SKF Machine Condition Indicator User manual

SKF Machine Condition Indicator ®
Vibration and Temperature Sensor and Alarm Indicator
Firmware Version 1.00
User Manual Part No. 32269100-EN
Revision B
User Manual
Read this manual before using this product. Failure to follow the instructions
and safety precautions in this manual can result in serious injury, damage to the
product, or incorrect readings. Keep this manual in a safe location for future
reference.
Copyright 2012 by SKF USA Inc.
All rights reserved.
5271 Viewridge Court. San Diego, CA 92123-1841 USA
Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone]
Customer Service: 1-800-523-7514

SKF USA Inc.
® SKF is a registered trademark of the SKF Group.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
© SKF 2012
The contents of this publication are the copyright of the publisher and may not be reproduced (even extracts)
unless prior written permission is granted. Every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information
contained in this publication but no liability can be accepted for any loss or damage whether direct, indirect or
consequential arising out of the use of the information contained herein. SKF reserves the right to alter any part
of this publication without prior notice.
SKF Patents include: #US04768380 • #US05679900 • #US05845230 • #US05854553 • #US05992237 •
#US06006164 • #US06199422 • #US06202491 • #US06275781 • #US06489884 • #US06513386 •
#US06633822 • #US6,789,025 • #US6,792,360 • US 5,633,811 • US 5,870,699 • #WO_03_048714A1
Product Support – Contact Information
Product Support – To request a Return Authorization, Product Calibration or a Product Support Plan, use the
web page links for direct contact and support.
Product Sales - For information on purchasing condition monitoring products, services or customer support,
contact your local SKF sales office.
General Product Information
For general product information (i.e., product data sheet, accessories catalog, etc.), visit the Condition Monitoring
Products page on SKF.com and select the appropriate product link.
Technical Support Group
Discuss/review issues of specific interest with maintenance and reliability specialists from around the world at
the SKF @ptitude Exchange Forum.
For technical support on issues like troubleshooting product installation, troubleshooting product performance,
etc., use our technical support web page to contact one of our Technical Support Groups.
Product Registration
Please take a moment to register your product at www.skf.com/cm/register to receive exclusive benefits offered
only to our registered customers, including receiving technical support, tracking your proof of ownership, and
staying informed about upgrades and special offers. (Please visit our website for more details on these benefits.)
Tell us how we’re doing!
It’s important that you’re satisfied with the quality of our product user manuals. We appreciate your feedback; if
you have comments or suggestions for improvement, please tell us how we’re doing!
121812jj

SKF USA Inc.
Limited Warranty
WARRANTY
Subject to the terms and conditions contained
herein, SKF warrants to the Buyer that for the
warranty period indicated below the products sold
by SKF that are listed below (the “Products”),
when properly installed, maintained and operated,
will be free from defects in material and
workmanship and shall be fit for the ordinary
purposes for which the Products are designed.
BUYER’S LIMITED REMEDIES
This limited warranty defines SKF’s sole and
exclusive liability and Buyer’s sole and exclusive
remedy for any claim arising out of, or related to,
any alleged deficiency in any Product sold by SKF,
even if such claim is based on tort (including
negligence or strict liability), breach of contract, or
any other legal theory.
If the Product does not conform to this limited
warranty, Buyer must notify SKF or SKF’s
authorized service representative within thirty (30)
days of discovery of the nonconformity; provided,
however, that SKF shall not be liable for any claim
for which notice is received by SKF more than
thirty (30) days following the expiration of the
applicable warranty period for the Product. Upon
receipt of timely notification from Buyer, SKF may,
at its sole option, modify, repair, replace the
Product, or reimburse Buyer for any payment
made by Buyer to SKF for the purchase price of
the Product, with such reimbursement being pro-
rated over the warranty period.
WARRANTY PERIOD
Except as expressly provided below, the warranty
period for each Product shall commence on the
date the Product is shipped by SKF to Buyer.
90-DAY WARRANTY
Products warranted for ninety (90) days by SKF
are as follows: cable assemblies, MARLIN
QuickConnect (MQC), magnetic temperature
probes, and all refurbished equipment.
ONE-YEAR WARRANTY
Products warranted for one (1) year by SKF are as
follows: all Microlog products and accessories, all
Microlog Inspector applications including hand-
held computers, all MARLIN data managers
(MDM), all MARLIN Condition Detectors (MCD), all
Wireless Machine Condition Detectors (WMCD), all
Multilog On-line Systems (IMx), all Multilog
Condition Monitoring Units (CMU, TMU), Multilog
Local Monitoring Units (LMU), all Multilog Wireless
Monitoring Units (WMx), all Wireless Monitoring
Systems V/T, all Vibration PenPlus, all Machine
Condition Advisers, all transmitters, all Monitor
Interface Modules (MIM), all Machine Condition
Transmitters (MCT), all Machine Condition
Indicators (MCI), MicroVibe P and Custom
Products with the prefix of CMCP (with the
exception of any consumable or expendable
items), Shaft Alignment Systems TKSA 60 and
TKSA 80 including hand-held computer,
measuring units and accessories.
TWO-YEAR WARRANTY
Products warranted for two (2) years by SKF are
as follows: all standard Eddy Probes, Eddy Probe
Drivers, and Eddy Probe Extension Cables, all
Multilog On-line Systems (DMx), and all M800A
and VM600 Machinery Monitoring Systems.
For all On-line Systems that have satisfied Criteria
1 and 2 below, the warranty period shall be either
thirty (30) months from the date the On-line
System is shipped by SKF to Buyer, two (2) years
from the date the On-line System is installed and
commissioned by SKF, or two (2) years from the
date on which the installation of the On-line
System has been audited and commissioned by
SKF or its authorized service representative,
whichever period ends first.
Criteria 1. Devices used with a Multilog On-
line System (IMx), Multilog Condition Monitoring
Unit (CMU), Multilog Local Monitoring Unit (LMU),
including, but not limited to, the sensing device,
the interconnect cabling, junction boxes, if any,
and the communications interface, must consist
only of SKF-supplied or SKF-approved devices

and/or components. The computer provided by
Buyer must meet the requirements stipulated by
SKF.
Criteria 2. SKF or its authorized service
representative has installed the On-line System or
has audited the installation and commissioned the
On-line System.
“On-line Systems” are defined as systems
consisting of Multilog On-line System (IMx),
Multilog Condition Monitoring Unit(s) (CMU),
Multilog Local Monitoring Unit(s) (LMU), and any
sensing or input devices, the interconnect cabling
between the sensing or input devices and the
Multilog On-line System (IMx), Multilog Condition
Monitoring Unit(s) (CMU), Multilog Local
Monitoring Unit(s) (LMU), and the cabling between
the Multilog On-line System (IMx), Multilog
Condition Monitoring Unit (CMU), Multilog Local
Monitoring Unit (LMU) and the proprietary SKF
communications interface with the host computer.
FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY
Products warranted for five (5) years by SKF are
as follows: all standard seismic sensors
(accelerometers and velocity transducers).
OTHER SKF PRODUCTS
Any SKF product supplied hereunder but not
covered by this limited warranty shall be either
covered by the applicable SKF limited warranty
then in place for such product or, if no such
warranty exists, shall be covered by the 90-day
warranty stated above.
THIRD PARTY PRODUCT WARRANTIES
For any third party products sold to Buyer by SKF,
SKF will transfer to Buyer any warranties made by
the applicable third party product vendor to the
extent such warranties are transferable.
CONDITIONS
As a condition to SKF’s warranty obligations
hereunder and if requested or authorized in
writing by SKF, Buyer shall forward to SKF any
Product claimed by Buyer as being defective.
Buyer shall prepay all transportation charges to
SKF’s factory or authorized service center. SKF
will bear the cost of shipping any replacement
Products to Buyer. Buyer agrees to pay SKF’s
invoice for the then-current price of any
replacement Product furnished to Buyer by SKF, if
the Product that was replaced is later determined
by SKF to conform to this limited warranty.
SKF shall not be obligated under this limited
warranty or otherwise for normal wear and tear
or for any Product which, following shipment and
any installation by SKF (if required by the contract
with the Buyer), has, in SKF’s sole judgment, been
subjected to accident, abuse, misapplication,
improper mounting or remounting, improper
lubrication, improper repair or alteration, or
maintenance, neglect, excessive operating
conditions or for defects caused by or attributable
to the Buyer, including without limitation Buyer’s
failure to comply with any written instructions
provided to Buyer by SKF.
SKF shall be free to conduct such tests,
investigations and analysis of the Products
returned to SKF, as it deems reasonable and
proper in the exercise of its sole judgment. As a
further condition to SKF’s obligations hereunder,
Buyer shall offer its reasonable cooperation to
SKF in the course of SKF’s review of any warranty
claim, including, by way of example only, Buyer’s
providing to SKF any and all information as to
service, operating history, mounting, wiring, or re-
lubrication of the Product which is the subject of
the Buyer’s warranty claim.
EXCEPT WARRANTY OF TITLE AND FOR THE
WARRANTIES EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN
HEREIN, IT IS UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED THAT:
(a) SKF MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTY,
REPRESENTATION OR INDEMNIFICATION,
EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING
WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY
OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-
INFRINGEMENT; (b) IN NO EVENT SHALL SKF BE
LIABLE OR OBLIGATED FOR SPECIAL,
EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE, INCIDENTAL, DIRECT,
INDIRECT, GENERAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BY WAY OF EXAMPLE
ONLY, LOST PROFITS OR SAVINGS, LOSS OF

BUSINESS OR LOSS OF USE) OR ANY OTHER
LOSS, COST OR EXPENSE IN CONNECTION WITH
THE PRODUCTS AND RELATED SERVICES, IF
ANY, PROVIDED BY SKF, AND THIS DISCLAIMER
SHALL EXTEND AS WELL TO ANY LIABILITY FOR
NONPERFORMANCE CAUSED BY SKF’S GROSS
OR ORDINARY NEGLIGENCE, AND IN ALL CASES
REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT ANY OF
THE FOREGOING WERE FORESEEABLE OR THAT
SKF WAS ADVISED AS TO THE POSSIBILITY OF
SUCH DAMAGES, LOSS, COST, OR EXPENSE;
AND (c) NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED BY
SKF TO MAKE ANY FURTHER OR CONTRARY
INDEMNITIES, REPRESENTATIONS OR
WARRANTIES ON BEHALF OF SKF. THE
FOREGOING LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS OF
LIABILITY SHALL BE MADE APPLICABLE TO THE
SALE OF ANY PRODUCT BY SKF TO THE
FURTHEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE
LAW.
The exclusive remedies provided in this limited
warranty shall not be deemed to have failed of
their essential purpose so long as SKF is willing
and able to perform to the extent and in the
manner prescribed in this limited warranty.
SKF, MARLIN, Microlog and Multilog are
registered trademarks of the SKF Group.
CM-F0001 (Revision T, June 2011)

SKF Machine Condition Indicator TOC - 1
User Manual
Table of Contents
SKF Machine Condition Indicator
Safety Messages ........................................................... 1
Overview......................................................................... 2
How to Activate the MCI and Perform a Self-Test... 3
How to Select a Mounting Location
and Mount the MCI..................................................... 5
How to Select the MCI’s Alarm Mode......................... 6
How to Interpret and Acknowledge MCI Alarms....... 9
Battery Life .................................................................. 12
How to Understand Error Codes ..............................13

SKF Machine Condition Indicator 1
User Manual
SKF Machine Condition Indicator
Safety Messages
WARNING! Your safety is extremely important. Read and follow all warnings in
this document before handling and operating the equipment. You can be seriously
injured, and equipment and data can be damaged if you do not follow the safety
warnings.
WARNING! - Warning messages can alert you to an operating procedure, practice,
condition, or statement that must be strictly observed to prevent equipment damage or
destruction, or corruption or loss of data.
IMPORTANT: Important messages means that there is a risk of product or property
damage if the instruction is not heeded.
Personnel Safety
Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing, and
gloves away from moving parts.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times to enable better control
of the device during unexpected situations.
Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection. Non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or
hearing protection must be used for appropriate conditions.
Do not repair or adjust energized equipment alone, under any circumstances. Someone
capable of providing first aid must always be present for your safety.
To work on or near high voltage, you should be familiar with approved industrial first aid
methods.
Always obtain first aid or medical attention immediately after an injury. Never neglect an
injury, no matter how slight it seems.
Device Safety
Use only accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer.
Do not attempt to open the device.
Energized equipment
Never work on energized equipment unless authorized by a responsible authority.
Energized electrical equipment is dangerous. Electrical shock from energized equipment
can cause death. If you must perform authorized emergency work on energized
equipment, be sure that you comply strictly with approved safety regulations.
Hazardous Locations
The MCI is NOT approved for use in hazardous areas.

SKF Machine Condition Indicator
Overview
2 SKF Machine Condition Indicator
User Manual
Avoid Submerging in Water
This equipment meets the IP69K rating. It has been designed to withstand high PSI wash
downs.
Avoid Damage and Injury
To avoid costly damage to the instrument or injury from a falling instrument, place the
instrument on a solid stable surface when not in use and do not place any heavy objects
on it.
Use a damp, clean cloth for cleaning. Do not use cleaning fluids, abrasives, or aerosols.
They could cause damage, fire, or electrical shock.
Overview
The SKF Machine Condition Indicator (MCI) is a vibration and temperature sensor and
alarm indicator for permanent monitoring of non-critical or balance-of-plant machinery
in plants with constant operating conditions. The MCI measures vibration velocity,
enveloped acceleration vibration (bearing vibration), and machine surface temperature.
Figure 1. MCI Sensor and Magnetic Read Key.
Once activated, the MCI starts taking its measurements every three hours. If an alarm
condition occurs, the MCI’s three LEDs blink red in a specific blink sequence to indicate
that the machine is in alarm, and which of the three measurements detected the alarm
condition. Details on MCI alarming are found later in this manual.
MCI kit components include the Machine Condition Indicator and a magnetic read key
used to program the MCI. The magnetic read key is used to activate the MCI, to change
alarm modes, to check the MCI’s status, and to acknowledge alarms. The read key is
applied by positioning it adjacent to the MCI for various durations as you observe changes
in specific LED blink sequences.
There are four basic steps to setting up, installing, and using the MCI.
Use the read key to activate the MCI and perform a self-test prior to mounting the
MCI in the field.

SKF Machine Condition Indicator
How to Activate the MCI and Perform a Self-Test
SKF Machine Condition Indicator 3
User Manual
Select a location to mount the MCI to the machine, and mount the MCI.
Understand and select one of the two MCI alarm modes.
Interpret and acknowledge MCI alarms.
Each of these steps is detailed below.
How to Activate the MCI and Perform a Self-Test
Before mounting an MCI to a machine, use the read key to activate the MCI and perform
a self-test to confirm that the MCI is working properly. You must apply the read key
properly to receive the most accurate response from the MCI.
IMPORTANT - once you activate the MCI, it starts to perform its vibration readings every
three hours. Therefore, it’s best to hold off on activating the MCI until you are ready to
mount it, to avoid unnecessarily depleting its battery. ONCE ACTIVATED, YOU CANNOT
DEACTIVATE THE MCI.
Tip - After you have activated the MCI, you should write the month /
year on the MCI with a permanent marker to help with scheduling
renewals after three years.
Figure 2. Write the Activation Month / Year on the MCI.
The three LEDs on top of the MCI blink green, red, or amber at various intervals to
indicate the current alarm mode, alarm status, or error condition.

SKF Machine Condition Indicator
How to Activate the MCI and Perform a Self-Test
4 SKF Machine Condition Indicator
User Manual
To apply the read key to the MCI:
Hold the read key between your thumb and index finger.
Position the read key adjacent to the MCI on the designated read key location. This
location is indicated by a raised line on the MCI label. The read key must be
touching the MCI.
Figure 3. Applying the Read Key to the MCI.
Hold the read key in place for the required duration (as explained in following
sections), and then remove.
You issue commands to the MCI by applying or removing the read key for various
durations - as you observe changes in specific LED blink sequences. - A “blink” is
observed as a single, quick rotation of the three LEDs (first one, then the next, then the
third).A change in LED blink sequences prompts you to either apply or remove the read
key to issue the desired command. Examples of blink sequences are:
Quick blink (1 blink every second)
Slow blink (3 blinks every 5 seconds)
Slower blink (2 blinks every 5 seconds)
Very slow blink (1 blink every 5 seconds)
To activate the MCI and perform a self-test:
With read key/LED blink sequence procedures, it is best to read and
understand the entire procedure prior to attempting to perform it.
Read key action LED blink
sequence change
# blinks /
seconds
Indicating Notes
1- Apply read key for
approximately 15 seconds
Until GREEN LEDs
blink very slowly
1 blink every
5 seconds
Lasts about
20 seconds
MCI is
activated
You may remove the
read key after the
blinks begin
If the MCI fails the self-test, instead of slowly blinking green, the LEDs quickly blink
amber (one blink every second) for a twenty second duration, indicating an internal error.

SKF Machine Condition Indicator
How to Select a Mounting Location and Mount the MCI
SKF Machine Condition Indicator 5
User Manual
If the amber LEDs display, try again to activate the MCI. If the amber LEDs continue to
display, reference the How to understand error codes section later in this user manual
for more information.
How to Select a Mounting Location and Mount the MCI
When selecting a machine and location to mount the MCI, consider the following
requirements and recommendations:
WARNING! The machine must be in a safe area (non-IS) with a constant
speed range of 900 to 3600 RPM. The MCI is NOT approved for use in
hazardous areas.
Mount the MCI so the LEDs on the top of the MCI are easily visible. If the
measurement location is higher than eye-level, consider horizontally mounting the
MCI to the machine. A radial mounting position, close to the bearing load zone, is
recommended; although the MCI can also perform its measurements at horizontal,
vertical, and axial positions.
For earliest detection of machinery problems, you should install MCIs on the
inboard and outboard bearings on both the driver and driven machines. If you are
only installing one MCI per machine, you should install them on the inboard bearing
on both the driver and driven machine.
The top and side labels of the MCI have barcode labels representing the serial
number. This makes it easy to include the MCI in your SKF Microlog Inspector data
collection ROUTE. (Contact your SKF representative for details.)
Figure 4. Top View of MCI, Showing Barcode Label.
Before mounting, inspect the location for possible items behind the mounting area,
such as rotating parts.
Mounting the MCI
Important! Do not use a magnetic mounting base to attach the MCI to the machine.
The mounting magnet may interfere with the MCI’s operation.
The MCI can be mounted to the machine using a mounting stud, epoxy, or acrylic
adhesive bypacs (CMCP 210). These items are not provided in the MCI kit and must be
purchased separately.
If using epoxy, Loctite 454 is the recommended manufacturer. Follow the epoxy
manufacturer’s instructions when adhering the MCI sensor to the machine.

SKF Machine Condition Indicator
How to Select the MCI’s Alarm Mode
6 SKF Machine Condition Indicator
User Manual
Acrylic adhesive bypacs are durable adhesive bonds specifically formulated for high
impact loads in a variety of temperature environments. When using these adhesive
bonds, it is not necessary to prepare the metal before bonding to the machine.
If using a mounting stud, follow the instructions below on how to install the mounting
stud to the machine, and attach the MCI to the stud.
To install the mounting stud:
Prepare and clean a flat surface (2 inch square area) with a hand tool.
Drill a pilot hole with a 6.7 mm drill bit for the M8 × 1.25 thread, or with a #3 drill
bit for the 1/4-28 thread.
Enlarge the pilot hole with the drill bit (M8 × 1.25 or 1/4-28).
Insert the pilot (M8 × 1.25 or 1/4-28) into the spot face mill (counter bore) and
secure with a hex key.
Using the piloted counter bore, spot face the surface until it is smooth and is
approximately one inch in diameter.
Use the tap (M8 × 1.25 or 1/4-28) to hand tap the hole to the desired thread depth.
Screw the mounting stud into the base of the MCI.
Figure 5. Bottom view of the MCI, Showing 1/4-28 Tapped Threads for Mounting to Stud.
Mount and tighten the MCI / mounting stud to the prepared hole on the machine.
At this time, the MCI is mounted and activated. If you choose to apply the MCI’s default
alarm settings (threshold alarm mode), you simply need to monitor its alarm status
regularly.
How to Select the MCI’s Alarm Mode
Measurement Overview
Once activated, the MCI immediately starts taking measurements using a pre-set
measurement schedule. The MCI wakes up eight times per day (every three hours) to
take its measurements.
Upon waking, the MCI evaluates the current vibration level of the
machine, and if the vibration level does not meet a minimum threshold
level, the MCI goes back to sleep to minimize taking data when the
machine is off.

SKF Machine Condition Indicator
How to Select the MCI’s Alarm Mode
SKF Machine Condition Indicator 7
User Manual
The MCI measures vibration velocity, enveloped acceleration vibration (bearing vibration),
and machine surface temperature.
The overall vibration velocity measurement is a general purpose measurement designed
to measure and alarm on structural machinery faults like unbalance, misalignment,
looseness, etc. (this is a band limited velocity measurement close to the ISO standard, ISO
10816-3 (10 to 1,000 Hz)).
The enveloped acceleration vibration measurement is designed to provide early detection
(failure stage three) of bearing faults on machines operating at a fixed speed between
900 and 3600 RPM.
Temperature measurements measure the machine’s surface temperature. Increase in
temperature provides a useful indication of load, and may detect problems that don’t
affect vibration (e.g., lack of oil).
MCI Alarm Modes
The MCI allows you to select one of two alarm modes: threshold mode or percentage
mode. Threshold alarm mode is the MCI’s default mode.
Threshold alarm mode (default mode)
Indicated by 1 green blink every five seconds.
In threshold alarm mode, velocity, enveloped acceleration, and temperature
measurement results are compared to the following default alarm threshold levels, which
are applicable to most “standard” machinery running at “standard” speed (between 900
and 3600 RPM).
Velocity – 9.0 mm/sec RMS (0.35 in/sec RMS; 0.5 IPS equivalent peak)
Enveloped Acceleration – 4.0 gE
Temperature – 105 ˚C (220 ˚F)
Percentage alarm mode
Indicated by 2 green blinks every five seconds.
In percentage alarm mode, the MCI sets its alarm levels specifically for the machine on
which it is mounted. In percentage mode, for the machine upon which it is mounted, the
MCI establishes baseline values (i.e., normal or known-good running condition values) for
the three measurements. After establishing these baseline values, future MCI
measurement results are compared to a multiple of the established baseline values for
alarm purposes, as follows:
Velocity – 2X baseline value (200%)
Enveloped Acceleration - 2X baseline value (200%)
Temperature – baseline value plus 50 ˚C (plus 90 ˚F)
In percentage mode, the maximum alarm values are 40 mm/s RMS and 30 gE.
Therefore (as described above) the maximum baseline values are 20 mm/s RMS (1.1 in/s
P) and 15 gE. If these maximum baseline values are exceeded, the MCI automatically
reverts to threshold alarm mode and indicates so by flashing simultaneous red LEDs
three blinks every five seconds, for about twenty seconds, and then solid red LEDs for
about 10 seconds.

SKF Machine Condition Indicator
How to Select the MCI’s Alarm Mode
8 SKF Machine Condition Indicator
User Manual
In percentage mode, minimum alarm levels are 7 mm/s RMS and 4 gE. Any calculated
alarm levels less then these minimum levels will be rounded up to these minimum levels.
To switch from threshold alarm mode to percentage alarm mode:
For accurate alarming, it is important that the machine is known to be in
good running condition prior to initiating percentage mode.
After activating and mounting the MCI, with the machine running at its nominal speed
and temperature:
Read key action LED blink
sequence
change
# blinks /
seconds
Indicating Notes
1- Apply read key
for approximately
20 seconds
Until LEDs
change to solid
GREEN
Solid Start of alarm
mode change
During the 20 seconds, the
MCI is progressing through
its activation / alarm status
procedure
2 - Immediately
remove read key
LEDs change
to quick
GREEN blinks
1 blink every
second
You have 4 seconds to
remove read key
3 - Immediately
reapply the read key
LEDs change
to slower
GREEN blinks
2 blinks every
5 seconds
Lasts about
10 seconds
MCI is in %
mode and is
acquiring
baseline
readings
You have 4 seconds to
reapply read key
2 blinks every 5 seconds
indicate % alarm mode is
active
You may remove the read
key after slower blinks
commence
LEDs change
to faster
GREEN blinks
3 blinks every
5 seconds
Lasts about
20 seconds
Baseline
readings are
acquired
LEDs change
to solid
GREEN
Solid
Lasts about
10 seconds
Procedure is
complete
If the MCI fails to establish the baseline levels, the LEDs blink amber 3 times every 5
seconds for a twenty second duration - and the MCI returns to threshold mode.
If the amber LEDs display, confirm that the machine is running at its nominal speed
and temperature before trying to place it in percentage mode again. If the MCI still
cannot establish a baseline (typically due to fluctuating conditions), you should use
your SKF Microlog Analyzer to determine the cause. If you cannot determine a
cause, contact your SKF representative for assistance.

SKF Machine Condition Indicator
How to Interpret and Acknowledge MCI Alarms
SKF Machine Condition Indicator 9
User Manual
To change from percentage alarm mode back to threshold alarm mode:
The procedure to re-activate threshold mode is similar to that for activating percentage
mode.
Read key action LED blink
sequence
change
# blinks /
seconds
Indicating Notes
1- Apply read key for
approximately 20
seconds
Until LEDs
change to solid
GREEN
Solid Start of alarm
mode change
During the 20 seconds, the
MCI is progressing through its
activation / alarm status
procedure
2 - Immediately
remove read key
LEDs change to
quick GREEN
blinks
1 blink every
second
You have 4 seconds to remove
read key
3 - Immediately
reapply the read key
LEDs change to
very slow
GREEN blinks
1 blink every 5
seconds
Lasts about
10 seconds
MCI is in
threshold
mode
You have 4 seconds to reapply
read key
1 blink every 5 seconds
indicates threshold alarm
mode is active
You may remove the read key
after slower blinks commence
LEDs change to
solid GREEN
Solid
Lasts about
10 seconds
Procedure is
complete
How to Interpret and Acknowledge MCI Alarms
Alarm Detection and Verification
During measurement collection, if the MCI detects an alarm condition, it automatically
verifies the alarm condition by retrying its measurements. This helps rule out transient
conditions and false alarms. When the MCI detects an alarm condition, it goes back to
sleep for an hour and then wakes up again to retry the measurements. It can repeat this
hourly alarm verification process for up to twelve hours (twelve retries) depending on the
“strength” of the alarm. For example, if the alarm level is exceeded by only a small
amount, the MCI may verify the condition for up to twelve hours (12 retries) before it
displays its red alarm LEDs. However, if the alarm level is exceeded by a large amount,
the MCI recognizes this and performs fewer attempts to verify the alarm condition before
it shows its red alarm LEDs. Thus, stronger alarms display the red alarm LEDs faster
than weaker alarms, and all alarms are verified.
To save battery life, the MCI’s vibration measurements must exceed a
minimum threshold level (.5 gE or 3 mm/s (.17 in/s P)) to validate that
the machine is running. If the measured vibration is below these levels,
the MCI does not proceed with the alarm validation process.

SKF Machine Condition Indicator
How to Interpret and Acknowledge MCI Alarms
10 SKF Machine Condition Indicator
User Manual
Once the MCI has verified the alarm, its red LEDs blink in a specific blink pattern
depending on which measurement is in alarm (see table below) for a one week
duration.
Important - to preserve battery life, red alarm LEDs only display for the first
week after the alarm is verified, therefore, it is imperative that you routinely visually
check each MCI within a seven day timeframe.
Alarm Type Blink Pattern LED Duration
Enveloped Acceleration Alarm 1 RED blink every 5 seconds 1 week
Velocity Alarm 2 RED blinks every 5 seconds 1 week
Temperature Alarm 3 RED blinks every 5 seconds 1 week
Note - A “blink” is observed as a single, quick rotation of the three
LEDs. First one, then the next, then the third.
Note – Below 0 degrees C (32 degrees F), only one LED blinks
during alarm indication, to preserve battery life.
The MCI will only validate and then signal one alarm at a time. The three measurement
parameters are evaluated for alarm in the following order: (1) Enveloped Acceleration, (2)
Velocity, (3) Temperature. For example, if both the enveloped acceleration and
temperature measurements go into alarm, the MCI will signal only the enveloped
acceleration measurement’s alarm (1 red blink every five seconds) as it has the higher
priority.
After a week passes, the red LEDs no longer display and the MCI enters a deep sleep
mode. In deep sleep mode, the MCI is no longer waking up every three hours to perform
its measurements. When this happens, you must acknowledge the alarm to return the
MCI back to its normal monitoring state. How to acknowledge alarms is discussed later in
this section.
Even after a week passes and the MCI is in deep sleep mode (no longer
monitoring the machine), you may apply the read key to determine the
type of alarm (above chart). The appropriate alarm code will blink for
about twenty seconds. Reference the following Checking the MCI
alarm status section for details.
Checking MCI Alarm Status
At least once a week, visually check the MCI’s alarm status
You should perform a visual check once a week (minimum) by looking at the MCI and
confirming the LEDs are not blinking red (indicating an alarm condition). However, if the
machine is more critical, you should perform visual checks daily. As stated above, if you
fail to check the MCI at least once a week, it is possible to miss an alarm indication.
At least once a month, use the read key to check all your MCIs’ alarm status
If you do miss an alarm indication and one or more MCIs enter deep sleep mode (i.e., no
longer waking up to perform measurements), the only way to note an alarm condition is
by using the read key. Therefore, you should use the read key to check all of your MCIs’
alarm status at least once a month.

SKF Machine Condition Indicator
How to Interpret and Acknowledge MCI Alarms
SKF Machine Condition Indicator 11
User Manual
If you are performing daily visual checks, then it is only necessary to use
the read key to check the MCI’s condition once every quarter.
If you miss a weekly visual check, you should use the read key to check
the MCI’s alarm status as soon as possible, to make sure you did not
miss an alarm indication.
Tip – Add MCI POINTs to your SKF Microlog Inspector machinery
inspection ROUTEs to make sure you visually check them weekly.
To use the read key to check the MCI’s alarm status:
Read key action LED blink sequence
change
# blinks /
seconds
Indicating Notes
1- Apply read key
for approximately
3 seconds
If no alarm, until
GREEN LEDs blink
slowly
If alarm occurred, until
RED LEDs blink in a
specific blink pattern, as
described in the
preceding table
1 or 2 blinks
every 5 seconds
Reference the
preceding table
for alarm blink
patterns
Lasts about 20
seconds
1 blink indicates
the MCI is in
threshold alarm
mode
2 blinks indicate
the MCI is in %
alarm mode
You may remove
the read key after
the green/red
blinks begin
If the amber LEDs display, reference the How to understand error
codes section later in this manual.
If the MCI does not respond to the read key, then the battery is dead.
How to Acknowledge Alarms
When the MCI is in an alarm state, it cannot perform any other function. You must
acknowledge the alarm to return the MCI back to its normal monitoring state.
Note that you should leave the alarm unacknowledged until the cause for the alarm has
been resolved. Otherwise, the MCI will continue to detect and indicate the alarm
condition, causing early battery failure.

SKF Machine Condition Indicator
Battery Life
12 SKF Machine Condition Indicator
User Manual
To acknowledge an MCI alarm:
Read key action LED blink
sequence
change
# blinks /
seconds
Indicating Notes
1- Apply read key for
approximately 35
seconds
Until the LEDs
change to solid
RED
Solid Start of alarm
acknowledgment
During the 35
seconds, the red
alarm LEDs stop
blinking
2 - Immediately
remove read key
LEDs change to
quick RED blinks
1 blink
every
second
You have 4 seconds
to remove read key
3 - Immediately
reapply the read key
LEDs change to
solid RED
Solid
Lasts about
10 seconds
Procedure is
complete
You have 4 seconds
to reapply read key
You may remove the
read key after LEDs
go solid red
Interpreting Vibration Alarms
Once you have determined which measurement is in alarm, based on the blink patterns
described above, you should take necessary actions to determine the cause of the alarm
and make the necessary repairs / replacements. Use your SKF Microlog Analyzer to
analyze and diagnose alarm conditions.
An enveloped acceleration alarm indicates possible bearing failure. Enveloped
acceleration vibration signal processing is a proven method for detecting impulsive forces
caused by rolling element bearing faults.
A vibration velocity alarm can detect a variety of possible mechanical problems. With the
exception of bearings and gearboxes, most rotating machinery problems (i.e., unbalance,
misalignment, bent shaft, looseness, etc.) show themselves with an increase in overall
vibration velocity.
Battery Life
MCI battery life expectancy is three years under normal operation, with one alarm
detection; two years with two alarm detections; and one year with three alarm detections.
Once the MCI’s battery life has expired, you must replace the MCI. The battery is not
replaceable.
Important: After the MCI has gone into alarm for the third time (e.g., it alarms
in January, again in June, and again in October), it automatically stops monitoring
the machine due to a low battery level, and must be replaced.