I figured I would post this here rather than in the main section. I would like to know what equipment everyone is using and if possible the likes/dislikes of them. We are in the process of starting up a program and our looking at SKF, CSI & Commtest for our selection.

Thanks
X

Well I guess this question is for everyone huh?

I will have to say I am partial to CSI. Been using it since 1988. It's expensive, but like the old saying "you get what you pay for" but not to say the others are not just as good. Each one has its good and bad points. Had I been using SKF or Commtest for all these years I probably would say they are what I like. It is all in what you get used to using.

What kind of plant are you in? Sometimes it is difficult to get the right "setup" person from whoever you buy the equipment from. I think you need someone who is familiar with your industy to setup the database and all, even if you have to use someone who is not working for the vendor you buy the equipment from.

OMOAICBTW

Hi Xracer,

I were using SKF and CSI systems side by side..CSI for Offline and SKF for Online monitoring..

By the way, I like CSI. RBMware is very good compared to Machine Analyst. I think, it depends on individuals. May be i was brought up like that.. I might like SKF, if i saw it before CSI!!Ha haha..

The only thing i don't like in CSI is their way of support.. It seems like they don't want business..I ordered 2 CSI 2130 last year.. Still waiting for it!! But really we appreciate the support SKF is providing.. May be itz only a local issue.. But that is the reason why we have systems from different vendors here..

Have a nice day!!

Hi all,
Nowadays data collectors have reached almost in the same platform and it all depends on the user which one he is preferring. In the analysis point of view, I have seen that most of the people are not using all the features of the instrument. Some people are using the high profile analysers simply as a vibration meter. ( They note down the overall values from the analyser and load and dump the data!!!!!!...as a routine job..) ..

May be this too is a local issue.....

CSI has a good product in my opinion.I've been using it since 02. However when you buy CSI equipment your sort of stuck in the CSI box, which I don't like. If I had it to do over I would probably look at the Commtest equipment. I hear you can buy the analyzer and the software for the price of the CSI data collector. Commtest analyzer also comes with the balancing software where CSIs meter cost extra. Plus commtests service agreement is MUCH better than CSIs.

quote:

Originally posted by Ralph Stewart:
Well I guess this question is for everyone huh?

I will have to say I am partial to CSI. Been using it since 1988. It's expensive, but like the old saying "you get what you pay for" but not to say the others are not just as good. Each one has its good and bad points. Had I been using SKF or Commtest for all these years I probably would say they are what I like. It is all in what you get used to using.

What kind of plant are you in? Sometimes it is difficult to get the right "setup" person from whoever you buy the equipment from. I think you need someone who is familiar with your industy to setup the database and all, even if you have to use someone who is not working for the vendor you buy the equipment from.

OMOAICBTW

I work in a food manufacturing plant. Some of the equipment that is already being monitored by a contract vibration analysis are boiler components, air compressors, extruder motors and gearboxes, flaking mills, blowers and grinders. Hp ranges are from 2 hp up to 400 hp motors. Speed ranges are 1800 and 3600 rpm motors with a few 1200 rpm motors also. Gearboxes range from single gear reduction to multi stage gear reducers. We have some high speed equipment and low speed (I believe 10-15 rpm after the output of gearbox. Now thats just a few. Approx 500+ pieces of equipment are currently being monitored on a route based schedule. The current contract personnel uses a csi 2120 for data collection. I recently attended a entry level vibration analysis training seminar. In the class, they had all three data collectors to use for the class room experiments. Due to the size of the class, I did not get to try each of three. Ok, back to the topic at hand.
From what I have read/heard, (correct me if I'm incorrect), that skf has good customer service/support, and csi is a bit lacking in that area. Each of the data collectors due the same so to speak. They collect data. Were the work is done is with the software. I take it each software package is a little different from the others but all will to the job. It is this area that I'm lacking the info on or have yet to find the right info. Csi uses peakvu, skf uses enveloping, and commtest is ? Again, please correct me or at least steer me back on the right track. Are there pros and cons about the
different software.

Thanks again for your replies,

X

quote:

Originally posted by Johnny Reed:
CSI has a good product in my opinion.I've been using it since 02. However when you buy CSI equipment your sort of stuck in the CSI box, which I don't like. If I had it to do over I would probably look at the Commtest equipment. I hear you can buy the analyzer and the software for the price of the CSI data collector. Commtest analyzer also comes with the balancing software where CSIs meter cost extra. Plus commtests service agreement is MUCH better than CSIs.

You are correct about the price. The quote on a Commtest vb7 is the lowest of the three that I have received.

I was in Knoxville a few months ago for a Mobius seminar and had opportunity to see the comtest software and data collector. I really liked what i saw. It seemed to do everything I would want to do and more. THe price was very competative, especially the update and support.
If I were starting over I would strongly look at this.

Xracer
I have used CSI Entex IRD and recently Commtest for 12 years. I realize that commtest is cheaper in price and might be worth it, but when I'm trying to get the job done and done well I will have to pick CSI. When it comes down to acquiring and analyzing data, I know I would be letting my customers down with another system. The price is worth it.
I live in Wisconsin and work in Minnesota at least twice a month, give me a call or email if you want to chat.

Mark Lauren
alertanalytical.com

There are a number of analyzers and PdM route collectors. Seemingly most route collectors are somewhat the same with some having automatic diagnostics - and some doing it correctly.

Updateable, upgradable for future technology and enhancements or stuck in the box you buy? Does that affect your decision?

You have Entek, Easy Viber (autodiagnostics, CSI (read reviews of autodiagnostics on this thread from past post), DLI (autodiagnostics), Dactron, I/O Tech, Zonics, ME-72, Commtest, Ono Sokki and more you can search for.

Please, I know there are a lot of things I'm missing and don't intend to list all and couldn't do them justice anyway - so, if you're making a decision that you'll have to live with for the next 5-10 years, take the time to investigate all. Check the for sale posting below.

Hello,

I am partial to SKF. We have a GX70 Microlog as well as a CMVA 65 Microlog. I am using their Aptitude view decision support software as well as Machine analyst software for monitoring our crtitical Assets. Everything is very user friendly in my experiance. We have also recently set up a condition monitoring system for about 1500 motors and gearboxes on our conveyors plant wide using SKFs Marlin system.I am not a independent analyst or a salesman just a in house PDM guy and for me SKF has worked well.

Regards, Dave Dane
P.S. We have also received excellant support from our local SKF reps.