Blogs
Press Release: MTI Instruments’ PBS-4100+ and PBS-4100R+ Engine Vibration & Balancing Systems Now Supports ARINC 429 & AFDX Data
MTI Instruments’ PBS-4100+ and PBS-4100R+ Engine Vibration & Balancing Systems Now Supports ARINC 429 & AFDX Data Expanded digital interface compatibility simplifies engine vibration & balance testing Lockport, IL—April 8, 2025— MTI Instruments, a Vitrek brand, proudly announces the latest update to its industry-leading PBS-4100 Family of Engine Vibration Monitoring Systems — full support for ARINC 429 and ARINC 664 (AFDX) digital data interfaces. This enhancement significantly expands the PBS-4100+ and PBS-4100R+ system’s compatibility with modern engine platforms, including those on the Airbus A320neo, Boeing 737 MAX, Airbus A350, Boeing 787, and more. Leveraging digital data [...]
Press Release: Vitrek, LLC Expands Industry-Leading MTI PBS line to include the PBS eXpress™, a Portable Engine Balancing System for Business and Regional Jets
Vitrek, LLC Expands Industry-Leading MTI PBS line to include the PBS eXpress™, a Portable Engine Balancing System for Business and Regional Jets Lightweight, portable system utilizes proven PBS technology for fast, highly accurate rebalancing of small-frame turbofan and turboprop engines
Case-In-Point: MTI Turbine Vibration Analyzer/Balancing System Technology Principles
What do you think when you’re flying home, cruising at 30,000 feet and the drinks have just been served? Our engineers think about the ripple in the glass. That ripple signals vibration and is an indication that the engine may be in need of a balance.
MTI’s Wireless Gap Measurement Probe System Is Ideal for Rotating Machinery
The Accumeasure capacitance probe system offers major improvement over conventional eddy current probes; network up to four probes per system to deliver rich geometrical in-situ measurements in a variety of industry standard formats. Albany, NY—June 28, 2022—MTI Instruments, a US-based manufacturer of advanced test and measurement equipment, announces the introduction of its Accumeasure Wireless Gap Measurement Probe System. The system consists of up to four, battery-powered, wireless capacitance probes paired via Bluetooth to their receiving device. The wireless capability and compact form factor of the battery-powered probes are designed specifically to measure gap in difficult-to-reach or [...]
Press Release: MTI Instruments Introduces PBS eXpress: Portable Engine Balancing System for Business & Regional Jets
MTI Instruments Introduces PBS eXpress: Portable Engine Balancing System for Business & Regional Jets PBS eXpress marks evolution in company’s proven PBS-4100+ turbofan engine vibration and balancing technology; Lightweight, portable system optimizes and simplifies testing of small-frame turbofan and turboprop engines Albany, NY — April 26, 2022 — MTI Instruments, a U.S.-based manufacturer of advanced test and measurement equipment, introduces the PBS eXpress aircraft engine vibration analysis and balancing system. The PBS eXpress is designed to optimize small-frame turbofan and turboprop engines, commonly utilized in regional jet, business jet and general aviation. The PBS eXpress runs advanced algorithms [...]
Press Release: MTI Instruments’ WiFi-Enabled 1520 Portable Signal Simulator/Calibrator Brings Enhanced Functionality, Laboratory-Grade Accuracy Directly to Flightline and Test-Cell
MTI Instruments’ WiFi-Enabled 1520 Portable Signal Simulator/Calibrator Brings Enhanced Functionality, Laboratory-Grade Accuracy Directly to Flightline and Test-Cell Rugged and portable, the 1520 signal simulator offers up to 10 hours of battery life and extends remote operation; Market-leading visualization and ergonomic features for testing/calibrating sensor-driven aviation systems; Unique WiFi capability eliminates need for second technician to conduct tests . . . Albany, NY — May 3, 2022 — MTI Instruments, a U.S.-based manufacturer of advanced test and measurement equipment, introduces the 1520 Signal Simulator and Calibrator offering market-leading WiFi connectivity, ergonomic and visualization features, and up to 10 hours [...]
Aircraft Vibration Analysis and Measurement Techniques
Aircraft engine vibration is a critical indicator of engine health and overall flight safety. While some level of vibration in aircraft is expected during normal operations, excessive or abnormal vibrations often signal underlying mechanical issues that demand immediate attention. With modern jet engines becoming more complex, real-time vibration monitoring and precise balancing tools are essential for both aircraft maintenance teams and aviation diagnostics specialists. Aircraft vibration measurement tools detect and quantify these issues, enabling maintenance teams to take corrective actions before minor imbalances escalate into major faults.Types of Aircraft VibrationsThere are two main categories of aircraft vibrations:Normal Vibration: Occurs naturally [...]
How Often Should Vibration Analysis Be Performed?
How Often Should Vibration Analysis Be Performed? Once a customer takes delivery of a PBS system and learns how to use it, the next logical question is: “How often should we use it?” At a minimum, your approved maintenance program (whether it’s a program developed by your operation, or the maintenance procedures outlined by the engine/airframe manufacturer) will tell you about the intervals at which to perform a vibration analysis. Usually, there is a procedure to specify how an engine vibration analysis and balance need be only completed when squawked by a pilot or after the completion of maintenance work [...]
Weathering the storm: Keys to resiliency in MRO
Weathering the storm: Keys to resiliency in MRO By Ken Ameika It’s no secret that COVID-19 has adversely affected the airline industry, and consequently the MRO and test cell markets. But the impacts are nuanced. Commercial aircraft utilization is way down; meanwhile, freight carrier business is expanding markedly. Operators are spending less; but they still have needs, which often require quick turnaround. It’s been hard for many. But there’s good news: COVID provided lessons that we can all use to make our businesses, or our careers, more resilient to the next major disruption. Diversify Your Business Commercial passenger traffic—or [...]