Erudite Mkiv Manual

8/10/2019 Erudite Mkiv Manual

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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

ERUDITE MKIV

(PC1004)

CNS Farnell LimitedElstree Business Centre, Elstree Way,

Borehamwood, Hertfordshire,England. WD6 1RX

Telephone: +44 (0)20 8238 6900Facsimile: +44 (0)20 8238 6901

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.cnsfarnell.com


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ERUDITE MkIV Operating Manual CNS Farnell Limited 2004 All rights reserved. Page 3 of 34

INTRODUCTIONThe Erudite MKIV Resonant Frequency Test System may be used in the laboratory orquality control department to determine, non-destructively, the longitudinal, torsional and

transverse (flexural) resonant frequencies of a variety of materials. The damping constant'Q' of the material may also be accurately measured for materials having a 'Q' value inexcess of 400. The specification complies with BS1881: Part 209 'Recommendations forthe measurement of dynamic modulus of elasticity, ASTM C215 'Standard test method forfundamental transverse, longitudinal and torsional frequencies of concrete specimens', andmany other international standards.

The Erudite MKIV Test System comes complete with:-

The Erudite MKIV electronics unit with:-

A highly stable variable frequency sinewave oscillator covering a frequency band of

1Hz to 100 kHz in four ranges of resolution;

A power amplifier capable of delivering 0 to 2V peak (0.707V RMS), at up to 1.5W

into a 3 vibration generator (loads with an impedance higher than 3 may bedriven but at a reduced output power);

N.B. The output voltage has been purposely limited for reasons of health and safety.Please refer to the warning at the end of this introduction.

A liquid crystal display, for showing, simultaneously, the frequencies and voltagelevels of the signal output to the vibration generator and the measured signal fromthe input sensor;

A 16 key sealed membrane switch panel for program selection and parameter input;

Battery-backed memory for retaining stored test results;

'X' and 'Y' oscilloscope connections for viewing driver and sensor signals;

A serial port for direct connection to a printer for label printing, or to a computer fordownloading data.

A test bench with:-

Metalwork for mounting specimens for longitudinal, torsional and transverse(flexural) resonance measurements, in either contact or non-contact modes. Themaximum specimen size is 712 x 150 x 150mm.

An electromagnetic vibrator, two piezo-electric sensors (one accelerometerand one low mass surface mounting sensor), a pair of plates for non-contactmodes, cables and operating manual.


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WARNING

Users of vibration testing equipment should be aware that there may be danger tothe human frame when exposed to certain noise levels and frequencies. For thisreason, all personnel likely to work in close proximity to a vibrator should be madeconversant with the risks involved.

Ideally, a vibrator should be sited in a soundproof cell with an observation window,the operator, together with the driving source, ancillary and control equipment,being located externally. Alternatively, and for most practical purposes, protectionwill be provided to the operator by the wearing of a well designed ear defendersuch as are produced by the Swedish company, BILSON, type UL1 (Yellow Grade)

Two useful publications on noise, including low frequency pressure waves, and itseffects upon personnel, are listed below. It is recommended that all personsresponsible for the use of this equipment are made familiar with their contents.

1. Noise and Man, by William Burns, published by John Murray.

2. H.M.S.O. Publication: Code of Practice, Noise Exposure InducedHearing Loss.

The above warning is issued in compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act.At the powers used when testing concrete specimen there would not appear to be

any health hazard. To avoid any possible risk, the output voltage level of theErudite MKIV has been limited, by software, to 1Vpk.


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Connections

Mains power inlet: For connection to the AC mains supply. The plugcontains a carrier which holds an active 1A fuse. Thecarrier is interlocked so that it cannot be removed whilstthe cable socket is inserted

RS232 socket: Serial port connector for direct connection to a serialprinter or computer

DRIVER socket: Power output to the vibrator

X BNC socket: An output of 0-2V pk-pk for connection to the 'X' input of

an oscilloscopeY BNC socket: An output of 0-2.5V pk-pk for connection to the 'Y' input

of an oscilloscopeSENSOR socket: Input from the accelerometer or surface mounting

sensor

1.3 Test bench

Centre support: The basic support has been arranged for the vibratorand sensor to be on the axial centre of a 150x150mmsquare section specimen. For a 100x100mm section, aspacer marked100 is placed on the basic support and for75x75mm specimen, a second spacer marked 75 isadded to the 100 spacer.

Torsion spacer blocks Spacer blocks marked 1, 2 and 3, on which the vibratorand sensor supports may be mounted, are provided fortorsion testing.

For 75x75mm square section specimens, the vibratorand sensor are each mounted on blocks 1 plus 2, for

100x100mm specimen use blocks 1 plus 3 and for150x150mm specimen, use blocks1 plus 2 plus 3.


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CHAPTER 2 SETUP PROCEDURE

This chapter describes the test setup procedures for the measurement of the longitudinal,

flexural and torsional resonant frequencies as used for determining the dynamic Young'smodulus of elasticity and the dynamic modulus of rigidity. The calculations and thetheoretical basis of the method with the corrections involved may be found in theERUDITE Technical Reference Manual.

2.1 Procedure for measuring the fundamental longitudinal resonant frequency

Switch the ON/OFF switch on the electronics unit to the 'ON' position and leave for10 minutes for thermal stability.

At the fundamental longitudinal frequency there is one nodal point at the centre oflength of a prism or cylinder. The specimen should be placed on the test benchcentre support at the nodal point. The specimen may be simply supported orclamped by the clamping bar provided.

Place a spot of petroleum jelly or medium grease on the ends of the vibrator and

sensor contact rods.

For the ends of the specimen to be free to vibrate in a longitudinal direction, it isessential that minimum restraint is imposed on the ends. Both the vibrator andsensor rods are free to move in compliant mountings and it is necessary only tomove the vibrator and sensor supports along the rails until the contact rods justmake contact with the centre of the end of the specimen. The supports may now belocked by using the knurled clamping nuts.

Select the frequency range of interest. For concrete specimens this will generallybe in the range 1kHz to 10kHz, depending upon the dimensions of the specimen(see Table 1).

Connect the accelerometer to the 'sensor' input and the vibrator to the 'driver' outputon the back panel of the electronics unit.

Select the manual or automatic mode from the main menu (by pressing 1 or 2) andfollow the instructions given in chapter 3, 'Manual Mode' or Chapter 4, 'AutomaticMode'

Note: The vibrator and sensor compliant suspensions may be damaged if the contact rodsreceive a lateral blow. It is advisable to slide both units to the ends of the rails, or toremove them from the test bench whilst placing specimens on the centre support.


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Basic test bench showing setup for longitudinal testing

Test bench set up Test bench set upview on accelerometer end view on vibrator end


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Size of Specimen(mm)

Approximatefrequency range (Hz)

150 x 150 x 750150 x 150 x 700100 x 100 x 750100 x 100 x500100 x 100 x 300150 x 300 cylinder

1700-30002000-32001700-30003000-45005000-70005000-7000

TABLE 1: RANGE OF LONGITUDINAL FUNDAMENTALRESONANT FREQUENCIES OF CONCRETEPRISMS AND CYLINDER SPECIMENS

2.2 Procedure for measuring the fundamental flexural (transverse) resonantfrequency

At the fundamental flexural resonant frequency, there are two nodes at distancesfrom each end of 0.224 times the length.

Place the supports for flexural vibration on the test bench rails so that they areequally spaced, by a distance of 0.552 times the specimen length, about the centreof the test bench. Cut the circular rubber rod to fit the grooves on the supports.

Place one of the knurled nuts on the longer of the two clamping pillars. Remove theother clamping pillar as it is not needed for this test.

Insert the adaptor clamp bolt through the hole in the bottom of the vibrator supportand fit the other knurled nut. Place the vibrator on the longer clamping pillar, withthe pillar through the hole in the clamp bolt. Swing the vibrator away from the centreof the test bench.

Place the specimen on the flexural vibration supports. Swing the vibrator around sothat it is positioned over the centre of length of the specimen. Place a spot ofpetroleum jelly or grease on the end of the vibrator contact rod and gently lower thevibrator using the knurled nut on the pillar, until the contact just registers with thesurface of the specimen, tighten the clamp bolts knurled nut.

Place a spot of grease or petroleum jelly on the underside of the surface mountingsensor and place it firmly onto the top surface of one end of the specimen. Connectthe surface of the mounting sensor to the 'Sensor' input and the vibrator to the'driver output of the electronics unit.

Select the frequency range of interest. For concrete specimens, this will generallybe the range 1kHz to 10kHz, depending upon the dimensions of the specimen (See

Table 2)


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Test bench setup showing flexural testing

Select the manual or automatic mode from the main menu (by pressing 1 or 2) andfollow the instructions given in Chapter 3, 'Manual Mode', or Chapter 4, 'AutomaticMode'.



150 x 150 x 750150 x 150 x 700100 x 150 x 750

100 x 100 x500100 x 100 x 300150 x 300 cylinder

550-1050600-1150400-750

900-15002500-45002500-4500

TABLE 2: RANGE OF FLEXURAL FUNDAMENTALRESONANT FREQUENCIES OF CONCRETEPRISMS AND CYLINDER SPECIMENS


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2.3 Procedure for measuring the fundamental torsional resonant frequency

As for the longitudinal fundamental resonant frequency, there is one nodal point atthe centre of length of the specimen and the specimen should be placed on the test

bench in the same way.

Place the vibrator and the accelerometer on the correct size torsion spacer blocksfor the specimen being tested.

Place a spot of petroleum jelly or medium grease on the ends of the vibrator andsensor contact rods.

Slide the blocks on the base of the test bench until the contact rods just makecontact with the side of the specimen at the ends.

Select the frequency range of interest. For concrete specimens, this will generallybe in the range1 kHz to 10kHz, depending upon the dimensions of the specimen(See Table 3)

Connect the accelerometer to the 'sensor' input and the vibrator to the 'driver' outputon the back panel of the electronics unit.

Select the manual or automatic mode from the main menu (by pressing one or 2)and follow the instructions given in Chapter 3, 'Manual Mode', or Chapter 4,'Automatic Mode'.


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Test bench setup showing torsion testing



150 x 150 x 750150 x 150 x 700100 x 100 x 750100 x 100 x500100 x 100 x 300

150 x 300 cylinder

1150-10501200-11501150-18001800-27003000-4200

3000-4200

TABLE 3: RANGE OF TORSIONAL FUNDAMENTALRESONANT FREQUENCIES OF CONCRETEPRISMS AND CYLINDER SPECIMENS


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2.4 Specimen Dimensions (Applicable to all modes)

It is recommended that the ratio of length to maximum width is between 3 and 5.Specimens having ratios outside these limits are sometimes difficult to excite in the

fundamental mode of vibration.

View of air plate fitted to vibrator View of surface pickup

View of standard accelerometer setup View of standard vibrator setup


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CHAPTER 3 MANUAL MODE

3.1 Operating procedure

The manual mode of operation gives the user precise control of the Erudite MKIVsoutput voltage and frequency. This mode would normally be used when setting upan experiment, to determine the correct driver voltage or range of frequencies for aparticular type of specimen. It would also be used for measuring the resonantfrequency and Q value manually, or for examining the driver and sensor signals onan oscilloscope.

To enter the manual mode, press 1 when the main menu is displayed. Thefollowing will appear on the display:-

There are four fields, Fo (frequency output), Fi (frequency input), Vo (voltage output)and Vi (voltage input). These refer to the voltages and frequencies output to andinput from the driver and sensor.

Type in a value for the output frequency, in Hz:-

Use the DEL key if any of the digits need to be corrected, then press ENTERwhen the chosen output frequency has been selected. The display will change to

show that the value has been accepted:-

Press the down arrow key to move the cursor to the Vo field:-

MANUAL Fo 10.00 HzFi =Vo = 1.00VVi =

MANUAL Fo = [ 4000 ]Fi =Vo = 1.00VVi =

MANUAL Fo 4.000 KHzFi =Vo = 1.00VVi =

MANUAL Fo = 4.000 KHzFi =

Vo B 1.00VVi =


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And the type in a value for the output voltage to the driver:-

At any time up to this point, pressing the ESC key returns operation to the mainmenu. Press the ENTER key to start the vibrator running:-

After a short period, the sensors inputs are displayed:-

Use the up and down arrow keys to increment or decrement the output voltage.The changes will instantly be reflected at the driver; however the sensor may take alittle longer to respond (in the following example, the arrow key has been pressedonce to increase the voltage by 10mV. The corresponding increase in sensor

voltage is also displayed):-

Use the ENTER key to step between the output voltage and frequency fields

Again, use the arrow keys to increment or decrement the output frequency asdesired:-

Press the ESC key to switch off the vibrator (The ON message disappears).


Vo = [ 0.1B ]Vi =


ON Vo B 0.1 0 VVi =

MANUAL Fo = 4.000 KHzFi = 4.000 KHz

ON Vo B 0.1 0 VVi = 0.18V

MANUAL Fo = 4.000 KHzFi = 4.000 KHz

ON Vo B 0.1 1 VVi = 0.19V

MANUAL Fo 4.000 KHz

Fi = 4.000 KHzON Vo = 0.1 1 VVi = 0.19V

MANUAL Fo 4.010 KHzFi = 4.010 KHz

ON Vo = 0.1 1 VVi = 0.19V


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3.3.1 VO and FO fields remain blank or do not change

The cause of this problem is usually that the driver voltage is too low. If thedriver voltage is too low, the sensor voltage will be too low to be measured,

resulting in the input frequency and voltage fields remaining blank (or at thelast measured values). To overcome the problem, increase the drivervoltage (Vo)

3.3.2 Voltage peak found where Fl is different to FO

Voltage peaks can occur at frequencies which are at a multiple of theresonance frequency. These frequencies are known as harmonics. If avoltage peak has been detected at a harmonic, Fl will be different to Fo. If themeasured frequency is the true resonance frequency, then F l and Fo will beequal. Also the peak voltage will generally be highest at the resonant

frequency.

3.4 Using the Erudite MKIV with an oscilloscope

In certain circumstances it is very easy to miss the resonant frequency whenmanually or automatically sweeping through a range of frequencies. This problemis usually due to the high Q values associated with these specimens and hence thenarrow voltage peak.

To make the job of detecting the resonant frequency easier, X and Y BNC typeoutput sockets have been included on the rear panel of the Erudite MKIV. Theseoutputs allow the waveforms produced by the driver and sensor to be examined ona dual channel oscilloscope as either voltages versus time or as a Lissajous figure.

A Lissajous figure is formed when the Y channel is used as the time base for theX channel. On many oscilloscopes, a Lissajous figure may be formed byconnecting the X and Y outputs from the Erudite MKIII to the X and Y inputs (marked as Channel 1 and Channel 2) on the oscilloscope. The timebase switchshould be set to position X-Y and the Volts/Div for each channel should be set tothe same value for both channels.

When sweeping through the frequency range (either manually or automatically), theoscilloscope will display a near perfect circle when the resonant frequency has beenreached. As only perfectly matched frequencies on the X and Y channels willproduce a circle, harmonics should not be mistaken for resonant frequencies.


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CHAPTER 4 AUTOMATIC MODE

The object of the Automatic Mode is to find the resonant frequency, the two 3dB

frequencies and the Q value automatically. The user simply enters a range offrequencies to sweep through, the step size (ie. the difference between the previous andnext output frequencies) and the driver voltage, and the electronics unit does the rest. If aresonant frequency is found, this is displayed along with the two 3dB frequencies and theQ.

The range of frequencies that are to be swept, may be split into three bands of up to threedifferent ranges of frequencies, output voltages and step sizes. The unit will then sweepthrough one band to the next and so on.

To enter the Automatic Mode from the main menu, press 2.

There are essentially two parts to the Automatic Mode. These are:- Setup and Run. Theyappear on the opening display:-

4.1. Setup

Before a sweep may be made, the various operating parameters must be setup.Press 2 again to enter the setup facility. The following display will appear with thecursor flashing in the start frequency (Fs) field:-

Use the numeric keys to type in a value for the range start frequency:-

AUTO Fs = 10.00 HzFe = 100.0HzVo = 0.10V

1-RUN 2-SETUP or ESC

SETUP Fs B 10.00 HzFe = 100.0HzVo = 0.10V

BAND = 1 STEP = 5.00 Hz

SETUP Fs = [ 3000 ]Fe = 100.0HzVo = 0.10V



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Then press the ENTER key to accept it

Having entered the start frequency, use the arrow keys to move the cursor down tothe end frequency (Fe) field:-

and type in the end frequency(the end frequency is the last frequency in then rangethat will be swept):-

Press the ENTER key to accept the value that has been typed. If any of the digitshave been entered incorrectly, use the DEL key to delete them.The ESC key may be pressed at any point throughout the setup to return operationto the main menu. Once the ENTER key has been pressed, the display returns thecursor to the beginning of the line as shown on the following display:-

Using the arrows keys, move the cursor to the output voltage(Vo) field:-

And type in a value for the driver voltage:-

SETUP Fs 3.000 KHz

Fe = 100.0HzVo = 0.10V


SETUP Fs = 3.000KHzFe B= 100.0HzVo = 0.10V


SETUP Fs = 3. 000KHzFe = [ 5000 B ]Vo = 0. 10V

BAND = 1 STEP = 5. 00 Hz

SETUP Fs = 3. 000KHzFe B 5. 000KHzVo = 0.10V


SETUP Fs = 3. 000KHzFe = 5. 000KHzVo B 0.10V


SETUP Fs = 3. 000KHzFe = 5. 000KHzVo = [ 0.2 B ]



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Press the ENTER key to accept the value:-

Using the arrow keys, move the cursor to the step field:-

And type in the desired step size (i.e., the difference between the previous and nextfrequency, or the range increment):-

Press the ENTER key to accept the value.

The Erudite MKIV can scan through up to three bands of frequencies in the samescan. As most users will only require to sweep one band, they will not need to edit

the BAND field and can press ESC to return to the AUTO menu. Once ESChas been pressed, follow the RUN procedure as described in section 4.2

If more than one band is required, the setup procedure is slightly different. Prior toentering the parameters, the band number must be entered. To do this, move thecursor to the BAND field by using the arrow keys:-

And type in a band number in the range 1 to 3.

SETUP Fs = 3. 000KHzFe = 5. 000KHzVo B 0.20 V


SETUP Fs = 3. 000KHzFe = 5. 000KHzVo = 0.20 V

BAND B 1 STEP = 5 . 00 Hz


BAND = 1 STEP B 5. 00 Hz


BAND = 1 STEP = [ 10 B ]


BAND B 1 STEP = 10.00Hz


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Press the ENTER key and the previously stored parameters for the band will bedisplayed and may be changed as described earlier in this section:-

Once the parameters for the selected bands have been entered, press the ESCkey to return to the AUTO menu.

4.2 Run

Once the desired sweep parameters have been entered into the system, the sweepmay begin. To start the sweep from the AUTO menu shown at the beginning ofChapter 4, press 1.

The electronics unit will automatically switch the vibrator on and will begin oscillatingat the start frequency and at the output voltage specified in the setup section. Theoutput frequency will increase by the amount defined in the STEP field of the setup

section and will continue to increase until the end frequency is reached. If furtherbands are defined, then they will be swept through one after the other until alldefined bands have been covered.

If the electronics unit was able to find the resonant frequency, then it will bedisplayed, along with the two 3dB frequencies and the Q:-

SETUP Fs = 3. 000KHz

Fe = 5. 000KHzVo = 0.20 V

BAND [ 2 B STEP = 10.00Hz

SETUP Fs = 2.700KHzFe = 6.350KHzVo = 1.00 V

BAND = 2 STEP B 100.0Hz

AUTO FO = 3. 000KHzFs = 3. 000KHzFe = 5.000KHz

B1 Vo = 0.20V

AUTO Fr = 3. 540KHzF1 = 3. 370KHzFh = 3.650KHz

Q = 12.64


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If the unit was unable to find the resonant frequency, or 3dB frequencies, then anappropriate message will be displayed (See Section 4.4, Sources of error)

If the resonant frequency was found, the results may be stored.

4.3 Storing results

Prior to making a sweep and storing the test results, the unit must be configured tostore readings either sequentially or individually. The sequential method requiresthe first ID to be entered only. The readings from the first stored test will be storedin the battery backed memory under this ID. Subsequent tests will be stored underthe next ID and so on. eg. If the start ID is 3, then the first set of readings will bestored under ID 3, the next set under ID 4 and so on. The individual methodrequires an ID to be typed in when each set of test readings are stored.

To select the storage method, press 3 from the main menu. A choice of eitherindividual or sequential will appear:-

To select the individual storage mode, press the 1 key. Program operation willreturn to the main menu. Select the Automatic mode as described earlier on in thischapter, set up the parameters and start the w=sweep by selecting RUN (seesections 4.1 & 4.2) When the sweep has successfully been completed and aresonant frequency has appeared, press any key. The following message will thenappear, prompting for an ID:-

Type an ID of up to six digits followed by the ENTER key. The test results will bestored under this ID. If the ID already exists, an error message will appear.

Press ENTER to overwrite the existing test results or any other key to return to themain menu.

Alternatively, to select the sequential storage mode, press the 2 key. Thefollowing will appear:-

STORE

1- Individual2- Sequential

STOREID: [B ]

Result already savedunder that ID.Do you wish toOverwrite? ENT=YES


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The next available ID is shown (1 in this case). Type in the number that thesequence is to start at. Further stored test results will be numbered sequentially,from this value onwards. Once the new ID has been typed, press the ENTER keyto return to the main menu.

Again, select the automatic mode as described earlier on in this chapter, set up theparameters and start the sweep by selecting RUN (See sections 4.1 & 4.2). Whenthe sweep has successfully been completed, press any key to store the results,automatically, under the next ID in the sequence. If the next ID had already been

used, an error message will appear.

Press ENTER to overwrite the old data or any other key to return to the mainmenu.

4.4 Sources of error

There are a number of errors that can occur during execution of the Automaticmode.

The first of these is as follows:-

If insufficient readings are taken during a sweep, then it will not be possible to findthe resonant and 3dB frequencies and consequently, the Q. To overcome thisproblem, increase the length of the sweep by reducing the step size. If the inputsignal from the sensor is too strong, the electronics will become saturated, thuscausing the following error:-

The solution, in this situation is to reduce the output voltage Vo.

STORE

Next Ident: 1New Ident: [ B ]

Result already saved underthat ID.Do you wish to overwrite ?ENT=YES

Error in Auto Scan.Insufficient samplestaken to calculate results.

Error in Auto Scan.Input signal level is too high.Reduce Vout and repeat.


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CHAPTER 5 ERASING RESULTS

As the battery backed memory within the Erudite MKIV will hold data indefinitely, the

results of stored tests must be erased when they are no longer required. A range of testsor just one single test may be erased - forever!

To select the erase mode, choose option 4 from the main menu. The display will promptfor the start ID:-

Type the ID of the test at the start of the chosen range (in the following example, a bock of scansranging from 1 to 3 will be erased, so the start I would be 1):-

Once the start ID has been selected, press the ENTER key to move the cursor to the nextfield:-

Type in the ID of the test at the end of the chosen (in this example, 3 is entered). If justone test is to be erased, the start ID must also be entered in the To: field:-

Press the Enter key to accept the value. The following confirmation message will thenappear:-

Press the ESC key at any time (i.e. if the range is incorrect) to exit from the erase modeand return to the main menu.

ERASEFrom : [ B ]

To :

ERASEFrom : [ 1 B ]

To :

ERASEFrom : [ 1 ]

To : [ B ]

ERASEFrom : [ 1 ]

To : [ 3 B ]

ERASEPress ENTER to erase

readings from 1 to 3


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CHAPTER 6 VIEWING RESULTS

To view the results of tests that have been stored previously, select option 5 from the main

menu. The following message will appear on the display:-

Type in the ID of the first set of test results that are to be displayed:-

If results have been stored under the entered ID, then they will be displayedFor example:-

If other sets of test results have been stored, then they can be viewed by pressing the upor down arrow keys. Pressing the up arrow key increments the ID to show the next set ofstored results. Conversely, the down arrow key decrements it. Press the ESC key toreturn to the main menu.

If no results are stored under the ID that has been entered, an error message will appear(press any key to return to the main menu):-

VIEW

Start : [ B ]

VIEWStart : [ 1

B]

ID : 1 Q : 172.19Fr : 4.477KHzFl : 4.473 KHz

Fh : 4.499KHz

No results found!


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CHAPTER 7 PRINTINGRESULTS

If a serial printer is connected to the RS232 output on the back of the Erudite MKIVinstrument, test results may be printed in one of two formats.

The first format has been included to allow a range of stored tests results to be printed onlabels (such as the Avery type EAL01 with 8 lines of text per label plus one line of textbetween each label). The labels may then be attached to the test specimens, or insiderecord books for quality control purpose etc.

The second simply dumps a range of test results to a serial printer to produce acontinuous hard copy. The test results can also be dumped to a computer runningsuitable communications computer software, thus allowing storage of results on computerdisks (assuming that a save function is available within the communications software).

In either case, connect the RS232 port on to the electronics unit to the printer orcomputers serial port with the lead provided. Set up the computer or printer according tothe manufacturers instructions. The communications parameters are : - 9600 baud, noparity, 8 data bits and one stop bit.

7.1 Label printing

To print labels, select option 8 from the main menu. The following display willappear, prompting for a start to be entered:-

Enter the ID of the first test in the range to be printed (in this example, a range of 3tests will be printed starting at test 1):-

Once the ID has been entered, press the ENTER key to move the cursor to thenext field:-

Type in the ID of the last test of the chosen range (in this example, 3 is entered). Ifjust one test is to be printed, the start ID must also be entered in the TO field:-

LABELSFrom : [ B ]

To:

LABELSFrom : [ 1 ]

To:

LABELSFrom : [ 1 ]

To: [ B ]


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Press the ENTER key to accept the value. The following message will thenappear:-

If the range is correct, press the ENTER key. If there are any results stored withinthe chosen range, they will be printed out on the printer (one test per label). TheErudite MKIV will then return to the main menu.

If no results were stored under any of the IDs in the range specified, then thefollowing message will be displayed:-

Press any key and return to the main menu.

7.2 Dumping results

To dump test results to a printer or a computer set up the printer orcomputer/communications software according to the manufacturers instructions,

then select option 6 from the main menu of the Erudite MKIV.

The following display will appear, prompting for a start ID to be entered:-

Enter the ID of the first test in the range to be dumped (in this example a range of 3

tests will be dumped, starting at test 1):-

LABELSFrom : [ 1 ]

To: [ 3B ]

LABELSPress ENTER to print labelsfrom 1 to 3.

No results found!

DUMPFrom : [ B ]

To:


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Once the ID has been entered, press the ENTER key to move the cursor to thenext field:-

Type in the ID of the last test of the chosen range (in this example, 3 is entered). Ifjust one test is to be dumped, the start ID must also be entered in the TO field:-

Press the ENTER key to accept the value. The following message will then

appear:-

If the range is correct, press the ENTER key. If there are any test results storedwithin the chosen range, they will be dumped to the printer or computer.

The Erudite MKIV will then return to the main menu.

If no results were stored under any of the IDs in the range specified, then thefollowing message will be displayed:-

Press any key to return to the main menu.

DUMPFrom : [ 1B ]

To:

DUMPFrom : [ 1 ]B To:[ B ]

DUMPFrom : [ 1 ]B To:[ 3 B ]

DUMPPress ENTER to dump

readings from 1 to 3.

No results found!


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APPENDIX A SPECIFICATION

OSCILLATOR

Frequency range: 1Hz to 100kHz

Frequency resolution: 1 Hz to 99.99 Hz = 0.01Hz100Hz to 999.9 Hz = 0.1 Hz1kHz to 9.999kHz = 1Hz10kHz = 10Hz

Output voltage: 0 to 2V pk-pk into 3P load (0.707V RMS into 3P,1.5W) limited by software for health and safetyreasons.

Output voltage resolution: 10mV pk-pk.

Output monitor: 0.to2V pk-pk from BNC socket on rear panel foroscilloscope X input

Input monitor: 0.to2.5V pk-pk from BNC socket on rear panel foroscilloscope y input

DISPLAY

Display type: 20 character by 4 line liquid crystal display (LCD)

Voltage indicator : Output and Input voltage levels are displayed on theintegral LCD to a resolution of 10mV

Frequency indicator: Output and Input frequencies are monitored anddisplayed on the integral LCD. The display resolutionis as described above under Frequency resolution

KEYPAD

Keypad Type: 16 key membrane switch panel for entering data andcontrol parameters

DRIVERS

Large mass specimens: 3Q contact vibration generator.

Small mass specimens: Electromagnetic air gap driver.

Frequency response: 0 to 12kHz

VIBRATION SENSORS

Large mass specimens: Miniature crystal accelerometer.

Small mass specimens: Electromagnetic air gap receiver, or surface mountingaccelerometer.


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SERIAL PORT

Protocol: RS232CBaud Rate: 9600Parity: NoneData Bits: 8Stop Bits: 1

ENVIRONMENTAL

Power supply: 110/220V, 50/60Hz single phase ac (user selectable)

Operating temperature: 0 to 40C

Dimensions: Electronics unit 360x210x100mm (excluding handle)

Test Bench 360 x 915 x 360mm

Erudite Mkiv Manual

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