alitec mVIBE User manual

mVIBE
WIRELESS VIBRATION SENSOR
AND SOFTWARE
version 20180928

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1. IMPORTANT INFORMATIONS FOR USER
Security symbols used in the following manual:
Attention! In order to use the device safely, read relevant comments and suggestions, included in
the user’s manual.
Attention! Risk of electrocuting.
Measurement device mVIBE has been designed and manufactured according to safety regulations. Nevertheless, failure-free usage
as well as reliability can be assured only by following general safety rules and detailed safety guides included in the user’s manual.
Under no circumstances does Alitec take the responsibility for any damage, in particular: direct, indirect or after event, including
profit loss, incurring additional costs, inability to use the product, as the result of its functioning or device failure, even when
information of occurring possibility had been passed along.
Duplicating contents of the user’s manual, in whole or in part, without written permission from Alitec is strongly forbidden.

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Using the device in different way, then described in the user’s manual or its non-intended use can pose a danger
or result in hardware damage. Before starting a measurement, it is strongly suggested to read carefully the user’s
manual.
Usage in environmental conditions that are not inconsistent with the specification can lower the safety level or
decrease device functional parameters. It is advised to pay attention to possibility of water condensation in case
of moving the device from a cold work environment to a warmer one.
One of the device applications is a vibration measurement of machines or devices. In case of technical state
investigation of devices which are powered by voltage higher that 60 VDC, 30 VACrms or having moving parts, it is
recommended to take special care.
If the device has been damaged, operates in a way inconsistent with the user’s manual or it’s been in
environmental conditions other than specified for a long period of time it is advised to stop using it immediately.
Next use can be possible after performing service work of the device by the manufacturer.
The device should be cleaned by a soft cloth. Use soft detergents (e.g. dishwashing liquids) if necessary.
It is advised not to use the device if any of its components has been damaged. It concerns especially the power
supply.

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2. PRESERVATION OF ENVIRONMENT
The device is subject to a directive WEEE 2012/19/UE regarding waste electronic and electric devices.
A symbol of crossed waste bin means that the product has to be utilized separately and should be delivered
to the right waste collection point. It should not be thrown out along with a household waste.
If you would like to know more about it, contact a company representative or local authorities in charge of
waste management.

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3. DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Alitec Company declares that mVIBE sensor complies with the relevant European Union Regulations:
2014/53/EU (RED)
2011/65/UE (RoHS)
and on the requirements of the following standards:
PN-EN 60950-1:2007 +A11:2009 +A1:2011 +A12:2011 +A2:2014
PN-EN 62311:2010
ETSI EN 301 489-1 V2.1.1
ETSI EN 301 489-17 V3.1.1
ETSI EN 300 328 V2.1.1

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4. CONTENTS PAGE
1. Important informations for user .............................................................................................................................................. 3
2. Preservation of environment ................................................................................................................................................... 5
3. Declaration of conformity ........................................................................................................................................................ 6
4. Contents page........................................................................................................................................................................... 7
5. Wireless vibration sensor mVIBE.............................................................................................................................................. 9
6. Technical specification ........................................................................................................................................................... 11
7. mVIBE software ...................................................................................................................................................................... 13
8. Using mVIBE software for testing purposes........................................................................................................................... 14
9. Vibration level analysis........................................................................................................................................................... 15
10. Vibration level analysis in mVIBE software........................................................................................................................ 17
11. Saving a measurement result in a text file......................................................................................................................... 21
12. Analysis wizard using the standards .................................................................................................................................. 22
13. Time course analysis .......................................................................................................................................................... 24
14. Graphs options, markers (cursors)..................................................................................................................................... 26
15. Signal frequency analysis ................................................................................................................................................... 28
16. Changing direction of measured vibrations....................................................................................................................... 32
17. Measurement converter .................................................................................................................................................... 33
18. Mounting the sensor.......................................................................................................................................................... 34

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19. How a way of sensor mounting impacts frequency range .................................................................................................36
20. Connecting the mVIBE sensor to a mobile device ..............................................................................................................37
21. Access point configuration in mVIBE device, restoring settings.........................................................................................41
22. Amplification calibration ....................................................................................................................................................42
23. Charging a battery ..............................................................................................................................................................43
24. Turning off the device, hardware off switch.......................................................................................................................44

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5. WIRELESS VIBRATION SENSOR MVIBE
mVIBE is a multi-parameter wireless sensor for technical state evaluation of industrial equipment, including moving components
of machines, its construction elements and construction objects. It is beyond a competition in the field of high performance,
exceptional functionality, as well as the price.
Piezoelectric accelerometers are a main source of signal, which measure vibrations in two directions. Their outstanding
parameters combined with 24-bit signal conversion allow to achieve accurate measurement results without necessity to change
measurement ranges. Wide frequency band (0,5 Hz to 20 kHz) satisfies requirements of the most applications connected with
technical condition assessment or damage diagnostics of machines and building constructions. Three-dimensional
measurements within 0Hz to 1,5 kHz frequency range can be made with a built-in MEMS sensor. In combination with 3D highly
sensitive silicon gyroscope it allows for determination of mVIBE movement in 6D space.
Measurement capabilities are complemented by an ultrasound microphone, which registers sound in range up to 51 kHz.
It’s a tremendous tool to detect shocks, which occur in damaged bearings and gearboxes. Together with the dedicated software
they allow to detect leakiness in compressed-air systems.
The measurement information from mVIBE sensor through WiFi interface is transmitted to a smartphone or a tablet.
In permanent monitoring systems it can be sent directly to local or external diagnostic cloud. The mobile device with dedicated
software installed acts as the user interface. Huge computing power and high-resolution screens combined with intuitive expert-
driven software make signal analysis easy and effective.
In the basic system version mVIBE operates with mVIBE Soft tool available in GooglePlay. It creates fundamental tool for machines
technical state evaluation and fault diagnosis. The advanced options covering signal storage in database, localization structure
with NFC identification, fully configurable detailed signal analysis functions are offered by mVIDIA software. It can be integrated
with cloud or server-based machine diagnostic environment VIDIA. Detailed information is available on manufacturer website
www.alitec.pl or www.vibrations.pl.

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mVIBE is powered by internal Li-Ion rechargeable battery. Its high capacity ensures operating time up to 8 hours (continuous
measurement with data transmission). The sensor can be attached to the investigated object by magnetic holder or M6 screw
thread. As an option magnetic holder for curved surfaces is delivered.
The highest accuracy of the mVIBE sensor can be confirmed by piezoelectric sensor calibration certificate issued by Polish Central
Office of Measurement.

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6. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Type of sensors
2 x piezoelectric accelerometers, ceramics PZT, shear mode, YZ direction
3 x MEMS accelerometer, XYZ direction
3 x MEMS gyroscope, XYZ direction
1 x microphone with ultrasonic capability
Range of measurements
50 g (other as an option) –PZT accelerometer
16 g (other as an option) –MEMS accelerometer
120 dB SPL (20 Pa) –microphone
Frequency range of measured vibrations
PZT accelerometer: -3dB range 0,4 … 21000 Hz; 10% range 0,8 … 10500 Hz
MEMS accelerometer: 0 … 1500 Hz
Microphone: 2% range 100 ... 10000 Hz; 8dB range 10 ... 20000 Hz and 40 ... 51200 Hz;
14dB range 20 ... 40000 kHz;
Type of analogue-digital converter

Definition of analogue-digital converter
PZT accelerometer: 24 bits
MEMS accelerometer: 16 bits
MEMS gyroscope: 16 bits
Microphone: 24 bits
Total noise level
PZT accelerometer: 0,8 mgRMS (results for range 50 g, fout = 65,536 kHz, frequency range 25,6 kHz)
MEMS accelerometer: 3,0 mgRMS (results for range ±16 g, fout = 8,192 kHz, frequency range 1,5 kHz)
Microphone: 30 dB SPL (0,6 mPa) (results for frequency range 20 Hz - 8 kHz)
Effective sampling frequency (fout)
(frequency of updating output )
PZT accelerometer, MEMS accelerometer, MEMS gyroscope: 65,536 kHz
Microphone: 131,072 kHz
Chosen filters
low-pass analogue Butterworth filter, limit frequency f3dB high = 68 kHz (PZT accelerometer only)
high-pass analogue first-order filter, limit frequency f3dB low = 0,5 Hz (PZT accelerometer only)
high-pass digital anti-aliasing filter, linear phase, limit frequency set automatically to the value of
f3dB high = 0,49 fout (f0,005dB high = 0,39 fout, f-100dB high = 0,54 fout)
Communication interfaces
IEEE802.11b/g/n WiFi, WPA2
frequency range 2,4 to 2,4835 GHz, maximally transmitted power
19.5 dBm@11b, 16.5 dBm@11g, 15.5 dBm@11n
Communication protocol
ATC MESbus

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Operation conditions
temperature –5..+50°C; humidity: 10..90% RH
Level of protection
IP65, dust resistant case, resistant to water spout from any direction (for a covered microphone placed
in a threaded connector)
Software
mVIBE, mVIDIA, VIDIA
optional: API, control functions for Matlab, programming functions adjusted to the application
Power
a built-in battery Li-Ion 3,7V/1200mAh, integrated charger 5V/550mA
work time between charging for a new device up to 8h (continuous data transmission)
a built-in battery saving mechanisms and protection against overload or a full discharge
Installation
sensor external thread M6, included flat magnet holder and measurement pin
Geometric dimensions and mass
40 x 40 x 32 mm (SxGxW), 95 g
Because our products are being constantly developed above specification might change without any notification.

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7. MVIBE SOFTWARE
mVIBE is a basic software cooperating with the wireless vibration sensor. Its functionality includes calculation of Root Mean
Square (RMS), peak value (0-p), peak-to-peak value (p-p) for acceleration, velocity and displacement in a user-defined frequency
range.
For every signal parameter it is possible to display a frequency spectrum. Its analysis is simplified by markers: single, harmonic,
and side bands. The spectrum image definition, presented in mVIBE software, equals 1Hz. Acquiring higher definitions (to 0,0625
Hz) is possible in the mVIDIA software.
Software functionality is complemented by an ability to displaying a current time course.
Presented results of analyses can be saved in a graphics file or a text file, in CSV format. Graphics file can be placed indirectly in
a measurements’ report. A text file enables further analysis of a result e.g. in a spreadsheet.
mVIBE software after being downloaded from GooglePlay and installed on a mobile device may use a signal coming from a built-
in accelerometers of a mobile device. This solution allows to become familiar with the software. Note that the sensors measure
vibrations in frequency range up to several dozen Hz, they have linear respons in a narrow amplitude range and frequency,
and they cannot be calibrated. That means, making reliable vibration measurements by using mobile devices is impossible.
Some mobile devices don’t share information about sampling frequency of a vibration signal, which makes it not possible to
correctly define measurement parameters and function the software properly.
Making a reliable vibration measurements in a frequency range and with accuracy consistent with standards and applied methods
of assessing technical condition and machine diagnostics requires use of external mVIBE sensor.

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8. USING MVIBE SOFTWARE FOR TESTING PURPOSES
mVIBE software is available to
download from GooglePlay. After an
installation it connects to a built-in
sensor of a mobile device. This solution
allows to investigate functionality of
the software and make some test
measurements and analyses.
On first use the software displays
information about restricted
measurements accuracy due to using
accelerometers built-in a mobile
device. That fact is a result of applying
sensors with a narrow frequency band
and low resolution.
The first displayed analysis is a value of
Root Mean Square of vibration
acceleration. The software
automatically adjusts the frequency
range to capabilities of a mobile device
built-in sensors.

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9. VIBRATION LEVEL ANALYSIS
All machines, which consist of moving parts, vibrate. This
phenomenon occurs in new machines as well. Progress of
subassemblies’ damage comes with increase in force that
moving parts act on other machine components (bearing,
cases, supports). As a result, an increase in vibrations of
defined properties is observed. Increasing amount of
energy dissipated inside a machine with a huge wear of
subassemblies leads to a local rise in temperature level
(visible in e.g. thermovision image).
The plot shown on this page depicts how value
of appropriately chosen vibration signal parameters
change in time. Its observation allows to detect damage occurring and to follow its development.
Choosing parameter and criteria values are usually based on standards (e.g. PN-ISO 10816) and known diagnostic methods.
Sometimes, developing clear-cut rules of technical condition assessment of a device requires gathering experience connected
with its subassemblies vibroactivity. Operation conditions and current technical state of each part should be taken into account.
It is considered as a mistake to compare levels received from various rotational speeds, loads and in many cases temperatures
as well. Vibration parameters, which should be used for the specific subassemblies or machines may be included in technical and
operational documentation of a device. It is worth to pay attention to dedicated damage parameters (e.g. bearing damage
indicators, estimated value for vibration signal in defined frequency bands, kurtosis and crest factor).
An important element of assessing machine condition is to observe trend of value change of chosen parameters in time. The best
approach is to start observation for a new machine or after finishing renovation works, when a real technical condition
of a machine and its individual subassemblies is known.

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10. VIBRATION LEVEL ANALYSIS IN MVIBE SOFTWARE
General vibration level is a basic
analysis of mVIBE software. Current
parameters, which are used in
calculations, are displayed at the
bottom part of the screen. You can
change them by choosing the button
, and then the command SETTINGS.
Separate analysis parameters can be
changed by selecting a name of every
one of them.
By choosing option Physical quantity
and unit you can decide, which physical
quantity will be determined from
vibration signal. mVIBE can convert
acceleration of vibrations into velocity
and displacement.

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For every physical quantity define, in
which unit you want to observe a result.
By choosing option Analysis mode from
the menu SETTINGS decide, which
parameter of vibrations you want to
determine. The software calculates a
value of Root Mean Square (RMS), peak
value (0-p, amplitude), peak-to-peak
value (p-p).
According to accepted criteria of
assessing subassembly’s technical
condition (defined in the standard,
DTR) enter frequency range, in which a
vibration parameter should be
determined.

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Also enter appropriate values of alarm
thresholds.
mVIBE has a function of searching in
the declared frequency band and
calculating component frequency level
(harmonic) of the biggest amplitude. An
option Search leading frequency is
responsible for it. In case of turning it
on, define how wide frequency band
will be included in the highest harmonic
level calculations.
It is essential, because frequency
definition analysis in mVIBE software
equals 1 Hz. If a value of a dominate
frequency is other than integer,
according to the theory an energy
signal observed in a vibration spectrum
spreads into neighbouring lines. In
practice, we suggest to set a parameter
value to 3 or 5.

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A clock indicator scale adjusts
automatically to current value of
analysis result. By proper colours,
defined alarm thresholds are marked.
A displayed numerical value changes its
colour depending on crossing the
following threshold level values.
Reaching the last threshold will result in
a sound signal.
After getting a stable result,
measurement can be stopped by
choosing the button at the top bar
of the application. Remember, during a
measurement a changing vibration
level, in a certain range, is normal. It is
caused by a temporary change in
machine’s load, vibrations of other
objects or machine’s components,
rumblings and the like.
You can run a measurement again by
the button .