MadgeTech Blog

UltraShock Applications

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The UltraShock is a versatile, compact, tri-axial shock recorder with additional temperature, pressure, and humidity sensors making it suitable for a variety of applications.  This model features a large memory capacity, rechargeable battery, and convenient form factor.  The six included sensors can be easily enabled or disabled to tailor the capabilities to the specific needs of the project at hand.  It is light, can be easily mounted, and includes convenient LED status indicators.  These features allow the UltraShock to monitor and record parameters for environmentally sensitive equipment in consumer, industrial, aerospace, research and development, military, automotive, and safety-critical processes.

Accelerometers and Shock

A single UltraShock provides three acceleration ranges on separate low-g and high-g accelerometers (MEMS), allowing for excellent resolution and accuracy while measuring g-forces of varying magnitudes, providing flexibility for complex shock and vibration monitoring needs.

The low-g accelerometer is ideal for recording shock or vibrations for sensitive equipment or product, while measuring shock data within the ±15g range at frequencies up to 1,000 Hz, while the high-g accelerometer is capable of measuring high impact shock data within the ±100g to ±300g ranges at frequencies greater than 500 Hz.

Users can select a reading interval between 1024 Hz to 5 minutes for shock data, in either instantaneous or peak mode. Instantaneous mode captures shock data at the exact instant the reading interval occurs, while peak mode allows the data logger to sample its accelerometers at 512Hz and record the maximum sampled value over the given interval to its internal memory. These two modes can lead to different results being recorded by the same shock event, as seen in the example graphic to the left.

Optional trigger settings allow for thresholds to be defined to determine whether data is only recorded after exceeding certain values.  This gives users the control to record the data that is most important.

Vibration Monitoring

Machinery and equipment are expected to experience wear and tear over time. Without proper vibration monitoring and preventive maintenance, the wear and tear can eventually result in costly component replacement or time-consuming failures that bring production to a halt. Certain environmental factors can accelerate the rate of wear over time, which can lead to more frequent maintenance to prevent failures.

The UltraShock can record vibrations produced by machinery and equipment while its ambient temperature, humidity, and pressure sensors can be used to record the operating environment, helping to ensure that these parameters are within specification. The resulting data can help determine when additional maintenance may be necessary, and if certain environmental factors may need to be adjusted to reduce the rate of wear.

Complete environmental shipment recording

Complete environmental monitoring is also possible with the UltraShock, as the data logger also includes a temperature sensor that can measure from -20 °C to +60 °C (-4 °F to 140 °F), humidity from 0 %RH to 95 %RH (non-condensing), and a pressure sensor that can measure from 100 mbar to 1200 mbar. These sensors can be helpful in recording the complex environmental factors that could affect a shipment or application.

Data analysis

With the MadgeTech 4 software, configuring the logger for the needs of a given application is quick and easy.  The software supports analyzing data after collection in several ways, including Graph, Data Table, and Statistics View reports.  This can allow users to quickly pinpoint whether the parameters of an application were maintained, or if a device or product being tested was within or exceeded specifications.  Data can also easily be exported to Excel for further analysis or use outside the MadgeTech 4 software.

The right tool

The applications mentioned above are just a few of the countless ways the UltraShock can be used to record and track critical data to allow users to make informed choices about their processes.  This model can be used for projects big and small, from the fragility testing of fine medical and scientific equipment to the monitoring of heavy machinery, construction, and demolition.  Users find this to be a great tool for drop testing, orientation monitoring, and collecting data in assembly lines.  In the automotive and aerospace industries, the UltraShock can be used for R&D, crash testing, brake testing, turbulence recording, and stability testing.  As mentioned above, it is also perfect for countless shipping applications, from monitoring containers or packages in transit, too expensive equipment, vehicles, live cargo, or other items of interest in transportation by land, air, and sea. The UltraShock is the right tool for a huge variety of jobs.

To discuss whether it is the right choice for your application, or other questions, reach out to  (603) 456-2011 or email us at [email protected].

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If you continue to experience issues, for additional troubleshooting, please contact [email protected] or call Technical Support directly at 603-746-8202.