Micro Time logger for hydraulic drill 1

[LaurenceSachs]

Hello there,

I come from a Mechanical background, so my electronics experience is limited.

I am looking for a solution to do the following:
1. Monitor how long the drills are running for in hours.
2. Have no external electrical input.
3. Be of a small size +- an inch square.
4. be capable of enduring massive vibration for long periods of time.
5. Maybe use the vibration to power the device.
6. The device can be switched with a pressure or vibration/accelerometer swithces.
7. Must be robust and waterproof.
8. Off the shelf products are required.

Thanks for your help!

Laurence

 

[itsmoked]

You've said everything else except:

How many are you looking for?

How much are you willing to pay a piece?

There are timers that are coin cell powered for years.
You could use a switch to turn them ON and OFF maybe.

Otherwise the problem is number 8.

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[LaurenceSachs]

Hi itsmoked,

Thanks, well we are looking for something cost effective no more than $120 each if possible.

We would install them into about 1200 drills per year.

I suppose we can modify the drill switch to activate the time logger. I think pressure switching may be better however more expensive.

Laurence

 

[jraef]

There are vibration powered non-electrical units, do a search for "vibration powered Elapsed Time Meters".

http://www.enmco.com/new/t56-vibration-activated.php

Has a battery like what itsmoked mentioned, lasts for years because all it does is power the LCD, the clock is powered by the vibration.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/IN...9&srccode=cii_16079562&cpncode=21-185816923-2

Old fasioned engine meter for trucks and portable equipment.

"Dear future generations: Please accept our apologies. We were rolling drunk on petroleum."
— Kilgore Trout (via Kurt Vonnegut)
For the best use of Eng-Tips, please click here -> faq731-376

 

[itsmoked]

Nice find Jeff. That T56 is pretty cool. Misses the size requested by quite a bit though.

LaurenceSachs; You say "drills". You mean the actual drills not the "drill bits" correct?

Are you planning to use the recorded time for maintenance intervals only?

Do they need to meet hazardous environment requirements like explosive atmospheres?

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[LaurenceSachs]

Ah excellent!!!

I am going to order the T56 - it looks perfect!

I hope we can make it work in the extreme environment of mining!

Thanks!

PS. if anything else comes to mind, please let me know!!!!

 

[jraef]

If you remember, let us know if it works. Or rather, if if dies prematurely. If it works for years, I for one will have forgotten all about this. Maybe even if it works for a few months. My retention time seems to be diminishing...

What was I saying?

 

[Skogsgurra]

Hello jeff! I have been here for a while, but cannot remember seeing you before. Nice job you did - for a rookie, I mean

Gunnar Englund

http://www.gke.org

--------------------------------------
Half full - Half empty? I don't mind. It's what in it that counts.

 

[jraef]

Who are you again?

"Dear future generations: Please accept our apologies. We were rolling drunk on petroleum."
— Kilgore Trout (via Kurt Vonnegut)
For the best use of Eng-Tips, please click here -> faq731-376