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• 2010-06-30 Ascent® 2010 Released

  Ascent® 2010 Software Released - The newest version of our award-winning Ascent® software is now available, together with new vbSeries® instrument device firmware and vbXManager software for balancing devices.

  Commtest Instruments Ltd. today announces the immediate availability of its Ascent® 2010 software. Ascent 2010 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:

  • Windows 7 support. The Ascent software suite is now compatible with both the 32‐bit and 64‐bit versions of the Windows 7 operating system from Microsoft, in addition to Microsoft's older Windows XP, Vista, Server 2003 and Server 2008 operating systems.
  • Internationalization. This language release of Ascent 2010 includes updated English, Chinese, Russian and Spanish interfaces, and adds Hungarian language support.
  • Improved navigator sorting. Machines in the navigator list may now be sorted alphabetically by name, in addition to by alarm status and alphabetically by tree item.
  • Bulk Proflash. Ascent is now able to Proflash many online devices simultaneously.
  • Faster alarm updating. The recalculation of alarm statuses for historical measurements is now optional. This ability significantly increases the speed of alarm updating when managing larger databases. If selected, only the latest measurement for each schedule entry is recalculated when an alarm has been edited.
  • Initial criteria validation. Initial criteria are now validated both before and after recordings have been taken. Previously criteria were validated only once, before recording.

  Included with the Ascent 2010 software is the latest vbX instrument firmware revision: 3.4.28. This firmware upgrade adds the following features and improvements:

  • Operating System Upgrade. All instruments will be upgraded to operating system version 3.5 as part of the latest firmware release. This enhancement allows instruments to benefit from ongoing Microsoft Windows CE operating system 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 (applies only to instruments with serial numbers above 40800).
  • Orbit Plots. vb7, vb8 and vbBalancer+ instruments are now able to display Orbit Plots.
  • Strobe Output. vb7 and vb8 instruments can now be configured to control the output frequency of an attached strobe light. 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 (applies only to instruments with serial numbers above 40800).
  • Faster measurements. The settling time required by sensors has been reduced, resulting in a reduction in the time required for individual measurements.
  • System Information. System details such as an instrument's current firmware and operating system version, backup firmware, board revision and processor model are now displayed in the instrument's main Memory and System display interface.
  • Balancing improvements. vb7, vb8, vbBalancer and vbBalancer+ instruments now include the ability to split balance weights and include a new ‘Change Radius' calculator.

  Commtest's vbXManager software for vbBalancer and vbBalancer+ instruments now also includes the ability to download balance reports from balancing instruments and to format, export or print these imported reports.

  The Ascent 2010 software, together with the newest vbXManager software and associated device firmware, is 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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