PCE Instruments PCE-VM 40A User manual

PCE Americas Inc.
711 Commerce Way
Suite 8
Jupiter
FL-33458
USA
From outside US: +1
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]
PCE Instruments UK Ltd.
Units 12/13
Southpoint Business Park
Ensign way
Hampshire / Southampton
United Kingdom, SO31 4RF
From outside UK: +44
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]
www.pce-instruments.com/english
www.pce-instruments.com
Manual
Accelerometer PCE-VM 40A/B
Version 1.0
Date of creation: 20.10.2015
Date of last change: 04.07.2016

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Contents
1Introduction ............................................................................................................. 3
2Safety notes ............................................................................................................. 3
3Specifications .......................................................................................................... 4
4System description ................................................................................................. 5
5Operation ................................................................................................................. 6
5.1 Selecting the measurement mode.............................................................................................. 6
5.2 Measuring in accordance with DIN 4150-3 ................................................................................ 7
5.3 Measuring in accordance with BS7385.................................................................................... 10
5.4 Measuring in accordance with SN 640312a............................................................................. 12
5.5 Non-standardized measurements............................................................................................ 13
5.6 Overload indication................................................................................................................... 14
5.7 Saving measured values.......................................................................................................... 14
5.8 Displaying saved data .............................................................................................................. 17
5.9 Deleting the data memory ........................................................................................................ 18
5.10 Event Reporting........................................................................................................................ 18
5.11 Transferring the recorded data to a PC.................................................................................... 18
5.12 Relay output ............................................................................................................................. 18
5.13 Receiving alerts via SMS (PCE-VM 40B)................................................................................. 19
5.14 Connection to a mobile network............................................................................................... 21
5.15 SMS alerts................................................................................................................................ 22
5.16 Phone book .............................................................................................................................. 23
5.17 Writing an SMS......................................................................................................................... 24
5.18 Making phone calls................................................................................................................... 24
5.19 Disconnect from mobile network .............................................................................................. 25
5.20 Miscellaneous settings ............................................................................................................. 25
5.21 Data transfer............................................................................................................................. 28
5.22 Firmware update....................................................................................................................... 34
5.23 Charging the battery................................................................................................................. 34
5.24 External power supply.............................................................................................................. 35
5.25 Reset ........................................................................................................................................ 35
5.26 Mounting................................................................................................................................... 36
6Calibration ............................................................................................................. 37
7Disposal ................................................................................................................. 37
8Contact ................................................................................................................... 37
8.1 PCE Instruments UK ................................................................................................................ 37
8.2 PCE Americas .......................................................................................................................... 37

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1 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a vibration monitor PCE-VM 40 A/B from PCE Instruments.
The vibration monitor PCE-VM 40 is able to measure and log vibration in certain buildings and
surroundings. The vibrations are evaluated in accordance to established standards such as DIN 4150-3,
BS 7385 and SN 640312a. Because of that, it is possible to make statements on the condition of the
building structure which includes damage of the buildings. The memory makes it possible to save up to
100000 measurement values which can be recorded event- or time-driven.
The clear menu navigation makes it easy to set up the instrument wherever you need to. After choosing
the standardised operating mode, the operator can choose between short-time vibrations and long-term
vibrations and select the building type. When threshold values are exceeded, this is immediately shown
on the instrument and the PCE-VM 40B is also able to send an SMS via the GSM module.
Besides being able to save (and send (PCE-VM 40B)) measured data, the instrument also allows you to
read out the data on site. The vibration monitor makes it possible to form the vector sum. In addition, it
shows the main frequency and the three directions in space as well as the direction in space with the
highest oscillation amplitude. On the display, the FFT spectrum is shown and also the threshold value for
the chosen standard.
2 Safety notes
Please read this manual carefully and completely before you use the device for the first time. The device
may only be used by qualified personnel and repaired by PCE Instruments personnel. There is no
warranty of damages or injuries caused by non-observance of the manual.
- The device may only be used in the approved temperature range.
- The case should only be opened by qualified personnel of PCE Instruments.
- The instrument should never be placed with the user interface facing an object (e. g. keyboard side on a
table).
- You should not make technical changes to the device.
- The appliance should only be cleaned with a damp cloth / use only pH-neutral cleaner.
This user's handbook is published by PCE Instruments without any guarantee.
We expressly point to our general guarantee terms which can be found in our general terms of business.
If you have any questions please contact PCE Instruments.

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3 Specifications
Measuring variable
Peak value of vibration velocity
Peak value of vibration acceleration
Standards
DIN 4150-3; BS 7385, SN 640312A
Vibration sensor
Triaxial piezoelectric shear-type-accelerometer
Indication range vibration velocity (peak value)
0.001 … 15 m/s²
Indication range vibration acceleration (peak value)
0.01 … 2400 mm/s at 1 Hz
0.01 … 30 mm/s at 80 Hz
(full-scale value, depends on the frequency)
Measurement accuracy (16 Hz)
±3 %, ±2 digits, 100 Hz low-pass
±3 %, ±2 digits, 398 Hz low-pass
Display
LCD (black / white), 128 x 64 pixels, backlight,
3 peak values (X/Y/Z) or vector sum
main frequency
50-lines-FFT-spectrum
battery condition
date and time
Alarm
Alarm LEDs next to the display
Relay output (changeover contact, max. 100
VDC/2 A)
GSM modem (PCE-VM 40B)
Quad-band (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
SMS alarm (PCE-VM 40B)
SMS delivery when alarm is given (includes
measurement values of X/Y/Z frequencies, date,
time and the name of the device)
Additional function GSM (PCE-VM 40B)
Phone call with headset (via adaptor VM-40 HS)
Data logger
Installed micro SD card with a maximum of 100000
measurement values (X/Y/Z, frequency, date, time,
name of the device)
Digital/analogue converter
24-bit, Sigma-Delta
USB interface
USB 2.0, CDC mode, via USB-cable
Battery
NiMH, 4.8 V / 9 Ah, charging time: 10 h,
no battery is needed in buffer mode (when device
is connected to power supply)
Battery operation time per charged battery
5 … 15 days, depending on temperature,
duty cycle of backlight and usage of the GSM
function (PCE-VM 40B)
Languages
German / English
Operating temperature
-20 … +60 °C
Protection class
IP64
Dimensions
150 x 140 x 80 mm
Weight
2 kg
Optional accessories
Tripod mounting plate, headset adaptor

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4 System description
1 mobile phone antenna
2 relay output
3 USB / headset connector
4 charging socket

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5 Operation
5.1 Selecting the measurement mode
Switch on the PCE-VM 40 by pressing the ON-OFF button. After the start screen, the measurement value
display with the most recently selected settings appears. Press F3 to open the main window and select
“measuring mode”.
You can choose between adjustable measured value (non-standard) and the three supported standards
which are described in the following sections. In the measurement value display you can view the
selected settings by pressing the F1 button.
Here you will see your chosen standard with its specified settings as well as the four frequency and
amplitude dots of the limit value curve.
Note: The following chapters include abstracts of the most relevant standards for building vibration. For a
compliant evaluation, it is necessary to study the standard documents to the full extent.

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5.2 Measuring in accordance with DIN 4150-3
Measurement procedure
DIN 4150-3 is the most widely applied standard internationally for measuring structural vibrations. The
measurement procedure can be found in a similar form in other national standards, for example the Italian
UNI 9916.
The assessment parameter is the maximum value viof the three individual components (peak values) of
vibration velocity at frequencies of 1 to 80 Hz. The measurements are carried out at the foundation.
Vibrations in the ceiling of the upper most outer walls also provide valuable information for analysis.
These detect the horizontal response of the building to the vibration at the foundation. Only the greatest
value of both the horizontal components is then used for the analysis.
The standard provides reference values for permissible vibration velocities for short-time and sustained
vibration in three types of buildings.
- For massive civil engineering structures, e. g. reinforced concrete constructions for abutments or
block foundations, you can increase the reference values for industrial buildings up to two times.
- If short-time vibrations occur in ceilings at below 20 mm/s in vertical direction, a reduction in the
serviceability does not have to be expected.
The standard also gives reference values for short-time vibration on pipelines of different types:
Reference values for short-time vibration on pipelines
Pipe material
Vibration velocity vi
Steel, welded
100 mm/s
Stoneware, concrete, reinforced concrete, pre-
stressed concrete, metal
80 mm/s
Brickwork, plastic
50 mm/s

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For sustained vibration, the following reference values apply:
Reference values for vibration velocity vi for analysing the effects of sustained vibration
Building type
Upper ceiling level, all frequencies
Direction
X /Y (horizontal)
Z (vertical)
Reinforced or framed structures
industrial and heavy commercial
buildings
10 mm/s
10 mm/s
Unreinforced or light framed
structures, residential or light
commercial type buildings
5 mm/s
10 mm/s
Sensitive buildings, listed
buildings e. g. historical
monuments
2.5 mm/s
-
Vertical sustained vibrations with a vibration velocity below 10 mm/s normally do not cause damage to
ceilings in houses. For sensitive buildings, there are no reference values available.
For sustained vibration on pipelines, the reference values for short-time vibration, reduced by 50 %, can
be applied.
The following advice is given in DIN 4150-3 for the placement of the sensor:
- For foundation vibrations, the transducer should be placed on the lowest floor at the foundation of
the outer wall or on the outer wall.
- In the upper ceiling level the sensor should be placed inside or very close to the outer wall.
- For buildings without a basement, the measurement location must not be higher than 0.5 m
above the ground level.
- The measurement location should predominantly be on the side of the building facing the
excitation.
- One of the lateral measuring directions (X / Y) should be parallel to one outside edge of the
building.
- Buildings with larger ground areas should be measured at several points.
- In addition to measuring at the foundation and the upper ceiling, if required, measurements can
be carried vertically on the ceilings, where the strongest vibration can be expected (mostly
central).
- When measuring pipelines, where possible, the sensor should be placed on the pipeline itself.

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Measurements with the PCE-VM 40
After choosing the operating mode „DIN 4150-3“, please select whether you will be measuring short-time
or sustained vibration.
Please select the building type next:
The following types are available, when selecting “pipeline”:
In case of short-time vibrations, the measurement location needs to be selected:
The standard frequency range is 1 … 80 Hz. In special cases, e. g. blasting operations, the frequency
range can be increased to 1…315 Hz:
Press F3 to exit the menu in order to go to the measurement value display:

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The three peak values X/Y/Z of the vibration velocity and the highest amplitude together with its main
frequency are displayed every second. On the right side of the screen a graph displays this value in the
frequency range. The diagram is scaled according to the limit curve. Higher magnitudes will be cut off.
Note: For the measurement of floor ceiling vibrations, there are different reference values for the vertical
(Z) direction. They are evaluated by the PCE-VM 40 and considered for alarms. In the FFT spectrum and
frequency display, however, only the horizontal directions (X / Y) are shown.
If the limit value curve is exceeded, “ALARM” is displayed below the main frequency. If the limit value is
exceeded, the following will happen:
- The red light will flash.
- The measurement values will be saved if event recording has been activated.
- The relay output will switch if it has been activated.
- A text message (SMS) will be sent if this option has been set up on the PCE-VM 40B.
Note: The alarm and recording functions will be activated after a delay of 30 seconds after leaving the
menu.
5.3 Measuring in accordance with BS7385
Measurement procedure
The British Standard BS 7385 is mainly used in the Commonwealth countries. It is less complex than the
DIN standard. Similarly to the DIN standard, it also measures the peak value of the vibration velocity in all
spacial dimensions. It is called “peak particle velocity” (ppv). The frequency range is not precisely
specified. The PCE-VM 40 uses the ranges 1 to 80 Hz and 1 to 315 Hz.
The standard provides reference values for short-time vibrations which are measured at the foundation
(see table). The reference values mark the limit above which cosmetic damage may occur, such as
cracks in the walls or ceilings. More minor damage is to be expected at twice the reference value and
greater damage at four times the guide value. In the case of sustained vibrations or excitation from
building resonance, the reference values need to be reduced by at least 50 %.
Residential and industrial buildings are differentiated.
Reference values for short-time vibrations without excitation of building resonances
Main frequency
Residential buildings
Industrial buildings
1 … 4 Hz
<0.6 mm displacement
-
4 Hz
15 mm/s
50 mm/s
15 Hz
20 mm/s
50 mm/s
40 Hz
50 mm/s
50 mm/s
250 Hz
50 mm/s
50 mm/s

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Measurements with the PCE-VM 40
Once you have selected the measuring mode “BS7385”, select the building type to be assessed.
In the next menu, select the frequency range:
Press F3 to exit the menu and to go the measurement value display
The three peak values X/Y/Z of the vibration velocity and the highest amplitude together with its main
frequency are displayed every second. On the right side of the screen, a graph displays this value in the
frequency range. The diagram is scaled to the limit curve. Higher magnitudes will be cut off.
If the limit value is exceeded, “ALARM” is displayed below the main frequency and the following will
happen:
- The red light will flash.
- The measurement values will be saved if event recording has been activated.
- The relay output will switch if it has been activated.
- An SMS will be sent if this option has been set up on the PCE-VM 40B.
Note: The alarm and recording functions will be activated after a delay of 30 seconds after leaving the
menu.

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5.4 Measuring in accordance with SN 640312a
Measurement procedure
The Swiss Standard SN 640312a is also based on the peak values of the vibration velocity. However, it
uses the vector sum as assessment parameter:
It measures between 5 and 150 Hz. The frequency range is divided into three sections: 8 to 30 Hz, 30 to
60 Hz and >60 Hz. For frequencies below 8 Hz, the reference value for 8 to 30 Hz reduced by one third is
applied.
As a basis for the reference values, four building types with different levels of sensitivity and the
frequency at which the vibration influence occurs are taken as a the basis for the reference values.
Measurements with the PCE-VM 40
After selecting the measuring mode “SN 640312a”, define which sensitivity class the building belongs to:
Once you have selected the building type, select the occurrence of the vibrations. The figures represent
the vibration emissions at which the velocity vector exceeds the reference value 0.7 times. The
assessment period is the time duration during which the building is exposed to vibration.
Press F3 to exit the menu and to go to the measurement value display

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The vector sum of the vibration velocity in the three directions X/Y/Z and the highest amplitude together
with its main frequency are displayed every second. On the right side of the screen, a graph displays this
value in the frequency range. The diagram is scaled to the limit curve. Higher magnitudes will be cut off.
If the limit value is exceeded, “ALARM” is displayed below the main frequency and the following will
happen:
- The red light will flash.
- The measurement values will be saved if the event recording has been activated.
- The relay output will switch if it has been activated.
- An SMS will be sent if this option has been set up on the PCE-VM 40B.
Note: The alarm and recording functions will be activated after a delay of 30 seconds after leaving the
menu.
5.5 Non-standardized measurements
If a standardized measurement is not desired, the vibration quantity (acceleration or velocity), the
frequency range and the limit values can be entered manually. For this option, select the measuring mode
“non-standardized”.
You can select the vibration quantity and frequency range in the next step.
After this, the points which define the limit value curve can be entered. The lowest and highest
frequencies are fixed. The amplitudes and the two middle frequencies can be freely selected within the
range limits.
As with the other measuring modes, your chosen measuring settings can be viewed during the
measurement by pressing F1.

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5.6 Overload indication
If the vibration magnitude exceeds the limits shown in the Technical Data section, the PCE-VM 40 will
indicate “OVERLOAD” instead of the measuring value for the respective direction.
In addition, the warning and alarm LEDs flash simultaneously.
Due to integration, the overload limit for the vibration velocity is frequency-dependent.
5.7 Saving measured values
Introduction
The PCE-VM 40 has memory space for 100,000 measurements. The saved data can be viewed via the
instrument menu or transferred to the PC via the USB interface.
A measurement record includes:
- Date and time
- Measurement values X/Y/Z or the vector sum
- Main frequency
- Trigger event
The instrument saves the data if any of the following events (triggers) occur:
- a warning or alarm event occurred
- a predefined time interval expired
Alarm events occur if the limits described in Section 3 are exceeded.
Warning events occur if the warning threshold is exceeded
Saved measurements are sorted in to data files in the PCE-VM 40. A file contains related measurements
with the same settings.

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Setting for recording data
To start recording, open the main menu by pressing F3 and select “Recording”.
Select “start”. Now you can define the events (triggers), when the data should be saved.
In the setting “Warning/Alarm”, the measurement value is saved as soon as a change in status occurs, as
follows:
- Normal to Warning
- Normal to Alarm
- Warning to Alarm
- Alarm to Warning
- Alarm to Normal
- Warning to Normal
If the warning or alarm status persists, no further measured values will be saved. This keeps the quantity
of saved data down to a minimum. The type of status change is saved with the measurement.

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The PCE-VM 40 also offers you the possibility of saving measurements at pre-set time intervals. The time
intervals are to be entered in seconds, with a minimum of 5 seconds.
The time interval recording can also be combined with the status change recording (“Event and time
control”).
After determining the recording settings, you will be asked to enter the name of the data record.
The record name identifies a block of related measurements with the same saved settings. Here you can
enter, for example, the measurement location.
With the arrow keys, you can enter up to 20 upper case characters and digits. The last entered name
appears as the default name.
To exit the menu, press OK. After defining all the recording settings, you can activate the keypad lock by
pressing OK, to ensure that no unintended interference occurs. You can also start recording without using
the keypad lock by pressing F3.
The instrument will now display “Recording started”. Five seconds later, the evaluation of the recording
trigger (event or time interval) will begin. The currently active recording can be seen in the measurement
value display as a flashing text “Rec.#xxx”, where xxx is the number of the previously saved
measurements.
During recording, the menu cannot be opened. If you press the menu button F3, you will be asked
whether you wish to stop recording. The same will happen if you press OK/ON-OFF.
After reaching the memory end, the PCE-VM 40 will display the error message “Memory full”.

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5.8 Displaying saved data
After recording, you can view the saved measurements in the “Recording” menu. Select the menu point
“View/edit/delete files” and then use the arrow keys ▲▼ to select the data file you wish to view.
A data file is displayed by its number and name, together with the start time, chosen standard and trigger
source. The following abbreviations are used:
Sust: sustained
Shrt: short
Ind: industrial
Res: residential
List: listed
Pipe: pipe
Foun: foundation
Ceil: ceiling
Steel: steel pipe
Conc: concrete (pipe)
Plas: plastics
Unreinf./resid.: unreinforced/residential
Reinforc./ind.: reinforced/industrial
Very low: very low sensitivity
Low sens.: low sensitivity
Normal: normal sensitivity
Higher: higher sensitivity
Occas.: occasionally
Freq.: frequently
Perm.: permanent
acc.: acceleration
vel.: velocity
Note: The file numbers are not always in the order of saving. A previously erased file number will be re-
assigned to the next saved file.
Pressing ◄ deletes the file together with all of its recorded measurements.
Press F1 to change the file name.
Press OK to open the file. The first saved record is then displayed. Below the file name, you see the
record number with the total number of records in the file, date and time and the trigger event. The
abbreviations mean:
(T): time interval controlled
0→W: normal to warning transition
0→A: normal to alarm transition
W→A: warning to alarm transition
W→0: warning to normal transition
A→W: alarm to warning transition
A→0: alarm to normal transition

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When the data was measured in line with SN 640312a, you see the vector sum, otherwise you will see
the three measuring values of X / Y / Z. The main frequency f(max) of the highest value is also displayed.
Use the ▲and ▼ keys to scroll through the records. Press F3 to exit the menu.
5.9 Deleting the data memory
In the “Recording” menu, the entire memory can be deleted by selecting “Delete all files”. This can take
several seconds, depending on the amount of data stored.
5.10 Event Reporting
In the measurement value display, press F2 for an overview of the warning and alarm events that have
occurred. These are displayed together with the number of saved measured values.
The SMS function is only available with the PCE-VM 40B.
5.11 Transferring the recorded data to a PC
For transferring saved data from the PCE-VM 40 to a PC, a support program is available.
The program converts the measurement data into a table of comma-separated values (CSV). This data
format can be imported to all common spreadsheet programmes such as Excel or OpenOffice Calc. This
enables you to carry out your own analysis and generate reports according to your own requirements.
5.12 Relay output
The PCE-VM 40 has a relay output for controlling external signalling devices. These can be, for example,
warning lights and acoustic signalling devices.
Please pay attention to the maximum contact load. The relay output is not suitable for direct connection of
mains operated devices.
To adjust the settings, open the main menu and select “Alarms” and then “Relay output”. You can pre-set
the relay to energize or de-energize when warning status or alarm status occurs.

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In addition, you can determine whether the relay should stay energized (“Latching”) or de-energize after
the event finishes, until the OK-button is pressed (“Non-latching”).
Note: The relay function will be activated after a delay of 30 seconds after leaving the menu.
The figure below shows the output socket and its contact assignment. In neutral (de-energized) position
the contacts “C” and “n.c.” are connected, during warning or alarm status (energized) the contacts “C”
and “n.o.” are connected.
5.13 Receiving alerts via SMS (PCE-VM 40B)
General information
The PCE-VM-40B contains a GSM mobile phone modem for sending text message alerts when vibration
events occur. In this way, the PCE-VM 40B is completely self-sufficient and can be used on remote grid-
bound infrastructures.
The built-in modem supports the frequency bands 850, 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz and can, therefore, be
used worldwide.
Inserting the SIM
To use the GSM functions, a SIM card is needed. In order to insert the SIM card, the PCE-VM 40 case
needs to be opened. To do this, unscrew the antenna and remove the transparent plastic cover by
loosening four cross-headed screws.
Next, loosen the four cross-headed screws of the case and carefully swing the lid towards the connector
side, at the same time ensuring you do not pull the cables.

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Open the SIM card holder by sliding its upper part across and opening it, as shown. Place the SIM card in
the holder, as shown, and return the holder to its original position. Then put the lid back on. Please
ensure that you do not trap any cables while doing this and please check the position of the flat cable
plug which establishes the connection to the sockets.