PCE Instruments PCE-VC20 User manual

© PCE Instruments
PCE-VC 20 Vibration Process Calibrator
User Manual
User manuals in various languages (Deutsch,
français, italiano, español, português, nederlands,
türk, polski, русский, 中文) can be downloaded here:
www.pce-instruments.com
Last change: 23 August 2017
v1.0
English

© PCE Instruments
Contents
1Safety notes....................................................................................... 1
2Specifications.................................................................................... 2
3System description ........................................................................... 3
4Purpose ............................................................................................. 3
5Properties.......................................................................................... 3
6Operation........................................................................................... 4
6.1 Attaching the Test Object .......................................................................................................4
6.2 Calibration ...............................................................................................................................5
6.3 Changing the Accumulator .....................................................................................................6
6.4 Reset .......................................................................................................................................6
7Calibration......................................................................................... 6
8Warranty ............................................................................................ 7
9Disposal............................................................................................. 7

© PCE Instruments
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1 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. Damage or injuries caused by non-observance of the manual are excluded from our
liability and not covered by our warranty.
The device must only be used as described in this instruction manual. If used
otherwise, this can cause dangerous situations for the user and damage to the meter.
The instrument may only be used if the environmental conditions (temperature,
relative humidity, …) are within the ranges stated in the technical specifications. Do
not expose the device to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, extreme humidity or
moisture.
Do not expose the device to shocks or strong vibrations.
The case should only be opened by qualified PCE Instruments personnel.
Never use the instrument when your hands are wet.
You must not make any technical changes to the device.
The appliance should only be cleaned with a damp cloth. Use only pH-neutral
cleaner, no abrasives or solvents.
The device must only be used with accessories from PCE Instruments or equivalent.
Before each use, inspect the case for visible damage. If any damage is visible, do not
use the device.
Do not use the instrument in explosive atmospheres.
The measurement range as stated in the specifications must not be exceeded under
any circumstances.
Non-observance of the safety notes can cause damage to the device and injuries to
the user.
We do not assume liability for printing errors or any other mistakes in this manual.
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. The contact details can be found at
the end of this manual.

© PCE Instruments
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2 Specifications
Vibration magnitude (RMS values)
Vibration acceleration
10 m/s²
±3 % at 0 to 40 °C
Vibration velocity
10 mm/s
±3 % at 0 to 40 °C
Vibration displacement
10 μm
±3 % at 0 to 40 °C
Vibration frequency
159.15 Hz
±0.05 % at -10 to 55 °C
Radian frequency
1000/s
±0.05 % at -10 to 55 °C
Level indication
Percent display, above ±3 % beep tone
Settling time
< 10 s
Maximum weight of test
object for stated accuracy
600 g
Vibration exciter
Dynamic force
10 N
Max. torque
2 Nm
Nominal torque
1 Nm
Max. transverse force
20 Nm
Transverse vibration
< 10 % of main axis, measured 14 mm above shaker
Mounting of test object
M5 tapped hole, 7 mm deep
Clamping magnet
Adhesive
Operating temperature
ranges for
3% accuracy
5% accuracy
0 to 40 °C
-10 to 55 °C
Humidity
<90 % at 30 °C, no condensation
Magnetic scatter field at
shaker
< 0.2 mT
Power supply
Built-in NiMH accumulator, 7.2 V / 1.6 Ah
Battery operating time
Approx. 5 h with m = 100 g
Charge time of accumulator
3 h
Charge socket
DIN 45323 (5.5 / 2.1)
Positive terminal at center pin
Charge voltage
11 to 18 V DC
Charge current
<1 A
Dimensions
100 x 100 x 120 mm
Weight
2.2 kg

© PCE Instruments
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3 System description
4 Purpose
Easy and simple calibration of vibration metering, recording and control equipment.
Regular checks of such devices and installations.
Fault finding.
5 Properties
Handy and robust battery device for laboratory and field use.
Load-independent vibration magnitude with and field use.
- 10 m/s2vibration acceleration
- 10 mm/s vibration velocity
- 10 μm vibration displacement
Quartz stabilized vibration frequency of 159.15 Hz (radian frequency 1000/s).
Suitable for test objects weighing up to 600g.

© PCE Instruments
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The vibration calibrator PCE-VC20 generates mechanical vibrations with quartz stabilized
frequency and precisely controlled magnitude. Vibration sensor, including connected cables,
signal conditioners and readout instruments can be calibrated in acceleration, velocity or
displacement units.
A reference accelerometer inside the shaker head and a control circuit keep the vibration level
constant and independent of the weight of the attached measuring object. A display indicates
the error in percent. There is an acoustical warning when the error limit is exceeded.
Because of its internal rechargeable battery, the PCE-VC20 is well suited for mobile application.
The instrument features an automatic switch-off function preventing accidental discharging. The
display indicates the battery charging condition. The unit comes with an external mains supply
for charging.
The supplied plastic carrying case allows convenient handling and safe transport.
6 Operation
6.1 Attaching the Test Object
The Vibration exciter of the PCE-VC20 has a tapped M5 hole with 7 mm depth for the
attachment of the device under test. The supplied stud bolts and stud adapters or a clamping
magnet can be used for mounting.
The surface of the vibration exciter has made extremely resistant by plasma nitride coasting.
For light transducers, adhesive wax or double sided adhesive tape can be used for mounting. A
flat surface for adhesive mounting can be obtained by using the M5 insulating flange Model 029
which is available from Metra.
Magnetic and adhesive attachments are only allowable for roughly estimated calibrations.
Accuracy is only guaranteed for screw attachment.
When mounting the specimen, pay attention to the symmetrical distribution of the object weight.
Otherwise, the vibrating system may be deflected from its main axis. When using coupling
structures for calibration of transducers, symmetrical attachment becomes especially important,
for instance, at the calibration of the x and y axis of a triaxial accelerometer. In the case, using a
balance weight as shown in the following illustration is recommended.

© PCE Instruments
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Please note that heavy connecting cables should be supported close to the test object.
However, an application of force via the cable must be avoided.
The maximal torque rating of 1 to 2 Nm at the vibration exciter must not be exceeded since this
may damage the instrument.
The PCE-VC20 should be placed on a rigid surface. Hand-held operation is not recommended
because of possible errors.
6.2 Calibration
After attaching the device under test switch the PCE-VC20 on by depressing the “On/Off” button
until the display lights up. Device information, such as hardware and software versions and the
date of the last calibration, is displayed for a few seconds. After short time the vibration signal
becomes stable. The display shows the values of vibration frequency and magnitude (Figure 2).
Please note that these are not measuring value but only normal values.
Figure 2: Display in calibration mode
In the upper right hand corner you will see the actual accuracy of the vibration magnitude in
percent. After short period of time the percent value should converge on zero.
If the absolute error exceeds 3%, the percent value will change to inverse characters and a
beep sound will be generated. In this case no calibration can be performed.
When the maximum weight of the test object is exceeded, instead of the percent value, an error
message “OVERL” will appear and the shaker will be switched off. To proceed with calibration,
first switch the calibrator off. Then reduce the weight of the test object and switch the calibrator
back on. The admissible weight is up to 500 grams, depending on the selected frequency. The
overload message can also be eliminated by lowering the vibration magnitude.
In the lower display line the date of the last calibration of your PCE-VC20 is displayed. This
entry can only be modified during factory calibration. Please read also section 5 for details about
calibration.
The PCE-VC20 can be switched off by depressing the “ON/OFF” key for at least one second.
Should this be omitted, a timer is provided which switches the calibrator off after 10 minutes.
Caution: The vibration calibrator is not to be used in dirty and dusty environments. Particular
care should be taken that no ferromagnetic particles get inside of the instrument: They may
damage it within short time. Defects due to dirt and dust are not covered by the warranty.

© PCE Instruments
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6.3 Changing the Accumulator
The battery indicator is located in the upper left hand corner of the display. A full bargraph is
displayed when the battery is fully charged. Even if the bargraph is empty the instrument can
still be used within its specifications for a certain period of time. When the battery voltage drops
under a critical value, the PCE-VC20 is switched off automatically.
The instrument is equipped with a NiMH accumulator providing power for approximately 5 hours
of operating.
To charge the battery, connect the supplied mains plug adapter (15 VDC) to the DIN socket at
the side of the case. The unit should preferably be switched off during charging. Charging will
take about 3 hours. During the charging process the battery indicator will be continuously
moving (Figure 3).
Figure 3: Charge indication
During the charging process the PCE-VC20 can be used for calibration. However, this will
extend the necessary charging time.
The accumulator should be changed at room temperature. At higher temperatures charging can
be stopped before reaching the full capacity because of the build-in temperature sensor.
The battery has no memory effect. Partial charging is permissible.
Permanent connection of the mains adapter is not recommended. This may lead to premature
wear of the battery. In order to avoid overcharging the battery, it is not recommended that you
disconnect and connect the mains adapter again immediately after charging is finished.
When the unit is not in use, the battery should be charged at least once a year.
The build-in battery is maintenance-free. Like all accumulators it has a limited number of
charging cycles. If the operating time with a fully charged battery becomes insufficient, the
battery should be replaced. In this case, the calibrator should then be returned to the
manufacturer will also the accuracy of the calibrator.
6.4 Reset
In the unlikely event that your PCE-VC20 cannot be switched on by the “On/Off” key, it may be
necessary to press the Reset button. This button is found on the bottom side of the case near
the key pad. Use a thin non-metallic object, such as a toothpick, to press the button inside the
hole. This will start the instrument. Pressing the Reset button has no effect on accuracy.
7 Calibration
The vibration characteristics of the PCE-VC20 are very stable even after intensive use. Typical
changes are below 1% per year. We recommend annual re-calibration. In case of shock load,
dropping the instrument, etc. immediate recalibration is advised.

© PCE Instruments
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8 Warranty
You can read our warranty terms in our General Business Terms which you can find here:
https://www.pce-instruments.com/english/terms.
9 Disposal
For the disposal of batteries in the EU, the 2006/66/EC directive of the European Parliament
applies. Due to the contained pollutants, batteries must not be disposed of as household waste.
They must be given to collection points designed for that purpose.
In order to comply with the EU directive 2012/19/EU we take our devices back. We either re-use
them or give them to a recycling company which disposes of the devices in line with law.
For countries outside the EU, batteries and devices should be disposed of in accordance with
your local waste regulations.
If you have any questions, please contact PCE Instruments.

© PCE Instruments
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PCE Instruments contact information
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PCE Deutschland GmbH PCE Instruments France EURL PCE Ibérica S.L.
Im Langel 4 23, rue de Strasbourg Calle Mayor, 53
D-59872 Meschede 67250 SOULTZ-SOUS-FORETS 02500 Tobarra (Albacete)
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Fax: [phone] Numéro de fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]
[e-mail] [e-mail] [e-mail]
www.pce-instruments.com/deutsch www.pce-instruments.com/french www.pce-instruments.com/espanol
United States of America United Kingdom Italy
PCE Americas Inc. PCE Instruments UK Ltd PCE Italia s.r.l.
711 Commerce Way suite 8 Units 12/13 Southpoint Business Park Via Pesciatina 878 / B-Interno 6
Jupiter / Palm Beach Ensign Way, Southampton 55010 LOC. GRAGNANO
33458 FL Hampshire CAPANNORI (LUCCA)
USA United Kingdom, SO31 4RF Italia
Tel: [phone] Tel: [phone] Telefono: [phone]
Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]
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The Netherlands Chile Hong Kong
PCE Brookhuis B.V. PCE Instruments Chile S.A. PCE Instruments HK Ltd.
Institutenweg 15 RUT: 76.154.057-2 Unit J, 21/F., COS Centre
7521 PH Enschede Santos Dumont 738, local 4 56 Tsun Yip Street
Nederland Comuna de Recoleta, Santiago, Chile Kwun Tong
Telefoon: [phone] Tel. : [phone] Kowloon, Hong Kong
Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone] Tel: [phone]
[e-mail] [e-mail] [e-mail]
www.pce-instruments.com/dutch www.pce-instruments.com/chile www.pce-instruments.cn
China Turkey
PCE (Beijing) Technology Co.,Ltd PCE Teknik Cihazları Ltd.Şti.
1519 Room, 4 Building Halkalı Merkez Mah.
Men Tou Gou Xin Cheng, Pehlivan Sok. No.6/C
Men Tou Gou District 34303 Küçükçekmece - İstanbul
102300 Beijing Türkiye
China Tel: [phone]
Tel: [phone] Faks: 0212 705 53 93
[e-mail] [email protected]m.tr
www.pce-instruments.cn www.pce-instruments.com/turkish