Comprehensive Human Vibration Analysis Solution

Concern for the hazards related to exposure of the human body to mechanical vibration from power tools, vehicles and machinery has increased in recent years. Various international standards have been implemented to address this important research area. The VATS Series of vibration analysis products has been developed to enable users  to readily  obtain vibration data for comparison  to the various standards.

Key VATS Features

• Multiple tri-axial accelerometers can be connected
• 8, 16, 24, and 32 channels of wireless data collection
• All raw data is also stored on 2 GB memory cards
• Other sensors such as goniometers and EMG sensors can be connected
• Powerful and easy to use analysis software

Leading organizations worldwide use VATS. These include vehicle and tool manufacturers, government organizations, universities, corporations and consultants. VATS unique features include the ability to handle multiple accelerometers and other sensors with large amounts of storage that can then be easily analyzed by our powerful yet easy to use software.

The VATS series of human vibration analysis products are available as individual packages for either hand-arm or whole body analysis. The VATS includes the W4X8 DataLOG that is a fully portable, subject worn, programmable data acquisition unit. The DataLOG collects data from the accelerometers and/or from a variety of additional sensors such as electrogoniometers, force sensors and EMG. Data can be transmitted real-time directly to the computer via the wireless Bluetooth connection or stored on the 2 Gb MMC card that is then later downloaded to a PC for detailed analysis.

DataLOG has a maximum sampling rate of 20,000Hz/channel (55Khz maximum on 8 channels), 2GB flash and telemetry option. Up to 4 DataLOG units can be synchronized for a total of 32 analogue channels. The DataLOG is connected to the host PC for both programming and downloading of data. Data for X, Y and Z axes of the accelerometers is simultaneously collected. Synchronization options for 16, 24 or 32 channels are available. When recording in MMC Mode only, sampling rates are up to 20,000Hz per channel (55 KHz total Sampling frequency per each 8 channel DataLOG). When recording in Bluetooth™ & MMC Mode real time data collection is available at a maximum sampling rate of 1KHz per channel (8KHz total sampling frequency per 8 channel DataLOG) with data automatically backed up on the MMC.

With the VATS, the user can either perform detailed analysis with full reporting on a local PC or send the data electronically for analysis at a central corporate site. This approach simplifies data collection and incorporates sophisticated analysis with user-friendly software and comprehensive help. Raw data is available for analysis.

During recording using the wireless Bluetooth connection, the data is displayed real-time in both graphical and numeric displays on the PC. However, in situations where use of the wireless connection and the PC is not desired or possible, and when totally portable data collection directly to the DataLOG is needed - the data is stored directly to the 2 GB MMC.

During recording in MMC only mode, real time feedback is obtained from the Graphics Display in the form of a bar chart, digital readout of raw data, or as adjustable audible alarms. A 128 by 64 graphics LCD provides a display of the unit status and a simple user interface. A keypad provides the following facilities:

• Manual start and manual stop recording
• Manual start with preset automatic stop
• Zero each channel individually
• Erase the last recording or all recordings
• Display of real time inputs as bar graphs or numeric values in engineering units

A real-time clock is included in the DataLOG to enable every recording to be marked with an accurate start date and time with its duration.

A switch-mode power supply is used to obtain the maximum life from a set of four inexpensive AA batteries. The Graphics Display shows the remaining battery power at all times and audible and visual warnings are provided when there is less than 10 minutes of recording time left. The batteries may be removed without losing the recordings held in memory.

The VATS is available for either hand-arm or whole body analysis. Hand-arm vibration analysis is based on the ISO 5349 and ACGIH standard for hand arm vibration (HAV). Whole body vibration analysis is based on the ISO 2631-1, 2631-5, BS 6841, and ACGIH standard for whole body vibration (WBV).

Software Features

Data Analysis performed:

• Fast Fourier Transfer
• 1/3 Octave band analyze
• Weighted and unweighted RMS
• Band-pass Butterworth filter
• Filtering window
• Waterfall plot
• Spectrum plot
• 1/3 octave band plot
• Crest factor
• Vibration dose value
• TLV / Caution zone value for ISO and ACGIH standards
• RMS history and summaries

Data provided

• All calculated values can be exported to spreadsheets, word processor, etc.
• Graphic output can be copied as bitmap

Optional Accessories

EVENT MARKER IS3 

A 1.8 meter cable with a suitable connector at one end to connect to the DataLOG, and a hand held switch at the other.  This useful accessory allows time marks to be superimposed on the recorded data.

SYNCHRONIZATION CABLE SYNC 1

For remote start / stop by a TTL signal {i.e. the ability to switch a signal line from logic 1 (+5V) to logic 0 (+0)} sent from other hardware systems to synchronise data collection from multiple sources.  The SYNC1 is a 2 metre cable with a connector at one end to connect to the digital input socket of the DataLOG and 2 flying wires at the other end.  Alternatively, this cable may be specified with any connector of choice.

SYNCHRONIZATION CABLES SYNC 2/3/4

For synchronization of multiple DataLOGs for data collection when in MMC only mode:

• SYNC2: To synchronize 2 DataLOGs for up to 16 analog and 8 digital channels of data acquisition
• SYNC3: To synchronize 3 DataLOGs for up to 24 analog and 12 digital channels of data acquisition
• SYNC4: To synchronize 4 DataLOGs for up to 32 analog and 16 digital channels of data acquisition
• Cable length: 500 mm
• Synchronization: Better than 8 milliseconds

A250 Cable

This cable is an extender cable for users who want to use two axis of a 3rd accelerometer on a single DataLOG unit (i.e. for connecting to analog channels on the opposite side of the DataLOG unit). This is only applicable to Series 2 accelerometers.

VATS Specifications

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DataLOG W4X8

• Dimensions: 158 x 95 x 33mm
• Mass: 350g
• Battery type: 4 x Duracell Alkaline M3 Technology Size AA MN1500 LR6 1.5V
• Battery life: 8 hours nominal
• Communication with host PC: USB
• Memory: 2GB MMC
• Sampling rate: up to 20,000Hz per channel (55Khz maximum on 8 channels)
• Operating temperature: +5 to +50 °C
• Storage temperature: -40 to +70 °C

Series 2 Accelerometers

• Product #: S2-10G-MF
• Dimensions: L x H x W (29.50 x 11.60 x 15.30 mm)
• Mass: 15 grams
• Enclosure: Aluminum grade 6063TF anodized
• Cable Length: 2440 mm or 8ft
• Acceleration: 10g max (98 m/s²)
• Cross-Axis sensitivity: less than 5%
• Sensitivity (set up within management software):
  ± 1.00 Vdc = ± 10g, Resolution 0.0025 g
  or ± 300 mVdc = ± 3g, Resolution 0.00075 g
  or ± 100mVdc = ± 1g, Resolution 0.00025 g
  (all 3 options allow for full 13 bit resolution of ± 4000 counts)
• Supply voltage: +4.6 - 5.0 Vdc (X axis only)
• All 3 axes powered by X axis plug.
• Cross talk: 5%
• Accuracy: Better than ± 2 % full scale
• Low pass filtering: 100 Hz, 500 Hz, 1,250 Hz user adjustable
  via links by removing lid of interface unit.
  Low pass filtering 8 pole, 8th order 1.2 Elliptic
• Shock survival: 500g unit powered, 1000g unit not powered
• Environment: Operating temperature 0°C to 70°C

Series 3 Accelerometers

• Product #: S3-1000G-HA
• Dimensions: L x H x W (0.54 x 0.51 x 0.54 inches)
• Weight: 8 grams
• Material, Housing/Connector: Titanium alloy
• Sensitivity: ±2%
• Range, F.S. (each axis): ±1000 G
• Sensitivity (set up within management software):

Channel sensitivity 1V 300mV 100mV
Full Scale (nominal) 1000g 300g 100g
• Low pass filtering: 1,250 Hz, 2,500 Hz, 5000 Hz, user adjustable
  via links by removing lid of interface unit.
  Low pass filtering 8 pole, 8th order 1.2 Elliptic.
• Full Scale Voltage Output: ±1 Volts
• Element Natural Frequency, Nom.: 30 kHz
• Equivalent Electrical Noise: .007 G, RMS
• Linearity: 1 %F.S.

Linearity is % of specified full scale (or any lesser full scale range),
zero-based best fit straight line method.
• Transverse Sensitivity, Max.: 5 %
• Signal Polarity: Positive for motion in direction of arrows etched on housing
• Maximum Vibration: 1200 G
• Maximum Shock: 5000 G
• Temperature Range: -40 to +175 °C