Balancing the Accelerometer

This section discusses the procedure for balancing the accelerometer for the Kinemetrics Altus K2 Digital Recorder. The picture (left) is a depiction of a typical setup for performing this procedure. You will need a laptop computer, running QuickTalk, connected to the K2 to follow these instructions. It is also possible to use a standard terminal program with commands from the Altus Monitor Mode Communications Manual.

You will also need to remove the cover of the K2 and the metal plate, which covers the accelerometer. Before removing the cover, see the section below on mechanically leveling the K2.

Begin by mechanically leveling the K2. Adjust the leveling feet on the bottom of the K2 until the bubble on the accelerometer is centered.

Once the K2 is leveled, select terminal window in the Quicktalk program. At the * prompt type DG and return. Then at the DG> prompt type DVM and press Enter. The display should look like the image below.

You will be concerned with the readouts in the first three columns only.

The first column is the X-axis

The second column is the Y-axis

The third column is the Z-axis.

Each adjustment will be made until a reading of less that 3 millivolts is achieved. To the right is a picture of the accelerometer. The location of each axis is annotated.

Each K2 comes with an allen wrench attached to the accelerometer cover. This is the tool needed to perform the adjustment. The allen wrench is L shaped. For the X and Y axes, the short end is inserted. For the Z-axis, the long end is inserted.

Turn the wrench to make the adjustment. Note: Very small movements produce large results.