The 3500/42M Proximitor Seismic Monitor is a four‑channel monitor module for Bently Nevada 3500 machinery protection system. It accepts inputs from proximity transducers and seismic transducers, provides vibration and position measurement, and triggers configurable alarm setpoints for rotating machinery protection.
Channels are configured in pairs via 3500 Rack Configuration Software. Each channel pair can implement up to two measurement functions among radial vibration, thrust position, differential expansion, eccentricity, velocity, REBAM, acceleration, shaft absolute and circular acceptance region.
Minimum Firmware & Software Version Requirements
General Firmware & Software for 3500/42M Front‑Panel Main Board
The 3500/42M front‑panel main board requires the following firmware/software versions or higher:
| Module | Software Version |
|---|---|
| 3500/01 | Version 3.30 |
| 3500/02 | Version 2.40 |
| 3500/03 | Version 1.40 |
Shaft Absolute Vibration Channel Type
To enable the Shaft Absolute Vibration channel function, the following minimum firmware and software versions are required (or higher revision):
| Item | Minimum Version |
|---|---|
| 3500/42M Module Firmware | Revision B |
| 3500/01 Rack Software | Version 2.61 |
Acceleration‑II Channel Type
To enable the Acceleration‑II channel function, the following minimum firmware and software versions are required (or higher revision):
| Item | Minimum Version |
|---|---|
| 3500/42M Module Firmware | Version 2.10 |
| 3500/01 Rack Software | Version 3.20 |
Important Note：When replacing 3500/42M monitor module or I/O rear panel, verify both module firmware and rack configuration software revision. Lower‑than‑required revisions will prevent Shaft Absolute / Acceleration‑II channel configuration.
3500/42M Front‑Panel & Rear‑Panel I/O Module Part Numbers
The 3500/42M system consists of front‑panel monitor main board and rear‑mounted I/O modules. Below are the commonly‑used part numbers:
| Part Number | Description |
|---|---|
| 176449‑02 | 3500/42M Displacement / Velocity / Acceleration Monitor (Front‑Panel Main Board) |
| 128229‑01 | Displacement / Velocity / Acceleration I/O Module, with internal terminations |
| 138708‑01 | Shaft Absolute Vibration I/O Module, with internal terminations |
Additional available I/O modules (reference datasheet 143694 Rev.V):
- 128240‑01: Prox/Seismic I/O Module with external terminations
- 138700‑01: Shaft Absolute I/O Module with external terminations
Supported Channel Measurement Types for 3500/42M
The 4‑channel 3500/42M supports these measurement functions configured by channel pairs:
- Radial Vibration
- Thrust Position
- Differential Expansion
- Eccentricity
- Velocity
- REBAM (Rolling Element Bearing Analysis Monitor)
- Acceleration
- Shaft Absolute Vibration
- Circular Acceptance Region
Each channel pair can run maximum two functions simultaneously. For example: Channel 1‑2 for Shaft Absolute Vibration, Channel3‑4 for Acceleration‑II.
Hardware Physical Feature
- Monitor module (Front board): full‑height front slot of 3500 rack
- I/O modules (Rear panel): full‑height rear slot of 3500 rack
- Front‑panel LED indicators: OK, TX/RX, Bypass status
- Buffered transducer coaxial outputs per channel on front panel
Recorder analog outputs on rear I/O module, load resistance range: 0‑600Ω
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why cannot I configure Shaft Absolute Vibration channel on 3500/42M?
A: Please verify the firmware revision of your 3500/42M module and 3500 rack software. Shaft Absolute Vibration requires minimum 3500/42M firmware Revision B and 3500/01 software V2.61. Lower versions will block this channel configuration.
Q2: What firmware version do I need for Acceleration‑II channel?
A: Acceleration‑II channel needs 3500/42M module firmware Version 2.10 or higher, together with 3500/01 rack software Version 3.20 or newer.
Q3: What is part number 176449‑02 for 3500/42M?
A: 176449‑02 is the front‑panel main board of 3500/42M Displacement / Velocity / Acceleration Monitor, installed in the front full‑height slot of the 3500 rack.
Q4: What is the difference between 128229‑01 and 138708‑01 I/O module?
A: 128229‑01 is general displacement/velocity/acceleration I/O module with internal terminations. 138708‑01 is dedicated Shaft Absolute Vibration I/O module with internal terminations for shaft‑absolute measurement applications.
Q5: Can one channel pair of 3500/42M run more than two measurement functions at the same time?
A: No. Each channel pair (Ch1‑2 / Ch3‑4) supports maximum 2 measurement functions simultaneously, which is limited by module hardware and firmware design.
Q6: Do I need to upgrade rack software after replacing a 3500/42M module?
A: Yes. After module replacement, check both module firmware and 3500 rack software version. Make sure all versions meet the minimum requirements for your configured channel types, otherwise some functions will not work properly.
