VXP – Vibration eXPert

The VXP is the most powerful system available for vibration based maintenance. VXP performs helicopter rotor track and balance, component balancing, engine analysis and complex vibration surveys with ease. VXP uses the Windows™ operating system to simplify operation and provide seamless integration with application software. The VXP is designed to support all aircraft vibration test and balancing requirements, present and future. The digital signal processor in the acquisition unit supports spectrum analysis, multi-plane balance, narrow-band tracking and broadband vibration tasks.

System Components

The VXP System has two main components – the hand held computer (DU) and the acquisition unit (AU). The VXP meets MIL Specs for environment and EMI. The fully ruggedized design means greater reliability and trouble free operation in the harshest flight-line conditions. Additional EMI hardening for shipboard operation is available as an option.

VXP Features

• Crisp, sunlight readable, active-matrix color display

• Easy to use touch screen interface

• Fast six channel simultaneous data acquisition

• Expanded Smart Chart™ capabilities for balancing and analysis procedures

• Comprehensive input capabilities with 48 vibration, 6 photo cell/mag, 2 FasTrak™, and accessory channels

• Portable, On-Board, Commercial and Military configurations available

• Performance of 75 KHz frequency range, resolution to 51,200 lines and >90 dB dynamic range

• Instant feedback of maintenance actions with on-aircraft printer

• Clear on-screen help with graphics and troubleshooting procedures

Accessories

The VXP kit uses the Fastrak Optical Blade Tracker, Velocimeter, and other Chadwick sensors, cables and accessories. The VXP also interfaces directly to a wide range of other sensors used in the industry. For application where the use of carry-on equipment is not practical, the panel mounted Cockpit Control Unit becomes the user interface.

Smart Chart™ Software

As with Chadwick’s previous generation (the 8500 serie), VXP’s data acquisition is straightforward and maintenance solutions are clear and unambiguous. The DSP adds flexibility to data acquisition and solution editing while VXP’s graphics give excellent Track Trend Plots, Polar Plots and solution/option displays. All vibration limit exceedances are displayed instantly.

Routes and Spectrum

An aircraft “Route” program in the VXP automates the vibration survey process and saves precious flight time. Go/No-Go limit checking is performed automatically and out of limit components are displayed to speed aircraft troubleshooting. With VXP’s 75KHz frequency range and high resolution FFT’s, gear and bearing vibrations can be analyzed to detect problems before costly failures occur. Complex aircraft surveys with multiple sensors are performed accurately and quickly.

Monitor: The Invisible Crewman

Using its Monitor function, VXP acquires, processes and records data from sensors at prescribed intervals, all without user intervention. The recorded and processed data can be used for real-time flight crew information or downloaded for post-flight analysis. The VXP’s large internal memory and optional PCMCIA memory card stores several days of typical flight data.

Visual Blade Tracker “Strobex 135M-12” P/N 8620

This Blade Tracker is used with V2K(+), Carry-On VXP and 8500C(+) to observe the Track & Lead/Lag of main rotors and also tail rotors of helicopters.

It requires “Tip Targets” on the blade tip which are usually part of the Application Kit for V2K(+), Carry-On VXP and 8500C(+).

Observed Track & Lead/Lag data are either recorded on a tracking record sheet or entered in the 8500C(+) “Smart Chart” to be respected in the calculated Track & Balance adjustments.

Optical Blade Tracker “FasTrak” P/N 11800-3

This Day/Night Blade Tracker is used with the 8500C(+), Carry-On VXP, On-Board VXP and VMS II for fast Track & Lead/Lag measurement of main rotors of helicopters within +/- 1 mm accuracy.

When used with Carry-On VXP the Track & Lead/Lag data are collected simultaneously while measuring the dynamic balance.

For use at night, a Retro Reflective self-adhesive tape is used at the trailing edge of the rotor blades to reflect the emitted IR light of the IR LCD ring below the cover glass.

Portable Printer “DPU-414-M”

This portable printer is used for V2K(+), Carry-On VXP VMS II and On-Board VXP to make printouts of rotor settings, measured data and rotor adjustments as well as predictions for the calculated adjustments.

This line printer makes it comfortable for the user, to get printouts at the aircraft, without the need of a PC Printer in an office.

Its rechargeable battery allows printing even without supply power from the aircraft. The rechargeable battery is charged via the Acquisition Unit of the Carry-On VXP.

Vibration Sensors

Velocimeter, P/N 7310 used for V2K(+), Carry-On VXP, 8500C(+),On-Board and VXP VMS II.

High Temp. Accelerometer used for vibration test and analysis on turbine engines.

Accelerometer 4177B, P/N 4109 used for the legacy VIBREX System with Balancer 177M-6.

Azimuth Sensors

Magnetic Pickup 3030A, P/N 5876 typically used as RPM and azimuth reference for dynamic balance measurement of main rotors, used with all “Zing®” Systems.

Photo Probe , P/N 10200-1 typically used as RPM and azimuth reference for dynamic balance measurement of tail rotors, drive shafts and blowers, with 8500C(+) and Carry-On VXP.

Photo Probe , P/N 12900 typically used as RPM and azimuth reference for dynamic balance measurement of tail rotors, drive shafts and blowers, with V2K(+)

Sensor Cables

Velocimeter Cables, P/N 11210-X available in different lengths, used for V2K(+), Carry-On VXP and 8500C(+).

Magnetic Pickup Cables, P/N 10808-X available in different lengths, used for V2K(+), Carry-On VXP and 8500C(+).

Photo Probe Cables, P/N 10185-X available in different lengths, used for V2K(+), Carry-On VXP and 8500C(+).

Azimuth Reflectors and Tip Targets

The Azimuth Reflectors Set P/N 10444 are the recommended self-adhesive retro reflective material for use with the Photocell P/N 12900 and the Photo Probe P/N 10200-1.

The Reflector Set P/N 3300 is applicable as Azimuth Reflectors for the Photo Probe P/N 10200-1 as well as for the Tip Targets 3428-2/-4.

The full selection of retro reflective material for use as Tip Targets with out bracket or as spare for Tip Targets is shown and described under “Details”.

Basic Sensor Brackets

The Brackets P/N 3382-1/A and P/N 3383-1/A are used for installation of Accelerometer 4177B, P/N 4109 and Velocimeter, P/N 7310.

The Photocell Bracket P/N 10423(-1) is used for installation of the Photo Probe , P/N 12900.

Aircraft specific Brackets for Accelerometer 4177B and Velocimeter 7310 are offered as part of Application Kits, if needed.

Application Kits

Application Accessory typically consists of Brackets for the installation of Magnetic Pickup with Interrupters, Brackets for the installation of the Photocell/Photo Probe, Azimuth Reflectors, Adapter Cables for DC-Power, Breakout Cables for hardwired aircrafts, aircraft specific Application Software and aircraft specific Application/User Guides, describing the proper equipment installation.

The required Application Accessory is quoted specifically for the various “Portable Systems” and aircraft/engine type.

Brackets and Interrupters

Brackets are used to install Vibration Sensors, Azimuth Sensors and also the Optical Tracker “FasTrak” on an aircraft type.

Interrupters are aircraft specific parts made of magnetic Stainless Steel which generates an RPM and azimuth reference when passing the Magnetic Pickup.

Brackets and Interrupters are available for many helicopter and fixed-wing aircrafts, as part of the Application Kit for “Zing® Test” Systems.

Adapter Cables

DC-Adapter Cables P/N 3140-X are used to provide 28 Volt DC Supply Power for the 8500C(+) and for Carry-On VXP as well as for the Strobex 135M-12 when used with V2K(+), to connect to existing receptacles in the aircraft.

Breakout Cables are used for aircrafts which have a partly or complete hardwiring for DC Supply power and sensors of the “Zing® Test” Systems.

Application Software

For Carry-On VXP “Advanced Smart Charts” are provided on a Compact Flash, available for many helicopter and turboprop aircraft types as well as for some turbofan engines.

The “Advanced Smart Charts” of the Carry-On VXP allow simple/quick data collection of Track & Balance of one or multiple regimes and calculate rotor adjustments for Track and/or Balance respecting current settings and rotor limits.

For 8500C(+) Chart Sets are provided in form of a 3.5” Floppy Disk, containing “Smart Charts” available for almost any helicopter and turboprop aircraft type as well as for some turbofan engines.

Precision Tab Tools (optional)

The fine trim tab adjustments calculated by the 8500C(+) or Carry-On VXP require accurate measurement and adjustments of Trim Tabs.

Precision Tab Tools are available for many different helicopter types from Honeywell, supplied with calibration plates and instructions and partly with a specific carrying case.