ReferenceMate REF1500 Vibration Reference Source

Introduction

The Amphenol Wilcoxon ReferenceMate REF1500 is a portable vibration reference source designed to provide a known mechanical input for checking vibration sensors and associated measurement systems. It produces a 1 g vibration at 159.2 Hz, giving technicians a repeatable reference for installation verification, troubleshooting, and condition-monitoring checks without requiring a larger vibration test setup.

What it does

The REF1500 generates an acceleration output of 1 g (9.81 m/s²) at 159.2 Hz, specified at ±3% for either RMS or peak measurement conventions. In addition to acceleration, its reference motion corresponds to 0.39 ips (9.8 mm/s) velocity and 0.39 mils (9.8 μm) displacement, also stated as RMS or peak values.

It supports attached sensor loads up to 250 g. Across the 0 g to 250 g load range, transverse amplitude is specified at no more than 3%, while distortion is specified at no more than 7%. The unit is intended for sensor-function checks rather than full calibration work, making it relevant when confirming that an installed accelerometer, vibration transmitter, or measurement chain is responding.

For portable use, the REF1500 runs from four AA batteries and includes an 80-second automatic shutoff. An optional AC power supply is also available. It is specified for 80 operating cycles per 250 g load.

Applications

• Verifying the basic operation of installed accelerometers.
• Troubleshooting vibration measurement chains during installation or maintenance.
• Checking condition-monitoring system response against a known 159.2 Hz, 1 g input.
• Functional checks of 4 mA to 20 mA vibration transmitters.
• Portable field checks where battery-powered operation is useful.

Design considerations

The sensor or device under test must remain within the REF1500’s 250 g maximum supported load. Mounting hardware should be selected to match the available ¼-28, M6, or 10-32 stud options, and mounting torque should not exceed 10 in-lb.

When interpreting a check result, the measurement system should be configured consistently with the selected RMS or peak convention, since the REF1500 specifications state both forms. Users should also account for the stated ±3% acceleration output tolerance, as well as the specified transverse-amplitude and distortion limits.

Battery operation and the 80-second automatic shutoff suit brief functional checks, while the optional AC supply may be relevant for installations that require external power.

Availability and further information

Further technical information is available through the Mouser Electronics source/distributor link and the REF1500 datasheet link provided on this page.