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Guideline Geo MALA GroundExplorer HDR Series User Manual

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MALÅ GroundExplorer HDR Series
User Manual
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Summary of Contents for Guideline Geo MALA GroundExplorer HDR Series

  • Page 1 MALÅ GroundExplorer HDR Series User Manual __________________________________________________________________________________...

  • Page 2: Our Thanks

    Our Thanks... Thank you for choosing Guideline Geo and MALÅ as your Ground Penetrating Radar solution provider. The very core of our corporate philosophy is to provide our users with the very best products, support and services. Our development team is committed to providing you with the most technologically advanced and easy-to-use GPR products with the capability to meet your needs for efficiency and productivity now, and into the future.
  • Page 3 Guideline Geo shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of any information in this document, or any error or omission in such information, or any incorrect use of the product.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Our Thanks..........................2 Table of Contents ........................4 Preface ...........................6 About this Manual ........................6 Additional Resources ......................6 Feedback ..........................6 Safety and Compliance User Notices ..................7 Get Ready. Set up. Go ......................8 MALÅ GroundExplorer (GX) HDR Features ................8 Advantages compared to conventional GPR technology ............8 Accessories and Optional Extras ....................9 MALÅ...
  • Page 5 Navigating the Menus and Options ..................20 Main 2D Project Menu ......................21 Zoom Function ........................22 Main Menu Icons ....................... 22 Measurement Parameters Menu ..................24 Acquisition Parameters Menu ..................... 26 Wheels Edit and Calibration Menu ..................27 Wheels Edit Options ......................28 Display Parameters Menu ....................

  • Page 6: Preface

    Preface About this Manual This manual is written for the end user of the product and explains how to set up and configure the product, as well as providing detailed instruction on its use. Basic theory for Ground Penetration Radar is outlined to help the operator understand the underlying technology. References for thorough discussions of this topic and applications for the technology are also presented.

  • Page 7: Safety And Compliance User Notices

    Safety and Compliance User Notices This GPR-device is certified according to FCC, subpart 15, IC RSS-220 and ETSI EN 302 066- 1&2. According to the regulations stated in ETSI EN 302 066-1 (European Telecommunication Standards Institute): The control unit should not be left ON when leaving the system unattended. It should always be turned OFF when not in use.

  • Page 8: Get Ready. Set Up. Go

    Repacking and Shipping in this section. MALÅ GroundExplorer (GX) HDR Features The HDR-series (High Dynamic Range) is the latest addition to Guideline Geo´s versatile MALÅ product range. It is a completely new design, based on patented cutting edge technology. These new antennas are not just an upgrade of earlier designs;...

  • Page 9: Accessories And Optional Extras

    Accessories and Optional Extras MALÅ GX HDR Rough Terrain Cart (RTC) MALÅ Rough Terrain cart is a robust carrier for Guideline Geo Shielded Antennas designed to handle rough GPR surveying. The cart is suitable for Guideline Geos shielded antennas 160, 450 and 750 MHz.

  • Page 10: Additional Battery And Charger

    Additional Battery and charger Additional Li-ion Battery Pack 12 V (5 Hour) for the MALÅ GX HDR. Shipping Cases Robust shipping cases for the MALÅ GX Controller and accessories. Measuring Wheels and Devices GX Measuring Wheel GX Spring-loaded Wheel String Encoder Others To the GX system there is also a GPS bracket and extension pole for easy attachment of a GPS antenna on the GPR antenna.

  • Page 11: Unpack. Inspect. Register

    File any claim for shipping damage with the carrier immediately after discovery of the damage and before the equipment is put into use. Any claims for missing equipment or parts should be filed with Guideline Geo within fourteen (14) business days from the receipt of the equipment.

  • Page 12: Repacking And Shipping

    Repacking and Shipping The Guideline Geo packing kit is specially designed for shipping MALÅ GX HDR. The packing kit should be used whenever shipping is necessary. If original packing materials are unavailable, pack the instrument in a box that is large enough to allow at least 80mm of shock absorbing material to be placed all around the instrument.

  • Page 13: System Assembly And Set Up

    System Assembly and Set Up MALÅ GX HDR is an integrated system, consisting of a GX controller and HDR antenna, linked through a single data/power cable. The MALÅ GX Controller is mounted on the handle of the Rough Terrain Cart or the Controller Holder and connects to the HDR antenna through a single data/power combination cable, and displays the data as the instrument is moved.

  • Page 14: Connecting It All Up

    Connecting it all up Connect data cable to the GX controller Note: Look for the countersink in the power cable and place it towards the mark on the connection. Push lightly. If you have it in the correct orientation it will go into its position smoothly.

  • Page 15: Connect The Encoder Wheel To The Antenna

    Connect the encoder wheel to the antenna. Always remember to attach the sprint as well for a firm connection of the wheel. Note: The precision of the encoder wheel depends on several factors, such as; the condition of measurement surface, the pressure applied on the wheel and possible wear. Warning: When using MALÅ...

  • Page 16: Antenna Led Indicators

    GPS-unit. This LED switches to continuous light whenever there’s 4 or more satellites available. INFO: This LED indicates a serious system error, whenever active. Please contact your local Guideline Geo representative. Antenna Battery Maintenance and Charging A 12V/8.7Ah Li-ion battery pack is shipped with the MALÅ...
  • Page 17 Warning: Power sources other than the recommended 12V/8.7Ah Li-ion battery are not compatible with the power meter and the status of the battery will not be indicated accurately. To remove and charge the antenna battery, pull the battery release pin on the rear of the battery module and gently remove the battery pack by lifting upward and in a backward direction.

  • Page 18: Powering The Gx Antenna/Controller From The Optional Battery Bag Or Other External Battery Source

    Powering the GX antenna/controller from the optional battery bag or other external battery source With the use of the optional antenna battery adaptor, the GX antenna can be powered from the optional battery bag. Note: The battery bag can also power the GX Controller.

  • Page 19: User Interface

    User Interface The following sections contain a detailed description of the user interface and give tips and warnings designed to help the user achieve the highest possible level of productivity and safety while operating the MALÅ GX HDR. Start Menu Navigating the Menus and Options (Navigator) Main Menu Zoom Function...

  • Page 20: Start Menu

    Start Menu The MALÅ GX Controller uses dedicated software designed specifically for the display and collection of GPR data. Note: The Controller utilizes a sunlight readable LCD display for maximum visibility in daylight. The Start Menu has the different project options, the Positioning information, File manager and the System Menu button icon indicates the connection...

  • Page 21: Main 2D Project Menu

    Main 2D Project Menu As 2D projects are the most common ones, the different main user interfaces are explained with this project type. The items available under the Main Menu vary depending whether the system is in Stopped mode or Started mode. Stopped mode Started mode Tip: The MALÅ...

  • Page 22: Zoom Function

    Zoom Function Use the Navigator to select the Vertical scrollbar. The vertical scrollbar turns yellow when selected. Push the Navigator once to activate scrolling. The Vertical scrollbar will turn blue indicating that it has been activated. Push, hold and turn the Navigator to zoom in and out, the vertical scroll bar will be blue with arrows.
  • Page 23 Note: Pressing the Navigator again returns the display to the default with the menu included. The Background removal filter button is used to remove horizontal lines/reflections caused by noise from the GPR profile. By rotating the Navigator, various levels of background removal can be applied. The effect of the filtering can be seen when the button is deactivated, the level can be gradually adjusted to create the clearest and most interpretable image possible.

  • Page 24: Measurement Parameters Menu

    Measurement Parameters Menu Depth defines the length of the radargram vertical scale. This is sometimes referred to as the time window length. In this case, the the set velocity is used to calculate the depth window. Note: This value will vary if the soil velocity measurement parameter is changed.
  • Page 25 Note: Changing the three different trigger options will change the options listed below the Acquisition Mode icon. Note: When measuring by time, make sure that the time interval is appropriate. Selecting the Wheel type icon can choose a selection of predefined wheels from the drop-down list.

  • Page 26: Acquisition Parameters Menu

    Acquisition Parameters Menu Choose Forward or Backward depending on the direction of the scan whilst utilising the Measuring Wheel or Cart. Note: This option will not be available when Time or Keyboard Triggering is selected on the Measurement Parameters Menu Select the Wheels Edit and Calibration to enter the Wheels menu.

  • Page 27: Wheels Edit And Calibration Menu

    Wheels Edit and Calibration Menu Choose the Select Wheel to highlight the wheel to be edited or deleted from the list. Or Choose the Create New Wheel option which allows the user to select a new type of wheel in addition to the standard list. This may be useful if the encoder is attached to a non-standard wheel.

  • Page 28: Wheels Edit Options

    Wheels Edit Options Select Wheel Name to create a name for the new wheel. Select Forward or Reverse depending on the direction of the wheel during the calibration process. Measure a distance on the ground using a measuring wheel or tape. Enter this distance after selecting Distance for Calibration.

  • Page 29: Display Parameters Menu

    Display Parameters Menu The palette refers to the display of the radargram, there are 3 options, a grey scale and 2 color options. If trace view is ON, a small window will appear on the right hand side of the radargram during measurements, showing the actual measured trace.

  • Page 30: Operating Instructions

    Operating Instructions The following sections walk you through more advanced modes of operation of the equipment. 2D Project 3D Grid Project Creating a 3D Project Object Mapper Project Creating an Object Mapper Project Object Mapper Measurements with Baseline Object Mapper with GPS Continuing an Object Mapper Measurements Project Positioning Menu File Manager...

  • Page 31: 2D Project

    2D Project Select 2D Project from the main screen options to conduct a simple 2D profile Select New to begin the measurement. See Main 2D Project Menu section for a full description of the icons. Note: Check Settings before commencing a measurement.
  • Page 32 Hide removes the markers from the display. This is not permanent; the markers can be made visible again by selecting Show, which is indicated after Hide is selected. Select Cancel to exit the Marker Menu. Note: Markers are saved in a text file with the extension *.mrk. This file get the same name as the data file.

  • Page 33: 3D Grid Project

    Grid Project option in the GX Controller will guide you through all steps involved in the data collection to the final processed 3D view of the investigated area. Tip: Use Guideline Geo´s 3D Vision on you computer for easy visualization of 3D Grid Projects. Creating a 3D Project...
  • Page 34 First enter the size of your grid. Using the Navigator, select and edit the X- size and Y-size. Then select and enter the Point Interval for the measurement between the traces. Next select and enter the Line Spacing for the measurement between each profile. Customer, Operator and Site details can be entered along with any additional comments Finally, select Start the Project...
  • Page 35 As the antenna is moved forward, a black line indicates the progression along the grid line If a mistake is made during the measurement, or the line is not completed, select Stop and then Next Line, an option will appear to restart the line. When the line is completed, the GX Controller will indicate the completed line by changing the screen ready for the next line.
  • Page 36 Set Background Removal option to On if removal of horizontal lines in the dataset is required. Next, select Migration Wizard, this enables the correct velocity setting to obtain the best possible top view. Choose an X or Y cross-section with a well-defined hyperbola.
  • Page 37 Select the X-Section button to view the X-axis data in the side view. When activated, use the Navigator to scroll across the data set. Select the Y-Section button to view the Y axis data in the side view Select the Depth button and use the Navigator to scroll through the time slices in the top view window Select the Full Screen option.
  • Page 38 Select the correct level of backlight for the ambient light levels. This setting can be adjusted within the range of 0–100%. Tip: Reducing the backlight will extend the battery life between charges.

  • Page 39: Objectmapper Project

    ObjectMapper Project An ObjectMapper Project is a tool to easily handle and interpret radar profiles acquired with the GX Controller, where a number of radar profiles are linked to a common baseline or positioned with GPS. See the examples below. Measured GPR profiles Measured GPR profiles Baseline...
  • Page 40 Select Settings to apply correct measurement values. See Measurement Parameters Menu for full details Select New Project to start the project and move onto the following screen: Select Project Name to tag a name to the project. Use the Navigator to enter the name, one character at a time To activate the GPS positioning, set the GPS positioning to On Note: If the GPS option is ON, no baseline is needed, and the X- Y co-ordinate options are deactivated...

  • Page 41: Object Mapper Measurements With Baseline

    Object Mapper Measurements with Baseline When the Start the project button is pressed, the Start Profile screen appears Once Start Profile is pressed, the user returns to the ordinary measurement screen. The additional Baseline Crossing icon will be active on this screen. When passing the baseline, select the menu option BL Crossing (bottom button) to place a marker on the GPR profile.
  • Page 42 After pressing BL Crossing the screen to the left is seen. Here the current profile’s positioning is defined, in terms of distance from the baseline start point and the direction of the profile in relation to the baseline. See the picture illustration below. Measured Measured GPR Profiles...

  • Page 43: Object Mapper Measurements With Gps

    When all the ObjectMapper profiles are measured, select Stop ObjectMapper Project on the Start Profile screen to close and save the ObjectMapper Project. This project is easily uploaded to a computer (see the Transferring Data section) where it can be opened in the ObjectMapper PC software, for simple interpretation of underground features.

  • Page 44: Continuing An Object Mapper Measurements Project

    Tip: With GPS positioning activated, the user can complete one long profile in a zig-zag formation around the area to be surveyed or stop and start profiles to create a number of parallel profiles. When the project is complete, select Stop ObjectMapper Project Note: When using the GPS option for ObjectMapper projects, make sure the GPS has high precision positioning...

  • Page 45: File Manager

    File Manager In the File Manager menu all measured files and projects are found. Here you can select, mark several files and delete or upload the same. 2D files has the file extension *rd7, ObjectMapper projects *.obm and 3D Grid Projects *.rhd Note: For the ObjectMapper and 3D Grid Projects all made files in one project are uploaded at the same time.

  • Page 46: Malå Geodrone 80 Project

    MALÅ GeoDrone 80 Project If the GX Controller is connected to a MALÅ GeoDrone 80, the GX controller will automatically show the GeoDrone Start Menu options at start. Press to start a GeoDrone Project. The GeoDrone antenna is connected to the GX Controller by WiFi.

  • Page 47: System Menu

    System Menu To enter the System Menu, select on the start screen. The GX Controller will now enter the System Menu. Select Time and Date to modify the internal clock settings. Select Battery max level to set the battery level indicator. Enter 12 (Volts) if a generic external 12Volt battery is being used;...
  • Page 48 Note: Reformatting does not affect the operating system or the GX Controller software. The GX Controller software can be upgraded by downloading the latest software from the downloads page of the Guideline Geo website and transferring them onto a USB data storage device.

  • Page 49: Gps Options And Settings

    GPS options and settings Select GPS Parameters to enter the settings screen for the GPS options. There are 3 options for the GPS Interface/Unit setting. Built-in, this option selects the built-in DGPS module. Select the correct SBAS Region for your area. COM Port, this option is selected for an RTK GPS input via the serial COM port.
  • Page 50 COM Port settings for external RTK GPS. The Select accuracy for green option allows the user to set the tolerance for the GPS precision indicator that is displayed at the top right of the monitor's screen while in Started mode. Use the High setting if utilising an RTK GPS.

  • Page 51: Wifi Options And Settings

    WiFi options and settings The WiFi optional extra enables the user to connect the antenna to the GX controller without the use of the data cable i.e. wireless. This may be desirable when the antenna is used remotely from the GX controller. If you are using the GX system in one of the cart options, we recommend that you use the wired option as this will give a more stable connection between the antenna and the GX Controller and longer battery life.

  • Page 52: Wire Wifi Channel Selection

    System Menu (screen 2) Rotate the Navigator and select the Wi-Fi ON/OFF option to activate the Wi-Fi. When ON the WiFi Symbol should be seen in the upper right corner Note: WiFi initialisation can take up to 60 seconds to complete, please be patient Incorporated into the WiFi system is an in-built data storage module in the antenna, this enables data to be stored independently whilst taking measurements to enable a more secure mode of data collection.

  • Page 53: Restoring Missing Traces

    and which channels are the quietest. Some apps will inform you which WiFi channels are better for a good connection. Once you have chosen the new channel, it will take approximately 1 minute to finish the channel switching. Restoring Missing Traces It is possible to move the antenna away from the GX Controller once a measurement has commenced.

  • Page 54: Wifi Initiation Via Wire

    If the Controller experiences difficulty restoring the missing traces, it may be necessary to restore via wired connection. If this Restore Via Wire message is displayed, press the Navigator button to close the widow, connect the data cable between the antenna and the Controller. Switch the WiFi off and then proceed to the Work With Files option on the Start Screen.

  • Page 55: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting MALÅ GX HDR has been designed to be robust and reliable under adverse conditions. If you encounter a mechanical failure that cannot be fixed on site, please contact Guideline Geo or your local Guideline Geo representative for advice. System Malfunctions Most malfunctions are power/data communications or user settings related.

  • Page 56: Service And Repairs

    Service and Repairs To maintain maximum performance, the MALÅ GX HDR should be regularly serviced. Contact Guideline Geo or your local Guideline Geo representative for more information on how to service your MALÅ GX HDR. Technical Support Guideline Geo is committed to providing exceptional product support. Our technical support representatives are available online to help you find answers to even the most challenging technical support issues.

  • Page 57: Technical Specification

    Technical Specification MALÅ GX80 HDR Technology: MALA Semi-Real-Time pat pending Antenna center freq. 80MHz SNR: > 114.4dB Significant/useful number of bits: > 19 bit Scans/second: > 1200, time window 812nS Survey speed: 430 [km/h] point distance 10cm Data acquisition rate 160MHz Time window: 812ns...
  • Page 58 MALÅ GX750 HDR Technology: MALA Semi-Real- Time pat pending Antenna center freq. 750Mhz SNR: > 97dB Significant/useful number of bits: 16 bit Scans/sec: > 1290, time window 75nS Survey speed: 460 [km/h] point distance 10cm Data acquisition rate 160MHz Time window: 75ns Operating time: Bandwidth:...

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