Five principles for reviewing instrument selection samples
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Reviewing the instrument selection data sheets is one of the important ways to obtain information; therefore, choosing the right data sheets and accessing key information quickly have become tasks that instrument engineers often need to handle. Principle 1: Native language and widest audience principle – Try to use samples from the native language of the region where the instrument is used, as this helps to ensure the highest level of accuracy in the information. If the native language is not acceptable, although reading may be difficult, the most important data and charts can still be understood to a large extent. For example, the German version of manuals from German companies such as Koln Instrumente; if that’s not possible, the English version should be chosen whenever possible. This is because the original version is likely to have been prepared by the engineers who developed the product, while since the English version is intended for all customers, companies pay close attention to having it reviewed by engineers rather than simply having it translated by a translation company. It is particularly worth noting that one should avoid choosing only the Chinese version out of convenience, as language differences and unprofessional translation can sometimes inevitably lead to inaccuracies, errors, or even results that are completely opposite to what was intended. Therefore, it is still necessary to develop the *habit of reading English samples. Principle 2: The earliest version principle. While it’s uncertain whether developers of the native language version were involved, it’s highly unlikely that the developers of the initial version were not involved; therefore, the initial versions and earlier versions of the instrument selection samples are usually the best in terms of accuracy and completeness of information. It is common for information that was present in earlier versions to be removed in later versions, even though the data itself remains unchanged; for example, detailed metrics of the dashboard can be found in the samples from earlier versions. Principle 3: The structural principles can be found in domestic imitation versions. For various reasons, domestic imitators, when recreating their own instrument selection templates, simply copy the assembly drawings as the product cross-sections in order to save time, without drawing them separately. And assembly drawings are usually drawn at a 1:1 scale; therefore, if you lack a certain dimension, you can simply measure it from the drawing, convert it according to the scale, and then round it off to obtain the required value. Unfortunately, among the instrument selection samples, there are those that are copied verbatim as well as those that have been modified; be careful to distinguish between them. Collect a few during normal times; they are great learning materials. Principle 4: Performance data requires additional testing conditions. Performance data without specified testing conditions is of little use; it can only serve as a reference and exists more for show than for actual purpose. In fact, data without any conditions is either over a very wide range or exists only in theory, and is nothing but self-talk. For example, in the case of dynamic frequency, if there is no testing pressure, and if it is not clear whether it is the displacement of the dynamic cylinder or that of the direct-actuation valve core that matters, as well as whether the signal variation is ±5% or 100%, even with the same conditions, changes in the testing setup can lead to significant differences. Principle 5: The principle of non-isolation – that is, not considering individual instrument selection examples in isolation ； Nor is it necessary to consider single product data in isolation. The longitudinal updates and developmental changes of instruments can be seen from the historical versions of the instrument selection samples ； A horizontal comparison of similar products from different manufacturers can also be made to identify their respective advantages, disadvantages, and differences.
Based on your description, here are five principles for reviewing instrument selection samples: 1. Mother tongue and widest audience principle: Give priority to samples in the mother tongue of the country where the instrument is produced to ensure the accuracy of the information. If you are not fluent in the native language, the English version is a better choice, as it usually receives more thorough review and editing. Try to avoid using translated Chinese versions to prevent errors or inaccuracies. 2. Principle of the earliest version: Try to select samples from the initial or early versions, as they are usually the most reliable in terms of accuracy and completeness of information. Sometimes, certain data included in older versions may be omitted in newer versions, but in reality no change has taken place. 3. The structural principles can be seen in domestic imitation versions: Domestic imitators usually use assembly drawings when creating samples, so the proportions shown on the drawings can be used directly to determine the required dimensions. However, it is also necessary to distinguish between counterfeit samples and verify their accuracy. 4. Performance data requires additional testing conditions: Performance data without such conditions is meaningless and should be used only as a reference. Accurate performance data requires clear definition of testing conditions, such as test pressure, displacement method, signal range, etc.; otherwise, the values are only theoretical, and there may be significant deviations in practical applications. 5. Non-isolation principle: It is not possible to evaluate a meter based on just one sample or piece of data; historical samples should be considered to observe the development and updates of the product. At the same time, horizontal comparisons with similar products from different manufacturers should be made to understand their respective advantages, disadvantages, and differences. The above principles can help instrumentation engineers extract key information more effectively from the selection samples and make appropriate equipment choices. .