I am a long time CSI user. I have had the 2110, 2115, and the 2120. Now I feel like I am in a bind. I have a data collector and software (masterTrend) that are not supported. It is time to upgrade but I am reluctant to stay with CSI. Main reasons cost, reliability, and support. The stories on the 2130 and rbmware are mounting. I am looking very hard a the Commtest vb3000. Has any one used or compared them to the other big analyzers? Any input would be great.

VENDOR WARNING

As a competing vendor, my answer is "Of course".

;-))

I'm somewhat familiar with Commtest as my company supplies them with expert systems diagnostics modules used in Ascent Level 2 + Diagnostics that works quite well, a feature that Commtest doesn't talk about very much.

I too use Commtest equipment the earlier VB 2000T, I am not affiliated to Commtest in anyway I am an end user.
I once praised Commtest on a forum and caused a stir so just in case it happens again I will happily answer any questions you may have about Commtest and their equipment if you email me at
Mike dot Cooney at dowding and mills .com “no spaces”

Bradt,
I'm basically in your position: but w/4.9 RBMware and 2120. Will go to DLI at first opportunity I think providing I can and at that time DLI is still a leader. What size program do you have and what budget. List and label and categorize your program and look at everybody's system that falls into your category: wheather CommTest or Conditech or SKF or ??????

Vendor warning: I do NOT represent DLI but like what I see there. I don't have experience with all data collection systems out there so the comm test may be very good too (I've heard good) as well as others. I do represent the ME-42 intelligent vibrometer and it's great for what it is and could do a small PdM program and it not intended to do a; say 3000+ point program. It will enhance what you have and a great spot check unit that keeps your PdM units free.

A couple of years ago the comtest "agents acting for" in our area came by to see what we did, in general light conversation I explained about how the CSI software works to set up machines and machine trains. I went away from that conversation with the impression that they might not have the same capability here. Granted the CSI way is not perfect either(it for the most part works for me). If setting up and altering machine trains quickly and efficiently is an issue you may want to look closely at how they do it. Get them to demo for a month.

Just a recollection that all.

Hope this helps
Alan

Vendor Alert: I am proud to say that I have been at Emerson (CSI) for over 15 years.

Brad,

There are many vendors on the market, and you – as a customer – are invited to research all of the available options and determine which one is best suited for your application. Emerson won’t have the best solution for every application, so I’d encourage you to research what features really impact your ability to succeed and your productivity to get the job done fast.

As Sam pointed out in his vendor warning on one of the last posts, there are much less expensive devices with lower functionality that may be acceptable as screening devices or for smaller programs.

I suggest that you speak with some knowledgeable users, such as Milt, and base your decision on facts. If a product costs more, but it also helps you to get the job done faster and better, than it may actually have a much higher value than lower priced equipment.

I’ll refrain from any specific endorsements of our products vs. any other supplier. I believe that informed customers will make the best decision for their application. If you should require any additional information about our CSI 2130 Machinery Health Analyzer or the AMS Suite: Machinery Health™ Manager software, feel free to contact me at:

robert dot skeirik at emersonprocess dot com (no spaces)

Robert Skeirik
Product Management Group
Emerson Process Management

[quote]Reply

*** Vendor Warning ***

Bradt:
Thanks for your post, and I agree with Mr. Skeirik. You should absolutely compare speed, capabilites, support, and price. You should not compromise capabilites, nor should you pay excessive amounts of money.
I will also refain from opinions, but wanted to add that I would welcome the opportunity to explain whay after many years as one of the Directors at CSI, I am exceptionaly proud of our products and support, and our long-term commitment to this marketplace.

Jack Dischner
President
Commtest, Inc.
877-582-2946 toll free or jdischner@commtest.com

Vendor warning,

Interesting, I have actually used CSI stuff longer than Robert and some of you other guys also have that I gather. We represent and sell Commtest in Sweden and also use the Tools Duncan provide as a addon to the VB3000 setup. We also use the Commtest system for our consultancy and PDM services at least since some 5 years, on some rare cases also as far from home as Charlotte NC. I also as the others, suggest that a good comparison btw. what tools you need and the total cost of ownership for the solution as provided by various systems is a good investment to make sure you get most bang for the buck and suitable tools. All systems have different angles to provide solutions of the every day needs we have on measurement and presentation. I only suggest that the VB series also have functions, capacity and endurance to also be included in such comparison with some special angles on how to do things that we think are good. Olov

olov dot li at vtab dot se

Same story on my side, been a CSI user for a long time but need to upgrade my oldy 2120 and Master Trend. Just can't afford the 2130 and RBM package. Still think it's a good system but to expensive for me. So, after many research (CSI, Pruftechnik, DLI, Commtest), they are two companies left in the race, Commtest and DLI. Don't know yet witch one to choose, in my area, Commtest support (peoples in place, often the ones that count...) seems to be very good. I'll meet DLI's support people shortly and it'll probably give me the answer. Not easy to spend money...

While all the vendor warners are chiming in, let me ask about a little box I looked at recently. Does anyone have any opinions about the VibXpert from Prüftechnik? Seems like a nice unit, but being a 20 user of CSI products, don't get a chance to look at other systems.

Gary B

Gary, i looked at the VibExpert. The box itself seems to be not so bad, but, only 1 channel, more expensive then a VB3000 or the DCA-50 and i believe (my opinion)that their software (Omnitrend) is less powerfull than others. May be wrong. On the other side, i already own Pruftecnik products and love them. Shock pulse technology seems to work fine. ANd, a good point, the system is easy to use and learn.

Vendor/User warning: Bradt I was a Commtest user BEFORE I became a representative in Western Canada, this was before being an SKF user for many years. All that I will say is that I hope that Commtest will always maintain the level of support and commitment which they currently display. Do yourself a favour, call your local rep. and take a good close look.

<< Warning NOT a Vendor >>>

I am not associated with CommTest in anyway, other than being a satisfied user.

I moved from a CSI2120-2 / RBMWare over 3 years ago. I have have experienced transitions from several packages over the years and this was the first time that it was easier to do. Ease of use is a large factor in buying a VB from CommTest. Faster software, simpler interface, great support.

But when it comes to making a compromise on capabilities, I didn't.

Sorry I don't know much about DLI's current product line.

Take Care,

Vendor,
Do also take in account the number of bugs found in the software, I can give some personal experience during the last 18 years or so as a reseller of most major systems from one time to another and the technical reason as a software developer why there is a difference... Go Pascal go! or as it is now Delphi, that makes the compiler make the software developer work and fix the errors he makes before it makes the software possible to run, not after delivery and not having the same bugs tagging along for 10+ years. Olov

Bradt, facing this discussion all the time and still having no link to any supplier, I have an interest to "educate" anyone interested to make her or his own wellfounded descision. I have a power point presentation that makes a summary of what to look for when making the kind of choice that you have brought to this posting. Welcome to mail me arne.lindholm@bluebottle.com