Can anyone guide me in the use of a strobe for diagnostics of machinery, motors, etc or recommend a good book. there does not appear to be much on the internet, or maybe i am asking the wrong questions.

Use the FIND tab and search on "strobe" for some discussion topics on this forum.

Check out www.monarchinstrument.com for application notes. Also check out Emerson-CSI for application notes on their 444 strobelight.

Here is a quick list of applications:

1) Measure accurate shaft speed
2) Measure phase for dynamic balancing and operating deflection shape (ODS) test
3) Visually inspect: shaft couplings, V-belts, chain drives, and high speed processes (like linkages, grinding, etc.)

Do you have a specific application or question?

Get a demo from a salesmen, if you haven't used one before.

Walt

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Walt Strong,

Thank you Walt. I have checked the sites. I offer a diagnostic service and clients appreciate as much accuracy as possible hence all sorts of applications. I was hoping to find some pictures of what I might expect to see (good and bad). you know, a picture is worth a 1000 words.

Rubicorne,

Are you looking for a picture of what can be seen with a strobe light. I tried taking a picture with a camera, but that doesn't work. I have used a digital camera with flash to get a still image of a rotating shaft. It does,'t work 100% of the time. I believe that Rusty discussed this topic.

Walt

Using a strobe will be new to me. I was hoping to get an idea of what I am likely to see (good or fault condition). Also main applications and peripheral ones.

Rubbicorne,
I've taken some good pictures of equipment in operation using a strobe and digital camera. You have to turn the flash off and it doesn't work in brightly lit places. I had a coupling with high 1X vibration and with the strobe I was able to see that someone had used a screw in the coupling cover that was longer than the other screws. If I can find the digital picture I took of it I will post it. I also used the strobe and a tripod mounted digital camera to take a movie of a vibrating fan motor. It clearly showed the motor was rocking because of a weak outboard mounting point. That file is much to large to post here.

Here is a photo of a coupling turning at 2700 RPM taken with a strobe and digital camera.

Rubbicorne

We have developed a short training course on using a strobe for diagnostics of machinery.

I have videos and a diagnostic chart on how to use the strobe.

You can go to my website to learn more on this course.

Mark

Stroboscope Analysis PDF
alertanalytical.com

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mark ALERT,

Goodness,that thing must have been running at a resonace at 2700 for that small of a difference in bolt lengths to have caused imbalance at what looks like a radius of less than 3 inches.

Thanks Guys, I'm getting an instrument shortly so hope to be able to post some experiences.

I use a Monarch strobe and have carried one on every route for years.

It is kind of bulky to carry around, but I have gotten used to having it under my left arm. (You wouldn't want to borrow mine )

Although it is plastic, the housing is tough enough to be dropped about 8-10 times before you need to fix it. Spend the money on the brightest tube you can get.

I use it to check speeds; inspect every coupling, belt or sheave for cracks, chips, wear, wobble, etc.; look for broken welds; slipping seals or just as a flashlight.

It has a ttl output, but I don't use it because I have other ways of doing that.

Easily the best $500 I ever spent.

Here is a link to product info, and pricing of strobes by Monarch, Shimpo, Checkline, SKF and Extech:
http://www.reliabilitydirectstore.com/Stroboscope-s/42.htm
Just hit the more info button for detailed specs and pricing.