Installation Manual

37506A Digital Tachometer

Part Number 40585-01

Rev. H (09/07)

37506A Digital Tachometer Installation Manual

Copyright 1988 Bently Nevada LLC

All rights reserved.
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.
The following are trademarks of General Electric Company in the United States and other
countries:
ACM, Actionable Information, Actionable Information to the Right People at the Right
Time, ADRE, Asset Condition Management, Asset Condition Monitoring, Bently ALIGN,
Bently BALANCE, Bently DOCUVIEW, Bently LUBE, Bently Nevada, Bently PERFORMANCE,
Bently RELIABILITY, CableLoc, ClickLoc, Data Manager, Decision Support, DemoNet,
Dynamic Data Manager, Engineer Assist, FieldMonitor, flexiTIM, FluidLoc, Helping You
Protect and Manage All Your Machinery, HydroScan, HydroView, Key , Keyphasor,
Machine Condition Manager 2000, MachineLibrary, Machine Manager, MicroPROX, Move
Data, Not People, Move Information, Not Data, NSv, Prime Spike, PROXPAC, Proximitor,
REBAM, RuleDesk, SE, Seismoprobe, Smart Monitor, Snapshot, System 1, System
Extender, TDXnet, TDIXconnX, The Plant Asset Management Company, TipLoc, TorXimitor,
Transient Data Manager, Trendmaster, TrimLoc, Velomitor

Contact Information
The following ways of contacting Bently Nevada are provided for those times when you
cannot contact your local representative:
Mailing Address

Telephone
Fax
Internet

ii

1631 Bently Parkway South

Minden, Nevada USA 89423
USA
1.775.782.3611
1.800.227.5514
1.775.215.2873
www.ge-energy.com/bently

Additional Information
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 LLC
is not responsible for the disposal of the product at the end of its life or at the end of its
use.

iii

37506A Digital Tachometer Installation Manual

Contents
Section 1 Description and Operation ...............................................1
Bently Nevada Catalog Number ................................................................................................ 1

Section 2 Installation..........................................................................2
General......................................................................................................................................... 2
Receiving, Inspection, Handling, And Storage .............................................................................. 2
Probe Installation Procedures ........................................................................................................ 3
Tach Driver / Proximitor Installation.......................................................................................... 6
Tachometer Installation................................................................................................................. 6

Section 3 Calibration and Maintenance ...........................................8

Events/Revolution Range Programming........................................................................................ 8
Transducer/Input Power Options ................................................................................................... 9
Condition Circuits (Hysteresis and Threshold) ............................................................................ 10

Section 4 Troubleshooting ..............................................................11

Field Pitfalls ............................................................................................................................ 11

Section 5 Circuit Flow Diagram ......................................................13

iv

Section 1 - Description and Operation

1. Description and Operation

The Bently Nevada 37506A Digital Tachometer numerically displays revolutions
per minute (rpm) of rotating shafts. The input to the tachometer is supplied from
either a special probe/tach driver or a probe/Proximitor transducer configuration
provided by Bently Nevada LLC.
The probe, which must observe a shaft timing mark (such as a keyway, gear,
projection, or slot) is an eddy current device that does not contact the shaft.
The tachometer has an internal power supply which optionally provides either
+15 Vdc for the tach driver or -18 Vdc for the Proximitor. These power supply
options, as well as the source voltage (115 Vac, 60 Hz or 220 Vac, 50 Hz) are field
selectable via internal jumpers inside the tachometer.

1.1.1 Bently Nevada Catalog Number

37506-AXX
A: Power Requirement
01
115 Vac, -18 Vdc Proximitor, Louvered Display
02

115 Vac, +15 Vdc Tach Drive, Louvered Display

03

220 Vac, -18 Vdc Proximitor, Louvered Display

04

220 Vac, +15 Vdc Tach Drive, Louvered Display

05

115 Vac, -18 Vdc Proximitor, Non-Louvered Display

06

115 Vac, +15 Vdc Tach Drive, Non-Louvered Display

07

220 Vac, -18 Vdc Proximitor, Non-Louvered Display

08

220 Vac, +15 Vdc Tach Drive, Non-Louvered Display

The tach driver or Proximitor provides an RF signal that radiates from the probe
tip. The notch, projection, or gear passing by the probe tip creates a pulse at the
output of the tach driver or Proximitor that is connected to the input of the
tachometer.
The tachometer contains an input board that conditions the tach input signal for
the period counter. Programming for the events per revolution range is
accomplished by field adjustable switches for 1 through 99 events per turn of the
shaft. Also, a hysteresis adjustment is provided to avoid false triggering of the
tachometer by vibration or runout of the observed surface. Refer to Section 3 for
the location of the switches and the procedures for setting events per revolution
range programming and hysteresis.
After proper installation, the tachometer provides continuous rpm display without
further adjustment. There are no operational controls for the tachometer.

37506A Digital Tachometer Installation Manual

2. Installation
2.1 General
The following is required for a complete tachometer installation.
Item

Quantity

37506A Tachometer
Tach Driver TD 15A or Proximitor (3300XL, 3300 or 7200 series).
Signal Cable (3-conductor with overall shield).
Probe (compatible with Proximitor or tach driver).
Extension Cable, Coaxial (matched to the probe and tach driver, or
probe and Proximitor).

1
1
1
1
1

This section contains receiving inspection, handling, and storage procedures, and
installation procedures for installing the tachometer, the probe, extension cable,
and the tach driver or Proximitor, which are normally shipped as separate units
and must be interconnected at the installation site by the user.

2.2 Receiving, Inspection, Handling, And Storage

All equipment should be removed from shipping containers and visually inspected
to ensure there is no shipping damage. If shipping damage is apparent, file a
claim with the carrier and submit a copy of the claim to Bently Nevada. Include
the part number and serial numbers on all correspondence.
If no damage is apparent and the equipment is not going to be used immediately,
Bently Nevada recommends returning the equipment to the shipping container
and resealing. The equipment should be stored in an environment free from
potentially damaging conditions such as high temperature, excessive humidity, or
a corrosive atmosphere.
The equipment is durable; however, reasonable handling care should be
exercised during installation. When cable connectors are part of the equipment,
they must be properly protected from physical abuse or contamination by oil,
water, or other substances. Wrap the connector with Teflon tape to prevent
damage either during storage or during installation.

Section 2 - Installation

2.3 Probe Installation Procedures

The probe should, if possible, be mounted on a radial plane. The axial motion of
the shaft might produce a voltage sufficient to trigger the tachometer counting
circuit and provide an inaccurate rpm display.
Probe size and shaft characteristics must be selected to provide maximum
accuracy of the tachometer. In general, the smaller the shaft, the smaller the
probe should be. See Table 2-1 for detailed dimensions of the trigger notch/hole
based on the probe.
Table 2-1. Probe Type and Shaft Characteristics
Shaft Marker Dimensions
Probe*
125

Hole
0.2" dia x
80 mils deep
0.3" dia x
80 mils deep

Notch
Slot 0.20" x 0.40" x
80 mils deep
Slot 0.30" x 0.50" x
80 mils deep

300

0.5" dia x
80 mils deep

Slot 0.45" x 0.65" x

80 mils deep

7200, 3300 and

3300XL**

0.5" dia x
100 mils deep

Slot 0.50" x 0.70" x

100 mils deep

All

Gear/Projection
Minimum
Maximum
Tooth width = Tip
All Tooth Width =
1/2
All Tooth Spacing = Tooth Spacing = 2 x
Tip
Tip

190

All

Gap (mils, Vdc)

10 20 mils
20 50 mils,
-4 to 10 Vdc
20 50 mils,
-4 to 10 Vdc
10 80 mils**,
-1 to 15 Vdc

Same as
above

* Check the availability of probes prior to requesting Technical Support or additional

systems. Some probes listed may be obsolete and no longer supported, but are
noted for informational purposes.
** The linear range of the probes may be reduced due to 18 Vdc supplied from the
tachometer.

The probe and tach driver (or Proximitor) operating on eddy current principles
produces an output voltage proportional to the gap distance measured between
the probe face and the observed surface.
The probe gap distance (Table 2-1) is measured from the nearest point being
observed. The probe is supplied with a high frequency RF signal from the tach
driver (or Proximitor). The signal sets up an electrical field, which induces eddy
currents into any conductive surface with which the field comes into contact.
The tachometer is triggered by pulse type signals from the tach driver. For this
reason, the tach driver is calibrated to give the maximum voltage change for
each mil of gap change and to ignore low amplitude runout (output is nonlinear
with respect to gap change). The shaft mark or gear being observed must be of
sufficient size to provide a high voltage spike from the tach driver.

37506A Digital Tachometer Installation Manual

EXAMPLE: Assume a 3300XL 8mm Proximitor system is observing a
shaft with an 80-mil projection. The probe is mounted 25 mils from the
projection (the highest point). Since the projection stands 80 mils above
the shaft surface, the probe is 105 mils from the shaft surface and the
probe output will be more negative than -16 volts. Once per turn, as the
projection passes the probe, the voltage will change to approximately -4
volts, producing a signal like the following:

-4 Volts

-16 Volts
EXAMPLE: With the probe observing a shaft with an 80-mil notch or
keyway and probe gap set to 25 mils, the voltage will be approximately
4 volts. Once per turn, as the notch passes the probe, the voltage will
change to more negative than -16 volts. The figure below shows the
basic signal pattern for a notch.

-4 Volts

-16 Volts

2.3.1.1

Events/Revolution
If the shaft had a keyway on both sides, the once per turn signal would appear as
follows:
-4 Volts

-16 Volts

Three events would produce three pulses per turn, 10 events would produce 10
pulses per turn, and so on. Each tachometer can be field calibrated to observe a
specific number of events per turn. Once calibrated, the probe must see this
number of events to record one revolution.

Section 2 - Installation
2.3.1.2

Probe Mounting
The probe should be mounted at the proper distance from the highest point on
the shaft or gear to be observed. It should be mounted on a rigid surface that will
not vibrate appreciably. After installation and gapping (preferably with a feeler
gauge) the probe should be locked securely in place. If the probe is to observe a
projection on the shaft, the gap must be measured between the probe and
projection (line up the probe mounting hole before installing the probe). If a notch
or keyway is being observed, the gap should be set between the shaft and the
probe face.
The notch, keyway, or projection, should be at least 80 mils deep and at least one
and one half times as wide as the probe.

DO NOT mount the probe over a notch or gear teeth that are narrower than the
probe face. This will reduce the pulse required to trigger the tachometer.

37506A Digital Tachometer Installation Manual

2.4 Tach Driver / Proximitor Installation

The tach driver or Proximitor is factory calibrated to the probe tip size, the
observed material, and 15 electrical feet of probe lead and extension cable. The
95-ohm extension cable is articulated at one-foot physical length for each foot of
electrical length. The 50-ohm probe lead is roughly calculated at two electrical
feet for each physical foot of length.
EXAMPLE: For a probe with 1 1/2 feet of probe lead (three electrical
feet) a 12 foot 95 ohm extension cable must be used with the TD15A,
the 3000 and 7200 series proximitors. 7200 Series probes use 95-ohm
cable where electrical feet equals physical feet. 3300 Series probes use
75-ohm cable where electrical feet equals physical feet.

As an option, other electrical cable lengths are available with TD15A or

Proximitors. Cabling from the tach driver or Proximitor to the tachometer should
be three wire # 22 AWG, or larger, shielded cable.

2.5 Tachometer Installation

The tachometer is designed for panel mounting. Figure 2-1 shows the panel
cutout required. The tachometer is cantilever-mounted with support bolts
required only at the faceplate. The faceplate of the tachometer is made
weatherproof by the gasket provided.

Figure 2-1 Panel Cutout

6

Section 2 - Installation
Power required is 95 to 125 Vac, 60 Hz, or 195 to 250 Vac, 50 Hz depending upon
the option selected. Power connections are made at the rear of the tachometer
(see Figure 2-2).
Note: The rear of the tachometer, behind the faceplate, is not

weatherproof.

Figure 2-2 System Interconnect

37506A Digital Tachometer Installation Manual

3. Calibration and Maintenance

3.1 Events/Revolution Range Programming
Events/revolution are determined by switches Sl and S2 (refer to Figure 3-1).
From one through 99 events/turn are available. Sl is the most significant digit
(MSD), S2 is the least significant digit (LSD).
Minimum rpm = 50/events per turn.

Example: at one event per turn, minimum rpm = 50

at 50 events per turn, minimum rpm = 1

Maximum rpm = 468,000/events per turn

Example: at five events per turn, maximum rpm = 93,600

at one event per turn, maximum rpm = 468,000
(Display will read 68, 000)

At any intermediate value, rpm = input frequency (Hz) x 60/events per turn.

W1B
W1C
W1A

JUMPER
LOCATIONS

S1

S2

Figure 3-1 Switch and Option Jumper Locations

W2A

W2B

SWITCHES

Section 3 - Calibration and Maintenance

3.2 Transducer/Input Power Options

Programming for transducer options is accomplished by jumper according to
Table 3-1. These options should be installed by Bently Nevada personnel.
Jumper positions are shown in figure 3 -1.
Table 3-1. Transducer Option Programming
Option

Display
Option

Probe Interface
System*

Transducer
Voltage 5%

-01

Louvered

- 18 Vdc

115 Vac

W1A
W1B
W2A

-02

Louvered

3000 Series
7000 Series
3300 Series**
7200 Series**
3300XL Series**
TD15A

+ 15 Vdc

115 Vac

-03

Louvered

- 18 Vdc

220 Vac

W1A
W1B
W2B
W1C
W2A

-04

Louvered

+ 15 Vdc

220 Vac

-05

Non-Louvered

- 18 Vdc

115 Vac

-06

Non- Louvered

+ 15 Vdc

115 Vac

-07

Non- Louvered

- 18 Vdc

220 Vac

-08

Non- Louvered

+ 15 Vdc

220 Vac

3000 Series
7000 Series
3300 Series**
7200 Series**
3300XL Series**
TD15A
3000 Series
7000 Series
3300 Series**
7200 Series**
3300XL Series**
TD15A

3000 Series
7000 Series
3300 Series**
7200 Series**
3300XL Series**
TD15A

Input
Power

Jumper
installed

W1C
W2B
W1A
W1B
W2A

W1A
W1B
W2B
W1C
W2A

W1C
W2B

* Check the availability of probes prior to requesting Technical Support or additional

systems.
** 3300XL, 3300 and 7200 Series Proximitor use -24 Vdc. -18 Vdc is compatible for these
transducers when intrinsic safety barriers are not used. Tachometer will accept input from
Proximitor powered from external -24 V dc supply.

37506A Digital Tachometer Installation Manual

3.3 Condition Circuits (Hysteresis and Threshold)

The 37506A incorporates an automatic threshold adjustment circuit. There is no
manual adjustment for threshold. The variable hysteresis resistor (R10) is
accessible through the side of the tachometer (Figure 3-2). It has been factory
adjusted for noise immunity, which should be adequate for most all vibration and
runout. Should there be an excessive amount of noise at the tachometer inputs,
this resistor can be adjusted in a clockwise direction to increase the hysteresis to
a maximum of two volts.
If the triggering level is misadjusted, erratic or erroneous readings will be
displayed. While watching a constant speed, adjust Rl0 until a stable, reasonable
reading appears on the display.

Figure 3-2 Hysteresis Adjustment Access Hole

10

Section 4 - Troubleshooting

4. Troubleshooting
The digital tachometer is constructed of high quality components to give
dependable service. Occasionally a malfunction may occur due to rough usage. If
a malfunction occurs, and all external connections are secure, do not attempt to
troubleshoot the digital tachometer. Check continuity of all external connections.
If the digital tach still malfunctions, return it, along with a description of the
problem, to the nearest Bently Nevada field service office.

4.1 Field Pitfalls

The following list describes the most common problems or pitfalls found by our
servicemen in the field.
1. Probes mounted at an extreme angle from the perpendicular to the
centerline of the shaft.
2. Insufficiently rigid probe mounting brackets, resulting in resonance
within the frequency of interest and of large amplitudes.
3. Conduit attached to a small probe body, putting excessive strain on
the body.
4. Probes gapped incorrectly.
5. Insufficient protection of the probe lead and the extension cable.
6. Poor oil seals in the probe cable conduit, filling the Proximitor
housing with lube oil.
7. Screwing in the probe with the extension cable connected to the
probe, resulting in broken wires, etc.
8. Improper length of probe extension cables for a particular probe
lead length and Proximitor type.
9. Probe cables coming from a common conduit with no
identification, resulting in probe/Proximitor/tach driver cross wiring.
10. Use of the Proximitor to tachometer cables shield as common
conductor, resulting in ground loops.
11. Proximitor/tach driver to tachometer cable running parallel to
power lines, with shield not grounded, resulting in ac pickup
problems.
12. Cross wiring between the Proximitor/tach driver and tachometer.
13. Loose wire shorting to the Proximitor/tach driver.
11

37506A Digital Tachometer Installation Manual

14. Steam condensing in the Proximitor/tach driver housing, causing a
short circuit.

12

Section 5 - Circuit Flow Diagram

5. Circuit Flow Diagram

13