Getting a clear reading
- Aim at a textured edge on the machine body, not a blade, belt, or other visibly moving part.
- Use steady, bright light or the in-app torch.
- Keep the iPhone isolated from the machine and use a tripod when possible.
- Move closer until the area of interest occupies a meaningful part of the frame.
Understanding the display
The color overlay marks where periodic vibration is detected. Overlay color maps to frequency using the spectrum scale at the right side of the viewfinder.
The available upper frequency depends on the sustained camera frame rate. VibraLens reports a lower reliable limit if lighting, heat, or device capability reduces that rate.
Recording
Tap the red Record control to save a video containing the live view and measurement overlay. VibraLens requests add-only Photos access at that moment. Recordings remain in your Photos library.
Safety
Do not attach the iPhone to vibrating machinery. Stay clear of moving equipment and follow the equipment manufacturer's safety procedures. VibraLens is a visualization tool, not a replacement for a safety inspection or calibrated contact instrument.
Common questions
The readout shows a dash. No single steady frequency currently dominates the scene. Common causes: nothing in frame is vibrating steadily, the scene is too dark, or the phone itself is moving. Brace the phone, add light, and aim at a textured spot on the machine body. Quick self-test: an electric toothbrush should read about 75–80 Hz from a foot away in good light.
Blue speckle appears at edges while holding the phone. Hand tremor and image stabilization appear below about 20 Hz, the blue end of the scale. Brace the phone on a solid surface, or raise the LO band control to about 25 Hz to filter the handheld band.
What range does it measure? About 8–115 Hz (roughly 480–6,900 RPM) when the device sustains 240 fps. Faster sources are outside the reliable range. VibraLens reads frequency and location; it does not measure amplitude or severity.
Is my reading good or bad? VibraLens can't judge severity — it doesn't measure amplitude. Compare the reading to the machine's expected running speed (RPM ÷ 60 = Hz): a 3,600 RPM motor is about 60 Hz, an 1,800 RPM motor about 30 Hz. For go/no-go decisions, consult a qualified technician with a contact instrument.
Why does light matter? Light is signal. Dim scenes raise noise across the whole display. Use bright, steady light or the in-app torch.
A "60 Hz filtered" chip is showing. Indoor lighting flickers at mains frequency; VibraLens suppresses that band to avoid false positives and tells you when it does. Daylight or steady LED light removes the chip.
Which iPhones work? Recent iPhones that sustain 240 fps capture (iOS 16.6 or later). If the app shows a lowered Max Hz, the device or conditions are limiting frame rate.
Refunds. Purchases and refunds are handled by Apple. Visit reportaproblem.apple.com, sign in, find VibraLens, and choose "Request a refund".
Contact support
For help with VibraLens, email support@vibralens.app.