Vibration Analysis Hardware for Portable Data Collection

Download the printer-friendly Vibration Analysis Hardware for Portable Data Collection pdf

CTC understands that the demands of modern industry require the most durable and reliable portable vibration monitoring equipment. That's why we offer the industry's most comprehensive line of vibration analysis equipment, including accelerometers, cables, connectors, and mounting hardware, created specifically for your portable predictive maintenance and machine condition monitoring needs and backed by our best in class warranties.

Accelerometers

CTC offers a full range of accelerometers designed for portable vibration measurement and data collection. The choice may depend on sensitivity (output), configuration (top exit, side exit, biaxial, triaxial), or just physical size. The application may be very specific and require a unique accelerometer for just that series of measurements. No matter what the requirement, CTC can provide a sensor based on fit, form, and function for trending, alarming, and diagnostics.

pictured above:
row 1, left to right: AC117, AC118, AC192, AC194, AC102, AC104
row 2, left to right: AC220, AC224, AC133, AC134, AC119, AC115 

Portable Data Collector Cables

The most important thing to remember about data collector cables is safety. Do not get wound up in your work! It doesn’t matter if you are using a coiled cable or a straight cable; a break-away safety connector can be a lifesaver.

CK-SF Connector:

When a data collector cable gets wrapped around a rotating shaft, it can be hazardous. It could result in a life-threatening injury to the analyst or severe damage to the data collector. Photo number 1 (below) shows a data collector cable that is wrapped around a rotating shaft with no safety break-away connector:

Note that not only is the cable destroyed, but both connectors have been ripped off the cable. Photo number 2 (below) shows a data collector cable that is wrapped around a rotating shaft: 

Note how the presence of a CTC break-away safety connector protected the analyst from injury and saved the data collector from being severely damaged.

Use the CTC Custom Cable Wizard to configure your perfect portable data collection cable and connector solutions, like:

Coiled Data Collector Cables

CTC coiled data collector cables are available in three fixed lengths. When extended, the cable lengths will be 6 ft (1,83 m), 10 ft (3,05 m), and 16 ft (4,88 m). All of the coiled cables feature a rugged black polyurethane jacket for maximum protection while maintaining flexibility. All coiled cables are halogen-free and meet the RoHS requirements.

Cables pictured above, top to bottom: CB104, CB108, CB117
Use our Cable Wizard to find compatible cables

Straight Data Collector Cables

CTC straight data collector cables are available in multiple lengths, with popular sizes being 4 ft, 6 ft, and 10 ft. Longer lengths are available as required for balancing applications or remote access. All of the straight cables feature a rugged black polyurethane jacket for maximum protection and include a braided shield and an internal Kevlar or polypropylene fiber for maximum strength.


Cables pictured above, top to bottom: CB103, CB110, CB105
Use our Cable Wizard to find compatible cables

Cable and Connector Configuration Examples:



CTC is the world leader in cables and connectors for industrial vibration analysis. Cables and connectors form the foundation of our company and the Unconditional Lifetime Warranty demands cables and connectors that demonstrate industrial strength. Since 1995, CTC has placed thousands of data collector cables in the field, and they are still providing the same high-quality measurements for which they were designed. Based on sound engineering principles and real-life experience in the field, CTC cables and connectors are unsurpassed for reliability and quality. They are the choice for the Vibration Analyst that demands an accurate measurement the first time and every time.


Compatible CTC Connectors for Your Data Collector 

Data Collector Connectors pictured above: C3, C4, C22, C66, C84, C314, C316, C325, C330, C416, C451, C555, C560, C561, C562, C618, F, FX90

CTC Connectors for Your Accelerometer

CTC Connectors pictured above: D2C, D2CG, D2D, D2H, G4H1, J2C, J4C, K2C

Adapters for Your Convenience

Frequency Response / Mounting Techniques
The accuracy of your high-frequency response is directly affected by the mounting technique that you select for the sensor. In general, the larger the mounted surface area contact between the sensor and the machine surface, the more accurate your high-frequency response will be. High-frequency response is based on the sensor specified as well as the method of attachment (together as a system).

All of the illustrated techniques may accurately obtain low-frequency response because low frequency is not based on the mounting system resonance of the sensor and attachment method. The ability to measure low-frequency vibrations will be a function of the sensor’s specified capability to measure a given low frequency, and not dependent on the mounting technique chosen.

The response chart offers a general guideline for the range of portable mounting techniques available and the corresponding high-frequency response expectations.

Probe Tips Allow for Easy Access to Measurement Points
CTC’s MH119 series probe tips connect directly to any standard 1/4-28 threaded accelerometer. Each probe is made of sturdy 300 stainless steel to ensure long-term survival in harsh factory environments. Tips allow easy access to measurement points that are in difficult-to-reach areas such as cooling fins and guards.

CTC PROBE TIP PART NUMBER	LENGTH (A)
MH119-1A	2.5 in. (63,5 mm)
MH119-2A	4.0 in. (101,6 mm)
MH119-3A	8.0 in. (203,2 mm)

Rare Earth Magnetic Bases for Curved Surfaces
The MH214-3A Easy Positioning Curved Surface Magnet can be adjusted so that the two poles of the magnet can be parallel to the data collector cable, perpendicular to the data collector cable, or in any rotational reference to the data collector cable that you like. An aluminum hex wrench comes packaged with each magnet for easy adjustment.

Magnets pictured above: MH112-1A, MH114-3A, MH115-2A, MH128-1A, MH137-1A, MH140-1A, MH142-1A, MH147-1A

CTC’s Accelerometer Quick Disconnects are ideally suited for triaxial sensor use. They feature a convenient locating notch and an easy, quarter-turn connection.

Quick Disconnects pictured above: MH107-1A, MH107-1B


Rare Earth Magnetic Bases for Flat Surfaces
(Click to view our full line of rare earth magnetic bases for flat surfaces)


Flat Surface Magnets pictured above: MH103-1B, MH104-1B, MH122-1A, MH123-1A, MH136-1A, MH133-1A