VFRA-25

Transformer Frequency Response Analyzer

USER’S MANUAL

Vanguard Instruments Company, Inc.

1520 S. Hellman Ave.
Ontario, California 91761, USA

TEL: (909) 923-9390 September 2017

FAX: (909) 923-9391 Revision 1.2
 VFRA-25 USER’S MANUAL REV 1

SAFETY SUMMARY
FOLLOW EXACT OPERATING PROCEDURES
Any deviation from procedures described in this User’s Manual may create one or more safety hazards, damage
the VFRA-25, damage the test transformer, or cause errors in the test results. Vanguard Instruments Company, Inc.
assumes no liability for unsafe or improper use of the VFRA-25. The following safety precautions must be observed
during all phases of test setup, test hookups, testing, and test lead disconnection.

SAFETY WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS

The VFRA-25 shall be used only by trained operators. All transformers under test shall be off-line and fully
isolated. Always ground the VFRA-25 to a substation ground before connecting the test cables to a transformer.
Do not perform test procedures or service unless another person is also present who is capable of rendering aid
and resuscitation.

SERVICE AND REPAIR

• Do not install substitute parts or perform any unauthorized modification to any VFRA-25 test unit.
• Repairs must be performed only by Vanguard Instruments Company factory personnel or by an authorized
repair service provider. Unauthorized modifications can cause safety hazards and will void the manufacturer’s
warranty.

EQUIPMENT RATINGS
Pollution Degree: The VFRA-25 has a pollution rating of 2.
Operating Voltage: The VFRA-25 is rated for use with an operating voltage of 120V or 240V, auto-ranging ±10% of
selected voltage.
Power Supply: The VFRA-25 is supplied with an 80W power supply. Replacement power supply should only be
acquired directly from Vanguard Instruments.

SAFETY SYMBOLS
Indicates that caution should be exercised

Indicates location of chassis ground terminal

CLEANING
To clean the VFRA-25:
• Disconnect all cables and turn the unit off.
• Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe all surfaces clean.
• Avoid getting moisture in openings and connectors.
• Don't use any cleaning products or compressed air.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS DOCUMENT ..................................................................................... 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................... 2
1.1 General Description and Features ................................................................................... 2
1.2 Technical Specifications ................................................................................................... 5
1.3 VFRA-25 Features and Indicators..................................................................................... 6
1.4 VFRA-25 Cable Connections............................................................................................. 7
2.0 WORKING WITH THE VFRA SOFTWARE ............................................................................. 10
2.1 Software Installation ...................................................................................................... 10
2.2 Starting and Configuring the VFRA Software ................................................................. 13
2.3 The VFRA Application Workspace.................................................................................. 14
2.4 Configuring Default Application Settings ....................................................................... 16
2.4.1. Configuring the Communications Parameters ....................................................... 16
2.4.2. Configuring Graph Colors ....................................................................................... 16
2.4.3. Setting the Default Test Record and Test Plan Storage Locations ......................... 17
2.5 Working with Test Plans ................................................................................................ 18
2.5.1. Creating a New Test Plan........................................................................................ 18
2.5.2. Modifying an Existing Test Plan .............................................................................. 27
2.5.3. Quickly Opening the Default Test Plan Folder ....................................................... 27
2.6 Performing Tests ............................................................................................................ 28
2.6.1. Running a Quick Check Test ................................................................................... 28
2.6.2. Running a Full Test ................................................................................................. 30
2.7 Working with Test Records ............................................................................................ 37
2.7.1. Opening a Test Record ........................................................................................... 37
2.7.2. Viewing and Editing the Transformer Data ............................................................ 38
2.7.3. Toggling the Display of Graphs ............................................................................... 39
2.7.4. Changing Graph Colors ........................................................................................... 40
2.7.5. Changing Graph Views and Viewing Graph Data Points ........................................ 41
2.7.6. Zooming in On Graphs ............................................................................................ 43
2.7.7. Comparing Sweeps ................................................................................................. 44
2.7.8. Exporting Sweeps ................................................................................................... 50
3.0 Appendix A - Connecting the VFRA-25 to a PC .................................................................. 52
3.1 Automatically Connecting to the VFRA-25 .................................................................... 52
3.2 Connecting via USB ........................................................................................................ 53
3.3 Connecting via Bluetooth............................................................................................... 54

LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. VFRA-25 Technical Specifications...................................................................................... 5

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. VFRA-25 Features and Indicators..................................................................................... 6
Figure 2. Typical VFRA-25 Cable Connections ................................................................................ 7
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CONVENT
C TIONS US
SED IN TH
HIS DOCU
UMENT

This docu
ument uses the followin
ng conventio
ons:
• Micro osoft® Windows XP, Vistta, 7, 8, and 10 will be simply referreed to as Winndows in thiss
manu ual
• Comm mand Ribbon items will be referred to as Comm mand Ribbon n Item
• Dialoog boxes andd their elemeents (buttons, options, etc.)
e are refeerred to as “Dialog Box
Element”
• PC keeyboard keyss are referreed to as [Keyy]. Key combbinations aree shown as [Key]+[Key].
• File lo
ocations, dirrectories, and filenames are shown as
a “C:\folderr\filename”
• Warn ning message es are indicaated as:

Waarning messsage
WA
ARNING

• Impo
ortant notes are indicateed as:

Note details
NOTE

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 VFRA-25 USER’S MANUAL REV 1

1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 General Description and Features
The Vanguard VFRA-25 is a power transformer frequency sweep response analyzer that can be
used to perform frequency response measurements on power transformers in accordance with
the C57.149-2012 and IEC 60076-18 standards.
The VFRA-25 injects a sine wave signal with constant amplitude and variable frequency (from
20 Hz to 2MHz) to one side of a transformer winding. These amplitude and phase angle values
of the reference (output) signal are then compared with the corresponding values of the
measured signal (from the second side of the winding). The ratio of the measured signal and
reference signal magnitude is graphically displayed in dB through the full sweep frequency. The
phase difference value between the measured and reference signals are also displayed through
the full sweep frequency.

The VFRA-25 is bundled with analysis software that can graphically compare test results and
provide correlation analysis per the IEEE C57.149-2012 and DL/T 911-2004 standards, allowing
users to quickly assess the mechanical and electrical integrity of the transformer under test.
The VFRA-25 detects the mechanical or electrical changes of a transformer by comparing their
frequency response measurement fingerprints. This comparison can be used to detect power
transformer problems such as:
• Shorted turns or open windings
• Winding displacements or deformations
• Core movements
• Winding connection problems
• Broken clamping structures
Sweep Frequency Range and Sweep Time
The VFRA-25 offers a wide range of user-selectable sweep frequencies from 0.1 Hz to 25 MHz. A
typical test sweep time, with frequency ranging from 20 Hz to 2 MHz, is less than 30 seconds. A
Quick Sweep feature allows the user to verify the cable connection integrity in 10 seconds.

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Dynamic Ranges
The VFRA-25 offers a dynamic range greater than or equal to 120 db with measurement
accuracy of ±0.5 db.
Output Voltages
The VFRA-25's output voltage is programmable from 0.2 Vpp to 20 Vpp in 0.2 Vpp steps. This
feature allows the users to match the test voltage used in a different test by another device.
Computer Interface
The VFRA-25 can connect to a PC via USB or Bluetooth.
VFRA Transformer Analysis Software
Each VFRA-25 ships with Windows-based Sweep Frequency Analysis software that can be used
to conduct tests and capture data. The software can graphically compare test results as a
magnitude vs. frequency graph, in-phase vs. frequency graph, or display both graphs at the
same time. The software also provides an analytical tool that can perform correlation
coefficients between two traces per the IEEE C57.149-2012 or DL/T 911-2004 standard.
Pre-programmed test connection configurations and illustrations defined by the IEEE C57.149-
2012 standard are available allowing the user to quickly select, connect, and run tests in the
field. Test data can be exported to CIGRE (342), XML (IEC 60076-18), and CSV formats. The
VFRA Transformer Analysis Software can also directly import and playback Doble, Megger, and
Omicron SFRA test records allowing the user to compare the Vanguard VFRA-25 test records
against other devices on the market.

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 VFRA-25 USER’S MANUAL REV 1

Included Accessories

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1.2 T
Technical Specificatio
S ons
Table
e 1. VFRA-25
5 Technical Specification
S ns
TYPE Transformer Frequency Response Analzyyer
PH
HYSICAL SPEC
CIFICATIONS Dimensions: 10.2"W x 8.3""H x 3.2"D (26.0 cm x 21.0 cm
m x 8.2 cm);
Weight: 5.0 lbs (2.4 kg)
IN
NPUT POWER 90 – 240 Vacc, 50/60 Hz
SW
WEEP FREQUE
ENCY RANGE 0.1 Hz – 25 Mhz,
M selectable
e frequency ran
nge
SAM
MPLING RATE 100M sample
es per second
SAM
MPLE POINTS PER SWEEP 2,000 points per decade, 32
2,000 points total
TYPICAL SWEEP
S TIME 30 seconds (20
( Hz – 2 Mhzz)
POIN
NT SPACING log or linear
OUTPU
UT VOLTAGE 0.2 Vpp – 20 Vpp in 0.2 Vpp
p steps
GAIN
N ACCURACY 0.5 db above
e 50 db
PHASE
E ACCURACY 0.1 degree above 50 db
INPUT
T CHANNELS 2, 50 Ohm im
mpedance
OUTPUT
T CHANNELS 1, 50 Ohm im
mpedance, short-circuit proteccted
PC
C SOFTWARE Windows®-based transform
mer Transforme
er Analysis Sofftware included
d
SO MPATIBILITY Import: Doblle, Omicron, Megger SFRA te
OFTWARE COM est records, CIG
GRE (*.xfra)
Export: CSV
V, XML (IEC 60 0076-18), CIGR
RE (342)
COMPUTER IN
NTERFACES USB and Bluetooth
A
APPLICABLE STANDARDS
S IEEE C57.14
49-2012, IEC 60
0076-18, CIGR
RE Tech. Guide 342,
Chinese DL/T
T 911-2004
CABLES AND
A CLAMPS Cables: three
e 30ft (15.2m) 50 Ohm coaxiaal signal cabless, 2 ground stra
aps,
power cord
Clamps: 3 vooltage cable cla
amps, 2 ground cable clampss
TEM
MPERATURE Operating: -10°C to +50°C
C (+15°F to +1222°F)
Storage: -30
0°C to +70°C (--22°F to +158°F
F)
ALTITUDE 2,000 m (6,56
62 ft) to full saffety specificatio
ons
HUMIDITY 90% RH @ 40°C
4 (104°F) no
on-condensing
g
WARRANTY One year on parts and labo
or

The above
a specifications are valid at nom
minal operatting voltage and
a at a
tempperature of 25°C
2 (77°F). Specification
ns may chan
nge without prior notice.
NOTE

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1.3 VFRA-25 Features and Indicators

The VFRA-25's features and indicators are shown in Figure 1 below. The purpose of the features
and indicators may seem obvious, but users should become familiar with them before using the
VFRA-25. Accidental misuse of the controls will usually cause no serious harm. Users should
also be familiar with the safety summary found on the front page of this User’s Manual.

Figure 1. VFRA-25 Features and Indicators

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1.4 V
VFRA-25 Ca
able Conne
ections

Figure 2. Typical VFRA-25

V Cable Connectio
ons

• Always connectt the safety ground

g cablee to the VFR
RA-25 first.
• The transformer under test must be cleeared and isoolated.
WARNINGS • The transformer bushing must be isolatted and freee from any coorrosion or
oxid
dation.

Follow th
he steps belo
ow to conneect the VFRA
A-25 to a tran
nsformer bushing:
1. Connect the VFRA's
V ground terminal to the substtation groun
nd.
2. Connect large
e signal clam
mp to a transsformer bush
hing.
3. Connect the "Generator"
" " and "Refereence" cabless to the largee signal clam
mp.

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 VFRA-25 USER’S MANUAL REV 1

4. Connect ground strap from the transformer housing to the large signal clamp's ground
terminal. Connect supporting hook to clamp.

5. Connect small signal clamp to transformer bushing. The small clamp is idea for making
connections in small spaces.

6. Connect the "Measure" cable to small signal clamp. Connect supporting hook to clamp.

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7. Connect ground strap from the transformer housing to the small signal clamp's ground
terminal.

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M R 1
REV

2.0 W
WORKING
G WITH THE
T VFRA
A SOFTW
WARE
2.1 S
Software In
nstallation
Follow th
he steps belo
ow to install the VFRA so
oftware on your
y PC:
1. Iff using the USB Flash drivve that came with your VFRA-25, insert it into an
a available USB
port and then n navigate to
o that drive using Windoows Explorerr. If you dow
wnloaded thee
sooftware fromm the Vangu uard web sitee, navigate to
t the folderr where you extracted th
he
in
nstallation files.
2. D
Double click (or
( single clicck in some Windows
W connfigurations) on the “VFFRA Rev 1.x.eexe”
file to start th
he installatio
on process. The
T VFRA insstallation wizard will app
pear as show
wn
below:
If you
y have adm ministrative rights on the computer you are usin ng, we highlyy
reccommend th hat you right-click on thee "VFRA Rev 1.x.exe" filee and then
seleecting "Run as administrator". This will
w ensure that
t any neccessary driveers
NOTE
will be installed
d correctly.

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3. Click on the “Next” button to continue. The following screen will be displayed showing
the location on your hard drive where the software will be installed
(C:\Vanguard\VFRA):

4. You may choose a different installation location by clicking on the “Browse…” button
and then browsing to the location on your hard drive where you would like to install the
software. Click on the “Install” button to continue. The installation wizard will copy files
to your hard drive, and the following screen will be displayed once the software has
been successfully installed:

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 VFRA-25 USER’S MANUAL REV 1

5. The "Run VFRA 1.x" check box will be checked by default allowing you to launch the
application once you click the "Finish" button. If you do not want to launch the
application right away, un-check the "Run VFRA 1.x" check box and then click on the
"Finish" button.

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2.2 Starting and Configuring the VFRA Software

The process to launch the VFRA software is dependent on your version of Windows. The most
common installations are listed below:
Windows XP, Vista, 7
1. Click on the Windows “Start” menu button.
2. Click on the All Programs menu item.
3. Click on the Vanguard menu item.
4. Click on the VFRA menu item.
Windows 8, 8.1
1. Navigate your mouse to the bottom left corner of your screen and click when the "Start"
icon appears or simply press the [Windows] key on your keyboard.
2. Right click on a blank part of the "Start" screen and then choose All Apps.
3. Locate the VFRA menu item and click on it.
Windows 10
1. Click on the "Start" menu button
2. Click on the All Apps menu item.
3. Click on the Vanguard menu item.
4. Click on the VFRA menu item.

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 VFRA-25 USER’S MANUAL REV 1

2.3 The VFRA Application Workspace

The VFRA software uses a command ribbon for quick access to all functions and features as
shown below:

Related commands are grouped together in the command ribbon. If there is not enough space
on the screen, some command groups will be collapsed showing only one icon. Click on the
command group to view all the commands in that group.

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Clicking on the "VFRA Menu Button" provides quick access to your most recent documents as
well as options to open a test record, save, or print the current test record:

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 VFRA-25 USER’S MANUAL REV 1

2.4 Configuring Default Application Settings

The VFRA's default settings should be configured before attempting to use it for the first time
with a Vanguard VFRA-25 frequency response analyzer. Follow the steps in this section to
configure the communication parameters, graph options, and file storage location preferences.
To access the application settings, click on the Settings icon in the Application command group
on the command ribbon. The following window will be displayed:

2.4.1. Configuring the Communications Parameters

This section is used to configure the communication options for connecting the VFRA-25 to the
PC. Please see Appendix A for instructions on how to connect the VFRA-25 to the PC.
2.4.2. Configuring Graph Colors

This section is used to configure the graph font size, colors, and line types.
When resizing the application window, the graph font is dynamically resized to better fit the
new window size. In some cases the text may appear too large or too small. To decrease the
size, enter a value between 0.5 (half of the current font size) and 1.0 (the current font size) in
the "Graph Font Size" text box. To increase the size, enter a number between 1.0 (the current
font size) and 2.0 (twice the current font size) in the "Graph Font Size" text box.

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From thee "Severe", "Obvious",

" "SSuspect", an
nd "Normal" drop down menus, you u can select a
color thaat you would t highlight the respectiive parts of a graph wheen comparing
d like to use to
sweeps.
From thee "Line Typess" drop dowwn menu you u can select the
t preferreed line thickn
ness for the
graphs. Available
A opttions are "Th
hin", "Mediu
um", and "Th hick".
2.4.3. Setting
S the Default Te
est Record and Test Plan Stora
age Locatio
ons

Under thhe "Folders and

a Settings"" section, the "Test Folder" field sho
ows the currrent default
folder wh ored and rettrieved from. To change the default location for test
here test reccords are sto
records, click on the folder icon to
t the right of a then select the folder that you
o the field and
would likke to use.

The "Plan n Folder" fie

eld shows thee current deefault folder where test plans are sto ored and
retrieve from.
f To chaange the deffault locationn for test plaans, click on the folder iccon to the riight
of the fieeld and then select the fo
older that yoou would likke to use.
You MUSTT have "read d" and "writee" privileges to these follders. Windo ows Vista, 7,, 8,
8.1, and 10
1 limit writee privileges on
o various fo olders that are
a considereed "system"
folders. Yo
our organizaation's comp puter usage policies
p mayy also limit yo
our access to
NOTE
certain folders and neetwork locations. We higghly recomm mend saving your test
records annd test planss in a folder under the "My Documeents" folder sinces you wiill
have "read" and "writte" privileges to these fo olders by deffault. If you are performming
tests and notice that the
t test resu ults are not being
b displayyed in the sooftware, thiss is
most likelyy due to thee test record path being set to a foldder where yo ou do not haave
"write" prrivileges.

2.4.4. Setting
S a Cu
ustom Log
go for Repo
orts

The VFRA A software can

c display a custom logo image at the t top of reports. The "Report Logo o"
field showws the name e and locatio
on of the default logo im
mage file. You can select a different logo
image filee by clickingg on the folder icon to th
he right and then locatin
ng the logo immage file thaat
you would like to use e. The logo file
f must be in BMP form mat, and an image
i size of
o 1000 x 100 0
pixels is recommend
r ed.

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 VFRA-25 USER’S MANUAL REV 1

2.5 Working with Test Plans

2.5.1. Creating a New Test Plan
You must create a test plan before you can perform a test. To create a test plan, click on the
New icon from the Test Plan command group on the command ribbon. The following window
will be displayed:

Entering Test Record Header Information

Enter the test record header information at the top of the window. This includes identifying
information such as the company, manufacturer, serial number, etc.

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Sweep Templates and Groups

This section offers a default template that contains numerous pre-configured sweep groups
defined by the IEEE C57.149-2012 standard. The left panel displays the sweep groups in the
template and the right panel displays the individual sweeps in that group. The default template
along with the sweep groups and individual sweeps in each group are provided as a
convenience so that tests can be performed quickly. As an added convenience, different
terminal name profiles are also provided that provide alternate names for the sweeps based on
different standards. By default, the ANSI naming convention is selected.
Below is a typical example of working with sweep templates, groups, and sweeps:
1. First select the template you would like to use. For this example, we will select the
"Default" template from the "Template" dropdown menu.

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 VFRA-25 USER’S MANUAL REV 1

2. Now select the preferred terminal name profile. For this example, we will select "IEC"
from the "Terminal Name Profile" dropdown menu. Note that the sweep names will
change to comply with the IEC naming conventions:

3. Now select the sweep group from the left that matches the transformer type you are
testing. For this example, we will select "1-φ, 3 windings". The sweeps associated with
this group will be displayed in the right panel:

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4. You can delete any of the pre-defined sweeps from the group by clicking on the "Del
Sweep" button. If you would like to add another sweep, click on the "Add Sweep"
button. The following window will be displayed:

Enter a name for the sweep in the "Sweep Name" input field.
Select a color for the sweep's graph from the "Sweep Color" dropdown menu.
Click on the OK button.
5. The sweep will be added to the list of sweeps in the right panel:

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 VFRA-25 USER’S MANUAL REV 1

6. Now let's assume that your organization only tests single phase transformers with 2 and
3 windings, so the only sweep groups you would be interested in are the "1-φ, 3
windings" and "1-φ, 2 windings" sweep groups. You can create a template that only
includes these test groups. To do so, select the other groups that you do not intend to
use. To select multiple groups, click on the first group and then [CTRL]+click on
additional groups. Then click on the "Del Group" button. Now, only the test groups you
are interested in should remain:

7. You can now save this template by clicking on the "Save Template" button. The
following window will be displayed:

Enter a filename for the template and click on the "OK" button. Note that template files
are stored in the default temp plan folder.
8. Your newly saved template name will now appear in the "Template" dropdown menu
and can be selected in the future as needed.

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Entering Additional Test Notes

You can enter any additional relevant notes about the test plan in the "Notes" section of the
test plan.
Configuring the Sweep Settings
You can change the sweep voltage and configure the number of measurements to be taken for
a given frequency range by clicking on the Sweep Settings icon in the Test Plan command group
on the command ribbon. The following window will be displayed:

Two pre-defined sweep configurations are available, "Normal" and "High-Res". By default, the
"Normal" settings will be selected. You can select the "High-Res" settings by clicking the "Use
Hi-Res Sweep Settings" radio button. The default parameters for each configuration are listed in
the table below each configuration. You can customize the settings by un-checking the "Set to
Default Values" check box.

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 VFRA-25 USER’S MANUAL REV 1

For this example, we will customize the values for the "Normal" sweep settings by following the
steps below:
1. Un-check the "Set to Default Values" check box for the "Normal Sweep Settings". The
parameters will now become editable.

2. Click on the "High Freq" value in the first row and change the value from 100 to 50.

3. Now click on the "Measurements" value for this range and change the value from 120 to
150.

4. Now we will add a new range from a low frequency of 50 to a high frequency of 100. To
add a new range, click on the "+" button at the top of the window. A new row will be
added at the bottom of the table. Use the scroll bars on the right of the window to scroll
down to see the newly added row.

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5. Click on the "Low Freq" value and change it from 20 to 50.

6. Click on the "Measurements" value and change it from 50 to 100.

7. If you would like to delete a row of values, right click on the row and then click on the
"-" button at the top of the page.
8. If you would like the graph to be displayed in Log Scale, check the "Log Scale" check box.

9. The default sweep voltage is 10.0V. If you would like to use a different test voltage,
enter the voltage (0.1 - 10.0V) in the "Sweep Voltage" input field.

10. If you would like to perform a reverse frequency sweep, check the "Reverse Frequency
Sweep" check box.

11. Click on the "OK" button to save your sweep settings changes. These parameters will be
saved with the test plan.

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 VFRA-25 USER’S MANUAL
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REV

Saving th
he Test Plan
Once you
u have configgured all tesst plan param
meters, clickk on the Savee icon from the Test Pla
an
command group on the
t comman nd ribbon. Thhe followingg window will be displayyed:

The "Foldder" field at the top of the window displays

d the location whhere the testt plan will bee
saved at.. If you would like to seleect a different location, click on the folder icon to the right of
the field and browse e to the prefeerred locatioon on your computer.
c
If any tesst plans existt in the seleccted folder, they will be displayed ass a list. You can
c sort the list
by filename, manufacturer, mod del, or comm ment by clicking on the reespective co olumn headin
ng.
If you wo
ould like to overwrite
o an
n existing tesst plan with the
t one you just created
d, click on th
he
existing test
t plan's naame and theen click on th he "OK" buttton.
If you woould like to save
s the testt plan to a neew file, enteer a filenamee in the "Fileename" field and
then clickk on the "OKK" button. Thhe test plan will be saved and can no ow be used to perform
tests.
• Once the test plan is saved, the frequencyy band and measuremen
m nt settings caan no
longer be changed d.
• The configured sweep settingss in the test plan will be used for all sweeps in thhe
NOTES
test plaan's sweep group.
g

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2.5.2. Modifying an Existing Test Plan

To modify an existing test plan, click on the Modify Plan icon in the Test Plan command group
on the command ribbon. The following window will be displayed:

The "Folder" field at the top of the window displays the location from where the test plans are
being retrieved. If you would like to modify a test plan located at a different location, click on
the folder icon to the right of the field and navigate to the folder that contains the test plan.
All test plans located at the selected folder will be displayed as a list. You can sort the list by
filename, manufacturer, model, or comment by clicking on the respective column heading. Click
on the test plan you would like to modify and then click on the "OK" button.
The test plan will be loaded. Make any necessary modifications and then click on the Save icon
in the Test Plan command group on the command ribbon.
2.5.3. Quickly Opening the Default Test Plan Folder
Each test plan is saved as an individual file in the default test plan folder (see section 2.4.3). You
can use Windows explorer to copy, move, or delete these files like any other file on your
computer. You can quickly open the test plan folder in Windows explorer by clicking on the
Utilities icon in the Test Plan command group on the command ribbon.

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2.6 Performing Tests

2.6.1. Running a Quick Check Test
Once you have made all necessary cable connections, you can run a quick check test to make
sure the connections are working or to get an idea of what the full resolution sweep graph will
look like. To run a Quick Check Test:
1. Start a new test (see section 2.6.2) or open an existing test record (see section 2.7.1).
2. Click on the "Run Quick Check" button on the left panel. The VFRA will start running a
quick sweep and the graph will be dynamically generated on the screen:

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3. The full graph will be displayed when the sweep is complete:

Note that this sweep will NOT be saved, as indicated on the graph.
Click anywhere on the left panel to remove the quick test sweep graph and view the
regular sweep graphs.

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2.6.2. Running a Full Test

Running the First Test
To run the first test:
1. Make sure all proper connections have been made per Figure 2, and then click on the
Run icon in the Test command group on the command ribbon.
2. The following window will be displayed:

From this window, you must select a test plan to use to perform the tests (see section
2.5.1 for how to create a test plan). The "Folder" field at the top of the window displays
the location from where the test plans are being retrieved. If you would like to use a test
plan located at a different location, click on the folder icon to the right of the field and
navigate to the folder that contains the test plan.
Click on the test plan you would like to use, and then click on the "OK" button.

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3. The test plan will be loaded and the following screen will be displayed:

The left window panel display the list of tests included in the test plan. The right panel
displays the graph of the selected test. Initially the graph will be blank since no tests
have been performed yet.
4. From the list of tests, click on the test that you would like to perform. For this example,
we will perform an H1-H2 Short [X1-X1] test, so we will click on the "H1-H2 Short [X1-
X2]" test and then click on the "Run Full Test" button.

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5. The VFRA will start performing the selected test. A new status window will pop up and
display the status of the test. The graph will be plotted while the test is running:

6. The full graph will be displayed when the test is complete. The test date and time will
also be displayed next to the test name on the left panel:

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Running a Second Test

1. You can run another test by selecting the test and clicking on the "Run Full Test". For
this example, we will perform an H1-H2 test, so we will click on the "H1-H2" test from
the list and then click on the "Run Full Test" button.
2. The test will be performed and the graph will be overlaid on the previous graph:

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Re-Running a Test
1. You can also re-run the same test. For this example, we will re-run the "H1-H2" test by
selecting it from the list and then clicking on the "Run Full Test" button. In this case,
since a sweep for "H1-H2" already exists, the following window will be displayed
allowing you to customize the new test:

Enter a name for the sweep in the "Sweep Name" field.

Select a color for the graph by clicking on the "Sweep Color" drop down and selecting a
color.
Enter any other relevant information in the additional fields and then click on the "OK"
button.

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2. The test will be performed and the graph will be overlaid on the previous graphs. The
new test will also be added to the list on the left panel:

Saving the Test Record

1. To save your test record, click on the Save icon in the Test command group on the
command ribbon. The following window will be displayed:

The "Folder" field at the top of the window displays the location where the test record
will be saved. If you would like to save the test record to a different folder on your
computer, click on the folder icon to the right of the field.

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2. Enter a filename for the test record in the "Filename" field. By default, the filename will
start with the date and time. You can add additional text at the end of this text or
replace it completely. It's recommended to keep the date and time as part of the
filename as it will make it easier to find the test record later.
3. Once you have entered a filename, click on the "OK" button. The test record will be
saved.

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2.7 Working with Test Records

2.7.1. Opening a Test Record
To open a test record:
1. Click on the Open icon in the Test command group on the command ribbon.
2. The following window will be displayed:

The "Folder" field at the top of the window displays the location from where the test
records are being retrieved. If you would like to open a test record located at a different
location, click on the folder icon to the right of the field and navigate to the folder that
contains the test record.
All test records located at the selected folder will be displayed as a list. You can sort the
list by filename, last sweep date and time, type, trans ID, trans type, manufacturer,
rating MVA, or vector group by clicking on the respective column heading. You can
reverse the sort order by clicking on the same heading again.
Click on the test record you would like to open and then click on the "OK" button.
You can now review the test results, perform additional tests (see section 2.6), or print a
test report.

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2.7.2. Viewing and Editing the Transformer Data

When a test record is opened, the default "Graph" view is displayed. This is the view that
displays the tests on the left panel and the graphs on the right panel. You can also view and edit
the transformer data by clicking on the XFMR Data icon in the View command group in the
command ribbon. The following screen will be displayed:

You can make any necessary changes to the fields as needed. To switch back to the "Graph"
view, click on the Graph icon in the View command group on the command ribbon.
If any changes were made, be sure to save your test record by clicking on the Save icon in the
Test command group on the command ribbon.

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2.7.3. Toggling the Display of Graphs

If the test record contains many tests, sometimes it becomes difficult to see a sweep's graph
because it may be overlaid with another sweep's graph that is almost the same. In the example
below, the red "H1-H2 Sweep 2" is almost exactly the same as the blue "H1-H2" sweep, making
it impossible to see the blue "H1-H2" sweep:

In this case, we can toggle off the display of the other graphs by clicking on the colored boxes
next to the test names to remove the "X" from the colored box. Clicking on the square again
will toggle the display of the sweep's graph. In the following example, we have turned off the
display of all graphs except for the blue "H1-H2" graph:

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2.7.4. Changing Graph Colors

You can change the graph color, name, and relevant notes by double clicking on the test name
on the left window panel. The following window will be displayed:

• You can change the sweep name by entering a new name in the "Sweep Name" field.
• You can change the sweep color by clicking on the "Sweep Color" drop-down menu and
selecting a different color.
• Enter any relevant notes in the additional text fields and then click on the "OK" button.
• The graph and the test list will be updated accordingly:

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2.7.5. Changing Graph Views and Viewing Graph Data Points

By default, when viewing a sweep graph, the magnitude graph will be displayed. You can
change the graph view by clicking on the "Page" drop-down menu in the Graph command
group on the command bar and selecting a different view (Magnitude, Phase, Magnitude &
Phase, Impedance, Admittance, Data).

The following graph shows sample phase graphs:

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Following is an example of magnitude and phase graphs:

You can also view the graph data points by selecting "Data" from the dropdown menu. To view
the data points for a graph, select "Data" from the "Page" dropdown menu and then click on
the test name in the left panel. The data points for the selected graph be displayed in tabular
format. In the example below, the data points are shown for the selected "H1-H2 Short [X1-X2]"
sweep:

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2.7.6. Zooming in On Graphs

You can zoom in on an area of interest on the graph(s) by left clicking and dragging a window
over the region. For this example, we will zoom in on the area shown:

Left click and drag a window over the region and the zoomed-in graph will be displayed:

To zoom out to the full graph again, click on the UnZoom 1:1 icon in the Graph command group
on the command ribbon.

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2.7.7. Comparing Sweeps

The VFRA software can compare two sweeps using either the IEEE C57.149-2012 or DL/T 911-
2004 standard and calculate their correlation values. You can compare sweeps from the
currently open test record or compare a sweep from the current test record with a sweep from
any number of other records.
Configuring Your Preferred Analysis Method
Before comparing sweeps, you should configure your preferred analysis method using the steps
below:
1. Open the test record you would like to analyze.
2. Click on the Analysis Setup icon in the Graph command group on the command ribbon.
3. The following window will be displayed:

4. First, select the standard that you would like to use for analyzing your sweeps by clicking
on the radio button next to the standard's name. Note that the DL/T 911-2004 standard
does not have any configurable values.

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5. If using the IEEE C57.149-2012 standard, you can configure the frequency range for the
Low, Mid, and High frequency bands. Click inside any cell and then type the desired
value. You can also define what correlation values are considered to be in the obvious,
suspect, or normal ranges by entering a value in each respective field.
As an example, we will configure the IEEE C57.149-2012 standard settings with the
following parameters:
Low Frequency Band
• Low Freq: default value (20)
• High Freq: 15000
• Obvious p <= 0.2
• Suspect p <= 0.4
• Normal p <= 0.8
Mid Frequency Band
• Low freq: 15000
• High Freq: default value (600000)
• Use all default p values
High Frequency Band
• Use all default values
To make the above changes:
a. In the "Low Freq Band" row, click on the "High Freq" cell and enter "15000".

b. In the "Low Freq Band" row, click on the "Obvious" cell and enter "0.2".

c. In the "Low Freq Band" row, click on the "Suspect" cell and enter "0.4".

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d. In the "Low Freq Band" row, click on the "Normal " cell and enter "0.8".

e. In the "Mid Freq Band" row, click on the "Low Freq" cell and enter "15000".

6. Click on the "OK" button.

Comparing Sweeps
Once you have configured your analysis parameters, to compare two sweeps in the
currently open test record:
1. Click on the name of the first sweep. The name will be highlighted.

2. Hold down the [CTRL] key and click on the name of the second sweep. The second
sweep name will be highlighted.

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3. Click on the Compare Sweeps icon in the Graph command group on the command
ribbon. The graph will be highlighted showing which areas of the graph fall within the
defined correlation levels. The correlation table will also be displayed below the graph.

4. To turn off the analysis view, click on the Compare Sweeps icon again in the Graph
command group on the command ribbon.
Comparing Sweeps from Multiple Test Records
To compare sweeps from multiple test records:
1. Open the first test record.
2. Click on the "New Record" button on the left panel below the test names.

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3. The following window will be displayed:

Select the test record by clicking on its name, and then click on the "OK" button.
4. The tests from the second test record will be displayed on the left panel below the tests
from the currently open test record:

5. Click on the first test that you would like to compare:

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6. Hold down the [CTRL] key and click on the second test:

7. Click on the Compare Sweeps icon in the Graph command group in the command
ribbon. The correlation table will be displayed below the graphs:

8. You can continue to add additional test records using the steps above.
9. To close a test record that was added, click on the "X" to the right of the test record
name as shown below:

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2.7.8. Exporting Sweeps

The VFRA software can export sweeps in XML (IEC 60076-18), CIGRE (342), or CSV formats.
When exporting to CIGRE format, each individual sweep is exported as a separate file. Each file
will be named with the sweep date and time followed by the sweep name and will have the
".xfra" extension. For XML and CSV formats, all sweeps are exported as one file. Follow the
steps below to export sweeps from a test record:
1. Click on the Export icon in the Test command group on the command ribbon.
2. The following window will be displayed:

The "Folder" field at the top of the window displays the location from where the test
records are being retrieved. If you would like to export a test record located at a
different location, click on the folder icon to the right of the field and navigate to the
folder that contains the test record.
All test records located at the selected folder will be displayed as a list. You can sort the
list by filename, last sweep date and time, type, trans ID, trans type, manufacturer,
rating MVA, or vector group by clicking on the respective column heading. You can
reverse the sort order by clicking on the same heading again.
Click on the test record you would like to export and then click on the "OK" button.

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3. The following window will be displayed:

The "Export Folder" field displays the location where the test record will be exported to.
If you would like to export the test record to a different location, click on the "..." icon to
the right of the field.
Select the export file type (Cigre, CSV, or XML) from the "File Type:" drop down menu.
For this example, we will select "Cigre".
Click on the "OK" button.
4. The test record will be exported to the selected location. The exported file(s) will be
placed in a subfolder with the same name as the original test record filename. For
example, if the original file name was "test1.vfraTest" and the selected export location
was "C:\Vanguard\VFRA\Tests", the exported files will be placed in the folder
"C:\Vanguard\VFRA\Tests\test1".

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3.0 Appendix A - Connecting the VFRA-25 to a PC

The VFRA-25 offers a USB PC interface as well as a wireless Bluetooth PC interface. Internally,
both connections are converted to an RS-232C serial connection, so the VFRA-25 will appear as
a serial device when connected to a PC.
3.1 Automatically Connecting to the VFRA-25
The VFRA software offers an auto detect feature that scans the PC's ports and attempts to
locate the VFRA-25 device. To use the auto detect feature:
1. Connect the unit to the PC either via USB or Bluetooth (see sections 3.2 and 3.3 below).
2. Make sure the VFRA-25 is powered on.
3. Open the VFRA software and click on the Settings icon in the Application command
group on the command ribbon.
4. In the "Communications" section, check the "Auto Detect Device" checkbox, if not
already checked.
5. Click on the "OK" button.
6. The first time you perform a test, the VFRA software will scan the PC for the VFRA-25
and connect to it automatically.

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3.2 Connecting via USB

1. Connect the unit's USB port to an available USB port on the PC using the provided USB
cable.
2. Depending on your operating system, some drivers may be installed automatically.
3. Once all drivers are installed (if necessary), open the Windows Control Panel and open
the Device Manager.
4. From device manager, click on the arrow next to the "Ports" group. You should see a
new port listed as "USB Serial Port (COMx)". Make a note of the COM port number.

5. Open the VFRA software and click on the Settings icon in the Application command
group in the command ribbon.
6. In the "Communications" section, make sure the "Auto Detect Device" checkbox is un-
checked.
7. From the "Bluetooth/USB COM Port" dropdown menu, select the COM port number
that you noted in step 4 above.
8. Click on the "OK" button.

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3.3 Connecting via Bluetooth

1. Make sure the VFRA-25 is powered on.
2. Depending on your version of Windows, open the Bluetooth Settings from either the
control panel or by clicking on the Bluetooth icon in the taskbar.
3. Select the "Add new Bluetooth device option".
4. The PC will scan for nearby Bluetooth devices and will list the VFRA followed by its serial
number.
5. Select the VFRA and select the "Pair" option.
6. Once the unit is paired with the PC, open the Windows Control Panel and open the
Device Manager.
7. From the device manager, click on the arrow next to the "Ports" group. You should see a
new port listed as "Standard Serial over Bluetooth link (COMx)". Make a note of the
COM port number.

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8. Open the VFRA software and click on the Settings icon in the Application command
group in the command ribbon. The settings window will be displayed:

9. If you would like to use the auto-detect feature, in the "Communications" section, check
the "Auto Detect Device" check box. If you would like to select the COM port manually,
un-check the "Auto Detect Device" check box and select the COM port number that you
noted in step 7 from the "Bluetooth/USB COM Port" dropdown menu.
10. Click on the "OK" button.

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Phone: 909-923-9390 • Fax: 909-923-9391
www.vanguard-instruments.com

Copyright © 2017 by Vanguard Instruments Company, Inc.

VFRA-25 User’s Manual • Revision 1.2 • September 20, 2017 • TA