|
|
VELOCIMETER (TIME GATE)
 |
The Velocimeter (Time Gate) is a very precise electronic device
that calculates the time it takes for an object to pass in front of an
infra-red beam a few millimeters before impact. The time in milliseconds and
the length of the object are then used to determine the velocity.
|
|
| The Velocimeter (Time Gate) is a tool that will let
you know if your impact reached the desired speed. Without this tool or a
simulator it would be impossible for you to know the precise energy level of
the machine at the time of impact. It is also used to determine the friction
level of the testing machine. |
|
The Velocimeter (Time Gate) is a very precise
electronic device that calculates the time it takes for an object to pass in
front of an infra-red beam a few millimeters before impact. The time in
milliseconds and the length of the object are then used to determine the
velocity.
Velocity(meter/second) = object(milimeter) / time (miliseconds)
The object that cuts the infra-red beam is called the flag. The flag is
a small aluminium or steel plate of a prefered thickness of 0.020 to 0.100
inches. The width of the flag that we recommand is 25.4 mm. It is important to
verify this value to be sure that your calculation of velocity is accurate.
|
|
-
The Cadex velocimeter (Time Gate) is available in different models.
-
We use only the highest quality circuit boards to reduce wiring, increase
presicison and durability.
-
From the circuit board, you have access to choose the normally stat of the
output signal. (see figure 2 and 3)
-
The system is calibrated dynamically for a constant reading.
-
No UPS device needed. The system has been designed with a high quality power
supply that can take various voltages and even if your electricity input is
unstable, the unit will not modify the output reading.
|
|
 |
| The Time Gate Box is only required for those who do not
have a computer. The box receives and displays the information captured by the
time gate.
|
Time Gate Box Dimensions |
| Parameter |
Dimension |
Unit |
| Height |
165 |
mm. |
| Width |
165 |
mm. |
| Thickness |
30 |
mm. |
| Weight |
800
|
gr. |
Front and Rear panel material : Aluminium
Box Construction : Aluminium
|
|
|
| Electrical Caracteristics |
| Parameter |
Min |
Typ |
Max |
Unit |
| Power Consumption |
- |
- |
6 |
Watts |
| Operating Voltage Input |
6 |
9 |
15 |
Volts A.C. |
| Operating Temperature |
-10 |
20 |
85 |
Celcius |
| Storage Temperature |
-30 |
- |
60 |
Celcius |
| Time Gate Model for Monorail Machine
|
Time Gate Model for Twin Wire Machine
|
|
|
| Parameter |
Dimension |
Unit |
| Height |
49 |
mm. |
| Width |
64 |
mm. |
| Int.Width |
38 |
mm. |
| Length |
105 |
mm. |
| Int Length |
47 |
mm. |
|
| Parameter |
Dimension |
Unit |
| Height |
49 |
mm. |
| Width |
127 |
mm. |
| Int. Width |
101 |
mm. |
| Length |
154 |
mm. |
| Int. Length |
99 |
mm. |
|
Other Caracteristics
| Cable length |
Custom |
| Distance between transmitter and receiver |
regular = 40 mm.
custom = up to 100 mm. available |
| Construction |
Aluminium |
|
| Internal Electrical Caracteristics |
| Parameter |
Typical values |
Units |
 |
| Internal Supply Voltage 1-2 |
see figure beside |
V.D.C. |
| Normally High Voltage Output 2-3 |
5 ? 0.2 |
V.D.C. |
| Normally Low Voltage Output 2-3 |
0 ? 0.2 |
V.D.C. |
| Transmitter voltage between A & K (high) |
1.3 ? 0.1 |
V.D.C. |
| Transmitter voltage between A & K (low) |
1.3 ? 0.1 |
V.D.C. |
| Receiver voltage between C & E (high) |
4.9 ? 0.1 |
V.D.C. |
| Receiver voltage between C & E (low) |
4.9 ? 0.1 |
V.D.C. |
| Repeatability |
0.005 |
ms. |
| System precision |
0.005 |
ms. |
| Digit display |
XX.XX |
ms. |
| Calibration precision |
0.001 |
ms. |
1 The supply voltage must be adjusted to 5.00 Volts or 5.01 Volts D.C.
as during the calibration ajustment sequence.
|
2 Any change to the power supply will modify the
calibration of the unit. It should be returned for calibration to manufacturer
company Cadex inc. technical support.
|
3 The voltage of the high and low states is
determine by the power supply voltage. This caracteristic is valid for
transmitter and receiver voltage.
|
The following picture shows the different states of the
output signal from the velocimeter system.
|
 |
Figure 3
|
|
|
|
It is important not to touch the optic sensors. The
calibration could be upset.
|
|
| Two output signals can be selected from the back of the
Time Gate box:
|
-
The latched pulse output will send only one pulsation at a time. For
example, if during an impact test, the impactor bounces a few times and passes
more than once in front of the infra-red beam, you will receive only the first
signal. After an impact, the display will lock in place the last result. To
unlock the latched output, press the reset button in front of the Time Gate
box. The display will show 00.00 ms if the gate is properly connected at the
back. If the display does not reset simply check the gate connections and turn
the system off and then back on. If everything is OK a green light in front of
the box lets you know that you are ready for the next acquisition.
-
The free pulse output will allow you to measure every event in real time
acquisition. This output is used for the calibration sequence and in the
measurment of the coefficient of restitution. In this case, the display will
show the time of the first IR cut even if there is more on the output.
|
|
| In order to calibrate this system correctly, you must have
a propoller with pitch of 18? with very precise dimensions. The power supply DC should be
adjusted before calibration to 5.00 ? 0.01 V.D.C. than has a propeller spin
between 700 and 900 RPM and no less than 650 RPM. |
Time Gate calibration schematic |
 |
Figure 6
|
Now, with a precise scope system or using data acquisition
software you will be able to read the output signal to define de T2 value (see
figure 7). With the RPM value and using the formula below, you will define the
theoritical value for T1 to compare with the T1 real time measurment.
Time (in milliseconds)= ((60 minutes / speed (RPM)) / 360?) * 18 degrees
(pitch) * 1000 |
 |
Figure 7
|
| When the calculation is done, you have to use this
theoritical value to compare with a real time acquisition of the system and it
will show you if the velocimeter is calibrated correctly. If the value
variation is more than ? 0.02 ms. you should change the adjustable
potentiometer on the internal board until you find the best match. We strongly
recommanded that you do not try this calibration by yourself unless you
perfectly understand the whole procedure or you have the knowledge/expertise
required for these manipulations. |
|
In our line of electronic products, we offer two different
model for the velocimeter or time gate system. These two models are made for
any impact drop device or for any velocity less than 20 meter/seconds.
The first model is the complet unit box with digital display of time in
miliseconds and come with the infra-red beam device that could be install on
any machine. This product is independant from any other source and have two
output possibility (latched and free pulse). ITEM # 5012
The second model is a infra-red beam device assemble with a small electronic
circuit board internally. The signal transportation and the powering of the
unit is made with a cable of 3.6 meter long with a D-SUB 9 female connector
(see pins description below). No display has been made for this model but you
need to be connect to a data acquisition system. The power supply is not
include in the unit, so you have to use the one of that data acquisition card
to have work properly but it will be important to verify the power source
because the calibration was done at 5.00 ? 0.01 VDC. If you have anything else,
please specify this at the Cadex specialist when order this model. ITEM # 5013
|
| D-SUB 9 female connector |
| Pin # |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
| Description |
NC |
NC |
NC |
Led A |
NC |
Led K |
Com |
Trigger |
5 VDC |
|
| The model #5012 can't be use with any other connection
than is time gate box because the IR don't benefit of a internal circuit board
inside the IR device. The model #5013 can't be connect to the time gate box
controler. To avoid any problem, we are using different type of connector. For
more information about this topic don't hesitate to let us know your question. |
|