Anyone out there in the paper indust. using the new Commtest Vb7 and ascent software? If so what do you think so far? We are in the process of upgrading our software and possibly data collectors, since our current system has crashed and pretty old anyway. the two that we are looking at are commtest and CSI, just wanted some input form others before we make such a large buy. Thanks in advance, any information will be useful. I'm kind of leaning towards Commtest, what do ya'll think?

We discussed this in onerous detail a few months back on the vibration forum.

My advice is to stick with what you know.

I would love to stick to what I know but the system that I am used to; they no longer offer support and I would have to up-grade anyway. The Computer had crashed and even though I had back-ups the operating system is windows95, and we no longer have that, so not only would the company need to buy a new copy of windows95 but then we have to worry about corruption, anyway thats what the vendor of the current software said. So I guess I am back to my original question, but thanks for the reply.

Chad,

Old versions on CSI MasterTrend can run on Windows XP, so what is the real problem? Are CSI sales folks just trying to get you to purchase the latest RBMware?

I agree with the comment about sticking with what you know (CSI), but this should not be the only factor in considering "jumping ship". You migh want to make a detailed list of what is important and necessary by categories such as software features, hardware features, start up time, survey time, analysis/results time, training time/cost, vendor support, initial product cost, and annual update cost.
I use CSI products, but I wouldn't recommend you stay with CSI or move on based on the limited information you provided. I prefer to approach condition monitoring from a fundamentals viewpoint, so only software menus and instrument buttons are different from one product to another.

Walt

Walt, I guess I needed to be a little more clear. I'm not currently a CSI costomer, I was just looking at them for a possible replacement. I really did not want to disclose who we use because if we decide to stay with them i don't want to burn any bridges.
Thanks for the comment.

quote:

Originally posted by chad tuttle:
so not only would the company need to buy a new copy of windows95 but then we have to worry about corruption, anyway thats what the vendor of the current software said.

Since the current vendor insists on windows95 (I suspect it is not Commtest either), it is time to expand your horizons, Windows95 lacks the processing power the current analyzers demand.
Just my humble opinion

Our plant did an exhaustive trial with commtest equipment prior to our buying CSI 2130's.

I am not bashing Commtest. Their equipment is fine, the software is fine. It was strictly a business decision we made to go with CSI.

You will have to check both or more out yourself and make the best decison for your facility.

We are going through the same process and have looked at Commtest, CSI and others. We made the decision to go with CSI

David,

What convinced you on going with the CSI?

I've used both CSI and Commtest.

CSI is better but Commtest is not bad at all.

CSI products are very expensive. Hradware, software, firmware and support agreements. Every thing has a price tag.

Your views on it?

Zeeshan

We have a 2120 and VB3000´s with expert softw. and we use Commtest systems for condition monitoring contracts as it works according to windows standards and it´s easy to generate the reports in various detail as the customers require. It also include 2-plane balancing that is convinient. Olov

Oli is an OEM vendor and a man of integrity I believe. This is evidenced in his statement.

I have a CSI 2120 and the latest software but at the silver level or notch above the bottom. I basically place it at 1985 technology. I will move away from CSI as soon as money premits.

Sam and Oli, I am intertested in purchasing your 2120. Byron