Sensors and Software NOGGIN500 NOGGIN 500 User Manual SmartSystemsV11

Sensors & Software Inc. NOGGIN 500 SmartSystemsV11

UserManual.wiki >

Sensors and Software >

NOGGIN500 User Manual >

Users Manual Pages 41 to 80 HTML Version

Users Manual Pages 41 to 80

Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1

the user will find 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.

5.3.3 View Menu

The View function allows the user to scroll back through previously recorded data in the

same manner as the Print function (see Section 5.3.2).

5.3.4 Calib. (Calibration) Menu

Noggin systems can be used to scan into many different materials including soil, rock,

concrete, snow, ice and wood. The radio wave emitted by a Noggin system will travel at

different velocities depending on the material being scanned. The depth values on the

Depth menu (see Section 5.3.5) and on Depth Lines (see Section 5.2.2) are only

accurate if the system has been properly calibrated to determine the velocity of the

material being scanned. See Section 5.8.1 for more details about how depth is

calculated.

The Calibration function allows the user to input the velocity of the material being

scanned. Velocity can be determined in one of four different ways depending on the

situation:

1) Hyperbola matching

2) Target of known depth

3) Select a media

4) Input a velocity value

Hyperbola Matching

This is the most accurate way of determining the velocity of the material being scanned

because it extracts the speed using data collected in the area. This method may not

work in all situations because it depends on having a good quality hyperbola (or inverted

U) in the data. A hyperbola is the characteristic Noggin response from a small point

target like a pipe, rock or even a tree root. If the hyperbola has long tails on it, we can

match the shape of the hyperbola and determine the velocity of the material in the area.

With the hyperbola visible on the DVL screen, select the hyperbola (∩) button. This will

superimpose a hyperbola on the data. This hyperbola can be moved up (5), down (6),

left (3) and right (4) using the appropriate arrow buttons. The goal is move the

hyperbola until it lies on top of the hyperbola in the data (see Figure 5-5). Then, the user

can adjust the width of the hyperbola to make it wider (34) or narrower (43) until the

shape of the hyperbola matches the shape of the hyperbola in the data. After matching

the hyperbola, the velocity value is extracted and used for all subsequent data

acquisition.

Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1

Pressing the up, down left, right, wider and narrow buttons once makes a very small

change in the position or width of the hyperbola. These buttons must sometimes be

pressed many times to move the hyperbola to the correct position or width. To speed up

the movement of the hyperbola, use the REPEAT button. For example, to move the

hyperbola up a long distance, press the up button (5) followed by the REPEAT button.

The hyperbola will then start moving upward without having to press any more buttons.

When it gets close to the desired location press any button to stop it and then use the

up, down, left and right buttons to fine-tune the position. The REPEAT button can also

be used after pressing the wider (34) or narrower (43) button.

Figure 5-5: 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 used to make

depth estimates more accurate in subsequent data.

Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1

Hyperbola Matching calibration can only be done during data acquisition. It cannot be

done when viewing previously collected data. Further, the Hyperbola Matching

calibration is only available after at least half a screen of data with the same depth

setting have been collected. If less than half a screen of data are collected and the

CALIB button is selected, only calibrations selecting a material or inputting a

velocity are available (see below).

Depths will appear in metres or feet depending on which units are selected. Velocities

appear in both metres per nanosecond (m/ns) and feet per nanosecond (ft/ns). To

change units see Section 5.5.1 - Units.

Target of Known Depth

If there are no suitable hyperbolas visible in the data to perform the Hyperbola Matching

described above, it may be the situation that there is a target of known depth in the area

being scanned. If this is the case, selecting the button with the circle with a horizontal

line through it will superimpose a horizontal line on the data. This line can then be

moved up or down until it lies on top of the Noggin response to the known target. Then,

the user can adjust the velocity value up or down until the known target depth is correct.

Once the depth is matched, the current velocity value is the one used for all subsequent

data acquisition.

(a) (b)

Figure 5-6: 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 adjust the velocity value up or

down until the known target depth is correct. Once the depth is matched, the extracted velocity

value is automatically used for all subsequent data acquisition.

Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1

If units are metres then depths will appear in metres. If units are feet then depths will

appear in feet. Velocities appear in both metres per nanosecond (m/ns) and feet per

nanosecond (ft/ns). To change units see Section 5.5.1 - Units.

Selecting a Media

If a good hyperbola or a target of known depth is not available, the user will have to

estimate the velocity by selecting the predominant material in the area. This can be

done by selecting the MEDIA button and selecting one of the 8 choices. The velocity

associated with each of these choices is given in the following chart:

Material Velocity (m/ns) (ft/ns)

Very Dry Soil 0.170 0.558

Dry Soil 0.130 0.427

Dry Rock 0.120 0.394

Soil 0.100 0.328

Rock 0.100 0.328

Wet Soil 0.080 0.262

Wet Rock 0.080 0.262

Very Wet Soil 0.065 0.213

Input a Velocity Value

It is also possible to input a velocity value directly. When the Velocity button is selected

the user sees the current velocity and can use the up and down arrows to increase or

decrease that value. A table of typical radar velocities in various materials is given

below. If in doubt, use a value of 0.10 m/ns. This is a good average velocity that will

provide a good estimate of depth in most situations.

Material Velocity (m/ns) (ft/ns)

Air 0.300 1.000

Ice 0.170 0.558

Dry Soil 0.130 0.427

Dry Rock 0.120 0.394

Soil 0.100 0.328

Wet Rock 0.100 0.328

Concrete 0.100 0.328

Pavement 0.100 0.328

Wet Soil 0.065 0.213

Water 0.033 0.108

Velocities appear in both metres per nanosecond (m/ns) and feet per nanosecond

(ft/ns). To change units see Section 5.5.1 - Units.

Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1

5.3.5 Depth Menu

This button cycles through 5 different depth ranges. The velocity of the material

determined under Calibration (Section 5.3.4) affects the total apparent depth scanned.

See Section 5.8.1 for more details about how depth is calculated.

The Depth units can be changed to metres, feet or time in nanoseconds. For details,

see Section 5.5.1 – Units. As well, all the Depth values can also be doubled or halved

by changing the Window Zoom option (see Section 5.5.1).

It is important to remember that the properties of the material control the actual

depth being scanned. Just because the Depth setting is set to a certain value, it

does not necessarily mean that the Noggin is able to penetrate to that depth and

collect data. For example, if the Depth setting is 5 meters but the material

penetration is only 3 meters the last 2 meters of the image will not contain

subsurface information. Some materials will absorb the Noggin signal and limit

penetration to less than the selected depth.

If the depth setting is deeper than the Noggin signals penetrate, the data in the lower

part of the section will look blank or speckled rather than signal with continuity.

5.3.6 Gain Menu

The signals that the Noggin system collects from the ground can be very weak,

especially from deeper 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 lowest and 9 the highest. In general, if the target is relatively shallow (1-2 meters) a

low gain value can be used. If the target is deeper or if the screen seems to be blank or

speckled in the lower part of the data section, increase the gain setting. Remember,

however, that if the Noggin signal is not penetrating to the maximum depth setting, even

the maximum gain setting will not show any data.

Figure 5-7 shows the effect of the gain setting. The data on the left has a gain of 1

incrementing to the right up to a gain of 9.

Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1

Figure 5-7: Effects of the Gain setting

If the user finds that they are always using very high or very low gain settings to see the

data adequately, the user may want to adjust the Linear Gain setting under Setup (see

Section 5.5.1 – Linear Gain).

5.3.7 Start Menu

The Start button will begin the acquisition of data and displaying of data to the screen.

After acquisition has started, the Start button disappears and a Stop button (used to halt

acquisition) appears on the left. As well, when data acquisition begins, the Exit, Print

and View buttons are removed.

Data acquisition begins by pressing the Start button on the DVL.

Smart Handle systems: On Smart Handle systems, data acquisition can also be started

by quickly pressing the Smart Handle button. When the Smart Handle button has been

pressed, the lights on the handle should change from red to green to indicate that the

system is ready to collect data. The Smart Handle button can also be used to stop data

acquisition (see Section 5.3.8).

When the Start button (or Smart Handle button) is pressed for the first time after the

system is turned on, the Noggin will boot up (this can take about 10 seconds depending

on the software version). The operator should not start data collection until the system

has finished booting (see the bottom left corner of the screen) and the STOP button has

Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1

appeared on the left. The current battery voltage will then be displayed on the left side

of the screen. This battery voltage appears only briefly before starting data collection.

Anytime the Start button (or Smart Handle button) is pressed, the current date and time

are written vertically on the screen to indicate the start of a new section (see Section

5.5.1 – Time and Date to set time and date). The position indicator is also reset to

zero. The current date and time can be recorded in a field notebook along with the

survey location to help the user organize where each section of data was collected.

5.3.8 Stop Menu

After the Start button is pressed, it disappears from the menu and the Exit button turns

into a Stop button. Data acquisition can be stopped by pressing the Stop button.

Smart Handle systems: On Smart Handle systems, data acquisition can also be

stopped by pressing the Smart Handle button and holding it pressed for about 1 second

before releasing it. When the Smart Handle button has been pressed like this, the lights

on the handle should change from green to red to indicate that the system has stopped

collecting data.

Using the Smart Handle button, it is possible to start a new line, collect the line,

stop the line and start a new line without having to touch the DVL menu buttons.

Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1

5.4 Noggin Data Acquisition

Data acquisition is done simply by pushing the Smart Cart or Smart Handle system

along the survey line. This is usually done with the odometer active, however, it is

possible to turn off the odometer and run the Smart System in continuous operation (see

Section 5.5.1 – Odometer Active).

During data acquisition, the settings for Depth (Section 5.3.5) and Gain (Section 5.3.6)

can be changed by pressing the corresponding button until the desired setting appears.

This can be done while the instrument is collecting data; there is no need to stop first.

5.4.1 Collecting Data using the Odometer

As the Smart System moves, the odometer triggers the system to collect a data trace at

fixed distance intervals. This interval is called the “station interval”. For the Noggin 250,

the normal station interval is 5 centimeters (about 2 inches). For the Noggin 500, the

normal station interval is 2.5 centimeters (about 1 inch). For the Noggin 1000, the normal

station interval is 1.0 centimeter (about 0.48 inch). The station interval can be changed

in the Setup (see Section 5.5.1 – Station Interval).

Each data trace is plotted as a vertical strip on the screen (see Figure 5-1).

For the Noggin 250, each trace is 2 pixels wide. Since the screen is 640 pixels wide,

each screen has 320 traces. When the station interval is set to Normal, each screen

displays 16.0 metres (51.2 feet) of data for the Noggin 250.

For the Noggin 500, each trace is 1 pixel wide. Since the screen is 640 pixels wide,

each screen has 640 traces. When the station interval is set to Normal, each screen

displays 16.0 metres (51.2 feet) of data for the Noggin 500.

For the Noggin 1000, each trace is 1 pixel wide. Since the screen is 640 pixels wide,

each screen has 640 traces. When the station interval is set to Normal, each screen

displays 6.4 metres (25.6 feet) of data for the Noggin 1000.

The maximum number of screens (or buffers) that can be saved on the Digital Video

Logger is 250. This gives a total survey distance of 4000 metres (2.4 miles) for both the

Noggin 250 and Noggin 500. For the Noggin 1000, the total survey distance in 250

screens is 1600 metres (1.2 miles). For more details on total distances and Station

Intervals see Section 5.5.1 – Station Interval.

The odometer units that appear across the top of the screen can be set to either metres

or feet (see Section 5.5.1 – Units).

Smart Systems can normally collect data at a very fast walking pace. However, if the

system is moved too quickly, data quality is reduced (see below).

During data acquisition, the current odometer position value (in the current units, either

metres or feet) is written to the lower right corner of the screen.

Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1

Note that Smart systems can be configured to collect data either by pushing the system

(forward) or pulling the system (reverse). See Section 5.5.1 – Cart Direction about

changing the system direction.

The odometer should be periodically re-calibrated to ensure accuracy. The procedure for

re-calibrating the odometer is described in Section 5.5.1 – Odometer Calibration.

Reducing Data Quality by Moving too Fast

On the lower right corner of the data acquisition screen, under the current odometer

position value (see Figure 5-1) is a single digit number that usually displays one (1).

This value is the Repeat Trace number.

If the Smart System is being used with the odometer and is moved too quickly for the

Noggin to keep up, traces are skipped and the quality of the survey is reduced. The

skipped traces do not actually create gaps in the data but rather, the last trace that was

collected properly is repeated. The Repeat Trace number displays the number of traces

that are being plotted to the screen. If this number exceeds 1 or if the user notices the

data looking smeared or “blocky”, this is probably due to moving the Smart System too

quickly. To eliminate this, either reduce the cart speed or, if possible, reduce the Depth

setting (see Section 5.3.5).

Note that skipping traces is not usually a problem because in order for the system to do

this it has to be moving at a running pace. It is more likely to happen if the depth setting

is very deep (> 10 metres).

Backing up the System to Pinpoint Target Positions

The odometer also allows the user to stop the Smart System in the middle of a survey

line and back up. When this is done, an arrow and vertical line appear on the data image

and move back along the image as the system moves backwards (see Figure 5-1). This

makes it possible to correlate a target in the data image to an exact location on the

ground. Once the arrow lines up with the target, mark the ground at the centre point of

the Noggin.

When the Smart System is moved forward again to continue with the survey, it does not

start collecting data again until you reach the position where you stopped at. This feature

is useful for producing a continuous data image even if the system is backed up during

the survey line.

Note that it is not possible to back up and have the arrow indicator move more

than one screen.

Sometimes it may be desirable to back up to a point and then continue collecting data

starting at that point. To do this, reset the odometer by pressing Stop and then Start

again. When the Smart System is moved forward, it will collect data immediately.

The physical position corresponding to the Back-up arrow can be changed from the

centre of the Noggin to any other position. See Section 5.5.1 – Arrow Reference on

changing the Arrow Reference value.

Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1

5.4.2 Collecting Data using Continuous Operation (No

Odometer)

It is also possible to turn off the odometer input and have the Noggin system run in

continuous mode (see Section 5.5.1 – Odometer Active). This means that the system

collects data even if it is not moving. This option may be the only way of collecting data

when using an odometer wheel is not practical.

When the odometer is turned off, it is up to the user to keep track of positioning by some

other method, for example, a measuring tape, using fiducial markers (see Section 5.2.2)

or GPS (see Section 5.5.1 – GPS Setup Menu).

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.

When the odometer has been turned off, the user can control the speed the Noggin

collects data by increasing or decreasing the number of stacks (for more details on

Stacking, see Section 6.3.1 - Stacks). Increasing the number of Stacks has the effect of

slowing down the data collection speed Noggin system. Decreasing the number of

Stacks has the effect of speeding up the data collection speed Noggin system.

The speed the Noggin moves determines the distance between sample points on the

ground (station interval). This type of data collection requires experimenting with the

number of stacks (see above) and practicing to find a satisfactory speed for the Noggin.

Moving too quickly may result in under-sampling the data making it more difficult to

interpret. Moving too slowly may result in over-sampling the data. This stretches the

data image making it more difficult to interpret. As well, maintaining a uniform walking

speed is important for minimizing image distortion.

Each data trace is plotted as a vertical strip on the screen. Since the station interval is

not fixed, each screen of data can represent any ground distance.

5.4.3 Saving Data

The user has two options for saving data (see Section 5.5.1 – Save Data Mode):

1) Do not save data, or

2) Save up to 250 screens (or buffers) of data and then prompt user to delete data.

When data are saved on the DVL, it acts like a continuous roll chart up to 250 screens

long. If there are data that need to be permanently saved, make sure they are

transferred to an external computer (see Sections 5.3.2 and 5.6.1) before they are

overwritten.

5.4.4 Deleting Data

The easiest way to delete all the data currently on the DVL is to go to the main menu

and press 3 (see Section 5.6.2).

Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1

The user is prompted to delete data when the maximum number of screens (250) has

been reached. When this occurs, the user MUST delete 10%, 25%, 50%, 75% or 100%

of the screens. Note that when less than 100% of the screens are being deleted, the

oldest screens are deleted first.

It is also possible to delete all or some of the current screens of data before 250 have

been collected. To do this, stop the system, press the B button and then follow the

directions to delete 10%, 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% of the screens. Note that when less

than 100% of the screens are being deleted, the oldest screens are deleted first.

5.4.5 Special Keys

A Button = Fiducial Marker

Smart Handle button = Fiducial Marker

During data acquisition, the user can press the A button or, on a the Smart Handle

system, the Smart Handle button to put a fiducial marker on the data (see Section 5.2.2

– Fiducial Markers).

B Button = Background Subtraction Filter:

BEWARE THAT THE BACKGROUND SUBTRACTION PROCESS REMOVES DATA. IT

SHOULD ONLY BE TURNED ON WHEN THIS TYPE OF FILTERING IS NECESSARY.

The background subtraction process has the effect of removing flat-lying events in the

data and enhancing dipping events (like the response from pipes and other point

targets). It can also assist in seeing very shallow targets (< 0.5 meters) that may be

masked by the strong signals at the start of the trace.

Pressing the B button during data acquisition turns on (or off) the Background

Subtraction filter. When it is turned on, the text B-SUB ON is displayed in the lower right

corner of the screen. Stopping data acquisition turns the Background Subtraction filter

off.

5.4.6 Error Messages

If an error occurs, an error message will appear in the bottom left section of the Noggin

screen. EXIT the program and turn off the Digital Video Logger.

Make sure the cables are not damaged and that all cable connections are tightly

secured. Sometimes vibrations cause the cable connections to loosen just a bit and

break contact and this can cause errors. Disconnecting cables and reconnecting them

may provide a better contact and solve the problem. Also check and make sure the

battery is adequately charged. Turn the Digital Video Logger back on and try running the

system again.

For more information on Troubleshooting the system, see Section 7.

Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1

5.5 Noggin Setup

5.5.1 Editing DVL Settings

Pressing the number 1 on the main menu selects the SETUP item. SETUP lists the

settings that can be edited in the Noggin software. Pressing the 1 button (labelled NEXT)

moves forward through the list and pressing the 2 button (labelled PREV) moves

backward through the list. To select a setting to edit, press the 3 button (labelled SET).

Then use the numbered buttons to select the new setting or press the A button to exit

without changing the setting. When all the desired changes have been made, press the

8 button (labelled SAVE) to save the new settings and return to the main menu. To

discard the edits and return to the previous settings, press the 7 button (labelled QUIT).

Default Settings

It is possible to change all the settings back to the default settings by pressing the 6

button (labelled RESET).

The SETUP options are outlined below.

Time and Date

The date and time are written to the data image every time data are collected. The DVL

date and time setting can be changed by moving to one or more of the appropriate fields

and editing the current setting. The LEFT and RIGHT arrows are used to move between

fields. To change any of the numbers or months, use the UP and DOWN arrows to

increase or decrease the value. When the desired date and time are set, press ENTER

to save the changes.

Save Data Mode

This setting controls how data are saved on the DVL. The available options are:

1) No saving of data buffer: If data are not saved, then only data currently on the screen

can be seen. As data scrolls off the screen it is gone and cannot be recovered or

viewed. In this case the View button will not appear.

2) Prompt at end of buffer (default): If this setting is selected, after the maximum 250

number of buffers has been reached, the program prompts the user to delete 10%,

25%, 50%, 75% or 100% of the data buffers. The oldest buffers are deleted first.

Units Used

This is the setting for the position and depth units. The available options are:

1) metres (default)

2) feet

3) metres and time

4) feet and time

Options 3 and 4 mean that position will be displayed in metres or feet and depth will

Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1

displayed in time (nanoseconds). If time is selected the “depth” lines (Section 5.2.2) are

actually time lines.

Odometer Markers

This setting determines whether a vertical dashed line is put on the data image each

time a position label is written to the screen. The available options are:

1) Place a fid at each label

2) No fids at position labels (default)

Odometer Calibration

The odometer should be calibrated periodically to ensure accuracy.

Noggin Smart Systems can take input from several different odometers.

It is very important that the user selects and calibrates the odometer appropriate

for their Smart System.

When Odometer Calibration is selected from the Setup menu, the user is prompted to

select the odometer that is being used with the Smart System.

If a Smart Cart System is being used, select one of the two Smart Cart odometers

(usually #1).

If a Smart Handle system is being used, select one of the two Smart Handle odometers

(usually #1).

If the system is being towed behind a vehicle and using the transmission odometer to

trigger the system, 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

odometer calibration factor or 2) to actually calibrate the odometer over a known

distance. To achieve the highest accuracy, it is recommended that the user choose

option number 2 - Odometer Calibration.

When Odometer Calibration is selected, the user is prompted to select the length of the

line to calibrate on. There are 8 different choices in metres and 8 choices in feet. To

toggle the units between metres and feet, press the B button. Pressing the A button on

this screen gives the additional option to select a user defined value. The user-defined

value can range from 0.01 to 5000 metres or 0.01 to 26400 feet.

When the calibration distance has been selected follow the directions on the screen:

1) Set cart at zero and press A

2) Move the cart the selected distance and press B

3) Press A to exit.

Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1

Odometer calibration values for the Smart Cart odometer should be around 4000.

Odometer calibration values for the Smart Handle odometer should be around 1500.

Odometer calibration values for the Vehicle odometer vary but may be around 50.

Cart Direction

This setting determines whether data are collected as the Smart System is pushed

forward or pulled in reverse. The back up arrow (see Section 5.4.1) will work in the

direction opposite to this setting. The available options are:

1) Forward (push the cart) (default)

2) Reverse (pull the cart)

Odometer Active

This setting determines whether the odometer is used to collect data. If no, then the

system runs continuously (see Section 5.4.2).

1) Yes (use the odometer) (default)

2) No (operate continuously)

If the user selects to turn the odometer off, another menu screen appears and the user is

then prompted to select the number of stacks for the system to run at. Increasing the

number of stacks has the effect of slowing down the data acquisition speed. Decreasing

the number of stacks has the effect of speeding up the data acquisition speed.

The number of stacks should be set to a value that, when combined with speed the

Noggin is moving at, provides an appropriate station interval. This may take a little

experimenting to determine the optimal values for stacks and Noggin speed.

Label Size

This setting determines the size of the position labels across the top of the data image

and the depth labels beside the horizontal depth lines. The sizes available are:

1) Small

2) Medium (default)

3) Large

4) Extra Large

Noggin System

Noggin Smart Carts can be used with the Noggin 250, 500 and 1000 systems. Noggin

Smart Handle systems can be used with the Noggin 500 and 1000 systems. The

Noggin System should be set to the type of Noggin currently in use on the Smart

System. The systems available are:

1) Noggin 250 System

2) Noggin 500 System

3) Noggin 1000 System

Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1

Station Interval

As the Smart Cart moves, the odometer triggers the system to collect a data trace at

fixed distance intervals. This interval is called the “station interval”.

The station interval can be changed to allow a longer or shorter distance between

traces. For a successful survey, it is important that several traces be collected over a

target. If the target is small, the user may want to shorten the station interval to ensure

that data traces are collected over the target. Conversely, if the target is very large or is

a flat-lying feature it is probably not necessary to collect a lot of traces over the target, in

fact, sometimes this can make the target more difficult to see in the data. In this case it

may be beneficial to increase the station interval.

Figure 5-8: 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.

Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1

Note that decreasing the station interval increases the data volume and increasing the

station interval reduces the data volume.

The choices available are:

1) Short

2) Normal

3) Long

4) X-Long

5) Normal x 10

6) Normal x 20

7) Normal x 40

8) Normal x 50

9) Normal x 100

Each choice listed will be followed by an actual value in metres or inches depending on

which units are selected and which Noggin system is being used. Here is a chart

showing the station interval for each system and setting. The choices available are:

Noggin 250 System

Setting

Station Interval Data per Screen Total Data for 250

Screens

Short 2.5 cm or 0.96 in 8 m or 25.6 ft 2 km or 1.2 miles

Normal 5.0 cm or 1.92 in 16 m or 51.2 ft 4 km or 2.4 miles

Long 10.0 cm or 3.84 in 32 m or 102.4 ft 8 km or 4.8 miles

X-Long 25.0 cm or 9.6 in 80 m or 256 ft 20 km or 12.1 miles

Norm x10 50.0 cm or 19.20 in 160 m or 512 ft 40 km or 24.2 miles

Norm x20 100.0 cm or 38.4 in 320 m or 1024 ft 80 km or 48.5 miles

Norm x40 200.0 cm or 76.8 in 640 m or 2048 ft 160 km or 97.0 miles

Norm x50 250.0 cm or 96.0 in 800 m or 2560 ft 200 km or 121.2 miles

Norm x100 500.0 cm or 192.0 in 1600 m or 5120 ft 400 km or 242.4 miles

Noggin 500 System

Setting

Station Interval Data per Screen Total Data for 250

Screens

Short 1.0 cm or 0.48 in 6.4 m or 25.6 ft 1.6 km or 1.2 mile

Normal 2.5 cm or 0.96 in 16 m or 51.2 ft 4 km or 2.4 miles

Long 5.0 cm or 1.92 in 32 m or 102.4 ft 8 km or 4.8 miles

X-Long 12.5 cm or 4.8 in 80 m or 256 ft 20 km or 12.1 miles

Norm x10 25 cm or 9.6 in 160 m or 512 ft 40 km or 24.2 miles

Norm x20 50 cm or 19.2 in 320 m or 1024 ft 80 km or 48.5 miles

Norm x40 100 cm or 38.4 in 640 m or 2048 ft 160 km or 97.0 miles

Norm x50 125 cm or 48.0 in 800 m or 2560 ft 200 km or 121.2 miles

Norm x100 250 cm or 96.0 in 1600 m or 5120 ft 400 km or 242.4 miles

Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1

Noggin 1000 System

Setting Station Interval Data per Screen Total Data for 250

Screens

Short 0.5 cm or 0.24 in 3.2 m or 12.8 ft 0.8 km or 0.61 mile

Normal 1.0 cm or 0.48 in 6.4 m or 25.6 ft 1.6 km or 1.2 mile

Long 2.0 cm or 0.96 in 12.8 m or 51.2 ft 3.2 km or 2.4 miles

X-Long 5.0 cm or 2.4 in 32.0 m or 128 ft 8.0 km or 6.1 miles

Norm x10 10 cm or 4.8 in 64.0 m or 256 ft 16.0 km or 12.1 miles

Norm x20 20 cm or 9.6 in 128 m or 512 ft 32.0 km or 24.2 miles

Norm x40 40 cm or 19.2 in 256 m or 1024 ft 64.0 km or 48.5 miles

Norm x50 50 cm or 24.0 in 320 m or 1280 ft 80.0 km or 60.6 miles

Norm x100 100 cm or 48.0 in 640 m or 2560 ft 160 km or 121.2 miles

Note that Noggin 250 traces are plotted on the screen 2 pixels wide while traces from

the Noggin 500 and 1000 are plotted on the screen 1 pixel wide (see Section 5.4.1).

Linear Gain

As described in Section 5.3.6, the weak signals must be amplified or “gained” to see

them on the display. The Gain button described in Section 5.3.6 can be set to a value

from 1 to 9 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. The default Linear Gain setting of 2.5 is usually adequate for most ground

conditions, however, if the user finds that they are surveying in areas where high Gain

button settings are always required to see data, it may be advantageous to increase the

Linear Gain setting. Conversely, if the user finds that low Gain button values work to

see the data, it may be useful to decrease the Linear Gain setting.

The choices available for Linear Gain are:

1) 0.0

2) 0.5

3) 1.0

4) 1.5

5) 2.0

6) 2.5 (default)

7) 3.0

8) 5.0

Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1

Arrow Reference

Section 5.4.1 describes the Back-up Arrow that appears when a Smart System is

backed up. The Back-up Arrow allows the user to pinpoint the exact ground position

corresponding to a target response on the data image. The Arrow Reference value is

used to change the physical position that corresponds to the Back-up Arrow. If the

Arrow Reference value is set to the default value of zero (0.0) metres, the Back-up arrow

position corresponds with the center point of the Noggin.

However, the Arrow Reference value can be changed so that the Back-up Arrow

corresponds to a position at any offset from the center of the Noggin. For example,

setting the Arrow Reference value to +0.25 meters moves the Back-up Arrow to line up

with a position 25 centimeters in front of the Noggin centre point (on the Noggin 500

Smart Cart this roughly corresponds to the front axle). Setting the Arrow Reference

value to -0.25 meters moves the Back-up Arrow to line up with a position 25 centimeters

in behind the Noggin centre point (on the Noggin 500 Smart Cart this roughly

corresponds to the back axle). In this way, the Arrow Reference value can be changed

to correspond with any position desired by the user.

One reason the user may want to change the Arrow Reference value is so that the

Noggin does not cover the actual target location. This makes it easier to spray paint a

mark or put a flag on the ground where the target occurs.

To change the Arrow Reference value, use the Increase and Decrease buttons. The

Increase button will increment the value by 0.025 meters or 2.5 centimeters. The

Decrease button will decrement the value by 0.025 meters or 2.5 centimeters. Positive

values correspond to positions in front of the Noggin and negative values are positions

behind the Smart Cart. Note that the Arrow Reference value is always expressed in

metres regardless of the settings of the other units. When the Arrow Reference value

has been set, press 4 to save it.

1) Increase

2) Decrease

3) Set to Zero

4) Save and Return

Window Zooming

Window Zooming allows the user to double or half all the default depth settings. For

example, if the Window Zooming is set to the default of 100%, the user may find the five

Depth settings to be 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 and 15.0 metres. If the Window Zooming option is

changed to 50% then the Depth settings are reduced to one half, specifically 1.25, 2.5,

3.75, 5.0, and 7.5 metres. Similarly, if The Window Zoom option is set to 200% then the

Depth settings are doubled, specifically 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, 20.0 and 30.0 metres. This

option allows the user to make larger or smaller depth ranges than the default.

The choices available are:

1) 50%

2) 100% (default)

3) 200%

Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1

GPS Setup Menu

The Global Positioning System (GPS) uses special satellites around the Earth to

determine the position of a GPS receiver located at any position on the surface of the

Earth. GPS receivers can be purchased from a number of manufacturers.

The DVL has a serial port on the back for attaching a GPS receiver. This port will

accommodate any GPS receiver that has a standard serial port output.

This feature allows GPS information to be logged while collecting Noggin data. The GPS

information may be useful for determining where a specific target of interest is located in

GPS co-ordinates.

The DVL can be set up to read and log GPS information collected during data

acquisition with the Noggin system. GPS information can be logged in two different

ways: 1) to display GPS information on the data image every certain number of data

traces collected by the Noggin system, or 2) to display GPS information on the data

image every time the user presses the A button during data acquisition.

In order for the DVL to read the GPS data string, the GPS settings for the specific GPS

receiver being used must be input into this menu. There are 4 important items that must

be specified correctly for the DVL to display the GPS strings. These items are Baud

Rate, Stop Bits, Data Bits and Parity. These are discussed in more detail below. The

default values listed below are the values that are typically used. Read the GPS

Receiver User’s Guide or experiment with the settings to find the correct ones.

Once these 4 items are set correctly you should be able to run System Test #1 and have

GPS information written to the screen.

When the logging of GPS information is enabled, during data acquisition a message will

appear in the bottom left-hand corner of the DVL screen indicating whether GPS data is

successfully being received (see Section 6.2.4).

Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1

Mode

There are three GPS modes available:

1) Off mode means that a GPS receiver is not connected to the DVL so no GPS

information is being logged. This should be the setting if you do not have a GPS

receiver.

2) Display every X traces mode means that every time the Noggin collects a user-

defined number of traces trace of GPR data, a data string of GPS information will be

written to the data image.

For example, the data may look like this:

Figure 5-9: Noggin Data with GPS information written to the screen every 150 traces

When this option is selected, the user is prompted to enter the number of traces to

collect before the GPS information is written to the data image.

With a Noggin 250 system, there are 320 traces per screen so using a value of 160

traces would ensure that there are 2 GPS positions on each screen.

With a Noggin 500 and Noggin 1000 system, there are 640 traces per screen so

using a value of 320 traces would ensure that there are 2 GPS positions on each

screen.

Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1

3) Tagging with the A Button mode means that whenever the A button is pressed

during data acquisition, a data string of GPS information will be written onto the data

image.

For example, the data may look like this:

Figure 5-10: Noggin Data with GPS information written to the screen when the A button is

pressed.

Baud Rate

The baud rate is the speed that data is sent from the GPS receiver to the serial port of

the DVL. The available options are: 2400, 4800, 9600 (default) or 19200.

Stop Bits

The available settings for Stop Bits are: 1 (default) or 2.

Data Bits

The available settings for Data Bits are: 7 or 8 (default).

Parity

The available settings for Parity are: none (default), odd or even.

Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1

End String

The GPS receiver can be set up to send one or more types of data strings. These

strings are called NMEA-0183 strings and each contains positional or other information

in specific formats. Each type of string is specified by a 5-character prefix. There are

numerous NMEA strings but examples of three different NMEA strings (GPGGA,

GPVTG and GPGSA) are shown 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*36

Before using the GPS with the Noggin, the DVL software needs to know the prefix of the

LAST string being sent in each group. In the example above, three strings are being

sent each time (GPGGA, GPVTG and GPGSA). Since GPGSA is the last one being

sent in each group, the End String needs to be specified as GPGSA.

To see what the End String is for your particular GPS, run System Test #1 and note the

first 5 characters on the last line after each series of strings is written to the screen.

These are the 5 characters that need to be filled in under End String.

The End String option allows the user to fill in the 5 character GPS prefix. Use the Left

and Right buttons to move left or right to different characters in the string. The currently

selected character will have an “^” under it. To change the letter of the current

character, use the Next button to change it to the next letter in the alphabet and the

Previous button to change it to the previous letter in the alphabet. Using these keys all 5

characters can be filled in with the necessary GPS End String.

See the GPS Receiver User’s Guide for details on how to set up the receiver to output

specific NMEA strings or groups of NMEA strings.

System Test #1

After all the settings above have been input and the GPS receiver is attached to the

serial port on the DVL, the user can test that the DVL is receiving the GPS output by

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 End String setting above.

If the NMEA strings do not appear, check that the port settings are correct. It is also

possible that a crossover cable is required between the output cable of the GPS receiver

and the serial port on the DVL.

Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1

System Test #2

Once the GPS system is running successfully, System Test #2 can be used to

graphically display the GPS data. This screen displays the GPS Time, Latitude,

Longitude and Altitude as well as other values indicating the accuracy of the GPS

reading. The GPS position is also displayed in a square that can be Zoomed from 2

metres square to 16384 metres square.

Transfer Rate

Transfer Rate is a variable from 1 to 8 that corresponds to the speed of the data transfer

from the Noggin to the DVL. A value of 8 provides the fastest transfer speed while a

value of 1 is the slowest.

For standard Smart Systems like the Smart Cart system and Smart Handle system

the Transfer Rate value must be set to 8.

The Transfer Rate value will only be decreased for systems with data cables longer than

standard lengths. Please contact Sensors & Software before changing the Transfer

Rate on your system.

Reset Counter

The Noggin software records the total distance the cart has travelled. This value is

displayed in Setup but cannot be changed.

The Noggin 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 SET button.

Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1

5.6 Noggin Buffer File Management

Files collected with the Noggin system can be transferred to an external computer

(Section 5.6.1) or deleted from the DVL (Section 5.6.2).

5.6.1 Transferring all Buffer Files to an External Computer

using the WinPXFER Program

Pressing the number 2 on the main Noggin menu transfers ALL the data buffers (up to

250 screens) from the DVL to an external computer. This type of transfer allows the user

to view the data on the external computer using the SpiView software. SpiView is

available from Sensors & Software Inc.

There are two ways of transferring data to an external PC. This section describes

transferring all data files to an external computer. The other method is to transfer one or

more screens of data as a single PCX graphics file (see Section 5.3.2, Transferring Data

to an External PC). This other type of transfer is appropriate when the user wants to

transfer a small amount of data to an external computer for use 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

be connected to the DVL using the special parallel XFER cable that is supplied with the

system (Section 5.6.1). Note that this is a special cable and standard 25 pin to 25 pin or

Laplink cables will not work. As well, the computer must have the WinPXFER program

running on it (Section 5.6.1).

Connecting the Digital Video Logger to an External Computer

The Smart Cart comes with a separate cable called the parallel XFER cable. This cable

is designed to connect the DVL to an external computer.

Figure 5-11: Parallel XFER cable connections

The 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

the Digital Video Logger, and

2) Attach the 25 socket parallel connector the parallel port of the external computer.

Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1

WARNING: To avoid damaging any of the components, turn off the DVL

and computer before making any of these connections.

Installing and Running the WinPXFER Program

The Smart system comes with a CD-ROM containing the WinPXFER program.

To install the WinPXFER program, follow the directions in the “Getting Started”

document that accompanies the CD. Basically, running the SETUP.EXE program from

the WinPXFER folder on the CD will install WinPXFER on the computer.

Once the WinPXFER program has been installed on the computer and the user is ready

to transfer data to the computer, the WinPXFER program needs to be run. This can be

done using the WinPXFER shortcut on the Desktop, double-clicking the WinPXFER.EXE

program in Windows Explorer or pressing Start – Programs – Sensors & Software GPR

and finally WinPXFER.

Figure 5-12: WinPXFER main screen

When the WinPXFER program has been run, it will display a screen as shown in Figure

5-12:

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 under the Port menu item from WinPXFER.

The name of the folder (or directory) that the Noggin data will be transferred into is listed

under the “Current selected data directory”. In the example in Figure 5-12, the data will

be transferred to the c:\data directory. The data directory can be changed by pressing

the Directory button and choosing another directory.

Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1

Transferring Buffer Files

Once the parallel XFER cable is connected (Section 5.6.1) and the WinPXFER software

is installed and running (Section 5.6.1), it is now possible to transfer all data buffer files

to the external computer.

On the DVL, from the main menu, select number 2 – TRANSFER ALL BUFFERS.

The data will be transferred from the DVL to the computer and saved in the current

working directory. The progress of the data transfer will be displayed on the DVL screen

and the external computer.

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.

Parallel Port not bi-directional Error

Sometimes, when attempting to transfer data to the PC, the error message “LPT1 is not

bi-directional” may appear on the DVL screen. When transferring data from the DVL unit

to a PC, the printer port is used. The WinPXFER program utilizes the functions of a bi-

directional printer port for high-speed data transfer. A bi-directional port allows data to

be sent in both directions over the data lines. Most modern ports are bi-directional;

however, they may not be configured as such and may be configured as ‘output only’.

There are a number of ways the port can be reconfigured depending on the type and

manufacturer of your computer. Most computers configure the port using a BIOS setup

program. Again, different manufactures have different ways to start this program. Some

use the Delete key on boot up, some use the F1 or F2 key on boot up, some have a

special key sequence and others use a program run through DOS or Windows. Often

there is a line of text written to the screen during the boot-up sequence that indicates

which key must be pressed to run Setup. This key MUST be pressed BEFORE

Windows starts. If you miss pressing it, go into Windows, shut down, restart the

computer and try again. Consult your owners’ manual for details.

After the BIOS Setup program starts, the Parallel or Printer port configuration that needs

to be changed is normally under the ‘Peripheral’ or “Advanced” setting heading. If you

can’t find it under these headings, look under the various headings for some setting like

“Parallel Mode” or “Parallel Configuration”. Take note of what the current setting is. The

typical settings are Normal, ECP, EPP and bi-directional. It may require some

experimentation to find the correct setting that works with the WinPXFER program.

First, try changing the setting to bi-directional. Save the settings and exit the Setup

program (usually there is a special key like F10 to do this). Then allow the computer to

continue to boot up. Then, try transferring data again, as described above. If the “LPT1

is not bi-directional” error occurs again, reboot the PC, run the BIOS Setup program,

change the Parallel port setting to EPP, save the settings and try again. The settings

don’t appear standard so no one particular setting will solve the error on all computers.

Keep trying the different parallel port settings until one of them eliminates the error and

allows data transfer.

Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1

Viewing SPI Files in SpiView on the External PC

If the buffer data transferred to the external computer are to be viewed using the

SpiView software, all of the data buffer files (SPIxx.PCX) must be copied to the

\SPIVIEW\BUFFERS directory. Any buffer data files in this directory should be moved or

deleted before the new buffer data files are copied. Alternatively, the buffer location can

be changed using the SPI_LOAD.INI file (see the SpiView Manual for details). SpiView

is available from Sensors & Software Inc.

5.6.2 Deleting all Buffer Files on the DVL

Pressing the number 3 on the main menu allows the user to delete ALL the data buffers

(up to 250 screens) currently saved on the DVL.

Before the buffers are deleted, the user is asked, “Do you want to delete all the buffers?”

To answer YES to this question press the A button. To answer NO to the question press

the B button and the buffers are not deleted.

5.7 Upgrades

Pressing the number 4 on the main menu puts the DVL into listen mode to allow a

software upgrade to be transferred from an external PC to the DVL. Avoid pressing this

button until the instructions in a software upgrade tell you to. Once pressed, the DVL

must be powered down exit from this menu item.

Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1

5.8 Advanced Topics

5.8.1 How Depth is Determined

Ground penetrating radar systems record the time for a radio wave to travel to a target

and back. The depth to that target is calculated based on the velocity at which the wave

travels to the target and back. It is calculated as:

D = V x T/2

Where D is Depth (m)

V is Velocity (m/ns)

T is Two-way travel time (ns)

The wave velocity depends on the properties of the material. The Noggin software

allows the user to input different velocities, which changes the total depth range

displayed on the screen. The velocities of common materials are:

Material Velocity (m/ns) (ft/ns)

Air 0.3 1

Ice 0.17 0.57

Dry Soil 0.15 0.5

Dry Rock 0.12 0.4

Soil 0.1 0.33

Wet Rock 0.1 0.33

Concrete 0.1 0.33

Pavement 0.1 0.33

Wet Soil 0.065 0.22

Water 0.033 0.11

Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1

6 Nogginplus

6.1 Overview of Nogginplus Menu Options

The Nogginplus main menu has the following choices:

A – LINE

B – GRID

1 – NOGGIN PLUS SETUP

2 – FILE MANAGEMENT

3 – RUN WITHOUT SAVING DATA

4 – UTILITIES

7 – RETURN

12.1 V Rev 3.00

6.1.1 Line

Survey lines collected with the Nogginplus are saved as digital data files that can be

viewed on the DVL or exported to an external computer for processing and plotting.

Sensors & Software programs like Win_EKKO, EKKO_Mapper, EKKO_3D and

EKKO_Pointer are available to process and display the data.

Pressing the A button from the main Nogginplus menu takes the user to Line data

collection. This menu allows the user to select a project number and line number to

save each data file to.

Data files from the same area can be organized and saved under a project number

selected by the user. As each individual line is collected, it is given a line number.

These line numbers are usually in sequential order but this is up to the user.

6.1.2 Grid

Survey lines collected with the Nogginplus are saved as digital data files that can be

viewed on the DVL or exported to an external computer for processing and plotting.

Pressing the B button from the main Nogginplus menu takes the user to Grid data

collection.

Grid collection involves collecting data in an organized pattern over an area. This type

of data acquisition allows the GPR data to be displayed as 3D volumes with the

EKKO_3D software or presented as plan maps with the EKKO_Mapper or

EKKO_Pointer software.

The Grid menu allows the user to select a grid number and line number to save each

data file to.

Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1

Before the data acquisition on a grid begins, the user must define the size of the area to

be surveyed, the direction of the survey lines and line spacing. The details of the grid

survey are specified in the Grid Setup menu option (see Section 6.3.4).

6.1.3 Setup

There are many background setup parameters related to the Noggin Smart Systems

operation for line and grid surveys that can be edited. This menu allows the user to

display and change various settings for different aspects of the Smart system (see

Section 6.3). The user can also reset all the parameters to the factory default settings.

6.1.4 File Management

The file management option allows Line and Grid data to be downloaded from the DVL

to an external computer via the parallel XFER cable (see Section 6.4.1). This option can

also be used to delete data from the DVL.

6.1.5 Run without Saving Data

This option allows the user to go straight into data acquisition. This feature is to allow a

“quick look” at the data in the area. The data collected when in this mode are NOT saved

and cannot be reviewed later or exported. Data that scrolls off the edge of the screen is

gone and cannot be reviewed.

If a GPS receiver is attached to the DVL, GPS information can be logged to a file even

when the Nogginplus data are not being saved (see Section 6.3.5).

6.1.6 Utilities

This menu has utility programs to change the Date and Time on the DVL (see Section

6.5.1) calibrate the odometer (see Section 6.5.2) and use an external PC to transfer

upgraded software to the DVL (see Section 6.5.3).

6.1.7 Return

This button will return the user to main menu. See Section 3.

Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1

6.2 Nogginplus Data Acquisition

Selecting the Line, Grid or Run without Saving Data options from the main Nogginplus

menu will start data acquisition. The Run without Saving Option goes straight to data

acquisition while the Line and Grid options require the user to select a project number,

file number and press Run before data acquisition begins.

If the Auto Start option is set to ON (see Section 6.3.2 – Auto Start for details) the

system will automatically boot up and be ready for data acquisition. If Auto Start is set to

OFF the user must press the Start button to boot up the system.

After acquisition has started, the Start button disappears and a Stop button (used to halt

acquisition) appears on the right. A Gain button is also visible as well as the current

depth setting and equivalent Time Window length in nanoseconds (see Figure 6-1).

Data acquisition begins by pressing the Start button on the DVL.

Starting Smart Handle systems: On Smart Handle systems, data acquisition can also

be started by quickly pressing the Smart Handle button. When the Smart Handle button

has been pressed, the lights on the handle should change from red to green to indicate

that the system is ready to collect data. The Smart Handle button can also be used to

stop data acquisition by pressing and holding the button for 1 second before releasing it.

(see Stopping Smart Handle systems below).

When the Start button is pressed for the first time after the unit is turned on, the Noggin

will boot up (this can take up to 30 seconds depending on the software version of the

Noggin). During this time the system is self-calibrating and measuring such factors as

temperature and battery voltage.

Once this boot up has been completed, data acquisition can begin. For subsequent

lines there is only a short delay before data acquisition can begin.

Data acquisition is done by pushing the Smart System along the survey line. During

data acquisition, the Gain button is dynamic and the screen display of the signal

sensitivity can be changed on the go (see Section 6.2.6).

When the survey line is completed press the Stop button to stop data acquisition. At this

point no more data can be collected without starting a new line.

Stopping Smart Handle systems: On Smart Handle systems, data acquisition can also

be stopped by pressing the Smart Handle button and holding it pressed for about 1

second before releasing it. When the Smart Handle button has been pressed like this,

the lights on the handle should change from green to red to indicate that the system has

stopped collecting data.

Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1

6.2.1 Replaying or Overwriting Data

Immediately after a data file has been collected and the Stop button (or Smart Handle

button) pressed, the data file can be replayed by pressing the left and right arrow buttons

to the scroll the data to the left and right. As well, during data replay, the data can be

enlarged or “zoomed” by pressing the Zoom button and changing the zoom factor. For

example, zooming 2 times on data with a depth setting of 5.0 metres 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 and selecting Run. The user then has the option to View, Overwrite or Delete

the data file.

6.2.2 Screen Overview

The data acquisition screen is shown in Figure 6-1. It is divided into 3 sections.

Figure 6-1: Nogginplus Data Acquisition Screen

The Noggin screen is shown in Figure 6-1. It is divided into 3 sections. The very top

section (Section A) positioning information. The center section (Section B) contains the

actual data and the bottom section (Section C) contains the menu.

Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1

6.2.3 Section A – Position Information

The very top section (Section A) contains horizontal spatial positioning information in

feet or metres depending on the position units setting (see Section 6.3.1).

6.2.4 Section B - Data Display

This section contains the actual data collected or replayed. The section also contains the

depth indicator lines and any fiducial markers the user enters. See the sections below for

more details.

If a GPS receiver is attached to the DVL, a file containing GPS information can be saved

(see Section 6.3.5).

Depth Lines

Depth lines are horizontal lines indicating the estimated depth. They are very useful for

getting depth estimates to features of interest in the data.

The Depth Lines are controlled by the current velocity value as well as the depth

selected. See Section 6.3.1 on changing the depth setting and for more details on how

depths are determined.

To display the correct depth, it is the responsibility of the user to calibrate the

system to the correct velocity of the material (see Section 6.2.8 on how to

calibrate the system). Once a velocity value has been determined see Section

6.3.1 on how to change the velocity setting.

Note that it is possible to change the depth units between metres and feet (see Section

6.3.1).

Fiducial Markers

A fiducial marker is a dotted vertical line placed on the data section at a specific position

during data acquisition. Adding these markers during data acquisition is useful for

recording significant positions 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. As well, when using the backup arrow (Section 6.2.7) fiducial markers can

be added at the current arrow location by pressing the A button.

Smart Handle systems: On Smart Handle systems, it is also possible to add a fiducial

marker by quickly pressing the button on the Smart Handle during data acquisition.

The position and name of the object encountered at each marker can be recorded in a

field notebook. 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 PC and reviewed, these markers can assist with data interpretation.

Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1

If a GPS receiver is attached to the DVL, a file containing GPS information can be

saved. In Fuducial Tagging mode, whenever a fiducial marker is added to the data, a

line of GPS information will be added to the GPS file (see Section 6.3.5)

6.2.5 Section C - Menu

The 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 (see Section 6.3.1),

2) The Gain button and current Gain setting (see Section 6.2.6),

3) GPS information (if GPS receiver attached, see below and Section 6.3.5),

4) The current odometer position,

5) The Repeat Trace Number which indicates when the system is being

moved too fast (see Section 6.2.7) and

6) The Calib button for calibrating the velocity setting (see Section 6.2.8).

If a GPS receiver is attached to the DVL (see Section 6.3.5) a message will appear in

the bottom 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 usually because GPS satellites are not available.

4) GPS: No Input means the GPS receiver is not operating properly. Check

the settings and test the system (see Section 6.3.5).

5) GPS: No GGA means the GPS receiver is not outputting a GGA NMEA

string that the DVL requires (see Section 6.3.5).

6.2.6 Gain

During data acquisition, the Gain setting can be changed by pressing the Gain button

until the desired setting appears. This can be done while the instrument is collecting

data; there is no need to stop first.

The signals that the Noggin system collects from the ground can be very weak,

especially from deeper 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 lowest and 9 the highest. In general, if the target is relatively shallow (1-2 metres) a

low gain value can be used. If the target is deeper or if the screen seems to be blank or

speckled in the lower part of the data section, increase the gain setting. Remember,

however, that if the Noggin signal is not penetrating to the maximum depth setting, even

the maximum gain setting will not show any data.

Figure 6-2 shows the effect of the gain setting. The data on the left has a gain of 1

incrementing to the right up to a gain of 9.

Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1

Figure 6-2: Effects of the Gain setting

Note that the gain setting is only for data display. The data are always saved

without any gain applied. It is not possible to collect Nogginplus 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

data adequately, the user may want to adjust the Linear Gain setting under Setup (see

Section 6.3.1).

6.2.7 Collecting Data using the Odometer

As a Smart System moves, the odometer triggers the system to collect a data trace at

fixed distance intervals. This distance is called the “Station Interval”. For the Noggin

250, the normal station interval is 5 centimetres (about 2 inches). For the Noggin 500,

the normal station spacing is 2.5 centimetres (about 1 inch). For the Noggin 1000, the

normal station spacing is 1.0 centimetres (about 0.48 inch). The Station Interval can be

changed to a longer or short distance (see Section 6.3.3).

Each data trace is plotted as a vertical strip on the screen (see Figure 6-1).