We recently entered the ultrasound "world" with an SDT170S+ I was hoping someone could point me to an available program to manually record data collected. i.e. - sensor type, Dbuv level, machine i.d.,point on machine etc. Also is there a audible recording device that would plug into the headphone jack. Anything to use with a Palm PDA would be helpful. Thanks

Hello,
If you are using an S+, I assume that you need to log readings as part of a leak survey or an electrical inspection - otherwise you would be best off upgrading to the MD version and using the software available through SDT.
There is no difference in sensitivity between the internal sensor and the gooseneck flexible sensor. You would only really need to note the sensor type if you are using the acoustic horn or parabolic dish since they change the system sensitivity.
Most people I know working in this way are just using a spreadsheet in their PDA to note the location and the dBuV level.
On the subject of recording devices, I use a minidisc recorder which will not corrupt the dynamic nature of the signal in the same way an MP3-type recording device will.
best regards,
Tom Murphy

When recording from the any of the Ultrasound devices use the headphone jack. Be sure to look at the headphone jack of the equipped headphones for your particular instrument. Some headphoens jack are stereo some could be mono-stereo, etc...I prefer to use also a splitter in the headphone jack with the recorder patch cord plugged into one side of the splitter and the instruments headphone plugged into the other side (if you are confused, go to your local Radio Shack for help and to buy splitters or adaptors).
When you record on a mini-disc the sound is usually very good, a mini or full size cassette tape recorder works well (Walkman type), but if you use an MP3 Player the sound will be distorted. An MP3 Player is built for your listening pleasure so the signal will be corrupted (listen to the attached).
I have attached a couple of wave files the first was recorded with a mini-disc, the second was recorded using an MP3 Player.
(could not add a second attachment??? See second reply to listen to MP3 Corona File)

Corona_mini.disc.5_sec.wav (62 KB, 26 downloads) Mini Disc Corona File

Second wave-file MP3 Player Corona File....

Corona.mp3.10.sec.wav (118 KB, 20 downloads) MP3 Player Corona File

Jim,
are these two recordings of the same signal?

Tom

I have used both the Palm and HP iPAQ with electronic forms. I have made a docking pad to hold both meter (SDT 150) and computer. Once you start using an ultrasound meter with remote sensor; you find that 2 hands are needed. Then how can you handle the computer if it also takes 2 hands (one to hold and one to use stylus)? The docking pad with shoulder straps frees one hand to hold sensor and/or change meter setting and the other hand to use stylus. Now add an audio recorder, and you will look like you are ready for fly fishing!

Walt
w_f_strong {at} msn {dot} com

TOM.......No the first one is corona of an insulator 15 feet away atop a transformer and the second is corona inside a 13.2kv switchgear cabinet. They were taken the same day, same plant, by the same operator.
After he heard the sounds he quickly changed back to his mini-disc recorder .

Walt...
Typically, I don't find someone using all at the same time (recorder, computer, ultrasound)...When you need all at the sametime consider the MAINTELLEGENCE (DMSI) pda unit it has a path for both SDT & UE to record and store trend data. I believe it also has a sound card to record wave file as well. Lately, most of my contacts have been interested in only recording wave files from the headphone jack.
Software like SpectraPlus also gives you the ability to use the ultrasound patched to the computer and use the software in a REALTIME operation to diagnose and record if wanted.
I have used this software patched to my Ultraprobe and/or the SDT to view a bearing or electrical problem in TIME-SERIES. I was also able to record using the same software a wave file, store and play back when I wanted it. This software also allowed me to compare up to four total samples together on the same screen.
SPECTRAPLUS (free 30 day trail).
I realize UE has the pcma card to record wave files integrated in the 10k ultrasonic instrument but hey that $10k is bit hard to swallow. As SDT and whoever else gets their act together on new products they all need to provide a means to record the ultrasonic signal not just trend the db reading.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Jim,