Instantel 721A1401 User manual

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Instruction Sheet
This bulletin describes the procedure for connecting an External Trigger
Cable (P/N: 721A1401) to the Micromate monitoring unit and using it to
trigger and record waveform events on one or more Micromate units.
(Note: The External Trigger Cable only works while the Micromate unit is
monitoring in Waveform mode.)
Explanation
When the optional auxiliary I/O is congured for an external trigger,
the Micromate unit will monitor the input signal from the External
Trigger Cable for a voltage level change. The external trigger can be
used to trigger the Micromate unit at a specic time or to synchronize triggering up to six Micromate
units. The Micromate unit will determine the level, high or low, of the input before entering monitor
mode and automatically start recording within one sampling period when the signal level changes
from:
1. A high to a low level – This is referred to as a Wire Make. The two wires start out not connected
and are then connected by a push button or vibration event.
2. A low to a high level – This is referred to as a Wire Break. The two wires start out connected and
this connection is broken by a push button or vibration event.
If the external trigger does not change its state (trigger mechanism fails), the individual Micromate
units will still trigger based on their respective vibration and/or microphone conguration setups.
As an additional feature, with multiple Micromate units using the Wire Make conguration, if the trigger
mechanism fails, the rst Micromate unit to trigger from the vibration or air overpressure will drive the
external trigger signal low within two samples of this trigger. This will force the remaining units to start
recording data. (Note: This feature is not available with the external trigger congured as a Wire Break.)
Example Applications
1. An operator sees that a train has reached a specic point. The operator activates the external
trigger by pressing a button (or toggling a switch, etc.) This causes the Micromate unit to trigger
and start recording data.
2. Four Micromate units are installed in a building, each one on a different floor. The external trigger
of each Micromate unit is connected to a contact that will be opened or closed by a vibration
event. The activation of the contact causes all of the Micromate units to trigger and start recording
data. The results from each unit can help determine the propagation of the vibration through the
building.
3. Six Micromate units are installed with all of their external triggers connected in parallel as a wire
make. The Micromate unit’s trigger levels are setup so that each will be triggered by an external
event. As soon as one of the Micromate units is triggered it will drive the external trigger signal low
and force all of the remaining ve units to start recording data.
External Trigger Cable
for the Micromate®Monitoring Unit
2 m (6.5 ft) External Trigger Cable

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Tools and Materials Required
1. Micromate Monitoring Unit (up to 6 systems) . . . . . (P/N: 721A2501, 721A2601, 721A3601, 721A3801)
2. Micromate Unit Auxiliary Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (P/N: 721A0101)
3. Micromate Unit External Trigger Cable (one per unit) . . . (P/N: 721A1401)
4. Up to 152 meters (500 ft) of 22 AWG red/black wire
5. Wire strippers
6. Two position switch, as required
7. Electrical tape, as required
8. Volt meter / Ammeter
Testing the External Trigger
The External Trigger Cable should be tested prior to each use. Test the open circuit voltage and the short
circuit current of the while it is connected to the unit. Attach the trigger cable to the Micromate unit as
shown:
1. Test the open circuit voltage of the trigger cable while attached to the monitor. The voltage should be
3.4 volts. (Black wire is negative and brown wire is positive.)
2. Test the short circuit current of the trigger cable while attached to the monitor. The current should be
less than 0.14 mA.

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Congure a Single Micromate Unit with an External Trigger Cable
1. Test the maximum voltage and current as previously outlined in the “Testing the External Trigger” section.
2. Use the red/black 22 AWG wire to connect to the triggering device (switch or wire break mechanism).
3. Connect the free ends of the red/black wire to the Micromate Unit External Trigger Cable (red wire
connected to the brown wire of the trigger cable, black wire connected to the black wire of the trigger
cable).
4. Congure the Micromate Unit recording parameters (refer to the Micromate Monitoring Unit Operator
Manual):
a. Press the Setup key
b. Select View/Edit Current Setup
c. Active Sensors
d. Record Mode – MUST be Waveform
e. Record Time
f. Sample Rate
g. Trigger Level and source
h. Any applicable notes
5. Congure the Micromate Unit’s Auxiliary I/O for External Trigger.
a. Press the Setup key
b. Select View/Edit Current Setup
c. Scroll to the Auxiliary I/O menu (bottom menu)
d. Select Auxiliary Mode – External Trigger
6. Install the geophone and microphone sensors as required.
7. Perform a Sensor Check to ensure that all sensors are passing.
8. ENSURE THE VIBRATION SOURCE AREA HAS BEEN CLEARED.
9. Connect the External Trigger Cable to the AUX port on the Micromate unit.
10. Place the Micromate unit in monitor mode by pressing the Start Monitor key.
11. When the External Trigger changes state (Make/Break trigger), the Micromate will start recording the event.

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Congure Multiple Micromate Units with External Trigger Cables (up to 6)
1. Test the maximum voltage and current as previously outlined in“Testing the External Trigger.”
2. Use the red/black 22 AWG wire to connect all of the external trigger cables in parallel (red wire
connected to the brown wire of the trigger cable, black wire connected to the black wire of the trigger
cable), and to the triggering device (switch or wire break mechanism).
3. Congure each Micromate unit. Refer to the section “Congure a Single Micromate unit with an
External Trigger” and the Micromate Monitoring Unit Operator Manual.
4. Congure each Micromate Auxiliary I/O for External Trigger as per the section “Congure a Single
Micromate Unit with an Auxiliary Trigger.”
5. Install the geophone and microphone sensors for each unit as required.
6. Perform a Sensor Check to ensure that all sensors are passing.
7. ENSURE THE VIBRATION SOURCE AREA HAS BEEN CLEARED.
8. Connect the External Trigger Cables to the AUX ports on the Micromate units.
9. Place the Micromate units in monitor mode.
10. When the External Trigger changes state (Make/Break trigger), the Micromate unit will start recording the
event.

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721U1401 Rev 06 © 2023 Xmark Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Design, features, and specications are subject to change without notice. INSTANTEL, INSTANTEL LOGO, and MICROMATE are trademarks of Xmark Corporation, or an afliate thereof.
Warranty
Instantel products come with a limited one-year warranty against defects in materials or workmanship unless otherwise stated.
The warranty begins on the date of shipment from the Instantel factory to the customer and is subject to certain exclusions and
conditions as stated below. Monitoring units and sensors will have the warranty extended for a second year if they are returned to
the Instantel factory for service and calibration within 30 days of the ‘Next Calibration’ date printed on the calibration label located
on the product.
If, within a period of one year from the date of shipment to a customer, the instrument fails to perform in accordance with Instantel’s
published specications under normal use and operating conditions, it will be repaired or replaced at the sole discretion of Instantel
free of charge. Components subject to fair wear and tear in regular use, as solely determined by Instantel, are excluded from
this coverage. This warranty will not apply if the damage or malfunction occurs due to (i) adjustments, additions, alternations,
abuse, misuse or tampering of the instrument; (ii) instrument operation or use contrary to the operating instructions; (iii) power
fluctuations; or (iv) any other cause not within the cause or control of Instantel. If inspection by Instantel fails to disclose any defect
covered by this limited equipment warranty, the instrument will be repaired or replaced at customer’s expense and Instantel’s
regular service charges will apply. This warranty is non-transferable.
Any shipments returned directly to Instantel must have prior approval, and all packages must display the Return of Material
Authorization (RMA) number issued by Instantel. Shipping charges to Instantel’s factory will be paid by the customer and return
shipment to the customer will be paid by Instantel.
To protect your warranty, you must complete and return a Warranty Registration Certicate, or complete the online Warranty
Registration Form, within ten days of purchase. Products will be assumed out of warranty if no warranty card is on le at Instantel.
Retain this warranty statement and the proof of purchase for your records.
Except for the foregoing limited equipment warranty, Instantel makes no other warranties and hereby disclaims and excludes all
other warranties, whether statutory, express or implied, whether arising under law or equity or custom or usage, including any
implied warranty of merchantability, tness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, satisfactory quality, or quiet enjoyment,
and any warranty that the product supplied may not be compromised, or that the product will in all cases provide the function for
which it is intended.