Uptime Magazine - October/November 2008 - (Page 35)

will see that what they are referring to is the resolution of the LCD display, not the number of detector elements inside the camera. pointer feature to see how it works before being sold on this feature. Voice recording – This handy option allows you to record a voice description at the same time that you take your image. You may record location identifiers or any other details. Annotations – If voice recording is not an option the camera may have an annotation option. Usually this is a scroll down list on the camera that allows you to select descriptors and attach them to your image. For example, you may have “MCC,” “BUS,” “Bearing,” or “Ceiling” as options on your pull-down list. You may also have the option to add custom annotations to the list as well. Video – This feature is useful for capturing temperature changes over time. Memory Ability – Many cameras come with a memory card for image storage. Later, you can remove the memory card and then load the images onto your computer using a memory card reader. However, some cameras have internal memory, requiring that you plug the camera into your computer to download images. The advantage of a memory card system is its expandibility. Simply pop in a new memory card when the one you are using is full. If you are thinking about buying a camera with internal memory only, find out how many images can be stored before you have to download them. Do you have enough space for images to make it through a typical inspection round? Battery Type and Life – Some camera companies use proprietary (that is, their own custom brand of) rechargeable batteries. Other companies use a generic rechargeable battery that you can replace at any electronics store. Usually the proprietary battery is more expensive, and harder to get. Find out how many batteries are supplied with the camera purchase, and the company’s estimate of “battery life” (how many hours of use each battery has before recharging is needed.) Software – To manage image storage, organization, sharing, and for report creation, you’ll need IR camera software installed on your computer. Each camera manufacturer creates their own (again, “proprietary”) software programs that allow you to store, view and manipulate the images on your computer. These software programs are not interchangeable. You need Other Options Digital Camera – Today many IR cameras come with an optional digital camera incorporated in their housing. The main advantages of the digital camera are: the digital image will be taken at nearly the same angle as the IR image, and only one piece of equipment needs to be carried around for inspection. This feature is mainly used in the case of formal infrared inspection reports. Formal reports require both an infrared image and a color digital picture to be used side-by-side. The digital camera feature is helpful, and recommended. It is often difficult to make sense of the object by looking solely at the infrared image. The color picture helps with analysis and also helps the repair person to pinpoint the location and type of equipment that the report describes. However, the digital camera component may be of such poor quality that the pictures are rendered unusable—especially at far distances and in low-light situations. Recently, some camera manufacturers have begun including a small light beacon or torch that you can use to provide better illumination when taking the digital image. This does improve the quality of the images somewhat. Again, test the quality of the digital image for yourself. Using the IR camera, take a digital picture in low light and/or at a distance, incorporate it into a report and then print it. Is the digital image of the quality that you require? The other drawback of the incorporated digital camera is that this is one more component that can fail, requiring a repair and the accompanying delays. You likely need digital images of each anomaly found, but do you want this as a camera option? Make sure the quality of the digital pictures is high enough to justify the added expense. External Display – As discussed previously, determine whether you need an eyepiece only, an LCD screen only, or both. Laser Pointer – This feature helps in locating an anomaly. For example, it can be helpful to point out the exact circuit you are looking for. Be aware that sometimes you must mentally adjust for the discrepancy between the laser pointer and lens locations. Try the laser www.uptimemagazine.com B EST TOOLS for Precision Oil Sampling. The A true representative sample is a key ﬁrst step in obtaining quality information from oil analysis. Now obtaining those samples with consistency and ease is possible using Trico’s line of precision oil sampling products. Trico has a complete line of innovative sampling supplies and accessories, including large bore and high pressure sampling ports, pitot tubes, collection bottles and vacuum pumps. Beneﬁts of Oil Sampling • Identiﬁes conditions which can be used to assist in improving equipment reliability • Recognizes conditions that affect component life • Detects required maintenance repairs • Establishes a baseline on the condition of equipment and lubricant www.tricocorp.com 800-558-7008 8/1/07 11:32:09 AM TRICO Oil Sampling_Uptime_2.93751 1 35 http://www.tricocorp.com http://www.uptimemagazine.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Uptime Magazine - October/November 2008

Uptime Magazine - October/November 2008 Contents Upfront Upclose: An Asset Management Oasis in the Desert Information Technology: Streamlining Through Simplicity Lubrication: Phases for Framing a Solid Foundation Infrared: Do Your Homework Before You Buy Maintenance Management: Get It Together by Getting Together Motor Testing: Key Elements in Motor Decision Making Precision Maintenance: Shedding Some Light on Tolerances Reliability: RCM & the Mortgage Meltdown Ultrasound: A Multidimensional Tool Vibration: The Whirling Pump Mystery, Solved with ODS Upgrade: Are You Looking in the Right Place for Your Wear Debris?

Uptime Magazine - October/November 2008

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