Frequently Asked Questions

+ Will my existing sensors and vibration analyser work with the Vibe Port System?

The Vibe Port System supports the use of any brand of ICP type accelerometers and any brand of vibration analyser allowing all vibration data collection and analysis the be performed in the existing vibration platform.

+ What is the sampling rate of the Vibe Port Transmitter?

The scan rate or sampling rate of the Transmitter is one reading every 20 us or 0.00002 seconds for the duration of the recording. This achieves a sampling rate of 1 / 0.00002 = 50kHz or 50000 samples per second.

From this we can calculate the maximum frequency of interest or Fmax.

Fmax = Sample rate / 2.56

Vibe Port Fmax = 50kHz / 2.56 = 19.53 kHz

+ How long will the Vibe Port Wireless Transmitter Battery last?

Although the Transmitter spends half of its life asleep it still consumes power. It wakes every 10 seconds searching for a command and then returns to sleep mode if none are detected. It repeats this cycle 360 times per hour.

The Vibe Port Lead Acid battery is rated for 22 Ah. Assuming the useable energy of this is 65% or 14.3 Ah and based on a monthly usage of 30 minutes recording data, then the average current drain each month is 72 mA or 0.00072 Amps.

Battery Life = Battery capacity / Average current drain
Battery Life = 14.3 / 0.00072 = 19861.1 Hrs / 24 Hrs = 827.5 Days / 365 days = 2.3 Years

+ How do I set up my Vibration Analyser for data collection?

Typically, vibration sensors for routine condition monitoring are powered by a portable vibration analyser. The Vibe Port Transmitter powers the sensors separately which means your analyser is not required to supply the sensor ICP power.

Any analyser can be used to collect data as long as the sensor drive current is turned off. For CSI, ensure the power is turned off in the software set-up and a volts input to the analyser is used.

CSI 2130 Vibration Analyser • Accel / Volts Adapter 625 or
• Dual Volts Adapter A06290V • BNC to BNC cable • Sensor power box unchecked

CSI 2140 Vibration Analyser • Volts Cable D25479 into Volts/Tach connector • Option - Volts input and standard BNC cable • Sensor power box unchecked

For Commtest, power can be turned off in the sensor setup within Ascent or under Sensor Setup in the analyser.

Commtest vbSeries • Analyser – Options/Sensor Setup/Drive Current OFF • Software – Sensor Setup/Enable Drive Current box unchecked

+ How long does the Vibe Port take to make a recording?

Wireless – Once paired, the transmitter commences recording to a buffer for 20 seconds and then streams the data.

Ethernet & Cell Net - When a recording has been requested via the VibrationHub software, the Vibe Port first establishes communication with the Transmitter, then records 60 seconds of data, then transmits and saves the data in the designated file location.

Total Collection time = approx. 2 .5 min to 3 minutes / channel (Dependant on network speed)

A timer within VibrationHub will indicate how many seconds are remaining.

+ Is VibrationHub Software compatible with Windows 10?

Yes, however in earlier Windows operating system versions, when using VibrationHub Software, the Minimise, Maximise and Close buttons may not work correctly.

These buttons will work correctly if the program is run in compatibility mode. To do this:

Copy the program into a suitable folder. Right click on it and select Compatibility mode Windows 10 will automatically make the adjustments. For other Windows versions, run it as Windows XP Service Pack 3

+ Is there a solar panel option to power the Transmitters?

The Vibe Port Wireless Transmitters are normally deployed on moving equipment or in difficult or dangerous locations. Due to the power restrictions these are normally battery powered.

A Solar Power option for extending the battery life on Vibe Port Wireless Transmitters is available. It can be supplied as a retrofit kit or prewired for inclusion in a new Transmitter.

The system consists of a small Solar Panel (12VDC, 10W) and Charge Controller (12VDC, 5A) which trickle charges the existing battery, removing the need to routinely change out the battery thus extending the battery maintenance period.