ACES SYSTEMS Viper II User manual

User Manual
ACES Viper II and Cobra II Analyzers
ACES Systems/TEC Aviation Division
Document Number 4041-OM-01
Revision 6.00
April 2020
Part Number 10-300-4041
10737 Lexington Drive – Knoxville, TN 37932-3294 USA – Telephone [phone]– Fax [phone] – Web www.AcesSystems.com

Copyright Notice
Copyright  by TEC, 2018. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any
form by any means without the express written permission of TEC.
Disclaimer
This documentation is provided for information purposes. TEC makes no warranty of any
kind with regard to this material, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. TEC shall not be liable for errors,
omissions, or inconsistencies which may be contained herein or for incidental or
consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this
material. Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not
represent a commitment on the part of TEC.

Table of Contents (Rev 6.00, Apr 2020)
Preface (
Rev
2
.0
1
,
Apr
20
20
)
Contact ACES Systems 1
Warranty 2
Calibration and Certification 3
1
Introduction (
Rev
2
.
1
0
,
Apr
20
20
)
Table 1.1 ACES Gen II Analyzer Function Comparison Chart 1-1
1.1 Notes, Cautions, and Warnings 1-2
1.2 Conventions 1-3
2
Analyzer Description (
Rev
2.10
,
Apr
20
20
)
2.1 Keypad 2-2
2.2 Screen 2-5
2.3 Input and Output Ports 2-5
2.3.1 Top Panel 2-5
2.3.2 Side Panel 2-7
2.3.3 Front Face 2-8
2.4 Additional Standard Equipment 2-8
2.4.1 Lithium Ion Battery 2-8
2.4.2 Battery Charger 2-8
2.4.3 Carrying Case 2-9
2.4.4 USB Memory Device 2-9
2.5 Optional Equipment 2-10
2.5.1 USB Keyboard 2-10
3
Using the
Gen
II Analyzer (
Rev
2.
10
,
A
pr
20
20
)
3.1 Entering Data 3-1
3.1.1 Using the Keys 3-1
3.1.2 Filling in Fields 3-2
3.1.3 Loading a Setup 3-2
3.2 Main Menu 3-7
3.3 Status Pane 3-8
3.4 Common Job Functions 3-9
3.4.1 Start Job 3-9
3.4.2 Resume Job 3-9
3.4.3 Manage Jobs 3-10
3.4.4 Manage Setups 3-18
3.5 Data Management on the USB Drive 3-23
3.5.1 aces_db 3-23
3.5.2 aces_export 3-24
3.5.3 aces_import 3-24
3.5.4 aces_reports 3-24
3.5.5 aces_setups 3-25
3.5.6 Analyzer License Key 3-25
4
Pro
peller Balance (
Rev
2.20
,
Apr
20
20
)
Propeller Balancing Kit 4-2
4.1 Start Job 4-7
4.1.1 Prop Balance Setup 4-9
4.1.2 Job Identification 4-19
4.1.3 Engine Information 4-20

4.1.4 Connect Sensors 4-21
4.1.5 Start Aircraft 4-23
4.1.6 Acquiring Data 4-23
4.1.7 Review Job 4-25
4.1.8 Balance Solution 4-27
4.1.9 Vibration Summary 4-33
4.2 Resume Job 4-35
4.3 Manage Jobs 4-35
4.4 Manage Setups 4-36
4.5 Weight Calculator 4-36
5
Reserved (
Rev
1.00,
Dec 2014)
6
Reserved (
Rev
1.00, Dec 2014)
7
Main Rotor Track & Balance (
Rev
3
.00
,
Apr
20
20
)
7.1 Main Rotor Setup 7-1
7.1.1 Main Rotor Setup Screen 7-1
7.1.2 Tracking Setup Screen 7-4
7.1.3 Main Rotor Condition Setup Screen 7-6
7.1.4 Main Rotor Adjustment Symbol and Solution Logic Screen 7-8
7.1.5 Chart Definition 7-10
7.1.6 Main Rotor Setup Example 7-10
7.2 Main Rotor Balance Process 7-19
7.2.1 Starting a New Job 7-20
7.2.2 Setup List 7-21
7.2.3 Connect Sensors 7-22
7.2.4 Select Aircraft Condition 7-24
7.2.5 Data Acquisition 7-25
7.2.6 Review Prior Runs Data 7-26
7.2.7 Solution Screens 7-27
7.3 Main Rotor Manage Data Functions 7-31
7.3.1 Main Rotor Review Job 7-31
7.3.2 View Main Rotor Track and Balance 7-32
7.3.3 View Main Rotor Chart 7-33
7.3.4 View Main Rotor Chart ICFs 7-34
7.4 Resume Job 7-35
7.5 Manage Jobs 7-35
7.6 Manage Setups 7-36
7.7 Analyzer Chart Forms 7-36
7.7.1 Regular Chart Forms 7-36
7.7.2 Irregular Chart Forms 7-39
7.7.3 Tracking Influence Setup 7-41
8
Tail Rotor Balance (
Rev
3
.00
,
Apr
20
20
)
8.1 Tail Rotor Setup 8-1
8.1.1 Tail Rotor Setup Screen 8-1
8.1.2 Tail Rotor Chart Setup 8-3
8.2 Multiple Condition Setup 8-4
8.2.1 Tail Rotor Setup Screen 8-5
8.2.2 Tail Rotor Condition Setup Screen 8-5
8.2.3 First Condition Tail Rotor Chart Setup Screen 8-7
8.2.4 Second Condition Tail Rotor Chart Setup Screen 8-8

8.3 Tail Rotor Balance Process 8-10
8.3.1 Starting a New Job 8-10
8.3.2 Setup List 8-11
8.3.3 Job Identification 8-12
8.3.4 Connect Sensors 8-12
8.3.5 Start Aircraft 8-13
8.3.6 Select Tail Rotor Condition Screen 8-14
8.3.7 Data Acquisition 8-14
8.3.8 Review Prior Run(s) Data 8-16
8.3.9 Shut Down Engines 8-17
8.3.10 Tail Rotor Maximum Weight “Warning” 8-17
8.3.11 Tail Rotor Suggested/Installed Weights Screen 8-18
8.3.12 Tail Rotor Re-Solve Feature 8-19
8.4 Tail Rotor Manage Data Functions 8-22
8.4.1 View Tail Rotor Balance 8-23
8.4.2 View Tail Rotor Chart 8-23
8.5 Resume Job 8-24
8.6 Manage Jobs 8-25
8.7 Manage Setups 8-25
8.8 Analyzer Chart Forms 8-26
8.8.1 Regular Chart Forms 8-26
8.8.2 Irregular Chart Forms 8-28
9
Transient Balance
(Viper II only)
(
Rev
2.
10
,
Apr
20
20
)
9.1 Create Setup 9-1
9.1.1 Transient Balance Setup 9-3
9.1.2 Sensor Information Screen 9-7
9.1.3 Transient Balance Speeds Screen 9-8
9.1.4 Define Class Wts Screen 9-10
9.1.5 Balance Plane Information Screen 9-13
9.1.6 Label Detail Wt Holes Screen 9-17
9.1.7 Define Transient Balance ICFs Screen 9-18
9.2 Start Job 9-19
9.2.1 Job Identification Screen 9-19
9.2.2 Engine Information Screen 9-20
9.2.3 Label Detail Wt Holes Screen 9-21
9.2.4 Transient Balance Equipment Setup Screen 9-21
9.2.5 Start Aircraft for Acceleration (Run 1) 9-22
9.2.6 Start Aircraft for Acceleration (Run 2) 9-31
9.3 Resume Job 9-32
9.4 Manage Jobs 9-33
9.5 Manage Setups 9-33
10
Fan/
T
urbine Balance
(Viper II only)
(
Rev
2.
1
0
,
Apr
20
20
)
10.1 Start Job 10-1
10.1.1 Fan/Turbine Balance Setup Screen 10-3
10.1.2 Fan/Turbine Balance Speeds Screen 10-7
10.1.3 Define Class Weights Screen 10-8
10.1.4 Balance Plane Information Setup Screen 10-10
10.1.5 Label Detail Wt Holes 10-15
10.1.6 Sensor Information Screen 10-15
10.1.7 Define Fan/Turbine Balance ICFs Screen 10-17
10.1.8 Job Identification Screen 10-18

10.1.9 Engine Information Screen 10-19
10.1.10 Fan/Turbine Balance Equipment Setup 10-20
10.1.11 Start Aircraft 10-20
10.1.12 Review Prior Run(s) Data 10-23
10.1.13 Shut Down Engines 10-24
10.1.14 Fan/Turbine Suggested/Installed Wts 10-24
10.1.15 Start Aircraft 10-28
10.2 Resume Job 10-29
10.3 Manage Jobs 10-29
10.4 Manage Setups 10-30
11
Fan Blade Mapper
(Viper II only)
(
Rev
3
.00
,
Apr
20
20
)
11.1 Fan Blade Mapper 11-1
11.1.1 Start Job 11-1
11.1.2 Select Setup List 11-2
11.1.3 Job Identification 11-4
11.1.4 Engine Identification 11-5
11.1.5 Fan Blade Mapper Job 11-5
11.1.6 Optimizing Solution 11-6
11.2 Resume Job 11-7
11.3 Manage Jobs 11-7
11.4 Manage Setups 11-8
12
Ho
neywel
l Perform
ance
(Viper II only)
(
Rev
2.2
0,
Apr
20
20
)
12.1 Honeywell Performance 12-1
12.1.1 Necessary Equipment 12-1
12.1.2 Analyzer Operation 12-5
12.1.3 Information Screens 12-14
12.2 Manage Jobs 12-17
12.2.1 Review 12-18
12.2.2 Create Report 12-19
12.2.3 Delete 12-19
12.2.4 Delete All 12-19
12.2.5 Export Job 12-19
12.2.6 Export Logger 12-19
12.3 Overspeed Test (EEC/N2 DEEC) 12-19
12.4 Over Temp Test (EEC/N2 DEEC) 12-19
12.5 Export Logger Settings 12-20
12.6 Test EMS Hardware 12-20
12.7 Edit Job Parameters 12-21
12.8 Monitor JEDA Parameters 12-21
12.9 Monitor N1 DEEC Parameters 12-22
12.10 Monitor N1 DEEC (Fast Scan) 12-22
12.11 Monitor Aux OAT 12-23
13
Transient Vibration Survey
(Viper II
only)
(
Rev
4
.
10
,
Apr
20
20
)
13.1 Start Job 13-2
13.1.1 Transient Survey Setup 13-3
13.1.2 Job Identification 13-17
13.1.3 Engine Information 13-18
13.1.4 Equipment Setup 13-19
13.1.5 Microphone Calibration 13-20
13.1.6 Start Engine 13-22

13.1.7 Select Condition 13-22
13.1.8 Collecting Data with “Overall” or “Overall w/Record” 13-23
13.1.9 Collecting Data with “Spectra” or “Spectra w/Record” 13-25
13.1.10 Storing Data 13-30
13.2 Resume Job 13-31
13.3 Manage Jobs 13-32
13.4 Exporting Time Trace Reports 13-32
13.5 Custom Reports 13.34
13.6 Manage Setups 13-36
14
Vibra
tion Spectrum Survey
(
R
ev
4
.
1
0
,
A
pr
2017
)
14.1 Start Job 14-1
14.1.1 Vibration Spectrum Setup 14-3
14.1.2 Job Identification 14-11
14.1.3 Engine Information 14-12
14.1.4 Equipment Setup 14-13
14.1.5 Microphone Calibration (Viper II Only) 14-14
14.1.6 Start Engine 14-16
14.1.7 Select Condition 14-16
14.1.8 Collecting Data 14-17
14.1.9 Storing Data 14-23
14.2 Resume Job 14-24
14.3 Manage Jobs 14-25
14.4 Manage Setups 14-25
15
Overall Vibration Survey
(
Rev
4
.
1
0
,
A
pr
20
20
)
15.1 Start Job 15-1
15.1.1 Overall Vibration Setup 15-3
15.1.2 Job Identification 15-8
15.1.3 Engine Information 15-9
15.1.4 Equipment Setup 15-10
15.1.5 Microphone Calibration (Viper II Only) 15-11
15.1.6 Start Engine 15-13
15.1.7 Select Condition 15-13
15.1.8 Collecting Data 15-14
15.1.9 Storing Data 15-19
15.2 Resume Job 15-21
15.3 Manage Jobs 15-22
15.4 Exporting Time Trace Reports (Viper II only) 15-22
15.5 Manage Setups 15-24
16
Monitor Spectrum (
Rev
2.
1
0
,
A
pr
20
20
)
16.1 Monitor Spectrum 16-1
16.1.1 Spectra Setup 16-1
16.1.2 Speeds (Viper II only) 16-4
16.1.3 Monitor 16-6
17
Monito
r Magnitude and Clock (
Rev
2.
0
1
,
Apr
20
20
)
17.1 Monitor Magnitude and Clock 17-1
18
Monitor
Magnitud
e and
Phase (
Rev
2.
0
1
,
Apr
20
20
)
18.1 Monitor Magnitude and Phase 18-1

19
Monitor Overall (
Rev
2.
1
0
,
Apr
20
20
)
19.1 Monitor Overall 19-1
19.1.1 Overall Vibration Setup 19-1
19.1.2 Speeds (Viper II only) 19-4
19.1.3 Monitor Overall 19-5
19.1.4 Collecting Data with Spectra 19-7
20
Check Track (
Rev
3
.00
,
Apr
20
20
)
20.1 Check Track 20-1
21
T
est Tach Power
(
Rev
2.
0
1
,
A
pr
20
20
)
21.1 Test Tach Power 21-1
22
Analyzer Management
(
Rev
2.
1
0
,
Apr
20
20
)
22.1 Manage Sensors 22-2
22.1.1 Add or Edit Sensor 22-3
22.1.2 Create Report 22-6
22.1.3 Delete Sensor 22-6
22.2 Analyzer Settings 22-6
22.2.1 Set Date/Time 22-7
22.2.2 Set Language 22-8
22.2.3 Set Power-Off Timeout 22-9
22.2.4 Set Screen Saver Timeout 22-11
22.3 Analyzer Information 22-10
22.3.1 ACES Systems Contact Information 22-11
22.3.2 Analyzer Version Information 22-11
22.3.3 Analyzer Owner Information 22-12
22.3.4 Battery Information 22-14
22.4 Analyzer Legal Information 22-15
22.4.1 Analyzer Terms and Conditions 22-15
22.4.2 Open Source Components 22-17
22.5 Analyzer License Information 22-17
22.5.1 Add Analyzer License 22-18
22.6 Database Management 22-19
22.6.1 Import Setups From USB Drive 22-20
22.6.2 Restore Jobs from USB Drive 22-21
22.6.3 Copy Database to USB Drive 22-22
22.6.4 Erase All Jobs 22-24
22.6.5 Database Information 22-25
22.6.6 Create Setup Report 22-26
22.6.7 Create All Job Report 22-29
22.6.8 Format USB Drive 22-32
22.7 Copy User Manual to USB 22-33
22.8 Transfer Reports 22-34
2
3
Equi
pment and Accessory Setup and Troubleshooting (
Rev
4
.
0
1
,
Apr
20
20
)
23.1 Battery Charger and Battery 23-1
23.1.1 Battery Specifications and Typical Use 23-1
23.1.2 Extended Storage 23-3
23.2 Cables 23-3
23.3 LaseTach 23-3
23.4 Phototach 23-4
23.5 Propeller Protractor 23-4

23.6 Reflective Tape (3M Tape, Type 7610) 23-4
23.6.1 Reflective Tape Width Requirements 23-5
23.7 Vibration Sensors 23-5
23.8 Overload of Input Channels 23-6
23.9 Troubleshooting Ground Loop Issues 23-7
23.10 TraX 23-7
24
Reading Spectrum and Scales (
Rev
2.
1
0
,
Apr
20
20
)
24.1 Reading the X and Y Plotted Vibration Spectrum 24-1
24.2 Reading the Converging Vibration Indicator Scale 24-2
24.2.1 Converging Indicator Scale 24-2
24.2.2 Numerical Values 24-3
24.2.3 Available Function Keys 24-3
24.2.4 Status Messages 24-4
24.2.5 RPM Warnings 24-4
24.2.6 Multiple Vibration Channels 24-5
24.3 Reading Polar Charts 24-5
24.3.1 Phase Angle Polar Chart 24-5
24.3.2 Clock Angle Polar Chart 24-6
24.3.3 Viewing Polar Charts during Data Acquisition 24-7
24.3.4 Numerical Values 24-7
24.3.5 Available Function Keys 24-7
24.3.6 Status Messages 24-8
24.3.7 RPM Warnings 24-8
24.3.8 Multiple Vibration Channels 24-8
24.3.9 Reviewing Polar Charts During and After a Job 24-9
24.3.10 Available Function Keys 24-10
24.3.11 Multiple Vibration Channels 24-11
24.3.12 Multiple Conditions 24-11
25
Gen
II Specifications (
Rev
4
.
1
0
,
Jan
20
20
)
Rev History:
3/23/2015 Renumbered Table of Contents and added chapter 23.1.2 Extended Coverage
Updated
Rev
level for Chapters
4,
7,
8,
1
1
,
12
, 13,
15
, 17
, 19
, 20, 22, 23,
and
24
.
Berlin
2/17/2016 2.00: Major rewrite generalizing the manual to cover both the Viper II and Cobra II. This
chapter was updated with screenshots and corrections to minor typographical errors.
East
8/14/2017 4.00: Added PWC Time Trace, exporting time trace, and custom reports for Transient
Vibration Survey Jobs
Boyer
8/01/2018
5.00:
Added EMS,
Dual Prop and
Main Rotor Track and Balance Solutions
Boyer
4/30/2020 6.00: Major rewrite to capture UI changes in SP7 release. Shively /
Underwood

Preface
(Revision 2.01, Apr 2020)
Contact ACES Systems
General
For general information regarding ACES Systems products and services, contact either our
corporate office or one of our representatives listed at https://www.acessystems.com/contact-us/.
Technical Support
Complimentary technical support is provided under the ACES Care program for up to 12 months
after purchase of the product and will continue with the required annual calibration and service.
If you require assistance with an operational problem with the analyzer, please have as much
detailed information as possible available before contacting ACES Systems. The support staff
will answer questions about the operation and care of your equipment, assist you in
troubleshooting a problem, and help you overcome common application difficulties whenever
possible. For technical support, please feel free to contact the home office or complete the online
form found at: https://www.acessystems.com/contact-us/contact-support/.
If it becomes necessary for your equipment to be returned to us for any reason, a Returned
Materials Authorization (RMA) number will be required. The RMA can be issued over the
phone by our technical support staff or you can request an RMA by completing the form found at
https://www.acessystems.com/product-repair-service/.
Feedback
ACES Systems depends on information from our customers to continue the attributes of quality,
dependability and simplicity associated with our products. We invite you to contact our
Technical Support office by completing the online form found at:
https://www.acessystems.com/contact-us/contact-support/ to express your opinions, comments
and suggestions concerning the design and capability of your analyzer.

Gen II User Manual
2 – Preface Revision 2.01, Apr 2020
Warranty
The ACES Systems’ Analyzer is warranted to be free of defects in material and workmanship for
a period of 60 months (5 years) following the purchase date. Warranty does not cover the
analyzer unless it is properly used, stored, and maintained in accordance with the provisions of
this manual. Accessories are warranted for a period of 12 months (1 year). The original
manufacturer may cover individual accessories not manufactured or assembled by TEC for
longer periods.
The required annual calibration and service must be complied with to validate the terms of
this warranty and to continue the complimentary technical support provided under the
ACES Care program. Warranty replacement and / or repair will not be honored on any unit
which is overdue an annual calibration at the time of the warranty claim. If your calibration is
overdue and no warranty claim is being made, you need only have your overdue calibration
completed to re-validate your warranty. Warranty is limited to supplying Purchaser with
replacement or repair of any unit or accessory item which, in TEC's opinion, is defective. All
repaired or replacement parts will be warranted only for the unexpired period of the basic
warranty. All warranty work will be on a return-to-the-factory basis. Shipping cost to the factory
will be borne by the Purchaser. Warranty shall not apply to any product that, in the judgment of
TEC, has been subjected to misuse or neglect, or has been repaired or altered outside the TEC
factory in any way, which may have impaired its safety, operation, or efficiency, or to any
product that has been subjected to accidental damage.
NOTE
Annual calibration by TEC or a TEC authorized service facility is required in order to comply with
the terms of the 5-year warranty. See “Calibration and Certification” in this section for details.
Warranty does not cover any cost incurred by Purchaser as the result of the purchase of TEC
products. Nor does Warranty cover cost incurred by Purchaser for labor charges for replacement
of parts, adjustments, or repairs or any other work performed by the Purchaser or his agents on,
or connected with, TEC-supplied products. Warranty is expressly in lieu of any and all other
warranties or representations, expressed or implied, and of any obligations or liabilities of TEC
to the Purchaser arising from the use of said products, and no agreement or understanding
varying or extending the same will be binding upon TEC unless in writing, signed by an
authorized representative of TEC. TEC reserves the right to make changes in design or additions
to, or improvements in, products at any time without imposing any liability on itself to install the
same in any product manufactured or supplied prior thereto.
TEC continually works to improve all its ACES Systems products. By returning the analyzer for
annual calibration and service, the customer will benefit from any available hardware and/or
software improvements. Another benefit in returning your ACES equipment annually is that our
technicians will inspect all ACES accessories in the kit and any minor repairs will be covered
under the standard price for recalibration and service. Also, the recalibration process is the only

Gen II User Manual
3 – Preface Revision 2.01, Apr 2020
process that can update the calibration date stored in the analyzer. All reports generated from the
analyzer will contain the calibration date. A report displaying an expired calibration date can
have a negative impact when presented to your customer as a part of their maintenance logs.
Calibration and Certification
Your ACES Systems equipment is calibrated and certified per National Institute of Standards
and Technology (NIST) standards, effective the date of shipment.
TEC requires the unit to be calibrated by TEC or a TEC authorized service facility on an annual
basis to ensure accuracy and currency of installed electronic components. In addition, the
vibration sensors, pressure and temperature transducers (if applicable) should also be calibrated
on an annual basis or when dropped, damaged or suspect of improper operation. The analyzer
will be identified as calibrated by a sticker stating the date of calibration and next due date of
calibration. A certificate of calibration will be provided to you to verify compliance to
inspectors.
A permanent record of your calibration is maintained by TEC. To obtain a copy of your
calibration certificate or for information about calibration services please complete the form
found at https://www.acessystems.com/contact-us/contact-support/.
When your ACES analyzer is returned for annual recalibration, a Returned Materials
Authorization (RMA) number will be required. The RMA can be issued over the phone by our
technical support staff or you can request an RMA by completing the form found at
https://www.acessystems.com/product-repair-service/.
NOTE
Annual calibration is required in order to comply with the terms of the
5-year warranty. See “Warranty” in this section for details.
Revision History
2/15/2016 2.00: Major rewrite generalizing the manual to cover both the Viper II and Cobra II. East
4/1/2020 2.01: Updated minor grammatical errors. Added note to Warranty section. Removed “login required” under
RMA request section.
Shively

Chapter 1
Introduction
(Revision 2.1, April 2020)
The ACES Systems’ Second Generation (Gen II) Analyzers are available in two versions –
Cobra II and Viper II. The chart below shows the functions available in each analyzer. All
analyzer features are discussed in this manual.
Table 1.1: ACES Gen II Analyzer Function Comparison
ACES Gen II Analyzer
F
unction
Comparison
Analyzer Versions
Analyzer F
unction
s
Cobra II
Viper II
Propeller Balance  
Main Rotor Track & Balance  
Tail Rotor Balance  
Transient Balance  
Fan/Turbine Balance  
Fan Blade Mapper  
Honeywell Performance (when used with 1752B JEDA/Direct
Connect)  
Transient Vibration Survey  
Vibration Spectrum Survey  
Overall Vibration Survey  
Monitor Spectrum  
Monitor Magnitude and Clock  
Monitor Magnitude and Phase  
Monitor Overall  
Check Track  
Test Tach Power  
Unless there are significant differences that require explanation, both analyzers will be referred
to as the analyzer.

Gen II User Manual
1-2 – Introduction Chapter 1 Revision 2.1 Apr 2020
Engine, airframe, propeller, or rotor-specific setups can be loaded and stored into the analyzer by
the user, then recalled to automatically configure the analyzer for the task at hand. These
“Setups” store influence coefficients for balancing functions, which the analyzer updates with
each balance job to minimize the number of required runs for balancing fans, propellers, rotors,
or shafts.
The Viper II analyzer is capable of true, four-channel, simultaneous data acquisition while the
Cobra II is capable of only two-channel, simultaneous data acquisition. Both analyzers provide
full graphic-spectrum capabilities including on-screen display of limits and component
identification using normal and harmonic cursors.
The analyzer also allows you to export spectra and balance jobs directly to PDF for inclusion in
aircraft records or as file copies. (See Chapter 22 of this manual for details on creating reports.)
The analyzer also has a USB port to allow you to transfer the vibration survey spectra and
balance reports directly to a USB flash drive for storage, review, or printing.
Overall, the analyzer is designed as lightweight, portable units with accuracy and ease of use as
primary design goals.
The subsequent chapters of this manual explain the functions and features of the analyzer,
supporting information, and troubleshooting. The remainder of this chapter presents tips on
effectively using the manual.
1.1. – Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
Throughout this manual you will encounter “Notes, Cautions, and Warnings.” They will be in
BOLD capital print centered above a short paragraph. The information in the paragraph is
defined as follows for each of the three categories.
NOTE
Information considered essential to emphasize for clarity or to
ensure the related procedure is correctly accomplished.
CAUTION
Information that if not heeded, may result in the damage or faulty
operation of equipment.
WARNING
Information that if not heeded, may result in damage or destruction
of equipment and/or injury to personnel.

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1.2. – Conventions
The following are writing conventions used throughout the manual to describe certain concepts:
 This manual indicates keys/keystrokes in square brackets. For example: [OK], [HOME],
[5], or [F1].
 The term “select,” as used in this manual, means to highlight the item on the current
menu by using the arrow keys, then pressing the [OK] key.
 The term “Setup,” as used in this manual, means the complete set of information entered
into the analyzer or downloaded from the ACES website and uploaded into the analyzer’s
memory for the purpose of completing a balance, vibration analysis, or track function.
This stored information may then be recalled from a “Setup” menu presented for the
various functions to rapidly configure the analyzer based on the information contained in
the Setup.
 The term “Job,” as used in this manual, means the stored Setup information plus the
collected balance, vibration, track, and/or spectral data, and recorded corrective action
taken (if applicable) to correct an undesirable condition. In other words, it is a record of
the analyzer configuration, acquired data, computed data, and user entered data used in
the course of completing the maintenance task.
 The “Banner” is the uppermost portion of the screen display, which defines its
relationship to the currently-running analyzer function. The “Highlight Bar” is the
darkened bar (controlled by the use of the arrow keys, [] and []) used to identify and
select the current menu item. (See figure below.) These screens and their selection
options are referred to as “banner screen menus” throughout the text of this manual. The
example screen below, for instance, is the “Main Menu” banner screen.

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 The term “field” as used in this manual refers to an area that requires input. Fields appear
on various screens as areas delineated by boxes with either pointed ends (< >) or square
ends ([ ]). Data is entered into the field in one of two ways, either by using the keypad or
USB keyboard to type data or by using the [] key to “toggle” or move among the
selections that are preset for the field.
 The term “Tracker” as used in this manual refers to the ACES Systems’ Model 550
TraXTM.
 The term “Forward Looking Aft,” abbreviated as FLA, with regard to the perspective
used to orient equipment during the setup or during the solution processes, is also
intended to mean “Facing the propeller Looking At it” when working on a pusher-type
propeller installation.
Revision History
2/15/2016 2.00: Major rewrite generalizing the manual to cover both the Viper II and Cobra II. This chapter was updated
with comparison chart for the two analyzers.
East
01/09/2020 2.1: Added Direct Connect Verbiage to Function Comparison Chart. Changed Screenshot to reflect UI changes. Shively

Chapter 2
Analyzer Description
(Revision 2.1, April 2020)
This chapter gives you a brief tour of the analyzer. It describes the various keys and their
functions, the input and output ports, and the standard accessories supplied with the analyzer.
Optional accessories are discussed later in the chapter.

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2.1. – Keypad
The analyzer keypad consists of 30 function keys. (See Chapter 3, “Using the Gen II Analyzer”
for keypad operation.)
Located at the top right of the analyzer keypad, the [ON/OFF] key, when pressed once and
released, turns the analyzer power on or off. The analyzer incorporates a power conservation
function, the setting of which is described in Chapter 22. When enabled, if no activity
(keystroke) occurs within the user-defined time period, the analyzer will automatically reduce
the brightness level of the display saving considerable battery power. When any key on the
keyboard is pressed, the brightness level will return to the previous condition and remain there
until the next period of inactivity. As long as a keystroke is detected within the user defined time
period, the contrast will remain constant. There is an additional “Power-off Timeout” feature
available that will power the analyzer off completely after a period of inactivity. This feature is
also described in Chapter 22.
The Home key is used as a means to quickly return to the Main Menu (the first menu that
appears when the analyzer is powered on) without the necessity of multiple steps. The key may
be used to escape screens where pressing [F0] “Back Up” will consume too much time for the
user. Pressing the Home key causes all in-progress functions to cease and incomplete balance or
survey jobs are stored at the point where they were exited allowing you to resume them at a later
time using the Resume Job function.
Seven function keys ([F0], [F1], [F2], [F3], [F4], [F5], [F6]) are located directly below the
analyzer’s screen. Seven small rectangular boxes on the screen directly above the keys define
their use as it corresponds to each screen. The purpose of each key may change from screen to
screen. If any of the screen boxes are blank, the box’s corresponding key has no function in that
screen.

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The brightness key is located below the [F4] key. This key is fully functional for all phases of
operation when the analyzer is powered. There are eight levels of brightness. Each key press will
produce an incremental increase in the screen’s brightness. Once the highest level of brightness
has been reached, the next key press will return the screen to the first brightness level.
The Day / Night key, when pressed once, cycles the display between Day and Night mode. Day
mode is enabled by default and makes the screen easier to see in daylight conditions. Night mode
is designed to increase the contrast between the background and text or graphics to make reading
the display easier during dark conditions.
The [OK] key is pressed to accept data or a menu selection and set that selection into motion.
The key is used in survey and balance procedures to proceed to the next step.
Pressing the Help key allows you to access guidance and/or examples of information that can be
entered into the current field. When viewing the Main Menu, pressing the Help key will display
the Version screen as shown in the image at the beginning of this chapter.

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The ten alphanumeric keys (0 through 9 / A through Z) are used to input alphanumeric values
into the analyzer. A single press followed by a two-second delay returns the first alpha character
displayed on the key. Two or three rapid presses followed by a two second delay returns the
second or third alpha character respectively. Four rapid presses followed by a two-second delay,
returns the numeric value of the key. For example, if you want to type the letter “N” which is the
second character on its corresponding key, press the key two times rapidly, and then stop for two
seconds. The letter “N” should appear on the screen.
The [BACKSPACE] key is used to clear input in the current field. When only the cursor is
displayed, this key will delete only the single character to the left of the cursor. When an entire
field is highlighted, pressing this key can delete the entire contents of the field.
The four arrow keys ([UP], [DOWN], [LEFT], and [RIGHT]) are used to select, move between
fields and positions within a field, or highlight menu items on screen. They are also used in
various functions to "toggle" between choices, to increase or decrease screen values and graphic
display sizes, and to change the field value or cursor position.
The decimal key [.] is used for placement of a decimal in numbers such as 98.6. A second, rapid
press will input the “at” symbol [@] in any text field.