Rion VM-55 User manual

3-20-41 Higashimotomachi, Kokubunji, Tokyo 185-8533, Japan
https://www.rion.co.jp/english/
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Vibration Level Meter
VM-55

i
Organization of this manual
This manual describes the features, operation and other aspects of the vibration
level meter VM-55. If the unit is used together with other equipment to congure
a measurement system, consult the documentation of all other components as well.
Pages iii and following contain important information about safety. Be sure to read
and observe these in full.
This manual contains the following sections.
Outline
Gives basic information on the conguration and features of the unit, and
contains a block diagram.
Controls and features
Briey identies and explains all parts of the unit.
Preparations
Describes power supply and pre-use checks, installation, connections, key
settings, and other steps.
Reading the display
Explains symbols and other information shown on the display of the unit.
Measurement
Describes the steps for measurement.
This manual describes about the Vibration Level Meter VM-55 in which
the optional Extended Function Program VX-55EX was installed.
When the VX-55EX is installed, the following function is added to the
VM-55.
- Comparator output
- Auto / Timer Auto store
- Continuous data output by serial interface
- Installation of various optional program

ii
* All company names and product names mentioned in this manual are
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Store Operations
Explains how to store measurement data.
Card capacity and store time
Lists the data store time corresponding to the SD memory card capacity, etc.
Input/output connectors
Explains the input and output connectors of the unit.
Default Settings
Lists the factory default settings of the unit.
Setup Files
Explains how to start up the unit using settings saved in a setup le.
Optional Accessories
Explains how to use the optional extension cord, printer, and level recorder
with the unit.
Serial Interface
Describes how to use the internal serial interface for connection to a com-
puter, to control measurement parameters and export measurement data.
Reference Information
Lists the battery life and INPUT connector.
Description for JIS C 1517
Lists the information materials corresponding to JIS C 1517.
Specications
Lists the technical specications of the unit

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.
Additional information about
using the unit. (These notes do
not directly affect safety.)
Note
Indicates a prohibited action.
This information is given to
prevent accidents and ensure
safe use of the unit.

iv
Precautions
Operate the unit only as described in this manual.
Take care not to drop the unit, and protect it from shocks and vibrations.
Take care not to drop the accelerometer, and protect it from shocks.
Ambient conditions for operation of the unit are as follows: temperature
range −10°C to +50°C, relative humidity up to 90%RH.
Protect the unit from water, dust, extreme temperatures, humidity, and
direct sunlight during storage. Also keep the unit away from air with high
salt or sulphur content, gases, and stored chemicals during storage and use.
Always turn the unit off after use. Remove the batteries from the unit
if it is not to be used for a long time. Otherwise battery uid may leak,
posing a risk of corrosion and damage.
When disconnecting cables, always grasp the plug and do not pull the
cable.
Store this unit in the right place in the supplied storage case.
Clean the unit only by wiping it with a soft, dry cloth or, when necessary,
with a cloth lightly moistened with water. Do not use any solvents, cleaning
alcohol or chemical cleaning agents.
Do not tap the LCD panel or other surfaces of the unit with a pointed
object such as a pen, pencil, screwdriver, etc.
Take care that no conductive objects such as wire, metal scraps, conductive
plastics etc. can get into the unit.
Do not try to disassemble or alter the unit. In case of an apparent mal-
function, do not attempt any repairs. Note the condition of the unit clearly
and contact the supplier.

v
In order to maintain the “water and dust resistant performance” of the
unit, observe the following precautions.
- Make sure that the battery compartment lid, the side cover and the
top cover of the unit are rmly closed.
- Do not open the battery compartment lid while the unit is wet.
- Do not leave the unit in a wet state. Always wipe off any moisture
and properly dry the unit.
- Have the unit regularly checked and calibrated, to ensure continued
“water and dust resistant performance”.
- We recommend to have the packing inside the case, the side cover and
the top cover replaced regularly (fare-paying service). The recommended
replacement cycle is two years. If more than two years have elapsed,
the “water and dust resistant performance” of the unit will no longer
be guaranteed. Regarding replacement of the packing, the side cover
and the top cover, please contact your supplier.
The life of the backup battery for the internal clock of the unit is limited.
You should have the battery replaced about once every two years. Regarding
replacement of the battery, please contact your supplier.
Please note that this product is warranted up to the product purchase price
against defects in material.
Never format optional program cards such as the VX-55EX and VX-55WR
with SD memory card formatting software (such as SD Formatter, etc.).
Otherwise the program data on the card will be erased and the respective
functions can no longer be used. Restoration of the erased program is not
warranted.
Dispose of the unit and of batteries only according to national and local
regulations at the place of use.

vi
Precautions for opening the case
Before opening the case and removing any equipment, place the case on
sturdy, at table or on the oor. Then open the case fully as shown below.
Never open the case while it is
standing upright. Otherwise equip-
ment may fall out, possibly causing
damage and accidents.

vii
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.
This product can be used in any areas including residential areas.

viii
Contents
FOR SAFETY............................................................................... iii
Outline............................................................................................1
Controls and features ......................................................................3
Front view..................................................................................3
Right side view ..........................................................................7
Top view ....................................................................................9
Bottom view ............................................................................10
Accelerometer and extension cord ........................................... 11
Preparations ..................................................................................12
Removing the equipment from the case ..................................12
Power.......................................................................................13
Power on/off ............................................................................ 17
Accelerometer placement and connection ...............................19
SD memory card and program cards........................................24
Connection to printer (DPU-414, BL2-58)................................25
Connection to a level recorder (LR-07) and
data recorder (DA-21, DA-40)..................................................29
Connection to a frequency analyzer ........................................30
Connection to a computer .......................................................31
Setting the date and time .........................................................32
Measurement in a dark location ...............................................34
Eco setting (Power-saving mode) .............................................36
Comparator output ...................................................................38
Language selection ..................................................................41
Calibration ..............................................................................42
Reading the Display ......................................................................44
Measurement screen display ....................................................44
Measurement screen ................................................................49
Measurement screen (3 channels display).................................49
Max Hold display screen..........................................................50
Processed data display screen ..................................................51

ix
Time-level display screen.........................................................52
Indicator messages...................................................................53
Menu list screen.......................................................................54
Measurement.................................................................................72
Vibration level (Lv) and vibration acceleration level (Lva)
measurement............................................................................72
Equivalent continuous level (Lveq /Lvaeq) measurement ............74
Other processed value measurement ........................................77
Store Operation .............................................................................78
Manual mode operation ...........................................................81
Auto mode operation................................................................87
Marker.....................................................................................92
Timer Auto mode operation .....................................................93
About the store data format......................................................99
About SD memory cards........................................................100
Formatting an SD memory card............................................. 101
Screen hard copy ..................................................................102
Card capacity and store time ....................................................... 103
Using Auto store (when the VX-55EX is installed) ................103
When performing waveform recording (when the VX-55WR
is installed) ............................................................................104
Input/Output Connectors ............................................................. 105
OUTPUT connector............................................................... 105
I/O connector......................................................................... 110
Default Settings........................................................................... 111
Setup Files .................................................................................. 112
Resume function .................................................................... 112
Loading a start up le at startup ............................................ 112
Restoring default settings (factory default settings) ................ 113
Using setup les..................................................................... 114
Setting a start up le.............................................................. 116

x
Optional Accessories................................................................... 117
Extension cord ....................................................................... 117
EC-02S – EC-54S conversion cord EC-54ST ......................... 119
Printer DPU-414 / BL2-58...................................................... 119
Level recorder LR-07.............................................................122
Program options ....................................................................123
Serial Interface............................................................................124
RS-232C ................................................................................124
USB ....................................................................................... 127
Connection to a computer .....................................................135
Disconnection from the computer .......................................... 136
Communication cutoff ........................................................... 137
Rated values ..........................................................................138
Command .............................................................................. 139
Command list ........................................................................ 142
Command description............................................................ 146
Command example ................................................................ 176
Reference Information................................................................. 178
Battery life............................................................................. 178
INPUT connector .................................................................. 179
Description for JIS C 1517 ..........................................................180
Specications .............................................................................. 182

1
Outline
The VM-55 is a vibration level meter compliant with the requirements of
the Measurement Act and of the Japanese Industrial Standards for Vibration
Level Meters (JIS C 1510:1995, JIS C 1517:2014).
The unit is designed mainly for measuring ground vibrations in order to
evaluate vibration pollution. It can measure vibration levels in the vertical and
horizontal plane and display values weighted according to human vibration
sensitivity characteristics. The system consists of the main unit and the 3-axis
accelerometer PV-83C.
The VM-55 is equipped to measure the vibration level and vibration acceleration
level as well as the time percentile level, equivalent continuous level, maximum
and minimum value in three axis. Measurement results data are stored on the
internal memory or inserted SD memory card of the unit.
By installing the Extended Function Program VX-55EX, functions such as
automated long-term continuous data recording on SD memory card and
comparator output can be added. Installing the Waveform Recording Program
VX-55WR provides support for waveform recording and installing the 1/3
Octave Real-time Analysis Program VX-55RT provides support for 1/3 octave
real-time analysis.
Separate X, Y, Z outputs can be connected to a level recorder, analyzer, or
data recorder. Communication with a computer is possible via the built-in
I/O connector and USB connector. Because the USB connector conforms to
storage specications, the unit will be recognized as a removable disk when
connected to a computer.
The RS-232C interface allows sending measurement data to a printer.
The unit is designed for power saving, so operates continuously for up to 24 hours
on eight size AA batteries.
Also, in consideration of environment, nickel metal hydride rechargeable
batteries can be used to help reduce the amount of battery waste.
And the unit can be connected the external power supply for the long time
measurement.

2
Outline
Block diagram

3
Controls and features
Front view
INPUT connector
The 3-axis accelerometer PV-83C is to be connected here, using the
supplied EC-54S cord. If the accelerometer is to be installed at a greater
distance, optional extension cord can also be used.
Display
The display of the unit is a backlit LCD panel. It shows the measured
vibration level and vibration acceleration level as a numeric indication, as
a bar graph and as a time-level graph. “--.-” is shown when the indicated
value is −10 dB or lower.
It also indicates the operation status of the unit and shows measurement
parameters as well as warning indications and other information.
INPUT connector
Display
Control section

4
Controls and features
Control section
START/STOP key
PAUSE/CONT key
DISPLAY key LIGHT key
POWER key
MENU/ENTER key
OUTPUT CAL key
X/Y/Z/XYZ key
LEVEL RANGE key
Lv/Lva key
MAX HOLD RESET key
key
Indicator LED
LEVEL RANGE keys
These keys control the level range for the X, Y, Z axis.
The key switches the level range up, and the key switches the level
range down.
The following six settings are available: [0 to 70], [10 to 80], [20 to 90],
[30 to 100], [40 to 110], [50 to 120]
X/Y/Z/XYZ key
Switches the vibration axis to be shown on the display.
With each push of the key, the display cycles through the settings in the
order X Y Z XYZ X etc.
Lv/Lva key
Switches between vibration level (Lv) and vibration acceleration level (Lva).
MAX HOLD RESET key
Resets the value of the max hold function.
START/STOP key
Serves to start / stop processing for the following functions:
Equivalent continuous level (Leq)
Time percentile level (L5, L10, L50, L90, L95)
Maximum value (Lmax)
Minimum value (Lmin)

5
Controls and features
Indicator LED
Lights/ashes in red or blue to indicate the operation or status of the unit.
PAUSE/CONT key
Press the key to pause measurement (processing), and press the key again
to resume measurement (processing).
During pause in manual processing, the indicator LED ashes in blue .
Note
The PAUSE key does not function while the store mode
is Auto or Timer Auto (when the optional VX-55EX
is installed).
OUTPUT CAL key
This key serves for level matching between the unit and peripheral equipment.
keys
These four keys serve for selecting and setting items on menu screens.
POWER key
Turns power to the unit on and off. The key must be held down for at least
2 seconds to take effect.
MENU/ENTER key
Press this key to make or nalize the setting of an item in a menu or any
other setting.
When the key is pressed at the measurement screen, the menu list screen
comes up.
LIGHT key
This key turns on the display backlight, for easier reading in a dark location.
Press the key again to turn the backlight off.
When the automatic light out function was selected from the menu, the
backlight will turn itself off automatically after the preset time (see page
34).
Also press this key when you want to check the measurement settings in
power-saving standby condition (see page 61).

6
Controls and features
DISPLAY key
This key switches measurement screen display.
Each push of the key cycles through the settings in the following order:
Measurement screen Max Hold screen Processed data screen
Time-level screen Measurement screen
In addition, this key is used to bring up an explanation of the item on the
screen by the help system.
Key lock
Pressing the and keys together activates the key lock. A lock symbol
appears in the bottom left corner of the display (see page 44), and the
operation keys except for the LIGHT key are disabled.
If a key other than the LIGHT key is pressed, a key lock indication appears.
Pressing the and keys together once more cancels the key lock.
To turn the unit off, you must rst cancel the key lock and then hold down
the POWER key.
The key lock does not function on the menu list screen and calibration
screen.

7
Controls and features
Right side view
Side cover
This cover protects the connectors on the right side during transport or
storage. Removing the cover gives access to the connectors shown above.
Important
To keep the water and dust resistant performance,
close tightly the side cover of the unit.
OUTPUT connectors
These are BNC connectors which carry the output signal for the X, Y,
and Z axis.
An AC signal corresponding to frequency weighting or a DC signal cor-
responding to vibration level is output here.
The [Display/ I/O] on the menu list screen allows selection of alternating
current (AC) or direct current (DC) output.
I/O connector
Serves for RS-232C connection (including printer) or a comparator signal
is output here.
OUTPUT
X Y Z
I/O connector
OUTPUT connectors
USB connector
Side cover
DC IN connector

8
Controls and features
USB connector (mini B)
Serves for connection to a computer.
DC IN connector
The optional AC adapter NC-98 series can be connected here for powering
the unit from an AC outlet (100 V to 240 V AC ). The optional battery
pack BP-21A can also be connected here.
Important
To prevent the risk of damage, do not use any
AC adapter and battery pack other than the
specied type.