Ascent Reference Guide

GE Measurement & Control
Reference Guide
Bently Nevada* Asset Condition Monitoring
Ascent Software
Document: 111M5271
Rev. - (10/15)
Ascent Software Reference Guide
© 2015 Bently Nevada, Inc.
All rights reserved.
The information contained in this document is subject to change without prior notice.
* Denotes a trademark of Bently Nevada, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of General Electric
Company.
SCOUT, vbSeries, vbOnline, Ranger
The following are trademarks of the legal entities cited:
Windows® operating system and Microsoft® software is a registered trademark of

Microsoft Corporation.
Printed in USA. Uncontrolled when transmitted electronically
Contact Information
When you cannot reach your local representative, use the following contact information:
1631 Bently Parkway South

Mailing Address Minden, Nevada USA 89423
USA
1.775.782.3611
Telephone
1.800.227.5514
Fax 1.775.215.2873
Internet www.GEmeasurement.com
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Additional Information
NOTE
This manual does not contain all the information

required to operate and maintain Ascent Software.
Refer to the following manuals for other required
information.
System 1 Evolution* Manual (Document 109M8639)
l How to configure a plant by adding machine trains and assets to a database

l How to build and manage routes for portable data collection
Product Disposal Statement

Customers and third parties, who are not member states of the European Union, who are in
control of the product at the end of its life or at the end of its use, are solely responsible for the
proper disposal of the product. No person, firm, corporation, association or agency that is in
control of product shall dispose of it in a manner that is in violation of any applicable federal,
state, local or international law. Bently Nevada, Inc. is not responsible for the disposal of the
product at the end of its life or at the end of its use.
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Contents
1. Overview 1
1.1 Key Terms and Concepts 12
1.2 Ascent Database Location 15
2. Basic Operations 16
2.1 Open Ascent 17
2.2 Layout 18
2.3 Create a Database 24
2.4 Create a Folder 26
2.5 Delete a Folder 27
2.6 Open a Folder 28
2.7 Select a Different Database 29
2.8 Button Captions in Toolbars 30
2.9 Create a Machine Using Build Mode 31
2.10 Apply Different Rotational Speeds across a Machine 49
2.11 Copy an Item to Multiple Locations 51
2.12 Delete an Item 52
2.13 Autosave 53
2.14 Customize Work Area 65
2.15 Create Route 66
2.16 Add Instrument to Ascent 69
2.17 Communicate with the Instrument 70
2.18 GMT Handling and Time Zones 76
3. Reports 80
3.1 Generate Report 81
3.2 Alarm Report 83
3.3 Balancing Report 84
3.4 Detailed Exception Report 85
3.5 Last Eight Measurements 86
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3.6 Last Measurement Report 87

3.7 Machine Assessment Reports 88
3.8 Machine Summary Report 113
3.9 Notes Report 115
3.10 Routes Due Report 116
3.11 Structure and Route Reports 117
3.12 Automated Reports 119
4. Plotting Data 121
4.1 Use Charts 122
4.2 Views 182
4.3 Trending Data 190
4.4 Orbit Plots 200
4.5 Bode Plots 206
4.6 Modal Analysis and Cross Channel Spectrum (ODS) Data 210
4.7 Print Charts and Reports 214
4.8 Schemes 217
4.9 Keyboard Shortcut Keys 223
5. Alarms 226
5.1 Check Alarm Status 227
5.2 Band, Crest Factor, and True Peak-to-Peak Alarms 229
5.3 Envelope Alarms 252
5.4 Overall RMS Alarms 261
5.5 Set Alarm for Numeric Data Schedule Entry 262
5.6 Use More Detailed Alarm Threshold 264
5.7 Create Alarm Template 265
6. Configure Recordings 279
6.1 Use Parameter Sets/Schedule Entries 280
6.2 Associate Process Variables with Vibration Recordings 315
6.3 Demodulation 318
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6.4 6Pack Recordings 323

6.5 Set/Update RPMs for Multiple Recordings 325
6.6 Linear Speed Support 328
6.7 Collect RPM Value while Measuring 330
6.8 Baseline Recordings 332
6.9 Triaxial Measurements 334
6.10 Sensor Settings 335
6.11 Bias Voltage Type 336
6.12 OPC Import 338
6.13 Template Machines 343
6.14 Manually Enter Vibration Data 354
6.15 Customize Axis Name 357
6.16 Tagging 358
6.17 Store Reusable Components in Library 359
6.18 Open an Entire Site 361
6.19 Bearing Database 363
7. Transfer Data 368
7.1 How to Export Data 369
7.2 How to Import Data 370
7.3 Import and Export Data Using Command Line 371
8. Manage Data Storage Effectively 373
8.1 Back up Database 374
8.2 Database Optimization 377
8.3 Restore Ascent Database 380
9. Custom Views 381
9.1 Walkthrough — Create Your Own Views 382
9.2 Define AutoView Components 391
9.3 Customize Your View 396
9.4 Assign Keyboard Shortcuts 398
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9.5 Reuse Part of Existing View 399

9.6 Save Changes to View 400
9.7 Use Selector 402
9.8 Assign Priority and Target 408
9.9 Design View Layout 410
9.10 Delete View 417
10. Machine Builder Wizard 418
10.1 Introduction 419
10.2 Walkthrough — The Proven Method 420
10.3 Overall Condition Rating 422
10.4 Select Cases 424
11. Statistical Alarms 436
11.1 Statistical Alarm Overview 437
11.2 Generation Parameters 441
11.3 Apply Predefined Alarms 442
11.4 Redefine Thresholds for Existing Alarms 448
11.5 Update Alarm Thresholds 454
11.6 Apply Statistics to Alarms 456
11.7 Outlier Detection and Suspicious Recordings 458
11.8 Statistical Alarm Setup 461
11.9 Create Statistical Alarm Templates 478
11.10 Edit Statistical Alarm Templates 480
11.11 Machine Families 481
12. Administrative Tasks 487
12.1 Set up Ascent for Access by Non-Administrators 488
12.2 Create and Manage User Accounts 489
12.3 Configure Ascent Directories 500
12.4 File types 503
12.5 Network 504
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1. Overview
Ascent is a software application that complements the following products:
n SCOUT* family of portable vibration data collectors and analyzers

n vbSeries* family of portable vibration data collectors and analyzers
n vbOnline* and Ranger* family of permanently-mounted instruments and modules
You can use Ascent to store and analyze vibration data taken with a vbSeries portable or online
device. Ascent uses your computer's USB or Ethernet ports to communicate with the instrument.
After creating machine lists and measurement setups in Ascent, you can send this information to
your device.
Once your data has been collected, you can use Ascent to accomplish the following tasks:
n View spectra, waveforms and trends

n Create envelope and band alarms
n Generate reports such as a detailed exception report to summarize information in your
database
The vbOnline, vb5, vb6, vb7, and vb8 packages include the Bearing Archive. This archive
provides a large library of bearings and their associated fault frequencies. The fault frequencies
can be overlaid on the spectra created in Ascent to help identify bearing problems.
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System Requirements
The minimum system requirements for installing Ascent are:
l Microsoft® Windows® 7, 8, 10, Server 2008 or Server 2012 operating systems

l 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor or faster
l 2 GB RAM for 32-bit machine / 4 GB RAM for 64-bit machine
l 10 GB available hard disk space
l USB port
l Optional Ethernet port to communicate with vbSeries and SCOUT devices
l Required Ethernet port to communicate with vbOnline and Ranger
l Microsoft .NET Framework® Version 3.5 SP1 or higher
Windows administrator privileges are required to install Ascent and register your license
key. If you are within a corporate or managed network, you may need to contact your
network administrator for assistance. After the software is installed, you do not need
Windows administrator privileges to use Ascent.
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Ascent Software License
You must have a license to run Ascent, AscentWatcher, AscentOPC and OnlineManager. Without
a license, you can run Ascent in demonstration mode only.
The license file may reside in one of the following locations:
n A software file stored on the host computer

n An optional USB security dongle attached to the host computer
A Customer License Key or CLK is used to activate and update your license file. The Ascent
installation media contains a printed label bearing the eleven-digit CLK. You may receive the CLK
by email if you haven't ordered any devices.
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Supported Interface Languages
You can run Ascent in several languages. Your software license uses the region of purchase or
destination to determine the application's language offerings. The following regional language
packs are available:
n English
n French
n German
n Japanese
n Portuguese
n Russian
n Simplified Chinese
n Spanish
The interface language you choose in Ascent will be used for all Ascent suite software
including the OnlineManager, AscentOPC and AscentWatcher. These applications do not
offer a feature to change their interface languages. You must use Ascent to choose the
interface language.
How to Change Ascent Interface Language

Follow these steps to change the interface language in Ascent:
1. Select Options.
2. Choose Select Language.
3. Select From compatible languages only.
The application displays a list of languages supported by your current Windows

operating system configuration. If your preferred interface language does not
appear in this list but is included in the list when you select From any available
languages, you must change your Windows locale settings.
4. Select a language from the list.
5. Click OK.
Ascent updates its interface language and displays a message to notify you.
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The License Manager
You can use the License Manager to do the following tasks:
n Update a license
n Remove a license
n View a license's status and level
n View features covered by a license
The License Management window contains the following tabs:
n License tab displays your license details including your license key, expiration date, and Ascent software
level.
You can also perform the following tasks from this tab:
l Select Customer Details to update your contact details. Internet connection is required.
l Select Activation Summary to view your current license features and the number of used and
available license seats.
n Management tab supports the following features:
l Get/Update License launches the License Wizard.

l Remove License launches the Remove License Wizard.
l Import launches Get license manually from the COMMTEST website.
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How to Uninstall a Software License
You may wish to uninstall your software license for the following reasons:
n Transfer Ascent to another computer

n Decommission or upgrade your PC hardware
n Indefinitely uninstall Ascent for storage
n Switch between a PC- and dongle-based license
Follow these steps to uninstall your software license:
1. Open Help menu and select License Management.
2. Select Management tab.
3. Select Remove License.
If you have a hardware dongle connected, you can remove a software (PC) license
or hardware (dongle) license. If you do not have a dongle connected, use the
Remove license from machine option.
4. Select the license components (applications) you wish to remove.
5. Select Next.
6. Choose your preferred license removal method.
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7. Select Next.
n If you selected Remove license automatically over Internet, the license will be
removed immediately over the Internet.
n If you selected Remove license manually, follow these steps:
a. Select Generate Remove License Request File.

b. Save the text file on your computer.
c. Transfer the file to a computer that is connected to the Internet.
d. Navigate to https://licensing.commtest.co.nz.
e. Select Remove License.
f. Follow the instructions to unregister your license.
See Also
License Manager
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How to Install Ascent using a Software License
Follow these steps to install Ascent and activate your license:
1. Close all programs running on your PC.
2. Launch Ascent Installer using the provided media.
3. Select an installation language in the Installation Language window.
4. Select OK.
The installation wizard will walk you through the installation process.
If you intend to use OnlineManager, AscentOPC, or AscentWatcher applications

with a non-English interface, you must also select Ascent during the installation
process. Interface languages for these applications must be set globally in Ascent.
For more information, refer to See "Supported Interface Languages" on page 4.
5. After completing the installation, right-click on Ascent icon and select Run as
Administrator.
6. Select Get License.
7. Select Get/Update License.
8. Select Next.
9. Enter your Customer License Key.
10. Select the applications you wish to activate.
The following options are available:
n Ascent Level 1 - Ascent

n Ascent Level 2 - Ascent
n Ascent Level 3 - Ascent, Ascent Watcher, Ascent OPC and Online Manager
You may install and activate each application on different hardware.
11. Select Next.
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12. Select your license acquisition method and select Next.
The following license acquisition methods are available:
n Get license automatically over Internet if you have a direct Internet connection.
After obtaining the license successfully, select Finish and OK to close the License
Management window.
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n Get license manually from the COMMTEST website if you don't have an Internet
connection or if you were unable to get the license automatically because of a
corporate firewall.
Follow these steps to obtain the license manually:
1. Select Generate License Request File.

2. Save the .txt file.
3. Transfer the file to a computer connected to the Internet.
4. Go to https://licensing.commtest.co.nz.
5. Follow the instructions on the website to generate a license key file.
6. Save the license key file on your computer and transfer it to the Ascent host
computer.
7. Close the Request License window.
8. Select Browse in the Management tab.
9. Locate and select the new key file.
10. Select Import. The application imports the key file.
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How to Upgrade Ascent
When Ascent Installer detects an older version of the software application, it prompts you to confirm removing the
previous version. During the upgrade, the installer replaces the old version of Ascent with the newest one. The
software license or customer database are not affected.
When you start Ascent, the application checks the database version. If a newer version is available, Ascent prompts
you to upgrade the database.
See Also
How to Install Ascent Using a Software License
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1.1 Key Terms and Concepts
The following table outlines key terms and concepts in Ascent:
Term Description Image
Ascent stores information in a hierarchy. At the top of this hierarchy, there is

a database.
The database contains sites and machines you have set up. Database files
Database
have .FDB extension.
You may have multiple databases. Different sites must belong to the same
database to share data.
A site contains folders used to store machine information.

Site Folders contain all the data in the database.
Each folder belongs to a particular site.
A folder holds a collection of machines.

Folder A folder represents the entire collection of information sent to or received
from an instrument.
A machine represents an asset such as motor, a fan, a gearbox or a pump in

Machine your plant.
Machines hold a collection of points and are stored in folders.
A point represents a position or a region on a particular machine where

vibration measurements are taken.
Point
Bearings and gears can be defined at each point so that fault frequency
information is available for all measurement locations on the point.
A measurement location represents an actual place on the machine where

you place a sensor to take vibration measurements.
The difference between different measurement locations at a point is the

orientationof the sensor. In other words, the orientation of the sensor is
Measurement
Location defined by the axes around the shaft on which the sensor is placed.
There may be several measurement locations at a point, each using a

different orientation or axis.
The following picture depicts a machine with three measurement locations:
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A recording represents recorded vibration measurements for

spectrum/waveform or 6Pack recordings. A recording may contain a single
Recording recorded vibration measurement or multiple ones.
A recording includes the time, the date and the description of the
measurement type.
A schedule entry represents a vibration recording scheduled to be taken.
A schedule entry ties a parameter set to a measurement location.
The parameter set defines a general set of measurement parameters.
Schedule The schedule entry specifies how the measurement should be taken at a
Entry particular location. For example, a scheduled entry may identify which sensor
to use and what the default RPM is.
You may have more than one schedule entry at a measurement location. For
example, you may take a velocity recording, and then, without moving the
accelerometer, take an acceleration recording.
A parameter set defines the general parameters needed for taking a

measurement.
Parameters include information such as the measurement unit and the

Parameter number of averages to be taken.
Set
You can share your parameter sets between schedule entries in your
database. Then, if your measurement requirements change, you can modify
the parameter set. As a result, all the corresponding schedule entries are
automatically updated.
A route is an ordered list of some or all of the measurement locations in a

folder.
A route cannot contain measurement locations from other folders.

Route
You might have more than one route in a folder. When you send a route to the
instrument, all the machines, points, and measurement locations in the folder
are also sent to the instrument, even if the route does not refer to them.
Route Entry A route entry specifies where on the machine a measurement is to be taken
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and what the orientation of the sensor should be.
Examples of route entries are motor drive end and horizontal.
Route entries are organized by the order in which measurement locations are
visited when you take recordings on a route.
An envelope alarm defines an alarm region on the spectra.

Envelope
Alarm The alarm is triggered when any point in the spectrum exceeds the alarm
threshold.
A band alarm defines a limited range of frequencies to monitor on a

spectrum. Peak Band
Alarms
A band alarm can be either Peak or Power based.
Band Alarm Peak Band Alarms detect when a spectral peak within the defined band Power Band
goes above a certain value. Alarms
Power Band Alarms measure the overall RMS within the defined band and
compare the overall RMS with a threshold value.
Bearing definitions can be added to points on your machines.
Bearing Once Ascent knows the fault frequencies for a bearing, it can display fault
frequency markers on spectra. You can use this information to identify peaks
related to a bearing.
Commtest Bearing Archive offers a list of bearings that are compatible with
a selected bearing.
Interchange DISCLAIMER
Bearing
We have made every effort to ensure bearing and bearing interchange
information is valid and correct. But we are not responsible for any damages
caused as a result of using this information.
Gear definitions can be added to points on a machine.
Gear Once Ascent knows the fault frequencies for a gear, it can display fault
frequency markers on spectra. You can use this information to identify peaks
related to a gear.
A sensor defines the name, type and sensitivity of a sensor used for data
collection.
Sensor
You can store a sensor's calibration values and settling times in Ascent and
your instrument.
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1.2 Ascent Database Location
Ascent database is C:\Users\Public\Documents by default.
See Also
Key Terms and Concepts
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2. Basic Operations
This section explains how to perform the following basic operations in Ascent:
n Open Ascent
n Layout
n Create Database
n Create Folder
n Delete Folder
n Open Folder
n Select Different Database
n Button Toolbar Captions
n Create Machine using Build Mode
n 6Pack Recordings
n Apply Different Rotational Speeds across Machine
n Copy Item
n Delete Item
n Edit Measurement
n Autosave
n Navigator
n Customize Work Area
n Create Route
n Add Instrument to Ascent
n Transfer Folders to Instrument
n Exchange Data between Ascent and your Remote Comms Server
n Transfer Recordings to Ascent Database
n Maintain Data Integrity
n Use Example Data
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2.1 Open Ascent
When you install Ascent, you can have a program shortcut created on your desktop and in the
Windows Start menu.
Follow these steps to open Ascent from the Windows Start menu:
1. Select All Programs.

2. Select Commtest.
3. Select Ascent.
4. Select Ascent again.
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2.2 Layout
This section outlines the following features in Ascent:
n Navigator
n Navigator List
n Charts
n Creation Palette
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Navigator
By default, the Navigator panel appears on the left in Ascent. You can use this panel to navigate
through the data in a database. The following picture depicts the Navigator panel in the default
position:
To move the navigator panel to the top half of the Ascent window, do the following:
1. Select Screen from Ascent's main menu.

2. Select Navigator on top.
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See Also
Layout
Navigator List
Charts
Creation Palette
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Navigator List
The Navigator list displays all items including any notes and recordings associated with a
selection in the Navigator panel. The following picture depicts a Navigator list:
See Also
Layout
Navigator
Charts
Creation Palette
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Charts
There are two different types of charts in Ascent:
l Vibration charts appear with a graph icon and support more options.
l Numeric charts appear with a variety of icons and support fewer options.
For both types of charts, you can access available options by right-clicking on a selection in the
Navigator panel. The following picture depicts the options available for a vibration graph:
The following picture depicts the options available for a numeric graph:
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Creation Palette
The Creation palette contains shortcut buttons for routine tasks such as creating a bearing or
adding a note.
Follow these steps to access the Creation palette if it is not visible"
1. Select Screen.
2. Select Show Creation Palette.
When the cursor hovers over a button, a quick tip appears to display its functionality. The
following picture depicts the buttons in the Creation palette:
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2.3 Create a Database
If this is the first time you have created a database, we recommend accepting the default storage
location so you can easily find the database later. The default factory database contains all the
information you need to start setting up your machines.
You can create a database using one of the following methods:
Option 1
1. Select File.
2. Select Database.
3. Select Create Database.
4. Select Create New.
Option 2
1. Select Database .
3. Select Create New.
Then follow these steps to complete the process:
1. Select a location for the database:
l Select Local Machine to create a local database on the computer on which Ascent is
installed).
Select Browse to choose an alternative location or change the default database
name.
l Select Network to create a new database on a server or a networked machine.

Enter the server name or IP address.
The server address must have all leading and trailing back slashes removed.
The path must be absolute and include correct drive path from the server's
perspective.
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2. Select Next.
3. Tick the Add example data to the database checkbox if you are creating an example
database to experiment with Ascent's functionality. If not, leave this checkbox empty and
continue to the next step.
4. Ensure the database location and name listed are correct.
5. Click Finish and confirm you would like to open the new database.
6. Select a site or folder.
7. Select OK.
The application opens the database.
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2.4 Create a Folder
The remainder of this section is presented as a tutorial to familiarize you with Ascent. The
instructions will guide you through some of the routine tasks you will perform when using Ascent
and your portable instrument. You will learn how to set up machines, create routes, and transfer
data between your computer and the instrument.
Follow these steps to create a folder to hold a machine with four measurement locations:
1. Select File and Open or select Open .

2. Select New.
3. Select Folder.
You can also create a new folder by right-clicking the Navigator panel and selecting New
and VB Datafolder.
4. Enter a folder name.

5. Select OK.
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2.5 Delete a Folder
Follow these steps to delete a folder permanently:
1. Select the folder.
2. Press Delete or right-click on the folder and select Delete.
3. Select Yes to confirm.
The folder is deleted permanently.
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2.6 Open a Folder
Follow these steps to open a folder:
2. Double-click a folder to open it.
If there are no folders visible, you can use to expand a site .
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2.7 Select a Different Database
Ascent retains a list of databases you have accessed before. You can use this history to switch
between different databases quickly.
Follow these steps to select a database from the list:
2. Expand Database and select a database.
3. Select OK.
Follow these steps if the database has not been opened previously:

2. Select Change.
3. Select Browse.
4. Select a database.
5. Select Open.
6. Select a Datafolder or site.
7. Select OK.
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2.8 Button Captions in Toolbars
If you are using a small monitor or running a non-English version of Ascent, some toolbars might
not appear correctly in the application. To fix this problem, you can turn off toolbar captions. As a
result, the required space to display each button is reduced to make them fit better.
Follow these steps to turn off toolbar captions:
1. Select Screen.
2. Deselect Show Toolbar Captions.
The following pictures depict a toolbar before and after turning off captions:
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2.9 Create a Machine Using Build Mode
You can use Build mode to build the structure of your machines. When you are in Build mode, the
application displays placeholders in the Navigator panel. You can use these placeholders to
create new machines, points, measurement locations and schedule entries. To create an item,
select one of the placeholders.
Select Build to toggle Build mode on or off as depicted in the following picture:
First, you will create a machine with two points and two measurement locations at each point.
Soon you will learn how to accomplish the following tasks:
l Copy parts of your machine structure to save time

l Add a photographic image for identification purposes.
l Create schedule entries to specify the types of measurements that will be carried out at
each machine location
Follow these steps to create a machine:
1. Select Build to activate Build mode.
If you are licensed to use The Proven Method, the application displays the Machine Builder
wizard. You can use this wizard to create machines with preset alarms. Instructions for
using the wizard are provided later in the manual. For now, we are going to manually
create the machines.
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2. If the Machine Builder wizard is open, click the Manual Build Mode link to close it.
The currently open folder, Drying Machines, is at the top of the navigator. Use the
placeholders to create your machine structure.
3. Select [Add Machine].

The placeholder turns blue to indicate it can now be edited.
4. Enter Blower #8 and press Enter.
The machine structure opens to reveal placeholders for creating the points and
measurement locations on this machine. We will add these next.
A new [Add Machine] placeholder appears at the bottom of the structure. You can use this
placeholder to create more machines in this folder.
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Add a Point
Follow these steps to add a point:
1. Select the [Add Point] placeholder that belongs to Blower #8.
2. Enter Drive End and press Enter to create the point.
The application displays several new placeholders.
Next you will add measurement locations to the Drive End point.
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Add a Measurement Location
Follow these steps to add a measurement location:
1. Select the first [Add Measurement Location] placeholder.

2. Select Horizontal.
3. Select OK to create a horizontal location at the Drive End point.
4. Select [Add Measurement Location] placeholder below the one you created in step 2.
5. Select Vertical.
6. Click OK.
You can define a new location name by selecting <other> from the dropdown field.
See Customize Axis Name to learn more about editing existing location names and
creating new ones.
If you are taking a triaxial measurement at the location, follow these steps:
1. Right-click the new location and select Edit.
2. In the Measurement Location window, select an axis from the Triax Axis dropdown list.
The measurement axis displays beside the location in the navigator.

For example, a measurement on the X axis on the location Vertical will display as Vertical
[X].
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Copy a Point
You can duplicate the Drive End point along with its two locations to make the Other End point. As
a result, the application creates a machine with four measurement locations. Once you have
copied a point, you can specify which vibration measurements should be taken at these
locations.
Follow these steps to copy a point:
1. Right-click the selected point and select Copy Branch to Clipboard.
2. Right-click the required machine and select Paste.
The new point displays in the navigator below the previously selected point.
3. Right-click the point you have created and select Edit.
The application displays the Point Editor window.
4. Enter a name for the new point in the field provided.
5. Click OK.
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Create a Parameter Set or a Schedule Entry
A Parameter Set defines a set of parameters'that will be used to take a measurement. If you
intend to take the same type of measurement at many machine locations, creating a single
parameter set for that type of measurement will save you a lot of set up time. You specify the
measurement parameters once, then reuse the parameter set for multiple Schedule Entries.
A Schedule Entry represents one measurement or one multi-measurement type that is scheduled
to be taken. A 6Pack measurement on SCOUT and vbSeries instruments is an example of a multi-
measurement type. the following picture depicts a new schedule entry:
A single parameter set can be used to assign parameters to many schedule entries (individual
measurements) and provides a quick way to set up those measurements.
Follow these steps to create a single parameter set and then use it to create four schedule entries,
one at each of the four locations on our machine:
1. Select Blower #8.
2. Select P/Sets .
The application opens the Select Parameter Sets window. This window summarizes the
parameter sets currently defined on this machine. The window is empty because we have
not yet defined any parameter sets.
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3. Select Add to All to create a new parameter set/schedule entry combination.
The application opens the Edit Paramset / Schedule Entry window. This window gives you
complete control over the measurement parameters your instrument will use.
We will start by measuring the vibration according to the ISO 2372 standard. We will
specify overall limits of vibration in the 10 Hz to 1000 Hz range of frequencies (600 to
60 000 CPM).
4. Select an Fmax of 1000 Hz (60 000 CPM) from the dropdown field and leave the rest of the
settings at their defaults.
The estimated recording time is displayed near the bottom left of the window.
5. Select OK twice.
The new schedule entries appears beneath the four measurement locations on Blower #8.
6. Select Build to turn off Build mode.
All the placeholders will disappear with your completed structure. The schedule entry labels
describe the type of measurements to be taken (Vel Freq 1000 Hz). Any text you enter in the
Description field of the Edit Paramset / Schedule Entry editor will be appended to the label.
You can change schedule entries individually by selecting and editing them. You can also
change schedule entries a group by editing the associated parameter set.
For more information, see Parameter Sets/Schedule Entries.
7. Select the [Add Schedule Entry] placeholder beneath a location to add a schedule entry.
The application opens the Edit Paramset / Schedule Entry editor.
8. Enter the parameters to be used for taking this recording.

9. Select OK.
Alternatively if you already have parameter sets defined, you can select one of them using
the Select Parameter Set at the top of the editor.
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Estimate Measurement Recording Time
When you set up your measurements, the schedule entry editor displays an estimate of the time
the measurement will take to record. The recording time is based on the values you enter in the
Fmax, Lines, and Number of averages fields.
The recording time is also affected by the selected domain such as frequency, time or
demodulation. You can experiment with changing the settings on this window to estimate how
long various measurement setups may take.
To reopen a schedule entry for editing, use one of the following methods:
1. Double-click schedule entry in the Navigator.
2. Right-click schedule entry icon in the navigator and select Edit.
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Add an Image to a Machine
Once you have created your machine, follow these steps to add a picture and descriptive
information to the machine definition:
1. Right-click Blower #8 and select Edit.

2. Paste or load an image of your machine.
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Add a Bearing to a Point
Bearing and gear definitions may be added to points on your machines. Once Ascent knows the
fault frequencies for a bearing, it can automatically display fault frequency markers on spectra if
you have set the RPM.
Follow these steps to add a bearing to a point:
1. Right-click a point in the navigator and select New.
2. Select Bearing Definition .
You will see the list of bearings currently known to Ascent.
3. Select a bearing from the list.
4. Click OK.
You will see the Bearing on Point editor that with tabs for Bearing Data, Notes, and
Interchange.
5. Click Select a different bearing to return to the previous window so you can choose a
different bearing.
6. Select the Bearing Data and Notes tabs to see what information they contain.
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7. Select OK to assign your chosen bearing to the point.
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Define New Bearings
To create your own bearings, you must know either the fault frequencies of the bearing or the
internal dimensions. Follow these steps to define a new bearning:
1. Right-click a point on the navigator and select New .
2. Select Bearing Definition.
3. Right-click the list of bearings and select Add.
4. Enter the required information in the blank fields.
5. Enter the internal dimensions (if required).
6. Select Calculate to calculate the bearing fault frequencies.
7. Select OK to save the new bearing.
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Add a Gear to Point
Follow these steps to add a gear to a point:
1. Right-click a point in the navigator.

2. Select New.
3. Select Gear Definition.
4. Enter a description and the number of teeth on each gear.
5. Select OK to assign the gear to the point.
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Notes
You can add notes to machines, points, locations, and individual recordings. When you plot data
from an item containing a note, the note text displays on the chart. In this section, you will learn:
How to Add a Note to Machine
How to Add a Note to Point, Location, or Recording
How to Archive a Note
How to Delete a Note
Add a Note to a Machine

Follow these steps to add a note to a machine:
1. Right-click the machine and select Edit.
2. Select the Notes tab to open Notes window. This tab is used to add information which will
then display on all charts that show a recording from this machine.
3. Click Add.
4. Enter your note.
5. Click OK twice.
6. Select Add, Edit, or Delete to perform the corresponding operations for notes.
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Add a Note to a Point, Location or Recording

Follow these steps to add a note to a point, location or recording:
1. Right-click a point, location or recording in the Navigator and select New.
2. Select Note.
3. Select the type of note required.
4. Enter a note.
5. Click OK.
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Archive a Note
You can archive a note if you want to keep it for a recording, machine or measurement but you
don't want the note displayed on charts or in the navigator list.
Follow these steps to archive a note:
1. Right-click the recording or note in the navigator list and select Edit.
2. Select the Archived checkbox.
Delete a Note
Follow these steps to delete a note:
1. Select the item containing the note in the Navigator.
The navigator list displays all items associated with your selection, including any notes.
2. Select the note or recording you wish to delete.
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3. Select Delete.
4. Select OK to confirm the deletion.
See Also
Notes
Add Note to Machine
Add Note to Point, Location, or Recording
Archive Note
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2.10 Apply Different Rotational Speeds across a
Machine
Various shafts in a machine may be rotating at different speeds due to gearboxes or pulley
drives. You can adjust the RPM value of recordings taken at different points by applying a point-
level RPM multiplier.
Ascent will multiply the actual machine speed by your RPM Multiplier value to calculate the shaft
speed at each point. For Linear speed Machines, the software can also calculate the point speed
using the RPM Multiplier value and the roller diameter.
Follow these steps to apply different rotational speeds across a machine:
1. Right-click the machine and select Edit.
2. Select one of the following machine speed types:
l RPM-based
l Linear speed
3. Enter the default machine speed.
Linear speed will use the default unit currently specified for Unit Preferences in Options.
4. Select OK.
5. Right-click a point and select Edit.
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6. Enter an RPM Multiplier value.
For Linear speed machines you will also need to enter the diameter of the roller/pulley. The
Point RPM value will be calculated automatically.
7. Select OK.
8. Repeat the above steps to change the rotational speed at additional points. Once you
have defined the RPM Multiplier (or Roller diameter for Linear speed machines) at each point
you can update the RPM values on all recent recordings on an entire machine.
9. Right-click a machine > Select Set Speed.
10. Enter the running speed or Linear speed of the machine.
11. Select Apply RPM to Multiplier at each Point.
12. Select the required options in the Set RPM/Set Linear Speed editor to apply the speed value.
13. Select OK.
See Apply RPM Value.
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2.11 Copy an Item to Multiple Locations
To speed up the process of building your machines, you can copy and reuse individual items
such as the point we copied earlier, or non-structural items like alarms and routes.
You can also copy entire machines and file them away in storage so they can be retrieved,
renamed, and reused multiple times. See Store Reusable Components in Library.
Follow these steps to copy an item to one place only:
1. Right-click the item and select Copy Branch to Clipboard.

2. Right-click the location where you want to place the item and select Paste.
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2.12 Delete an Item
Follow these steps to delete an item:
1. Select the item in the Navigator.
2. Delete the item using one of the following methods:
l Right-click the item and select Delete.

l Select the item and choose Delete.
3. Select Yes to confirm the deletion.
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2.13 Autosave
Autosave mode automatically saves each change you make. Therefore, you to carry out your
work without saving every modification you make. Autosave is activated by default.
Autosave disables the Undo / Revert functionality in Ascent.
Follow these steps to toggle this feature on or off:
1. Select Options.
2. Select Auto Save Changes.
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Save and Undo Changes
If Autosave is disabled, whenever you add or delete an item, you can save the changes. You can
undo a change only before saving.
To save your changes, select Save .
To undo a change, select File and Undo \ Revert. The application will undo all changes since the
last time you have saved.
See Also
Autosave
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Navigator
Now that you have created your first machine you can use it to learn how the navigator is used.
In this section, you will learn:
n Navigator List
n Sort Navigator
n Navigator Filter
n Hide Detailed Recording Information
n Hide Recording in Navigator
n Select Multiple Items
Navigator List
You can select any item in the navigator. When you select an item, the navigator list (which
displays below the navigator), will show any items that belong to your selection. For example, if
you select a machine in the navigator, the navigator list displays the points defined at that
machine, as well as any machine notes or reports. You can click a schedule entry in the
navigator to display all recordings associated with that schedule entry in the navigator list.
TIP: You can right-click the navigator list to access to commonly used commands.
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Sort Navigator
You can sort the navigator in default order, alphabetically, by alarm, or by machine name. Select
Screen > Sort to access these options:
l Navigator by Alarms — Machines and points with the worst alarm condition display at the
top of the navigator.
l Tree Alphabetically — Order tree items alphabetically.
l Machine Name Alphabetically — Order machines alphabetically by name.
Sort items manually
You can also sort items manually by dragging and dropping them into new areas. You can use
drag and drop to resort machines in any order and change the order of points and measurement
locations within a machine.
NOTE: Activating drag and drop will disable the alarm-based and alphabetical sorting options. To
re-enable these, untick Enable Drag and Drop in the Edit menu.
To sort items manually:
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1. Select Edit > Enable Drag and Drop to enable this feature.
2. Drag and drop the item to a new position — The blue highlight indicates where the dragged
item will be dropped.
Sort measurements by age
By default, the most recent measurements display first. However, you can sort the navigator list
to show the oldest measurements first (if required). To do this, select Screen > Measurements in
Navigator > Select Oldest first OR Most Recent first.
Navigator Filter
The navigator filter displays above the navigator. You can select Screen > Show Search Bar to
toggle it on or off.
You can use the navigator search filter to narrow the machines, points, locations, and recordings
displayed in the navigator.
You can filter a navigator list item by:
l Folder name
l Machine name
l Point name
l Axis
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Create/Edit/Delete filter
Follow these steps to create a new filter or edit an existing one:
1. Click beside the search filter to expand it. The filter window will open in the main graph
window.
You can select a previously defined filter from the dropdown field. To disable the
filter, select No Filter from the list. This is the filter's default state following
installation.
2. Enter a suitable name in the Filter Name field (e.g. PM2 DE).
As you define the filtering criteria used, the navigator list will update in real time.
3. Select a folder to search within from the Folder(s) field. This option will only be available if
there is more than one folder in the navigator.
4. Enter the name of the machine you wish to search within (e.g. Dryer) in the Machine(s) field.
5. Enter the machine name.
6. Enter the points you wish to filter within in the Point(s) field.
7. Select an axis from the Axis/Axes field.
8. Select By RPM or By Date to filter recordings by RPM or date range. Select Enter or a date
range using the text and date fields. Recordings outside the range(s) specified will be
removed from the navigator list.
9. Click Save to save your new filter or Clear to reset the filter and start again.
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Delete Existing Filter
Follow these steps to delete an existing filter:
1. Select it from the filter dropdown field.

2. Expand the filter window.
3. Press Delete.
See Also
Create/Edit/Delete filter
Filter Recordings
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Filter Recordings
Follow these steps to filter recordings by RPM or date range:
1. Select By RPM or By Date .

2. Enter or select a date range using the text and date fields. Recordings outside the range(s)
specified will be removed from the navigator list.
See Also
Create / Edit / Delete filter
Delete Existing Filter
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Hide Detailed Recording Information
You can show or hide the RPM and measurement type of recordings in the navigator. Hiding this
information can improve performance slightly on very large databases.
To toggle this feature on or off, follow these steps:
1. Select Screen.
2. Select Measurements in Navigator.
3. Select Show RPM and Measurement Type.
The following picture depicts recordings with RPM and measurement types:
The following picture depicts the same recordings with only their timestamps:
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Hide Recording in Navigator
As you add more recordings to your database, the speed at which the navigator list displays
them may slow down, particularly when you have many hundreds of recordings. To speed up the
response time you can limit the recordings displayed in the navigator list.
Follow these steps to hide a recording in the navigator:
1. Right-click the navigator list.

2. Select Recordings Displayed > Select the required option.
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Select Multiple Items
You can select more than one item at a time in the navigator list.
Select sequential items
You can use ONE of these methods to select sequential items:
l Click the top-most item you want to select > Hold down SHIFT and use the down arrow key
to highlight and select sequential items.
l Click the first item > Hold down the SHIFT key > Click the last item you want to select.
Select non-sequential items
To select multiple items that are not sequential, hold down CTRL while you click items in the
navigator list.
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2.14 Customize Work Area
You can hide or reposition screen elements such as the navigator and creation palette to suit
your preferences. To access these options, click Screen.
The full list of options is available from the dropdown menu. You can hide, show, or reposition
screen elements by ticking or unticking options in the list.
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2.15 Create Route
You create routes in Ascent, then send them to your portable instrument. You cannot create or
edit routes on your instrument.
Routes are not applicable to online (vbOnline and Ranger) instruments.
You can now send the Drying Machines folder to your instrument and collect data by selecting
the machine, points, and locations from the Record menu on your instrument. However, we will
first define a route that is an ordered list of measurement locations that you follow from start to
finish when collecting data. You can then transfer this route to your instrument. The device will
prompt you to collect the measurements in the order listed.
Follow these steps to create a route:
1. Create a new route using one of the following methods:
l Select Create a new Route on the Creation Palette.

l Right-click a blank area in the navigator and elect New. Select Route.
You will be asked if you want to add all the measurement locations to the route.
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2. Click Yes to open the Route editor.
All the measurement locations are listed in the window. These are the route entries that will
make up your route.
A measurement location must have at least one schedule entry defined for it to
display in a route as your instrument needs to know what type of measurement to
take. This information is contained in the schedule entry.
3. Change the default name from Unnamed Route to Weekly Route or enter a name of your
choice.
4. Use one of the following methods to change the order of the measurement locations (if
required):
l Click and hold the mouse button while you drag the selected location to a new
position.
l Select a location and move it using the red up/down arrows.
Press and hold CTRL or SHIFT while you select items in the list if you wish to select
more than one at a time.
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5. Use one of the following methods to access a list of common operations:
l Click Operations.
l Right-click an item.
6. Click OK to save your route when you are happy with the order of it.
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2.16 Add Instrument to Ascent
You must add your Ranger, SCOUT, vbOnline, or vbSeries instrument to Ascent's instrument
database before you can transfer data. Likewise, if you are using a remote communication
server, you must add this information to your database.
When you first connect to Ascent, add your instruments to the application's database.
If you intend to transfer portable instrument data via an external USB flash drive (rather than
directly to Ascent), you will first need to add at least one portable instrument to Ascent. To do this:
1. Connect your instrument and PC using the supplied communications cable (USB or
Ethernet for SCOUT and vbSeries instruments / Ethernet or Serial for vbOnline devices).
2. Start Ascent.
3. Select Edit > Manage > vb Instruments.
4. Click Add if your instrument is not listed > Select the instrument type you wish to add.
5. Use one of the following methods to add your instrument:
l Double-click you instrument name if it is listed in the right of the window.

l Click the Add button if your instrument is not listed.
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2.17 Communicate with the Instrument
You can communicate with your instrument by sending a folder to it and receiving a folder from
it.
The following instructions are only applicable to vbSeries and SCOUT instruments. The vbOnline
and Ranger instruments communicate via Online Manager. Refer to Online Manager's reference
guide for more information.
See Also
Send a Folder to an Instrument
Receive a Folder from an Instrument
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Send a Folder to an Instrument
There are three methods to transfer files to a vbSeries or SCOUT instrument:
n Direct connection via USB, Ethernet cable or WiFi. Optional WiFi dongle and SN>45000 are
required.
n Export to file
n Remote Comms Server
Direct Connection
1. Open Ascent.
2. Select Send .
3. Select Instrument for Comms Method.
4. In Instrument, select your device.
5. Select the folders to transfer.
6. Select Send.
7. Select OK.
Your instrument displays in the main menu when the communication is complete.
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Export to File
1. Open Ascent.
2. Select Send .
3. Select Export to File for Comms Method.
5. Select Export.
6. Select a file name and path to save the export file.
7. Copy the export file to a USB thumb drive and connect to your instrument.
8. Connect the USB thumb drive to your instrument and import the export file.
Refer to vbSeries and SCOUT reference guides.
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Remote Comms
1. Open Ascent.
2. Select Send .
3. Select Remote Comms Server for Comms Method.
4. From Server, select a remote communication server.
6. Select Send.
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Receive a Folder from an Instrument
There are three methods to transfer files to a vbSeries or SCOUT instrument:
n Direct connection via USB, Ethernet cable or WiFi. Optional WiFi dongle and SN>45000 are
required.
n Import to file
n Remote Comms Server
Direct Connection
1. Connect your instrument using USB, Ethernet cable or WiFi.
2. Open Ascent and select Receive.
3. Select Instrument for Comms Method.
4. In Instrument, select your device.
6. Select Receive.
7. Select OK.
Your instrument displays in the main menu when the communication is complete.
Import to File
1. Connect a USB thumb drive to your instrument and export.
Refer to vbSeries and SCOUT reference guides.
2. Connect the USB drive to a computer and copy the file to a location where Ascent can view
it.
3. Open Ascent.
4. Select Receive.
5. Select Receive From File for Comms Method.
6. Select a file name and path to save the export file.
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8. Select Import.
Remote Comms
1. Open Ascent.
2. Select Receive.
3. Select Remote Comms Server for Comms Method.
4. From Server, select a remote communication server.
5. Expand an item in the site tree and select the folder containing the data you wish to
transfer.
6. Select Receive.
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2.18 GMT Handling and Time Zones
If you take recordings in a time zone different from your local PC, the GMT offset appears in
brackets beside the recording in the Navigator.
All recordings are internally stored in Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). The local time offset is also
stored with each recording. This value is used to show the correct date or time for a recording in
the local time of the instrument that recorded it.
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How to edit the Local Time Offset for a Recording
Follow these steps to change the local time offset for a recording:
1. Right-click on a recording in the Navigator panel and select Edit.

2. Change the GMT offset .
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How to Edit GMT Time Offset for vbOnline or Ranger
Follow these steps to adjust your instrument's time zone setting:
1. Select Edit.
2. Select Manage.
3. Select vb Instruments.
4. Select a vbOnline or Ranger instument using one of the following methods:
n Double-click the instrument.

n Select the instrument and choose Configure.
5. In Properties tab, enter a GMT offset for Time Zone.
This information is used for recordings received from the online instrument. The default
setting is same as your PC. Therefore, the system time zone will be used.
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How to Edit Windows System Time Zone
1. Double-click the clock in Windows taskbar.
2. Select Time Zone.
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3. Reports
This section describes the reports available and how to access these. In this section, you will learn
about reports and how to access them in Ascent. The following topics are presented:
l Generate Report
l Alarm Report
l Balancing Report
l Detailed Exception Report
l Last 8 Measurements
l Last Measurement Report
l Machine Assessment Reports
l Machine Summary Report
l Notes Report
l Routes Due Report
l Structure and Route Reports
l Automated Reports
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3.1 Generate Report
The reporting system provides a valuable tool for analyzing your data. A variety of reports are
available to help you summarize information and highlight areas of concern.
To generate a report:
1. Select a machine or another item in the navigator.
2. Click the arrow beside Report and select the required report.
The reports available vary according to your version of Ascent and license status.
3. Right-click any displayed report to access commands for changing the format of the
report.
You might wish to include or exclude certain data.
You can generate a report on a single machine by selecting it in the navigator. You
can also generate a report for all machines in the folder by selecting the folder icon
at the top of the navigator.
See Print Charts and Reports.
The date on which recordings were taken is displayed in many reports by default. To also
display the time of the recordings, right-click the report > Select Show Time.
If you make any changes to the default settings, you will be prompted to save these
when you close the report. If you want the changes to be permanent (until you
change them again) click OK. Click No to discard the changes.
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3.2 Alarm Report
By default, the Alarm report details the current and previous two states of each alarm at the
selected location on a machine.
To change the number of previous recordings displayed:
1. Right-click the report and select Set History Count.

2. Enter a value.
3. Select OK.
The latest recording is included in this value. If you set the value to 1, only the latest
recording displays on the report. You can also select a date range or data type filter
by right-clicking the report and selecting the Date Range (All Dates) and Data
Enters filter parameters.
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3.3 Balancing Report
Once you have completed a balance job using your instrument, you can view a summary of the
process and results in the Balancing report. You can also double-click the balance job icon in the
navigator list to run this report.
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3.4 Detailed Exception Report
The Exception report provides an overall summary of the condition of your machines. Each
machine is listed with a colored horizontal bar showing its status (red = danger, green = OK etc.).
The most critical machines are shown at the top of the report.
The machine names and locations are shown as underlined blue links. You can click these to
select the required machine or location in the navigator.
Machines in the worst condition are listed at the top. If a machine does not have any alarms, its
status will be listed as Unknown. By default the Exception report displays information for all the
machines in a folder.
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3.5 Last Eight Measurements
This report is similar to the Last Measurement report but includes the previous seven
measurements for comparison. By default, this report shows the percentage change between
the latest measurement and the one before it. You can use the right-click shortcut menu to
change this setting.
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3.6 Last Measurement Report
The Last Measurement report displays the spectrum overall values of the latest measurements
taken for each schedule entry at a selected machine. It also includes the overall value of the
previous recording for comparison and gives the percentage change between the previous and
latest recordings.
You can right-click the report to access commands for hiding or showing different columns of
data and setting the number of previous recordings to include in the report.
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3.7 Machine Assessment Reports
The Machine Assessment report (MAR) system simplifies generation of PdM condition and status
reports for third-party clients. Once route or machinery analysis has been completed by an
analyst or service provider, this tool enables a report to be generated detailing specific
recommendations and existing/upcoming fault conditions. Reports can be printed or exported in
standard HTML or XML format.
Before you create a Machine Assessment report, you will need to Configure Machine
Assessment Report Database. Until this is done, all reporting menu items will be grayed
out and unavailable.
Machine Assessment Summary reports
Each Machine Assessment report is automatically associated with a Machine Assessment

Summary (MAS) report when it is created. The Machine Assessment Summary report is generated
and populated automatically using information entered in the Machine Assessment reports.
When you have finished creating individual Machine Assessment reports, you can publish these
reports individually, or together with the companion Machine Assessment Summary report.
The Machine Assessment Summary report briefly summarizes the machine reports, providing
clients with a simple one sheet overview of the state of their plant equipment.
The Machine Assessment report system is only included in Ascent Level 2 and 3 (not Level
1).
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Configure Machine Assessment Report Database
Before using the Machine Assessment Report tool for the first time, you will need to create a
report database. To do this:
1. Open Ascent.
2. Select Database.
3. Select Configure Advanced Reporting.
CAUTION! Do not change the username and password, or the default database name,
ascent_database_report.fdb.
4. Select one of the following options:
l Select Local Machine to create a database on your local PC.
Click Create to locate and select the required location for the database.
l Select Network to create a database on a networked drive.
Click Create .
Enter a server IP or name, and an absolute path to the database in the Network
Settings window that opens.
Click OK.
If you are creating a network database, the network path must be an

'absolute'. It must include correct drive mapping from the server's perspective
rather than a virtual server address. For example,
'P:\MyDatabase\Database.fdb' would be acceptable, but
'\\Server\MyDatabase\Database.fdb' would not.
5. Click OK.
The database will be created. You can now Run Machine Assessment report.
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Run Machine Assessment Report
Once you have configured the machine assessment report you can run it. To do this:
1. Right-click a machine, point, or location on the navigator.

2. Select New > Report > Machine Assessment Report.
3. Enter a folder name in the Create in New Advanced Reporting Folder field.
4. Click OK.
New and existing Machine Assessment reports are listed beneath the machine they
were created for at the bottom of the navigator list. You can access them at any
time by right-clicking them and selecting Edit.
5. Right click the new report > Select Edit — The Advanced Reporting editor consists of three
main panels:
l Summary NavigatorPanel (top left) — All Machine Assessment Summary reports

available for the data folder currently open.
l Machine Report List (bottom left) — All Machine Assessment reports in the selected
Machine Assessment Summary report.
l Report Editor Panel (right) — Report View existing reports and enter report details.
6. Select a machine name In the lower left Machine Report List panel — The Report Editor Panel
on the right displays a form if it is not already visible. You can use this form to enter report
details.
7. Select a fault type in the Fault field or enter a fault in this field if it does not contain a suitable
fault description — When you save the report, the new description will be added to the list
for future use.
8. Click the browse button to edit fault type descriptions you have previously created.
9. Enter the location of the fault in the field provided.
10. Select a priority rating in the field provided — The priority selected displays beside the
machine in the Machine Report List panel.
11. Enter the condition of the machine and the nature of the repairs required in the
Recommendations field.
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12. Right-click an image box > Select Capture View from Ascent to load the current chart view
into the image field, or Load Image from File to attach an image to the report (e.g. a
photograph of a damaged component).
13. Enter a note explaining what the attached images illustrate in the Image Notes text area (if
you attached an image to the report).
14. Select the vibration analyst's name field provided, or enter a new name in the field.
15. Click the browse button to edit previously created analyst names (if required).
16. Toggle the Font Size button to adjust the font size for viewing the report (if required).
17. Click the Save button.
Click the Preview tab at any time to preview the report in the 'Report Editor Panel'.
You will be prompted to save the report before it will display.
18. Click Reports from the main Advanced Reporting Editor menu > Select the appropriate
report status options:
l Lock — If the report is complete. The report will become read-only.

l Unlock — If the report was previously locked but you wish to change it.
l Mark as Complete — If the machine report is finished.
l Mark as Surveyed — If the machine recordings have been gathered.
l Mark as Operational — If the machine is still functioning.
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The options you select will be reflected in the machine panel under the respective value columns:
l L Locked
l C Completed
l S Surveyed
l O Operational
You can use these parameters to filter items displayed in the report. The following filter options
are located on the main menu bar:
l Operational Status
l Surveyed Status
l Completion Status
l Priority
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Access Machine Assessment Report
You can view existing Machine Assessment reports using the:
l Ascent graph panel

l Advanced Reporting editor
Access Report in Ascent
To view a machine assessment report in Ascent, open a machine assessment report using
EITHER of these methods:
l Click the arrow beside Report and select the required machine assessment report.
If the machine assessment reports are not available, and you are licensed for this
feature, see Configure Machine Assessment Report Database. An assessment
report database must be created before these menu items will be enabled.
l Double-click a machine assessment report in the navigator list — The report details display
on the right.
Access Machine Assessment Report using Advanced Reporting editor
To access a machine assessment reporting using the Advanced Reporting editor:
1. Right-click the report in the navigator list > Select Edit or View > Advanced Reporting
Editor.
2. Select a Machine Summary report from the Summary Navigator panel on the left, or a
Machine Assessment report from the Machine Report list.
TIP: You can press and hold CTRL or Shift to select multiple reports.
3. Select the Preview tab in the Report Editor panel on the right — The report displays.
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Differentiate between Machine Assessment Reports
You can use timestamps and brackets around the report name to distinguish between Machine
Assessment and Machine Assessment Summary reports in the navigator list. A Machine
Assessment Summary report is not listed with a timestamp or brackets in the navigator list.
Machine Assessment Summary reports are stored at the data folder level within the
navigator list, not under machines.
You can double-click the Machine Assessment Summary report, then click it once to
display the report in the graphs panel on the right.
A Machine Assessment report has a timestamp and the report

name is listed in brackets.
You can double-click the item to display the machine

associated with the graphs panel on the right.
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Publish Machine Summary Report
You can export machine reports in HTML or XML format and provide these to interested parties
for review using a standard web browser. You can also print hard copies by selecting File > Print.
To publish a Machine Summary report:
1. Select the data folder to access Machine Summary reports in the navigator list.
2. Right-click the target Machine Assessment Summary report from the navigator list > Select
Reports > Publish Machine Assessment Summary Report.
3. Select the reports you wish to publish from Published Reports area:
l Selection — Include the Machine Reports currently selected and highlighted.

l All Machines — Include all machines in the selected Summary report.
As you selected the publish option from the Datafolder level, the first and
second options will both select all available Machine Assessment reports.
l Top 20 by Priority — Include the twenty highest priority reports in ascending rank.
Highest priority is Safety, lowest is Non-Operational.
l Priority More Than — Only include reports with a priority higher than that specified in
the dropdown field.
4. Select the parameters of the published report from the Settings area:
l Include summary — Include the overall Machines Assessment Summary report in

addition to the individual Machine Assessment Reports (leave unchecked).
l Include incomplete — Include all reports that have a completion status of Not
Completed in addition to Completed machine reports.
l Use individual styles — Use individual styles for each Machine report. If deselected,
all reports will use a single common style sheets (.xslt files).
l Lock All Reports — Locks all reports once publication is complete.
5. Click Browse to select the location on your computer you will publish the report to.
6. Select the required publication format in the Output Format field:
l HTML
l XML
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7. Click Publish — The report is published and exported in HTML or XML together with any
related style sheets, images, and other related files.
The published files consist of two HTML or XML files and a data folder. One
HTML/XML file starts with MSR. This file contains the Machine Assessment Summary
of all reports generated. The second file begins with MAS. This file contains the
individual Machine Assessment Reports for each machine.
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Publish Machine Assessment Report
To publish a machine assessment report:
1. Right-click the target Machine Assessment report under a machine in the navigator > Select
Edit.
2. Select a machine from the Machine Report List at the bottom.
TIP: Press CTRL + click to select individual Machine Assessment reports.
3. Select File > Publish from the Advanced Reporting Editor main menu.
4. Untick the Include Summary checkbox.
5. Select the parameters for the published report in the Settings area:
l Include summary — Include the overall Summary report in addition to the individual
Machine reports.
Leave this option unchecked if publishing individual Machine reports.
l Include incomplete — Include all reports with a completion status of Not Completed,
in addition to Completed machine reports.
l Use individual styles — Use individual styles for each Machine report. If unticked, all
reports will use a single common style sheets (.xslt files).
l Lock All Reports — Locks all reports once publication is complete.
6. Click Browse > Locate and select a location for the published files.
7. Select a publication format in the Output Format field:
l HTML
l XML
8. Click Publish — The report is published and exported in HTML or XML, together with any
related style sheets, images, or other related files.
The published files will consist of one HTML or XML file and a 'data' folder. The
individual HTML/XML file contains reports for the machine(s) selected for
publication.
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Add Company Logo to Published Report
In its default state, a published report will include an Ascent logo in the top left corner. If required,
you can remove this image or replace it with your company logo:
l You can replace the default image (logo.jpg) stored in the Ascent Styles folder (usually
C:\Program Files\Commtest\Ascent\Styles). The replacement file must be in JPEG format
with the extension .jpg and the title logo.
l You can edit the MachineProvider.xslt XML style files stored in the Summary and Individual
folders (usually C:\Program Files\Commtest\Ascent\Styles). These two files include links
to the image displayed in published reports. You can be edit these links to select a locally
stored image rather than the default image.
The exact location of these files will vary according to your operating system and its variant (32-
bit or 64-bit). The example locations above apply to typical Ascent software installations using
Windows XP 32-bit. They are not be suitable for 64-bit operating systems (which may use folder
names such as Program Files (x64)).
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Edit XML File
Follow these steps to edit the XML file. Administrative access is required.
1. Prepare a new image to be used in your published reports.
The logo image will be scaled automatically to match the available dimensions of
the report, so will not typically need to be resized before it is used. However, for this
reason, an image larger than 80 pixels wide by 30 pixels high is recommended.
Increasing the size of a smaller image may result in poor image quality. Reducing
the size of a larger image should not result in significant image degradation.
2. Copy the image to a known location (e.g. your desktop or the root of a hard drive).
3. Press CTRL + E to open Windows Explorer or right-click the Windows Start icon > Select
Explore.
4. Navigate to the Individual folder within Ascent\Styles on your computer (typically at

C:\Program Files\Commtest\Ascent\Styles\Individual).
5. Right-click the MachineProvider.xslt file within the folder > Select Open With > Notepad.
6. Search for the text logo.jpg.
7. Edit the text file on the selected line: //localhost/C:\Program

Files\Commtest\Ascent\Styles\logo.jpg.
8. Change the text to redirect instead to the location of the image you prepared earlier (e.g.
file://localhost/C:\Documents and Settings\JohnSmith\Desktop\MyLogo.jpg').
9. Select File and Save in Notepad.
10. Repeat steps 2 to 9 for the MachineProvider.xslt file stored in the Summary folder — Once
you have finished editing the two XML files you are ready to create your report.
11. Republish the report — Your new logo displays in the top left.
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Open Existing Machine Assessment Report Database
When opening an existing Ascent database for which reports have previously been generated
you may wish to also open its associated Machine Assessment Report database. To do this:
1. Open Ascent.
2. Select Database > Configure Advanced Reporting.
3. Click Open.
4. Select an existing Machine Assessment report database.
5. Click Open.
6. Click OK on the Advanced Reporting Setup panel.
If the selected database contains more than one session (set of reports), the Please select a
Reporting Framework Database session window will open. Select a database session containing
the Machine Assessment Summaries you wish to view > Click OK.
The previous Machine Assessment Reports contained in this database will now be accessible
from the navigator or Machine Assessment report editor — Select View > Advanced Reporting
Editor.
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Restore Machine Assessment Report Database
You can restore a machine assessment report database using backup options or the text menu.
Restore using backup options

To restore a previous Machine Assessment report database backup:
1. Select File > Database > Backup Options.

2. Select the Reporting Files tab.
3. Click Browse > Locate and select an alternative backup directory (if required).
4. Select a .gbak format backup file from those listed in the selected backup directory.
5. Click Restore — The backup will be restored, overwriting your current database.
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Restore using text menu
To restore a Machine Assessment report database from Ascent without opening the Backup
Options panel:
1. Select File > Database > Restore > Restore Report Database.
A message will warn that restoring a Machine Assessment Report database will erase all
data in the currently open database and advise that the Ascent database must be no older
than the Machine Assessment Report database.
2. Click Yes to proceed.
3. Navigate to a specific backup file (.gbak format).
4. Click Open — The Restoring Reporting Database panel will open and the restore process will
begin.
5. Review the process text once the process is complete to confirm it was successful and no
error messages have been shown.
6. Click Close.
7. Select View > Advanced Reporting Editor to reopen the Machine Assessment Report
editor.
The backup will overwrite your active Machine Assessment report database. Any
reports that have been created since the last backup will not be in this file and will
therefore be lost.
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Add Machine to Report
Follow these steps to add one or more machines to your current Report:
1. Right click a machine.

2. Select New, Report and Machine Assessment Report.
3. Select the report you wish to add the machine to in the Add to Existing Advanced Reporting
Folder field.
4. Select OK.The machine will be added to the existing report and listed in the Machine Report
List when you reopen the report.
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Configure Database Association
Ascent and Machine Assessment report backup files are managed in the Backup Options window.
You can use this panel to link the backup of your Machine Assessment report database with an
Ascent database backup. Once this association has been created, the Machine Assessment
Report database will be backed up automatically whenever the Ascent database is backed up
(e.g. when triggering Database > Backup Now!, File > Database > Backup Now! or when
automatic periodic backups have been configured).
Follow these steps to configure database associations:
1. Select File > Database > Backup Options.
2. Select the Reporting Options tab.
3. Tick the Include Advanced Reports backup when Ascent Database backed up checkbox.
The field on this page points to the Firebird gbak creation application. Typically you
will not need to change this link. However, if you move the Firebird backup utility,
you will need to enter the file's new location here. Usually you will leave this location
in its default state (or click Default to return to this location after a fresh Ascent
installation).
4. Select the Reporting Files tab.
5. Click Backup Report DB — The Backing Up Reporting Database panel will open and the
backup process will start.
6. Review the process text to confirm the process was successful and no error messages
have been shown.
7. Click Close.
8. Click OK.
9. Back up the Ascent database and the Machine Assessment report database manually in a
single step:
a. Select Database > Backup Now! or File > Database > Backup Now.
b. Select the Ascent Files tab on the Backup Options panel.
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Clicking Backup Now! will not cause both backups to be created. Only the Ascent
database backup will be created. When this database is backed up in future, the Machine
Assessment Report database associated with it will also be backed up.
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Reassociate Report
When you create a Machine Assessment report or folder, it is automatically associated with the
folder you have open in Ascent, and the Machine under which it was created. However, it is
possible for these associations to be lost. This can happen if an Ascent Folder or Machine is
deleted or under specific .vbz file import conditions (e.g. exporting a Folder structure, deleting
Machines, then reimporting the Folder).
Losing your Folder and Machine associations leaves reports as unattached orphans. These
unassociated reports remain in the Machine Assessment Report database. They are not
displayed in, or accessible from, the Ascent navigator list. Consequently you cannot access them
from the Report menu. However, you can select View > Advanced Reporting Editor to access
them.
Follow these steps to identify unassociated reports and connect them with an Ascent Folder and
Machine using the Report Reassociation Tool:
1. Select View > Advanced Reporting Editor.
2. Select Edit > Reassociate Reports — The right panel in the Report Reassociation Tool
displays all folders present in the currently open Ascent database.
The left panel displays all reports and report folders (Report Folders are at the root level,
Machine reports display beneath these). Any Report Folders or reports listed in the left panel
that are not currently associated with an Ascent Folder on the right panel will display with a
question mark ( for Folders and for Reports).
In the example below, the MDF Integrale SA Report Folder and Plate 4 report do not have
current associations with any of the Ascent Folders shown in the right panel.
3. Select any unassociated report or Report Folder from the left panel — These are indicated
with a question mark.
4. Select the Ascent folder you wish to associate this Report item with from the right panel.
If you wish to change an existing association to another Ascent Folder, you can
also select any Report or Report Folder that currently has an association. These are
not listed with a question mark.
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5. Click Associate — A confirmation message displays, asking if you wish to associate the
report or Report Folder with the selected Ascent folder.
6. Click Yes to confirm the new association or No to cancel.
The orphaned report folder is now associated with the selected Ascent folder. However, it is
likely that the Machines the Reports were previously associated with do not exist in the new
Ascent Folder.
A message displays, advising whether this is the case, and that the orphan reports must
now be associated with existing Machines in the newly paired Ascent folder.
7. Click Yes — If you click No, you can return to the Orphaned Report editor later by reopening
the Report Reassociation tool and clicking Reassociate Machine. This button will only
display when orphan report items are detected. The Orphaned Report editor is split into
three panels:
l The left panel lists all orphaned reports which may be reassociated with existing
Machines.
l The central panel lists the Ascent Folders contained in the open Ascent database
(these Folders contain the Machines with which you may reassociate the orphan
reports).
l The right panel lists the Machines contained in the Ascent Folder selected from the
central panel.
The right panel will initially be blank when you open the Orphaned Report
editor. It will only populate once an Ascent folder has been selected from the
central panel.
8. Select an orphan report from the left panel.
9. Select the Ascent folder containing the machine you wish to associate the report with from
the central panel — This should be the same Ascent folder selected when you reassociated
the report folder earlier. All machines contained in the Ascent folder will be listed in the
Ascent Machines panel on the right.
10. Select an Ascent machine from the right panel.
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11. Click Associate — A confirmation message displays, asking whether you wish to associate
the report with the machine.
12. Click Yes to confirm the new association or No to cancel.
13. Repeat this sequence for all orphan reports shown in the Reports panel on the left — As
they are reassociated, they will be removed from the panel.
14. Click Close to close the Orphaned Report editor when no further reports are listed.
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15. Click Close to close the Report Reassociation Tool.
The previously orphaned report folders and reports now display in the bottom left
navigator list of the Ascent folder and machine(s) with which they have been associated.
The following picture depicts a previously orphaned report folders:
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3.8 Machine Summary Report
The Machine Summary report lists the recordings status of Machine Points stored within a folder
within a specified time range. Machines are placed below one of three possible tables according
to their recordings status:
l Not Recorded — No expected recordings taken.

l Partially Recorded — Some expected recordings taken.
l Recorded — All expected recordings taken.
Machine names are listed below the Machine column. Actual recordings taken relative to the
expected numbers are listed below the Fully Recorded, Partially Recorded, or Not Recorded
column.
The times and dates of the last recordings measured for each machine are listed under the Last
Recording Date column.
To select a report date range:
1. Right-click within the Report window.
2. Select Date Range (Range) — The Select Date Range window opens.
3. Enter the required date range.
4. Click OK — The report will refresh using the date range specified.
The date range you select will be used as the default when next you open the
Machine Summary report.
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3.9 Notes Report
The Notes report lists all notes stored within a Folder, ordered by Machine. Notes for individual
Points and any associated measurements are displayed below each Machine listed.
To select a report date range:
1. Right-click within the Report window.

2. Select Date Range (Range).
3. Enter the required date range.
4. Click OK.
The date range you select will be used as the default when next you open the Notes
report.
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3.10 Routes Due Report
The Routes Due report lists all routes in the current folder that are due to be recorded today. If
required you can change the date (e.g. you might wish to see which routes are due next week). To
do this:
1. Right-click the background > Select Setup Report.

2. Enter a new date.
3. Click Continue.
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3.11 Structure and Route Reports
The Structure and Route reports generate text descriptions of the contents of your database. The
Structure Report lists all machines, points, measurement locations, and schedule entries in the
current selection.
If you have used the Asset ID field when setting up machines, this information will display in the
Structure report. This is useful if your company uses another software system to track the cost or
performance of its assets.
For example, each of your company’s assets might have a unique Asset ID number. You can
now specify this in Ascent to make these easier to identify.
Structure report
Follow these steps to run a structure report:
1. Select a machine.
2. Select Reports > Structure Report.
3. Right-click the background > Select Setup Report to include bearing part numbers in the
report.
4. Ensure the Include Bearing Part Numbers checkbox is ticked.
5. Select Click here to continue to generate the report.
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Route report
Follow these steps to run a route report:
1. Select a machine.
2. Select Report > Route Report.
3. Right-click the background > Select Setup Report to include schedule entries or remove
them from the report.
4. Tick or untick the Include Schedule Entries checkbox.
5. Select Click here to continue — The report creates a list of all route entries (measurement
locations on a route).
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3.12 Automated Reports
If you need to print a large number of charts or reports, this process can be carried out very
quickly using the automated report system in Ascent. An automated report creates a printable
multi-page output of the latest recordings using the chart or report you choose.
For example, you can create an alarm report of the latest recordings at every schedule entry on a
machine and compile these into one printable report. There will be one alarm report per page.
Follow these steps to generate an automated report:
1. Open the chart or report you wish to print.

2. Select an item in the navigator (e.g. a machine).
3. Select View > Automated Report.
4. Tick the items you would like the automated report to be generated for.
5. Click OK — Nothing will be printed yet.
6. Select the color scheme for the report, whether to show page numbers, adjust the paper
layout, and more (if required).
7. Click Preview.
8. Click Close to close the preview window.
9. Click Print to send this report to a printer.
10. Click Export to Word if you wish to annotate the chart before printing — This will open the
report as a Microsoft Word document so you can add comments and highlight areas of
interest, etc.
If you want to selectively choose items to generate an automated report on, such
as specific locations on several different machines, you can tag individual items
and create a report of just those items. Tagging is a method of grouping selected
items so that operations can be carried out on them collectively. See Tagging for
more information on tagging and how to create an automated report on tagged
items.
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4. Plotting Data
This section explains how to plot data. The following topics are covered:
n Use Charts
n Views
n Trending Data
n Orbit Plots
n Bode Plots
n Modal Analysis and Cross Channel Spectrum (ODS) Data
n Print Charts and Reports
n Schemes
n Keyboard Shortcut Keys
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4.1 Use Charts
This section provides an overview on plotting your data and the features you can use to analyze
your data (e.g. fault frequencies and baseline measurements).
To use a chart:
1. Select a schedule entry on the navigator — The navigator list displays the recordings
that belong to this schedule entry.
You might need to expand a Machine, Point, and/or Location to see a schedule entry.
2. Double-click a recording to plot it — This is indicated by the triangle and date/time stamp
(e.g. ).
Double-clicking a schedule entry will plot a spectrum if this is a frequency domain

measurement, or a time waveform if this is a time domain measurement. The
newest recording under the schedule entry displays by default.
Linear speed values display on charts only when the Machine has been configured
as a Linear Speed machine (right-click the Machine in the navigator, select Edit > Set
Speed Enter to Linear speed).
3. Right-click the chart > Select Chart Display > Horizontal Grid (or Vertical Grid) to show or
hide gridlines.
4. Right-click the chart > Select Chart Legend > Choose the data you want displayed at the
bottom of the chart.
Select Show all info to make the <set RPM> and <add note> labels visible at the bottom of
the chart panel. Note that if these labels have already been set, they will not be displayed.
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Zoom and Pan
Zooming and panning enable you to take a closer look at a specific area of interest on a chart.
Listed below are the zooming and panning methods available.
Panning
The chart can be dragged in any direction to display sections that are hidden from view.
To pan the chart, right-click and hold the mouse button, then drag the chart to either side or
up/down.
To return the chart to its original location, follow the instructions for zooming out.
Zoom in on a rectangle area
Follow these steps to zoom in on a rectangle area:
1. Select an area on the left of the chart section that you wish to zoom in to.
2. Hold down the mouse button while you drag a rectangle across and down to the right —
This will create a dashed rectangle around the region of interest.
3. Release the mouse button to perform the zoom.
Zoom out
To zoom out of the chart, left-click and hold the mouse button > drag a rectangle up and to the
left on the chart — The zoom rectangle displays with a large X in it. When you release the mouse
button, the chart will return to its original size and location.
Zoom in horizontally
To zoom horizontally, left-click the side of the range you wish to zoom in to > Drag your selection
right or left > Release the mouse button to zoom.
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If you start a horizontal zoom left of the chart area, the zoom will start exactly on the left axis (i.e.
from zero frequency). Click left of the left axis to zoom by 200% (you can do this repeatedly to
zoom the chart in 200% increments).
Zoom in vertically
To zoom vertically, click the left mouse button above or below the range you wish to zoom in on >
Drag the selection up or down the other side of the range.
Zooming functions using mouse wheel
If your mouse has a wheel, you can zoom vertically by moving the cursor over the left axis of the
chart and spin the wheel.
To zoom horizontally, hold the cursor over the bottom axis of the chart and spin the wheel.
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Use Cursors
Cursors are a valuable tool for analyzing your data. They can be used to show the amplitude and
frequency of a peak, identify harmonics, and show the frequency difference between two peaks.
Ascent uses 'sync interpolation' to estimate the true value of the peak. This only applies to spectra
that are not interpolated already, and not displayed in a dB scale.
There are two cursors available — One for each mouse button. Cursor A is assigned to the left
mouse button. Cursor B is assigned to the right mouse button.
Place cursor on chart

Follow these steps to place a cursor on a chart:
1. Move the cursor over a plot line — The mouse pointer will change to a cross hair.
2. Left-click to place Cursor A on the chart.
Toggle between cursors

To toggle between cursors, press the . (period/full stop) key to toggle between the two cursors. If
the other cursor has not yet been activated, it will be placed at the same location as the current
active cursor.
Move cursors using arrow keys

Follow these steps to move cursors using the arrow keys:
1. Press the left and right arrow keys to move the cursor along the data points of the selected
recording — Red downward-facing arrows display on the chart, indicating multiples of the
current cursor position's x value (harmonics).
2. Press SHIFT as you move left and right to move in 1 pixel increments only.
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3. Press CTRL as you move left and right to jump to the next peak and execute a peak search.
You can access other cursor commands by right-clicking the chart background
and selecting Cursor A or Cursor B.
Control Harmonics / Sidebands display
To control the Harmonics / Sidebands display, right-click the chart > Select Cursor Harmonic
Display — The submenu contains options enabling harmonics or sidebands.
If Harmonics Only is selected, markers display at multiples of the current cursor position's x
value.
With Harmonics or Sidebands selected, if both cursors are active, the markers will be centered
on the primary cursor (Cursor A) and located at intervals either side of this point at distances
equal to the difference between the two cursors.
Move between plots on chart

Follow these steps to move between plots on a chart:
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1. Select a measurement from the navigator list.
2. Press the up and down arrow keys to move between plots on the chart:
l Select Chart Display > Stacked — The cursor will move up and down between the
plots on the stack.

l Select Chart Display > Waterfall) — The cursor will move backwards and forwards
between the plots.
l Select Chart Display > Normal) — The cursor will search up or down at the current
position for another recording to jump to.
Snap to a peak
Follow these steps to make the cursor snap to the (interpolated) top of the nearest peak:
1. Press CTRL + P — The amplitude and frequency of this peak displays.

2. Right-click anywhere on the plot line to activate Cursor B — The amplitude and frequency
display, along with the difference in frequency between the two peaks.
You can also position a cursor by double-clicking your mouse — The cursor will
automatically snap to the top of the nearest peak.
Switch off Cursor

Press ESC to switch off cursors.
Linked Cursors
You can display one or more linked cursor on a related spectrum or waveform graphs (e.g. from
Cross Channel Spectrum (ODS) recordings you have taken). Once you have done this you can
zoom, pan, trace, stretch, or compress the X axis of the selected area of interest on both graphs
simultaneously. Using these features makes it easier to understand the combined data.
It is not possible to use linked cursors on graphs with differing axis units.
Follow these steps to navigate related data using linked cursors:
1. Open the required spectrum or waveform chart.
2. Select an area of interest on one of the related charts to display one or more cursors.
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3. Examine the selected area on both graphs using the following methods — The linked
graphs adjust accordingly:
l Zoom — Drag your mouse around the area you wish to zoom in to.
l Trace — Press the left or right navigation arrows on your keyboard to move the
cursors to either side of your selection.
l Stretch/Compress — Scroll your mouse wheel forwards and back to stretch or
compress the graph.
l Pan — Right-click the graph to move it up, down, or around.
The following picture depicts the view of linked charts before zooming:
The following picture depicts the view of linked charts after zooming:
How to Undo the Zoom

Drag your mouse left and up to undo the zoom.
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Disable linked zooming and cursors

Linked cursors and zooming are enabled by default. If required you can disable these features. To
do this:
1. Open the required spectrum.
2. Select Spectrum (Parent) > Untick the options to suit your requirements:
l Linked Zooming
l Linked Cursor A
l Linked Cursor B
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See Also
Use Cursors
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Plot Multiple Recordings on One Chart
Follow these steps to plot several recordings on one chart:
1. Display a chart.
2. Click the Hold button — You will prevent a chart from being cleared when new
recordings are added.
3. Select another recording.
4. Click the Add button to plot the selected recording on the same chart.
5. Add more recordings if required.
You can plot several recordings together on one chart for easier comparison. If you are plotting
several recordings from a single schedule entry, use the CTRL or SHIFT key to select more than
one recording at a time.
Recordings do not need to be taken from the same measurement location or even the same
machine. For example, you can select recordings from the same location on two identical
machines and view the vibrations levels of both on one chart. You can also plot recordings from
different points on the same machine to see how they compare.
The following waveform was created by selecting three recordings taken at one measurement
location using velocity, acceleration, and displacement measures.
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Choose Recordings to Display
You can choose which recordings are displayed on a chart by selecting items from the axis, units,
and domain submenus.
For example, you can right-click the chart and select Restrict to axis > Horizontal. The chart will
only display recordings taken on the horizontal axis.
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Chart Modes
You can use Ascent to display multiple recordings in Normal, Waterfall, and Stacked chart mode.
To switch between different chart modes:
1. Right-click a chart and select Chart Display.

2. Choose the required mode.
TIP: The shortcut keys on the right of this menu provide the same functionality. Press these key
combinations while viewing a chart to display a different chart mode.
The example charts that follow show four recordings plotted on one chart. You can plot multiple
recordings by selecting multiple recordings using the Hold function or your mouse.
See Plot Multiple Recordings on One Chart.
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Normal Chart Mode
This mode displays all the plots on the same 2D axis. Use the right-click menu or CTRL + N to
toggle this mode.
See Also
Chart Modes
Waterfall Chart Mode
Stacked Chart Mode
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Waterfall chart mode presents the plots in 3D view. You can use the right-click menu or use CTRL
+ W to toggle this mode.
Follow these steps to use waterfall chart mode:
1. Adjust the depth and orientation of the chart by pressing CTRL and dragging the chart in
any direction using the left mouse button.
2. To adjust only the depth of the waterfall chart, select Options and Waterfall Depth.
3. To display a filled waterfall chart, right-clicking the chart and select Chart Display and
Allow Filled Waterfall.
Select Chart Display and Fill Waterfall in 3D to create a 3D waterfall chart.
4. To reverse the plot order of the waterfall so that the most recent recording is moved to the
front, right-clicking the chart and select Reverse Plot Order.
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See Also
Chart Modes
Normal Chart Mode
Stacked Chart Mode
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Stacked Chart Mode
Stacked chart mode presents the plots one above each other in 2D view. You can use the right-
click menu or CTRL + S to toggle this mode.
You can right-click Chart Display and select Use Multi-Colored Legend to apply different colors
to each recording on the chart. If you do not select this option, the default colors are used (blue
for the selected recording, black for all others). You can choose the required colors to plot data
using the Schemes system.
See Change Colors for Printer and Screen for details on how to change the colors.
See Also
Chart Modes
Normal Chart Mode
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Create On-chart Remarks
You can use On-Chart Remarks to annotate your vibration charts.
To annotate a vibration chart:
1. Right-click the chart where you wish to add an on-chart remark > Select On-Chart
Remarks > Add.
2. Enter the text for the remark.
3. Click OK.
Maintain library of frequently used on-chart remarks

You can maintain a library of the on-chart remarks you use often. To do this:
1. Double-click a remark you have added.

2. Click Library — The On-chart remarks library window displays.
3. Click Edit Library.
4. Click New Remark.
5. Enter a new remark.
6. Click Done.
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7. Click Edit Library to edit any existing remarks.
8. Edit the remarks.
9. Click Done — You can reuse these remarks from the library list by double-clicking or
selecting them and clicking Add.
Maintaining a library of on-chart remarks
Move on-chart remark

To move an on-chart remark:
1. Move the cursor over the required remark until a rectangle displays beneath it.
2. Drag and drop an on-chart remark to move it:
l Click and drag the text to 'stretch' the line that anchors the remark.
l Click and drag the line to move the line and the text to a new position.
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Spread out overlapping remarks
If your on-chart remarks are set too close together, you can space them more evenly. To do this,
right-click a remark > Select Spread out.
Edit or delete on-chart remark

To edit or delete an on-chart remark, right-click the remark > Select Edit text or Delete.
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Define RPM of Recording
If you know the running speed of your machine you can enter this value directly. To do this:
1. Click the rpm reference at the bottom of the chart — If this is not visible, you can right-click
the chart and select Chart Legend > Show all info to display it.
2. Enter the RPM value.
3. Click OK.
Use Ascent to calculate RPM

To calculate the RPM of a recording, you need to identify the 1X peak. To do this:
1. Place your cursor at the top of the first big peak of the spectrum.
NOTE: If the true peak lies between two FFT values, the cursor might appear to jump off the
spectrum.
2. Press CTRL + 1 to open the Set 1X RPM window — The frequency of the current peak
displays.
3. Click OK to accept this value as the machine running speed.
See Set RPMs for Multiple Recordings to learn how to set the RPM values of all the
recordings and/or schedule entries at a machine.
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View Data in Orders or Revolutions
Once the 1X RPM is defined you can view the chart in Orders (for spectra) or Revs (for waveforms).
The recording must have its 1X RPM set to ensure Ascent knows how long one revolution takes.
Only relevant options will be available from the menu.
View chart in orders

To view a chart in orders, right-click the chart > Select Bottom Axis > Orders.
View chart in revolutions

To view a chart in revolutions:
1. Display a waveform.
2. Right-click the recording in the navigator list that was used to plot the waveform > Select
Set 1x RPM to set the 1X RPM.
3. Enter the RPM value.
4. Click OK.
5. Right-click the chart > Select Bottom Axis > Revolutions.
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Display Fault Frequencies
Displaying fault frequencies only applies to spectrum charts. To display fault frequencies on a
spectrum chart you need to define:
l The 1X RPM value for the recording so that orders can be displayed — See Define RPM of
Recording.
l A bearing or gear at the point containing these measurements.
If you want to display user-defined fault frequencies, you will not have to add a bearing
or gear to this point. Defining your own fault frequencies is explained shortly.
To display a fault frequency:
1. Use EITHER of these methods to display a fault frequency:
l Right-click a chart > Select Fault Frequency Markers > List.

l Click anywhere on the chart > Press CTRL + F5 to open a window that lists the fault
frequencies available at the selected location.
2. Select the fault frequencies you wish to display on the chart:
l BPFO — Ball pass frequency outer. This indicates how many times a defect in the
outer race of the bearing will be passed over by a ball or roller during one shaft
revolution.
l BPFI — Ball pass frequency inner. This indicates how many times a defect in the inner
race of the bearing will be passed over by a ball or roller during one shaft revolution.
l FTFO — Fundamental train frequency outer. This is the speed at which the rollers or
balls will move around the bearing, relative to the outer race speed.
l FTFI — Fundamental train frequency inner. This is the speed at which the rollers or
balls will move around the bearing, relative to the inner race speed.
l BSF — Ball spin frequency. This indicates how many times an individual ball or roller
will rotate within the races during one shaft revolution.
3. Click the Options button if you want to set the number of orders and sidebands to display.
4. Click OK.
5. Click the Close button to close the list.
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6. Use EITHER of these methods to cycle through the fault frequencies on the chart:
l Select Fault Frequency Markers > Next (or Previous).

l Press F5 to access the previous frequency or F6 to access the next frequency.
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Remove Fault Frequency from Chart
Follow these steps to remove a fault frequency and all its sidebands:
1. Press CTRL + F5.

2. Select the fault frequency in the list.
3. Click Delete.
See Also
Copy Fault Frequency to Additional Point
Nudge Fault Frequencies
Define your own Fault Frequencies
Manage Fault Frequencies
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To copy a fault frequency to an additional point:
1. Select a point to display its associated fault frequencies in the navigator list.
2. Right-click the fault frequency > Select Copy item to Clipboard.
3. Right-click the point where you want the fault frequency to be placed > Select Paste.
You can also use CTRL + C and CTRL + V to copy and paste navigator list items to other levels in
the navigator.
See Also
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Bearing fault frequencies can vary slightly depending on wear, axial load, and speed variations.
Ascent lets you nudge fault frequencies on the chart to see if the frequencies would line up with
some adjustment.
When fault frequencies are displayed on the chart, you can nudge them up to 25%. Follow these
steps to nudge fault frequencies:
1. Click the fault frequency label (i.e. bearing part number).

2. Drag the label left or right as required.
You can also press SHIFT + F5 and SHIFT + F6 to nudge the currently displayed fault frequencies
by a small amount.
See Also
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Define Fault Frequencies
You can create user-defined fault frequencies which can then be displayed on a chart to
highlight the frequencies of known problem sources e.g. electrical line frequency.
These do not require you to add bearings or gears to a point as you will supply the frequency
information yourself. User-defined fault frequencies are associated with points on a machine in
the same way as regular fault frequencies.
Clicking the point displays any existing user-defined fault frequencies in the navigator list.
To define your own fault frequencies:
1. Create a new fault frequency using EITHER of these methods:
l Right-click a point in the navigator > Select New > Fault Frequency.
l Double-click a particular peak to snap the cursor to the peak's apex > Press CTRL + M
— The frequency of your selected peak displays in the Fundamental Frequency field.
2. Enter a description for this fault frequency — A text label with this description displays
above your fault frequency markers when they are plotted on the chart.
3. Tick the Sidebands checkbox > Enter the fundamental frequency and optional sideband
frequency if required — These can be represented either in absolute frequency (Hz/CPM) or
orders.
4. If you want this fault frequency to automatically display when one of the selected point's
recordings is plotted, select Visible.
If this option is not selected, the fault frequency will be hidden until you press F5 or
F6 to display it.
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5. Select the required marker > Click OK — The marker and text description label display above
the fundamental fault frequency and any orders/harmonics:
l Sidebands are displayed as arrows, the same color as your fault frequency marker.
We recommend you use different colors for each fault frequency so sidebands can
be easily identified.
l You can display the fault frequencies you create on a chart, in a list, or nudged like
system-defined fault frequencies.
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See Also
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To add, edit, and delete fault frequencies:
1. Display a chart.
2. Use EITHER of these methods to open a list of all fault frequencies (user and system-
defined) on your chart:
Right-click your chart > Select Fault Frequency Markers > List.
l
l Press CTRL + F5.
3. Click Edit to change an existing fault frequency.
To edit a fault frequency directly on the chart, double-click the text label for the fault
frequency.
4. Click Delete to remove a fault frequency.
Only user-defined fault frequencies can be edited or deleted. System-defined

bearing and gear fault frequencies cannot be changed.
5. Click Add to create an additional fault frequency.
See Also
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Set and Display Baselines
A baseline recording is a vibration measurement taken on a machine which is considered to be in
good condition. The baseline is used as a comparison recording with which to observe changes
in the vibration patterns.
To set and display baselines, right-click a recording in the navigator list > Select Set Baseline —
This will make the recording a ‘baseline recording’. The chart will always attempt to load the latest
baseline recording, even if the plot limit (the number of recordings that may be displayed) has
already been satisfied.
If you have set a plot limit of 6, there may be seven recordings on the chart if the baseline was not
one of the six most recent recordings. When you open a trend chart and plot the spectrum
overalls, a red circular marker displays around the baseline recording's data point so the baseline
can be easily identified.
Display baseline RMS values on vb instrument

When taking recordings on your instrument, you can display the RMS value of the baseline
recording so it can be compared with the measurement you have just taken. See Baseline
Recordings for more information.
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Waveform Analysis
The licensed feature will only be available to you if it is included as part of your license agreement.
If you wish to enable this feature please contact commtest.sales@ge.com or your distributor for
more information.
Ascent has several special tools for viewing and analyzing time domain data. Follow these steps
to access the tools:
1. Select a time domain (waveform) recording in the navigator list.
2. Select Analyze > Partial Waveform Analysis . The new chart that opens displays the
waveform and an empty chart below it.
Partial Waveform Analysis is a tool you can use to select a portion of the waveform
and convert it to a spectrum.
3. Press and hold CTRL > Select and hold the mouse button as you drag it to either side.
A green line follows the mouse, showing you how much of the waveform you have
selected.
4. Release the mouse — The spectrum displays in the bottom chart. Repeat the process to
zoom in on different areas of the waveform:
l The spectral peaks appear rounded if you have only selected a small amount of data.
This is because the resolution of the spectrum is proportional to the number of
samples selected in the time domain.
You can zoom and pan both charts and right-click to display a menu with various
chart display options.
l You can select Analyze > Freq Based Waveform Analysis to plot a spectrum of the
time domain data.
Use the mouse to select a range of frequencies in the spectrum. The software will
take these frequencies and display them as a waveform in the bottom chart.
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Waveform Audio Playback
This feature is available only if it is included in your license agreement. If you wish to enable this
feature, please contact commtest.sales@ge.com or your distributor.
You will need a computer with a sound card and a playback device such as headphones or
speakers. Follow these steps to use the waveform audio playback feature:
1. Select a schedule entry containing a recording in the Navigator.
The Navigator list displays the recordings that belong to this schedule entry.
2. Double-click a time domain recording indicated by the triangle and data/time stamp.
3. Right-click the waveform chart and select Audio.
4. Select Play Waveform to listen to the waveform recording.
5. Select Export Waveform to save the .WAV audio file.
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Waveform Peak-to-Peak and Averaged Crest Factor
Waveform charts include 'True' Peak-to-Peak and Crest Factor values by default, together with
the recording's overall power level.
True Peak-to-Peak
'True' Peak-to-Peak is a useful indicator of the amplitude of a waveform measurement. It is

calculated by measuring the difference between the absolute highest and lowest peaks in a
vibration waveform. High peak-to-peak values typically indicate the presence of high-level
impact signals against low-level background noise that results from mechanical damage.
Averaged Crest Factor
The Averaged Crest Factor value of a waveform measurement is useful for quickly identifying
overall levels of impacting within a bearing.
This mathematical value is calculated in Ascent by dividing the true peak-to-peak amplitude of a
waveform measurement (encompassing the entire Y axis) in half, then dividing this figure by the
waveform's overall RMS amplitude. A 'perfect' sinusoidal waveform -- with a true peak-to-peak
value of '2' divided in half then divided by its overall RMS of .707 -- results in a Crest Factor of 1.41.
As a Crest Factor rises above the 'best case' value of 1.41, it grows increasingly indicative of
surface damage resulting from bearing, cage, or race contact with bearing fragments or pitted
surfaces.
The overall RMS values of recordings are calculated at the time of their measurement.
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True Peak-to-Peak and Crest Factor Values
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Convert Waveforms to Spectra
You can use Ascent to automatically convert a waveform to a spectrum by changing the chart
axis from time to frequency.
Follow these steps to convert waveforms to spectra:
1. Display a waveform.
2. Right-click the chart > Select Bottom Axis > Frequency .
You can control the parameters used to calculate the FFT (e.g. number of averages, overlap
percentage, and type of window to use.)
3. Select Options > Automatic FFT Options.
4. Make the required changes.
5. If you have already plotted the spectrum, double-click the recording again in the navigator
list to replot the spectrum using your new settings.
You can set alarm bands and envelopes on waveform data. When you do this, Ascent will
automatically conduct the FFT to check the alarm. However, this is not recommended as
an FFT generated from a single waveform inherently has either less averaging or less
resolution than a complete, averaged FFT. Processing times may also be long when
dealing with significant quantities of data, or if using an older or slower computer.
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Long Time Waveforms
This feature is only available with vb7, vb8, SCOUT100 and SCOUT140 instruments.
The vbX instruments can take continuous recordings over a period of up to 229376 seconds or
63.7 hours for a single channel recording using an Fmax of 1500 CPM/25 Hz.
Once these recordings are transferred, Ascent will store them in a single schedule entry.
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Set Measurement Unit Preferences
You can choose your preferred measurement display units for spectrum and waveform charts so
that all recordings, regardless of what measurement units were used to record them, will be
displayed in your chosen units.
For example, you can display all velocity recordings in mm/s by setting this preference in the
Velocity Spectrum Amplitude menu. Once this setting has been selected, all future velocity
measurements displays in mm/s until other units are selected.
You can set unit preferences for acceleration, velocity, displacement, current, and temperature.
Overall values for waveforms and spectra specify bearing dimensions in imperial or metric units.
Changing the units does not change recordings stored in the database, only how they
are displayed.
1. Select Options > Unit Preferences.
2. Move the cursor down the list of options to open submenus containing the available units:
l Acceleration, velocity, displacement, and current Spectrum Amplitude — Left axis

scale on spectra charts.
l Waveform Amplitude — Left axis scale used by waveforms.
l Power Level — Spectrum and waveform overall values and power band alarms.
The overall vibration level displayed on the chart does not need to use the same units as
the left axis. For example, you can scale the left axis in 0-peak and the overall in rms.
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Switch Between Units
If required you can switch between units.
Switch Between Hz and CPM

To switch between Hz and CPM, select Options > Unit Preferences > Frequency > Select your
preference.
Switch Between Velocity, Acceleration, and Displacement

To switch between velocity, acceleration, and displacement, right-click the chart > Select Left
Axis > Select your preference.
See Also
View Electrical Current Spectra in dB
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View Electrical Current Spectra in dB
You can view the Y axis for an electrical current spectra in decibels. Units in these charts are
shown as uA dB and calculated in idB, 1uA rms.
Follow these steps to view an electrical current spectra in decibel (dB) units:
1. Open the required current spectra.

2. Select chart, Chart Display and Left Axis Toggle dB (if available).
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The following picture depicts the spectra in decibels:
See Also
Switch Between Units
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Customize Scale of Charts
This section describes the options available for customizing a scale of charts. The following
topics are covered:
l Left and Bottom Axis Scaling

l Ignore Hz Below
l Y-Margin Percentage
l Set Fixed Axis Scale Permanently
l Remove Fixed Axis Scaling
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Left and Bottom Axis Scaling
The left axis of a chart will scale automatically to accommodate the highest peak. The truncated
image below shows how auto-scaling affects your chart display.
The image below also shows how the vibration level at this location increased each time
recordings were taken. The top value of the left axis scale has gone from 0.22 mm/s to 0.3 mm/s
to 3.5 mm/s to fit the data.
To customize the default scaling of charts, select Options and Auto-Scaling. Then select the
required option.
See Also
Ignore Hz Below
Y-Margin Percentage
Set Fixed Axis Scale Permanently
Remove Fixed Axis Scaling
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Ignore Hz Below
To ignore Hz below, enter a value in Hz below which data on spectra will be ignored for auto-
scaling purposes. As a result, lower amplitude peaks are enlarged on the chart.
This feature is particularly useful for recordings with large ski-slopes (e.g. displacement
recordings or recordings that have been converted from acceleration to velocity or
displacement). The default and recommended value is 4 Hz.
The following picture depicts an original chart:
The following picture shows the same chart with Ignore Hz Below (350) applied:
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See Also
Y-Margin Percentage
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Y-Margin Percentage
Enter a percentage value to set the extra space that will be left above and below plots. These
settings are saved and applied globally to all charts.
You can force your charts to temporarily use a fixed axis scale. To do this, you set the minimum
and maximum values for the left and bottom axes. The fixed axis setting will be applied to all
recording plots that use this chart type until you close the chart or Ascent.
To set the left axis scaling:
1. Right-click the chart > Select Chart Display > Left Axis Minimum (or Maximum).
2. Enter a value.
3. Click OK — The units used will be the same as those specified for the chart. I.e. if your chart
uses mm/s, entering a minimum value of 0 and a maximum of 5 will set the chart scale to
start at 0 mm/s and finish at 5 mm/s.
Bottom axis scaling options are available from the same menu and are set in the
same way. The left and bottom axis settings will override the 'Ignore Hz Below' and
'Y-Margin Percentage' settings.
The following picture depicts a chart with 5% Y-margin:
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The following picture shows the same chart with no margin:
See Also
Ignore Hz Below
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Left and bottom axis scaling can be permanently set for any type of chart (including all those
available from the Chart button field). This change will be applied globally to all charts of this type.
Follow these steps to permanently set a fixed axis scale:
1. Set the values.

2. Select View > Save.
See Also
Ignore Hz Below
Y-Margin Percentage
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Follow these steps to remove fixed axis scaling and reset auto-scaling:
1. Right-click the chart area > Select Chart Display > Left Axis Minimum (or Maximum).
2. Delete the value from this field to switch auto-scaling back on.
This procedure will temporarily restore auto-scaling if you have permanently fixed the axis
scale.
3. To remove a fixed axis scale permanently, follow the steps above then select View > Save.
See Also
Ignore Hz Below
Y-Margin Percentage
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Hide Peaks
When analyzing a spectrum you can place a cursor on a particular frequency and dim the color
of unwanted harmonics and sidebands. Hiding peaks that are not of interest makes it easier to
focus on other smaller ones that would otherwise be difficult to see in complicated spectrums.
See Also
Hide Frequency in Harmonic Series
Hide Sidebands
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Follow these steps to hide one or more frequencies in a harmonic spectrum:
1. Open a spectrum.
2. Select Cursor Harmonic Display and Harmonics Only.
3. Place your cursor on the peak or series of peaks you wish to hide.
4. Use one of the following methods to hide one or more peaks to the right of the selected
peak:
l Right-click a blank space in the graph and select Cursor A or Cursor B. Then select
Hide Peak.
l Press Delete.
5. Enter of select the number of peaks you wish to hide in the harmonic series.
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6. Click OK.
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7. Press CTRL + Delete to redisplay hidden peaks.
See Also
Hide Peaks
Hide Sidebands
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Hide Sidebands
Follow these steps to dim the color of one or more sidebands of a fundamental frequency:
1. Open a spectrum.
2. Select Cursor Harmonic Display and Harmonics or Sidebands.
3. Place your cursor on the fundamental frequency of the sidebands you wish to hide.
4. Use one of these methods to hide one or more of the sidebands on either side of the
selected peak:
l Right-click a blank space in the graph and select Cursor A or Cursor B. Select Hide
Peak.
l Press Delete.
5. Enter or select the number of sidebands you wish to hide.
6. Click OK.
The picture depicts the view of spectrum before sidebands are hidden:
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The following picture shows the view of spectrum after sidebands are hidden on either side of the
selected fundamental frequency:
See Also
Hide Peaks
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4.2 Views
A view is a customized report or chart that lets you define your own ways of browsing the data in
the database, i.e. what data is plotted and how it displays.
Click Report to see the full list of predefined report views.
Click Chart to see the full list of predefined chart views.
The views shown here may differ from those on your PC. Ascent only displays the features
you are licensed to use. You can also choose a view by using the shortcut keys, such as
F2, as shown on the right-side of the menu.
The following chart view options are available:
l 6Pack — Any 6Pack measurements (simultaneous Spectrum, Waveform, High Frequency

Spectrum, High Frequency Waveform, Demod Spectrum and Demod Waveform
measurements) imported from compatible SCOUT and vbSeries instruments.
l Acceleration Spectrum in dB and Linear — AdB (or vdB for velocity recordings) and linear
spectrum charts of the selected recording(s).
l Bode Plot — Two charts, one showing how amplitude varies with frequency, the other
showing how phase varies with frequency.
See Bode Plots.
l Cross Channel Spectrum (ODS) — Three charts showing coherence, magnitude, and
phase data.
l Demod — Two charts showing demodulation data.
l HVA Spec — Three separate spectrum charts showing the last recorded horizontal, vertical,
and axial measurements of the currently selected point .
l Modal Impact Data — Four charts showing modal impact and response data.
l Modal Impact FRF — Three charts showing coherence, magnitude, and phase data.
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l Multi-Spectrum — A stacked spectrum chart of the latest recordings at the selected item
(e.g. the latest recordings for each location on a selected point or all the latest recordings
on a selected machine). If a location has more than one schedule entry, the newest
recording from the most recently recorded schedule entry will be shown.
l Orbit — The physical path travelled by a shaft within a bearing.
See Orbit Plots for information on collecting data to produce orbit plots.
l SpecStack — A stacked chart of the four most recent recordings at the selected schedule
entry .
l SpecTrend — A spectrum of the currently selected recording and a trend of overall values
for all recordings taken at that schedule entry. To display a spectrum, you must have a
recording or schedule entry selected.
l Spectrum — A spectrum of the selected recording.
l SpecWfm — Simultaneous spectrum and waveform recordings taken with compatible

SCOUT/vbSeries portable instruments.
l Top 10 peaks — Amplitude values of the 10 highest peaks in a spectrum and lists the
frequencies they occurred at.
l Trend — Trend chart of overall vibration levels for a series of recordings associated with the
currently selected machine/point/location/schedule entry.
l Vel+Demod — Four separate charts showing all recordings at the selected location .
The charts displayed are: waterfall, spectrum, trend and demodulation (if a demodulation
measurement has been taken - otherwise this section of the chart will be empty).
l Waterfall — Waterfall chart of a range of recordings at a selected schedule entry.
l Waveform — Waveform of the selected time domain recording.
l WaveformFFT — Waveform of the selected time domain recording and a converted FFT
spectrum.
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Chart view options
Multiple recordings can be displayed simultaneously for easy comparison. For example, the HVA
Spec view plots the most recent horizontal, vertical, and axial measurements of the currently
selected point and displays them simultaneously in three separate charts. Selecting another
point in the navigator will apply the view to that point and update the chart display.
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HVA Spec view
Highlighting and color coding are used to make each view as informative as possible. For
example, when a chart is displaying multiple recordings, the currently selected recording is
highlighted in the navigator list and also shown on the chart in a different color from other
recordings to make identification easier.
Views such as SpecTrend or Vel+Demod display several types of charts together on one screen.
This enables you to view an individual recording in different ways. It also lets you see how it
compares with other recordings in a trend or waterfall chart.
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Vel+Demod view
With any view displayed, when you select a different recording in the navigator list, the view will
update to display that recording. In the previous Vel+Demod example, the spectrum and
demodulation charts on the right will update to display new spectra. The waterfall and trend
charts will highlight the individual recording using coloring and cursors.
You can create your own customized charts and reports to display data however you wish. Once
you have created a new view it will be added to the list under the Chart button. Here you can
select it like any other view.
See Walkthrough — Create your own Views.
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How Views Work
Views are sensitive to the selection in the navigator. They will plot data from the currently selected
machine, point, or location. For example, if you select a Trend view, selecting a machine in the
navigator will trend overall vibration levels of recordings for all locations on that machine.
Selecting a point will trend the recordings for all locations on that point.
A view will only display data if the view's data type matches the selected recording(s). For
example, to display a waveform you must select a time domain recording. To display a trend
chart, you must select multiple recordings (or an item that contains several recordings such as a
point).
To stop the chart from automatically showing what is selected in the navigator, click the Hold
button.
To display more than one recording on a chart:
1. Click Hold.
2. Use the Add button or double-click recordings to add them to the display.
You can select multiple recordings simultaneously using drag and drop. See Select Multiple Items
for more information.
You can have multiple views open at the same time. If you select a different view without closing
the previous one, the new view will open on top of the old view.
Tabs display at the edge of the chart to indicate which views are open. You can select the tabs to
toggle between views.
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See Also
Views
Convert View to Image
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Convert View to Image
You can print a view to create a paper copy of it. You can also save a view as a Word document
and annotate it before printing. Alternatively, you can save a view as an image file and open it in
a graphics program for further manipulation. Once you have saved your data in an electronic
format, you can email it.
Follow these steps to convert a view to an image:
1. Click Word to create a Word document containing a picture of the view you currently have
open.
2. Resize the picture and add captions or other explanatory text.
3. Add additional views to the document using one of these methods:
l Create more Word files to cut and paste from.

l Copy more views directly from the clipboard by selecting View > Copy to Clipboard >
Paste this picture in a suitable text editor or another program.
If a view is made up of several charts (e.g. the four-chart Vel+Demod view) you can
copy an individual chart to the clipboard by right-clicking it and selecting Copy to
Clipboard.
4. To save a chart as an image file, follow these steps:
a. Right-click the chart > Select Save Chart to File.

b. Select the required file format (.jpeg, .gif, .bmp, .emf, or .wmf).
See Also
Views
How Views Work
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4.3 Trending Data
It may be possible to get a good indication of the presence of certain defects from a single
measurement. However, it is more common practice to watch for changes in the measurements
over time. To do this, you trend a series of recordings and measure the changes in overall levels.
The following trend chart was created by selecting a point with two measurement locations.
Each plot line shows a trend of the overall vibration level at one of the locations.
Trend chart
You can use Ascent to plot a trend chart of overall levels for all recordings:
l On a machine
l On a point
l At a location
l Taken for a schedule entry
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Trend data
Follow these steps to trend data:
1. Select any item in the navigator.
2. Select Chart > Trend.
The trend lines shown on the chart depend on the following:
l Trend Enters selected (spectrum overalls, alarm band levels, etc) — Right-click the
chart > Select Data Enters to see the full list.
l Amplitude units selected for the left axis — Only trend data that is compatible with the
amplitude units on the left axis can be shown. For example, you cannot trend
velocity data with the left axis set to acceleration.
When left axis units are set to default, Ascent will try to pick the best units for the left axis. Any
trend data that cannot be shown because the left axis units are incompatible with the data are
present with the following label:Not shown — Click here to view displayed in the legend
See Trend Band Alarms and Trend Envelope Alarms.
See Also
Trending Data
Choose Data Types for Trend Chart
Use Cursors with Trend Charts
Single Frequency Trending
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To choose the data types the trend chart can display:
1. Right-click the chart > Select Data Enters.

2. Select or deselect the options in the Data Enters panel.
3. Right-click the chart and select Set History Count or Date Range if you wish to filter by
date or count.
Selecting a history count of 1000 or more measurements may result in the trend
chart displaying very slowly. Select a lower value if possible.
4. Right-click the chart and select Left Axis to choose a different amplitude scale for the left
axis.
5. Select the required option.
The available options change according to the amplitude type of the recordings (velocity,
acceleration, displacement). Demodulation displays as acceleration.
The bottom axis of a chart can be displayed in time/date format or Index (data points are plotted
against a numbered, evenly-spaced axis). For most charts, time/date provides the most
meaningful information as we are normally concerned with how the vibration looks/changes
over time.
However, in certain situations, the Index axis is more appropriate as it enables you to compare
trends of recordings taken at different times. The example charts that follow show data trends
from two schedule entries.
The first schedule entry contains recordings taken on a machine with a fault condition. The
second schedule entry contains recordings of the same machine after the fault was repaired.
These two schedule entries were then plotted on a trend chart to compare the before and after
vibration levels. The first chart, using the time/date axis, puts a large gap between the two trends
because the recordings are taken at different times.
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The following picture depicts a chart with the bottom axis set to date/time:
The second chart uses the Index axis and ignores the time/date-stamps. It plots the recordings
as a numbered series, making it easier to compare the levels of the two trends.
The following picture shows a chart with the bottom axis set to index:
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See Also
Trending Data
Trend data
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When you position your cursor over a recording plot line on a trend chart, the amplitude of the
cursor position is described at the top right of the chart. Any notes assigned to that recording are
listed below the cursor readout.
The recordings in the navigator list are linked to the chart cursor. You can select a recording in the
navigator list to place a cursor corresponding to that recording on the trend chart.
Conversely, you can select a data point on the trend chart to highlight that recording in the
navigator list. (You will need to double-click the data point if no recording is currently highlighted).
Once you have placed a cursor on a chart, when you double-click a data point, the default view
(waveform or spectrum) of the recording will open under the cursor.
If a recording has been set as baseline, a red circular marker displays around its data point when
you plot a spectrum overall trend.
The following picture depicts a trend chart of alarm levels showing cursor readout at top right:
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See Also
Trending Data
Trend data
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A single frequency trend plot is used to trend changes in vibration amplitude or phase at a
particular frequency. For this type of chart it can help to use recordings taken with a tachometer
and display the bottom axis in orders. This is so that speed variations will be compensated for if
you are looking at a frequency that is relative to running speed.
The following image shows a single frequency trend chart created from a waterfall chart with
four velocity recordings plotted.
The double headed arrow has been added to the image to indicate the frequency being
trended (Hz value shown at top) and the actual line drawn across the frequency of
interest.
To plot a single frequency trend chart:
1. Select the schedule entry that contains the recordings you wish to trend.
2. Click Chart and select Waterfall.
3. Right-click the chart and select Cursor Trend > Visible.
4. Move the cursor over the frequency of interest > Left-click to place it on the chart — The
chart of trended amplitude values display to the right of the original chart.
5. Press the left and right arrow keys to move the cursor to different frequencies along the
spectrum — The frequency and amplitude value display at the top of the chart. The trend
chart will update accordingly.
6. To remove the trend chart, right-click it > Select Visible.
Additional Submenu Options

The following additional submenu options are available for displaying information contained in
the trend chart:
l Display Size — Open a message where you can enter the display size for the trend chart.
To make the trend chart fill half the chart area, enter 50 for the percentage value.
l Amplitude — Create a trend chart of amplitude values at a specified frequency (see

previous chart image). This is the default action.
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l Phase — Create a bode plot style chart of trended phase values at a specified frequency.
Recordings must be taken with a tachometer to gather phase information.
l Estimate True Peaks —When using the Hanning window with FFT data, the phase values
of frequency bins around a peak can vary by up to 180 degrees. Estimate True Peaks
counteracts this effect by calculating the true peak amplitude and phase.
l Phase Zero Centered —The vertical axis will use 0° phase as its mid-point. Otherwise the
center will be 180° phase.
The following three options relate to the horizontal axis display — You may need to
increase the trend chart display size to show all frequency values.
l Versus RPM — The horizontal axis will use RPM.
l Versus Time — The timestamp of each recording is used to determine its position along the
horizontal axis.
l Versus Index — Recordings are evenly spaced along the horizontal axis.
l Cursor Width —Frequencies will vary slightly with each recording session. To counteract
this variance, enter a value that determines how far Ascent will look for a peak on either
side of the actual cursor position. The default cursor width of 5 Hz is usually appropriate.
l Other — Access the main chart display options i.e. this is the same menu you will see if you
right-click the waterfall chart.
The following picture depicts a chart with single frequency trending:
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See Also
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4.4 Orbit Plots
An orbit plot shows the motion of the center of mass of a shaft. You can plot a shaft's vibration in
two directions simultaneously (e.g. vertical and horizontal) to get a trace of the motion of that
shaft.
A perfectly balanced shaft with no movement in any direction produces a dot in the middle of the
plot. Unbalanced or misaligned machinery may exhibit as circular orbits, figure eights, leaning
orbits, or flat orbits. Rub or looseness may display as indents around the circumference of the
orbit plot, or small loops around the larger plot orbit.
You can use orbit plots to detect abnormal movements of the shaft in the bearing (e.g.
unbalance, misalignment, or rubbing against a drive casing. The shaft movement will give you an
indication of its cause. For example, if there is a lot of up/down movement, the machine feet
might not be bolted down tightly enough.
Two probes are used when taking and analyzing enhanced orbit plot recordings. These are
nominally referred to as X and Y. By convention, when viewing the machine from the driver to the
driven end, the Y probe is positioned 90 degrees counter-clockwise from the X probe.
The direction of shaft rotation is not important for the X and Y position. You just need to ensure
you view the machine from the driver to the driven end. For example, the Y probe will be
positioned 90 degrees counter-clockwise from the X probe regardless of the actual angles and
positions used.
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The sensors used to take the measurements should be displacement probes. This is because we
are measuring the physical movement of the shaft, not its speed. You can take the readings with
an accelerometer if no displacement probes are available but there will be a small loss of
accuracy in the displayed plot when the signals are integrated.
The number of samples and measurement duration you choose determines the resolution and
length of the orbit recording. We suggest 1024 samples and a duration that covers 4-6
revolutions of the machine being tested. For example, an 890 RPM system (14.8 Hz) has 1
revolution every 67 milliseconds (6 x 67ms = 402 ms). If you choose 400 ms for the duration, you
will just capture 6 revolutions of the machine.
Severe rub or looseness can produce random orbit plots.
Once the recordings have been received in Ascent, you can select a recording from either
location > Select Chart > Orbit+Waveform. The recording at the other location is automatically
selected for plotting when you choose the orbit plot option.
Orbit Plots may be recorded on route by configuring two identical waveform schedule entries
and recording as a dual channel recording.
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Workflow
Here is the workflow for using the enhanced orbit plot functionality — You will need to:
1. Set up schedule entries for identical waveform recordings on different axes.
2. Send the schedule entries and route to your instrument.
3. Open the route on your instrument and set it as multi-channel, with the lowest channel as Y
(e.g. CH1) and the higher channel as X (e.g. CH2).
4. Take a simultaneous waveform recording on route (tach pulses are recorded).
Refer to your instrument reference guide.
5. Transfer the recorded data from your instrument to Ascent and use the Orbit+Waveform
chart to review it.
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Create Route
Once you have set up the schedule entries for your orbit plot recording, you will need to create a
route for it. To do this:
1. Select the vb data folder containing the schedule entry and route you have set up.
2. Select New > Route.
3. Click Yes to add the measurement locations you have set up to the route > Click OK.
If required you can also set up an existing route.
Once you have created your route you can send it to your instrument. Once you have specified
the X and Y axis on your instrument, you can take an orbit plot recording on route. See your
instrument reference guide.
See Also
Orbit Plots
Workflow
Review Orbit+Waveform Recordings
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Review Orbit and Waveform Recordings
Once you have taken an orbit plot recording and imported your data into Ascent, you can review
it by selecting Chart > Orbit + Waveform. When you take an orbit plot recording, your instrument
collects the tach pulses that occur. This means you can see the tach trigger marks on the
Orbit+Waveform chart. The following details also display:
l Probe positions
l Direction of rotation
l Machine speed
Tach pulses do not display for order-tracked recordings.
TIP: You can use linked cursors on the waveform graphs to move the cursor mark on the orbit.
The cursor will also display on the orbit graph (provided this is not filtered and the revolutions are
not limited.
The following picture depicts tach-triggered marks on an orbit plot recording:
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See Also
Orbit Plots
Workflow
Create Route
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4.5 Bode Plots
The licensed feature is only be available if included in your license agreement. If you wish to
enable this feature, please contact commtest.sales@ge.com or your distributor for more
information.
You can use Bode plots to identify and confirm the presence of resonance in a machine or
structure.
A Bode plot is made up of two charts:
l The top chart shows phase angle versus machine speed.

l The bottom chart shows signal amplitude versus machine speed. You can analyze the plot
to determine the speed(s) at which a resonance exists.
Set up measurements
You can record a series of tachometer triggered spectra e.g. as you do for a coast-down or run-
up test. The recordings must be taken with a tachometer so that phase information is available.
The frequency of the tachometer must be below the Fmax of the recording i.e. 100 Hz Fmax
recordings on a 7000 RPM machine will not plot on the Bode plot because 1X phase and
amplitude is not available.
Create Bode plot

Follow these steps to create a Bode plot:
1. Select the schedule entry containing the series of spectra recordings.

2. Click Chart > Select Bode Plot.
Ascent performs a peak search at the 1X frequency on every spectrum, extracting the peak
frequency, amplitude, and phase. All these amplitude and phase values are then plotted against
the frequency.
Change size of plot

To change the size of a plot, position your cursor over the grey area dividing line between the two
charts until it changes to an up/down arrow then hold down the left mouse. button and drag up
or down.
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Analyze Bode Plot
The bottom chart left axis shows the amplitude of the 1X for all the speeds of the machine. If you
have a peak in the bottom chart, this could be a resonance that is being excited by the running
speed when the machine is operating at that frequency.
The top chart shows the phase of the corresponding peak. You should see a 180° change in
phase across a resonance.
Select different harmonics

You can select different harmonics to analyze. For example, you can choose the 2X harmonic to
see an analysis of the 2X vibration across all the recordings. If you have strong forcing vibrations
at 2X (or 3X, etc), this could also help identify resonance as the 2X vibration goes through the
resonant frequencies.
Follow these steps to select different harmonics:
1. Right-click the chart and select one of these options:
l Select Harmonic to Extract — Select the harmonic you wish to extract.

l Phase Zero Centered — Vertical axis will use 0° phase as its mid-point (instead of
180° phase).
l Cursor Width — Determines the width of the peak searches performed on the
original spectra during creation of the bode plot.
2. Enter the required amount.
3. Click OK.
When the harmonic is not 1X, the frequency on the bottom axis is the frequency of the
peak being analyzed, matching the Hz (or CPM) value of the display at the top right (i.e. 2X
the running speed). The RPM value of the cursor readout is always the RPM of the
measurement from which the amplitude/phase/frequency was extracted.
Selecting any peak displays its amplitude, phase, and frequency plus the RPM of the
recording it was extracted from. The readout is displayed at the top right of the chart.
Zooming is linked so the bottom axis (Hz/CPM) remains synchronized with the top chart
axis.
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See Also
Bode Plots
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4.6 Modal Analysis and Cross Channel Spectrum (ODS)
Data
In addition to reviewing the FRF and Coherence data on your instrument, you can import this into
Ascent for detailed viewing, reporting, archiving, and more. When you open a modal impact test
recording, opening any recording in a group of related recordings, opens the other recordings.
Use the linked cursor feature to review the data conjunctively.
See your instrument reference guide to learn more about transferring data from your instrument
to Ascent.
You can also send data from your instrument to ME’Scope to conduct a more detailed
analysis.
Use the Chart menu if the recording displays an empty chart.
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Modal Impact Charts
You can change the chart display to show just the modal impact data, or the modal impact and
FRF data. To access these new chart options, select Chart > Modal Impact Data or Modal
Impact FRF.
The following picture depicts the Modal Impact Data option:
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The following picture shows the Modal Impact FRF option:
See Also
Modal Analysis and Cross Channel Spectrum (ODS) Data
Cross Channel Spectrum (ODS) Chart
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Cross Channel Spectrum (ODS) Chart
Once you have taken Cross Channel Spectrum (ODS) recordings on your instrument, you can
transfer these to Ascent for further analysis.
To view the imported data, select Chart > Cross Channel Spectrum (ODS).
See Also
Modal Analysis and Cross Channel Spectrum (ODS) Data
Modal Impact Charts
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4.7 Print Charts and Reports
Follow these steps to print the chart or report you currently have displayed:
1. Click the Print .
2. Use the options provided to adjust the way your printouts display:
l Select the required option in the Scheme field.
Choose the color scheme to use for the printout. You can view the charts on your
screen in color but print them in black and white using different line styles to
differentiate between the plots.
l Select the required option in the Page numbers field.
Select the position of page numbers on the printout.
l Tick Fit charts to page.
Make charts fill up the entire page. If this option is not selected, charts will retain the
aspect ratio they have on the screen.
l Enter the required options in the Margins fields.
Adjust the amount of space to be left between charts and the edge of the paper.
l Select Portrait or landscape — Selects the orientation of the printout.
l Select the required option in the Effective Page Width in Pixels field — Control the
effective resolution of the printout. Increase the number if the text is too big in the
printout, or decrease it if the text is too small.
l Click Setup Printer.
Select the required printer, paper size, and more.
3. Click Export to Word.
Open a Word document containing the chart or report you have displayed. The Word
image will use the color scheme you specify in the Print window. You can save this
document and email it as required.
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4. Click Save as Default to make any of the settings you have selected the default.
The Black and White scheme is chosen for printouts by default. If you have a color
printer you may want to change this to Color to use color for the plot lines.
5. Click Preview to see what the printout will look like.
6. Click Print to send the print job to the printer or Cancel to return to the chart.
You can previewing a chart or report before printing it:
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4.8 Schemes
Schemes define the colors, line styles, and fonts used on charts and reports. There are three
factory default schemes to choose from. You can change these or create your own:
l Color — White background with color text and lines. This is provided as an alternative to
the High Contrast scheme.
l High Contrast — Black background with colored lines and text.
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l Black and White — This scheme is black and white and intended for use when printing
charts on a black and white printer.
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Change Colors for Printer and Screen
You can customize the appearance of charts, cursors, alarm displays, navigator items, and
printed outputs. You can increase or decrease text labels to make them more visible. You can also
change colors to highlight areas of interest. If you don't like the look of your changes you can
easily reset the factory defaults.
Follow these steps to change or edit a color scheme:
1. Select Options > Edit/Change Scheme.
2. Select a different scheme from the dropdown field at the top of the Schemes window.
3. Create a new scheme or rename the default one by clicking the > at the top right of the
window.
You will be asked to name a new scheme when you create one. The new scheme displays
in the dropdown field and can be applied to your charts. You can then choose the chart
background and plot colors for your new scheme.
4. Double-click a plot color in the Schemes window to change it (e.g. Selected Plot).
Plots are also identified by an angled line icon.
Double-clicking list items with a letter icon will open a text editor form. Double-
clicking items with an angled line icon will open a pen array form. Items with a
icon to open a color selection box.
5. Click the Color button.
6. Select a color.
7. Click OK.
8. Use the other controls on the Pen editor panel to change the line styles and widths of the
plots.
Click the Style dropdown field to choose a different line style.
9. To increase or decrease the size of the text, double-click a text label in the Schemes
window.
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10. Use the settings in the Font window to resize text, make it bold or italicized, choose a
different size and color, or even choose a different font. The following picture depicts the
options when changing colors for printer and screen:
Restore default schemes

To restore the default schemes, select Options > Reset Scheme/Color Defaults to restore the
factory default settings for the Color, High Contrast, and Black and White schemes.
See Also
Schemes
Change Chart Plot Line Styles
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Change Chart Plot Line Styles
The pen array editor is used to change plot line colors, styles (e.g. dotted or solid) and widths. To
open the pen array editor, select a measurement from the navigator then click the square in the
bottom left corner of the chart.
Edit Existing Pen

Follow these steps to edit the size, color, or appearance of an existing plot line pen:
1. Click the pen in the left column.

2. Change the color, style (solid, dotted, dashed, etc.) or width values in the right panel — A
preview of your changes displays on the left.
3. Click OK — Your changes will be saved. The appearance of the graph plot will be updated
automatically for any graphs currently displayed.
Delete Existing Pen

Follow these steps to delete an existing pen:
1. Click the pen in the left column.

2. Click Delete — The pen will be removed from the pens list.
Create New Pen
Follow these steps to create a new plot line pen:
1. Select an existing pen in the left column.

2. Change the line color, style (solid, dotted, dashed, etc.) or width values in the right panel — A
preview of your changes displays on the left.
3. Click Add — The new pen will be created at the bottom of the pens list.
Change Pen Display Order
Follow these steps to change the rank in which pens are ordered in the pens column, and
therefore the order in which they will be used in graphs:
1. Select and hold the number to the left of a pen
A thick line displays above the pen you have selected.
2. Drag the line up or down the pens column to a new position.
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3. Release the mouse button
The pen will be moved to the new location within the column.
The following picture depicts the Pen Array editor used to customize the display for the selected
measurement:
See Also
Schemes
Change Colors for Printer and Screen
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4.9 Keyboard Shortcut Keys
General Shortcut Keys
F11 Toggle Full Screen
F9 Receive from instrument
ALT+F9 Send to instrument
CTRL+SHIFT+S Set shortcut
CTRL+O Open file
CTRL+ALT+S Open the online device setup wizard (online systems only)
Navigator Shortcut Keys
DEL Delete
CTRL+E Edit
CTRL+X Cut
CTRL+C Copy
CTRL+V Paste
CTRL+ALT+R Record now
CTRL+T Tag
F10 Save data and refresh navigator
F12 Generate Exception report
Chart Shortcut Keys
CTRL+N Return to Normal view
CTRL+S Toggle Stacked mode
CTRL+W Toggle Waterfall mode
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Chart Shortcut Keys
CTRL+F Expand to Full Screen
CTRL+D Open same chart in new window
CTRL+Z Remove the selected plot line when multiple plots are displayed on a chart
CTRL+F5 List fault frequencies
SPACE Go to next navigator item
Arrow Keys Move up/down between plots on charts if in stacked/waterfall mode. Display next
[up/down] recording in navigator if in normal mode.
CTRL+SHIFT+C Copy chart to clipboard
CTRL+Y View Orbit
CTRL+B View Bode
CTRL+9 View Waterfall
CTRL+F4 Close
CTRL+F10 View Record details
CTRL+3 View HVA
CTRL+SHIFT+F Save chart to file
F2 View Spectrum
F3 View Waveform
F4 View Trend
F5, F6 Cycle through fault frequencies
F7 View SpecTrend
F8 View Vel. + Demod.
Cursors Shortcut Keys
ESC Switch off cursors
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Cursors Shortcut Keys
S Sidebands and orders
O Orders only
N No harmonics
Arrow Keys [left/right] Nudge cursors
CTRL+[left/right] Peak search
SHIFT+[left/right] Move 1 pixel at a time
. Switch between cursors
CTRL+M Mark fault frequency
CTRL+P Jump to peak
CTRL+1 Set RPM to cursor position
CTRL+R Add remark at cursor position
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5. Alarms
You can create individual alarms for specific schedule entries or alarm templates which enable
you to apply the same alarm to multiple machines.
Using alarm templates makes it easier to manage your alarms. Any change you make to a
template will update every alarm using that template. For example, you could modify a
template's alarm threshold or create additional thresholds within a band or envelope. Doing so
would in turn update the thresholds of all alarms associated with that template.
Ascent enables you to manage alarms individually or as a group. Alarms that have been created
from a template can still be edited individually without affecting the template.
Some of the options shown on menus and forms will only be available if they are included
as part of your license agreement. These options will be hidden or grayed out for users
who are not licensed to use them. If you wish to license a new feature, please contact
commtest.sales@ge.com or your distributor for more information.
The following topics are covered in this section:
l Check Alarm Status

l Band, Crest Factor, and True Peak-to-Peak Alarms
l Envelope Alarms
l Overall RMS Alarms
l Set Alarm for Numeric Data Schedule Entry
l Use More Detailed Alarm Threshold
l Create Alarm Template
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5.1 Check Alarm Status
The alarm status of machines, points, etc is shown with colors in the navigator.
You can select Screen > Show Navigator Status Labels to control whether text labels of the
status are shown as well.
Alarm status coloring is hierarchical. This means an item in the navigator (e.g. a machine) will
display the color of the highest alarm level attained by one of its sub-elements.
Alarm color status enables you to identify at a glance, which schedule entry has set off the
<Danger> alarm. Alarm status is always determined by the most recent recording at the schedule
entry. Historical recordings do not affect alarm status.
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Check Alarms Automatically when New Recordings Received
To check alarms automatically when new recordings are received from your instrument:
1. Select Alarms and Check Alarms after Receive. If you switch this option off (by repeating the
above process) you can check the alarm status of new recordings when required.
2. To check the alarm status of new recordings, select Alarms and Check all New
Measurements for Alarms.
Ascent automatically rechecks the alarm status of recordings when an alarm

threshold is edited or when you make changes to your data that may alter the
alarm status (e.g. changing the RPM values of recordings).
The following picture shows alarm colors and statues:
See Also
Check Alarm Status
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5.2 Band, Crest Factor, and True Peak-to-Peak Alarms
The following alarm options are available:
l Peak band alarms detect when a peak on a spectrum goes above a certain value.
l Power band alarms measure the overall RMS on a spectrum within a band of
frequencies and compare that against a threshold value.
l Crest Factor alarms detect when the crest factor of a waveform measurement exceeds
a specified value.
l True Peak-to-Peak alarms detect when the peak-to-peak dynamic range of a
waveform measurement goes above (or below) a specified level.
Alarms may contain different thresholds such as warnings, alerts or danger. Each level is
represented by a color when the respective threshold has been exceeded. The following colors
are used:
l Green - OK
l Yellow - Warning
l Orange - Alert
l Red - Danger
An alarm status is always determined by the most recent recording at the schedule entry.
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Peak Band Alarms
A peak band alarm defines a maximum threshold for any peak on a spectrum between two
specific frequencies. For example, the following chart has four peak band alarms placed to raise
an alarm if any large amplitude peaks develop between the running speed harmonics on the
machine. The peak band alarms are indicated with arrows in the image.
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Power Band Alarms
A power band alarm defines a maximum threshold for the overall amount of vibration between
two frequencies on a spectrum. Another way to describe it would be a limited frequency range
overall alarm. Power band alarms are displayed at the top of a spectrum as dotted rectangles.
The frequency range covered by the alarm is indicated by the horizontal length and position of
the rectangle. The alarm thresholds are indicated using colored lines across the alarm display
region.
The current power level (overall RMS level) within that band of frequencies is indicated using a bar
that rises from the bottom of the alarm display region. When the power level within that band
goes through an alarm threshold, the bar will change color to match the color chosen for that
threshold e.g. red for Danger.
The measurement units for the alarm display area can be different from those used on
the chart. For example, if the chart is plotted in acceleration and uses m/s/s for the left
axis, you can use any acceleration units for the alarm display area (e.g. g or cm/s/s). The
spectrum overall value displayed to the bottom right of the band alarm will always use
the same measurement units as the band (because they both measure power levels).
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Waveform Crest Factor Alarms
A waveform crest factor alarm defines a maximum averaged crest factor on a waveform. A
'perfect' sinusoidal waveform results in a crest factor of 1.41. As the crest factor rises above this
value, it grows increasingly indicative of machinery damage.
See Waveform Peak-to-Peak and Averaged Crest Factor.
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Waveform True Peak-to-Peak Alarms
A waveform true peak-to-peak alarm defines a maximum actual peak-to-peak dynamic range
value (the power difference between the highest and lowest peaks) on a waveform. High peak-
to-peak values typically indicate the presence of high-level impact signals against low-level
background noise that results from mechanical damage.
See Also
Band, Crest Factor, and True Peak-to-Peak Alarms
Peak Band Alarms
Power Band Alarms
Waveform Crest Factor Alarms
Draw Individual Band Alarms on Chart
Edit Individual Band Alarm
Trend Band Alarms
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Peak and power band alarms can be drawn directly onto a spectrum chart using the mouse. This
feature is not available for crest factor or true peak-to-peak alarms. You can use this method to
identify frequencies of interest on a vibration chart and add the bands directly above them.
Follow these steps to add a single band alarm manually:
1. Right-click the chart at the exact frequency where you want the alarm to begin > Select
Alarm Bands > Add.
The band alarm will be drawn from left to right.
2. Move your mouse to the right.
A new band displays and follows the mouse until you left-clickagainon the chart to place it.
A peak alarm icon displays in the Navigator list, showing the frequency range covered by
this alarm. You can change this default name to something more meaningful if required.
You can use your cursor to manually adjust peak band alarms on the chart:
The following picture shows the peak alarm icon:
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Change Alarm Threshold

Follow these steps to change the alarm threshold:
1. Move the cursor over the top of the band until it changes to the up or down arrow.
2. Use one of these methods to adjust threshold values:
l Press and hold the left mouse button > Drag the alarm threshold up or down.
l Use the Band Alarm editor to enter precise threshold values.
See Edit Individual Band Alarms.
Change Start or Stop Frequency

You can use one of these methods to change the start or stop frequency of an alarm band:
l Move the cursor over the left or right edge of the band until it changes to a left or right
arrow > Press and hold the left mouse button while you drag the alarm to change the start
or stop frequency.
l Use the Band Alarm editor to enter the new frequency values.
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See Also
Change Alarm Threshold
Create Power Band Alarms
Create Power Band Alarms

Follow these steps to create a power band alarm:
1. Create a peak band alarm.
2. Create a peak band alarm on the chart.
3. Right-click the peak band alarm and select Edit to open the Band Alarm editor.
4. Select Power from the dropdown field.
5. Edit the thresholds and make required changes.
6. Click OK.
The band alarm displays at the top of the chart.
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Follow these steps to edit individual band alarms:
1. Use one of the following methods to edit band alarms:
l Right-click the band, crest factor, or true peak-to-peak alarm on a chart (or the
alarm's icon in the navigator list) > Select Edit to open the Band Alarm editor.
l To display the entire list of alarms on a machine, select the machine in the Navigator
and click Alarms. Then select an alarm from this list and click Edit.
It can be useful to enter a description for the alarm in this window. When the
alarm is broken, this information will be included in the exception report. For
example, when placing a peak band alarm over the 1X peak on a spectrum,
give the alarm the description 1X so that if the alarm is exceeded, the
exception report includes this information.
2. Use the fields in the Band and Waveform Alarm Editor window to adjust the frequency
range.
3. Change the alarm band from peak to power, crest factor, or true peak-to-peak (or vice
versa).
4. Create additional alarms above or below the existing one (use the Alarm type fields to
choose Alert, Danger, etc).
Select Measurement Units for Band Alarms

When you create a band alarm, the alarm's measurement units will default to the same as those
used on the chart.
If the chart left axis uses mm/s 0-peak, the alarm will also use mm/s 0-peak. The measurement
units for the alarm can be different from those used for the chart. You can select different units if
required.
If the chart is plotted in acceleration and uses m/s/s for the left axis, you can use any
acceleration units for the alarm, such as g or cm/s/s.
NOTE: Alarms will only be displayed if their amplitude units (velocity, displacement, or
acceleration) match those used by the chart. For example, if your alarms are using
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acceleration units and you change the left axis scale to velocity or displacement, the
alarms will not display.
If the band alarm unit does not match the template unit, a message displays at the bottom of the
panel beside the Update using template button. To change the alarm unit to match that of the
template, click the Update using template button.
You can right-click an alarm band to access relevant menu options. This feature does not apply
to crest factor or peak-to-peak alarms.
Hide or Display Band Alarms

Follow these steps to hide or show band alarms:
1. Right-click an alarm band and select Alarm Bands .

2. Select or deselect Visible.
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See Also
Hide or Display Text Descriptions on Band Alarms
Remove Band Alarm
Resize Band Alarm Display Area for Power Bands
Rescale Band Alarm Display Area (left axis scale)
Exceeding a Band, Crest Factor, or Peak-to-Peak Alarm

Follow these steps to hide or display the text descriptions on band alarms:
1. Right-click the alarm band > Select No Text to hide the band alarm text.
2. Select Band Descriptions or Band Overalls to display the name or overall power in the
alarm band.
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Remove Band Alarm
You can use one of these methods to remove an alarm band:
l Right-click the band and select Delete.

l Select the alarm icon in the navigator list and press Delete.
See Also
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You can use EITHER of these methods to resize the band alarm display area:
l Right-click the band and select Set Size.
This enables you to set a percentage value of the amount of screen area you would like the
alarm band to use.
l Press and hold the right mouse button on the power alarm plot area and drag the mouse
up and down.
See Also
Remove Band Alarm
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You can rescale the band alarm display area using one of these methods:
l Press and hold the right mouse button on the band alarm plot area and drag the mouse left
or right.
l Right-click the band alarm and select Set Power Band Display Range.
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In the Navigator, the alarm icon and the machine containing that alarm will change color to
show the alarm status (Danger, Warning, etc).
When you plot a spectrum chart, you will see peak and power band alarms:
l Peak band alarm — The word Exceeded displays on the spectrum to indicate where the
alarm has been broken.
l Power band alarm — The band alarm will change color to indicate the alarm level (e.g. red
for Danger, yellow for Warning).
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When you plot a waveform chart, you will see waveform crest factor and true peak-to-peak
alarms:
l Waveform Crest Factor alarm — The crest factor figure (top right of chart) will change
color to indicate the alarm level.
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l True Peak-to-Peak alarm — The peak-to-peak value will change color to indicate the
alarm level.
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The detailed Exception report will show the alarm name (or spectrum frequency range if it was
unnamed) and the amount the alarm was exceeded by. It will also show the total amount of
power in the band (for power band alarms) and the amplitude of the highest peak that broke the
alarm (for peak band alarms).
The Alarm report shows additional information, including the values of previous measurements
and the percentage change from the last measurement.
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Trend Band Alarms
You can trend alarm levels to help you predict when vibration levels are approaching, or will
exceed, preset alarm limits. Follow these steps to trend band alarms:
1. Use one of these methods to see a trend of the band value versus threshold for all
recordings taken at this schedule entry:
l Right-click a peak or power band alarm in a chart > Select Trend this band.
l Double-click the alarm band icon (power , peak ) in the navigator list.
2. You can trend multiple band alarms for quick comparison and analysis. On a single chart
you can use the Hold and Add button to trend peak and power-based alarms, alarms from
different schedule entries, and even alarms that use different units (mm/s, in/s, etc).
3. Select a schedule entry containing some alarms you wish to trend.
4. Select Chart and select Trend from the dropdown field.
Ascent will plot trends of all the alarms at this schedule entry in the chart display area.
Ascent automatically adds the spectrum overalls to the bottom of the list as these can also
be trended (double-click the Spectrum Overalls label to plot the data). Trend lines are color-
coded so you can see which alarm they relate to.
If several trend lines use the same color, you can identify a specific trend by selecting a
trend line on the chart, which will highlight that alarm in the chart legend.
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5. Select the <Set Trend Enters> text in the bottom right corner to select the trend data types
you want displayed.
The alarm thresholds (Warning, Alert, Danger) are indicated by the colored bars running
horizontally across the chart. If a single alarm trend is displayed, the left axis scale will use
vibration units by default (e.g. mm/s rms). If several alarm trends are displayed, the left axis
scale will use severity rank instead. Severity rank shows how high each band alarm's
vibration levels are relative to its own thresholds.
The left axis is scaled from 0-10 and thresholds are shown using a fixed scale of severity (2 =
Warning, 5 = Alert, 8 = Danger) rather than a specific measurement unit such as mm/s. This
enables you to show band alarms with different thresholds or measurement units on the
same chart. If you change the left axis amplitude scale to a specific unit (e.g. velocity), only
those that are compatible with that unit will be shown.
6. Right-click the trend > Select Left Axis to select a different left axis scale.
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7. Select the required option from the dropdown field — These options change according to
the amplitude type of the recordings (velocity, acceleration, displacement). Demodulation
display as acceleration:
l Power Level — The left axis scale will use vibration units (e.g. mm/s rms). Only power
bands and spectrum overalls display.
l Alarm Level — The left axis scale will use severity rank. All alarm band and envelope
trend lines display.
l Spectrum Amplitude — The left axis scale will use vibration units (e.g. mm/s rms).
Only peak bands display.
l Default — If one trend is shown, the left axis will use vibration units. If more than one
alarm band or envelope trend is shown, the left axis will use severity rank. The image
below shows the same trend chart after the left axis scale was set to Velocity
Spectrum Amplitude. You will notice that several of the trend plot lines have
disappeared.
The trend lines that can be shown on a chart depend on the scale used for the left
axis. Because we are now shown Velocity Spectrum Amplitude (i.e. peak band
alarms), the Velocity Power Level alarms (spectrum overall and power band alarms)
cannot be shown.
8. Select the Not shown - click here to view labels to toggle which trend plots are shown —
This changes the chart's left axis scale to ensure the series you selected can be shown. In
our chart example, selecting a Not shown label would change the axis scale to rms. The
spectrum overall and power band alarms will display, the peak band alarms will disappear.
By default, left axis numbering starts at zero and scales to fit your data by adding
additional space above and below the bottom and top plot lines. You can deactivate this
option off so that the axis number scale starts immediately below the bottom plot line
(rather than at zero) and finishes just above the top plot line.
9. Right-click the chart > Select Auto-Scale to fit Alarms to rescale the left axis numbering —
Different kinds of data can be shown or hidden on a trend plot depending on the trend
types you select (spectrum overalls, alarm band levels, etc). These will toggle the trend plots
that can be shown in a similar manner to the Left Axis options.
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10. Right-click the chart and select Data Enters to restrict the alarm types the trend chart can
display.
11. Tick or untick the required options from the data types panel.
See Trending Data.
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5.3 Envelope Alarms
An envelope alarm is usually based on a reference spectrum that is ideal or 'normal' for the
measurement point. It specifies the maximum allowable amplitude for each frequency value in a
spectrum.
An alarm is raised if any part of the spectrum exceeds the envelope threshold.
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Add Envelope Alarms to Chart
Follow these steps to add envelope alarms to a chart:
1. Right-click the chart > Select Alarm Envelopes > Add.
You will be asked for a severity rating for this alarm.
2. Select an alarm type from the dropdown field.
3. Click OK.
An alarm envelope is drawn on the chart. The Alarm Envelope Generator window displays
at the top right of your screen. The Vertical and Horizontal percentage margins define the
relative vertical and horizontal distance between the envelope and spectrum.
The Warning envelope line is colored yellow by default. You can change this later if
required. See Change Colors for Printer and Screen.
4. Drag the sliders on the Alarm Envelope Generator to change the envelope margins — The
alarm shape changes on the chart as you make adjustments to the settings.
5. Click the down arrow icon to access the following advanced options:
l The Minimum Margin adjustments define absolute minimum amplitude and

frequency margins between the envelope and selected spectrum.
l # points defines the resolution of the envelope.
l Start freq enables you to exclude lower frequencies from the envelope alarm region
(where 'ski slopes' may occur).
6. Click OK.
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Edit Individual Envelope Alarm
Right-click the envelope plot line to access the relevant functions such as deleting and
hiding/displaying the alarm.
Readjust envelope margins

To readjust envelope margins, right-click the envelope plot line > Select Adjust Margin.
Change alarm level

You can change the envelope alarm level (Danger, Warning etc) and adjust other properties using
the Alarm Envelope editor. Use one of these methods to open the editor:
l Right-click the envelope plot line > Select Edit Properties.

l Right-click the alarm's icon in the navigator list > Select Edit.
You cannot change the Amplitude Units and Frequency Units settings once the alarm has been
created. If you want an envelope that uses different units, delete the envelope and create a new
one.
Alarms will only display if their amplitude units (velocity, displacement, or acceleration)
match those used by the chart. For example. if your alarms are using acceleration units
and you change the left axis scale to velocity or displacement, the alarms will not display.
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Manually edit envelope on chart
You can also edit envelope alarms manually using your mouse to push sections of the envelope
up, down, or across. Follow these steps to manually edit an envelope on a chart:
1. Click the envelope plot line to select it.
The cursor will change to a hand icon indicating that it can be used to push the
envelope.
2. Click and hold the left mouse button and drag the cursor into the envelope plot line to push
it.
3. Release the mouse button when finished — If you push the line down too far you can push
it up again by moving the cursor below the envelope plot line and repeating this process.
4. Press Enter to save the changes or Esc to discard changes (the cursor will return to normal).
Add another envelope

Follow these steps to add another envelope:
1. Right-click the envelope plot line > Select Add.

2. Follow the previous instructions for adding an envelope to a chart.
If you have an existing Warning envelope set at 50% above the reference (ideal) spectrum, you
can now add an Alert envelope at 150% above the reference.
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Exceed Envelope Alarm
When an envelope alarm is exceeded, the word Exceeded displays on the spectrum to indicate
where the alarm has been broken.
The Exception report will show the alarm type and the amount by which the envelope was
exceeded. Note that the envelope may have been broken in more than one place, but only the
highest exceeded value is shown on the exception report.
The following picture depicts an exception report showing details of exceeded envelope alarm:
The Alarm report shows additional information, including the values of previous measurements,
and the percentage change from the last measurement.
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Trend Envelope Alarms
Envelope alarm trends are expressed by their 'percentage of threshold'. This is the greatest
'percentage of alarm level' for any peak in the measurement. For example, a percentage of
threshold of 110% for a measurement means the peak that exceeded the alarm envelope the
most, did so by 10%.
The following image shows an envelope plotted against percentage. The horizontal red line
indicates the 100% alarm level of the envelope (i.e. when a peak touches any part of the
envelope).
The following picture depicts an envelope plotted against percentage:
In the following image, data is scaled such that:
l Minimum level occurs at 0 severity rank

l Maximum occurs at 10 severity rank
l Alarm crosses the appropriate alarm level line at the point at which the envelope was
exceeded
The following picture shows the same envelope plotted against alarm level:
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5.4 Overall RMS Alarms
An overall RMS alarm defines a maximum threshold for the overall RMS vibration of a
measurement. An overall RMS alarm is a special case of a power band alarm where the start and
stop frequencies encompass the entire measurement.
To create an overall RMS alarm, create a power band alarm with a start frequency of 0 Hz and a
stop frequency of 1 000 000 Hz.
See Add Band Alarms to Chart, for instructions on creating the band and editing the frequency
range.
Overall RMS alarms display automatically on trend charts just like other alarm bands. You can
also right-click the overall RMS alarm band on a chart and select Trend this Band.
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5.5 Set Alarm for Numeric Data Schedule Entry
You can set an alarm for a numeric data schedule entry. This could be an attached file, average
value, or keypad schedule entry. Once you have set up the alarm, the numeric data schedule
entry will change colour to alert you when the thresholds you have specified are exceeded.
Follow these steps to set an alarm for a numeric data schedule entry:
1. Select the entry that requires an attached file, average value, or keypad schedule entry.
2. Click the Create a Numeric Data Alarm button on the Creation Palette.
3. Right-click the numeric data alarm you have created > Select New > Numeric Data Alarm.
4. Expand the dropdown field > Select the alarm type you want raised when the limits are
exceeded.
5. Enter the thresholds required for this alarm in the fields provided.
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The following picture shows an example of numeric data schedule data entry in alarm:
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5.6 Use More Detailed Alarm Threshold
Basic Warning, Alert, and Danger alarm thresholds are suitable for most applications. However,
additional options are available if you need them.
To use more detailed alarm thresholds, select Options > Allow Legacy Alarm Types. When you
create or edit an alarm, these additional alarm thresholds display in the Alarm type field. The
thresholds can be applied to both envelope and band alarms.
The following picture depicts basic alarm thresholds:
The following picture shows additional threshold options:
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5.7 Create Alarm Template
An alarm template such as an ISO standard band alarm is an alarm that is defined once, then
reused several times on different machines. When you create a template, you can use the alarm
on several machines. If you later decide to change the template (e.g. to update an alarm's
threshold), this change will be applied to all alarms using the template.
You can also modify an individual instance of an alarm without affecting the template. This is
because editing an alarm removes its association with the template. This gives you the ability to
apply general all purpose alarms to several machines, then customize the individual alarms later
for more fine-tuned monitoring of problem machines.
Alarm templates are most useful when you want to use the same alarm settings on several
machines (e.g. for monitoring specific fault frequencies such as a 1X running speed, bearing fault
frequencies, etc).
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Create Peak and Power Band Template
Follow these steps to create an alarm template:
1. Select a navigator item you wish to apply the alarm to (e.g. an entire machine).
2. Click the Alarms button.
The application opens the Alarm wizard which you can use to create and manage
individual alarms and alarm templates.
3. Click Add.
4. Select the Alarm Band Frequency Range tab.
5. Enter the start and stop frequency for this band.
6. Click the browse button at the top right to open the Alarm Templates window.
7. Define the settings for this alarm template.
8. Click Add.
9. Enter a name to describe the purpose of this alarm (e.g. Gear Mesh Frequencies).
10. Select the Thresholds tab to define the following values for the threshold:
l Unit — Acceleration, velocity, etc

l Type — Warning, danger, alert
l Amplitude
11. Select the threshold units for your alarm from the drop-down box and set the following
values:
l For peak bands, select Spectrum Amplitude.

l For power bands, select Power Level.
We recommend you select your normal preferred units under Options > Unit
Preferences. This will avoid the need for excessive unit conversions in Ascent.
If the units you require do not display in the drop-down box, click More >
Select a unit from the list > Click OK. If you select a unit that has no
abbreviation, you will be prompted to enter one now.
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12. Define the threshold amplitude and alarm warning level (alert, danger, etc).
13. Click Add.
14. Select the alarm level from the drop-down box.
15. Enter an amplitude value that will trigger this alarm when exceeded.
16. Click OK.
17. Click Add to add additional thresholds to this alarm > Define additional thresholds as
required.
You might want to do this to create separate warning, alert, and danger levels in a single
band or envelope. Click OK to return to the Alarm Templates window. Your new alarm
template will be highlighted.
18. Click Select to apply the template to your machines.
The Alarm Creator window will open and display each schedule entry at the currently
selected navigator item (you may need to select the Applicable Schedule Entries tab to see
this). Schedule entries whose measurement units match those of your alarm (e.g. velocity)
will already be selected.
19. Tick or untick the checkboxes to select the schedule entries you wish to have alarms
created for.
20. Click OK twice.
21. Click Close.
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Create Envelope Template
Follow these steps to create an alarm template:
1. Select a navigator item you wish to apply the alarm to.
2. Click Alarms.
The application opens the Alarm wizard used to create and manage individual alarms and
alarm templates.
3. Click Add.
4. Click the browse button to open the Alarm Templates window.
5. Define the settings for this alarm template.
6. Click Add.
7. Enter a descriptive name to describe the purpose of this alarm (e.g. Gear Mesh
Frequencies).
8. Tick the These generation parameters are for Envelopes checkbox.
9. Select the Thresholds tab to define the following values for the threshold:
l Unit (acceleration, velocity, etc)

l Type (warning, danger, alert)
l Threshold amplitude
10. Select the threshold units for your alarm from the drop-down box.
Spectrum Amplitude and Power Level refer to band alarms. You can choose either to
create your envelope.
We recommend you select Options > Unit Preferences to choose your normal preferred
units. This will avoid the need for excessive unit conversions in Ascent.
If the units you require do not display in the drop-down box, click More > Choose a unit
from the list > Click OK. If you select a unit that has no abbreviation, you will be prompted to
enter one.
11. Define the threshold amplitude and alarm warning level (alert, danger, etc).
12. Click Add.
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13. Select the alarm level from the drop-down box.
14. Enter an amplitude value that will trigger this alarm when exceeded.
15. Select the Envelope Options tab.
16. Specify the width of the envelope around peaks in the spectrum — You only need to enter a
value in one of the first three fields, however you can use more than one if required. If you
select more than one of these options, the greatest width determined by these options will
be used at each point (spectral line) in the envelope.
l Hz — This specifies a frequency at which the envelope will be placed either side of a
peak. For example, a value of 6 Hz will generate an envelope 3 Hz either side of each
peak.
l Lines — This specifies the number of spectral lines between the envelope and each
peak in the spectrum. For example, a value of 10 will generate an envelope five lines
either side of each peak. We recommend this option for machines that run at or near
the same speed from one recording to the next.
l Percentage of frequency — This specifies the frequency percentage the envelope

will be placed either side of a peak. For example, a value of 10% around a peak at
2000 CPM will place the envelope 5% either side of the peak at 1900 CPM and 2100
CPM. At higher frequencies on the same spectrum, the envelope will become much
wider.
For example at 60 000 CPM, the envelope will extend 3000 CPM either side. We
recommend this option for machines that run at variable speeds or whose RPM
varies significantly from one recording to the next.
l Lines (number to ignore) —This specifies the number of spectral lines that will be
ignored at the beginning of the spectrum. I.e. the envelope will be drawn around all
frequencies except the first few lines. This helps avoid false alarms caused by the ‘ski
slope’ often found at the low frequency end of spectra.
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17. Click OK.
You can add additional thresholds to this alarm. For example, you might want to create
separate warning, alert, and danger levels in a single band or envelope. To do this, click Add
again > Define additional thresholds as required.
18. Click OK to return to the Alarm Templates window.
Your new alarm template will be highlighted.
19. Click Select to apply the template to your machines.
The Alarm Creator window opens and display each schedule entry at the currently selected
navigator item. Schedule entries whose measurement units match those of your alarm e.g.
velocity, will already be selected.
20. Tick or untick the checkboxes as required to select the schedule entries you wish to have
alarms created for then click OK.
21. Click OK again then Close to finish.
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Apply Alarm Template to Additional Schedule Entries
After you have initially created and applied your alarm templates at selected schedule entries,
you can apply these alarms to additional schedule entries at a later time.
Follow these steps to apply the alarms:
1. Select a machine, point, or location.
2. Click Alarms.
3. Click Add.
4. Click the browse icon to open the Alarm Templates window.
5. Select the alarm template you wish to apply to your machine.
6. Click Select.
The Alarm Creator window will list the schedule entries on your machine.
7. Select the schedule entry checkboxes you wish to apply the alarm to.
8. Click OK twice to apply the alarms.
9. Click Close to finish.
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Use Template to Edit Existing Alarm Thresholds
You can change the thresholds of existing alarms (those that were not created from a template)
by applying an alarm template to them. Updating the thresholds will not change the frequency
range of band alarms or the start frequency of envelope alarms.
Follow these steps to change an existing alarm threshold using a template:
1. Select the machine containing the alarms you wish to update.
2. Click Alarms.
The Alarm wizard displays all the alarms at your selected machine.
If you have several different types and units of alarms, filter the alarms displayed
using the drop-down box at the top of the window.
3. Select the alarms whose thresholds you wish to update.
Use SHIFT or CTRL to select more than one alarm in the list.
4. Click the Template button or select Templates > Edit template for selected alarm.
5. Select the template you wish to apply to these alarms.
6. Click Select.
The Alarm Summary window displays the new alarm information.
7. Click OK then Close to finish.
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Edit Alarms Globally
To update an alarm everywhere it is used, you need to modify the alarm template. Modifying the
template automatically changes every alarm using that template.
If you want to change alarm settings for a single instance of an alarm, you will need to
edit it individually. See Edit Individual Alarms.
Follow these steps to edit alarms globally:
1. Select the folder icon at the top of the navigator.
2. Click Alarms — The Alarm wizard displays all the alarms at your selected machine.
If you have several alarms of different types and units, filter the alarms displayed
using the drop-down box at the top of the window.
3. Use one of these methods according to your requirements:
l Select Templates > Edit all templates.

l Select an alarm in the list that uses your template > Select Templates > Edit template
for selected alarm.
4. Select a template to modify.
5. Click Edit.
6. Click OK to confirm you wish to edit this template.
8. Click OK .
You will be prompted to update any alarms using this template.
9. Click OK to confirm.
10. Click OK twice.
11. Click Close to close all windows.
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Edit Individual Alarms
Any alarm based on a template can still be modified individually. Editing an individual alarm
breaks the relationship between the alarm and its template. Changes to the individual alarm do
not affect the template.
Subsequent changes you make to the original template will no longer be passed onto your alarm.
This enables you to apply 'general all purpose' alarms to several machines using your templates.
Once you have done this you can customize the individual alarms for more fine-tuned
monitoring of problem machines.
Changing the frequency range of a band alarm will not break the relationship between
the alarm and its template.
You can edit alarms by plotting a recording and manipulating the alarm on the chart (see Edit
Individual Band Alarms or Edit Individual Envelope Alarms).
If you are editing several alarms, it is easier to do this from within the Alarm wizard which displays
the full listing of all alarms on each machine.
Follow these steps to edit individual alarms:
1. Click Alarms.
2. Locate and select the alarm you wish to edit.
3. Select Alarms > Edit.
4. Edit the alarm as required — This will break the alarm's association with its template.
5. Click OK.
6. Edit additional alarms by selecting them and repeat the steps above.
7. Click Close when you are finished.
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Delete Alarm Templates and Alarms
You cannot delete an alarm template if it is being used by any alarms. Depending on the situation
you might need to delete the template as well as any associated alarms.
Follow these steps to delete an alarm template:
1. Click Alarms.
2. Select Templates > Edit all templates.
3. Select the template you wish to remove.
4. Click Delete.
5. Click OK to confirm the deletion.
6. Click OK.
7. Click Close to close all windows.
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Delete template and associated alarms
Deleting a template that is still being used by alarms is a two-stage process. You will first need to
delete the alarms so the template is not being referenced by any other objects, and then delete
the template.
Follow these steps to delete a template and any associated alarms:
1. Click OK to close the prompt window if you have not done so already.
2. Click Usage to see which alarms are associated with your template.
3. Click OK to confirm — The Tagged Items window lists all alarms currently using your
template.
4. Select the Operations menu or button > Select Delete.
5. Click Yes to confirm.
6. Click OK to close the Tagged Items window.
7. Select the template you wish to remove then click Delete — Click OK to confirm the deletion.
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6. Configure Recordings
This section introduces the following additional features available in Ascent:
l Use Parameter Sets/Schedule Entries

l Associate Process Variables with Vibration Recordings
l Demodulation
l Set/Update RPMs for Multiple Recordings
l Linear Speed Support
l Collect RPM Value while Measuring
l Baseline Recordings
l Triaxial Measurements
l Sensor Settings
l Bias Voltage Enter
l Manually Enter Vibration Data
l Customize Axis Name
l Tagging
l Store Reusable Components in Library
l Open Entire Site
l Bearing Database
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6.1 Use Parameter Sets/Schedule Entries
You can use the Parameter Set and Schedule Entry Editor to control the measurement
parameters used by the instrument.
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Edit existing Schedule Entry
To edit an existing schedule entry, right-click the schedule entry > Select Edit.
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Create New Schedule Entry
Use one of the following methods to create a new schedule entry:
l Right-click a location > Select New > Schedule Entry.

l Click the Build button to activate Build mode (click the Manual Build Mode link if you are
using the licensed Machine Builder wizard) > Select one of the [Add Schedule Entry]
placeholders.
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Reminders
A parameter set defines the actual parameters that will be used to take a recording (the
measurement units, measurement domain, etc). You can reuse these as many times as you like.
A schedule entry represents a recording that will be taken at a measurement location. A schedule
entry gets its parameters from the parameter set assigned to it. In the editor, invalid options are
highlighted in red. If you see this, ensure you check the value you have entered.
You can use the Domain area to choose a measurement type or combination of measurements
(on instruments that support these functions). This includes multi-measurement 6Packs, Demod
spectrum and waveform, and standard spectrum and waveform recordings. Simultaneous multi-
measurement types are only available on SCOUT and vbSeries instrument models, not online
devices such as the vbOnline or Ranger.
You can choose from parameter sets already in use using the Select Parameter Set field at the top
of the window.
Switching between the Time, Frequency and Demodulation domains will enable different
options on the Edit Paramset / Schedule Entry editor.
The editor will also change depending on which instrument you are designing the
parameter set for. Newer versions of the vb firmware have additional features that will
only be visible when that instrument is selected in the Applicable vb Instrument tab.
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Tabs
The Parameter Set and Schedule Entry Editor offer the following features organized in the
different tabs:
l Parameters tab — Set individual parameters such as the Fmax and number of averages to
use.
l Channel/Sensor — Specify a channel and/or sensor other than the default for a particular
instrument. You can click the Sensors button to define new sensors and edit existing ones
(their sensitivity and settling times, etc). The sensor assigned to any schedule entry must
match the type of signal being measured.
l Applicable vb Instrument tab — Choose the vb instrument these parameters will be sent
to. This enables Ascent to indicate which settings are valid for that instrument.
l Baseline Overall RMS tab — Enter a baseline value that will display in your instrument
when this schedule entry is being recorded. See Baseline Recordings for more information.
l FFT Options tab — Set the window type (Hanning or Rectangular) and overlap percentage.
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Fmin
Your instrument can be instructed to ‘zero out’ frequencies in a spectrum below a particular Hz
value. This enables you to remove 'ski-slopes' or create special measurements that exclude low
frequencies from the overall value.
The Fmin setting is available in the editor when a demodulation or frequency domain parameter
set is being edited.
The frequency resolution of the spectrum will not be affected by the Fmin setting. If the
Fmin value is 100 Hz, the Fmax value is 125 Hz, and the Lines setting is 400 lines, then 400
lines of data will be taken from 0 Hz to 125 Hz. The lines corresponding to frequencies
below 100 Hz will be set to zero.
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Orders-based Parameter Set
You can specify the Fmax of a frequency-based vibration measurement in Orders instead of Hz.
This means no matter what the actual running speed of the machine is, you can specify that the
measurement should have a frequency range of 'n' orders of the running speed.
Ascent must know the running speed of a machine to be able to display orders.
Create Orders-based Parameter Sets

Follow these steps to create an orders-based parameter set:
1. Right-click the machine > Select Edit.
2. Select Ask user for speed — You will be prompted to enter the speed value when taking
measurements.
3. Enter a value in the Default speed field — This displays on your instrument's screen. You can
simply press ENTER on your instrument to continue.
4. Right-click a location in the navigator > Select New > Schedule Entry to create a new
spectrum schedule entry.
5. Select Orders instead of Hz for the Fmax units.
6. Specify the measurement lines of resolution and other measurement values. These will vary
according to the type of measurement required.
Your instrument will select an Fmax from the normal available Fmaxes that give at least the
specified number of orders of frequency. For this reason, the recording displays in the navigator
with an Fmax value in Hz/CPM. The range on the bottom axis will probably be slightly higher than
the requested number of orders.
For example, if you choose 20 orders and an RPM of 1100:
l The running frequency in Hz is 1100 / 60 = 18.33 Hz.

l 20 times 18.33 = 366.6.
l The smallest Fmax that will give a frequency range of 366.6 Hz is 400 Hz.
l When plotted, the number of orders shown on the bottom axis will actually be 400 / 18.33 =
21.8 orders.
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If the tachometer is being used to trigger the measurement, the RPM will be determined
automatically.
In addition to setting frequency domain measurements in orders, you can set demodulation
domain measurements in orders, and time domain measurements in revolutions.
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Edit Schedule Entry and Parameter Set
The Schedule Entry and Parameter Set editors are integrated into one screen (the Edit Paramset /
Schedule Entry editor).
You can edit a single schedule entry by changing its settings in the Edit Paramset / Schedule Entry
editor. To do this:
1. Right-click the schedule entry and select Edit.
If several schedule entries use the same parameter set, you can edit these collectively by
modifying the parameter set assigned to them.
Follow these steps to edit a parameter:
1. Select Edit > Manage > Parameter Sets.
The Manager - Parameter Set window opens, listing all parameter sets in the entire site (the
site contains all your folders, which in turn contain all your machines).
2. Select a parameter set.
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3. Click Edit to open the Edit Paramset / Schedule Entry editor.
Because you are editing the parameter set, rather than an individual schedule entry, the
options on the editor that relate to schedule entries will be hidden.
Any changes you make will be applied to all schedule entries that use that parameter set.
This includes all Child Machines if the parameter set is currently being used by a Template
Machine in the templating system.
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Parameter Sets/Schedule Entries for Single Folder, Machine, Point or
Location
You can use P/Sets to open the Select Parameter Sets window. In this window, you can add,
edit, or delete multiple schedule entries in a single folder, machine, point, or location.
Follow these steps to change schedule entries:
1. Select the navigator item containing the schedule entries you wish to work with.
2. Click P/Sets.
l The Usage column in the Select Parameter Sets window shows the number of
measurement locations using the parameter set.
l The Template Type column specifies whether the parameter sets are template
(master) entries. This is indicated by the prefix [T] for template, [C] for child entries, or
blank for free entries that are not used by the templating system.
Most entries will be blank.
3. Select a template type in the Machine Template Filter field to filter parameter sets by
template type.
Only parameter sets of the specified type display in the parameter set list.
See the Template Machines section.
4. Click Add to All to open the Edit Paramset / Schedule Entry editor and create a new
parameter set.
When you click OK, schedule entries will be created using this parameter set. They will be
added to all the selected item's sub items.
If you have a machine selected, schedule entries will be added to all locations. If you have a
point selected, schedule entries will be added to all locations on that point.
5. Click Edit to open the Edit Paramset / Schedule Entry editor and adjust any parameter sets
being used by the schedule entries in this folder, machine, point, or location.
6. Select a parameter set on the Select Parameter Sets window.
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7. Click Edit — Any changes you make to this parameter set will only be applied to schedule
entries that are subitems of the currently selected item.
On your machine structure, you might have two points and two locations at each point
(four locations in total). The schedule entries at each location all use the same parameter
set. You wish to edit the parameters for the two drive end schedule entries but don't want
to change the parameters of the other schedule entries. Select the point labeled Drive End.
Click the P/Sets button to open the Select Parameter Sets window. Select the parameter set
(only one will display). Click Edit to make your changes. When you click OK, a new
parameter set will be created and assigned to both drive end schedule entries. The other
two schedule entries will use the old (unchanged) parameter set.
8. Click Remove to remove all schedule entries using this parameter set from the selected
folder, machine, point, or location.
This is the same as right-clicking individual schedule entries and selecting Delete.
Removing the parameter set does not delete it from the database. It will still display in the
Select Parameter Set field in the Edit Paramset / Schedule Entry editor.
9. Click Modify Usage to see how many locations in this folder, machine, etc use the selected
parameter set:
a. Select a parameter set.

b. Click Modify Usage.
c. Tick the checkboxes to add or remove the parameter set from multiple locations.
The bottom of the Select Parameter Sets panel contains configuration information about the
selected parameter set:
l The left column specifies the Fmin and Fmax frequencies. It also shows the number of lines
of resolution for any individually selected spectrum parameter set.
l The right column displays the waveform measurement duration, number of samples, and
number of averages for any individually selected waveform parameter sets.
Columns that are not applicable to the selected parameter sets will be labeled N/A. All parameters
will be listed as N/A if more than one parameter set is selected from the parameter set list.
The following picture depicts machine structure with points and locations:
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Clean up Parameter Sets and Schedule Entries
If you have several parameter sets or schedule entries and not all of them are being used, the
Select Parameter Set field will contain unwanted duplicate entries.
This field displays when you create or edit a schedule entry.
You can use the schedule entry and parameter set clean-up utility to find and remove entries that
are not being used, and merge any duplicate entries into a single item. To access this option:
1. Select Database > Utilities > Clean-up Schedule Entries and Parameter Sets.
The Clean-up Schedule Entries and Parameter Sets window opens, containing the
following options:
l Merge all duplicated parameter sets — Consolidate any duplicate parameter sets
using the same configuration in a single parameter set.
l Remove all unused parameter sets — Delete any parameter sets not currently used
in the navigator (i.e. any parameter sets not actively used for measurements).
l Update all schedule entry names — Update the names of your schedule entries.
This is useful if you have changed default measurement units, or if you changed the
interface language for Ascent after creating a schedule entry.
l Merge all duplicated schedule entries — Consolidate duplicate schedule entries at

the same measurement location. Consolidation is most likely to be successful when
duplication follows the import of folders or machines from older Ascent databases.
2. Tick one or more checkboxes from the Clean-up Schedule Entries and Parameter Sets
window.
3. Click OK then Yes to confirm the action. The clean-up process may take some time to
complete.
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Keypad Schedule Entries
You can create special keypad schedule entries in Ascent that let you define additional machine
information you wish to collect (e.g. machine temperature or motor current). When following a
route, your instrument will prompt you to enter this information using the keypad.
You can also use these prompts as reminders to perform additional checks (e.g. to check the oil
level). When collecting the data, you can enter a value of one (1) for done or zero (0) for not done
to record whether the check has been carried out.
Keypad schedule entries can only be created in Ascent. They cannot be created or edited
in your portable instrument.
Folders containing keypad schedule entries will send/receive to the instrument as normal. When
the data has been collected and the folder is received into Ascent, the measurements display as
date/time stamped records in the navigator list (as with spectra and waveforms). The keypad
schedule entries display in the navigator like a normal schedule entry but are differentiated by
their numeric (123) icon.
Create Keypad Schedule Entry

Follow these steps to create a keypad schedule entry:
1. Right-click a location and select New.
2. Select Keypad Schedule Entry.
3. Enter a prompt that will display on your instrument.
This prompt will be preceded by the word Enter when it is displayed on your instrument.
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4. Select the units from the Units field, i.e. temperature (-deg C and -deg F).
To select any other type of unit, follow these steps:
a. click More and select a unit from the list.

b. Click OK. If you select a unit that has no abbreviation, you will be prompted to enter
one.
5. Set the number of decimal places you wish to use.
6. Enter a default value to display on the instrument screen. This step is optional.
The person collecting the data will not have to reenter this information unless the value
changes.
7. Check the box if you want this data to be recorded as part of a route.
Your instrument will prompt you for this data when you perform any route that includes the
measurement location containing the keypad schedule entry.
Create your Own Units

The list of engineering unit types in the unit selection window are based on the MIMOSA CRIS-v1
standard. To create your own units:
1. Click More to open the Units window,
2. Select one of the User defined unit slots (towards the end of the list).
3. Click Edit.
4. Enter an abbreviation for this unit (maximum of 16 characters) — This abbreviation will be
used in the Units and Default value fields.
5. Click OK twice to close the windows and apply your units — Once defined, this new unit will
remain in the list and can be selected like any of the default ones.
See Associate Process Variables with Vibration Recordings.
Edit Value after Collection

If you have entered the value of a keypad schedule entry incorrectly, you can change this once
the schedule entry has been transferred to Ascent.
Follow these steps to edit a keypad schedule entry:
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1. Right-click the recording in the navigator list > Select Edit.
2. Change the value as required.
3. Click OK.
See Also
Keypad Schedule Entries
Create Keypad Schedule Entry
Create your Own Units
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Attached File Schedule Entry
Attached file schedule entries are similar to keypad schedule entries. However, instead of being
entered via a portable instrument, they are entered directly into Ascent. You can attach image,
audio, Word documents, and more to this type of schedule entry measurement for later reference
and use. For example, you might want to attach files associated with an oil analysis report to a
single location.
Typically alarm states are associated with this function. However, like keypad schedule entries,
you can also use attached file schedule entries to collect measurements such as machine
temperature or motor current, as well as arbitrary user-defined measurement values.
Create Attached File Schedule Entry

Follow these steps to create an attached file schedule entry:
1. Right-click a point or location > Select New > Attached File Schedule Entry or click the
Attached File Schedule Entry button on the creation palette.
2. Enter a schedule entry name into the Description field.
3. Select an appropriate operational mode from the radio buttons available:
l Value Entry Mode is used when you wish to manually enter numeric measurement
values, such as RPM or output current, as a schedule entry recording.
l Alarm Mode is used if you wish to manually enter alarm states (OK, Warning, Alert,
Danger, Inoperative) as a schedule entry recording.
4. If you selected Alarm Mode proceed to the next step.
If you selected Value Entry Mode, select a measurement unit from the dropdown field or
click More to select a standard unit or to create a user-defined unit.
Any previously selected user-defined or standard units will be listed in the Attached File
Schedule Entry field.
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5. Click OK. The schedule entry will now be created. The attached file schedule entry displays
in the navigator and can be identified by its icon ( ).
Attached file schedule entries will not be transferred when a folder is sent to a
portable instrument.
Follow these steps to edit an existing attached file schedule entry:
1. Find the attached file schedule entry in the Navigator or list

2. Right-click the attached file schedule entry and select Edit (or press CTRL + E).
Create Attached File Measurement

Follow these steps to create an attached file measurement:
1. Use one of these methods to access the Attached File Measurement panel:
l Right-click an Attached File Schedule Entry > Select New > Attached File
Measurement.
l Select an Attached File Schedule Entry > Click the Create an attached file
measurement button from the creation palette.
The panel displayed varies according to the mode you selected when
creating the schedule entry (Value Entry or Alarm mode).
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2. Use one of these methods depending on the type of value you are entering:
l Value entry — Enter a numeric value in the Trended Value field.
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l Alarm state — Select a state from the Alarm State field.
3. Adjust the Date/Time fields to change the timestamp of the entry manually.
4. Click Add to attach a file to the measurement — A standard Windows selection window
opens, enabling you to select the file(s) you wish to attach.
You can select any file recognized by the Windows operating system.
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5. Click OK when you have entered a numeric value or alarm state and attached any files you
wish to associate with the entry.
6. Edit an existing attached file measurement entry using one of these methods:
l Right-click the entry on the navigator list > Select Edit.

l Press CTRL + E.
Once you have recorded several measurements, these can be trended using
Ascent's normal trending tools (e.g. reports and the 'Trend' chart). See
Trending Data and reports.
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Managed Attached Files
You can use the Attached File Measurement panel to view, delete, or export files attached to a
measurement.
View File
Use one of the following methods to view a file:
l Double-click it.
l Select it from the file list > Click View.
Delete File
To delete a file, select it from the file list > Click Delete.
Export File
Follow these steps to export a file:
1. Select it from the file list.

2. Click Export.
3. Select the location the file will be extracted to.
4. Click OK
Add file
You can add a new file to any existing attached file schedule entry measurement. Follow these
steps to add a file:
1. Open an existing attached file measurement.

2. Click Add.
3. Select any files you wish to add to the measurement.
4. Click Open.
See Also
Attached File Schedule Entry
Create Attached File Schedule Entry
Create Attached File Measurement
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Average Value Schedule Entry
Average Value schedule entries are used to determine an average signal level from a specified
sensor over a user-specified measurement period. The Average Value numeric value can be
trended and alarmed in Ascent.
For example, use this feature to measure power output from a wind turbine, or a proximity probe
gap as well as arbitrary user-defined measurement values.
Because the average of an AC waveform is zero, you will need to use DC-coupled sensors for
average value schedule entries.
Create Average Value Schedule Entry
Follow these steps to create an average value schedule entry:
1. Right-click a point or location and select New.
2. Select Average Value Schedule Entry, or click the Average Value Schedule Entry on
the creation palette.
3. Enter a schedule entry name in the Description field.
4. Select a tab that corresponds with the instrument type you will be taking the measurement
with:
l vbOnline
l vbX
l Ranger Temperature
Average value schedule entries for Ranger devices are used only for taking
temperature measurements.
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5. Select the instrument channel the measurement will be taken with.
l SCOUT and vbSeries instruments — Select a channel from the Channel field.
l vbOnline and Ranger devices
a. Click the More button beside Channel to open the Device Channel
Configuration window.
b. Select an instrument from the vb Device field.
c. Select a channel (axis for Ranger devices) from the Channel field.
d. Click OK.
6. Select the sensor type that will be used to take the measurement.
l SCOUT and vbSeries instruments — Select the sensor type from the Sensor field.
To add a new or user-defined sensor, click Sensors and configure a new sensor.
To take this new schedule entry measurement when performing a route, check
Record this schedule entry when performing a Route.
l VbOnline
a. Click the More button beside Sensor to open the Configure sensor window.
b. From the new window, select a sensor type from the Sensor Enter field beside
the channel that will be used.
c. Select the ... option to create a new user-defined sensor type.
l Ranger — The Sensor field will be populated automatically after channel selection in
the previous step, and cannot be adjusted.
7. Select a measurement duration from the Duration field if taking measurements on SCOUT,
vbSeries, or vbOnline devices.
8. Click OK — The new Average Value schedule item displays in the navigator list.
See Associate Process Variables with Vibration Recordings for more information
about the 'Display this value on all charts for this Machine' checkbox.
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Tachometer Schedule Entry
Tachometer schedule entries are used to record a numeric RPM speed value from a tachometer
vbOnline or Ranger Station.
Create Tachometer Schedule Entry

Follow these steps to create a tachometer schedule entry:
1. Use one of these methods to access the Tachometer Schedule Entry window.
l Right-click a point or location and select New and Tach Schedule Entry.
l Click the Tachometer Schedule Entry on the creation palette.
2. Click More to open the Device Channel Configuration window.
3. Select the vbOnline or Ranger Station device from the vb Device field.
4. Select a tachometer input from the Tach field.
5. Click OK twice.
The new schedule entry displays in the navigator list, with the tachometer input selected in
brackets.
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Cumulative Pulse Count Schedule Entry
Cumulative Pulse Count Schedule Entry is available on the 16-channel vbOnline devices only. You
can use cumulative Pulse Count Schedule Entry to store cumulative values form pulse sensors
(typically oil sampling). The value will be the total numbe rof pulses deteced since the count was
last reset.
Sensor monitoring using this schedule entry type must be considered only nearly continuous
because tachometer readings of particle levels can only be taken while the 16-channel vbOnline
device's multiplexed tachometer inputs are not being used by other processes to record vibration
data. Therefore, tachometer data is compensated to smooth data across the measurement
period.
The compensation process divides the total number of pulses detected over a 24-hour period.
Then it adjusts this number based on the actual time the tachometer takes particle
measurements rather than vibration measurements.
For example, if the tachometer input was used to take vibration measurements for a total of one
hour over a 24-hour period, and 115 pulses were detected during the 23 hours it was monitoring
an oil sensor, the compensated particle detection count would be 115 * 24 / 23 or 120
particles/pulses detected over the 24 hours (not however that the compensation process occurs
at every stage of the measurement, not at 24-hour intervals).
See Also
Enable Pulse Counting on 16-channel vbOnline
Create Cumulative Pulse Count Schedule Entry
Reset Cumulative Values on 16-channel vbOnline
Enable Pulse Counting on 16-channel vbOnline

Before you can create a Cumulative Pulse Count schedule entry, the 16-channel vbOnline you are
using to acquire and store this measurement data must be configured and the feature enabled.
To enable pulse counting on a 16-channel vbOnline:
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1. Select Edit > Online device setup.
2. Click Add > Select the 16-channel vbOnline you will use to take measurements.
3. Click Edit.
4. Select the Setup tab.
5. Click Configure beside Cumulative Pulse Count.
Cumulative Pulse Count settings for the selected instrument display beside the text header
Enabled or Disabled to indicate whether your instrument has been enabled to support
pulse counts, and the tachometer that will be used as the signal input.
6. Tick the Enabled checkbox to activate the cumulative pulse count feature.
7. Choose the tachometer from the Count Using Tachometer field that you will use to collect
measurements — 16-channel vbOnline devices include two tachometer inputs. You can
use either of these.
To disable Cumulative Pulse Counting on a 16-channel vbOnline, simply repeat the

previous steps and untick the Enabled checkbox.
8. Click Send — The instrument is configured and a success notification displays.
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9. Click OK.
10. Click Close.The Cumulative Pulse Count text displayed on the VB Device Properties panel will
update to reflect the instrument and tachometer configuration. You can now create the
Cumulative Pulse Count Schedule Entry.
The following picture shows Count Mode Status:
Create Cumulative Pulse Count Schedule Entry

Follow these steps to create a cumulative pulse count schedule entry:
1. Use one of these methods to open the Cumulative Pulse Counting Schedule Entry
window:
l Right-click a point or location in the navigator > Select New > Cumulative Pulse
Count Schedule Entry.
l Select a point or location in the navigator > Click the Cumulative Pulse Count
Schedule Entry on the creation palette.
2. Click browse to open the Device Channel Configuration window.
3. Select the 16-channel vbOnline being used to acquire and store this measurement data
from the vb Device field.
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4. Select the tachometer input from the Tach field that will be connected to the oil sensor's
pulse signal output — The tachometer you select must be the same as that configured
previously in the Enable Pulse Counting on an Instrument section.
If you select a tachometer input that has not been enabled for Cumulative Pulse Counting,
a message displays: The selected Tachometer is not enabled for Cumulative Pulse
Counting.
a. Return to the Cumulative Pulse Count Options panel.

b. Select the alternative tachometer input.
If the 16-channel vbOnline has not been enabled for Cumulative Pulse Counting, a
message displays: Feature Cumulative Pulse Count is currently DISABLED on the
device.
a. Return to the Cumulative Pulse Count Options panel.

b. Check Enable.
c. Choose a tachometer input.
d. Click Send.
e. Click OK.
f. Click Close.
5. Click OK to close the Device Channel Configuration panel.
6. Click OK to close the Cumulative Pulse Counting Schedule Entry panel.
The new pulse count schedule item displays in the navigator list beside a Cumulative Pulse
Count icon.
7. Use one of these methods to test your schedule entry configuration:
l Right-click the new navigator list item > Select Online Devices > Record Now.
l Press CTRL-ALT-R.
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8. Trend pulse count values over time (if required):
a. Select Chart and Trend.

b. Select all pulse count measurements in the navigator.
c. Press F4.
d. Select Edit and Online Device Setup.
e. Assign recording intervals using the Intervals and Criteria option in the wizard.
Cumulative Pulse Count measurements are acquired as specified in Ascent by the

OnlineManager application. See Configure Recording Intervals in the vbOnline
Instrument Reference Guide.
If you are using an oil particle sensor with a DC status output (e.g. a GasTOPS device), you should
now create an Average Value Schedule Entry to monitor this output using any free 16-channel
vbOnline device analog input.
Reset Cumulative Values on 16-channel vbOnline

You might need to periodically reset or adjust the cumulative pulse value stored in the vbOnline
device's onboard memory. For example, this might be necessary when an alarm threshold is
exceeded, or after an oil change or overhaul if the particle sensor is changed.
To reset cumulative values on 16-channel vbOnline:
1. Select Edit > Online device setup.
2. Click Add > Select the 16-channel vbOnline device currently being used to take Cumulative
Pulse Count measurements.
3. Click Edit — The VB Device Properties panel opens.
4. Select the Setup tab > Click Configure beside Cumulative Pulse Count.
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5. Tick the Reset Cumulative Count checkbox.
6. Enter a new number in the integer field.
This is the figure the cumulative count stored in the 16-channel vbOnline device's onboard
memory will be set to.
7. Enter 0 to reset the cumulative pulse count value stored on the 16-channel vbOnline.
8. Click Send.
The instrument's stored Cumulative Pulse Count value will be set to the specified value. A
success notification displays.
9. Click OK then Close.
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6.2 Associate Process Variables with Vibration
Recordings
Numeric schedule entries can be useful tools for recording machinery process variables, i.e. the
state of various processes and components in a mechanical system as a whole (e.g. wind turbine
power output and speed, drive temperatures, process flow rates or any number of other
measurements).
When you compare process variable measurements and vibration measurements taken at
approximately the same time, these snapshot recordings can frequently provide valuable insight
into the underlying conditions that may have resulted in a particular vibration measurement, or
vice versa. If configured appropriately, you can use Ascent to automatically display Average
Value, Keypad, SDI (Serial Data Input) and OPC import measurements on spectrum and waveform
vibration charts in the same way.
See OPC Import, Keypad Schedule Entries, Average Value Schedule Entries, and Serial Data
Import in your Turningpoint Instrument reference guide.
Once an association between a given process variable and vibration measurements has been
configured, any spectrum or waveform charts within the specified machine will also display the
process variable measurement taken closest to the time of the vibration measurement. This text
information displays in the top right corner of the chart window, together with an indication of
the time differential between the acquisition of the vibration measurement and the process
variable measurement.
If you open a multi-chart view, such as SpecStack (stacked spectra) or a waterfall display
of several measurements, the closest process variable displayed and/or the time
differential specified in the top right corner can be updated by selecting individual
measurements in the chart panel with your cursor.
Process variable measurements taken within 24 hours of a vibration measurement will list the
time differential of the process measurements relative to the vibration measurement in hours and
minutes, or minutes and seconds, and 'later' or 'earlier' than the vibration recording.
Measurements taken more than 24 hours from the vibration measurement (but the closest
measurement taken, nonetheless) will state a difference of greater than 24 hours 'before' or 'after'
the collection of the vibration measurement.
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For example, you can have an Average Value measurement named Average Value with a value
of 11.787 Volts. This may have been taken 1 hour and 38 minutes before the vibration
measurement being charted. The vibration measurement was taken at 9:28 a.m. and the Average
Value measurement was taken at 7:50 a.m. This measurement was the closest recording taken to
the spectrum measurement.
To associate an existing Average Value, Keypad, SDI or OPC schedule entry with vibration data
within a Machine:
1. Right-click an existing schedule entry in the navigator > Select Edit.
2. Tick the Display this value on all charts for this Machine checkbox.
3. Click OK.
To associate a new schedule entry with vibration data, tick the Display this value on
all charts for this Machine checkbox when creating the new entry.
In future, measurement data for this item displays in the top right corner of vibration charts for
the machine. To remove the association, edit the Average Value, Keypad, SDI, or OPC process
variable schedule entry, untick the Display this value on all charts for this Machine checkbox
and save (OK).
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6.3 Demodulation
Demodulation is a useful process for extracting very low amplitude, high frequency signals
associated with impulse or impact events. Demodulation is also useful as an early warning device
because it detects bearing tones before they are visible in a normal spectrum.
The process works by passing the data through filters to eliminate high amplitude/low frequency
data, extracting the ‘envelope’ around the remaining signal, and displaying the results in a
frequency/acceleration spectrum.
See Also
Demodulation Setup
Analyze Demodulation Data
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Demodulation Setup
The high frequency signals demodulation aims to extract are very localized. Consequently you
need to take extra care to ensure the accelerometer is mounted correctly. You will need to ensure
that the accelerometer is:
l Mounted close to the vibration source.

l Well coupled, using either stud mounting or a very strong magnet on bare metal. A
handheld probe or stinger is not recommended.
l Consistent between visits.
The bandwidth determines which range of frequencies the demodulation process will use.
Access Suggested Suitable Demodulation Bandwidth

You can use Ascent to suggest a suitable demodulation bandwidth using the machine's RPM. To
access this option:
1. Right-click a machine in the navigator and select Edit.

2. Specify a default speed in the field provided.
3. Specify any restrictions related to your instrument capabilities (as available bandwidths
vary by instrument model and age).
The following table outlines some typical bandwidth recommendations:
Demod Bandwidth Recommended Speed Range
250 Hz - 10 kHz <100 RPM
500 Hz - 10 kHz 100 - 300 RPM
1 kHz - 10 kHz 300 - 1000 RPM
2 kHz - 10 kHz 1000 - 3000 RPM
4 kHz - 10 kHz >3000 RPM
If your instrument is a 16-channel vbOnline, Ascent might suggest alternative higher

bandwidth options (extending to 24 kHz rather than the 10 kHz illustrated in the table
above). These values are suitable for stud-mounted accelerometers.
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See Also
Demodulation Setup
Determine Appropriate Bandwidth
Determine Appropriate Bandwidth

If a default machine speed has not been configured, Ascent will not be able to recommend a
bandwidth. You will need to manually select a bandwidth option suitable for the application. You
can use the following procedure to determine an appropriate bandwidth:
1. Take a measurement using the following parameters:
l Domain Enter — Freq

l Quantity — Accel
l Fmax value — 20 kHz (1200 kCPM)
2. Examine the chart for a region of broadband high frequency noise (‘haystack’).
3. Examine where the haystack starts and ends > Choose a corresponding Hz (or kCPM)
range/bandwidth.
For example, a range of 4 kHz to 20 kHz (240 to 1200) kCPM is best for the chart below, as
most unwanted low frequency noise falls below 4 kHz (240 kCPM).
It is very important that you reject all the large amplitude/low frequency peaks. If no significant
haystacks display, we recommend a standard bandwidth of 2 kHz to 10 kHz (120 to 600) kCPM).
For example:
l For low-speed machines, you can reduce the Demod bandwidth lower limit, however
ensure you keep this at least 100X running speed.
l For a machine that runs at 600 RPM (10 Hz), a 1-10 kHz band should be appropriate.
The following picture depicts an example haystack:
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Analyze Demodulation Data
The process for measuring, recording, and viewing demodulation data is the same as for a
frequency/acceleration spectrum. You can transfer the demodulation spectra to Ascent and
analyze it using the same techniques that are available for normal spectra (e.g. trend plots,
alarms, fault frequencies, bearings, and gears).
Remember the following points when analyzing demodulation data:
l As a bearing deteriorates, the baseline noise level increases and bearing tones develop
running speed sidebands.
l In the final stages of bearing wear, the bearing tones might become less prominent as
cracks and pits become more rounded and distributed over the race.
l A raised noise floor is often the result of a lubrication problem.
See Also
Demodulation
Demodulation Setup
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6.4 6Pack Recordings
6Pack recordings enable up to six measurements to be taken simultaneously from a single data
stream/channel. All standard condition monitoring data can be acquired in one step and in the
time normally required to take a single conventional recording. This function is currently limited to
the SCOUT and vbSeries range of instruments (vb5, vb6, vb7, vb8, SCOUT100, SCOUT140).
A 6Pack recording may include some or all of the following measurement types for each recorded
channel:
l High Frequency Spectrum

l High Frequency Waveform
l Low Frequency Spectrum
l Low Frequency Waveform
l Demodulation Spectrum
l Demodulation Waveform
See Also
Configure 6Pack Recording
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Configure 6Pack Recording
Follow these steps to configure a 6Pack recording:
1. Tick the 6Pack checkbox in the Domain area.
2. Select the required measurement types using the checkboxes immediately below the
Domain area.
3. Configure the measurement parameters using the Parameters tab.
The following limitations are imposed on 6Pack recordings:
l The same sensor(s) must be used for all 6Pack measurement types.
l High Frequency and Demodulation measurements can be measured in Acceleration
only.
l All spectra and waveforms must have the same resolution.
l Averaging type, number and overlap must be the same for all spectra.
See Also
6Pack Recordings
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6.5 Set/Update RPMs for Multiple Recordings
There are several ways to control how RPM values are applied to schedule entries and/or
recordings. The range of affected recordings may be restricted by date range.
You can ignore recordings with RPM values that are already set. You can use RPM multipliers to
take gearbox ratios and other point variances into account.
See Define RPM of Recording to set an individual recording's RPM value.
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Apply RPM Value
You can apply an RPM value directly from the 1X peak of a chart or type in a value, and then
apply this to your chosen recordings. To do this, you will need to set your RPM value using one of
the methods described below, and then follow the instructions in the next topic to apply this
value.
Regardless of the method you use, the RPM value will not propagate to any recordings
until you choose the options where you want it to be applied (see next topic).
Method 1 - Using the 1X peak

This method enables you to enter an RPM value without knowing the running speed of your
machine. When you position your cursor on the 1X peak, Ascent will calculate the running speed
for you.
Follow these steps to set the RPM value using the 1X peak:
1. Open a chart.
2. Double-click the first big peak.
3. Press CTRL + 1 to display the value in the Set 1X RPM window and
4. Click Apply to All Recordings on Machine.
5. Follow the steps provided in the next topic: Apply RPM value.
Method 2 - Manually enter RPM value

This method is useful if you already know the RPM value and want to manually select a date
range of recordings.
Follow these steps to set the RPM value manually:
1. Select a machine/point/location/schedule entry.
2. Use one of these methods to access the Set RPM window:
l Select Edit and Set Speed.

l Right-click the machine/point/location/schedule entry and select Set Speed.
3. Enter an RPM value in the field provided.
4. Follow the steps provided in next topic — Apply RPM value.
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6.6 Linear Speed Support
On linear speed machines (e.g. paper machines) the rotational speed of individual machine
components differs according to the various diameters of rollers or pulleys, much like the output
of a gearbox. If you enter these diameters into Ascent, along with the linear speed of the machine
while the recordings were taken, Ascent can calculate the actual RPM value at each point.
Some of your measurement locations are likely to be on non-roller parts of the machine (e.g. roll
drive motors). Ascent can calculate the appropriate RPM values for these points if you supply the
ratio of the motor RPM compared to the roll RPM.
For example, if the drive motor gearbox has a reduction ratio of 0.333 (the motor is turning 3 times
faster than the roll), enter 3 in the RPM Multiplier field.
If the diameter for a point is not defined, the linear speed setter will have no effect.
Follow these steps to specify the relevant data in Ascent:
1. Right-click a machine > Select Edit.
2. Select Linear speed as the speed type.
3. Click OK.
4. Right-click a point > Select Edit.
5. Enter the diameter of the roller or pulley.
6. Enter an RPM Multiplier value in the field provided.
Leave the default setting as it is if you don't want to use the multiplier.
7. Click OK.
8. Select the machine you want to set the linear speed for.
9. Use one of these methods to set the speed:
l Select Edit > Set Speed.

l Right-click the selected machine > Select Set Speed.
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10. Enter the linear speed of the machine.
See Apply RPM Value for more information on the various settings.
11. Click OK.
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6.7 Collect RPM Value while Measuring
This option does not apply to online devices such as the vbOnline or Ranger.
If the machine RPM is available when you take a recording (e.g. from an installed rev counter or
hand held tachometer), you can enter the RPM using the keypad on your vb instrument.
If you are using a Ranger Station and Ranger sensor, the Ranger Station tachometer RPM
will be appended automatically to waveform measurement values displayed in Ascent if
the RPM value is used as a criteria for the recording. See the Ranger Reference Guide for
more information on criteria and RPM measurements.
Follow these steps to activate the collecting RPM feature:
1. Right-click the required machine and elect Edit.

2. Tick Ask user for speed — When collecting data you will be prompted to enter the speed
value when the measurement is taken.
3. Enter a default speed value in the field provided — This value displays on the instrument
screen. Simply press ENTER on the instrument to continue.
The speed value entered is saved with the recording and automatically transferred
to Ascent next time you run the Receive operation.
You can enable Ask user for speed on every schedule entry on a machine. The instrument will not
reprompt you when new measurements are collected. Instead it instrument remembers the
speed value you last entered on that machine and automatically reuses it for subsequent
recordings.
If you wish to be reprompted at a certain part of the machine (for example after a gearbox),
change the Default RPM for those schedule entries.
See Set/Update RPMs for Multiple Recordings for details on how to set the default RPM for all
schedule entries on a machine.
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6.8 Baseline Recordings
A baseline recording is a vibration measurement taken on a machine considered to be in good
condition. The baseline is used as a comparison recording with which to observe changes in
vibration patterns.
You can set a recording as a baseline recording by right-clicking it and selecting Set Baseline.
When this recording is plotted, the label Baseline displays at the top of the chart and in the chart
legend.
The baseline overall RMS value is shown in the Parameter Set/Schedule Entry editor's Baseline
Overall RMS window. You can edit it here (see next topic).
Display Baseline Value on SCOUT or vbSeries Instrument

Once you have taken a recording on your instrument you can display the RMS value of the
baseline recording and compare this with the measurement you have just taken.
Follow these steps to display a baseline value on your instrument:
1. Select Alarms > Update Baselines in this Folder.

2. Send the folder to your instrument — The baseline RMS value displays at the top right of the
screen after a measurement is taken.
If you intend to update your baselines intermittently, select Alarms and Update Baselines
Before Send. Every time you set a new recording as a baseline, this will be transferred to
your vb instrument automatically when you click Send.
Display Last Measurement's Value Instead of Baseline Value

As an alternative to using baselines, you can display the measurement values from your last
recording session.
To display the previous measurement's RMS value, select Alarms and Use Last Measurement if
no Baseline. This value is labeled as a baseline on your instrument.
Remove Baseline from Instrument Display

Follow these steps to hide a baseline from displaying on your instrument:
1. Right-click the schedule entry containing the baseline recording > Select Edit.
2. Select the Baseline Overall RMS tab.
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3. Click Clear then OK. When you next send this folder to the SCOUT or vbSeries instrument,
the baseline value will no longer be displayed.
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6.9 Triaxial Measurements
Depending on your instrument, triaxial recordings are available. To configure a triaxial on-route
recording:
1. Create three locations at a single point using Ascent (i.e. Horizontal, Vertical, Axial).
Each of these locations must be set to correspond with one of the three available triaxial
sensor axes (X, Y or Z), matching the orientation of the sensor when mounted.
2. Open Ascent.
3. Right-click a measurement location > Select Edit.
4. Select an axis from the Triax Axis field.
5. Repeat the above steps for each of the three locations, choosing one of the three available
axes for each. Then send the route to your instrument for data collection. See Transfer
Folders to Instrument).
Each of the three locations must have a unique Axis name and triax axis. Do not
assign the same axis to more than one location.
See your Instrument Reference Guide to learn how to take a triaxial measurement.
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6.10 Sensor Settings
If you use more than one accelerometer for data collection, you can store each sensor's
sensitivity and settling time in Ascent. When setting up schedule entries, you can select different
sensors for taking the measurements. To access these options:
1. Select Edit > Manage > Sensors.

2. Click Add or Edit to enter or change the details of your sensor.
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6.11 Bias Voltage Type
Ascent uses the Bias Voltage Type check to warn operators when errors or fault conditions such
as short-circuits, faulty sensors or open-circuits occur. The application compares the actual
sensor bias voltage with the expected voltage range to detect such errors.
Follow these steps to use the Bias Voltage Enter feature:
The application opens Sensor Setup window. You can perform the following operations in
this window:
l Click Add to add a sensor and select the sensor type.

l Click Edit to edit an existing sensor.
2. Click Other... beside Bias Voltage Check in the Sensor Setup window.
Most accelerometers have an output voltage centered on 12 V DC. Ascent offers a default
bias voltage range from 8 V to 16 V (providing 4 Volts of headroom above and below the
typical output value). Ranger sensors have a narrower bias voltage range of 3 V to 3.7 V.
Some sensors may use a lower or higher bias voltage. If using such a sensor, review the
manufacturer's documentation and create a new bias voltage range. To create a new Bias
Voltage setting, select add.
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6.12 OPC Import
The OLE for Process Control (OPC) Import feature currently supports only versions 2 and 3 of the
OPC protocol.
OPC is a series of open standards based on Microsoft OLE technology. It is used to support the
movement of real time data from process hardware such as PLCs, DCSs, and other control
devices to Human Machine Interface (HMI) display clients.
The Ascent OPC Import function enables you to record process parameters exported from OPC-
compatible devices to an Ascent database alongside standard vibration recordings. This ability
enables Ascent to trend values from existing data sources.
You can trend and alarm these process control parameters in Ascent. You can also use them to
control the scheduling of other recordings.
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Configure Engineering Units and Scaling
To configure engineering units and scaling, you need to set up a special virtual sensor in Ascent.
Follow these steps to set up a special virtual sensor:
2. Click Add.
3. Select Standard Sensor.
4. Select Input from OPC in the Input Range and Coupling field.
5. Enter a description for this OPC sensor in the Desc/Serial No field.
Example: Signal type or OPC source — WTG RPM from OPC
6. Use one of these methods according to your requirements:
l Select a sensor unit from the Sensor Units field.

l Click Other if the signal type you wish to assign to the OPC value is not listed — This
opens the Units window where you can select the unit your sensor will measure. You
can also define your own units by clicking Add and entering an abbreviation for your
new unit.
7. Enter a numeric value in the Gain field — This value specifies the multiplier that will be
applied to the raw data from the OPC input sensor. The default value is 100, but you can
choose any value, including 1 to record a raw, unaltered, input value.
8. Enter a numeric value in the Offset field to directly alter the OPC input following gain
adjustment — The offset addition or subtraction and gain multiplier work together to
enable basic mathematical manipulation of the OPC input value. This ability can be useful
for converting between units or adjusting output trims.
Example:
To convert an OPC value of Kelvin into Fahrenheit, select a Sensor Unit of

Fahrenheit then set a gain value of 1.8 and an offset of -459.72. 1 OPC unit (in
Kelvin) x 1.8 (Gain) - 459.72 (Offset) = Fahrenheit conversion.
9. Click OK to finish defining the sensor — You can now assign the new sensor to an OPC
schedule entry.
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Configure OPC Schedule Entry
Before you can configure an OPC schedule entry, an OPC server must be running and available
for connection. Contact your network administrator to get the OPC server's IP address and host
server.
Follow these steps to create an OPC schedule entry:
1. Open the Ascent Creation Palette.
2. Use one of these methods to add an OPC schedule:
l Click the Add OPC Schedule button.

l Right-click a point or location and select New and Add OPC Schedule Entry.
3. Enter a name for the new schedule entry in the Description field.
4. Select the OPC sensor configured above from the OPC Sensor field.
If no sensor is selected, the raw OPC values will be stored in Ascent without scaling or
engineering units.
5. Enter the IP address or host name of the OPC server host computer in the OPC Host field.
An IP address will normally come in the form of 192.168.1.X or 172.168.1.X where X is a

number between 1 and 256. The exact number sequence varies in each network situation.
Contact your network administrator if you require assistance.
6. Select an OPC server from the OPC Server field — Servers will only be listed if the OPC Host
field was correctly completed in the previous step, enabling the AscentOPC application to
successfully connect Ascent to the OPC server.
7. Select an OPC data source from the OPC Data Source field.
8. Click OK — The schedule entry displays beside an OPC icon in the navigator list, beneath the
measurement location.
See Associate Process Variables with Vibration Recordings for more information about
the 'Display this value on all charts for this Machine' checkbox.
9. Select the Manual Entry tab if the OPC tag entries are NOT displayed in the Browse window
— I.e. they are NOT being openly broadcast.
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10. Enter the tag names of the OPC data items you wish to import — You may need to contact
your IT department or access the OPC server control panel for these details. The source you
select should correspond with the process signal output you wish to record.
See Take Recordings Manually to learn how to perform a simple test of the new OPC
schedule entry to confirm it is working as expected.
Once you have configured the OPC sensor and OPC schedule entry, you can assign an
appropriate recording interval to the schedule entry. See Configure Recording Intervals in the
vbOnline Instrument Reference Guide.
You can also use these recordings as criteria to control the acquisition of other recordings. For
example, you may only wish to take vibration readings when OPC informs Ascent that the
machine is running. See Criteria and Conditional Monitoring.
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6.13 Template Machines
This feature is available with Ascent Level 3 software. It will only be available to you if it is included
as part of your license agreement. If you wish to enable this feature, please contact
commtest.sales@ge.com or your distributor for more information.
The Template Machines system enables any new or existing collection of tree items in Ascent to
be marked as a Template. This template consists of a machine and its associated point, location,
and schedule entries. You can then deploy and use this to generate or update any number of
duplicated child machines. This function is useful if your site includes several instances of
common hardware components (e.g. drive motors, fans, or turbines).
The ability to deploy templates greatly simplifies the setup and maintenance time required for
larger site installations. You can also modify each master template machine. This includes
changing its point, location, and schedule entry configuration. You can then simultaneously
propagate these changes to all associated child machines.
You can identify template and child machines in Ascent by their status tags. Template machines
and associated items are listed in the navigator with a [T] label beside them. Child items are
labeled with [C].
You can also change and deploy templates in the VantagePoint web application.
Setting and applying templates are individually licensed features. Under normal
circumstances, only a single 'master' Ascent instance will be licensed to create and edit
template machines. All other associated instances will be allowed to apply these template
machines to update or generate child machines. However, you will not be able to change
existing template machines or create new ones. If the Template Machines feature is used
on a single Ascent installation in a closed-loop environment, both license capabilities
should be applied to the same Ascent installation.
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Create Template Machine
To create a machine template:
1. Select an existing machine or configure a machine containing the required number of

points, locations, and schedule entries — You can configure any schedule entry types. It is
not necessary to assign a vbOnline device to schedule entry recordings if you will export
then import the template file to another installation of Ascent (e.g. at another location). This
is because your instrument must be assigned locally.
When using the templating system, any changes you make to a parameter set that
is used by a template machine will also affect child machines.
2. Right-click the machine name in the navigator panel > Select Template > Set As Template.
3. Enter a template name in the field provided.
TIP: We recommend you enter a version number as part of the template name. This will
enable you to track template versions as you make changes over time and propagate to child
machines.
4. Click OK — The template is created and a confirmation message displays. The machine
name and elements listed in the navigator list display in bold. All element names are labeled
with a [T].
The template name is used as the default name for exported template files — See
Export or Import Template File. You can edit the template name by right-clicking a
template machine and selecting Edit. You should update the version number of the
template whenever you edit it to ensure each version is tracked.
In the following pictures Template machine with labels appear in bold:
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Export or Import Template File
Once you have created and configured a template machine, you can export the template
information as a vb template (.vbt) file. You can then send this file to another copy of Ascent (e.g.
via email) and import it. You can create any number of child machines using the template file. You
can also update child machines you created previously using older template files, with newer
template files.
This section covers the following topics:
l Export Template File

l Import Template File
l Create Child Machine
l Update Child Machine
l Apply Machine Template to Existing Machine
l Preview Template Changes
Export Template File

Follow these steps to export a vb template file:
1. Right-click a template machine in the navigator list > Select Template > Export Template
File.
2. Navigate to an appropriate location.
3. Click Save — The default file name will be the template name.
4. Click OK.
Although it is possible to change the name and version number of the exported file at this
point, we recommend you only update only the template name to avoid confusion. To do
this, right-click Template Machine in the navigator list > Select Edit. When you import the
.vbt file, the template name displays regardless of the vb template file name. You can leave
the .vbt default file name untouched to ensure the template name and exported file names
match each another.
Import Template File

To import a vb template file:
1. Right-click the folder icon and select Template and Import Template File.
2. Choose a vb template file (.vbt).
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3. Click Open.
4. Use the Import Template window to perform the following operations:
l Create new child machines using a vb template file
See Create Child Machine.
l Update existing child machines with a newer vb template file.
See Update Child Machine.
l Preview changes made to vb template files.
See Preview Template Changes.
Create Child Machine

Follow these steps to create a child machine:
1. Right-click the folder icon > Select Template > Import Template File.
2. Select a vb template file (.vbt).
3. Click Open.
4. Click New Child Machine.
5. Select the folder you wish to create the new child machine in.
6. Enter a name for the child machine in the field provided.
7. Click OK.
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Update Child Machine

Follow these steps to apply an updated template file to existing child machines:
2. Select a vb template file (.vbt) and click Open.
3. Check the boxes beside the required child machine(s) or click Select Children to select all
child items.
4. Click Apply. The selected child machine(s) will be updated.
Apply Machine Template to Existing Machine

Follow these steps to apply a machine template to any existing machine in a database:
1. Right-click the existing machine name in the navigator list > Select Template > Import
Template File.
3. Click Open.
4. Click Apply.
The template machine is applied to the existing machine. Any new points, locations, and
schedule entries contained in the template machine will be overlaid onto the existing
machine. Any points, locations, and schedule entries already contained in the existing
machine will be retained as independent, 'free' items.
In the example above, the 3-Gen-E point, Vertical location and velocity spectrum schedule entry
are retained as free items when the template machine is applied. You can edit these items
normally. The template machine's Drive End point, Vertical location, and acceleration spectrum
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schedule entry are added as new child items. The machine itself is also converted to a Child of the
Machine template.
The following picture depicts the machine before a template was applied:
The following picture shows the machine after the template was applied:
Preview Template Changes

To preview template changes:
3. Click Open.
4. Select a machine to compare the new vb template against.
5. Click Preview.
The Preview Report panel shows the selected machine as it will display with the selected
template applied. New items that will be added to the machine by the new template file are
listed with an [Add] tag. Items that will not change name in the new template machine file
configuration are listed as [Matched] (although the included schedule entries may have
been modified).
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Change Template Name
Follow these steps to change a template name:
1. Right-click a machine in the navigator list and select Edit.

2. Enter a new template name in the field provided.
3. Click OK.
See Also
Template Machines
Release Child or Template Machine
Audit Template Database
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Release Child or Template Machine
To release a child or template machine:
1. Right-click a child or template machine.
You can identify child machines by their [C] tag and template machines by their [T] tag.
2. Select Template > Free Template — The machine is released and converted to a free item.
See Apply Machine Template to Existing Machine to learn how to reapply a vb template file.
See Also
Template Machines
Change Template Name
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The template system provides an efficient mechanism for ensuring machine setups used in the
field conform to existing corporate standards. You can use the Structure report in Ascent to
quickly and easily confirm which template is applied to each machine and the version number of
that template.
To confirm the template status of your child machines:
1. Select a folder containing child machines in the navigator list.
2. Select Report > Structure Report.
Depending on the folder size, the report might take some time to open.
3. Right-click the structure report > Select Setup Report.
4. Select Machines in the Structure Detail field.
5. Select the Click here to continue button — The structure report is updated. It lists all
machines in the folder, together with their associated template versions and status (child or
template).
If child machines display with an inappropriate or incorrect template version, simply apply
or reapply the correct template version as detailed in Update Child Machine.
It is critical that you update template names consistently with appropriate version
numbers whenever you modify a template. To do this, right-click the template
machine in the navigator, select Edit and Update the Template Name. The
structure report reflects only the current template name. If this name is not updated
to accurately reflect changes to the template, the report might become misleading
over time.
The following picture depicts an example Template Structure report:
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6.14 Manually Enter Vibration Data
more information.
You might already have vibration data recorded on paper or in a spreadsheet. Follow these steps
to enter this data into an Ascent database manually:
1. Select Edit and Edit Measurements.
2. Fill in the information for the timestamp, units, x values, and sample data.
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3. Click the Create at this location button to add the measurement to the current location:
l Timestamp — The date/time of the recording.
X units:
for waveform: secs, ms
for spectra: Hz, CPM
l X start and X stop — The range of x axis values.
l calc 1st line — Sets X start to (X stop ÷ number of samples).
l Y units — The left axis amplitude values (g, adB, mm/s, vdB SI, mm).
l Post scaling — Spectrum only. The amplitude values (peak, RMS, peak-peak).
l Assoc. RPM — The RPM of the recording.
l Demod — Demod spectra only. Select this option if this is a demod recording. Enter
the demod bandwidth in the two blank fields.
l Complex Data — If checked, 'real' amplitude values must be given followed by all the
'imaginary' values. For each frequency bin in the spectrum there is a 'real' and an
'imaginary' amplitude. Together these define a 2d vector. Ascent calculates the
amplitude and phase for that frequency from this vector.
You will need to paste the amplitude values into the blank text area on the
right. The number of samples will be determined automatically when you click
Create at this location.
4. You can also click Load from Measurement to fill in the form using the currently selected
measurement.
5. Right-click the sample value text area to access some useful options that enable you to
manipulate your data:
l Create single column, remove text — Remove all text, leaving only numeric values.
l Remove first column — Remove the first column of data if there is more than one.
l Remove right columns — Remove any columns to the right, keeping only the first.
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6.15 Customize Axis Name
When you are in Build mode, follow these steps to define new axis or location names as you
create your machines:
1. Click Build to activate Build mode.

2. Click an Add Measurement Location placeholder and select other from the list.
3. Click OK.
4. Enter a name for this location.
5. Click OK again to assign it — This new location displays in the dropdown field. You can
assign it to other locations if required.
Edit, Add, or Delete Location Names

You can edit any location name you define (and some of the defaults).
The first five default names in the list cannot be edited.
Follow these steps to edit your location names:
1. Select Edit.
2. Select Manage.
3. Select Axis Names.
4. Select the item you wish to add. edit, or delete.
5. Click the appropriate button.
Ascent prevents you from accidentally deleting a location name if it is being used by a
machine.
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6.16 Tagging
Tagging provides a way to group selected items so you can carry out collective operations on
the grouped items. You can tag any data item.
Once you have tagged items, you can carry out the following collective operations:
l Delete — Delete all tagged items.

l Update RPMs — Change the RPM value of all tagged items.
l Export Tagged to File — Export all tagged items and their contents to a .vb file.
l Automated Report — Run a report on all tagged items.
l Set Channel/Sensor to Default — Reset all tagged schedule entry channel and sensor
settings to default.
l Create Route — Create a route from all tagged measurement locations.
You can access all these operations by selecting Tag and View Tagged Items.
Tag items
You can tag items using the following methods:
l Manually — Select the required items in the navigator. Press CTRL + T. To untag, repeat the
process.
l Automatically — Select Tag and Search and Tag to search the database for data that
matches specific criteria.
If you have several items to tag, it may be quicker to use the 'Search and Tag' option and then
untag individual items. For example, to add all but a few measurement locations to a route, you
could tag all locations at once and then untag the ones that are not needed.
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6.17 Store Reusable Components in Library
You can use one of the following methods to create a new machine:
l Build a new machine from reusable components

l Copy and rename existing machine
To save yourself setup time, you can store commonly used components in the Ascent library (e.g.
alarm bands and envelopes, user-defined bearings, gears, machines, etc). You can use these
components to build new machines. Having one central storage area saves you having to
search through your folders to find the components you wish to copy. One way to set this up is to
create folders within the library to store different types of machines, and other folders for each
type of component.
Add Item to Library

Follow these steps to add an item (e.g. a machine) to the library:
1. Right-click the item in the navigator > Select Library > Add Selection to Library.
The Save As window displays, showing the list of the folders currently in your library. If you
don't have any folders set up you can create them at this time by clicking the Create New
Folder button on the top section of this window. A New Folder icon displays in the list.
Rename this to whatever you want and click away from the folder to save this name.
2. Open the folder you wish to store your component in so it displays in the top dropdown
field.
3. Click Save.
Retrieve Item from Library

Follow these steps to reuse a component stored in the library, you need to import it. To do this:
1. Right-click the required component in the navigator area > Select Library > Commtest (or
the folder you saved the component in).
2. Select your required template file — This will be called <name of component>.vb.
3. Enter a name for the new component.
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4. Click OK — Your new component displays in the navigator. Any changes you make to this
new component will not affect the template stored in the library because this component is
a copy of the template.
The supplied library templates use orders-based parameter sets. Once you have imported a
machine from these templates, select the machine (or point in the case of a gearbox) > Select Edit
> Set speed. Enter the running speed of the machine. Deselect the option Only apply where there
is no RPM set already.
Edit Library
You can edit the library to delete unused templates or change the names of template files. To do
this, select Library > Edit Library. Copy, move, or rename the library files and folders as required.
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6.18 Open an Entire Site
If you work with several folders and spend lots of time switching between these, you can open
the entire site. This will list all the site's folders in the navigator, enabling you to access the
machines within them more quickly.
Follow these steps to open an entire site:
1. Click the Open button — The window displayed shows all your sites and folders.
2. Select the site you wish to open.
3. Click OK.
4. Double-click a folder in the navigator to open it.
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Expand and collapse folders
You can hide or show the contents of some or all folders (i.e. each machine and its points,
locations, etc). The following options are available:
l To show or hide the full contents of a particular folder, right-click the folder > Select Expand
Branch or Collapse Branch.
l To show or hide all folders in a database, right-click the top level database folder > Select
Expand Branch or Collapse Branch.
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6.19 Bearing Database
This section provides information about the bearing database. The following topics are covered:
l Use Quick Search to Find Bearing

l Advanced Search
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Search Bearing Archive
When you add a bearing to a point, the Bearing Search window provides a short list of options. If
the bearing you require is not listed, you can locate it in the archive.
Follow these steps to find a bearing using the quick search:
1. Click Search the Commtest Bearing Archive.
2. Select the bearing's manufacturer from the dropdown field.
3. Enter the bearing part number.
If you know the manufacturer's name but not the part number (or vice versa), enter
the information you know.
4. Click Search now.
The bearing archive is searched and a list of the closest matches is displayed. If you only
entered the manufacturer's name or the part number, the list will show all known bearings
from that manufacturer or all bearings that match that part number. Scroll down the list if
necessary to locate your bearing.
5. Select a bearing.
6. Click Use selected bearing — This will return you to the Bearing on Point editor.
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7. Enter a name in the description field.
8. Click OK to add the bearing to the selected point.
A bearing icon now displays in the navigator list whenever this point is selected.
The following picture depicts the results for a search:
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Advanced Search
You can use the advanced search option to help find the correct bearing in the archive. This is a
useful option even if you don't know the manufacturer and part number. Advanced search uses
the information you provide to retrieve a list of bearings that match your criteria.
Follow these steps to conduct an advanced search:
1. Click Search the Commtest Bearing Archive.
2. Click Advanced search.
A range of search options displays, enabling you to narrow the archive's list of bearings.
3. Select an attribute you know the value of in the first Attribute field.
If you know the outer diameter of the bearing you require, select Outer diameter.
4. Select the option that will be used to match your information in the Search type field.
For the Outer diameter option, you can choose equals or greater than the diameter you
specify.
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5. Enter the information you know about the required bearing in the Search key field.
For the purposes of this example, you would enter the outer diameter of your required
bearing.
6. If you have other information that will aid the search, enter this in the lower fields.
7. Select Match case if you want the search to match the lower and upper case letters you
entered.
The more information you provide to narrow the search, the shorter the final list of bearings
will be.
8. Choose whether you want the search to match all criteria or any criteria you specify.
9. Click Search now — The bearing archive is searched. A list of the closest matches displays.
10. Select a bearing from this list or add more information.
11. Start a fresh search to narrow the list of possible bearings.
12. Click Clear search to clear all information from the screen.
13. Click Quick search to return to the quick search window.
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7. Transfer Data
You can transfer information to and from an Ascent database using the application's import and
export functionality. You can transfer folders, machines and even individual recordings by
creating .vbz3 files. These files are attached to an e-mail and imported to another computer that
is running the application.
l How to Export Data
l How to Import Data
l How to Import and Export Data Using Command Line
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7.1 How to Export Data
Follow these steps to export the current folder to a .vbz3 file:
1. Open the folder.

2. Choose File and Export Folder to File from Ascent's main menu.
Follow these steps to export an individual item such as a machine to a file:
1. Right-click on the item in the Navigator list and select Tag.
Keyboard shortcut: CTRL + T
You can also open Tag from the main menu and choose Tag again.
2. Select Export Tagged to File.
This method is useful to build a set of machine templates. Remember to un-tag any existing
items using Clear Tags option in Tag menu.
Follow these steps to create a .vbz3 file that contains recordings from a specific date range only:
1. Select File.
2. Select Export Folder to File.
The application displays Export Options panel.
3. Select the top checkbox to restrict data to a specific date range.
4. Use the drop-down boxes to choose the start and end dates for the range.
5. Select Ok.
When importing data, you must first select a location in the Navigator tree where the data will be
inserted. For example, after tagging and exporting a measurement location, you must select a
point in the Navigator tree where the data is imported.
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7.2 How to Import Data
Follow these steps to import data from a .vbz3 file:
1. Select File.
2. Select Import File.
3. Locate the file and select open.
The application asks you whether you want to import only new data from a .vbz3 file into
the existing folder.
4. Select Yes to transfer the data to the current folder.
Select No to create a new folder for the data.
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7.3 Import and Export Data Using Command Line
You can export a .vbz3 file from one Ascent database and import it into another Ascent database
using the application's command line options. To automate the export and import process, you
can use scripting tools or Windows scheduler.
Export Data from Database to File

Use the following command to export data from an Ascent database to a .vbz3 file:
“<Path>\masvb32.exe” -vbz3export “<Database>” “<Output Directory>” -username <Username> -password

<Password> [-recordstarttime DateTime] [-daystoexport Days] [foldername]
Where:
l Path is the location of the Ascent application, masvb32.exe.
l Database is the Location of the database.
l Output is the destination path of the .vbz3 file .
l Username is your database user name. The default user name is SYSDBA.
l Password is your database password. The default password is masterkey.
l DataTime is optional. Use the following format: yyyy-mm-dd hh:mm:ss
Only recordings after this time will be exported.
l Days is optional and defines the number of previous days for which data is
exported.
l Foldername is optional. Only recordings from the specified folder will be

exported.
Example:
“C:\Program Files (x86)\Commtest\Ascent\masvb32.exe” -vbz3export “C:\Users\Public\Documents\ASCENT_

DATABASE.FDB” “C:\Users\Bob\MyExportFolder\” –username SYSDBA -password masterkey” –daystoexport 2
Import Data From File to Database

Use the following command to import data from a .vbz3 file into an Ascent database:
“<Path>\masvb32.exe” -vbz3Import “<Database>” “<Input file>” -username <Username> -password
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<Password>
Where:
l Path is the location of the Ascent application, masvb32.exe.
l Database is the Location of the database.
l Import file is the path and name of the vbZ3 file to import.
l Username is your database user name. The default user name is SYSDBA.
l Password is your database password. The default password is masterkey.
Examples:
“C:\Program Files (x86)\Commtest\Ascent\masvb32.exe” -vbz3import “C:\Users\Public\Documents\ASCENT_

DATABASE.FDB” “C:\Users\Bob\MyExportFolder\exportedfile.vbz3” –username SYSDBA -password masterkey”
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8. Manage Data Storage Effectively

Once you have set up a program for collecting and storing machine information, you can store
thousands of recordings in your Ascent database. However, if your database becomes very
large, data retrieval will be slow in Ascent. We recommend managing your data to prevent such
adverse performance effects as well as data loss.
Back up your database regularly so that you can restore it when needed. Managing the size of
the database ensures optimal performance.
l Database Optimization (Thinning)

l Back up Database
l Restore Ascent or Machine Assessment Report Database
l Database Management
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8.1 Back up Database
A backup of your database provides a known point to restore you database should it become
lost or inaccessible. Ascent provides tools and reminders to complete periodic database backups.
We recommend storing these backups on another computer to protect them from hardware
failure.
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Backup Options
By default, backup files are stored in a folder named Backup in the directory where Ascent has
been installed. You may choose another location such as a different path, a different drive or a
network drive.
A network drive is an ideal backup location, but the network must be available when
performing the backup. This may affect the laptops that may be used away from the
network.
Ascent also provides the following reminders to help you manage your data base:
l Periodic reminders to backup the database
The default setting is seven days.
l The option to delete old backups.
The default setting is never.
Follow these steps to access backup options:
1. Select Database from Ascent's main menu.

2. Select Backup Options.
3. Update the options.
4. Select OK to save .
Backup Database
The following options are available:
l Select Database from Ascent's main menu and choose Backup Now!
l When you close Ascent, the application tells you if a backup is due. Select Yes to backup
your database.
l If you have an Ascent Level 3 license, configure Online Manager to perform automatic
backups. See vbOnline reference guide.
l Advanced users and IT professionals can use the Firebird GBAK command line tool. See
Firebird documentation.
Archive Database
Follow these steps to archive your database:
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1. Close Ascent.
2. Open Windows Explorer.
3. Navigate to the Firebird database.
The default database locations are:
l C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents or C:\Program

Files\Commtest\Ascent
l C:\Users\Public\Documents for computers running Windows Vista, Server 2008 or
Windows 7
4. Right-click the database file (.fdb extension) and select Copy.
5. Right-click the folder containing the database and select Paste.
A copy of the database will be created within the folder.
6. Right-click the new copy in Windows Explorer and add archive to its name.
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8.2 Database Optimization
When your database becomes very large, data retrieval and display in Ascent slows down. We
recommend managing the size of your database to ensure optimal performance.
Although it is important to retain enough historical data to trend a machine's condition over time,
you don't have to keep every recording ever taken on each machine.
The following features are available:
l Database optimization to help you manage the size of your database

l Database backup to create a restore point
l Thinning a database to remove older recordings but maintain others for historical
reference
l Compacting a database to remove empty space left because of thinning or manual
operations such as deletions or cut and paste
l Send email report after the optimization process
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Setup Database Optimization
Follow these steps to optimize a database:
1. Open Ascent and select your database.
2. Select Database Optimization.
3. Check Backup database first.
4. Select a backup method.
5. Select the path for the backup file.
6. Select Data Thinning.
7. Check Selectively thin old recording data.
8. Select a data using the radio buttons.
9. Add or remove rows to build the schema to use to thin the data.
We recommend the following guidelines:
l For recordings older than 2 months, keep one recording per day.
l For recordings older than 6 months, keep one recording per week.
l For recordings older than 12 months, keep one recording per month.
As you build the schema, you can exclude a recording from the thinning process.
10. Select Keep baseline recordings.
11. Select Keep recordings with notes or remarks.
12. Select Preview to see schedule entries, the number of recordings that will be deleted, and
the total number of schedule entries.
13. Select Close to exit the preview.
14. Check Compact Database.
During this process, the database file structure is rebuilt and spaces left after operations
such as thinning and deletions are removed. As a result, the database will be smaller, and
database operations will be faster.
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15. To receive a summary of the database optimization, perform the following steps:
a. Enter an email address.

b. Select Email Settings.
c. Enter information to access a local SMTP server.
16. Check Database Connections to see if any processes are using the database.
If no connections are found, you can proceed with the optimization safely.
If other local or network processes are connected to the database, terminate them.
Select Refresh to confirm connected processes have been terminated.
17. Select Run.
18. Select Proceed to start the optimization process.
When the process is complete, the application asks whether you wish to view the event log.
19. Select Yes to view the event log or No to close the dialog.
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8.3 Restore Ascent Database
If your computer's hard disk fails or your database becomes corrupt, you can recover it using the
most recent database backup.
Follow these steps to restore your database:
1. Select Database .
3. Select Create from Backup.
4. Select Browse to navigate to a backup file.
5. Select Open.
6. Select Next.
7. Enter a path and name for the new database and select Next.
8. Click Finish. The restore process starts.
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9. Custom Views
In this section, you will learn the best methods to view large amounts of data. The following
topics are presented:
l Walkthrough — Create Your Own Views

l Define AutoView Components
l Further Customize your View
l Assign Keyboard Shortcuts
l Reuse Part of Existing View
l Save Changes to View
l Use Selector
l Assign Priority and Target
l Design View Layout
l Delete View
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9.1 Walkthrough — Create Your Own Views
You can create your own customized views to display data in any combination of ways. For
example, you can create a view that plots a stacked chart of the last four velocity spectra on the
left of the screen, and a trend of the last 50 overall RMS measurements on the right of the screen.
You can specify whether you want alarms, notes, and chart remarks visible on your custom view
and set axes to use the units of your choice. You can also specify a target to apply your custom
view to. For example, you might wish to plot data from an entire machine or individual points,
locations, etc on a selected machine.
If you have any trouble creating a specific view for your needs, please contact
commtest.help@ge.com with details of the kind of view you are trying to build.
Follow these steps to create a custom view:
1. Create an empty view.
2. Split the screen into segments to create a layout for the view (if required).
3. Add components to the view (e.g. a report or chart).
4. Set a target for the view (if required) so you can apply it to a particular navigator item — The
default target for a view is the schedule entry. You can change this to have your view
applied at the machine, point, or location level.
5. Further customize the view:
l Include or exclude details such as notes.
l Restrict the amount or type of data displayed — E.g: You can set the number of
recordings to plot and only display velocity data.
l You can also start with a view that already exists. Then follow these steps:
o Select View.
o Select Save View As.
o Enter a new name for the view and add additional information using the
instruction in Save Changes to View.
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Set up Combined Waterfall and Trend View
You can design as many views as you want. The following walkthrough guides you through
setting up a combined Waterfall and Trend view. The waterfall chart will plot the last 6 recordings
only. The trend chart will plot all available recordings. When this task is complete, we will explore
some of the more detailed features that can be included in a view.
Follow these steps to design a combined Waterfall and Trend view:
1. Open a folder containing some recordings so you will have some data to plot as you create
the view.
2. Select View and Create new View.
3. Enter the title WaterfallTrend for the new view.
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4. Click OK.
The title you entered is also used by default as the file name (WaterfallTrend.av) for this view
in the Autoview folder. You now have an empty view (blank chart or report) that is ready to
accept components. The Select Auto View Component window opens in the middle of the
screen.
The components shown in this window might differ from those on your PC. Ascent
only displays the features you are licensed to use.
The Select Auto View Component window contains all the basic components for building
your views. You can select an item to display a description of it in the right pane of the
window. You can select some components now and read their descriptions so you can
learn more about what can be displayed in a view.
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5. Choose Splitter from the Select Auto View Component window to add a splitter to the view
so you can split the screen into two parts.
6. Click OK.
The Click here to add a component to this splitter label displays in the middle of the screen.
You can now choose to split the screen top to bottom or left to right.
7. Right-click the chart and select Layout Top-Bottom.
This will split the screen into two halves so you can add your trend and waterfall charts.
The split will only be visible when you add a component.
8. Right-click anywhere in the empty view and select Set Top Component to add your first
chart to the view.
9. Select Trend under Vibration Views on the Select Auto View Component window.
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10. Click OK.
You will see a trend chart at the top of your view.
The trend chart is empty because you haven't yet selected any data to plot. You
can test your view by single-clicking a schedule entry. Double-clicking the schedule
entry will plot the latest recording.
11. Click the empty bottom half of the screen to open the Select Auto View Component window
and add the waterfall chart to your view.
12. Choose Spectrum.
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13. Click OK.
14. Modify the spectrum to turn it into a waterfall chart:
a. Right-click the empty spectrum and select Chart > Waterfall.

b. Right-click the empty spectrum again and select Set plot limit.
c. Enter 6 as the value to restrict the waterfall chart to displaying only 6 recordings.
d. Click OK.
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15. Right-click the empty spectrum to test your view again > Select Waterfall Trend (Parent) >
Update — Your view should look something like this:
16. Select View and Save to save your view now that you know it is working correctly.
17. Add your new view to the Report or Chart button list.
Because your view is a chart, it would be better to place it under the Chart button.
18. Select View, Category and Charts to move your view to the Chart button list.
19. Select View and Save.
20. Click the Chart button.
The new view will be listed here.
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See Also
Walkthrough Create Your Own Views
Edit Custom View
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Edit Custom View
Once you have created a custom view, you can edit the following features:
l Resize view
Press F11 to make the view fill the entire screen. Press F11 again to resize the view.
l Rename view
1. Open the view by selecting it from the Chart field.

2. Select View and Save View As.
3. Enter a new name.
l Move view
To move a view between the Report or Chart lists, follow these steps:
1. Open the view.

2. Select View and Category.
3. Make a selection.
4. Select View.
5. Select Save.
l Delete custom view
Open the custom view you have created. Select View and Delete.
See Also
Walkthrough Create Your Own Views
Set up combined Waterfall and Trend View
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9.2 Define AutoView Components
The Ascent AutoView components are all fully customizable. Once you have added one to your
view, you can right-click it to select the required options and make the required adjustments.
The next few topics take a closer look at AutoView components, explaining what they are and
how you can customize them.
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Building Blocks
Building blocks are used to divide your screen into sections. You can place display components in
the required positions to view them side by side or stacked on top of each other.
The following building blocks are available:
l Panel — May contain any number of other components (including more panels). You can
use panels to help arrange the AutoView components by dividing the panels into sections
using a splitter.
l Splitter — Contains up to two components side by side, or one on top of the other.
l Selector — Provides a dropdown field for selecting a target navigator item. For example,
you might want to select a machine, location, or schedule entry. You can also use the
selector as a filtering mechanism to restrict the data displayed. You can filter the data by:
l Axis — Only show recordings taken on the horizontal axis.

l Measurement type — Only show recordings taken in acceleration.
l Domain — Only show demodulation recordings.
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Vibration Views
Vibration views are the normal vibration charts such as spectra and waveforms. Once you have
added a vibration view, you can further customize it by setting plot limits, choosing a chart mode
(stacked, waterfall), or adjusting the axes:
l Spectrum
Displays the most recent spectra from the selected schedule entry.
l Waveform
Displays the most recent waveform from the selected schedule entry.
l Trend
Displays a trends of overall values, alarm levels, numeric data, and more. You can select the
data that displays. To do this, right-click the chart > Select Data Enters as the data type.
l Spectrum/Waveform
Displays spectra from the selected schedule entry in the navigator. If no spectra are found,
it display waveforms. For optimal performance, use the Waveform or Spectrum component
where possible, instead of this general purpose component.
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Reports
You can generate HTML reports using SQL queries on the database and configure them. This
option is provided for advanced SQL users only.
To create the SQL report, right-click the blank report and select Edit Report Definition.
Displays machine, point, location, and measurement notes applicable to the current
selection, looking back a maximum specified number of days. To set the number of days,
right-click the report and enter the required number of days into the message.
l Balancing Report
Displays the latest balancing report for the selected machine.
l Text Based Trend
Displays a table of trend values e.g. alarm band levels, spectrum overalls etc. This report
has a similar structure to the Last 8 Measurements report.
l Exception Report
Displays a summary of alarms at each machine.
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Analysis
The following types of analysis are available:
l Frequency Based Waveform Analysis
A two-section chart used to analyze waveforms. The chart displays a time waveform in the
lower half and plots a spectrum of this recording in the upper half. You can drag a range of
frequencies in the spectrum to filter out the frequencies in the waveform and display the
filtered waveform below.
l Partial Waveform Analysis
A two-section chart that lets you select a portion of a time waveform and convert it to a
spectrum. The chart displays a time waveform in the upper half and plots a spectrum of
this recording in the lower half. You can drag a range of samples to show the spectrum of
that section in the bottom chart.
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9.3 Customize Your View
You can fully customize the display components of a chart or report in the same way as a regular
chart or report. For example, you can:
l Set the axis units on the chart.
l Display a stacked or waterfall chart.
l Make the alarm bands and envelopes visible.
l Display baseline RMS values.
Several of the available shortcut menu options are explained in Use Charts.
Shortcut menus are context-sensitive. The following features are available:
l When you can right-click an item, the shortcut menu displays commands that apply to that
item.
l You can right-click a chart in a view to open the main chart display menu.
l If you right-click a special part of a chart, (e.g. as an alarm band), submenu with commands
specific to alarm bands opens.
l All context-sensitive menus have an option named Other which you can use to access the
main chart display menu.
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9.4 Assign Keyboard Shortcuts
There are keyboard shortcuts for some of the default views. For example, you can press F7 to
open the SpecTrend view.
Click the Chart button to see the list of views and their assigned shortcuts.
You can assign keyboard shortcuts to your own views. This enables you to access these from the
Chart button and your keyboard.
Follow these steps to assign a keyboard shortcut to a custom view:
1. Open your custom view.
2. Select View and Set Shortcut.
This opens the Select Shortcut window which contains a list of available key combinations
you can assign to your view.
3. Select a keyboard shortcut from the field.
4. Click OK.
5. Click the close button at the top right to close the view.
6. Click Yes when you are prompted to save your changes.
7. Press your chosen key combination to open the view and test the shortcut.
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9.5 Reuse Part of Existing View
Reusing components from existing views can save setup time, especially if a component has
been extensively customized. You can copy a component within the same view to make
adjustments to the copied item. Alternatively, you can copy a component from an existing view
and reuse it in a new view.
Follow these steps to reuse part of an existing view:
1. Open the view you want to copy the component from.
2. Open the view you wish to copy the component to.
3. Ensure you have an empty space in which to place the copied component (split the panel
to create a space).
4. Right-click the component you wish to copy and select Component Functions. Select
Copy Component.
The component will be saved temporarily so you can retrieve it later.
5. Select the View tab in the bottom left corner of the navigator to display the view where you
will paste this component (if necessary).
6. Right-click the empty panel and select the appropriate Set Component option (left, right,
top or bottom).
A message displays, asking Would you like to use the Control that is on the clipboard?.
7. Click OK to paste the copied component into the view.
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9.6 Save Changes to View
Ascent does not save changes to any view until you tell the application to save the information.
As a result, you can modify any view (including the system-defined ones) temporarily to change
the way your data displays on a chart or report.
These modifications can include a small adjustments such as changing the left axis units or
hiding alarm bands to increase the size of your display area. When you close the view, you will be
prompted to save your changes. Click No to discard all changes.
Example:
1. Plot a spectrum.
2. Select View, Component Functions and Split Left-Right.
The application creates a new blank panel on the right of the screen.
3. Add components to the blank panel and further customize the layout.
4. Select View and Save View As.

5. Enter a different name to save the view.
Restore system default views

If you save changes to one of the system-defined views, you can undo your changes at any
time. Follow these steps:
1. Selecting View and Reset Default Views.
The application restores any system defined views to their original format.
2. Select Yes to confirm.
If you have any user-defined views, you will be asked whether you want to delete these as
part of the restore process.
3. Select No to keep any user-defined views or Yes to delete them.
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Change view file name
When you name a view, the .av (view) file is created in the Autoview folder by default. This file uses
the same name as the view, minus any spaces and special characters. You can rename the .av
file independently of the view. As a restult, the file uses a different name from the one that
displays in the Chart field.
Follow these steps to rename a view file:
1. Open your view.
2. Select View and Set ID.
3. Enter a new name for the .av file.
4. Click OK.
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9.7 Use Selector
When you open a view to plot data, there will often be more than one set of data that could be
displayed on a chart. Consequently, Ascent will choose one by default.
A selector is a dropdown field at the top of a chart and enables you to select the data you want
to display in that chart. The list contains information such as measurements, locations or
schedule entries that match the criteria you specify.
For example, a selector list can be used to include all locations that have demodulation data.
When you select an item in the Navigator, the selector creates a list as depicted below:
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An Example - How to Use Selectors
The following example demonstrates how selectors can be used:
1. Choose a point that has several measurement locations, or select an entire machine or
folder.
2. Select Chart and Vel+Demod.
The application opens the Vel+Demod view which targets measurement locations (axes).
Because more than one location exists, you can use the selectors to choose the data to
plot.
3. Select a schedule entry.
The selectors will disappear because there is only one target to choose from. In other
words, there is one location containing this schedule entry.
See Also
Use Selector
Add Selector
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Add Selector
To include a selector in a view, you must add the selector before adding the component it is
attached to. You cannot add a selector directly to an existing report or chart. However, there are
several ways of working around this. These solutions are described at the end of this topic.
The following method describes how to add a selector to an empty view or panel (i.e. a panel that
does not already contain a component):
2. Choose Selector from the Select Auto View Component window.
If this is not currently open, you will need to right-click and use one of the Set
Component commands.
3. Choose the type of component that will display the data listed in the selector (e.g. a chart).
4. Right-click the empty panel > Select Create child component.
5. Select a component from the list or click the grey panel to open the Select Auto View
Component window and select a component.
6. Use the selector shortcut menu to tell the selector what type of data to look for and where
to look for it.
The menu item Selector1 is the default name chosen for the first selector. If a
selector has been created previously, the name will be different e.g. Selector2.
7. Right-click the component and hover on Selector1 (Parent).
This gives you options for choosing what the selector will choose. Move the mouse
over each submenu item in turn, from Target downwards, to get an idea of how
these options are used.
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8. Choose a target for this part of the view.
The target is the navigator item you want the selector to choose (e.g. machine, point,
schedule entry, etc). When you click a navigator item, the selector will list all the targets
under this item.
Example:
If you choose location as your target, selecting a point will cause the selector to list all the
locations at this point that contain the data that you have chosen to display in your chart
or report. If you select a machine, the selector will list all locations on this machine. Selecting
a folder will list all locations in this folder.
9. Restrict the data listed in the selector by choosing items in the axis, units, and domain
submenus.
You can right-click and select Selector1 (Parent) > Restrict to units > Acceleration. This will
force the selector to only list schedule entries that specify acceleration data.
10. Right-click > Select Selector1 (Parent) > Select by default to set the default data for this
component > Select the required menu item — The default specifies which data from all the
available targets is displayed in your chart or report (until you make a selection in the
selector). The default item becomes the first item listed in the selector.
An example is to set the target to schedule entry, and the default to 'Worst alarm state'.
When you select a folder/machine/point/location, all schedule entries that belong to it will
be listed in the selector. The schedule entry with the worst alarm state will be selected by
default (i.e. this schedule entry is listed first in the selector, and the displayed chart or report
will show data from this schedule entry).
11. Select an item in the navigator when your selector is complete to test it.
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12. Use the Previous and Next buttons or press the keyboard spacebar to jump from one
target to the next in navigator.
By default, machines and points display in the navigator in the order in which they
are created. You can change the default order by selecting Screen > Sort Navigator
by Alarms or Screen > Sort Tree Alphabetically. When you choose the default target
for the selector, the first and last default target options refer to the position of the
target in its default order. If the navigator has been reordered, the position of the
first and last targets might change from their original creation order. This means the
selector might choose different first or last targets to those you expect.
Add Selector to Existing Chart or Report

To add a selector to an existing view, you can split the view, thereby creating an empty space in
which to place the selector and component. Alternatively, if you don't want to change the layout
of your view, you can use the copy and paste functions to remove and then replace a
component once you have added a selector.
Copy holds the component in memory so you can delete it from a view without permanently
removing it. After adding a selector, paste puts the component back into its original place. This
technique is recommended if you have spent a lot of time customizing a chart or report and do
not wish to recreate it.
Follow these steps to add a selector to an existing chart or report:
2. Right-click the component you wish to add a selector to > Select Component Functions >
Copy Component — This saves the component temporarily so you can retrieve it later.
3. Right-click the component and select Component Functions. Select Delete to delete the
component.
If the view contained only one component, e.g. a single chart, you will now have an
empty view. If there was more than one component, the remaining components
expand to fill the whole screen. Therefore, you must resplit the view to create space
for the selector.
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4. Right-click the component and select Component Functions. Select Split Top-Bottom or
Left-Right to split the screen.
5. Right-click the panel and select one of the Set Component options (top, bottom, left, or
right).
6. Choose Selector from the Select Auto View Component window.
7. Ensure your selector is in place.
8. Paste the deleted component back into position.
9. Right-click the panel under the selector and elect Component Functions. Select Paste
Component.
The selector can now be customized as described earlier in this topic.
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9.8 Assign Priority and Target
When you create a view you can control how it behaves in the view system. For example, you
can specify which data types the view applies to and whether your view will be opened as the
default action when you double-click an item to plot data.
Each view that displays in the Chart field is assigned a priority value. When you double-click an
item in the navigator, if several views could be used to plot the data, the view with the highest
priority will be used by default. For example, double-clicking a frequency domain measurement
will open a spectrum by default (rather than the SpecTrend or SpecStack views) as this view has
the highest priority for frequency data.
Follow these steps to assign a priority and target:
2. Select View > Icon and Target.
3. Select the data types applicable to this view (i.e. time or frequency domain data) and the
navigator item(s), such as schedule entries, that will open this view when double-clicked.
4. Assign a priority value to this view — This can be any integer value (e.g. 20 or 150).
5. Select a target for this view — The target is the item the navigator will jump to when you use
the Previous and Next buttons. For example, if you select Measurement Locations as the
data type, clicking Next will take you to the next location in the navigator and plot the data
at that location.
6. Select a menu icon — This displays in the Chart dropdown menu.
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7. Click Save.
To see how to set the behavior of your view, open one of the factory default views. Select
View, Icon and Target. The application displays the data types, priority, and target for the
view.
If you plot data using a view other than the default, you can open the default view
by right-clicking the assigned target and selecting Open Default View.
NOTE: The Add, Edit, and Delete buttons are not currently used. They are included
for future compatibility.
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9.9 Design View Layout
A view may consist of a single chart or report, or it can be made up of several parts. When you
create views that consist of more than one component, you will need to define a layout. This is so
Ascent knows where you want your components placed. To create a layout you need to use
Panels and Splitters as building blocks to divide the view into parts.
You can think of a panel as a blank canvas onto which you place displayable components (e.g.
charts and reports). A splitter is used to split the panels into halves so more than one component
can be displayed. The Waterfall Trend chart created in the walkthrough consisted of a single
panel split in two. However, you can create views with as many parts as you like.
You can build up a view by splitting a panel in two, adding a panel to each half, then splitting
those panels and repeating the process.
You can split a panel left-to-right or top-to-bottom to organize the components of a view
according to your requirements. When creating multi-part views, you might find it useful to first
sketch out on paper where you would like the parts to be, and then use panels and splitters to
create the view layout.
The process for creating a multi-part layout is as follows:
1. Open your empty view.
2. Add your first component to the view (e.g. a chart) — By default this will fill the whole screen.
An empty view already has a panel as its base so components can be placed directly onto
it.
3. Create a space to add other components.
4. Split the base panel from left to right or top to bottom e.g. right-click > Select Component
Functions > Split Left-Right.
Your first component will fill half the screen while the other half remains blank until a
component is added to it. Nothing will display yet as no data is selected.
5. Set a component for the empty part of the screen i.e. click anywhere in the empty half to
open the Select Auto View Component window.
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6. Select the required component — This can be a displayable component such as a report,
note, or chart, or another panel so you can split the layout again.
You can further subdivide the view by adding and splitting panels to create a four-
part view. Alternatively, you can split one panel to make a three-part view. The view
can be as complex or simple as required. Components can be stacked on top of
each other. For example, you can have a base panel containing several
components. If you delete the bottom panel, this will also delete all the components
on top of it.
7. Right-click a component, select Component Functions > Delete to delete it.
The following picture depicts an empty view with multiple split panels:
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How Parts of a View Fit Together
This topic examines the way the parts of a view fit together. Once you are familiar with feature,
you can manipulate a layout easily.
Follow these steps to learn about how the parts of a view fit together:
1. Select the Chart button and open the SpecTrend view.
2. Right-click the spectrum to open the chart shortcut menu:
Ensure you do NOT right-click a special item such as an alarm band or note as this will open
a special menu item.
l Halfway down you will see the relevant menu items:
l The Component Functions menu item contains a submenu of options for working
directly with a component.
You can right-click a component in a view to access this menu directly.
l The Splitter1 (Parent) submenu contains two child components (the spectrum and
trend charts).
Its submenu contains commands for placing child components within the splitter.
The Splitter1 (Parent) submenu contains its own Component Functions item for
working with the splitter component (e.g. copy, rename, or delete the splitter. Splitting
a splitter component will resize it to only fill half of the space. This creates an empty
area for you to add new components.
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3. Select Splitter1 (Parent), Component Functions and Split Left-Right to split a splitter so
you can see the effect.
You can undo this split when you close the view by clicking No when you are prompted to
save changes to the view.
If you delete a splitter, any child components will also be deleted. This is because
they are contained in the splitter.
SpecTrend (Parent) is the name of the view. All the components (trend chart,
spectrum and splitter) are contained within this parent. Its submenu contains
commands for working with the view as a whole (for example, setting its target or
updating and saving the view). The SpecTrend (Parent) submenu contains its own
Component Functions item so that you can rename the view or add more
components.
4. Select Design from this submenu.
Design mode shows you the underlying structure of a view. You can create your
views in Design mode if required, as all the right-click menus are available here.
Design mode is useful if you are making changes to a complex view. This is because
it shows you how the view has been put together (what components are contained
within others).
5. Switch off Design mode.
6. Right-click the spectrum and select SpecTrend (Parent). Select Design.
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Change Layout
You can access the commands for manipulating a component by selecting that component (e.g.
delete, copy, split, etc), and selecting Component Functions.
When you add components to a view, Ascent assigns them a default name (e.g. Splitter1,
Selector1, Panel1, etc). The instructions in this topic use the default names. These may differ from
what you see on your computer.
Several items in the Component Functions submenu are included for backward
compatibility. They will only be visible when other options are selected first. In previous
versions of Ascent, the options Set Alignment, Set Size, and Set Position were used to
create the layout of a view. Splitters have replaced these positioning options.
Add new component

To add a new component to a view, you must first split the view to create an empty space to
place your component in. To add a new component:
1. Right-click the component you wish to split > Select Component Functions > Split Left-
Right (or Top-Bottom).
2. Right-click the empty panel > Select the appropriate Set Component option (left, right, top,
or bottom) > Select the component you wish to add.
Swap positions of two components

When there are two components on the same split panel (e.g. two charts stacked one above the
other) you can swap their positions around. To do this, right-click one of the components > Select
Splitter1 (Parent) > Switch.
You cannot select a component directly and use the switch command because both
components are contained 'in Splitter1'. Consequently they must be accessed through this
component.
Rename component
If you are building multi-part views that contain several panels, splitters, and selectors etc, you
might want to rename these components so you can identify them more easily. Once you have
renamed a component, when you right-click it, the new name will display in the menu instead of
the default name.
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Follow these steps to rename a component:
1. Right-click a component and select Component Functions. Select Rename.

2. Enter a new name.
3. Click OK.
Resize component
Follow these steps to resize sections of a multi-part view:
1. Move the cursor over a separating border until the cursor becomes a double-headed
arrow.
2. Drag the cursor up-down or left-right .
Unsplit view (delete component)

If you have split a panel but not yet added any components you can unsplit it. If components
have already been added, remove the one you don't want. Deleting a component removes the
split. The remaining component will expand to fill the space.
Follow these steps to unsplit a panel:
1. Right-click the empty part (grey area) > Select Unsplit.

2. Right-click a component, select Component Functions. Select Delete.
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9.10 Delete View
To delete a view, open the view. Then select View and Delete.
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10. Machine Builder Wizard

more information.
l Introduction
l Walkthrough — The Proven Method
l Overall Condition Rating
l Select Cases
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10.1 Introduction
The Machine Builder wizard automates the process of building machines. It walks you through
the setup process and creates points, locations, schedule entries, and alarms using the
information you provide.
The wizard implements several ISO standard alarms for assessing overall RMS levels and The
Proven Method from Technical Associates of Charlotte, P.C. The Proven Method uses such factors
as machine classification, rotational speed, and number of gear teeth and blades to define up to
six power band alarms per point.
Whichever alarm standard you use, the process is essentially the same. When you specify the
type of machine to build, the wizard builds the alarms too. The ISO standards require less detailed
information. However, the wizard generates only overall alarm bands. The Proven Method
requires more detailed information about the machine. It also generates more detailed alarm
bands targeted at specific components of the machine.
The rest of this section provides instructions on how to use the Machine Builder wizard. We will
use The Proven Method to create power band alarms that will be used to monitor a direct-
coupled pump.
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10.2 Walkthrough — The Proven Method
Follow these steps to monitor a direct-coupled pump:
1. Click Build or select Alarms and TA & ISO Alarm Creator.
The application opens the Machine Builder wizard as an HTML-style document.
Select the ISO standard or Proven Method links to walk through the setup process to
create machines with predefined alarms and alarm thresholds.
2. Click the Manual Build Mode link to create your own machines and alarms and exit the
Machine Builder wizard.
The application opens a machine placeholder structure in the navigator to let you set up
your machines, points, and locations manually.
See Create Machines Using Build Mode.
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3. Select the measurements units you wish to use.
4. Click the Set Wizards link at the bottom of the screen. Use in/sec 0-pk and CPM for this
walkthrough.
5. Select other units from the dropdown fields and click Set these units.
6. Click the Return to index link to redisplay the Machine Builder wizard screen.
7. Click the Proven Method 4th Edition link to continue.
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10.3 Overall Condition Rating
The first step in The Proven Method is to determine an overall condition rating for the machine.
This rating determines the overall vibration levels for GOOD, FAIR, and ALARM operations that are
broken down into individual alarm bands in the next section.
Press F11 to toggle full-screen mode to make a form fill the entire screen or return to normal size.
Select Overall Condition Rating

Follow these steps to select an overall condition rating:
1. Examine the list of machine types to find one that best describes your machine.
2. Examine the GOOD, FAIR, and ALARM thresholds listed for this machine.
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3. Select this machine and continue if the thresholds appear suitable for the machine you are
monitoring.
If the thresholds are NOT suitable, adjust them before proceeding.
4. Enter a value in the All ratings are currently % higher than normal field to adjust the alarm
thresholds to use higher (or lower) values.
5. Click Update to reset all values in the table.
6. Set the overall condition manually if you cannot find a machine type that matches yours.
7. Enter your values in the Manual Entry fields at the bottom of the page to set the manual
thresholds. Select GO.
The remaining steps in The Proven Method will be the same regardless of the overall
condition rating you select. The machine type you select specifies numerical values
that are substituted into behind-the-scenes equations in the next stage.
8. Select General Purpose Horizontal Pump – Direct Coupled which is under Centrifugal
Pumps in the machine list.
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10.4 Select Cases
The machine you selected, along with its alarm thresholds, is displayed at the top of the screen. At
this stage you are given a selection of cases. Each case will create different alarm band setups
suited to the machine component they describe. Almost all machines will have Case A or Case B
measurements on the bearing housings. The remaining cases are for more specialized
measurements.
You know the number of vanes on the pump (8), so you will use CASE G TYPE 1 on the pump
bearings.
The motor is an AC Induction Motor so you will use cases E and F on the motor itself.
If you wanted to monitor a simple bearing point, you would use Case A or B. Case G incorporates
information for the bearing, so you will not need to use Case A or B in this example.
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Case G Type 1
The following case provides an example of a driven centrifugal component with a known
number of vanes, blades and rolling element bearings:
1. Select CASE G type 1.
2. Select all the checkboxes at the top right of the form to apply all alarm levels.
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3. Enter the following information in the form:
l Typical machine RPM — 3000.

l Number of blades — 8.
l The bearings are ball bearings — All other bearing types.
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4. Click Continue.
Ascent performs all calculations defined in the Proven Method to give you specific alarm
bands for this measurement point. The results of the calculations are summarized in a table
at the bottom of the screen (you will need to scroll down to see this).
This step would normally take several minutes to complete if you were using The
Proven Method document manually with a calculator, pen, and paper.
The following picture depicts the calculation results:
You can now apply the alarm bands to an existing machine or create a new
machine and point. To use a point on an existing machine, you will need to select it
in the navigator before you fill out the form.For the purposes of this walkthrough,
you will need to create a new machine to apply the alarm bands to apply to. You
may need to scroll down to see the lower part of the form.
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5. Enter Pump #3 in the first blank field.
6. Click Create Machine — This machine displays in the navigator.
7. Change the default point name from Bearing Housing to Pump Inboard.
8. Leave the checkbox ticked to create this new point.
9. Leave the Speed field empty — This will create a new point with the same default speed as
the machine. I.e. it will use a point multiplier of 1. If you enter a new point speed, a point
multiplier will be calculated and applied to the new point or all points on the machine.
See Apply Different Rotational Speeds Across Machine to learn about point multipliers.
10. Leave the checkboxes ticked for Step 3 on the form to create horizontal, vertical, and axial
locations at this point.
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11. Click Create Alarm & Measurement.
12. Create a second point using the same settings.
13. Change the point name to Pump Outboard in the Machine Builder wizard.
14. Click Create Alarm & Measurement again.
The following picture depicts an example of navigator when you recreate the alarm and
measurement:
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Cases E and F
Th following two cases define special measurements to detect problems specific to AC induction
motors:
1. Click the Return to Case selection link at the bottom of the Machine Builder wizard form to
return to the Case Selection screen.
2. Click the CASE E link under AC Induction Motors.
Case E requires no specific information to create its alarm bands. The alarm level
choice does not affect the alarm thresholds, It only determines the kind of alarm
raised (Warning, Alert or Danger) when these fixed thresholds are exceeded.
3. Leave the Alarm Type as Alert.
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4. Click Continue.
The Machine Builder wizard is now ready to create alarm bands and schedule entries on
your machine. This measurement should be taken on the Outboard Bearing, Horizontal
point as indicated on the form.
5. Select Pump #3 in the navigator.
You are going to add these alarm bands to the same machine.
6. For Step 2, change the point name to Motor Outboard.
This will create a new point for Pump #3 called Motor Outboard.
8. Click the Return to Case Selection link.
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9. Click the CASE F link under AC Induction Motors.
You are prompted to enter information to create alarms for the inboard bearing.
10. Enter the electrical AC line frequency as 50 Hz.
11. Leave the Alarm Type as Alert.
12. Click Continue.
Ascent is now ready to generate alarm bands and measurements.
13. Select Pump #3 in the navigator.
You are going to add these alarm bands to the same machine.
14. Change the point name to Motor Inboard.
16. Click the Return to Case selection link at the bottom of the Machine Builder wizard form to
return to the Case Selection screen.
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The following picture depicts an example of navigator when you create the alarm and
measurement:
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Case A
The Case E and F measurements do not look for bearing problems. Therefore, we will use Case A,
which deals with general rolling element bearing components without vanes.
1. Click the CASE A link under General Purpose.
You are going to add these alarm bands and schedule entries to the Motor Inboard and
Motor Outboard points that have already been created.
2. Leave the bearing type as ball bearing.
3. Click Continue.
4. Untick the Create a new Point checkbox.
5. Select the Motor Inboard point on the navigator.
6. Leave all settings as they are.
8. Select the Motor Outboard point > Click this button again.
9. Click the Close button in the top right corner to close the Machine Builder wizard.
10. Select one of the schedule entries in the navigator.
The associated alarm icons display in the navigator list.
Since the machine structure is complete, you can create a route and send this folder to
your instrument for data collection.
If this is a common machine type, we recommend right-clicking the machine and adding it
to the library. Therefore, you can retrieve and reuse the template in the future. See Store
Reusable Components in Library.
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The following picture depicts and example of final machine structure. Schedule entries are not
shown.
The following picture shows an example of alarm icons displaying on the navigator:
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11. Statistical Alarms

This feature is available only if it is included as part of your license agreement. If you wish to
enable this feature, please contact commtest.sales@ge.com or your distributor.
l Statistical Alarm Overview

l Generation Parameters
l Apply Predefined Alarms
l Redefine Thresholds for Existing Alarms
l Update Alarm Thresholds
l Apply Statistics to Alarms
l Outlier Detection and Suspicious Recordings
l Statistical Alarm Setup
l Create Statistical Alarm Templates
l Edit Statistical Alarm Templates
l Machine Families
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11.1 Statistical Alarm Overview
ISO standards and The Proven Method provide excellent starting points for setting alarm
thresholds. However, once you have a history of data for your machines, or data on many similar
machines, you can use statistical analysis of that data to generate new alarm thresholds that are
tailored specifically for those machines.
Statistically derived alarms take the specific vibratory characteristics of your machines into
account. They provide more reliable and accurate alarms that will trigger when a machine is
vibrating more than normal. You can generate statistical alarms for envelopes, peak bands, and
power bands. Once you have collected a reasonable amount of data (6-12 surveys) you can fine-
tune your existing alarm thresholds using statistical analysis. You can use a history of data to
generate some statistics, or run statistics across a family of similar machines.
See Machine Families.
The following example shows how you can use statistically derived alarms to fine-tune existing
alarm thresholds on a machine. This machine uses several power band alarms created with The
Proven Method.
The following picture depicts the combined spectrum and trend chart of the machine before
statistics are applied:
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The bottom trend plot suggests all except one of the alarms have their thresholds set too high.
The alarm trends are on the zero axis. You cannot see them without zooming. The one visible
alarm possibly has its thresholds set too low as this alarm has already reached Warning level.
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Same machine after the statistics are used
The alarm thresholds have been reset to levels that are more accurate for this machine. I.e. the
alarms will now trigger if there is any significant increase in vibration.
Ascent comes with a number of predefined statistical alarms that you can apply to your data. If
you want to use the predefined statistical alarms, and you do not intend to create your own
alarms, you do not need to read the entire section. The following list of topics includes the
minimum reading necessary to get you started (we recommend you read the rest of the section
once you are comfortable with using the predefined statistical alarms):
l What are Generation Parameters — How Ascent creates statistical alarms.

l Apply Predefined Alarms — How to apply predefined alarms to your machines.
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l Redefine Thresholds for Existing Alarms — How to generate new thresholds for existing
alarms.
l Update Alarm Thresholds — How to create more accurate and reliable alarm thresholds.
If you intend to create your own statistical alarms, or make adjustments to the predefined ones,
you will need to read the entire section. This will give you a thorough understanding of:
l How alarm thresholds are created and adjusted.

l The mathematical processes involved.
l The data needed to make statistical threshold calculations.
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11.2 Generation Parameters
When you create a statistical alarm, Ascent needs to know what:
l Type of alarm to create — Envelope or band.

l Amplitudes to set for the alarm thresholds.
This information is provided in the Generation Parameters used to create the alarm. Generation
parameters are statistical alarm templates that specify which settings will be used to generate
statistical alarms for your machines.
For example, a set of generation parameters might specify that the:
l Alarm created will be a band alarm.

l Alarm thresholds will be calculated using a history of collected data.
l Thresholds will be set for Warning, Alert, and Danger.
The system-defined generation parameters included in Ascent are based on standards from ISO
and the Technical Associates of Charlotte, P.C. These provide excellent starting points for setting
up your statistical alarms. You can use them to create alarms for machines that do not yet have
alarms set up, or to redefine thresholds for your existing alarms to make them more accurate.
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11.3 Apply Predefined Alarms
You will need to create some alarms before statistical alarm thresholds can be calculated for your
data. If you have a machine with no alarms, or a machine with alarms that aren't working
effectively, you can use the Alarm wizard to create new alarms.
The Alarm wizard is an alarm management tool you can use to create statistically derived alarms
quickly and easily. Follow these steps to use the wizard:
1. Select a machine to create the alarms for.
2. Select a set of predefined generation parameters to apply — These specify the alarm type
(band or envelope) and alarm thresholds to create.
3. Select the schedule entries you wish to apply the alarm to.
4. Specify a frequency range for the band alarms.
5. Click OK — The wizard analyzes your data and builds the alarms at each schedule entry
you have chosen.
If you are going to use the Alarm wizard to build new alarms, envelope alarms are the most
effective type to create. If you want more detailed band alarms with predefined frequency
ranges, use The Proven Method to create appropriate bands before redefining their
thresholds using statistics (see Redefine Thresholds for Existing Alarms).
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Create and Apply Alarms
To create and apply alarms:
1. Select the machine that you wish to build alarms on.
2. Click the Alarms button to open the Alarm wizard. Any existing alarms display in this
window.
3. Select any existing alarms you wish to remove. Select Delete.
5. Select the Tasks tab to return to the main screen.
6. Click Add to create your new alarms.
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7. Click Browse to open the Alarm Templates window.
8. Highlight the generation parameter set you wish to assign to these alarms.
The descriptive names should help you decide which generation parameters are most
suitable.
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9. Click Select to open the Alarm Creator window.
10. Tick the schedule entry checkboxes you wish to apply the alarms to.
If you are creating peak or power band alarms you will need to manually set the
frequency range for these alarms.
11. Select the Alarm Band Frequency Range tab.
12. Enter the start and stop frequency values.
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13. Click OK to create the new alarms — Your data is analyzed. The generation parameters you
selected are used to create the thresholds for these new alarms. The Alarm Summary
window displays the results of the generation process:
l OK — Indicates new thresholds were generated.
l Black exclamation ! mark — Indicates thresholds were generated, however a minimal

amount of data was used (the Warn if less than value has not been reached).
l Warn if less than value — Refers to the number of vibration recordings used as
source data for statistical calculations.
l Red exclamation ! mark — Thresholds were NOT generated. Either there was not
enough data or another error occurred.
The furthest column on the right contains more information about the
generation process. For example, you might find information about how
many outliers were rejected and whether there were any suspicious
recordings.
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14. Select the Source Data tab to access a more detailed breakdown of the data values used
in the generation process.
In the expanded navigator, calculated unit values display in your preferred units.
This is based on the unit preferences currently configured in Ascent (under Options
> Unit Preferences), the units of the template, and the alarm band units.
Using the Source Data tab to access more information
15. Click OK to save these new thresholds — Ascent creates the alarms and writes the new
thresholds to the database.
If you click Cancel, the alarms will not be changed and you can try selecting a
different set of generation parameters to fine-tune the thresholds before
generating them.
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11.4 Redefine Thresholds for Existing Alarms
When you apply generation parameters to existing alarms, their thresholds are recalculated
using statistical analysis of your collected data. The generation parameters you select determine
how the thresholds are calculated.
Follow these steps to redefine thresholds for existing alarms:
1. Select the folder, machine, point, location, or schedule entry containing the alarms.
2. Click the Alarms button to open the Alarm wizard — Create, update, and generate alarm
thresholds on all the selected alarms at once.
3. Press SHIFT or CTRL while you select the alarms you wish to update thresholds for.
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4. Click the Template button to open the Alarm Templates window — This window contains a
list of currently defined alarm generation parameters. You can apply the parameters to this
alarm and later include your own parameters. If there are no suitable alarm generation
parameters for these alarms None will display.
5. Select the appropriate generation parameter set.
The descriptive names should help you decide which generation parameters are
most appropriate.
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6. Click Select.
The Alarm Summary window displays the new alarm information. An icon beside each row
in the threshold summary shows whether new thresholds were generated successfully for
each alarm:
l OK — Indicates new thresholds were generated.
l Black exclamation ! mark — Indicates thresholds were generated, however a minimal

amount of data was used (the Warn if less than value has not been reached).
l Warn if less than value — Refers to the number of vibration recordings used as
source data for statistical calculations.
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l Red exclamation ! mark — Thresholds were NOT generated. Either there was not
enough data or another error occurred.
The furthest column on the right contains more information about the
generation process. For example, you might find information about how
many outliers were rejected and whether there were any suspicious
recordings.
The suitability of generation parameters is based on the type of alarm. For

example, if you select a band alarm, the generation parameters will be
hidden.
7. Click the Source Data tab to access a more detailed breakdown of the data values used in
the generation process.
In the expanded navigator, calculated unit values display in your preferred units.
This is based on the unit preferences currently configured in Ascent (under Options
> Unit Preferences), the template units, and the alarm band units.
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8. Click OK to save these new thresholds — Ascent writes the new thresholds to the database.
If you click Cancel, the alarms will not be changed. You can select a different set of
generation parameters to fine-tune the thresholds before generating these.
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Redefine Thresholds for Single Alarm
Follow these steps to update a single alarm using statistics:
1. Double-click a recording to display the alarm on a chart.
2. Right-click the alarm on the chart and select Update Thresholds.
3. Select the appropriate generation parameter set and choose Select.
4. Click OK to save the new thresholds or Cancel to discard them.
See Also
Redefine Thresholds for Existing Alarms
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11.5 Update Alarm Thresholds
The accuracy of statistically generated alarm thresholds is largely determined by the number of
recordings used. A larger number of recordings will provide a more accurate estimate of the
mean and standard deviation.
As you collect a history of data, we recommend you update your alarms periodically (e.g. every 6-
12 surveys) so that reliable alarm thresholds can be established. Whenever thresholds are
updated, statistical outliers will be rejected during the update.
When you update alarms, Ascent uses all recordings available at that time to generate statistics.
It then perform calculations on these to determine new thresholds. The number of recordings
used and the locations from which they are sourced are determined by the settings of the alarm
generation parameters you selected when you created the alarms.
You can update several alarms at once. Doing so will generate new thresholds based on the
generation parameters assigned to each alarm.
Follow these steps to update alarms:
1. Click Alarms to open the Alarm wizard.
2. Use the menu to select the alarms you wish to update.
Press SHIFT or CTRL to select multiple alarms.
3. Select Alarms and Update alarm from template.
The Alarm Summary window displays, showing you whether the new thresholds were
generated successfully for each alarm and what the new thresholds are.
4. Click OK if you wish to save these new thresholds.
If you click Cancel the alarms will not be changed and you can try editing the
generation parameters to fine-tune the thresholds before updating again.
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Update Thresholds for Single Alarm
Follow these steps to update a single alarm;
1. Double-click a recording to display the alarm on a chart.
2. Right-click the alarm on the chart and select Update Thresholds.
3. Click OK when the Alarm Summary window opens if you wish to save the new thresholds.
See Also
Update Alarm Thresholds
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11.6 Apply Statistics to Alarms
To generate statistical alarms, Ascent applies statistical calculations to your data (vibration
recordings) and uses the end results to set the alarm thresholds. The application perform the
following steps:
1. Given a set of data, Ascent calculates the mean and standard deviation values.
2. It then sets alarm levels at mean plus a number of standard deviations above the averaged
spectrum so only outlying data values (higher than normal amplitudes) will trigger an alarm:
l For envelope alarms this involves calculating the mean and standard deviation of
each frequency in each spectrum.
l For peak and power alarms this involves calculating the mean and standard
deviation of the Peak or Power value within the alarm's frequency range for each
recording.
When calculating the mean for a sample of recordings, Ascent uses the following logic:
l For envelope alarms, the mean = the average value of each frequency.
l For power band alarms, the mean = the average value of the power in that band.
l For peak band alarms, the mean = the average value of the highest amplitude in that band.
If there are less than 25 vibration recordings in your sample, Ascent will use the (n -1)
denominator in the standard deviation calculation. This provides a standard
deviation estimate of the population from a sample. This is the standard employed
by the American Society of Quality Control. If there are 25 or more vibration
recordings, the (n) denominator is used.
If the measurements are distributed normally along a bell curve, 99% of the data values will fall
within mean plus or minus three standard deviations. This is regarded as the normal level of
vibration.
If you set your alarm levels at mean plus three standard deviations, you would expect less than
1% of normal data to trigger an alarm. However, unusually large data values (those higher than
mean plus three standard deviations) will trigger the alarm.
Statistical outliers
Statistical outliers are data values that are much larger or smaller than the mean value.
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Spectral points that exhibit unusually high or low levels of vibration are classified as
outliers.
Ascent detects any statistical outliers in your data and excludes them from its calculations. This
reduces the likelihood of false or non-triggered alarms.
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11.7 Outlier Detection and Suspicious Recordings
Ascent uses the Median Absolute Deviation (MAD) method to automatically identify statistical
outliers. Values that are more than 3.5 estimated standard deviations from the estimated mean
are rejected from the calculations. For peak and power bands, this means the entire recording is
rejected (because each recording only produces one value).
You can change the default value of 3.5 estimated standard deviations to control how much
outlier removal is used. You can access this option from the Statistics Option tab.
Suspicious recordings (envelopes only)

When generating envelope alarms, a data point which is an outlier does not cause the entire
measurement to being rejected. If Ascent finds that more than 25% of the data points from a
recording have been rejected, it regards that recording as suspicious. This is just a flag on the
recording. It does not affect the processing. We recommend you mark this recording as bad
quality if you think it is an unsuitable measurement. This will ensure all its values are excluded
from the statistics.
Follow these steps to flag a recording's data quality as bad:
1. Right-click the recording in the navigator list > Select Edit.

2. Select Inspected and Rejected, Quality Bad in the Data Quality field.
3. Click OK.
Outlier measurements are shown on trend charts using X markers. Here are the default colors for
these X markers:
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These use the color scheme as described in Schemes.
l Black — The measurement was not included in statistics because its data quality is set to
Bad or the measurement did not meet criteria (RPM out of range, not a baseline, data
doesn't match, etc) if you are using Statistics by History.
l Red (alarm band trending only) — The measurement was identified as an outlier.
l Dark pink (envelope trending only) — This indicates that more than 25% of the points on
the envelope were rejected, making the recording is suspicious.
The following example shows an alarm band that has been updated using statistics. Red crosses
mark three measurements that were rejected as outliers. A black cross marks one measurement
that was rejected because its data quality flag was set to bad.
Here is an example of an envelope trend where the last measurement was considered suspicious
because more than 25% of its values were rejected.
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Once statistics have been generated, you can get this information in detail from the Source Data
tab of the Alarm Summary window.
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11.8 Statistical Alarm Setup
Statistical alarm thresholds are created by defining generation parameters. Ascent uses this
setup information in its statistical calculations.
The generation parameters used with an alarm are permanently associated with that alarm. You
can update the alarm at any stage using the same parameters with any new data that might be
available. As with parameter sets, you can use a single set of generation parameters on several
machines.
You will need to create alarms before you can calculate statistical alarm thresholds for your data.
There are different ways to create new alarms. You can:
l Manually create alarms directly on charts — See Using Alarms.

l Use the Machine Builder wizard to define the alarms and measurements using The Proven
Method or an ISO standard.
l Use the Alarm wizard to create alarms, select generation parameters, and generate
thresholds for these new alarms.
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Alarm Wizard
You can use the Alarm wizard to create, update, and generate alarm thresholds on all selected
items at once. To access these options:
1. Select Alarms to open the Alarm wizard.
2. Select an option:
l Add — Open the Alarm Creator window where you can set the alarm frequency
range and access alarm templates and generation parameters.
l Edit — Edit and update individually selected alarms.
l Delete — Delete the selected alarm(s).
l Template — Open the Alarm Templates window where you can add or edit the
generation parameters associated with the selected alarms.
The next few topics will walk you through each of the alarm setup screens and describe the
settings and information you need to supply so Ascent can generate alarms for you.
As you explore the Alarm wizard, some parts of the screens will be hidden and will only
become visible when you select options or enter information. The instructions will tell you
when you need to perform an action.
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General Settings
To specify the general settings for alarms:
1. Click Alarms to open the Alarm wizard.

2. Select Templates and Edit all templates.
3. Click Add.
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4. Use the General Settings tab to specify the basic information for your alarm generation
parameters.
l Description — This is a unique name you supply for this set of generation
parameters. Before you proceed, enter a name in this field.
You will be prompted for a name later if you do not enter one now.
l These generation parameters are for Envelopes (Narrowband Alarms) — Tick this
checkbox to specify that you are creating an envelope alarm. Doing so displays the
Envelope Options tab in the Threshold editor.
l Use history at each location for statistics — Tick this checkbox to have historical
data at each measurement location used to generate mean and standard deviation
values. Doing so will display the History Options tab.
l Use measurements on other machines in same family for statistics — Tick this
checkbox to have measurements at other machines in the same family used for
statistics as well. Doing so displays the Family Options tab. You can use historical and
family measurements for statistics if required.
If statistics are not being used (neither the history nor family is selected for
statistics), you can specify absolute alarm levels only (e.g. for ISO 2372 alarm
bands).
l Maximum RPM difference — When you create a new alarm or update the
thresholds, Ascent finds the RPM of the most recent measurement. When you look
through the history and family for more measurements, it only uses measurements
within this number of RPM from the most recent value. This RPM value is static and will
not change until you update the alarm.
l Only consider baseline measurements — Select this option if you wish to set up one
of these special case scenarios:
l Used in conjunction with Use history at each location for statistics — If the history
limit is set to 1 (on the History Options tab), you can base the alarms on the most
recent baseline at each location.
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l Used in conjunction with Use measurements on other machines in same family for
statistics — If this option is also selected, statistics are generated using the baseline
measurements across the machine family.
l With only one data value (the most recent baseline), the standard deviation is
calculated to be zero. However, you can use the other threshold defining attributes,
such as Percentage offset from Mean and the Minimum and Maximum values to
allow alarms to be specified at a relative or absolute level, based on the baseline at
each location.
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History Options
The History Options tab displays when you select Use history at each location for statistics. To
access history options:
1. Select the History Options tab on the General Settings tab if History Options is not visible.
2. Tick Maximum number of historical measurements to use (at each Schedule Entry) to
specify a limit on how many historical recordings will be used.
If this option is set to 1, the statistics will be based on the most recent recording at each
location or the baseline recording if Only consider Baseline measurements is selected on
the General Settings tab.
3. Enter a value in this field.
4. Tick Only consider history since most recent baseline if you only want Ascent to go as far
back in the history as the most recent baseline recording.
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Family Options
The Family Options tab displays when you select Use measurements on other machines in same
family for statistics on the General Settings tab.
The following options are available for the Family Options tab:
l Group data by axis — Select this option to generate alarms using data gathered from axes
of the same name in a machine family (e.g. all recordings taken on the horizontal axis).
l Group data by point — Select this option to generate alarms using data gathered from
points in a machine family that have the same name (e.g. all recordings taken on the Drive
End point).
If you select both options, when you collect data for statistical analysis of a particular point on a
family of machines, the recordings from axes and points with the same names will be grouped
together. I.e. all machines in the family will have their Drive End – horizontal alarms
created/updated based on the Drive End – horizontal readings of all the other machines in that
family only.
The following table summarizes how Ascent gathers data depending on the options selected. In
this example, the alarm threshold is being generated for Point 1 - horizontal on Machine 1.
History Family Family Group by Point Family Group by Axis Family Group by Point & Axis
Machine 1 - Point 1
Alarm H x x x x x
Alarm V x x
Machine 1 - Point 2
Alarm H x x
Alarm V x
Machine 2 - Point 1
Alarm H x x x x
Alarm V x x
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Machine 2 - Point 2
Alarm H x x
Alarm V x
See Machine Families to learn how to create machine families and categorize machines into
families.
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Thresholds
You can use the Thresholds tab to define your threshold levels for each alarm. To do this:
1. Select the Thresholds tab at the top of the window — The values displayed here are entered
using the Threshold editor.
2. Click the arrow beside the Threshold units field > Select the type of alarm band you wish to
create from the list of amplitude units, measurement units, and scaling type (0-pk, pk-pk,
rms). The amplitude units you choose must match those of the alarm you are updating or
creating. However, the measurement units and scaling type do not have to match.
3. Click Add to open the Threshold editor — This is where you will enter the values displayed
on the Thresholds tab.
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The following picture depicts a view of Thresholds window once values have been entered in the
editor:
If you are using statistics (history or family is selected for statistics on the General Settings tab),
the Threshold Editor window will contain fields that enable you to calculate a statistical threshold.
If you are NOT using statistics, the Threshold editor will contain fields that enable you to specify
absolute alarm thresholds. You only need to enter the Alarm Type and Min Value (see the
following list of definitions).
This alarm threshold calculation is:
mean + (a number of standard deviations + percentage of mean)
Typically when generating alarm envelopes, you would use mean + 3 standard deviations.
Here are some typical formulae for peak and power band alarms:
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l A level 1 alarm (Alert) = mean + 2 standard deviations.
l A level 2 alarm (Danger) = 1.5 times the level 1 setting (50% above mean + 3 standard
deviations).
You can specify min/max values to limit the threshold determined by Ascent:
l Min/max delta limits the part of the calculation enclosed in brackets.

l Min/max value limits the final result (add the mean to the delta).
The following fields are available on this screen:
Some of these fields are optional.
l Select the type of alarm that will be raised (required) — This type of alarm will be raised
when the threshold is exceeded (warning, alert, etc). The alarm type you choose must
match the alarm type you are creating or updating.
l Increase Mean by % (optional, set to zero if not required) — Specifies the percent amplitude
the alarm threshold will be placed above the average spectrum (or average peak/power for
band alarms). You can also specify negative percentages for those special cases where
they may be needed. This value displays in the Percent Offset + field on the Thresholds tab.
l Factor to multiply the Standard Deviation by (optional, set to zero if not required) —
Specifies the number of standard deviations to use. For example, entering 2 will multiply the
standard deviation by 2 and add it to the mean. This value displays in the S.D Multiplier field
on the Thresholds tab.
l Minimum Delta (optional, leave blank if not required) — Specifies the minimum difference
between the mean and the alarm threshold. For example, if the Min Delta is set to 1 mm/s
and the number of standard deviations + the percentage of mean value is less than 1
mm/s, it is increased to 1mm/s before being added to the mean to get the threshold value.
l Maximum Delta (optional - leave blank if not required) — Specifies the maximum difference
between the mean and the alarm threshold. For example, if the Max Delta is set to 1 mm/s
and the number of standard deviations + the percentage of mean value is more than 1
mm/s, it is reduced to 1mm/s before being added to the mean to get the threshold value.
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l Minimum (optional, leave blank if not required) — Specifies a minimum amplitude for this
alarm threshold to ensure it will not be set to a very low value (thereby causing false
alarms). If the final threshold value calculated by Ascent is lower than the minimum value,
the threshold is set equal to this value. This value is displayed in the Min Value field on the
Thresholds tab.
l Maximum (Not To Exceed) (optional, leave blank if not required) — Specifies a maximum
amplitude for this alarm threshold to ensure it will not be set to a very high value. If the final
threshold value calculated by Ascent is higher than this value, the threshold is set equal to
this value. This value is displayed in the Max Value field on the Thresholds tab.
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Envelope Options
The Envelope Options tab displays in the Threshold editor when you select These generation
parameters can be used for Envelopes under the General Settings tab.
Follow these steps to access the envelope options:
1. Select the Envelope Options tab — You can use the following options to specify the width
of the envelope around peaks in the statistically averaged spectrum. If you select more
than one of these options, the greatest width determined by the options will be used at
each point (spectral line) in the envelope:
l Hz — Specifies a frequency at which the envelope will be placed either side of a peak.
For example, a value of 6 Hz will generate an envelope 3 Hz either side of each peak.
l Lines — Specifies the number of spectral lines between the envelope and each peak
in the spectrum. For example, a value of 10 will generate an envelope five lines either
side of each peak. We recommend this option for machines that run at or near the
same speed from one recording to the next.
l Percentage of frequency — Specifies the frequency percentage at which the

envelope will be placed either side of a peak. For example, a value of 10% around a
peak at 2000 CPM will place the envelope 5% either side of the peak at 1900 CPM and
2100 CPM. At higher frequencies on the same spectrum, the envelope will become
much wider, for example at 60 000 CPM, the envelope will extend 3000 CPM either side.
We recommend this option for machines that run at variable speeds or whose RPM
varies significantly from one recording to the next.
l Lines (number to ignore) — Specifies the number of spectral lines that will be ignored
at the beginning of the spectrum. I.e. the envelope will be drawn around all
frequencies except the first few lines. This helps avoid false alarms caused by the ski
slope shape often found at the low frequency end of spectra.
2. Enter values in the first three fields.
3. Click OK to return to the Thresholds tab.
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Statistics Options
The Statistics Options tab displays when you select Use history at each location for statistics
and/or Use measurements on other machines in same family for statistics on the General
Settings tab.
The following options are available when you select the statistics options:
l Use the Peak value of measurements instead of the Mean — If you select this option,
Ascent will use the peak value of the data instead of the mean for all calculations. If you use
the peak (highest amplitude value) instead of the mean (average value), a higher threshold
will be set. This option is typically used for envelope alarms.
l Minimum number of samples required for statistics — New thresholds will not be
generated if this number of samples is not available.
l Warn if less than — A black exclamation ! mark displays on the Alarm Summary window
after generating thresholds to indicate the Warn if less than value has not been reached.
When you save the thresholds, Ascent warns you that a minimal amount of data used.
l Estimated standard deviations — Ascent uses the Median Absolute Deviation (MAD)
method to identify outliers automatically. By default, values that are more than 3.5
estimated standard deviations from the estimated mean are rejected. You can adjust this
outlier rejection value here.
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11.9 Create Statistical Alarm Templates
To create statistical alarm templates:
1. Click Alarms.
3. Click Add.
4. Select the General Settings tab.
5. Enter a name for this alarm template.
6. Tick the required checkboxes and populated the fields as required.
7. Select the Thresholds tab > Select the appropriate threshold units from the dropdown field.
8. Click Add.
9. Populate the information fields in the Threshold editor to define the first alarm threshold.
10. Click OK when you have finished.
NOTE: You can click Add again to define additional thresholds (Alert, Warning, etc).
11. Select the other tabs as required and enter the required information.
12. Click OK when you have finished entering data — Your new template is selected in the
Alarm Templates window.
13. Click OK to finish creating the template and close this window.
14. Select a new template in the Alarm Wizard window to apply it to your alarms.
TIP: Use SHIFT or CTRL to select more than one alarm in the list.
15. Select Alarms > Add.
16. Select your new template in the Alarm Templates window.
17. Click Select.
18. Tick the checkbox schedule entries you wish to apply the alarms to.
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19. Click OK to apply the template to your alarms — The Alarm Summary window displays the
details of the threshold calculations.
20. Click OK.
21. Click Close to finish.
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11.10 Edit Statistical Alarm Templates
Any changes you make to the generation parameters of a statistical alarm template will affect all
alarms that use those parameters. The change will be applied when next you update those
alarms. If you only wish to change a few alarms that share the same alarm template, you can edit
these individually or create a new set of generation parameters and apply these to your selected
alarms.
See Create statistical alarm template.
NOTE: You cannot change the frequency range of an alarm by changing its generation
parameters. For information on modifying frequency, see the topics in Section 5 on editing alarms.
Follow these steps to edit statistical alarm templates:
1. Click Alarms.
3. Select the alarm template you wish to change.
4. Select Edit.
5. Click OK to confirm.
6. Click OK when you have finished making changes.
7. Click OK to confirm you wish to update the alarms — The Alarm Summary window displays
the new details of your alarm template.
8. Click OK to accept or Cancel to discard these changes.
NOTE: Canceling enables you to try out different settings to see the effect these will have on
your alarm thresholds.
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11.11 Machine Families
Similar machines exhibit similar vibration patterns. You can compare the vibration patterns of
similar machines to learn more about how the machines are expected to vibrate. This makes it
easier to detect when they are vibrating abnormally.
A machine family is a user-defined group of machines that have similar characteristics and are
used for the same purpose. For example, if you have several identical blowers made by the same
manufacturer and all operating under similar loads in similar environments, you can classify
these as belonging to the same machine family.
Ascent lets you define machine families so spectra from all machines in that family can be
compared and used to generate suitable alarm thresholds.
We recommend you use Statistics by history to set up statistically-generated alarms.

Statistics by family is useful if you have no history of machine data because it enables
you to use statistics after just one single survey.
You should consider the following criteria when grouping machines into families:
l Machine type — You can group blowers that perform the same task, pumps with other
pumps, etc. Note that you should not group machines of the same type if they operate
differently (e.g. horizontal pumps and vertical pumps) as their vibratory patterns will be very
different.
l Size/capacity — Machines must be of a similar size/capacity to each other. They must also
operate under a similar load.
l Installation/mounting — Machines must have similar supporting framework and be

mounted in a similar fashion (e.g. same base material).
l Machine age — An old machine may exhibit a very different vibratory pattern than a newer
machine. This could be due to regular wear and tear rather than fault conditions. You
should compare spectral patterns closely before including old and newer machines in the
same family.
l Location — Machines must be spaced a similar distance from other sources of vibration
that may affect their vibration levels.
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l Environment — The temperature and humidity of the machines' operating environments
must be similar.
l Physical properties — Machines must have similar mass, rotor stiffness, damping, etc and
exhibit similar sensitivity to load changes.
This list is not exhaustive. Use your own knowledge of the machines studied to look
for points of similarity that can be used to group machines into families.
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Create Machine Families
Machines must be in the same database in order to be grouped together as a family. However,
they do not need to be in the same site or folder. A machine can be a member of more than one
family at the same time.
To create a machine family:
1. Select Edit and Edit Machine Families.
The top half of the Machine Family editor shows all the machine families in the database.
When you select a machine family, the bottom half of the screen shows all machines that
belong to that family. You can double-click one of these to select that machine in the
navigator.
2. Click Add.
3. Enter a name for the new machine family.
4. Select Machines in this family are used for statistics if you want to use this family to
generate statistical alarms.
5. Click OK — Your new family displays in the upper half of the screen.
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Edit Machine Family
Follow these steps to edit a machine family:
1. Select the machine family.

2. Click Edit.
3. Edit the family as required.
4. Click OK.
See Also
Machine Families
Delete Machine Family
Add/Remove Machine from Family
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Follow these steps to delete a machine family:
1. Select the machine family.

2. Click Remove.
See Also
Machine Families
Edit Machine Family
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Follow these steps to add a machine to a family:
1. Select the machine in the navigator.

2. Tick a checkbox beside any machine families that you want the machine to belong to.
Remove machine from family

Follow these steps to remove a machine from a family:
1. Select the machine in the Navigator.
In the Machine Family editor, any families this machine belongs to will have a tick
beside them.
2. Uncheck the box to remove the machine from this family.
See Also
Machine Families
Edit Machine Family
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12. Administrative Tasks

This section explains how to complete the various administrative tasks in Ascent. The following
topics are covered:
l Set up Ascent for Access by Non-Administrators

l Unlock vbOnline Device Features
l Create and Manage User Accounts
l Configure Ascent Directories
l File types
l Upgrade Instrument using Proflash
l Apply License for Flex Feature
l Bulk Tasks
l Machine Speed Settings Utility
l DUNS Numbers
l Network
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12.1 Set up Ascent for Access by Non-Administrators
You can run Ascent without an administrator account, but doing so requires changes to
Windows security permissions. Because administrator permissions are required to perform this
task you may need to ask your IT support staff to make these changes on your behalf.
Follow these steps to set up Ascent so that non-administrative users can access it:
1. Log into Windows using an administrator level account.
2. Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\Commtest using Windows Explorer.
3. Right-click the Start button > Select Explore.
4. Right-click the Ascent folder > Select Properties.
5. Select the Security tab.
If the Security tab is not visible, you must disable Simple file sharing in Windows
Explorer. Select Tools > Folder Options From the main Windows Explorer menu.
Select the Views tab. Scroll to the bottom of the Advanced settings list > Deselect
Use simple file sharing (Recommended).
6. Select Users from the Group or user names list.
7. Tick the Allow checkbox beside Full Control under the Permissions for Users list.
8. Click OK.
9. Propagate the new permissions to all subfolders if you are prompted do so.
10. Select Start > Run > REGEDIT to open the Windows Registry editor.
11. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\CLLC.
12. Right-click the CLLC folder > Select Permissions.
13. Select Users.
14. Select Full Control - Allow.
15. Click OK — Ascent now functions correctly under a non-administrator Windows account.
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12.2 Create and Manage User Accounts
This feature will only be available to you if it is included as part of your license agreement. If you
wish to enable this feature, please contact commtest.sales@ge.com or your distributor.
System administrators can create user accounts that are password-enabled and have different
levels of access to the Ascent database. Only the person logged in as system administrator can
create user accounts.
As system administrator, you can change your password. However, you cannot delete or change
the following settings:
l Default login name, SYSDBA

l Rights for the default login name, SYSDBA
The aforementioned settings can't be changed to prevent you from locking yourself out of
Ascent accidentally.
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User Permission Levels
The user permissions system in Ascent has been enhanced. This feature is particularly useful for
larger organizations that have staff with different roles who access databases that are stored on
a network.
If you are the only person in your organization using Ascent, the user permissions system
will not be particularly relevant to you.
The following user levels are available:
l No Access — User has no access. This level is automatically assigned to a user until you
specify a different level for them.
l Read Only — User can view data, including reports, charts, and various settings in Ascent
but cannot change the content of the database. However, they can create their own
database and modify that as required.
l Update — User has Read Only access but can load new data from the instrument into
Ascent. The user has the same access as Read-Only users, with the added ability to
manage devices, and send or receive data between Ascent and one or more instruments.
Update users cannot change the existing database folder structure.
l Power User — User has full control over the database. They have similar access as a
SYSDBA user. However they cannot query or modify the security database. They also do
NOT have access to back up and restore or rebuild a database.
l SYSDBA — User has full control, including the ability to set up users and change the default
SYSDBA password (if required).
TIP: If you change the default SYSDBA password, ensure you make a note of your new
password as this is not easily recoverable if you forget it.
The user permissions system caters for varying access to each database. This means the system
administrator in your organisation can grant a user full access to a particular database and
restricted access to another database.
A user with limited access can still create their own database and modify this as required.
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Set up User Permissions - Example Workflow
Here is an example of a typical workflow for setting up user permissions:
1. The SYSDBA user in your organization creates user accounts for each person using Ascent.
TIP: Contact Commtest Support if you do not know who this is.
2. The SYSDBA user in your organization assigns appropriate permission levels to each user
for each database:
l A Read Only user might be a Machine Operator or Plant Manager.

l An Update user might be a data collector.
l A Power user might be a vibration analyst.
3. The SYSDBA user in your organization gives all users their login details.
4. The Power user in your organization creates a database to monitor a site.
5. Each user logs into Ascent and operates according to the permission level specified for
them for each database.
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Set up user account
When you a create user account, it will be available regardless of the database you select.
However, you can specify the required permission level for each database. For example, John
might have Read Only access to one database, but Update access to another.
Follow these steps to set up users with different permissions for a database:
1. Open the required database.
2. Select File, Database and User Management.
3. Click Add User.
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4. Enter a username and password for the user in the fields provided.
5. Click OK.
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6. Select or right-click a user you have created and specify the permission levels. The
following options are available:
l Read Only
l Update
l Power User
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7. Click Close when you have finished applying permission levels. The changes are
automatically saved.
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Log in to Ascent
When you are log into Ascent, your login details and permission level appear in the bottom right
corner of the main Ascent window.
Follow these steps to log in to Ascent:
1. Open Ascent.
2. Use one of these methods to log on:
l Select File > Database > Log On.
l Click the arrow beside Database and select Log On.

3. Enter your username and password in the fields provided.
Contact your system administrator if you do not have these details.
4. Tick Remember password if you do NOT wish to re-enter your login details the next time
you open Ascent.
If you log out of Ascent, rather than close it, you will need to enter your login details
the next time you open Ascent.
5. Click Log On.
6. Open or create a database as required.
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Log out of Ascent
Follow these steps to log out of Ascent:
1. Open Ascent.
2. Use one of these methods to log off:
l Select File, Database and Log Off.
l Click the arrow beside Database and select Log Off.
See Also
Create and Manage User Accounts
User Permission Levels
Set up User Permissions - Example Workflow
Set up user account
Log on to Ascent
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12.3 Configure Ascent Directories
You can use the Setup window to manage or change the paths of the Ascent directories. This
window displays when you start the Ascent setup program. You can also access it by pressing
CTRL while Ascent opens.
You can use the Setup window to change the location of your database directory, backup, files,
and more. If you want to make changes without opening Ascent, click Don't run Ascent.
You can configure the following directories:
l Database directory — This is the file where the actual Firebird database is stored. This is
the same as your site database.
l Database List File Directory — The database list file directory is where the list of known
databases is stored.
l Backup Directory — The backup directory is where the .backup files are stored when you
back up a database.
If you are the system administrator you can maintain a master copy of the
database list file in a read-only location on the network. You can then control the list
of databases that displays in the dropdown field on all client computers in a multi-
user environment.
See Back up Database.
l Scheme File Storage Directory — The scheme file storage directory is where the .scheme
files are stored. These files contain the information for the various schemes. The three
system-defined schemes are stored in Ascent. If you delete them, they will automatically
return to their default states. You can send .scheme files to other Ascent users. If they place
the file in their scheme file storage directory, it will be available the next time they start
Ascent.
See Schemes.
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l HTML Temporary Directory — The HTML temporary directory is where temporary HTML
files are stored when reports are generated.
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Site Database
Each piece of data in the database must be identified with a universally unique combination of
numbers. You can accomplish this using folders, machines, points, and measurement locations
by including the site identification number in the internal identifier for the item.
For data such as parameter sets, axis names, and other non-structural data, an additional
identifier is included to identify the database in the site that this data was created in. This enables
multiple installations of Ascent at a particular site to share data types without the risk of
conflicting identifiers.
This combination of a site number and site database number is called a Site Database. You can
have more than one site database.
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12.4 File types
You might come across the following file types:
l .vbz3 files — These are used for importing and exporting. They usually contain an entire
folder of information, however you can export individual items in the navigator by tagging
them first.
When you double-click a .vb or .vbz file, Ascent will ask whether you wish to import the file
into the database. By default, exported files are compressed (.vbz) to reduce file size.
However, you can export uncompressed (.vb) files by selecting this option from the
dropdown field during the export process.
l .fdb files— These are Firebird database files. This is the default format used when you
create a new database.
l .scheme files— These store the settings for your color schemes (e.g. Black and White or
High Contrast). When you double-click a .scheme file, it is installed and selected within
Ascent.
l .av files — The views that display on the Chart and Report buttons are stored in .av files.
When you double-click a .av file, Ascent installs that view and opens it.
l .mpf files— Store firmware update files for instruments such as the vb5, vb7, SCOUT100,
and vbBalancer.
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12.5 Network
This feature will only be available to you if it is included as part of your license agreement. If you
wish to enable this feature, please contact commtest.sales@ge.com or your distributor.
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Connect to Network Database
Follow these steps to connect to a network database:
1. Select Open.
2. Select Change.
3. Select the Network Connection tab in the Select Database window.
4. Select TCP/IP for connection type.
5. In Server, enter the server name, IP address, or DNS name of the computer that contains
the database.
6. In Path, enter the path to the database from the server's perspective.
The Firebird server application must be installed on any PC being used as an Ascent
database server on your network. I.e. this application must be installed on the
computer housing the .fdb format Ascent database. Ports 3050 and 3051 must also
be open in any installed software- or hardware-based network firewalls.
Select Test to check whether the database can be accessed.
7. Select OK to connect.
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Manage Multi-user Access
On a network, several users can access and change the same database at once. Whenever you
make a change (e.g. add or delete an item), Save becomes available. You can click Save to
commit your changes to the database.
If a second user is working with the same database elsewhere on the network, the Refresh
button displays in their toolbar when you click Save. This indicates that changes have
been made to the database. When the second user clicks Refresh, their view of the
database is synchronized with yours and they will be able to see the changes you have
made.
Deadlock, Conflict and Overwrite Protection

Ascent prevents deadlocking and database conflicts by not allowing users to change the same
piece of data at the same time. If a user makes database changes that conflict with the actions
of another user, they will receive a message advising them the latter must save his/her changes.
Once the aforementioned user has committed his/her changes to the database, the former must
refresh before proceeding.
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Ascent Reference Guide

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GE Measurement & Control

SCOUT, vbSeries, vbOnline, Ranger

The following are trademarks of the legal entities cited:

Windows® operating system and Microsoft® software is a registered trademark of

Printed in USA. Uncontrolled when transmitted electronically

1631 Bently Parkway South

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This manual does not contain all the information

System 1 Evolution* Manual (Document 109M8639)

l How to configure a plant by adding machine trains and assets to a database

Product Disposal Statement

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3.6 Last Measurement Report 87

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6.4 6Pack Recordings 323

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9.5 Reuse Part of Existing View 399

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n SCOUT* family of portable vibration data collectors and analyzers

n View spectra, waveforms and trends

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l Microsoft® Windows® 7, 8, 10, Server 2008 or Server 2012 operating systems

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The license file may reside in one of the following locations:

n A software file stored on the host computer

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How to Change Ascent Interface Language

2. Choose Select Language.

3. Select From compatible languages only.

The application displays a list of languages supported by your current Windows

4. Select a language from the list.

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The License Management window contains the following tabs:

n Management tab supports the following features:

l Get/Update License launches the License Wizard.

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n Transfer Ascent to another computer

Follow these steps to uninstall your software license:

1. Open Help menu and select License Management.

2. Select Management tab.

3. Select Remove License.

4. Select the license components (applications) you wish to remove.

6. Choose your preferred license removal method.

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n If you selected Remove license manually, follow these steps:

a. Select Generate Remove License Request File.

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1. Close all programs running on your PC.

2. Launch Ascent Installer using the provided media.

3. Select an installation language in the Installation Language window.

If you intend to use OnlineManager, AscentOPC, or AscentWatcher applications

6. Select Get License.

7. Select Get/Update License.

9. Enter your Customer License Key.

10. Select the applications you wish to activate.

The following options are available:

n Ascent Level 1 - Ascent

You may install and activate each application on different hardware.

11. Select Next.

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The following license acquisition methods are available:

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Follow these steps to obtain the license manually: