|
 Reliability Magazine® Message Boards
 Alignment/Balancing/Vibration Forum
 Entek Data Collectors
|
 UBBFriend: Email This Page to Someone! |
next newest topic | next oldest topic |
| Author | Topic: Entek Data Collectors |
|
Don Jones Member |
posted 01-21-2003 05:37 PM
   
Looking for a short critique of Entek data collectors/analyzers. 1. Enpac Series 900 and 1200 Looking to upgrade a current Entek system and any comments are welcome. Thanks, IP: Logged |
|
David Gallagher Member |
posted 01-21-2003 09:02 PM
The Enpac 900 and 1200, DLI's DCA-31, SKF's CMVA50, and Diagnostic Instruments DI-225 are all produced by SKF's Diagnostic Instruments Group. They seem to be a robust, small data collector/analyzer. While considering the Entek upgrade, might be an opportunity to take a look at the latest competitive software packages to match up with your new Data Collector. IP: Logged |
|
Ron Ensing Member |
posted 01-22-2003 05:58 AM
I'm using the Enpac 1200B for all data collection rounds. I like the light weight and fast processing. The internal laser tach is handy but it won't pick up a keyway so, reflective tape is required. I use a picture card adapter with 32mb compact flash cards to store routes. Memory is pretty much unlimited. I also use the dataPAC 1500 which is loaded with 2-plane balancing, start-up coast-down and FRF software. This instrument I use for all diagnostics such as phase analysis, resonance, balanacing. I don't use it for route collection because I have alot of equipment that requires a low frequency corner filter which the dataPAC takes forever to settle into. I think the lowest reasonable high pass filter is 318cpm. Way above what I require. It is an excellent balancing unit when combined with the lasatach and you can use a monarch strobe as input or output for time synchronous and frequency searchs. I'm lucky to have both in my work. As far as software goes, I've used the Entek Emonitor Odyssey for years and have no issues whatsoever with it's capabilities. My only complaint is the cost of annual support agreements. Technical support is excellent and local sales guys are easy to get to. Hope this helps. IP: Logged |
|
Stan Riddle Member |
posted 01-22-2003 07:33 AM
Our department has 3 DAtapak 1500's. They have been very reliable workhorses for several years now. We have had them serviced regularly, but have only sent one in with a problem. It was a solder connection that had broken loose. Except for that, no problems. I will make one recommendation though. If you work in environments where your data collector screen might get scratched, go by some clear mylar sheet ( like race drivers use on their face shields ). Cover your screen with this. We did have one screen replaced due to scratching, and tha mylar is MUCH cheaper than another screen. IP: Logged |
|
Mike Drake Member |
posted 01-22-2003 07:41 AM
We have 2 of each. Started out with a Dpac 1500 and added a second shortly there after. As the program continued to expand I chose to add 2 Enpacs - 1200A for about the cost of one 1500. For routine route work everyone loves the Enpac. For field analysis and troubleshooting everyone loves the Datapac. Two items to keep in mind that we have learned. The Datapac and Enpac do not have the same hard (or analog) filters so an analog filter on one may be a digital filter on the other. It can affect data collection times between the two instruments. The second item is the fact that the Enpac does not, at this time, support order tracked data collection. For the money the Enpac is a good value but it does not cover as many bases as the Datapac will. With the "uncertainties" and discomfort among users of both Entek/Rockwell stuff and CSI stuff, I would also encourage you to take the time to look at SKF and the new kids on the block also. You may find you can get something that suits you better for the same money or less. I must admit, we have recently begun the same process and to this point will wait out the shuffle and see what happens with Rockwell. DRAKE IP: Logged |
|
Neil Member |
posted 01-22-2003 03:21 PM
I have 3 DataPac 1500 and they have been very reliable for me. I use them for routine data collection, analysis, and balancing. I would recommend this data collector. IP: Logged |
|
ehudson Member |
posted 01-22-2003 04:00 PM
I've got 4 DataPac 1500's and two Enpac 1200A's. The datapacs are all 7 years old and we have had very few problems... other than having to buy the "very expensive" batteries from Entek. I love the new Enpacs for route work, but the small screen makes them hard to use for in field analysis. I planned to buy two more Enpacs last year, but Entek never addressed my problems with how calibration constants are loaded. We have very "tight" calibration requirements (Nuke Plant) and the Enpacs get their Cal numbers from the Odyssey software, the software does not have any way to specify different sensor sensitivities for different collectors, i.e. 94 mv/g for the sensor on the first Enpac and 102 mv/g for the sensor on the 2nd Enpac. This has been a show stopper for us on buying any more of them, because we have to manually go in and change the sensor constant in Odyssey before loading a route to a particular box. The Datapacs have the sensor constant programmed directly in the collector, so it is not a problem. If this stuff isn't a problem for you (it's not for most people) then the Enpacs are great for a typical route based program. Oh... and the Enpacs use a standard Cannon camcorder battery.  ------------------ [This message has been edited by ehudson (edited 01-22-2003).] IP: Logged |
|
Ian Pomfret Member |
posted 01-22-2003 08:18 PM
Edward Just thought I would let you know but you can make the batteries for the datapac 1500 with a couple of 2 amp batterys solidered together and some heat shrink over the top, so why pay entek prices? IP: Logged |
|
Petri Junior Member |
posted 01-22-2003 10:37 PM
We have a mixture of Enpac 1200A and Datapac 1500 data collectors. Pretty reliable units. We kept some of the older Fast tracks because their trade in was low and they would end up in a scrap bin somewhere. I hate seeing good technology chucked out. The FTracks are virtually bullet proof and still perform remarkably well. Beat the other units in loading and unloading data hands down. The best part about the Enpacs is the 2 Channel capability. Phase analysis is so much easier without the need to stop the machine and install reflective tape. For this feature alone I'm sold. IP: Logged |
|
Don Jones Member |
posted 01-25-2003 10:37 PM
Thank you for your replies, the comments were very helpful. Don IP: Logged |
|
Rusty Member |
posted 01-26-2003 10:15 PM
I have never used an Entek/IRD data collector, but have used CSI products from 1989. It's what the corporation I was with had settled on. When I went out on my own 8 years ago I stayed with CSI because that is what I knew and I needed something right away. In hindsight, I should have rented from CSI for a few months while I evaluated everything else available. There is a LOT more available now, so as someone else mentioned, unless time is a factor, I'd look at everything out there. I wouldn't rush into anything. Try them all. With what new systems cost, and the cost of maintenance agreements, it's a little like getting married -- not something to rush into, or take lightly. IP: Logged |
|
Sidney Hand Member |
posted 02-03-2003 09:36 AM
Don, I've used CSI and Entek. For general purpose machinery, I'd go with CSI especially if large routes are being taken. Where I work, early stage failure change outs aren't common, so the great ability to detect stage one that Entek allows wouldn't be used here anyway. Good luck!!! IP: Logged |
|
Don Jones Member |
posted 02-04-2003 06:19 PM
Sidney, FYI. Tried to send you an e-mail and it was returned as undeliverable. Don IP: Logged |
|
Don James Member |
posted 02-06-2003 12:42 PM
After years of using a 1500 I have slowly been working with the 1200B. A few things I have noticed are: The small size and light weight are a plus. After 8 hours it really mades a difference. Great backlight. Very easy to read in low light situations... Unfortunately, I find it very tough to see on a sunny day outside. Very cumbersome off-route setup. Probably more of a software issue. Seems a little slow. I understand that the collection time is more or less dictated by physics, but there is a pronounced lag in the time you push the button to advance or change screens and the change occurs. Be VERY specific with the questions you ask Entek and what they quote. In my area Entek has dropped their saleman and goes through a distributor. This distributor had the line for about a month at the time so I asked that a knowledgeable salesman from another region call on me. During a two hour meeting I pointed out that I needed off-route capability and also wanted two channels which would allow me to do things we could not presently do. The quote arrived, the 1200B was purchased and upon arrival it was discovered that "Oh, you wanted the off-route key?, well that will be more $$$$" "Yes this is a two channel CAPABLE instrument but it must be two channel ENABLED and that will cost more $$$." Shame on me. I would suggest that when the time comes you ask ENTEK "What am I NOT getting for this price" rather than the other way around. IP: Logged |
|
penman39 Member |
posted 02-06-2003 01:16 PM
Hi, I use a dataPac 1500 w the latest revision 5.08. When taking orders based measurements from a route, the meter always says missing tach if my speed is less than ~70 RPM. Do any of you dataPac users experience this?? I'd like to move my laser tach to the mandrel shaft on a winding reel, but I can't count on that shaft going that fast. In analysis mode the meter picks up the lower RPM. Entek doesn't seem to care to fix this problem either. IP: Logged |
|
Kevin Kramb Junior Member |
posted 02-10-2003 01:02 PM
Penman39, the dataPAC will display the "Slow or missing trigger" notification when it has not received a tach pulse for two seconds. So you should be able to get down to near 30 RPM before you see this notification. But this notification doesn't necessarily mean that you cannot collect the data. The notification should disappear when the next tach pulse occurs. Go ahead and collect the data. Think of this message as a warning, not an error. IP: Logged |
|
Jeff Langford Junior Member |
posted 02-10-2003 09:14 PM
I have had limited experience with the Data Pack 1500, however I have had extensive experience with CSI 2120. In my oppinion they both have their advantages and disadvantages. It is really a matter of personnal preferance. 6 one 1/2 dozen the other from what I have seen. This is only my oppinion and you know what they say about oppinions "oppinions are like _____holes, we all have one and they all stink!" IP: Logged |
All times are ET (US) | next newest topic | next oldest topic |
  |
|
Except for message content, this material is Copyright© 2000 by Industrial Communications, Inc. All rights reserved
Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.45b