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• 2009-11-19 Ascent® 2009 R2 Released

  Ascent® 2009 R2 Software Released - The newest version of our award-winning Ascent® software is now available, together with new vbSeries® instrument and vbOnline® device firmware.

  Commtest Instruments Ltd. today announces the immediate availability of its Ascent® 2009 R2 software. Ascent 2009 R2 is a 'feature release' with a number of new features in addition to performance and compatibility improvements for the vibration analysis professional. New features include:

  • OPC Import. This new capability allows process parameters exported from OPC-compatible devices to be recorded in the Ascent database.
  • The new Template Machines feature. The Template Machines system allows any new or existing collection of tree items within the Ascent software to be specified as a Template. These templates can then be then deployed and used to generate or update any number of 'Child' Machines. This function is useful if your site includes many instances of common hardware components (such as drive motors, fans or turbines).
  • Bulk tasks. This feature allows the Ascent software to manage large numbers of online devices simultaneously. On larger sites this feature can be used to Proflash all devices in a single step, for example.

  Included with Ascent 2009 R2 software, and vbXManager software for balancing instruments, is the latest vbX instrument firmware revision: 3.3.32. This firmware upgrade adds the following features and improvements:

  • Enhanced 6Pack™ support. DSP improvements now allow 6Pack™ measurements to be taken on up to four channels (for vb6 and vb8 instruments). Recording capabilities have also been extended to a maximum of 3200 lines, 40 kHz for single channel measurements and 1600 lines, 20 kHz for dual channel and triaxial measurements.
  • Orbit Plots. vb7, vb8 and vbBalancer+ instruments are now able to display Orbit Plots. These plots are used to detect abnormal movements of a shaft in a bearing. The plot illustrates the path travelled by the measurement point during the course of the measurement.
  • Strobe Output. vb7 and vb8 instruments can now be configured to control the output frequency of an attached strobe light. Rotating equipment that corresponds with the selected frequency will be 'frozen' in place when viewed under the strobe light. This feature is useful for identifying the location of vibration and unbalance in high speed machinery, or for inspecting rotating machinery during operation. Strobe lights can also be used as tachometer signal sources.
  • 4-20 mA sensor support. Support for 4-20 mA current loop sensors has been added to the vb6 and vb8 instrument models.
  • Faster measurements. The settling time required by sensors has been reduced, resulting in a reduction in time required for individual measurements.

  The Ascent 2009 R2 software and associated vbX and vbOnline device firmware are now available for download from the Commtest Instruments website www.commtest.com (account login required). 

  About Commtest
  Founded in 1989 in New Zealand, Commtest Instruments Ltd (Commtest) is a privately held company whose mission is to bring the benefits of vibration analysis to mainstream industry. Small and medium sized companies were previously unable to implement condition monitoring programs due to the high cost of data collection and analyzing equipment. With Commtest’s product line, companies of all sizes can now afford a condition monitoring program and realize the return on investment from equipment optimization.

  Contact:
  Angela Loy
  Marketing
  Toll-free: 877.582.2946
  Phone: 865.588.2946
  Fax: 865.588.2949
  aloy@commtest.com
  Mailing Address:
  Commtest
  6700 Baum Dr. Suite 12
  Knoxville, Tennessee 37919

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