The All-Test IV Pro 2000 includes software called Trend 2005, which allows the user to create a database, upload test data from the instrument, organise and trend this data, and report the findings to colleagues or clients.

After the initial set-up (and we can create as many locations and equipment records as needed to organise our motors suitably), we can upload saved data stored on the All-Test IV Pro 2000 to the software. Once we've mapped this data across, all of the readings taken (and all previously uploaded test data) can be quickly accessed from the main screen.

When viewing test data, the software displays the individual readings taken (e.g. resistance, impedance, etc) and grades them using a three-colour coding system. This automated analysis will also flag up potential problems or causes of concern (e.g. a shorted winding), and the user can supplement this with their own notes or recommended actions to take.

From this screen, we can then access all of the motor nameplate information we chose to enter while creating the database (we can, of course, edit this information at any time). Furthermore, we can also incorporate additional test data from other technologies, such as infrared, vibration analysis and ultrasound. Having all of this information available within the one interface offers analysts many possibilities.

Trend 2005 also includes an array of built-in report templates. Creating a report is simply a case of selecting the template and deciding what needs to be included. These multi-page reports can be previewed, customised (e.g. add a company logo), printed or saved in a variety of file formats such as PDF or RTF (which can be opened in Microsoft Word for full control over the design and content of the report).

Using this functionality, we can generate a detailed account of the findings on a motor, a list of motors to be reviewed (e.g. possible problems have been identified and need further investigation) or past-due maintenance items (e.g. motors that haven't been tested in the scheduled timeframe set by the user). Where relevant, these reports include everything from the main screen, along with the motor's nameplate information.

EMCAT PRO 2005, which is available separately for the All-Test IV Pro 2000, builds upon the Trend 2005 software (included as standard) by unlocking additional features.

By extending the software you are already using, you can continue to work with your existing database and forgo the need to learn a new user interface.

Some of the features of EMCAT PRO 2005 include...

• Evaluate transmission and distribution transformers
• Complete work order management through the download of motor information and previously taken data to the instrument for referencing in the field
• Entry of impedance or inductance rotor test data, which the software can use to assess the condition of the rotor using a proprietary rotor grading system
• And DC motor analysis capabilities, which provide field-proven techniques for trending DC motors

These features are unlocked through the use of a USB security key. When you open up Trend 2005, the software will automatically detect the presence of this USB 'dongle' and seamlessly integrate this new functionality within the same interface.

The ATPOL II is supplied with software called All-Test Pro OL 4, which also includes a front-end called Power System Manager. These pieces of software allow you to communicate with the instrument and both analyse and report the electrical and mechanical condition of the motor.

When using the ATPOL II, you'll begin by using the Power System Manager software. This interface allows you to configure the instrument via the computer and even operate it remotely using the built-in Bluetooth functionality (for data logging and analysis directly in the field).

You can also use this software to transfer data to and from the unit, view the collected data, create custom reports and perform instrument firmware upgrades. Once data has been moved across to the computer, we can then open up All-Test Pro OL 4 to view, analyse and trend signatures related to the equipment we tested.

Some of the features of this software include...

• The ability to calculate and identify both electrical and mechanical faults
• Automatically identify and report common DC motor faults (e.g. faulty SCRs)
• And evaluate all measurement and spectral data within the one interface

By using Electrical Signature Analysis (ESA), which effectively uses the motor as a transducer, and by performing Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis of both voltage and current (similar to vibration analysis), the software is capable of interpreting these signatures and generating an assessment of eleven key aspects of the motor's health.

This report includes information on...

• Voltage and current unbalance
• Power harmonics and power factor
• Condition of the rotor, stator and air gap
• And misalignment and bearing issues

We can also use the software to evaluate load-related issues (e.g. belts, fans, pumps and gear boxes) and there is an assortment of tools at our disposal to investigate potential problems further. In regards to reporting, the software is capable of creating a comprehensive four-page report at the click of a button. This report, which opens up in Microsoft Word (allowing for full customisation), details the complete condition of the circuit.

In addition to All-Test Pro OL 4, the ATPOL II ships with MotorMaster+ 4. This extensive piece of software has been designed for utility auditors, industrial energy co-ordinators and plant or consulting engineers.

Some of the features of MotorMaster+ 4 include...

• A motor inventory module
• Maintenance logging and tracking features
• Energy conservation analysis
• Life-cycle costing capabilities
• And energy accounting and savings features

By using MotorMaster+ 4, you can quickly identify the most efficient action for any given repair or purchase decision. It is also possible to identify inefficient or oversized inventory motors, as well as calculate the energy savings associated with the selection of a replacement energy efficient model.

The software's inventory module also serves as a field measurement storage repository. This can contain basic motor nameplate data, as well as identification, process and location codes. You can further supplement this data with information such as load type, operating hours and a description of the motor's environment.

Furthermore, you have the ability to quickly scan for motors operating under abnormal power supply conditions and perform batch analysis on a group of motors to determine the cost and energy savings of replacing them. Complimenting all of this is also a wide-range of technical data and reading material, and the software boasts a database of performance and pricing information for more than 25,000 motors.

This software is freely available to all users of the All-Test IV Pro 2000 and ATPOL II. It has been designed with the help of Dr. Howard W. Penrose, Ph.D., and provides guidance in deciding when to replace a motor.

By entering some of the data we collect when using the above instruments (such as winding condition, power quality, load and mechanical condition), the software will attempt to estimate the time-to-failure of the motor. The software will also predict the probability of the motor actually surviving this estimated period of time, and all of this information can then be printed out.

While the algorithms used behind the scenes have been based on research published in IEEE Dielectric and Electrical Insulation Society (DEIS) conference papers, this software is still a work-in-progress and, as such, is only available upon request for the time being.

Condition Calculator 4, which was developed solely for use with the All-Test Pro 31, offers you a quick and simple way of evaluating the health of a motor, and reporting the findings to colleagues or clients.

After you enter the data collected by the instrument, the software will grade the individual readings using a three-colour coding system, evaluate the results and alert you to possible problems or causes of concern (e.g. a shorted winding).

The manual also includes a data collection worksheet, which can be used in the field for recording test results.

Using this software, we can also view Electro-Magnetic Induction (EMI), rotor compensation and rotor test results. All of this information can then be saved for future reference, exported (Condition Calculator 4 uses a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet to store test data) and printed out.

Should you have any questions, or if you would like to discuss any of this further, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.