Rion VA-12 User manual

3-20-41 Higashimotomachi, Kokubunji, Tokyo 185-8533, Japan
http://www.rion.co.jp/english/
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
VIBRATION ANALYZER
VA-12

i
Organization of this manual
This manual describes the features, operation and other aspects of the Vibration
Analyzer VA-12. If the unit is used together with other equipment to congure a
measurement system, consult the documentation of all other components as well.
The section starting on page v contains important safety precautions. Be sure to
read this section carefully.
This manual contains the following sections.
- General Operation -
Outline
Gives an overview of the unit.
Controls and Features
Briey identies and explains the operation panel keys, connectors on the
top and bottom, and other parts of the unit.
Preparations
Describes how to prepare the unit for use, including information on making
connections, power-up, and inserting the SD card.
Menu Operation
Describes how to use the menus of the unit.
Analysis Functions
Describes the different analysis function available with the unit and how
to select them.
Measurement in Vibration Meter Mode
Describes the display screen contents and operation steps in vibration meter
mode.

ii
Measurement in Time Waveform Mode
Describes the display screen contents and operation steps in time waveform
mode.
Measurement in FFT Mode
Describes the display screen contents and operation steps in FFT mode.
Recording Waveform Data
Describes the waveform recording function.
Recalling Stored Data
Describes how to recall data that were saved from the various measurement
screens, and how to view recalled data.
Saving the Screen as a BMP File
Describes how to save the currently displayed screen as a BMP le.
Printing
Describes how to print data from the measurement screen and recall
screen.
- Advanced Operation -
Trigger Functions
Describes the use of trigger signals and the relationship between triggering
and various measurements.
Overlay Display
Describes how to use the overlay function in FFT mode.
Setup Files and Initialization
Describes how to use setup les and lists the default settings for various
items.
Power Supply
Provides information about powering the unit.

iii
* Company names and product names mentioned in this manual are
usually trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
owners.
Using the Backlight
Describes how to use the display backlight.
Status Display
Lists the various status indication symbols and other indicators of the
unit.
SD Card
Describes how to use an SD card with this unit and explains the folder
structure for storing data on the card.
Data File Structure
Describes the structure of data les stored on the SD card.
Setting Commands
Describes the setting commands that express various measurement and
display parameters of the unit.
- Other Information -
Specications
Lists the technical specications of the unit.
Index

iv
To conform to the EU requirement of the Directive
on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment,
the symbol mark on the right is shown on the
instrument.
Note: CE requirements are met provided that a core lter is tted
to every cable.
A
B
HI
G
USB
TRIG
IN
DC IN
AC adapter
NC-99
INPUT
OPTION
C
D
E
F
Core A: E04SR130525A (SEIWA)
Core B: ZCAT2035-0930 (TDK)
Core C, G, H: E04SS201010 (SEIWA)
Core D, E, F: ZCAT2017-0930 (TDK)
Core I: ZCAT2436-1330 (TDK)
Equivalent product
This product can be used in any areas including residential areas.

v
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.
Denotes special information
that is helpful in utilizing the
capabilities of the unit but that
is not directly related to safety.
Note

vi

vii
WARNING
Be careful around rotating machinery.
•When 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.
•When making measurements on exposed rotating parts or power train
parts of machinery, do not use the shoulder belt. If they are rolled in the
machine, a dangerous accident is caused.

viii

ix
Precautions
Operate the unit only as described in this manual.
Do not touch any parts of the unit other than necessary for operation.
Do not drop the unit. Protect it from shocks and vibration.
The permissible ambient temperature range for operation of the unit is
−10°C to +50°C. Relative humidity must be 90%RH or less.
Do not use or store the unit in locations which may be subject to water,
dust, direct sunlight, high temperatures or humidity. Also protect the
unit from air with high salt or sulphur content, gases or the inuence of
chemicals.
Do not forget to turn the unit off after use. Remove the batteries if the
unit is not to be used for some time.
When disconnecting cables, always hold the plug and do not pull the
cable.
To 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.
Do not tap the LCD panel or other surfaces of the unit with a pointed
object such as a pencil, screwdriver, etc.
Do not insert any objects such as pins, metal scraps, conducting plastic
etc. into any opening on the unit.
Do not disassemble the unit or attempt internal alterations.
In case of malfunction, do not attempt any repairs. Note the condition of
the unit clearly and contact the supplier.
When disposing of the unit or the accessories (accelerometer PV-57I or
others), follow your national and local regulations regarding waste disposal.

x
Contents
FOR SAFETY.................................................................................v
General Operation.......................................................1
Outline............................................................................................3
Block diagram ...........................................................................4
Controls and Features......................................................................5
Front Panel ................................................................................5
Top Panel...................................................................................8
Bottom Panel .............................................................................9
Rear Panel ...............................................................................10
Preparations ..................................................................................11
Power supply............................................................................11
Connecting the accelerometer..................................................14
Inserting the SD card...............................................................16
Setting the current date/time....................................................17
Selecting the language .............................................................18
Using the shoulder belt ............................................................19
Attaching the sensor to the protective cover.............................20
Connection to a printer (BL-112UI) .........................................21
Menu Operation ............................................................................22
Menu structure.........................................................................22
Menu ow diagram..................................................................23
Menu operation........................................................................24
Analysis Functions........................................................................28
Available analysis types...........................................................28
Switching between analysis functions......................................29
Measurement in Vibration Meter Mode.........................................31
Reading the display..................................................................32
Changing measurement parameters and display parameters ....37
Performing measurement.........................................................39
Storing measurement data........................................................40

xi
Measurement in Time Waveform Mode.........................................41
Reading the display..................................................................42
Changing measurement parameters .........................................48
Zooming/moving the display ...................................................51
Performing measurement.........................................................53
Storing measurement data........................................................54
Measurement in FFT Mode...........................................................55
Reading the display..................................................................56
Changing measurement parameters and display parameters ....65
Zooming/moving the display ...................................................69
Performing measurement.........................................................71
Storing measurement data........................................................75
Recording Waveform Data ............................................................77
Making waveform recording settings.......................................77
Recording waveform data ........................................................77
Re-analyzing waveform data....................................................78
Recalling Stored Data ...................................................................79
Procedure for recalling stored data ..........................................79
Reading the recall screen.........................................................82
Changing the display ...............................................................83
Deleting stored data .................................................................84
Saving the Screen as a BMP File...................................................85
Saving the measurement screen or recall screen ......................85
Screen hard copy .....................................................................85
Displaying a BMP le..............................................................86
Printing.........................................................................................87
Printing the measurement screen .............................................87
Printing the recall screen.........................................................87
Printing stored data continuously.............................................88
Advanced Operation..................................................89
Trigger Functions ..........................................................................91
Trigger operation modes ..........................................................91
Making trigger settings............................................................93
Performing measurement with repeat trigger ...........................97
Performing measurement with single trigger.......................... 101
Performing measurement with time trigger............................104

xii
Overlay Display........................................................................... 110
Activating the overlay display ................................................ 110
Canceling the overlay display ................................................ 111
Reactivating the overlay display............................................. 111
Setup Files and Initialization....................................................... 112
Resume function.................................................................... 112
Loading a setup le at startup................................................ 112
Initialization .......................................................................... 113
Using setup les..................................................................... 113
Setup le content example ..................................................... 116
Setting items.......................................................................... 117
Power Supply .............................................................................. 119
Battery powered operation and external power supply operation... 119
Batteries ................................................................................ 119
External power supply (AC adapter).......................................120
Auto shut-off function............................................................120
Using the Backlight..................................................................... 121
Selecting the backlight brightness.......................................... 121
Selecting the backlight auto-off delay.................................... 121
Using the backlight................................................................ 121
Status Display .............................................................................122
Symbol List ...........................................................................122
LED Indicator........................................................................123
SD Card ......................................................................................124
SD card data capacity ............................................................124
Formatting an SD card...........................................................124
Data transfer ..........................................................................125
Folder structure......................................................................126
Data File Structure......................................................................127
Data store les.......................................................................128
WAV E les ............................................................................133
Setting Commands......................................................................139
Setting command format........................................................ 139
Command List .......................................................................140
Command Description ........................................................... 142

xiii
Other Information .................................................... 151
Specications .............................................................................. 152
Index........................................................................................... 163

xiv

1
General Operation

2

3
Outline
The VA-12 is a portable vibration analyzer with FFT analysis function
specially designed for making measurements in the field.
It comes with the Piezoelectric Accelerometer PV-57I equipped with magnetic
attachment.
Because the VA-12 is equipped with the constant-current power supply, the
accelerometers with integrated preamplier (CCLD type) can be connected.
Also the charge output type accelerometers can be connected by combining
VP-40 with VA-12.
The VA-12 offers three analyzer modes: vibration meter mode, time waveform
mode, and FFT mode.
In vibration meter mode, acceleration, velocity, displacement, acceleration
peak, and acceleration crest factor can be measured simultaneously.
In time waveform mode, the waveform of acceleration, velocity, displacement
or acceleration envelope curve can be displayed with up to 8192 samples.
In FFT mode, the frequency analysis of acceleration, velocity, displacement or
acceleration envelope curve can be displayed with up to 3200 spectral lines.
The TFT color display has a resolution of 240 × 320 dots and is designed to
be easy to read, regardless of whether the unit is used indoors, outdoors, or
in dark locations. Membrane switches ensure easy operation, and an overload
LED indicator is also provided.
The buffer performance of the unit improves if the supplied protective cover
is installed. (When shipping the VA-12, the protective cover is installed.)
The SD card is used for the memory medium.
Features
• DSP chip performs digital integration and rms processing
• Simultaneous display of acceleration, velocity, displacement, acceleration
peak, and acceleration crest factor in vibration meter mode
•
24-bit A/D converter achieves 80 dB dynamic range for FFT analysis
• Overlay display of measurement data and recall data possible in FFT mode
• 1000 data × 100 store names available for data of any type
• Data store function with specied start time and store interval

4
Outline
• Data are stored on handy SD cards
• Setup les allow specifying ve different sets of parameters
• Five setup les can be stored as a group on an SD card
• Display image can be captured as a BMP le
• When connected to a computer via the optional USB cable, the SD
card in the unit is recognized as a removable disk
Block diagram
TFT LCD
QVGA
FLASHROM
SRAM
CPU
ATT
HPF
LPF
3 Hz
10 Hz
1 kHz
1 kHz
5 kHz
20 kHz
RMS DET ACC
DISP
ENVELOPE
FFT
CCLD 18 V 2 mA
AMP
EEPROM
A/D
DSP
RMS DET
RMS DET VEL
ACC
2
1 Hz
1 kHz
HPF
RTC
BUFFER
Accelerometer
connector
Overload detector
TRIG IN connector
(External trigger connector)
Analog control
Buzzer
SD card
OPTION connector
LCD controllerUSB controller
Overload
detector
PEAK HOLD
Vibration
meter
Aliasing lter
Overload
detector
Overload
detector
Integrator
Integrator
Envelope detector
Batteries
External power supply
Power supply voltage
monitor
Power supply
circuit
To power supply points
in various sections
USB connector
Membrane switch