Measurement & accuracy
How accurate is VibraLens?
Within its reliable band of 8–115 Hz, VibraLens reads the dominant frequency of periodic motion it can see. Readings are most dependable with bright, steady light, a braced phone, and a visibly moving target that fills a good part of the frame. When no steady frequency dominates, VibraLens declines to show a stable reading rather than guessing, and if conditions lower the camera's frame rate the app displays its reduced reliable limit.
How is VibraLens different from accelerometer vibration apps?
Accelerometer apps measure through contact: the phone must touch the machine, and the iPhone's internal sensor limits reliable readings to roughly 50 Hz and below. VibraLens measures with the camera from a distance — no contact — covering about 8–115 Hz and showing where on the machine the vibration is, not just that it exists. Neither approach measures calibrated amplitude.
Does VibraLens measure amplitude or severity, like mm/s or mils?
No. VibraLens tells you where vibration is and at what frequency — never how severe it is. It gives no mm/s, no mils, and no go/no-go verdicts. Severity judgments require a calibrated contact instrument and a qualified technician.
What frequency range does VibraLens detect?
About 8–115 Hz, roughly equivalent to 480–6,900 RPM. The ceiling comes from sampling math: a camera can only resolve frequencies below half its frame rate, so 240 fps capture sets a practical limit near 115 Hz. If lighting or heat reduces the frame rate, the app shows its lowered reliable limit on screen.
How do I convert the Hz reading to RPM?
Multiply by 60. A reading of 30 Hz corresponds to 1,800 RPM, and 57.5 Hz corresponds to 3,450 RPM. Our guide to measuring RPM without a tachometer includes reference tables for common motor and fan speeds.
Can VibraLens replace a vibration analyzer or certified inspection?
No. Professional analyzers measure calibrated amplitude through contact sensors, cover far wider frequency ranges, and support certified reporting — none of which a phone camera can do. VibraLens is a triage and visualization tool for finding where and how fast something vibrates; use it to decide what to inspect next, never whether equipment is safe.
Troubleshooting & safety
Why isn't VibraLens detecting anything?
Work down this ladder: add more light or turn on the built-in torch; aim at an edge or textured spot with visible contrast; consider that the vibration may be outside the 8–115 Hz band; try the LO and HI band filters; lower the sensitivity threshold; under LED or fluorescent lighting use the torch — steady light that sidesteps the mains flicker VibraLens filters and flags automatically; and move closer — without touching the machine.
Does VibraLens work in the dark or in low light?
No. Light is the signal — the camera can only measure motion it can see. The built-in torch helps for close-up work, but in darkness there is no measurement. Dim scenes also raise noise and can lower the sustained frame rate, which reduces the reliable frequency ceiling.
Is VibraLens safe to use near machinery?
Measuring from a distance is the point of a camera: stand where you can work safely. Never attach the iPhone to machinery, stay clear of moving parts, and follow your site's guarding and lockout procedures. VibraLens is an observation aid, not protective equipment and not a certified inspection.
Compatibility, privacy & purchases
Is there an Android version of VibraLens?
No. VibraLens is built on the iPhone's high-frame-rate capture pipeline, and the analysis depends on that specific camera path, so the app is iPhone-only.
Does VibraLens work on iPad?
VibraLens is designed and tested for iPhone. An iPad may be able to install it as an iPhone-compatible app, but iPad camera pipelines differ and are not supported — use an iPhone for reliable readings.
Which iPhones and iOS versions are supported?
VibraLens requires iOS 16.6 or later. It performs best on iPhones that sustain 240 fps slow-motion capture; on devices or in conditions that cannot, the app shows a lowered reliable frequency limit instead of guessing.
What happens to my video — is VibraLens private?
Everything is processed on the phone. VibraLens has no accounts, no ads, no analytics, and no server; camera frames never leave the device, and recordings save only to your own Photos library using add-only access.
How do refunds work?
Purchases and refunds are handled by Apple, not by the app. Go to reportaproblem.apple.com, sign in with your Apple ID, find VibraLens, and choose Request a refund. For anything else, email support@vibralens.app.
Field guides
Longer walkthroughs of the methods behind these answers: