Graphing Tools
The following table describes each of the graphing-related tools available in Graph View.
Depending on the type of data you are viewing, some of these buttons may be unavailable or they may change to reflect options that suit your current display.
Important! These buttons ONLY appear when you are in Graph View.
Most of the graphing functions can be performed by clicking a toolbar button or by making a selection from the Graph menu. There are also keyboard shortcuts and hotspots you can use on graphs. Additionally, you can use the Graph Remote Control to perform some common actions quickly, such as switching between acceleration and velocity.
Many of your graphing tool selections are retained as preferences so you do not have to reset your view as you navigate the tree.
Graphing Toolbar Button |
Alternative Access |
Description |
Toggle Add/Replace Mode
|
Graph>Add mode>Replace Data In Graph Graph>Add mode>Add Data to Existing Graph |
When in Add mode, selected data is added to the existing data in the graph. When in Replace mode, data is first cleared from the graph before the new data is graphed. Note: This tool is only enabled when you are viewing routine (survey) data. It is not enabled when you view advanced tests configured in the field. |
Data Type
|
Graph>Data type>Spectra Graph>Data type>Cepstrum Graph>Data type>Waveforms Graph>Data type>Autocorrelation Graph>Data type>Overalls Graph>Data type>Phase You can also use keyboard shortcuts to display different data types: S (spectral), C (cepstrum), W (waveform), A (autocorrelation), O (overall), and P (phase). |
Allows you to view different types of data. Only data types that have been enabled for the current location are available. Note: If you select a process point in the tree, a trend of that data appears. |
Change Format
|
Graph>Format>Single Graph Graph>Format>Triaxial Graph Graph>Format>Double Triaxial Graph Graph>Format>Orbit Graph Graph>Format>Single Circular Graph Graph>Format>Triaxial Circular Graph You can also use keyboard shortcuts to change graph format: 1 (single), 3 (triax), 6 (double triax), 2 (orbit), 5 (single axis circular), and 4 (triax circular). |
Changes view between single, triaxial, and double triaxial formats; and when time waveform is selected, between orbit, single circular, and triaxial circular formats. Note: When viewing Bode advanced test data, single and triaxial Nyquist formats are available via the Change Format toolbar button and the Graph>Format menu. |
Change Layout
|
Graph>Layout>Single Graph>Layout>Waterfall Graph>Layout>Overlay You can also use keyboard shortcuts to toggle between layouts. Use Ctrl+W to toggle between waterfall and single layouts; use Ctrl+O to toggle between overlay and single layouts. When viewing a waterfall plot of time waveform data, press the J key on your keyboard to toggle between the following waveform trend parameters: Trend of Crest Factor, Trend of Symmetry, Trend of Peak-to-Peak, Trend of RMS. You can also use the up and down arrow keys ▲▼ to move between graphs on waterfall or overlay plots. |
Toggles between single, waterfall, and overlay plot modes. |
Change Axis
|
Graph>Axis>Axial Graph>Axis>Vertical Graph>Axis>Horizontal |
Allows you to choose one of the available axes. The options available use the nomenclature specified in the database (for example, RTA, VHA, or XYZ). |
Change Range
|
Graph>Range>Low Range Graph>Range High Range Graph>Range>Demod Range You can also use keyboard shortcuts to change range: L (low range), H (high range), and D (demod range). |
Toggles between displaying low, high, and demod frequency ranges. |
Overlay Averages
|
Graph>Overlay Baseline Spectra>No Baseline Spectrum Overlay Graph>Overlay Baseline Spectra>Overlay Average Baseline Spectrum Graph>Overlay Baseline Spectra>Overlay One Sigma Baseline Spectrum Graph>Overlay Baseline Spectra>Overlay Average and One Sigma Spectra You can also press Ctrl+B on your keyboard to toggle through the available options. |
Specifies how you want averages displayed. Available choices are no overlay, average overlay, average + one sigma overlay, or average and average + one sigma (two data sets). |
Toolbox
|
Graph>View Toolbox | Opens the Analysis Tools dialog box so you can specify harmonic and sideband cursors, set machine and spectra speed, and modify the forcing frequencies. |
Set Graph Properties
|
Graph>View Graph Preferences | Opens a dialog box so you can change the properties of the current graph, including scale, units, and color. The data type displayed determines which properties are available. |
Select Latest/Previous/etc.
|
Graph>Data displayed>Latest Data Graph>Data displayed>Previous Data Graph>Data displayed>Latest + Previous Graph>Data displayed>All Available Data Graph>Data displayed>Show No Data - Averages Only Graph>Data displayed>Select Date from List You can also use keyboard shortcuts to select the test data you want displayed: ] (latest), [ (previous), \ (latest + previous). The other options do not have keyboard shortcuts. |
Allows you to select the data you want to see based on date. You can choose the current data, previous data, latest and previous, all test data, no test data (for displaying only the average baseline), and select tests only. You can use Shift+click and Ctrl+click to select multiple test dates. All of these buttons are enabled when viewing routine survey data in Graph View. However, if you select Advanced Tests or All from the associate drop‑down list, (see the next item in this table), only the Select Date from List button is enabled. This is because special tests and routine data cannot be graphed simultaneously, nor can different types of advanced tests. |
Select Test Type
|
You can use keyboard shortcuts to select a test type: 0 (All Data), 9 (Advanced Tests), and 8 (Survey). |
Select the type of tests you want to be included in the available data. This drop-down list only appears when you click the Select Latest/Previous/etc. buttons.
|
Harmonics Toggle
|
Harmonics may be toggled on and off by pressing the Ctrl+H key on the keyboard. Harmonics may also be set via the Harmonics tab of the Toolbox. You can also use the Graph Remote Control to see harmonic families. |
Toggles between harmonic marker modes: off, on, and track cursor. |
|
Pressing Ctrl+T on the keyboard toggles sideband cursor tracking between the center and sideband frequency. Center frequency tracking may also be turned on via the Sidebands tab of the Toolbox. |
Toggles between center marker modes: on, off, and track cursor. |
Sidebands Toggle
|
Sidebands may be toggled on and off by pressing the Ctrl+S key on the keyboard. Sidebands may also be set via the Sidebands tab of the Toolbox . You can also use the Graph Remote Control to see sideband families. |
Toggles between sideband marker modes: on and track cursor. This button is disabled if the Center Frequency button is toggled to off. |
Kill Highlighted Peaks
|
N/A | Removes peaks from the graph that have harmonic or sideband markers on them. They are removed only from the displayed graph—not deleted from the data stored in the database. |
Toggle Reference Cursor
|
The reference cursor may be toggled on and off at the current cursor position by pressing Ctrl+R on the keyboard. | Toggles a reference cursor on and off at the current cursor location on the graph. |
Set Speed
|
Graph>Set Speed At Cursor You can also press F3 on your keyboard. |
Sets spectrum speed based on the current cursor position. This tool is helpful when you want to manually normalize data. |
Restore Original Graph Settings
|
Graph>Re-store Graph Settings (Autoscale) Pressing the R key on the keyboard returns the graph to its original scale. |
Restores the original graph scale. |
Mark Peaks
|
Graph>Add Markers to Harmonics/Sidebands Markers on harmonics/sidebands may be toggled on by pressing the M key on the keyboard. |
Leaves a permanent marker at every harmonic and/or sideband. This enables you set up additional harmonics/sidebands so you can view multiple sets at once to check off peaks during analysis. You can also look at peak families via the Graph Remote Control. |
Clear Marks
|
Graph>Clear Markers Markers on harmonics/sidebands may be toggled off by pressing the Z key on the keyboard. You can also use the Cursor Off button on the Graph Remote Control to clear all cursors, including harmonic and sideband markers. |
Clears any markers placed on harmonics and/or sidebands. |
Graphical Analysis Tips
|
N/A |
Opens a help file containing useful graphing tips. |
|
Graph>Graph Remote Control |
Opens the Graph Remote Control window. |
Save Graph to
|
N/A |
Saves graph to a user-defined point named "Graphs." If the Graphs UDP does not already exist, it is created for you. |
Keyboard Shortcuts
There are a number of ways to enhance the analysis of spectral and other data using the keyboard or mouse clicks in conjunction with the keyboard. The following tables list all of the keyboard shortcuts available with the ALERT software.
The first table (below) shows shortcuts only available while in Graph View.
The second table shows general shortcuts that may be used in ALERT, regardless of whether you are in Detail View, List View, Graph View, Analysis View, or Photo/Drawing View.
The software will respond regardless of case (for example, both S and s will toggle the spectral graphs).
In all cases, a plus sign (+) shown between keys means the keys must be pressed simultaneously.
Shortcuts for Graph View
This keyboard key... |
Does this... |
S , s |
Presents spectral data, if available |
C , c |
Presents cepstrum data, if available |
W ,w |
Presents waveform data, if available |
A , a |
Presents autocorrelation data, if available |
O , o |
Presents overall data, if available |
P , p |
Presents phase data, if available |
L , l |
Presents Low Range data, if available |
H , h |
Presents High Range data, if available |
D , d |
Presents Demod Range data, if available |
1 |
Switches to single axis graph format |
2 |
Switches to orbit graph format |
3 |
Switches to triax graph format |
4 |
Switches to triax circular format |
5 |
Switches to single axis circular format |
6 |
Switches to double triax graph format |
PgDn |
Moves to next machine |
PgUp |
Moves to previous machine |
Shift+PgDn |
Moves to next set of test data The order is: axis, range (L-H-D), position and machine |
Shift+PgUp |
Moves to previous set of test data The order is: axis, range (L-H-D), position and machine |
Ctrl+PgDn |
Moves to the same graph on the next position on the tree |
Ctrl+PgUp |
Moves to the same graph on the previous position on the tree |
{ , [ |
Moves to test data just previous of the latest test data on a location |
] , } |
Moves to latest test data on a location |
\ , | |
Presents both the latest and previous data |
F , f |
Displays the fault frequencies (also known as forcing frequencies). |
B , b |
Displays the bearing frequency markers, if location configured for a specific bearing. |
/ , ? |
Locates and moves cursor to exact peak value |
N, n |
Sets the speed to the current cursor value. You are asked to confirm this action. |
Y , y |
Toggles between Auto-scale, All, Auto-Scale Each, and Fixed Scale |
R , r |
Returns the graph to its original scale. The original scale is based on the settings defined when the graph was originally drawn. |
F3 |
Opens the Set Spectrum Speed dialog box |
Ctrl+B |
Toggles baseline spectra ON (Average, Average+Sigma, Average and Sigma) and OFF. |
Ctrl+C |
Copies graph to clipboard |
Ctrl+H |
Toggles harmonics ON / OFF |
Ctrl+S |
Toggles sideband cursors ON / OFF |
Ctrl+T |
Toggles sideband cursor tracking between center and sideband frequency |
Ctrl+R |
Toggles the Reference Cursor ON / OFF at the current cursor position |
Ctrl+W |
Toggles waterfall and single layout for graphs |
Ctrl+O |
Toggles overlay and single layout for graphs |
M , m |
If you have either harmonics or sidebands set up, places markers at the harmonics or sidebands |
Z , z |
Clears markers |
Q , q |
Toggles between a quick zoom around the current cursor and restoring the original X-axis scale |
X , x |
Places 1xRPM sidebands around the current center cursor and sets the center cursor to tracking mode |
J , j |
Toggles between the four waveform trend parameters on waterfall plots |
◄► |
Moves the cursor left or right |
< > |
Makes micro-cursor movements left or right |
Shift+◄► |
Changes horizontal space assigned to Low and High Range for dual triax graphs |
Home |
Toggles the visibility of the slider arrows for dual triax graphs |
▲▼ |
Moves between graphs on waterfall or overlay plot layouts |
Ctrl+◄► Ctrl+▲▼ |
Changes aspect ratio of a waterfall graph |
8 |
Changes data selection drop-down to Survey Test Data |
9 |
Changes data selection drop-down to Advanced Test Data |
0 |
Changes data selection drop-down to All Data (Survey and Advanced Tests) |
Esc, Space |
Exits from a graph toolbar drop-down with no change |
Tree Control Shortcuts
The shortcut keys in the table below are relative to tree control, use the Alt+ key format, and work in all views.
This keyboard key... |
Does this... |
Alt+M
Alt+? |
Opens the Search Tree for Machine dialog box. Enter a string in the box to find machines with names that include the string. Press Find to search for this string from the top of the tree. Press Find Next to search for this string from the current location on the tree. (The dialog box closes when the match is found.) To step through matches, use Alt+N or Alt+Enter. |
Alt+N Alt+Enter |
Searches for the next machine in tree that matches the specified string in the machine name. |
Alt+P Alt+> Alt+ < |
Moves to the next plant. To move to the previous plant use Alt+<. |
Alt+P Alt+> Alt+< |
Moves to the next area. To move to the previous area use Alt+<. |
Alt+◄► |
Normal expand and contract functions using side arrows. |
Alt+▲▼ |
Normal next and previous visible node functions using up and down arrows. |
Alt+Home |
Moves to first node of tree. |
Alt+End |
Moves to last node of tree. |
General Keyboard Shortcuts
The shortcut keys in the table below may be used in any ALERT view.
Many are typical Windows shortcuts:
This keyboard key… |
Does this… |
Ctrl+D |
Switches to Detail View |
Ctrl+L |
Switches to List View |
Ctrl+A |
Switches to Analysis View |
Ctrl+G |
Switches to Graph View |
Ctrl+P |
Switches to Photo/Drawing View |
Ctrl+E |
Runs the expert system (Expert>Run Expert System) |
Ctrl+U |
Switches to Users And Preferences |
Ctrl+K |
Performs the function In-Tray>Acknowledge Machine (Remove From InTray) You must first expand the Machines In Your In-Tray Master List and highlight a machine. |
Ctrl+I |
Performs the function In-Tray>Modify In-Tray Settings to specify In-Tray settings |
F1 |
Opens the online help file (same as choosing Help>Contents) |
F2 |
Opens the selected plant, area, machine, or location in the tree for editing |
F4 |
Performs the function Expert>Process Current Data |
F5 |
Performs the function Expert>Average Current Data |
F9 |
Saves / updates an item that would normally be saved with the Save toolbar button. |
F11 |
Performs the function View>Auto Refresh (Toggles Auto Refresh ON / OFF) |
F12 |
Performs the function View>Refresh Tree |
Ctrl+Z |
Typical Windows "Undo" command. Works with text entry and rich text fields. |
Ctrl+X |
Typical Windows "Cut" command. Works with text entry and rich text fields. |
Ctrl+V |
Typical Windows "Paste" command. Works with text entry and rich text fields. |
Ctrl+F |
Opens the Font dialog box so you can change text format (font, font style, size, etc.) Only works if you select a note, comment, or details box in which text can be typed. |
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