User Manual
Slam Stick User Manual
Version No. 2.0
73
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between measurement ranges?
The Slam Stick products are available in five different measurement ranges: ±16g, ±25g, ±100g,
±500g, or ±2000g. The part number of the product specifies this range (refer to the
part numbering information). The Slam Stick C’s accelerometer has 13-bit resolution while the
Slam Stick X and S accelerometers have 16-bit resolution. This means that there are 2^16 (65,536)
acceleration levels that the device can measure. As the measurement range increases, so does
the difference between each measurable acceleration level. The noise level also increases as the
measurement range increases. All other characteristics of the unit are the same: including cost,
form factor, battery life, etc.
Check out our
blog post on accelerometer specifications
for some more information on what all
these specs mean.
Why choose the aluminum enclosure?
The aluminum enclosure comes standard for the Slam Stick S, and is an option for Slam Stick X
products. The aluminum enclosure provides improved stiffness that results in a higher frequency
response of the embedded accelerometer. Refer to the
for frequency response curves.
The significantly stiffer aluminum enclosure makes it ideal for shock testing, and high frequency
vibration testing. It is also helpful in applications where accuracy and durability are paramount
and semi-permanent mounting (for instance bolting or epoxy adhesive) is available.
What is the MEMS/DC accelerometer option, and why do I need it?
The MEMS accelerometer (or DC Option) can measure static or near static accelerations such as
gravity or very slow vibrations. Customers interested in orientation will need to be able to
measure the gravity vector that the MEMS accelerometer enables. The MEMS accelerometer
will be also be required for applications looking to measure slow vibrations/accelerations such as
marine (the sea moves slowly!), wind turbines, etc.
is this MEMS accelerometer. The main accelerometer in
is piezoelectric based and has a low frequency roll off; this means that it can't
measure static or near static accelerations. The Slam Stick X does however include an option to
have this MEMS accelerometer AND the main triaxial accelerometer (the product would have 8
channels of data: 3 acceleration channels from the main piezoelectric accelerometer, 3 channels
from the DC response capacitive MEMS accelerometer, temperature, and pressure). The Slam
Stick S’s piezorestive accelerometer has a DC response but the lower amplitude range that the
capacitive MEMS sensor offers is useful so both accelerometers are included. This is especially
helpful to customers who want both high frequency (and amplitude) shock or vibration data
along with slower or static acceleration/vibration data. The MEMS accelerometer is also more
power efficient so it can extend the battery life when used for acceleration triggering.