- 30-600Hz Range
- Clavis Patented sensor
- 160 hour battery life
- Meter calibration checker
- Interchangeable sensors
- Carrying case
- Calibration Certificate
The Clavis hand held beltmeter can be used for all belt tension gauging applications. It produces readings which accurately reflect the tension in the belt, consistently and without operator skill. CLAVIS tension meters were introduced in 1988.
The equipment consists of a small sensing head which is held across the belt to be measured. The belt is then tapped to induce the belt to vibrate at its natural frequency. The vibrations are detected and the frequency of vibration is then displayed on the measuring unit.
The unit is suitable for measuring tension in all types of power transmission belts, ranging from toothed timing belts, poly-vee belts, and simple vee belts. The frequency measurement range is from 30Hz to 600Hz which covers most automotive applications. A general purpose head is supplied. A range of interchangeable sensing heads with differing dimensions is available upon request.
Rechargeable batteries provide 80 hours of operation (dry batteries provide 160 hours). The meter automatically switches off 10 minutes after the last reading is taken, to prolong battery life. A 'LO BAT' indicator on the display shows when the unit needs recharging. The charging socket is adjacent to the sensing head connector. An overnight charge will fully restore the batteries. During charging the 'LO BAT' indicator will flash. The meter may be powered directly from the charger if required.
Additional notes
The range of the meter is from 30 to 600Hz. Readings below 30Hz will cause the display to flash '030' and then clear to '000'. Readings above 600Hz will cause the display to flash '600' and likewise clear to '000'.
In most applications the meter is used to make comparative tension checks. Often two or three spans may be available on which to take measurements. As the frequency depends upon the span length, the span to be used for measurement must be defined. Normally it is found that the longer spans are easier to vibrate than the very short span lengths. If the belt tension adjuster is on the measurement span, ensure that the variation in span length created by the adjuster will not be significant.
Calibration
The Clavis Belt Tension Meter is based upon a microprocessor using digital signal processing techniques. A 8.0000 MHz quartz crystal provides the fundamental frequency reference which should ensure, for the life of the instrument, an accuracy of;
+ or - 1 digit below 100Hz
+ or - 1% of reading above 100 Hz
A high precision steel resonator is supplied for an easy spot frequency check of calibration. The resonator should be tapped on a hard surface and held steady between the jaws of the sensor. The meter should read 250Hz with a tolerance of + or - 1%. It is important that both the sensor and the fork are held still, otherwise doppler frequency change may occur due to relative motion. However as with all gauging equipment a more comprehensive calibration check should be made periodically. A Clavis Belt Tension Meter Calibrator is available for this purpose, or the unit may be returned to the manufacturer for a calibration check and the issue of a certificate of calibration.
