The JH450 is supplied with an ultrasonic microphone, a stethoscope pickup and other accessories it serves a variety of monitoring, maintenance and troubleshooting uses.
 
The Versaprobe's highly sensitive microphone can spot small leaks before they cause trouble, from as far as 40 feet away. Its built-in loudspeaker and signal strength meter give the user maximum flexibility.
 
The stethoscope probe monitors bearings, vibration and flow noise. Regular use detects impending problems such as bearing wear and cavitation before they lead to major problems.
 
The Versaprobe and its accessories come in a rugged, padded rainproof carrying case. Its built-in NiCad battery pack provides up to 24 hours continuous operation between charges.
 
HOW THE VERSAPROBE WORKS
The Vesaprobe picks up ultrasonic energy in a band centered at 40kHz. After amplification the signal is heterodyned (translated) down to audible frequencies which can be heard in the padded headset or a built-in loudspeaker. The signal also drives a signal-strength meter. Wide-range sensitivity adjustment is provided by a ten-turn control. Audio volume is separately adjustable.
 
A high-sensitivity microphone picks up the high-frequency hiss or noise typically emitted by pressurized gas leaks and electrical corona discharge. By unplugging the microphone and replacing it with a vibration pickup the Versaprobe can also be used to monitor bearings, vibration, valves and flow conditions.
 
PRESSURIZED LEAKS
Small pressurized gas leaks emit an audible high-frequency hiss, but emit much more energy at ultrasonic frequencies. By detecting sound only in the 40kHz region the Versaprobe maximizes sensitivity to leaks while rejecting competing audible noise sources.
 
At high sensitivity, leaks can be heard up to 40 feet away. Once a leak has been discovered it may be pinpointed by reducing the JH450's sensitivity and installing its rubber focusing probe accessory.

ELECTRICAL ARCING
Electrical arcs and, especially, corona discharge emit high amounts of energy in the ultrasonic spectrum and can be detected with the Versaprobe in much the same way as pressurized leaks.

SEALS AND GASKETS
An ultrasound transmitter accessory makes it easy to locate leaks in gaskets, vacuum chambers and other sealed systems. Simply place the battery-powered transmitter inside, close the system and listen with the Versaprobe. The highly directional nature of the ultrasound energy makes it easy to pinpoint the exact location of leaks and voids. Applications include checking for leaks in heat exchangers, aircraft cockpits, refrigerator gaskets and more.

BEARING CONDITION
Ultrasound gives reliable early warning of bearing problems. Not only does ultrasonic noise increase earlier, but it is more easily distinguished from vibrations and mechanical noise. Bearings in good condition give a smooth hiss or rushing sound. Damaged balls often produce a distinct click or "ping". Other types of rough sounds indicate wear or pits in the raceway.

A switch on the vibration pickup lets you choose between sonic (audible) and ultrasonic modes.

VALVES, FLOW, CAVITATION
Smooth flow generates a hissing sound; generally, the faster the flow the louder the sound. Valves can easily be checked by listening with the stethoscope probe. When the valve is closed the hissing sound should stop.

Cavitation and other flow problems will be heard as a change in the flow noise. Erratic, uneven noises will be heard along with or instead of the hissing sound.

OTHER USES
The vibration pickup let you listen to any imaginable mechanical device: engines, pumps, process equipment, etc. Steam traps can be monitored; for instance, if they fail to open you will hear continuous flow instead of periodic or cyclical noises. Different traps produce different sounds: listening while they are functioning properly helps you to learn to detect problems.