Key placement on the 2130 is a big issue for me. I'd like to propose to Emerson a comprehensive set of changes, but I need your feedback to make sure it's not "just me". So please share your thoughts.

Route Data Collection mode

1. With two Enter keys, why do we need a Start Acq (F9) key? I'd like to see that replaced with Out Of Service from page 2. I don't use that key a lot, but a lot of folks do.

2. Usually, if the data looks bad when I collect it, I just 'overwrite' it (that's my default for Data Storage Mode in the User Setup screen). I'd like to see the Clear Data (F6) key swapped with the New Rpm key on page 2. I verify the actual speed of every belt-driven fan that I monitor, so I use New Rpm constantly.

On page 2 there are 4 blank keys. I'd like one of these to be an Extra Data key which when pressed would automatically enter a notecode at the current measurement point. Whenever I detect a problem I take extra data using the Run Analyze key. The first notecode in my meter is 'Extra Data' and I enter this whenever I take extra data, because if I don't, I'm never going to remember to look at the data. There are actually 3 (or 4) more blank keys on page 2. What should they be used for?

RPM Input Section

I use the RPM input screen a lot (I normally log the actual running speed of every machine I check). It doesn't make sense to me that Turning Speed Detection is at F6 and Laser Speed Detection is at F12, at the bottom of the screen. I get to that screen by pressing Enter, at the top of the meter, and then I have to reach all the way down to the bottom to hit those keys, and then reach all the way back to the top [Enter] to start the process of finding the speed. There's only 4 keys on that screen and the top six keys are blank. This is just needlessly "handsy" to me. By contrast, at the end of the RPM process, Set RPM is at F1 just below the Enter key, where it should logically be.

Plot Data Screen

The keys on these 2 screens are pretty comprehensive, but there are 7 empty slots. What could they be used for? What doesn't make sense, is that when you press the Plot Data key, page 1 has 6 blank keys, but page 2 only has 1 blank key. Some of the keys from page 2 could logically be placed on page 1 (i.e., List Peaks, Next Peak, Cursor Type).

OK, that's a start. I will update this list later. Grab your 2130 and see if my suggestions don't make sense. Post here or email me at precisn@suddenlink.net with your thoughts.

I've always wondered why we couldn't map the keys ourselves. And why can't we set up some custom buttons in those empty slots, like a macro or something?

I would like to have back lit keys. Just a little thing.

Aubrey

No, Aubrey, the lack of backlit keys is a BIG thing to me. I go into a lot of fan enclosures with no lighting and it's impossible to take data with out a flashlight. I can usually find the F keys since they are close to the legends, but the Enter keys and the bottom row keys are impossible to use in the dark. Just another of those things that you get used to, and then they remove it. Never a good idea.

Adding features is always good, but removing a feature should take an act of God and Congress, at least.

Rusty,

Sorry but you misunderstood. I think it would be a little thing to have back lit keys. Best I can figure 4 high intensity leds?

Aubrey

I think what Aubrey means is that it would be a little thing for Emerson to implement in an electronic instrument. I agree with Rusty, it is a BIG feature on the analyzer. I remember a question like this on the SKF forum, Dr Jones reply was, wear a miners torch on your head!! Shows that the others still do not have backlit keys to rival 2120, when you see those, you'll know what I mean, you can really be working in the dark, fantastic feature and it surprises me to find out it isn't in 2130.