Sensors and Software NG250 Ground Penetrating Radar System User Manual NogginGold Manual

Sensors & Software Inc. Ground Penetrating Radar System NogginGold Manual

Users Manual

User’s Guide Copyright 2011 Sensors & Software Inc. 1999-00273-09 Noggin
SENSORS & SOFTWARE INC. PRODUCT LICENCE, COPYRIGHT, LIABILITY AND WARRANTY INFORMATIONImportantPlease read this document carefully before removing the SOFTWARE PRODUCT storage media from their protective cover or assembling the HARDWARE PRODUCT. By removing the storage media or assembling the hardware, you are agreeing to be bound by the terms of this agreement. If you do not agree to the terms of this agreement, promptly contact Sen-sors & Software, Inc. at the address indicated at the end of this document.DefinitionThe word PRODUCT as used herein defines any tangible item sold by Sensors & Software, Inc. and may be comprised of HARDWARE PRODUCT which consists of physical objects and SOFTWARE PRODUCT which means computer programs, codes and related support materials.Software Product Licence AgreementIn order to preserve and protect its rights under the applicable laws, Sensors & Software, Inc. (hereafter S&S) does not sell any rights to its Software product. Rather, S&S grants the right to use its software, diskettes (or other storage media) and documentation (hereafter collectively called SOFTWARE PRODUCT) by means of a SOFTWARE PRODUCT licence. You acknowledge and agree that S&S retains worldwide title and rights to all its software and that the SOFT-WARE PRODUCT contains proprietary materials protected under copyright, trademark and trade secret laws.Grant of Software Product LicenceIn consideration of payment of the licence fee which is the price you pay for the SOFTWARE PRODUCT and your agree-ment to abide by the terms and conditions of this Licence Agreement, S&S grants to you, the Licensee, a non-exclu-sive right to use the SOFTWARE PRODUCT under the following conditions:You may:•use the SOFTWARE PRODUCT on a single workstation owned, leased or otherwise controlled by you• copy the SOFTWARE PRODUCT for backup purposes in support of your use of the product on a single workstationYou may not:• copy, distribute or sell copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT or accompanying written materials, including modified or merged SOFTWARE PRODUCT to others• sell, licence, sublicence, assign or otherwise transfer this licence to anyone without the prior written consent of S&S• modify, adapt, translate, decompile, disassemble or create derivative works based on the SOFTWARE PRODUCTTerminationThis licence is effective until terminated. You may terminate the licence at any time by returning the SOFTWARE PROD-UCT and all copies to S&S. The licence will automatically terminate without notice by S&S if you fail to comply with any terms or conditions of this agreement. Upon termination, you agree to return all copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT to S&S.Update PolicyS&S may create, from time to time, updated versions of its SOFTWARE PRODUCT. At its option, S&S will make such updates available to licencees who have paid the update fee.Product Warranty, Limited Remedy and Limited Liability S&S warrants the PRODUCT to be free from defect in material and workmanship under normal use for a period of one year (365 days) from the date of shipment. Any third party computer systems or other items not manufactured directly by S&S purchased with any PRODUCT or independently from S&S are subject to the original manufacturer's warranty and not the responsibility of S&S.S&S makes no other warranties including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. If this product is defective within the warranty period stated above, your exclusive remedy shall be, at S&S’s option to replace or repair the S&S product or refund the purchase price of the S&S product. Except where prohibited by law, S&S will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from this S&S product, whether direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential regardless of the legal theory asserted.
All statements, technical information, and recommendations related to S&S products are based on information believed to be reliable, but the accuracy or completeness is not guaranteed. Before using this product, you must eval-uate it and determine if it is suitable for your intended application. You assume all risks and liability associated with such use. Any statements related to the product which are not contained in S&S current publications, or any contrary statements contained on your purchase order shall have not force or effect unless expressly agreed upon, in writing, by an authorized officer of S&S.S&S warrants the diskettes or other storage media on which the SOFTWARE PRODUCT is furnished to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of purchase as evidenced by a copy of your invoice.Except as specified above, any SOFTWARE PRODUCT is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, the use or result of use of the product in terms of correctness, accuracy, reliabil-ity, currentness or otherwise. The entire risk as to the results and performance of the PRODUCT is assumed by you. If the PRODUCT is defective or used improperly, you, and not S&S or its dealers, distributors, agents, or employees, assume the entire cost of all necessary servicing, repair or correction.S&S's entire liability and your exclusive remedy for SOFTWARE PRODUCT shall be, at S&S's option, either• the replacement of any diskette or hardware components which do not meet S&S's Limited Warranty and which are returned to S&S postage prepaid with a copy of the receipt, or• if S&S is unable to deliver a replacement diskette which is free of defects in material or workmanship, Licensee may terminate this agreement and have the licence fee refunded by returning all copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT postage prepaid with a copy of the receipt.If failure of any PRODUCT resulted from accident, abuse or misapplication, S&S shall have no responsibility to replace the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, refund the licence fee, or replace or repair the HARDWARE PRODUCT.Do not tamper with any PRODUCT. PRODUCT contains no user serviceable parts. If tampering is evident in S&S’s opinion, warranty is void and null.No oral or written information or advice given by S&S, its dealers, distributors, agents or employees shall create a war-ranty or in any way increase the scope of this warranty and you may not rely on any such information or advice.Neither S&S nor anyone else who has been involved in the creation, production or delivery of the PRODUCT shall be lia-ble for any direct, indirect, special, exemplary, incidental or consequential damages, claims or actions including lost information, lost profits, or other damages arising out of the use or inability to use this PRODUCT even if S&S has been advised of the possibility of such damages.This warranty gives you specific rights. You may have other rights which vary from province to province, territory to ter-ritory and certain limitations contained in this limited warranty may not apply to you.GeneralpulseEKKO®, Noggin®, SpiView®, Conquest® and SnowScan® are registered trademarks of S&S. No right, licence, or interest to such trademarks is granted hereunder with the purchase of the PRODUCT or the SOFTWARE PRODUCT licence.Governing LawIn the event of any conflict between any provision in this licence agreement and limited warranty and any applicable provincial legislation, the applicable provincial legislation takes precedence over the contravening provision. This agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario, Canada.ServiceabilityShould any term of this agreement be declared void or not enforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining terms shall remain in full effect.WaiverFailure of either party to enforce any of its rights in this agreement or take action against any other party in the event of a breach of this agreement shall not be considered a waiver of the right to subsequent enforcement of its rights or actions in the event of subsequent breaches by the other party.
AcknowledgementYou acknowledge that you have read this agreement, understand it and agree to be bound by its terms and conditions. You further agree that this agreement is the complete and exclusive statement of agreement between the parties and supersedes all proposals or prior agreements oral or written between the parties relating to the subject matter of this agreement.Should you have any questions concerning this agreement, please contact in writing:Sensors & Software Inc.1040 Stacey CourtMississauga, OntarioCanada L4W 2X8Tel:(905) 624-8909Fax:(905) 624-9365E-mail: sales@sensoft.capulseEKKO, Noggin, SpiView, SnowScan, Conquest, SmartCart, SmartHandle, Conquest for Windows, EKKO_View, EKKO_Mapper, EKKO_3D and EKKO_Pointer are Trademarks of Sensors & Software Inc.
SmartCart Table of Contents iTable of Contents 1 General Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 2 Assembling the SmartCart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22.1 Configuring the SmartCart for a Different Noggin System. . . . . . . . . . . .82.2 Adding GPS to the SmartCart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 3 Digital Video Logger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103.1 Running a DVL Detached from a Smart System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 4 Noggin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144.1 Overview of Noggin Menu Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144.1.1 Run. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144.1.2 Demo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144.1.3 Noggin Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144.1.4 Transfer All Buffers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144.1.4.1 Copy Internal to Removable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154.1.5 Delete All Buffers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154.1.6 Transfer Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154.1.7 Return. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154.1.8 Noggin Screen Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154.1.9 Section A - Data Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .164.1.10 Section B - Data Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174.1.10.1 Depth Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174.1.10.2 Battery Voltage Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174.1.10.3 Start of Section Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174.1.10.4 Fiducial Markers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .184.1.11 Section C - Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .184.2 Noggin Menu Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .194.2.1 Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .194.2.2 Print Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .194.2.3 View Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .214.2.4 Calib (Calibration) Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .214.2.4.1 Hyperbola Matching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .224.2.4.2 Identifying Air Reflections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
ii Table of Contents SmartCart4.2.4.3 Target of Known Depth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .254.2.4.4 Selecting a Media. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .264.2.4.5 Input a Velocity Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .264.2.5 Depth Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .274.2.6 Gain Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .274.2.7 Start Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .284.2.8 Stop Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .284.2.9 Filter Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .284.3 Noggin Data Acquisition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .294.3.1 Collecting Data using the Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .294.3.1.1 Reducing Data Quality by Moving too Fast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .304.3.1.2 Backing up the System to Pinpoint Target Positions . . . . . . . . . .304.3.2 Collecting Data in Free Run Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .314.3.2.1 Controlling Data Collection Speed in Free Run Mode . . . . . . . . .314.3.2.2 Noggin Speed In Free Run Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .314.3.2.3 Positions in Free Run Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .314.3.3 Collecting Data using the Trigger (or B) Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .324.3.4 Noggin Data Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .324.3.5 Saving Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .334.3.6 Deleting Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .334.3.7 Special Buttons During Data Acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .334.3.7.1 Fiducial Markers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .334.3.7.2 Background Subtraction Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .334.3.8 Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .344.4 Noggin Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .354.4.1 Editing DVL Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .354.4.2 Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .354.4.3 Time and Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .354.4.4 Save Data Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .354.4.5 Units Used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .364.4.6 Odometer Markers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .364.4.7 Odometer Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .364.4.8 Cart Direction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .374.4.9 Trigger Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .374.4.10 Odometer Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .384.4.11 Label Size. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .384.4.12 Noggin System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .394.4.13 Station Interval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .394.4.14 Plot Interval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
SmartCart Table of Contents iii4.4.15 Linear Gain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .424.4.16 Arrow Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .434.4.17 Window Zooming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .434.4.18 GPS Setup Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .444.4.19 Transfer Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .474.4.20 Reset Counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .474.5 Noggin File Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .484.5.1 Transferring Noggin Data to a PC using the Removable Drive . . . . . . . .484.5.2 Copying Noggin Data from the Internal Drive to the Removable Drive . .494.5.3 Transferring Noggin Data to a PC using the Optional PXFER Cable. . . .494.5.4 Viewing Noggin Data Files using Win_SpiView . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .494.5.5 Deleting all Buffer Files on the DVL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .494.6 Transfer Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .494.7 Advanced Topics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .504.7.1 How Depth is Determined . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 5 Noggin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .515.1 Overview of Noggin Menu Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .515.1.1 Line. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .515.1.2 Grid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .515.1.3 Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .525.1.4 File Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .525.1.5 Run without Saving Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .525.1.6 Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .525.1.7 Set Storage Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .535.1.8 Return. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .535.2 Noggin Data Acquisition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .545.2.1 Replaying or Overwriting Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .545.2.2 Screen Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .555.2.3 Section A – Position Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .555.2.4 Section B - Data Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .555.2.4.1 Depth Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .565.2.4.2 Fiducial Markers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .565.2.5 Section C - Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .565.2.6 Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
iv Table of Contents SmartCart5.2.7 Collecting Data using the Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .585.2.7.1 Reducing Data Quality by Moving too Fast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .585.2.7.2 Backing up the Smart System to Pinpoint Target Positions . . . . .595.2.8 Collecting Data in Free Run Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .595.2.8.1 Controlling Data Collection Speed in Free Run Mode . . . . . . . . .605.2.8.2 Noggin Speed in Free Run Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .605.2.8.3 Positions in Free Run Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .605.2.9 Collecting Data using the Trigger (or B) Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .605.2.10 Noggin Data Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .615.2.11 Calib. (Calibration) Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .625.2.11.1 Hyperbola Matching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .625.2.11.2 Identifying Air Reflections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .645.2.11.3 Target of Known Depth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .655.2.12 Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .665.3 Noggin Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .675.3.1 System Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .675.3.1.1 Depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .675.3.1.2 Velocity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685.3.1.3 Depth Units. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685.3.1.4 Noggin System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685.3.1.5 Stacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .695.3.1.6 Linear Time Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .705.3.1.7 Position Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .705.3.2 Cart Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .715.3.2.1 Cart Direction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .715.3.2.2 Trigger Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .715.3.2.3 Auto Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .725.3.2.4 Arrow Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .725.3.2.5 Trip Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .725.3.2.6 Transfer Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .725.3.2.7 Odometer Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .735.3.3 Line Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .745.3.3.1 Start Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .745.3.3.2 Line Direction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .745.3.3.3 Station Interval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .755.3.3.4 Plot Interval. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .785.3.4 Grid Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .795.3.4.1 Grid Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .795.3.4.2 Survey Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .815.3.4.3 Grid Dimensions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .835.3.4.4 Line Spacing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .835.3.5 GPS Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .855.3.6 Set Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .895.4 Noggin File Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90
SmartCart Table of Contents v5.4.1 Transferring Noggin Data to a PC using the Removable Drive . . . . . . . .905.4.2 Copying Noggin Data from the Internal Drive to the Removable Drive . .915.4.3 Transferring Noggin Data to a PC using the PXFER Cable . . . . . . . . . . .915.4.4 Viewing Data Files on the External Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .915.4.5 Deleting Data on the DVL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .915.5 Noggin Utilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .925.5.1 Time and Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .925.5.2 Odometer Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .925.5.3 Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935.5.4 System Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935.5.5 DVL Recording Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935.5.6 Transfer Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93 6 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .946.1 Power Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .946.2 System Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .946.3 System Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .956.4 DVL Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .956.5 Noggin Problem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .956.6 Creating a Test Line for Data Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .966.7 Contacting Sensors & Software Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96 7 Care and Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .977.1 Battery Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .977.2 DVL Internal Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .977.3 Cable Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .977.4 Skid Pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .987.5 Storage Cases. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .997.6 Spare Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99
SmartCart Table of Contents vi Appendix A Noggin Data file Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-1 Appendix B Health & Safety Certification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1 Appendix C GPR Emissions, Interference and Regulations . . . . . .C-1C-1 FCC Regulations (USA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2C-2 ETSI Regulations for the EC (European Community). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-6C-3 Industry Canada Regulations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-7 Appendix D Instrument Interference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D-1 Appendix E Safety Around Explosive Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E-1 Appendix F Using the PXFER Cable and WinPXFER Software . . . F-1F1 Transferring Data to a PC using the PXFER Cable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-1F1.1 Connecting the Digital Video Logger to a PC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-1F1.2 PXFER Cable Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-2F1.3 Installing and Running the WinPXFER Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-3F1.4 Setting the DVL to the PXFER Cable Type. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-4F1.5 Transferring Noggin Data Buffer Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-4F1.6 Exporting Noggin Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-5F2 Transferring Noggin PCX Files to an External PC using WinPXFER. F-6 Appendix G GPR Glossaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .G-1G-1 Basic GPR Terms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .G-1G-2 Common GPR Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .G-2G-3 Advanced GPR Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .G-3
Noggin 1-General Overview1 1 General OverviewNoggins are completely self-contained Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) systems. Once the unithas been assembled into its deployment configuration and powered up you can be carrying out aGPR survey in less than a minute. There are several different Noggin configurations available:the SmartCart, SmartHandle, SmartTow and the Rock Noggin.This manual describes the assembly of each Noggin configuration, how to set survey parametersand how to run the system to collect data in lines or grids. Each Smart System’s Digital Video Logger (DVL) comes with the embedded software to acquiredata and replay data files. Data management software allows the data to be transferred to anexternal computer for further processing and/or plotting. Figure: 1-1 Noggin configurations
2-Noggin Components Noggin2 2 Noggin ComponentsThe Noggin family of GPR systems consists of the Noggin 100, 250, 500 and 1000. The basic configuration and key components of the Noggin 250, 500 and 1000 are shown inFigure 2-1 and Figure 2-2. The key components of the Noggin 100 are shown in Figure 2-3. Figure: 2-1 Noggin components Figure: 2-2 Location of the Noggin transducers
Noggin 2-Noggin Components3 Figure: 2-3 Noggin 100 components
3-Noggin 100 Assembly Noggin4 3 Noggin 100 AssemblyUnlike the higher frequency Noggins, the Noggin 100 comes with the antennas and electronicsas separate units that need to be assembled.To assemble, space the 100 MHz antennas about 0.5 meters apart with the mounting blocksfacing up. Figure: 3-1 Noggin 100 assembly of electronics to antenna.Place one end of the Noggin 100 electronics module over one of the antennas and pressdownward until it is seated. Figure: 3-2 Connecting the electronics to the 100 MHz antenna. The 2 brass sockets in the bottom of the electronics mate with the 2 brass pins in the antenna mounting block.Secure using the electronics to the antenna using the 2 plastic latches.
Noggin 3-Noggin 100 Assembly5 Figure: 3-3 Latching the electronics to the antenna.Do the same to connect the electronics to the second antenna.See the complete assembly of the Noggin 100 in Figure 2-3.
4-SmartCart Assembly Noggin6 4 SmartCart AssemblyThe SmartCart can be configured for operation with all Noggins (100, 250, 500 and 1000). The fully-assembled Noggin 250 in the SmartCart configuration is shown in Figure 5-1. Thesystem is shown in field operation in Figure 5-2. Follow the directions below to assemble theconfiguration. Figure: 4-1 Fully assembled SmartCart with a Noggin 250. Figure: 4-2 Noggin 250 SmartCart (left) and Noggin 100 SmartCart (right) in operation.
Noggin 4-SmartCart Assembly74.1 Unfold the Handle The Noggin SmartCart comes folded for transportation and storage (Figure 4-3). Figure: 4-3 SmartCart in collapsed position.To unfold the SmartCart, refer to Figure 4-4. Pull the ring to remove the handle Clevis pin fromthe handle support arm. Raise the handle support arm and then the handle and place the openend of the T-shaped tube on the handle onto the end of the support arm (Step 1). Then lock thehandle into position by lining up the hole in the support arm with the hole in the T-shaped tubeand inserting the handle Clevis pin (Step 2). When folding the SmartCart back up always ensurethe handle folds down before the handle support arm. Figure: 4-4 SmartCart set up.
4-SmartCart Assembly Noggin84.2 Attach WheelsThe SmartCart may have been shipped without the wheels attached or they may have beenremoved for storage. If this is the case, find the axle for each wheel, press the button on the endof the axle, and insert the axle through the wheel and into the SmartCart frame (Figure 4-5). Figure: 4-5 Attaching the wheel.With the system unfolded, make sure the small odometer wheel makes good contact with theside of the cart wheel. If the odometer contact with the wheel is too loose, the odometer wheel may slip, resulting inerroneous position measurements. If the odometer wheel seems loose, use a ¼ inch Allen(hexagonal) wrench to loosen the screws on the side of the odometer and pivot the entireodometer unit until the small odometer wheel makes good contact with the side of the cart wheel(Figure 4-6). Then tighten the screws to lock the odometer wheel in this position. Figure: 4-6 If the odometer wheel does not make good contact with the wheel, use a hexagonal wrench to loosen the 2 screws (left) and pivot the odometer outward so when the wheel is attached the odometer rolls continuously (right).After this has been done, it will be necessary to re-calibrate the odometer (Section 12.5.2Odometer Calibration).
Noggin 4-SmartCart Assembly94.3 Attaching Separation Bars to the SmartCartThe Noggin SmartCart can be configured to carry a Noggin 100, 250, 500 or 1000 system. Eachsystem has a unique set of separation bars used to attach the Noggin to the SmartCart andsuspend it over the surface (Figure 4-7). Figure: 4-7 The separation bars are attached to the SmartCart to carry the Noggin. Each Noggin system (100, 250, 500 and 1000) has a unique set of separation bars; the Noggin 250 separation bars are shown on the left and Noggin 100 separation bars on the right.The separation bars are attached to the SmartCart by four thumb screws. Changing the support arms should only be done after the DVL and battery have beendetached from the SmartCart, otherwise the back half of the cart may fall to the groundand be damaged.Aligning the thumb screws and the support arm is very important. If the hole and insertare not perfectly aligned, the thumb screw will bind after only half a turn and will damagethe insert by cross-threading it. As well, if the thumb screw is forced to turn it will also bedamaged. If this occurs, the only way to correct this problem is to then run a 10-32 tapthrough the insert to re-tap the hole. 4.3.1 Separation Bar AssemblyDepending on the Noggin system, it may be necessary to assemble the separation bars beforeattaching them to the SmartCart. For details, see the separate document “Noggin SmartCartSeparation Bar Assembly”.Noggin 100Noggin 250
4-SmartCart Assembly Noggin104.4 Attaching the Swivel Adapters (Noggin 250, 500 & 1000)Before the Noggin 250, 500 or 1000 can be attached to the SmartCart, the 4 swivel adapters(with attached Clevis pins) must be attached to the mounting posts on the Noggin (see Figure 2-1). The swivel adapters may have been attached to the Noggin at the factory. If not, follow theinstructions below.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. This can be done usingthe 1/8” Allen (hexagonal) wrench provided. Now, tighten each screw and then loosen ¼ turn sothat the swivel adapters are firmly attached to the post but can still rotate. DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN! Figure: 4-8 Attaching the swivel adapters to the Noggin.
Noggin 4-SmartCart Assembly114.5 Attaching the Noggin to the SmartCartThe Noggin is attached to the cart with the long axis of the Noggin unit parallel to the wheels onthe cart (see Figure 4-9 and Figure 4-10). Ensure the 37 socket female electrical receptacle onthe Noggin faces the back of the cart so that the cable on the cart will reach the receptacle.4.5.1 Noggin 250Remove the Clevis pins from the swivel adapters. Now, on the bottom of the cart, locate the 4oval, moveable hangers suspended from the frame of the cart (see Figure 4-9). Notice that eachhanger has a hole in it. To attach the Noggin 250 to the cart, place each hanger into the slot onthe top of the swivel adapters, line up the holes and insert the Clevis pin. Figure: 4-9 Attaching the Noggin 250 to the SmartCart.Connect the 37 pin end of the Noggin-to-DVL cable to the receptacle on the Noggin and securethis attachment with the latch.
4-SmartCart Assembly Noggin124.5.2 Noggin 500 & Noggin 1000Remove the Clevis pins from the swivel adapters. Now, on the bottom of the cart, locate the two,flat, moveable crossbars suspended from the frame of the cart. Notice that each crossbar has 2 holes, one on each side. To attach the Noggin 500 to the cart,place the crossbars into the slots on the top of the swivel adapters, line up the holes and insertthe Clevis pins (Figure 4-10). Figure: 4-10 Attaching the Noggin 500 and Noggin 1000 to the cart.Connect the 37 pin end of the Noggin-to-DVL cable to the receptacle on the Noggin and securethis attachment with the latch.
Noggin 4-SmartCart Assembly134.5.3 Noggin 100Unlike the higher frequency Noggins, the Noggin 100 comes with the antennas and electronicsas separate units that need to be assembled. Assemble the Noggin 100 electronics andantennas as shown in Section 3 Noggin 100 Assembly.Place the SmartCart over the Noggin 100, aligning the antenna post blocks on the frame with theantenna mounting posts on the 100 MHz antennas. Ensure the 37 socket cable connection onthe Noggin 100 electronics faces the back (handle end) of the SmartCart. Figure: 4-11 Place the SmartCart over the Noggin 100 system with the 8 antenna mounting posts inserted in the post blocks. The 37 socket receptacle Figure: 4-12 Secure the SmartCart Separation Bars to the Noggin 100 by inserting the pins into each of the 8 post blocks.
4-SmartCart Assembly Noggin14Connect the 37 pin end of the Noggin-to-DVL cable to the receptacle on the Noggin 100electronics and secure this attachment with the latch.The cable should have a little slack to reduce any stresses on the cable during data collection.Ensure that the cable does not sag and contact the electronics or antennas as this will causenoise in the data. Connect the yellow odometer cable to the receptacle on the Noggin end of the Noggin-to-DVLcable. This may require use of a short odometer extension cable. Use the velcro straps to routethe cable along the frame, keeping it away from the electronics and the the antennas. Figure: 4-13 Connecting the Noggin-to-DVL cable to the Noggin 100 electronics. After this connection is made, con-nect the yellow odometer cable to the round receptacle.
Noggin 4-SmartCart Assembly154.6 Attach the Digital Video Logger (DVL)The bottom of the Digital Video Logger is designed to slide onto the support shelf attached to theSmartCart (Figure 4-14). Line up the bottom of the DVL with the shelf and slide it back onto theshelf. Push the DVL back far enough so that the flexible clip on the front of the shelf catches andholds the DVL firmly in place. Wiggle the DVL to make sure it is firmly snapped in before lettinggo of the unit. To remove the DVL from the SmartCart, flex the clip downward as the DVL is slidforward off of the shelf. Figure: 4-14 Attaching the digital video logger (DVL). Step 1: Depress flexible clip. Step 2: Slide DVL onto shelf.The DVL can be pivoted to adjust the view angle. If it is difficult to pivot the DVL, slightly loosenthe hand screws on the bottom of the support shelf.Once the DVL is in place, attach the cable with the 37-socket female D-connector to the 37-pinreceptacle on the back of the Digital Video Logger. This attachment can be secured with thelatch.
4-SmartCart Assembly Noggin164.7 Attach the Battery UnitThe batteries usually used with the SmartCart are shown in Figure 10-1.Set the battery unit onto the lower inclined shelf on the back of the SmartCart (see Figure 4-15).The handle on the battery unit should be accessible from the back of the cart with the cablereceptacle on the right. The battery unit should rest in this area without moving. To secure thebattery onto the cart, put the straps provided over the battery unit and lock into place with theplastic buckle. Tighten the straps if necessary. Figure: 4-15 The SmartCart battery.Note the battery mass forms part of the overall cart balance which enables users to raise thefront wheels with a minimum amount of force. This allows users to easily change direction andassure the rear wheels are always in contact with the ground.With the SmartCart completely assembled, connect the round 4-pin battery cable to thereceptacle on the side of the battery.
Noggin 4-SmartCart Assembly174.8 Adding GPS Mount to the SmartCartThe SmartCart has an optional bracket designed to hold a Trimble or Novatel GPS (see Figure 4-16). This bracket can be modified by the user to hold other types of GPS units. Any GPS unit with a serial output can be attached to the serial port on the back of the DVL andGPS information logged during data collection (see Section 8 ).For more details about configuring the GPS with a Noggin system, see Section 12.3.5 . Figure: 4-16 SmartCart system with the optional GPS mounting bracket.
5-SmartTow Assembly Noggin18 5 SmartTow AssemblyAll Noggins (100, 250, 500 and 1000) can be operated in the SmartTow configuration. 5.1 Noggin 100The fully-assembled Noggin 100 in the SmartTow configuration is shown in Figure 5-1. Thesystem is shown in field operation in Figure 5-2. Follow the directions below to assemble theconfiguration. Figure: 5-1 Noggin 100 SmartTow configuration. Figure: 5-2 Noggin 100 SmartTow configuration in use. Note the belt battery for power and DVL carrier for conve-niently carrying the DVL in the field. The cable runs from the electronics housing and up the handle secured by velcro straps.
Noggin 5-SmartTow Assembly19Assemble the Noggin 100 electronics and antennas as shown in Section 3 .The parts for the Noggin 100 SmartTow frame are shown in . Figure: 5-3 The Noggin 100 SmartTow frame parts (left) and assembled (right). Ensure the antenna post blocks face outward before assembling. The pieces are connected using the 4 thumb screws as shown in the figure below. The Handle and Big Wheel odometer are not connected to the frame with thumb screws but held in place once the anten-nas are attached. Figure: 5-4 Close-up of thumbscrews used to assemble the Noggin 100 SmartTow frame. Be careful not to strip the threads!
5-SmartTow Assembly Noggin20Place the SmartTow frame over the Noggin 100, aligning the antenna post blocks on the framewith the antenna mounting posts on the 100 MHz antennas. Ensure the 37 socket cableconnection on the Noggin 100 electronics faces the handle end of the frame and NOT theodometer end. Figure: 5-5 Place the SmartTow frame over the Noggin 100 system with the 8 antenna mounting posts inserted in the post blocks. Figure: 5-6 Secure the SmartTow frame to the Noggin 100 by inserting the metal pins into each of the 8 post blocks.
Noggin 5-SmartTow Assembly21Latch the 37 pin end of the Noggin-to-DVL cable to the receptacle on the Noggin 100 and use thevelcro straps to secure the cable to the handle (Figure 5-7). The cable should have a little slackto reduce any stresses on the cable during data collection. Ensure that the cable does not sagand contact the electronics or antennas as this will cause noise in the data. Connect the yellow odometer cable to the receptacle on the Noggin end of the Noggin-to-DVLcable. This may require use of a short odometer extension cable. Use the velcro straps to routethe cable along the frame, keeping it away from the electronics and the the antennas (Figure 5-7). Figure: 5-7 Connect the Noggin-to-DVL cable to the Noggin 100 electronics with the latch. The yellow odometer cable connects to the small round receptacle on the back of the Noggin-to-DVL cable. The odometer cable may need to have the odometer extension cable added to it to reach the connection.Latch the other end of the Noggin-to-DVL cable to the back of the DVL. With the SmartTow completely assembled, connect the round 4-pin battery cable to thereceptacle on the SmartCart battery and then go to Section 10 Powering Up the System.
5-SmartTow Assembly Noggin225.2 Noggin 250The fully-assembled Noggin 250 in the SmartTow configuration is shown in Figure 5-1. Thesystem is shown in field operation in Figure 5-2. Follow the directions below to assemble theconfiguration. Figure: 5-8 Noggin 250 SmartTow system Figure: 5-9 Noggin 250 SmartTow in operation. Note the belt battery used to power the system.
Noggin 5-SmartTow Assembly23Attach one of the SmartTow Bracket Assemblies to the two front mounting posts on the Noggin250 and secure with the metal pins. Attach the second SmartTow Bracket Assembly to the two back mounting posts on the Noggin250 and secure with the metal pins. Connect the large black cable to the Noggin 37-pin female connector and latch into place,ensuring the cable lies on top of the back SmartTow Bracket Assembly. The large odometer wheel attaches to the back SmartTow Bracket closest to the Nogginconnector. Orient the odometer so the small yellow wheel is on the upper rim of the large wheel.Secure the odometer T-bar with the U-brackets and pins. Make sure that the black cable turns tothe front of the Noggin so it does not interfere with the odometer wheel.
5-SmartTow Assembly Noggin24The yellow cable from the odometer connects to the receptacle on the connector to the Noggin. Odometer calibration is critical for accurate data images. Odometer calibration instructions areavailable in Section 12.5.2 Odometer Calibration.Attach the handle to the front SmartTow Bracket Assembly with the U-brackets and pins. Theblack cable should lie between the SmartTow Bracket and the handle. Secure the cable alongthe side of the handle using 2 or 3 Velcro straps.
Noggin 5-SmartTow Assembly255.3 Noggin 500 and 1000The fully-assembled Noggin 500 in the SmartTow configuration is shown in Figure 5-10. Followthe directions below to assemble the configuration. Figure: 5-10 Noggin 500 in the SmartTow configuration
5-SmartTow Assembly Noggin26The parts for the Noggin 500/100 SmartTow Brackets are shown below.Align the two holes on one of the SmartTow Brackets with the two mounting posts on one side ofthe Noggin, press down firmly and secure with the short metal pins. Then attach the secondSmartTow bracket to the other side of the Noggin and secure with the short metal pins.
Noggin 5-SmartTow Assembly27Attach the handle to the front of the SmartTow Brackets with the U-brackets and log metal pins.The handle should be attached on the end of the Noggin away from the 37 socket cableconnection.Connect the large black Noggin-to-DVL cable to the 37-socket connector on the Noggin and latchinto place, ensuring the cable is looped to provide some slack and it is routed along the top of theSmartTow bracket. Secure the cable to the bracket and along the side of the handle using 2 or 3Velcro straps.
5-SmartTow Assembly Noggin28The large odometer wheel attaches on the end of the Noggin with the 37-socket connector. Usethe U-brackets and log metal pins to secure the odometer T-bar to the SmartTow Brackets.Orient the odometer so the black thumbscrew on the T-bar is facing upwards and the yellowodometer cable is on the same side of the odometer wheel as the odometer receptacle on theNoggin cable connection. Make sure that the black Noggin-to-DVL cable turns to the front of the Noggin so it does notinterfere with the odometer wheel.Then connect the yellow odometer cable to the receptacle on the connector to the Noggin. Loopthe odometer cable so it does not interfere with the rotation of the odometer wheel and use velcrostraps to secure it to the T-bar. Odometer calibration is critical for accurate data images. Odometer calibration instructions areavailable in Section 12.5.2 Odometer Calibration.
Noggin 6-SmartHandle Assembly (Noggin 500 & 1000 only)29 6 SmartHandle Assembly (Noggin 500 & 1000 only)The Noggin 500 and 1000 can be operated in the SmartHandle configuration. The fully assembled Noggin 500 SmartHandle system is shown in Figure 6-1. The Noggin 1000SmartHandle system looks very similar. Figure: 6-1 Noggin 500 SmartHandle system.Normally the SmartHandle system is used in the “push” configuration shown in Figure 6-1. Insome situations the “pull” configuration may be a more desirable. Figure 6-7 shows theSmartHandle system in this configuration.Note that most Noggin SmartHandle systems come from the factory partially assembled with theodometer bracket, Noggin-to-DVL cable and the handle base already attached to the Nogginunit.
6-SmartHandle Assembly (Noggin 500 & 1000 only) Noggin30 Figure: 6-2 Slide the Noggin odometer bracket over the four, silver mounting posts for both the Noggin 1000 (top) and Noggin 500 (bottom). Figure: 6-3 Connect the 37 pin connector on the Noggin-to-DVL cable to the 37 socket receptacle on the Noggin unit by tightening the latch. Figure: 6-4 On the Noggin-to-DVL cable, note the round receptacle on the back of the connector that attaches to the Noggin unit. Connect the yellow odometer cable to this round receptacle.
Noggin 6-SmartHandle Assembly (Noggin 500 & 1000 only)31 Figure: 6-5 Press the handle base straight down onto the four, silver mounting posts. The handle base should be pushed all the way down onto the odometer bracket. Insert the four quick release pins to secure the handle. Figure: 6-6 The full-length SmartHandle is shown in Figure 6-1. The SmartHandle can be shortened by removing the center handle section using the thumb-screws. Use the Velcro straps to secure the cable onto the SmartHandle, ensuring there is excess cable near the connection at the Noggin to allow the SmartHandle to pivot up and down without straining the cable.
6-SmartHandle Assembly (Noggin 500 & 1000 only) Noggin326.1 SmartHandle “Pull” ConfigurationIn some situations, conditions may dictate that pushing the SmartHandle system (Figure 6-1) isnot practical. An alternative configuration is to pull the SmartHandle system (Figure 6-7). To dothis, remove the 4 quick-release pins that hold the handle to the Noggin system, remove thehandle by pulling straight up and rotate the handle so that it faces the other direction. Then pushthe handle down onto the Noggin as far as it will go and replace the 4 quick-release pins. Figure: 6-7 In conditions where pushing the SmartHandle is difficult, it is possible to turn the handle around and pull the system as shown. 6.2 Cable ConnectionsThe DVL to Noggin cable is a Y-shaped cable with 3 connections; one to the Noggin sensor, oneto the DVL and one to the power supply (battery or AC).Noggin Connection: The first connection was done in Figure 6-3 above, that is, the 37-pinconnector on the cable was attached to the 37-socket connector on the Noggin. A latch wasused to secure this connection. From the Noggin, the DVL to Sensor Cable runs up the side of the SmartHandle. Use the Velcrostraps to secure the cable to the SmartHandle ensuring there is some slack in the cable near theconnection at the Noggin so, as the handle is pivots up and down there is no strain on theconnection (Figure 6-6).DVL Connection: The second connection from the DVL to Sensor Cable is to the DVL. One endof the Y-shaped cable has a 37-socket connector. This end plugs into the 37-pin connector on theback of the DVL. Power Connection: The third connection on the SmartHandle cable attaches to a power supply.The round, 4-pin connector attaches to the battery. This configuration usually uses a belt battery.
Noggin 7-Rock Noggin Assembly (Noggin 500 & 1000 only)33 7 Rock Noggin Assembly (Noggin 500 & 1000 only)Assembly of the Rock Noggin system for both the Noggin 500 and the Noggin 1000 is describedin this section. The Rock Noggin 500 system is shown in Figure 7-1. The Rock Noggin 1000 system looks verysimilar when assembled. Figure: 7-1 The Rock Noggin system (left) and in use (right).
7-Rock Noggin Assembly (Noggin 500 & 1000 only) Noggin34The Rock Noggin shipping case contains the complete Rock Noggin system (see Figure 7-2).Rock Noggin systems are shipped from the factory partially assembled with the frame and DVL-to-Noggin cable already attached to the Noggin unit (see Figure 7-3). If your system is alreadypartially assembled, skip to Figure 7-11. Detailed assembly starts at Figure 7-4. A fullyassembled Rock Noggin system is shown in Figure 7-15 Figure: 7-2 A Rock Noggin system in its shipping case. Figure: 7-3 The Rock Noggin system components after removal from the shipping case. From left to right are the belt battery, the Noggin already attached to the frame and the Digital Video Logger (DVL). The system comes partially assembled. To continue with assembly from this point, see Figure 7-11 and later.
Noggin 7-Rock Noggin Assembly (Noggin 500 & 1000 only)35 Figure: 7-4 The Rock Noggin system disassembled into its basic components and ready for assembly. From left to right are the belt battery, the Noggin, the cable (in front), the frame and the Digital Video Logger (DVL). More details of each component are given in the figures below. Figure: 7-5 The Rock Noggin cable. The 4 connections are for the Noggin, the Digital Video Logger (DVL), the trigger button and the battery.
7-Rock Noggin Assembly (Noggin 500 & 1000 only) Noggin36 Figure: 7-6 The Noggin used with the Rock Noggin can be either a Noggin 500 (shown here) or a Noggin 1000. The connections are identical for both systems. The 4 silver mounting posts visible here are used when attaching the frame to the Noggin (see Figure 7-8). Figure: 7-7 The Rock Noggin frame. On the bottom of the right handle, note the grey speaker that is used to sound an audible tone as data are collected. Also, on the underside of the right handle, note that Smart button (not visible in this view) used to collect data. The frame is attached to the Noggin using the 4 clevis pins shown (see below). The Digital Video Logger (DVL) clips onto the shelf at the top of the frame (see Figure 7-11).
Noggin 7-Rock Noggin Assembly (Noggin 500 & 1000 only)37 Figure: 7-8 Using the 4 holes on the bottom of the Rock Noggin frame, place the frame on the 4 mounting posts on the top of the Noggin (shown in Figure 7-6). Push the frame down until it cannot go any further. The Noggin should be oriented such that the 37 socket receptacle on the Noggin is on the same side as the Smart button on the frame. Figure: 7-9 Secure the frame to the Noggin by pushing the 4 clevis pins into the holes on the frame as shown.
7-Rock Noggin Assembly (Noggin 500 & 1000 only) Noggin38 Figure: 7-10 Attach the end of the cable with the 37 pin (male) connection to the Noggin. Use a slotted screwdriver to tighten the connection. Figure: 7-11 Attach the Digital Video Logger to the frame.
Noggin 7-Rock Noggin Assembly (Noggin 500 & 1000 only)39Attach the Digital Video Logger (DVL): The bottom of the Digital Video Logger is designed toslide onto the support shelf attached to the Rock Noggin frame (see Figure 7-11). Line up thebottom of the Digital Video Logger with the shelf and slide it back onto the shelf. Push the DigitalVideo Logger back far enough so that the flexible clip on the front of the shelf catches and holdsthe Digital Video Logger firmly in place. Wiggle the DVL to make sure it is firmly snapped inbefore letting go of the unit. (To remove the Digital Video Logger from the Rock Noggin frame,this clip must be flexed downward as the DVL is slid forward off of the shelf.The two handscrews on the bottom of the DVL shelf can be loosened to allow the DVL to berotated to a different position on the Rock Noggin frame. Figure: 7-12 Connect the end of the grey cable to the receptacle on the handle at the back of the frame. This receptacle is adjacent to the Smart button. Figure: 7-13 Attach the end of the cable with the 37 socket (female) connection to the back of the Digital Video Logger (DVL). Use a slotted screwdriver to tighten the connection.
7-Rock Noggin Assembly (Noggin 500 & 1000 only) Noggin40 Figure: 7-14 The last connection on the cable is a cylindrical, 4 pin connector for the battery. Figure: 7-15 The Rock Noggin system is now completely assembled and ready to be turned on.
Noggin 8-Connecting GPS41 8 Connecting GPSFor all Noggin configurations, a GPS with a serial output cable can be attached directly to the 9-pin serial port on the back of the DVL (Figure 8-1). The DVL can be configured to read in theGPS data and store it along with the GPR data (Section 12.3.5 GPS Parameters). Figure: 8-1 GPS connect to the back of the DVL using a serial connection. GPS supplied with IceMap come with a battery splitter cable to power the GPS from the IceMap battery.The GPS requires power. User-supplied GPS’s will need to be powered using a separate battery. GPS supplied by Sensors & Software come with a battery splitter cable to allow the 12 Voltsystem battery to power both the Noggin system and the GPS (Figure 8-1).
9-Digital Video Logger (DVL) Noggin42 9 Digital Video Logger (DVL)Data acquisition is controlled by the Digital Video Logger (DVL). The DVL has software to setsurvey parameters, collect, display and store data. 9.1 Compact Flash DriveThe DVL has both an internal and a removable compact flash drive. The DVL firmware resideson the internal drive. Data can be saved to either the internal or removable drive (Figure 9-1).The removable compact flash drive is accessible by opening the door on the top of the DVL. Ensure the DVL is powered down before removing or inserting the compact flash drive. Loosen the finger screws on the top of the DVL, swing the door open and press the button toeject the drive. Figure: 9-1 The DVL has a removable compact flash drive for data storage. The DVL comes with a removable compact flash drive but the user has the option to purchaseadditional drives for data storage. It is best to purchase an industrial grade compact flash drive.Normal compact flash drives work but the higher the transfer rates and temperature ranges thebetter. The DVL can use cards up to a maximum of 2 GB in size. Sandisk, PSI-APRO,SimpleTech, Kingston, Viking, and Pretech are a few manufactuers of compact flash drives.These are widely available in consumer electronics stores. To transfer data from the removable drive to a PC the user will need to purchase a card reader(Figure 12-17). These are widely available in consumer electronics stores.
Noggin 9-Digital Video Logger (DVL)439.2 DVL TemperaturesIt is very important that the DVL only be operated when it can be kept warmer than -10 Cotherwise sensitive electronic components including the LCD screen may freeze. Neverstart the DVL after it has been exposed to cold temperatures. If the DVL will be operating in temperatures below -10 C, it should be kept in a wind-proof boxinsulated with styrofoam or textiles and heated with hand-warmer packs, if necessary. If possible,start the DVL in a warm temperature before placing it in the box. If the protective box is properlyinsulated, the DVL can usually generate enough heat to keep itself warm.
9-Digital Video Logger (DVL) Noggin449.3 Running a DVL Detached from a Smart SystemWhen collecting data with a Smart System, the DVL is powered by the system battery. It ispossible to detach the DVL from the Smart System and use it away from the system to reviewdata. There are 2 ways to power the DVL away from the Smart System: 1) The optional DVL to Power Supply Cable allows the user to power the DVL awayfrom the Smart System using the system battery. As shown in Figure 9-2, the cableconnects the battery to the 9-socket connector on the back of the DVL. 2) To avoid having to use the system battery to power the DVL, an optional AC powersupply is available. This, when combined with the DVL II to Power Supply Cable,allows the user to power the DVL away from the Smart System using AC power. Asshown in Figure 9-3, the AC power supply connects to the DVL II to Power SupplyCable which connects to the 9 socket connector on the back of the DVL. 9.4 DVL CarrierFor convenience during data acquisition, especially when using the SmartTow and SmartHandleconfigurations, the DVL can be carried using the optional DVL Carrier shown in Figure 9-2.The bottom of the DVL is designed to slide onto the support shelf on the DVL Carrier. Line up thebottom of the DVL with the shelf and slide it back onto the shelf. Push the DVL back far enoughso that the flexible clip on the front of the shelf catches and holds the DVL firmly in place. Wigglethe DVL to make sure it is firmly snapped in before letting go of the unit. To remove the DVL fromthe DVL Carrier, flex the clip downward as the DVL is slid forward off of the shelf. Figure: 9-2 The DVL and control module can be attached to the optional DVL Carrier for hands-free operation. The DVL can be adjusted to optimize the view angle.
Noggin 9-Digital Video Logger (DVL)459.5 Connecting the DVL to the Smart SystemAttach the end of the DVL-to-Noggin cable with the 37-socket female D-connector to the 37-pinreceptacle on the back of the DVL. This attachment can be secured by tightening the latch. Figure: 9-3 The DVl-to-Noggin cable connects to the back of the DVL.
10-Powering Up the System Noggin46 10 Powering Up the SystemOnce all the cable connections are made between the Noggin, the Digital Video Logger (DVL)and any accessories like odometers and GPS’s, the final step is to connect the system to a 12volt power source, typically one of the batteries shown in Figure 10-1. Figure: 10-1 Batteries for Noggin Smart Systems: SmartCart batteries (left) and belt battery (right).Connect the round 4-pin battery cable on the Noggin-to-DVL cable to the receptacle on the sideof the battery. The upper red LED light on the DVL panel should be lit. If the battery voltage is low, the light willflash for about 30 seconds and go out. If the light flashes or does not appear, check theconnections and make sure the battery is fully charged. (See Section 14.1: P.115 for moreinformation on battery care.)The voltage indicator can be helpful for identifying when the battery needs to be recharged. If thebattery voltage drops too low the DVL will cease to operate.The front of the DVL is shown in Figure 10-2. To start the system, press any button on the frontpanel. The lower red LED on the front panel should illuminate.
Noggin 10-Powering Up the System47 Figure: 10-2 Digital Video Logger (DVL) faceAt this stage, the Noggin unit will still be powered down. Once Noggin action is requested (seelater menu items), the DVL will enable power to the Noggin. If the Noggin is receiving power, thered LED light on the connector to the Noggin will be illuminated.The water-resistant membrane keypad has a number of buttons that can be pressed to performvarious tasks. Menu Buttons: The yellow buttons labelled 1 to 8 correspond to menu choices that appear listedon the screen or along the bottom of the screen when the Digital Video Logger is turned on. In addition, there are two general-purpose buttons labeled A and B. All buttons are DVLapplication dependent and roles change. The operation will be self-explanatory from the displayscreen.Screen: The DVL screen is a grayscale LCD selected for its wide temperature range andvisibility in sunlight. Visibility can be a major problem with viewing GPR data displays outdoorsand considerable effort has been expended on getting a readily visible outdoor display. Brightness: The yellow Brightness control arrows are used to increase and decrease the screenbrightness. For example, increasing the Brightness setting may improve the visibility of thescreen when in a dark area. Note, however, that increasing the screen brightness also increasesbattery consumption so don’t use a bright screen unless necessary.Contrast: The yellow Contrast control arrows are used to increase and decrease the screencontrast. For example, increasing the Contrast setting may improve the visibility of the screen ona bright, sunny day. Increasing the Contrast can also be useful to see weaker features on thescreen. Adjusting the contrast has little effect on battery consumption.Temperature sensors within the DVL automatically compensate the screen setting so thatmanual adjustments of Brightness and Contrast should seldom be needed after initial setup.Once the Digital Video Logger powers up, the Main Menu is displayed with 4 choices:
10-Powering Up the System Noggin48A – LOCATE & MARKB – SURVEY & MAP1 – CONTACT US3 - SWITCH MENU5 – POWER OFF12.1 V 38°C 02-0181-03??100°F• Pressing the A button enters Locate & Mark mode (see Section 11: P.49). • Pressing the B button enters Survey & Map mode (see Section 12: P.67).• Pressing the 1 button displays contact information for Sensors & Software Inc.• Pressing the 3 button switches the menu for use with older Noggin and Nogginplus sys-tems (these are systems with a Yellow or Silver Noggin sticker on top of the electronics housing). For details on using this menu system, see the Smart Systems manual. • Pressing the 5 button will turn the DVL off. This screen also displays the following information:•Battery Voltage: The system will shut down when the battery voltage reaches about 10.2 Volts (see Section 14.1: P.115 for more details on the battery).•Temperature: The internal temperature of the DVL is displayed on this screen in Cel-sius and Fahrenheit. •Software Version: The version of the software loaded on the DVL.When the Noggin Smart System 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.
Noggin 11-Locate & Mark Mode49 11 Locate & Mark ModeSelecting Locate & Mark from the main menu will display the System Settings screen.11.1 System Settings Screen11.1.1 ScanPress the Scan button to start scanning (see Section 3.3).11.1.2 LanguageSelect the language for the menus. Current options are English or Icons. This section generallyuses the English menus. See Section 3.7?? for a chart showing all the equivalent icons.
11-Locate & Mark Mode Noggin5011.1.3 UnitsUnits for the Position Axis, Depth Axis and Depth Indicator can be either Meters or Feet.11.1.4 ScaleThe Scale button toggles to four different Scale options:1) Lines means Depth Lines are plotted on the data image to assist with determiningthe depth of targets (also see Section 3.3).2) Text means Depth Values are plotted in the center of the data image every 8metres or 26 feet:
Noggin 11-Locate & Mark Mode513) Both means both Depth Lines and Values are plotted on the data image:4) Off means no Depth Lines and Values are plotted on the data image.11.1.5 DateOpens the Date Screen to change the current date (see Section 3.5). Images are saved with thisdate.11.1.6 TimeOpens the Time Screen to change the current date (see Section 3.5). Images are saved with thistime.11.1.7 Power OffOpens a sub-menu to confirm powering off the system. There is also an option to restore thesystem to factory default settings.
11-Locate & Mark Mode Noggin5211.1.8 System InformationThe top of the Systems Setting Screen displays the serial number of the GPR sensor, thesoftware version number, the GPR Sensor frequency (in MHz) and the current battery voltage.
Noggin 11-Locate & Mark Mode5311.2 Scanning ScreenAfter pressing the Scan button, wait a few seconds for the vertical depth scale to appear on theright side of the screen, and then push the Cart forward. A cross-sectional image of the ground scrolls onto the screen from the right to left. The positionis displayed on the horizontal axis at the top while the depth is displayed on the vertical axis. Theposition and depth axes units are meters or feet depending on the units set in the SystemsSetting Screen (Section 3.2).If the Scale or Both option is selected (Section 3.2), horizontal depth lines appear on the image toassist with determining the depth of targets.Approximately 16 meters or 50 feet of data is displayed on one screen. If the survey lineexceeds this distance the image will scroll off the left side of the screen. To save the current screen image to file, press the Camera button on the Display Unit. Theimage number appears on the bottom of the screen with a message to press any button tocontinue.A message will appear on the screen if there is no Compact Flash card in the Display Unit.Images are only saved when a card is present.Pressing any of the number buttons on the Display Unit marked 1 to 8 while scanning adds anumbered marker at the current position.
11-Locate & Mark Mode Noggin54Pressing the Pause button opens the Image Settings Screen to change the current Color Palette,Depth, Filter and Gain (see Section 3.5).Stopping and pulling the cart backwards along the same path automatically opens the LocatingScreen (See Section 3.4) used to pinpoint the position and depth of a target.
Noggin 11-Locate & Mark Mode5511.3 Locating ScreenThe Locating Screen is accessed by stopping and pulling the cart backwards while scanning.The cursor moves over the image and menu options appear at the bottom of the screen.11.3.1 Locating CursorThe Cursor consists of 3 parts:Position IndicatorVertical cross-hair is tied to the odometer and corresponds to the location at thecenter of the GPR sensor. As the cart is pulled backwards, the PositionIndicator moves to indicate the current location of the cart in the image. Depth Indicator Horizontal cross-hair found at the peak of the soil type indicator arch indicatingthe depth. The Depth Indicator moves up or down using the Arch Up and Downbuttons.Indicator Arch Idealized representation of a typical pipe-like target response observed on theGPR image. The width of the arch is controlled by soil type setting. The soiltype setting is changed using the Arch buttons. Increasing the soil type makesthe indicator arch wider while decreasing the soil type makes it narrower.
11-Locate & Mark Mode Noggin5611.3.2 Soil TypeTo obtain an accurate depth axis and depth estimations of targets in the GPR image, a Soil TypeCalibration must be performed. Soil Type Calibration can be done 3 ways:1) Matching the shape of a target arch,2) Using a target at a known depth, or3) Using the moisture level of the soil.11.3.2.1 Matching a Target ArchTargets like pipes, cables, buried artefacts, tree roots and rocks generate arch-shaped responseson the GPR image. Arches occur because GPR energy does not travel into the ground as a pencil-thin beam butmore like a 3D cone. Reflections can appear on the record even though the object is not directlybelow the GPR sensor. Thus, the GPR sensor "sees" the pipe before and after going over top ofit and forms an arch-shaped response on the image.Cross long, linear targets like pipes or cables at a 90 degree angle to produce a target archsuitable for the soil type calibration. The depth estimation of a target will be incorrect if the soiltype calibration is done on a target arch produced at an oblique angle (smaller that 90 degrees).
Noggin 11-Locate & Mark Mode57To determine the Soil Type using a Target Arch:1) With a target arch visible on the image, back the cart up until the Position Indicatoris centered on the target arch in the GPR image; preferably one with long tails because thisprovides the most accurate soil type calibration. 2) As you slow down and stop, the Indicator Arch will appear on the data image.3) Use the Up and Down Arrows to move the Indicator Arch shallower or deeper inthe GPR image respectively, until it lies overtop of the target arch.
11-Locate & Mark Mode Noggin584) Press the Soil Type button and toggle through the five different soil types to findthe one that roughly fits the shape of the Indicator Arch to the shape of the Target Arch.5) Use the Wide and Narrow Arch buttons to change the shape of the Indicator Archto match the shape of the Target Arch on the GPR image. The depth of the target is indicated onthe bottom left.6) Press the Apply button to save the Soil Type and update the Depth Axis on theScanning Screen. The Depth axis can now be used to estimate the depth of targets whilescanning in the area. 11.3.2.2 Target at Known DepthIf there are no suitable arches visible in the image to perform the Target Arch Matching describedabove, there may be a target of known depth in the area being scanned. To determine the Soil Type using a target at known depth:1) With the target response visible on the image, use the Up and Down Arrows tomove the Depth Indicator (and Indicator Arch) until it lies on top of the GPR response of theknown target. 2) Use the Wide and Narrow Arch buttons to change the shape of the Indicator Archuntil the depth of the target, displayed in red above the menu, is correct.
Noggin 11-Locate & Mark Mode593) Once the depth is matched, save the Soil Type value by pressing the Save button.11.3.2.3 Soil MoistureIf a good target arch or a target of known depth is not available, the user will have to estimate theSoil Type. The soil type is most strongly affected by water so the soil type options relate to theamount of water in the soil. Change the soil type by pressing the Soil Moisture button until the option that best describes thesoil in the area is displayed. The options are Very Dry, Dry, Moist, Wet and Very Wet Soil. 11.3.3 Identifying Air Wave ReflectionsSome arches in the image can be caused by objects that are not in the subsurface, such asposts, fences, overhead wires and even trees.An important part of understanding the data image is learning to recognize these unwanted "air"targets and differentiate them from the targets in the ground. One way of identifying air reflections is to use the target arch method described above. However,arches from above-ground objects are wider than objects in the ground and out of the range ofthe maximum Soil Type. Therefore, if the widest Indicator Arch is still not wide enough to match the target arch, the targetarch is from on object in the air, not the ground.
11-Locate & Mark Mode Noggin6011.4 Image Settings ScreenThe Image Settings Screen is accessed by pressing the Pause (||) button while in the ScanningScreen or the Locating Screen. Menu options appear along the bottom of the screen:11.4.1 ScanTo exit from the Image Settings Screen and resume Scanning, press the Scan button or thePause (||) button again (to unPause). The Scanning Screen returns at the current location withthe position information preserved. If, while paused in the Image Settings Screen, the cart has moved more than a few centimeters,when scanning is restarted, a gap called a Position Break will appear in the image. The positionbreak is also indicated by a message on the bottom of the screen and the Position Axis along thetop of the data image resetting to zero.
Noggin 11-Locate & Mark Mode6111.4.2 Clear ImageDeletes the current data image on the display.11.4.3 ColorGPR images are displayed in colors corresponding to a color palette. In general, stronger GPRsignals appear in stronger colors. A number of different color palettes are available to display theimage. Some color palettes may show the target better than others.
11-Locate & Mark Mode Noggin6211.4.4 GainSince GPR signals are absorbed by the material being scanned, deeper targets have weakersignals. Gain acts like an audio volume control, amplifying the signals and making deepertargets appear stronger in the image. The Gain varies from 1 to 9 with 1 being no gain and 9being the maximum gain. As the Gain changes, the current image on the display updates so it is not necessary to re-collectan image with a different gain setting. Use the lowest gain setting that shows the targets. Try toavoid over-gaining as understanding the image may become more difficult.
Noggin 11-Locate & Mark Mode6311.4.5 FilterThe filter has the effect of removing flat-lying reflections in the image and enhancing the dippingreflections and arches usually caused by targets. It can also assist in identifying very shallowtargets that might be masked by the strong signals at the top of the image.The Filter defaults to ON, so if you are looking for a layer or other flat-lying target, turn the FilterOFF.The image below shows the same scan with the Filter OFF and ON.
11-Locate & Mark Mode Noggin6411.4.6 DepthThe depth setting is an estimate of the total depth displayed on the Scanning Screen based onthe current Soil Type setting. The depth setting ranges from 1 to 8 meters. The system always collects data to a depth of approximately 8 meters but the Depth setting onthis menu determines how much of the data is displayed on the screen. It is possible to scan witha Depth setting of, say 2 meters, pause scanning and then increase the depth setting to re-display the image to look for deeper targets.11.4.7 QuitExits the Scanning and Image Settings Screens and returns to the Systems Settings Screen.
Noggin 11-Locate & Mark Mode6511.5 Changing the Date and TimeFrom the System Settings Screen, select the Date option. The Time option is similar.Use the Left and Right Arrow buttons to highlight the number to change in red. Increase the number using the Up Arrow and decrease the number using the Down Arrow.Pressing OK saves the new date or time and exits the screen. Pressing Cancel exits the screen without saving the date or time.
11-Locate & Mark Mode Noggin6611.6 English and Equivalent Icons11.6.1 System Settings Screen Menu11.6.2 Locating Screen Menu11.6.3 Image Settings Screen Menu11.6.4 Date and Time Menus
Noggin 12-Survey & Map Mode67 12 Survey & Map ModeThe Survey & Map main menu has the following choices:12.1 Survey & Map Menu12.1.1 LineSurvey lines collected with the Noggin are saved as digital data files that can be viewed on theDVL or exported to an external computer for processing and plotting. Sensors & Softwareprograms like EKKO_View, EKKO_Mapper and EKKO_3D are available to process and displaythe data.Pressing the A button from the main Noggin menu takes the user to Line data collection. Thismenu allows the user to select a project number and line number to save each data file to.Data files from the same area can be organized and saved under a project number selected bythe user. As each individual line is collected, it is given a line number. These line numbers areusually in sequential order but this is up to the user. 12.1.2 GridSurvey lines collected with the Noggin are saved as digital data files that can be viewed on theDVL or exported to an external computer for processing and plotting. Pressing the B button from the main Noggin menu takes the user to Grid data collection.
12-Survey & Map Mode Noggin68Grid collection involves collecting data in an organized pattern over an area. This type of dataacquisition allows the GPR data to be presented as plan maps with the EKKO_Mapper softwareor 3D volumes with the EKKO_Mapper 3D software. For inexperienced surveyors, laying out a grid with straight lines and all the corners at 90degree angles can be difficult. Sensors & Software provides a product called EasyGrid tomake laying out an accurate grid simple. Contact Sensors & Software for more details. The Grid menu allows the user to select a grid number and line number to save each data file to.Before the data acquisition on a grid begins, the user must define the size of the area to besurveyed, the direction of the survey lines and line spacing. The details of the grid survey arespecified in the Grid Setup menu option (Section 12.3.4: P.97).12.1.3 SetupThere are many background setup parameters related to the Noggin Smart Systems operationfor line and grid surveys that can be edited. This menu allows the user to display and changevarious settings for different aspects of the Smart system (see Section 12.3: P.84). The user canalso reset all the parameters to the factory default settings.12.1.4 File ManagementThe File Management menu allows the user to delete data from the DVL and copy data from theinternal compact flash drive to the removable compact flash drive.The Export options in this menu require the use of the optional PXFER cable and WinPXFERsoftware so this menu is not required for users transferring Noggin data using the removablecompact flash drive. This type of data transfer is described in Appendix F.12.1.5 Run without Saving DataThis option allows the user to go straight into data acquisition. This feature is to allow a “quicklook” at the data in the area. The data collected when in this mode are NOT saved and cannot bereviewed later or exported. Data that scrolls off the edge of the screen is gone and cannot bereviewed.If a GPS receiver is attached to the DVL, GPS information can be logged to a file even when theNoggin data are not being saved (see Section 12.3.5: P.103). 12.1.6 UtilitiesThis menu has utility programs to:a) Change the Date and Time on the DVL (see Section 12.5.1: P.110)b) Calibrate the odometer (see Section 12.5.2: P.110), c) Use the optional PXFER cable and the WinPXFER software installed on a PCto transfer upgraded firmware to the DVL (see Section 12.5.3: P.111), d) List or print or transfer system information to assist Sensors & Software introubleshooting problems with your system (see Section 12.5.4: P.111) and
Noggin 12-Survey & Map Mode69e) Determine how much space is left on the DVL (see Section 12.5.5: P.111).f) For the optional PXFER cable used to transfer data from the DVL to a PC, setthe PXFER Transfer Mode to Normal or Turbo (see Section 12.5.6: p.111)12.1.7 Set Storage DriveThis setting controls how data are saved on the DVL. The available options are:1) Internal: If this setting is selected, the data are saved to the internal compact flashdrive in the DVL. 2) Removable: If this setting is selected, the data are saved to the removable compactflash drive accessible by opening the door at the top of the DVL (see Figure 9-1). 12.1.8 ReturnThis button will return the user to main menu.
12-Survey & Map Mode Noggin7012.2 Data AcquisitionSelecting the Line, Grid or Run without Saving Data options from the main Noggin menu will startdata acquisition. The Run without Saving Option goes straight to data acquisition while the Lineand Grid options require the user to select a project number, file number and press Run beforedata acquisition begins.If the Auto Start option is set to ON (see Section 12.3.2.3: p.90 for details) the system willautomatically boot up and be ready for data acquisition. If Auto Start is set to OFF the user mustpress the Start button to boot up the system.After acquisition has started, the Start button disappears and a Stop button (used to haltacquisition) appears on the right. A Gain button is also visible as well as the current Depthsetting and equivalent Time Window length in nanoseconds (see Figure 12-1).Data acquisition begins by pressing the Start button on the DVL. When the Start button is pressed for the first time after the unit is turned on, the Noggin will bootup (this can take up to 30 seconds depending on the software version of the Noggin). During thistime the system is self-calibrating and measuring such factors as temperature and batteryvoltage.Once this boot up has been completed, data acquisition can begin. For subsequent lines there isonly a short delay before data acquisition can begin.Data acquisition is done by moving the Smart System along the survey line. During dataacquisition, the Gain button is dynamic and the screen display of the signal sensitivity can bechanged on the go (see Section 12.2.6: P.73).When the survey line is completed, press the Stop button to stop data acquisition. At this pointno more data can be collected without starting a new line.12.2.1 Replaying or Overwriting DataImmediately after a data file has been collected and the Stop button pressed, the data file can bereplayed by pressing the left and right arrow buttons to the scroll the data to the left and right. Aswell, during data replay, the data can be enlarged or “zoomed” by pressing the Zoom button andchanging the zoom factor. For example, zooming 2 times on data with a depth setting of 5.0metres will show the first 2.5 metres of data on the screen.Any data file that has been collected can be replayed at any time by selecting the file number andselecting Run. The user then has the option to View, Overwrite or Delete the data file.
Noggin 12-Survey & Map Mode7112.2.2 Screen OverviewThe data acquisition screen is shown in Figure 12-1. It is divided into 3 sections. Figure: 12-1 Noggin Data Acquisition ScreenThe Noggin screen is shown in Figure 12-1. It is divided into 3 sections. The top section providespositioning information. The center section contains the actual data and the bottom sectioncontains the menu.12.2.3 Position InformationThe top section contains horizontal spatial positioning information in feet or metres depending onthe position units setting (see Position Units on page 88)
12-Survey & Map Mode Noggin7212.2.4 Data DisplayThis section contains the actual data collected or replayed. The section also contains the DepthLines and any Fiducial Markers the user enters. See the sections below for more details.12.2.4.1 Depth LinesDepth lines are horizontal lines indicating the estimated depth. They are very useful for gettingdepth estimates to features of interest in the data.The Depth Lines are controlled by the current velocity value as well as the depth selected. SeeDepth on page 84 on changing the depth setting and for more details on how depths aredetermined. To display the correct depth, it is the responsibility of the user to calibrate the system tothe correct velocity of the material (see Section 12.2.11: P.79 on how to calibrate thesystem). Once a velocity value has been determined see Velocity on page 85 on how tochange the velocity setting.Note that it is possible to change the depth units between metres and feet (see Position Units onpage 88).12.2.4.2 Fiducial MarkersA fiducial marker is a dotted vertical line placed on the data section at a specific position duringdata acquisition. Adding these markers during data acquisition is useful for recording significantpositions or the positions of surface objects encountered during the survey. A fiducial marker is activated by pressing the A button on the keypad during data acquisition. Aswell, when using the backup arrow (Section 12.2.7: P.74) fiducial markers can be added at thecurrent arrow location by pressing the A button.The position and name of the object encountered at each marker can be recorded in a fieldnotebook. The fiducial marker is written to the trace header of the next trace to be collected.Fiducial markers are numbered sequentially (F1, F2 etc.). When the data are transferred to a PCand reviewed, these markers can assist with data interpretation. If a GPS receiver is attached to the DVL, a file containing GPS information can be saved. InFuducial Tagging mode, whenever a fiducial marker is added to the data, a line of GPSinformation will be added to the GPS file (see Section 12.3.5: P.103)12.2.5 Section C - MenuThe bottom section (Section C) contains the user menu selection and current program settings.This includes:1) The total depth (and time window) to the bottom of the data image in Section B (seeSection 12.3.1: P.84), 2) The Gain button and current Gain setting (see Section 12.2.6: P.73),3) GPS information (if GPS receiver attached, see below and Section 12.3.5: P.103),4) The current position based on the current triggering device (see Trigger Method onpage 89) and Station Interval (see Section 12.3.3.3: p.93),
Noggin 12-Survey & Map Mode735) The Repeat Trace Number which indicates when the system is being moved too fast(see Section 12.2.7: P.74) and6) The Calib button for calibrating the velocity setting (see Section 12.2.11: P.79).If a GPS receiver is attached to the DVL (see Section 12.3.5: P.103) a message will appear in thebottom left corner of the menu indicating whether the GPS data is successfully being logged.The possible messages are: 1) GPS: DGPS fix means differential GPS data are currently being logged.2) GPS: GPS fix means standard GPS data are currently being logged.3) GPS: fix not valid means GPS data are NOT currently being logged. This is usuallybecause GPS satellites are not available.4) GPS: No Input means the GPS receiver is not operating properly. Check the settingsand test the system (see Section 12.3.5: P.103).5) GPS: No GGA means the GPS receiver is not outputting a GGA NMEA string thatthe DVL requires (see Section 12.3.5: P.103).12.2.6 GainDuring data acquisition, the Gain setting can be changed by pressing the Gain button until thedesired setting appears. This can be done while the instrument is collecting data; there is noneed to stop first.The signals that the Noggin system collects from the ground can be very weak, especially fromdeeper objects. To see these weak signals it is necessary to amplify or apply “gain” to them. The Gain setting controls how much the signal is amplified. It varies from 1 to 9 with 1 the lowestand 9 the highest. In general, if the target is relatively shallow (1-2 metres) a low gain value canbe used. If the target is deeper or if the screen seems to be blank or speckled in the lower part ofthe data section, increase the gain setting. Remember, however, that if the Noggin signal is notpenetrating to the maximum depth setting, even the maximum gain setting will not show anydata.Figure 12-2 shows the effect of the gain setting. The data on the left has a gain of 1 incrementingto the right up to a gain of 9.
12-Survey & Map Mode Noggin74 Figure: 12-2 Effects of the Gain settingNote that the gain setting is only for data display. The data are always saved without anygain applied. It is not possible to collect Noggin data with an “incorrect” gain setting. If the user finds that they are always using very high or very low gain settings to see the dataadequately, the user may want to adjust the Linear Gain setting under Setup (see Linear TimeGain on page 88).12.2.7 Collecting Data using the OdometerAs the Smart System moves, the odometer triggers the system to collect a data trace at fixeddistance intervals. This interval is called the “station interval”. For the Noggin 250, the normalstation interval is 5 centimeters (about 2 inches). For the Noggin 500, the normal station intervalis 2.5 centimeters (about 1 inch). For the Noggin 1000, the normal station interval is 1.0centimeter (about 0.48 inch). The station interval can be changed to a longer or short distance inthe Setup (see Station Interval on page 93). Each data trace is plotted as a vertical strip on the screen (see Figure 12-1). The width of thisstrip can be changed to 1, 2, 4, or 8 pixels (see Plot Interval on page 96). The normal trace widthfor Noggin 250 traces is 2 pixels while the normal width for Noggin 500 and Noggin 1000 systemsis 1 pixel.The odometer units that appear across the top of the screen can be set to either metres or feet(see Depth Units on page 85).Smart Systems can normally collect data at a very fast walking pace. However, if the system ismoved too quickly, data quality is reduced (see below).During data acquisition, the current odometer position value (in the current units, either metres orfeet) is written to the lower left corner of the screen (see Figure 12-1).Note that Smart systems can be configured to collect data either by pushing the system (forward)or pulling the system (reverse). See Cart Direction on page 89 about changing the direction ofdata acquisition.
Noggin 12-Survey & Map Mode75The odometer should be periodically re-calibrated to ensure accuracy. The procedure for re-calibrating the odometer is described in Section 12.5.2: P.110.12.2.7.1 Reducing Data Quality by Moving too FastOn the lower part of the data acquisition screen, beside the current total number of tracescollected is the total number of traces skipped. If the Smart System is being used with the odometer and is moved too quickly for the Nogginsystem to keep up, traces are skipped and the quality of the survey is reduced. The skippedtraces do not actually create gaps in the data but rather, the last trace that was collected properlyis repeated. The Skipped Traces number displays the total number of skipped traces. If thisnumber exceeds 0 this is due to moving the system too quickly. To eliminate this either slowdown the system speed, decrease the number of Stacks or reduce the Depth setting (see Section12.3.1: P.84).If the system is moved too fast, after the data survey line is complete, the DVL will indicate thetotal number of traces that were “skipped”. The user then has the option to Autofix the data. TheAutofix process replaces any repeated traces in the data with interpolated traces. While thisprocess does not solve the problem of skipping traces, it will make the data traces look less“blocky”. If the number of traces skipped is a significant percentage of the total number of traces collected,i.e. 10% or more, the operator should slow down, decrease the number of Stacks or reduce theDepth setting (see Section 12.3.1: P.84).12.2.7.2 Backing up the Smart System to Pinpoint Target PositionsThe odometer also allows the user to stop the Smart System in the middle of a survey line andback up. When this is done, an arrow and vertical line appear on the data image and move backalong the image as the system moves backwards (see Figure 12-1). This makes it possible tocorrelate a target in the data image to an exact location on the ground. Once the arrow lines upwith the target, mark the ground at the centre point of the Noggin.When the system is moved forward again to continue with the survey, the Smart system does notstart collecting data again until you reach the position where you stopped at. This feature isuseful for producing a continuous data image even if the system is backed up during the surveyline. Note that it is not possible to back up and have the arrow indicator move more than one screen.The physical position corresponding to the Back-up arrow is the centre of the Noggin. Thisposition can be changed from the centre of the Noggin to any other position. See Arrow Offset onpage 90 on changing the Arrow Offset value.12.2.8 Collecting Data in Free Run ModeIt is possible to change the triggering method from the odometer and have the Noggin system runin Free Run (or continuous mode) (see Trigger Method on page 89). This means that the systemcollects data even if it is not moving. This option is useful for collecting data when using theodometer wheel is not practical.
12-Survey & Map Mode Noggin76When the Smart System is used in Free Run mode, it is up to the user to keep track ofpositioning by some other method, for example, a measuring tape, using fiducial markers (seeFiducial Markers on page 72) or GPS (see Section 12.3.5: P.103).In this mode, data collection is dependent on two factors, 1) the speed that the Noggin system is collecting data and 2) the speed the Noggin system is moving.12.2.8.1 Controlling Data Collection Speed in Free Run ModeIn Free Run mode the user can control the speed the Noggin collects data by increasing ordecreasing the number of stacks (for more details on Stacking, see Stacks on page 86).Increasing the number of Stacks has the effect of slowing down the data collection speed of theNoggin system. Decreasing the number of Stacks has the effect of speeding up the datacollection speed Noggin system. The user can also control the speed of the Noggin datacollection by adjusting a time delay between data collection points. Note that any time delaymore than 0.0 seconds causes the system to emit a beeping sound as the data trace is collected.12.2.8.2 Noggin Speed in Free Run ModeIn Free Run mode, the speed the Noggin moves determines the distance between sample pointson the ground (station interval). This type of data collection requires experimenting with thenumber of stacks and time delay (see Trigger Method on page 89) and practicing to find asatisfactory speed for the Noggin. Moving too quickly may result in under-sampling the datamaking it more difficult to interpret. Moving too slowly may result in over-sampling the data. Thisstretches the data image making it more difficult to interpret. As well, maintaining a uniformspeed is important for minimizing image distortion.12.2.8.3 Positions in Free Run ModeEach data trace is plotted as a vertical strip on the screen (see Plot Interval on page 96). In FreeRun mode the station interval is not fixed so each screen of data can represent any grounddistance. This means that the position values displayed in Section A at the top of the data image(see Section 12.2.3: P.71) are not correct. When running the system in Free Run mode it is best to set the units (see Position Units on page88) to metres and the Station Interval (see Section 12.3.3.3: p.93) to a value of 1.0 metre. Thenthe position values appearing on the top of the data image can be interpreted as trace numbersand not an absolute position.12.2.9 Collecting Data using the Trigger (or B) ButtonIt is possible to change the triggering method from the odometer and have the Noggin systemonly collect data when the Trigger button (or B button on the DVL) is pressed (see Section12.2.9: P.76). This option is useful for collecting data when using the odometer wheel is notpractical. After the user selects this option (see Trigger Method on page 89), a menu appears to select thenumber of stacks for each trace. Generally, the more stacks the better the data quality (for moredetails on Stacking, see Stacks on page 86).
Noggin 12-Survey & Map Mode77In Trigger Button mode, the system “beeps” as each trace is collected. The length of the beepwill depend on the number of stacks (the more stacks, the longer it takes to collect a trace andtherefore the longer the beep).When the Smart System is used in Trigger Button Mode, it is up to the user to keep track ofpositioning by some other method, for example, using a measuring tape, fiducial markers (seeFiducial Markers on page 72) or GPS (see Section 12.3.5: P.103).Since data collection only occurs by the user pressing the trigger button, usually a fewer numberof traces are collected in this mode compared to odometer triggering mode or Free Run mode(see above). Therefore, it is often useful to increase the trace width to 4 or 8 pixels so that thedata are more easily seen on the DVL screen (see Plot Interval on page 96).12.2.10 Noggin Data ScreensTotal Distance Per ScreenThe total distance that can be displayed on one screen varies depending on the Noggin system,Station Interval and Plot Interval (see Section 12.3.3.4: p.96). As the Station Interval increases,the distance between data traces increases and the total distance per screen increases. As thePlot Interval increases, the total distance per screen decreases.Noggin 100For the Noggin 100, each trace is normally 2 pixels wide. Since the screen is 640 pixels wide,each screen has 320 traces. When the station interval is set to Normal (10 centimetres or 4inches), each screen displays 32 metres or 105 feet of data.??Noggin 250For the Noggin 250, each trace is normally 2 pixels wide. Since the screen is 640 pixels wide,each screen has 320 traces. When the station interval is set to Normal (5 centimetres or 1.92inches), each screen displays 16.0 metres or 52.5 feet of data.Noggin 500For the Noggin 500, each trace is normally 1 pixel wide. Since the screen is 640 pixels wide,each screen has 640 traces. When the station interval is set to Normal (2.5 centimetres or 0.96inches), each screen displays 16.0 metres or 52.5 feet of data.Noggin 1000For the Noggin 1000, each trace is normally 1 pixel wide. Since the screen is 640 pixels wide,each screen has 640 traces. When the station interval is set to Normal (1.0 centimetres or 0.48inches), each screen displays 6.4 metres or 25.7 feet of data.Total Data Distance on the DVLFor more details on total distances and Station Intervals see Section 12.3.3.3: p.93.
12-Survey & Map Mode Noggin78To see how much data can be collected before the DVL memory is full and data must be deletedor downloaded, see DVL Recording Space in Section 12.5.5: P.111.
Noggin 12-Survey & Map Mode7912.2.11 Calib. (Calibration) MenuNoggin 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 velocitiesdepending on the material being scanned. The depth value (see Section 12.3.1: P.84) and onDepth Lines (see Section 12.2.4: P.72) are only accurate if the system has been properlycalibrated to determine the velocity of the material being scanned. See Depth on page 84 formore details about how depth is calculated.The Calibration function is a tool for determining the velocity of the material being scanned. Avelocity value can be input directly (see Section 12.3.1.2: p.85) or determined in one of twodifferent ways depending on the situation:1) Hyperbola matching2) Target of known depthNote that unlike the Calibration with Noggin systems (see Section 12.2.11: P.79), theNoggin Calibration does NOT automatically update the velocity value in the software. Inthe Noggin calibration, once a velocity is determined, the user must enter it into theSystem Parameters (see Velocity on page 85).12.2.11.1Hyperbola MatchingThe most accurate way of determining the velocity of the material being scanned is to use thehyperbola-fitting method because it extracts the velocity using data collected in the area. Thismethod may not work in all situations because it depends on having a good quality hyperbola (orinverted U) in the data. A hyperbola is the characteristic GPR response from a small point target like a pipe, rock or evena tree root. This phenomenon occurs because radar energy does not radiate as a pencil-thinbeam but more like a 3D cone. Reflections can appear on the record even though the object isnot directly below the radar system. Thus, the radar system “sees” the pipe before and aftergoing over top of it and forms a hyperbolic reflection. Figure: 12-3 Hyperbolas in the data result from the conical shape of the GPR energy as it goes into the ground. Tar-gets, like pipes, are detected as the GPR approaches them (left), passes over them (middle) and after it has passed by them (right) because the GPR energy propagates both in front and behind the instrument.If the hyperbola has long tails on it, we can match the shape of the hyperbola and determine thevelocity of the material in the area.
12-Survey & Map Mode Noggin80With the hyperbola visible on the DVL screen, select the hyperbola (∩) button. This willsuperimpose a hyperbola on the data. This hyperbola can be moved up (!), down ("), left (#)and right ($) using the appropriate arrow buttons. The goal is move the hyperbola until it lies ontop of the hyperbola in the data (see Figure 12-4). Then, the user can adjust the width of thehyperbola to make it wider (#$) or narrower ($#) until the shape of the hyperbola matches theshape of the hyperbola in the data. After matching the hyperbola, the velocity value is displayedand now can be entered under the System Parameters (see Velocity on page 85).Pressing the up, down left, right, wider and narrow buttons once makes a very small change inthe position or width of the hyperbola. These buttons must sometimes be pressed many times tomove the hyperbola to the correct position or width. To speed up the movement of the hyperbola,use the REPEAT button. For example, to move the hyperbola up a long distance, press the upbutton (!) followed by the REPEAT button. The hyperbola will then start moving upward withouthaving to press any more buttons. When it gets close to the desired location press any button tostop it and then use the up, down, left and right buttons to fine-tune the position. The REPEATbutton can also be used after pressing the wider (#$) or narrower ($#) button.(a) (b) Figure: 12-4 Hyperbola matching to extract velocity. After pressing the CALIB button a hyperbola appears on the screen (a). This hyperbola should be moved overtop of a hyperbola in the data using the arrow keys. It can then be widened or narrowed to match the shape of the hyperbola in the data (b). When the hyperbola shapes match, the velocity is extracted and displayed. The user can then use this velocity value for surveys done in the area.In Noggin mode, hyperbola Matching calibration can be done during data acquisition and alsowhile viewing previously collected data. 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 Depth Units on page 85.
Noggin 12-Survey & Map Mode8112.2.11.2Identifying Air ReflectionsSome hyperbolic reflections can also be caused by objects not in the subsurface such as fences,overhead wires and, in some conditions, even large trees.An important part of data interpretation is learning to recognize these unwanted “air” events anddifferentiate them from the desired subsurface events. Good field notes are indispensable forhelping identify unwanted events on the data.One way of identifying air reflections is to use the hyperbola fitting method. If the object is in air,the radar velocity will be 0.3 m/ns or 0.984 ft/ns and will be much faster than if it is in the ground(v ~ 0.1 m/ns or 0.328 ft/ns). Figure: 12-5 Hyperbola matching can be used to identify reflections from objects that are not in the subsurface but are from objects above ground. If the hyperbola matching velocity is near the speed of light (0.3 m/ns or 0.984 ft/ns) then the hyperbola was caused by surface object like a overhead wire, tree, etc. After matching the hyperbola (right), the “depth” value displayed on the bottom of the screen is really a measure of how far from the survey line the object is.
12-Survey & Map Mode Noggin8212.2.11.3Target of Known DepthIf there are no suitable hyperbolas visible in the data to perform the Hyperbola Matchingdescribed above, it may be the situation that there is a target of known depth in the area beingscanned. If this is the case, selecting the button with the circle with a horizontal line through it willsuperimpose a horizontal line on the data. This line can then be moved up or down until it lies ontop of the Noggin response to the known target. Then, the user can adjust the velocity value upor down until the known target depth is correct. Once the depth is matched, the current velocityvalue is the one used for all subsequent data acquisition. (a) (b) Figure: 12-6 Using a target of known depth to extract velocity. After selecting CALIB, choosing the known depth button (a circle with a horizontal line through it) will superimpose a horizontal line on the data (a). Using the depth buttons, this line can then be moved up or down until it lies on top of the Noggin response to the known target (b). Then, the user can use the velocity buttons to adjust the velocity value up or down until the known target depth is correct. Once the depth is matched, the velocity value should be used for all subsequent data acquisition. 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 Depth Units on page 85.
Noggin 12-Survey & Map Mode8312.2.12 Error MessagesIf an error occurs during data acquisition, an error message will appear in the bottom left sectionof the data acquisition screen. Note the message number, exit the program and turn off theDigital Video Logger. Make sure the cables are not damaged and that all cable connections are tightly secured.Sometimes vibrations cause the cable connections to loosen just a bit and break contact and thiscan cause errors. Disconnecting cables and reconnecting them may provide a better contactand solve the problem. Also check and make sure the battery is adequately charged. Turn theDigital Video Logger back on and try running the system again.For more information on Troubleshooting the system, see Section 13: P.112.
12-Survey & Map Mode Noggin8412.3 Noggin SetupPressing the number 1 on the main menu selects the Setup item. Setup lists the variousparameters that can be edited. These parameters are organized under the following headings:1 - System Parameters2 - Cart Parameters3 - Line Parameters4 - Grid Parameters5 – GPS Parameters6 – Set DefaultsTo select a setting to edit, press the corresponding number button. Then use the numberedbuttons to select the new setting. It is also possible to change all the settings back to the factorydefault settings by pressing the 6 button (labelled Set Defaults).The SETUP options are outlined below.12.3.1 System ParametersThe System Parameters settings allow the user to view and modify settings specific to the datacollection of the Noggin system. This includes the type of Noggin system, the desired depth ofinvestigation, the velocity of the material being surveyed, the units of depth and position, thenumber of stacks and the amount of linear gain.12.3.1.1 DepthThe depth setting is how deep the radar will try to probe in to the subsurface. It is important torealize that the depth setting is an estimated value that is dependent on the velocity of thematerial being probed. Ground penetrating radar systems record the time for a radio wave to travel to a target and back.They do not measure the depth to that target directly. The depth to a target is calculated basedon the velocity at which the wave travels to the target and back. It is calculated as:D = V x T/2Where D is Depth (m)V is Velocity (m/ns)T is Two-way travel time (ns)The Depth units can be changed to metres, feet or time in nanoseconds. For details, see DepthUnits below in this section. It is important to remember that just because the Depth setting is set to a certain value, itdoes not necessarily mean that the Noggin is able to penetrate to that depth and collectdata. For example, if the Depth setting is 5 metres but the material penetration is only 3metres the last 2 metres of the image will not contain subsurface information. Somematerials will absorb the Noggin signal and limit penetration to less than the selecteddepth. If the depth setting is deeper than the Noggin signals penetrate, the data in the lower part of thedata screen will look blank or speckled rather than signal with continuity.
Noggin 12-Survey & Map Mode8512.3.1.2 VelocityThe wave velocity depends on the properties of the material. The Noggin software allows theuser to input a velocity, which changes the total time window collected by the system. See Section 12.2.11: P.79 for a discussion about determining velocity.A table of typical radar velocities in various materials is given below. If in doubt, use a value of0.10 m/ns. This is a good average velocity that will provide a good estimate of depth in mostsituations.If units are metres then velocities will appear in metres per nanosecond (m/ns). If units are feetthen velocities will appear in feet per nanosecond (ft/ns). To change units see Depth Units onpage 85.The Noggin will accept units in metres/nanosecond or feet/nanosecond depending on the DepthUnits setting.12.3.1.3 Depth UnitsThis is the setting for the units of the horizontal depth lines that appear on the screen. Theavailable settings are metres, feet or nanoseconds (ns). If nanoseconds are selected the “depth”lines (see Section 12.2.2: P.71) are actually time lines.1) metres2) feet3) nanoseconds12.3.1.4 Noggin SystemThe Noggin System should be set to the type of Noggin currently in use on the Smart System.The Noggins available are: 1) Noggin 1002) Noggin 250Material Velocity (m/ns) (ft/ns)Air 0.300 1.000Ice 0.170 0.558Dry Soil 0.130 0.427Dry Rock 0.120 0.394Soil 0.100 0.328Wet Rock 0.100 0.328Concrete 0.100 0.328Pavement 0.100 0.328Wet Soil 0.065 0.213Water 0.033 0.108
12-Survey & Map Mode Noggin863) Noggin 5004) Noggin 100012.3.1.5 StacksSome materials tend to absorb radar signals and limit penetration. These materials are said tobe lossy. When collecting data in lossy areas or areas with a lot of radio frequency noise, oneway of increasing data quality is to collect more than one trace at each survey position, averagethem and save the averaged trace. This is known as “stacking”. Data quality improves becausethe noise, which is usually random (like white noise on a TV screen with no station in the area),tends to zero when averaged. Consequently, the usable signal is easier to see. This is known asincreasing the “signal-to-noise ratio”. Figure: 12-7 The concept of stacking data. At each data location point, the trace is collected multiple times. These traces are averaged together to calculate the trace that is actually saved. Stacking improves the data quality by increasing the signal to noise ratio. The amount of Stacking can vary from 1 to 2048 by factors of 2.While stacking improves data quality, it also forces the user to slow down survey production. Themore stacks the longer it takes to collect data at each survey position. Therefore, it is important tofind the lowest number of stacks that still reveal the target adequately. For most surveys, stacking4 times is suitable. See the warning in Section 12.2.7 Collecting Data using the Odometer about losing data if theSmart System is moving too quickly for the odometer to keep up. Increasing Data Quality with DynaQIf the Trigger Method (Section 12.3.2.2 Trigger Method) is set to odometer, one of the optionsfor Stacking is DynaQ.
Noggin 12-Survey & Map Mode87DynaQ is an advanced, patented technology that dynamically adjusts stacking as the systemmovement speed varies. In most situations, moving the system at a comfortable speed stacksenough to generate data of good quality. In situations where target resolution or maximumpenetration depth is critical, moving slower increases the number of stacks and increases thedata quality.As the system moves during data collection, the DVL screen displays a DynaQ scale bar from L(Low) to H (high) to indicate data with enhanced signal-to-noise are being attained??. Figure: 12-8 When collecting data with an odometer, stacking can be set to DynaQ so the number of stacks for each trace is dynamically adjusted depending on the speed the system is moving. Moving the system slower increases the number of stacks and increases data quality. The number of stacks is indicated on the DynaQ scale bar from Low (L) to High (H). The DynaQ information for each data line is written to the header (.HD) file.
12-Survey & Map Mode Noggin8812.3.1.6 Linear Time GainAs described in Section 12.2.6: P.73, the weak signals must be amplified or “gained” to see themon the display. The Gain button described in Section 12.2.6: P.73 can be set to a value from 1 to9 depending on the amount of gain required (1 is lowest gain, 9 is highest gain). There is also a second level of gain available to the user and that is the Linear Gain setting. Thedefault Linear Gain setting of 2.0 is usually adequate for most ground conditions, however, ifadvanced users find that they are surveying in areas where high Gain button settings are alwaysrequired to see data, it may be advantageous to increase the Linear Gain setting. Conversely, ifthe user finds that low Gain button values work to see the data, it may be useful to decrease theLinear Gain setting. For the experienced user, the setting indicates the gain increases per nanosecond.The Linear Gain setting can vary from 0.0 to 5.0 in steps of 0.5. 12.3.1.7 Position UnitsThis is the setting for the position units used by the odometer. The available options are: 1) metres (default)2) feet
Noggin 12-Survey & Map Mode8912.3.2 Cart ParametersThe Cart Parameters settings allow the user to view and modify settings specific to the SmartSystem. This includes the direction the Noggin will move to collect data, whether or not theodometer is active and whether Auto Start is on or off.12.3.2.1 Cart DirectionThis setting determines whether data are collected as the Noggin is pushed forward or pulled inreverse. The back up arrow (see Section 12.2.7: P.74) will work in the direction opposite to thissetting. The available options are:1) Push (default)2) Pull12.3.2.2 Trigger MethodThis setting determines the method used to trigger the Smart System to collect data at each datacollection point. The available options are:1) Odometer2) Free Run3) ButtonTrigger with Odometer: Selecting this option means that the Smart System will be triggered tocollect data using the input from the currently selected odometer (see Odometer Number below).See Section 12.2.7: P.74 for more details about data acquisition with an odometer.When collecting data with an odometer, data quality can be increased using the DynaQ stackingoption (Section 12.3.1.5 Stacks).Free Run Operation: Selecting this option means that the Smart System runs continuously intime, independent of any other triggering device (see Section 12.2.8: P.75). When continuousoperation is selected, two other menus appear to select the number of stacks and time delaybetween data traces. These options allow the user to control the speed of the data acquisition.The user can control the speed the Noggin collects data by increasing or decreasing the numberof stacks (for more details on Stacking, see Stacks on page 86). Increasing the number of Stackshas the effect of slowing down the data collection speed of the Noggin system. Decreasing thenumber of Stacks has the effect of speeding up the data collection speed of the Noggin system.The second menu to appear prompts the user to input the time delay, in seconds, between eachdata collection point. To run the system as quickly as possible, set this value to 0.0 seconds. Fora longer time delay, use the buttons to set the value. Note that any time delay longer than zero(0.0) seconds causes the Smart System to emit a beeping sound to indicate data collection istaking place.The number of stacks and time delay should be set to values that, when combined with speedthe Noggin is moving at, provide an appropriate station interval. This may take a littleexperimenting to determine the optimal values for stacks, time delay and the actual speed theNoggin is moving at.Trigger with Button: Selecting this means that the Smart System will be triggered to collect databy pressing the trigger button (if the Smart System has a trigger button) or the B button on theDVL (see Section 12.2.9: P.76).
12-Survey & Map Mode Noggin90After the user selects this option, a menu appears to select the number of stacks for each trace(for more details on Stacking, see Stacks on page 86). Note that when data are collected in Trigger Button mode, the Smart System will emit a beepingsound after the button is pressed to indicate data collection is taking place.12.3.2.3 Auto StartIf the Auto Start option is set to ON, after the user presses Run to collect a data line, the systemwill automatically boot up and be ready for data acquisition, rather than having the Start buttonappear. This prevents the user from having to press the Start button at the start of every newline. This setting is especially useful when collecting numerous lines as occurs whencollecting grid data. If Auto Start is set to OFF the user must press the Start button to begindata acquisition for each line.12.3.2.4 Arrow OffsetSection 12.2.7: P.74 describes the Back-up Arrow that appears when the Smart System isbacked up. The Back-up Arrow allows the user to pinpoint the exact ground positioncorresponding to a target response on the data image. The Arrow Offset value is used to changethe physical position that corresponds to the Back-up Arrow. If the Arrow Reference value is setto the default value of zero (0.0) metres, the Back-up arrow position corresponds with the centrepoint of the Noggin. However, the Arrow Offset value can be changed so that the Back-up Arrow corresponds to aposition at any offset from the centre of the Noggin. For example, setting the Arrow Offset valueto +0.25 metres moves the Back-up Arrow to line up with a position 25 centimetres in front of theNoggin centre point (on the Noggin 500 SmartCart this roughly corresponds to the front axle).Setting the Arrow Reference value to -0.25 metres moves the Back-up Arrow to line up with aposition 25 centimetres in behind the Noggin centre point (on the Noggin 500 SmartCart thisroughly corresponds to the back axle). In this way, the Arrow Offset value can be changed tocorrespond with any position desired by the user. One reason the user may want to change the Arrow Offset value is to ensure that the Noggindoes not cover the actual target location. This makes it easier to spray paint a mark or put a flagon the ground where the target occurs.Positive values correspond to positions in front of the Noggin and negative values are positionsbehind the Noggin. Note that the Arrow Offset value is always expressed in metres regardless ofthe settings of the other units. 12.3.2.5 Trip MenuThe software records the total distance the system has travelled. This value is displayed butcannot be changed. The software also records a distance that can be reset by the user. To reset the distance counter,move to the Reset Counter option and press the Zero button.12.3.2.6 Transfer RateTransfer Rate is a variable from 1 to 8 that corresponds to the speed of the data transfer from theNoggin to the DVL. A value of 8 provides the fastest transfer speed while a value of 1 is theslowest.
Noggin 12-Survey & Map Mode91For standard Smart Systems the Transfer Rate value must be set to 8.The Transfer Rate value will only be decreased for systems with data cables longer thanstandard lengths. Please contact Sensors & Software before changing the Transfer Rate on yoursystem.12.3.2.7 Odometer NumberNoggin Smart Systems can take input from several different odometers. It is very important that the user selects and calibrates the odometer appropriate for theirSmart System. When Odometer Number is selected, the user is prompted to select the odometer that is beingused with the Smart System. If a SmartCart System is being used, select one of the two SmartCart odometers (usually #1). If a SmartHandle system is being used, select one of the two SmartHandle odometers (usually#1). If the system is being towed behind a vehicle and using the transmission odometer to trigger thesystem, select one of the two Vehicle odometers (usually #1). The odometers labelled Other are to be used in future configurations.The number after the odometer is the current Odometer Calibration value for that odometer. Tocalibrate the odometer, see Section 12.5.2: P.110.
12-Survey & Map Mode Noggin9212.3.3 Line ParametersThe Line Parameters settings allow the user to view and modify settings specific to collectingdata as individual lines, namely, the starting position of the line and line direction.12.3.3.1 Start PositionThe Start Position is the position value at the very beginning of a line. This will usually be set tozero (0.0). However, if the user wants a data file to start at a position other than zero, this valuecan be edited.12.3.3.2 Line DirectionThe Line Direction setting specifies which direction that line will be collected, either Forward orReverse. Data are usually collected in a forward direction.If data are collected in the Forward direction the position stepsize is positive, that is, the positionvalue of each data collection point increments positively. 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 willincrement 10.00, 10.05, 10.10, 10.15 ….If data are collected in the Reverse direction the position stepsize is negative, that is, the positionvalue of each data collection point increments negatively. For example, for a Noggin 250 system,if the Start Position is 10.0 and the Line Direction is Reverse, the positions on the line willdecrement 10.00, 9.95, 9.90, 9.85 ….
Noggin 12-Survey & Map Mode9312.3.3.3 Station IntervalAs Smart Systems moves, the odometer triggers the system to collect a data trace at fixeddistance intervals. This interval is called the “station interval”.The station interval can be changed to allow a longer or shorter distance between traces. For asuccessful survey, it is important that several traces be collected over a target. If the target issmall, the user may want to shorten the station interval to ensure that data traces are collectedover the target. Conversely, if the target is very large or is a flat-lying feature it is probably notnecessary to collect a lot of traces over the target, in fact, sometimes this can make the targetmore difficult to see in the data. In this case it may be beneficial to increase the station interval. Figure: 12-9 The Station Interval is the distance between sample points on the ground. Be careful not to choose a Station Interval that is larger than the smallest target to be detected.Note that decreasing the station interval increases the data volume and increasing the stationinterval reduces the data volume.
12-Survey & Map Mode Noggin94The choices available are:1) Short2) Normal3) Long4) X-Long5) 10x Normal6) 20x Normal7) 40x Normal8) 50x Normal9) 100x NormalEach choice listed will be followed by an actual value in metres or inches depending on whichunits are selected and which Noggin system is being used. Here is a chart showing the stationinterval for each system and setting. Note the calculations for Data per Screen assumes that thePlot Interval is set to Normal for the particular Noggin system (Noggin 250 = 2 pixels per traceand Noggin 500 and 1000 = 1 pixel per screen). If this assumption is not true, see the formulaafter the charts for calculating this value.NOGGIN 250 SYSTEMNOGGIN 500 SYSTEMSetting Station Interval Data per ScreenShort 2.5 cm or 0.96 in 8 m or 25.6 ftNormal 5.0 cm or 1.92 in 16 m or 51.2 ftLong 10.0 cm or 3.84 in 32 m or 102.4 ftX-Long 25.0 cm or 9.6 in 80 m or 256 ftNorm x10 50.0 cm or 19.20 in 160 m or 512 ftNorm x20 100.0 cm or 38.4 in 320 m or 1024 ftNorm x40 200.0 cm or 76.8 in 640 m or 2048 ftNorm x50 250.0 cm or 96.0 in 800 m or 2560 ftNorm x100 500.0 cm or 192.0 in 1600 m or 5120 ftSetting Station Interval Data per ScreenShort 1.0 cm or 0.48 in 6.4 m or 25.6 ftNormal 2.5 cm or 0.96 in 16 m or 51.2 ftLong 5.0 cm or 1.92 in 32 m or 102.4 ftX-Long 12.5 cm or 4.8 in 80 m or 256 ftNorm x10 25 cm or 9.6 in 160 m or 512 ftNorm x20 50 cm or 19.2 in 320 m or 1024 ftNorm x40 100 cm or 38.4 in 640 m or 2048 ftNorm x50 125 cm or 48.0 in 800 m or 2560 ftNorm x100 250 cm or 96.0 in 1600 m or 5120 ft
Noggin 12-Survey & Map Mode95NOGGIN 1000 SYSTEMIf the Plot Interval is not set to Normal, use the following formula to calculate the total distanceper screen:Total Distance Per Screen = Station Interval * (640 / Plot Interval)where: Station Interval is in metres or feet, andPlot Interval is in Pixels.For example, if the Station Interval is 10 centimetres (0.1 metres) and the Plot Interval is 4 pixels,the total distance per screen is calculated as follows:0.10 * (640 / 4) = 16.0 metres per screenTo see how much data can be collected before the DVL memory is full and data must be deletedor downloaded, see DVL Recording Space in Section 12.5.5: P.111. To delete Noggin data see Section 12.4.5: P.109.Setting Station Interval Data per ScreenShort 0.5 cm or 0.24 in 3.2 m or 12.8 ftNormal 1.0 cm or 0.48 in 6.4 m or 25.6 ftLong 2.0 cm or 0.96 in 12.8 m or 51.2 ftX-Long 5.0 cm or 2.4 in 32.0 m or 128 ftNorm x10 10 cm or 4.8 in 64.0 m or 256 ftNorm x20 20 cm or 9.6 in 128 m or 512 ftNorm x40 40 cm or 19.2 in 256 m or 1024 ftNorm x50 50 cm or 24.0 in 320 m or 1280 ftNorm x100 100 cm or 48.0 in 640 m or 2560 ft
12-Survey & Map Mode Noggin9612.3.3.4 Plot IntervalThe plot interval setting determines the width of data traces plotted to the screen. Traces can be1, 2, 4 or 8 pixels wide. The Normal setting for Noggin 250 systems is 2 pixels per trace and the Normal setting theNoggin 500 and 1000 is 1 pixel per trace. It can be useful to plot traces narrower than normal to allow more data to fit onto one screen. Itcan also be useful to plot traces wider on the screen so that they are easier to see. For example,when collecting data using the button to trigger the system (see Section 12.2.9: P.76) it is oftenpreferable to make each trace 4 or 8 pixels wide. Figure: 12-10 Data traces can be plotted to the screen with a width of 1 pixel (top left), 2 pixels (top right), 4 pixels (bottom left) or 8 pixels (bottom right). The narrower the trace width, the more data that can be plotted on one screen. In this example, plotting the data 1 pixel wide results in 16 metres of data displayed on one screen while 2 pixels results in 8 metres of data, 4 pixels results in 4 metres of data and 8 pixels results in 2 metres of dataNote that the Plot Interval in Noggin is strictly for display purposes on the DVL screen in real time.The Plot Interval setting has no effect on the actual data collected and, in fact, data can beviewed later on the DVL screen with any Plot Interval value. Similarly, data downloaded to a PCcan be plotted using any trace width.
Noggin 12-Survey & Map Mode9712.3.4 Grid ParametersThe Grid Parameters settings allow the user to view and modify settings specific to collectingdata in organized grids. This includes the grid dimensions, line spacing, grid type and surveyformat.Data are normally collected on a grid if the user is interested in displaying the data as a 3Dvolume (using the EKKO_3D software) or as a plan map (using the EKKO_Mapper and/orEKKO_Pointer software). Producing accurate 3D volumes or plan maps is easier if the fieldsurvey is properly designed and data are collected correctly. Positional accuracy of each line is vital if the user wants to be able to relocate targets of interestafter the data have been processed. For linear targets like pipes and utilities, the best GPR response occurs when the GPR surveyline crosses the target at right angles. If possible, it is always best to run GPR survey linesperpendicular to the direction of linear targets.For inexperienced surveyors, laying out a grid with straight lines and all corners at 90degree angles can be difficult. Sensors & Software provides a product called EasyGrid tomake laying out an accurate grid simple. Contact Sensors & Software for more details. 12.3.4.1 Grid TypeThe Grid Type asks specifically the way that the area of the grid is to be covered by the surveylines. Survey lines can be either a set of parallel lines in the X axis direction (Figure 12-11), a setof parallel lines in the Y axis direction (Figure 12-12), or, for complete coverage, parallel lines inboth the X and Y direction (Figure 12-13).X Lines Only - ForwardSet up a first-quadrant XY grid. Data lines run in the X direction, distance increasing from the Yaxis baseline. Line numbers increase in the positive Y direction (see Figure 12-11). Lines mustbe equally spaced. It is not critical that all the lines are the same length. However, it does makeprocessing easier if all the lines start at the same baseline position (usually defined as zero(0.0)). Figure: 12-11 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.
12-Survey & Map Mode Noggin98Y Lines Only - ForwardSet up a first-quadrant XY grid. Data lines run in the Y direction, distance increasing from the Xaxis baseline. Line numbers increase in the positive X direction (see Figure 12-12). Lines mustbe equally spaced. It is not critical that all the lines are the same length. However, it does makeprocessing easier if all the lines start at the same baseline position (usually defined as zero(0.0)). Figure: 12-12 Proper Y 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.XY Lines - ForwardSet up a first-quadrant XY grid. X data lines run in the X direction, distance increasing from the Yaxis baseline. Line numbers increase in the positive Y direction (see Figure 12-13). Lines mustbe equally spaced. Y data lines run in the Y direction, distance increasing from the X axisbaseline. Line numbers increase in the positive X direction. Lines should be equally spaced.The line spacing of the X lines and Y lines can be different.It is not critical that all the lines are the same lengths. However, it does make processing easierif all the lines start at the same baseline position (usually defined as zero (0.0)). Figure: 12-13 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.
Noggin 12-Survey & Map Mode9912.3.4.2 Survey FormatThe Survey Format specifies how the lines will be collected. The lines shown in Figure 12-11,Figure 12-12, and Figure 12-13 are all collected in the Forward direction only. This means thateach line starts at the X or Y baseline. When the length of the survey lines are more than about 20 metres, data acquisition speed maybe increased by collecting every second line in the reverse direction (Figure 12-14, Figure 12-15,and Figure 12-16). This is called a Forward and Reverse survey format.Using forward and reverse format can speed acquisition but can lead to mapping artifacts called“herringbone” if there are positional errors. It is important that the odometer is calibrated (Section12.5.2: P.110), the Grid Dimensions are correct (see Grid Dimensions on page 101) and thatlines are always collected starting on a baseline.X Lines Only – Forward and ReverseUsing the Forward and Reverse survey format, X line data are collected in the pattern shown inFigure 12-14. Figure: 12-14 For collecting GPR data consisting of long data lines it makes more sense to follow a forward and reverse surveying pattern. For the final data to be spatially correct with a minimum of editing, data collected in this pattern should be on lines that extend completely from one baseline to the other.Y Lines Only – Forward and ReverseUsing the Forward and Reverse survey format, Y line data are collected in the pattern shown inFigure 12-15.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 offsetfrom one another.
12-Survey & Map Mode Noggin100 Figure: 12-15 For collecting GPR data consisting of long data lines it makes more sense to follow a forward and reverse surveying pattern. For the final data to be spatially correct with a minimum of editing, data collected in this pattern should be on lines that extend completely from one baseline to the other.XY Lines – Forward and ReverseUsing the Forward and Reverse survey format, XY line data are collected in the pattern shown inFigure 12-16.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 offsetfrom one another. Figure: 12-16 For collecting GPR data on a grid consisting of long data lines, it makes more sense to follow a forward and reverse surveying pattern. For the final data to be spatially correct with a minimum of editing, data collected in this pattern should be on lines that extend completely from one baseline to the other.
Noggin 12-Survey & Map Mode10112.3.4.3 Grid DimensionsFor grid data acquisition, the grid size needs to be specified. The user needs to input the lengthof the X dimension and the length of the Y dimension. The dimensions entered are assumed tobe in the same units as the Position Units (see Section 12.3.1.7: P.88), i.e. metres or feet.On this screen the user needs to highlight the dimension to be changed. The user can togglebetween the X and Y fields by pressing the X/Y button. The dimension value is incremented or decremented by pressing the +Line or –Line buttons.The dimension value will change by a value equal to the current Line Spacing in that dimension. For example, if the Line Spacing in the X direction is 0.5 metres, the grid dimension in the Xdirection will increment or decrement in 0.5 metre intervals. Note that the maximum number of lines that can be collected in each direction is 100.Therefore, the X and Y grid dimensions cannot be set to a value that will result in morethan 100 lines being collected. For example, if the Line Spacing between Y lines (defined as lines parallel to the Y axis) is set to0.25 metres, the maximum X dimension is (100-1) X 0.25 = 24.75 metres. (One is subtractedbecause the first line is at position 0.0 metres.)To increase the X dimension value, the Y line spacing must be increased. Using the exampleabove, if the Y Line Spacing is increased to 0.30 metres then the maximum X dimension is (100-1) X 0.30 = 29.70 metres.If the Grid Type is set to X Lines only or Y Lines only (see Section 12.3.4: P.97), the length ofthose lines are not restricted by the Line Spacing parameter of the opposite dimension. That iswhy if an X Lines only grid is selected, the X dimension can be input as a value rather than anincrement of the Y Line Spacing. Similarly, if a Y Lines only grid is selected, the Y dimension canbe input as a value rather than an increment of the X Line Spacing.12.3.4.4 Line SpacingFor grid data acquisition, the distance between survey lines needs to be specified. If the grid type is X Lines only (see Section 12.3.4: P.97) then the spacing between the X linesneeds to be input. If the grid type is Y Lines only (see Section 12.3.4: P.97) then the spacing between the Y linesneeds to be input. If the grid type is XY Lines (see Section 12.3.4: P.97) then the spacing between the X lines and Ylines need to be input. The line spacing can be different. The user can toggle between the X linespacing and Y line spacing fields by pressing the X/Y button.Note that the maximum number of lines that can be collected in each direction is 100. The calculation for determining an appropriate line spacing is complex. One has to considersystem frequency, target size and practical considerations. In general, the Noggin 250 shouldhave a line spacing of 0.5 metres or less, the Noggin 500 should have a line spacing of 0.25metres or less and the Noggin 1000 should have a line spacing of 0.10 metres or less.
12-Survey & Map Mode Noggin102However, line spacing should really be determined by target size. In most cases the systemmust pass over a target to detect it. Therefore, the line spacing needs to be on the order of thesize of the target or smaller, if practical. This can be adjusted to a larger spacing for larger targetsor targets with a linear extent. As well, these rules may have to be bent for practical purposeslike survey production rates. The fact is that a tighter line spacing takes longer to collect and thismay not be economically possible in all circumstances.
Noggin 12-Survey & Map Mode10312.3.5 GPS ParametersThe Global Positioning System (GPS) uses special satellites around the Earth to determine theposition of a GPS receiver located at any position on the surface of the Earth. GPS receivers canbe purchased from a number of manufacturers.The DVL has a serial port on the back for attaching a GPS receiver. This port will accommodateany GPS receiver that has a standard serial port output. The GPS receiver can be set up to send one or more types of data strings to the DVL. Thesestrings are called NMEA-0183 strings and each contains positional or other information inspecific formats. Each type of string is specified by a 5-character prefix. There are numerousNMEA strings but to integrate the GPS data into the Noggin data, the GPS must be sending atleast one of the following NMEA strings: GPGGA, GPGLL and GPRMC. This feature allows GPS information to be logged while collecting Noggin data. The GPSinformation may be useful for mapping where GPR surveys have been performed (see Readingper Trace mode below) or determining where a specific target of interest is located in GPS co-ordinates (see Fiducial Tagging mode below). The DVL can be set up to read and log GPS information collected during data acquisition with theNoggin system. GPS information can be logged in two different ways: 1) For every trace collected by the Noggin system, or 2) Every time the user adds a fiducial to the data by pressing the A button (see FiducialMarkers on page 72).This feature provides a means of logging GPS information to an independent file. Note that theGPS information is NOT automatically integrated with the Noggin data. After dataacquisition is complete, the data can be downloaded to a PC and the EKKO_View Deluxesoftware can be used to integrate the GPS data with the Noggin data. In order for the DVL to read the GPS data string, the GPS settings for the specific GPS receiverbeing used must be input into this menu. There are 4 important items that must be specifiedcorrectly for the DVL to display the GPS strings. These items are Baud Rate, Stop Bits, Data Bitsand Parity. These are discussed in more detail below. The default values listed below are thevalues that are typically used. Read the GPS Receiver User’s Guide or experiment with thesettings to find the correct ones.Once these 4 items are set correctly you should be able to run System Test #1 and have GPSinformation written to the screen.When the logging of GPS information is enabled, during data acquisition a message will appearin the bottom left-hand corner of the DVL screen indicating whether GPS data is successfullybeing received (see Section 12.2.4: P.72).
12-Survey & Map Mode Noggin104ModeThere are three GPS modes available: 1) Off mode means that a GPS receiver is not connected to the DVL so no GPSinformation is being logged. This should be the setting if you do not have a GPSreceiver.2) 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 addedto a file. This file has the same name as the data file i.e. LINE6, but with a GPSextension. This file can be accessed after transferring the GPR data files to anexternal PC (see Section 12.4.1: p.108).For example, if the number of traces is set to 1, the LINE6.GPS may look like this:Trace #1 at position 0.00$GPGGA,134713.00,4338.221086,N,07938.421365,W,2,06,2.1,152.51,M,-35.09,M,5.0,0118*79$GPVTG,34.0,T,,,001.4,N,002.5,K,D*70$GPGSA,A,3,30,26,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,4.2,2.1,3.6*36Trace #2 at position 0.05$GPGGA,134713.00,4338.221086,N,07938.421365,W,2,06,2.1,152.51,M,-35.09,M,5.0,0118*79$GPVTG,34.0,T,,,001.4,N,002.5,K,D*70$GPGSA,A,3,30,26,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,4.2,2.1,3.6*36Trace #3 at position 0.10$GPGGA,134713.00,4338.221086,N,07938.421365,W,2,06,2.1,152.51,M,-35.09,M,5.0,0118*79$GPVTG,34.0,T,,,001.4,N,002.5,K,D*70$GPGSA,A,3,30,26,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,4.2,2.1,3.6*36Trace #4 at position 0.15$GPGGA,134713.00,4338.221086,N,07938.421365,W,2,06,2.1,152.51,M,-35.09,M,5.0,0118*79$GPVTG,34.0,T,,,001.4,N,002.5,K,D*70$GPGSA,A,3,30,26,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,4.2,2.1,3.6*36Note that when the Reading per Trace option is on, it is still possible to add fiducial markers tothe GPS file. These will appear as F1, F2 etc. between the trace numbers. For example, aportion of LINE6.GPS may look like this:Trace #85 at position 4.20$GPGGA,134850.00,4338.204868,N,07938.429003,W,2,06,2.1,152.60,M,-35.09,M,4.2,0118*74$GPVTG,152.6,T,,,002.3,N,004.3,K,D*43$GPGSA,A,3,30,26,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,4.2,2.1,3.7*37F1$GPGGA,134850.00,4338.204868,N,07938.429003,W,2,06,2.1,152.60,M,-35.09,M,4.2,0118*74$GPVTG,152.6,T,,,002.3,N,004.3,K,D*43$GPGSA,A,3,30,26,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,4.2,2.1,3.7*37Trace #86 at position 4.25$GPGGA,134851.00,4338.204362,N,07938.428362,W,2,06,2.1,152.40,M,-35.09,M,5.2,0118*72$GPVTG,136.9,T,,,002.8,N,005.2,K,D*45$GPGSA,A,3,30,26,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,4.2,2.1,3.7*37
Noggin 12-Survey & Map Mode1053) Fuducial Tagging mode means that whenever a fiducial marker (F1, F2 etc.) isadded to the data (see Section 12.2.4: P.72), a data string of GPS information will beadded to a file. This file has the same name as the data file i.e. LINE6, but with aGPS extension. This file can be accessed after transferring the GPR data files to anexternal PC (see Section 12.4.1: p.108).For example, LINE6.GPS may look like this:F1$GPGGA,134218.00,4338.190204,N,07938.438411,W,2,05,2.6,154.60,M,-35.09,M,4.0,0118*7B$GPVTG,356.8,T,,,000.2,N,000.4,K,D*4B$GPGSA,A,3,30,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,,4.3,2.6,3.4*36F2$GPGGA,134219.00,4338.190294,N,07938.438409,W,2,05,2.6,154.45,M,-35.09,M,5.0,0118*7C$GPVTG,1.3,T,,,000.4,N,000.7,K,D*44$GPGSA,A,3,30,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,,4.3,2.6,3.4*36F3$GPGGA,134221.00,4338.190261,N,07938.438285,W,2,05,2.6,154.05,M,-35.09,M,5.2,0118*79$GPVTG,10.0,T,,,000.2,N,000.4,K,D*72$GPGSA,A,3,30,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,,4.3,2.6,3.4*36F4$GPGGA,134222.00,4338.190397,N,07938.438255,W,2,05,2.6,153.95,M,-35.09,M,5.0,0118*73$GPVTG,9.8,T,,,000.3,N,000.5,K,D*42$GPGSA,A,3,30,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,,4.3,2.6,3.4*36If the GPS mode is set to Reading per Trace or Fiducial Tagging AND the Noggin is Run WithoutSaving Data (see Section 12.1.5: P.68), it is still possible to log GPS data strings. Every time afiducial marker is added to the data (see Section 12.2.4: P.72), a data string of GPS information isadded to a file. This file is called TAGGED.GPS and can be exported and/or deleted using theNoggin File Management (see Section 12.4: P.108).An example of a TAGGED.GPS file is shown below.New File 09-18-2000 13:53:38F1$GPGGA,134227.00,4338.190520,N,07938.438280,W,2,05,2.6,153.98,M,-35.09,M,4.6,0118*7E$GPVTG,347.7,T,,,000.3,N,000.5,K,D*44$GPGSA,A,3,30,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,,4.3,2.6,3.4*36F2$GPGGA,134228.00,4338.190238,N,07938.438286,W,2,05,2.6,153.87,M,-35.09,M,4.4,0118*75$GPVTG,5.4,T,,,000.2,N,000.4,K,D*42$GPGSA,A,3,30,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,,4.3,2.6,3.4*36F3$GPGGA,134229.00,4338.190277,N,07938.438273,W,2,05,2.6,153.76,M,-35.09,M,5.4,0118*7A$GPVTG,23.4,T,,,000.1,N,000.2,K,D*73$GPGSA,A,3,30,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,,4.3,2.6,3.4*36F4$GPGGA,134231.00,4338.190127,N,07938.438362,W,2,05,2.6,154.59,M,-35.09,M,5.0,0118*7A$GPVTG,20.2,T,,,000.2,N,000.3,K,D*74$GPGSA,A,3,30,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,,4.3,2.6,3.4*36********************************************************************************New File 09-18-2000 13:55:36F1$GPGGA,134259.00,4338.192453,N,07938.449096,W,2,06,2.4,153.14,M,-35.09,M,5.4,0118*75$GPVTG,310.9,T,,,000.5,N,001.0,K,D*4A$GPGSA,A,3,04,30,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,3.2,2.4,2.1*32F2$GPGGA,134301.00,4338.192559,N,07938.449176,W,2,06,2.4,153.17,M,-35.09,M,5.0,0118*7A$GPVTG,314.4,T,,,000.6,N,001.1,K,D*41$GPGSA,A,3,04,30,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,3.2,2.4,2.1*32F3
12-Survey & Map Mode Noggin1064) GPR data out port mode means that the GPR data stream will be output to the serialport of the DVL. This is for users who wish to read the GPR data into their own PC orother device. Contact Sensors & Software Inc. for more details if you want to use thisoption. Note that this option slows down data acquisition speeds.Baud RateThe baud rate is the speed that data is sent from the GPS receiver to the serial port of the DVL.The available options are: 2400, 4800, 9600 (default) or 19200.Stop BitsThe available settings for Stop Bits are: 1 (default) or 2.Data BitsThe available settings for Data Bits are: 7 or 8 (default).ParityThe available settings for Parity are: none (default), odd or even.End StringThe GPS receiver can be set up to send one or more types of data strings to the DVL. Thesestrings are called NMEA-0183 strings and each contains positional or other information inspecific formats. Each type of string is specified by a 5-character prefix. There are numerousNMEA strings but examples of three different NMEA strings (GPGGA, GPVTG and GPGSA) areshown below. $GPGGA,134713.00,4338.221086,N,07938.421365,W,2,06,2.1,152.51,M,-35.09,M,5.0,0118*79$GPVTG,34.0,T,,,001.4,N,002.5,K,D*70$GPGSA,A,3,30,26,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,4.2,2.1,3.6*36$GPGGA,134713.00,4338.221086,N,07938.421365,W,2,06,2.1,152.51,M,-35.09,M,5.0,0118*79$GPVTG,34.0,T,,,001.4,N,002.5,K,D*70$GPGSA,A,3,30,26,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,4.2,2.1,3.6*36$GPGGA,134713.00,4338.221086,N,07938.421365,W,2,06,2.1,152.51,M,-35.09,M,5.0,0118*79$GPVTG,34.0,T,,,001.4,N,002.5,K,D*70$GPGSA,A,3,30,26,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,4.2,2.1,3.6*36$GPGGA,134713.00,4338.221086,N,07938.421365,W,2,06,2.1,152.51,M,-35.09,M,5.0,0118*79$GPVTG,34.0,T,,,001.4,N,002.5,K,D*70$GPGSA,A,3,30,26,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,4.2,2.1,3.6*36Before using the GPS with the Noggin, the DVL software needs to know the prefix of the LASTstring 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 EndString needs to be specified as GPGSA.To see what the End String is for your particular GPS, run System Test #1 and note the first 5characters on the last line after each series of strings is written to the screen. These are the 5characters that need to be filled in under End String.
Noggin 12-Survey & Map Mode107The End String option allows the user to fill in the 5 character GPS prefix. Use the Left and Rightbuttons to move left or right to different characters in the string. The currently selected characterwill have an “^” under it. To change the letter of the current character, use the Next button tochange it to the next letter in the alphabet and the Previous button to change it to the previousletter in the alphabet. Using these keys all 5 characters can be filled in with the necessary GPSEnd String.See the GPS Receiver User’s Guide for details on how to set up the receiver to output specificNMEA strings or groups of NMEA strings. System Test #1After all the settings above have been input and the GPS receiver is attached to the serial port onthe DVL, the user can test that the DVL is receiving the GPS output by using the Test option. If the NMEA strings are successfully being read by the DVL they will appear on the DVL screen.This is a good time to note the prefix of the last NMEA string in the list and input it in the EndString setting above.If the NMEA strings do not appear, check that the port settings are correct. It is also possible thata crossover cable is required between the output cable of the GPS receiver and the serial port onthe DVL.System Test #2Once the GPS system is running successfully, System Test #2 can be used to graphically displaythe GPS data. This screen displays the GPS Time, Latitude, Longitude and Altitude as well asother values indicating the accuracy of the GPS reading. The GPS position is also displayed in asquare that can be Zoomed from 2 metres square to 16384 metres square.12.3.6 Set DefaultsTo reset all the parameter settings back to the factory default settings press the 6 button (labelledSet Defaults).
12-Survey & Map Mode Noggin10812.4 Noggin File ManagementThe File Management option is available by pressing 2 from the main Noggin menu. The File Management menu allows the user to delete data from the DVL and copy data from theinternal compact flash drive to the removable compact flash drive.The Export options in this menu require the use of the optional PXFER cable and WinPXFERsoftware so this menu is not required for users transferring Noggin data using the removablecompact flash drive. These options allow the user to export Noggin data or the TAGGED.GPS file(see Section 12.3.5: P.103) to a PC using the optional PXFER cable. This is described inAppendix F.12.4.1 Transferring Noggin Data to a PC using the Removable DriveFiles collected with the Noggin system are saved either to the Internal or the Removable drive onthe DVL. To transfer data collected on the removable drive to a PC, eject the compact flash drivefrom the DVL and insert it into a user-supplied card reader connected to a PC. Use the WindowsExplorer program to make a new folder on the PC, read the removable drive and copy theNoggin data files to the new folder.If data were collected to the internal drive of the DVL (Section 12.1.7: p.69), the data can becopied to the removable drive so it can be transferred to a PC (see Section 12.4.2: p.109). Figure: 12-17 Noggin data files saved to the removable drive are easily transferred to a PC. First, power down the DVL, then (i) loosen both of the finger-screws on the top of the DVL so the drive door can swing open freely. (ii) Press the button to partially eject the compact flash drive. (iii) Remove the drive and insert it into a PC card reader (user sup-plied). Copy the Noggin data files from the drive into a folder on the PC using the Windows Explorer program. The Win-PXFER program can then be used to view the Noggin data.
Noggin 12-Survey & Map Mode10912.4.2 Copying Noggin Data from the Internal Drive to the Removable DriveIf data were collected to the internal drive of the DVL (Section 12.1.7: p.69), the data can becopied to the removable drive so the data transfer method described above can be used. To copyNoggin data from the internal drive to the removable drive, from the Noggin menu select 2 - FileManagement and then select 7 - Copy Internal to Removable.12.4.3 Transferring Noggin Data to a PC using the PXFER CableFiles collected with the Noggin system are saved to the Internal or the Removable drive on theDVL. While the method described above, of transferring data by ejecting the removable drive, isthe usual method of data transfer, data can also be transferred to a PC using the optional PXFERcable and the WinPXFER program. This process is described in Appendix F.12.4.4 Viewing Data Files on the External ComputerAfter transferring data files to the external computer the Noggin data files can be viewed,processed and plotted using the EKKO_View, EKKO_3D and EKKO_Mapper software.Appendix A contains details about the file format of Noggin data. 12.4.5 Deleting Data on the DVLAfter data has been successfully transferred to an external computer or if the data is longerrequired, the whole Line or Grid project can be deleted from the DVL. From the FileManagement main menu, select Delete Line Project or Delete Grid Project. The next screen listsall the current projects. To delete a project, use the up and down arrows to highlight it and then press the DEL button.It is also possible to use the TAG button to select several projects and delete them all at once.Use the up and down arrows to highlight the projects, the TAG button to tag each project andthen press the DEL button to delete the data from the DVL.Before the project is deleted, the user is asked to confirm the deletion by pressing Yes or No. Ifthe answer to the question is No, the project is not deleted.This menu also allows the user to delete the TAGGED.GPS file.
12-Survey & Map Mode Noggin11012.5 Noggin UtilitiesPressing the number 4 on the main menu selects Utilities. This menu has utility programs tochange the date and time on the DVL and also calibrate the odometer.12.5.1 Time and DateThe date and time are saved with the data files. The DVL date and time setting can be changedby moving to one or more of the appropriate fields and editing the current setting. The LEFT andRIGHT arrows are used to move between fields. To change any of the numbers or months, usethe UP and DOWN arrows to increase or decrease the value. When the desired date and timeare set, press ENTER to save the changes. 12.5.2 Odometer CalibrationThe 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 theirSmart System. When Odometer Calibration is selected, the user is prompted to select the odometer that is beingused with the Smart System. If a SmartCart System is being used, select one of the two SmartCart odometers (usually #1). If a SmartHandle system is being used, select one of the two SmartHandle odometers (usually#1). If the system is being towed behind a vehicle and using the transmission odometer to trigger thesystem, select one of the two Vehicle odometers (usually #1). The odometers labelled Other are to be used in future configurations.Once an odometer is selected, the user is prompted to either 1) manually enter the odometercalibration factor or 2) to actually calibrate the odometer over a known distance. To achieve thehighest accuracy, it is recommended that the user choose option number 2 - OdometerCalibration. When Odometer Calibration is selected, the user is prompted to select the length of the line tocalibrate on. There are 8 different choices in metres and 8 choices in feet. To toggle the unitsbetween metres and feet, press the B button. Pressing the A button on this screen gives theadditional option to select a user-defined value. The user-defined value can range from 0.01 to5000 metres or 0.01 to 26400 feet. When the calibration distance has been selected follow the directions on the screen: 1) Set the cart at zero and press A2) Move the cart the selected distance and press B3) Press A to exit.Odometer calibration values for the SmartCart odometer should be around 1080.
Noggin 12-Survey & Map Mode111Odometer calibration values for the SmartHandle odometer should be around 1530. Odometer calibration values for the Vehicle odometer vary but may be around 50. 12.5.3 UpgradeUpgrade requires the use of the optional PXFER cable so this menu is not required for userswho upgrade their DVL firmware using a removable compact flash drive. The menu allows the user to enter Upgrade mode to update the firmware on the DVL. SelectingUpgrade puts the DVL into listen mode to allow a software upgrade to be transferred from anexternal PC to the DVL using the PXFER and WinPXFER cable. Avoid pressing this button untilthe instructions in a software upgrade tell you to. Once pressed, the DVL must have the powerdisconnected to exit from this menu item. 12.5.4 System InformationThis option can be used to list system information that may be useful to troubleshoot a problemwith the Noggin. The information is intended for the use of Sensors & Software staff to assist insolving a problem with the Noggin system.System information can be listed to the screen, printed directly to an attached printer ortransferred to a PC. To print the information to a printer, attach the printer to the parallel port of the DVL and thenpress the B button.To transfer the information file to a PC, attach the parallel XFER cable from the parallel port of thePC to the parallel port of the DVL. Then run the WinPXFER program on the PC (see Section12.4.1: p.108) and press the 1 button.Sensors & Software technical staff may request that this information be sent to them. A printedcopy of the information can be faxed to Sensors & Software Inc. If the data is transferred to aPC, the data file can be e-mailed to Sensors & Software Inc.12.5.5 DVL Recording SpaceThis option shows, based on the current data collection settings, the total number of traces thatcan be collected before the DVL memory is full. It also lists, based on the current Station Interval,the total distance of data that can be collected before the DVL memory is full. 12.5.6 Transfer ModeTransfer Mode requires the use of the optional PXFER cable so this menu is not required forusers transferring Noggin data using the removable compact flash drive. This menu allows theuser to set the transfer mode to Normal or Turbo depending on what type of PXFER cable theyhave (see Appendix F).
13-Troubleshooting Noggin112 13 TroubleshootingNoggin Smart Systems are designed to minimize user problems; however, all electronic devicesare subject to possible failure. The following are troubleshooting hints in the likelihood ofoccurrence if your Smart System fails to operate.13.1 Power SupplyThe most common problem that can occur while trying to run a system is insufficient power. Thebattery may be dead or have a low voltage. If the system is being run from AC, there may be aproblem with the AC power supply or adapter. If there is enough power to run the DVL, the upper red LED on the front of the DVL will light upwhen the battery is plugged into the system. If this light is on and the DVL boots up, runs anddisplays the main menu, next check that the red light on the connector to the Noggin is on. If thislight is off then there is a problem with the connection from the DVL to the Noggin. Check theconnection and this part of the cable.If the DVL is running but the Noggin system will not run, go to the main menu and check thatbattery voltage in the lower left corner is above 10.2 volts. If not, the battery needs to berecharged or replaced for the Noggin to run (see below).If the battery voltage is less than about 10.2 volts, the DVL may not turn on and the upper redLED will flash or not illuminate.Check the battery voltage with a voltmeter. Try to do this while the system is still attached to theSmart System to get a true measure of the voltage while under load (it will be necessary to openthe SmartCart battery case or belt battery case and connect the voltmeter to the positive andnegative battery terminals). If the battery has a low voltage or seems dead, try the system withanother battery (if available), or give the battery a good 12-14 hour charge and try running thesystem again. If the battery does not charge up to 12 Volts or more, it should be replaced.Smart System batteries are fused to protect the system. For the SmartCart system, open thebattery case and check that the 10 Amp fuse is OK. If necessary, replace it with one of the sparefuses available inside the battery case. The smaller belt batteries available for the SmartHandlesystems are also fused. Remove the battery from padded casing and check the 5 Amp fuse.Replace the fuse if necessary. 13.2 System CommunicationsIf the system power supply is OK but the Noggin does not respond there may be acommunication failure between the DVL and the Noggin. This type of failure is often indicated bya 10000 series error number like 10012. 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. Disconnect the power source tocompletely shut down the system.
Noggin 13-Troubleshooting113Make sure the cables are not damaged and that all cable connections are tightly secured. Use aslotted screwdriver to snug up the connections. Sometimes vibrations cause the cableconnections to loosen just a bit and break contact and this can cause errors. Disconnectingcables and reconnecting them may provide a better contact and solve the problem. Turn theDigital Video Logger back on and try running the system again.If the power supply and cable are OK, the problem is likely a failure of the DVL. The DVL has nouser-serviceable parts so it will have to be returned to Sensors & Software Inc for inspection andpossible repair (see Section 13.6: P.114).13.3 System OverheatingThe Noggin systems are designed to operate to a maximum internal temperature of 70 C or 158F. In situations of high ambient temperatures or long exposure to direct sun, this maximuminternal temperature may be exceeded and cause the system to fail. While the temperaturedisplayed on the DVL in the lower left corner of the main menu indicates the internal temperatureof the DVL and not the Noggin, this temperature should give an idea of whether the Noggin isoverheating.If you suspect that the Noggin system is overheating, shut it off and give it a chance to cool downin a shady location before trying to run it again. Placing a wet cloth on top of the Noggin mayhelp in cooling it down.If the situation is such that the high temperatures or direct sun cannot be avoided, it may be agood idea to put some sort of shade over the Noggin.Contact Sensors & Software Inc. if the problem persists as there may be defective electroniccomponents that need to be replaced (see Section 13.6: P.114).13.4 DVL ProblemWhile the DVL has been ruggedized as much as possible, it should be handled in much the sameway a notebook computer is. If the DVL does not power up and boot up, there may be a problemwith the CPU or the storage media. If this occurs, contact Sensors & Software Inc. (see Section13.6: P.114).13.5 Noggin ProblemWhen the Smart System is powered up and the user selects data acquisition in Noggin or Nogginmode, the Noggin system goes through a self-calibration sequence. While the self-calibration isoccurring the user sees the words “Booting Noggin” in the lower left corner of the DVL screen.These words are followed by a number that counts up from 1. Normally, once the count reaches6 the text disappears and the Noggin is ready to collect data. Sometimes, however, this countgoes beyond 6 and keeps going without stopping. This indicates an internal problem with theNoggin. No error message will be displayed on the screen and the only way to exit from thescreen is to pull out the power connection.
13-Troubleshooting Noggin114If this error occurs, power the system down, power it up again and retry data acquisition. If theerror persists, contact Sensors & Software Inc. (see Section 13.7: P.114).13.6 Creating a Test Line for Data QualityOne of the best ways of detecting problems with the GPR system is, shortly after receiving thesystem and getting comfortable with its operation, to collect a line of data at a convenient, easilyaccessible location. The line does not have to be too long but 100 - 200 traces is a good guide.This data line should be saved electronically and perhaps plotted out on paper and dated. Thetest line could be collected say, every 6 months and, by reviewing the previous data, systemproblems can be detected early. As well, if there is a suspected problem with the system, this testline could be collected and compared with earlier tests. 13.7 Contacting Sensors & Software Inc.If you develop problems with your Noggin system, contact your agent or Sensors & Software Inc. Sensors & Software Inc.’s hours of operation are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time,Monday to Friday. You can contact Sensors & Software Inc. at:Sensors & Software Inc.1040 Stacey CourtMississauga, OntarioCanada L4W 2X8Tel: (905) 624-8909Fax: (905) 624-9365E-mail: sales@sensoft.caWhen contacting Sensors & Software Inc., please have the following informationavailable:1) Noggin and/or DVL Serial Number.2) Version number of the data acquisition software.3) The error number or message appearing.4) A brief description of when the error is happening and the operating conditions(temperature, humidity, sunshine, system and survey setup, etc.).5) Sensors & Software Inc. technical staff may request a copy of the System Informationfile be sent to them by fax or e-mail. See Section 12.5.4: P.111 on how to view, printand download this file.
Noggin 14-Care and Maintenance115 14 Care and Maintenance14.1 Battery CareSmart Systems use 12-volt sealed lead acid batteries. They are fused with a 10 Amp fuse toprotect them from short circuit damage. The SmartCart battery unit uses contains a 9 Amp-hour battery. The battery unit should run theCart Noggin for 4-5 hours before recharging is necessary. If long days of data surveying aretypical, a second battery unit may be a useful item.If batteries are maintained in a charged condition they will give long life and reliable service.Improper use and lack of maintenance will greatly reduce their life.Sealed lead acid batteries should NEVER be left in a discharged condition for any period of time.Charge the batteries as soon as possible after use.Charge batteries at room temperature whenever possible.The Noggin and DVL contain a voltage monitoring circuit that will turn off the unit when the inputvoltage drops below 10.2 volts. If a battery has been deeply discharged or left in a discharged condition for some period of time itmay not accept charge immediately when it is connected to the charger (The fast charge LED willnot light). If the fast charge light does not come on within 6 hours the battery should beconsidered damaged and should be discarded.Do not assume that a battery that is still charging after 8 hours is nearing the end of its chargecycle. Typical charging time for an empty battery is 12-14 hours from start of fast charge. Ensure that the batteries are fully charged before storing. If practical, store the batteries in a coolplace, 10oc (a refrigerator is ideal), but make sure the temperature is not likely to drop below -30oC or the electrolyte may freeze and possibly split the case. 14.2 DVL Internal BatteryIf the Smart System has not been powered up for an extended period of time, the internal batterywill discharge. The dead battery causes the DVL time and date to reset to January 1, 1988 at12:00 PM. To correct the time and date see Section 12.5.1: P.110.To recharge the internal battery the Smart System must be powered up and left running for atleast one hour and preferably longer.14.3 Cable Care1) The cable connectors as well as the connectors on the Noggin and DVL need to stayclean and free of dust and moisture. Use a brush or air spray to clean dust, lint andother foreign particles from these connectors.
14-Care and Maintenance Noggin1162) When the system is not being used, make sure the connections are done up toprevent dust and moisture from collecting inside. If the connectors are exposed,cover them with some sort of dust cap.3) Cables are designed to be as tough as practical.4) Careless use of cables making them carry loads that they are not designed for cancause internal damage.5) Connectors are weak points in any system. With the use of this product in rough,dusty and outdoor environments, users can minimize potential down time if they carefor cables and treat connectors with respect. 6) Cables and connectors are not designed to suspend or tow or otherwise carry theweight of systems. They are part of the electronic circuit and should be treatedaccordingly. When not in use they should be placed in their storage box. 14.4 Skid PadsThe bottom of the Noggin unit is covered with one large wear-resistant skid pad. The skid pad isdesigned to protrude from the bottom of the Noggin and take the majority of the abrasive wear. Ifthe pad wears down enough, the less-resistant plastic housing may start to wear. If this occurs, itis best to replace the skid pad. It is easily removed with a Phillips screwdriver and a new one canbe purchased from Sensors & Software Inc.Note that there are two types of skid pads available. The standard type is flat and covers thebottom of the Noggin. There is also an optional skid pad that covers the bottom of the Noggin butalso has curved edges that covers the front and back portions of the Noggin. Contact Sensors &Software for details. Figure: 14-1 Noggin with optional curved skid pad.
Noggin 14-Care and Maintenance11714.5 Storage CasesEquipment that is transported and stored loosely is more susceptible to damage. All equipmentshould be stored in its shipping case or a storage box. Sensors & Software has shipping casesavailable as options for all Noggins and DVL’s.14.6 Spare PartsFor customers working in remote areas or if downtime in the field is unacceptable, considerbuying our optional extended spares kit. This kit includes extra cables, batteries and chargers.
14-Care and Maintenance Noggin118
Noggin Appendix A - Noggin Data file FormatA-1 Appendix A Noggin Data file FormatNoggin data consists of two files, a Header file and a Data file. The files have the same name butdifferent extensions. The format details of these files are given below.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.1234Data Collected with Noggin Plus12/10/2000 NUMBER OF TRACES = 220 NUMBER OF PTS/TRC = 156 TIMEZERO AT POINT = 31 TOTAL TIME WINDOW = 62 STARTING POSITION = 0.0000 FINAL POSITION = 10.9500 STEP SIZE USED = 0.0500 POSITION UNITS = m NOMINAL FREQUENCY = 250.00 ANTENNA SEPARATION = 0.3048 PULSER VOLTAGE (V) = 100 NUMBER OF STACKS = 4 SURVEY MODE = Reflection This file can be read and/or printed using any Word Processor.Data (.DT1) File:The data file contains as many records as there are traces. Each record in turn consists of aheader section and a data section. The header section consists of an array of 25 real*4 numbersand a string of 28 characters which is used for annotation. The 25 element real array contains thefollowing information:Item # Description1 Trace number2Position3 Number of points per trace4 Topographic data, if available5 (not used)6 # bytes/point (always 2 for Rev 3 firmware)7 Time Window8 # of stacks9-10 reserved for GPS X position (double*8 number)11-12 reserved for GPS Y position (double*8 number)13-14 reserved for GPS Z position (double*8 number)15 reserved for receiver x position
Appendix A - Noggin Data file Format NogginA-216 reserved for receiver y position17 reserved for receiver z position18 reserved for transmitter x position19 reserved for transmitter y position20 reserved for transmitter z position21 timezero adjustmentwhere:point(x)= point(x+adjustment)22 Zero flag: 0 = data okay, 1=zero data23 (not used)24 Time of day data collected in seconds past midnight.25 Comment flag: 1 = comment attached.26 - 32 CommentThe data section consists of an array of two-byte integers, one value for every data point.
Noggin Appendix B - Health & Safety CertificationB-1 Appendix B Health & Safety CertificationRadio 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 epidemiol-ogy relating electromagnetic fields to health problems. Detailed discussions on the subject arecontained in the references and the web sites listed below.The USA Federal Communication Commission (FCC) and Occupational Safety and HealthAdministration (OSHA) both specify acceptable levels for electromagnetic fields. Similar powerlevels are mandated by corresponding agencies in other countries. Maximum permissible expo-sures and time duration specified by the FCC and OSHA vary with excitation frequency. The low-est threshold plane wave equivalent power cited is 0.2 mW/cm2 for general population over the30 to 300 MHz frequency band. All other applications and frequencies have higher tolerances asshown in graphically in Figure B-1. Figure B-1: FCC limits for maximum permissible exposure (MPE) plane-wave equivalent power density mW/cm2.All Sensors & Software Inc. pulseEKKO, Noggin and Conquest products are normally operatedat least 1 m from the user and as such are classified as “mobile” devices according to the FCC.Typical power density levels at a distance of 1 m or greater from any Sensors & Software Inc.product are less than 10-3 mW/cm2 which are 200 to 10,000 times lower than mandated limits.As such, Sensors & Software Inc. products pose no health and safety risk when operated in thenormal manner of intended use.
Appendix B - Health & Safety Certification NogginB-2References1. Questions and answers about biological effects and potential hazards of radio-frequencyelectromagnetic fieldUSA Federal Communications Commission, Office of Engineering & TechnologyOET Bulletin 56(Contains many references and web sites)2. Evaluation Compliance with FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Elec-tromagnetic Fields.USA Federal Communications Commission, Office of Engineering & TechnologyOET Bulletin 56(Contains many references and web sites)3. USA Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations paragraph 1910.67 and1910.263.Web Siteswww.fcc.gov/Bureau/EngineeringTechnlogy/Documents/bulletin www.osha-slc.gov/SLTC (see radio frequency)
Noggin Appendix C - GPR Emissions, Interference and RegulationsC-1 Appendix C GPR Emissions, Interference and RegulationsAll governments have regulations on the level of electromagnetic emissions that an electronic apparatuscan emit. The objective is to assure that one apparatus or device does not interfere with any other appara-tus or device in such a way as to make the other apparatus non-functional. Sensors & Software Inc. extensively test their pulseEKKO, Noggin and Conquest subsurface imagingproducts using independent professional testing houses and comply with latest regulations of the USA,Canada, European Community, and other major jurisdictions on the matter of emissions. GPR instruments are considered to be UWB (ultra-wideband) devices. The regulatory regimes worldwideare devising new rules for UWB devices. Sensors & Software Inc. maintains close contact with the regula-tors to help guide standard development and assure that all products conform. You should continuallymonitor the "News" link on our website (www.sensoft.ca) for updates on standards. Electronic devices have not always been designed for proper immunity. If a GPR instrument is placed inclose proximity to an electronic device, interference may occur. While there have been no substantiatedreports of interference to date, if any unusual behavior is observed on nearby devices, test if the distur-bance starts and stops when the GPR instrument is turned on and off. If interference is confirmed, stopusing the GPR. Where specific jurisdictions have specific GPR guidelines, these are described below.
Appendix C - GPR Emissions, Interference and Regulations NogginC-2C-1 FCC Regulations (USA)This device complies with Part 15 of the USA Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules. Opera-tion in the USA is subject to the following two conditions:(1) this device may not cause harmful interference and(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.Part 15 – User InformationThis equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, whereapplicable, and for an ultrawide bandwidth (UWB) device where applicable, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCCRules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when theequipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses and can radiateradio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may causeharmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely tocause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his ownexpense.WARNINGChanges or Modifications not expressly approved by Sensors & Software Inc. could void the user’s author-ity to operate the equipment.Certification of this equipment has been carried out using approved cables and peripheral devices. Theuse of non-approved or modified cables and peripheral devices constitutes a Change or Modification out-lined in the warning above.Operating RestrictionsOperation of this device is limited to purposes associated with law enforcement, fire fighting, emergencyrescue, scientific research, commercial mining, or construction. Parties operating this equipment must beeligible for licensing under the provisions of Part 90 of this chapter. FCC Interpretation of Operation Restrictions issued July 12, 2002(FCC Order DA02-1658, paragraph 9)The regulations contain restrictions on the parties that are eligible to operate imaging systems. 1 Under thenew regulations, GPRs and wall imaging systems may be used only by law enforcement, fire and emer-gency rescue organizations, by scientific research institutes, by commercial mining companies, and byconstruction companies. Since the adoption of the Order, we have received several inquiries from theoperators of GPRs and wall imaging systems noting that these devices often are not operated by the userslisted in the regulations but are operated under contract by personnel specifically trained in the operation ofthese devices. We do not believe that the recent adoption of the UWB rules should disrupt the criticalsafety services that can be performed effectively only through the use of GPRs and wall imaging systems.We viewed these operating restrictions in the broadest of terms. For example, we believe that the limita-tion on the use of GPRs and wall imaging systems by construction companies encompasses the inspec-tion of buildings, roadways, bridges and runways even if the inspection finds no damage to the structure1. See 47 C.F.R. §§15.509(b), 15.511(b), and 15.513(b)
Noggin Appendix C - GPR Emissions, Interference and RegulationsC-3and construction does not actually result from the inspection; the intended purpose of the operation of theUWB device is to determine if construction is required. We also believe that the GPRs and wall imagingsystems may be operated for one of the purposes described in the regulations but need not be operateddirectly by one of the described parties. For example, a GPR may be operated by a private companyinvestigating forensic evidence for a local police department. FCC Permitted Mode of UsageThe GPR antenna must be kept on the surface to be in compliance with FCC regulations. Use of theantenna is not permitted if it is lifted off the surface. Use as a through-the-wall imaging device is prohib-ited. GPR Use CoordinationFCC regulation 15.525(c) (updated in February 2007) requires users of GPR equipment to coordinate theuse of their GPR equipment as described below: TITLE 47--TELECOMMUNICATION CHAPTER I--FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSIONPART 15_RADIO FREQUENCY DEVICESSubpart F_Ultra-Wideband Operation Sec.15.525 Coordination requirements. (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. (b) The users of UWB imaging devices shall supply operational areas to the FCC Office of Engineeringand Technology, which shall coordinate this information with the Federal Government through the NationalTelecommunications and Information Administration. The information provided by the UWB operator shallinclude the name, address and other pertinent contact information of the user, the desired geographicalarea(s) of operation, and the FCC ID number and other nomenclature of the UWB device. If the imagingdevice is intended to be used for mobile applications, the geographical area(s) of operation may be thestate(s) or county(ies) in which the equipment will be operated. The operator of an imaging system usedfor fixed operation shall supply a specific geographical location or the address at which the equipment willbe operated. This material shall be submitted to: Frequency Coordination Branch, OET Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street, SW, Washington, D.C. 20554 Attn: UWB Coordination(Sensors & Software Inc. Note: The form given on the following page is a suggested format for performingthe coordination.) (c) The manufacturers, or their authorized sales agents, must inform purchasers and users of their sys-tems of the requirement to undertake detailed coordination of operational areas with the FCC prior to theequipment being operated. (d) Users of authorized, coordinated UWB systems may transfer them to other qualified users and to dif-
Appendix C - GPR Emissions, Interference and Regulations NogginC-4ferent locations upon coordination of change of ownership or location to the FCC and coordination withexisting authorized operations. (e) The FCC/NTIA coordination report shall identify those geographical areas within which the operationof an imaging system requires additional coordination or within which the operation of an imaging systemis prohibited. If additional coordination is required for operation within specific geographical areas, a localcoordination contact will be provided. Except for operation within these designated areas, once the infor-mation requested on the UWB imaging system is submitted to the FCC no additional coordination with theFCC is required provided the reported areas of operation do not change. If the area of operation changes,updated information shall be submitted to the FCC following the procedure in paragraph (b) of this section. (f) The coordination of routine UWB operations shall not take longer than 15 business days from thereceipt of the coordination request by NTIA. Special temporary operations may be handled with an expe-dited turn-around time when circumstances warrant. The operation of UWB systems in emergency situa-tions involving the safety of life or property may occur without coordination provided a notificationprocedure, similar to that contained in Sec. 2.405(a) through (e) of this chapter, is followed by the UWBequipment user.[67 FR 34856, May 16, 2002, as amended at 68 FR 19751, Apr. 22, 2003] Effective Date Note: At 68 FR 19751, Apr. 22, 2003, Sec. 15.525 was amended by revising[[Page925]]paragraphs (b) and (e). This amendment contains information collection and recordkeeping require-ments and will not become effective until approval has been given by the Office of Management and Bud-get.
Noggin Appendix C - GPR Emissions, Interference and RegulationsC-5FCC GROUND PENETRATING RADAR COORDINATION NOTICE NAME:ADDRESS:CONTACT INFORMATION [CONTACT NAME AND PHONE NUMBER]:AREA OF OPERATION [COUNTIES, STATES OR LARGER AREAS]:FCC ID: [E.G. QJQ-NOGGIN100 FOR NOGGIN 100 SYSTEM, QJQ-NOGGIN250 FOR NOGGIN 250SYSTEM, QJQ-NOGGIN500 FOR NOGGIN 500 SYSTEM, QJQ-NOGGIN1000 FOR NOGGIN 1000 SYS-TEM]EQUIPMENT NOMENCLATURE: [E.G. NOGGIN 250] Send the information to:Frequency Coordination Branch., OETFederal Communications Commission445 12th Street, SWWashington, D.C. 20554ATTN: UWB CoordinationFax: 202-418-1944INFORMATION PROVIDED IS DEEMED CONFIDENTIAL
Noggin Appendix C - GPR Emissions, Interference and RegulationsC-6C-2 ETSI Regulations for the EC (European Community)In the European Community (EC), GPR instruments must conform to ETSI (European Technical StandardsInstitute) standard EN 302 066-1 v1.2.1. Details on individual country requirements for licensing are coor-dinated with this standard. For more information, contact Sensors & Software’s technical staff.All Sensors & Software ground penetrating radar (GPR) products offered for sale in European Communitycountries or countries adhering to ETSI standards are tested to comply with EN 302 066 v1.2.1.For those who wish to get more detailed information, they should acquire copies of the following docu-ments available from ETSI.ETSI EN 302 066-1 V1.2.1 (February 2008) Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters(ERM); Ground and Wall- Probing Radar applications (GPR/WPR) imaging systems; Part 1: Technicalcharacteristics and test methodsETSI EN 302 066-2 V1.2.1 (February 2008) Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters(ERM); Ground and Wall- Probing Radar applications (GPR/WPR) imaging systems; Part 2: HarmonizedEN covering essential requirements of article 3.2 of the R&TTE DirectiveETSI TR 101 994-2 V1.1.2 (March 2008) Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters(ERM); Short Range Devices (SRD); Technical characteristics for SRD equipment using Ultra Wide Bandtechnology (UWB); Part 2: Ground- and Wall- Probing Radar applications; System Reference Document
Noggin Appendix C - GPR Emissions, Interference and RegulationsC-7C-3 Industry Canada Regulations Industry Canada published it regulations for ground penetrating radar (GPR) on Mar 29 2009 as part of theRSS-220 titled 'Devices Using Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Technology'.Industry Canada has made a unique exception for GPR by not requiring user licensing. The user doeshave to comply with the following directives:(1) This Ground Penetrating Radar Device shall be operated only when in contact with or within 1 m of the ground.(2) This Ground Penetrating Radar Device shall be operated only by law enforcement agencies, scientific research institutes, commercial mining companies, construction companies, and emergency rescue or firefighting organizations.Should the ground penetrating radar be used in a wall-penetrating mode then the following restrictionshould be noted by the user:(1) This In-wall Radar Imaging Device shall be operated where the device is directed at the wall and in contact with or within 20 cm of the wall surface.(2) This In-wall Radar Imaging Device shall be operated only by law enforcement agencies, sci-entific research institutes, commercial mining companies, construction companies, and emer-gency rescue or firefighting organizations.Since operation of GPR is on a licence-exempt basis, the user must accept the following:Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) thisdevice must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of thedevice.
Noggin Appendix D - Instrument InterferenceD-1 Appendix D Instrument InterferenceImmunity regulations place the onus on instrument/apparatus/device manufacturers to assurethat extraneous interference will not unduly cause an instrument/apparatus/device to stop func-tioning or to function in a faulty manner.Based on independent testing house measurements, Sensors & Software Inc. systems complywith such regulations in Canada, USA, European Community and most other jurisdictions. GPRdevices can sense electromagnetic fields. External sources of electromagnetic fields such as TVstations, radio stations and cell phones, can cause signals detectable by a GPR which maydegrade the quality of the data that a GPR device records and displays.Such interference is unavoidable but sensible survey practice and operation by an experiencedGPR practitioner can minimize such problems. In some geographic areas emissions from exter-nal sources may be so large as to preclude useful measurements. Such conditions are readilyrecognized and accepted by the professional geophysical community as a fundamental limitationof geophysical survey practice. Such interference being present in the GPR recordings is notconsidered as an equipment fault or as a failure to comply with immunity regulations.
Appendix D - Instrument Interference NogginD-2
Noggin Appendix E - Safety Around Explosive DevicesE-1 Appendix E Safety Around Explosive DevicesConcerns are expressed from time to time on the hazard of GPR products being used near blast-ing caps and unexploded ordnance (UXO). Experience with blasting caps indicates that thepower of Sensors & Software Inc.’s GPR products are not sufficient to trigger blasting caps.Based on a conservative independent testing house analysis, we recommend keeping the GPRtransmitters at least 5 feet (2m) from blasting cap leads as a precaution. Some customers doexperimental trials with their particular blasting devices to confirm with safety. We strongly rec-ommend that GPR users routinely working with explosive devices develop a systematic safetymethodology in their work areas. The UXO issue is more complex and standards on fuses do not exist for obvious reasons. Todate, no problems have been reported with any geophysical instrument used for UXO. Sinceproximity and vibration are also critical for UXO, the best advice is to be cautious and understandthe risks.
Appendix E - Safety Around Explosive Devices NogginE-2
Noggin Appendix F - Using the PXFER Cable and WinPXFER SoftwareF-1 Appendix F Using the PXFER Cable and WinPXFER SoftwareF1 Transferring Data to a PC using the PXFER CableThere are two methods available to transfer data files from the DVL to a PC. The usual method isto save the data to the removable compact flash drive that is accessible using the door on the topof the DVL. After powering down the DVL, this drive can be removed and inserted into a cardreader attached to a PC.The other method of transferring data files to a PC, described in detail in this section, requires theuse of the optional PXFER cable and WinPXFER software. There are two ways of transferring data to PC using the PXFER cable and WinPXFER. Thissection describes transferring all data files to a PC. The other method is to transfer one or morescreens of data as a single PCX graphics file (see F2: p.F-6). This other type of transfer isappropriate when the user wants to transfer a small amount of data to an external computer foruse with third-party graphics software packages like Microsoft Paint and Word.To transfer all the data buffers from the DVL to an external computer, the computer must beconnected to the DVL using the special parallel XFER cable that is supplied with the system(Section F1.1: p.1). Note that this is a special cable and standard 25 pin to 25 pin or Laplinkcables will not work. As well, the computer must have the WinPXFER program running on it(Section F1.3: p.3).F1.1 Connecting the Digital Video Logger to a PCThe Smart System comes with a separate cable called the parallel XFER cable. This cable isdesigned to connect the DVL to an external computer. Figure F-1: Parallel XFER cable (CABL0023) connectionsThe 2 connections that must be made before attempting to transfer data are: 1) Attach the 25 socket parallel connector to the 25 socket parallel port on back of theDigital Video Logger, and2) Attach the 25 socket parallel connector the parallel port of the external computer.WARNING: To avoid damaging any of the components, turn off the DVL and computer before making any of these connections.
Appendix F - Using the PXFER Cable and WinPXFER Software NogginF-2F1.2 PXFER Cable TypesThere are two types of PXFER cable, Normal and Turbo. The Turbo PXFER cable can be identi-fied by the pink band visible near the connector at either end. The Normal PXFER cable doesnot have this pink band. Figure F-2: Turbo PXFER cable. Figure F-3: Normal PXFER cable.Data transfer can only occur if the DVL is set to the correct type of cable (see F1.4: p.F-4). Aswell, the WinPXFER software must be set to the correct type of cable (see F1.2: p.F-2).
Noggin Appendix F - Using the PXFER Cable and WinPXFER SoftwareF-3F1.3 Installing and Running the WinPXFER ProgramThe Smart system comes with a CD-ROM containing the WinPXFER program. To install the WinPXFER program, follow the directions in the “Software Installation” documentthat accompanies the CD. Briefly, running the SETUP.EXE program from the WinPXFER folderon the CD will install WinPXFER on the computer. Once the WinPXFER program has been installed on the computer and the user is ready totransfer data to the computer, the WinPXFER program needs to be run. This can be done usingthe WinPXFER shortcut on the Desktop, double-clicking the WinPXFER.EXE program inWindows Explorer or pressing Start – Programs – Sensors & Software GPR and finallyWinPXFER. Figure F-4: WinPXFER main screenWhen the WinPXFER program has been run, it will display a screen as shown in Figure F-4.This means that it is ready to receive data transferred from the DVL to the LPT port number 1. This command assumes that the data buffers are being transferred across Parallel Port 1 (LPT1).If using Parallel Port 2 (LPT2) or higher (LPT3, LPT4 etc.), specify the parallel port number underthe Port menu item from WinPXFER.The name of the folder that the Noggin data will be transferred into is listed under the “Currentdata folder”. In the example in Figure F-4, the data will be transferred to the C:\gpr_data folder.The data folder can be changed by pressing the Folder button and choosing another folder.
Noggin Appendix F - Using the PXFER Cable and WinPXFER SoftwareF-4 Figure F-5: Turbo mode under Preferences should only be checked if a Turbo PXFER cable is being used.It is vital that WinPXFER be configured properly for the type of PXFER cable (see F1.2: p.F-2). Ifthe PXFER cable is a Normal cable, the Turbo option under Preferences should NOT be checkedwhen attempting to transfer data. If the PXFER cable is a Turbo cable, the Turbo option underPreferences should be checked when attempting to transfer data. F1.4 Setting the DVL to the PXFER Cable TypeNoggin Mode: The DVL needs to be configured for the type of PXFER cable being used (seeF1.2: p.F-2). In Noggin mode, select 4 - Transfer Setup from the Noggin main menu. Thechoices are Normal and Turbo.Nogginplus Mode: The DVL needs to be configured for the type of PXFER cable being used(see F1.2: p.F-2). In Nogginplus mode, select 4 - Utilities from the Nogginplus main menu andthen Transfer Mode. The choices are Normal and Turbo.F1.5 Transferring Noggin Data Buffer FilesOnce the parallel XFER cable is connected and the WinPXFER software is installed and running(see above), it is now possible to transfer all data buffer files to the external computer.On the DVL, from the main menu, select number 2 – TRANSFER ALL BUFFERS.The data will be transferred from the DVL to the computer and saved in the current workingdirectory. The progress of the data transfer will be displayed on the DVL screen and the externalcomputer.When the data transfer is complete, on the external computer, exit from the WinPXFER program.Press any button on the DVL to return to the main menu.
Noggin Appendix F - Using the PXFER Cable and WinPXFER SoftwareF-5F1.6 Exporting Nogginplus DataOnce the parallel XFER cable is connected (see above) and the WinPXFER software is installedand running, it is now possible to export data to the external computer.All the data in one or more Line or Grid Projects or the TAGGED.GPS file can be transferred toan external computer. From the main File Management menu, the user selects whether to exportLine data, Grid data or the TAGGED.GPS file. If Line or Grid data is selected, the next screenlists the current projects. One project can be highlighted and selected for export. Use the up and down arrows to highlightthe 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.Use the up and down arrows to highlight the projects, the TAG button to tag each project andthen press the XFER button to transfer all the projects to the PC.The data will be transferred from the DVL to the computer and saved in a sub-folder from thecurrent data directory indicated on the WinPXFER program, for example, \DATA\PROJECT2.The progress of the data transfer will be displayed on the DVL screen and the external computer.When the data transfer is complete, exit from the WinPXFER program. Press any button on theDVL to return to the main menu.
Noggin Appendix F - Using the PXFER Cable and WinPXFER SoftwareF-6F2 Transferring One or More Noggin PCX Files to an External PC using WinPXFERThere are two ways of using the PXFER cable and the WinPXFER software to transfer Noggindata to an external computer. The first is to transfer one or more screens (or buffers) of data as asingle PCX graphics file. This method is described in this section. The second way of transferringdata files to an external computer is to copy all the individual SPI (PCX) files from the DVL (seeSection F1: p.1). This method is useful when the user wants to view the data on an externalcomputer using the Win_SpiView software. The data transfer function can only be used after the parallel XFER cable has beenconnected from the DVL to the external computer and after the WinPXFER program hasbeen installed on the external computer and run. Section F1: p.1 describes how to attachthe parallel XFER cable and also how to install and run the WinPXFER program.Once WinPXFER has been run on the external computer, it is ready to receive data image filesfrom the Digital Video Logger. On the Digital Video Logger, after the Print option is selected, the user must define the section tobe printed. The left edge of the page must be established first. This is done by lining up the leftedge of the Digital Video Logger screen with the edge of the plot desired. Use the arrow buttonson the screen to move the section back and forth. A single arrow moves the image 8 pixels eitherright ($), or left (#). A double arrow will move the image 640 pixels or 1 full page to the right (%)or left (&). A single arrow with a vertical line will move the section either to the start (y#), or end($y) of the section. If the start or end of section button is pressed, the image will page throughone screen at a time. Data scrolling can be stopped by pressing any button. Once the left edge isin place, pressing the OK button will lock the left edge of the plot.The right edge of the plot must now be defined the same as the left, however now using the rightedge of the Digital Video Logger screen. Note that the right edge cannot exceed the left edge.Next, select a name for the image file from the options CART-1 to CART-4. As long as theWinPXFER program is running on the external PC, the file will be transferred to the currentdirectory indicated by WinPXFER. When the data image file transfer is complete, the user willfind a data image (CART-n.PCX) file on the external computer in the current directory.When the data transfer is complete, on the external computer, exit from the WinPXFER program.Press any button on the DVL to return to the Noggin screen.
Noggin G-1 Appendix G GPR GlossariesG-1 Basic GPR Termsalpha exponential attenuation coefficient - normal units dB/m (see attenuation)K relative permittivity or dielectric constantsigma electrical conductivity - normal units mS/mv propagation velocity - normal units m/nsdB/m decibels/metre, common unit for attenuation, m/ns metre/nanosecond, common unit of GPR velocity, v (see nanosecond)mS/m milli-Siemens/metre, common unit for conductivity, ns nanosecond, normal unit of GPR time (see nanosecond)ps picosecond = 0.001 ns =10-12s, occasion unit of GPR timeus microsecond = 1000ns =10-6s, occasion unit of GPR timeCOR common offset reflection (survey type where a constant antenna separation is main-tained).CMP common mid-point (survey type where a transmitter and receiver antenna separationare changed but the mid point remains constant)GPR ground penetrating radarEM electromagnetic (common abbreviation)antenna Device used to couple electromagnetic energy into the ground. Sometimes called atransducer. antenna separation Spacing between transmitting and receiving antennas. attenuation A reduction in signal amplitude caused by energy dissipation in the transmitting media(see alpha). bandwidth The range of frequencies over which a given device transmits or detects signals abovea specified amplitude or powercentre frequency Middle of the frequency band defined by a device's bandwidthconductivity The ability of a material to conduct electrical current. In isotropic materials the recipro-cal of resistivity. Sometimes called specific conductance. Units are siemen/m or S/m.(Or occasionally, mhos/m). For GPR, usually expressed as mS/m. Common symbol nanosecond 10-9s (One Billionth of a second)radio wave Electromagnetic fields that travel through a material as waves and typically have oscil-lating frequencies in the 1 GHz to 10 GHz range
NogginG-2receiver (Rx) General term for electronics devices used to detect fields and translate signals intorecords or displaysresolution The minimum separation of two objects before their individual responses merge into asingle responsesignal amplitude A measure of the strength of the radio wave signal station interval Spatial distance between observation points along a survey traverse line or meshpoints on a gridstep size See station intervaltransmitter (Tx) General term used for electronics devices used to create propagating electromagneticfieldstransducer Name used where GPR antenna, electronics, and shield are combined into one physi-cal unitsample point Signal amplitude measured at specific point in timetrace Sequence of sample points from a single GPR channel that indicate time variation ofsignal amplitudecross section Image that results from side-by-side display of a number of traces which are from adja-cent spatial measurement positiongain Process of amplifying signals to match recording device or display dynamic rangeG-2 Common GPR Termszone of influence The size of an area on a reflecting feature that can be uniquely resolved. (See lat-eral resolution length).fresnel zone See zone of influence.range resolution length The radial distance separation between two objects that is needed so that a GPRclearly detects two responses.lateral resolution length The lateral separation between two objects that is needed so that a GPR clearlydetects two responses.ringing Impulsive GPR signals can give rise to reverberating responses that oscillate for amuch longer time than the GPR pulse or wavelet. Such a response is referred toas a "ringing" response or "ringing" for short.hyperbola Characteristic inverted "U" GPR response from a point target. (Mathematical formof the position-travel time response from a point target)signal to noise ratio The ratio of GPR signal amplitude to the average noise amplitude. A large ratioresults in a larger penetration depth or detection of weaker signals.system performance Measure of system exploration depth indicated by the ratio of transmitter outputpower or voltage to receiver noise power or voltage.
Noggin G-3wavelet or EM pulse Impulsive GPR's emit an oscillatory electromagnetic pulse which is short in timeand space and is often referred to as a wavelet.penetration depth The depth of a GPR wavelet can penetrate to before it is attenuated to an unde-tectable amplitude.air waves GPR systems can create and detect energy which travels through air above theground. Undesired responses from above ground targets are often called 'airwaves'. G-3 Advanced GPR TermsGPS global positioning system (satellite based positioning).DMI distance measuring indicator.stacks number of repeated measurements averaged to get resulting measurements.reflectivity measure of amplitude returned by a target.reflection coefficient normally named fresnel reflection coefficient and quantifies GPR signal reflectionamplitude from a flat interface between two materials.3 dB bandwidth Range of spectrum over which the GPR signal amplitude remains above a valueequal to the (peak amplitude).6 dB bandwidth Range of spectrum over which the GPR signal amplitude remains above a valueequal to the (peak amplitude).
NogginG-4

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