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