How to mount the ReLog

How you mount the ReLog is the most important aspect for you as a user when it comes to making sure that the measurements will be as good as they possibly can be. Why? Simply because if the transfer function (the function for the accelerometer to measure vibrations on the object it is placed on) isn’t perfect it will mean that the ReLog doesn’t get to use its capabilities and measure the vibrations with its highly sensitive accelerometer (which is a strong feature!).

To ensure that inaccurate results will be a part of your measurement activities, let us have a look at what you can do to avoid it.

Preparations before mounting

Before starting the mounting procedure, make sure that the surface to which the ReLog will be mounted on is free from the following things:

  • Oil
  • Grease
  • Dirt
  • Excessive amounts of dust
  • Water/moist

To ensure this, simply clean the surface with an industrial cleaner fit for the task. Make sure that you after having cleaned the surface wipe it off properly so there is no trace of liquids or moist on the surface.

Done? Then you’re ready to proceed to the next step!

What method for mounting should you use?

There are numerous ways to mount an accelerometer (we’ll cover most of them below) and as stated above, the choice of method has a big impact on the results from the measurements. We would recommend them in order as follows:

  1. Mounting by screws/studs
  2. Mounting by adhesive tape
  3. Mounting by magnets
  4. Mounting by wax/glue

You’ll find an explanation for each of these options below.

Mounting by screws/studs

Using screws/studs is the best option but it does require you to drill a hole in the object that you would like to monitor. If you can do this, great! You will find that you will have the most accurate results when measuring at higher frequency. The ReLog comes with the option of using studs/screws to attach the unit to the object. We recommend using two studs/screws on each side of the ReLog to ensure that the unit really is attached to the object.

Mounting by double-sided tape

This will most likely be the go-to option for most users of the ReLog as it is likely that you do not wish to drill holes into the object you’re measuring on.

Each ReLog comes with several strips of double-sided tape from 3M that you attach to the bottom of the ReLog. If you’re not sure exactly how to do it, simply have a look in the quick-start-guide that you’ll find in the ReLog box – we promise that it’s really simple!

This quick-start-guide also instructs you on how to correctly compress the adhesive tape to secure the ReLog as firmly as possible. If you do this properly, the difference between studs/screws and double-sided-tape will be minimal.

We have in previous projects in our harvesting business used transfer tape from 3M when we’re to attach an object to another object in an environment where constant vibrations are a fact. The 3M 950 transfer tape works amazingly well!

Mounting by magnets

To mount the ReLog by using magnets is a third approach to use if one of the two above doesn’t work for you. When you purchase a ReLog, the shipment box will include 4 mounting magnets that easily can be attached to the ReLog by using M4 screws.

Mounting by wax/glue

If none of the above fits your purpose you can always use wax/glue to mount the ReLog. Please do keep in mind that when you use wax/glue it can be fairly tricky to remove all remains from the ReLog after that the measurement has been completed.

Please also keep in mind that most wax filter out high-frequency vibrations so the resolution on your measurements will be worse if you’re looking to analyze high frequencies.

Other mounting methods?

From experience, we know that each environment is different from the previous one and that sometimes you have to be a bit creative when it comes to mounting the ReLog. We strongly recommend that you use the mounting alternatives suggested above, but if you have any questions around your specific environment please do reach out to us and we’d be happy to advise what we feel would be best.