SPX SPIDAR NIC-500s Operation Manual page 11

2. Overview of NIC-500s
This section explains the physical properties of the NIC-500s. Attributes common to all NIC-
500s are explained, followed by differences between NIC-500N, NIC-500P and NIC-500X.
A NIC (short for Network Interface Controller) is a device that allows users to collect data with
multiple GPR antennas simultaneously (Figure 2-1). Every NIC-500 contains:
•
Wi-Fi – the NIC-500 broadcasts its own Wi-Fi signal. A user can connect their laptop or
tablet to this Wi-Fi network to control the NIC-500. Alternatively, a user can connect an
Ethernet cable directly from their device to the NIC-500 instead of connecting via Wi-Fi.
•
SPIDAR software –the operational software that allows the user to setup parameters for
data acquisition. The user can access this through a web browser such as Google
Chrome on their device.
•
Storage – a hard drive for data storage is built into the NIC-500.
•
Voltage stabilizer – protects the system from spikes in the power supply and ensures an
even and steady distribution of power to the antennas and any accessories, such as a
GPS.
Each NIC-500 has several ports to connect antennas, power and accessories. Ports that are on
the long side (opposite side to where the antennas connect) are common to all NIC-500s
(Figure 2-2); these are described below. Ports unique to the NIC-500N, NIC-500P and NIC-
500X are described in the subsequent sections:
•
USB – there are two USB ports (one on the long side, one on the front). A USB stick
can be inserted to download data off the machine. As well, the SPIDAR software can be
Figure 2-1: SPIDAR NIC-500
3
Overview of NIC-500s