Make your own vibration analyzer for 20 bucks! In this video I show you how to make a vibration analyzer to use with your scope and I provide some examples of it in use. In one of my classes, I have students make these sensors to use with their Pico 2204a scope so they can measure and calculate vibrations. The concept is similar to the expensive vibration analyzers, but this process requires the user (you) to do all the calculations. But that's a good thing! If you're learning, you're best off knowing how the fancy expensive machines figure out the problem. This vibration analyzer can easily be used to measure wheel/tire related vibrations, driveline vibrations, engine/accessory vibrations. It can even pick up engine misfires.

You might say that you can download an app for your phone, like "vibrations!" (android) and get the same data. This is true and that app is great, but you'll see in this video you can also build and utilize a position sensor so you can sync the vibration to a component position. With that information, you will know where to place weight if you intend on fixing the imbalance.

Parts List:
AdaFruit.com
accelerometer ADXL335
IR sensor (here or digikey below) ITR20001/T

digikey.com
IR sensor (here or adafruit abive) QRD1114
10k resistor CF14JT10K0
470 resistor CF14JT470R
5v regulator L7805CV