vb8 Portable Data Collector, Analyzer and

Balancer
Datasheet
Bently Nevada Machinery Condition Monitoring
Description
The vb8 Portable Data Collector, Analyzer and Balancer
instrument is a four-channel vibration data collector, analyzer
and balancer. You can use this device for on-route and off-
route data collection, machine-side analysis and diagnosis as
well as on-site dynamic balance correction.
The vb8 Portable Data Collector, Analyzer and Balancer is
certified for Class 1 Division 2 hazardous areas. It is
ergonomically designed and lightweight for all day comfort.
The vb8 provides recordings with up to 12,800 lines of
resolution and up to 80 kHz Fmax. Our patented adaptive
settling algorithm and 6Pack recording system offer quick,
one-step data recording.
The vb8 Portable Data Collector, Analyzer and Balancer has
plenty of storage and long battery life, and is backed by a five
year warranty.
The vb8 is one of Bently Nevada hardware monitoring assets
that work with System 1 software.
The vb8 Portable Data Collector, Analyzer and Balancer
offers the following features:
l Four channel simultaneous recordings
l Two-plane balancing with up to 4 sensors
l Support for acceleration, velocity, displacement, DC-
coupled, current and voltage output sensors
l Triax-enabled
l 12,800 lines FFT resolution
l Supports 80 kHz Fmax
l 1 GB memory
l Spectrum and waveform recordings
l Demodulation for early detection of rotating machinery

Document: 116M5343
Rev. F
vb8 Portable Data Collector, Analyzer and Balancer
Datasheet
problems such as bearing faults
l Unique 6Pack recording system
l Full analysis capabilities such as time
synchronous averaging, coastdown and
runup, bump test, cross-channel phase,
orbit plot, and long time waveform
l Modal Impact Testing and Cross Channel
Spectrum (ODS)
l Ability to export data in Universal File
Format (UFF) for additional analysis in
ODS software such as Vibrant Technology
ME'scope
l Numeric parameter input via keypad with
trend and alarm capability
l Sensor cable self-test feature
l Flex feature to add Remote Comms
l USB host port for data transfer to external
USB drive
l Upgradable Proflash system and free
firmware updates for 5 years
l Five-year warranty on the instrument
hardware

2/9 116M5343 Rev. F

vb8 Portable Data Collector, Analyzer and Balancer
Datasheet

Specifications strobe Typical Depends on strobe type Special

cable required

Sensors
Parameter Indication
Sensor input Four channels simultaneous sampling
Maximum > 1000 g (10,000 m/s2) > 1000 in/sec
Compatible Accelerometer, velocity, displacement, levels (peak) (25,000 mm/s) > 20 in (500 mm) > 10,000
sensor types current, voltage output and 4 to 20 mA amps
AC coupled 16 V peak-peak Allows for ± 8 V sensor Effective limit is sensor sensitivity and
range output swing (± 80 g) output voltage
DC coupled 0 V to 20 V, -10 V to 10 V, -20 V to 0 V
Dynamic signal > 95 dB
ranges
E.g. For reading prox-probe gap range
typical at 400 line resolution
Connectors 1 x BNC (CH1) 1 x LEMO (CH2/CH3/CH4) Harmonic Less than -70 dB typical
Safety feature: Break-free inline distortion
Other distortions and noise are lower
connector
Units g or m/s2 or adB in/s or mm/s or vdB mil
Analog to 24-bit ADC or mm or µm adB, vdB, amps, user
digital defined
conversion
0-peak, peak-peak or RMS Auto-scale by
Sensor 0 mA or 2.2 mA (configurable), 24 V 1000x when required
excitation maximum
current US and SI options for adB and vdB
2.2 mA required power for IEPE/ICP type
accelerometer Magnitude & Overall RMS value Waveform True pk-pk
cursors Dual cursors Harmonics
Sensor Warns if short circuit or not connected
detection Digital readouts on chart

Base accuracy ± 1% of readings approximately 0.1 dB

Tachometer Sensor For AC signal: % of reading For DC signal:
% of full scale
Sensor type Laser sensor with reflective tape Sensor
triggers on beam reflection High frequency ≤ 0.1 dB 100 Hz to 10 kHz ≤ 3 dB >10 kHz
attenuation to 40 kHz
Laser sensor 10 cm to 2 m nominal Range depends on
range size of reflective tape Attenuation tolerances are in addition to
base accuracy.
Tachometer Input AC coupling ≤ 0.1 dB 10 Hz to <100 Hz ≤ 3 dB 1 Hz to
attenuation <10 Hz
Supported Laser Tach, Contact, TTL Pulse, Keyphasor
sensor types Attenuation ≤ 0.1 dB 10 Hz to <100 Hz ≤ 1.5 dB 1 Hz
Instrument has optically isolated input due to to <10 Hz
Integration
Power supply 5 V, 50 mA Values apply to single integration.
(normal mode)
to sensor (Acceleration to velocity)
TTL pulse rating 3.5 V (4 mA) min 28 V (5 mA) max Off- Double the values for double integration
state 0.8 V (Acceleration to displacement)
Keyphasor* 7.7 ± 0.5 V, 13.2 ± 0.8 V, 18.5 ± 1 V Attenuation ≤ 0.1 dB 1 Hz to <100 Hz
thresholds due to ≤ 1.5 dB 0.2 Hz to <1 Hz
Nominally 8 V, 13 V, 18 V
Integration
Applies when coupling = DC and Fmax ≤
Speed range 10 RPM to 300,000 RPM (0.2 Hz to 5 kHz) (low frequency
100 Hz
mode)
Pulse width at least 0.1 ms
Accuracy ± 0.1 %
Output to drive Up to 140 Hz (8400 CPM)

3/9 116M5343 Rev. F

vb8 Portable Data Collector, Analyzer and Balancer
Datasheet

Spectrum Display Long time 25 Hz to 40 kHz

waveform
20 kHz max for two or more channels
Fmax ranges 25, 50, 100, 125, 150, 200, 300, 400, 500, Fmax
600, 800, 1000, 1200, 1600, 2000, 2500, Long time 14.7 million samples (total over channels)
3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 8000, 10,000, waveform
15,000, 20,000, 30,000, 40,000, 60,000, E.g. for Fmax 1 kHz, Fsample = 2.56 kHz
duration
80,000 Hz Or equivalent CPM values Or and Duration = 1.6 hrs
orders-based from 1X to 999X
Fmin possible 0 to Fmax Number of 1024, 2048, 4096, 8192, 16,384, 32,768
range samples
Instrument zeroes all spectral lines below
Fmin. Time scale 10 ms to 512 seconds or orders based
from 1 to 999 revs
Resolution 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12,800 lines
Time 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128
Frequency Hz, CPM, Orders Linear scale with synchronous
scale zooming Only available when tachometer triggered
averages
Amplitude Acceleration, velocity, displacement, Long time 25 Hz to 40 kHz
scale current, voltage, user defined Linear or waveform
log scales, auto or manual scaling 20 kHz max for two or more channels
Fmax
Window shapes Hanning Rectangular Long time 14.7 million samples (total over channels)
Overlap (0, 12.5, 25, 37.5, 50, 62.5, 75, 87.5) % waveform
E.g. for Fmax 1 kHz, Fsample = 2.56 kHz
duration
and Duration = 1.6 hrs
Depends on Fmax and number of lines
Number of 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128 Logging and Analysis
averages
Increases sampling time proportionally
Output formats Instrument screen, transfer to Ascent or
Averaging Linear, exponential, peak hold, System 1, XML, UFF file export via USB
types synchronous
Data storage Dual 1 GB non-volatile flash memories
Demodulation 23 bandwidth options From 125 Hz to Database mirror copy on second flash
bandwidths 1250 Hz Up to 16 kHz to 20 kHz memory
6Pack Up to 40 kHz and 3200 lines (1 channel) Data storage Folders/machines/points/locations/routes
Up to 20 kHz and 1600 lines (3 channels) structure
Spectrum and waveform for low- No limits are applied 50 character names
frequency, high-frequency and
demodulation Max folder size 10,000 measurement locations

Order tracking Up to 6 kHz Fmax Orders-based Modal analysis CH1 for hammer Up to 3 response
channels ≤ 40 kHz
Tachometer required Mounted on high-
speed shaft Coherence and FRF (Accelerance /
Mobility / Compliance)
Order tracking < -65 dB
- Distortion Cross channel 1 reference Up to 3 other sensors
Within 50% to 200% speed variation spectrum
during recording Coherence and FRF for importing into
ODS software

Waveform Display
Number of 1024, 2048, 4096, 8192, 16,384, 32,768
samples
Time scale 10 ms to 512 seconds or orders based
from 1 to 999 revs
Time 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128
synchronous
Only available when tachometer triggered
averages

4/9 116M5343 Rev. F

vb8 Portable Data Collector, Analyzer and Balancer
Datasheet

Balancing Battery and Charger

Planes Up to 2 planes 2 sensors Battery type Custom Lithium Ion pack, 7.4 V, 5 Ah
Speed range 30 to 60 000 RPM Operating time 10 hours Backlight on — 60 second
timeout
Measurement Acceleration Velocity Displacement
type Charger type Internal charging, automatic control
External power pack 12 V DC, 3 A output
Weight modes Angle 0° to 360° Fixed position
Circumference arc Charge rate 3 A nominal 3 hours for complete charge
E.g. Weights on fan blades, linear dist.
around circumference Mechanical
Remove trial Leave or remove trial weights for final Size 9.9" W x 5.8" L x 2.4" H (252 x 148 x 60
weights balance mm)
Automatic recalculation Weight 2.7 lb (1.2 kg) Including battery and strap
Manual data Yes
entry Environmental Limits
Allows re-entry of previous balance jobs
Storage of In the data structure where machine Operating 14 °F to 122 °F (-10 to 50 °C)
balancing jobs vibration readings are stored temperature
No limits applied Storage -4 °F to 140 °F (-20 to 60 °C), 95% RH
temperature &
humidity Up to 95 F (35 C), 85% RH if storage
Display and Communication exceeds 1 month

Display Graphic Grayscale LCD LED Backlight Ruggedness IP65 sealed 4’ (1.2 m) drop onto concrete
Procedure: 26 drops following MIL-STD-
Resolution & 480 x 320 (HVGA), 5.5” (140 mm) 810F-516.5-IV
size
Readable in direct sunlight
Supported English, Chinese, French, German,
Languages Japanese, Portuguese, Russian and
Spanish
Communication USB and Ethernet
with PC
Use PROFLASH to upgrade instrument
firmware
USB host port USB 2.0, supplying 5V, 250mA Save
folders to USB flash drive
UFF export Spectra, Coherence, FRF magnitude and
phase
Universal File Format for Modal and FRF
data

5/9 116M5343 Rev. F

vb8 Portable Data Collector, Analyzer and Balancer
Datasheet
Hazardous Area Approvals
Compliance and Certifications For the detailed listing of country and product specific
approvals, refer to the Approvals Quick Reference
Guide (108M1756) available from www.Bently.com.
FCC
CSA/NRTL/C Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, D
This device complies with part 15 of the (Approval
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the Option 01)
following two conditions:
l This device may not cause harmful
interference.
l This device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause
undesired operation.

EMC
EN 61000-6-2
EN 61000-6-4
EMC Directive 2014/30/EU

Electrical Safety
EN 61010-1
LV Directive 2006/95/EU

RoHS
RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU

6/9 116M5343 Rev. F

vb8 Portable Data Collector, Analyzer and Balancer
Datasheet
109M2384-02 Neck strap with Sensor Keeper 1
108M4044 AC power adapter 1
Ordering Information
DCCA0041 DC car adapter 1
For the detailed listing of country and product specific
approvals, refer to the Approvals Quick Reference 108M3536 SCOUT100 Series and vbSeries Quick 1
Guide (108M1756) available from www.Bently.com. Start Guide
MVBX0250 Instrument Reference guide 1
VB8-AA
Accessory Kits
A: Agency Approval
01 CSA / NRTL / C (Class 1, Division 2)
Balancing Kit - 108M4050-04
Basic Kit
Part Number Description Qty
We offer the vb8 Portable Data Collector,
113M5529-01 Reflective tape One roll, 60 cm 1
Analyzer and Balancer instrument in a basic kit
with the option to purchase System 1 or Ascent LASA0315 Laser Tach Kit Zone 2 rated 1
software and license separately. CBL50216 Laser cable Five meters 1
MAGA0063 Laser magnetic stand 1
* Kit items below with multiple part numbers CB5G0024 Sensor Cable Five meters, green 2
listed have limited regional availability due to
certification requirements. CB5R0025 Sensor Cable Five meters, red 2
CBBL0026 Carrying case for the kit 1
Part Number Description Qty
vb8 Portable Data Collector, Analyzer 1
and Balancer four-channel portable Zone 2 Laser Tach Kit - LASA0315
data collector
ACCL0547 or Straight accelerometer 3 Part Number Description Qty
200350 *
108M4064 Laser Tacho Holder 1
ACCL0561 or Right-angled accelerometer or 1
200350 * straight accelerometer 108M4066 Circlips - 20Mm Stainless 1

CBCC0027 or Transducer cable 4 108M4067 Arp115 Oring 2

138M7748 * 108M4069 Laser Tach Zone 2 rated 1
CBTB0278 Triple BNC adapter 1
MAGF0104 Accelerometer magnetic base 4
CABB0560 BNC to BNC cable, 1m 2
CABU0213 USB data transfer cable 1
110M8172-012 LEMO-BNC TTL Tach/Keyphasor 1
PLUS0230 Category A power plug, USA / 1
Canada
PLSA0241 Category D power plug, South Africa 1
/ India
PLAU0228 Category M power plug, Australia / 1
New Zealand / China
PLHK0245 Category G power plug, Hong Kong 1
/ UK
PLEU0229 Category C Power plug, Europe 1
CBVB0552 vbx instrument carry bag 1

7/9 116M5343 Rev. F

vb8 Portable Data Collector, Analyzer and Balancer
Datasheet

Impact Hammer Kit

Impact_Hammer_Kit - AA-BB-CC-DD-EE-FF

A: 500lbf pk, 10mV/lbf, 0.3lbm (285570-01)

00 None
01 Hammer Included
B: 1000lbf pk, 5mV/lbf, 0.3lbm (285570-02)
00 None
01 Hammer Included
C: 5000lbf pk, 1mV/lbf, 2.4lbm (285570-03)
00 None
01 Hammer Included
D: N/A
E: N/A
F: N/A

Additional Accessories
Software

Part Number Description

108M4051 ASCENT Level 1
108M4052 ASCENT Level 2
3071/01 System 1

Miscellaneous Parts

Part Number Description

MAGM0064 Accelerometer magnetic base
Male connection
VBMR0222 Stainless safety rings (1 pair)
100M5828 The vbSeries hard case
DTC70262 The vbSeries dust cover
BATT0575 Replacement battery pack, Li-Ion 7.4 V 5
Ah

All accessories included in the basic kit,

balancing kit and Laser Tach kit may also be
ordered separately.

8/9 116M5343 Rev. F

vb8 Portable Data Collector, Analyzer and Balancer
Datasheet

Copyright 2019 Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC ("BHGE") All rights reserved.
Bently Nevada, vb Series, Keyphasor, System 1 and Orbit Logo are registered trademarks of BHGE in the
United States and other countries. All product and company names are trademarks of their respective
holders. Use of the trademarks does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by the respective
holders.
The information contained in this document is subject to change without prior notice.
1631 Bently Parkway South, Minden, Nevada USA 89423
Phone: 1.775.782.3611 Bently.com

9/9 116M5343 Rev. F