Sensors & Software pulseEKKO Product Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Sensors & Software Manuals
  4. Radar
  5. pulseEKKO
  6. Product manual

Sensors & Software pulseEKKO Product Manual

Gpr systems
Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

2005-00040-09

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the pulseEKKO and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel

Related Manuals for Sensors & Software pulseEKKO

Summary of Contents for Sensors & Software pulseEKKO

  • Page 1 2005-00040-09...
  • Page 3 Warranty Confirmation Warranty Confirmation Return this card within 60 days of purchase to confirm your warranty. You can mail it to Sensors & Software, fax it to +1-905-624-9365, or register your product online at www.sensoft.ca/product-registration. Name: Company Name: Address: City: State/Province: Zip Code: Country:...
  • Page 4 Warranty Confirmation...
  • Page 5 Warranty Confirmation & S ENSORS OFTWARE RODUCT ICENSE OPYRIGHT IABILITY AND ARRANTY NFORMATION Important Please read this document carefully before using the or assembling the SOFTWARE PRODUCT HARDWARE . By using the storage media or assembling the hardware, you are agreeing to be bound by the PRODUCT terms of this agreement.
  • Page 6 Warranty Confirmation agreement. Upon termination, you agree to return all copies of the to Sensors & SOFTWARE PRODUCT Software, Inc. Update Policy Sensors & Software, Inc. may create, from time to time, updated versions of its . At its SOFTWARE PRODUCT option, Sensors &...
  • Page 7 Warranty Confirmation have no responsibility to replace the , refund the license fee, or replace or repair the SOFTWARE PRODUCT HARDWARE PRODUCT Do not tamper with any contains no user serviceable parts. If tampering is PRODUCT PRODUCT evident in Sensors & Software, Inc.’s opinion, warranty is void and null. No oral or written information or advice given by Sensors &...
  • Page 8 Warranty Confirmation Canada L4W 2X8 Tel:(905) 624-8909 Toll Free: 1-800-267-6013 Fax:(905) 624-9365 E-mail: customerservice@sensoft.ca Sensors & Software, Inc. trademarks are listed at: www.sensoft.ca/trademarks 1999-00236-04 viii...
  • Page 9 Important Safety Information Use the DVL only as specified in these operating instructions or the protection provided by the unit may be impaired. The battery charger/AC adapter must only be connected to a power outlet which provides a protective earth (ground). Connect the AC power cord only to designated power sources as marked on the battery charger/AC adapter.

  • Page 11: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Table of Contents Introduction ......................1 Assembly ......................3 Low Frequency Antennas High Frequency Transducers Assembling Full Configurations ............... 11 Bistatic System SmartCart SmartTow SmartChariot TR1000 Connecting Cables Accessories Getting Started ....................61 Powering up the Low Frequency Transmitter and Receiver Powering up the DVL Interacting with the DVL Swipe Down menu...
  • Page 12 Table of Contents Surveying Techniques & Tips ................. 187 11.1 Low Frequency Full Bistatic Operation 11.2 Triggers 11.3 Measuring Position 11.4 Low Frequency on a SmartCart 11.5 Antenna Geometry 11.6 Common Mid-Point (CMP) Surveys Troubleshooting ....................195 12.1 Initializing 12.2 Power Supplies 12.3 Communication Errors...

  • Page 13: Introduction

    Congratulations on your purchase of a pulseEKKO Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) system. pulseEKKO is designed to meet the needs of GPR professionals by addressing a wide range of GPR applications. The variety of components available allow for a truly customizable unit.
  • Page 14 Introduction...

  • Page 15: Assembly

    The image below displays all the antennas and transducers that are available for the pulseEKKO. All antennas and transducers come in pairs: one for transmitting and one for receiving. The one exception is the TR1000, which combines the 1000 MHz transmitter and receiver into a single, integrated sensor head.

  • Page 16: Assembly

    Cable 2.1 Low Frequency Antennas You can configure the pulseEKKO with 12.5, 25, 50, 100, or 200 MHz low frequency, unshielded, bistatic antennas. The shortest antennas (200 MHz) are 0.5 meters long, while the longest antennas (12.5 MHz) are 8 meters long.
  • Page 17 Assembly 2.1.2 Latching the Transmitter & Receiver to the Antenna Mounting Blocks Place the transmitter and receiver electronic boxes onto the black mounting blocks in the middle of the antennas, ensuring the brass sockets connect to the brass pins in the antenna. Connect the electronics boxes to the mounting block using the two plastic draw latch connectors.
  • Page 18 Assembly NOTE: The battery is “keyed” with a notch in one side so it only fits properly in this orientation. Close and latch the battery covers. 2.1.4 Attaching Skid Plates to Antennas When using the SmartCart (3.2) SmartTow (3.3), it is recommended to use antenna skid plates which protect the antennas from damage caused by contact with the ground when moving.
  • Page 19 Assembly Velcro straps The antennas are secured with Velcro straps to the skid plates. The picture below shows an assembled SmartCart with antenna skid plates. 2.1.5 Attaching Fibre Optic Converters to the DVL Fibre optic cables connect low frequency (12.5 to 200 MHz) transmitter and receiver electronics to the back of the DVL.

  • Page 20: High Frequency Transducers

    2.2.1 Bistatic Transducer Assembly pulseEKKO can use three high frequency, shielded, bistatic antennas: 250, 500, and 1000 MHz. Each component is a transducer because it consists of both an antenna and either the transmitter or receiver electronics. The transmitting transducer is indicated by Tx, e.g. Tx500,...
  • Page 21 Assembly 2.2.2 Mounting Transducers to the Skid Plate Skid plates fit a pair of transducers positioned side by side. a) On a flat surface, position the skid plate assembly bottom and two side flanges as shown in the following image. 1.
  • Page 22 Assembly Attach the completed transducer - skid plate assembly to the SmartTow (3.3) or the SmartCart (3.2). See section on Connecting Transducer Cables (3.6.3).

  • Page 23: Assembling Full Configurations

    3. Assembling Full Configurations 3.1 Bistatic System Before assembling the full Bistatic system, make sure the transmitter and receiver are connected to the antennas. The following image displays the complete low frequency pulseEKKO hand held assembly. Power Cable 3.1.1 Attaching Adjustable Handles 1.
  • Page 24 Assembling Full Configurations 2. Adjust the handle height by loosening the two levers by hand. 3. Move the handle to the desired height and then retighten the levers. 4. Once the handles are adjusted, lock them by tightening the levers until they click into place.
  • Page 25 Assembling Full Configurations 3.1.2 Assembling a One-Person System The following image displays the One-Person System (without cables and battery).
  • Page 26 Assembling Full Configurations To attach the One-Person handle to the antennas, place the handle blocks over the 4 posts on each antenna and insert the pins to secure. The optional DVL tray can be attached to the either the middle or top bar as shown in the One- Person Assembly image.

  • Page 27: Smartcart

    Assembling Full Configurations 3.2 SmartCart The SmartCart is configured for operation with 50, 100 and 200 MHz antennas and 250, 500 and 1000 MHz transducers to rapidly acquire data in flat and smooth environments. The following image shows a completely assembled SmartCart with a frequency of 100 MHz. 100 MHz 3.2.1 Unfolding the Handle...
  • Page 28 Assembling Full Configurations a) Remove the pin from the handle support arm. b) Raise the handle support arm. c) Raise the handle up, past the support arm and towards the back of the cart until the handle support arm can be placed in the T-shaped tube. d) Place open end of the T-shaped tube on the handle onto the end of the support arm (Step 1) e) To lock the handle into position, align the hole in the support arm with the hole in the T-...
  • Page 29 Assembling Full Configurations If the odometer contact with the wheel is too loose, the odometer wheel may slip resulting in incorrect position measurements. If the odometer wheel seems loose: 1. Use a ¼ inch Allen (hexagonal) wrench to loosen the screws on the side of the odometer.
  • Page 30 Assembling Full Configurations 3.2.3 Attaching Antenna Separation Bars to the SmartCart The following image displays an assembled SmartCart with separation bars for low frequency antennas. Each system has a unique set of separation bars to attach the transducers or low frequency antennas to the SmartCart and suspend them over the surface.
  • Page 31 Assembling Full Configurations Attach the 200 MHz antennas to the SmartCart using the 0.5 meter separation bars (left); the 50 MHz antennas have 1 meter separation bars (right) while the 100 MHz antennas can be used with either 0.5 or 1.0 meter separation bars. 0.5 meter 1.0 meter Refer to the following image to assemble the 0.5m separation bars.
  • Page 32 Assembling Full Configurations 1. Make sure the Swing Arm bold head is caught by the plastic ridge, so it cannot rotate. Do not over-tighten, the Swing Arm needs to move freely. Plastic Ridge...
  • Page 33 Assembling Full Configurations 2. To attach the separation bars to the SmartCart tube frame, carefully align the screws so they go in straight. Note: Forcing the screws can strip the threads. If the holes are not aligned, the thumb screw will bind after half a turn and damage the hole by cross-threading it.
  • Page 34 Assembling Full Configurations Velcro Straps Then attach the antennas to the bottom of the separation bars using the metal posts on the antenna and pins. Attach the antennas to the SmartCart before attaching the transmitter and receiver (with batteries inside) to the antennas. To complete all cable connections, see section on Connecting Fibre Optic Cables (3.6.2).
  • Page 35 Assembling Full Configurations MHz antennas, using 1m skid plates. Note that the 50 MHz antennas stick 0.5m out each side and are vulnerable to damage (see figure below). 50 MHz 3.2.5 Attaching Transducer Separation Bars to the SmartCart Before assembling the SmartCart, make sure the transducers are assembled on the skid plate assembly (2.2.2).
  • Page 36 Assembling Full Configurations Each transducer pair has a unique set of separation bars to attach them to the SmartCart and suspend it over the surface. To attach the separation bars to the SmartCart tube frame, carefully align the screws so they go in straight.
  • Page 37 Assembling Full Configurations Use the silver U-brackets and pins to secure the skid plate assembly to the separation bars as shown below U-Bracket...
  • Page 38 Assembling Full Configurations 3.2.6 Attaching the Battery The following image displays the SmartCart 12V (9 Amp-hr) battery. Follow the steps for placing the battery in the SmartCart: 1. Set the battery onto the lower inclined shelf on the back of the SmartCart. Power Cable Receptacle 2.
  • Page 39 Assembling Full Configurations 3.2.7 Connecting the Odometer Cable to the DVL Connect the odometer cable to the receptacle on the back of the DVL. Secure the odometer cable to the cart using Velcro straps. Odometer Cable 3.2.8 Attaching the DVL 1.
  • Page 40 Assembling Full Configurations 5. To remove the DVL from the SmartCart, pull the cylindrical release pin outward and lift the DVL off the shelf. 3.2.9 Installing the GPS Mount (optional) The optional SmartCart GPS mount is designed to mount a GPS receiver, which can log GPS information during data collection.

  • Page 41: Smarttow

    Assembling Full Configurations 3.3 SmartTow The SmartTow configuration enables you to drag 50, 100, 200 MHz antennas and 250, 500 and 1000 MHz transducers across the surface to acquire data. The following image displays a low frequency SmartTow system. 100 MHz SmartTow system...
  • Page 42 Thumb Screw Big Wheel Odometer pulseEKKO SmartTow frame parts Assembled pulseEKKO SmartTow frame The instructions below describe how to assemble the Tow Frame: 1. Place the Tow Frame Sides so the antenna post blocks are facing outward. 2. Connect each piece using the four thumbscrews. Be careful to not strip the threads.
  • Page 43 Assembling Full Configurations Note: The assembly kit comes with extra end pieces so both SmartCart and SmartTow configurations can be assembled; as a result, there will be extra pieces after assembly. To connect the antennas to the Tow frame: 3. Place the SmartTow frame over the antennas. 4.
  • Page 44 Assembling Full Configurations and handle with Velcro straps. The cable should have some slack to reduce any stress during data collection, as the handle assembly moves up and down. Fibre Optic Cables Odometer Cable When the metal odometer cable is routed overtop of the low frequency antennas, it can cause banding in the GPR data.
  • Page 45 Connecting Fibre Optic Cables (3.6.2), to complete those connections. Once the SmartTow is assembled, connect the round four-pin battery cable to the belt battery receptacle. 3.3.2 High Frequency Transducer SmartTow The following image displays a pulseEKKO 500 SmartTow: 500 MHz SmartTow...
  • Page 46 Assembling Full Configurations Ensure the transducers are assembled in the skid plate assembly (2.2.2). Then attach the adjustable tow handle to the skid plate assembly by placing the smaller T-end of the handle into the trough on the end of skid plate assembly. The label on the transducers should be facing away from the handle, as shown in the picture above.
  • Page 47 Assembling Full Configurations 3.3.3 Attaching a Wheel Odometer pulseEKKO SmartTow allows you to use two different odometers for collecting data; generally, operators use the Big Wheel Odometer in rough conditions and the Small Wheel Odometer in flat, smooth areas. Big Wheel Odometer Attach the large odometer wheel to the end of the skid plate assembly.
  • Page 48 Assembling Full Configurations Face the labels on the transmitting transducer toward the odometer wheel. Secure the cable to the T-bar with Velcro straps. Connect the yellow odometer cable to the receptacle on the transducer cable. You can also connect the odometer cable to the back of the DVL, but you will need an odometer extension cable;...
  • Page 49 Assembling Full Configurations Attach the small wheel odometer to the skid plate assembly by inserting the metal post into the hole on the end of the skid plate (1). Secure the odometer by inserting the metal pin into the vertical hole on the edge of the skid plate (2).
  • Page 50 Assembling Full Configurations Odometer cable Receptacle on Transducer cable Secure the cables to the cart using Velcro strips or electrical tape. Complete all transducer cable connections as described in the section Connecting Transducer Cables (3.6.3). Calibrate the odometer (5.2.2) calibration to ensure accurate data images.

  • Page 51: Smartchariot

    3.4 SmartChariot The SmartChariot is used to deploy GPR transducers at medium speeds (maximum 25 km/hr or 15 mph) from a tow vehicle. The SmartChariot can only be used with the pulseEKKO 500 or 1000 MHz transducers. The following image shows a fully assembled SmartChariot system with 500 MHz and GPS.
  • Page 52 Assembling Full Configurations Attach the hangers to the hanger bar using the nuts and bolts provided. Use two 10 mm wrenches to assemble the hangers (wrenches not provided). The resulting pictures show the assembled SmartChariot with 500 MHz and 1000 MHz transducers.
  • Page 53 Assembling Full Configurations 3.4.2 Attaching the SmartChariot Handle Depending on the height of the ball hitch used on the tow vehicle, the SmartChariot Handle Assembly can be installed in two different positions. Attach the handle assembly to the SmartChariot so the GPR sensor is as level as possible. Low Handle Position High Handle Position Attach the handle to the back of the SmartChariot using the two locking pins:...
  • Page 54 Assembling Full Configurations 3.4.3 Attaching the Ball Hitch Receiver The Ball Hitch Receiver is shipped detached from the handle assembly. 1. Determine whether to use the handle in high or low position. 2. Find the appropriate side of the handle arm to attach the Ball Hitch Receiver to. 3.
  • Page 55 Assembling Full Configurations 3.4.4 Adjusting the Transducer Height Once the SmartChariot is attached to the tow vehicle, check that the skid plate assembly is above the surface and doesn’t touch the ground. Typically, it should be 0.5cm (1/4 inch) above the ground.
  • Page 56 Assembling Full Configurations 3.4.5 Adding GPS If an optional Global Positioning System (GPS) unit was shipped with your SmartChariot, attach it to the threads at the front of the SmartChariot, near the point where the handle attaches to the frame. 3.4.6 Routing Cables It is important to route your cables properly to eliminate interference with the GPR signals, as...
  • Page 57 Assembling Full Configurations Transducer cables Odometer Odometer Cable Cable Connection Back of SmartChariot GPS Cable Route the GPS cable up to the top of the SmartChariot Handle Assembly. Route the cable along the top of the SmartChariot handle and into the tow vehicle. GPS Cable Connect all transducer cables as described in the section Connecting Transducer Cables...
  • Page 58 Assembling Full Configurations 3.4.7 GPR System Parameters The following table lists suggested GPR parameters based on the maximum SmartChariot speed of 25 kph (15 mph). These can be set in the System Configuration (6). GPR Sensor (MHz) Parameter 1000 Depth (m) 0.75 Transducer 1000...

  • Page 59: Tr1000

    Assembling Full Configurations 3.5 TR1000 The TR1000 transducer contains 1000 MHz transmitting and receiving antennas, electronics, and an odometer wheel, all in one housing. The odometer wheel is spring-loaded so the unit must be pushed down so it makes good contact with the surface during data acquisition. The bottom of theTR1000 has a replaceable wear pad.
  • Page 60 Assembling Full Configurations To connect the handle to the Sensor Head, slightly retract the 2 spring-loaded knobs on the end of the handle forks, align with the two holes at the back of the Sensor Head and release them to lock into position.
  • Page 61 Assembling Full Configurations An assembled TR1000 with handle is shown below. When using the handle, a harness is typically used to support the DVL in front of the operator Section 3.7.2.

  • Page 62: Connecting Cables

    It is recommended to only connect cables after the entire system is assembled and powered off. 3.6.1 Cables There are several types of cables available to pulseEKKO users: fibre optic, transducer, power, GPS and odometer cables. These cables are available in different lengths, depending on the type of survey you are doing.
  • Page 63 Strain relief back of DVL To connect the pulseEKKO cables: 1. Plug the dual fibre optics cable into the transmitter. Make sure the color on the strain relief jacket matches the color of the receptacle door: black to black and grey to grey.
  • Page 64 Assembling Full Configurations Ultra Receiver (Model 3200) The connections for this receiver are slightly different. Instead of running in parallel from the DVL to the transmitter and receiver, the Ultra Receiver employs a serial connection running from the DVL to the receiver and then from the receiver to the transmitter. As a result, there will be two different cables used.
  • Page 65 Assembling Full Configurations 2. Attach the other end of the fibre optic cable to the fibre optic converter on the back of the DVL. The fibre optic connection is keyed and will only attach properly in one orientation. 3. The next connection uses a special dual fibre optic cable, where both ends are identical.
  • Page 66 5. Connect the other end to the transmitter, again matching black to black and grey to grey. You can use an older pulseEKKO 100 transmitter with the pulseEKKO PRO and Ultra Receivers (see Transmitters,6.1.6).
  • Page 67 Assembling Full Configurations Connect the female end of each transducer cable to the transducers. Secure the connection with the latch. Connect the male end of the transducer cables from the transmitting and receiving transducers to the back of the DVL. The electronics recognize which device is connected to which receptacle.
  • Page 68 Assembling Full Configurations 3.6.4 Connecting Cables with an Odometer Receptacle Some configurations, such as SmartTow and SmartChariot are supplied with transducer cables that support odometer input. Attach an odometer cable to the receptacle at the transducer end of the odometer transducer cable. Odometer Receptacle 3.6.5 Connecting Cables with a TR1000...

  • Page 69: Accessories

    TR1000 cable from the TR1000 or the Adapter Cable, it is necessary to squeeze the connector release tabs on either side of the connector. 3.7 Accessories The following accessories can be connected to the pulseEKKO system: • Triggers •...
  • Page 70 Assembling Full Configurations Once the bluetooth is paired and working, simply press the button on the device to trigger data collection. 3.7.2 Harness The Harness is a convenient option for mounting the DVL when acquiring data using the SmartTow and SmartHandle configurations: The DVL will connect to a mounting platform, which will then connect to the harness.
  • Page 71 Assembling Full Configurations 3.7.3 Most GPS receivers with a standard thread can be screwed onto the top of the GPS mount (5/8- 11 UNC-1A thread). Connect one end of the GPS cable to the GPS receiver, and the other end to the serial port on the back of the DVL.
  • Page 72 Assembling Full Configurations...

  • Page 73: Getting Started

    Getting Started 4. Getting Started 4.1 Powering up the Low Frequency Transmitter and Receiver Once all connections are made between the DVL and the antennas/transducers, odometer and accessories, turn the transmitter and receiver on by pressing the On/Off button on the top of the units (Figure 4-1).

  • Page 74: Powering Up The Dvl

    Getting Started 4.2 Powering up the DVL NOTE: If you are using Low Frequency antennas, it is recommended that you power on the Transmitter and Receiver prior to turning on the DVL. Make sure the power cable is plugged into the back of the DVL (Figure 4-2). Power Cable Figure 4-2: Connecting power cable into back of DVL...
  • Page 75 Getting Started Power cable Figure 4-4: Connecting to belt battery To start the system, press the red power button on the DVL (Figure 4-5). The LED on the front panel will light up red. LED light Power button Figure 4-5: Buttons pressed when turning on DVL Once boot up is complete, the color of the LED will indicate the amount of battery power remaining: •...

  • Page 76: Interacting With The Dvl

    Getting Started Figure 4-6: Main screen after bootup Figure 4-7: Warning message that no antenna or transducer is connected 4.3 Interacting with the DVL Data collection is controlled by the DVL Display. The DVL can set survey parameters and collect, display and store data.

  • Page 77: Swipe Down Menu

    Getting Started Use the following table as a guide to working with the keypad: Item Description Menu Buttons The yellow buttons labelled 1 to 8 correspond to menu choices that appear on the screen. 4-way directional keypad Controls Up/Down/Left/Right operations in certain menus. Camera Saves an image of what is displayed on the screen.
  • Page 78 Getting Started Date and Time: The current date and time (12-hour clock). (See Section 5.1.6 for more details). Battery: The battery icon displays the amount of power remaining in the main battery. Note the low frequency Transmitter and Receiver battery levels are not shown. GPS: Shows which GPS is being used (Internal or External) and the signal strength.

  • Page 79: Quick Start For Collecting Data

    Getting Started 4.5 Quick Start for Collecting Data While it is recommended that you go through the Tools and System Configuration to ensure that everything is properly configured, sometimes the user just needs to quickly get the system setup and collecting data. This section gives a quick overview of what you need to do prior to surveying.
  • Page 80 Getting Started...

  • Page 81: Tools And Preferences

    5. Tools and Preferences Once the system boots up, you will see the main screen below in Figure 5-1 Figure 5-1: pulseEKKO main screen The Tools option allows you to set global Preferences (such as language, date/time and Wi-Fi, etc.), conduct System Tests to verify proper component operation and Manage/export data files.

  • Page 82: Preferences

    Tools and Preferences Press the desired button directly on the touchscreen to select a menu or use the 4-way keypad to highlight the desired option, then press Access Menu in the lower left side. 5.1 Preferences Selecting the preferences option will take you to the sub-menu shown in Figure 5-3. Figure 5-3: Preferences Menu To change parameters, you can either: •...
  • Page 83 Tools and Preferences Alternatively, you can also change the Language and Country/Region at the bottom of the screen. Press Back to accept changes and return. Figure 5-4: Setting the Locale 5.1.2 Units Toggles between US Standard and Metric Units. 5.1.3 Volume Adjusts the volume of the speaker.
  • Page 84 Tools and Preferences 5.1.6 Date / Time Pressing this button takes you to a sub-menu where you can set the Date and Time, see Figure 5-5. The time is manually set and will not automatically correct for daylight savings time. Figure 5-5: Setting the date and time 5.1.7 Bluetooth...
  • Page 85 Tools and Preferences To use a Bluetooth remote, begin by putting the remote into “pairing mode”. If the remote is set to pairing mode before you enter the Bluetooth menu, the remote will be displayed on the screen. If the remote is not displayed, put it in pairing mode and then press Scan (this may take a few scan attempts to find the remote).
  • Page 86 Tools and Preferences 5.1.8 Wi-Fi Network Connecting to a wireless network allows you to send a mini-report from the DVL to someone by email. This connection is made through a standard Wi-Fi network or through a hotspot on your mobile device while in the field. Note that the DVL cannot connect to Public Hotspots (typically restaurants, hotels and airports) that require a web-based login and acceptance of their Terms &...
  • Page 87 Tools and Preferences The options for this screen are explained below: o Wi-Fi – Press this button to toggle between turning the Wi-Fi on or off. The current status is displayed beneath the word Wi-Fi. If set to off, then the other remaining options will be greyed out.
  • Page 88 Tools and Preferences Figure 5-10: Using Gmail as provider. • Press Username to display a keyboard where you can enter your GMAIL user name only; you do not need to enter @gmail.com. Then press OK when done (left image in Figure 5-11).
  • Page 89 Tools and Preferences Using Another Email Provider Note: It is highly recommended to use a GMAIL account as the system is pre-configured for this. If you choose to use another provider, you will have to contact that provider if you have any issues with the settings. To use another email provider, press the + and –...
  • Page 90 Tools and Preferences Below is the chart for some common email providers: Server Enable Provider Host name Port Yahoo smtp.mail.yahoo.com Hotmail/Outlook smtp.live.com 163.com smtp.163.com Yandex smtp.yandex.com If there are no warning messages, the email address is setup properly and you are ready to email mini-reports from the field.
  • Page 91 Tools and Preferences Figure 5-13: GMAIL settings On the page that follows, ensure the setting “Allow less secure apps” is set to ON (Figure 5-14). Figure 5-14: GMAIL security options 5.1.10 GPR Plot Options Pressing GPR Plot Options takes you to a new screen that allows you to set a few options that control how lines are collected and displayed (Figure 5-15).
  • Page 92 Tools and Preferences Figure 5-15: Line Plot Options menu o Auto-Hide Buttons - If this is set to ON, then in Line Scan mode, the buttons at the bottom of the screen disappear shortly after data collection begins, effectively enlarging the area for data display.
  • Page 93 Tools and Preferences o Scale Lines – Lines can be drawn over the data corresponding to the position scale and/or depth scale intervals. Selecting OFF will not draw any lines. Selecting Position will draw vertical lines at regular position intervals. Selecting Depth will draw horizontal lines at the depth intervals shown on the left axis.
  • Page 94 Tools and Preferences Figure 5-17: Option to clear email and Wi-Fi settings Figure 5-18: Option to remove all paired Bluetooth devices 5.1.12 Back Returns to the main Tools menu shown in Figure 5-2.

  • Page 95: System Test

    Tools and Preferences 5.2 System Test The system test sub-menu (Figure 5-19) allows the user to perform certain tests to ensure proper operation of the system. Press the touchscreen directly to select which component to test or use the 4-way keypad to highlight the desired option, then press Start in the lower left. After completing a test there is an indication of whether the system passed or failed the test.
  • Page 96 Tools and Preferences 5.2.1 System Information System Information is the only option in System Test which is not actually a test. Here information such as the version, serial numbers, temperature and battery power are displayed. (Figure 5-20). If a USB key is currently inserted, the Export button will be enabled. Pressing this button will export a System Summary Report with this information.
  • Page 97 Tools and Preferences Figure 5-21: Message advising what Clear User Data will do (L), and then confirmation message to proceed (R) 5.2.2 Odometer This option allows you to test the odometer, and ensure that the odometer is calibrated properly for distance. Even though the odometer is calibrated in the factory, you must calibrate it periodically to ensure accuracy of position.
  • Page 98 Tools and Preferences value (Figure 5-24). If the test fails or the percentage difference is larger than the user would like, they should run an odometer calibration (explained below). Figure 5-23: Ready to test odometer for a distance of 10 feet Figure 5-24: Odometer Test passed on left, failed on the right •...
  • Page 99 Tools and Preferences Figure 5-25: Odometer Calibration. Image on the left shows the screen where the user must select a distance. The image on the right instructs you to move that distance then press Finish. Upon completion, it will display one of the screens shown in Figure 5-26. The new calibration value is shown, along with a message asking if you would like to accept this new value.
  • Page 100 Tools and Preferences Figure 5-27: Manually setting odometer calibration value • Direction – Press this button to toggle between Forward and Reverse. Forward is used if pushing the system forward (most common) or Reverse is used when pulling it backwards. Make sure to calibrate in the direction that you will be surveying in. 5.2.3 Keypad Test The keypad test ensures that all buttons on the membrane keypad are working.
  • Page 101 Tools and Preferences Once that is complete, a short LED light test will ensue, which checks the proper operation of the LED light. 5.2.4 Touch Screen The touch screen test checks proper operation of the touch screen (Figure 5-29). It allows you to test the screen (by pressing Test) or perform a calibration followed by a test (by pressing Calibrate).
  • Page 102 Tools and Preferences Figure 5-30: Scope mode before First Break correction The radar pulse is shown on the screen, with the amplitude plotted on the vertical axis (in millivolts) and the time axis plotted horizontally (traditional oscilloscope format). First Break is the first arrival of the radar wave and is used as a convenient reference point. Before leaving Scope mode, the goal is to ensure that the First Break is correctly positioned, near the beginning of red line at 0 ns.
  • Page 103 Tools and Preferences Figure 5-31: First Break at the correct position To move the pulse manually, touch the screen and move the pulse left or right. The buttons on the bottom can also be used: • Press the large left or right arrow to continuously move the radar pulse to the left or right.
  • Page 104 Tools and Preferences Figure 5-33: Advanced mode when an Ultra Receiver is connected. • Zoom – Pressing this button changes the menu at the bottom of the screen (Figure 5-34) allowing the user to change the time window (Zoom Time, the horizontal axis) and the amplitude (Zoom Amplitude, the vertical axis).
  • Page 105 Tools and Preferences Figure 5-34: Zooming options (PRO Receiver shown) • Filter – Cycles between applying a DEWOW filter, a DC filter or no filter (Off). DEWOW applies a high pass filter which suppresses the low frequency “wow” in the data. DC Filter removes the average signal level from each trace and is generally applied to high frequency data.
  • Page 106 Tools and Preferences • Amplitude Window (only available with Ultra Receiver) – The amplitude window defines the dynamic range of the signal that is recorded. The larger amplitude windows will collect a wider range of amplitude values, but smaller amplitude windows will record more precise amplitude data.
  • Page 107 Tools and Preferences Figure 5-37: GPS Test The position and UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) information is displayed on the screen. Fix Type notes the type of GPS fix; the options are GPS, DGPS, RTK, RTK-Float in increasing order of accuracy. Pressing Strings will display the raw data strings that are outputted by the GPS (Figure 5-38) as they scroll down the screen.
  • Page 108 Tools and Preferences Pressing GPS Setup will take you the screen shown in Figure 5-39, where you can also change the GPS being tested (Internal or External). Figure 5-39: Configuring GPS • Format – pressing this toggles between UTM or Latitude/Longitude coordinates •...
  • Page 109 Tools and Preferences o Baud Rate – The baud rate is the speed that data is sent from the GPS receiver to the serial port of the DVL. Set this in accordance with the GPS manufacturer specifications. If you purchase a GPS from Sensors & Software, this is already pre-set.
  • Page 110 Tools and Preferences Figure 5-41: Warning message if you enable power to the serial port 5.2.7 Audio This test ensures that the speaker is operating properly. After starting the test, you should hear a sound with an increasing pitch (Figure 5-42). Figure 5-42: Audio Test...

  • Page 111: File Management

    Tools and Preferences 5.3 File Management From the main Tools menu shown in Figure 5-2, press File Management to enter this sub- menu. From here, the user can view screenshots, access MapView, delete projects and export data (Figure 5-43). Figure 5-43: Main screen in File Management A summary of each project is given in the middle column, showing Grids, Lines and Screenshots for that project.
  • Page 112 Tools and Preferences there are more than four screenshots, swipe the screen from right to left to view the rest. Alternatively, you can also use the Left and Right arrow keys on the 4-way directional keypad Figure 5-44: Tile View in Screenshot Gallery From the Tile View, the user has the following options: •...
  • Page 113 Tools and Preferences Figure 5-45: Expanded view of screenshot • Delete – Pressing this button will delete the displayed screenshot. There will be a confirmation message asking if you are sure. Press Yes to proceed. • Delete All – Pressing this button will delete all screenshots. There will be a confirmation message asking if you are sure.
  • Page 114 Tools and Preferences Figure 5-46: MapView showing two grids and multiple lines with interpretations and flags. 5.3.4 Delete Project Pressing this will delete the currently selected project. There is a confirmation window asking if you are sure; press Yes to continue deleting, press No to cancel. 5.3.5 Export Data Screenshots and data are always saved to the internal memory of the DVL.
  • Page 115 Tools and Preferences The directory structure on the USB drive can be viewed on your PC, and will look as follows: • GPR Data • pulseEKKO o Export01 ▪ Project1 • Screen Shots o All Screenshots as .JPG files •...
  • Page 116 Tools and Preferences...

  • Page 117: System Configuration

    System Configuration 6. System Configuration The pulseEKKO system allows the user to customize GPR data collection parameters. This is done in the System Configuration menu. From the main screen, press System Configuration to enter the menu shown in Figure 6-1.

  • Page 118: Gpr Parameters

    System Configuration 6.1 GPR Parameters For each parameter described below, there is a Reset to Defaults button, which will reset that parameter to the recommended value. 6.1.1 Frequency Pressing Frequency will take the user to a screen where they can select the frequency of the antennas/transducers they are using.
  • Page 119 System Configuration The frequencies on the left are the high frequency transducers, which encompass the antenna itself, as well as a transmitter or receiver, all contained in a sealed, yellow housing. Pressing Auto Detect will have the system automatically detect which transducer is connected. The frequencies on the right are the antenna frequencies.
  • Page 120 System Configuration windows permit larger incremental changes. Pressing Custom Value allows you to enter an exact value, which can also exceed the value obtained by just pressing the + button. For example, using a 100 MHz antenna, pressing the + button repeatedly will get a maximum time window of 4000 ns.
  • Page 121 System Configuration • A step size that is too fine a may result in large data volumes, skipped traces and slow survey productivity. Press Step Size to display the screen in Figure 6-4, where this value can be set. The current Step Size is displayed in the Units selected.
  • Page 122 System Configuration For a WARR, if you plan to move the receiving antenna 0.1m further apart from the fixed transmitting antenna, set the step size to 0.1m. 6.1.4 Sampling Interval Temporal Sampling Interval defines how often the GPR wave is sampled at the GPR receiver, to accurately capture the resulting signal waveform.
  • Page 123 System Configuration Figure 6-6: Setting the Sampling Interval Press the + and – buttons to toggle between Normal and High. Selecting High will double the sample points if you need to have higher resolution of the reflected wave. Note that this also increases data volume and may slow down data collection.
  • Page 124 System Configuration “stacking”. Stacking improves data quality because noise, which is usually a random addition to the trace, tends to zero when averaged. The following diagram displays how data is stacked. At each data collection point, the trace is collected multiple times. Traces are averaged to calculate the resulting data trace, which is saved.
  • Page 125 This setting allows you to specify which transmitter is being used for data collection. Several different transmitters can be used with a pulseEKKO system. Press Transmitter to display the screen in Figure 6-8, where the type of transmitter can be set.
  • Page 126 Auto. The pulseEKKO 100 is an older type of transmitter for low frequency antennas that is still supported; select this option if you have this transmitter (Figure 6-9).
  • Page 127 Receiver will display the screen in Figure 6-10. Figure 6-10: Selecting the type of Receiver. The pulseEKKO PRO receiver is the conventional receiver used in the models specified. If this is the one connected, select this and then press Back.
  • Page 128 System Configuration The pulseEKKO Ultra receiver (Model 3200) allows the user to acquire data thousands of times faster than the PRO model 1600 receiver. This increased speed allows the user to stack up to 65,536 times, resulting in a reduction of the noise floor which can achieve up to double the depth of penetration in certain conditions.
  • Page 129 System Configuration Refer to the chart below for a more in-depth listing of radar velocities for various materials. Material Velocity (m/ns) Velocity (ft./ns) 0.30 0.98 0.52 – 0.56 0.16-0.17 Dry Soil 0.15 0.419 Dry Sand 0.15 0.49 Granite 0.13 0.43 Dry Salt 0.13 0.43...

  • Page 130: Survey Parameters

    System Configuration 6.2 Survey Parameters For each option described below, there is a Reset to Defaults button, which will reset that particular parameter to the default, or recommended, value. 6.2.1 Survey Type Press Survey Type to display the screen in Figure 6-12 . Touch the button on the screen that corresponds to the type of survey you want to set up.
  • Page 131 System Configuration Figure 6-13: Common Mid-Point survey Setting up a CMP survey requires the Start Offset (6.2.2), Starting Antenna Separation (6.2.4) and Step Size (6.1.3) parameters to be set. For details of conducting a CMP survey, see Section 6.2.1. and Section •...
  • Page 132 System Configuration Figure 6-14: Transillumination survey on a column The most common application of Transillumination are Borehole GPR surveys, but it can also be used above the surface on objects like dams, thick walls and pillars. Transillumination surveys are less common than reflection type surveys because the data requires a fair amount of processing to get meaningful results.
  • Page 133 System Configuration is moved and the receiver is again moved at regular intervals (you could also have the Receiver fixed and the Transmitter moved). This process is repeated until you have achieved the desired coverage. Each time the Transmitter is moved, a new data collection line is started.
  • Page 134 System Configuration Figure 6-15: Specifying a Start Offset Press Custom Value to enter a specific offset value. CMP Surveys If using a measuring tape to position the transmitting and receiving antennas for the survey, layout the measuring tape on the ground and set the mid-point of the survey to a nice, round number on the measuring tape, for example 20.0m.
  • Page 135 System Configuration 6.2.3 GPR Trigger This allows you to setup how the GPR system will trigger the transmitter to fire and collect a data trace. Pressing the GPR Trigger button will display a screen (Figure 6-16) where you can select and configure the various trigger methods. Figure 6-16: Trigger Method •...
  • Page 136 System Configuration Figure 6-17: Edit Odometer screen • Manual (DVL/Bluetooth) – This is typically used when surveying in difficult terrain where antennas cannot be moved easily or at regular time intervals. For the position of each measurement point, the system assumes the operator has moved the antennas one step size along the survey line.
  • Page 137 System Configuration • Free Run - In some cases, collecting data with an odometer is not practical or even possible, for example when collecting from a boat. Free run mode allows the system to pulse based on a specified time interval or pulse continuously. This is best for surveys in unobstructed terrain where antennas can be moved easily.
  • Page 138 System Configuration trace interval. You can also increase the step size, reduce the time window and reduce number of stacks. Figure 6-20: Red letters indicate that speed-interval combination is too fast. Change step size, stacks or depth. Pressing the + and – buttons under Trace Interval and Travel Speed allows you to set whichever parameter you want to control;...
  • Page 139 System Configuration Figure 6-21: Advanced menu • Start Delay – Allows the user to set an initial time delay in seconds, to give time to get setup and prepared to start the survey line. Use the + and – buttons to set the desired time.
  • Page 140 For convenience and practicality, it is permissible to use a separation of 0.5 m for the 100 MHz antennas when a pulseEKKO PRO transmitter is used.
  • Page 141 6.2.5 Antenna Polarization All the pulseEKKO antennas and transducers have the flexibility to allow different orientations with respect to each other. Press Antenna Polarization to display the screen in Figure 6-25 where the user can set the Antenna Geometry.
  • Page 142 System Configuration It is important for users to understand the direction and polarization of the EM field, and the effect that antenna rotation will have on the above factors; this is beyond the scope of this manual. Press the Polarization button at the bottom of the screen to select between the three options explained below: •...
  • Page 143 System Configuration Figure 6-26: Antenna Geometry is Endfire Perpendicular Figure 6-27: Antenna Polarization is Cross polarization (Tx – Parallel, Rx – Perpendicular) Press Orientation to toggle between Parallel and Perpendicular. This refers to the orientation of the antenna relative to the survey direction.
  • Page 144 Press the + and – buttons under Rx Rotation to rotate the Receiver by 90 degree values • Press Reset to Default to return them to the standard orientation with no rotations. The direction of the E field is indicated on all pulseEKKO transmitters, receivers and transducers (Figure 6-29):...
  • Page 145 System Configuration Figure 6-29: Transducer showing the Electric field vector. 6.2.6 Press GPS to enter a menu where you can setup and configure the GPS (Figure 6-30). This is same menu for the GPS test, see Section 5.2.6 for more details. Figure 6-30: GPS Configuration...

  • Page 146: Incompatible Settings

    System Configuration 6.3 Incompatible Settings When the user presses Exit, there may be a warning message that appears if any incompatible settings exist. It is recommended to go back into System Configuration and correct the settings. If you exit without fixing, the warning message will appear again when you go to collect data. In Figure 6-31, the user received an error message when they tried to set Stacks to DynaQ with the Trigger option set to Manual.

  • Page 147: Collecting Data

    Collecting Data 7. Collecting Data From the main menu, press Run System. This takes you to the screen shown in Figure 7-1. Data is organized into Projects, numbered from 1 to 9. Projects can be given a custom name by pressing the pencil icon beside the project name;...
  • Page 148 Collecting Data Figure 7-2: Turn on GPR button is shown instead of Scope It is highly recommended to Scope the system before data collection. Scope mode ensures the GPR pulse is properly positioned within the recording time window. Press the Scope button to enter Scope Mode. The details of scope mode are described in Section 5.2.5.

  • Page 149: Line Scan

    Collecting Data 7.1 Line Scan Line Scan mode allows the operator to acquire data along a line and examine it as a cross- section image. Line Scan mode can be used to identify the alignment of subsurface features, check for linearity and acquire accurate depth measurements. Once you are in the desired project number then press the Line Scan button to enter this mode.
  • Page 150 Collecting Data 7.1.1 Collecting Data in Reflection Mode In the data acquisition screen, the parameters for the data collection are initially displayed in the left of the window. Press Start to begin collecting data. Figure 7-4: Beginning of data acquisition As the system is pushed or pulled along a straight line, the collected GPR data scrolls onto the screen from the right and moves to the left.
  • Page 151 Collecting Data Position Axis Depth Axis Figure 7-5: Line Scan acquisition mode, showing collected data and axis labels. Touch the vertical scale to switch from depth to time. DynaQ indicator is shown at the bottom above the menu options (odometer trigger only). Auto-Hide Buttons is set to ON, the menu at the bottom of the screen disappears as soon as you start collecting new data, thereby maximizing the data display area.
  • Page 152 Collecting Data Figure 7-6: Skipped traces shown in red at bottom of screen Figure 7-7: Warning message when more than 10% of traces are skipped If the stacking option was set to DynaQ and the Trigger is set to Odometer, you will see a colored bar at the bottom of the screen.
  • Page 153 Collecting Data White = No Data (too fast!): 0 stacks Yellow = Moderate quality: 1-3 stacks Light blue = Better quality: 4-7 stacks Dark Blue = Highest quality: 8+ stacks 7.1.2 Back-up Indicator Line Scan mode incorporates a back-up feature to enable you to accurately locate targets and mark them on the ground.
  • Page 154 Collecting Data To locate a feature, simply roll the system back along the same path until the red vertical line is exactly over the response (usually a hyperbola). You can mark the location of the object on the ground and push the system forward to continue data collection. Once you reach the point where you initially started backing-up, the system will continue acquiring new data.
  • Page 155 Collecting Data Figure 7-10: Changing the displayed depth Time – if the user changes the vertical axis to show time (in nanoseconds), then the screen will appear like Figure 7-11, where pressing the + and – buttons under Time will allow them to change the displayed time window.
  • Page 156 Collecting Data Figure 7-12: Varying the position, or horizontal scaling 7.1.5 Color Pressing Color changes the color palette for the GPR Line. There are 9 different color palette options. The image is automatically re-displayed as the color palette changes. A few sample color palettes are shown in Figure 7-13.
  • Page 157 Collecting Data However, it will also filter out other flat-lying responses, such as soil boundaries, so be careful when using the filter option if your target is flat. It works by applying a running-average background subtraction to the data set, defined by the filter width or a window.
  • Page 158 Collecting Data gaining the data as it can make interpretation difficult (Figure 7-15). In general, soils that are more electrically conductive (e.g. clays) will require a higher gain compared to soils that are less electrically conductive (e.g. sand). The type of gain used is what is set under Gain Type in Plot Options (5.1.10).
  • Page 159 Collecting Data dry soil, very dry soil and air. There is an associated approximate velocity (and hyperbola shape) for each media type. • Velocity – Allows you to use hyperbola-fitting to determine a more accurate velocity. The options are slightly different, depending whether or not you are in backup mode. If the backup indicator is on the screen when you press velocity, then you can only adjust the vertical position of the horizontal scroll bar, since it is presumed you have backed-up so that the system is right over the hyperbola in question.
  • Page 160 Collecting Data If you get a Velocity near 0.300 m/ns, this could be an Air Wave response (the hyperbola is from an object on the surface, NOT in the subsurface) and you should calibrate using a different hyperbola. 7.1.9 Interpretations (Interps) Short for field interpretation, Interps are used to mark subsurface features.
  • Page 161 Collecting Data Figure 7-19: Select the Interps button to select a color for Interps. 7.1.10 Flags Flags are often inserted to mark noteworthy surface features, such as poles, sidewalks, changes in terrain etc. These markers may help you correlate subsurface targets with above ground features.
  • Page 162 Collecting Data Figure 7-20: Inserting Flags 7.1.11 Ending the Line Pressing Stop ends the line. This line is saved internally on the system and data cannot be added to it. The data saved is the raw data; all the viewing parameters that were changed do not alter the saved data in any way.
  • Page 163 Collecting Data Figure 7-21: Showing a collected line To select the desired line, press the + and - buttons under Line Number on the bottom of the screen. Lines that contain data have red numbers and have a preview of the line scan image on the right (Figure 7-21).
  • Page 164 Collecting Data 7.1.13 Collecting Data in CMP/WARR modes To properly set up the parameters for a CMP survey, see Section 6.2.1. In the data acquisition screen, the parameters for the data collection are initially displayed in the left of the window. The right side of the window displays a graphic showing the initial antenna separation and the current positions of the transmitting and receiving antennas.
  • Page 165 Collecting Data Figure 7-24: Collected CMP data The process for WARR will be the same, except that one of the antennas is in a fixed position. To properly set up the parameters for a WARR survey, see Section 6.2.1. 7.1.14 Collecting Data in Transillumination To properly set up the parameters for a transillumination survey, see Section 6.2.1.
  • Page 166 Collecting Data For Transillumination-MOG, you will see the screen in Figure 7-26. The image on the left shows the initial screen before you start collecting data. Starting antenna positions can be changed by pressing the + and – buttons under the Tx and Rx positions respectively. Press Start to the begin the survey.

  • Page 167: Grid Scan

    Collecting Data Figure 7-27: Drawing arrows on the screen to highlight targets and features Touch the screen where you want the head of the arrow to appear, and then drag away in the direction of the shaft. In the example above, the user touched near the hyperbola, then swept their finger towards the top left to create the arrow.
  • Page 168 Collecting Data Figure 7-28: Grid setup menu Grid Number - To select a grid number, press the + and - buttons under Grid Number at the bottom of the screen. Grids containing data will have the text and grid lines shown in red (on the right side).
  • Page 169 Collecting Data Figure 7-29: Grid settings Grid Size – Press the + and - buttons to cycle between pre-set sizes. These are all square grids. If the grid size becomes too large, it cannot be processed on the DVL, and it will display a message in red beside the Depth Slices field saying “EKKO_Project Only”.
  • Page 170 Collecting Data Figure 7-30: Forward/Reverse grid line collection Custom – Press this button to customize some further settings (explained in next section) 7.2.3 Grid Settings - Custom Pressing Custom from the previous screen changes the bottom menu, allowing you to define a custom grid size and line spacing (Figure 7-31).
  • Page 171 Collecting Data X-Axis – Press the + and – buttons to adjust the dimension of the X-axis. This will add or subtract lines along the Y-axis, in multiples of the current Line Spacing. Y-Axis – Press the + and – buttons to adjust the dimension of the Y-axis. This will add or subtract lines along the Y-axis, in multiples of the current Line Spacing.
  • Page 172 Collecting Data For linear targets such as pipes and utilities, the best GPR responses occur when the GPR survey line crosses the target at right angles. Keep this in mind when laying out the grid and the orientation. Sometimes, laying out a grid with straight lines and corners at 90 degree angles can be difficult.
  • Page 173 It is critical that the starting position is consistent on every line. Line up the mid-point of the pulseEKKO antennas or transducers with the starting line (Figure 7-35), and then press Start. Wait for the screen to change as shown in Figure 7-36. Then push the system straight towards the end of the line.
  • Page 174 Collecting Data Not all lines have to be finished; if there is an obstruction preventing you from finishing the line, you can simply press Stop and end the line early. Do not try to steer the system around the obstruction, as this will throw off the positioning of the data. You can also collect a line from the other direction into the obstruction;...
  • Page 175 Collecting Data Figure 7-37: Collecting a line in the grid Once the line is collected, the Grid Line will turn red and the system will beep twice and the cross-section will be shown on the left. The grid image on the right will show the next line to be collected, in white.
  • Page 176 Collecting Data If you only need to collect data in one direction, everything is configured the same way, but you would just stop here and not collect lines in the other direction. Note: Periodically ensure that the line you are collecting matches what is displayed on the screen.
  • Page 177 Collecting Data To exit from the Line View screen and return to Grid View, press the Back button. The Grid View screen respects any display settings changed while in Line View. If the velocity is changed, the depth slices are reprocessed. Figure 7-40: Viewing a grid line in full screen, with the Line Scan menu options at bottom 7.2.9 Adding a line...
  • Page 178 Collecting Data complete grid, including all the added lines, export the data to a PC and use the EKKO_Project software SliceView module. 7.2.10 Collecting Around an Obstruction From time to time, there may be an obstruction (such as a tree or rock) in your survey area. There is a temptation to pick up the system, move it around the obstruction and continue collecting.

  • Page 179: Processing Data

    Collecting Data 7.3 Processing Data Once you have finished collecting all the lines in the grid, press Slice View at the bottom of the screen. Before the data is processed and the depth slices are created, you must ensure the velocity is accurate;...
  • Page 180 Collecting Data...

  • Page 181: Slice View

    Slice View 8. Slice View Slice View displays data collected in a grid as a series of depth slices moving deeper into the subsurface. Objects and features appear in plan view, which can be an easier way of visualizing the data. When entering Slice View, the screen will be displayed as shown in Figure 8-1.

  • Page 182: Depth

    Slice View 8.1 Depth Pressing the + and - buttons on the Depth button will increase or decrease the depth of the depth slice currently displayed. You can also touch and drag the depth slice indicator on the line scan image. This allows the user to “slice through” the ground, and locate features that appear at different depths.

  • Page 183: Color

    Slice View 8.3 Color This heading has two button functions beneath it: a) Color Palette - The number corresponds to the color palette used for the depth slice image. Pressing this button cycles between the 9 available color palettes available on the system.

  • Page 184: Grid Lines

    Slice View Figure 8-3: Varying the sensitivity, from top to bottom: Low, Medium and High settings. High shows more subtle targets but may sometimes appear cluttered while the Low setting only displays the strongest targets so be cautious when using it. 8.4 Grid Lines Pressing this button overlays grid lines on the depth slice image, and cycles between ON, PARTIAL or OFF.
  • Page 185 Slice View Figure 8-4: Varying the Grid Lines, from top to bottom: ON, PARTIAL and OFF settings...

  • Page 186: Recollecting Lines

    Slice View 8.5 Recollecting lines After looking at the grid data in Slice View you may discover that one or more grid lines need to be recollected (for example, maybe the starting position was offset). If so, you need to enter the Grid Scan (7.2) menu again and select the appropriate grid number and press Start (the grid number will be in red, since data exists).

  • Page 187: Map View

    Map View 9. Map View Map View is a unique feature that allows the user to graphically view the survey path and any flags or interpretations added. This is helpful in determining the linearity and consistency of buried objects. A common use of this feature is to snake back and forth over a given area. Each time you cross a target producing a hyperbola, click on the top of the hyperbola to add an interpretation.
  • Page 188 Map View Figure 9-2: Map View showing the position of a grid and two lines, as well as flags and interps. Pressing the Layers button changes the bottom menu (Figure 9-3), allowing you to turn on/off various items in the Map View image: Figure 9-3: Pressing the Layers button reveals further options;...
  • Page 189 Map View • Grids – Toggles Grid Scans On or OFF. • Labels – Toggles Line and Grid labels ON or OFF When the Measure button is pressed, it is highlighted in blue. During this time, you can touch the screen and drag your finger a certain distance to get a measurement value for that distance (yellow line pointed at by the white arrow in Figure 9-4).
  • Page 190 Map View...

  • Page 191: Managing Data

    Managing Data 10. Managing Data 10.1 Screenshots The DVL allows you to take a screenshot of nearly every screen available. To save an image of the current screen press the Camera button on the DVL. This saves the screen as a Screenshot image (.JPG), which can be viewed in any third-party viewing software.
  • Page 192 Managing Data Figure 10-2: Message after pressing the Camera button on the DVL when connected to a wireless network. The user can enter an email address to send the mini-report to.

  • Page 193: Emailing Mini-Reports

    Managing Data 10.2 Emailing Mini-Reports When a screenshot is emailed, it is sent as part of a mini-report. This mini-report also contains a table with information about the collected data including the settings used, date & time (Figure 10-3). Figure 10-3: Example of a Mini-Report...

  • Page 194: Using The Hotspot On Your Smartphone

    Managing Data 10.3 Using the Hotspot on your Smartphone If a Wi-Fi signal in unavailable, you may be able to use your Smartphone as a Wi-Fi access point, by creating a Personal Hotspot. If you are experiencing difficulty connecting to a cell phone Personal Hotspot, ensure that the phone is in discovery mode while connecting.

  • Page 195: Transferring Data To A Pc

    Managing Data 10.4 Transferring Data to a PC Data can be exported to a PC by inserting a USB drive into the USB port (Figure 10-5). USB-memory stick Figure 10-5: Insert a USB memory stick into the USB port on the DVL to export data. Once the USB drive is recognized, a message appears, informing you that a drive has been inserted and will ask if you wish to export all the data on the DVL to it (Figure 10-6).
  • Page 196 The folder structure on the USB drive can be viewed on your PC, and will look as follows: • GPR Data • pulseEKKO o Export01 ▪ Project1 •...

  • Page 197: Ekko_Project

    Managing Data 10.5 EKKO_Project Any line and grid data collected in a project are saved as a single .GPZ file (e.g. Project1.GPZ), which opens in the EKKO_Project PC software. EKKO_Project is powerful software that allows you to view, edit, process and create reports from your GPR data.
  • Page 198 Managing Data...

  • Page 199: Surveying Techniques & Tips

    Figure 11-1: Two-person data collection with the pulseEKKO system. The antenna operator moves the antennas one Step Size to each new data collection position.
  • Page 200 Surveying Techniques & Tips The antennas can be held at a constant separation by using a rope tied between them (Figure 11-2). Antennas should not move while data are being collected, as indicated by the duration of the beeping tone. Keeping the antennas static assures the highest quality data. When the beep stops, the antennas can be moved to their next position in preparation for the next trace.

  • Page 201: Triggers

    Surveying Techniques & Tips 11.2 Triggers While the Odometer trigger is self-explanatory, the other Trigger Methods require a brief description below: 11.2.1 Manual / Bluetooth If the Trigger Method (6.2.3) is set to Bluetooth or manual DVL, the following data collection sequence is followed: a) Set the antennas at the correct separation and centred on the starting position for the survey line.

  • Page 202: Measuring Position

    Surveying Techniques & Tips 11.2.2 Free Run If the Trigger Method (6.2.3) is set to Free Run, the following data collection sequence is followed: a) Set the antennas at the correct separation and centred on the starting position for the survey line.

  • Page 203: Low Frequency On A Smartcart

    Surveying Techniques & Tips Survey Direction Marker Step Size rope Distance 2)Move this antenna until the rope is tight 1)Move Antenna to this point For accurate positioning a tape measure laid out on the survey line is most effective. 11.4 Low Frequency on a SmartCart When the 1 meter separation bars are used, the front end of the SmartCart gets quite heavy and can be damaged if the front is tilted up.

  • Page 204: Antenna Geometry

    Figure 11-3: Incorrect way (left) and correct way (right) to maneuver SmartCart when lifting. 11.5 Antenna Geometry Both the high and low frequency, bistatic antennas of the pulseEKKO system have the flexibility to allow different orientations with respect to one another. Antenna polarization can be Broadside, Endfire and Cross Polarization.

  • Page 205: Common Mid-Point (Cmp) Surveys

    Surveying Techniques & Tips 11.6 Common Mid-Point (CMP) Surveys A Common Mid Point (CMP) survey is performed to measure GPR velocity in the survey area. A CMP survey is best done in an area with flat lying reflectors and relies on changing the antenna separation to increase the signal path length from the mid-point reflector (Figure 11-5 &...
  • Page 206 Surveying Techniques & Tips Figure 11-7: Data from CMP survey (left) and semblance analysis used to extract velocity (right)

  • Page 207: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting 12. Troubleshooting The pulseEKKO system is designed to minimize user problems; however, all electronic devices are subject to possible failure. The following are troubleshooting hints if your system fails to operate. If there is an issue, an error message is usually displayed, indicating the possible cause of the problem.
  • Page 208 When a pulseEKKO 100 transmitter is being used with a pulseEKKO system (Section 6.1.6), the pulseEKKO 100 transmitter is unable to communicate the proper battery voltage to the DVL. As a result, the DVL low battery warning message from number 1 above is displayed before every...

  • Page 209: Communication Errors

    The low battery indicator in number 2 above can still be used. 12.2.4 Testing Transmitter & Receiver Batteries If you are experiencing reduced operation time with either your pulseEKKO Receiver or Transmitter, the problem may be the result of a damaged 12 V battery or a poor battery connection in one of the battery compartments.

  • Page 210: Transmitter Related Errors

    Troubleshooting If neither of the above solutions solve the problem, contact Sensors & Software Inc. 12.5 Transmitter Related Errors If there is no signal on the screen, go to Scope mode (5.2.5) and try the Auto search. Keep the antennas about one antenna length apart. If the pulse still cannot be found do the following checks: 1.

  • Page 211: System Overheating

    Troubleshooting 12.7 System Overheating The pulseEKKO system is designed to operate to a maximum internal temperature of 70 C or 158 F. In situations of high ambient temperatures or long exposure to direct sun, this maximum internal temperature may be exceeded and cause the system to fail. While the temperature...
  • Page 212 Troubleshooting Manufacturer’s Address Sensors & Software Inc. 1040 Stacey Court Mississauga, Ontario Canada L4W 2X8 Tel: (905) 624-8909 Toll Free: 1 800-267-6013 Fax:(905) 624-9365 Email: customerservice@sensoft.ca Website: http://www.sensoft.ca/...

  • Page 213: Care & Maintenance

    13. Care & Maintenance 13.1 General When operating the pulseEKKO GPR system in a geophysical field environment, exercise the normal care afforded to other field instrumentation. All the equipment is water resistant but will not tolerate total immersion in water. If the equipment is immersed in water, open the affected components (if possible) and dry it out before operating.
  • Page 214 Care & Maintenance 13.2.1 Fibre Optic Cables The fibre optic cables are the most fragile component in the system. They can be easily damaged by misuse. When handling the fibre optic cables always roll and unroll them as if they were on a spool.
  • Page 215 Care & Maintenance Figure 13-1: Fibre optic cable repair kit The following procedure describes how to repair the fibre optics cables that link the pulseEKKO unit to the transmitter and receiver units. The procedure and materials used are described in the...
  • Page 216 Care & Maintenance • Industrial razor blade or wire cutters (not supplied) • 16 gauge latching wire strippers (not supplied) • Crimp tool (not supplied but available from Sensors & Software) Figure 13-2: Assembling fibre optic connectors Step 1 If the duplex cable is being connected, split the two fibres 2 to 3 inches back from the ends. Trim off any excess webbing and strip off about 0.3 inch (8 mm) of the outer jacket with the 16- gauge wire strippers.

  • Page 217: Battery Care

    Care & Maintenance Step 4 Slide one of the plastic washers provided in your pulseEKKO spares kit over the fibre optic connector. This washer will now be inserted into the strain relief jacket. NOTE: You may also use #8 stainless steel flat washers should you run out of the nylon ones.
  • Page 218 Care & Maintenance Figure 13-3: Battery charger for the transmitter and receiver batteries. Charge batteries at room temperature whenever possible. If the voltage of the discharged battery is measured some time after they have been charged, it will be higher than 10.2 volts (this is normal). Do not mix charged and discharged batteries and DO NOT attempt to use discharged batteries a second time.

  • Page 219: Electronic Spares

    13.4 Electronic Spares The low frequency pulseEKKO system comes with spare parts for repairing latches, keepers, hinges sockets and fuses on the transmitter and receiver, replacing pins on the antennas and quarter-turn studs on the adjustable handles.

  • Page 220: Storage Cases

    Care & Maintenance Figure 13-5: Location of spare parts shown in Figure 13-4 13.4.1 General Spares When going out on a trip, make sure you have plenty of spares. It is much easier to carry a spare fibre optic cable than try and repair one in the field. Same applies to batteries, always have spares.
  • Page 221 Care & Maintenance...
  • Page 222 Care & Maintenance...

  • Page 223: Technical Specifications

    Technical Specifications 14. Technical Specifications 14.1 Low Frequency Hardware Specifications Antennas 12.5 MHz 25 MHz 50 MHz 100 MHz 200 MHz Size (cm) 736 x 14 x 5 368 x 14 x 5 184 x 14 x 5 92 x 14 x 5 46 x 14 x 5 Size (in) 289.8 x 5.5 x 2.0...

  • Page 224: High Frequency Hardware Specifications

    Technical Specifications 14.2 High Frequency Hardware Specifications 250 MHz 500 MHz 1000 MHz Size (cm) 20 x 38 x 38 16 x 23 x 23 12 x 15 x 15 Size (in) 7.9 x 14.5 x 14.5 6.5 x 9.1 x 9.1 4.7 x 5.9 x 5.9 Weight 3.0 kg (6.6 lbs)

  • Page 225: Dvl Specifications

    Technical Specifications 14.5 DVL Specifications Specifications Values Length 24 cm (9.5 in) Width 24 cm (9.5 in) Depth 6.8 cm (2.7 in) Weight 2.75 kg (6.1 lb) 8.0" high-visibility, sunlight-readable diagonal LCD display Resistive touchscreen (can be used with or without gloves) Adjustable backlighting DVL screen 800 x 480 VGA...
  • Page 226 Technical Specifications...

  • Page 227: Appendix A: Excerpts From The Hp Fibre Optic Handbook

    Appendix A Appendix A: Excerpts from the HP Fibre Optic Handbook The following diagram displays an in-line splice t=for HFBR-35XX/36XX fibre optic cable with HFBR-4501/4511 simplex connectors:...
  • Page 228 Appendix A...

  • Page 229: Appendix B: Gpr Signal Processing Artifacts

    Appendix B Appendix B: GPR Signal Processing Artifacts All GPR data contains a low frequency component; the magnitude of the low frequency component and how it manifests itself in the data depends on the ground conditions around the antennas and the distance between the antennas. In general, the low frequency component of the radar signal does not propagate but diffuses into the ground.

  • Page 230: Dewow Filter

    Appendix B The following image displays a data section with the low frequency WOW component present: Compare these plots to the plots shown in the Dewow filter section below where WOW has been removed with the DEWOW high pass filter. Decaying transient is usually referred to as wow;...

  • Page 231: Pulse Precursor

    Appendix B The average value of all the points in this window is calculated and subtracted from the central point. The window is then moved along the trace by one point and the process is repeated. In the initial software releases, high pass filtering was integral to all of the plotting and display programs.

  • Page 232: Clipping

    Appendix B data is high pass filtered, the wavelet is stretched in time with additional oscillations occurring before and after the original pulse. This gives rise to a pre-cursor in the data before Time Zero when looking at the plotted sections. Clipping The second artifact is caused by electronic clipping.
  • Page 233 Appendix B The radar electronics clip any signals above the 50 millivolt level. Diagram b) shows the type of result that will be measured if clipping occurs in the signal pre-conditioning circuitry. When this data is finally high pass filtered, a blank zone in the area where the original signal had a large wow above the clipping level of the electronics can appear.
  • Page 234 Appendix B...

  • Page 235: Appendix C: Gpr Knowledge

    Appendix C Appendix C: GPR Knowledge While this manual explains operation of your pulseEKKO system, knowing GPR theory and principles will help in making your survey successful. Our website (www.sensoft.ca) contains a wealth of information, case studies and support. Click...
  • Page 236 Appendix C...

  • Page 237: Appendix D: Health & Safety Certification

    Appendix D Appendix D: Health & Safety Certification Radio frequency electromagnetic fields may pose a health hazard when the fields are intense. Normal fields have been studied extensively over the past 30 years with no conclusive epidemiology relating electromagnetic fields to health problems. Detailed discussions on the subject are contained in the references and the web sites listed below.
  • Page 238 Appendix D...

  • Page 239: Appendix E: Gpr Emissions, Interference And Regulations

    Appendix E Appendix E: GPR Emissions, Interference and Regulations All governments have regulations on the level of electromagnetic emissions that an electronic apparatus can emit. The objective is to assure that one apparatus or device does not interfere with any other apparatus or device in such a way as to make the other apparatus non- functional.
  • Page 240 Appendix E (FCC Order DA02-1658, paragraph 9) The regulations contain restrictions on the parties that are eligible to operate imaging systems (See 47 C.F.R. 5.509(b), 15.511(b), and 15.513(b)). Under the new regulations, GPRs and wall imaging systems may be used only by law enforcement, fire and emergency rescue organizations, by scientific research institutes, by commercial mining companies, and by construction companies.
  • Page 241 Appendix E Attn: UWB Coordination (Sensors & Software Inc. Note: The form given on the following page is a suggested format for performing the coordination.) (c) The manufacturers, or their authorized sales agents, must inform purchasers and users of their systems of the requirement to undertake detailed coordination of operational areas with the FCC prior to the equipment being operated.
  • Page 242 Appendix E FCC GROUND PENETRATING RADAR COORDINATION NOTICE NAME: ADDRESS: CONTACT INFORMATION [ CONTACT NAME AND PHONE NUMBER AREA OF OPERATION [ COUNTIES STATES OR LARGER AREAS FCC ID: QJQ-NG250 EQUIPMENT NOMENCLATURE: NG250 Send the information to: Frequency Coordination Branch., OET Federal Communications Commission 445 12 Street, SW...
  • Page 243 Appendix E E-2 ETSI Regulations for the EC (European Community) In the European Community (EC), GPR instruments must conform to ETSI (European Technical Standards Institute) standard EN 302 066-1 v1.2.1. Details on individual country requirements for licensing are coordinated with this standard. For more information, contact Sensors & Software’s technical staff.
  • Page 244 Appendix E E-3a Industry Canada Regulations - English Industry Canada published it regulations for ground penetrating radar (GPR) on Mar 29, 2009 as part of the RSS-220 titled 'Devices Using Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Technology'. Industry Canada has made a unique exception for GPR by not requiring user licensing. The user does have to comply with the following directives: This Ground Penetrating Radar Device shall be operated only when in contact with or within 1 m of the ground.
  • Page 245 Appendix E E-3b Règlement d'Industrie Canada - Français Industrie Canada a publié des règlements pour les appareils géoradar (GPR) le 29 mars 2009, dans le cadre du RSS-220 intitulé "Dispositifs utilisant la bande ultra-large (UWB)". Industrie Canada a faite une exception unique pour GPR en n'exigeant pas de licence par utilisateur.
  • Page 246 Appendix E...

  • Page 247: Appendix F: Instrument Interference

    Appendix F Appendix F: Instrument Interference Immunity regulations place the onus on instrument/apparatus/device manufacturers to assure that extraneous interference will not unduly cause an instrument/apparatus/device to stop functioning or to function in a faulty manner. Based on independent testing house measurements, Sensors & Software Inc. systems comply with such regulations in Canada, USA, European Community and most other jurisdictions.
  • Page 248 Appendix F...

  • Page 249: Appendix G: Safety Around Explosive Devices

    Appendix G Appendix G: Safety around Explosive Devices Concerns are expressed from time to time on the hazard of GPR products being used near blasting caps and unexploded ordnance (UXO). Experience with blasting caps indicates that the power of Sensors & Software Inc.’s GPR products is not sufficient to trigger blasting caps. Based on a conservative independent testing house analysis, we recommend keeping the GPR transmitters at least 5 feet (2m) from blasting cap leads as a precaution.
  • Page 250 Appendix G...

  • Page 251: Appendix H: Wi-Fi Module

    Appendix H Appendix H: Wi-Fi Module FCC Notice: NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.

This manual is also suitable for:

Pulseekko pro

Table of Contents