Exploranium KT-9 User manual

1
KT-9 Kappameter
User’s Guide
264 Watline Avenue, Mississauga
(Toronto), Ontario, Canada, L4Z 1P4
Tel [phone] • Fax [phone]
Rev. 1
1
KT-9 Kappameter
User’s Guide
264 Watline Avenue, Mississauga
(Toronto), Ontario, Canada, L4Z 1P4
Tel [phone] • Fax [phone]
Rev. 1

Notice
EXPLORANIUM makes no warranty of any kind with regard to
this material, including, but not limited to, the implied
warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular
purpose.
EXPLORANIUM shall not be liable for errors or omissions in the
supplied information.
The software supplied as KAPPA1, KAPPA2, CALIB, SCAN7C,
SCAN7 and STICK is provided as is with no implied
warranties.
This document contains proprietary information which is
protected by copyright. All rights are reserved. No part of
this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system or transmitted, in any form, or by any means, elec-
tronic, mechanical, photo-copying, recording or otherwise,
without the prior consent of Exploranium G.S. Limited.
© Copyright 1997 Exploranium G.S. Limited
Revision 1
August, 1997
Manual designed, written and produced by GEO F/X
Notice
EXPLORANIUM makes no warranty of any kind with regard to
this material, including, but not limited to, the implied
warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular
purpose.
EXPLORANIUM shall not be liable for errors or omissions in the
supplied information.
The software supplied as KAPPA1, KAPPA2, CALIB, SCAN7C,
SCAN7 and STICK is provided as is with no implied
warranties.
This document contains proprietary information which is
protected by copyright. All rights are reserved. No part of
this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system or transmitted, in any form, or by any means, elec-
tronic, mechanical, photo-copying, recording or otherwise,
without the prior consent of Exploranium G.S. Limited.
© Copyright 1997 Exploranium G.S. Limited
Revision 1
August, 1997
Manual designed, written and produced by GEO F/X

Table of Contents
PREFACE: General information
Introduction, iii
Getting help, iii
Conventions, iv
CHAPTER 1: The KT-9 Kappameter
Features, 1
Design, 4
Controls, 6
Displays, 9
Operating principle and Theory, 10
CHAPTER 2: Using the KT-9
Battery installation, 11
Power ON or OFF,12
Menus, 13
Configuring for right or left-handed use, 15
Selecting mode of operation, 16
Taking measurements, 19
Data handling and memory, 35
If something goes wrong, 38
Table of Contents
PREFACE: General information
Introduction, iii
Getting help, iii
Conventions, iv
CHAPTER 1: The KT-9 Kappameter
Features, 1
Design, 4
Controls, 6
Displays, 9
Operating principle and Theory, 10
CHAPTER 2: Using the KT-9
Battery installation, 11
Power ON or OFF,12
Menus, 13
Configuring for right or left-handed use, 15
Selecting mode of operation, 16
Taking measurements, 19
Data handling and memory, 35
If something goes wrong, 38

ii
CHAPTER 3: External sensors, maintenance and
options
External sensors, 39
Maintenance and handling, 42
Batteries and maintenance, 43
CHAPTER 4: Technical reference
Specifications, 47
Parts list and accessories, 48
Display symbols, 49
Error messages, 50
Warranty and repair, 51
CHAPTER 5: Operating the KT-9 from a computer
CALIB —calibration program, 54
KAPPA1—simple data transfer, 57
SCAN7C—PC recording of data from a
manually operated KT-9, 57
SCAN7—remote control & data storage, 59
STICK — scan control from STICK device, 64
APPENDIX A: Technical Notes
KT-5 vs. KT-9 operational differences, 71
PIN vs. NO-PIN modes — comments, 74
INDEX:77
ii
CHAPTER 3: External sensors, maintenance and
options
External sensors, 39
Maintenance and handling, 42
Batteries and maintenance, 43
CHAPTER 4: Technical reference
Specifications, 47
Parts list and accessories, 48
Display symbols, 49
Error messages, 50
Warranty and repair, 51
CHAPTER 5: Operating the KT-9 from a computer
CALIB —calibration program, 54
KAPPA1—simple data transfer, 57
SCAN7C—PC recording of data from a
manually operated KT-9, 57
SCAN7—remote control & data storage, 59
STICK — scan control from STICK device, 64
APPENDIX A: Technical Notes
KT-5 vs. KT-9 operational differences, 71
PIN vs. NO-PIN modes — comments, 74
INDEX:77

Preface
General information
Introduction
Congratulations on purchasing the KT-9 KAPPAMETER , the most
advanced, easiest-to-use hand-held susceptibility meter
available today.
This manual provides both instructional and reference material
to help you get the most from your KT-9.
Getting help
If you should encounter a problem with either the KT-9, the
optional external sensors, the applications software or applying
the instrument to a particular problem, please contact
EXPLORANIUM technical support, Monday to Friday from 0900 to
1700 (Eastern Standard Time) at the following numbers:
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Preface
General information
Introduction
Congratulations on purchasing the KT-9 KAPPAMETER , the most
advanced, easiest-to-use hand-held susceptibility meter
available today.
This manual provides both instructional and reference material
to help you get the most from your KT-9.
Getting help
If you should encounter a problem with either the KT-9, the
optional external sensors, the applications software or applying
the instrument to a particular problem, please contact
EXPLORANIUM technical support, Monday to Friday from 0900 to
1700 (Eastern Standard Time) at the following numbers:
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

iv Conventions
Conventions
To help you quickly find information, the KT-9 documentation
follows these conventions:
Symbols Symbol Meaning
Indicates a note of interest, a default or
special condition, or specific critical
information.
Indicates a tip, helpful hint or an
alternate way of doing a task.
Indicates a cautionary note. You should
pay attention to this and proceed
appropriately.
Indicates things you should not do with,
or to, the equipment. Pay special
attention to these items.
You must read this item. It indicates a
critical condition. Please follow the advice
listed.
Indicates a maintenance tip or how to fix
a problem.
iv Conventions
Conventions
To help you quickly find information, the KT-9 documentation
follows these conventions:
Symbols Symbol Meaning
Indicates a note of interest, a default or
special condition, or specific critical
information.
Indicates a tip, helpful hint or an
alternate way of doing a task.
Indicates a cautionary note. You should
pay attention to this and proceed
appropriately.
Indicates things you should not do with,
or to, the equipment. Pay special
attention to these items.
You must read this item. It indicates a
critical condition. Please follow the advice
listed.
Indicates a maintenance tip or how to fix
a problem.

Instrument control buttons v
Instrument control buttons
The KT-9 has two control buttons on either side and a
removable push-pin button on the sensor face. The side control
buttons are referred to as the RIGHT or LEFT buttons when you
are looking at the display screen with the sensor facing
upwards.
One of the features of the KT-9 allows you to re-assign the
functions of the buttons depending upon whether you prefer
to hold the instrument in your right or left hand. All the
operations will be described from the point of view of right-
handed use. However, the following special icons will show
when a function is available in the re-mapped modes.
Symbol Meaning
Indicates the physical LEFT button at all
times.
Indicates the physical RIGHT button at
all times.
Indicates the removable PIN on the
sensor face.
Indicates the LEFT button when the
KT-9 is in the right-hand mode (solid
character). Alternatively, this button
can be re-mapped to be the RIGHT
button in the left-hand mode (outline
character).
Indicates the RIGHT button when the
KT-9 is in the right-hand mode (solid
character). Alternatively, this button
can be re-mapped to be the LEFT
button in the left-hand mode (outline
character).
Instrument control buttons v
Instrument control buttons
The KT-9 has two control buttons on either side and a
removable push-pin button on the sensor face. The side control
buttons are referred to as the RIGHT or LEFT buttons when you
are looking at the display screen with the sensor facing
upwards.
One of the features of the KT-9 allows you to re-assign the
functions of the buttons depending upon whether you prefer
to hold the instrument in your right or left hand. All the
operations will be described from the point of view of right-
handed use. However, the following special icons will show
when a function is available in the re-mapped modes.
Symbol Meaning
Indicates the physical LEFT button at all
times.
Indicates the physical RIGHT button at
all times.
Indicates the removable PIN on the
sensor face.
Indicates the LEFT button when the
KT-9 is in the right-hand mode (solid
character). Alternatively, this button
can be re-mapped to be the RIGHT
button in the left-hand mode (outline
character).
Indicates the RIGHT button when the
KT-9 is in the right-hand mode (solid
character). Alternatively, this button
can be re-mapped to be the LEFT
button in the left-hand mode (outline
character).

vi Conventions
Instrument display screen
The KT-9 display screen is a five character liquid-crystal display
(LCD). When an action or instructional sequence is being
described, the appropriate display from the instrument will be
shown. A sample screen looks like this:
Type styles
18:888
LoBAT
Style Meaning
Italics 1. A new term is being introduced.
2. An item of importance is being
emphasized.
Bold An action that you are required to
perform.
SMALL CAPS Descriptive or proper name for a mode,
instrument, etc.
Monospaced A filename, environment variable,
directory, menu selection, or any
computer command entered through a
keyboard.
KeyCaps
..
The keys you are required to press
while running an optional computer
program. If these key symbols are not
separated by commas, you must press
all the keys simultaneously.
vi Conventions
Instrument display screen
The KT-9 display screen is a five character liquid-crystal display
(LCD). When an action or instructional sequence is being
described, the appropriate display from the instrument will be
shown. A sample screen looks like this:
Type styles
18:888
LoBAT
Style Meaning
Italics 1. A new term is being introduced.
2. An item of importance is being
emphasized.
Bold An action that you are required to
perform.
SMALL CAPS Descriptive or proper name for a mode,
instrument, etc.
Monospaced A filename, environment variable,
directory, menu selection, or any
computer command entered through a
keyboard.
KeyCaps
..
The keys you are required to press
while running an optional computer
program. If these key symbols are not
separated by commas, you must press
all the keys simultaneously.

Chapter 1
The KT-9 Kappameter
The KT-9 KAPPAMETER is the state-of-the-art, hand-held field
magnetic susceptibility meter for obtaining accurate and
precise measurements from outcropping rocks, drill cores and
rock samples. Special design features make the KT-9 superior in
measuring uneven rock surfaces and well suited to automated
drill-core logging with digital recording.
Figure 1 The KT-9 Kappameter
Features
The KT-9 has many unique features over it’s predecessor (the
KT-5 — see also “KT-5 vs. KT-9 operational differences” on
page 71), as well as other commercially available units. These
features include:
Chapter 1
The KT-9 Kappameter
The KT-9 KAPPAMETER is the state-of-the-art, hand-held field
magnetic susceptibility meter for obtaining accurate and
precise measurements from outcropping rocks, drill cores and
rock samples. Special design features make the KT-9 superior in
measuring uneven rock surfaces and well suited to automated
drill-core logging with digital recording.
Figure 1 The KT-9 Kappameter
Features
The KT-9 has many unique features over it’s predecessor (the
KT-5 — see also “KT-5 vs. KT-9 operational differences” on
page 71), as well as other commercially available units. These
features include:

2Features
Easy to use – A special measuring pin protrudes from the
centre of the measuring head. In order to take a reading, you
simply press the pin against the sample to be measured. When
you remove the KT-9, it automatically displays the true
measured susceptibility of the sample in SI units.
Hi-sensitivity – The maximum sensitivity of the KT-9 (in com-
mon with the KT-5) is 1x10-5 SI units. The largest value that can
be read is 999x10-3 SI units. The autoranging capability of the
unit gives it the best sensitivity range available.
True susceptibility – Unlike all other current commercial
instruments, which measure the APPARENT susceptibility, the
KT-9’s automated correcting routines display the TRUE suscepti-
bility. In older instruments, the measured apparent susceptibil-
ity differs significantly from the real susceptibility in the higher
ranges. Users of these instruments would then have to manually
correct the measured data to obtain a true value.
Long battery life – The special power saving techniques used
by the KT-9 allows you to take up to 10,000 readings (under
normal conditions) using a single 9-volt battery.
Uneven samples – The measurement of magnetic susceptibil-
ity is dependent upon the volume of material being sampled.
The presence of an uneven surface (as is the case in most practi-
cal situations) creates air space gaps due to the sensor sitting up
on bumps. This causes serious errors in the measured suscepti-
bility of all other currently available commercial units.
The KT-9 overcomes this problem by spacing the sensor a fixed
distance away from the sample by means of a PIN. The average
of repeated measurements (placing the pin in different loca-
tions) averages the errors due to the bumps to provide the true
reading of the magnetic susceptibility.
There is no reduction in the effective sensitivity of the KT-9 due
to the air gap, because of the automatic compensation built
into the unit.
2Features
Easy to use – A special measuring pin protrudes from the
centre of the measuring head. In order to take a reading, you
simply press the pin against the sample to be measured. When
you remove the KT-9, it automatically displays the true
measured susceptibility of the sample in SI units.
Hi-sensitivity – The maximum sensitivity of the KT-9 (in com-
mon with the KT-5) is 1x10-5 SI units. The largest value that can
be read is 999x10-3 SI units. The autoranging capability of the
unit gives it the best sensitivity range available.
True susceptibility – Unlike all other current commercial
instruments, which measure the APPARENT susceptibility, the
KT-9’s automated correcting routines display the TRUE suscepti-
bility. In older instruments, the measured apparent susceptibil-
ity differs significantly from the real susceptibility in the higher
ranges. Users of these instruments would then have to manually
correct the measured data to obtain a true value.
Long battery life – The special power saving techniques used
by the KT-9 allows you to take up to 10,000 readings (under
normal conditions) using a single 9-volt battery.
Uneven samples – The measurement of magnetic susceptibil-
ity is dependent upon the volume of material being sampled.
The presence of an uneven surface (as is the case in most practi-
cal situations) creates air space gaps due to the sensor sitting up
on bumps. This causes serious errors in the measured suscepti-
bility of all other currently available commercial units.
The KT-9 overcomes this problem by spacing the sensor a fixed
distance away from the sample by means of a PIN. The average
of repeated measurements (placing the pin in different loca-
tions) averages the errors due to the bumps to provide the true
reading of the magnetic susceptibility.
There is no reduction in the effective sensitivity of the KT-9 due
to the air gap, because of the automatic compensation built
into the unit.