
Therefore, When Auto Data Acquisition System is operated;
UPS(Uninterruptable Power Supply) must be used to
minimize dangerous factors.
14. Caution for the choice of VW output unit
Manufactures of VW sensors and output units usually cover
600~3,200Hz (360~10,240 103Hz2or 1666∼312 μsec) for
possible measurement range. And they design sensors
taking into consideration the purpose of sensors, durability,
and precision. Therefore, when Mode for unit choice of
output unit within this range is changed, you must select
sophisticated output unit-making measurement possible

5
- 17