Abstract: An apparatus and method for machine data collection includes a hand-held personal computer (HPC) having route-based machine information data stored therein, and at least one hand-held sensor unit which includes a sensor for sensing an operating characteristic of the machine. The sensor unit includes a microcomputer for controlling the overall operation of the sensor unit, and a wireless communications port for wirelessly communicating with the HPC and/or other peripheral device. Wireless communications between the HPC and the sensor unit include uploading route-based machine information and instructions from the HPC to the sensor unit, and downloading collected sensor data from the sensor unit to the HPC. Data may also be manually input to the HPC, including reading from control panels and process gauges. All LCD visually displays information and instructions to the operator, and a set of headphones aurally informs and instructs the operator with regard to data collection.

Abstract: A portable vibration monitoring device (10) for use in connection with a base computer (11) which stores data regarding the nature and parameters of vibration measurements to be made on preselected machines for predictive maintenance purposes. The device includes a power module (36) which energizes the various components. A vibration sensor (14) produces an analog signal which is representative of selected vibration parameters. The signal generated by the vibration monitor is conditioned by a signal conditioning module (16) which includes anti-aliasing filters which enhance the accuracy of the data collected. A multiple function module (18) includes various selectively energized modules which enhance the speed and reliability of the data collected. This data is analyzed by a microprocessor and displayed as desired.