CASTLE GA2002 User manual

www.castlegroup.co.uk
Operating Manual
Pocket Vibration Meter Range
GA2002
&
GA2003

Thank you for buying a Castle product, I am sure you will find both the goods and
the service to be of the highest quality but if not, then please feel free to write to
me personally and I will ensure that your needs are dealt with immediately.
This manual is designed to show you the operation of the goods you have
purchased and a very brief insight into acoustics itself. If you would like to
become a competent person in the eyes of the law, then you may like to know
more about our Competent Persons training course for Noise at Work
Reulations. You can visit www.castle-training.com to find out more.
It is my intention for Castle Group Ltd to provide a wide range of technical health
and safety products and Services of the highest standard. If you would like to
know more about any of our other products and services then please telephone
on [phone] or visit www.castlegroup.co.uk
Simon Bull
Managing Director

Copyright
This manual is copyrighted with all rights reserved. Copying in part or in whole is
prohibited without the prior written consent of Castle Group Ltd.
Precautions
Only operate the instrument as described in this manual.
These are precision instruments, protect from shocks and vibrations.
Ambient conditions for the operation of the unit are as follows:-
Temperature: -10C to +50C
Relative Humidity: 25 to 90%
Protect the unit from extremes of temperature and humidity, direct sunlight
and air with a high salt or sulphur content.
Always turn the unit off after use. Remove the batteries from the instrument
when not in use.
Do not use any solvents or cleaning agents on the instrument. Use only a
soft dry cloth or a soft cloth lightly moistened with water when necessary.
Do not allow any conductive objects, such as wire or metal particles to enter
the unit.
Do not try to disassemble the instrument or attempt any repairs as this will
invalidate your warranty. Take a note of the condition of the instrument and
contact your authorised Castle service station.
To ensure continued precision performance of your instrument have it
checked and serviced at regular intervals.
Contacting Castle Group
This manual contains complete operating instructions for the Castle Pocket
Vibration Meter range, read it carefully and you will quickly become familiar with
your instrument and its operation.
If you do encounter problems with the operation of your instrument please feel
free to contact customer support with your enquiry on: -
Telephone:
[phone]
Fax:
[phone]
Website:
www.castlegroup.co.uk
Email:
[e-mail]
[e-mail]

Contents
Introduction............................................................................................... 1
Using the Manual.................................................................................... 1
Notes Before Use ................................................................................... 1
Measuring Vibration.............................................................................. 2
Hand ARM (HARM) Vibration Direction .............................................................. 4
Transducer Mounting................................................................................................... 4
Vibration Level.................................................................................................................. 5
Frequency Weighting.................................................................................................... 5
Battery Installation / Check............................................................... 7
Fitting the Accelerometer ................................................................... 7
Switching the Instrument On & Off.................................................. 8
(Status) Button........................................................................................ 8
(Parameter) Buttons............................................................................. 9
Changing or Viewing Instrument Settings ................................. 10
Setup Screen.................................................................................................................10
Detector .......................................................................................................................10
Parameter...................................................................................................................11
Filter ...............................................................................................................................12
Range ............................................................................................................................12
Viewing the Setup Screen .......................................................................................12
Changing Settings within the Setup Screen ...................................................12
Storing Data .......................................................................................... 13
Reviewing/Clearing Stored Data................................................... 13
Viewing Data ..................................................................................................................13
Clearing Data.................................................................................................................14
Calibration .............................................................................................. 14
Warranty and After Sales Service................................................ 15
EC Declaration of Conformity.......................................................... 16
Technical Specifications.................................................................... 17
Accessories............................................................................................ 18
Instrument Disposal ........................................................................... 18
Instrument Details .............................................................................. 19
Disclaimer............................................................................................... 19

Page 1
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing your product from Castle Group Ltd.
The Castle Pocket Vibration Meter range has been designed to deliver cost
effective vibration measurement solutions.
Your instrument can cater for various degrees of experience with it being
simple to to operate and interprate the measurement results.
Using the Manual
In the course of this manual a named button written in BOLD means press
that button E.g. OK means press the OK button
Notes Before Use
Due to the compact screen it has not been possible to fit the full notation for
velocity units and the value, so the units displayed as ms-1 are actually
millimeters per second or mms-1.
There is a slight delay between switching the unit off and it turning off, this is
while your data is backed up. If the power switch is pressed during this delay
your settings may be lost.
Holding your finger on a key will mean the key is pressed successively as far
as the instrument is concerned. To avoid confusion when using the keypad,
press the keys firmly and release them quickly.
If using the instrument with a magnet make sure you have removed the
keeper (metal disc covering the magnet) from the magnet before use.

Page 2
Measuring Vibration
It is advisable to validate your instrument prior to, and after taking
measurements using a known vibration source such as the Castle GA606
Vibration Calibrator.
To ensure measurements are as accurate and as repeatable as possible
always ensure that your cable is tightened securely to your accelerometer
and that the accelerometer is mounted as securely and as flush as possible
to the vibration source. The trailing cable of the accelerometer should also
be attached to the vibration source without creating a potential hazard for
the operator or other people. Where practicable it may be beneficial to
permanently attach the accelerometer cable.
Where possible always mount the accelerometer as near to the centre of
where the operator holds and grips the vibration source. In reality this is not
always possible and the best compromise must be achieved.
Measurement durations are not governed but as a rule of thumb use an
absolute minimum time period of 15 seconds for Hand Arm Vibration. It is
recommended depending on the process that a minimum period of 3 to 15
minutes is used for Hand Arm vibration. These increased durations will
undoubtedly increase the accuracy and repeatability of your measured
results.
The vibration is measured in one axis only and once all axes have been
individually recorded you will have to assess how long the operator is exposed
to the machine.
Taking the Vector sum acceleration is the preferred method of calculating
vibration dose although it is not the only option. It is possible to look at the
Dominant Axis. This means that once you have taken the X, Y and Z readings
you may take the largest one providing that it is larger than the other axes by
a factor of two or more.
The parameter A(8) is actually the partial vibration dose based on 8 hours. It
is calculated as follows: -
This parameter is given by the GA2003 providing the measurement period is
equal to the duration of the work.
Alternatively the AV (Linear Average Value) may be used in the above
equation (ah,w) and the time (t) is the daily exposure time for this operation
where i is the reference for the individual measurement and 8 is for the 8
hour day.
8
)8( ,
t
Aawh
i


Page 3
The result of this equation is the contribution to daily exposure and the
reason that this is used is to give a measurement to each of a number of
processes that may be carried out in one day. To calculate the overall daily
exposure from a set of partial exposures, the following equation is used: -
Where A1(8), A2(8) and A3(8) are the partial vibration exposure values for
each vibration source.
The nomogram shown below can also be used instead of the previous
calculation.
)8()8( 2
3
2
2
2
1)8()8(
AAA
A 

Page 4
Hand ARM (HARM) Vibration Direction
For Hand Arm vibration (GA2003 Only), the three axes being measured can
be measured in any orientation; however it is recommended that the
suggested axes indicated in the figure below are used. If this is not possible,
then choosing other axes orientation is permissible and will not affect your
measured data.
In all cases it is strongly recommended to make notes on the axes used
relative to the vibration source. This information will be required if vibration
control is to be implemented on the vibration source.
Transducer Mounting
If your Pocket Vibration meter is supplied with a spike probe this can be used
for the interface of the transducer to the vibration source.
Mounting of the single axis accelerometer to the vibration source can also be
achieved by tapping a stud into the vibration source and attaching the
accelerometer to the stud. Alternatively the stud may be adhered to the
device with an adhesive that dries rigid. Castle Group Ltd can supply a glue
and stud pack if required, (order code K01215).

Page 5
Vibration Level
For ease of use and where high levels of vibration may occur, the Pocket
Meter Vibration Range has been designed with 2 operating ranges.
Before you record measurements take the time to ensure you have selected
the optimum range for the process being recorded.
Generally the optimum range is generally the lowest range that can be
selected that does not produce an overload condition for the process being
monitored.
Where high levels of vibration are encountered the meter may register an
overload and in these circumstances the meter will display that this has
occurred. In such cases you will need to select a higher range to
accommodate the higher peak levels.
If the vibration levels are too low for the range selected then the meter will
display an under range condition. Under these circumstances you will need to
select a lower range.
Frequency Weighting
Vibration damage to the hand occurs when the hand absorbs the majority
of the vibration energy. If the vibration is slow, the wrist and arm joints will
damp the vibration energy. If the vibration is fast, the skin of the hand will
absorb the energy. In between, the hand itself absorbs vibration energy.
The HARM filter (GA2003 Only) selects the most harmful frequencies to a
human. The value given using the HARM filter displays not how much the
machine is vibrating but how much vibration is being absorbed by the hand.
The HARM frequency response is shown graphically below: -
-110
-90
-70
-50
-30
-10
0.01 0.1 1 10 100 1000 10000
Frequency (Hz)
Gain (dB)

Page 6
Both instrument types have a mechanical filter which has a flat pass band
useful for machine monitoring. The frequency response is shown below: -
-40.00
-35.00
-30.00
-25.00
-20.00
-15.00
-10.00
-5.00
0.00
5.00 0.1 1 10 100 1000 10000
Frequency (Hz)
Gain (dB)
The GA2002 model has a linear frequency weighting filter which does not
attenuate any vibration regardless of frequency. The frequency response is
shown below: -
-5.00
0.00
5.00 0.1 1 10 100 1000 10000
Frequency (Hz)
Gain (dB)

Page 7
Battery Installation / Check
To prepare the equipment for use a heavy duty alkaline battery type 6LR61
should be fitted, such as a Procell/Duracell MN1604, Ever Ready 6LF22
Gold Seal, or equivalent.
The battery door is located on the bottom left hand side of the instrument.
Open the battery door cover by sliding the cover downward towards the
bottom of the instrument. The cover will now swing open exposing the
battery compartment. Insert the battery observing the correct polarity as
marked on the case wall.
Close the battery compartment door by reversing the procedure above. The
instrument is now ready for calibration and use.
The battery condition can be checked at any time by pressing the STATUS
key twice. The battery condition indicated by a series of vertical bars –4 bars
shows a fully charged battery, while1 bar shows one that is almost flat. It is
recommended that the battery should be replaced if only 1 bar is displayed.
Fitting the Accelerometer
To remove the accelerometer and cable, grip the collar of the
cable connector and gently turn the collar anti-clockwise to
undo.
To remove the accelerometer from the cable, grip the
accelerometer and gently turn anti-clockwise. Take care when
performing both operations that the cable is not twisted.
CASTLE
Accelerometer cable connection point
GA2002
GA2003

Page 8
Switching the Instrument On & Off
Press and release the POWER button once and the instrument turns on.
Allow the instrument to scroll through its start-up sequence before pressing
any other button; this will take approximately 10 seconds.
Please do not press any other key during the start up sequence as data loss
may occur
When the instrument has been turned on and completed its start up
procedure, the meter will display the last parameter it was measuring at the
time it was switched off.
To switch the instrument off, press and release the POWER button once.
There is a slight delay between switching the unit off and it turning off, this is
while your data is backed up.
(Status) Button
Repeat press this button to display the following information on your
instrument: -
Operating State (RUNNING or PAUSED)
Battery Level
Instrument Version Number
All functions can be held so that they do not update by pressing the
Left/Right Arrow key whilst the display shows RUNNING. During this period
the screen displays PAUSED.
For normal operation of the instrument to continue press the Left/Right
Arrow key once more and the screen display RUNNING.

Page 9
(Parameter) Buttons
Depending on your instrument model the following integration methods are
available: -
Method
Description
Acceleration
A vector quantity which is the rate of change of velocity with
respect to time. Displayed in g on the GA2002 and in m/s2
(metres per second per second) on the GA2003. (g is the
acceleration due to gravity on the earth’s surface and
defined as 9.80665 m/s-2 )
Velocity
The speed at which an object travels in a particular direction.
Displayed in mms-1 (millimetres per second) .
Displacement
A measure of the movement incurred on an object from a
resting position. Displayed in µm (micro metres).
Performing a mathematical integration function on Acceleration gives Velocity
whilst integrating Velocity gives Displacement.
Press the following buttons on the specified instrument to operate using the
stated method: -
Method
Instrument
Button
Acceleration
GA2002, GA2003
ACCEL
Velocity
GA2002, GA2003
VEL
Displacement
GA2002
DISP
The GA2003 has a parameter button HARM, press this to use the frequency
weighting curve used in legislation for Hand Arm Vibration.

Page 10
Changing or Viewing Instrument Settings
Setup Screen
The setup screen tells you the following information: -
The detector the instrument is using
The parameter the instrument is measuring
The filter the instrument is using
The operating range of the instrument
Detector
The detector determines if the instrument is measuring the running rms
(Root Mean Square) value or the peak value.
If rms is selected then the display shows RMS.
If peak is selected then the disply shows PK.
Depending on the instrument type and the inetegration method selected, the
running rms is calculated as shown below: -
Running rms
Acceleration
(g)
GA2002
Arms
1
t
t
ta( )aw
 
2ta( )


d
9.807
 g( )
t = instantaneous time (seconds)
= integration time of the measurent (seconds)
aw(ta) = instantaneous acceleration value
(ta) = time (seconds)
Running rms
Acceleration
(ms-2)
GA2003
Arms 1
t
t
ta( )aw
 
2ta( )


d ms 2
 
t = instantaneous time (seconds)
= integration time of the measurent (seconds)
aw(ta) = instantaneous acceleration value
(ta) = time (seconds)

Page 11
Running rms
Velocity
(Metric)
Vrms tv( )
1
t
t
ta( )aw
 
2ta( )




d














d mms 1
 
t = instantaneous time (seconds)
= integration time of the measurent (seconds)
aw(ta) = instantaneous acceleration value
(ta), (tv) = time (seconds)
Running rms
Displacement
(Metric)
Drms td( )tv( )
1
t
t
ta( )aw
 
2ta( )




d














d






d mm( )
t = instantaneous time (seconds)
= integration time of the measurent (seconds)
aw(ta) = instantaneous acceleration value
(ta), (tv), (td) = time (seconds)
Peak is calculated as follows: -
Peak
The peak level of the instantaneous acceleration, velocity
or displacement over the measurement period
Parameter
The available parameters with associated screen description are shown
below: -
Screen Display
Parameter Description
H
Current HARM vibration level
AV
Current vibration level average
(LAV –Linear Average Value)
A8
Partial Daily Exposure Level (GA2003 Only)
The amount of vibration exposure measured expressed as
an 8 hour daily exposure
mx
Maximum Arms level reached over the measurement
period

Page 12
Filter
The available filters with associated screen description are shown below: -
Screen Display
Parameter Description
mc
Mechanical Filter
Ln
(GA2002 Only)
Linear Filter
HM
(GA2003 Only)
HARM Filter
For a description of the filters refer to the section Frequency Weighting.
Range
The available ranges with associated screen description are shown below: -
Screen Display
Range
L
Low Range (High Sensitivity)
H
High Range (low Sensitivity)
Always select the lowest range that does not produce an overload condition
for the process being monitored.
Viewing the Setup Screen
View the setup screen by repeat-pressing the appropriate Parameter button
( ACCEL, VEL, DISP, or HARM ).
Due to the screen size the information is abbreviated to fit on the screen. As
an example, if the screen displays: -
The instrument has the following settings: -
Detector = rms
Parameter = Current vibration level average
Filter = Mechanical Filter
Range = High Range
RMSAVmcH

Page 13
Changing Settings within the Setup Screen
To change any setting press the ENTER button.
The selected setting flashes indicating that this setting can be changed.
Press the UP / DOWN button to cycle through the available options for
that particular setting.
Press the LEFT/RIGHT button to cycle through the available settings and
repeat as required.
To return to the previous screen press the ENTER button.
Storing Data
To store the value you are currently viewing press the ENTER button.
A message appears informing you which location the data has been stored
to. This location is useful to remember when reviewing logged values.
Reviewing / Clearing Stored Data
To review or clear data stored in memory press the FUNCTION button.
The LEFT / RIGHT arrow button selects between VIEWER and DELETE.
Viewing Data
To view data from memory select VIEWER and press the UP / DOWN
button. The screen will read VIEW 1.
If you wish to view record 1 press the LEFT / RIGHT arrow button.
To view the settings associated with the record press the LEFT / RIGHT
arrow button again.
Select other records by pressing the UP / DOWN button.

Page 14
Clearing Data
To clear data from memory select DELETE and press the UP / DOWN
button. The screen will read DEL 1.
To clear the record press the ENTER button. You will be asked to confirm
your decision.
To confirm press the ENTER button and wait until the display changes.
Press any other button to abort.
To select other records press the LEFT / RIGHT button.
Calibration
Calibration should be performed using a GA606 vibration calibrator which
produces a output of 10ms-2 .
The instrument should be set to the following: -
Acceleration
Linear
Low range

Page 15
Warranty and After Sales Service
Castle Group Ltd design and manufacture precision instruments, which if
treated with reasonable care and attention should provide many years of
trouble free service.
In the event of a fault occurring, during the warranty period, the instrument
should be returned to Castle Group Ltd, in its original packaging, or to an
authorised agent. Please enclose a clear description of the fault or symptom.
Details of the warranty cover are available from Castle Group Ltd or an
authorised agent.
All instruments are designed to meet rigid British and International
Standards. An annual calibration is recommended to ensure that these high
standards are maintained. This is particularly important for cases in which
instrument readings are to be used in litigation or compliance work.
For warranty and service return to: -
The Service Department
Castle Group Ltd
Salter Road
Cayton Low Road Industrial Estate
Scarborough
North Yorkshire
YO11 3UZ
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.castlegroup.co.uk
Any misuse or unauthorised repairs will invalidate the warranty.
Damage caused by faulty or leaking batteries is not covered by the warranty.

Page 16
EC Declaration of Conformity
The CE marking of the Castle Pocket Vibration Meter range indicates compliance with the EMC
Directive.
Castle Group Ltd declares that the: -
 GA2002 and GA2003 range of Vibration Meters
have in accordance with the following Electromagnetic Compatibilty Directives: -
 SI 2005/281
 2004/108/EC
been designed and manufactured to meet the following tests: -
 Radiated Emissions: EC 61000-6-3:2005 + IEC 61000-6-4:1995
 ESD: IEC 61000-6-2:2005
Levels: ±4kV(C) , ±8kV(A)
 RF EM Amplitude Mod: IEC 61000-6-2:2005
Level 10 V/m
No differences in radio frequency emissions are apparent between operating modes of multipurpose
instruments.
No performance or function degradation is noticeable whilst subject to electrostatic discharge or a.c power
frequency and radio frequency fields under any operating mode with the meter. Greatest susceptibility to a.c
power frequencies at 180to source.
We hereby declare that the instruments named above have been designed to comply with the relevant
sections of the above referenced specifications, and that the above named instruments comply with all
essential requirements of the specified Directives.