For installations, system maintenance, and manual measurements
Overview
The Vibrating Wire Analyzer is the most innovative vibrating wire field reader available. The VWAnalyzer is field ready to quickly measure your sensor, save your data, and communicate the results with custom PDF reports and spreadsheet output. VWAnalyzer measurements are geo-located with an integrated GPS, allowing the device to verify locations and direct you to your sensors. The VWAnalyzer uses spectral-analysis technology (VSPECT®) to provide the best vibrating wire measurement possible while filtering out environmental and electrical noise. The large color display offers you an easy-to-view graphical presentation of the data.
Learn about our patented VSPECT® spectral-analysis technology at our VSPECT® Essentials web resource.
The dynamic vibrating wire measurement technique is protected under U.S. Patent No. 8,671,758, and the vibrating wire spectral-analysis technology (VSPECT®) is protected under U.S. Patent No. 7,779,690.
Read MoreBenefits and Features
- Create custom PDF reports
- Measurement confidence with graphical display and VSPECT® technology
- Full-color screen and easy-to-use menus
- Integrated GPS to record sensor location
- Able to read any vibrating wire sensor
- Sensor library containing common vibrating wire sensors
- Quick transfer of PDF and CSV files with a USB connection
Images
Technical Description
The Vibrating Wire Analyzer (VWAnalyzer) uses patented VSPECT® technology for the most reliable vibrating wire measurements available. The VWAnalyzer converts measurements to engineering units, generates a printable PDF report, and saves a CSV summary file. The graphical display allows confirmation of sensor output and operation. VSPECT® technology eliminates disruptive noise interference and provides sensor diagnostics for the best measurement possible. VSPECT® noise immunity allows gages that are otherwise unreadable to be evaluated with confidence.
A Project File maintains Site/Sensor information for 40 unique sites with 22 sensors per site. Site/Sensor locations are geolocated, allowing the internal GPS to guide a user directly to a sensor location. Site/Sensor and user information can be created or edited on the device or with a computer using the free VwProjects software.
Note: The VWAnalyzer can be connected to a computer and is treated like an external memory device (flash memory drive) to transfer data.
What is a VSPECT® measurement?
VSPECT® provides the best vibrating wire measurement available. A sensor frequency is easily identified while filtering out environmental and electrical noise that affects the quality of other vibrating wire readers. VSPECT® provides measurement diagnostics to understand sensor response, installation quality, and identify incorrect wiring or damaged sensors.
Output and Diagnostics
Sensor Frequency (Hz)
Frequency is a measured value.
Basic measurement from a vibrating wire sensor. The frequency can be converted into engineering units (for example, pressure, displacement) and is the largest measured amplitude signal within the frequency sweep.
Sensor Amplitude (mV RMS)
Diagnostic values describe the quality of the frequency measurement.
Signal strength from the vibrating wire sensor. Amplitude varies and is affected by the sensor type, excitation strength (adjustable), and sensor cable length.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (unitless)
Diagnostic values describe the quality of the frequency measurement.
Sensor signal amplitude divided by the largest noise amplitude within the sweep frequency. A low signal-to-noise ratio indicates a weak sensor signal or a noisy environment.
Noise Frequency (Hz)
Diagnostic values describe the quality of the frequency measurement.
Largest amplitude noise signal within the frequency sweep.
Decay Ratio
Diagnostic values describe the quality of the frequency measurement.
Signal attenuation (how quickly the signal strength decreases).
Thermistor/RTD Resistance (Ω)
Resistance is a measured value.
Measurement used to calculate sensor temperature and correct for thermal effects. The VWAnalyzer measures the vibrating wire sensor temperature (when present); thermal and barometric corrections require post processing.
Specifications
| Memory |
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| GPS | ±5 m (16.4 ft) typical (±1 ms time sync) |
| Channel Count | 1 channel (vibrating wire and thermistor reading) |
| Enclosure | IP62 |
| Battery Type/Life |
5 AA (1.5 V) 20 hours continuous use |
| Operating Temperature Range | -20° to +70°C |
| Compliance | CE, RoHS |
| USB Mini B | Direct connect to PC (Supplies power to retrieve data.) |
| Warranty | One year against defects in materials and workmanship |
| Dimensions | 200 x 100 x 58 mm (7.9 x 3.9 x 2.3 in.) |
| Weight | 0.34 kg (0.75 lb) |
Measurements - Vibrating Wire |
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| Vibrating Wire Frequency Range | 300 to 6500 Hz |
| Resolution | 0.001 Hz RMS |
| Accuracy | ±0.005% of reading |
| Excitation | 2 V, 5 V, 12 V (user-selectable) |
| Method | VSPECT® (Vibrating-Wire Spectral Analysis), U.S. Patent No. 7,779,690 |
| Measurement Interval Range | 1 s to 15 min (continuous reading mode only) |
| Speed | 1 s (fastest) |
Measurements - Thermistor |
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| Resolution | 0.01 Ω RMS |
| Accuracy | ±0.15% of reading |
Compatibility
The Vibrating Wire Analyzer (VWAnalyzer) can measure all vibrating wire sensors including, but not limited to, strain gages, piezometers, pressure transducers, tiltmeters, crackmeters, and load cells. The VWAnalyzer has an integrated sensor library that contains common sensors from common vibrating wire manufacturers; use of the sensor library allows the VWAnalyzer to output data using engineering units.
Related Documents
Product Brochures
Manuals
Downloads
VWAnalyzer Operating System v.2.20 (856 KB) 23-11-2021
The operating system file (.obj extension) can be downloaded and saved to a VWA with the USB cable. The operating system should automatically load the first time power is applied to the VWA after the file has been saved to the device. An operating system may contain updates to the sensor library, additional features, or software fixes. It is recommended that measurement data and the VWA project file should be saved before updating an operating system.
VwProjects v.1.2 (11.0 MB) 23-11-2021
VwProjects is a free software download. The software allows a PC to create files called a project file that contain user, site, and sensor information used on the VWA. All project file information can be manually entered on the VWA, but the use of VwProjects with a PC allows for quicker and easier data entry and editing. Files created can be saved and loaded to the VWA or files can be pulled from a VWA and edited on the VwProjects, see manual for details.
Case Studies
Background Think of the First Transcontinental Railroad. Minor errors in surveys and maps could have led......read more