manual profound vibra-range, software version 2.* version 2€¦ · manual profound vibra-series,...

2.00

Profound

Limaweg 17 2743 CB Waddinxveen

P.O. Box 469

2740 AL Waddinxveen The Netherlands

Tel: +31 182 640 964

Fax: +31 182 649 664

[email protected] www.profound.nl

MANUAL PROFOUND VIBRA-range, software version 2.* Version 2.00

January 2008

Manual Profound VIBRA-series, version 2.00 2

Contents 0 Warranty, liability and service agreement ...............................................................................4 1.0 Introduction............................................................................................................................5 2.0 Getting started .......................................................................................................................7 3.0 The VIBRA equipment .............................................................................................................9

3.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................9 3.2 Connector ports of the VIBRA...............................................................................................9 3.3 Maintenance of the VIBRA..................................................................................................10

3.3.1 Replacing the batteries .................................................................................................10 3.3.2 Cleaning........................................................................................................................10 3.3.3 Calibration.....................................................................................................................11

4.0 Vibration monitoring with the VIBRA...................................................................................11

4.1 Preparation of the VIBRA....................................................................................................11 4.1.1 Positioning the geophone .............................................................................................11 4.1.2 Positioning the VIBRA ....................................................................................................13 4.1.3 Connecting geophone to the VIBRA ...............................................................................14 4.1.4 Geophone detection and error messages ....................................................................14

4.2 Measuring with the VIBRA ..................................................................................................15 4.2.1 Switching on the VIBRA..................................................................................................15 4.2.2 Measuring with the VIBRA ..............................................................................................16 4.2.3 Measurement duration..................................................................................................16 4.2.4 Switching off the VIBRA..................................................................................................17 4.2.5 Unmanned measurements with the VIBRA – Wakeup enabled .....................................17

4.3 Frequency measurements with the VIBRA-series ..............................................................18 4.4 Level and calibration check (VIBRA+ only) ........................................................................19 4.5 Intelligent data-reduction facilities .....................................................................................19

5.0 Description of the menu options .......................................................................................22

5.1 Option Vibra Info ...............................................................................................................22 5.2 Option Start Measurement ................................................................................................22

5.2.1 Available measurement information while measuring ..................................................23 5.2.1.1 Actual measuring values ......................................................................................23 5.2.1.2 Maxima.................................................................................................................24 5.2.1.3 Measuring values in accordance with the governing code...................................25

5.2.2 Options while measuring ..............................................................................................26 5.3 Option Change Settings ....................................................................................................27

5.3.1 Interval ..........................................................................................................................28 5.3.2 Save Level ....................................................................................................................28 5.3.3 Peak Type (VIBRA-sbr/VIBRA+-option) ...........................................................................29 5.3.4 Code (VIBRA+-option)....................................................................................................30 5.3.5 Alarm Level ...................................................................................................................31 5.3.6 Smart Alarm (VIBRA+ only)............................................................................................32 5.3.7 Alarm ............................................................................................................................33 5.3.8 Traces...........................................................................................................................33 5.3.9 On/Off ...........................................................................................................................34


5.3.10 Days (VIBRA+-option)................................................................................................35 5.3.11 Project ......................................................................................................................36 5.3.12 Exiting the Change Settings menu ...........................................................................36

5.4 Option Date and Time .......................................................................................................37 5.5 Option Display Contrast ....................................................................................................37 5.6 Option Erase Data.............................................................................................................38 5.7 Option Test Alarm .............................................................................................................38 5.8 Option Send E mail (VIBRA+-option).................................................................................39 5.9 Switching Off .....................................................................................................................39 5.10 Memory and battery ..........................................................................................................39

6.0 VIBRA PC software .............................................................................................................40

6.1 Unique license file .............................................................................................................41 6.2 Installation: PC software, licence file, driver......................................................................41 6.3 Processing measuring data...............................................................................................44

6.3.1 Downloading data .........................................................................................................44 6.3.2 Viewing data .................................................................................................................45 6.3.3 Exporting data (graphically and numerically) ................................................................49

6.3.3.1 Graphical data export...........................................................................................49 6.3.3.2 Numerical data export ..........................................................................................49

6.4 Programming and locking the VIBRA with the PC software................................................52 6.4.1 Settings.........................................................................................................................54 6.4.2 Locking functions ..........................................................................................................55 6.4.3 VIBRA User ID................................................................................................................55

7.0 Wireless data transfer and e-mail alarm via GPRS (VIBRA+-option)...............................57

7.1 Installation of the SIM card in the VIBRA+ .........................................................................57 7.2 Activating the mobile subscription: e-mail and GPRS settings .........................................58 7.3 Status and data per e-mail ................................................................................................61 7.4 Troubleshooting concerning the e-mail function ...............................................................64 7.5 E-mail alarm function ........................................................................................................66

Appendix I Technical specifications ........................................................................................68 Appendix II Signal flow chart VIBRA-series ...............................................................................69 Appendix III Schematic overview e-mail alarm .........................................................................71 Appendix IV Schematic overview VIBRA USB plug (alarm connection)...................................72 Appendix V Recommended vibration criteria to avoid building damage ..............................73


0 Warranty, liability and service agreement

Warranty Profound warrants the products that it manufactures to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 1 year (one year) from the date of purchase. This warranty is limited to the original purchaser ("Purchaser") of the product and is not transferable. During the 1 year (one year) warranty period, Profound will repair or replace, at its option, any defective products or parts at no additional charge, provided that the product is returned, shipped prepaid, to Profound. The Purchaser is responsible for insuring any product so returned and assumes the risk of loss during shipment. All replaced parts and products become the property of Profound. This limited warranty does not extend to any products that have been damaged as a result of accident, misuse, abuse, or as a result of service or modification by anyone other than Profound. Except as expressly set forth above, no other warranties are expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, and Profound expressly disclaims all warranties not stated herein.

Liability In the event the product is not free from defects as warranted above, the purchaser's sole remedy shall be repair or replacement as provided above. Under no circumstances will Profound be liable to the purchaser or any user for any damage, including incidental or consequential damages, expenses, lost profits, lost savings, or other damages arising out of the use of or inability to use the product.

Maintenance & Service Agreement The limited warranty period of 1 year (one year) can be extended by a Maintenance & Service (M&S) Agreement between Profound and the Purchaser. This M&S Agreement contains repairs as warranted above, free yearly calibration, software updates, minor hardware updates, technical briefings, etc.. Please contact Profound for additional information regarding M&S Agreements

Copyright © 2008, Profound. All rights reserved. No part of this documentation may be reproduced in any form or by any means or used to make any derivative work (such as translation or adaptation) without written permission from Profound. Profound reserves the right to revise this documentation and to make changes in content from time to time without obligation on the part of Profound to provide notification of such revision or change. Profound provides this documentation without warranty, term or condition of any kind, implied or expressed, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Profound may make improvements or changes in the product(s) and/or the program(s) described in this documentation at any time.


1.0 Introduction Measuring vibrations Vibrations from pile driving, construction, road or rail traffic, demolition works etc. can create nuisance or even cause damage to buildings and sensitive equipment. These vibrations are accurately quantified with a system of the Profound VIBRA-range. With the resulting data including measured vibration levels, you can easily compare the level of vibration nuisance with the governing codes and recommendations in the field. The VIBRA continuously measures the vibration levels, and displays these measured values. At the same time the peak (velocity, acceleration and displacement) values of the measured vibrations during each specified interval are stored together with the dominant frequencies of the velocity channels. Alarm levels can be set manually. Peak values, including dominant frequencies, are directly stored in memory. Measurement signals are then transferred by USB to a computer for further analysis. The software generates tables and graphs of peak values and signals for use in reports. The data can also be exported in ASCII-file. Reliable performance over time in rugged site conditions, with moisture, dirt, and vibrations, demands much of a measuring system. Therefore, the durable, watertight, aluminium housing has been provided with a heavy duty, specially coated keyboard. The system is light-weight, small, portable and battery-operated. The VIBRA is powered by 3 standard (1.5 Volt) alkaline batteries, which is sufficient for weeks of continuous and unattended operation. VIBRA, VIBRA-sbr, VIBRA+ Profound has developed different VIBRA systems to meet the individual requirements of our clients around the world. The VIBRA range comprises the Profound VIBRA, the VIBRA-sbr and the VIBRA+. The different characteristics of the VIBRA, the VIBRA-sbr and the VIBRA+ are further outlined in the VIBRA features overview in Appendix I. Advantages The VIBRA is a break-through in the field of vibration monitoring due to the following characteristics:

• Fully continuous and automatic registration of the vibration nuisance during a long period of time.

• The VIBRA-series is in accordance with national and international standards, such as the DIN 45669, DIN 4150 and the SBR 2002 : "Vibration in buildings: Effects on structures / Effects on persons in buildings"

�- VIBRA in accordance with DIN 45669 and DIN 4150 - part 3 �- VIBRA-sbr in accordance with DIN 45669 and Dutch SBR - part A and B �- VIBRA+ in accordance with DIN 45669, DIN 4150 - part 2 and 3, SBR - part A and B

• Each VIBRA system monitors the maximum /v/, maximum /a/ and frequency in the x, y, z-direction per time interval. A VIBRA+ also monitors the maximum /u / in the x, y, z-direction per time interval.

• Unattended vibration measuring for weeks due to the high-tech, low power consumption electronic design in combination with software intelligence.

• Compact, robust field-computer that is very easy to operate.


• Professional and fast (graphical) presentation of the monitoring results. • The possibility to attach an external alarm beacon to the system. • Real-time interpretation and verification of the vibration levels against ruling codes. • Easy comparison of measuring results: more than one VIBRA can be installed at the same

location and the units are easily synchronized. Specific advantages of the VIBRA+

• Full compliance with DIN 4150 - part 2 and 3 including: o Simultaneous measurements o Dominant frequency determination with FFT method o Software processing o KBft and KBfmax

• Smart alarm (frequency dependent alarm) • Daily status and data e-mail by GPRS/internet • E-mail alarm • Peak displacement recorded for each channel • Automatic level- and calibration checks

Manual In the next chapter of this manual you will find a short section about getting started. In chapter 3 the VIBRA equipment guidelines are given with regard to maintenance, exchanging batteries, etc. How to monitor vibrations is explained in chapter 4. Chapter 5 gives a detailed description of the VIBRA menu options. In chapter 6 you will find directions for the processing of the measurement data. If you purchased a VIBRA+, chapter 7 gives a detailed description of activating the data read-out by mobile connection. Please find a short getting started in chapter 2.

Author: A.J. van Rietschoten, BA

To simplify reading, the manual uses the name VIBRA for each VIBRA model (whether VIBRA, VIBRA-sbr, or VIBRA+) unless specifically mentioned.


2.0 Getting started Before switching on the VIBRA it is important that the geophone already has been attached to the measuring object and that the cable connector of the geophone has been connected to the VIBRA. For a more detailed description we refer you to chapter 3 – 7 of this manual. Switching on and measuring with the VIBRA:

1. Press ON. 2. Use the -keys to select menu-items and the -keys to activate a selected item. Use the

-keys in a submenu to confirm or cancel choices and to change settings. 3. Check correct settings (Date and Time in the Main Menu, settings via the submenu Change

Settings). 4. Memory of the VIBRA should preferably be empty and the batteries full. If necessary, delete

data via the option Erase Data in the Main Menu and/or replace the batteries. 5. In the Main Menu select Start Measurement and press . The system will automatically start

measuring with the current settings. 6. Press Stop to end the measurement. 7. While measuring you can press Menu to enter the measuring menu.

Switching off the VIBRA:

• In the main menu press OFF to switch off the VIBRA • In the measuring menu press STOP to end measuring, followed by OFF in the main

menu • In a submenu like Change Settings, press twice to switch off the system

• While switching off the following message appears on screen 'Switching Off, Wakeup

Disabled'. If you have set an On/Off time, the system will mention this (see paragraph 4.2.5). Monitoring measured vibration values, maximum while measuring

1. While measuring, the maximum / v / and / a / and the frequency are directly visible in x, y, z-direction per time interval. The displacement option / u / is only available with the VIBRA+.The system also displays date and time and visibly counts down the remaining interval time. Use the / -keys to scroll and view the measured values.

2. Press to view the maximum value(s). These are the highest measured values since measuring has been started or since resetting the maximum value(s). These values include the frequency in the x-, y- or z-direction with date and time. The display of the maximal displacements is only available in the VIBRA+.By pressing CLR , values shown are reset to zero (without loss of data).

3. Press again to view the system information and the measuring values registered in accordance with the governing code:

• the veff,max –values in accordance with SBR 2002 are shown (VIBRA-sbr only). • the KB-values in accordance with DIN 4150 or the veff,max-values in accordance

with the SBR (VIBRA+ only).

A data save level of 0.1 has been set for both the KB and the veff,max –measurement, as specified in the respective governing codes. Measuring values below this threshold are not saved and displayed as 0 in the PC software.


Options while measuring

While measuring you can press Menu to enter the following measuring submenu: • VIBRA Info • Stop Measurement : end the measurement • Frequency : set the displayed frequency method • Clear Maxima : reset all maximum values to zero • Test Alarm : check correct functioning of the external alarm beacon • Display Contrast : manually adjust the display contrast • Send Email : manually send an e-mail containing the peak data (except

traces) to the preset address in the PC software Except for the option Stop Measurement, entering these options will not interrupt the measurement. Ending the measurement or resetting a maximum (only the maximum shown) can also be done directly in the measuring menu.


3.0 The VIBRA equipment 3.1 Introduction With the purchase of a Profound VIBRA the following items are supplied:

• The VIBRA*: an aluminium IP65 protected casing, equipped with a heavy-duty keyboard, anti-reflex display, a geophone input and an USB output

• A Profound 3D geophone equipped with a cable and a plug • A tripod and glue bracket with ball joint. The tripod makes it

possible to place the geophone solidly on a hard surface. With the glue bracket the geophone can be attached to the structure that has to be monitored

• 3 spare batteries size D, 1.5V mono-cell Alkaline batteries. • A USB cable for communication with a Windows® 2000/XP

computer • A CD with the VIBRA PC Windows software and the manual

(in English) • The unique license file of your VIBRA • A screwdriver 120/220, 5.5 x 0.8 • A spanner/wrench 17 mm • An Alan Key 2.5 mm (VIBRA+ only) • A transport case

* Please find an overview with the specific features of every type in appendix I. To simplify reading, the manual uses the name VIBRA for every VIBRA model, unless specifically mentioned. 3.2 Connector ports of the VIBRA The VIBRA has been equipped with two sockets on the right side:

• The upper socket can be used to link the system with a Windows® computer via a USB protocol. On the front side of the VIBRA, to the left of the socket, the word USB is printed.

• The lower socket can be used to connect the geophone. Please find information on correct connection in paragraph 4.1.3. On the front side of the VIBRA, to the left of the socket, the word GEOPHONE is printed.

When the VIBRA is used in the field, the USB socket should be closed with the cover. Covering the socket prevents moisture from entering the socket and possibly causing corrosion. Also it prevents sand, mud, etc. from clogging up the socket.


3.3 Maintenance of the VIBRA The VIBRA needs almost no maintenance. One of the design criteria was that no moving parts were to be included in the VIBRA . Furthermore, every VIBRA is tested for at least 48 hours continuously, during which all functions of the VIBRA are checked. Such a "burn-in" period guarantees you a good working product. 3.3.1 Replacing the batteries The VIBRA is powered by 3 D-size 1.5V mono-cell alkaline batteries. When the VIBRA has been operational for a period of approx. 28 days, the batteries have to be replaced with fresh ones. If you measure with a VIBRA+ and have activated the e-mail function, this period is shorter (see paragraph 5.10). Please use only alkaline batteries (no rechargeable or other batteries). Utilizing these latter types of batteries will result in false information with respect to the remaining battery capacity (see paragraph 5.10) and in a much shorter registration period of the VIBRA. Replacing the batteries of the VIBRA is a simple operation and can be done without losing (program) data. The following procedure should be followed:

1. Switch off the VIBRA. 2. Unscrew the 4 screws at the bottom side of the VIBRA using the screwdriver supplied with the

system. 3. Remove the blue bottom cover of the VIBRA. 4. Inside, the three batteries can be easily recognized. Replace the 3 batteries with fresh ones. Data

in the VIBRA will be preserved. Make sure that batteries are inserted in the same way (polarity) that the old batteries were fitted in the holders.

5. Replace the bottom cover of the VIBRA. Please take care that the rubber sealing is still fitted properly in the blue cover, thus ensuring the IP-protection of the VIBRA.

6. Fasten the 4 screws. Please note: the battery contacts should be cleaned at least once a year. Remove empty batteries to avoid leakage. 3.3.2 Cleaning To clean the VIBRA, use a wet tissue or cloth. Do not use abrasive or aggressive cleaners that can damage the keyboard coating.

Warning: Before opening the blue bottom part of the VIBRA in order to replace the batteries, switch off the VIBRA. Violation of this procedure might result

in loosing all data and settings of the VIBRA.


3.3.3 Calibration The VIBRA and the VIBRA geophone should preferably be calibrated once a year. The Profound M&S agreement covers a yearly calibration of the system and its geophone. 4.0 Vibration monitoring with the VIBRA 4.1 Preparation of the VIBRA Only a few checks have to be made before the VIBRA is ready to be used. Please take into account that the positioning of the system and the measurement settings need to be based on the site conditions (location, lay-out, vibration source, soil investigation results, buildings, damage and nuisance criteria).

1. Proper connection. The geophone should be connected to the VIBRA, as described in the paragraphs 4.1.1 - 4.1.3. The USB socket should be closed with the cover in order to guarantee the IP65 protection.

2. Battery/memory. The batteries of the VIBRA should preferably be full and the internal memory

should be empty. If necessary, erase the data via the Main Menu option Erase Data and/or replace the batteries.

3. Settings. The settings, especially date and time, of the VIBRA should be correct. Check and if

necessary, adjust the settings in the Main Menu option Date and Time. Other settings can be adjusted in the submenu Change Settings, as described in paragraph 5.3.

You can consider placing two systems and thus excluding local effects, as for example slamming a door nearby or somebody hitting the geophone. 4.1.1 Positioning the geophone You need to install the geophone properly in order to ensure accurate measurements of the vibrations in the structure. The proper mounting techniques to install the geophone are:

• Glue Glue is the best way to mount the geophone bracket to the wall. Special 2-component glues are available, which can be used to glue the geophone bracket on almost any surface, as shown below. For optimum installation the geophone bracket can also be screwed into the wall for extra security during curing time.


Once the bracket is in place attach the geophone to the bracket, as shown:

- geophone - glue bracket - ring - bolt

Use the spanner /wrench to secure the geophone with the bolt. The ball joint of the geophone facilitates precise orientation of the geophone. Define the measuring directions. The most commonly used method is: the x-axis parallel to the wall, the y-axis square to the wall. Use the vial on the geophone to check that it is level. If the activities will find place at different locations, it is practical to mount additional brackets to the wall before the measurements start.


• Tripod. On a hard, fairly smooth surface the tripod can be used to place the geophone. In

general, the registered vibration level is not affected by placing the tripod on the surface, provided the accelerations are not too high. The DIN 4150 defines this as 3 m/s2 at any frequency below 100 Hz. The DIN 45669-2 gives more limitations.

• Geophone mounting plate. If you need to place the geophone on a floor with or without a

soft top layer, the Profound stainless steel mounting plate can be used in two positions: with the pointed side down (when used on a soft layer) or with the round side down (when there is no soft layer). Thus, the mounting plate fully complies with SBR – part A 2002 and DIN 45669-2 June 2005.

Placing the mounting plate

1. Choose the side of the spikes, dependent on the surface on which the plate has to be placed, as shown above. 2. Fully screw the three spikes into the mounting plate with the spanner, which is delivered with the VIBRA. The spikes may never be used to horizontally position the mounting plate. 3. Use the spanner to fasten the geophone with the ball joint on the mounting plate. 4. Place the mounting plate with the geophone on the desired location and, if necessary, further adjust the horizontal position of the geophone with the Profound ball joint and the spanner.

Due to the compact size of the VIBRA and its versatile mounting facilities for the geophone, installation of the system normally does not take more than a few minutes. 4.1.2 Positioning the VIBRA In the field, the VIBRA can be put down on the floor or ground surface or attached to a wall.

At the right side of the VIBRA a Kensington® anti-theft lock has been fitted. The system can be easily locked with the Kensington® security cable that can be obtained at most computer shops.

geophone mounting plate


4.1.3 Connecting geophone to the VIBRA The geophone is connected to the VIBRA by pressing the cable plug into the GEOPHONE socket. It is important that the plug is placed correctly into the socket. The red markers on both the plug (dot) and socket (line) facilitate this. Make sure to align both markers before sliding in the plug. The plug should then be inserted into the socket until the "click" is felt. The plug is now latched into the socket and will not unlatch by vibration, shock or pull on the cable. When required, the plug is disengaged by a straight axial pull on the outer release sleeve. This first disengages the latches and then withdraws the plug from the socket. Never try to disengage the plug by pulling the cable. You can check correct functioning by switching on the VIBRA, followed by selecting and activating Start Measurement, see also the next paragraph 4.1.4. 4.1.4 Geophone detection and error messages Once the option Start Measurement is chosen in the VIBRA‘s main menu, the system will try to connect with the attached geophone. On the screen the following messages will be shown: Detecting Geophone, followed by Checking Geophone, and finally Reading Electronic ID. If everything is ok, the geophone serial number and the three measuring channels (X:, Y: and Z:) together with the message OK appear on screen. The system will then start measuring and at the end of the first measurement interval the peak values will appear on screen. X! Y! Z! – no geophone ID In case no digital geophone-ID is detected, the VIBRA will display an exclamation mark behind X, Y and Z. The VIBRA will then start or continue the measurement with the default geophone ID-data, but will not take the specific geophone ID-data into account. The data file will obviously not show the serial number of the geophone. You can check this in the PC software, Start Measurement Info of the tab Saved Traces). Therefore the measurement should be stopped as soon as possible and the connection between the VIBRA and the geophone should be checked. Afterwards the measurement can be restarted. Disconnected If one or more measuring channels are not properly connected to the VIBRA, the system displays Disconnected after the X, Y, and Z-channel. In that case a mark is entered into the internal memory for each interval that no measurement could be carried out. This also occurs when the geophone is disconnected (either by disengaging the geophone plug or by breaking the geophone cable) during the measurement. This option provides the user with an easy check to determine whether the VIBRA was able to carry out the measurements. Please note that if you set a data save level, the memory of the VIBRA will be full earlier than expected since the information of the non-connected channel cannot be screened and will be fully saved. See also paragraph 5.3.2. If the measurement has been started without connecting the geophone properly to the VIBRA, the above


message Disconnected will appear on the display. Connect the geophone to the system and depending on the settings of the VIBRA, the topical vibration levels will appear on the display as usual. Not Responding A Not Responding channel of the VIBRA geophone is now defined as a special value and visible both on the VIBRA display and in the data file. In the example below the geophone had been placed upside down, both visible in the Not Responding message and the out of range velocity (traces).

X? Y? Z? – level check (VIBRA+) At the start of each measurement the VIBRA+ automatically performs a level check. If the geophone has not been placed horizontally, a question mark will be displayed on screen of the VIBRA+ after the relevant channel. Please end the measurement, correct the horizontal positioning of the geophone and restart the measurement. If the measurement has been continued anyway, the data file will display the measurement values of the concerning channel as 0 or as a very low value. 4.2 Measuring with the VIBRA 4.2.1 Switching on the VIBRA After installation of the VIBRA and the geophone as described in the previous paragraphs, the VIBRA can be switched on by pressing the ON-key once. The Profound logo and the VIBRA type (VIBRA, VIBRA-sbr or VIBRA+) will then appear on the display. This information will remain on the display for approximately 1 second, after which it is replaced by the first 4 options of the main menu. The main menu consists of the following 8 options:

• VIBRA Info • Start Measurement


• Change Settings • Date and Time • Display Contrast • Erase Data • Test Alarm • Send E-mail

The selected menu option is highlighted in the display. By pressing the -key OK the option is activated. Use the -keys to select other menu-items and the -keys to activate a selected item. The -keys are also used in a submenu to confirm or cancel options and to change settings. By keeping the -key pressed, the auto-repeat function automatically selects the next option. Only the option Change Settings has an extensive submenu with options to program the VIBRA. Please find a full description of the Change Settings menu in paragraph 5.3. 4.2.2 Measuring with the VIBRA

1. Press ON to switch on the VIBRA. 2. Check correct settings (Date and Time in the Main Menu, settings via the submenu Change

Settings) 3. The memory of the VIBRA should preferably be empty and the batteries full. If necessary,

delete data via the option Erase Data in the Main Menu and/or replace the batteries. 4. In the Main Menu select Start Measurement and press . The system will automatically start

measuring with the current settings. 5. Press Stop to end the measurement. 6. While measuring you can press Menu to enter the measuring submenu.

Please find more information about the measurement values in chapter 5,

specifically paragraph 5.2 and in chapter 2 (summary) 4.2.3 Measurement duration The duration of the vibration measurement(s) should be long enough to be statistically representative and to ensure that the vibration measured is typical for the exposures that are being assessed. When determining the measurement duration, it is important to analyse all of the tasks that are being undertaken and any additional conditions that may affect the duration. Very often a complete exposure consists of various periods with different characteristics. To fully assess the exposure, separate analyses


of those periods may be required. Each time the duration of measurements should be recorded in the final assessment report. Measurement duration ‘Vibration in buildings' - Effects on structures The measurement duration should include periods during which the vibration source or sources to be assessed, are operating. In general this is at least 1000 T, whereby T is the vibration time at the lowest relevant frequency of the vibration. In case of railway and traffic the measurement duration should preferably be a week. Measurement duration ‘Vibrations in buildings - Effects on persons in buildings The measurement duration should include the whole day, evening and night or at least a representative period. When the vibration source is not active, the background vibration level should also be measured in order to fully assess the exposure caused by the vibration source and also to be able to analyse the difference in vibration intensity. Please find more information about the desired duration of the vibration measurement in the applicable standards. 4.2.4 Switching off the VIBRA Ending a measurement and switching off the system:

• In the Main Menu press OFF to switch off the VIBRA • In the measuring menu press STOP to end measuring, followed by OFF in the main

menu • In a submenu like Change Settings, press twice to switch off the system

• While switching off the following message appears on screen 'Switching Off, Wakeup

Disabled'. If you have set an On/Off time, the system will mention this, as described in paragraph 4.2.5

If possible, take a photograph of the measuring location. Finally, replace the system and the geophone in the case.

4.2.5 Unmanned measurements with the VIBRA - Wakeup enabled- An unmanned measurement is basically identical to a manned measurement as far as location and layout of the system is concerned. You only need to:

1. program when the system should switch on and of (if applicable) 2. preferably lock the system partially or completely

The easiest way to program the VIBRA for an unmanned measurement is through the Change Settings Dialog in the PC software, as described in paragraph 6.4.2. Locking the system can only be done via the PC software in combination with the unique licence file of the system.


Notification Wakeup enabled/disabled If the VIBRA has been programmed with an on/off time and afterwards has been switched off by the user, the system will not switch on automatically at the on-time. Before the system is switched off, the notification Wakeup at 00:00? appears on the display, whereby the user has the option to activate the on/off time. Select OK to activate the on/off time. On the screen the notice Switching Off, Wakeup Enabled is displayed. Select Off to deactivate the on/off time. On the screen the notice Switching Off, Wakeup Disabled is displayed. Please note: if this notice is ignored or not noticed by the user, the system will switch on automatically

at the ON-time. It is always possible to activate the time programming by switching on and off the VIBRA and then assent the notification. Please find more information in the paragraphs 5.3.9 and 5.3.10 of this manual. 4.3 Frequency measurements with the VIBRA-series The VIBRA determines the vibration frequency in accordance with the applicable vibration code, using either the ´Zero Crossing´ or 'FFT' (Fast Fourier Transform) method, as described in DIN 4150; or according to Method I or II, as described in the Dutch code SBR. The method used depends on the model:

• the VIBRA always determines the frequency with the 'Zero Crossing'-method. • the VIBRA-sbr uses either Method I or II, since both methods are accepted under the Dutch SBR

guidelines. However, Method I is the preferred method. • the VIBRA+ uses either the 'Zero Crossing', the 'FFT' (Fast Fourier Transform) method, or

Methods I or II. More information about the frequency methods can be found in the applicable standards. When measuring you can select in the measuring submenu of the VIBRA-sbr or VIBRA+ the desired method for display. The preferred method is FFT and Method I respectively. Please note that the selected frequency type will only be used for the frequency measurement as displayed on the screen. Both frequencies FFT and Zero Crossing or Method I and II are available in the PC file. Please find more information in paragraph 5.2.2. Correctly applying FFT or Method I (VIBRA+ only) In order to apply the FFT correctly, the proper building category (Cat. 1, Cat. 2 of Cat. 3) should be selected before starting the measurement. Please select the category in the option Peak Type of the Change Settings menu. Further explanation is given in paragraph 5.3.3.


4.4 Level and calibration check (VIBRA+-option only) At the start of each measurement the VIBRA+ performs an automatic level and calibration check. If the VIBRA+ has been programmed with an on/off time, the system will also perform these checks every time the system switches on and ‘continues’ the measurement. If the geophone has been placed at an angle, a question mark will be displayed on screen of the VIBRA+ after the relevant channel. It shall be clear that the measurements for this channel are incorrect. See also paragraph 4.1.4. The calibration check is saved with the measurement. This check does not replace the standard calibration with external testing equipment, but is meant as external check of the measurement quality. 4.5 Intelligent data-reduction facilities The VIBRA is able to monitor the vibration levels during a period of approximately 4 weeks. The VIBRA is a fully digital system that samples the actual vibration amplitude level 1024 times per second in three directions. This means that after a period of 4 weeks the VIBRA has collected over a billion samples. If all these numbers, together with date and time information, were to be stored in the memory without using any means of data reduction techniques, the VIBRA would have to be a much larger, inefficient system. Therefore, the software of the VIBRA is equipped with means to achieve data-reduction without loosing essential information: 1. Interval: with this option you can define a period in time (between 1 second and 15 minutes) during

which the maximum vibration levels are determined by the VIBRA. Only these peak values, together with the date and time, will be stored in the internal memory of the VIBRA. Obviously, when a time interval of only 1 second is defined, the internal memory will be filled much faster compared to a time interval of 60 seconds or 15 minutes (with the same level of vibration nuisance). The most appropriate time interval depends on the source of vibration and the type of measurement carried out. See also paragraph 5.3.1.

2. Save level: this option is used to prevent the data storage of very low, insignificant, vibration levels

into the internal memory. You can define a data save level (threshold value) of say 0.1 mm/s. This means that as long as the maximum vibration level during a time interval does not exceed this threshold value, no data will be stored in the internal memory of the VIBRA, confirming that the maximum vibration level did not exceed the threshold value during that time interval. For you it is not important to know whether the maximum velocity level during this interval was 0.03 mm/s or 0.08 mm/s. See also paragraph 5.3.2. In the PC software these intervals will be displayed as a line at the Save Level.

Please note:

- For traces the minimum threshold is 0.2 mm/s. If a higher value has been set via the option Save Level, this also applies to the traces.

- Concerning the measuring values in accordance with the governing codes (DIN 4150 – part 2/ SBR – part B) and as prescribed in these codes the threshold is always 0.1 mm/s (see also appendix II).

- If the measured velocity values within an interval are below the Save Level, the a, f, u will also not be saved.


3. On/Off: this option allows you to program the VIBRA to collect data only during those hours that you find interesting. For instance, construction work is mostly carried out during daytime. With the On/Off- function, you can program the specific time interval when the VIBRA is to collect data. See also paragraph 5.3.9.

4. Days (only available in the VIBRA+): with this option you can opt to switch off the VIBRA+

automatically during selected days. In general, construction work is not carried out during the weekends. With this option you can for example choose not to measure during Saturday and Sunday. See also paragraph 5.3.10.

Proper use of these data reduction options in the VIBRA ensures the continuous registration of the vibration levels during the anticipated period of time without missing any essential information. 4.6 VIBRA PC Trace Recorder (VIBRA+-optie) With the VIBRA+ connected to a PC/laptop you can generate and save a continuous trace when using the PC VIBRA Trace Recorder program. The generated trace consists of the velocity values in X,Y,Z-direction with a sample frequency of 1024 Hz/s.

Graphical display of a continuous trace as generated during a train passage

The Trace Recorder program is part of the VIBRA PC software 2.* and will be automatically installed with the new VIBRA PC software.


Please follow the steps below to record a VIBRA trace:

1. Start a vibration measurement with the VIBRA+ 2. Open the VIBRA Trace Recorder program 3. Connect the VIBRA+ to the PC 4. Verify that the VIBRA+ is measuring 5. Press Start Trace, give in file name and file location. The trace will be saved as *. csv to

the hard disk of your PC/laptop until the disk is full or until you press Stop Trace.

6. The *. csv-data file can be further processed in Excel or any other program that can import *.csv-files. With the Excel graph wizard you can quickly create the accompanying graph


5.0 Description of the menu options In this chapter the 8 options of the Main Menu are described in detail:

• VIBRA Info • Start Measurement • Change Settings • Date and Time • Display Contrast • Erase Data • Test Alarm • Send E-mail

5.1 Option 'Vibra Info' Immediately after switching on the system this option is highlighted. Press -key, OK to show the digital ID-data of the VIBRA. With the / -keys you can look up the information saved, like VIBRA model, version, serial number, calibration date. During the measurement the VIBRA Info option in the sub measuring menu not only shows the ID-data of the VIBRA but also of the geophone connected to the system.

5.2 Option 'Start Measurement' Use the -key to select Start Measurement in the Main Menu, then press -key, OK. The system checks whether the geophone has been properly connected to the VIBRA. The following messages are shown on screen: Detecting Geophone, followed by Initializing Geophone and Reading Digital ID. Then the display shows the serial number of the geophone, the three measuring channels with the notice OK.


The system starts to measure and displays at the end of the first interval the real-time measured vibration levels together with date, time and the decrementer counting the number of seconds down till the end of the interval.

Please find information about error messages concerning the geophone detection in paragraph 4.1.4 of this manual. Depending on the settings of the VIBRA, the value of the vibration level will change as a function of the vibration registered by the geophone. Each time the value of the vibration level changes, the VIBRA has determined the (absolute) maximum vibration value during the pre-defined interval time. This value is automatically compared to the set data save level in order to decide whether the recorded value, including date and time, has to be stored in memory. More information with regard to the settings of the VIBRA can be found in paragraph 5.3. X, Y, Z indicate respectively channel x, y and z. When using a 3D-geophone, channel z is the vertical component, channel x the horizontal component square on the cable connection and channel y the horizontal component parallel to the cable connection. Important: The measurement data displayed on the screen are updated at the end of each interval. Therefore it will take at least the interval time before the topical (maximum) value of the vibration amplitude replaces the initial value of "0.0" on the screen. However, you can still see that the VIBRA is operational, because the number of seconds is counted down till the end of the interval. The system also synchronises the interval time. When you set an interval time of 5 minutes, the system will immediately start after the command Start Measurement, but each interval will be closed 5, 10, 15 etc. minutes past the hour. In this way the measurement results of several systems - which have been set with the same interval and time, but with a different measurement start time, can still be compared with each other. 5.2.1 Available measurement information while measuring 5.2.1.1 Actual measuring values During the measurement the maximum / v / and / a / and the frequency are directly visible in x, y, z-direction per time interval. Scroll with the / -keys to view the different values. Beside showing date and time, the system visibly counts down the interval time:


==.= Hz The frequency of 1 of the 3 channels shown can also be ==.=. In that case no frequency is available in that specific time interval. Frequencies above 0.5 Hz are taken into account. The displacement option / u / is only available with the VIBRA+:

5.2.1.2 Maxima Press to view the maximum levels. These are the highest measured values since the measurement has been started or since resetting the maximum value(s). These values include the frequency in the x-, y- or z-direction with date and time. By pressing CLR , values shown are reset to zero (without loss of data).

Explanation: maximum / v / = peak velocity in mm/s frequency = frequency in Hz maximum / a / = peak acceleration in mm/s2

maximum / u / = peak displacement in mm

or = displayed dominant frequency

= menu locator, use the arrow keys to view all information provided


The display of the maximum displacements / u / is only available in the VIBRA+:

5.2.1.3 Measuring values in accordance with the governing code Press again to view the system information and the measuring values that are automatically registered in accordance with the governing code for Effects on persons in buildings:

• the veff,max –values in accordance with SBR 2002 are shown (VIBRA-sbr only). • the KB-values in accordance with DIN 4150 or the veff,max-values in accordance

with SBR (VIBRA+ only). A data save level of 0.1 has been set for both the values, as specified in the respective governing codes. Measuring values below this threshold are not saved and displayed as 0 in the PC software. This measurement is done fully parallel with the measurement Effects on Structures. Measuring values according to the SBR 2002 (VIBRA-sbr and VIBRA+):

Measuring values according to the DIN 4150 (only shown by the VIBRA+):


Display of the during the measurement shown dominant frequency using: 1 for [FFT (DIN) or Method I (SBR)] or 2 for [Zero Crossing (DIN) or Method II (SBR)]

This display setting can be set in the sub measurement menu, as described in the next paragraph. Independent of the chosen Frequency Type, both dominant frequency methods are automatically applied and saved while measuring (VIBRA+ only). A VIBRA always uses Zero Crossing. In the PC software VIBRA+-measurements can always be displayed according to FFT or Zero Crossing. 5.2.2 Options while measuring Press Stop to end measuring. While measuring you can press Menu to enter the following measuring submenu:

• VIBRA Info : ID-data of the system as well as the geophone • Stop Measurement : end the measurement • Frequency : set the displayed frequency method • Clear Maxima : reset all maximum values to zero • Test Alarm : check correct functioning of the external alarm beacon (see § 5.7) • Display Contrast : manually adjust the display contrast (see § 5.5) • Send Email : manually send an e-mail containing the peak data (except traces)

to the preset address in the PC software (see chapter 7)

Except for the option Stop Measurement, entering these options will not interrupt the measurement. Ending the measurement or resetting a maximum (only the maximum shown) can also be done directly in the measuring menu.


Frequency Display Select Frequency to change the displayed Frequency method (VIBRA+ only):

• according to DIN, FFT or Zero Crossing method • according SBR, Method I or II.

The preferred Frequency Method is FFT/Method I. At the start of each new measurement the system will therefore use this setting as default. Please find more information about frequency measurement in paragraph 4.3. 5.3 Option 'Change Settings' After entering this option, the first 4 options of the submenu will appear on the screen. With the options in this submenu it is possible to adapt the settings of the VIBRA to suit your requirements. The submenu Change Settings has, depending on the type of VIBRA, the following options:

• Interval • Save Level • Peak Type (VIBRA+ and VIBRA-sbr only) • Code (VIBRA+ only) • Alarm Level • Alarm • Traces • On/Off (Timer function) • Days (VIBRA+ only) • Project

You can also program the VIBRA with the VIBRA PC software. See paragraph 6.4 of this manual for a description.


Again, by pressing the -key or the -key, the desired option can be selected and then activated by pressing the -key. A detailed description of these options is given in paragraph 5.3.1 through 5.3.11. Please note: a new setting will be saved and activated the moment you leave the Change Settings menu and save the changes. See also paragraph 5.3.12. 5.3.1 Interval Per interval the VIBRA saves the peak values. To change the time interval, select the option Interval with the / -key and press the -key OK. The following drop down menu appears on the display:

Using the -keys, an interval of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60 seconds or 2, 5, 10, 15 minutes can be selected. Press the -key OK to confirm. Data reduction (1/4) This is the first of three (or four, if you purchased the VIBRA+) data reduction techniques available. The interval option is used to specify a time interval during which the VIBRA determines the absolute maximum vibration values. Only the maximum vibration levels, together with its date and time, will be stored in memory. The interval time required depends on the vibration source and the type of measurement carried out: If the vibration nuisance during a pile-driving project has to be monitored accurately, a time interval of

2 seconds is recommended. Pile driving hammers have a blow rate of approx. 40 - 45 blows per minute (in other words, the time interval between 2 blows is slightly more than 1 second). By selecting a time interval of 2 seconds, one hammer blow will always be registered by the VIBRA. This setting will provide an accurate and clear registration of the vibration nuisance caused by the pile driving process.

If vibrations during a pile-driving project have to be measured for general monitoring only, a time interval of 30 seconds is recommended. From the monitoring results, the number of (sheet) piles, the start- and stop-times and the maximum vibration levels present during driving, can still be determined. As the total installation time per foundation element takes more than 5 minutes, a time interval of 30 seconds is advised.

5.3.2 Save Level Select Save Level with the / -keys to set or change the "threshold" value for the data save level. Press

-key OK to confirm the selected choice. The next screen appears on the display:


Default the save level is Off, saving all measuring peak data per interval. You can also choose to set a threshold. Measured peak values below this threshold will not be saved. In general, threshold values in the range of 0.1 mm/s – 1.0 mm/s are set. With higher values relevant information might be lost. If the measured velocity values within an interval are below the Save Level, the a, f, u will be discarded as well. Use the / -keys to set a threshold value. Press OK to confirm your choice.

Data reduction (2/4) The second option to achieve data reduction is the Save Level option. The effectiveness of the other data reduction options are independent of the vibration levels measured, but the effectiveness of this option depends heavily on the levels measured. With this option you define a "threshold" value for the vibration level amplitude. When the maximum vibration amplitude during a time interval is less than the threshold value, the data will not be stored in the memory. Only when this maximum vibration amplitude exceeds the defined threshold value, the data (together with date and time) is stored in the memory. It is clear that the effectiveness of this option depends on the vibration levels measured in combination with the threshold value selected. In case of little background vibrations and a relatively high threshold value, the data-reduction will be considerable. On the other hand, in case of high background vibrations and a relatively low threshold value, the effectiveness of this option may be nil. 5.3.3 Peak Type (VIBRA-sbr/VIBRA+-option only) The options of Peak Type: normal, cat 1, cat 2 of cat 3 refer to the building classification in categories as described in DIN 4150 - part 3 and SBR - part A. This is a VIBRA-sbr and VIBRA+ option only.

Please note: before starting a measurement you need to select the relevant category in order to correctly apply the dominant frequency method FFT/Method I. Then the system measures

and stores the peak values according to the chosen standard and building classification.


The under Peak Type selected setting is also used for the VIBRA+ function, described in paragraph 5.3.6. In the PC software you can look up the applied category in the data under tab Saved traces. The chosen category line in the Velocity/Frequency graph is also thicker than the other category lines.

The building category set for FFT/Method I cannot be changed in the VIBRA PC software. According to FFT/Method I the system saves related to the chosen category the most relevant peak values per interval. With Zero Crossing/Method II you are able to change the category in the PC software. Select the Velocity/Frequency graph and choose Zero Crossing/Method II under Frequency of the Plot Settings. Then you can select the desired category under Date/Time. 5.3.4 Code (VIBRA+-option) The VIBRA processes the data in accordance with DIN 4150-3 June 2001. The VIBRA-sbr does the same in accordance with the Dutch code SBR part A, B – 2002. VIBRA+ - users have the option to process the data in accordance to either DIN 4150-3 (and simultaneously to DIN 4150-2) or to the Dutch code SBR Part A, and simultaneously to part B - 2002. The default VIBRA+ setting is DIN. To edit and change to SBR, enter the Code option and select with the -key SBR. Press OK.


While measuring, you cannot change the code in order to prevent confusion about the applied code, while processing the data in the PC software. To change the code, the memory must be empty. The following message will be displayed:

Leave the Change Settings menu and return to the main menu to (upload and then to) erase data in the memory of the VIBRA+, as described in paragraph 5.6. 5.3.5 Alarm level After selecting the option Alarm Level and confirming it by pressing the -key OK, the next screen appears on the display:

The default alarm level is off. Use the arrow keys to select the desired alarm level between 0.01 and 99.99 mm/s. Confirm your choice with the -key OK.

With this feature the VIBRA is able to check, real-time, the vibration levels measured against existing recommendations or codes, for instance the Dutch SBR guideline or the DIN standard. During the measurements the VIBRA will check whether the topical vibration levels exceed the set value. In case it has been exceeded, the screen colours are inverted and the display starts to blink as long as the preset duration or until a key has been pressed.


External alarm If the alarm level has been exceeded, one of the pins in the USB socket is also activated to enable the use of an external alarm. The alarm duration can be set in the option Alarm, as described in paragraph 5.3.7. You can purchase a VIBRA alarm beacon from Profound. E-mail alarm (VIBRA+ option) With the VIBRA+ you can activate an e-mail alarm. The e-mail alarm function starts automatically, if you have set an alarm level and have activated the e-mail function. More information about when and how an e-mail alarm will be sent can be found in paragraph 7.5 of this manual. 5.3.6 Smart Alarm (VIBRA+ only) The ‘smart alarm’-function means that the alarm follows the selected category thresholds (DIN or SBR). According to the governing code, the threshold at a higher frequency is higher than at the low frequencies. The alarm will only be activated, if the threshold has been exceeded and not at the set, constant velocity value. This setting is only available in the VIBRA+. You have to use the following settings to activate the smart alarm:

1. Set the desired category in Peak Type. (FFT frequency method is always used by the VIBRA+ for the smart alarm).

2. Set the Alarm Level with the value according to DIN or SBR at 0 Hz. Confirm your choice with the -key OK.

3. Save the changed setting when exiting the Change Settings menu. Hard set alarm setting If a hard set alarm value has been prescribed and so the smart alarm cannot be used, you can still set a building category and disable the smart alarm. You can do this both via the Change Settings menu in the PC software or on the VIBRA+ itself:


When while measuring the alarm goes off, the system will show the alarm type set (hard set value or smart alarm):

5.3.7 Alarm After selecting the option Alarm and confirming it by pressing the -key OK, the next screen appears on the display:

The default alarm duration is 5 minutes. Use the arrow keys to select the desired alarm duration: 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 30 or 60 minutes. If you select Manual Clear, the alarm will remain on display (and the alarm beacon will stay activated) until any key is pressed. Confirm your choice with the -key OK. 5.3.8 Traces After entering the option Trace, the following drop down menu appears on the display:

With this option you can instruct the VIBRA to save the full measuring signal (= trace with a duration of 2 seconds) of 1 or more time intervals per hour, not just the peak values. Automatically the interval(s) with the highest peak values are selected. The standard data save level is 0.2 mm/s. If a higher data save level has been set (see paragraph 5.3.2), this save level will also be used for the trace data save level. Per hour always one or more traces are


saved, depending on the value set (1 – 9 intervals). Saving traces can facilitate interpretation later on. In the PC software saved traces are displayed under tab Saved Traces.

graphical display of a trace in the VIBRA PC software 5.3.9 On/Off To set an On/Off time you select with the / -keys On/Off and press -key OK to. The following option will appear on the display:

Default the system is on while measuring. Use the -key to select the time option: 00:00 – 00:00 and with the arrow-keys the desired on/off-time between 00:00 and 23:59.


You should be aware of the following: When an on/off time has been set and the VIBRA has been switched on, the VIBRA will switch off

automatically at the off-time. When the VIBRA has automatically switched itself off, it will not be immediately clear to you whether

the VIBRA is "sleeping" (On/Off option) or that somebody has switched off the VIBRA manually. When the VIBRA has automatically switched itself off, you can resume the measurement manually by

pressing the <ON>-key. The On/Off option remains effective. When the VIBRA has been manually switched off, the On/Off Time option will not be effective. In other

words: when the VIBRA has been switched off manually, it remains off irrespective any settings of the VIBRA. You will get a warning if the system is switched off manually and you will be offered the option to activate the set on/off time. See also paragraph 4.2.5.

When the On-time is equal to the Off-time, the VIBRA will automatically go to Always ON and measure 24 hours per day.

Data reduction (3/4) This is the third option you have in order to achieve data reduction. This option and the next option Days enable you to switch off the VIBRA automatically at a selected time and switch it back on again (automatically) at another selected time. With this option it is possible to carry out the vibration measurements only during those hours that are regarded as being important. In case vibration monitoring is carried out in the vicinity of pile driving, vibratory driving, demolition works, etc., it is reasonable to assume that these activities only take place during daytime. With the On/Off Time option the VIBRA can be instructed to switch off during the night. For example, if the system is switched on between 6:00 and 18:00, the lifetime of the batteries is doubled. 5.3.10 Days (VIBRA+-option) With the VIBRA+ the system can be set to measure during pre-selected weekdays. Select with the / -keys Days, then press the -key OK. The following drop down menu will appear:

Default the system measures daily. With the arrow keys you can turn off measuring during specific weekdays, (setting Off instead of On), for example during the weekend.

Data reduction (4/4) This is the last option to reduce the amount of measuring data. With this option and the On/Off option, as described in paragraph 5.3.7, the VIBRA+ can be switched off during nonessential measuring times.


5.3.11 Project Often the project name will have been set using the PC software. It is also possible to enter a project name manually. Select with the / -keys Project and press the -key OK. The following option appears:

With the arrow keys you are able to change the project name; letters and digits can be selected. Use the

-keys to set the desired value or to clear the name. With the / -keys the value to be changed, is selected. 5.3.12 Exiting the Change Settings menu If you have changed the settings of the VIBRA, you will be asked upon exiting this submenu whether changes need to be saved (Save Changes) or need to be discarded (Discard Changes). Select the desired option with the -key and confirm with the -key OK. PLEASE NOTE: if you choose to discard changes, all settings changed will be discarded and the old settings will stay active.


5.4 Option 'Date and Time' The VIBRA is equipped with a quartz-clock to accurately keep track of time and date. This is a requirement for vibration monitoring, since it is essential to know exactly when certain "vibration events" have taken place. Select Date and Time in the main menu and activate by pressing OK.

Date and time can be changed with the arrow keys. Normally, the time only needs to be adjusted when crossing time zones or when wintertime goes over into summer time (and vice versa). The internal calendar of the VIBRA keeps track of the various months and the leap years. The data and time can easily be set via the Change Settings Dialog in the PC software. The moment the measurement settings are sent to the VIBRA, the system also adopt the PC time. 5.5 Option 'Display Contrast' This option is used to adapt the contrast of the display. The display of the VIBRA is a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). The contrast of normal LCDs is influenced by temperature. By registering the temperature, the VIBRA will compensate the contrast automatically in case the temperature changes. Corrections made are such that the optimal readability of the display is guaranteed. However, users may have an individual preference with regard to this aspect. With this option you can define your preference. Upon entering this option, the following screen will appear on the VIBRA:

With the -key the number is ascended by 1 and the text will become brighter. The same applies to the -key, only then the number is descended by 1 and the text becomes darker. It is possible to choose from 41 options, between -20 and +20.


5.6 Option 'Erase Data' With this option it is possible to erase the memory of the VIBRA. It is strongly recommended to upload the stored data to a PC or laptop, before a new measurement is started. Next, the memory of the VIBRA can be cleared by means of the option Erase Data of the VIBRA. Select in the main menu of the VIBRA the option Erase Data and activate with the -key OK. The VIBRA verifies directly whether all data have been uploaded to a computer through the USB communication link. In case no data or not all the data has been uploaded to a computer, a warning will be displayed on screen:

With the -key ESC you can return to the main menu to export data. By pressing the OK-key data will be permanently erased from the memory of the VIBRA. Once all data has been cleared from the memory, the main menu will appear on screen. Data has been cleared from the memory. You can verify this by checking the memory indicator right at the bottom of the screen, which should be empty. 5.7 Option 'Test Alarm' An external alarm beacon can be attached to the VIBRA via the USB port. To test an alarm beacon attached to the VIBRA, select this option and press -key OK. The display colours of the VIBRA will be inverted, showing the text Alarm Test and simultaneously one of the pins in the USB socket will be activated; the alarm beacon should start to blink. If not, check the cable and the cable connections and/or replace the 2 D-size alkaline batteries. In case the batteries are low, the beacon will blink 10 times faster than normally.

Press -key to return to the main menu.


5.8 Option 'Send E mail' (VIBRA+-option) This menu option is only available in the VIBRA+. To send a data e-mail containing the peak data (except traces) of the past 24 hours, press the -key OK. Of course, a SIM card should be installed in the VIBRA+ and the modem settings should be correct. Please find a detailed description in chapter 7. 5.9 Switching Off Press the -key OFF in the main menu to switch off the VIBRA. If you are in a submenu, press twice to switch off. Before switching off, the VIBRA will automatically store all data and settings in its memory. If an on/off time has been set, the system will notify you and ask for activation. See also paragraph 4.2.5 5.10 Memory and battery On the display of the VIBRA the remaining battery power (left) and memory space (right) is continuously displayed:

In short:

• to check remaining battery power: the fuller the indicator, the longer the VIBRA can operate without changing batteries.

• to check remaining memory: the emptier the indicator, the more memory space is available for storing measuring values and traces.

While measuring remaining battery power and memory can also be checked in the measuring menu, whereby:

- Peak = measured and saved peak values in % of the peak memory - Trace = measured and saved traces, minimally 1 with a maximum of 9 per hour in % of the trace memory - Bat. = % remaining battery power

Batteries The VIBRA operates with 3 D-format, 1.5V alkaline batteries. When these batteries are new, they can supply the VIBRA with power during a period of approximately 28 days. The fuller the indicator on the bottom left of the display, the longer the VIBRA can still be operational.


When you measure with a VIBRA+ and have activated the e-mail function, this period is shorter. Regularly check the remaining battery power in the daily status e-mail. If the battery power is below the 3.6 Volt (11%), the system will not send e-mails anymore. It will be able to measure for several days. When the batteries are empty, the VIBRA will switch off automatically and will make sure that all data is retained. After replacing the empty batteries with new ones, the VIBRA can be switched on again and the data can be retrieved by connecting the VIBRA to a computer. See paragraph 3.3.1. for the correct procedure to replace the batteries. Optional: USB adapter To lengthen measuring time a special USB adapter can be obtained at Profound, enabling connection of the VIBRA via USB to the mains (220V).Thus you can measure indefinitely until the memory is full. The batteries should not be removed from the VIBRA, as the battery power is needed for the GPRS/internet functions. Memory The amount of free data memory, available for data storage, is indicated on the bottom right of the display. The emptier the indicator, the more memory space is available for storing measuring values and traces. Before starting a new measurement with the VIBRA, it is recommended to start with an empty internal data memory and full batteries. If necessary, remove data via the option Erase Data in the main menu and/or replace the batteries with new alkaline ones. 6.0 VIBRA PC software The VIBRA presents and stores vibration signals on site. Later on, all data can be easily transferred to a Windows® PC with the VIBRA PC software for further analysis. This chapter describes how to install and make optimum use of the PC software. You can also program the VIBRA via the PC software. The VIBRA PC software has an electronic help function that can be found in the Help menu or via short key F1. To ensure data protection each VIBRA has its own unique license file, as described in paragraph 6.1. Installation of the PC software including driver has been described in paragraph 6.2. Information about downloading, saving and exporting measuring data can be found in paragraph 6.3. With the information in paragraph 6.4 you will be able to program and lock the VIBRA with the PC software.

Please note: the available data memory of the VIBRA has been split into 2. Top part of the indicator displays the memory for the measuring data, bottom part the memory for thetraces. If one part of the memory is full, it will not influence the other part.


6.1 Unique license file Each VIBRA has been equipped with a unique license file. The license file functions as a key to the VIBRA in order to prevent unauthorized access to the system and the measuring data. However, you will always be able to read out the VIBRA with a PC or laptop to avoid undesired problems in the field, but the downloaded data can only be viewed in combination with the license file. The license file can be used on any PC, but may also be placed in a PC-network in order to enable automatic access for all the users in your company. Several users may use the VIBRA PC software simultaneously. Please note: Profound BV provides the license file only once. Distributing the file to third parties enables them to access your system. 6.2 Installation: PC software, licence file, driver Please follow the steps below once to enable communication between the VIBRA and a Windows® PC: 1. Install the VIBRA PC software. Insert the Profound software CD into the drive of your PC or laptop.

The wizard to install new software will automatically start up. If not, manually select and run the file setup.exe. The software will automatically be installed in the directory \Program Files\Profound\Vibra. The software may also be placed in a PC-network. PC’s connected to the network PC can use the software simultaneously.

2. Copy the license file (extension *.lic) to the required directory. Depending of the number of

VIBRA’s and the kind of user, several options are available: - Local user:

a) 1 VIBRA: Copy the license file from the Profound CD to any directory on your local hard disk, preferably in the same directory as the PC software (VIBRA.exe). Default installation directory is: C:\Program Files\Profound\Vibra.

example of a license file b) more than one VIBRA: Combine the license files from the delivered Profound CDs in 1 license file (extension *.lic). You can copy the code and combine them in one file using a simple text program, like Microsoft® WordPad. Then you only place the new license file in a directory at your local drive, preferably in the same directory as the PC software (VIBRA.exe). The standard installation directory is: C:\Program Files\Profound\Vibra.


combined license files into 1 file

- Network users: The license file for 1 or more VIBRA's, as described above, can also be used in a PC network. Several users can make use of the VIBRA PC software at the same time. If the license file is placed on the network, users connected to the network get access automatically.

3. Open the VIBRA PC software and choose the option License in the File menu.

Select in the menu the license file belonging to the VIBRA(‘s) and select Open. You now have access to the VIBRA('s). As described in step 2, a license file can contain the license codes of more than one VIBRA.

4. Finally, connect the VIBRA to the PC with the USB-cable. Use the USB port at the right side of the

VIBRA. The Windows® PC will automatically start up the ‘Found New Hardware Wizard’. The screen dumps below show the necessary choices to install the VIBRA driver successfully:


Choose: No, not this time

Choose: Install from a list or specific location

Choose: Include this location in the search: C:\Program Files\Profound\Vibra

Choose: Continue Anyway


You have now successfully finished the installation procedure to enable data communication.

6.3 Processing measuring data To download measuring data to a PC, the VIBRA PC software and the VIBRA driver must have been installed on the PC. Without license file you can download data (so you will always be able to read out the VIBRA with any PC or laptop), but the downloaded data can only be viewed in combination with the license file. 6.3.1 Downloading data 1. Connect the VIBRA to the PC with the USB cable. It is not necessary to switch on the VIBRA, as it

automatically switches on the moment the PC seeks contact. Start the VIBRA PC software in the Profound software menu.

2. The Dialog menu will be automatically opened. If not, select the option New in the File menu (short key: Ctrl + N).

3. Click Download Data. The PC will automatically download the date including traces from the memory of the VIBRA.


4. Save the data with the option Save in the File menu. You can also export data files as Text- or SGPlot file with the option Export in the File menu. Choose the text-format (ASCII) to process measuring data in Windows® Excel.

6.3.2 Viewing data After downloading the data are directly presented on screen, numerically as well as graphically. The PC software shows the data according to DIN or SBR depending on the measurements settings and VIBRA model. The first tab Saved Traces gives an overview of the measurement including the measurement settings.

Click the different tabs to view the measuring data. Display settings can be adjusted with the Plot Settings below on the screen. Please find further explanations and help in the electronic help of the PC software.


With the Enter-key or mice you can select and view a trace:


Zoom function: each graph can be viewed more closely. Select the desired graph.

With the left mouse button select the zoom area:


Use the right mouse button to go back to the original or click the undo/redo buttons at the top.


6.3.3 Exporting data (graphically and numerically) 6.3.3.1 Graphical data export 1.Graphs can be directly copied from the VIBRA PC software program into a word-processing program. Choose Copy in the Edit menu. Then paste the result in the desired program, as shown:

2.Graphs can also be directly printed via the option Print in the File menu. 6.3.3.2 Numerical data export 3.The measurement data can be exported as text-file. Choose the ASCII-format (*.csv) to process data in Windows® Excel. If you still use SGPlot, you can also export the data as *sgp-file. Select in the File menu the desired option Export as. In the menu as shown below, you can select your preferred output.


3.Option Export as Text: DIN and SBR window Numerical data 'Export as Text' as a batch file If you only use the VIBRA PC software to export to a text-file, you can also automate this procedure via a batch file. Then the *.vib-files are directly exported in *.csv-files. There are two options to do so:

Please note: bold means retype precisely underlined means replace by the described option

1) The software asks the user what needs to be exported When you call up the VIBRA PC software as follows, the Export Options dialog from the VIBRA PC software appears on the screen, followed by the Save File dialog: Vibra.exe --export-text name of vib-file Please note: you need to add the vibra program directory to the PATH variable or use the full path for vibra.exe. 2) Exporting data fully automated When you call up the VIBRA PC software as follows, no interaction is necessary at all: Vibra.exe --export-text=options-file name of vib-file Please note: you need to add the vibra program directory to the PATH variable or use the full path for vibra.exe. The necessary options file contain 1 option per line. The text is not case sensitive and leading and trailing white space is ignored. All unknown or unexpected options will be ignored without error notification. The text file has the same name as the vibra file, except that the .vib extension is replaced by .csv, .txt or any other extension as defined in the options file.


The following options are available: Channels (1 or more): X Y Z Fields (1 or more): Velocity FFT ZC Acceleration Displacement KB Magnitude Text Format (choose one) CSV Fixed Date/Time Format (0 or 1) Days Seconds File Extension: Extension=.ext An example of an export options file: -------BEGIN-EXPORT.TXT---------- X Y Z Velocity FFT CSV Extension=-v-fft.csv -------END-EXPORT.TXT----------


6.4 Programming and locking the VIBRA with the PC software You can program the VIBRA on the VIBRA itself, as described in paragraph 5.3, or send the desired settings to the VIBRA with the PC software running the correct licence file. In addition you can (partly) lock the VIBRA for security reasons with the PC software. Advantages of programming the VIBRA via the PC

- Fully of partially locking the VIBRA for ‘measurement’ safety reasons - Based on the chosen settings the PC software directly indicates the expected

measurement duration until the VIBRA’s memory is full. This indication is based on an empty memory and without taking into account a Save Level.

- Any changed settings ànd the PC date and time are send to the VIBRA the moment you click OK. As a result summer/winter time can easily be changed in several systems. Also synchronising VIBRA’s for the same project is simpler.

Procedure Connect the VIBRA to the PC with the USB cable. It is not necessary to switch on the VIBRA. It will automatically switch on the moment the PC tries to establish the connection. Start up the VIBRA PC software in the Profound PC software. The menu Connected VIBRAS will automatically pop up. If not, select the option New in the File menu (short key: Ctrl + N). The following menu will appear on the screen:

If the message Locked is shown after the serial number, the unique licence file belonging to the system has not been found. Close the menu and follow steps 2 and 3 as described in paragraph 6.2.


With unlocked systems you can click on Change Settings to change the following settings as desired:

• Interval • Save Level • Peak Type (VIBRA-sbr and VIBRA+ option only) • Alarm Level • Alarm Duration • Traces • On/Off (Timer function)

o Switch On/Off o Measure On (VIBRA+ option only)

• Project (name) • Disable the following features: Keyboard, Change Settings, Change Date/Time, Manual Email,

Stop Measurement, Clear Maximum, Erase Data

Changed settings and the PC date and time are sent to the VIBRA the moment you click OK.


6.4.1 Settings Interval This option is the same as the option Interval in the Change Settings menu of the VIBRA, as described in paragraph 5.3.1. Per interval the VIBRA saves the measured peak values. To change the set interval: click the arrow at the right of the interval time and select the desired interval of 1 second up to 15 minutes in the dropdown menu. Save Level This option is the same as the option Save Level in the Change Settings menu of the VIBRA, as described in paragraph 5.3.2. You can set or change a threshold value (maximum velocity in mm/s). If the vibrations stay below the threshold during an interval, nothing will be saved. Peak Type (VIBRA-sbr/VIBRA+ option only) This option is the same as the option Peak Type in the Change Settings menu of the VIBRA-sbr and VIBRA+, as described in paragraph 5.3.3. The options of Peak Type are: normal, cat 1, cat 2 of cat 3 refer to the building classification in categories as described in DIN 4150 - part 3 and SBR - part A. Before starting a measurement it is advised to select the relevant category. Then the dominant frequency method is applied correctly and accordingly the chosen standard. The chosen Peak Type is also used for the smart alarm of the VIBRA+, as described in paragraph 5.3.6. Alarm Level This option is the same as the option Alarm Level in the Change Settings menu of the VIBRA, as described in paragraph 5.3.6. Default the alarm is off. You can set an alarm between 0.01 and 99.99 mm/s. Traces This option is the same as the option Traces in the Change Settings menu of the VIBRA, as described in paragraph 5.3.8. With this option a full measuring signal of the highest peak value(s) is recorded every hour. The duration of a trace is 2 seconds. Per hour between 1 and 9 traces can be saved. On/Off This option is the same as the option On/Off in the Change Settings menu of the VIBRA, as described in paragraph 5.3.9. Tick the option Enable On/Off Time, if you would like to measure during specific times and/or on specific days (VIBRA+ option only). Project With this option you can easily set a project name. If at the start of the measurement the memory of the VIBRA is empty, this project name will be used for the data file name. Preferably use a clearly identifiable file name, like VIB0001 Main Street 24a


6.4.2 Locking functions Disable the following features With this option you (partly) lock the VIBRA, thus prohibiting unauthorized persons to use the system. If a system has been locked, the message Access denied appears on screen the moment someone wants to operate the system or open a locked option. By ticking the option Keyboard the whole system will be locked, as soon as OK has been selected in the above menu and the system has been disconnected from the PC/laptop. Consequently, two options are possible:

• if the system was measuring the moment of locking, it will continue to do so according to the settings including any set on/off times.

• if the system was switched off at the moment of locking, it cannot be switched on manually. The system will switch on and off automatically if on/off times have been set. In that case, the message Keyboard Locking, Wakeup Enabled appears on the display of the VIBRA. See also paragraph 4.2.5.

As soon as the VIBRA has been connected to the PC via the USB and the PC software including the corresponding licence file runs on the same PC, the system is not locked as long as it is connected to the PC. You can also choose to only lock certain menu options: Change Settings, Change Date/Time, Manual Email, Stop Measurement, Clear Maximum and Erase Data. Tick the desired option(s), click OK and disconnect the VIBRA to activate locking. 6.4.3 VIBRA User ID Via the option User ID in the VIBRA menu of the PC software you can use your own numbering/coding of your VIBRA(‘s). The information filled in this space with a maximum of 8 characters, will be used in naming the files and titles of the graphs. This User ID is saved in the VIBRA itself and replaces the serial number. Please find more information in the electronic help of the PC software. Default the User ID is empty and will the serial number of the VIBRA be used. 6.4.4 Generating a sublicense You can now rent out a system whereby you can generate a sublicense thus giving the client access to the measuring data until a specific expiration date. The file with measurement data will stay permanently accessible in combination with both the sublicense as well as the original license. Please note: with a sublicense a client cannot change settings in the system via the PC software. The sublicense holder will be able to directly program the system and to measure with and download data from the system until the expiration date and if it has not been locked by the license holder. Please follow the steps below to create a sublicense:

1. Open the VIBRA PC software 2. Connect the VIBRA to the PC


3. The following dialog will pop up or select Sublicense in the VIBRA menu. Of course, the system must be unlocked with the correct licence file to be able to create a sublicense.

4. Choose Sublicense. Give in the sublicense name (e.g. project name, client name) and if desired, an expiration date. Please note: the expiration date of the sublicense cannot be after the original license expiration date.

5. Click OK and then automatically you will be asked where to save the Sublicense file.The

system has now been sublicensed and is ready for use by the sublicensee until the expiration date. Measurement data files within the sublicense period will stay permanently accessible.

6. Provide the sublicensee with the sublicense and if necessary, with the VIBRA PC software

on USB key or CD.


7.0 Wireless data transfer and e-mail alarm via GPRS (VIBRA+-option) With the VIBRA+ the measured peak data can be sent to a preset e-mail address. If enabled, you will automatically receive the peak data of the last 24 hours on a daily basis. The measuring data mailed does not include traces. Of course, traces are saved by the VIBRA and can be downloaded via USB to any PC or laptop. It is also possible to e-mail the data anytime by selecting the option Send E-mail in the main menu or the measuring menu of the VIBRA+ in the field. Please follow the guidelines below in order to enable wireless data transfer:

- Installation of the GPRS SIM card in the VIBRA+ - Activating the mobile internet subscription with the VIBRA PC software - Testing the connection

GPRS M2M Data SIM card To enable wireless data transfer, it is necessary to acquire a SIM data card in combination with a GPRS data M2M (Machine to machine) subscription. This service is provided by local mobile phone providers. You do not need to purchase the additional PC card that most providers offer in combination with such a subscription. 7.1 Installation of the SIM card in the VIBRA+

PLEASE NOTE: only install a SIM card with activated subscription without pin. You can check this by placing the SIM card in a (GPRS) mobile phone and by sending a SMS.

Step 1: Check whether the VIBRA+ has been switched off. Place the VIBRA+ front side down on a flat and clean surface. Remove the 4 hexagon socket screws (size A2) at the back with the provided Alan key (size 2.5 mm).

Step 2: Carefully take off the cover and continue immediately with the next step. Please do not touch the electronics on the circuit board at any time.


Step 3: The modem is now clearly visible. The SIM-card should be placed at the left side of the modem..

1. Modem 2. SIM-card holder

Place the SIM-card with the notch positioned at the top left, as shown:

Step 4: Check the black rubber sealing in the VIBRA+. Remove any dirt. Replace and screw

the cover on the VIBRA+. You have now successfully installed the SIM card.

To remove the SIM-card, follow the above-described steps. In step 4 remove the SIM-card instead of placing it in the VIBRA+. 7.2 Activating the mobile subscription: e-mail and GPRS settings After the installation of the SIM card, the data transfer by GPRS internet to your e-mail account can be activated:

2

1


Step 1: Connect the VIBRA+ to the PC via the USB cable. Open the VIBRA PC software. Select the option GPRS Settings in the VIBRA menu. Then, select GPRS Settings in the dialog window that pops up. The PC software will always show any settings that has already been entered.

Step 2: The following input dialog will appear:

The input for both the GPRS Access Point and the Outgoing Email Server has to be given by your GPRS and/or internet provider. I – GPRS Access Point Check with your GPRS provider whether you need to set a username/password. It is not always necessary to use one. The Server input differs per provider. For example, Vodafone uses live.vodafone.com ; KPN/Telfort use internet. II – Outgoing Email Server Mail Server Address is the address of the outgoing smtp-mail server. Preferably use the settings of your internet/e-mail provider, as they are specialised in reliable, 24/7 smtp-hosting. Otherwise, you can ask the GPRS provider for mail server information. The port to be used is 25. Changing this default setting might cause problems with the mail system. Click OK to save the settings to the VIBRA+ and close the dialog window.


Step 3: Select the option Email Settings in the VIBRA menu and again in the dialog window that appears.

Step 4: The following input dialog will appear:

Email Settings From Address The From Address is the e-mail address will be used by the mail system to send error messages to (for example when the mailbox of the addressee is full or does not exist anymore). Use an existing e-mail address that is checked regularly. From Name The text From Name is displayed in the addressee’s mailbox as sender, for example VIBRA and serial number. This field may be left empty. To Address The To Address is the e-mail address the data mail will be sent to. If this e-mail address is incorrect or out of use, an error message will be send to the From Address by the mail system. To Name The text in the To Name field is displayed as addressee of the e-mails. This field may be left empty. Enable Email This box must be ticked, if the addressee wants to receive e-mail. If this box has been ticked, the addressee receives a data and status e-mail on a daily basis. If an alarm has been set, the addressee will receive an e-mail alarm when the threshold has been exceeded. Please find more information in the paragraphs 7.4 and 7.5.


If this box has not been ticked, it is still possible to send an e-mail manually by using the option Send Email on the VIBRA+ (as described in paragraph 5.8). Time The time that the VIBRA+ should send the daily data and status mail. Please note: if an On/Off time has been set in the VIBRA+, the time entered has to fall within the On/Off time or exactly on the OFF time. If not, then the data will not be sent. More information about the On/Off functionality in paragraph 5.3.9 Press OK to leave the input menu and to save the settings in the VIBRA+. You will be notified, if the necessary data has not been entered or if the send time entered is not within the On/Off time.

Step 5: Test the modem and the settings. Switch on the VIBRA+. With the -key select the option Send E-mail in the main menu. The system will start up the data communication and if successful, send a status and data e-mail to the address provided. If the transfer is successful, the message Success appears for 5 seconds on the VIBRA screen. The addressee will receive a status and data e-mail (see paragraph 7.3) If not, an error message will be shown for 20 seconds. Please find an overview in paragraph 7.4.

7.3 Status and data per e-mail If the correct procedure, as described in the paragraphs 7.1 and 7.2, has been followed successfully, the VIBRA+ will send at the given time two e-mails (a status and a data mail) on a daily basis. The status e-mail has no attachment and is small in size. The data are sent as an attachment in a separate e-mail. The status e-mail provides information about battery status, GPRS connection, memory used and VIBRA

settings. It also gives a brief overview with measurement information: number of peak values per velocity interval, the highest peak value of every hour and the total number of saved measurement intervals. The data e-mail contains the *.vib file of the VIBRA+. These data can obviously only be viewed with the VIBRA PC software in combination with the licence file of the specific system. Checking the system remotely You can check the system remotely:

- If at the start of the measurement or while measuring the connection between geophone and the VIBRA+ has been cut off, the display will show Disconnected. In the status e-mail this will also be mentioned.

- Whether the VIBRA+ at the start of the measurement has been able to read the digital ID of the geophone can be checked in the data file. If not, the data file will not show the serial number of the geophone in the Start Measurement Info of the tab Saved Traces.

- If at the start of the measurement the geophone has not been placed horizontally, a question mark will be displayed on screen of the VIBRA+ after the relevant channel. In the data file send by e-mail the measurement values of this specific channel will be 0.


In paragraph 4.1.4 – geophone detection you can find more information about the abovementioned codes. Option Append (PC software) The daily received data via e-mail can be merged to one file with the option Append in the File menu of the VIBRA PC software. Open one of the received files, preferably the file first received and then append other files via this option. Please note: these data files should all have been sent by the same VIBRA+ and of the same measurement to merge the files successfully. Example daily status and data e-mail:


7.4 Troubleshooting concerning the e-mail function GPRS error messages on the screen of the VIBRA+. Please find below an overview of communication errors that might be shown by the VIBRA+:

Error code Error description Analysis and help

10 SIM not inserted The system cannot detect a SIM card in the VIBRA+. - Check whether a SIM card has been placed in the

VIBRA+ and the correct position of the SIM in the VIBRA+, as described in paragraph 7.1.

11 SIM PIN required. Use a regular mobile to disable the PIN code.

Apparently, the SIM card has been locked by a PIN code.

- Remove the SIM card from the VIBRA+, as described in paragraph 7.1. Place the SIM card in a (GPRS) mobile phone and use the phone to disable the PIN code. If necessary, contact your provider. Replace the SIM card in the VIBRA+ and retry.

12 SIM PUK required. Use a regular mobile phone to enter the PUK code.

The SIM card has been locked. You need the PUK code to unlock the SIM.

- Remove the SIM card from the VIBRA+, as described in paragraph 7.1. Use a mobile phone to enter the PUK code, as provided your GPRS provider. Replace the SIM card in the VIBRA+ and retry with the option Send E-mail.

107 GPRS services not allowed. Contact your provider to update your subscription.

The current subscription (GPRS SIM in combination with data subscription) is not valid for data transfer.

- Contact your provider to change or upgrade your subscription. It is necessary to obtain a SIM data card in combination with a GPRS data M2M (Machine to machine) subscription

148 Unspecified GPRS error Most probably, the signal strength (-dBm) is not enough to build up a reliable connection.

- Please move the VIBRA+ to another location and try again.

- The GPRS provider might be down. Try again later.

35868 GPRS: Connection aborted. Check your username and password.

Proper connection could not be established. - Please connect the VIBRA+ to the PC or laptop.

Open the VIBRA PC software. Check the username and password, as entered in the GPRS Settings. See paragraph 7.2 for a full description.


37964 No response from server. Check the email server address or try again later.

Proper connection could not be established. - The server might be down or the mail server address

is faulty. Check the email server address, as entered in the GPRS Settings. See paragraph 7.2 for a full description. Or try again later.

38016 Open session attempt failed. Check the email server address or try again later.

Proper connection could not be established. - The server might be down or the email server

address is faulty. Check the email server address, as entered in the GPRS Settings. See paragraph 7.2 for a full description. Or try again later.

38017 Data send attempt failed Proper connection could not be established and the data have not been sent.

- The server might have been down or the email

server address is faulty. Check the email server address, as entered in the GRPS Settings. See paragraph 7.2 for a full description.

- Try again later. The VIBRA+ modem will try again 24

hours later. If connection can be established, the data of the past 24 hours will be send. If not, check the GPRS Settings. See paragraph 7.2 for a full description.

- The battery power of the VIBRA+ might be too low

and therefore the data could not be send anymore. If possible, check the remaining battery capacity in the earlier received status e-mail(s) and if necessary, replace the batteries. It is advised to replace the batteries, if the battery voltage is below 3.6 Volt (11%). Below this value e-mails will not be sent anymore. The system will continue measuring for several days.

38027 DNS lookup failed. Check the email server address or try again later.

Proper connection could not be established. - The server might be down temporarily or the mail

server address is faulty. Check the mail server address, as entered in the GPRS Settings. See paragraph 7.2 for a full description.

- Try again later.

Reception of e-mails by addressee stagnates If the addressee does not receive e-mails anymore, this may have one of the following causes:

1. The battery power is too low. Therefore, e-mails cannot be send anymore. Check the remaining battery capacity in the earlier received status e-mail(s) and if necessary, replace the batteries. It is advised to replace the batteries, if the battery voltage is below 3.6 Volt (11%). Below this value e-mails will not be sent anymore. The system will be able to continue measuring for several days. You might consider connecting the system via the USB adapter to the mains (220V). See also paragraph 5.10.


2. Check the GPRS signal (indicated in –dBm). A poorer signal will ask more of the battery and will

hinder a successful mail transfer, specifically of the data e-mail. A signal up to – 75 dBm is preferred.

3. If the status and alarm e-mails are generally received without difficulty, it is most probably the

size of the data e-mail that causes the problem. This is linked with the e-mail protocol whereby the risk of errors increases the longer the transmission takes.

In general data e-mails with a size of about 100 kB will be transferred. If they are larger in size than 140 kB, successful transfer will be more difficult. The VIBRA+ will daily try to send the data file containing the peak values of the past 24 hours.

You can reduce the data e-mail in size by increasing the measurement interval or the data save level. An interval of 1 minute without save level is a ‘safe’ setting. With save level an interval of 30 s is usual. 7.5 E-mail alarm function The e-mail alarm function starts automatically, if:

- an alarm level has been set on the VIBRA+. - the e-mail function has been activated via the PC software.

When an alarm level has been set in the Change Settings menu and the threshold was exceeded during measuring, the alarm will be activated and shown on display and also by the alarm beacon (if connected). In version 2.* and higher the alarm email is no longer linked with the alarm on display/beacon. The only common setting is the level of the alarm. The PC software has a separate check box which enables you to activate the alarm email. If ticked, the VIBRA+ checks every 15 minutes whether the alarm level has been exceeded. If so, an alarm e-mail will be send. The alarm e-mail will be transmitted on fixed times, that is every 15 minutes after the time of transmission of the status and data mail. The e-mail will contain the data of maximally the last 30 minutes. Thus you will not be ‘spammed’ by e-mails and no more than 4 e-mails will be send every hour. The e-mail alarm will be send to the addressee as set in the E-mail Settings of the VIBRA menu in the VIBRA PC software, as described in paragraph 7.2.

Please find a schematic overview in appendix III of this manual


Example of an e-mail alarm: alarm status and data mail:


Appendix I Technical specifications - Profound VIBRA - Profound VIBRA range: detailed features overview - VIBRA geophone - VIBRA alarm beacon

Profound reserves the right to revise this documentation or to make improvements or changes in the product(s) at any time.

VIBRA VIBRA-sbr VIBRA+ Profound VIBRA-series With the Profound VIBRA you can easily monitor vibrations, which may cause damage to buildings and sensitive equipment. The robust aluminium housing is IP65 watertight. The system is easily portable, lightweight and battery-operated which allows for up to 4 weeks of continuous and undisturbed operation. The Profound VIBRA-series comprises the VIBRA, the VIBRA-sbr and the VIBRA+. The specific characteristics of each system are further outlined in the VIBRA features list. Depending on the chosen version of the VIBRA, the system is of national and international standards, such as the SBR 2002, the DIN 4150 and the DIN 45669. Setting up the system on site is easy: attach the 3-dimensional sensor to the structure to be monitored, switch on the system and start measuring. While measuring the VIBRA displays date, time, time interval and the current vibration values including frequency in all 3 directions. The remaining battery capacity and available memory are permanently shown on the display. During measuring it is also possible to view maximum vibration levels. In advance an alarm level can also be set. For full interpretation options the VIBRA is connected via USB to a Windows PC.

Technical specifications VIBRA-series Maximum /v/, maximum /a/ and frequency

In x, y, z-direction per time interval

Velocity range 0 – 100 mm/s Resolution display 0.01 mm/s Resolution AD-converter 0.001 mm/s (24 bits ADC) Geophone correction Digital IR filter Frequency range and accuracy

DIN 45669-1 June 1995, accuracy class 1 or

SBR – part A, B 2002 Graphical display ≥ 4 lines; display backlight; anti-reflex

coating; anti-scratch Sensor type 3-channel geophone (x-, y-, z-direction) Storage capacity 4 MB Storage interval 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 30, 60 s;

1, 2, 5, 10, 15 min. Data save level adjustable between 0.01-100.00 mm/s

(or always) Alarm level adjustable between 0.01-100.00 mm/s

(or none) Clock stability ≈ 5 minutes/year at 25°C Temperature range (operating)

- 20°C to + 60°C

Protection rating IP65 according to DIN 40 050/IEC 529 Casing Aluminium Batteries 3 x 1.5 V Alkaline D-size batteries Battery life ≈ 28 days (continuous operation) Data retention 10 years (minimum) at 25°C PC software program Windows 2000/XP Communication port USB data transfer Size 216 x 160 x 50 mm Weight 2 kg Accessories 50 m cable reel Kensington® Security Cable Flashing alarm beacon External power via USB adapter:

Vmains 100 ↔ 240 V, 47 ↔ 63 Hz

P.O. Box 469 Tel. + 31 182 - 640 964 2740 AL Waddinxveen [email protected] The Netherlands www.profound.nl VIB010/05/2006

Profound Vibration Monitoring

Main characteristics/advantages VIBRA-series

Fully continuous and automatic registration of the vibration peak values during a long period of time.

The VIBRA-series is in accordance with national

and international standards ‘Vibration in buildings' - Effects on structures' and 'Effects on persons in buildings', such as the DIN 4150 – part 2 and 3, DIN 45669 and the SBR 2002

Real-time interpretation and verification of the

vibration levels against ruling codes Unattended vibration measuring for weeks due to the high-tech, low power

consumption electronic design in combination with software intelligence.

Compact, robust field-computer that is very easy to operate.

Professional and fast (graphical) presentation of the monitoring results.

The option to connect an external alarm beacon to the system.

Easy comparison of measuring results: more than one VIBRA can be installed at the same location and the units are easily synchronized.

Specific advantages of the VIBRA+

Full compliance with DIN 4150 - part 2 and 3/SBR – part A, B including:

o Simultaneous measurements o Dominant frequency determination with FFT method o Software processing o KBft and Kbfmax/Veff,max

Smart alarm (frequency dependent alarm)

Daily status and data e-mail via GPRS/internet E-mail alarm via GPRS/internet

Peak displacement recorded for each channel

Automatic level- and calibration checks

VIBRA PC Trace Recorder (for continuous trace time/velocity trace recording)

© 2007 Profound

Profound B.V. P.O. Box 469 2740 AL Waddinxveen The Netherlands Phone +31 182 640 964 Fax +31 182 649 664 E-mail [email protected] Website www.profound.nl


VIBRA VIBRA-sbr VIBRA+ Profound VIBRA-series: detailed features overview VIBRA VIBRA-sbr VIBRA+ Trace option Velocity versus time curve ● ● ● AD-converter 24 bits delta sigma data conversion ● ● ● Resolution display 0.01 mm/s ● ● ● Resolution AD-converter 0.001 mm/s ● ● ●

Accuracy DIN 45669-1 June 1995, accuracy class 1 ● ● ● Frequency characteristic Lower limit (-3dB): 0.8 Hz (12 dB/oct.)

Upper limit (-3dB): 100 Hz (12 dB/oct.) ● ●

Zero crossing method ● ● Dominant frequency determination FFT (Hanning window) ●

DIN 4150-2 ●

DIN

Data processing DIN 4150-3 ● ●

Accuracy Part A and B, 2002 0.85 ≤ Δ ≤ 1.15 ● ●

Frequency characteristic Part A: Lower limit (-3 dB): 0.8 Hz Upper limit (-3 dB): 125 Hz Part B: Lower limit (-3 dB): 0.8 Hz Upper limit (-3 dB): 100 Hz

● ●

Dominant frequency determination

Method I Method II ● ●

SBR

Data processing SBR Part A SBR Part B ● ●

Sample frequency 1024 Hz ● ● ● Velocity data save level Adjustable between 0.01-100 mm/s (or always) ● ● ● Alarm level Adjustable between 0.01-100 mm/s (or none) ● ● ● Clock stability ≈ 5 minutes/year at 25°C ● ● ● Smart alarm level Frequency dependent maximum velocity,

complying with the SBR or DIN levels ●

Optical signal device Flashing alarm beacon (via USB cable) ● ● ● External power 5 Volt supplied to the VIBRA USB connector ● ● ● GSM/GPRS/internet mail function Wireless data transmission ● Maximum displacement / u / ux uy uz per time interval ● VIBRA PC Trace Recorder Continuous time/velocity trace recording ●

Digital ID ● ● ● Geophone detection ● ● ● Digital correction of the sensitivity ● ● ● Digital correction of the fres and Q ● ● Automatic inclination check ●

VIBRA Geophone

Automatic calibration check ●

Windows 2000/XP ● ● ● Processing according to SBR-guidelines ● ● Processing according to DIN-guidelines ● ●

PC software

Extensive graphical data presentation including precise date time axis. Various data exporting options, e.g. as ASCII-(*.csv) file

● ● ●

P.O. Box 469 Tel. + 31 182 - 640 964 2740 AL Waddinxveen [email protected] The Netherlands www.profound.nl

VIB010/11/2007



VIBRA geophone Profound VIBRA geophone The Profound geophone for the VIBRA range has been designed for high-performance vibration monitoring. Advanced mounting The ball joint in combination with the wall bracket facilitates precise orientation of the geophone in the correct x-, y- or z-direction, as well as enabling fine tuning of the vial. Digital ID The geophone has an electronic datasheet, which also includes the serial number. Therefore, the source of measurement data can always be traced. High-performance Besides continuously monitoring the x-, y- and z-direction, the VIBRA also automatically corrects the measurement data for the individual sensitivity of each geophone channel. This guarantees high-quality measurements and performance. Plus The VIBRA geophone in combination with the VIBRA+ offers the following extras: - Digital measurement of the geophone's

inclination, assuring that measurements are carried out with a correctly positioned geophone.

- Based on data from the electronic datasheet, the VIBRA+ not only corrects the sensitivity, but also the resonance frequency and the quality factor with the help of digital correction filters.

More information about the Profound VIBRA range can be found in the technical specifications of the VIBRA.

Technical specifications VIBRA geophone Channels 3 (x-, y-, z-direction) Sensitivity 23.3 Vs/m Resonance frequency (fres) 8 Hz ± 0.5 Hz Output Resistance (Rout) 330 Ohm Quality factor (Q) 0.75 Distortion at 18 mm/s and 12 Hz < 0.2 % fres within tolerance < 15º Sensitivity of the vial 53 arc minutes (R130 mm) Electronic datasheet (ID) Serial number; calibration

date; sensitivity; fres ; Rout; Q

Temperature range (operating) - 20°C to + 60°C Protection rating IP65 according to

DIN 40 050/IEC 529 Size Ø 74 mm Mass 0.48 kg Moving mass 11 ± 0.5 g (each channel)

Extra on VIBRA+ Inclination measurement Accessories cable reel of 50 m



100 101 102

100

101

102

MEASURING RANGE VIBRA

frequency [Hz]

velo

city

[mm

/s]

Geophone f= 8 Hz Q=0.707DIN 45669-1 calibration point DIN 45669-2 free standing geophone a < 3m/s2 and f < 100 Hz Geophone displacement limit 0.8 mmGeophone displacement limit 0.8 mm inclination 5 degreesVibra vmax = 100 mm/s umax < 0.8 mm


VIBRA geophone cone

Profound VIBRA geophone cone The Profound geophone cone for the VIBRA range has been designed for high-performance ground vibration monitoring, measuring dynamic soil parameters. Installation of the geophone cone with standard cone penetration rods can be done by pushing it to the desired depth. When the desired depth has been reached, the rod is slightly retracted to minimise the vibration influence of the penetration rods. Digital ID The geophone cone has an electronic datasheet including the serial number. Therefore, the source of measurement data can always be traced. High-performance Besides continuously monitoring the x-, y- and z-direction, the VIBRA also automatically corrects the measurement data for the individual sensitivity of each geophone channel. This guarantees high-quality measurements and performance. VIBRA+ The VIBRA geophone cone in combination with the VIBRA+ offers the following extras: - Detection of the geophone's inclination,

assuring that measurements are carried out with a correctly positioned geophone.

- Based on data from the electronic datasheet, the VIBRA+ not only corrects the sensitivity, but also the resonance frequency and the quality factor with the help of digital correction filters.

VIB.00350 VIBRA geophone cone Channels 3 (X-, Y-, Z-direction) Sensitivity (typical) 23.3 Vs/m Resonance frequency (fres) 8 Hz ± 0.5 Hz Output Resistance (Rout) 330 Ohm Quality factor (Q) 0.75 Distortion at 18 mm/s and 12 Hz < 0.2 % fres within tolerance < 15º Max. inclination ≤ 5º Electronic datasheet (ID) Serial number; calibration date;

sensitivity; fres ; Rout; Q

Protection rating IP66 according to DIN 40 050/IEC 529

Material 42CrMo4V Density 4500 kg/m3 Cone diameter Ø 49.5 mm Cone length 190 mm Mass 1.280 kg Moving mass 11 ± 0.5 g (each channel) Screw thread GeoMil standard for CPT tubes VIBRA connector LEMO K Series Cable length 10 m cable Accessory VIB.00320 cable reel 50 m



100 101 102

100

101

102

MEASURING RANGE VIBRA

frequency [Hz]

velo

city

[mm

/s]

Geophone f= 8 Hz Q=0.707DIN 45669-1 calibration point DIN 45669-2 free standing geophone a < 3m/s2 and f < 100 Hz Geophone displacement limit 0.8 mmGeophone displacement limit 0.8 mm inclination 5 degreesVibra vmax = 100 mm/s umax < 0.8 mm


VIBRA alarm beacon

VIBRA alarm beacon The VIBRA alarm beacon is a self powered portable alarm that can easily be connected to a system from the VIBRA range. As soon as a preset threshold is exceeded, a clearly visible alarm signal is activated. The high intensity flashing LEDs quickly notify personnel, independent of the weather circumstances. You set the alarm level and interval for the beacon with the VIBRA. Proper operation of the beacon can also be tested anytime. After commencing the measurement and upon exceeding the preset alarm threshold, the system will automatically show an alarm text on the display and also activate the alarm beacon. The beacon will keep flashing for the preset duration. Long operating life The internal batteries guarantee a long operating life. If the batteries need to be changed, the flashing frequency will increase. The alarm beacon is operated by the same current batteries as the VIBRA. Flexible If the project requires another kind of alarm, the internal relais offers a flexible opportunity to link to other alarm systems.

Technical specifications Flashing frequency fflash = 1.5 Hz LEDs 8 (4 back-, 4 front side) Total luminous intensity 2 x 40 cd Colour signal light High intensity red Alarm threshold range Set with the VIBRA: 0.1 to 99.9 mm/s

(or none) Alarm duration Set with the VIBRA: manually switching

off or during 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60 minutes

Batteries 2 x 1.5 V Alkaline D-size batteries Operating life > 40 hours Battery-low indication fflash = 15 Hz Size 220 x 120 x 90 mm Weight 1.4 kg Temperature range - 10°C tot + 50°C Protection rating IP65 according to DIN 40 050/IEC 529 Housing Black aluminium; red polycarbonate

lens Carrying Integrated handle Cable length 3 m Connector USB Internal relais < 24 V , < 1 A Extra function Alarm test

P.O. Box 469 Tel. + 31 (0)182 - 640 964 2740 AL Waddinxveen www.profound.nl The Netherlands [email protected] VIB040/01/2006



Appendix II Signal flow chart VIBRA-series


Appendix III Schematic overview e-mail alarm


Appendix IV Schematic overview VIBRA USB plug (alarm connection)

Pin1

Pin4 470 Ohm

3.0 VoltB-typeUSB plug

On/Off

VIBRA As soon as a preset threshold is exceeded, the VIBRA activates a 3.0 Volt voltage in pin 1 of the USB port. The voltage is limited by a 470 Ohm resistor. If the alarm is not activated, pin 1 is floating. If the project requires another kind of alarm, the internal relay in the VIBRA alarm beacon offers a flexible opportunity to link to other alarm systems. The VIBRA alarm beacon has an extra connection port at the side (covered with a grey plug). The matching connector has been placed in the battery compartment of the alarm beacon.


Appendix V Recommended vibration criteria to avoid building damage Vibration damage to a building depends on the state and properties of a building, such as:

1. Soil properties and geotechnical data 2. Foundation type 3. Type of structural system: main bearing structure/non-bearing elements 4. Age and (historic or cultural) value 5. State of the building

Structural categories Some building categories have been classified to determine which buildings or parts of buildings can be safely exposed to vibration. The classification accounts for the risk of damage as well and are described in detail in DIN 4150. Relevant vibration data Peak value The probability of structural damage from vibrations is related to the vibration velocity peak value. Several damage mechanisms are possible and thus vibrations limits are usually stated in codes limiting the vibration velocity peak value. A vibration signal’s peak value is the largest positive or negative deviation from the zero level during the measuring period (see ISO 2041:1982). Dominant frequency Vibration limits can depend on frequency and thus the dominant frequency must also be determined. Different governing codes German standard (DIN 4150 part 1 and 2) The German standard DIN 4150 part 1 was published in June 2001, part 2 in June 1999. It contains limits to the peak velocity measured at the foundation level for three types of frequency dependent buildings. For more details you can consult this code, available in German and English at the website www.din.de of the Deutsches Institut für Normung e.V. Dutch codes (SBR and CUR) The Dutch Foundation for Building Research (SBR) code for measuring and judging vibration damage to buildings, SBR 2, has been republished in 2002. Please read for more details the SBR code, available at www.sbr.nl Another useful Dutch code was published in 1972 in CUR report 57. The limits are considered safe (according to present knowledge) and, thus, if peak values do not exceed the limits, no damage to the building or building parts will occur. For more details please read the code. British code The British standard BS 7385 part 2 was published in 1993. It contains limits to the peak velocity for two types of frequency dependent buildings. Consult the code for more details. International standard ISO 4866 The international standard ISO 4866 was published in 1987. This code gives an extensive method for making inventory studies into vibration measurements and assessing the influence of vibrations on buildings. The code does not contain a streamlined measurement method or fixed limits for vibrations. It is recommended, however, as a reference document for interest.

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