Carlson Void Scanner User manual

Void Scanner Wi-Fi box user manual H-5914-8502-02-A September 2018
Void Scanner Wi-Fi box
user manual

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Contents
1Customer information.............................................................................................................................................................................5
1.1 Dear customer .............................................................................................................................................................................5
1.2 User manual ................................................................................................................................................................................5
2Introduction............................................................................................................................................................................................6
2.1 The Void Scanner........................................................................................................................................................................6
2.2 Void Scanner Wi-Fi box ...............................................................................................................................................................7
3Hardware components...........................................................................................................................................................................8
3.1 Void Scanner Wi-Fi box ...............................................................................................................................................................8
3.2 Battery charger ............................................................................................................................................................................9
3.3 Power/data cable.......................................................................................................................................................................11
3.4 External lithium ion battery (optional accessory).........................................................................................................................12
4Hardware care and maintenance .........................................................................................................................................................14
4.1 Operation...................................................................................................................................................................................14
4.2 Cleaning ....................................................................................................................................................................................14
4.3 Maintenance..............................................................................................................................................................................14
4.4 Storage and transportation.........................................................................................................................................................14
4.5 Environmental conditions...........................................................................................................................................................15
5Power management.............................................................................................................................................................................16
5.1 Internal power............................................................................................................................................................................16
5.2 External power...........................................................................................................................................................................16
5.3 Hot swapping power sources.....................................................................................................................................................17
6Data communication............................................................................................................................................................................19
6.1 Data channels............................................................................................................................................................................19
6.2 IP address .................................................................................................................................................................................22
7Using the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box........................................................................................................................................................23
7.1 First-time use – Power...............................................................................................................................................................23
7.2 First-time use – PC compatibility................................................................................................................................................23
7.3 First-time use – PC set-up..........................................................................................................................................................23
7.4 Connection with PC ...................................................................................................................................................................25
7.5 Cavity Profiler – VS....................................................................................................................................................................26
7.6 On-site use................................................................................................................................................................................27
8Troubleshooting guide .........................................................................................................................................................................29
9Technical details..................................................................................................................................................................................32

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9.1 Specifications.............................................................................................................................................................................32
10 Product Information..............................................................................................................................................................................33

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1 Customer information
1.1 Dear customer
The Void Scanner Wi-Fi box is designed to be easy to operate. However, we would ask you to take the time to read
these operating instructions carefully before using the system, and to keep the manual with the equipment at all
times.
For any feedback or comments, or if there are questions about the Void Scanner system which are beyond the
scope of this manual, contact the product support department at Carlson, or your local Carlson representative.
Alternatively, for information on your local Carlson-approved service centre, visit our website at
www.carlsonsw.com.
To ensure best service, please make a note of the serial number. This can be found on a label inside the WiFi box.
1.2 User manual
It is important that you read this manual carefully before using the instrument.
There are three manuals available with the Void Scanner system:
1. This Void Scanner Wi-Fi box manual;
2. A Void Scanner hardware manual which describes the Void Scanner probe and all accessories supplied
with a standard system;
3. A Cavity Profiler – VS software and operations manual.
It is essential that you read and understand all of the accompanying Void Scanner manuals before using the system
with the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box.
This manual has been compiled with care. However, should you discover any errors, we would be grateful if you
could contact Carlson directly.
Reproduction in whole or in part, without the express written permission of Carlson, is prohibited. Reverse
engineering is also prohibited.
The information in this document is subject to change without notice.

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2 Introduction
2.1 The Void Scanner
The Void Scanner is a ruggedised field instrument designed to produce fast, efficient 3D laser scans of underground
voids where access is limited, dangerous or prohibited. The instrument can be mounted on booms, tripods or user-
customised deployment devices. The small, lightweight size of the Void Scanner gives flexibility in the nature of the
deployment and means that volumes and dimensions which have previously been guessed or estimated can be
accurately quantified.
The Void Scanner’s laser employs the ‘time of flight’ technique to measure ranges to rock faces and other objects
without the need to place reflectors on the target. This allows measurements to be taken from a safe distance. Two
hundred such measurements are made every second, up to a range of 150 m.
Data from the internal pitch and roll sensors are collected in addition to the scan data. This means that all points
collected can be accurately geo-referenced and multiple scans can be stitched together. The output data can then
be plotted against design drawings or as-built data to help build an invaluable picture of the project site.
The Void Scanner is controlled remotely from a PC or handheld device running Cavity Profiler – VS software which
plots the data on-screen in real time. Cavity Profiler – VS allows the finished scan to be analysed, edited,
transformed, combined with other datasets and exported to third-party software.
The Void Scanner is just one of many laser systems that have been designed by Carlson. Other products such as
the C-ALS (Cavity Auto-scanning Laser System), Quarryman and Boretrak have all been proved over many years
of demanding use around the world. These products complement the Void Scanner and provide a wide range of
advanced measurement solutions within the mining, quarrying and geotechnical industries.
Figure 1 Void Scanner unit

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2.2 Void Scanner Wi-Fi box
The Void Scanner Wi-Fi box houses a rechargeable battery and wireless module. It negates the need for a separate
battery pack, power cable, PC data cable and interface box.
The Void Scanner Wi-Fi box can be used with the Void Scanner to allow personnel to retreat further from the unsafe
or inaccessible area which is being scanned. The Void Scanner may be attached to a boom that is extended into
the unsafe area, or placed on an unmanned vehicle that is remotely driven into the unsafe area. For more details
on attaching the Void Scanner to deployment devices, see the Void Scanner hardware manual. Scanning operations
can then continue without having to route a data cable or power cable to the scan site. The operator can be situated
in a safe area over 50 m away, receiving scan data wirelessly on a PC.
The Void Scanner Wi-Fi box connects to the Void Scanner probe via the standard 13.6 m power/data cable, or via
the 1.5 m power/data cable supplied with the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box. Connection to the PC is then via wireless
data communications so no cables are required between the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box and the PC.
Once the PC connects to the Void Scanner system’s Wi-Fi network, the Void Scanner can be controlled from Cavity
Profiler – VS software in exactly the same way as if it were connected to the probe with a cable.
The Void Scanner Wi-Fi box is compatible with all Void Scanner units from Mk3 onwards.

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3 Hardware components
This section outlines the various hardware components that are included with the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box Mk4
system.
Details of the operation and care of the system are detailed in subsequent sections.
3.1 Void Scanner Wi-Fi box
The Void Scanner Wi-Fi box is housed in a ruggedised Peli case enclosure.
When the lid of the Peli case is closed, the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box is resistant to water and dust.
With the lid open, the internal panel is visible and the environmental protection IP rating is invalid.
The internal panel incorporates product markings, a 4-pin connector for the battery charger and two fuse holders.
Written information on the internal panel includes details of the internal battery and power requirements.
The serial number is also printed on the internal panel. Please refer to this serial number when contacting your local
Carlson service centre.
There are two fuse holders on the internal panel:
•‘Fuse (Int)’ for the internal battery circuit, and
•‘Fuse (Ext)’ for the external battery circuit.
Figure 2 Void Scanner Wi-Fi box internal panel
Connector for
battery charger
Power and
safety
information
Output power
light
Serial number
information
Fuse holders
for internal and
external power
sources

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The battery is charged through the black, 4-pin female connector labelled ‘Battery charger’.
See section 5, for details of the internal and external power requirements, internal battery charging and fuses.
A green ‘Output power’ light illuminates when the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box is powered up and able to output power
to the Void Scanner probe.
During most field operations, the lid of the Peli case should remain closed. This is recommended to ensure the
highest level of environmental protection.
The side panel of the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box houses connectors for external power and the Void Scanner probe
itself, as well as ON/OFF power buttons.
The yellow, power/data Void Scanner cable runs from the Void Scanner probe to the green, 4-pin female connector
on the side panel labelled ‘Probe In’. The locking mechanism for this connector is different from the ‘Battery Charger’
connector on the inside panel, so the battery charger and the main Void Scanner cable cannot be connected to the
wrong connectors.
A cable running to a Carlson external lithium-ion battery can be connected to the green, 2-pin male connector
labelled ‘Battery In’ on the side panel.
The two red power buttons on the side panel toggle the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box ON and OFF. One button controls
power from the internal battery, the other controls power from an external battery.
See section 5, for further details on supplying power to the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box.
3.2 Battery charger
A battery charger is supplied with the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box to charge the internal lithium-ion battery.
Connect the battery charger to the 4-pin connector on the inside panel labelled ‘Battery Charger’. Plug the battery
charger itself into a mains power supply. The battery charger is supplied with a selection of plug types to fit mains
sockets around the world.
Figure 3 Wi-Fi box side panel

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The battery charger only charges the internal battery if the ‘Int. Power Source’ power button on the side panel is
toggled OFF.
The battery charger can also be used to charge an external battery. In this case connect the battery charger directly
to the connector on the external battery.
An LED on the battery charger shows the status of the charging process:
Figure 5 Battery charger
Figure 4 Battery charger plugged into the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box

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•Green flashing light: charging is in progress.
•Solid green light: charging is complete.
•Red flashing light: there is a fault with the battery charger. Contact your local Carlson service centre for
advice.
•No light: there is no power to the battery charger or no connection with the battery.
A fully discharged battery requires around three hours to completely recharge from the mains supply.
WARNING: Only use the supplied battery charger to charge the internal or the external battery.
The battery charger is not intended for outdoor use.
3.3 Power/data cable
The basic Void Scanner system is supplied with a 13.6 m power/data cable to connect the Void Scanner probe to
the interface box, and from there to the power source and the PC.
This 13.6 m power/data cable can also be used to connect the Void Scanner probe to the Wi-Fi box, bypassing the
interface box, extra cables and external power source.
Alternatively, a shorter, 1.5 m power/data cable is supplied with the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box. This shorter cable can
take the place of the 13.6 m power/data cable where the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box and probe are mounted close
together: for example, if the probe is on a remotely operated vehicle or on the end of a boom.
When the battery pack is used to operate the Void Scanner, the interface box is not required.
The 6-pin ‘L’-shaped connector attaches to the Void Scanner probe. The 4-pin connector attaches to the ‘Probe In’
connector on the side panel of the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box.
Figure 6 The shorter, 1.5 m power/data cable

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3.4 External lithium ion battery (optional accessory)
The Void Scanner Wi-Fi box contains an internal lithium-ion battery. This can be supplemented with a Carlson-
supplied external lithium-ion battery which has the same power specifications as the internal battery. This may be
required on a particularly long job, or where there is no access to a mains power supply to charge the internal
battery.
A dedicated cable is required to connect the external battery to the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box.
The cable’s 2-pin female connector attaches to the connector labelled ‘Battery In’ on the side panel. The black, 4-
pin connector attaches to the external battery.
External lithium-ion batteries can be purchased as optional accessories. Contact your local Carlson service centre
for details.
Figure 7 Wi-Fi box connected to Void Scanner
Figure 8 External lithium-ion battery and external battery cable

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Figure 9 Lithium-ion battery connected to the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box

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4 Hardware care and maintenance
4.1 Operation
During operations, where possible keep the lid of the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box closed. This will ensure maximum
environment protection while on-site.
Operate the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box within the environment specifications outlined in section 4.5.
Avoid mechanical shock to the system.
The Void Scanner Wi-Fi box is only designed for use with Void Scanner probes from model Mk3 onwards. Mk1 and
Mk2 Void Scanners must not be operated with the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box due to their different power demands.
WARNING: Only use the supplied battery charger to charge the internal or the external battery.
DANGER: Failure to use the supplied battery charger may decrease battery life or cause a risk of battery
explosion.
4.2 Cleaning
To clean the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box internal panel and side panel, wipe them with a dry lint-free cloth.
If deeper cleaning of the panels is required, this should be done with a dampened, non-abrasive cloth.
Do not use IPA or solvent-based cleaners on the internal panel as this can lead to superficial damage.
If necessary, use a mild detergent to clean the outer structure of the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box.
4.3 Maintenance
A regular visual inspection of the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box is recommended. If evidence of any damage beyond
normal wear and tear is found, or if the connectors, fuse holders, power buttons or any accessories seem damaged,
please contact your local Carlson service centre for assistance.
WARNING: There are no user-serviceable parts inside the unit. Do not remove the internal panel.
Opening the unit whilst it is operational could result in a malfunction. Do not attempt to service parts
insidethe unit.The batterycannot bechanged bythe user and must be replaced by a Carlson approved
service engineer. If servicing is required, please contact your local Carlson servicecentre.DANGER:
Failure to use the supplied battery charger may decrease battery life or cause a risk of battery
explosion.
DANGER: Short circuit of the battery terminals may be hazardous.
4.4 Storage and transportation
Dry the system thoroughly before storing.
Storage at up to 50 °C is permissible for up to one month, provided there is low humidity, no condensation and no
corrosive atmosphere. For long-term storage it is recommended that a maximum temperature limit of 35 °C is
observed. Store with the battery charged at 50% for optimum battery life. Do not store in a discharged condition.

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Store the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box within the environment specifications outlined in section 4.5.
Although the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box is a ruggedised unit, it should not be transported without being packaged in a
separate transit case or suitable protective packaging.
Do not allow the equipment to slide around inside transport vehicles or containers.
4.5 Environmental conditions
The Void Scanner Wi-Fi box and optional, external lithium ion battery:
•meet IP65 of EN 60529:1992+A1:2002 with the lid closed and connector caps fitted
•can be stored from −20 °C to +50 °C (see section 4.4 for further details)
•can be operated from −10 °C to +45 °C
•can be used when stationary at altitudes up to 2,000 m.
CAUTION: This product must not be used in environmental conditions beyond those specified.

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5 Power management
The Void Scanner Wi-Fi box can be powered from the internal lithium-ion battery or from an optional external lithium-
ion battery.
Power can also be ‘hot swapped’ between internal and external batteries to ensure that scanning operations can
continue while the power source is changed.
5.1 Internal power
The Void Scanner Wi-Fi box contains a rechargeable lithium-ion battery which can provide up to
6.2 Ah at a nominal voltage of 14.4 Vdc. This equates to approximately six hours of scanning time.
When the internal battery drops beneath 10.8 Vdc, the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box shuts down.
Battery life is extended by keeping a partial charge on it when in frequent use. The battery can be damaged by deep
discharge and is fitted with protection to avoid this occurring. When the battery has run out of charge, use the
supplied battery charger to recharge it.
To power the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box from the internal battery, depress the red ‘Int. Power Source’ power button
on the side panel. This turns the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box ON. The power button illuminates when it is pressed,
providing the internal battery is sufficiently charged.
The power button changes from constant illumination to flashing when the battery voltage drops below 13.6 Vdc.
Press the ‘Int. Power Source’ button again to toggle the power OFF.
The Void Scanner Wi-Fi box shuts down automatically when the internal battery voltage drops below 10.8 Vdc.
However, if a scan is in progress and the voltage drops below 11.2 Vdc, the Cavity Profiler – VS software carries
out a controlled termination of the ongoing scan. In this case, the Cavity Profiler – VS project is automatically saved,
along with the terminated scan. See the Cavity Profiler – VS software and operations manual for details.
One of the fuses held on the internal panel is dedicated to the internal battery circuit. The fuse holder is labelled
‘Fuse (Int)’. The fuse holder carries a 3.15 A time-delay fuse: T3.15 AH 250 V.
To recharge the internal battery, connect the supplied battery charger. The battery charger supplied with the unit is
designed to meet the specific charging requirements of the lithium-ion battery. The battery charger operates at 2 A
and takes around three hours to fully charge the battery.
The internal battery will not power the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box when it is being recharged. If the battery charger is
connected to the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box, it charges the internal battery until the ‘Int. Power Source’ button is
depressed. At this point, if there is enough charge in the internal battery, the power button illuminates; power is
delivered to the Void Scanner probe and the charging process is paused.
When the ‘Int. Power Source’ button is toggled OFF, the battery charging resumes.
It is possible to charge the internal battery while an external power source is being used. See section 5.2.
5.2 External power
To power the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box from an external battery, connect a charged, external battery to the ‘Battery
In’ connector on the side panel. Depress the red ‘Ext. Power Source’ power button on the side panel. This turns the
Void Scanner Wi-Fi box ON. The power button illuminates when it is pressed, providing the external battery is
sufficiently charged.

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The power button changes from constant illumination to flashing when the battery voltage drops below 13.6 Vdc.
Press the ‘Ext. Power Source’ power button again to toggle the power OFF.
The Void Scanner Wi-Fi box shuts down automatically when the external battery voltage drops below 10.8 Vdc.
However, if a scan is in progress and the voltage drops below 11.2 Vdc, then Cavity Profiler – VS software carries
out a controlled termination of the ongoing scan. In this case the Cavity Profiler – VS project is automatically saved,
along with the terminated scan. See the Cavity Profiler – VS software and operations manual for details.
While the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box is being powered from an external source, the internal battery can be left charging.
In this case the ‘Int. Power Source’ power button must be toggled OFF: i.e., not illuminated.
One of the fuses held on the internal panel is dedicated to the external battery circuit. The fuse holder is labelled
‘Fuse (Ext)’. The fuse holder carries a 3.15 A time-delay fuse: T3.15 AH 250 V.
5.3 Hot swapping power sources
The Void Scanner Wi-Fi box has two power options: the internal battery and an optional external battery. Either or
both power sources can be used to power the system. During scanning operations it is also possible to ‘hot swap’
between these sources so that one battery can be on charge while the other is in use. Alternatively, both power
sources can be left powered ON to ensure the maximum scanning time is available.
5.3.1 Example 1
For example, if a scan is in progress and the internal battery voltage is low, the power source can be swapped to
an external source to ensure that the scan is not interrupted by a power failure.
This can be done while the scan is ongoing and powered from the internal battery. Connect a charged, external
battery to the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box and depress the ‘Ext. Power Source’ battery power button, ensuring that it is
illuminated. Power is now drawn from the external power source, assuming that it has a higher voltage than the
internal battery.
Once the external battery is powering the unit, two options are available:
Figure 10 Void Scanner WI-Fi box running on external power

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1. The ‘Int. Power Source’ power button can be left ON if required to ensure that both power sources are
available. Once the two power sources have balanced, power is drawn from both batteries.
2. Alternatively, the ‘Int. Power Source’ power button can be toggled OFF. At this point, the internal battery
can be charged, if required.
5.3.2 Example 2
Similarly, if a scan is in progress and an external power source is in use, the power source can be switched back
to the internal battery. Depress the ‘Int. Power Source’ power button, ensuring that it is illuminated. In this case, the
‘Ext. Power Source’ power button can either:
•be left powered ON, or
•be toggled OFF, and the external power cable disconnected from the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box.

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6 Data communication
Data from the Void Scanner probe is transmitted by cable to the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box. The data is then sent via
Wi-Fi signal to the PC running Cavity Profiler – VS software. Commands from the software to the probe travel in the
opposite direction.
The Wi-Fi signal is broadcast over a standard Wi-Fi frequency of 2.4 GHz. The system uses the IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
wireless standard.
The PC in use should have a suitable, integrated Wi-Fi card or external Wi-Fi dongle using the 802.11 wireless
standard. See section 7, for details of connecting your PC to the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box.
The Void Scanner Wi-Fi box can transmit a wireless signal over a distance of over 50 m as long as there is a clear
line-of-sight between the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box and the PC.
There are a number of external environmental factors that can have the effect of reducing the maximum achievable
range, or preventing connection between the two devices. The most obvious is the presence of solid objects in the
path of the Wi-Fi signal, for example walls, rock masses or machinery.
Where possible, ensure that there is a clear view between the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box and the PC.
6.1 Data channels
It is also possible that the Void Scanner Wi-Fi link could be affected by other Wi-Fi networks operating on 2.4 GHz.
Although 802.11 devices tend to work cooperatively, sharing channel capacity, interference is possible in certain
circumstances.
There are 14 channels available on a 2.4 GHz network. These are as follows:
Channel
Frequency (GHz)
1 2.412
2 2.417
3 2.422
4 2.427
5 2.432
6 2.437
7 2.442
8 2.447
9 2.452
10 2.457
11 2.462
12 2.467
13 2.472
14 2.484
By default, the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box is set to ‘AutoSelect’ a channel. Occasionally, if you suspect interference
from another Wi-Fi network in the vicinity, you may consider it necessary to manually change to a specific channel.

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In this case, it is recommended that the new channel should be at least five channels away from any neighbouring
network. For this reason, by general convention, channels 1, 6 and 11 are recommended for 2.4 GHz operations.
Note: Before changing the channel you should be aware of any local legislation regarding restrictions on the use of
certain Wi-Fi channels. Some countries forbid the use of some channels or restrict these channels to a specified
power level.
To change the channel that the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box is operating over, use the web browser on your PC to
connect directly to the Wi-Fi adapter inside the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box.
Note: it is strongly recommended that you only change settings in the browser interface if absolutely necessary. Do
not reconfigure any settings other than those specifically mentioned below.
Ensure that the PC is connected to the Void Scanner Wi-Fi box, as per section 7.4.
Open a web browser. In the address bar, enter:
10.10.100.254
The browser connects to the Wi-Fi module. A Windows Security window appears and requests a user name and
password.
Enter username:
admin
Enter password:
carlso
Click OK to progress to the web browser interface.
Figure 11 Wi-Fi module web browser interface - Login screen