Metra Radebeul (Germany)
Metra VC20
Portable vibration calibrator with a load-independent 10 m/s² reference at 159.2 Hz, for test objects up to 600 g. Battery powered for laboratory and field use.
The VC20 from Metra Meß- und Frequenztechnik (Germany) is a rugged, portable calibrator for fast checks of vibration transducers for acceleration, velocity and displacement, and for finding faults in complete vibration measuring systems.
Its shaker keeps the vibration level constant regardless of the test object, up to 600 g, with a quartz-controlled frequency of 159.15 Hz (1000 rad/s), which gives round values of 10 m/s², 10 mm/s and 10 µm. The display shows frequency, magnitude, the error in percent and the calibration date. A built-in rechargeable battery with mains buffering allows use in the lab and in the field. Each unit comes with a factory calibration certificate; DAkkS-accredited calibration (ISO/IEC 17025) is available on request.
Key features
- Load-independent level for test objects up to 600 g
- Controlled amplitude 10 m/s² (10 mm/s, 10 µm)
- Quartz-controlled frequency 159.15 Hz (1000 rad/s)
- Display: frequency, magnitude, error % and calibration date
- Rugged aluminium case
- Battery operation with mains buffering, lab and field use
- Factory calibration certificate; accredited calibration on request
- Quick calibration of sensors and complete measuring systems
- 2-year warranty
Specifications
| SHAKER SYSTEM | |
|---|---|
| Vibration frequency | 159.2 Hz |
| Vibration acceleration | 10 m/s² |
| Vibration velocity | 10 mm/s |
| Vibration displacement | 10 µm |
| Maximum test object weight | 600 g |
| Amplitude error | max. ±3% (0–40 °C), ±5% (-10–55 °C) |
| Frequency error | max. ±0.05% |
| Transverse vibration | <10% |
| Total harmonic distortion | <1% |
| Sensor mounting | M5 tapped hole (7 mm deep), magnet |
| Level indication | percent error display and acoustic signal |
| POWER | |
| Battery | built-in NiMH, 7.2 V / 1.6 Ah |
| Operating time | about 5 h per charge (with 100 g load) |
| Charging | 4 h, 11–18 V, <1 A |
| Automatic switch-off | 10 min |
| CASE | |
| Dimensions | 100 × 120 × 100 mm (W × H × D) |
| Material | aluminium |
| Weight | 2.2 kg |
| Operating temperature | -10 to 55 °C, up to 95% RH non-condensing |
| Grounding | 4 mm banana socket |
| SCOPE OF DELIVERY | |
| Included | VC20 with factory calibration certificate, thread adapters M3 / M5 / M8 / 1/4"-28 / UNF 10-32, silicone grease, PS1600 mains adapter (100–240 V AC, 12 V DC), transport case |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Downloads
Typical uses
• Checking accelerometers and velocity sensors before a measurement campaign
• Verifying a complete measuring chain: sensor, cable, conditioner and analyser
• Finding faulty sensors or cables on site
• Regular in-house checks between laboratory calibrations
VC20 or VC21?
The note behind the round numbers: at 159.2 Hz, an acceleration of 10 m/s² equals a velocity of 10 mm/s and a displacement of 10 µm (RMS values), so one reference checks acceleration, velocity and displacement sensors alike.
VC20: one fixed reference, 10 m/s² at 159.2 Hz, for sensors up to 600 g. Simple and quick for routine checks.
VC21: selectable levels of 1, 2, 5, 10 or 20 m/s² at 15.92, 40, 80, 159.2, 320, 640 or 1280 Hz, for sensors from 50 to 500 g depending on frequency and level. Choose it when you also need to check frequency response or linearity.
Ask us which model fits your sensors and measuring tasks.
Related instruments
Have a Sound or Vibration Problem?
Talk to our engineering team and find the right solution for your application.