OVERVIEW

The Carlisle Frequency-Finder (part number 109061) is anelectronic measuring instrument that precisely measures thestatic tension in Synchronous, V-Belts, and V-Ribbed belts. Itconsists of a hand-held, laser-operated sensor that is cable-connected to the gauge body containing a microprocessor thatconverts the signal from the sensor to a reading of BeltVibration Frequency (Hz) on an LCD display.

OPERATING PRINCIPLE

The Frequency-Finder works on the principle of forced vibration.The frequency of vibration is directly related to the tension of thebelt, i.e. the higher the frequency reading, the higher the belt tension.

Tension your belts at the speed of light!

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When the free span of a belt is plucked, tapped, or struck it will vibrate ata frequency known as its “natural” frequency.

The frequency is a function of the static belt tension, the belt mass, andthe length of the free belt span according to the following relationship:

T = 0.0104 * K * L2 * F2

Where:

T = static belt tension (lbs)K = weight per inch of belt length (lbs/in)* L = length of the free belt span (in)F = natural frequency of the belt span (Hz)

*Specific Weight values for standard Carlisle belt lines are shown in the table below.

lbs/in • mm = Pounds / inch (of length) per millimeter width

lbs/in • in = Pounds / inch (of length) per inch width

lb/in = Pounds / inch (of length)

lbs/in Rib = Pounds / inch (of length) per rib

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BATTERY INSTALLATION

The Frequency-Finder is shipped with a 9-volt alkaline battery pack-aged separately. Follow this procedure to install the battery:

1. Turn the gauge over.Using your forefinger press down on the battery compartment latch located just above the belt clip and pull the battery compartment cover towards you and off.

2. Install the battery being sure that the terminals are completely attached.

3. Replace the cover by inserting the two plastic tabs into the slots at the base of the compartmentand press forward until thelatch clicks shut.

set of drive parameters. Drive Engineer can be downloaded at http://www.carlisletransportationproducts.com/drive-engineer.

A reliable and practical method of determining the recommended frequency range for a drive is to use Carlisle’s Drive Engineer software. This software calcu-lates the required minimum and maximum static belt tension levels and the corresponding frequency levels for a specific

OPERATIONAL USE

WARNING: All measurements andadjustments must be made with the beltat standstill.

1. Calculate the desired frequency range for the belt drive. This is generally accomplished by determining a minimum and maximum beltstatic tension and then calculating the corresponding minimum and maximum frequency levels for these tensions.

2. Switch on the unit by pressing the on/off button located on the keypad.The laser light will now be visible.

3. Tap or pluck the free belt span so that it begins to vibrate. Hold the laser probe at a distance of 3 to 20 mm above the free belt span withthe laser light directed at the belt as shown below.

Hint: On drives with long free belt spans or low tension you may have best success by tapping the belt very lightly and taking the reading near one of the pulleys.

4. Successful measurement is acknowledged by an audible beep.

5. The vibration frequency is displayed in Hz on the LCD display.Compare this reading to the desired frequency range for the drive. If the reading is below the desired range then tighten the belt. If the reading is above the range the belt is too tight.

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TROUBLESHOOTING

Measurement deviations of up to ± 10% for several measurements takenon the same drive belt are, as a rule, not caused by a measurementerror or fault in the unit. In most cases, measurement deviations are dueto the mechanical tolerances of the drive systems. If no measurementresults are displayed despite careful preparations, this may be due toone of the following reasons:

1. The belt is vibrating below the minimum measurement limit of 10 Hz.This may occur on drives with low static belt tension, very long free spanlength, belts with heavy mass, or a combination of these factors. Thiscan be verified by calculating the frequency for the specific driveparameters.

2. Either no or low measuring values are displayed despite the drive beltbeing correctly tensioned. It may be that the light from the measuringprobe is not sufficiently reflected. Simply pointing the light at the beltbrand may be sufficient to obtain a reading. If this doesn’t work thenaffix a piece of light-colored reflective tape to the belt or slightly moistenthe belt at the measuring point.

Caution: Bright fluorescent lights will sometimes affect frequency readings.The effect will usually be obvious because frequency readings will be120 HZ (+/- 10 HZ). Readings may sometimes even occur withoutpointing the probe at the belt. This situation can be easily resolved byshading the belt from the light source.

SPECIFICATIONSMeasuring range 10 – 400 HzDigital sampling error < 1%Indication error ± 1 HzTotal error < 5%Nominal temp. 68 °F (20 °C)Operating temp. 50 to 122 °F (10 to 50 °C)Max. storage temp. 23 to 158 °F (–5 to 70 °C)Gauge body material Plastic (ABS)Dimensions, body 3.15 in. x 4.96 in. x 1.47 in (80 x 126 x 37mm)Dimensions, case 8.9 in x 7.0 in x 2.0 in.(226 x 178 x 50mm)Display 2-line LCD, 16 char./lineFree span length, max. 30 ft. (10 m)Belt density, max. 10 kg/mPower supply 9 volt alkaline battery

Note: The Carlisle Frequency-Finder is calibrated at the factory andordinarily will require no further calibration maintenance. 5

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WARRANTY

The Carlstar Group LLC warrants to the original purchaser that this product is of merchantable quality and confirms in kind and quality with the descriptions and specifications thereof. Product failure or malfunction arising out of any defect in workmanship or material in the product existing at the time of delivery thereof which manifests itself within one year from the sale of such product, shall be remedied by repair or replacement of such product, at Carlstar’s option, except where unauthorized repair, disassembly, tampering, abuse or misapplication has taken place, as determined by Carlstar. All returns for warranty or non-war-ranty repairs and/or replacement must be authorized by Carlstar, in advance, with all repacking and shipping expenses to be borne by the purchaser.

THE FOREGOING WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR APPLICATION. CARLSTAR SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGE, OF ANY KIND OR NATURE, RESULTING FROM THE USE OF SUPPLIED EQUIPMENT, WHETHER SUCH DAMAGE OCCURS OR IS DISCOVERED BEFORE, UPON OR AFTER REPLACEMENT OR REPAIR, AND WHETHER OR NOT SUCH DAMAGE IS CAUSED BY MANUFACTURER’S OR SUPPLIER’S NEGLIGENCE WITHIN ONE YEAR FROM INVOICE DATE.

Some State jurisdictions or States do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation may not apply to you. The duration of any implied warranty, including, without limitation, fitness for any particular purpose and merchantability with respect to this product, is limited to the duration of the foregoing warranty. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts but, not withstanding, this warranty, in the absence of such limitations, shall extend for one year from the date of invoice.

Every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this manual. Carlstar assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of information contained herein. Any brand or product names mentioned herein are used for identification purposes only, and are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

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© 2015 The Carlstar Group LLC