AvTrend User’s Manual - ACES Systems€¦ · AvTrend . User’s Manual . ACES Systems/TEC Aviation Division . Document Number ATM-OM-01 . Revision 1.04 September 2013 Part Number

AvTrend

User’s Manual

ACES Systems/TEC Aviation Division

Document Number ATM-OM-01 Revision 1.04

September 2013

Part Number 75-900-4042

ACES Systems/TEC Aviation Division – 10737 Lexington Drive – Knoxville, TN 37932 USA – Web www.acessystems.com – Telephone 865-671-2003

http://www.acessystems.com/

II

Copyright Notice

Copyright © by TEC, 2012-2013. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form by any means without the express written permission of TEC.

Disclaimer

This documentation is provided for information purposes. TEC makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. TEC shall not be liable for errors, omissions, or inconsistencies which may be contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material. Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of TEC.

III Table of Contents

Table of Contents Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................................ III Preface ...................................................................................................................................................... VII Chapter 1 General Topics in AvTrend .................................................................................................... 1-1

1.1 Overview .................................................................................................................................... 1-1

1.2 AvTrend Main Window ............................................................................................................. 1-3

1.2.1 Title Bar ............................................................................................................................. 1-3

1.2.2 Menu Bar ........................................................................................................................... 1-4

1.2.3 Tool Bar ............................................................................................................................. 1-4

1.2.4 Data Transmission Indicator .............................................................................................. 1-5

1.2.5 View by Selector (AvTrend Silver only) ........................................................................... 1-5

1.2.6 Display Tabs ...................................................................................................................... 1-5

1.2.7 File Tree View ................................................................................................................... 1-5

1.2.8 Data Viewing Area ............................................................................................................. 1-6

Chapter 2 File Menu ............................................................................................................................... 2-1

2.1 Open Database ........................................................................................................................... 2-1

2.1.1 Open Database | By Filename ............................................................................................ 2-2

2.1.2 Open Database | By Download .......................................................................................... 2-3

2.2 Open Setup Library .................................................................................................................... 2-4

2.3 Save As ...................................................................................................................................... 2-5

2.4 Import (AvTrend Silver only) .................................................................................................... 2-6

2.4.1 Import | Database (AvTrend Silver only) ........................................................................... 2-6

2.5 Close .......................................................................................................................................... 2-7

2.6 Recent Files List ........................................................................................................................ 2-7

2.7 New Sensor (AvTrend Silver only) ........................................................................................... 2-8

2.7.1 General Functions (AvTrend Silver only) .......................................................................... 2-9

2.8 New Setup (AvTrend Silver only) ............................................................................................. 2-9

2.9 New Remote Start (AvTrend Silver only) ............................................................................... 2-10

2.10 New Setup Library ................................................................................................................... 2-11

2.11 Transfer .................................................................................................................................... 2-12

2.11.1 Retrieve Data (2XXX and 4XXX only) ........................................................................... 2-12

2.11.2 Retrieve 17XX Data (17XX Series only) (AvTrend Silver only) .................................... 2-14

2.11.3 Send Setups (2XXX and 4XXX only) ............................................................................. 2-14

2.11.4 Send Application (2XXX and 4XXX only) ..................................................................... 2-16

2.11.5 Send File (2XXX and 4XXX only) .................................................................................. 2-17

IV Table of Contents

2.11.6 Get Info (2XXX and 4XXX only) ................................................................................... 2-18

2.11.7 Send App to 17XX (17XX Series only) (AvTrend Silver only) ...................................... 2-19

2.11.8 Send File to Card (17XX Series only) (AvTrend Silver only) ......................................... 2-19

2.11.9 Stop Communication (Icon on Tool Bar) ......................................................................... 2-20

2.12 E-Mail ...................................................................................................................................... 2-20

2.13 Print .......................................................................................................................................... 2-20

2.13.1 Print “All” ........................................................................................................................ 2-21

2.13.2 Print “View” ..................................................................................................................... 2-21

2.14 Printer Setup ............................................................................................................................. 2-21

2.15 Exit ........................................................................................................................................... 2-21

Chapter 3 Options Menu ......................................................................................................................... 3-1

3.1 Database (AvTrend Silver only) ................................................................................................ 3-1

3.1.1 Location (AvTrend Silver only) ......................................................................................... 3-2

3.1.2 New (AvTrend Silver only) ............................................................................................... 3-2

3.1.3 Compact (AvTrend Silver only) ........................................................................................ 3-3

3.1.4 Repair (AvTrend Silver only) ............................................................................................ 3-3

3.1.5 Backup (AvTrend Silver only) ........................................................................................... 3-4

3.2 Raw Data Archive ...................................................................................................................... 3-4

3.2.1 Location ............................................................................................................................. 3-5

3.2.2 Backup ............................................................................................................................... 3-5

3.3 Application ................................................................................................................................. 3-6

3.3.1 Application ......................................................................................................................... 3-7

3.3.2 Data Transfer ................................................................................................................... 3-10

3.3.3 Engine Performance (AvTrend Silver only) .................................................................... 3-12

3.3.4 Data View ........................................................................................................................ 3-13

3.3.5 Print .................................................................................................................................. 3-15

3.3.6 Colors ............................................................................................................................... 3-16

3.4 Reset App Config ..................................................................................................................... 3-18

3.5 Reset Temp Directory .............................................................................................................. 3-18

Chapter 4 Tools Menu ............................................................................................................................ 4-1

4.1 View Log File ............................................................................................................................ 4-1

4.2 Database ..................................................................................................................................... 4-2

4.2.1 Remove Duplicate Sensors ................................................................................................ 4-2

Chapter 5 Help Menu ............................................................................................................................. 5-1

5.1 Contents and Index..................................................................................................................... 5-1

5.2 Check for Updates ...................................................................................................................... 5-1

V Table of Contents

5.3 About .......................................................................................................................................... 5-1

5.4 License ....................................................................................................................................... 5-2

Chapter 6 File Tree View ....................................................................................................................... 6-1

6.1 View by Type (AvTrend Silver only) ........................................................................................ 6-1

6.1.1 Sensors ............................................................................................................................... 6-2

6.1.2 Setups ................................................................................................................................. 6-3

6.1.3 Jobs .................................................................................................................................... 6-5

6.2 View by Engine SN (AvTrend Silver only) ............................................................................... 6-6

6.3 View by Engine Type (AvTrend Silver only) ............................................................................ 6-7

6.4 View by A/C Registration (AvTrend Silver only) ..................................................................... 6-8

Chapter 7 Data Viewing Area................................................................................................................. 7-1

7.1 Sensor View ............................................................................................................................... 7-1

7.2 Setup View ................................................................................................................................. 7-1

7.3 Job View .................................................................................................................................... 7-1

7.4 Display Tabs (Presence varies with the specific job) ................................................................. 7-1

7.4.1 General Information ........................................................................................................... 7-2

7.4.2 Info ..................................................................................................................................... 7-6

7.4.3 Play Back (AvTrend Silver only) ....................................................................................... 7-7

7.4.4 ZMOD (AvTrend Silver only) ........................................................................................... 7-9

7.4.5 Waterfalls (AvTrend Silver only) .................................................................................... 7-10

7.4.6 Speeds (AvTrend Silver only) .......................................................................................... 7-11

7.4.7 Plots (AvTrend Silver only) ............................................................................................. 7-12

7.4.8 Spectra (AvTrend Silver only) ......................................................................................... 7-12

7.4.9 Surveys ............................................................................................................................. 7-13

7.4.10 Maximums (AvTrend Silver only) ................................................................................... 7-14

Chapter 8 Reading Vibration Surveys .................................................................................................... 8-1

8.1 Characteristics of Spectra ........................................................................................................... 8-1

8.2 Reading the Spectrum ................................................................................................................ 8-1

8.3 Identifying Unknown Peaks ....................................................................................................... 8-2

Chapter 9 eSetup Libraries ..................................................................................................................... 9-1

9.1 Creating an eSetup Library ........................................................................................................ 9-1

9.2 Setup Library Tips ..................................................................................................................... 9-4

9.2.1 Working with Large Libraries ............................................................................................ 9-4

9.2.2 Renaming a Prior Database Download .............................................................................. 9-4

Chapter 10 MISCELLANEOUS ........................................................................................................ 10-1

10.1 File Management ..................................................................................................................... 10-1

VI Table of Contents

10.1.1 Naming Data Files ........................................................................................................... 10-1

10.2 Installation ................................................................................................................................ 10-2

10.2.1 USB Driver Installation – Automatic ............................................................................... 10-2

10.2.2 USB Driver Installation – Manual ................................................................................... 10-2

10.3 Web Update ............................................................................................................................. 10-9

10.4 Replacement AvTrend Disc ................................................................................................... 10-13

VII Table of Contents

Preface General AvTrend is the companion software for ACES Analyzer models 1700, 1720, 1725, 1730, 2015, 2020, 4040 and 4120. AvTrend was developed by ACES Systems as a Windows® based replacement for Intelli-Trend as well as the initial enhanced features companion software for the ACES 2XXX and 4XXX analyzers. It serves as a means to transfer data between all ACES analyzers and a personal computer and to display, examine, and print spectral data. Additionally, for the 2XXX and 4XXX analyzers only, the software allows you to view and print balance jobs, create airframe, engine, and sensor setups, and build and transfer setup libraries to the analyzers. For the 17XX Series analyzers, AvTrend Silver gives you the capability to load engine and/or airframe specific procedures directly to the analyzer without the use of a procedure card. In those portions of the manual where the information applies only to the 2XXX and 4XXX analyzers or the 17XX Series analyzers, text to that effect will be inserted to indicate this.

For general information regarding ACES Systems products and services, contact one of the international representatives by visiting http://www.acessystems.com.

Technical Support For technical support, you can contact the Corporate Office directly by emailing [email protected] or by phone or fax as listed on the cover of this supplement. For a listing of the ACES Systems international representative network please visit http://www.acessystems.com. If you require assistance with an operational problem with the analyzer, please have as much detailed information as possible available before contacting ACES Systems. Pertinent details include the analyzer Model and Serial Numbers, the type of Job you were performing, and the specific step or topic of interest. The support staff will answer questions about the operation and care of your equipment, assist you in troubleshooting a problem, and help you overcome common application difficulties whenever possible. If it becomes necessary for your equipment to be returned to us for any reason, you will be issued a return (RMA) number during the technical support contact.

Feedback ACES Systems depends on information from our customers to continue the attributes of quality, dependability and simplicity associated with our products. We invite you to contact our Technical Support office by phone or fax as listed on the cover of this supplement or by email at [email protected].

License Agreement ACES Systems considers AvTrend to be Licensed to your “facility”. This includes all buildings that share a common physical location or group of buildings to form a complex. Any separate physical location(s) will be required to obtain an additional copy of AvTrend to satisfy the licensing requirements of an additional facility.

You are authorized to install the AvTrend software on as many work stations in your facility as necessary to perform all duties and functions related to the collection and analysis of data from the ACES Systems line of analyzers.


mailto:[email protected]


mailto:[email protected]

1-1 General Topics in AvTrend

Chapter 1 General Topics in AvTrend

This section introduces you to AvTrend and discusses general information such as viewing spectra data, managing files, and navigating among items in a file or between downloaded files. It also gives you specific information about reading spectra in AvTrend.

Figure 1: Diagram of the AvTrend main window (for illustration purposes only). Title Bar Showing the Name of the

Open FileData Transmission Indicator

Menu Bar

Tool Bar

Sensors, Setups, and

Jobs

File TreeView Area

Current Open Transient Job

Display Tabs Data Viewing Area with Spectra Open

View by Selector

1.1 Overview AvTrend software allows your ACES analyzer to work in concert with your personal computer. The AvTrend software, when installed on your PC, provides enhanced printing and upload/download capabilities, as well as management tools that save you time. You may also upload setups and applications to 2XXX and 4XXX model ACES analyzers and Procedures to ACES 17XX series analyzers.


One benefit of using AvTrend software is you may download preconfigured setups from the ACES Systems web site (www.acessystems.com). With just a few clicks of your mouse, you can download these web setups and upload them directly to your ACES 2XXX or 4XXX analyzer. You may also receive procedure files (called .CXE files) via email for your 17XX series analyzer and load them directly into the analyzer using the procedure loader function of AvTrend Silver software. Additionally, routine upgrades to the AvTrend software will be posted on the ACES Systems web site, which, when downloaded and installed, will keep your AvTrend software updated with the most current features and improvements.

AvTrend is available in two versions — Bronze and Silver. The chart below shows the features available in Bronze and Silver. All features of AvTrend are discussed in this manual.

Table 1: AvTrend Feature Comparison

AvTrend Bronze and Silver Feature Comparison

ACES Systems Analyzers Supported Bronze Silver Model 2XXX ProBalancer Analyzer

VIPER 4XXX Analyzer

17XX Series Analyzer

Features Manage eSetups

Manage eSetup Library

Export eSetups/Jobs

Analyze Vibration Surveys

Expand/Shrink Plot Scales

Activate Harmonic Cursors

Annotate Peaks

Alarm Notations

Print to Any Windows-Supported Printer

Replay Transient Vibration Survey Data

Upload eSetups from Web

Upload eSetups from File

Download AvTrend Feature Updates from Web

Download/Upload Data to Model 2XXX

View 4XXX Performance Data

Download/Upload Data to VIPER Model 4XXX

Examine Model 2XXX Data Files

View Data by Type

View EMS Data

Create eSetups

Edit eSetups

Sort Data by Registration Number

Sort Data by Engine Type

Backup and Restore Database



Central Database (Microsoft Access)

Communicate via USB

View Spectra Data in Z-Mod Plot

Upload Intelli-Trend Database

Sort Data by Serial Number Registration Number, and Engine Type

Remote Control Model 4XXX

Download/Upload Procedures and Data to 17XX Series Analyzer

Import Database

Create Sensor

Manage Database

Edit 4120 eSetups

View Polar Plots (Tentative)

Data Storage Model 2XXX Prop Setup/Job

Model 2XXX Main Rotor Setup/Job

Model 2XXX Tail Rotor Setup/Job

Model 2XXX Vibration Survey Setup/Job

17XX Series Vibration Survey Job

17XX Series EMS Performance Job

VIPER 4XXX Prop Setup/Job

VIPER 4XXX Main Rotor Setup/Job

VIPER 4XXX Tail Rotor Setup/Job

VIPER 4XXX Vibration Survey Setup/Job

VIPER 4XXX Fan/Turbine Balance Setup/Job

VIPER 4XXX Fan Blade Optimizer Setup/Job

VIPER 4XXX Overall Vibration Survey Setup/Job

VIPER 4XXX Transient Vibration Survey Setup/Job

VIPER 4XXX EMS Performance Job

1.2 AvTrend Main Window The Main AvTrend Window, as shown in Figure 1 above, contains all of the components described in Sections 1.2.1 through 1.2.8 below. It will inherit many properties from your basic Window’s settings. Many of the functions will perform in standard Windows operation.

1.2.1 Title Bar The Title Bar will display the name of the program, AvTrend, as well as display the path name of the open data file.

1.2.1.1 Local Database (AvTrend Silver only) In AvTrend Silver, all prior downloads will be combined into a single database referred to as the Local Database. When AvTrend initially opens, the title bar will list “AvTrend – Local Database” indicating that you are viewing the combined database. Each time an analyzer is downloaded, the contents of that download will automatically merge into the local database. This database will contain copies of all sensors, setups, and jobs from all prior downloads from all previously connected analyzers. You can


bypass the merge function by changing the condition of the “Don’t import data after download” checkbox described in Section 3.3.1.1 below.

To the far right of the Title Bar are the standard Windows Minimize, Maximize, and Close buttons.

The Minimize button ( ) will reduce the Main Window to a button on the Windows taskbar.

Depending upon the starting state of the Main Window, clicking the next button can cause one of two results.

1. Clicking the button while it is in Maximize mode ( ) will toggle the window size between the user-defined size and a full screen display. When the window is “Maximized” the size is fixed and cannot be adjusted by the user.

2. Clicking the button while it is in Restore Down mode ( ) will return the pane to the user-defined window size. While the window is in Restore Down mode, you can adjust the window size. First, move the cursor over one of the outside borders or a corner. A double-ended arrow will appear. By right-clicking when the cursor is a double-ended arrow, you can drag the arrow to a new location on screen; thereby changing the size of the window.

The Close button ( ) will save any prior changes and exit the program.

1.2.2 Menu Bar The Menu Bar contains four choices to assist the user. These choices are File, Options, Tools, and Help. These options are described in Chapter 2 (File Menu), Chapter 3 (Options Menu), Chapter 4 (Tools), and Chapter 5 (Help Menu).

1.2.3 Tool Bar The Tool Bar is a set of quick use icons. The icon functions are described in order of their respective Menu Bar locations. Hovering the mouse cursor over the icon will show a tool tip with the icon’s name. The icons and their names are listed below.

Icon Section Title Chapter Link

Open Download File 2.1.2 Open Data File 2.1.1 Import Data File 2.4.1 Edit Setup Library 6.1.2 Close Data File 2.5 Print All Graphs and Reports 2.13.1 Print Current View 2.13.2 Print Setup 2.14 Change Colors 3.3.6 Stop Communication 2.11.9 Help Contents 5.1 About 5.3 Check For Updates 5.2


1.2.4 Data Transmission Indicator The Data Transmission Indicator is located on the Tool Bar in the upper right-hand corner of the AvTrend window. There are three sections of the indicator; cable status indication icons, data transfer indicators, and status bar as shown in Figure 2 below.

Figure 2: The Data Transmission Indicator shown for Bronze on the left and Silver on the right.

• The status indication section, the first two icons from the left, contains individual icons for indicating the current status of the Serial and USB connections. The icon farthest to the left applies to the Serial Connection. Initially, with no cable connected to the computer it will be displayed as a red circle with a white “X” ( ). It changes to the caution symbol ( ) indicating the communication port on your PC is being occupied by another program or cannot be located. The serial cable symbol ( ) indicates a serial cable has been detected on the port selected under Section 3.3.1.1 below. The second icon, (AvTrend Silver only) the USB cable symbol ( ), indicates the status of the USB port and analyzer connection. If the indicator has a red background ( ) then no cable is detected and there is no USB connection to a Viper Analyzer. If the background is yellow ( ) then a USB connection has been detected, but the analyzer is not responding to the USB commands from the computer. A USB cable icon with no background () indicates that a completed USB connection has been established.

• The data transfer indicators will flash red and green ( ) to indicate data are actively being transferred between the ACES analyzer and your PC. Both indicators will change to grey when data are not being transferred.

• The status bar ( ) shows the total progression of a data transfer using percent and a visual representation. The numerical value represents the transfer completion by the percentage of file size, and the progression bar indicates the data transfer completion by the total steps accomplished.

1.2.5 View by Selector (AvTrend Silver only) A drop down selection is available immediately above the File Tree View window for filtering and sorting jobs, fully explained in Section 6.1 below. For instance, “View by Type”, will sort the data by the procedure used to collect it, such as EMS Job, Fan Balance Job, or Fan Optimizer Job. The File Tree View will be further broken down by serial number, registration number, and date time stamp to assist you in finding the record or desired survey. You may also choose to sort the Jobs by either Engine Serial Number, Engine Type or Aircraft Registration by choosing those options from the “View by:” drop down at the top of the File Tree View area.

1.2.6 Display Tabs Display Tabs show data collected in jobs on different forms. The type of job accomplished and selections made in the setup will determine the Display Tabs available in AvTrend. The data available in each display tab and the various Display Tabs are discussed in Section 7.4.

1.2.7 File Tree View Whenever you have a data file open in AvTrend, any sensors, setups, and jobs contained in that file appear in the File Tree View Area on the left side of the AvTrend viewer as shown in Figure 3 below. To open any one of those items, double-click on its name in the File Tree View. Alternately, you may click the (+) sign to the left of the folder icon to open a folder. When open to the final destination, AvTrend


displays that item in the Data Viewing Area (right panel). To close any one of the items, double-click on its name a second time in the File Tree View. Alternately, you may click on the (-) sign to the left of the folder icon to close a folder. See Chapter 6 for more details on using the File Tree View.

• To widen the File Tree View pane, place your cursor over the dividing border until the cursor turns into a standard Windows two-headed arrow. Click and hold on the border, then drag the border to the right. Release the mouse button when you are satisfied with the width of the File Tree View.

• To narrow the File Tree View pane, click on and drag the dividing border to the left.

Figure 3: AvTrend File Tree View. This example data file contains sensors, setups, and a variety jobs. It also shows the cursor as a “grab handle” for moving the center bar to re-size the Tree View window.

1.2.8 Data Viewing Area With the AvTrend Viewer, you can view sensor specifications, setups (2XXX and 4XXX only), and jobs data. To view an item, click its name in the File Tree View. The data that appear in the Data Viewing Area depend on the type of item you have selected to view. A sample Vibration Survey Job is shown in Figure 4 below. Complete details on the Data Viewing Area are covered in Chapter 7.


Figure 4: Data Viewing Area (right pane of AvTrend window).

2-1 File Menu

Chapter 2 File Menu

The File menu allows you to open and import a database, close the visible database, open setup libraries, create new sensor setups and job setups, download data from the ACES analyzer, send AvTrend files to the analyzer, email setups and log files, print files, setup a printer, and exit the program. The File menu also has a standard Windows recent files list, which allows you access to the most recently opened data files.

Figure 5: File menu with no data showing in the Data Viewing Area.

2.1 Open Database File | Open Database gives you the option to open a database file By Filename or By Download. The file can be stored anywhere on your hard drive or removable disk.

2-2 File Menu

Figure 6: File | Open Database submenu.

2.1.1 Open Database | By Filename File | Open Database | By Filename allows you to browse anywhere on your hard drive or other storage device and find an ACES Database File (.adf) or an ACES Setup File (.asf). This option will open any file AvTrend has created or recognizes as a compatible file format. This item has a shortcut icon on the Tool Bar ( ) for quick access.

2-3 File Menu

Figure 7: File | Open Database | By Filename dialog box showing the “Look in:” navigation window.

• Select File | Open Database | By Filename. AvTrend launches the Open Database dialog box and

specifies files of type ACES DataBase Files. You can also click the drop down arrow under “Files of type” to search for Access Database Files, All ACES Data Files, or All Files.

• Click the file name of the file you wish to open then click the “Open” button or double-click the file name. AvTrend will open the data file in the AvTrend viewer.

2.1.1.1 Navigating Inside a Pop-up Window If the window does not open in the correct location, there are several navigation aids along the top of this window to help you navigate around your computer. These functions will appear in several of the dialog boxes explained below.

• The “Look In” window at the top of the “Open Database” window allows you to browse the tree structure of your computer until you locate the data file you wish to open.

• The “Go To Last Folder Visited” button ( ) will return you to the last file location viewed. • The “Up One Level” button ( ) will navigate to the next highest folder on the dropdown menu. • The Create New Folder button ( ) will create a new sub-folder in the folder currently in view. • The “View Menu” dropdown button ( ) will give you the option to arrange the files in view by

thumbnails, tiles, icons, list, and details. • The “Open” button will open the selected file. • The “Cancel” button will cancel the operation.

2.1.2 Open Database | By Download File | Open Database | By Download takes you directly to the AvTrend file browser, which allows you to browse all the data files downloaded from an ACES analyzer into AvTrend. This item has a shortcut icon on the Tool Bar ( ) for quick access.

2-4 File Menu

Figure 8: File | Open Database | By Download dialog box.

File | Open Database | By Download displays the Open Exported Database window. The File Tree View shows directories named after the Model Numbers of the analyzers you have downloaded. Sub directories under the individual model numbers will be listed by the serial numbers of the analyzers from which you have downloaded data files. When you click on one of the directories in File Tree View, the data files in the directory appear in the Data Viewing Area. The file browser also indicates the Name, Database Date, File Size, Backup Date, and Modification Date; you may need to scroll horizontally to see this additional information.

• Select File | Open Database | By Download then navigate to the directory containing the data file you wish to open by clicking on its folder icon one time.

• If the directory contains more than one data file, click one time on the file name of the data file to select it and click the Open button; or double-click the name of the data file. AvTrend opens the data file in the AvTrend viewer.

NOTE After you download a data file from the ACES analyzer, the file acquires a unique name that combines

several identifying features of the file. This file name, however, may not be recognizable as representing the analyzer or date of download.

2.2 Open Setup Library File | Open Setup Library allows you to open AvTrend Setup Files. This option works much the same as File | Open Database | By Filename (Section 2.1.1), with one exception, this will default to display and open files with the “.asf” file extension. It is possible to pull down the dropdown list under “Files of type” and view all files in a particular folder, however, AvTrend may not be able to open certain file extensions. This item has a shortcut icon on the Tool Bar ( ) for quick access.

2-5 File Menu

Figure 9: File | Open Database | By Filename dialog box.

• Select File | Open Setup Library… then navigate to the directory containing the data file you wish

to open by clicking on its folder icon one time. • Click one time on the file name of the data file to select it and click the Open button; or double-

click the name of the data file. AvTrend opens the data file in the AvTrend viewer.

2.3 Save As This menu item allows you to save changes made to an open database file under a different file name. This feature will not work on the “Local Database”. Clicking File | Save As will open the window shown in Figure 10 below. Select the desired location using the drop-down arrow in the “Save in:” field. Once the desired location is displayed in the “Save in:” window, assign the database a new name in the “File name:” field and click the “Save” button.

Figure 10: Save As window.

2-6 File Menu

2.4 Import (AvTrend Silver only) File | Import gives you two options for importing data into AvTrend. This can be useful for rebuilding a database or importing older Intelli-Trend files into AvTrend.

Figure 11: File | Import submenu.

2.4.1 Import | Database (AvTrend Silver only) Import | Database allows you to merge a single ACES Data File from any location on your hard drive or other accessible storage device into the open database. This method can be used with either downloaded data files (.adf) from analyzers or setup files (.asf) that need to be combined for transfer into an analyzer. This item has a shortcut icon on the Tool Bar ( ) for quick access.

Selecting this option will generate the Import Database dialog box shown in Figure 12 below. Navigation in the dialog box functions as described in Section 2.1.1.1. Once you have located the file, left-click on it. The file name should appear in the field beside File Name. Then click on the “Open” button to open the file. In the drop down beside files of type, you may click on the down arrow to select a file type. Files of the same type as the one you selected will be displayed. All others will disappear. If you click on the cancel button, the dialog box will close. You can resize the window by dragging any of the borders with your mouse.

NOTE You must clear any Read Only attribute from the database before beginning this operation.

• Open the destination data file, this can be either an ACES Data File (.adf) or an ACE Setup File (.asf)

• Select File | Import | Database to display the Import Database dialog box as shown in Figure 12 below.

• Navigate to the directory containing the data file you wish to open then click on the file’s icon one time to select it and click the Open button; or double-click the name of the data file. AvTrend imports the data file into the currently open database and then shows the combined file in the AvTrend viewer.

2-7 File Menu

Figure 12: File | Import | Database dialog box.

2.5 Close File | Close closes the currently open database file. This item has a shortcut icon on the Tool Bar ( ) for quick access, that reads “Close Data File” when you hover the cursor over the icon.

2.6 Recent Files List On the File menu below the Close option, a list of previously opened databases will appear as shown in Figure 13 below. The list updates as new files are opened with the newest file at the top of the list. This gives you quick access to the last four files opened. You can open any of the files by left-clicking on its name.

Figure 13: The Recent File list

2-8 File Menu

2.7 New Sensor (AvTrend Silver only) File | New Sensor will open a dialog box as shown below in Figure 14. This option will only work if the “Can modify or delete objects in data files” checkbox is selected from the Options | Application Menu (see Section 3.3.1). For detailed instructions on creating a sensor setup, refer to Table 2 below, to find the correct VIPER User’s Manual Chapter.

Figure 14: Screen generated by the File | New Sensor option. Locked sensor setups are shown in the File Tree Viewing area with a lock icon and cannot be modified.

Table 2: Job Types and associated Analyzer User’s Manual chapters

Function 4040 User’s Manual Section 4120 User’s Manual Section

Propeller Section 4.1.1 Section 4.1.1

Main Rotor Section 5.2.1 N/A

Tail Rotor Section 6.2.1 N/A

Fan/Turbine Balance Section 7.1.6 Section 5.1.1

Fan Optimizer Section 7.2.3 In Progress

http://www.acessystems.com/downloads/manual-4040/4040-4-Propeller%20Balance.pdf

http://www.acessystems.com/downloads/manual-4120/4120-4-Propeller%20Balance.pdf

http://www.acessystems.com/downloads/manual-4040/4040-5-MainRotor.pdf

http://www.acessystems.com/downloads/manual-4040/4040-6-TailRotor.pdf

http://www.acessystems.com/downloads/manual-4040/4040-7-Fan%20Balance.pdf



2-9 File Menu

Vibration Survey Section 9.1.1 In Progress

Overall Section 10.1.1 In Progress

Transient Vibration Survey Section 11.1.1 Section 6.1.1

Sensors Section 18.1.2 Section 8.1.2

2.7.1 General Functions (AvTrend Silver only) When creating of editing setups in AvTrend, you can either use the keyboard and type the data into the form or use the mouse to click on the buttons of the virtual analyzer keypad. If you are using the computer’s keypad, the [ESC] key functions as the analyzer’s [BACKUP] key. The computer’s [BACKSPACE] key functions as the analyzer’s [CLR] key. The rest of the keys remain the same with the computer’s “function” keys ([F1], [F2], [F3]…) emulating the “soft keys” ([F1], [F2], [F3]…) on the analyzer. Typing on the computer keyboard also allows the use of lower case letters. Operation from this point on will mimic the analyzer and directions for using the analyzer’s keypad can be found in Chapter 3 of the Model 4XXX VIPER User’s manual.

2.8 New Setup (AvTrend Silver only) File | New Setup allows you to create various setups and save them into the open database. Highlighting New Setup will open a second menu listing the available setup templates, as shown below in Figure 15 and Figure 16. This option will only work if the “Can Modify or Delete Objects in data files” is selected from the Options | Application Menu (see Section 3.3.1). Figure 15 shows this menu with only the “Allow edit of 20xx/40xx setups” box checked. Figure 16 shows this menu with both the edit options from Section 3.3.1 selected, “Allow edit of 20xx/40xx setups” and “Allow edit of 4120 setups”.

Figure 15: File | New Setup menu showing expanded dropdown menu displaying setup templates.

http://www.acessystems.com/downloads/manual-4040/4040-9-Vibration%20Spectrum%20Survey.pdf

http://www.acessystems.com/downloads/manual-4040/4040-10-Overall%20Vibration%20Survey.pdf

http://www.acessystems.com/downloads/manual-4040/4040-11-Transient%20Vibration%20%20Survey.pdf

http://www.acessystems.com/downloads/manual-4120/4120-6-Transient%20Vibration%20Survey.pdf

http://www.acessystems.com/downloads/manual-4040/4040-18-Miscellaneous%20Items.pdf

http://www.acessystems.com/downloads/manual-4120/4120-8-Miscellaneous%20Items.pdf

2-10 File Menu

Figure 16: File | New Setup menu with editing 4120 setups enabled showing expanded dropdown menu displaying setup templates and analyzer selection.

• Select File | New Setup> then select the desired function from the new pop-up menu. If the

4040/4120 sub menu is offered, select the right analyzer model. Setups created for the Model 2XXX will be created using the Model 4040 template. AvTrend will convert them from one format to the other automatically. If you do not know how a setting should be entered, because the Model 4040 has more settings than a standard Model 2020, simply leave that field blank and it will be converted by AvTrend.

• A new setup template will appear. See the appropriate User’s Manual chapter from Section 2.7 Table 2 above to fill in the template.

2.9 New Remote Start (AvTrend Silver only) File | New Remote Start allows you to create a setup for using with the “Pilot Trigger” accessory of the 4040 or for use in the 4120. This feature tells the analyzer that when it initializes, select a specific setup and prepare the analyzer for data collection. There are no menu steps to starting a job; it is done automatically using the defined setup name. There are only a few instances where this is desired, please contact ACES Systems for a more complete explanation and to discuss the hardware requirements.

Several conditions must be met to use this feature:

• First, you must have an ACES Database (.adf) or an ACES Setup Library (.asf) open in AvTrend.

• Second, this database must contain Transient Vibration Survey setups.

2-11 File Menu

• If the above conditions are met and a valid setup is selected in the database, when you click on the File menu item, this line will become active.

• When you click on this menu item, you will receive the screen shown below. Use the mouse, keyboard and function keys to complete these fields as follows:

o Name – use the [⇒] or [⇐] keys to toggle through the setups names available for remote start jobs. This list will be specific to the database that is loaded.

o Start - use the [⇒] or [⇐] keys to toggle through the selections of “Automatic” meaning that data acquisition will start as soon as the analyzer is powered on, or “Pilot Trigger” meaning that the analyzer will be triggered by an additional accessory.

Typical acquisition time (seconds) = use the keypad to enter a number between 20 and 999 indicating the average amount of time of the data acquisitions. This will allow the analyzer to estimate how many jobs can be performed using the remaining memory.

2.10 New Setup Library Selecting File | New Setup Library will create a completely new setup library. This library will only contain the default sensor list.

AvTrend Bronze – You can then add setups to the new library by following the instructions described in Section 9.1 below.

AvTrend Silver - You can then use the commands above to create new setups in this library. When you click this option, you will be shown the “Create New Setup Library” window. Use the “Save In” line (described in Section 2.1.1.1 above) to select the location where you want to store the new library. Name the library and click “Save” to close the window.

Figure 17: The “Create New Setup Library” window

2-12 File Menu

2.11 Transfer The File | Transfer menu option allows you to transfer to and from ACES analyzers. You have eight choices from the expanded menu. Some of the choices are designed to work with specific analyzers. When a specific item pertains to a specific analyzer, it will be listed in parentheses next to the name of the option in the section headings below. Some selections under the Options | Application | Application menu and the Options | Application | Data Transfer menu will alter or slow the transfer process. For information regarding these selections, see Section 3.3 below.

2.11.1 Retrieve Data (2XXX and 4XXX only) File | Transfer | Retrieve Data allows you to download data files from the ACES Model 2XXX and 4XXX VIPER analyzers into AvTrend for viewing, printing, and exporting. There is one process for transferring when connected to a serial connector, even if the serial connector is connected to a Serial to USB converter. There is another process for transferring with a true USB connection (4XXX analyzers Only).

2.11.1.1 Serial Transfer (2XXX and 4XXX only) To operate this function when connected to the analyzer’s serial port, including the use of a Serial to USB converter, use the following instructions:

NOTE If your PC doesn’t recognize the analyzer when you try to transfer data, power down the computer before

attaching the analyzer.

• Attach the ACES analyzer to your computer by connecting the serial cable (P/N 10-320-0157) to the Aux/Comm connector on the top of the analyzer. See your analyzer Owner's Manual for more instructions.

• Start the AvTrend software. Turn on the ACES analyzer. An icon should appear, in the status bar, which resembles the type of cable you are using. See Section 1.2.4 above.

• In AvTrend, select File | Transfer | Retrieve Data. • From the analyzer’s Main Menu, select “Transfer Data with PC (via RS-232)” and press the

[ENTER] key on the analyzer. • You will see a message in the Analyzer window, “Transferring data with Host.” • In the AvTrend toolbar, the status bar indicates the percentage of the download that is complete

and the “lights” to the left of the status bar glow red and green in succession. • In the Data Viewing Area, AvTrend generates a report (Figure 19) indicating the following:

o Attempts to communicate with the analyzer o Boot ROM version o Analyzer serial number o Negotiated baud rate o Information about transfer of the database

• When the download is complete, AvTrend briefly reports on the success of the download. Then, AvTrend opens the newly downloaded database.

2-13 File Menu

Figure 18: A typical serial transfer in AvTrend.

2.11.1.2 USB Transfer (4XXX only) (AvTrend Silver only) To operate this function when connected to the analyzer’s USB port, use the following instructions:



• Attach the ACES analyzer to your computer using the USB (P/N 10-320-0483 - 4040 or 75-800-4003 - 4120) cable (see your analyzer Owner's Manual for more instructions).

NOTE The USB cable is only available for the Model 4XXX VIPER.

• Start the AvTrend software. Turn on the ACES analyzer. An icon should appear, in the status bar, which resembles the type of cable you are using. See Section 1.2.4 above.

• Insure the analyzer is displaying the Main Menu. • In AvTrend, select File | Transfer | Retrieve Data. • In the AvTrend toolbar, the status bar indicates the percentage of the download that is complete

and the “lights” to the left of the status bar glow red and green in succession. • In the Data Viewing Area, AvTrend generates a report (Figure 19) indicating the following:

o Attempts to communicate with the analyzer o Boot ROM version o Analyzer serial number o Negotiated baud rate o Information about transfer of the database


2-14 File Menu

Figure 19: A typical USB transfer in AvTrend.

2.11.2 Retrieve 17XX Data (17XX Series only) (AvTrend Silver only) File | Transfer | Retrieve 17XX Data allows you to download data files from ACES 1700, 1720, 1725 and 1730 analyzers into AvTrend for viewing, printing, and exporting.

• Attach the ACES analyzer to an available communications port of your computer using the serial communications cable supplied with the analyzer (most commonly 75-800-0020) (see your analyzer Owner's Manual for more instructions).

• Ensure the 17XX analyzer is at the main menu and the transfer will begin automatically. • Start the AvTrend software and turn on the ACES 17XX analyzer. • In AvTrend, select File | Transfer | Retrieve 17XX Data. • In the AvTrend toolbar, a status bar indicates the percentage of the download that is complete and

the “lights” to the left of the status bar glow red and green in succession. • In the Data Viewing Area, AvTrend generates a report (Figure 18) indicating the following:

o Attempts to communicate with the analyzer o Retrieves ROM version from analyzer o Verifies and displays analyzer series and ROM version o Changes to enhanced mode o Verifies and displays message that transfer of the database is complete


2.11.3 Send Setups (2XXX and 4XXX only) File | Transfer | Send Setups allows you to upload setups from AvTrend to the ACES analyzer. An eSetup is a set of instructions telling the analyzer how to collect data for a specific airframe or engine. A

2-15 File Menu

collection of eSetups is maintained on the ACES Systems website at ACES Systems web site - eSetups. Maintaining and transferring eSetups eliminates the tedious data entry process of manually entering setup information into the analyzer. Maintaining an eSetup library can allow you to quickly reconfigure an analyzer following an unexpected crash.

2.11.3.1 Serial Transfer (2XXX and 4XXX Analyzers) To operate this function when connected to the analyzer’s serial port, including the use of a Serial to USB converter, use the following instructions:


• Start the AvTrend software. Turn on the ACES analyzer.



• When the Analyzer powers up and takes you to the Main Menu, select “Transfer Data with PC” and press the [ENTER] key on the Analyzer. You will see a message in the Analyzer window, “Transferring data with Host.”

• In AvTrend, select File | Transfer | Send Setups. • The “Send Setup” dialog box will be displayed. Browse to the location of the file you wish to

send to the analyzer. See Section 2.1.1.1 above for instructions on how to navigate inside a pop-up window.

• AvTrend begins the process of uploading all the setups that currently reside in your “setup.asf” file (Setup Library). In the AvTrend toolbar, a status bar indicates the percentage of the upload that is complete and the “lights” to the left of the status bar glow red and green in succession.

• In the Data Viewing Area, AvTrend generates a report (Figure 18) indicating the following: o Attempts to communicate with the analyzer o Retrieves ROM version from analyzer o Verifies and displays analyzer series and ROM version o Changes to enhanced mode o Verifies and displays message that transfer of the database is complete

2.11.3.2 USB Transfer (4XXX Analyzers Only) (AvTrend Silver only) To operate this function when connected to the analyzer’s USB port use the following instructions:



• Start the AvTrend software. Turn on the ACES analyzer and leave it displaying the Main Menu. An icon should appear, in the status bar, which resembles the type of cable you are using. See Section 1.2.4 above.



http://www.acessystems.com/index.php?option=com_edocman&view=categories&Itemid=145

2-16 File Menu

• In AvTrend, select File | Transfer | Send Setups. • The “Send Setup” dialog box will be displayed. Browse to the location of the file you wish to

send to the analyzer. See Section 2.1.1.1 above for instructions on how to navigate inside a pop-up window.

• AvTrend begins the process of uploading all the setups that currently reside in your “setup.asf” file (Setup Library). In the AvTrend toolbar, a status bar indicates the percentage of the upload that is complete and the “lights” to the left of the status bar glow red and green in succession.

• In the Data Viewing Area, AvTrend generates a report (Figure 19) indicating the following: o Attempts to communicate with the analyzer o Retrieves ROM version from analyzer o Verifies and displays analyzer series and ROM version o Changes to enhanced mode o Verifies and displays message that transfer of the database is complete

2.11.4 Send Application (2XXX and 4XXX only) File | Transfer | Send Application allows you update the application software running in your 2XXX or 4XXX analyzer. The latest application for your analyzer can be obtained from the ACES Systems web site - Analyzer Software, sent to you via email, or applied at your next recalibration.







• In AvTrend, select File | Transfer | Send Application. • The “Send Application to Analyzer” dialog box will be displayed. Browse to the location of the

file you wish to send to the analyzer. See Section 2.1.1.1 above for instructions on how to navigate inside a pop-up window.

• AvTrend begins the process of uploading the new software to the analyzer. In the AvTrend toolbar, a status bar indicates the percentage of the upload that is complete and the “lights” to the left of the status bar glow red and green in succession.

• In the Data Viewing Area, AvTrend generates a report (Figure 18) indicating the following: o Attempts to communicate with the analyzer o Retrieves ROM version from analyzer o Verifies and displays analyzer series and ROM version o Changes to enhanced mode o Verifies and displays message that transfer of the file is complete



2-17 File Menu







• In AvTrend, select File | Transfer | Send Application. • The “Send Application to Analyzer” dialog box will be displayed. Browse to the location of the

file you wish to send to the analyzer. See Section 2.1.1.1 above for instructions on how to navigate inside a pop-up window.

• AvTrend begins the process of uploading the new software to the analyzer. In the AvTrend toolbar, a status bar indicates the percentage of the upload that is complete and the “lights” to the left of the status bar glow red and green in succession.


2.11.5 Send File (2XXX and 4XXX only) File | Transfer | Send File allows you send a stored data file from a PC to your 2XXX or 4XXX analyzer. The files may be from your analyzer or from another analyzer of the same model type. Certain file types can be created in the 2XXX or 4XXX analyzers, stored on a PC, and then sent to the other analyzer type. Once sent to the analyzer, the setup(s) and job(s) can be viewed using the review function of the receiving analyzer.






2-18 File Menu


• In AvTrend, select File | Transfer | Send File. • The “Send File to Analyzer” dialog box will be displayed. Browse to the location of the file you

wish to send to the analyzer. See Section 2.1.1.1 above for instructions on how to navigate inside a pop-up window.

• AvTrend begins the process of uploading the file to the analyzer. In the AvTrend toolbar, a status bar indicates the percentage of the upload that is complete and the “lights” to the left of the status bar glow red and green in succession.








• In AvTrend, select File | Transfer | Send File. • The “Send File to Analyzer” dialog box will be displayed. Browse to the location of the file you

wish to send to the analyzer. See Section 2.1.1.1 above for instructions on how to navigate inside a pop-up window.

• AvTrend begins the process of uploading the file to the analyzer. In the AvTrend toolbar, a status bar indicates the percentage of the upload that is complete and the “lights” to the left of the status bar glow red and green in succession.


2.11.6 Get Info (2XXX and 4XXX only) File | Transfer | Get Info allows you to query the analyzer and read the information stored inside the unit. The stored information includes:

2-19 File Menu

• Owner Name • Owner Address • Owner Phone Number • Analyzer Serial Number • Active License Number • ROM Version • App Version • Analyzer Schema Table (For software troubleshooting only)

2.11.7 Send App to 17XX (17XX Series only) (AvTrend Silver only) File | Transfer | Send App to 17XX allows your PC to transfer procedures directly to your analyzer via serial communications cable. To complete this action you will have to obtain a procedure file from ACES Systems. This file will have a “.CXE” file extension that can only be opened and read by an ACES analyzer.


• Ensure the 17XX analyzer is at the main menu and the transfer will begin automatically. • Start the AvTrend software and turn on the ACES 17XX analyzer. • Select File | Transfer | Send App to 17XX. A dialog box will open reading, “Send Procedure to

Analyzer” in the title bar. • Use the “Look in” dropdown to navigate to the location of the “.CXE” file on your computer.

See Section 2.1.1.1 above for instructions on how to navigate inside a pop-up window. You can double click on any file to select from the files or folders inside. Locate the procedure you wish to transfer. Highlight it then click “Send”.

• In the Data Viewing Area, AvTrend generates a report (Figure 18) indicating the following: o Attempts to communicate with the analyzer o Boot ROM version o Analyzer serial number o Negotiated baud rate o Information about transfer of the application package

2.11.8 Send File to Card (17XX Series only) (AvTrend Silver only) File | Transfer | Send File to Card allows your PC to transfer procedures to a Procedure Card via your analyzer and serial communications cable. To transfer a file to a procedure card, complete the following steps. To complete this action you will have to obtain a procedure file from ACES Systems. This file will have a “.CRD” file extension that can only be opened and read by an ACES analyzer.


• Ensure the 17XX analyzer is at the main menu and the transfer will begin automatically. • Insert the procedure card into the analyzer. • On the menu bar, select File | Transfer | Send File to Card. • Use the “Look in” dropdown to navigate to the location of the “.CRD” file on your computer.

See Section 2.1.1.1 above for instructions on how to navigate inside a pop-up window. You can double click on any file to select from the files or folders inside. Locate the procedure you wish to transfer. Highlight it then click “Send”.

2-20 File Menu

• AvTrend will start a data log in the data viewing area. • When the last line of the log states, “Attempting to communicate with analyzer”, the analyzer will

produce a prompt asking if you want to load a new procedure. Use the right arrow key to select YES, and press [ENTER].

• AvTrend will generate an onscreen log in the data viewing area (Figure 18) indicating the following:

o communication code version o file to be transferred o baud rate o sending file and status

• When the transfer is complete the bottom two lines of the log will read: o card load complete o Communication link closed.

2.11.9 Stop Communication (Icon on Tool Bar) This item is not in the file menu, but rather, is located on the Tool Bar for access during data transfer. If you need to stop the data transfer process, you can click on the Stop Communication button ( ) on the tool bar. This icon will change to red during a transfer. When you click, on this icon, all data received will be lost and the communication with the ACES analyzer will be aborted immediately.

2.12 E-Mail File | E-Mail is an option that allows you email a Database, AvTrend’s Log Files, or Raw Data Files. A Compose E-Mail dialog box will be generated as shown in Figure 20 below. You may edit the subject to be as specific or general as you wish and select the section to which you wish to address. This service uses a web based email service. As long as you have an internet connection, you should be able to send email to ACES Systems. AvTrend will compose an email message and attach the necessary files. It is possible to edit all fields of the email before pressing “Send”. Using this technique, you can include recipients that aren’t listed in the “Send To” dropdown pictured below. You can also add customized text explaining the reason for the email. In all cases it will be best to include contact information so the support staff can contact you about the files. Keep in mind that the emailed selection can only be read in AvTrend by recipients using the same or newer version as the sender.

Figure 20: File | E-Mail Compose E-Mail dialog box.

2.13 Print The File | Print menu items will only be active when there is text showing in the main Data Viewing Area. When active, it generates an expanded menu. Clicking on one of the choices will open a standard Windows Print dialog box. The options on the dialog box may vary according to the attached printer.

2-21 File Menu

With this command, you may print sensor data, setups, and jobs. When you print vibration spectra from a 2XXX or 4XXX analyzer, AvTrend also prints the setup for that job. Two selections will appear in an expanded menu, All and View.

2.13.1 Print “All” The “All…” function prints all data included with the open job or setup. This includes all the data in all available Display Tabs. This item has a shortcut icon on the Tool Bar ( ) for quick access. To use this function, a job or setup must be visible in the Data viewing area. Next, select File and highlight the Print option. When the expanded menu appears, highlight and select the “All…” selection. A Print dialog box will be generated. This window is a standard Windows printer selection dialog box. Options and functions in this window will vary, based on the version of operating system and printer that you are running. When you are ready to print, click OK. This option will print all documents associated with the job. All spectra plots in the job will be printed using the X, Y, and Z scales defined in the setup. To print a specific scale, you must use the “Print View” option defined in Section 2.13.2 below. In addition, peak labels will not be printed with the job unless the “Find and show peak list in spectrum display” option is active as described in Section 3.3.4.1 below.

2.13.2 Print “View” The “View…” option only prints information in the currently displayed Tab. The print will include all labels and the current zoom level of the view; it is a “what you see is what you get” type of print. This item has a shortcut icon on the Tool Bar ( ) for quick access. To use this function, a job or setup must be visible in the Data viewing area. Next, select File and highlight the Print option. When the expanded menu appears, highlight and select “View…”. A Print dialog box will be generated. This window is a standard Windows printer selection dialog box. Options and functions in this window will vary, based on the version of operating system and printer that you are running. When you are ready to print, click OK.

2.14 Printer Setup File | Printer Setup generates the standard Print Setup dialog box, which varies according to the version of operating system and printer that you are using. From this dialog box, you can access the print setup properties; specify the paper size, source, and orientation, all in a standard Windows format. When you are finished, click OK. You may also access the Printer Setup by selecting the icon ( ).

2.15 Exit File | Exit closes any currently open data files and closes AvTrend. It does not generate a dialog box. You may also exit by clicking the Close button ( ) in the upper right-hand corner of the AvTrend title bar.

3-1 Options Menu

Chapter 3 Options Menu

The Options Menu allows you to manipulate, backup, locate, and reset configurations in your local database and manage communications with ACES analyzers. It also allows you to customize the display color in AvTrend. This section will cover the various options, applications, and expanded dropdown menus under the Options Menu.

Figure 21: Options menu.

3.1 Database (AvTrend Silver only) Highlighting Database under the Options menu will open an expanded dropdown menu, giving options for locating your local database, creating a new database, compacting your database, repairing and backing up your database. This section will show you how to use each of these functions.

Figure 22: Options | Database menu showing expanded dropdown menu.

3-2 Options Menu

3.1.1 Location (AvTrend Silver only) Options | Database | Location allows you to change the location of your local database. This can be useful if you have multiple PC’s on a network drive and wish to share the same local database. After you highlight Database, click on Location. A dialog box will open showing the current location of your local database, viewed as a file tree. The default location for the database on a Windows XP computer is “C:\Program Files\AvTrend\mdbdata”. The default location for the database on a Windows 7 computer is “C:\Program Files(x86)\AvTrend\mdbdata”.

Figure 23: Select location dialog box, showing default location for the AvTrend database.

NOTE

Extreme caution should be exercised when changing the location of your local database. Undesired loss of data may occur if not accomplished properly. When used on a network or shared location, it may be

possible to experience sharing violations. AvTrend works best when only one user accesses the database at a time.

To change the database location, click on the folder where you wish the database to be. Clicking on a file will open the file in the file tree. When you have navigated to the folder you want, click ok.

If you wish to retain any information in your database, you may need to copy your existing database to the new location. To do this, open a “My Computer” window and double click on “Local Disk (C :)”. Double click on Program Files. (When you open “Program Files”, you may receive a warning from windows, select view files.) Locate and double click on the AvTrend file. Look for a folder titled “mdbdata” and open it. Inside this folder, the default database will be named “avtrend.mdb”, highlight it and select copy. From this location, navigate to the location where you intend the new database to be. Right-click on a blank portion of the window, and select paste. When you change the location, locate this newly created file and select it. If you selected the new location first, you may have to overwrite the existing “avtrend.mdb” file in the new location.

3.1.2 New (AvTrend Silver only) Options | Database | New allows you to create a new local database. When you select New, the dialog box shown below in Figure 24 will appear. The open file location will be the default location. If an

3-3 Options Menu

alternate location has been designated, you will need to navigate using the instructions in Section 2.1.1.1. When you have decided where the new database will be located, enter the name you wish to give your new database in the text box labeled File name, then click save. The new database will be created in the selected location.

NOTE The AvTrend title bar will continue to call the new database the “Local Database”.

Figure 24: New Database dialog box.

3.1.3 Compact (AvTrend Silver only) Options | Database | Compact will compress the open database by removing deleted records, to save disk space. This function is useful if you are maintaining a very large database, or multiple large databases. When you click on Compact the message window in Figure 25 will appear. When AvTrend has finished compressing the database, this window will disappear.

Figure 25: Compacting Database message window.

3.1.4 Repair (AvTrend Silver only) Selecting Options | Database | Repair will generate the message window shown below in Figure 26. AvTrend will scan your database for errors that might cause damage to the program or any analyzers the information is sent to, and repair the data as necessary. When the scan and repair is completed, the message window will disappear.

3-4 Options Menu

Figure 26: Repairing Database message window.

3.1.5 Backup (AvTrend Silver only) Options | Database | Backup allows you to save a copy of the open database to a destination of your choosing. When you click on Backup, the dialog box in Figure 27 will be generated. Navigation in this window functions as described in Section 2.1.1.1. Use the drop down to navigate to the lowest possible file location, and then double click folders to open them. When you have navigated to the location where you want the backup to be stored click save.

NOTE The archive will be stored in a ZIP format. It will be necessary to extract the original database before using it.

Figure 27: Backup Database dialog box.

3.2 Raw Data Archive Selecting Options | Raw Data Archive will open a side menu, shown in the picture below. AvTrend uses the Raw Data Archive when downloading data that contains multiple parts or parts of differing file formats, Transient Vibration Surveys or 17xx downloads fall into these categories. This menu gives two options for maintaining your Data Archive: Location and Backup. These functions are described in the sections below.

3-5 Options Menu

Figure 28: Picture showing expanded menu for Raw Data Archive.

3.2.1 Location Selecting Options | Raw Data Archive | Location will open the window shown below. This option allows you to designate or locate a file on any drive accessible to your PC. Clicking on the folder icons will display the accessible folders under the selected folder or disk drive. You may repeat this until no more folders expand or you locate the folder you wish to designate as the Raw Data Archive.

Figure 29: Picture showing Raw Data Archive Location window.

3.2.2 Backup Selecting Options | Raw Data Archive | Backup will open the window shown below. Navigation in this window functions as described in Section 2.1.1.1. When you have navigated to the location you want the backup to be stored, enter a name for the backup into the “File Name” field, then click “Save”.

3-6 Options Menu

Figure 30: Picture showing Raw Data Archive Backup window.

3.3 Application Selecting Options | Application… will open the options window shown in Figure 31. By checking options or changing selections in these windows, you will be able to alter how and when AvTrend interacts with ACES analyzers and MEDRA. You can also change printer setting, customize the color schemes for data displayed in the data viewing area, and change how AvTrend displays data. Most options will display with check boxes and corresponding nomenclatures. To activate an option, click the check box to the left of it. Other options will require changing selections in dropdown menus. These options are always active, but will not update to your selection until you click Ok. The last type of option field is the file name style. These direct AvTrend to send files to a specific file location, and are inactive until you enter a valid file path and click Ok. To designate the file path you may manually type the exact file path and name or you can click on the Browse button beside the text box and navigate to the file. To change settings in these fields click on the arrow beside them and select the choice you desire. This section will describe what effect each option will have on the display of data and its uses.

NOTE Changes made in this window will not take effect until you click the “OK” button. To exit without saving any

of the changes, click the “Cancel” button.

3-7 Options Menu

Figure 31: Options | Application window.

3.3.1 Application In the Options window’s file tree, if you select Application, the Application Settings window will appear as shown in Figure 32 below. Under this window, you have multiple options with check boxes that allow you to tell AvTrend how you want it to function. The options and their functions are as follows:

• Check for ownership of links: checks the file extension of the viewable files within any given folder viewed when you open a dialog box; AvTrend does not display files that it cannot open.

• Force ownership of links: forces Windows to show AvTrend as the primary program for use with files that end in file extensions AvTrend uses.

NOTE Some versions of Windows use the same file extensions for media files that AvTrend uses for data files.

AvTrend cannot open media files. Trying to do so will cause errors to occur in AvTrend. Windows Media Player will try to open AvTrend files, but it cannot. If this occurs, open AvTrend then try to open the data file.

• Disable port monitor: turns off the cable indication icon in the Data Transfer Indicator (Section 1.2.4). The icon will be changed to the caution symbol ( ) and you will not be able to tell if a data cable is detected.

• Export spectrum data in columns: With this option checked, when AvTrend exports data to a Comma Separated Value (CSV) file, the collected spectra data are in a column format. By default, the option is unchecked and AvTrend will export data to a Comma Separated Value (CSV) file in rows.

• Disable web update check: prevents AvTrend from connecting to the internet to check for a newer version of AvTrend. If you have a version of AvTrend that you are familiar with and do not wish to change, this will stop the automatic update notification.

3-8 Options Menu

• Can modify or delete objects in data files: allows you to create new setup and sensors, edit setups (that are not TEC locked), and use the USB remote control option.

• Use ADO to access database: enables the use of Active Data Objects (ADO). This will use another program (such as Microsoft Access) to access the AvTrend database. Consult with your IT department before using this option.

• Center window at startup: will center AvTrend in the middle of your screen when you open the application.

• Show warning when creating a new MDB database: will display a warning message when you create a new main database. (AvTrend Silver only)

• Remember configuration settings: will store the options settings you select in these windows in the AvTrend file for future use.

• Allow edit of 20xx/40xx setups: will allow you to create and edit setups created for 2XXX and 4XXX series analyzers. (AvTrend Silver only)

• Allow edit of 4120 setups: will allow you to create and edit setups created for 4120 Test Cell series analyzers. (AvTrend Silver only)

• Use working copy of the data base: will create a temporary copy of the local data base when changes are made. This allows you to undo any erroneous changes made by not saving the changes. This option must be checked for the Save and Save As functions to operate. This option is not currently available and remains greyed out.

Figure 32: Options | Application | Application window.

3.3.1.1 Automatic Update • Check for updates via the internet: Selecting this option will allow AvTrend to connect to the

internet, specifically the ACES Systems web site to check for newer versions of AvTrend. When detected AvTrend will ask if you want to update, the update will not happen automatically.

3-9 Options Menu

o Following the Check for updates via the internet option is a dropdown menu that allows you to configure the frequency that AvTrend will use to check for updates. Selections include: Never: AvTrend will never automatically check for updates Startup: AvTrend will automatically check for updates every time the program

starts Day: AvTrend will automatically check for updates once per day Week: AvTrend will automatically check for updates once per week Month: AvTrend will automatically check for updates once per month

o Use Protocol: Tells AvTrend which internet protocol to use to check for updates, File Transfer Protocol (FTP) or HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP). You should leave this set as default unless you contact ACES Support and are told otherwise.

o FTP Time Out (Sec): This tells AvTrend how long to wait for a response from the server when requesting the download. This is defaulted to 30 seconds and should be left unless ACES Support instructs otherwise.

o HTTP Time Out (Sec): This tells AvTrend how long to wait for a response from the server when requesting the download. This is defaulted to 30 seconds and should be left unless ACES Support instructs otherwise.

• Log TCP/IP data: Creates a log file of the update transfer request to help with troubleshoot. In some cases ACES Support may ask you to enable this check box and send in the files for further analysis.

Figure 33: Options|Application|Automatic Update

3-10 Options Menu

3.3.2 Data Transfer In the Options window’s file tree, if you select Data Transfer, the Data Transfer Settings option will appear as shown in Figure 34 below. Under this section you have a group of options that allow you to tell AvTrend where to receive data from, where to send data, and how to interact with the data.

The top portion of the screen contains Serial Port Settings described as follows:

• Port: allows you to tell AvTrend which communication port to use to retrieve data. You can choose from any port not used by another program or device.

• 17XX Speed: allows you to specify the baud rate for an ACES Systems 17XX series analyzer. The default is Auto, which will automatically detect the baud rate. If you wish, you may also select a specific baud rate to use when connecting to a 17XX series analyzer. Keep in mind that selecting a specific baud rate in AvTrend will require that you match the exact same baud rate by selecting it in the analyzer. (AvTrend Silver only)

• 2XXX\4XXX Speed: allows you to specify the baud rate for ACES Systems 2XXX and 4XXX analyzers. The default is 57600 and only sets the maximum rate supported by the connection. The actual transfer rate will be negotiated at the time of the transfer.

• Time Out (Sec): is the amount of time, in seconds, that AvTrend will wait for the analyzer to respond during a transfer. If you are frequently receiving a timeout or transfer termination message during transfers, increase the time out. This will slow the transfer process but will fix most issues during transfers.

• 17XX Data Delay (ms): similar to the Time Out setting above, this setting is specific to only the 17XX series of analyzers. If you are frequently receiving a timeout or transfer termination message during transfers, increase the time out. This will slow the transfer process but will fix most issues during transfers. (AvTrend Silver only)

• RS-232 Block Delay (ms): this setting controls the transfer rate and timing when using a Serial to USB converter. If you are frequently receiving a timeout or transfer termination message during transfers, increase the time out. This will slow the transfer process but will fix most issues during transfers.

• USB Block Delay (ms): this setting controls the transfer rate and timing when using a USB connection. If you are frequently receiving a timeout or transfer termination message during transfers, increase the time out. This will slow the transfer process but will fix most issues during transfers. (AvTrend Silver only)

• The bottom portion of the screen contains the following options: • Overwrite existing database on PC: will erase the downloaded database and replace it with the

information you are downloading. This only happens when the two databases are identical. New downloads will be saved on the computer using a unique file name. Typically, if the database has already been downloaded, AvTrend indicates that the database already exists and terminates the download. With this option checked, AvTrend will continue the download and overwrite the existing database without any warning.

• Download data before sending setup: will download all data from the analyzer and save it prior to sending new setups to the analyzer. Remember, normally, sending a new setup to an analyzer will erase ALL data on the analyzer. The analyzer will provide a warning screen before transferring data when this box is unchecked.

• Always overwrite data in analyzer: will not generate the normal prompt to download the analyzer’s information, and will overwrite all data in the analyzer. Remember, sending a new setup to an analyzer will erase ALL data on the analyzer.

3-11 Options Menu

• Create a log file during data transfers: will save the onscreen log and other important data useful for troubleshooting transfer issues. This option will slow the transfer process, but will provide all the necessary data for quick response when issues arise.

• Don’t import data after download: will not add transferred data to the Local Database, but will still store the download in an individual file with a unique file name.

• View data after download: will display the recently downloaded data after the transfer is completed.

• Beep after data transfer: will make an audible beep once the data transfer is completed. The sound on your PC must be turned on and speakers connected (if external) for this option to work properly.

• Automatically export performance data: will copy any downloaded performance data (logger files) to the MEDRA logger directory. You must also specify MEDRA’s logger location, in Engine Performance below, for this option to operate properly.

• Remove all Jobs from analyzer after data transfer: after downloading data, AvTrend and the analyzer will work together to remove all of the jobs that were just downloaded. The Setups will remain in the analyzer for use on the next job.

• Clear analyzer memory after data transfer: will erase all setups and job data present after the data are transferred to your PC. It is STRONGLY suggested that you do not check this box unless you understand that every time you download data, AvTrend and the analyzer will delete ALL STORED data following the download.

• Default setup file: allows you to specify which folder you want to be the default location for opening or transferring setup files.

• On the right-hand portion of this window you will find options related to sending Application

files to the analyzer (see also Section 2.11.4) • 20xx Application Transfer:

o Do not erase EEPROM: Load App without erasing EEPROM first. o Erase EEPROM: this option will erase the EEPROM before sending the new application

to the analyzer. When transferring a new Application to the analyzer, it is possible that the stored Job and Setup data stored in the analyzer may become unreadable. The best practice is to download and store the database before transferring a new Application.

• 40xx Application Transfer o Do not format FFS: the Flash File System will not be formatted before sending data, this

is NOT recommended. The integrity of the FFS should be checked and formatted to prevent problems with loading the Application.

o Initialize FFS: will format the analyzer’s Flash File System before sending the new application version. This prevents errors due to different file sizes between applications. This is the typical procedure performed in preparation for sending the Application to the analyzer. It is the default condition and should be left that way unless a change is requested by ACES Systems support personnel.

o Quick FFS format: this will perform a quick test of the integrity of the Flash File System. It is a more drastic step than simply formatting the FFS and is recommended if you have had problems storing, accessing or saving data as part of a Transient Vibration Survey. Typically, ACES Systems product support personnel will guide you through performing this test when it is required.

o Full FFS format: this performs a full test of the integrity of the FFS. It is the most drastic step to cure data storage issues. Typically, ACES Systems product support personnel will guide you through performing this test when it is required.

3-12 Options Menu

Figure 34: Options | Application | Data Transfer window.

3.3.3 Engine Performance (AvTrend Silver only) In the Options window’s file tree, if you select Engine Performance, the Engine Performance Settings option will appear as shown in Figure 35 below. This section allows you to manipulate how EMS data will be displayed, choose what secondary measurements will be displayed, and determine where EMS data are to be exported after download. Beginning in the upper left-hand corner in the “Units” box, the options and their functions are as follows:

• Temperature: allows you to select the unit of measurement in which temperature will be displayed. Choices include Default, Degrees F, or Degrees C. Default will use the units acquired by the analyzer.

• Cockpit: allows you to select the unit of measurement in which engine speed entries entered from the cockpit gages will be displayed. Choices include Default, RPM, Hertz, or Percent. Default will use the units acquired by the analyzer.

• Redundant: allows you to select the unit of measurement in which EMS engine speed entries will be displayed. Choices include Default, RPM, Hertz, or Percent. Default will use the units acquired by the analyzer.

• Put DEEC type in comments: will add the model of engine controller in the comments section of the report generated or sent to MEDRA.

• Enable All: pertains to the Enable Auxiliary Data box above it and allows you to select which secondary data will be displayed and transfer to MEDRA. You can select Enable All to select all available secondary data or individually select each option. The auxiliary lines will not become active until the check is removed from the “Enable All” box. Using the scroll bar, you can selectively choose which auxiliary data are included in the MEDRA logger file exports.

3-13 Options Menu

• MEDRA Program Directory: allows you to tell AvTrend the location of MEDRA’s database for EMS data. To enter the file location you can type it in manually or click on the browse button and use a standard file tree. You must define where MEDRA is to send any data to the program.

• MEDA logger directory: allows you to tell AvTrend the location of the MEDRA data log directory. To enter the file location you can type it in manually or click on the browse button and use a standard file tree. You must define where the MEDRA logger directory is to send any data to the program.

Figure 35: Options | Application | Engine Performance window.

3.3.4 Data View The Data View file tree consists of two sub-menus. If you click on the “+” symbol beside Data View it will expand to show two selections, Display and Previous. The Display menu consists of options related directly to the way AvTrend displays data. The Previous menu consists of options related to how AvTrend displays when viewing subsequent jobs.

3.3.4.1 Display In the Options window’s file tree, if you select Display, the Data Display Settings will appear as shown in Figure 36 below. This window gives you the opportunity to tell AvTrend how to display collected data. The options and their functions are as follows:

• Find and show peak list in spectrum display: will automatically add a list of all the vibration peaks in the data to a window displayed to the right of the spectra plot. The peaks will also be labeled in the spectral display. These peaks will be printed on the report even when using the “Print All” feature of AvTrend.

3-14 Options Menu

• Show Speed and Plot graphs in percent: will display speed entries in a percent of the total RPM instead of raw RPM.

• Display peak information in labels: will show a data flag connected to the top of each peak displaying the corresponding X and Y plot measurements.

• Autoscale Z Axis on waterfall plots when displaying speeds: will shrink or enlarge the Z-axis on plots of the waterfall tab in order to view the data on the largest scale possible. (AvTrend Silver only)

• Autoscale Y axis on spectrum plots: will shrink or enlarge the Y-axis on plots of the spectra tab in order to view the data on the largest scale possible. (AvTrend Silver only)

• Autoscale Y axis on waterfall plots: will shrink or enlarge the Y-axis on plots of the waterfall tab in order to view the data on the largest scale possible. (AvTrend Silver only)

• Autoscale Y axis on Z-Mod plots: will shrink or enlarge the Y-axis on plots of the Z-Mod tab in order to view the data on the largest scale possible. (AvTrend Silver only)

Figure 36: Options | Application | Data View | Display window.

3.3.4.2 Previous In the Options window’s file tree, if you select Previous, the Data Display Settings will appear as shown in Figure 37 below. This window gives you the opportunity to tell AvTrend how to display collected data. The options and their functions are as follows:

• Use settings from previously viewed jobs: will use setting from jobs you have viewed in the past to display data in new jobs.

• Use All: will use all of the listed settings from previously viewed jobs for viewing new jobs. If you uncheck this box, the list under “Previous Settings” will become active.

3-15 Options Menu

o Previous Settings: here each individual setting is listed. If you want to customize which settings are held from prior jobs you may choose them individually. This list will be deactivated when “Use All” is selected above.

Figure 37: Options | Application | Data View | Previous window

3.3.5 Print In the Options window’s file tree, if you select Print, the Print Settings option will display. These options allow you to customize the print settings in AvTrend. The options and their functions are as follows:

• Print coversheet when printing a view: this will print a cover sheet when you use the print option in the file menu.

• Print graphs in color: this will print any graph in a color format. o Print Quality: allows you to select the quality of what you are printing. o Draft DPI: allows you to set the Dots Per Inch of what you are printing.

3-16 Options Menu

Figure 38: Options | Application | Print window.

3.3.6 Colors The Data View file tree consists of two sub-menus. If you click on the “+” symbol beside Colors it will expand to show two selections, Graphs and ZMod (AvTrend Silver only). These selections will allow you to customize what colors data will be displayed.

• If you click on the Graphs listing, you will be presented with a table of colors and their corresponding designation. To change the color for any designation click on the nomenclature then click “Change”. A color palette will open and you can select the color you want then click Ok. If you wish to restore the defaults click on the button named Defaults. This item has a shortcut icon on the Tool Bar ( ) for quick access.

3-17 Options Menu

Figure 39: Options | Application | Colors | Graphs window.

• If you click on the ZMod listing, you will be presented with a color scale and a dropdown menu

at the top of the window. By clicking on the arrow, you may choose from a variety of pre designated color palettes. To define your own palette select custom and click in the color lines. You can change the minimum and maximum colors in your custom ZMod Spectrum. When you are finished, click Ok. (AvTrend Silver only)

3-18 Options Menu

Figure 40: Options | Application | Colors | ZMod window.

3.4 Reset App Config Selecting this option will reset all options in the Application settings, defined above in Sections 3.3, to their default setting.

3.5 Reset Temp Directory Selecting this option will erase the file history and remove the file names from the recently viewed files list.

4-1 Options Menu

Chapter 4 Tools Menu

The Tools Menu appears when you click on Tools in the Menu bar, the dropdown menu displayed in Figure 41 will appear.

Figure 41: The Tools Menu displaying contents.

4.1 View Log File This allows you to read the log files created during the data transfer. This can assist ACES Systems support personnel in troubleshooting failed data transfers. A “View Log File” pop-up window will appear. Navigate to the location of the log files; the default location is “C:\Program Files\AvTrend\logs”, using the procedures described in Section 2.1.1.1 above.

Typically, viewing the log files will not contain much data for the end user. A typical log is shown in Figure 42 below. The log files are best used in conjunction with the “E-mail” option described in Section 2.11.9 above to get the files to ACES Systems support personnel for troubleshooting.

Figure 42: A typical Serial Comm Log

4-2 Options Menu

4.2 Database Highlighting Database under the Tools menu will open an expanded dropdown menu, giving you the option to Remove Duplicate Sensors. This section will show you how to use this function.

Figure 43: The Database Dropdown Menu

4.2.1 Remove Duplicate Sensors This menu item allows you to remove duplicate sensors from the database. In some cases, by adding similar setups or creating sensors with similar names, AvTrend will store multiple copies of the user defined custom sensors. It may become necessary to remove these duplicates to avoid confusion. Simply click the Tools menu item then select Database | Remove Duplicate Sensors. AvTrend will remove all of the duplicates. A good practice would be to review all of your setups and make sure that only the original sensor is used in any setup. Either before or after deletion, using the duplicate sensor will cause problems when acquiring data.

5-1 Help Menu

Chapter 5 Help Menu

The Help Menu offers many instructions for assisting you in navigating and using AvTrend. It also has an option to update AvTrend, and choices for information about your copy of AvTrend. This section gives instructions for use of each of these options and a description of their functions. This item has a shortcut icon on the Tool Bar ( ) for quick access.

Figure 44: Help Menu displaying contents.

5.1 Contents and Index If you click on Help in the Menu bar, the dropdown menu displayed in Figure 44 will appear. Selecting Contents and Index will display this manual. Clicking on the help icon will also display this manual. You can navigate through the manual using the bookmarks on the left hand side of the page. You can also use Adobe’s “Edit|Find” (Ctrl+F) command to search for specific key words in the document.

5.2 Check for Updates Clicking Check for Updates causes AvTrend to query the ACES Systems website to look for an updated version. Clicking on the update icon will also cause AvTrend to search the web for an update. If an updated version is found, AvTrend will ask if you want to download and install the update. You can choose to install the update at your convenience.

5.3 About Selecting About in the Help menu will open the About AvTrend information window, shown in Figure 45. This window displays information about your current version of AvTrend, the company or individual to whom the license is issued, your serial number, license number, the type of license issued, and any comments related to your copy of AvTrend. This information should be readily available if calling for assistance. This item has a shortcut icon on the Tool Bar ( ) for quick access.

5-2 Help Menu

Figure 45: About AvTrend information screen displaying simulated information.

5.4 License Clicking on License in the Help menu will produce a License Info window similar to the one shown in Figure 46 below. Multiple licenses can be listed in this window. The level column indicates the software version, Silver or Bronze. The Type column shows the license duration, permanent or temporary. In the Serial Number and License Number columns, you will see characters that will match the information listed in the corresponding rows in the About AvTrend window from Section 5.2 above. The SCM column (Software Configuration Management) will only display “Yes” if you have elected to have your license regulated by software configuration management. Otherwise, this column will display “No”. The Comments column will display comments pertaining to your copy of AvTrend, and will match the corresponding row in Section 5.2 above.

5-3 Help Menu

Figure 46: AvTrend License information window displaying simulated information.

6-1 File Tree

Chapter 6 File Tree View

The File Tree Viewing area displays all sensors, setups, and jobs contained in your local database or within the database that is open for viewing. This section will cover advanced functions in the File Tree Viewing area. For general instructions on the File Tree Viewing area, see Section 1.2.7 above. For instructions on opening and importing a database, see Sections 2.1, 2.2, and 2.4.

NOTE AvTrend Bronze can only display setups and jobs that mirror those functions on the main menu of the Model 2020, for example, Propeller Balance, Main and Tail Rotor Balance and Vibration Spectrum Surveys. It cannot

display setups and jobs unique to the Model 4040, such as Transient Vibration Surveys or Fan/Turbine Balances.

6.1 View by Type (AvTrend Silver only) The “View by…” drop down menu is the core of the File Tree Viewing area, and allows you to filter the active database’s file tree according to your needs. There are four options you can choose; View by Type, View by Engine SN, View by Engine Type, and View by AC Registration. By filtering data using these settings, you will not lose setup or sensor information. The filtered data will be suppressed and accessible through the View by Type filter. This is the default setting and filters the data by file type. This will list data as Sensors, Setups, Jobs and 17xx Spec Jobs. This filter is very useful if you maintain a very large database containing many different file types. This view will organize similar files into common groups.

6-2 File Tree

Figure 47: Sample File Tree View of jobs viewed by Type.

If you click on the “+” symbol next to the Sensors folder, it will expand to display a list of sensors as contained in all the Setups and Jobs in the database. Clicking on the “+” symbol to the left of the Setups, or Jobs folders will expand them to show further filtering by operation type (i.e. fan balance, transient, vibe survey, etc.) In this view, you have several hidden functions available that are explained below. To access any of the hidden functions for these headings, left-click then right-click on the top level folder. A new menu will be generated. You can choose from any of the functions listed. A description of these functions and their uses is given below in the appropriate group.

6.1.1 Sensors The Sensors file folder contains all of the sensors in the database. Opening the folder and expanding the File Tree View will allow you to view the individual properties of each sensor.

NOTE

Editing setups is a feature that is available in AvTrend Silver only. Any reference to editing or creating setups below is explained for AvTrend Silver users only. Menu items that are missing are not available in AvTrend

Bronze.

Menu items that are inactive (greyed out) can be activated through the use of the “Can modify or delete objects in data files” checkbox from the Options | Application Menu (see Section 3.3.1). Any sensors that have attributes applied to them – locked or certified lock – will not be deleted with the “Delete” command.

You must first remove the attribute from the sensor by following the instructions described under “Options” in the list below before you can delete the entire folder and its contents.

If you left-click then right-click on the Sensors folder, you will receive a menu giving the options to create a new sensor setup (New) or delete the sensor folder and all of its contents (Delete) or lock/unlock all of the sensors contained in the folder (Options> Lock All/Unlock All). For information regarding how the data are viewed in the Data Viewing Area, see Chapter 7 below.

6-3 File Tree

• To create a new sensor, left-click then right-click on the Sensor folder in the File Tree View, and select New. A blank sensor template will then display in the data viewing area. For instructions on how to fill in the required information, see Table 2 in Section 2.7 above for a list of associated chapters in the analyzer’s User’s Manual.

• If you expand the Sensors folder to view its contents, select one of the items in the listing by left-clicking it then, right-click, and you will receive another menu. These menu options are:

o Edit: to change information contained in the setup. See Table 2 in Section 2.7 above. o Copy: and use it as a template for another sensor. With this option you must change or

add one character in the name of the setup, or AvTrend will display an error message prompting you to rename the sensor.

o Add to Setup…: to add the sensor to a setup library. This allows you to use the sensor as part of another setup library. For complete steps to add the sensor to a Setup Library go to Section 9.1 below.

o Export: gives an expanded pop-up menu with additional choices. Setup File: export your selection to a setup file. This allows you to use the

sensor as part of another setup library. For complete steps to add the sensor to a Setup Library go to Section 9.1 below.

Text: export your selection as text. This allows you to have a text copy of the configuration to use as a backup, for example.

Local Database: This allows you to copy the selected item to the Local Database. o E-Mail: will generate the dialog box described in Section 2.11.9 and you should follow

the instructions in that section to email the sensor. The emailed sensor can be read by recipients using the same or newer version of AvTrend as the sender.

o Delete: provided the sensor is unlocked, this selection will delete the sensor setup from the database.

o Options: gives an expanded pop-up menu with additional choices. Lock: is a toggle field. The first time you select this line, a check mark will

appear in front of the word Lock. A lock icon ( ) will simultaneously appear in front of the sensor’s name. This will prevent users from changing the sensor in AvTrend or the analyzer. The second time you select this line, the check mark will disappear from the word Lock. The lock icon will also disappear from the sensor’s name ( ) indicating that the sensor is again ready for editing and can be deleted in AvTrend or the analyzer.

Certified Lock: is a specific type of lock. This lock is not removable in the field. Sensor setups that have been certified by a specific OEM are locked at TEC to insure they are used as originally approved. This lock is a lock with a plus sign inside the body ( ). These sensor setups can be copied and then edited, but the results of a job performed with anything but an original sensor setup may not be acceptable to the OEM.

6.1.2 Setups The Setups file folder contains all of the setups in the database. If you left-click then right-click on the Setups folder, you will receive a menu giving the options to create a new setup (New) or delete the setup folder and all of its contents (Delete) or lock/unlock all of the setups contained in the folder (Options). For information regarding how the data are viewed in the Data Viewing Area, see Chapter 7 below.

NOTE Editing the setup requires that the “Can modify or delete objects in data files” checkbox is selected from the

Options | Application Menu (see Section 3.3.1). Any setups that have attributes applied to them – locked, certified lock, or ignore ICF update – will not be deleted with this command. You must first remove the

6-4 File Tree

attribute from the setup by following the instructions described under “Options” in the list below before you can delete the entire folder and its contents.

The setups are grouped by job type. Opening the Setups folder displays a list of all of the different job types in the database. If you left-click then right-click on the job type folder, you will receive a menu giving the options to create a new setup (New) or to delete the job type folder and all of its contents (Delete) or lock/unlock all of the setups contained in the folder (Options).

Further opening the specific job type will expand the File Tree View allowing you to view the individual setups. Clicking on the setup name will display the unique properties of that specific setup as explained in Table 2 in Section 2.7 above.

To create a new setup, left-click then right-click on the Setup folder in the File Tree View, highlight new, and select the type of setup you want to create. See Figure 16 above for an example. If AvTrend is configured to allow editing of 4120 setups as well (see Figure 32 above), multiple options will be presented for the format of the new setup. A blank setup template will then display in the data viewing area. For instructions on how to fill in the required information, see Table 2 in Section 2.7 above. For information regarding the how setup data are viewed in the Data Viewing Area, see Chapter 7 below.

A pop-up menu is available from the setup’s name. When the setup is highlighted, right-click on the name to display a menu with the options listed below.

• Edit: to change information contained in this setup. See Table 2 in Section 2.7 above. • Copy: to use this setup as a template for another setup. With this option you must change or add

one character in the name of the setup, or AvTrend will display an error message prompting you to rename the setup.

• Add to Setup: to add the setup to a setup library. This allows you to use the setup as part of another setup library. For complete steps to add the setup to a Setup Library go to Section 9.1 below.

• Export: gives an expanded drop down menu with additional choices. o Setup File: export your selection to a setup file. This allows you to use the setup as part

of another setup library. For complete steps to add the sensor to a Setup Library go to Section 9.1 below.

o Text: export your selection as text. This allows you to have a text copy of the configuration as a backup, for example.

o Local Database: This allows you to copy the selected item to the Local Database. • E-Mail: will generate the dialog box described in Section 2.11.9 and you should follow the

instructions in that section to email the setup. The emailed setup can be read by recipients using the same or newer version of AvTrend as the sender.

• Delete: provided the setup is unlocked, this selection will permanently delete the setup from the database.

• Options: gives an expanded pop-up menu with additional choices. o Lock: is a toggle field. The first time you select this line, a check mark will appear in

front of the word Lock. A lock icon ( ) will simultaneously appear in front of the setup’s name. This will prevent users from changing the setup in AvTrend or the analyzer. The second time you select this line, the check mark will disappear from the word Lock. The lock icon will also disappear from the setup’s name ( ) indicating that the setup is again ready for editing and can be deleted in AvTrend or the analyzer.

o Certified Lock: is specific type of lock. This lock is not removable in the field. Setups that have been certified by a specific OEM are locked at TEC to insure they are used as originally approved. This lock is a lock with a plus sign inside the body ( ). These

6-5 File Tree

setups can be copied and then edited, but the results of the job performed with anything but an original setup may not be acceptable to the OEM.

o Ignore ICF Update: is a toggle field. The first time you select this line, a check mark will appear in front of the words Ignore ICF Update. A red minus sign icon ( ) will simultaneously appear in front of the setup’s name. This will prevent users from changing the setup in AvTrend or the analyzer. The second time you select this line, the check mark will disappear from the words Ignore ICF Update. The icon will also disappear from the setup’s name ( ) indicating that the setup is again ready for editing and can be deleted in AvTrend or the analyzer.

6.1.3 Jobs The Jobs file folder contains all of the jobs in the database. Opening the folder and expanding the File Tree View will allow you to view the individual properties of each job.

Right-clicking on the Jobs folder itself will present a pop-up menu that allows you to delete ALL of the jobs contained in the folder. This action is irreversible, so make sure you are willing to delete all of the data before proceeding. The same thing is true when clicking on the folder for any job type. Selecting the folder, then right-clicking will display a pop-up menu that allows you to delete all of the jobs in that specific folder.

If you expand the Jobs folder to view its contents, and select one of the jobs in the listing by left-clicking – the job will be identified by a document with a gold seal ( ) and by the date and time the job was started – and then right-clicking, you will receive another menu. For information regarding how the data are viewed in the Data Viewing Area, see Chapter 7 below.

• Export gives an expanded drop down menu with these choices: o Data File: this exports the data file as an .adf (ACES Data File) that can be emailed to

other users of AvTrend. The job can be read by individuals using the same or newer versions of AvTrend.

o CSV (Comma Separated Value): this exports the data file as a table of comma separated values for import into spreadsheets like Microsoft Excel.

o Text: this exports the data file as simple text. It can be viewed in any text editor like Notepad.

o Local Database: This allows you to copy the selected item to the Local Database. • Email: will generate the dialog box described in Section 2.11.9 and should follow the instructions

in that section. The emailed selection can be read by recipients using the same or newer version of AvTrend as the sender.

• Delete: will permanently delete the item you have selected.

6.1.3.1 17xx Spec Job (17XX series only) (AvTrend Silver only) When you transfer data from any 17XX series analyzer, the surveys collected by the 17XX series analyzers will be placed in the File Tree View under the “17XX Spec Job” branch. If no 17XX data is available in the database, there will not be a “17XX Spec Job” branch. The “View by” option at the top of the File Tree View area is active for this type of data.

If you expand the 17xx Spec Job folder to view its contents, and select one of the jobs in the listing by left-clicking – the job will be identified by a document with a gold seal ( ) and by the date and time the job was started – and then right-clicking, you will receive another menu. For information regarding how the data are viewed in the Data Viewing Area, see Chapter 7 below.

6-6 File Tree

• Export gives an expanded drop down menu with these choices: o Data File: this exports the data file as an .adf, ACES Data File that other users of

AvTrend can read inside AvTrend. o CSV (Comma Separated Value): this exports the data file as a table of comma separated

values for import into spreadsheets like Excel. o Text: this exports the data file as simple text. It can be viewed in any text editor like

Notepad. o Local Database: This allows you to copy the selected item to the Local Database.

• Email: will generate the dialog box described in Section 2.11.9 and should follow the instructions in that section. The emailed selection can be read by recipients using the same or newer version of AvTrend as the sender.

• Delete: will permanently delete the item you have selected.

6.2 View by Engine SN (AvTrend Silver only) This option will only function properly if the engine serial number was entered into the job at the time the job was accomplished. See Table 2 in Section 2.7 above, for a job specific listing of chapters in the VIPER User’s Manual.

Figure 48: Sample File Tree View of jobs viewed by Engine S/N.

• Selecting View by Engine SN will filter out sensor and setup data from the file tree and sort the

job data, listing the engine serial number as the parent folder. Every type of job entered under an engine’s serial number will be visible if you click on the “+” symbol to the left of the Engine SN folder. Clicking the “+” symbol to the left of a job type will expand the folder to show all jobs of that type for that engine. Clicking on the job file will display the data it contains in the data viewing area. If you left-click then right-click on a job file, you will receive a menu containing the following options:

o Export gives an expanded drop down menu with these choices: Data File: this exports the data file as an ACES Data File, with an .adf file

extension, that other users of AvTrend can read inside AvTrend. CSV (Comma Separated Value): this exports the data file as a table of comma

separated values for import into spreadsheets like Excel. Text: this exports the data file as simple text. It can be viewed in any text editor

like Notepad. Local Database: This allows you to copy the selected item to the Local Database.

6-7 File Tree

o Email: will generate the dialog box described in Section 2.11.9 and you should follow the instructions in that section. The emailed selection can be read by recipients using the same version of AvTrend as the sender or newer version of AvTrend than the sender.

o Delete: will permanently delete the item you have selected.

6.3 View by Engine Type (AvTrend Silver only) The View by Engine Type filter is useful when engine trending information is needed for an engine type or as a comparison between two engines of the same type, within any size of fleet. This option will only function properly if the engine model was entered into the job at the time the job was accomplished. See Table 2 in Section 2.7 above, for a job specific listing of chapters in the Model 4XXX VIPER User’s Manuals.

Figure 49: Sample File Tree View of jobs viewed by Engine Type.

• Selecting View by Engine Type will filter out sensor and setup data from the file tree and sort the

job data, listing the engine Model as the parent folder. Every type of job entered under a job type will be visible if you click on the “+” symbol to the left of the engine model folder. Clicking the “+” symbol to the left of a job type will expand the folder to show all jobs of that type for that engine. Clicking on the job file will display the data it contains in the data viewing area. If you left-click then right-click on a job file, you will receive a menu containing the following options:







6-8 File Tree

6.4 View by A/C Registration (AvTrend Silver only) The View by A/C Registration filter is an exceptionally useful tool when utilized with larger maintenance fleets, but just as useful with smaller fleets. Applying this filter will allow you to view all the job data related to an individual aircraft. This option will only function properly if the Aircraft Registration Number was entered into the job at the time the job was accomplished. See the appropriate section of the Model 4040 VIPER User’s Manual for creating setups.

Figure 50: Sample File Tree View of jobs viewed by A/C Registration.

3. Selecting View by A/C Registration will filter out sensor and setup data from the file tree and sort

the job data, listing the aircraft registration number as the parent folder. Every type of job entered under a registration number will be visible if you click on the “+” symbol to the left of the A/C registration folder. Clicking the “+” symbol to the left of a job type will expand the folder to show all jobs of that type for that engine. Clicking on the job file will display the data it contains in the data viewing area. If you left-click then right-click on a job file, you will receive a menu containing the following options:







7-1 Data Viewing Area

Chapter 7 Data Viewing Area

The data viewing area is a dynamic area of the AvTrend window. That is to say, the contents of this section will change to display information based on your selections in other sections of AvTrend. This section is highly customizable, to fit your specific needs and desires. This section will provide information on how to filter the viewing area data so it displays only the data you are interested in.

7.1 Sensor View When you select a sensor in the File Tree Viewing area, the sensor’s specifications will display in a printable text format. If you selected the edit function, the same specifications will appear inside a template resembling a Model 4XXX VIPER’s faceplate. Please see Table 2 in Section 2.7 above for a complete list analyzer User’s Manual chapters concerning creating and editing sensors.

7.2 Setup View When you select a setup, the setup data will display in a printable text format. If you selected the edit function, the same information will appear inside a template resembling a Model 4XXX VIPER’s faceplate. Please see Table 2 in Section 2.7 above for a complete list analyzer User’s Manual chapters concerning creating and editing setups.

7.3 Job View NOTE

Options selected in the Applications window, described in Section 3.3, will change how data are presented, what various colors represent, and the units of measurement depicted in graphs. The descriptions below are

based on the default setting for all application data.

When you select a job, the data collected will display in the Data Viewing Area. The type of job you have selected will determine what data are available for viewing. The job information tab (Info), by default, will display farthest to the right and will be viewed first. All jobs will contain this tab. If no other forms of data were selected for recording, in the setup, only the Info tab will be present. When the Info tab is the only available tab, it will not have a specific tab identifier, only the data will be displayed.

7.4 Display Tabs (Presence varies with the specific job) This section describes the data in each tab and the advanced options available for use within each tab. There are nine total tabs available for selection in the Data viewing area: Info, Play Back, ZMOD, Waterfalls, Speeds, Plots, Spectra, Surveys, and Maximums. However, not all jobs display every tab. For information pertaining to each job type, refer to the Model 4XXX VIPER User’s Manual. Please see Table 2 in Section 2.7 above for a complete list analyzer User’s Manual chapters concerning jobs. A description of each tab, the data contained in it, and advanced functions in the tabs is given below. The gray area at the top of the viewing window displays information about the component on which the survey was performed. This data may include the, conditions, date, Name, A/C Registration and other job-specific information.

NOTE The following illustrations have been created for the sole purpose of providing an example in this manual.

Your view will differ slightly from the pictures provided.


7.4.1 General Information In any tab where data are depicted in any form other than text, you may right-click on the spectra. Doing so will open an options menu. This menu allows you to customize, alter, and manipulate the data used to create the spectra in view. Selections in this menu will vary according to the data tab selected. A list of the possible choices and their descriptions is below.

Figure 51: The plot options menu is depicted above. Right-clicking in the plot area will cause the pop up menu to appear.

• Default Scale: Clicking on this selection will return the X and Y axes to their default values – typically those defined in the original setup.

• Magnify: Clicking on this selection will expand the plot in which the right-click occurred. For example, to expand Channel A, right-click to present the pop-up window in the area of the top plot. After you select Magnify this option will change to View All, which will return the graph to its original size and show all available graphs.

• Clipping On/Clipping Off: Clicking on this selection causes AvTrend to display all of the recorded vibration plot lines. In some cases, AvTrend will expand the minimum and maximum X-axis values so the grid lines are more even. In these cases, there may be additional frequency ranges beyond the default values. Turning Clipping Off will display any readings outside the minimum range. Turning Clipping On will eliminate any extraneous values and display only the values within the defined frequency range.


• Track Peak (Play Back tab only found in a Transient Vibration Survey in AvTrend Silver Only): will cause the cursor to follow the designated peak during playback of the original survey. To use the Track Peak function, click on the vibration peak you want to follow then right-click and select Track Peak. (The Cursor option must be turned on for this option to work.)

• X Axis: Clicking on this selection will activate an additional pop-up menu. The choices in the new pop-up window are:

o Increase: will increase the X-axis range by approximately double. It will not allow you to expand the range beyond the original default X-axis values.

o Decrease: will reduce the X-axis range by approximately half. The new range will be centered on the previous location of the cursor. So, if you want to zoom in to a specific peak, you can place the cursor on top of the peak, right-click near the peak, and select “X-axis|Decrease” to view a narrower field of view around the peak. This can be useful when two peaks are very near to each other.

o Manual Scale: Clicking this selection will present the “Graph Scale” window, as shown in Figure 52 below. This window allows you to define any scale range within the default values. It also allows you to define the Precision (number of decimal points used for the frequency labels), Major and Minor tick marks to fit your needs. Once this is turned on, it is a switch between manual and default scale. To switch between the two displays, add or remove the check box preceding “Manual Scale” from the pop-up menu. To redefine the scale, use Set Scale described below.

o Set Scale: Clicking this selection will present the “Graph Scale” window, as shown in Figure 52 below. This window allows you to define any scale range within the default values. It also allows you to define the Precision (number of decimal points used for the frequency labels), Major and Minor tick marks to fit your needs.

Figure 52: The Graph Scale window

o Set Frequency: allows you to toggle between displaying the frequency axis in RPM or Hz. RPM: converts the X-axis display into Revolutions Per Minute. Hz: converts the X-axis display into cycles per second, Hz.

• Y Axis: Clicking on this selection will activate an additional pop-up menu. The choices in the new pop-up window are:

o Increase: will increase the Y-axis range by approximately double. It will not allow you to expand the range beyond the original default Y-axis values.

o Decrease: will reduce the Y-axis range by approximately half. o Manual Scale: Clicking this selection will present the “Graph Scale” window, as shown

in Figure 52 above. This window allows you to define any scale range. It also allows you to define the Precision (number of decimal points used for the amplitude labels), Major and Minor tick marks to fit your needs. Once this is turned on, it is a switch


between manual and default scale. To switch between the two displays, add or remove the check box preceding “Manual Scale” from the pop-up menu. To redefine the scale, use Set Scale described below.

o Set Scale: Clicking this selection will present the “Graph Scale” window, as shown in Figure 52 above. This window allows you to define any scale range within the default values. It also allows you to define the Precision (number of decimal points used for the frequency labels), Major and Minor tick marks to fit your needs.

o Set Units: allows you to convert between the available amplitude units. Right-click in the plot area, then left-click on “Set Units” to display an additional menu containing the available units. Click on the desired units to change the values of the Y-axis.

o Set Modifier: allows you to convert between the available modifiers. Right-click in the plot area, then left-click on “Set Modifier” to display an additional menu containing the available modifiers. Click on the desired modifier to change the values of the Y-axis. This change will apply to all displayed plots.

• Z Axis (Waterfall and ZMOD tabs found in a Transient Vibration Survey in AvTrend Silver Only): Clicking on this selection will activate an additional pop-up menu. The choices in the new pop-up window are:

o Increase: will increase the Z-axis range by approximately double. It will not allow you to expand the range beyond the original default Z-axis values.

o Decrease: will reduce the Z-axis range by approximately half. o Manual Scale: Clicking this selection will present the “Graph Scale” window, as shown

in Figure 52 above. This window allows you to define any scale range. It also allows you to define the Precision (number of decimal points used for the amplitude labels), Major and Minor tick marks to fit your needs. Once this is turned on, it is a switch between manual and default scale. To switch between the two displays, add or remove the check box preceding “Manual Scale” from the pop-up menu. To redefine the scale, use Set Scale described below.

o Set Scale: Clicking this selection will present the “Graph Scale” window, as shown in Figure 52 above. This window allows you to define any scale range within the default values. It also allows you to define the Precision (number of decimal points used for the frequency labels), Major and Minor tick marks to fit your needs.

• Cursors: Clicking on this selection displays an additional pop-up menu that allows you to customize the type and appearance of the cursor.

o On: turns the cursor on o Off: turns the cursor off o Harmonic: displays a harmonic cursor o Sideband: displays sideband cursors o Cursor Type: allows you to define the shape associated with the primary cursor. Select

the desired shape from the new pop-up list. This change will apply to all displayed plots. o Sideband Type: allows you to define the shape associated with the sideband cursor.

Select the desired shape from the new pop-up list. This change will apply to all displayed plots.

• Set Colors: Clicking on this selection will display the “Change Color Settings” window. The description of this window is found in Section 3.3.6 above.

• Set ZMOD Palette (ZMOD tab only found in a Transient Vibration Survey in AvTrend Silver Only): will open a secondary window. For details on changing colors in AvTrend, see Section 3.3.6 above.

• Settings (Waterfall and ZMOD tabs found in a Transient Vibration Survey in AvTrend Silver Only): displays an expanded menu giving three choices. The first two choices allow you to select which data displays on each axis. In these selections, “Parm” is short for Parameter and is


representative of the order track information. “Freq” represents the frequency information and will be displayed in RPM or Hertz.

o “Parm vs. Freq” (ZMOD tab): will plot the parameter information along the X-axis and the frequency information along the Y-axis.

o “Freq vs. Parm” (ZMOD tab): will plot the frequency information along the X-axis and the parameter information along the Y-axis.

o Max Spectra (Waterfall and ZMOD tabs): Selecting this option will open a secondary window, which allows you to determine the number of spectra captures (like resolution) that will be used to create the ZMOD graph.

o Z Rotation (Waterfall tab only): allows you to change the rotation of the Z-axis of the waterfall plot. This allows you to see specific peak tracks more clearly.

o Y to Z Ratio (Waterfall tab only): allows you to change the height of the Z-axis. • Grids: Clicking on this selection displays an additional pop-up menu that allows you to turn the

grid lines on or off. • Events (Plots and Speed tabs found in a Transient Vibration Survey in AvTrend Silver Only):

Clicking on this selection displays an additional pop-up menu that allows you to: o On: turn event markers on. o Off: turn event markers off.

• Peak List: Clicking on this selection displays an additional pop-up menu that allows you to: o On: turn peak labels on. o Off: turn peak labels off. o Labels: activates peak labels. Turning this setting on will cause AvTrend to scan through

the displayed spectrum and place a label on each peak over a defined value, as described in the Peak Minimum or Peak Threshold sections below. Once active, the labels can either be displayed or suppressed by using the On/Off commands. The peaks will be labeled with their harmonic designation or the “Display peak information in labels” described in Section 3.3.4.1 above.

o Add: allows you to manually add a label to a displayed peak. o Delete: deletes the selected peak label. o Delete All: deletes all of the displayed peak labels. o Peak Search: researches the plot to place the appropriate labels.

NOTE You can use either Peak Minimum or Peak Threshold, they are not available simultaneously.

o Peak Minimum: allows you to specify an amplitude value for the minimum peak label. This value is implied to be in the same units and modifier as the current Y-axis unit is displayed. Therefore, if the Y-axis is displaying IPS Peak, the minimum label will be plotted for all values above 0.2 IPS Peak using the example in Figure 53 below.

Figure 53: The Peak Minimum definition window.


o Peak Threshold: allows you to specify a factor value for the minimum peak label. This factor is expressed as the entered amount above the noise floor. Therefore, using the example in Figure 54 below, all peaks more than 2.0 times the noise floor will be labeled. Valid entries are from 1.0 thru 10.0. This can be useful when you are interested in the highest peaks regardless of their specific amplitude.

Figure 54: The Peak Threshold definition window.

o Peak Window: allows you to define the width of the peak you are interested in identifying. Valid entries are from 2 thru 20. This is helpful in finding slowly rising/falling peaks.

• Limits: Clicking on this selection displays an additional pop-up menu that allows you to turn the limit lines on or off.

7.4.2 Info The Info tab contains the combined information of all tabs included in the selected job file, displayed as printable text. If more data is available than can fit on a single screen, AvTrend will add scroll bars to the right edge of the Info tab. Use the scroll bars to adjust the view to view all of the data. No advanced features exist for this tab. The data sections in this window are explained below.

• The first section displays general data pertaining to the job as illustrated in Figure 55 below. The type of job performed is listed in the heading along with the customer name in quotations. The customer name is repeated in the first column. The first column also displays the date and time the job was started, the aircraft registration number, engine serial number, and engine position. In the second column, you see the job download status, the finished status, the aircraft total time, time since overhaul, and time since new.

Figure 55: Job heading information

NOTE

The aircraft registration number, engine serial number, engine position, aircraft total time, time since overhaul, and time since new fields are optional user inputs. Data may not be present for these fields if it

was not entered when the job was started.

• The second field contains information on the analyzer used to capture the job data as illustrated in Figure 56 below. This information is set at the factory and updated during recalibration. It contains the model of analyzer used, the individual or company that purchased the analyzer, the


owner’s address and phone number, the analyzer’s serial number, software identification information, and the date and time of the last recalibration when the job was downloaded.

Figure 56: Analyzer Informtion

• The third section displays information pertaining to the copy of AvTrend used to view the job as

illustrated in Figure 57 below. It displays the owner’s name, the serial number issued in the software, the AvTrend level, license number issued in the software, and the type of license. This information is included in the software of every copy of AvTrend and is individual to each copy.

Figure 57: AvTrend License Data

• The next section contains information entered or selected by the user during the setup creation as

illustrated in Figure 58 below. The setup file used in creating the job being viewed is listed on the top line. The data presented will vary by job type. The fields are defined by the user during setup creation. For information pertaining to each job type, refer to the Model 4XXX VIPER User’s Manual. Please see Table 2 in Section 2.7 above for a complete list analyzer User’s Manual chapters concerning sensors, setups, and jobs.

Figure 58: Setup Information

7.4.3 Play Back (AvTrend Silver only) The Play Back tab is a real-time visual representation of the data collected during the run. It is only available for conditions in a Transient Vibration Survey that collected Waterfall data. The window is depicted in Figure 59. At the top of the tab window, you will see two drop down menus. The first is


labeled Condition and will display the name given to the conditions included in the setup data. Each condition will display a different capture with the ability to replay as necessary. The second drop down menu is labeled Event. During data collection, if an instance of notice occurs, such as a compressor stall or bird strike, you can mark the incident as an Event. (For information pertaining to each job type, refer to the Model 4XXX VIPER User’s Manual. Please see Table 2 in Section 2.7 above for a complete list analyzer User’s Manual chapters concerning sensors, setups, and jobs.) By opening the Event drop down, you can jump to any instance marked, and view its affect in the survey. Under the drop down menus, are several functions you can utilize for play back. When these items change color, they become functional. Conversely, when they are greyed out they have no function. They are discussed, as displayed on screen, from left to right.

1. The first is the speed control ( ). It allows you to increase or decrease the playing speed of the file. Click the up arrow to increase playback speed and the down arrow to decrease playback speed.

2. The Loop Reverse button ( ), which will continuously play the data file backwards.

3. The Reverse function ( ). This function will play the data file backwards one time.

4. The Reverse Step button ( ), will play the data file one point of data collection at a time, in reverse order.

5. The Pause button ( ) will stop the progression and allow navigation in all directions.

6. The Stop button ( ), will halt play entirely and restart the play back the beginning of the data file.

7. The Forward Step button ( ), will play the data file one point of data collection at a time, in the forward order.

8. The Forward function ( ), will play the data file from the beginning to the end one time.

9. The Loop Forward button ( ), will continually play the data file in forward order, loop back to the beginning, and replay until stopped by another function.

10. The next section is the field that shows elapsed run time. Here you can correlate, in seconds, when events and vibration peaks occurred.

11. The last field is the progression bar. You can click and drag the cursor to quickly navigate to any point in the data stream.


Figure 59: Simulated depiction of the Play Back tab.

7.4.4 ZMOD (AvTrend Silver only) Under the ZMOD tab, you see a color-coded depiction of the vibration levels recorded for the job as shown in Figure 60 below. The ZMOD display is a three dimensional representation of the transient data. The severity of the vibration is represented by the intensity of the colors used to display the trace. To the left, in the data viewing area, there is a scale showing a representation of color levels for the various vibration levels. The colors at the top of the scale represent more severe vibrations. At the top of the window, you will see two drop down menus. The first menu is labeled Condition and will display the name given to the conditions included in the job data. Each condition will display a different set of data. The second drop down menu is labeled X-Axis. With this drop down menu you can choose a parameter for the lower axis (X-Axis).


Figure 60: Simulated depiction of the ZMOD tab.

7.4.5 Waterfalls (AvTrend Silver only) The Waterfall tab is a three-dimensional depiction of the vibration levels for the duration of the selected condition, shown below in Figure 61. The transient survey is a collection of individual vibration spectrum surveys presented in a single plot. The X-Axis gives a frequency (RPM or Hertz) reference to determine the speed at which a vibration occurred. The Y-Axis gives a vibration (IPS, MILs, g’s) scale to show the amplitude of the vibration. The data along the Z-Axis is controlled by the drop-down window at the top of the window with the same name. Parameters will appear in this drop-down that correlate to those defined in the setup. At the top of the window, you will see two drop down menus. The first menu is labeled Condition and will display the name given to the conditions created in the setup. Each condition will display a different set of data. The second drop down menu is labeled Z-Axis. Choices will vary according to selections made during setup creation.


Figure 61: Simulated depiction of the Waterfall tab.

7.4.6 Speeds (AvTrend Silver only) Under the Speeds tab, you see a graph showing reference between the speed input and the period of time the analyzer was recording data, depicted below in Figure 62. The X-Axis displays the period in seconds the analyzer was collecting data. The Y-Axis displays the frequency (RPM or Hertz) at which the engine was rotating. At the top of the window, you will see a drop down menu. This menu is labeled Condition and will display the name given to the conditions created in the setup. Each variable will display a different set of data. Choices will vary according to selections made during setup creation.

Figure 62: Simulated depiction of the Speeds tab.


7.4.7 Plots (AvTrend Silver only) Under the Plots tab, you see a graph showing a vibration reading relative to a defined Parameter. A sample is depicted in Figure 63. At the top of the window, you will see two drop down menus. The first menu is labeled Condition and will display the name given to the conditions created in the setup. The second drop down menu is labeled Plot. This drop down menu allows you to filter the data to view a chosen modifier for the lower axis (X-Axis) based on the parameters defined in the setup. Each variable will display a different set of data.

In the upper left-hand corner of the plot you will see the Parameter Definition. In the top sample below, this is the relationship between the Front Sensor and the Overall Vibration level. In the bottom sample, this is the relationship between the Rear Sensor and the Overall Vibration level. This is plotted against the time over which the survey was taken.

In the upper right hand corner of the plot you will see the peak vibration level. In the top example below, the peak occurred at 18.02 mm/sec RMS at 62.4 seconds into the run. The bottom example has a peak of 10.45 mm/sec RMS 88.6 seconds into the run. You can activate a cursor by following the instructions found in Section 7.4.1 above. When activated, the cursor will appear at the peak of the plot.

Figure 63: Simulated depiction of the Plots tab.

7.4.8 Spectra (AvTrend Silver only) When you select the Spectra tab a graph showing vibration, the Y-Axis, and frequency, the X-Axis will appear in the data viewing area, shown below in Figure 64. At the top of the screen you will see a drop down box, labeled Condition. This box allows you to select and view any condition created in the setup that contains data.

You can use the cursor and any additional features as described in Section 7.4.1 above.


Figure 64: Simulated depiction of the Spectra tab.

7.4.9 Surveys The Survey tab is a graphical depiction of the data collected during a vibration survey. Figure 65 is an example. It plots the vibration levels (the Y-Axis) and the Frequency they occurred at (the X-Axis) to show the relationship between the two. A dropdown box, labeled condition, allows you to select and view data from the various conditions created in the setup.

You can use the cursor and any additional features as described in Section 7.4.1 above.


Figure 65: Simulated depiction of the Survey tab.

7.4.10 Maximums (AvTrend Silver only) The Maximums tab is a text screen that shows the highest vibration level recorded during the job, for each condition, channel, and parameter designated in the setup, shown in Figure 66. The drop down box at the top of the screen is used to select and view data from each condition.

Figure 66: Simulated depiction of the Maximums tab showing an exceeded limit for the “CHAN2 Overall” reading.


Chapter 8 Reading Vibration Surveys

These instructions provide an overview on reading spectra in AvTrend. These instructions ARE NOT intended to replace formal training and do not cover all cases.

CAUTION Always consult the appropriate engineer if you are unsure how to interpret peaks or if you need help with

identifying unknown peaks.

NOTE Spectra will differ according to the aircraft, engine, or component from which you are collecting data. In all cases, if directives are available from the manufacturer, you should always adhere to the directive for data

collection and analysis.

8.1 Characteristics of Spectra The ACES analyzer detects (within the capabilities of the analyzer and the accessories used to collect data) the vibration of components across a range of frequencies specified in the setup or Procedure Card for the survey.

Typically, those components with the largest mass – such as the propeller or fan – create the largest amount of vibration. Therefore they will typically show up as the highest amplitude peaks on the vibration survey. Other components with smaller mass show up as smaller peaks.

NOTE The vibration characteristics of the components vary according to the mechanical condition, alignment,

temperature, mass, and rotational speed of the component, to name just a few conditions. You MUST have a reference speed in order to positively identify individual components.

See Section 8.3 (Identifying Unknown Peaks), for additional information.

8.2 Reading the Spectrum NOTE

The spectrum example used below is simulated. They were created in a laboratory environment for this illustration and do not indicate normal operating speeds of actual components.

After you collect the vibration survey data according to the manufacturer’s instructions, download the file to AvTrend and open the spectrum in the Data Viewing Area.


Figure 67: Simulated spectra with peak labels added.

• In the X-Y Plot (the spectrum); you can see the frequency in RPM along the horizontal (X) axis. Depending on the setup of the survey, this scale could be in Hertz (Hz) or Revolutions Per Minute (RPM).

• On the spectrum, locate the frequency of interest along the X-axis. • Use your cursor and (if needed) the peak labels to determine the amplitude (on the Y-axis) of that

frequency. • Check the amplitude (on the Y-axis) of that peak against the manufacturer's specifications.

NOTE The highest peak on a spectrum should represent the component with the largest mass (such as the fan or

propeller, for example).

• Next, find the peaks that represent other components in the system according to the manufacturer's specifications. If you have collected a synchronous survey, one with a speed input of the driving component, you can compute exact frequencies using the following formula:

drive speed * turning ratio of the component

• Compare these values on the Y-axis with the units published by the manufacturer, noting whether the vibration amplitudes at specified frequencies are within the specified range or out of range.

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for necessary actions.

8.3 Identifying Unknown Peaks CAUTION

Always consult the appropriate engineer if you are unsure how to interpret peaks or if you need help with identifying unknown peaks.

NOTE Spectra will differ according to the aircraft, engine, or component from which you are collecting data. IN ALL

CASES, if directives are available from the manufacturer, you MUST adhere to them for data collection and analysis.


At times, you may see peaks in your spectrum that do not correspond to the vibration sources you are examining. In those cases, AvTrend provides tools to help you identify these unknown peaks.

• Using your cursor and/or peak labels, find the amplitude and frequency of the peak whose source you cannot identify.

• Consult the manufacturer’s specifications or maintenance manual to rule out the possibility that the peak is some slight variation of a known vibration source.

• Place your cursor on the largest peak, then turn on the harmonic cursors by right-clicking on the spectra chart, highlighting Cursors, and clicking on Harmonics. This may help you identify whether the peak is a harmonic of the fundamental (the peak on which you placed your cursor).

Figure 68: Sample spectra display. The fundamental frequency is identified by the primary cursor, a yellow box. Harmonic cursors, orange boxes identify multiples of the fundamental frequency.

• Leaving the harmonic cursors on, place your fundamental cursor on peaks for other known vibration sources to identify if the unknown peaks are harmonic.

• If you have ruled out ALL the above possibilities, the unknown peak could indicate other problems such as a spalled bearing, damaged bearing race, worn, loose, or misaligned shaft or gear to name a few. Consult the appropriate engineer for guidance.

9-1 File Tree

Chapter 9 eSetup Libraries

9.1 Creating an eSetup Library Because of the data storage architecture used in the analyzers, sending new data to the analyzer deletes any data already stored in the analyzer. In order to add a setup to the analyzer, without deleting all of the setups that already exist in your analyzer, you must group setups into a file called a Setup Library. The process below explains how to create a Setup Library file.

1. Typically, you will download the new setup from the ACES Systems web site - eSetups. These instructions assume that you are using Internet Explorer and may vary if you use a different browser.

A. Find the setup name in the list of available eSetups (Figure 69). B. Right-click on the name of the setup you wish to download and select the “Save Target

As…” line of the new pop-up menu. C. Select a convenient location on your computer to save the file. Make sure you know the

location because you will need it to open the setup in the next step.

Figure 69: Saving the eSetup to your computer.

2. Next, you must open the setup that you wish to add to the library. Do this by selecting “File|Open Setup Library…” as shown below.


9-2 File Tree

Figure 70: Opening the new setup

3. Use the “Look in:” dropdown navigation bar to locate the file saved in Step 1 above.

Figure 71: Navigating to the new setup’s location

4. Select the file and click “Open”.

9-3 File Tree

5. You may also decide that you want to use setups stored in a prior analyzer download. In this case you will follow the instructions found in Section 2.1.2 above to open the database then continue with Step 6 below. This allows you to transfer updated ICF values with the setup.

6. Select the setup name by using the “left mouse click” button. The name will turn blue. After the setup name is blue, use the “right mouse click” button to display the pop-up menu shown below. In the new menu, select “Add to Setup…”

Figure 72: Step 3 in creating a Setup Library

7. The “Add To Setup” window will be shown as displayed below. Use the “Look in” dropdown navigation bar to locate your existing setup library.

9-4 File Tree

Figure 73: Step 4 in creating a Setup Library

8. Select the setup name then click “Add”. 9. Repeat this process for every setup that needs to be added to the library. 10. The new setup will be added to the existing library. Now when the setup library is transferred to

the analyzer, it will contain the new setup. If you simply transfer the new setup to the analyzer, the new setup will replace ALL setups stored in the analyzer.

9.2 Setup Library Tips Managing eSetup libraries can actually become a time-saving endeavor. By keeping your eSetup Library up to date, unnecessary time entering setups or recreating the library can be avoided. If there is a case where the setups need to be reloaded into the analyzer, having a current library only requires that you send the library from the computer back to the analyzer and you will be able to return the unit to service quickly.

9.2.1 Working with Large Libraries When working with large eSetup Libraries, it is possible to import one large library into an even larger library. For example, assume that you are currently servicing Pratt & Whitney engines. ACES Systems maintains a large library of all of the approved Pratt & Whitney eSetups in one library. Assume that you want to add the Honeywell TFE 731 library into the Pratt & Whitney library. It is recommended to open one of the libraries and use the “Import” database function described in Section 2.4 above to combine the two libraries.

9.2.2 Renaming a Prior Database Download One way to quickly create a new setup library is to make a duplicate copy of a prior download. Each download contains all of the information stored in the analyzer at that time. This includes Setups and Jobs. By copying the download you can open the database in AvTrend, delete all of the jobs, as described in Section 6.1.3 above and rename the database to have an .asf extension using typical Windows rename functions. This database will then behave like a normal eSetup library. You may want to compact and repair the new library in accordance with Section 3.1.3 to insure all of the deleted information is removed from the database.

10-1 Miscellaneous

Chapter 10 MISCELLANEOUS

This chapter will illustrate how to perform common tasks, not covered by other chapters of this manual. This instruction manual was written with Windows XP. Other versions of this Operating System will behave similar to those examples shown.

10.1 File Management When you use AvTrend to download data files from an ACES analyzer to your PC, AvTrend gives the data file a unique name (which contains letters and numbers) and stores the downloaded file in a subdirectory whose name matches the serial number of the ACES analyzer. This subdirectory is located inside the main AvTrend directory. AvTrend then uses that name to find the data file when you execute the File | Open Database | By Download command.

10.1.1 Naming Data Files AvTrend makes use of standard Windows naming and renaming features. The unique file names can be edited to something more meaningful to your company. If you wish to view them in the AvTrend file browser (see Figure 74 below) the custom names will also appear in the file browser window. Simply select the database you want to open and click “OK”. You can also double-click the appropriate file name to open the file. As long as you keep the original file extension, .adf or .asf, AvTrend will be able to locate and open data files.

Figure 74: AvTrend file browser, accessed by selecting File | Open Download | By Download.

10-2 Miscellaneous

10.2 Installation AvTrend Silver is the standard companion software for the VIPER 4XXX. It will arrive on a CD. The version you receive with your kit is the most current production at the time your kit was shipped. To install AvTrend, insert the CD into your CD drive. If the CD does not run the auto installation program, you may access it through a Windows Explorer window.

10.2.1 USB Driver Installation – Automatic In most cases, the program will install and locate the necessary USB drivers automatically. You may encounter a message similar to the one shown in Figure 75 below. This message simply says that the driver is not licensed by Microsoft; it belongs to TEC/ACES Systems. Click the line to, “Install this driver software anyway.”

Figure 75: Install USB driver acceptance message

10.2.2 USB Driver Installation – Manual In rare cases, you may have to search for the location of the USB driver manually. In these cases, follow the steps described below.

• Begin by clicking on the “Start” button to display the start menu. Right-click on the “My Computer” name from the list. A pop-up window will appear. Select “Properties” from the list by left-clicking on it.

10-3 Miscellaneous

Figure 76: Opening the System Properties Window

• The System Properties window will be displayed next. Click on the “Hardware” tab.

Figure 77: System Properties, General Tab

10-4 Miscellaneous

• From the Hardware window, click on the “Device Manager” button to display the Device Manager.

Figure 78: System Properties, Hardware Tab

• In the Device Manager list, find the ACES Viper Analyzer under Universal Serial Bus controllers. If it is not listed there, check the list of all devices, not just Universal Serial Bus controllers, for an “Unknown Device”. This will typically be displayed with a question mark. Right-click over the ACES Viper Analyzer or Unknown Device and select “Update Driver…” from the pop-up menu.

Figure 79: Device Manager

10-5 Miscellaneous

• The “Found New Hardware Wizard” window will open. On this window, click on the selection “No, not this time” then click Next, as shown below.

Figure 80:Welcome to the Found New Hardware Wizard

• Click “Install from a list or specific location (Advanced)” line and click “Next>” to continue.

Figure 81: Found New Hardware Wizard

• Select “Don’t search. I will choose the driver to install” line and click “Next>” to continue.

10-6 Miscellaneous

Figure 82: Please choose your search and installation options

• Click “Have Disk…”, then “Browse…” from the next screen to appear.

Figure 83: Select device driver you want to install

• The window below will appear. Click on the “Browse…” button from the bottom of the screen.

Figure 84: Install from Disk

10-7 Miscellaneous

• In the “Locate File” window navigate to “C:\Program Files\AvTrend” where you should find the “viperusb.inf” file. (This is the default location for AvTrend. If you have installed it in an alternate location, please navigate to the correct location.)

Figure 85: Locating the proper file

• Select the “viperusb.inf” file and click “Open”. You will return to the “Install From Disk” window and the path of the file will be displayed in the line reading “Copy manufacturer’s files from:” line.

• Click “OK” to continue the installation.

Figure 86: Install from Disk

• You will return to the “Found New Hardware Wizard” screen. Click “Next>” to continue.

10-8 Miscellaneous

Figure 87: Select the device driver you want to install

• The “Hardware Installation” screen will appear. Click “Continue Anyway” to continue.

Figure 88: Hardware Installation

• The “Found New Hardware Wizard” screen will appear telling you that the ACES Viper Analyzer is ready to use. Click “Finish” to complete the process.

10-9 Miscellaneous

Figure 89: Completing the Found New Hardware Wizard

• After the installation, you should see the USB icon in the upper right-hand corner of the AvTrend window. This indicates that the connection is ready to use.

Figure 90: Icon indicating AvTrend is using USB for data transfer

10.3 Web Update As new versions of AvTrend are released, updating may be accomplished by downloading an update file from the ACES Systems website, www.acessystems.com. Updated versions of AvTrend fix common errors and known problems. When following the directions below to update, remember the picture and examples shown may not reflect the view on your internet browser. AvTrend should be closed prior to performing an update. For further assistance contact ACES Systems.

NOTE Actual screen shots and procedure will vary depending on the version and choice of internet browser.

• Open your default internet browser. Enter www.acessystems.com into your address bar (Figure 91).



10-10 Miscellaneous

Figure 91: The ACES Systems Home Page

• Hover over the Support link and follow the pop-up menus to select “Software” from the list as shown

below (Figure 92).

Figure 92: The Product Support Link

• Click on the AvTrend link, circled below (Figure 93).

10-11 Miscellaneous

Figure 93: The Applications (Software) Link

• Click the download link to the right of the update for your Windows Operating system from the list

below (Figure 94).

NOTE The version number will indicate the latest version of the AvTrend software. The examples below simply

demonstrate the process of updating, not the actual version of the most current release.

Figure 94: The AvTrend Update Link

10-12 Miscellaneous

• When prompted on the File Download pop-up window, select Run (Figure 95).

Figure 95: The Download pop-up Window

NOTE

The security settings on your computer may affect the specific screens you see during the download and run process. If you experience problems running the update directly from the web, it is recommended that you

save the file locally and run the update from your local computer. In some cases it may be necessary to enlist the assistance of your IT department.

• A progress bar will open displaying the progress of unpacking the installation files (Figure 96).

Figure 96: Retreiving the digital signature

• After the data are unpacked, you will be prompted to update to the newest version of AvTrend. Click

yes circled below (Figure 97).

Figure 97: Update AvTrend Yes or No

• A progress bar will open showing the progress of the update (Figure 98).

Figure 98: Update status progression

• When the download is completed you will receive a message stating “Update Complete”. You may

now open AvTrend.

10-13 Miscellaneous

10.4 Replacement AvTrend Disc Please retain the original AvTrend installation disc because it contains the activation license. If AvTrend needs to be reinstalled, it is necessary to reinstall it from the original disc to activate a permanent license. To obtain a replacement AvTrend disc contact your local sales representative.

AvTrend User’s Manual - ACES Systems€¦ · AvTrend . User’s Manual . ACES Systems/TEC Aviation Division . Document Number ATM-OM-01 . Revision 1.04 September 2013 Part Number

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