DSS Application Note MicroVib II Aircraft Analyzer

AN-MV2-AS350 Rev 09 - 25 July 2013 Helicopter Track and Balance

AEROSPATIALE/EUROCOPTER MODELS AS350A/B/D/L,

AS355E/F/N HELICOPTER TRACK AND BALANCE
Dynamic Solutions Systems, Inc. (760) 598-4000 - sales@dssmicro.com
Applications Support (714) 898-7087 - applications@dssmicro.com
Product Support (760) 598-4000 - support@dssmicro.com
Training Support (715) 233-9838 - training@dssmicro.com

Track and Balance Equipment Requirements

MFR P/N DESCRIPTION QUANTITY
M/R DVA S/S T/R
DSS 1300 MicroVib II Aircraft Analyzer 1 1 1 1
DSS 1014, 1460 or 1880 Accelerometer, 20mv/g 2 2 1 1
DSS 1008-X Accelerometer Bracket 1 0 1 1
DSS 1538 Accelerometer Bracket, Z 1 0 0 0
DSS 1096-X Accelerometer Cable 2 2 1 1
DSS 1660 Bracket, Magnetic Pickup 1 1 0 0
DSS 1170-X Magnetic Pickup Cable 1 1 0 0
DSS 1176 Magnetic Pickup 1 0 0 0
DSS 1015 Photo Tach 0 0 1 1
DSS 1520 Photo Tach Bracket 0 0 1 1
DSS 1097-X Photo Tach Cable 0 0 1 1
DSS 1017 Reflective Tape (roll) 0 0 1 1
DSS 1010 Rotor Protractor 1 0 1 1
DSS 1377 Electronic Scale 1 0 1 1
DSS 1428 Tab Tool Set, Universal 1 0 0 0
DSS 1603 Bracket, Tail Rotor, Accel & Photo-tach 0 0 0 1
AEC 350-81 Bracket, Tail Rotor, Accel & Photo-tach 0 0 0 1
MicroTracker Tracking Equipment
DSS 1145-5 MicroTrack Optical Tracker 1 0 0 0
DSS 1450-X 4x4 Signal Mux w/ Optical Adapter 1 1 1 1
Optional Strobe Tracking Equipment
DSS 1115-X or 1680-X 4x4 Signal Mux w/ Strobe Adapter 1 1 1 1
DSS 1123-X Strobe Power Cable 1 0 0 0
C-H 135M-10,11 or 12 Strobe Tracker 1 0 0 0
C-H 3387 Tip Target Set 1 0 0 0
Other Optional Equipment
DSS 1600 MicroBase Professional Software 1
DSS 1311 Serial Cable, MicroVib II to PC 1
1

Copyright 1993-2012, Dynamic Solutions Systems Inc. All Rights Reserved AN-MV2-AS350-1
 Additional Equipment Requirements

MFR P/N DESCRIPTION QUANTITY

Main Rotor RPM Check Accessories
DSS 1147-1 MicroTach, Rotor Tachometer 1
DSS 1176 Magnetic Pickup (standard) 1
DSS 1170-X Magnetic Pickup Cable 1
Vibration Absorber Tuning Accessories
DSS 1096-X Accelerometer Cable 2
DSS 1256 Bracket, Accelerometer, DVA Tuning 2
DSS 1460 Accelerometer, 20mv/g, Top Exit 2
--- --- Shot bag (to detune opposing DVA) 1
Arial NG Droop Check Accessories
DSS 1473 Arriel Tach Adapter Cable 1
DSS 1147-1 MicroTach, Rotor Tachometer 1
DSS 1176 Magnetic Pickup (standard) 1
DSS 1170 Magnetic Pickup Cable 1

AN-MV2-AS350-2 Copyright 1993-2012, Dynamic Solutions Systems Inc. All Rights Reserved
 I. Main Rotor Track And Balance
Main Rotor Track And Balance Equipment Installation
NOTE: When mounting vibration sensors, make sure that the vibration sensors sensitive axis is aligned with the
intended measurement direction. The sensitive axis always parallels the sensor mounting bolt axis. In some
sensors, the electrical connector exits in-line with the sensitive axis, while in others, the connector exits at a right
angle to the sensitive axis. Do not assume that the sensors electrical connector orientation relates to its sensitive
axis.
A. Vertical Sensor: Attach the vertical vibration sensor to the
standard EC location in the left front of the cabin floor near the
Co-pilots pedals using bracket 1538. The sensitive axis should be
pointed up as shown in Fig. 1. Connect and route cable 1096 to
signal mux unit CH:2.
B. Lateral Sensor: Attach the lateral vibration sensor to the standard
EC location on the right side of the main transmission using bracket
1008-2. Sensitive axis should be pointed right as shown in Fig. 2.
Connect and route cable 1096 to signal mux unit CH:1. Fig 1 - Vertical Vib Sensor

C. Magnetic Pickup: Install bracket 1660 on swashplate, then install

magnetic pickup 1176 to bracket as shown in Fig 3. Verify
magnetic pickup to interrupter gap is .050 in (1.27mm). Connect
and route cable 1170 to signal mux unit CH:A.
D. Photo-Tach and Reflective Tape: If the aircraft is not equipped
with a magnetic pickup, attach the photo-tach as shown in Fig. 4.
Swing the main rotor until the red blade is located at the front of the
aircraft as in Fig. 5. Attach a 1.0" x 1.5" (25.4mm x 38.1mm)
piece of reflective tape 1017 to the underside of the swashplate as Fig 2 - Lateral Vib Sensor
shown in Fig. 4. Connect and route cable 1097 to signal mux unit
CH:A.
E. Photo-Tach Alignment: If using a photo-tach, check the beam and
tape alignment by powering up the MicroVib II Analyzer and
turning the rotor until the reflective tape passes through the photo
sensors light beam. When the tape passes through the light beam,
the photo sensor pilot light will illuminate to indicate a valid
reflection. The pilot light will also blink. The higher the rate the
greater the strength of the reflection.
F. Strobe Tracker: If using a strobe tracker, install tip targets on all Fig 3 - Magnetic Pickup
three blades. When installing tip targets, use care to insure that an
equal amount of weight (i.e. tip targets, mounting hardware, etc.) is
added to each blade.
G. MicroTracker: Attach the MicroTracker to the Signal Mux unit. Tip
targets are not required when using the MicroTracker.

Fig 4 - Photo-Tach & Tape

Copyright 1993-2012, Dynamic Solutions Systems Inc. All Rights Reserved AN-MV2-AS350-3
 Main Rotor Track And Balance Equipment Setup
A. Download Latest Group File: For the best results, visit www.dssmicro.com, then download and
install the latest AS350 group file into your MicroVib II Aircraft Analyzer.
B. Create New History File: Press MODE then CONTROL PANEL then NEW HISTORY FILE. If you
have a previously saved AS350 group file, select it and then press SELECT GROUP FILE.
Otherwise, press AS350 TEMPLATE.
C. Modify History Filename: When you are prompted to modify the History Filename you must choose
to either use the suggested filename or enter one which is easier to remember (such as the aircraft
registration or serial number). When satisfied with the History Filename, press OK. The new History
File will be automatically loaded into the Analyzers memory.
D. Verify Tasks: Select PROP/ROTOR BALANCE and press START ANALYSIS. Press TASK and
verify the appropriate tasks are available as shown in Table 1.

Task Ch Conditions Collect Data Typical Data Use

GND LT 1A Gnd Run 100% Track Pattern Correct with PC Link Adjustment

Lateral Vibration Correct with Mass Adjustment

HOV VT 2A Hover IGE Track Pattern Correct with PC Link Adjustment

Vertical Vibration Save for reference only

HOV LT 1A Hover IGE Lateral Vibration Correct with Mass

80KT VT 2A 80Kt Level Flight Track Pattern Save for reference only

Vertical Vibration Correct with Tab Adjustment

MCP VT 2A MCP Level Flight Track Pattern Save for reference only

Vertical Vibration Correct with Tab Adjustment

Table 1 - AS-350/355 M/R Data Collection Tasks

E. Main Rotor Definition: Refer to the main rotor depiction in Fig. 5 for locations and angles.
F. Strobe Tracking: When checking blade track using a signal mux which supports strobe tracking,
press TRACK OPTS and select THREE BLADE ROTOR followed by START ANALYSIS.
G. MicroTracker Tracking: When checking blade track using a signal mux which supports the
MicroTracker press TRACK OPTS and select THREE BLADE ROTOR. If desired, measure the
distance from the MicroTracker operator to the rotor blade tips and enter that value in inches under
SET TRACK DISTANCE then press START ANALYSIS. Refer to the diagram in Fig. 5 for blade
order.

AN-MV2-AS350-4 Copyright 1993-2012, Dynamic Solutions Systems Inc. All Rights Reserved
 Main Rotor Track & Balance Procedure
NOTE: This procedure uses color codes to define adjustment locations. Before you rely upon this system, you
must verify that the Main Rotor depiction matches your rotor system exactly. If the color codes on your rotor do not
match the diagrams in this procedure, then you should ignore color codes and use location angles instead.
A. Ground Tests
AS-350/355 Main Rotor
1. Select task GND LT. Run up the aircraft to 100% on the ground and (Viewed from above)
check track. RED
(360)
Rotation
2. Adjust the main rotor track using pitch link adjustment for the best Fwd
ground track possible. Continue adjusting the ground track until blade Magnetic Pickup
spread is less than .5 in (12.7mm).
3. If desired, collect lateral vibration (min.5 avgs) and correct ground
balance using mass (weight plates). Allowable ground lateral vibration
levels per AEC are .35 in/s (high gear) and .20 in/s (low gear). Reflective Tape
YELLOW BLUE
B. Hover Track (120) (underneath swashplate (240)
for use with Photo-Tach)

1. Select task HOV VT. Hover the aircraft and check track. Optical Tracker Blade Identification
(tracker pointed forward, left of nose)
2. Make additional pitch link adjustments until the hover track is less than
.5 in (12.7mm).
C. Preliminary Hover Balance RED YELLOW BLUE

Fig 5 - Blade Locations

1. Select task HOV LT. Hover the aircraft and collect lateral vibration
(minimum 5 averages). If the lateral vibration is above .2 in/s correct the
balance using blade weight. Continue correcting lateral balance until the vibration level is below .2
in/s.
2. Select task HOV VT. Collect vertical vibration (minimum 5 averages) for reference only.
D. In-Flight Track
1. Select task 80KT VT. Fly at 80kts straight and level. Check track and collect the 80kt vertical
vibration (minimum 5 averages).
2. Select task MCP VT. Fly at Maximum Continuous Power straight and level. Check track and
collect the MCP vertical vibration (minimum 5 averages).
3. On the first vertical correction, you should generally make a trim tab correction based on the track
picture. Enter the trim tab adjustment into both 80KT VT and MCP VT tasks.
Example: If the RED blade (360) is low in the track picture and you bend the tab on the red blade up
1.0 degree - then on tasks 80KT VT and MCP VT you will enter an adjustment of +1.0 on the RED
blade (360). Thereafter, the solution displayed will be in degrees of tab adjustment.
4. On subsequent vertical corrections, you can utilize the displayed solution to adjust the tabs
directly. The solution will always be split between 120, 240 or 360. Choose which pair of blades to
adjust based on the track picture.
5. Repeat track and vibration readings using tasks 80KT VT and MCP VT. Continue correcting track
until vertical vibration is below .2in/s.
E. Final Hover Balance
1. Select task HOV LT. Hover the aircraft and collect lateral vibration(minimum 5 averages).
2. If the lateral vibration is above .2 in/s correct the balance using blade weight. Continue correcting
balance until the vibration level is below .2 in/s.
F. Autorotation Check
1. After adjustments are complete, check autorotation speed per manufacturers requirements

Copyright 1993-2012, Dynamic Solutions Systems Inc. All Rights Reserved AN-MV2-AS350-5
 II. Tail Rotor Balancing
Tail Rotor Balance Equipment Installation
NOTE: The AS-350/355 tail rotor can be balanced using either the AEC 350-81 tail rotor bracket or the DSS 1603
tail rotor bracket.
Fig 6 - Photo-tach & Tape using
350-81 Bracket
Fig 7 - Accel & Photo-tach using
1603 Bracket
A. Using 350-81 Bracket: Remove the nuts from T/R Gearbox
input housing at 10:00 and 12:00 position. Install bracket 350-81
and reinstall nuts. Torque to EC requirements.
B. Vibration Sensor and Photo Tach: Attach the Vibration Sensor
to the 350-81 bracket using a 1/4-28 1/2" stud. Use the vibration
sensor to "sandwich" the Photo Tach bracket 1009 between the
sensor and the tail rotor gearbox pedestal as shown in Fig. 6.
The sensitive axist should point up.
C. Using DSS 1603 Bracket: Remove the nut from T/R Gearbox
input housing at the 12:00 position. Attach 1015 Photo-tach to
the 1603 bracket. Attach 1460 Vibration sensor to 1603 bracket
using 1/4-28 stud. Attach 1603 bracket to gearbox as shown in
Fig. 7.
D. Route Cables: Connect and route cable 1096 to signal mux
CH:4. Connect and route cable 1097 to signal mux CH:D.
E. Align: Align the Photo Tach so that the light beam is roughly
parallel with the T/R output shaft and strikes the tail rotor when
the blade passes through the 2:30 portion of its rotation as
shown in Figs 6 or 8.
F. Reflective Tape: Attach a 1.0 x 1.5 (25.4mm x 38.1mm) piece
of reflective tape to one of the tail rotor blade grips as shown in
Figs 6 and 8. Choose the location carefully so as to insure that
the tape passes through the Photo Tach light as it rotates.
G. Check Alignment: Verify the photo-tach to tape alignment by
powering up the MicroVib unit and turning the rotor until the
reflective tape passes through the photo sensors light beam.
When the tape passes through the light beam, the photo sensor
pilot light will illuminate to indicate a valid reflection.

Fig 8 - Photo-tach & Tape using

1603 bracket

AN-MV2-AS350-6 Copyright 1993-2012, Dynamic Solutions Systems Inc. All Rights Reserved
 Tail Rotor Balance Equipment Setup
A. Create New History File: If needed, create a new history file using the procedure from the Main
Rotor Track and Balance section.
B. Verify Task: Select PROP/ROTOR BALANCE press START ANALYSIS. Press TASK and verify
the appropriate tasks are available as shown in Table 2.

Task Ch Conditions Collect Data Typical Data Use

T/R 270 4D Gnd Run Intermediate Speed Vertical Vibration Correct with Mass Adjustment
T/R BAL 4D Gnd Run 100% Speed Vertical Vibration Correct with Mass Adjustment

Table 2 - AS-350/355 T/R Data Collection Task

C. Tail Rotor Definition: Refer to the tail rotor depiction in Fig. 9 for locations and angles.

Tail Rotor Balance Procedure

NOTE: When using the rotor protractor to verify weight locations, the rotation arrows must be observed. The
AS-350/355 tail rotor turns Counter Clockwise so the protractor's blue side must be used.
NOTE: If balance adjustments are needed, only adjust one axis at a time. Start with Chordwise balance
adjustment, then adjust Spanwise balance adjustment.
A. T/R Balance Check and Adjustment
1. Run Up To Intermediate Speed: Run aircraft up to 270 M/R RPM AS-350/355 Tail Rotor
(1430 T/R RPM) and stabilize. Rotation TIP1 (360)

2. Collect Intermediate T/R Vibration: Select task T/R 270. Collect Reflective Tape
Tail Rotor Vibration (min 10 avgs) (underneath
blade)
Weight
3. Intermediate T/R Check: If Intermediate Tail Rotor Vibration is Locations
over 1.0 in/s, adjust weights uisng the solution displayed in the
Solution Generator.
4. Repeat: Repeat steps 1-3 until vibration is below 1.0 in/s. CHORD A CHORD B
(270) (90)
5. Run Up To Ground Nominal Speed: Run the aircraft up to 100%
(1980/2020 T/R RPM) and stabilize.
6. Collect Ground Nominal T/R Vibration: Select task T/R BAL. Weight
Locations
Collect Tail Rotor vibration (min 10 avgs).
7. Ground Nominal T/R Balance : Adjust the rotor using the
solution displayed in the Solution Generator.
TIP2 (180)
8. Enter Changes: Enter actual weight changes into the Solution
Calculator for tasks T/R 270 and T/R BAL. Fig 9 - T/R Locations

9. Repeat: Repeat steps 1-8 until Intermediate and Ground Nominal

Tail Rotor vibration are both below .35 in/s.

Copyright 1993-2012, Dynamic Solutions Systems Inc. All Rights Reserved AN-MV2-AS350-7
III. Intermediate Driveshaft (Short Shaft) Balancing
Intermediate Driveshaft Equipment Installation
Fig 10 - Vibration Sensor
Fig 11 - Photo-Tach on Exhaust Shield
Fig 12 - Tape and Photo-Tach Mounted
on Cowling Fasteners
AN-MV2-AS350-8
A. Fairing: Remove tail rotor driveshaft fairing and attach the
optional maintenance exhaust shield.
B. Vibration Sensor: Attach the Vibration Sensor to the right
side of the forward drive shaft bearing support using bracket
1008. The Vibration Sensor's sensitive axis should point
right as shown in Fig. 10.
C. Photo-Tach (exhaust shield): If using a maintenance
exhaust shield, attach the photo-tach to the side of the
exhaust shield as shown in Fig. 11. The photo-tach should
point aft and downward so that the light beam will strike the
forward face of the driveshaft coupling at the 6:00 position.
D. Photo-Tach (cowling fasteners): If a maintenance exhaust
shield is not in use, attach the photo-tach to one of the quick
lock cowling fasteners on the right side of the driveshaft
forward of the bearing support as shown in Fig. 12. Cover the
photocell bracket with a strip of duct tape for additional
support. Photo-Tach should point aft and slightly upward so
that the light beam will strike the forward face of the
driveshaft coupling at the 6:00 position.
E. Route Cables: Connect and route accelerometer cable 1096
to signal mux CH:3. Connect and route photo-tach cable
1097 to signal mux CH:C.
F. Reflective Tape: Attach a 1.0 x .5 (25.4 x 12.7mm) piece
of reflective tape 1017 to the driveshaft. Tape should be
aligned with the 360 degree spline coupling attach bolt as
shown in Fig 12. The tape should pass through the
PhotoTach light beam at the 6:00 position.
G. Test Installation: Test the reflective target's position as
described in the section on Main Rotor Track and Balancing.
Copyright 1993-2012, Dynamic Solutions Systems Inc. All Rights Reserved
 Intermediate Driveshaft Balance Equipment Setup
A. Create New History File: If needed, create a new history file using the procedure from the Main
Rotor Track and Balance section.
B. Verify Task: Select PROP/ROTOR BALANCE press START ANALYSIS. Press TASK and verify
the appropriate tasks are available as shown in Table 3.

Task Ch Conditions Collect Data Typical Data Use

S/S BAL 3C Gnd Run 100% Vertical Vibration Correct with Mass Adjustment

Table 3 - AS-350/355 S/S Balancing Task

C. Verify Tasks: Select PROP/ROTOR BALANCE and press START ANALYSIS. Press TASK and
verify the following task is set up:
S/S BAL (100% ground run)
Short shaft vibration - Correct with mass adj.
D. Weight Location Definition: Refer to the coupling depiction in Fig. 13 for locations and angles.

Intermediate Driveshaft Balance Procedure

NOTE: While the AS-350 driveshaft is easily balanced, its great sensitivity to weight requires that the mechanic
use extreme care in weighing weights. A mistake of .5 grams will generate a .3-.5 in/s error!
A. Ground Balancing
1. Remove Cotter Pins: Before balancing, remove three AS-350 S/S Weight Locations
(Looking Aft)
cotter pins from the three bolts to be used for balancing.
Rotation
2. Balance at 100%: Select task S/S BAL and run up the
aircraft to 100% M/R RPM (5750-5860 RPM) and stabilize.
LOC A LOC B
3. Collect Vibration: Collect Short Shaft vibration (120) (240)
(minimum 10 averages).
4. Adjust Weights: Adjust the rotor using the solution
displayed in the Solution Calculator.
5. Enter Changes: Enter the actual weight changes into
the Solution Calculator. Reflective
Tape TARGET
6. Repeat: Repeat the previous four steps until the (360)
vibration is acceptable.
7. Cotter Pins: Once balancing is completed, secure the
driveshaft bolts by installing three new, identical weight Figure 13
cotter pins.
B. Misc Notes
1. Excessive Vibration: EC recommends that if the vibration level is above .80 in/s, the assembly
should be inspected per manufacturer instructions. If vibration level is below .80 in/s the system
should be balanced to below .20 in/s.
2. Number of Locations: Weight should only be added to the three splined coupling attach bolts as
shown in Fig. 13.

Copyright 1993-2012, Dynamic Solutions Systems Inc. All Rights Reserved AN-MV2-AS350-9
IV. Main Rotor RPM Check
Main Rotor RPM Check Equipment Installation
NOTE: If the MicroTach is not available, the MicroVib II Aircraft Analyzer can be substituted. To use the MicroVib II
to read NR directly, use the Tach Ratio Display mode and set TACH RPM = 390 and 100% RPM = 390.
A. Magnetic Pickup: If the aircraft is already equipped with a magnetic pickup, attach magnetic pickup
cable to the mag pickup and route the cable to the cabin. Secure the cable to keep it free of controls
and any hot items. In the cabin, connect the cable to the MicroTach.
B. Photo-Tach: If the aircraft is not equipped with a magnetic pickup, attach the photo-tach as
described in the section Main Rotor Track and Balancing.

AS-350 Main Rotor RPM Check Procedure

A. Startup: Start engine and operate main rotor at desired check speed. Read RPM on MicroTach and
compare to panel Main Rotor RPM display. Note difference. This is the amount of error in the panel
tach. Shut down engine.
B. Check Complete: Remove equipment from aircraft and stow as required.

AN-MV2-AS350-10 Copyright 1993-2012, Dynamic Solutions Systems Inc. All Rights Reserved
 V. Dynamic Vibration Absorber Tuning (Gated Throttle Method)
Vibration Absorber Equipment Installation
A. Attach Vibration Sensors: Remove the aircraft forward belly and attach two Vibration Sensors to
the lateral beam close to each of the vibration dampers (hammers) using the supplied 1/4-28 studs.
Vibration sensor sensitive axis should be pointed down.
B. Attach Cables: Attach Accelerometer Cables to sensors and run into aircraft cabin. Connect cables
to Signal Mux. CH:1 is connected to the left sensor (co-pilot) and CH:2 is connected to the right
sensor (pilot). Connect Signal Mux to MicroVib II Analyzer.

Vibration Absorber Tuning Equipment Setup

A. Create New History File: If needed, create a new history file using the procedure from the Main
Rotor Track and Balance section.
B. Set Spectrum Mode: Set for Spectrum Mode. Press: MODE then SPECTRUM ANALYSIS then
START ANALYSIS.
C. Set Max Averages: Press SPEC OPTS then MAXIMUM NUMBER OF AVERAGES. Set the value
to 8 and press OK.
D. Set Resolution: Press SET MAX FREQ AND LINES. Press 400 LINES and then DONE.

Vibration Absorber Tuning Procedure

NOTE: The hammer tuning procedure should only be accomplished after the NR speed has been adjusted using
the MicroTach procedure elsewhere in this procedure.
A. Flight Regime: Fly at max continuous cruise (110-120 kts). DO NOT put aircraft in a dive.
B. Collect Spectrum: Collect an averaged spectrum on channel 1. When averaging is complete (8+
samples), press SAVE PLOT and then OK
C. Collect Spectrum: Collect an averaged spectrum on channel 2. When averaging is complete (8+
samples), hit SAVE PLOT and then OK.
D. Reduce NR: Carefully ungate the throttle and reduce NR by about 5 RPM.
E. Collect Spectrum: Collect an averaged spectrum on channel 1. When averaging is complete (8+
samples), hit SAVE PLOT and then OK.
F. Collect Spectrum: Collect an averaged spectrum on channel 2. When averaging is complete (8+
samples), hit SAVE PLOT and then OK.
G. Check Data: Land and shut down aircraft. Recall each saved spectrum by pressing FILE, selecting
desired spectrum file and then pressing OPEN FILE. Use peak locate mode to check 3rd order peak
on each spectrum. Adjust each hammer separately, in one or two millimeter increments.
H. Hammer Too Long: If the peak amplitude goes down as NR is reduced, the hammer is too long.
Adjust the hammer weight to make the hammer shorter.
I. Hammer Too Short: If the peak amplitude goes up as NR is reduced, the hammer is too short.
Adjust the hammer weight to make the hammer longer.
J. Repeat: Repeat the previous 9 steps as necessary.

Copyright 1993-2012, Dynamic Solutions Systems Inc. All Rights Reserved AN-MV2-AS350-11
VI. Dynamic Vibration Absorber Tuning (Rap Test Method)
Vibration Absorber Tuning Equipment Installation
A. Attach Vibration Sensors: Remove the aircraft forward belly and
attach two Vibration Sensors 1014 or 1460-1 to the lateral beam
close to each of the vibration dampers (hammers) using the
bracket 1256 as shown in Fig.14.
B. Attach Cables: Attach Accelerometer Cables to sensors and run
into aircraft cabin. Connect cables to Signal Mux. CH:1 is
connected to the left sensor (co-pilot) and CH:2 is connected to
the right sensor (pilot). Connect Signal Mux to MicroVib II
Analyzer. Fig 14 - Right Vib Sensor
C. Attach Photo-Tach / Magnetic P/U: If performing in-flight
performance verification, install the Photo-tach or Mag P/U as
described in the Main Rotor section.

Vibration Absorber Tuning Equipment Setup

A. Download Latest Group File: Visit www.dssmicro.com, then download and install the latest
AS350VA group file into your MicroVib II Aircraft Analyzer.
B. Create New History File: Press MODE then CONTROL PANEL then NEW HISTORY FILE. Select
the AS350VA group file, select it and then press SELECT GROUP FILE.
C. Modify History Filename: Enter the aircraft tail number (or other identification number). When
satisfied with the History Filename, press OK. The new History File will be automatically loaded into
the Analyzers memory.
D. Verify Tasks: Select PROP/ROTOR BALANCE press START ANALYSIS. Press TASK and verify
the appropriate tasks are available as shown in Table 4.

Task Ch Conditions Collect Data Typical Data Use

GND LFT 1 Gnd - Engine Static Left DVA Vibration Adjust Left DVA to actual 3rd order freq

GND RT 2 Gnd - Engine Static Right DVA Vibration Adjust Right DVA to actual 3rd order freq

120 LFT 1 120Kt Level Flight Left Vert Vibration Use to determine actual M/R 3rd order freq

120 RT 2 120Kt Level Flight Right Vert Vibration Use to determine actual M/R 3rd order freq

Table 4 - AS-350/355 DVA Tuning Data Collection Tasks

A. Set Spectrum Options: Press MODE then SPECTRUM ANALYSIS then START ANALYSIS.
1. Set Display Units: Press SPEC OPTS, SET DISPLAY UNITS, DISPLAY ACCEL UNITS then
DONE.
2. Set Averages: Press MAXIMUM NUMBER OF AVERAGES. Set the value to 8 and press OK.
3. Set Resolution: Press SET MAX FREQ AND LINES. Press 400 LINES and then DONE.
4. Set Trigger Level: Press SET TRIGGER, SET TRIGGER LEVEL enter the number .5 then OK.
5. Shut MicroVib Unit off.

AN-MV2-AS350-12 Copyright 1993-2012, Dynamic Solutions Systems Inc. All Rights Reserved
 Vibration Absorber Tuning Procedure
A. Collect Pre-Adjustment Spectrum Data (In-Flight)
1. Attach belly pan and make aircraft ready for flight. Select task 120 LFT and fly aircraft at 120KT /
MCP straight and level.
2. When stabilized, press AVG DATA. Collect a minimum of 8 averages and press SAVE PLOT,
note the default filename and press OK.
3. Select task 120 RT and repeat the previous step to collect data from the right sensor.
4. Recall the 120 RT and 120 LFT spectrum plots. Place cursor on large peak near to 1170 CPM.
Use Peak Locate mode to determine the exact blade rate vibration frequency seen at 120 KT.
B. Test Left Vibration Absorber (Static)
1. Remove belly pan and obtain a rubber tipped hammer for vibration
absorber excitation.
2. Detune the DVA not under test by hanging a shot filled bag or other
weight near the adjustable lead mass.
3. Select Task GND LFT.
4. Set Level Trigger by pressing SPEC OPTS, SET TRIGGER, LEVEL
TRIGGER. Fig 15 - Rapping DVA
5. Set Fixed Gain by pressing SET MAXIMUM INPUT, enter five (5) then OK. Press DONE then
START ANALYSIS.
6. Wait until the analyzer displays the LEVEL TRIG ARMED flag then deliver a single, vertical blow
(rap) to the left vibration absorber as shown in Fig 15. Verify that the analyzer is triggered by the
blow then wait for the display to be updated.
7. Use the cursor in PEAK LOCATE mode to evaluate the vibration peak near 1170 CPM. Note the
amplitude of the vibration peak. Repeat the previous step several times until you can deliver a
repeatable blow which yields a vibration peak in the range of 0.1 to 0.2 Gs.
8. When the hammer blows yield repeatable data, press AVG DATA and wait for the analyzer to
display the LEVEL TRIG ARMED flag. Deliver 8 vertical blows to the vibration absorber. After each
blow, wait for the LEVEL TRIG ARMED flag to appear before delivering the next blow.
C. Tune Left Vibration Absorber (Static)
1. Tune the DVA to the frequency determined in section A.4 above, either by sliding the mass or by
adding or removing washers.
2. To decrease the frequency, slide the weight away from the DVA mount or add washers (1
washer makes about 1 RPM change in tuning).
3. To increase the frequency, slide the weight towards the mount or remove washers.
D. Test and Tune Right Vibration Absorber (Static)
1. Select task GND RT and repeat sections B and C above to test and tune the right vibration
absorber.
E. Collect Post-Adjustment In-Flight Data (In-Flight)
1. Attach belly pan and make aircraft ready for flight.
2. Set Auto Trigger by pressing SPEC OPTS, SET TRIGGER, AUTO TRIGGER.
3. Set Autoranging by pressing SET MAXIMUM INPUT, enter zero (0) then OK. Press DONE then
START ANALYSIS.
4. Select task 120 LFT and fly aircraft at 120KT/MCP straight and level.
5. When stabilzed, press AVG DATA. Collect 8 averages and press SAVE PLOT, note the default
filename and press OK.
6. Select task 120 RT and repeat the previous step to collect data from the right sensor

Copyright 1993-2012, Dynamic Solutions Systems Inc. All Rights Reserved AN-MV2-AS350-13
VII. Arriel NG Droop Check
Droop Check Equipment Installation
A. Magnetic Pickup: If the aircraft is already equipped with a magnetic pickup, attach magnetic pickup
cable to the mag pickup and route the cable to the cabin. Secure the cable to keep it free of controls
and any hot items. In the cabin, connect the cable to the MicroTach.
B. Photo-Tach: If the aircraft is not equipped with a magnetic pickup, attach the photo-tach as
described in the section Main Rotor Track and Balancing.
C. N1 Adapter Cable: Locate the N1 tach generator on the bottom of the engine about midway
between the front and rear of the engine. Remove the 3 socket plug attached to the tach generator
and replace it with the 3 socket plug from the adapter cable 1156. Connect the aircraft plug to the 3
pin jack on the adapter cable. Route the Adapter Cable to the cabin and secure the cable as
required to avoid fouling in controls and to keep the cable away from any hot items. Plug adapter
cable into MicroVib II in cabin.

Droop Check Equipment Setup

A. Create New History File: If needed, create a new history file using the procedure from the Main
Rotor Track and Balance section.
B. Power Up MicroVib II: Turn on MicroVib II on by pressing the ON OFF key.
C. Set Tach Mode: Press MODE then TACH RATIO DISPLAY then START ANALYSIS.
D. Set Tach RPM: Press: TACH OPTS. Press SET TACH RPM and enter 8401 then OK.
E. Set 100% RPM: Press SET 100% RPM and enter 51800 then OK.

Droop Check Procedure

A. NG Reading: Start engine and perform a ground run at full RPM. Read NG (%RPM) on MicroVib II
and make a note of this value.
B. NR Reading: Also read NR (RPM) on the MicroTach and make a note of this value.
C. Governer Setting:Shut down engine and record the setting from the lower governor scale
(Degrees) on engine and make a note of this value.
D. Plot Data: Plot NG (%RPM) and governor scale reading (Degrees) on Turbomeca chart to
determine what the minimum NR speed is for that power setting. The actual NR speed should be the
minimum +5 -0 RPM.

AN-MV2-AS350-14 Copyright 1993-2012, Dynamic Solutions Systems Inc. All Rights Reserved