Setting up the Accelerometer
Plug the accelerometer connector into an instrument BNC sensor
input (or into a triple BNC adapter connected to the instrument if
using a vbBalancer+ instrument). Now screw the accelerometer into
the magnetic base and attach it to the measurement point using
these guidelines:
• Attach the accelerometer to a sturdy, rigidly mounted and
non-flexible structure, where vibration from the rotating part
of the machine will be accurately transmitted. Do not attach
sensors to sheet metal, guards, or any machine structure
which is not closely coupled to the source of vibration in the
spinning rotor, as the vibration of such a structure will be
different to the vibration source.
• The attachment structure must be at least 10 times heavier
than the accelerometer itself. Do not mount the
accelerometer on lightweight motors or similar parts as the
weight of the accelerometer will distort the vibration signal.
Use a smaller accelerometer for small structures.
• Attach the accelerometer as closely as possible to, and in
line with, the centerline of the bearings in order to avoid
distorted signals.
• The mounting surface should be flat and smooth where the
accelerometer makes contact. Attach the accelerometer
using the supplied magnetic accelerometer base or a
threaded stud on the machine surface. The accelerometer
should not move independently of the machine part it is
attached to.
• Ensure the accelerometer is oriented correctly as vibration
can differ greatly with respect to direction.
• If you are undertaking an ongoing study of a particular
measurement point, always attach the accelerometer at
exactly the same position used for previous measurements
(mark the position if necessary).