Solartron Metrology FAQ

Solartron offers example VI`s for interfacing the Orbit® Network into LabVIEW.
Examples are available for LabVIEW versions 8.0 to LabVIEW 2010
Contact your local representative for details (Distributors)

A single Orbit® network can communicate with up to 100 Modules (Orbit 3)
An Orbit® module can be a gauging sensor, an Absolute Displacement product, Analogue Input Module or any other Orbit® compatible module.
Multiple Orbit® networks of different types can be used together to form larger networks.

Orbit® Modules can be read at a sampling rate of up to 3906 samples per second using the Orbit® Network PCI Card in dynamic mode.
Other controllers offer a slower speed but can make use of the difference mode which tracks max/min values at 3906 samples per second.

Using the dynamic mode available with PCI Cards the readings from all Orbit® Modules are synchronised together.
With RS232 and USB Interfaces the buffered mode offers a synchronisation feature.

PLC can communicate with the Orbit® network using the RS232 and RS485 interface.
Ask for a communication protocol on how to address the Orbit® Modules through RS232/RS485.

Solartron offers the Orbit® Support Pack for Excel® software which places readings directly into MS Excel®.
The Orbit® Support Pack for Windows offers Software for evaluation and test of Orbit® networks.
Included is a driver package using COM and .NET with programming examples for integration into your own software.
The Orbit® Network is supported by a wide range of SPC packages.

The Orbit® 3 protocol is compatible with any older version of Orbit®.
The new Orbit® 3 modules require the purchase of a T-con when replacing older modules in existing applications.

Orbit® comparison page

The power requirements of Orbit® networks can be calculated using the Orbit® 3 Network Power Calculator.
This is available for free with the Orbit® Support Pack for Windows.
Link to Software downloads.

The ‘plugged’ version have a 5 pin connector meant to plug into compatible signal conditioning.
The sensitivity of the ‘plugged’ versions are standardised.
This means they are electrically matched with a tolerance on sensitivity of 0.5% vs 5.0% for ‘unplugged’.
`Plugged` probes linearity and sensitivity combined will not exceed 0.5 % unless stated otherwise.

h6 is a metric fit tolerance. +0 .000/ -0.009mm

Solartron offers a calibration / set-up service. All we need to know is the required output and measurement range.
UK Service Centre

Generally, a cable length of up to 5 m is possible. For greater cable lengths refer to you local Solartron representative.

Gauging probes refer to small 8mm diameter or less probes with a bearing and probe tip.
These are being used in typical gauging applications.
Displacement transducers are being used mainly in position feedback applications and cover a larger stroke range. Displacement Transducers can be used without a bearing.

Solartron recommends a calibration interval of 12 months. When defining a calibration period the customer should take into account the importance of the measurement process against the cost of servicing.
Solartron offers a calibration service for gauging and displacement products.
UK Service Centre

LVDT Technology offers a very high resolution and is only limited by subsequent electronic amplifiers design.
For maximum resolution Solartron recommends the use of Orbit® sensors. Each Orbit® sensor has a dedicated matched amplifier with an 18 Bit resolution. The electronics design enables resolutions below 0.1 μm dependant on the sensor in use.

Solartron gauging products (Analogue Gauging Probe (AX)/Digital Gauging Orbit® 3) offer a typical 13 million cycles lifetime. The actual life of the sensors in an application depends on how it is being used.
Solartron uses an real world sensor test to evaluate its sensors performance.

The SI3300 and SI3500 include this function under the display submenu. The SI3500 will be the most common readout as it for use with our series of Digital Probes.

Solartron offers a wide range of compatible sensors and gauging probes. The engineering department can also custom design and match probes and sensors to a given specification.
Please send an enquiry to your local Solartron representative with the probes manufacturer, type and part number.

Solartron is a sensor manufacturer with a focus on producing high quality measuring sensors and electronics. Solartron does not provide complete measuring solutions, however we work with a large network of companies that use our products to offer complete solutions.
Contact your Solartron representative for further information.

Link to Distributors