Best Vibration Analysis Software for National Instruments Hardware

06-09-2024
Kyle Bowlin
12 comments
4103
291

Question:

Hello everyone, I am seeking assistance with selecting vibration analysis software to complement our real-time analyzers, specifically National Instruments hardware such as the cDaq Chassis with NI9234 and NI9232 data acquisition cards. This small and modular setup works effectively for our troubleshooting projects. However, we are facing challenges with our current analysis software and are exploring alternative options. One software option we are considering is the LabVIEW-based software from National Instruments, although its complexity seems daunting based on online videos. We are also interested in exploring other vibration analysis software that is compatible with NI hardware, as our current software lacks support and is riddled with bugs, particularly in the area of data collection. Furthermore, we have heard about the acquisition of National Instruments by Emerson, which may have implications for the future. Any recommendations or insights on suitable software solutions for our needs would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your assistance. Warm regards, Kyle Bowlin

Top Replies

Hello, I understand the frustration you are facing with the discontinuation of eZTOMAS and the Zonic book by NI after acquiring IOTech. This move has not served the machinery analysis community well. Despite this setback, I have managed to keep my three Zonic books operational using legacy software. I did explore alternative options such as OROS and Dewesoft, but they may not be compatible if you are already using NI data acquisition. Unfortunately, I can only empathize with your frustration. As you mentioned, the NI hardware, specifically the cDAQ Chassis with NI9234 and NI9232 data acquisition cards, works well for troubleshooting projects. However, finding compatible analysis software has been a challenge. The Alta Solutions software seems promising, but it requires their hardware to function. Customer support from National Instruments has also been disappointing. You may want to consider exploring NI's LabVIEW-based software, although it may seem complex based on YouTube videos. Additionally, with NI's recent acquisition by Emerson, the future of their products remains uncertain. If you are looking for software that can work with your NI hardware for vibration analysis and data collection, it seems like there is a gap in the market that needs to be addressed. I hope this information helps you in your search for suitable analysis software for your NI hardware. Feel free to reach out if you have any further questions or need assistance. Thank you. - Andy Mellor

07-09-2024
Kevin Griffin

Edited by Kristan Sears on August 18, 2023, at 08:30. Kyle, I have extensive experience in this area and can provide you with several options depending on your end goal. If you are looking for a quick and user-friendly solution, I recommend DASYLab from Measurement Computing, which is ideal for data acquisition with NI hardware. Make sure to have NI MAX installed to configure tasks for the device using MAX before loading the NI modules into DASYLab. While LabVIEW can be challenging for beginners due to its graphical programming, DASYLab offers a more straightforward approach with minimal limitations. However, for real-time data with multiple channels, consider using Alta Solutions hardware. For more advanced users willing to invest time in learning, ME'scope from Vibrant is a versatile option with a wide range of tools and capabilities. It works well with NI-9232 or 9234 for impact testing but may require some effort to configure initially. If you prefer a customizable solution and have programming skills, consider using Mathworks (Matlab) for building high-end custom applications. To get started, I recommend trying out the 28-day trial version of DASYLab to see if it meets your requirements. Feel free to explore other software options that are compatible with NI hardware and offer the functionality you need for vibration analysis. Do not hesitate to reach out if you need further assistance or recommendations. Kristan Sears Original Message Sent by Kyle Bowlin on August 17, 2023, at 18:09: Hey, I'm in need of analysis software for our National Instruments hardware setup, primarily for real-time analyzers with cDaq Chassis, NI9234, and NI9232 cards. While LabVIEW is an option, I find it quite complex. Are there other software solutions compatible with NI hardware that you can recommend for vibration analysis? Our current software has issues and lacks support. Any insights or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance! - Kyle Bowlin

07-09-2024
Rachel White

Hello Kristan, I appreciate your response and for sharing your insights on analysis software for National Instruments hardware. I am intrigued by the DasyLab option you mentioned and am currently exploring it. While I briefly looked into the Data Acquisition option in ME Scope, it seemed complex at first glance. During my research on the NI website, I came across several Flexlogger software videos online. The software appears promising and is priced at $793 per year. I plan to obtain a license and experiment with it. Thank you for taking the time to reply, and I will definitely share my experience with Flexlogger in this thread. Thank you! KB ------------------------------ Kyle Bowlin ------------------------------ Original Message Sent by Kristan Sears Subject: Analysis Software - National Instruments Hardware Kyle, if you seek a quick and easy solution, I recommend DASYLab from Measurement Computing. This software is user-friendly and works seamlessly with NI hardware. It is a hassle-free option compared to LabVIEW, which can be complex and costly. If you prefer a more advanced tool, ME'scope from Vibrant is worth considering, although it may require some learning curve. For custom applications, Mathworks MATLAB is an excellent choice but involves programming skills. I suggest starting with DASYLab's 28-day trial to see if it meets your needs. Hope this helps. ------------------------------ Kristan

08-09-2024
Zoe Peterson

Edited by Kristan Sears on 08-18-2023 at 13:37. Kyle, I urge you to exercise caution when using the Flexlogger software. While it may seem impressive, I have encountered issues with similar products in the past. The demonstration videos can be misleading, as they may require additional add-on packages like DIADEM for full functionality, which can add to expenses. The software may only display basic data parameters like amplitude and speed, lacking more advanced features such as phase analysis. This limitation can be problematic for certain applications, as I experienced with DASYLab. It is essential to thoroughly understand your data requirements before committing to a software solution. Additionally, consider exploring alternatives like PicoScope for quick data analysis with a portable digital oscilloscope. Before making a decision, thoroughly evaluate the software's compatibility with your NI hardware and the specific analysis needs of your projects.

08-09-2024
Brenda Green

Kyle, I appreciate your insights on the importance of phase, speed, Bentley Rack Vibration, and subsequent shaft orbits when considering new software options. It seems that the current software you are using struggles with reading tachometer or speed data from a keyphasor, and can be inconsistent in preserving spectral data based on the phase reference location. Upon further review, DIAdem seems like a necessary addition after watching YouTube videos. The initial affordability of DIAdem may raise some red flags, but it could provide the functionality you need. Thank you for sharing this information; I will definitely explore the suggestions you have provided. Best Regards, KB.

09-09-2024
Ulysses Ross

Hi Kyle, I understand your concerns regarding software compatibility with NI hardware. Given your situation, you might want to consider taking a look at Simcenter Testlab (previously LMS Test.Lab) by Siemens, which offers good vibration analysis capabilities and is known to interface well with various data acquisition systems. As for LabVIEW, it's a powerhouse indeed but it does have quite a steep learning curve due to its unique programming philosophy. However, once you get used to it, it provides great flexibility and integration with NI hardware. Regarding NI's acquisition by Emerson, it'll have implications indeed, but it's too early to predict the outcome. Perhaps, benching that idea until there's more information would be prudent. Worth noting, choosing software boils down not only to your technical requirements but also your team's familiarity with such tools and your personal preferences. It may help to set up trial versions of different software to see which is the most intuitive and fulfills your needs.

06-01-2025
Steven Rodriguez

More Replies →

I am currently utilizing a cutting-edge software specifically designed for National Instruments (NI) hardware that has been in development for over 30 years. This software continues to undergo enhancements to meet my measurement needs. The only downside is that it is currently in Chinese and requires translation to English by the creator, shaofeng wang. I am seeking assistance with finding vibration analysis software that is compatible with my NI hardware setup, which includes a cDaq Chassis with NI9234 and NI9232 data acquisition cards. Despite the effectiveness of my current software for Modal/ODS analysis, it lacks reliable customer support and is plagued with bugs, especially in data collection. I have looked into various software options such as EZ Thomas/Analyst/Balance (not compatible with NI hardware) and Alta Solutions Software (requires their specific hardware). I am considering exploring NI's Labview-based software, although it appears to be complex based on YouTube videos. Recently, I heard about NI being acquired by Emerson, which adds uncertainty to the future of their products. Any recommendations or insights on alternative analysis software compatible with NI hardware would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide.

09-09-2024
Quinn Bell

Hey Kyle, I can relate to your struggles. With 47 years of experience in my career, I've worked with a variety of manufacturers' products such as Nicolet Scientific, Zonic, CSI, Entek, IOTech, and finally NI with LabVIEW. I taught myself LabVIEW programming, and I implemented a system to gather data from an electric motor with six axes in our repair shop. The data acquisition was quick, precise, and securely saved on the company's server located 800 miles away. The system was designed with the test stand operators in mind to ensure ease of use without dealing with technicalities like FMax, FMin, resolution, etc. I set up the system to handle a wide frequency range of 0-5000 Hz with high resolution for rotor bar analysis. Additionally, I included a tachometer channel and programmed LabVIEW to provide specific values needed for balancing software like Steve Young's program. This system has been in operation since 2005 and has proven to be an ideal solution for our needs. LabVIEW is not a simple language to learn; however, mastering it can lead to great results. When it comes to modal/ODS analysis on vertical pump systems, it's essential to address issues like Reed Frequency and excitation sources. In my experience, minor differences in runout can trigger vibrations at natural frequencies, which can be mitigated through precise balancing techniques. For hardware/software solutions, DataView Systems in Rochester, NY, offers expertise in integrating NI/LabVIEW systems. They can develop customized LabVIEW code for data acquisition suitable for analysis programs like ME Scope. Feel free to contact me if you want to explore this option further. Best regards, Ron Brook rbrook@ips.us 215-805-2006. Good luck in your endeavors! ------------------------------ Ron Brook ------------------------------

10-09-2024
Denise Reed

Charles McInnes made some edits on 07-31-2024 at 05:40 and reached out to Kyle to share his recently released software, Expert, that works with hardware from popular brands like National Instruments, Data Translation, and Virtins. The software is compatible with NI9234 modules and offers a free 12-month trial. Expert provides real-time waveforms and spectra, with easy setup for high channel count jobs in less than a minute. It automates plot generation based on user preferences for velocity/acceleration, spectra, waveforms, etc. The software includes a user-friendly data browser for detailed analysis with zoomed-in time waveforms and spectra accessible with a single click. To learn more, check out the demonstration videos on the website. Charles is eager to hear Kyle's feedback. - Charles McInnes, Industrial Vibration Systems

10-09-2024
Jack Parker

If you are looking for vibration analysis software to use with National Instruments hardware like the cDaq Chassis with NI9234 and NI9232 data acquisition cards, consider ME'scope from Vibrant (www.vibetech.com). While there is a learning curve, ME'scope is a powerful and functional tool once you become familiar with it. It is particularly compatible with NI-9234 modules and is ideal for collecting vibration data in the field on an ad hoc or route-based basis. If you are seeking alternative software options for your NI hardware, ME'scope could be a valuable solution. Embrace the power of ME'scope for efficient and effective vibration analysis with your National Instruments hardware setup.

11-09-2024
Laura West

Hello Kristan, Thank you for the great suggestion. Could you guide me on how to access this feature in the software I utilize, the Visual Modal package? I remember seeing the data collection function in the software before, but I'm unsure how to navigate to it. Your assistance is greatly appreciated. Thank you, Kyle Bowlin. Hey Kyle, have you considered using ME'scope from Vibrant as an alternative to National Instruments hardware for your vibration data collection needs? It may have a learning curve, but once mastered, it proves to be a powerful and functional tool. ME'scope works well with NI-9234 modules, making it ideal for ad hoc and route-based vibration data collection in the field. Let me know if you need further information or assistance. Thanks, Kristan Sears.

11-09-2024
Frances Fisher

When it comes to NI hardware, I recently discovered the Sigview website, which is specifically designed for NI hardware. While I typically use VTI hardware, Sigview seems to be a powerful tool that I have yet to try. For my custom work, I made the switch from Matlab to Julia, which has been a positive move overall. Julia, being open-source with a wide range of packages available, offers a better programming experience compared to Matlab. In cases where Sigview's base package falls short, you can create custom algorithms in Julia seamlessly. We have developed numerous custom algorithms for tasks such as tach processing, signal processing, and predictive maintenance in Julia, and have found it to be a fantastic environment. Although I haven't come across a Julia package for writing universal files like in Matlab, Python offers such a package that can easily be integrated with Julia. The supportive Julia community is also a great resource when you encounter challenges. If you're involved in modal analysis, check out Xmodal from the Structural Dynamics Research Laboratory at UC for advanced modal analysis software. Additionally, the ME'scope software from Vibrant is worth considering for vibration analysis with NI-9234 modules. Both tools offer powerful capabilities that enhance the functionality of NI hardware in data collection and analysis. Overall, exploring these software options can help optimize your experience with National Instruments hardware.

11-09-2024
Tina Murray

Hey Jake! I wanted to express my gratitude for the recommendation. After exploring the videos, I was impressed by the powerful capabilities of the software, especially its compatibility with National Instruments (NI) hardware. Surprisingly, the pricing for the licenses is quite reasonable. This software might be exactly what I have been searching for. I had no prior knowledge of its existence, so thank you once again! Kyle H. Bowlin If you're using NI hardware, here's a suggestion for you. I recently came across the Sigview website, specifically designed for NI hardware. While I personally use VTI hardware, Sigview seems to offer robust functionalities. My transition from Matlab to Julia for custom work has been incredibly positive, although I do miss some Matlab features. Julia's open-source nature and extensive package library make it a preferred choice. With Sigview, you can even create custom algorithms using Julia, seamlessly integrating them with the software. The Julia community is supportive, providing assistance when needed. For modal analysis, consider checking out Xmodal from the SDRL lab at UC, which I found to be a cost-effective and advanced solution. Thanks to Kristan for the suggestion! ME'scope from Vibrant is another option worth exploring, especially for NI-9234 modules. Although there is a learning curve, once mastered, it offers powerful and functional features, ideal for field data collection. In search of analysis software for National Instruments hardware, I came across a few options. While the Labview-based software from NI seems intense, there may be other alternatives worth considering. Our current software, though effective for Modal/ODS analysis, lacks support and is plagued with bugs, especially in data collection. Any recommendations or insights on software compatibility with NI hardware would be greatly appreciated. With recent news of NI's acquisition by Emerson, the future remains uncertain. Your assistance would be invaluable. Thank you in advance! Kyle Bowlin

11-09-2024
Erik Rivera

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: 1. What are some recommended vibration analysis software options compatible with National Instruments hardware like cDaq Chassis with NI9234 and NI9232 data acquisition cards?

Answer: - Some recommended software options include the LabVIEW-based software from National Instruments, as well as other third-party solutions that are compatible with NI hardware.

FAQ: 2. How does the complexity of the LabVIEW-based software from National Instruments compare to other vibration analysis software options?

Answer: - The LabVIEW-based software from National Instruments may seem daunting based on online videos, but it offers powerful capabilities for vibration analysis when properly utilized.

FAQ: 3. What are the common challenges faced with current vibration analysis software, particularly in relation to data collection and support for NI hardware?

Answer: - Common challenges include lack of support, bugs in data collection, and compatibility issues with NI hardware, prompting the search for alternative software solutions.

FAQ: 4. Are there any implications for the future of software solutions following the acquisition of National Instruments by Emerson?

Answer: - The acquisition of National Instruments by Emerson may have implications for future software development and support, so it's important to stay informed about any changes or updates in the software landscape.

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