The Compact Smart Laser Sensor (CSLS) is a self-contained optical sensor intended to be used to make non-contact speed measurements from rotating targets at distances up to 65 feet (19.8 m). The sensor has both digital pulse and analog outputs to provide non-contact reference points to balancing equipment or signals to a vibration analyzer. The sensor will track surface irregularities on rotating shafts and provide pulse outputs from reflective tape, contrasting colors and keyways. Refer to section 4.0 for an overview of operation.. The sensor is IP64 rated and is suitable for use in dusty damp environments. The unit has a removable plate with 1/4-20 bushing for tripod mounting.
AIMING THE LASER
The proper operation of the Laser Sensor is dependent upon the alignment to and reflectivity of the target. In order to aim the beam it is necessary to stand behind the sensor and view the target along the plane of the beam. Do not stare directly into the laser beam or the reflected light. For targets greater than 5 feet and up to 65 feet from the sensor, mount the laser on a tripod using the ¼ - 20 bushing on the bottom of the unit and attach T-5 reflective tape to the target.
To aid in locating the laser dot over a large distance, hold a piece of white cardboard or equivalent in front of the laser. Progressively move the white surface closer to the desired target. Then adjust the aim of the laser as necessary.
In areas of high ambient light (outdoors) or moist locations, performance can be enhanced at long distances by slipping a piece of black tube with a minimum inner diameter of 0.6 inches, over the nose piece to act as an extension nose piece. This tube should not deflect the beam in any way.
OPERATION
The CSLS sensor emits a laser beam, which is reflected back by the target (reflective tape/paint, keyway, contrasting colors, etc). This reflected light is sensed and amplified. The gain of the input amplifier can be adjusted automatically or manually. The amplified signal is compared against a threshold for the digital output or is simply buffered for the analog output. This allows the unit to be used with many types of targets at various distances and contrasting color conditions.
Auto Mode
In the Auto Mode the CSLS goes through a learning process to set the gain to receive an optimum signal (LASER reflections). It tries to set the threshold up to certain level of the signal so that a periodic digital output can be extracted. If the target signal is not periodic or it cannot be analyzed by the CSLS, the unit will set the gain and threshold to some mid range value, which can detect high-level pulses (e.g. reflective tape). If there is no moving target (no signal), the CSLS will come out of the learn process and set the gain and threshold to the same midrange values.
When the CSLS is first powered on the unit enters the Auto/Learn Mode. The Red LED will be on steady for 3 seconds to warn the user that the Laser is going to turn on. Once the Laser is on, the unit starts the learn process. The Green LED will be on steady to indicate the device is trying to get an optimal signal. Once the signal is detected, the Green LED will turn off. The Green LED will then blink each time a valid input signal is detected to indicate that the Laser is on target. The Green LED will turn off if the Laser is not on target (or green LED blinks at input frequency rate).
Auto/Learn Mode LED Status Indication:
- Red LED stays on for 3 seconds = Warning before laser turns on
- Green LED stays on steady = unit is trying to get optimal signal (learn process)
- Blinking green = unit will blink green at the input frequency when the unit is properly aimed. The LED will appear on continuously at high speeds
While in the Auto Mode, the user can press the Learn/Mode button (a quick press less than 3 seconds) to have the unit “learn” a new target.
The user can also change to the Manual Mode by holding the Learn/ Mode button down for more than 3 seconds. Once the Status LED turns Red, release the Learn/Mode button and the unit is now in the Manual Mode.
Manual Mode
In the Manual Mode the CSLS allows the user to set the gain manually. When the device enters the Manual Mode for the first time, it sets the gain to the maximum available value (8). The user can then decrease the gain value for optimal use.
To change the gain, first aim the laser at your target. Press and release the Learn/Mode button (less than 3 seconds) to change the gain of the input amplifier. Each time the button is pressed (for less than 3 seconds), the gain is changed. The Status LED will blink at a fixed rate to show what gain has been selected. The number of LED blinks (after button is pressed) identifies the current gain index (8 down to 1). Once the gain is at the lowest setting (gain index 1) it rolls over to highest level (gain index 8) the next time the button is pressed. The weaker the signal, the larger the gain index required. Using a large gain for a strong signal is not recommended since the input will saturate.
Manual Mode LED Status Indication:
- Red = indicates unit has entered Manual Mode
- RED LED stays on for 3 seconds = Warning before laser turns on
- Steady/fast blink Green LED = unit will blink green indicating the gain index (8 through 1)
- Blinking Red LED = unit will blink red at the input frequency when the unit is properly aimed. The LED will appear on continuously at higher input frequencies.
The user can change to the Auto Mode by holding the Learn/Mode button down for more than 3 seconds. Once the Status LED turns Green, release the Learn/Mode button and the unit is now in the Auto Mode.