MONARCH INSTRUMENT Nova-Strobe BBL User manual

Nova-Strobe BBL
Basic Battery LED Stroboscope
15 Columbia Drive • Amherst, NH 03031 USA
Phone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.monarchinstrument.com
Instruction Manual

SAFEGUARDS AND PRECAUTIONS
1. Read and follow all instrucons in this manual carefully, and retain this manual
for future reference.
2. Do not use this instrument in any manner inconsistent with these operang
instrucons or under any condions that exceed the environmental
specicaons stated.
3. Certain strobe frequencies can trigger epilepc seizures in those prone to that
type of aack.
4. Users should not stare directly at the light source.
5. Prolonged exposure to the light can cause headaches in some people.
6. Objects viewed with this product may appear to be staonary when in fact
they are moving at high speeds. Always keep a safe distance from moving
machinery and do no touch the target.
7. Do not allow liquids or metallic objects to enter the venlaon holes on the
stroboscope as this may cause permanent damage and void the warranty.
8. Do not allow cables extending from unit to come into contact with rotang
machinery, as serious damage to the equipment, or severe personal injury or
death may occur as a result.
9. This instrument may not be safe for use in certain hazardous environments,
and serious personal injury or death could occur as a result of improper use.
Please refer to your facility’s safety program for proper precauons.
10. Nova-Strobe LED units contains nickel metal hydride baeries which must
be disposed of in accordance with Federal, State, & Local Regulaons. Do
not incinerate. Baeries should be shipped to a reclamaon facility for
recovery of the metal and plasc components as the proper method of waste
management. Contact distributor for appropriate product return procedures.
11. This instrument is not user serviceable. For technical assistance, contact
the sales organizaon from which you purchased the product or Monarch
Instrument directly.

In order to comply with EU Direcve 2012/19/EU on
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE):
This product may contain material which could be
hazardous to human health and the environment. DO NOT
DISPOSE of this product as unsorted municipal waste. This product needs
to be RECYCLED in accordance with local regulaons; contact your local
authories for more informaon. This product may be returnable to your
distributor for recycling; contact the distributor for details.
Monarch Instrument’s Limited Warranty applies.
See www.monarchinstrument.com for details.
Warranty Registraon and Extended Warranty Coverage informaon is available
online at www.monarchinstrument.com.
Monarch Instrument holds the following US trademarks and registraons, all rights
reserved: illumiNova®, Nova-Pro®, Nova-Strobe™, DataChart™, Track-It™.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 OVERVIEW ..................................................................... 1
1.1 LED Strobe Control Panel ........................................... 1
2.0 GETTING STARTED ......................................................... 1
3.0 LED STROBE OPERATION ............................................... 2
3.1 Adjusng the Flash Rate - RPM .................................. 2
3.1.1 Mulply or Divide By 2....................................... 2
3.2 Adjusng the Flash Duraon (Brightness) .................. 2
3.2.1 Flash Duraon - Degrees .................................... 3
3.2.2 Flash Duraon - Microseconds ........................... 3
3.3 Display Units.............................................................. 4
4.0 BRIGHTNESS................................................................... 4
4.1 Calculang Blur.......................................................... 4
4.2 Degree of Rotaon Adjustment.................................. 5
4.3 Pulse Duraon Adjustment ........................................ 5
5.0 USING THE STROBOSCOPE TO MEASURE RPM............. 6
6.0 BATTERIES ...................................................................... 8
6.1 Low Baery Indicaon ............................................... 8
6.2 Charging the Baeries................................................ 8
6.3 Stroboscope Disposal................................................. 9
7.0 SPECIFICATIONS............................................................. 1 0
8.0 ACCESSORIES ................................................................. 1 1

1
Figure 1 LED Strobe Control Panel
1.0 OVERVIEW
The Nova-Strobe Basic BBL LED
(Light Eming Diode) is a rugged
industrial stroboscope that
provides extremely bright, uniform
light output for performing stop
moon diagnosc inspecon
and RPM measurement. The unit
has a pistol grip with lockable
trigger switch and wrist strap for
comfortable handheld operaon
or it may be mounted on a tripod
using the integral ¼ -20 UNC thread
at the base of the handle.
1.1 LED Strobe Control Panel
The Basic LED Strobe has a two-line alphanumeric liquid crystal display
(LCD) and a 4-key keypad that enables the user to control the operaon
of the unit. Most of the icons in the LCD are not used.
2.0 GETTING STARTED
The BBL is baery powered and has internal rechargeable baeries. The
unit should be charged before use (see secon 6.0). The actual operang
me of the stroboscope depends on the ash pulse width. Narrower ash
widths increase the operang me. Note that the BBL strobe will not
operate from the recharger supplied with the unit.
To turn on the stroboscope, depress and hold the trigger. The trigger may
be locked in posion using the side locking buon. To lock the stroboscope
on, depress the trigger as far as it will go and then press the locking buon.
Once the locking buon is set you may release the trigger and the trigger
will be held in place. To unlock the stroboscope, simply depress the trigger
and then release. 1

2
Note: The unit must power down completely (OFF will be displayed and
then disappear) before unit will power on again. This is normal
operaon. Wait 2 seconds before turning the unit back on.
3.0 LED STROBE OPERATION
3.1 Adjusng the Flash Rate - RPM
The ash rate can be adjusted by turning the knob on the side of the
unit – counter clockwise to increase the ash rate and clockwise to
decrease the ash rate. The knob is rate sensive; the faster you turn
the knob, the greater the change in ash rate. The smallest adjustment
is to add or subtract one from the least signicant (right most) digit on
the display.
3.1.1 Mulply or Divide By 2
The strobe ash rate can be instantly doubled (x2) or halved
(÷2) by pressing the x2 and ÷2 buons (shown right). This
is useful in determining actual rotaonal speed. Refer to
secon 4.0 on speed measurement for more informaon.
Note that if doubling or halving the ash rate will cause the
strobe to exceed its capability, the display will show OVER
or UNDER respecvely and the ash rate will remain at the current
ash value.
3.2 Adjusng the Flash Duraon (Brightness)
The ash duraon (the width of the LED ash) can be adjusted by the
user to be a preset number of degrees of rotaon (DEGS) or a xed
number with in microseconds (uSEC). The result is a more or less bright
image at the expense of less or more image blur. Read secon 4.0 on
Brightness for more detail.

3
3.2.1 Flash Duraon - Degrees
To view or adjust the ash duraon, press the BRIGHT
buon (shown right). The display will show the current
ash duraon in degrees of rotaon – note that there
are 360° in a complete rotaon. The degrees shown
is the amount of rotaon visible during the ash. The
higher the degrees, the brighter the image and the
more apparent the blur. Use the knob to increase or decrease the
ash duraon in degrees of rotaon. Adjusng the degrees will
cause this to be the controlling parameter for pulse width. As the
ash rate increases or decreases, the strobe will adjust the ash
duraon to keep it at the preset number of degrees provided this
does not exceed the strobe specicaons. Press any key other than
BRIGHT to exit or press BRIGHT again to go to MICROSECOND
adjustment.
3.2.2 Flash Duraon - Microseconds
To view or adjust the ash duraon in microseconds,
press the BRIGHT buon again aer viewing degrees or
press the BRIGHT buon twice from normal operaon.
The display will show the current ash duraon in
microseconds (uSECS) – this may be calculated from
phase degrees set above. Use the knob to increase
or decrease the ash duraon in microseconds. Adjusng the
microseconds will cause this to be the controlling parameter for
pulse width. As the ash rate increases or decreases, the strobe
will keep the ash duraon at the preset width in microseconds
provided this does not exceed the strobe specicaons. Press the
BRIGHT buon to exit the ash duraon adjustment.
1.2
DEGS
1234
uSECS

4
3.3 Display Units
The display can show the ash rate in revoluons per minute
(RPM) or per second (RPS or hertz). To switch between display
modes, press the DISPlay buon (shown right). The display
units will toggle at each press (RPM < > RPS).
4.0 BRIGHTNESS
The strobe’s brightness depends on how wide the LED ash pulse is; the
wider the pulse, the brighter the visual output from the LEDs. Since the
strobe is primarily used on reciprocang or rotang targets, there is a
downside to the wider ashes. All strobes work by giving short bursts of
light (the pulse width) at a rapid repeon rate (the ash rate). Strobes
rely on the persistence of the human eye (the ability to remember an
image) and its response to bright light to give an apparent stop moon
image. Imagine a sha rotang at 6000 RPM or one rotaon every 1/100
of a second (10 msec). If the strobe ashes once every 10 msec for a brief
moment, the user sees the ash at the same spot in the rotaon of the
sha and the persistence of the eye remembers this unl the next ash
making the sha appeared to be stopped. As the target is rotang, there
is some movement evident during the strobe ash. The longer the ash
duraon, the more obvious the rotaon is and this increases the blur.
4.1 Calculang Blur
Blur can be calculated. For example, if the sha takes 10 msec to
complete one revoluon and the strobe ash duraon is 100 μsec
(1/100 of a millisecond), the sha will turn:
(ash duraon/me per rotaon) x 360°, which is (.0001/.01) x 360 = 3.6°
So you will see the sha move 3.6°. As the ash pulse widens, you
will see greater degrees of rotaon which results in more blur and a
brighter perceived illuminaon (the LEDs are on longer so the average
light the eyes see is greater). The trade-o is blur versus brightness.

5
One also has to take into account tangenal velocity (rotaonal speed).
The further away the rotang point is from the center axis, the faster
the tangenal velocity and the worse the blur appears to be – it is
always the same number of degrees of rotaon but the physical length
of the blur gets bigger as the point moves faster. The strobe adjusts the
width of the pulse automacally to keep the degree of rotaon visible
constant.
There are two methods of adjusng the ash pulse width, and hence
the brightness and consequently the blur.
4.2 Degree of Rotaon Adjustment
The rst method is to adjust the ash pulse width for degree of rotaon
visible (blur). The user can set this from 0.2 to 14 degrees out of 360.
The higher the seng the brighter the strobe appears to be but the
target is more blurred. Opmal seng to stop moon is 1.8 to 3.6°.
The number of degrees is a proporonal amount and remains constant
as the ash rate increases or decreases. The strobe automacally
calculates how wide the pulse width should be at dierent ash rates
to keep the blur constant – the faster the ash rate the narrower the
pulse width. The pulse width equals: (seng in degrees/360) x (1/ash
rate in Hz).
Thus the blur remains constant no maer what the ash rate*.
4.3 Pulse Duraon Adjustment
The second method is to adjust the ash pulse width to a xed
number of microseconds. Here the user sets the ash pulse width in
microseconds not degrees. As the ash rate increases the pulse width
stays the same and the image will get brighter and more blurred as the
ash width remains constant*. The degree of rotaon visible changes
to keep the pulse width of the ash constant*.

6
*Note: There are two limits maintained by the strobe – the pulse can
never be greater than 3000 μs nor can it exceed 14° of rotaon.
The strobe automacally adjusts these values as the ash rate
is increased or decreased to maintain these limits at all mes.
For example - at a ash rate of 600 ashes per minute 14° of
blur represents a ash pulse width of 3800 μsec. The Strobe will
limit this value to 3000 μsec or 10.8° of rotaon (blur).
5.0 USING THE STROBOSCOPE TO MEASURE RPM
The primary use for a stroboscope is to stop moon for diagnosc inspecon
purposes. However, the stroboscope can be used to measure speed in
RPM/RPS. In order to do this, several factors need to be considered. First,
the object being measured should be visible for all 360° of rotaon (e.g.
the end of a sha). Second, the object should have some unique part on
it, like a bolt, keyway or imperfecon to use as a reference point. If the
object being viewed is perfectly symmetrical, then the user needs to mark
the object with a piece of tape or paint in a single locaon to be used as a
reference point. Look only at the reference point.
If the speed of rotaon is within the range of the stroboscope, start at a
higher ash rate and adjust the ash rate down. At some point, you will
stop the moon with only a single reference point of the object in view.
Note that at a ash rate twice the actual speed of the image you will see
two images (reference points). As you approach the correct speed, you
may see three, four or more images at harmonics of the actual speed. The
rst SINGLE image you see is the true speed. To conrm the true speed,
note the reading and adjust the stroboscope to exactly half this reading, or
just press the ÷2 buon. You should again see a single image which may be
phase shied with respect to the rst image seen.

7
For example, when viewing a sha with a single keyway you will see one
staonary image of the keyway at the actual speed and at 1/2, 1/3, 1/4,
etc, of the actual speed. You will see 2 images of the keyway at 2 mes
the actual speed, 3 images at 3 mes, etc. The FPM equals the shas
Revoluons Per Minute (RPM) at the highest ash rate that gives only one
staonary image of the keyway.
Stopped Image 1/4 mes 1/2 mes 1 me 2 mes 3 mes 4 mes
Flash Rate (FPM) 750 1500 3000 6000 9000 12000
Actual RPM
Example: Object rang @ 3000 RPM
If the speed is outside the full scale range of the stroboscope (500,000
FPM), it can be measured using the method of harmonics and mulpoint
calculaon. Start at the highest ash rate and adjust the ash rate down.
Be aware that you will encounter mulple images. Note the ash rate of
the rst SINGLE image you encounter and call this speed “A”. Connue
decreasing the ash rate unl you encounter a second SINGLE image and
note this speed as “B”. Connue decreasing the speed unl you reach a
third SINGLE image at speed “C”.
For a two-point calculaon, the actual speed is given by:
RPM = AB/(A-B)
For a three-point calculaon:
RPM = 2XY(X+Y)/(X-Y)² where
X = (A-B) and Y = (B-C)
In instances when you can shut down the device and install a piece of
reecve tape, then an opcal tachometer is easier to use for RPM
measurement. Stroboscopes must be used when you can’t shut down
the device. The human eye is not easily tricked into seeing a stopped
image by a stroboscope when the ash rate is slower than 300 FPM.
Therefore, stroboscopes are just about impossible to use below 300 FPM
for inspecon or to measure RPM.

8
6.0 BATTERIES
Nova-Strobe LEDs are ed with rechargeable NiMH (Nickel-Metal
Hydride) baeries. These baeries contain fewer toxic metals than NiCd
(Nickel Cadmium) and are currently classied environmentally friendly.
They also have 30% more capacity than NiCd baeries of the same size.
Like NiCds, NiMH baeries are prone to self-discharge, meaning 10 to 15%
of charge is lost in the rst 24 hours then connues at a rate of 0.5 to 1%
per day. For maximum performance, charge the baeries just prior to use.
When not in use, the baeries should be charged at least every three
months, otherwise the baery capacity will be reduced or the baeries
may become unusable.
Charge the baeries before use and allow 3-5 cycles of charging and
discharging for baeries to reach full capacity.
The enclosure contains control electronics to properly and safely charge
the baeries. Never remove the baeries from the enclosure and aempt
to charge externally. Always use the recharger supplied (PSC-2U).
6.1 Low Baery Indicaon
When the baeries are charged, there will be no baery icon
indicaon. When the baeries are low, the Low Baery icon will blink
in the display. The strobe may sll be used for a short me.
Low Baery Icon = outline blinking means very lile me le
The strobe has a protecon feature that prevents the strobe from
operang if the baery voltage is too low. This condion is indicated
by no ash and the display shows LO BAT. At this me, the baeries
must be recharged. Remember to release the trigger switch.
6.2 Charging the Baeries
The unit may be recharged at any me. You do not need to wait unl
the low baery condion is indicated.

9
To charge the strobe with the recharger:
1. Release the trigger so the strobe is o.
2. Plug the recharger cable into the recharger socket (located below
the display panel behind the handle).
3. Plug the recharger into an AC mains wall outlet (115/230 V ac).
CAUTION: Use of rechargers other than the one supplied
(PSC-2U) will damage the stroboscope and void the warranty.
When the recharger plug is inserted into the recharger jack, the strobe
will go into the Charging Mode. Make sure the trigger switch is not
depressed. The BBL strobe will not do anything else when charging
(e.g. it will not ash and the buons have no funcon).
When charging, the strobe will indicate CHRGE in the boom of the
display. The recharger will fast charge the baeries for about 4-5 hours
and then trickle charge the baeries.
Allow the recharger to charge the baeries unl the display shows
DONE for peak baery life performance. If the baeries are not charged
to 100% regularly, the baeries will lose capacity.
6.3 Stroboscope Disposal
Prior to disposing of the baery-powered strobe, the user must
remove the nickel metal hydride baeries. To do this, rst remove
the LED assembly. This will expose four (4) screws that must be
removed so the reector housing can be dismantled. There are four
(4) addional screws in the case half opposite the input and output
jacks that must be removed. The case halves can now be separated,
exposing the baeries. Remove the cables from the baeries and place
tape over the baery terminals to prevent them from shorng. The
baeries should be sent to a recycling center or returned to the factory.
The rest of the parts may now be disposed.

10
Specicaons* BBL Basic Baery LED Stroboscope
Flash Range 30-500,000 (FPM), 0.5 to 8333.33 Hz
Flash Rate
Accuracy 0.01% of seng or ± 1 last digit
Flash Rate
Resoluon
0.01 to 1 FPM, 0.1 FPM resoluon above 9,999.99 FPM, 1
FPM resoluon above 99,999.9
Display Update
Rate Instantaneous
Light Source 12 LED array
Light Output Average: 3000 lumens @ 6000 FPM 12 in. from lens
Flash Duraon Adjustable 0.5 to 3000 μs or 0.2 to 14 degrees of rotaon
(auto adjust with ash rate)
Display LCD with 6 numeric 0.506 in. [12.85 mm] high digits and 5
alphanumeric 0.282 in. [7.17 mm] high digits
Indicators Baery level
Knob Adjustment Digital rotary switch with 36 detents per revoluon;
velocity sensive
Time Base Ultra-stable crystal oscillator
Power Supply Internal NiMH rechargeable baeries with 115/230 V ac
50/60 Hz recharger
Run Time 12 hours typical @ 6000 FPM and 2.8° pulse width with
fully charged baeries
Charge Time 4-5 hours typical with supplied recharger
Weight 1.9 lbs. (860 g)
7.0 SPECIFICATIONS

11
8.0 ACCESSORIES
Carrying Case CC-7 PN: 6280-038 Latching carrying case with provisions for
accessories (included in BBL Kit)
Rubber Boot PN: 6280-048 Protecve boot covering reector housing
Splash-Proof Cover PN: 6280-041 Protecve cover for all Nova-Strobe
models
For a complete list of accessories, see webpage.
Dimensions
(LxWxH)
Body: 9 in. x 3.66 in. x 3.56 in. [229 mm x 93 mm x 90 mm];
Reector Housing: 4.8 in. [122 mm] dia.;
Handle: 4.254 in. [108 mm long]
Safety This product is designed to be safe for indoor use under
the following condions (per IEC61010-1).
Operang
Temperature 32-104 °F (0-40 °C)
Humidity
Maximum relave humidity 80% for temperature up to
88 °F (31 °C) decreasing linearly to 50% relave humidity at
104 °F (40 °C)
Compliance
CE compliant. Low Voltage Direcve (LVD) 2014/35/EU
Electromagnec Compability Direcve (EMC) 2014/30/EU
Restricon of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Direcve
2011/65/EU
Energy Eciency
Nova-Strobe BBL units with Firmware Revision 0.95 and
higher are compliant with the U.S. Department of Energy’s
energy conservaon standards specied in the Code of
Federal Regulaons 10 CFR 430.32(z) and are registered in
the DoE CCMS database.
*Specicaons are subject to change without noce.

15 Columbia Drive, Amherst NH 03031 USA
Tel.: [phone] // Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.monarchinstrument.com
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