New Palm Vibration Spectrum Analyzer
Datastick Systems has released a new handheld PDA-based Vibration Spectrum Analyzer / Data Collector for the Palm TX. Vibration Spectrum Analyzers are used for industrial machine diagnostics and predictive maintenance. The software provides easy operation with open PC software that allows push-button data export to any PC running Microsoft Excel.
The pocket-sized system includes the new Datastick VSA-1214 or VSA-1215 Vibration Spectrum Analyzer module attached to a state-of-the-art Palm T|X handheld computer with Datastick Spectrum version 1.6 software, which collects vibration measurements and displays and stores them as time waveforms and FFT spectra. The system also includes the new version 1.6 of Datastick Reporting System (DRS) for VSA, which imports the data from the handheld into a special Microsoft Excel-based application on the PC. The new products are shipping this week.
The new system features a new Datastick hardware module with a completely redesigned, extremely low-noise analog input for standard ICP-type accelerometers and velocity sensors, optimized digital circuitry, and a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery with proprietary power management circuitry to allow the VSA-1215 to operate and power ICP sensors far beyond an eight-hour shift.
The VSA-1215 system displays and records overall vibration and ISO vibration severity alerts, as well as acceleration waveforms with a resolution of up to 6,400 points (3,200 points for the VSA-1214); and acceleration, velocity, or displacement spectra with up to 3,200 lines of FFT resolution (1,600 FFT lines for the VSA-1214). User-selectable maximum frequencies range from 20 KHz down to 50 Hz (10 KHz to 50 Hz for the VSA-1214). The tenth-order hardware antialiasing filter provides an extremely clean signal, while new low-noise electronics and specialized algorithms keep the noise floor so low that velocity signals are useable down to 1 Hz (60 CPM – cycles per minute).
The new version 1.6 Datastick Spectrum software for the Palm handheld computer takes full advantage of the Palm T|X’s 320 x 480 pixel full-color display — the largest display in any non-tablet handheld vibration analyzer. The display can be oriented to either portrait or landscape views to make it easier to see nuances in FFT spectra. The spectrum, overall vibration, and ISO-based alert levels are all encompassed in one comprehensive view. Cursor-position readouts show specific values and harmonic orders when the user touches a data point with a finger or the handheld computer’s stylus, and the stylus and touch screen can also be used to zoom and pan directly to areas of interest.
Datastick Spectrum version 1.6 allows users to record vibration data directly onto removable Secure Digital (SD) cards that have been inserted into the Palm handheld. SD cards with capacities of 2 GB and higher are commonly available, and users can use as many cards as they like, so overall storage capacity is unlimited.
Users transfer data to a PC either by using the Palm handheld’s pushbutton HotSync feature or by copying the data directly from the SD card. Datastick Reporting System (DRS) on a Windows PC automatically organizes the information by machine and creates histories so you can analyze the machine behavior over time. Reports are created with just a mouse click, and since DRS is based on Excel, users can share data freely across a network or by email.
“Datastick continues to knock down the barriers that prevent facilities from taking advantage of the cost savings, reduced downtime, and increased reliability that result from vibration analysis as part of predictive maintenance,” said Michael Scandling, Vice President of Marketing. “Starting with price, going on to ease of use, and finally to the big hurdle of lack of in-house vibration expertise in many facilities, Datastick eases the way. Our entry-level VSA-1214 sells for under $4,000, and operational training is quick and easy. Most important, customers don’t need in-house vibration analysts because our completely open PC software is based on Excel — they can email their data to the consultant of their choice.”
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RE: A shame...
Totally agree.
I'm not sure if this ever made PIC, but here's another company doing cool engineering stuff with a TX:
http://www.tti-test.com/psa/rf-spectrum-analyzer.htm
I only hope that these companies don't get left in the lurch by Palm deciding to stop producing TXs!!
RE: A shame...
(We really are a negative bunch, aren't we?)
I'm still waiting for the mythical color HandEra.
Forget Symbol
acording to a friend of mine there, they stopped producing their Palm Os boxen recently.
But Aceeca is still alive and kicking...and their Meazura really is a pretty nice machine if you can miss out on the color screen!
Best regards
Tam Hanna
Find out more about the Palm OS in my blog:
http://tamspalm.tamoggemon.com
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A shame...
Palm could actually retreat from consumerized PDAs and maybe partner with Symbol or someone to do industrial-style, ruggedized handhelds intended for vertical applications. A barcode scanner device or something like this analyzer with removable batteries and VOIP walkie-talkie functionality? Superb!
Pilot 1000-->Pilot 5000-->PalmPilot Pro-->IIIe-->Vx-->m505-->T|T-->T|T2-->T|C-->T|T3-->T|T5-->TX-->Treo 700P