Not sure if your accelerometer is working?
Here are a few quick test to help you determine if your vibration sensors is functioning properly:

� Lightly shake the accelerometer next to your ear. Do you hear a rattle? No accelerometers are made with loose parts! If you hear anything when you shake it, internal parts are loose.


� Connect the accelerometer to your data collector, and check for a reading. Many people simply shake the accelerometer to test for vibration measurements, but even on a working accelerometer this typically does not produce a sufficient reading. A better technique is to enclose the sensor in your hand and gently hit your hand on the table. NEVER bang the accelerometer on the table � grip it in your fist so that only your hand impacts the table. Unlike shaking it, this allows you to create high enough g-level vibrations to be read, without inflicting fatal damage to the sensor.


� Using your data collector, check the BOV level of the sensor. If the BOV reading is more than 4Volts off the nominal specifications provided by the manufacturer (above or below), the sensor has likely suffered permanent damage. A sensor BOV reading will detect virtually all internal electronic circuit failures.
If it fails these simple tests, it’s time to replace your accelerometer.

Tip provided by Wilcoxon Research
http://www.wilcoxon.com