FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the sampling rate?
A: The Monster Cycle Optimizer samples at 100 samples per second. For the vast majority of operations, this is a good choice that gives a clean signal without producing huge data files.
Q: Is there filtering?
A: The Monster Cycle Optimizer has options for: a) no filter, b) a 5-hertz low-pass filter, and c) a 20-hertz low-pass filter. In most machining operations, the 5-hertz filter is best for giving a clean signal.
Q: Can data be exported to Excel?
A: Yes. The user simply displays the data (live or previously saved) they want to export and then hits the Excel Export button. The data is then exported to an .xls file containing amplitude vs. time. This can be done with no filter, 5-hz or 20-Hz filter. This data can then be arranged and plotted for Powerpoint presentations, etc.
Q: Is the Monster Cycle Optimizer an “Idiot Box”.
A: Definitely not. While the Monster Cycle Optimizer is an enormously useful tool, it is just that: a tool. The user must have some knowledge of the basic science behind the process in order to make intelligent interpretations of the data. The Monster Cycle Optimizer will not tell the user what to do with their process.
Q: All of your examples are for grinding. Why?
A: Because that’s all I do: Grinding. I am The Grinding Doc, an expert in grinding. But the fundamental concept of using current or power vs. time is useful for many machining operations – turning, milling & drilling – and even many more industrial operations. Try it. If you’re not satisfied with it, we’ll refund 93.3% of your money.
Q: Isn’t power in Watts a better measurement than current in amps?
A: If you are changing your spindle speed or if you need to calculate concepts such as specific energy, then measuring power is better than measuring current. However, measuring power requires six total transducers (instead of one). In 95% of situations, a current signal is 95% as useful as power. In situations where the user wants to measure true power in Horsepower or Watts, we recommend purchasing a Load Controls UPC hard-wired power meter ($US 790) and using the Monster Cycle Optimizer for the signal. The Monster Software has been programmed to interface with this unit.
Q: What if I don’t like it?
A: Send it back in the Pelican case it came in. We’ll send you a UPS shipping label and we’ll refund 93.3% of your money.
Q: Is there a guarantee?
A: One year.
Q: And after that?
A: In most cases, return the old unit and we’ll send you a new unit for $US 900.
Q: Do you ship outside the US?
A: Yes.
Q: Does the Monster Cycle Optimizer hook up to my computer?
A: Yes. You will receive software on a USB to quickly install to your laptop.
Q: Is there a limit to the amount of current it can measure?
A: The transducer is rated up to 100 amps. To give a ballpark number for a 440-volt, three-phase power supply, that’s about 65 kilowatts, or 50 Horsepower.
Q: What is the maximum logging time?
A: There isn’t one. The Monster continuously saves data. Therefore, if the power cuts out or your computer dies, the data will be saved up to that point. We recommend keeping it below 48 hours.
Q: How much time does it take to hook up?
A: If you know the wire you are looking for, it takes about 30 seconds to hook up. Finding the relevant wire sometimes requires an electrician.
Q: How long does it take to learn the Monster Cycle Optimizer?
A: About 15 minutes. And then a few hours to get good at it. It is pretty much a plug-&-play device.
Q: Is there an instruction manual?
A: The Monster comes with a single plastic instruction sheet. That should be all you need.
Q: Do you provide technical assistance & instructions?
A: Not much. But you shouldn’t need it. The Monster is very easy to use. And there’s a short, five-minute video on YouTube about hooking it up and operating the software.
Q: Does the Monster run on 110V or 220V?
A: Either. The only power supply required is to run the laptop. The Monster comes with US-, UK- and European-style plugs.
Q: Does the Monster work on single phase, two phase or three phase power?
A: All of them.
Q: Are there safety considerations?
A: Yes. The Monster usually hooks up inside the electrical cabinet – and only after the power supply has been turned off. The wires in these cabinets are high-voltage, dangerous, and potentially deadly. We recommend that an electrician hooks it up.