The ACE-1000 is a VW data recorder designed for measuring VW sensors, generating a frequency with a 4.8VDC low current charging circuit. It can store up to 4,000 measurement values for up to 64 data sets, and this data can be transmitted to a computer via RS-232 communication. It is useful in a large field and the software has data sorting function to sort by sensor ID, date, and time.
Technical Specifications:
- Model: ACE-1000
- Applied sensor: VW type sensor
- Frequency range: 450–6,000 Hz
- Displayed units: Hz, 10³Hz², µsec, °C, µε0.3911, µε0.7756, µε3.304, µε4.062
- Resolution: 0.01% FSR (0.1Hz)
- Accuracy: 0.02% FSR (0.1Hz)
- Operating temperature: -20–50 °C
- Communication port: RS-232 Port
- Temperature sensor: Thermistor (3kΩ), RTD (2kΩ)
- Temperature resolution: 0.1 °C
- Display: 256×128 Graphic LCD
- Keyboard: Membrane key & 6 function keys pad
- Data capacity: 4,000 Data points distributed in maximum of 64 data sets
- Power: 4.8VDC / Rechargeable Ni-MH Battery
- Battery life: 30 Hours continuous
- Dimension: 200×197×114 mm
- Weight: 1.5 kg
- Material of case: ABS Plastic case
- Accessories: Jumper cable, Rechargeable adaptor, RS-232 cable
Usage Features:
The ACE-1000 adopts a 256 × 128 graphic large LCD to increase visibility. It displays the measurement-related information at the same time and is easy to use, and the backlight function is installed so that it can be easily measured at night. On the LCD, the large LCD, the basic unit of the vibration sensor and the selected sweep band are displayed by default, and the display units (10³Hz², 6 types of strain, µsec) under Hz unit with displaying the thermistor RTD temperature sensor selected from thermistor, also the power, current time are displayed simultaneously.
Among the six keys, the display unit and frequency band can be selected by the menu key. If you select the frequency band, you can increase the resolution of the output device and perform precise measurement.
The function to automatically shut off the power by user selection up to 60 minutes in 10 minutes is efficiently extend the battery life and the usage period, and it can measure 30 hours continuously with the Ni-MH rechargeable battery. You can use 10 years without replacement. Another key feature is the ability to adjust the LCD resolution so that it can be accurately measured in cold or hot areas.
The impact resistant ABS injection molding case is used for waterproof and damp proofing, and it can be used in any bad condition. It is a high reliability product with advanced electronic technology. It has better performance and function than any existing product.
The device features a waterproof, damp-proof, portable structure, high accuracy and resolution, a long-life rechargeable battery, usability in low temperature, a white back light function for possible measurement at night, an LCD brightness function, and an auto power off function. A display battery lamp (Charge mark: LED) is also included.
Main Function Controls:
- [ON]: Turn on the power.
- [OFF]: Turn off the power.
- [MENU]: Choose the level of Sweep or Unit, Contrast and temperature sensor.
- [ENTER]: It is for changing the sweep or unit, temperature sensor and contrast.
- [▲/LIGHT]: It is for changing the sweep or unit, temperature sensor and contrast, and for turning on and off the backlight.
- [▼/SAVE]: It is for changing the sweep or unit, temperature sensor and contrast, and for saving data.
Connections:
- [Transducer] Connector: Connect to a jumper cable to measure the frequency.
- [RS-232] Connector: It is useful to download or delete the saved data from the computer, or to set the readout unit.
- [Charger] Connector: Useful to charge the built-in battery. If it is fully charged, the lamp is off, while it is off during recharging. (It takes about 4 hours to charge the battery.)
- Jumper Cable: A VW type sensor is used to connect with a clip. (In the above figure it connects to Transducer Connector, No. ③)
- RS-232 Cable: It is to connect a VW readout unit to the computer. (In the above figure it connects with RS-232 Connector, No. ④)
- Charging Adaptor: It is to charge the battery, which is installed in the VW readout unit. (In the above figure it should be connected to charger connector, No. ⑤)
Display Units and Sensor Application by Mode:
- Mode 1 (Period): Displays in µsec, applies to All VW Sensors.
- Mode 2 (10³Hz²): Displays in 10³Hz², applies to VW Load Cells.
- Mode 3 (Strain): Displays in 0.391 µε, applies to VW Spot-weldable Strain Gage.
- Mode 4 (Strain): Displays in 0.7756 µε, applies to VW Shotcrete Strain Gage.
- Mode 5 (Strain): Displays in 3.304 µε, applies to VW Embedment Strain Gage.
- Mode 6 (Strain): Displays in 4.062 µε, applies to VW Weldable Strain Gage.
Software Usage (A1000Pro):
The "A1000Pro" is an operation program for the ACE-1000 VW data recorder. It allows checking and downloading data, and converting data to other units like MS Excel. The program is available for download from www.aceco.kr/download/software.
To connect the ACE-1000 to a computer, use the 10Pin male connector of the RS-232 cable and connect the other 9pin female connector to the serial port of the computer. Launch the A1000Pro program. If the program displays "VW Data Recorder (ACE-1000)" and the icons for [Edit] and [Down] are not activated, the device is not connected. To connect, click the [Connect] icon. The connection window will appear, and you must assign the communication port. If you click 'Auto', it will search for 'Com. Port' automatically.
In the [Edit] screen, you can set the clock, reading setup, save option, and auto power break. The first step is to set the time of the computer and VW data recorder. You can set the time by clicking [Set] button.
Reading Setup:
The reading setup menu allows remote control of the Sweep mode and Temperature sensor type.
- Sweep mode: Options include C:1400Hz - 3500Hz, A: 450Hz - 1200Hz, B: 800Hz - 2000Hz, D: 2400Hz - 6000Hz.
- Temp sensor type: Options include NTC: Thermistor, RTD.
Save Option:
There are two ways to save data:
- Overwrite oldest readings (Continue recording): If the data capacity is full, new data will overwrite the oldest data.
- Stop recording: If the data capacity is full, subsequent data will not be saved.
Auto Power Break:
This function allows setting the auto power off time in intervals of 10 minutes (options: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 minutes).
A1000Pro (Down) - Viewing Saved Data:
Clicking the [Down] icon displays a screen with all saved data in the VW data recorder. Data can be sorted by ID or order.
Saving Data:
In the data screen, click the [Save] button to display the save option window.
- File type: Choose between *.csv, *.dat, or *.txt. This allows using the data in programs like MS Excel or WordPad.
- Save folder: Select the desired folder to save the data.
- Option: Choose to "Save all" or "Save range" (specify start and end dates/times).
After selecting options, click [OK] to save. A "Data save is Successful !!" message will confirm completion.
Data Delete:
When storage is complete, you can check the storage space and delete data. Click the [Erase] button in the [Down] screen. A question about full deletion will be displayed. After confirmation, all data will be deleted.
A1000Pro (Exit):
Close the program with the [Exit] icon of the A1000Pro main screen.
Maintenance Features:
- Keeping: Part from other goods or cover with attention sign not to be shocked or vibrated because ACE-1000 VW data recorder is a precise apparatus with built-in electronic circuit. Keep in cool condition when without direct light. Long exposure to direct light makes measuring malfunction due to extreme temperature change.
- Carrying: Take great care not to make big measuring errors based on changing zero point due to heavy impact or vibration in carrying. Do not put any heavy things on it, settle down and take actions not to be shocked when carrying in vehicles.
- Keeping jumper cable: Do not bend the jumper cable, keep it carefully so that it will not be disconnection. When using, do not pull it by pulling it hard or do not pull it with great force. When not using the jumper cable, put it in a bag or case and store it in a place where it will not be damaged.
- Check battery voltage: Confirm the voltage of the built-in battery before or after using it. Too low voltage makes no signal of the measuring by the sensor.
- Check measurement value: Please contact us if you think the measurement value is not correct when measuring the sensor.
Calibration & Service:
- Calibration: Model ACE-1000 VW data recorder is revised and shipped with exact input / output specifications of the electric circuit by using each special rectifier. Therefore it allows for highly stable and reliable values in every VW sensor.
- Service: For effectively using a VW data recorder without any trouble, it is strongly recommended to read the manual and to handle it consistently. We will solve any defects or performances if there are any troubles.
Geotechnical Instruments Installation and Operation Tips:
- Handling caution: Engineering measuring instrument is precisely manufactured and sensitive. Don't drop it and don't allow it to be exposed to external shocks. In particular, the VW measuring instrument is likely to see its zero point changed due to shocks.
- Caution for storing calibration report: Calibration report is provided with each sensor. Information at the moment of calibration includes barometric pressure, calibration temperature, and temperature sensor in use, calibration data, conversion ratio and classification of signal cable by color. Therefore, you should be careful with storing the information until all work is done. In case the report is lost, tracking data and product might be impossible.
- Operation by an engineer: All the process should be operated by a skilled engineer to prevent inappropriate errors such as errors of instrument choice, installation and operation which make impossible near-permanent calculation.
- The need for shielding: Any common that sensor sends a weak electronic signal. And sensor is under the influence of electromagnetic induction, electrostatic induction static electricity modification generated when other control machine is on. In particular, given that environmental condition of engineering work involving welding, generator, motor, antenna, and wiring surface is poor, shielding and ground wire should be connected in the case of output device connection.
- Caution for signal cable extension: There should be no problem that VW sensor outputting frequency signal is connected for extension. In the case that a sensor generating Voltage is connected for extension, electronic sensors are vulnerable to changes in resistance value. Therefore, the length of the cable plays a big influence. So, you should adjust resistance change value with adjustment value toward a sectional length of signal cable by manufacturers. Also, extension seam part should be finished up with Splice Kit (Epoxy).
- The use of protection tube for signal cable: In the case of laying under the ground, dams, vulnerable foundation, concrete structures can have a big displacement. In source of signal cable disconnection. In the case of ground construction, given the construction condition, heavy equipment operation and frequent moving construction can be a source of disconnection or sensor damage. Therefore, caution should be taken for the protection of sensors and signal cables. And minimize the dangerous factors by using new construction pipe for drainage system.
- Installation of Amplifier with sensors generating mV engineering measuring machine: Generating electronic signal has 0-200 mV of transmission distance. In the case, Junction Box and Terminal Box have a long distance from the measuring machine, an amplifier should be installed in proportion of measurement distance to prevent drop of voltage for sensor transmission.
- Atmospheric pressure adjustment: When manometer is chosen as sensor, it is very sensitive to change in atmospheric pressure. Therefore, for precise measurement, places such as dams, subways, the sea and reclaimed lands with high fluctuation of atmospheric pressure should adjust initial height according to the difference of the pressure by using mercury manometer.
- Lighting rod connection: In the case of large engineering work near water such as dams, lakes, the sea and large fields, valleys, lighting rods connecting each sensor individually should be constructed to protect sensors. Within the influence of over voltage, sensors are likely to function poorly.
- Caution for filter use in pressure sensors: Pressure sensors such as negative pore water pressure have attached filters. Upon installation, make sure to let air out inside of the filter. Given that the qualities of air contraction and water are different, remained air might cause an error to measure value. Also, at places where unsaturated soil or negative pore water pressure are to be measured, it is recommended to use 1µm high-density ceramic filter.
- Caution for bearing plate in use for load cell: For maintaining consistent measured value and high precision, the use of bearing plate is important. During installation of hard cell on Earth Anchor, heat processed steel material should be manufactured with the enough thickness to endure unloading load and with the quality of within 0.5 degree in top-down parallel lines. High quality products should be used for cone split, cone-plate and mutual taper processed density.
- Sensor temperature adjustment: An element of VW sensors uses wire rod (used for piano string) so that coefficient of linear expansion metallic material used can cause errors in margin and sensors of electricity and electron hold an adjustment factor. For precise measurement, adjust the difference of temperature with a mercury thermometer.
- Auto Data Acquisition System requires UPS: In South Korea, relatively temporary blackout (0.5 seconds) is frequent. So overloading owing to simultaneous uses of equipment and momentarily power outages on sites are likely to cause ordinary and temporary blackouts, leading to computer Down and errors of built-in software. Therefore, when Data Acquisition System is operated; UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply) must be used to minimize dangerous factors.
- Caution for the choice of VW output unit: 450-3,500Hz, 0-200 10³Hz² and output units usually cover 0.00-3.500Hz, 0.00-0.240 10³Hz² and 0-666 µε. For precise measurement, range and they design sensors taking into consideration the purpose of sensors, durability, and precision. Therefore, when using the unit, if the output unit within this range is changed, you must select sophisticated output unit-making measurement possible.