Rion VA-11 User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
VIBRATION ANALYZER
VA-11
3-20-41 Higashimotomachi, Kokubunji, Tokyo 185-8533, Japan

i
Organization of this manual
This manual describes the features and operation principles of the Vibration Analyzer
VA-11. This manual contains the following sections.
Outline
Gives basic information on the unit.
Controls and Features
Briefly identifies and explains all parts of the unit.
Preparations
Describes how to make connections, insert batteries, and prepare the
unit for use.
Display Explanation
Describes symbols and other information appearing on the display.
Menu screens are also explained in this section.
Trigger Functions
Explains the use of trigger signals.
Processing Principles
Explains the relation between the various measurement functions and
the trigger function.
Measurement
Describes the basic steps and procedures for measurement.
Recall Mode
Describes how to redisplay data stored in the memory of the unit.
Printing
Describes the basic print functions.

ii
Compact Flash Card
Describes how to use the separately available compact flash cards for
data storage.
Default Settings
Lists the default settings of the unit (the condition in which it is shipped
from the factory).
Specifications
Lists the technical specifications of the unit.
The product described in this manual is in conformity with the following
European standards;
EN50081-1:1992
EN50082-2:1995
Note: CE requirements are met provided that a core filter is fitted to every
cable.
To conform to the EU requirement of the Directive
2002/96/EC on Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment, the symbol mark on the right is shown
on the instrument.

iii
FOR SAFETY
In this manual, important safety instructions are specially marked as shown
below. To prevent the risk of death or injury to persons and severe damage to
the unit or peripheral equipment, make sure that all instructions are fully
understood and observed.
Caution
WARNING
Important
Disregarding instructions
printed here incurs the risk of
death or severe injury to per-
sons.
Disregarding instructions
printed here incurs the risk of
injury to persons and/or dam-
age to peripheral equipment.
Disregarding instructions
printed here incurs the risk of
damage to the product.
Mentioned about the tips to use
this unit properly. (This mes-
sages do not have to do with
safety.)
Note
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iv
WARNING
zWhen making measurements on exposed rotating parts or power train parts
of machinery, proceed with utmost care to ensure that the accelerometer or
accelerometer cable do not get caught in the machine.
zWhen making measurements on exposed rotating parts or power train parts
of machinery, do not use the shoulder belt or carrying strap.

v
PRECAUTIONS
zOperate the unit only as described in this manual.
zDo not touch any parts of the unit other than necessary for operation.
zDo not drop the unit. Protect it from shocks and vibration.
zThe permissible ambient temperature range for operation of the unit is 0 to
+40ºC. Relative humidity must be between 20% and 90%.
Do not use or store the unit in locations which may be subject to water,
direct sunlight, high temperatures or humidity. Also protect the unit from
air with high salt or sulphur content, gases or the influence of chemicals.
zDo not forget to turn the unit off after use. Remove the batteries if the unit
is not to be used for some time.
zWhen disconnecting cables, always hold the plug and do not pull the cable.
zTo clean the unit, use only a dry cloth or a cloth lightly moistened with
water. Do not use chemical cleaning cloths, solvents or alcohol-based
cleaners to prevent the possibility of deformation and discoloring.
zDo not insert any objects such as pins, metal scraps, conducting plastic etc.
into any opening on the unit.
zDo not disassemble the unit or attempt internal alterations.
zIn case of malfunction, do not attempt any repairs. Note the condition of
the unit clearly and contact the supplier.

vi
Contents
Organization of this manual ................................................................ i
FOR SAFETY ................................................................................... iii
WARNING ................................................................................... iv
PRECAUTIONS ................................................................................ v
Outline ................................................................................................ 1
Controls and Features ......................................................................... 3
Front Panel .................................................................................... 3
Side Panel ..................................................................................... 6
Top Panel ...................................................................................... 7
Bottom Panel ................................................................................ 8
Preparations ........................................................................................ 9
Power Supply ................................................................................ 9
Connecting the Accelerometer PV-55......................................... 14
Trigger Input ............................................................................... 15
Printer and Computer Connections............................................. 16
Setting the Date and Time .......................................................... 19
Using the shoulder belt ............................................................... 20
Display Explanation ......................................................................... 21
Display Layout ............................................................................ 21
Measurement Screens ................................................................. 22
Menu Screens ............................................................................. 32
Menu Operation on Measurement Screen .................................. 44
Trigger Functions ............................................................................. 45
Processing Principles........................................................................ 48
Mass Memory ............................................................................. 50

vii
Measurement .................................................................................... 54
Use As a Vibration Meter ........................................................... 54
Use As a Spectrum Analyzer ...................................................... 56
Spectrum List Display ................................................................ 57
Time Waveform Display ............................................................. 58
Cursor Control ............................................................................ 60
Recall Mode ..................................................................................... 61
Recalling Transient Store Data ................................................... 62
Recalling Manual Store Data ...................................................... 66
Frequency Zoom Display Examples ........................................... 68
Y Axis Zoom Display Examples ................................................ 70
Printing ............................................................................................. 71
Compact Flash Card ......................................................................... 72
Inserting a Card........................................................................... 72
Card Contents ............................................................................. 79
Default Settings ................................................................................ 88
Specifications ................................................................................... 90

viii

1
Outline
The VA-11 is a portable analyzer designed for examining machinery vibrations
and performing diagnostic routines on various kinds of equipment. It has a
basic but highly useful array of functions. Except for envelope processing, all
processing functions are carried out in the digital domain. The built-in compact
flash card slot allows easy storage and export of data to a computer. The unit
has a vibration meter mode and an analyzer mode for FFT analysis. In vibration
meter mode, simultaneous measurement of acceleration, velocity, and
displacement is carried out. Velocity rms value, peak value, and crest factor
can also be displayed simultaneously. In analyzer mode, FFT analysis is used
to determine the power spectrum and vibration waveform. The capability to
perform envelope processing before FFT analysis is highly useful for equipment
diagnostics.
Features
• DSP chip performs digital processing of integral value and rms value
• Simultaneous display of acceleration, velocity, displacement
• 16-bit A/D converter achieves 80 dB dynamic range for FFT analysis
• Simple operation with only 10 controls
• Internal memory holds up to 500 data sets of any type
• Timer allows automatic storing of data at preset intervals
• 10 sets of unit control settings can also be stored
• Capability to record and re-analyze time waveform data
• High-speed serial data transfer at up to 38400 bps
• Built-in compact flash card slot
• Large LCD panel with EL backlight and 192 × 128 dot resolution

2
Outline
Block diagram of vibration analyzer VA-11

3
Controls and Features
Front Panel
Display
Measured waveforms, menus, and other data are shown here.
PRINT key
Pressing this key causes the currently displayed measurement screen or
data stored in memory to be printed out.
Do not press the PRINT key when a computer is connected to the I/O
connector. Otherwise communication will be impaired.

4
Controls and Features
MENU (ENTER) key
Allows changing the measurement parameters using the menus.
SETUP (ESC) key
Allows changing the measurement parameters directly on the measurement
screen.
keys
Used to select setting items when changing the measurement parameters.
keys
Used for cursor movement and for changing measurement parameters.
START key
Used to start the measurement.
PAUSE/CONT key
Used to pause and restart the measurement.
STORE key
Used to store data in the memory.
There are two keys labelled STORE. You can press either key.

5
Controls and Features
Carrying strap
For carrying, hold the unit as shown below.
WARNING
When making measurements on exposed
rotating parts or power train parts of
machinery, proceed with utmost care to
ensure that the pickup or pickup cable do
not get caught in the machine.

6
Controls and Features
Side Panel
POWER switch
Turns the unit OFF and ON.
EXT DC IN jack
The optional AC adapter NC-94A can be connected here for operation on
AC power.
Important
Use only the optional AC adapter NC-94A to
prevent the possibility of damage.
TRIG IN jack
Allows controlling the measurement with a trigger signal.
Card slot
Optional compact flash cards can be inserted here to store measurement
data and transfer them to a computer for further processing (see page 72).

7
Controls and Features
Top Panel
Accelerometer connector
The supplied accelerometer PV-55 is connected here. (Other compatible
accelerometers: PV-57, VP-26C)
LIGHT switch
Pressing this switch turns on the display backlight, and pressing the switch
again turns it off. The backlight also turns itself off automatically after
three minutes of inactivity.
When the unit is operated on batteries and the battery indicator shows less
than three segments, the backlight will not come on even if the switch is
pressed. Only three short beeps will be heard.
CONTRAST control
Serves to adjust the display contrast.
I/O connector
Serial interface connector for connection of the separately available printer
DPU-414, CP-11 or a computer.

8
Controls and Features
Bottom Panel
Battery compartment
Four IEC R14 (size C) batteries and one lithium battery are inserted here.

9
Preparations
Power Supply
Inserting the batteries
1. Set the POWER switch to OFF.
2. Open the cover of the battery compartment.
The illustration below shows the unit with the cover removed. Pay attention
to correct polarity.

10
Preparations
3. Insert four IEC R14 (size C) batteries with correct polarity, as shown
in the illustration below.
4. Insert the lithium battery with correct polarity.
5. Replace the battery compartment cover.
Important
zTake care not to mix up [+] and [-] polarity
when inserting the batteries.
Replace all four batteries at the same time,
and do not mix battery types.
When not in use, remove the batteries from
the unit.
zThe lithium battery serves for backup of the
built-in calendar/clock IC. It has a life of about
2 years, but there is no means of checking
the remaining battery capacity. To be on the
safe side, you should replace the battery ev-
ery 1 to 1-1/2 years.