The provided document is a manual for the VibrationVIEW software and the VR8500 vibration control system. It details the setup, operation, and maintenance of the system, along with various software features.
The VibrationVIEW is a signature software package designed for vibration control, primarily for electrodynamic and servohydraulic shakers. It includes a "System Check" mode for testing and calibrating the shaker system. Optional modules extend its functionality to Sine, Random, Classical Shock, RecorderVIEW, Field Data Replication, Sine-on-Random, and Random-on-Random tests. The software is designed to be user-friendly and reliable, with a focus on quality and superior performance.
The VR8500 is the hardware component, an I/O box that interfaces with a computer and shaker system. It is powered by 90-250 VAC and 50/60 Hz, with automatic line voltage sensing.
Function Description:
The VibrationVIEW system allows users to define, run, and analyze various types of vibration tests. It provides real-time control and monitoring of shaker systems.
- System Setup: The software guides users through installing hardware and software, configuring input channels, and calibrating accelerometers.
- Test Definition: Users can define different test profiles, including Sine, Random, Classical Shock, and Field Data Replicator tests. Each test type has specific parameters for amplitude, frequency, duration, and control loop behavior.
- Test Execution: Tests can be started, stopped, paused, and advanced through levels. The system provides real-time feedback on test status and output levels.
- Data Management: The software allows for storing, retrieving, and exporting test data in various formats (VibrationVIEW Data File, Report Document File, Text File, Spreadsheet File, Matlab File, Meta File, Bitmap File, PNG File).
- Reporting: Customized reports can be generated, including data values and graphs, with options for printing, emailing, or saving to file.
- Remote Control: VibrationVIEW can be integrated with remote applications using Remote Inputs (for control and monitoring) and ActiveX for more advanced control. A Web Server option allows remote monitoring and control via a web client.
- Waveform Import/Export: Field Data Replicator waveforms can be recorded from the VR8500 input, imported from UFF or ASCII text files, and exported to Windows .WAV files.
- Controller Tuning: Parameters for Sine, Random, Sine-on-Random, Classical Shock, and Field Data Replicator tests can be tuned to optimize control loop response and stability.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Computer Requirements:
- Windows XP Home/Professional Edition: Pentium 233 MHz or faster (300 MHz recommended), 64 MB RAM (128 MB recommended), 1.5 GB available hard disk space, CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive, keyboard, Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device, Super VGA (800x600) or higher resolution video adapter and monitor, sound card, speakers/headphones.
- Windows 2000 Professional: 133 MHz or higher Pentium-compatible CPU, 64 MB RAM, 2 GB hard disk with 650 MB free space, CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive, VGA or higher resolution monitor, keyboard.
- NT Workstation 4.0: Pentium or faster processor, 16 MB RAM (32 MB recommended), 110 MB available hard disk space, CD-ROM drive or network access, VGA or higher-resolution display adapter, Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device.
- Windows 98: 486DX 66 MHz or faster (Pentium recommended), 16 MB RAM (24 MB recommended), 120-295 MB free hard disk space (typical upgrade from Win95), 165-355 MB free hard disk space (full install FAT16), 140-255 MB free hard disk space (full install FAT32), 3.5-inch high-density floppy disk drive, VGA or higher resolution (16-bit or 24-bit color SVGA recommended).
- Windows 95: 386DX or higher processor (486 recommended), 4 MB RAM (8 MB recommended), 35-40 MB hard disk space (typical upgrade), 50-55 MB hard disk space (clean install), 3.5-inch high-density floppy disk drive, VGA or higher resolution (256-color SVGA recommended).
- VR8500 Power Specifications:
- Input Voltage Range: 90-250 VAC
- Frequency Range: 47-440 Hz
- Inrush Current: typ 20A/115V, 40A/230V
- Operating Specifications:
- Temperature: -10 to +50°C
- Humidity: 20 to 90%, non-condensing
- Storage Specifications:
- Temperature: -20 to +85°C
- Humidity: 20 to 90%, non-condensing
- Network Configuration: Dedicated 10/100 Ethernet port for VR8500 connection. IP address 192.168.3.10, subnet mask 255.255.255.0 (other Class C or D subnets are possible).
- Analog Inputs: 1, 2, 3, and 4 are general-purpose analog inputs (mV accelerometers signals). Range -10 to +10 Volts, configurable power source for accelerometers, single-ended, differential, and optional capacitor coupling. 12-bit conversion for -10 to +10VDC inputs.
- Drive Output: Dedicated to closed-loop control of the amplifier, -10V to +10V.
- Aux/COLA Output: Dedicated to trigger a strobe, 10V to +10V, also available for special-purpose analog output.
- Discrete I/O: 8 inputs and 8 outputs. Inputs can be assigned functions like Program Start/Stop, Emergency Stop Button. Outputs can be configured as TTL (Discrete Output source/sink capability 32mA/64mA, HIGH 2.5V min, LOW 0.55V max) or High Current Open Collector (outputs 7 and 8 only, sink up to 1.5A, floating output 0-70VDC).
- Controller Accuracy (VR-669 Calibration and Verification Software):
- 24-Hour Accuracy: Voltage (1-5 Hz: ±2%, 5-10 Hz: ±0.2%, 10-5000 Hz: ±0.2%, 5000-8000 Hz: ±0.2%, 8000-12000 Hz: ±0.2%, 12000-20000 Hz: ±0.2%).
- 1-Year Accuracy: Voltage (1-5 Hz: ±3%, 5-10 Hz: ±0.2%, 10-5000 Hz: ±0.2%, 5000-8000 Hz: ±0.2%, 8000-12000 Hz: ±0.2%, 12000-20000 Hz: ±0.2%).
- Temperature Coefficient: Voltage (1-5 Hz: 0.5%/°C, 5-10 Hz: 0.1%/°C, 10-5000 Hz: 0.1%/°C, 5000-8000 Hz: 0.1%/°C, 8000-12000 Hz: 0.1%/°C, 12000-20000 Hz: 0.1%/°C).
Usage Features:
- User Interface: VibrationVIEW features a graphical user interface with menus, toolbars, and dialog boxes for intuitive operation.
- Real-time Graphs: Displays real-time data during tests, with options for customization (axis limits, traces, colors, annotations, zooming, autoscale).
- Test Profiles: Allows saving and loading of test definitions, including default settings for various test types.
- Memorized Drives: Enables quick test startups by storing and reusing output signals for repeated tests under consistent conditions.
- Test Sequencer: Allows building and running a sequence of tests automatically.
- Resonance Tracking: Optional feature for Sine tests to track resonance frequencies by adjusting the driving frequency to maintain a 90-degree phase shift between channels.
- Notching Profiles: Optional feature to limit drive output for individual channels to keep input amplitude below defined profiles or to set spectrum abort limits.
- Digital Recording: Waveform RecorderVIEW allows streaming data from VR8500 inputs to hard drive, capturing complete test history.
- Help System: Comprehensive online help with context-sensitive information, tips, and tricks.
- Software Updates: Built-in functionality to check for software and hardware key updates online.
Maintenance Features:
- System Check Mode: Used to verify shaker system operation (amplifier, shaker, accelerometer) and proper input/output levels. Recommended after any system changes.
- Calibration: Annual calibration procedure for the VR8500 system to ensure accuracy. Requires specific equipment (BNC cables, BNC T-connectors, stable calibrated DC voltage source, Agilent 34401A Voltmeter).
- Diagnostic Tools: Front panel lights (Power, Status, Fault) provide visual indications of unit status and potential issues. Network logging can be enabled for technical support in diagnosing communication problems.
- Stop Codes: The system provides detailed stop codes to explain why a test was halted (e.g., input clipping, no acceleration detected, shorted accelerometer, emergency stop, parameter changes, lost contact, maximum drive limits exceeded).
- Report Generation: Calibration reports can be generated to document gain factors and offsets, serving as a diagnostic tool.
- Error Handling: The system is designed to gracefully handle errors, such as power loss, with options to resume interrupted tests.
- Registry Security: Password protection for program and calibration settings to prevent unauthorized changes.