abem Terrameter LS User manual

Instruction Manual
Terrameter LS
ABEM Product Number 33 3000 95
ABEM 20120109, based on release 1.9

ABEM Terrameter LS

ABEM Terrameter LS
T ank you for c oosing ABEM Terrameter LS
ABEM Terrameter LS
1
is a state-of-t e-art data acquisition system for self potential (SP),
resistivity and time-domain induced polarization (IP). T e instrument as been carefully
c ecked at all stages of production and is t oroug ly tested before leaving t e factory. It will
provide many years of satisfactory service if andled and maintained according to t e
instructions given in t is manual.
ABEM will be pleased to receive occasional reports from you concerning t e use and
experience of t e equipment. We also welcome your comments on t e contents and
usefulness of t is manual. In all communication wit ABEM be sure to include t e instrument
types and serial numbers. Contact details:
Address: ABEM Instrument AB, Löfströms Allé 1, S-172 66 Sundbyberg, Sweden.
P one number: + 6 8 56 88 300
Fax number: + 6 8 28 11 09
E-mail: [email protected] or, for tec nical questions, [email protected]
Information about ABEM´s product range is available on Internet: www.abem.se
In general, e-mail correspondence gives t e fastest response.
In view of our policy of progressive development, we reserve t e rig t to alter specifications
wit out prior notice.
Note! It is important that you as the user of the instrument notify
ABEM about your name and address. This allows us to keep
you updated with important information, upgrades of the
built in software and documentation. Please send your name
and address directly to ABEM, utilise the Warranty
Registration Card delivered along with the instrument.
Software downloads, not supplied by ABEM Instrument AB, are installed at your own risk.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and constitutes no
commitment by ABEM Instrument AB.
ABEM Instrument AB takes no responsibility for errors in the document or problems that may
arise from the use of this text.
© Copyrig t 2011 ABEM Instrument AB. All rig ts reserved.
1
LS can be read as an abbreviation for Lund System, as it as built-in Lund Imaging System capability.

ABEM Terrameter LS
ABEM warrants eac instrument manufactured by t em to
be free from defects in material and workmans ip.
ABEM's liability under t is warranty is limited in
accordance wit t e terms of General Conditions for t e
Supply of Mec anical, Electrical and Associated
Electronic Products (ORGALIME). It covers t e servicing
and adjusting of a
ny defective parts (except tubes,
transistors, fuses and batteries).
T e Warranty is effective for twelve (12) mont s after t e
date of Bill of Lading or ot er delivery document issued to
t e original purc aser, provided t at t e instrument is
returned ca
rriage paid to ABEM, and is s own to ABEM's
satisfaction to be defective. If misuse or abnormal
conditions ave caused t e fault, repairs will be invoiced
at cost.
Warranty
Stock olm, 2011
Jonas Moberg
President ABEM

ABEM Terrameter LS
WARNING!
The ABEM Terrameter LS delivers high voltages and currents.
Always consider all cables and electrodes connected directly or
indirectly to the Terrameter to carry current.
Stay away from cables and electrodes while the system is
operating. Wear electrically insulating boots and gloves during
fieldwork. Disconnect cables from Terrameter/Electrode Selector
before connecting / disconnecting electrodes to / from cables.
To avoid accident the operator must always keep all parts of the
equipment including instrument, electrode selector, electrode
cables, electrodes etc. under control for unauthorized persons and
stray animals while the system is operating!

ABEM Terrameter LS
i
Table of Contents
Section Page
About This Manual .....................................................................................................iv
1 Get ready Unpacking your new instrument....................................................1
1.1 A S ort Introduction of t e Instrument..........................................................1
1.2 T e Delivered Instrument ..............................................................................2
1.3 Inspection.......................................................................................................2
1.4 S ipping Damage Claims ..............................................................................3
1.5 S ipping/Repacking instructions ...................................................................3
1.6 Registration ....................................................................................................3
1.7 Compliance ....................................................................................................3
2 Overview of the Instrument ................................................................................4
2.1 T e Connector Panel......................................................................................4
2.2 T e Power Panel ............................................................................................5
2.3 T e Built-in GPS Receiver ............................................................................6
2.4 T e User Interface Panel................................................................................6
2.5 T e Power Supply..........................................................................................7
2.6 Operating in Hig Temperature Situations ....................................................8
2.7 Operating in a T understorm .........................................................................8
3 The User Interface ...............................................................................................9
3.1 T e Display....................................................................................................9
3.2 T e Keyboard...............................................................................................10
3.3 Navigation....................................................................................................12
3.4 T e Option Menus .......................................................................................15
3.5 C anging Texts and Values .........................................................................15
3.6 Data Concepts ..............................................................................................18
4 The Instrument...................................................................................................28
4.1 T e Data Storage..........................................................................................29
4.2 T e Network ................................................................................................29
4.3 T e GPS Receiver........................................................................................31
4.4 Calibration....................................................................................................32
4.5 T e Relay Switc .........................................................................................32
4.6 T e Power Source ........................................................................................34

ABEM Terrameter LS
ii
5 Measurement Preparation ................................................................................35
5.1 Save Field Time by Doing t e Rig t Preparations ......................................35
5.2 Preparing Data Acquisition..........................................................................35
6 Measurement Procedures..................................................................................42
6.1 General.........................................................................................................42
6.2 Essential Equipment.....................................................................................42
6.3 Recommended Additional Equipment.........................................................43
6.4 Setting up t e Hardware...............................................................................43
6.5 2D Electrical Imaging ..................................................................................44
6.6 3D Imaging by Means of a Number of 2D Layouts ....................................46
6.7 3D Imaging by Electrode Grid Layouts.......................................................47
6.8 Bore ole-bore ole Tomograp y..................................................................47
6.9 Performing Data Acquisition .......................................................................48
6.10 Vertical Electrical Sounding ........................................................................57
6.11 Full Waveform Data ....................................................................................64
6.12 Measurement Errors.....................................................................................64
7 Measurement Post Production .........................................................................67
7.1 Repack t e LS system..................................................................................67
7.2 Export Measurement Data ...........................................................................67
7.3 Delete a Project ............................................................................................71
8 Terrameter LS Utility Software .......................................................................72
8.1 Instrument Network Address .......................................................................72
8.2 Spread and Protocol Handling .....................................................................73
8.3 Data Transfer ...............................................................................................77
8.4 View and Export Data..................................................................................79
8.5 Update Terrameter LS Instrument Software................................................83
8.6 Erigrap ........................................................................................................84
9 Testing, Diagnostics and Error Search ............................................................85
9.1 Self Test .......................................................................................................85
9.2 Cable Continuity Test ..................................................................................85
9.3 Cable Isolation Test .....................................................................................86
9.4 Remote Diagnostics .....................................................................................87
9.5 In Case of Malfunction ................................................................................88
10 Appendix A. Technical Specification ...........................................................89
10.1 General.........................................................................................................89
10.2 Measuring ....................................................................................................89
10.3 Receiver .......................................................................................................89

ABEM Terrameter LS
iii
10.4 Transmitter...................................................................................................90
10.5 Relay Switc ................................................................................................90
10.6 Software & Communication ........................................................................90
11 Appendix B. Measurement Modes ...............................................................91
11.1 Self Potential (SP)........................................................................................91
11.2 Resistivity (RES) .........................................................................................91
11.3 Induced Polarisation (IP) .............................................................................93
12 Appendix C. Spread and Measuring Sequence Files..................................94
12.1 General.........................................................................................................94
12.2 Spread Description Files in XML-format ....................................................94
12.3 Protocol Files in XML-format .....................................................................96
12.4 Spread Files for Pole-dipole.........................................................................98
12.5 Protocol Files for Pole-dipole ......................................................................98
12.6 Spread Files for Pole-pole............................................................................99
12.7 Protocol Files for Pole-pole .........................................................................99
12.8 Optimising t e Use of C annels for Pole-pole ..........................................100
12.9 Protocol Files in XML-format for VES .....................................................100
12.10 Cable Description Files in ADR-format ................................................101
12.11 Protocol Files in ORG-format................................................................102
12.12 Geometry Files.......................................................................................103
12.13 Standard Spread Files ............................................................................103
12.14 Standard Measuring Sequence Files ......................................................104
12.15 Standard Test and Diagnostic Protocols ................................................104

ABEM Terrameter LS
iv
About This Manual
T e conventions and formats of t is manual are described in t e following
paragrap s:
• Typographical conventions used in t is manual:
Italic Names of objects, figure descriptions
Bold In-line minor eaders, emp asis
Blue Italic URL links
• Formats used in t is manual for ig lig ting special messages:
― Use of t e internal keyboard is given in t is format
― A sequence of steps will ave two or more of t ese parts
Further information about this particular usage is given like this
Note! This format is used to highlight information of
importance or special interest
Warning! Ignoring this type of notes might lead to loss of data or a
malfunction
These notes warn for things that can lead to people
or animals getting hurt or to equipment getting
damaged

ABEM Terrameter LS
v

ABEM Terrameter LS
1
1 Get ready - Unpacking your new instrument
1 1 A Short Introduction of the Instrument
ABEM Terrameter LS is a state-of-t e-art data acquisition system for self potential
(SP), resistivity (RES) and time-domain induced polarization (IP). T e instrument is
delivered wit everyt ing t at is needed for multi-electrode geoelectrical imaging
except electrode cables and electrodes.
T e built-in GPS automatically logs t e instrument position during data acquisition;
provided t ere is adequate GPS signal reception.
Terrameter LS is fully compatible wit existing parts of t e ABEM Lund Imaging
System like electrode cables, cable joints, cable jumpers, electrodes and electrode
selectors for expansion. Figure 1 s ows a complete system except for t e full number
of electrodes and cable jumpers.
Figure 1. Geoelectrical imaging system with Terrameter LS

ABEM Terrameter LS
2
1 2 The Delivered Instrument
Use great care w en unpacking t e instrument. C eck t e contents of t e box or crate
against t e packing list.
Figure 2 s ows t e parts t at are s ipped wit a Terrameter LS for basic imaging.
Terrameter LS
basic unit
4 channel, 250 W
Transport Crate
CCC Battery Charger
100-2 0 V
USB Cable for
Transmitter Update
Software on
USB Memory Stick
12 V NiMH
Battery Pack
LAN Cable RJ45 5m
DC Cable
(external battery)
Torx L-wrench
T20 and T25
Documentation kit:
-User Manual
-Warranty
Registration Card
Figure 2. Terrameter LS for basic imaging
1 3 Inspection
Inspect t e instrument and accessories for loose connections and inspect t e
instrument case for any damage t at may ave occurred due to roug andling during
s ipment.
T e instrument is delivered in a reusable plywood box. T e box is designed to offer a
convenient and safe transport option. All packing materials s ould be carefully
preserved for future re-s ipment, s ould t is become necessary. Always make sure to
use t e transport box provided, or an alternative of at least equivalent mec anical
protection and s ock absorption w enever t e instrument is s ipped.

ABEM Terrameter LS
3
1 4 Shipping Damage Claims
File any claim for s ipping damage wit t e carrier immediately after discovery of t e
damage and before t e equipment is put into use. Forward a full report to ABEM,
making certain to include t e ABEM delivery number, instrument type(s) and serial
number(s).
1 5 Shipping/Repacking instructions
T e ABEM packing kit is specially designed for t e Terrameter LS. T e packing kit
s ould be used w enever s ipping is necessary. If original packing materials are
unavailable, pack t e instrument in a wooden box t at is large enoug to allow some
80 mm of s ock absorbing material to be placed all around t e instrument. T is
includes top, bottom and all sides. Never use s redded fibres, paper or wood wool, as
t ese materials tend to pack down and permit t e instrument to move inside its
packing box. To return instruments to ABEM, please find our shipping
instructions on our website. For furt er assistance please contact ABEM or its
aut orised distributor. Contact information can be found in t e beginning of t is
document.
1 6 Registration
W en you ave c ecked t e packing list, t e next important t ing to do is to register
your Terrameter LS. To register send an email wit your contact information to
[email protected]. Once registered, you will able to receive software updates and
product information.
1 7 Compliance
T e Terrameter LS and t e accessories are in conformity wit t e essential
requirements in t e Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEG, 93/68/EEG and t e
Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 89/336/EEG wit amendments 92/31/EEG
and 93/68/EEG of t e EC.

ABEM Terrameter LS
4
2 Overview of the Instrument
2 1 The Connector Panel
All connectors except external power are situated on t e rig t side panel of t e
Terrameter LS (Figure 3).
Electrode -64
Cable 2/2 (not VES)
Electrode 1- 2
Cable 1/2
External Equipment
Ethernet Network
Connection
USB Devices
C1, C2: Current
electrodes
Linking of other
Terrameter LS
units (not VES)
Ground Connection
P1, P2: Channel 1
Potential electrodes
Figure 3. The Connector panel of Terrameter LS
T e connectors:
Label Function
USB Connection of USB memory sticks, keyboard, external GPS etc.
Electrode 1-32 32-pole connector for electrode cables (1/2)
Electrode 33-64 32-pole connector for electrode cables (2/2) (not VES edition)
C1, C2 Banana plug connection for current electrodes (for instance for test
or connection of remote electrode)
P1, P2 Banana plug connection for c annel 1 potential electrodes (for
instance for test or connection of remote electrode)

ABEM Terrameter LS
5
2 2 The Power Panel
T e power panel of t e Terrameter LS is s own in Figure 4.
External Power
Supply connector
Serial number
and type plate
Transmitter
cooling area
Emergency
Stop Button
Internal Battery
Compartment
Figure . The Power panel of Terrameter LS
T e Emergency Stop Button as two possible positions. T e inner position
corresponds to t e emergency stop condition w ile t e outer position corresponds to
t e operating condition.
Current can only be transmitted if t e Emergency Stop Button is in t e outer position.
If t e Emergency Stop Button is pressed during measurement current transmission
will stop immediately wit out closing down t e measurement session. T e
measurement can be resumed again as soon as t e button is released. T e Emergency
Stop Button is released to t e outer position by twisting it clockwise.
Before releasing the Emergency Stop Button the
operator must have full control of the instrument and
the entire electrode cable layout, so that people and
animals do not get close to the electrodes and electrode
take outs connected to the measurement cables!

ABEM Terrameter LS
6
Note! The power panel can get hot when operating, especially
when transmitting with high power. Be careful when
handling the Terrameter LS in order to avoid burning
anything. See also chapter 2.5 The ower Supply.
2 3 The Built-in GPS Receiver
Terrameter LS as a built-in GPS receiver t at automatically saves positioning data
along wit all measurements. In order to function well t e built-in antenna in t e
andle of t e instrument must be able to receive signals from a sufficient number of
satellites. T is will normally not function indoors and in outdoor areas wit limited
viewing angle towards t e sky t e function can be limited, for example in a forest.
Figure 5. The GPS antenna is integrated in the left side of the handle
2 4 The User Interface Panel
All interaction wit t e Terrameter LS is done t roug t e user interface panel.
Figure 6 points out t e parts of t e user interface panel.
Figure 6. The user interface panel
T ere are two LED’s s own t roug t e LED Window:
- T e red LED indicates disk activity
- T e green LED is a eartbeat indicator meaning t at t e software is alive
Colour Display
Built
-
in Keyboard
Speaker
Microphone
LED Window

ABEM Terrameter LS
7
2 5 The Power Supply
During stand-by t e instrument drains very low levels of current. During transmission
t oug , t e Terrameter LS will, depending on t e circumstances use large currents,
sometimes up to 30A. T e external battery and its cable must be designed
accordingly. Use t e supplied cable set if possible. For field operations a good,
adequate in capacity and recently c arged battery is vital for t e best performance.
T e internal battery is primarily designed as a backup power source for operating t e
instrument during set up, data transfer etc. but it may also be used for limited low
power surveys. It as a quite snug fit in t e battery compartment and t ere is no
reason to remove it w en c arging. If t e protective liner t at keeps t e cells toget er
is found defective during inspection, please contact ABEM support for furt er
information.
It is possible to fully run t e Terrameter LS wit out t e internal battery but for your
convenience you s ould always c arge t e battery before starting measurement
activities.
Once t e instrument as been turned on and t e external battery for any reason is
disconnected it will automatically switc to t e internal battery. T is function even
works during t e initial start up process. T is useful feature makes it possible to
disconnect t e external battery temporarily wit out s utting t e instrument off w en
for instance moving from one measurement station to anot er.
T e battery-switc ing device will, in any situation, give priority to t e external battery
if its voltage is more t an 9 V. T ere is no direct means to read out w ic one of t e
batteries t at is in use in a specific moment. However, provided t at t e internal
battery is c arged, t e battery indicator gives an indication. After ours of work t e
external battery is going to be low in voltage. If, in t at situation, t e battery indicator
s ows a fully c arged battery t e reason for t at is t at t e internal battery now is
giving power to t e instrument. More information about t e internal and external
voltage levels can be found in c apter 4.6 T e Power Source.
Table 1 below s ows a guideline to t e battery indicator. T e values are not very
exact but give an indication of t e voltage level of t e battery pack in use for t e
moment, t at is, t e external or t e internal battery. T e battery indicator is t e
leftmost of t e Notification Icons on t e Status Bar (Figure 7).
Indication Approximate voltage
Over 12.2 V
11.6 – 12.2 V
11.4 – 11.6 V
10.9 – 11.4 V
Under 10.9
Table 1 Battery indicator

ABEM Terrameter LS
8
If t e external power source does not exist it switc es to t e internal battery.
However, t e following start up scenario s ould be looked out for:
1. If t e external battery as a voltage t at is just over t e OK limit t e instrument
will proceed to t e stage w ere t e more power draining display lig ts up.
2. T e voltage on t e already weak battery will now drop below an acceptable level.
3. T e instrument t en goes into a resting state.
4. T e external battery will now recover to a ig er voltage level.
5. T e instrument sees enoug voltage to restart t e start up sequence.
6. T e display lig ts up wit a following drop in voltage and a forced resting state.
T is sequence can continue repeatedly for a long time. In case t is appens t e
immediate action is to disconnect t e battery and ave it replaced or c arged. Always
use a good and newly c arged battery for your survey.
After t e transmitter as started t e power supply voltage is allowed to temporarily
drop to 9V. T e instrument may temporary indicate low battery voltage w ile
transmitting ig current into t e ground.
2 6 Operating in High Temperature Situations
Every individual Terrameter LS is operated for at least one our in a eat c amber
during t e delivery test. During normal operating condition a t ermal fuse will turn
off t e instrument if over eating occurs. T is is to prevent damage and it will of
course alt t e measuring process.
Some precautions to avoid over eating:
• Protect t e instrument from direct sunlig t. Keep it in t e s ade, t at is use a
parasol or similar if needed.
• Do not operate t e instrument in small closed spaces, like for example transport
boxes, w ere air cannot circulate freely. Especially t e power panel must ave
good ventilation.
2 7 Operating in a Thunderstorm
If a t understorm s ould come up w ile out in t e field wit t e instrument t en
remember to first stop a possibly ongoing measuring process and t en disconnect t e
cables from t e terminals wit out touc ing any bare conductors. Never leave t e
cables connected to t e Terrameter LS overnig t unless t ey are equipped wit
adequate lig tning protection since a t understorm may occur.
Never take measurements during a thunderstorm!

ABEM Terrameter LS
9
3 The User Interface
T e user interacts wit t e instrument t roug t e User Interface Panel. T is c apter
explains t e basics of t is interaction.
3 1 The Display
T e information s own on t e display is called a Screen. Figure 7 s ows t e layout of
t e Screen.
Active Project and Task
Tabs
Navigation
Menu Item
View
Status Bar
Notification Icons
Figure 7 The screen layout
T e Screen layout parts:
- Navigation Menu Item and Tabs are described in c apter 3.3 Navigation
- View s ows different information depending on w ere t e user as navigated
- Active Project and Task s ows t e currently opened Project and Task
- Status Bar s ows interactive messages in t e left part and notifications in t e
rig t part. Notification icons s ow Battery status, GPS status and time of day

ABEM Terrameter LS
10
3 2 The Keyboard
Commands from t e user are entered t roug a keyboard. T ere is a built-in keyboard
but an external keyboard can also be used.
3 2 1 The Built-in Keyboard
Table 2 lists t e names of t e buttons as referenced in t is document.
<Memo> <Left>
<Menu> <Rig t>
<Play-Stop>
<Down>
<Power> <S ift>
<Browse>
<Options>
<Up>
<Ok>
<Clear>
Table 2 Names used for the built-in keyboard buttons
T e corresponding function of t e buttons are summarised below:
<Memo> (not implemented)
<Menu> S ow t e Navigation menu
<Play-Stop> Jump to t e “Measure/Progress” View / Start or stop measuring
<Power> Turn instrument on or off
<Browse> Jump between t e Tabs of a navigation Menu Item
<Up> Move Cursor / Hig lig t up
<Clear> Close dialog
<Left> Move Cursor / Hig lig t left
<Down> Move Cursor / Hig lig t down
<Rig t> Move Cursor / Hig lig t rig t
<S ift> C ange function of ot er buttons
<Options> S ow t e option menu for t e ig lig ted object
<Ok> Select / S ow t e keyboard emulator