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Noggin Smart Series User Manual

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Users Manual Version 1.1

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Summary of Contents for Noggin Smart Series

  • Page 1 Users Manual Version 1.1...
  • Page 2 Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1...
  • Page 3 GPR products to date. If you observe unusual behavior on nearby devices while you are operating a pulseEKKO, Noggin or Conquest product, immediately turn off the product. You can test the cause and affect between the product and the device if the disturbance starts and stops when the product is powered up and shut off.
  • Page 4 Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 Sensors & Software Inc. monitors the research in this area. To date, the power levels of Sensors & Software Inc.’s products are so small as to be inconsequential compared to other common sources. If you are happy that a cell phone is not hazardous, then Sensors &...
  • Page 5 Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 Copyright and Warranty Information Software Licence & Limited Warranty Important: Please read this document carefully before removing the diskettes SOFTWARE PRODUCT from their protective cover or assembling the . By removing the HARDWARE PRODUCT diskettes or assembling the hardware, you are agreeing to become bound by the terms of this agreement.
  • Page 6 General pulseEKKO®, Noggin®, SpiView®, and SnowScan®, are registered trademarks of SSI. No right, license, or interest to such trademarks is granted hereunder with the purchase of the...
  • Page 7 Should you have any questions concerning this agreement, please contact in writing: Sensors & Software Inc. 1091 Brevik Place Mississauga, Ontario Canada L4W 3R7 Tel:(905) 624-8909 Fax:(905) 624-9365 E-mail: radar@sensoft.ca Noggin Smart Cart, Noggin, CartView and SpiView are trademarks of Sensors & Software, Inc..
  • Page 8 Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 viii...

  • Page 9: Table Of Contents

    Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 TABLE OF CONTENTS GENERAL OVERVIEW .................1 ASSEMBLING THE SMART CART...............2 Configuring the Smart Cart to Carry a Different Noggin System..........10 ASSEMBLING THE SMART HANDLE SYSTEM ........11 Smart Handle..........................12 Cabling ............................14 3.2.1 DVL to Sensor Cable ........................
  • Page 10 5.3.7 Start Menu........................... 32 5.3.8 Stop Menu........................... 33 Noggin Data Acquisition ....................... 34 5.4.1 Collecting Data using the Odometer ................... 34 Reducing Data Quality by Moving too Fast ..................35 Backing up the System to Pinpoint Target Positions ................35 5.4.2...
  • Page 11 Noggin Setup ..........................67 6.3.1 System Parameters ........................67 Depth ..............................67 Velocity ............................... 68 Depth Units............................68 Noggin System ............................ 69 Stacks..............................69 Linear Time Gain..........................69 Position Units ............................70 6.3.2 Cart Parameters........................... 70 Cart Direction ............................70 Odometer Active..........................
  • Page 12 System Information........................90 TROUBLESHOOTING.................91 Power Supply ..........................91 System Communications....................... 91 System Overheating ........................92 DVL Problem..........................92 Noggin Problem ..........................93 Contacting Sensors & Software Inc..................... 93 CARE AND MAINTENANCE ...............94 Battery Care........................... 94 DVL Internal Battery........................94...
  • Page 13 Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 Skid Pads............................95 PLUS APPENDIX A NOGGIN DATA FILE FORMAT........A-1 APPENDIX B HEALTH AND SAFETY CERTIFICATION ......B-1 APPENDIX C FCC REGULATIONS .............. C-1 APPENDIX D OPERATION OF SHUT OFF SWITCH ........D-1...

  • Page 14: Smart Systems User's Manual Version

    Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1...

  • Page 15: General Overview

    Smart Cart system and the Smart Handle system (see Figure 1-1). The Smart Cart system consists of the cart structure, a Noggin, an odometer wheel, a digital video logger (DVL), and a battery. Section 2 describes how to assemble a Smart Cart system.

  • Page 16: Assembling The Smart Cart

    The Noggin Smart Cart can be configured for Noggin 250, Noggin 500 or Noggin 1000 operation. For the Noggin 250 Smart Cart, refer to Figure 2-10. For the Noggin 500 Smart Cart, refer to Figure 2-11 and for the Noggin 1000 Smart Cart, refer to Figure 2-12.
  • Page 17 Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 The Noggin Smart Cart comes fully assembled but in collapsed position (Figure 2-2). The steps necessary to have a fully functioning system are: Figure 2-2: Smart Cart in collapsed position. Attach wheels (if necessary): The Smart Cart may have been shipped without the wheels attached or they may have been removed for storage.
  • Page 18 4 swivel adapters (with attached Clevis pins) must be attached to the mounting posts on the Noggin (see Figure 2-5). Set the swivel adapter down on the post. It may be necessary to loosen the Allen (hexagonal) screw before the swivel adapter will slide down into the proper position.
  • Page 19 It is also possible (but not usual) to attach the Noggin to the cart with the long axis of the Noggin perpendicular (at right angles) to the wheels on the cart. For this orientation, make sure the 37 socket female electrical receptacle on the Noggin is on the same side of the cart as the odometer so that the cable on the cart will reach the receptacle.
  • Page 20 Insert Clevis pin. Figure 2-7: Attaching the Noggin 500 and Noggin 1000 to the cart. Connect the cable with the 37-pin male D connector to the Noggin and secure this attachment by tightening the hand screws. Attach the Digital Video Logger (DVL): The bottom of the Digital Video Logger is designed to slide onto the support shelf attached to the Smart Cart (Figure 2-8).
  • Page 21 The Digital Video Logger can be pivoted to adjust the view angle. If it is difficult to pivot the Digital Video Logger, slightly loosen the hand screws on the bottom of the support shelf. Figure 2-9: The Noggin Smart Cart battery.
  • Page 22 Tighten the straps if necessary. With the Noggin Smart Cart completely assembled, connect the round 4-pin battery cable to the receptacle on the side of the battery.
  • Page 23 Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 Figure 2-11: Noggin 500 Smart Cart Figure 2-12: Noggin 1000 Smart Cart...

  • Page 24: Configuring The Smart Cart To Carry A Different Noggin System

    2.1 Configuring the Smart Cart to Carry a Different Noggin System The Noggin Smart Cart can be configured to carry a Noggin 250, Noggin 500 or a Noggin 1000 system. This can be done by replacing the two support arms on the cart (see Figure 2-13) with the support arms for another system.

  • Page 25: Assembling The Smart Handle System

    Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 3 Assembling the Smart Handle System Figure 3-1: Smart Handle System with a Noggin 1000...

  • Page 26: Smart Handle

    The Smart Handle consists of the Smart Handle grip and Smart Handle extension. These two pieces are put together (see Figure 3-2 and Figure 3-3) and then attached to the Noggin (see Figure 3-4). The system can be deployed without the handle extension as shown in and Figure 3-6.
  • Page 27 Figure 3-5: If short handle is required, it may be easier to just connect the SmartHandle grip to the Noggin without the extension. Figure 3-6: To separate either the short or long handle from the Noggin, press on the large grey...

  • Page 28: Cabling

    37-socket connector on the Noggin. Use the thumb screws to secure this connection. From the Noggin, the DVL to Sensor Cable runs up the side of the Smart Handle. Use the guides (clips) on the side of the Smart Handle to attach the cable to it (see Figure 3-7).

  • Page 29: Odometer Cable

    Noggin to the end of the Smart Handle grip. The connection at the Noggin may already be made when the system is pulled from the box. The other end of the cable attaches to the connector at the bend of the Smart Handle grip (see Figure 3-8).

  • Page 30: Starting The Digital Video Logger

    At this stage, the Noggin unit will still be powered down. Once Noggin action is requested (see later menu items), the DVL will enable power to the Noggin. If the Noggin is receiving power, the red LED light on the connector to the Noggin will be illuminated.
  • Page 31 12.1 V 38°C Rev 3.00 100°F • Pressing the A button starts the software for standard Noggin systems. Details about the Noggin system software can be found in Section 5. plus • Pressing the B button starts the software for Noggin systems.

  • Page 32: Running A Dvl Detached From A Smart System

    Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 When the Smart Cart is not being used, do not leave the battery plugged in. The system draws about 0.1 amps even when it is powered off and this will gradually drain the battery. 4.1 Running a DVL Detached from a Smart System When collecting data with a Smart System, the DVL is powered by the system battery.

  • Page 33: Noggin

    12.1 V Rev 6.00 5.1.1 Run Pressing the A button starts the Noggin data acquisition program (see Section 5.4). 5.1.2 Demo Pressing the B button starts the Noggin Demonstration program. This program simulates data acquisition (without actually moving the cart) by displaying a default data set. This data set cycles continuously until the user exits from the demo program.

  • Page 34: Delete All Buffers

    Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 5.1.5 Delete All Buffers Pressing the number 3 on the main menu allows the user to delete ALL the data buffers currently saved on the DVL. See Section 5.6.2 5.1.6 Upgrades Pressing the number 4 on the main menu puts the DVL into listen mode to allow a software upgrade to be transferred from an external PC to the DVL.

  • Page 35: Noggin Screen Overview

    Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 5.2 Noggin Screen Overview The Noggin screen is shown in Figure 5-1. It is divided into 3 sections. The very top section (Section A) contains velocity, total depth and positioning information. The center section (Section B) contains the actual data and the bottom section (Section C) contains the menu.

  • Page 36: Section A - Data Parameters

    Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 5.2.1 Section A - Data Parameters Section A displays three items: The total depth to the bottom of the data image in Section B, The velocity used to calculate the total depth and the depth lines (see Depth Lines in Section 5.2.2) and The position indicator in meters or feet (depending on the odometer units set, see Section 5.5.1 –...

  • Page 37: Start Of Section Indicator

    Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 Start of Section Indicator Any time the Start button is pressed, the current date and time are written vertically on the screen to indicate the start of a new section (see Section 5.5.1 on how to set time and date on the DVL).

  • Page 38: Section C - Menu

    5.3.1 Exit This button will terminate the Noggin program and return the user to Noggin main menu. The user can then run the Noggin again, run the demo program, change DVL settings, download data to an external PC, delete data or return to the main menu (see Section Note that when the Start button is pressed and data acquisition begins (see Section 5.3.7), the Exit button turns into a Stop button (see Section 5.3.8).
  • Page 39 If the start or end of section button is pressed, the image will page through one screen at a time. Data scrolling can be stopped by pressing any button. Once the left edge is in place, pressing the OK button will lock the left edge of the plot. Figure 5-4: Noggin Print Screen...

  • Page 40: Transferring Data To An External Pc

    It may be necessary to turn the DVL off and power it back on and try printing again. When the print is complete the user is returned to the Noggin screen. Transferring Data to an External PC There are two ways of transferring data to an external computer.

  • Page 41: View Menu

    Noggin systems can be used to scan into many different materials including soil, rock, concrete, snow, ice and wood. The radio wave emitted by a Noggin system will travel at different velocities depending on the material being scanned. The depth values on the Depth menu (see Section 5.3.5) and on Depth Lines (see Section 5.2.2) are only...
  • Page 42 Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 Pressing the up, down left, right, wider and narrow buttons once makes a very small change in the position or width of the hyperbola. These buttons must sometimes be pressed many times to move the hyperbola to the correct position or width. To speed up the movement of the hyperbola, use the REPEAT button.

  • Page 43: Target Of Known Depth

    This line can then be moved up or down until it lies on top of the Noggin response to the known target. Then, the user can adjust the velocity value up or down until the known target depth is correct.

  • Page 44: Selecting A Media

    Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 If units are metres then depths will appear in metres. If units are feet then depths will appear in feet. Velocities appear in both metres per nanosecond (m/ns) and feet per nanosecond (ft/ns). To change units see Section 5.5.1 - Units. Selecting a Media If a good hyperbola or a target of known depth is not available, the user will have to estimate the velocity by selecting the predominant material in the area.

  • Page 45: Depth Menu

    Some materials will absorb the Noggin signal and limit penetration to less than the selected depth. If the depth setting is deeper than the Noggin signals penetrate, the data in the lower part of the section will look blank or speckled rather than signal with continuity.

  • Page 46: Start Menu

    When the Start button (or Smart Handle button) is pressed for the first time after the system is turned on, the Noggin will boot up (this can take about 10 seconds depending on the software version). The operator should not start data collection until the system...

  • Page 47: Stop Menu

    Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 appeared on the left. The current battery voltage will then be displayed on the left side of the screen. This battery voltage appears only briefly before starting data collection. Anytime the Start button (or Smart Handle button) is pressed, the current date and time are written vertically on the screen to indicate the start of a new section (see Section 5.5.1 –...

  • Page 48: Noggin Data Acquisition

    Each data trace is plotted as a vertical strip on the screen (see Figure 5-1). For the Noggin 250, each trace is 2 pixels wide. Since the screen is 640 pixels wide, each screen has 320 traces. When the station interval is set to Normal, each screen displays 16.0 metres (51.2 feet) of data for the Noggin 250.

  • Page 49: Reducing Data Quality By Moving Too Fast

    If the Smart System is being used with the odometer and is moved too quickly for the Noggin to keep up, traces are skipped and the quality of the survey is reduced. The skipped traces do not actually create gaps in the data but rather, the last trace that was collected properly is repeated.

  • Page 50: Collecting Data Using Continuous Operation (No Odometer)

    5.4.2 Collecting Data using Continuous Operation (No Odometer) It is also possible to turn off the odometer input and have the Noggin system run in continuous mode (see Section 5.5.1 – Odometer Active). This means that the system collects data even if it is not moving. This option may be the only way of collecting data when using an odometer wheel is not practical.

  • Page 51: Special Keys

    5.4.6 Error Messages If an error occurs, an error message will appear in the bottom left section of the Noggin screen. EXIT the program and turn off the Digital Video Logger. Make sure the cables are not damaged and that all cable connections are tightly secured.

  • Page 52: Noggin Setup

    Pressing the number 1 on the main menu selects the SETUP item. SETUP lists the settings that can be edited in the Noggin software. Pressing the 1 button (labelled NEXT) moves forward through the list and pressing the 2 button (labelled PREV) moves backward through the list.

  • Page 53: Odometer Markers

    2) No fids at position labels (default) Odometer Calibration The odometer should be calibrated periodically to ensure accuracy. Noggin Smart Systems can take input from several different odometers. It is very important that the user selects and calibrates the odometer appropriate for their Smart System.

  • Page 54: Cart Direction

    Noggin Smart Carts can be used with the Noggin 250, 500 and 1000 systems. Noggin Smart Handle systems can be used with the Noggin 500 and 1000 systems. Noggin System should be set to the type of Noggin currently in use on the Smart System. The systems available are:...

  • Page 55: Station Interval

    Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 Station Interval As the Smart Cart moves, the odometer triggers the system to collect a data trace at fixed distance intervals. This interval is called the “station interval”. The station interval can be changed to allow a longer or shorter distance between traces.

  • Page 56: Station Interval

    Each choice listed will be followed by an actual value in metres or inches depending on which units are selected and which Noggin system is being used. Here is a chart showing the station interval for each system and setting. The choices available are:...

  • Page 57: Linear Gain

    640 m or 2560 ft 160 km or 121.2 miles Note that Noggin 250 traces are plotted on the screen 2 pixels wide while traces from the Noggin 500 and 1000 are plotted on the screen 1 pixel wide (see Section 5.4.1).

  • Page 58: Arrow Reference

    Arrow Reference value to +0.25 meters moves the Back-up Arrow to line up with a position 25 centimeters in front of the Noggin centre point (on the Noggin 500 Smart Cart this roughly corresponds to the front axle). Setting the Arrow Reference value to -0.25 meters moves the Back-up Arrow to line up with a position 25 centimeters...

  • Page 59: Gps Setup Menu

    1) to display GPS information on the data image every certain number of data traces collected by the Noggin system, or 2) to display GPS information on the data image every time the user presses the A button during data acquisition.

  • Page 60: Mode

    GPS information is written to the data image. With a Noggin 250 system, there are 320 traces per screen so using a value of 160 traces would ensure that there are 2 GPS positions on each screen.

  • Page 61: Baud Rate

    GPS information will be written onto the data image. For example, the data may look like this: Figure 5-10: Noggin Data with GPS information written to the screen when the A button is pressed. Baud Rate The baud rate is the speed that data is sent from the GPS receiver to the serial port of the DVL.

  • Page 62: End String

    $GPVTG,34.0,T,,,001.4,N,002.5,K,D*70 $GPGSA,A,3,30,26,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,4.2,2.1,3.6*36 Before using the GPS with the Noggin, the DVL software needs to know the prefix of the LAST string being sent in each group. In the example above, three strings are being sent each time (GPGGA, GPVTG and GPGSA). Since GPGSA is the last one being sent in each group, the End String needs to be specified as GPGSA.

  • Page 63: System Test #2

    Transfer Rate is a variable from 1 to 8 that corresponds to the speed of the data transfer from the Noggin to the DVL. A value of 8 provides the fastest transfer speed while a value of 1 is the slowest.

  • Page 64: Noggin Buffer File Management

    5.6.1 Transferring all Buffer Files to an External Computer using the WinPXFER Program Pressing the number 2 on the main Noggin menu transfers ALL the data buffers (up to 250 screens) from the DVL to an external computer. This type of transfer allows the user to view the data on the external computer using the SpiView software.

  • Page 65: Installing And Running The Winpxfer Program

    Port menu item from WinPXFER. The name of the folder (or directory) that the Noggin data will be transferred into is listed under the “Current selected data directory”. In the example in Figure 5-12, the data will be transferred to the c:\data directory.

  • Page 66: Transferring Buffer Files

    Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 Transferring Buffer Files Once the parallel XFER cable is connected (Section 5.6.1) and the WinPXFER software is installed and running (Section 5.6.1), it is now possible to transfer all data buffer files to the external computer. On the DVL, from the main menu, select number 2 –...

  • Page 67: Viewing Spi Files In Spiview On The External Pc

    Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 Viewing SPI Files in SpiView on the External PC If the buffer data transferred to the external computer are to be viewed using the SpiView software, all of the data buffer files (SPIxx.PCX) must be copied to the \SPIVIEW\BUFFERS directory.

  • Page 68: Advanced Topics

    V is Velocity (m/ns) T is Two-way travel time (ns) The wave velocity depends on the properties of the material. The Noggin software allows the user to input different velocities, which changes the total depth range displayed on the screen. The velocities of common materials are:...

  • Page 69: Noggin Plus

    EKKO_Pointer are available to process and display the data. plus Pressing the A button from the main Noggin menu takes the user to Line data collection. This menu allows the user to select a project number and line number to save each data file to.

  • Page 70: Setup

    Grid Setup menu option (see Section 6.3.4). 6.1.3 Setup There are many background setup parameters related to the Noggin Smart Systems operation for line and grid surveys that can be edited. This menu allows the user to display and change various settings for different aspects of the Smart system (see Section 6.3).

  • Page 71: Noggin Plus Data Acquisition

    (see Stopping Smart Handle systems below). When the Start button is pressed for the first time after the unit is turned on, the Noggin will boot up (this can take up to 30 seconds depending on the software version of the Noggin).

  • Page 72: Replaying Or Overwriting Data

    Figure 6-1: Noggin Data Acquisition Screen The Noggin screen is shown in Figure 6-1. It is divided into 3 sections. The very top section (Section A) positioning information. The center section (Section B) contains the actual data and the bottom section (Section C) contains the menu.

  • Page 73: Section A - Position Information

    Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 6.2.3 Section A – Position Information The very top section (Section A) contains horizontal spatial positioning information in feet or metres depending on the position units setting (see Section 6.3.1). 6.2.4 Section B - Data Display This section contains the actual data collected or replayed.

  • Page 74: Section C - Menu

    If the target is deeper or if the screen seems to be blank or speckled in the lower part of the data section, increase the gain setting. Remember, however, that if the Noggin signal is not penetrating to the maximum depth setting, even the maximum gain setting will not show any data.

  • Page 75: Collecting Data Using The Odometer

    Each data trace is plotted as a vertical strip on the screen (see Figure 6-1). For the Noggin 250, each trace is 2 pixels wide. Since the screen is 640 pixels wide, each screen has 320 traces. When the station interval is set to Normal, each screen displays 16.0 metres (51.2 feet) of data for the Noggin 250.

  • Page 76: Reducing Data Quality By Moving Too Fast

    If the Smart System is being used with the odometer and is moved too quickly for the Noggin system to keep up, traces are skipped and the quality of the survey is reduced. The skipped traces do not actually create gaps in the data but rather, the last trace that was collected properly is repeated.

  • Page 77: Calib. (Calibration) Menu

    The physical position corresponding to the Back-up arrow is the centre of the Noggin. This position can be changed from the centre of the Noggin to any other position. See Section 6.3.2 on changing the Arrow Offset value. 6.2.8 Calib. (Calibration) Menu Noggin systems can be used to scan into many different materials including soil, rock, concrete, snow, ice and wood.
  • Page 78 Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 change in the position or width of the hyperbola. These buttons must sometimes be pressed many times to move the hyperbola to the correct position or width. To speed up the movement of the hyperbola, use the REPEAT button. For example, to move the hyperbola up a long distance, press the up button ( ) followed by the REPEAT button.

  • Page 79: Target Of Known Depth

    This line can then be moved up or down until it lies on top of the Noggin response to the known target. Then, the user can adjust the velocity value up or down until the known target depth is correct.

  • Page 80: Error Messages

    Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 If units are metres then depths will appear in metres and velocities in metres per nanosecond (m/ns). If units are feet then depths will appear in feet and velocities in feet per nanosecond (ft/ns). To change units see Section 6.3.1 – Depth Units. 6.2.9 Error Messages If an error occurs during data acquisition, an error message will appear in the bottom left section of the data acquisition screen.

  • Page 81: Noggin

    The System Parameters settings allow the user to view and modify settings specific to the data collection of the Noggin system. This includes the type of Noggin system, the desired depth of investigation, the velocity of the material being surveyed, the units of depth and position, the number of stacks and the amount of linear gain.

  • Page 82: Velocity

    Some materials will absorb the Noggin signal and limit penetration to less than the selected depth. If the depth setting is deeper than the Noggin signals penetrate, the data in the lower part of the data screen will look blank or speckled rather than signal with continuity.

  • Page 83: Noggin System

    Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 Noggin System The Noggin System should be set to the type of Noggin currently in use on the Smart System. The Noggins available are: 1. Noggin 250 2. Noggin 500 3. Noggin 1000 Stacks Some materials tend to absorb radar signals and limit penetration.

  • Page 84: Position Units

    The Cart Parameters settings allow the user to view and modify settings specific to the Smart Cart or Smart Handle system. This includes the direction the Noggin will move to collect data, whether or not the odometer is active and whether Auto Start is on or off.

  • Page 85: Trip Menu

    Transfer Rate is a variable from 1 to 8 that corresponds to the speed of the data transfer from the Noggin to the DVL. A value of 8 provides the fastest transfer speed while a value of 1 is the slowest.

  • Page 86: Line Parameters

    For example, for a Noggin 250 system, if the Start Position is 10.0 and the Line Direction is Forward, the positions on the line will increment 10.00, 10.05, 10.10, 10.15 ….
  • Page 87 Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 target. If the target is small, the user may want to shorten the station interval to ensure that data traces are collected over the target. Conversely, if the target is very large or is a flat-lying feature it is probably not necessary to collect a lot of traces over the target, in fact, sometimes this can make the target more difficult to see in the data.

  • Page 88: Station Interval

    20x Normal 40x Normal 50x Normal 100x Normal Here is a chart showing the station interval for each system and setting. The choices available are: Noggin 250 System Setting Station Interval Data per Screen Short 2.5 cm or 0.96 in 8 m or 25.6 ft...

  • Page 89: Grid Parameters

    100 cm or 48.0 in 640 m or 2560 ft Note that Noggin 250 traces are plotted on the screen 2 pixels wide while traces from the Noggin 500 and 1000 are plotted on the screen 1 pixel wide (see Section 6.2.7).

  • Page 90: Y Lines Only - Forward

    Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 Figure 6-6: Proper X Line surveying pattern. Following this pattern and starting each line from the same baseline minimizes the data editing required to produce a spatially accurate map of GPR data. Y Lines Only - Forward Set up a first-quadrant XY grid.

  • Page 91: Survey Format

    Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 Figure 6-8: Proper XY grid surveying pattern. Following this pattern and starting each line from the same baseline minimizes the data editing required to produce a spatially accurate map of GPR data Survey Format The Survey Format specifies how the lines will be collected.

  • Page 92: Y Lines Only - Forward And Reverse

    Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 Y Lines Only – Forward and Reverse Using the Forward and Reverse survey format, Y line data are collected in the pattern shown in Figure 6-10. When data are collected like this, it is important that lines start and end on established baselines, otherwise, when lines are reversed to the correct orientation for the display, they may be offset from one another.

  • Page 93: Grid Dimensions

    Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 Grid Dimensions For grid data acquisition, the grid size needs to be specified. The user needs to input the length of the X dimension and the length of the Y dimension. The dimensions entered are assumed to be in the same units as the Position Units (see Section 6.3.1), i.e.

  • Page 94: Gps Parameters

    In general, the Noggin 250 should have a line spacing of 0.5 metres or less, the Noggin 500 should have a line spacing of 0.25 metres or less and the Noggin 1000 should have a line spacing of 0.10 metres or less.

  • Page 95: Mode

    This should be the setting if you do not have a GPS receiver. plus Reading every x traces mode means that every time the Noggin collects a user-defined number of traces of GPR data, a data string of GPS information will be added to a file.
  • Page 96 $GPGSA,A,3,30,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,,4.3,2.6,3.4*36 plus If the GPS mode is set to Reading per Trace or Fiducial Tagging AND the Noggin is Run Without Saving Data (see Section 6.1.5), it is still possible to log GPS data strings. Every time a fiducial marker is added to the data (see Section 6.2.4), a data string of GPS information is added to a file.

  • Page 97: Baud Rate

    $GPVTG,34.0,T,,,001.4,N,002.5,K,D*70 $GPGSA,A,3,30,26,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,4.2,2.1,3.6*36 plus Before using the GPS with the Noggin , the DVL software needs to know the prefix of the LAST string being sent in each group. In the example above, three strings are being sent each time (GPGGA, GPVTG and GPGSA). Since GPGSA is the last one being sent in each group, the End String needs to be specified as GPGSA.

  • Page 98: System Test #1

    Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 characters can be filled in with the necessary GPS End String. See the GPS Receiver User’s Guide for details on how to set up the receiver to output specific NMEA strings or groups of NMEA strings. System Test #1 After all the settings above have been input and the GPS receiver is attached to the serial port on the DVL, the user can test that the DVL is receiving the GPS output by...

  • Page 99: Noggin Plus File Management

    Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 plus 6.4 Noggin File Management plus The File Management option is available by pressing 2 from the main Noggin menu. plus This option allows the user to export Noggin data or the TAGGED.GPS file (see Section 6.3.5) to an external computer using the parallel XFER cable.

  • Page 100: Exporting Data To An External Computer

    Port menu item from WinPXFER. The name of the folder (or directory) that the Noggin data will be transferred into is listed under the “Current selected data directory”. In the example in Figure 6-13, the data will be transferred to the c:\data directory.

  • Page 101: Parallel Port Not Bi-Directional Error

    Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 One project can be highlighted and selected for export. Use the up and down arrows to highlight the project and then press the XFER button to transfer to the PC. It is also possible to use the TAG button to select several projects and export them all at once.

  • Page 102: Viewing Data Files On The External Computer

    Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 Viewing Data Files on the External Computer plus After transferring data files to the external computer the Noggin data files can be viewed, processed and plotted using the Win_EKKO, EKKO_3D, EKKO_Mapper or EKKO_Pointer software.

  • Page 103: Noggin Plus Utilities

    When the desired date and time are set, press ENTER to save the changes. 6.5.2 Odometer Calibration The odometer should be calibrated periodically to ensure accuracy. Noggin Smart Systems can take input from several different odometers. It is very important that the user selects and calibrates the odometer appropriate for their Smart System.

  • Page 104: Upgrade

    This option can be used to list system information that may be useful to troubleshoot a problem with the Noggin. The information is intended for the use of Sensors & Software staff to assist in solving a problem with the Noggin system.

  • Page 105: Troubleshooting

    Noggin is on. If this light is off then there is a problem with the connection from the DVL to the Noggin. Check the connection and this part of the cable.

  • Page 106: System Overheating

    Noggin is overheating. If you suspect that the Noggin system is overheating, shut it off and give it a chance to cool down in a shady location before trying to run it again. Placing a wet cloth on top of the Noggin may help in cooling it down.

  • Page 107: Noggin Problem

    Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 7.5 Noggin Problem When the Smart System is powered up and the user selects data acquisition in Noggin plus or Noggin mode, the Noggin system goes through a self-calibration sequence. While the self-calibration is occurring the user sees the words “Booting Noggin” in the lower left corner of the DVL screen.

  • Page 108: Care And Maintenance

    The Smart Cart battery unit uses contains a 15 Amp-hour battery. The battery unit should run the Cart Noggin for 6-8 hours before recharging is necessary. If long days of data surveying are typical, a second battery unit may be a useful item.

  • Page 109: Skid Pads

    The bottom of the Noggin unit is covered with one large wear-resistant skid pad. The skid pad is designed to protrude from the bottom of the Noggin and take the majority of the abrasive wear. If the pad wears down enough, the less-resistant plastic housing may start to wear.

  • Page 110: Appendix A Noggin Data File Format

    Header (.HD) File: The header file, identified by the file extension .HD, is an ASCII file. An example is shown below. The heading identifies what each piece of information represents. 1234 Data Collected with Noggin Plus 12/10/2000 NUMBER OF TRACES = 220...
  • Page 111 Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 reserved for receiver x position reserved for receiver y position reserved for receiver z position reserved for transmitter x position reserved for transmitter y position reserved for transmitter z position timezero adjustment where:point(x)= point(x+adjustment) Zero flag: 0 = data okay, 1=zero data (not used) Time of day data collected in seconds past midnight.

  • Page 112: Appendix B Health And Safety Certification

    Figure 1: FCC limits for maximum permissible exposure (MPE) plane-wave equivalent power density mW/cm All Sensors & Software Inc. pulseEKKO, Noggin and Conquest products are normally operated at least 1 m from the user and as such are classified as “mobile”...

  • Page 113: Appendix C Fcc Regulations

    Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 Appendix C FCC R EGULATIONS This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: this device may not cause harmful interference and this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
  • Page 114 Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 Operating Restrictions Operation of this device is restricted to law enforcement, fire and rescue officials, scientific research institutes, commercial mining companies, and construction companies. Operation by any other party is a violation of 47 U.S.C. §301 and could subject the operator to serious legal penalties.
  • Page 115 Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 GPR Use Coordination FCC regulation 15.525(c) requires users of GPR equipment to coordinate the use of their GPR equipment as decribed below: (a) UWB imaging systems require coordination through the FCC before the equipment may be used. The operator shall comply with any constraints on equipment usage resulting from this coordination.
  • Page 116 NAME: ADDRESS: CONTACT INFORMATION [contact name and phone number]: AREA OF OPERATION [counties, states or larger areas]: FCC ID: [e.g. QJQ-NOGGIN250 for Noggin 250 system)] EQUIPMENT NOMENCLATURE: [ e.g. Noggin 250] Send the information to: Frequency Coordination Branch., OET Federal Communications Commission...
  • Page 117 Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 FCC Shut Off Switch FCC regulation 15.509(c) requires that a GPR system incorporate a manually operated switch that causes the transmitter to cease operation within 10 seconds of being released by the operator. Sensors & Software GPR systems will only operate when triggered by the operator. If the system is not triggered by the operator it will cease transmitting within 10 seconds of releasing the trigger.

  • Page 118: Appendix D Operation Of Shut Off Switch

    Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 Appendix D PERATION OF WITCH Sensors & Software Inc.’s GPR systems transmitters will not operate in the free run mode for more than 10 seconds without the shut off switch installed and depressed by the user. Installation To install the switch, plug the 25 pin male connector into the printer port of the DVL-II or the controlling PC.
  • Page 119 Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1 References 1. Questions and answers about biological effects and potential hazards of radio-frequency electromagnetic field USA Federal Communications Commission, Office of Engineering & Technology OET Bulletin 56 (Contains many references and web sites) 2. Evaluation Compliance with FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields.

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