MONARCH INSTRUMENT PALM STROBE x User manual

Instruction Manual
PALM STROBE x
Pocket-Sized Portable Stroboscope
15 Columbia Drive
Amherst, NH 03031 USA
Phone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.monarchinstrument.com

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. User 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. There are lethal voltages present inside this product. Refer to the secon on
Lamp Replacement before aempng to open this product.
8. 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.
9. Do not allow cables extending from the 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.
10. 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 you facility’s safety program for proper precauons.
11. This product contains nickel-metal hydride baeries which must be disposed
of in accordance with Federal, State and 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. Refer to
secon 7.3 of this manual, and contact your distributor for appropriate product
return procedures.
12. 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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
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.
1.0 DESCRIPTION .....................................................................1
1.1 Display Panel .................................................................2
2.0 PREPARATION FOR USE .....................................................2
2.1 Power ............................................................................3
2.2 Input/Output Connecons .............................................3
3.0 OPERATION .......................................................................4
3.1 Internal Mode - Standard Strobe Operaon ...................5
3.2 External Input Mode ......................................................7
3.3 Tach Mode (No Flash) – External Input Required ............7
4.0 USING THE STROBOSCOPE TO MEASURE RPM ................7
5.0 LAMP REPLACEMENT ........................................................9
6.0 BATTERY PACK .................................................................11
6.1 Low Baery Indicaon .................................................12
6.2 Charging the Baery Pack ............................................13
6.3 Baery Disposal ...........................................................14
7.0 SPECIFICATIONS ..............................................................15
7.1 Compliance ..................................................................17
8.0 SENSORS/ACCESSORIES AND PARTS ..............................18

1
1.0 DESCRIPTION
The PALM STROBE x is a sophiscated stroboscope with many features,
yet remains simple to operate. It is a pocket-size, lightweight, industrial
strength, single-handed operaon instrument that ts in the palm of your
hand. A four-quadrant Tuner Buon adjusts the ash rate, and provides
mulply/divide by 2 funcons. A large, bright, backlit, 6-digit alphanumeric
LCD shows the ash rate and mode of operaon. The strobe can store and
recall eight programmable ash rate sengs and the last used seng in
nonvolale memory, so that the unit “remembers” all the ash rates when
the power is turned o.
The strobe has a removable, rechargeable baery pack which provides up
to 2 hours of connuous use depending on the ash rate. This baery pack
clips in and out with no tools required. An oponal second baery pack
allows for longer operaon in the eld. A ¼-20 UNC thread bushing on the
underside of the strobe allows for tripod mounng. The strobe locks “ON”
for hands-free operaon.
The Input/Output phone jack will accept an external input up to the
maximum FPM and can be used with an external Self-Powered Sensor to
measure RPM. The Input/Output phone jack will also provide TTL output
pulses for each ash.
This product protected by U.S.A. Patents D492,805 and 6,945,666.
Figure 1 PALM STROBE x
LCD
Mode Buon
Tuning Buon
Baery Charge
Indicator
Baery Recharger
Socket
Removable
Baery Pack
Power Buon
Input/Output
Phone Jack

2
1.1 Display Panel
The display panel consists of a backlit, liquid crystal display with six
alphanumeric digits which indicate modes, ash rates, etc.
Other icons or messages in the display indicate the following:
Baery icon: displayed when the baery is geng low. There is
protecon circuitry in the unit that will prevent the baery from
being over discharged or prevent the unit from being operated
with a low baery.
On-Target Indicator: for Tachometer Mode and Remote Sensor
in External Input Mode
Lock icon: shown to indicate that the strobe is locked on
External Input Mode: displays when mode is acvated
Tachometer Mode: displays when mode is acvated
Divide/Mulply by 2: when this icon is shown, rocking the tuning
buon to the le will divide the current ash rate by two and
rocking the tuning buon to the right will mulply the current
ash rate by two.
2.0 PREPARATION FOR USE
PALM STROBE x may be hand held or mounted on a tripod or other user
supplied bracket using the ¼-20 UNC bushing in the base of the unit.
Baery Recharger
Socket
EXT
TACH
÷2 x2
Figure 2 Display Panel

3
2.1 Power
PALM STROBE x has a removable Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) Baery
Pack that clips in and out of the main strobe housing. The Baery
Pack should be charged before use (see Secon 6.0). The strobe has a
protecon feature that prevents the strobe from operang if the baery
voltage is low. This condion is indicated by no ash and the Low Baery
icon ( ) will be displayed (see Secon 6.1). At this me, the baery
pack must be recharged or exchanged for a fully charged baery pack.
The actual operang me of the stroboscope depends on the ash rate
and duty cycle of operaon. Slower ash rates increase the operang
me.
2.2 Input/Output Connecons
PALM STROBE x has a TTL Input/Output phone jack on the side of
the stroboscope. This jack accepts a 1/8 inch [3.5 mm] stereo phone
plug and can be used for external triggering or synchronizaon of the
stroboscope or for providing a TTL pulse output, synchronous with the
ash.
The jack’s outer connecon (barrel) is common, the inner or center
connecon is the signal, and the p is the pulse output (see Figure 3).
The input and output are TTL compable.
Signal Output
Signal Input
Common
(GND)
Common
(GND)
Signal
Input
Signal
Output
Figure 3 Input/Output Connector Detail

4
With no external input the strobe provides a TTL compable pulse
output from the strobe’s internal oscillator. If an external input is
applied, the output pulse mimics the input pulse. The jack has no
voltage output for a sensor.
3.0 OPERATION
To turn on the stroboscope, press and release the On/O buon ( ).
Press and release the On/O buon ( ) again to turn the strobe o.
When the strobe is powered up, it will begin ashing immediately at the
last internal ash rate displayed. The last digit changed will ash for 5
seconds allowing the digit to be changed again. Rock the tuning buon up
or down to change the ashing digit. Rock the tuning buon le or right to
select a dierent digit to change.
The ash rate is displayed on the LCD in ashes per minute, which typically
is the same as RPM.
The PALM STROBE x has three primary operang modes (Internal,
External Input and Tach) and three funcons (÷2 ×2, Recall and Store) that
are adjusted by the MODE buon. By default, the strobe powers up in the
Internal Mode. Pressing the MODE buon will change the mode/funcon
in the following order: ÷2 ×2, Recall, Store, External, Tach, Internal. The ÷2
×2, Recall and Store funcons are only applicable to the Internal Mode.
In the Internal Mode, the tuner buon adjusts the ash rate from the
minimum to the maximum number of Flashes Per Minute (FPM or RPM).
In the External Input Mode, an external signal from another strobe or
a remote self-powered sensor is used to trigger the ash and the tuner
buon has no eect. In the Tach Mode the unit will not ash, but will
display the input from an external (self-powered) sensor as RPM up to
250,000 RPM.
Signal
Output

5
3.1 Internal Mode - Standard Strobe Operaon
In the Internal Mode the stroboscope generates it’s own frequency
variable speed signals and funcons like a typical stroboscope. This is
the default start up mode.
The rubber tuning buon funcons as a
joysck. The tuning buon is sensive
in four direcons. Place your thumb on
the buon and use a rocking moon
(forward, back, or side-to-side) to
control it (see Figure 4). It is possible to
adjust the strobe in 0.1 FPM increments.
To change the ash rate:
1. Press the tuning buon. The last digit changed will begin blinking.
2. Rock the tuning buon to the le or right to select which digit to
change. The digit blinking is the one to be changed.
3. Rock the tuning buon up or down to increase or decrease the
value of the blinking digit. The digit will stop blinking aer 5 blinks
and the strobe will connue to ash at the new ash rate.
To mulply or divide the current ash rate by 2:
1. Press the MODE buon once. The ÷2 ×2 icon will be displayed.
2. Rock the tuning buon to the le for ÷2 or right for ×2. (Rocking
the tuning buon up or down while in the ÷2 ×2 Mode will have
no eect.)
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 each me you want to mulply or divide the
ash rate.
Note: If a mulply or divide operaon will exceed the limits of the unit,
upper limit or lower limit, the display will indicate OVER or
UNDER and no change will be made to the ash rate.
Figure 4 Tuning Buon

6
To select a ash rate from a Preset (memory) locaon:
1. Press the MODE buon once. The ÷2 ×2 icon will be displayed.
2. Press the MODE buon again (without pressing the rubber tuning
buon in between). “RECALL” will be displayed.
3. Rock the tuning buon up or down to select a preset ash rate.
The display will show “R MEMX”, where X=the present locaon (1-
8), and then display the ash rate saved in that locaon and begin
ashing at the specied ash rate with each press of the buon.
4. Press the MODE buon to return to the Internal Mode using the
selected ash rate.
To store the current ash rate in a Preset (memory) locaon:
1. Press the MODE buon once. The ÷2 ×2 icon will be displayed.
2. Press the MODE buon a second me (without pressing the rubber
tuning buon in between). “RECALL” will be displayed.
3. Press the MODE buon again (without pressing the rubber tuning
buon in between). “STORE” will be displayed.
4. Rock the tuning buon up or down to select the locaon in which
to store the current ash rate. The display will show “S MEMX”,
where X=the present locaon (1-8), and then display the ash rate
saved in that locaon.
5. Once you have selected a preset locaon to overwrite, press
the MODE buon to save the current ash rate in that locaon.
“SAVING” will be displayed and then you will return to the Internal
Mode.

7
3.2 External Input Mode
Press the MODE buon (without pressing the tuning buon in
between) unl the EXT icon is displayed. An external input is required
(TTL compable source from a self-powered sensor).
In the External Input Mode there are no ash rate adjustments the
user can make. The ash rate is triggered by the TTL input signal.
This mode is used to synchronize the ash to an external event (for
example, from an opcal sensor) to stop or freeze moon for ming
studies or balancing machines. The ash will be triggered on the rising
edge of the external input pulse.
The maximum input is 12,500 FPM, above which the strobe will no
longer ash.
3.3 Tach Mode (No Flash) – External Input Required
Press the MODE buon (without pressing the tuning buon in
between) unl the TACH icon is displayed. In the Tachometer Mode,
the unit will read the signal from the external input (self-powered
sensor) and display the reading on the LCD, without ashing the lamp.
The strobe can read up to 250,000 RPM in this mode.
4.0 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 also be used to
measure speed. 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, while the object
is staonary, to be used as a reference point. Look only at the reference
point.

8
If the speed of rotaon is within the range of the stroboscope, start at
the highest 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 le of the joysck buon for the ÷2 funcon. You should
again see a single image (which may be phase shied with respect to the
rst image seen).
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 keyway images at 3 mes, etc. (see Figure 5). The Flash Per
Minute (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.
Figure 5 Object Rotang at 3000 RPM
If the speed is outside the full scale range of the stroboscope (12,500
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”.

9
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)
If a self-powered sensor is used to sense one pulse per revoluon (External
Input Mode), the readout will display directly in RPM (FPM) without any
adjustment required.
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. You can use the PALM STROBE x with an external sensor as
an opcal tachometer. Stroboscopes need only be used as a tachometer
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, a stroboscope image is dicult to use below 300
FPM for inspecon or to measure RPM.
5.0 LAMP REPLACEMENT
WARNING: Before aempng to remove the lamp, make sure the
stroboscope is turned o and remove the Baery Pack (see Secon
6.0). Allow the lamp to cool, waing at least 5 minutes.
The stroboscope is designed to discharge the internal high voltages within
30 seconds. However, cauon should be exercised when replacing the
lamp.
To change the lamp:
1. To gain access to the lamp, it is only necessary to remove the front lens,
which is held in place by the rubber bumper. Pry the rubber bumper o
the end of the unit. The reector is held in place by the front lens and
will come loose, but it is not necessary to remove the reector.

10
2. Hold the lamp with a cloth between your forenger and thumb and
rock it back and forth gently while pulling out. Do not aempt to rotate
the lamp. The lamp is socketed and will come out easily when pulled
straight out.
WARNING: Do NOT touch the new lamp with bare ngers.
3. Using a lint-free cloth, insert the new lamp by gently rocking the lamp
while pushing it into place (see Figure 6). Make sure the lamp is in
straight and centered in the reector hole.
L-1905 Lamp
Note: Older PALM STROBES and ashtubes
may have a red dot (•) on the
ashtube and connector to indicate
polarity. If present, match red to red.
Figure 6 Lamp Replacement
4. Reinstall the reector (if necessary) and then posion the front lens in
place matching up the notches on the lens with the two small tabs on
the housing to prevent lens rotaon (see Figure 6). Stretch the rubber
bumper over the top and boom case halves to seal in the reector
and front lens.

11
6.0 BATTERY PACK
The PALM STROBE x Baery Pack is ed with rechargeable NiMH (nickel-
metal hydride) baeries. These baeries contain fewer toxic metals than
Ni-Cd (nickel-cadmium) and are currently classied “environmentally
friendly”. They also have 30% more capacity than Ni-Cd baeries of the
same size.
Like Ni-Cds, NiMH baeries are prone to self-discharge - 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 charger supplied (PSC-2U).
The PALM STROBE x Baery Pack can be removed by pressing the two
latches on either side of the unit while gently pulling the Baery Pack
outwards (see Figure 7). To install the Baery Pack, slide it into the strobe
unl you hear the side latches engage and lock. Match the top and boom
colors when inserng the Baery Pack into the strobe. The Baery Pack is
keyed so that it cannot be inserted into the strobe upside down.
CAUTION: The terminals on the Baery Pack are recessed. DO NOT
SHORT THESE CONNECTIONS. There is a non-serviceable internal
reseable fuse for protecon.

12
Top is blue
Note: Match top and boom case
colors when sliding Baery
Pack into the strobe.
Press both sides
to release
Boom is gray
Figure 7 Baery Pack Removal/Installaon
6.1 Low Baery Indicaon
When the baeries are low, the Low Baery icon ( ) is displayed.
The strobe may sll be used for a short me. When the baery charge
is further depleted, the strobe will stop ashing, the Low Baery icon
( ) will be displayed, and then the strobe will completely shut o.
When the Low Baery icon ( ) is displayed, the Baery Pack needs
to be recharged (see Secon 6.2).
Note: If the baeries are discharged you will not be able to run the
unit. The unit may not start at all, or the Low Baery icon ( )
may be displayed and then the strobe will shut o. Recharge
the Baery Pack or replace it with a fully charged unit.

13
6.2 Charging the Baery Pack
The Baery Pack may be recharged at any me. You do not need to
wait unl the low baery condion is indicated. The Baery Pack does
not need to be in the strobe for charging.
To charge the Baery Pack:
1. Make sure the strobe is o or remove the Baery Pack from the
strobe.
2. Plug the recharger cable into the baery recharger socket on the
Baery Pack (see Figure 1 for locaon).
3. Plug the recharger into an AC mains wall outlet.
Note: When using the Universal recharger, make sure the correct
adapter plug is inserted into the recharger before plugging the
recharger into the wall outlet.
CAUTION: Use of rechargers other than the one supplied
(PSC-2U) may damage the stroboscope and void the warranty.
The baery module contains circuitry to control the charge. The amber
LED blinks steady to indicate that the baery is being charged. The
LED will turn solid amber as it nears complete charge. Once the charge
is completed, the LED turns solid green and the recharger will trickle
charge the baery. The Baery Pack may be used at this point.
Note: The total charge me is typically about 4-5 hours. The Baery
Pack may be le on trickle charge indenitely.
The LED also indicates that charging has stopped due to a problem.
The LED will blink 5, 6, 7, or 8 short red blinks and then one long green
blink to indicate the following: 5 = over voltage, 6 = over current, 7 =
too hot, and 8 = too cold.

14
6.3 Baery Disposal
Prior to disposing of the Baery Pack, the user must remove the nickel-
metal hydride baeries. To do this, remove the four screws on the
under side of the Baery Pack and separate the case halves, exposing
the baery. Remove the cables from the baery and place tape over
the baery terminals to prevent them from shorng. The baery
should be sent to a recycling center or returned to the factory. The rest
of the parts may now be disposed of.

15
7.0 SPECIFICATIONS
Specicaons* PALM STROBE x
Internal Mode:
Flash Range 100 - 12,500 FPM (Flashes per Minute)
Flash Rate Accuracy The greater of ±0.5 FPM or ±0.01% of reading
Flash Rate Resoluon
(Seng) 0.1 FPM
Display Update Rate Connuous
External/Tachometer Mode:
Flash Range and
Display
5.0 to 12,500 FPM - External ash rates to 0 are
acceptable
Tachometer
Measurements 5 to 250,000 RPM - No ash
Accuracy The greater of ±0.1 FPM or ±0.01% of reading
Display Update Rate 1 second typical
Trigger to Flash Delay < 5 µsec
External Input 0 to 5 V TTL Compable (12 V pk max)
1 µsec min pulse width; Posive edge triggered
Time Base Stable crystal oscillator
Display 6-digit alphanumeric backlit LCD with 0.3 inch
[7.62 mm] high digits
Indicators Low Baery, On-Target Indicator, Locked On,
External Mode, Tachometer Mode, ÷2 ×2
Adjustment Four Quadrant Tuner Buon with decade select for
ash rate up or down, mulply by 2 and divide by 2

16
Specicaons* PALM STROBE x
Memory Saves eight programmable ash rates and last ash
rate at power down
Output Pulse 350 µsec posive pulse, 5 V dc typical
Power
Removable 6 V dc Rechargeable Baery Pack with
Integral Electronics Charge Control for rechargers
(PSC-2U Recharger: 9 V dc @ 500mA)
Light Power 150 mJ/Flash up to 3000 FPM, 7.9 Was
@ 6000 FPM
Flash Duraon 10 - 30 microseconds typical
Run Time 2 hours at 1800 FPM and 1 hour at 6000 FPM
typical with fully charged baeries
Charge Time About 4 hours
Weight 1.2 lbs (544 g) including Baery Pack
Dimensions LxWxH 9.34 in. x 3.20 in. x 3.04 in.
[237.34 mm x 81.20 mm x 77.16 mm]
Figure 8 Dimensions in inches [mm]

17
7.1 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
Specicaons* PALM STROBE x
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)
*Specicaons are subject to change without noce.