It can aid in identification of mechanically deteriorated bearings and bearings with inadequate/contaminated lubricant. It does this by detecting high frequency (acoustic emissions) stress waves associated with friction and other faults with machinery in poor condition (impacts etc.). It can be used to monitor bearings in motors, pumps, fans, gearboxes and other rotating machinery applications. It has two outputs – a decibel (dB) reading and a Distress® level which are both measured and displayed simultaneously by the Portamonitor™. <OPERATION> *The instrument listens for frictions and impacts caused by poor lubrication or bearing damage. *Sound is generated by bearings and this propagates through the machine. *By using a sensor that sends a signal, the user can detect this noise and by using signal processing, the user can determine the condition of the bearing. The distress signal is a useful indicator of whether the bearing is damaged, poorly lubricated or malfunctioning, and therefore in need of maintenance. This is useful as it is automatically calculated and displayed by the Portamonitor™ so requires minimum input from the user and gives a reliable and instant indication of the state of the bearing.