Solution:

I modified the test console to accept gauges and instruments that will work digitally. The smaller display on the left is a touch screen to allow the operator to make the PLC (Programmable Logic Control) accomplish different tasks during the test. I installed a PC with the display in the center of the console

I created a spreadsheet consisting of 53 worksheets and 2268 lines of Visual Basic code. The first sheet that comes up has drop downs to select engine configuration. It also shows FAA inspectors the revision of limits manuals used. Based on the information entered on this sheet all irrelevant information to the current configuration is deleted from the spreadsheet and it is saved using the engine name, type, and date as a file name automatically.

I have installed a PLC which reads 31 sensors I have installed. I also programmed the PLC with what is referred to as ladder programming software. There is a Visual Basic 6.0 executable program which acts as liaison between the PLC and the Excel spreadsheet. The main Excel screen the operator uses is shown next.

The bar graphs change as the engine speeds are changed giving the operator a visual representation of all parameters live time. Digital values are displayed the right of the graph.

The spreadsheet always compares readings to their respective limits. When limits are reached or exceeded the colors of the graphs change.

There are five stable engine speed recorded for each test. When stable the operator clicks on the appropriate button and all data is stored to a report. Data that fluctuates rapidly is averaged over 300 samples in 6 seconds. When a store button is selected the spreadsheet immediately notifies the operator with a popup message of any parameter that is out of limits. The test would be stopped there and problem corrected thus saving possibly thousands of gallons of fuel a month.

 In addition to the display above there are seven other worksheets the operator can select to complete various tasks during the test of the engine.

Three reports (example report below) and 10 plots are generated at the end of the test.