GSSI StructureScan Mini XT User manual

Copyright © 2016-2017 Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc.
All rights reserved
including the right of reproduction
in whole or in part in any form
Published by Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc.
40 Simon Street
Nashua, New Hampshire 03060-3075 USA
Printed in the United States
SIR, RADAN, UtilityScan and PaveScan are registered trademarks of Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc.

Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. StructureScan™ Mini XT
Manual
Limited Warranty, Limitations Of Liability And Restrictions
Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. hereinafter referred to as GSSI, warrants that for a period of
24 months from the delivery date to the original purchaser this product will be free from defects in
materials and workmanship. EXCEPT FOR THE FOREGOING LIMITED WARRANTY, GSSI
DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. GSSI's obligation is limited to
repairing or replacing parts or equipment which are returned to GSSI, transportation and insurance pre-
paid, without alteration or further damage, and which in GSSI's judgment, were defective or became
defective during normal use.
GSSI ASSUMES NO LIABILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR INJURIES CAUSED BY PROPER OR IMPROPER OPERATION
OF ITS EQUIPMENT, WHETHER OR NOT DEFECTIVE.
Before returning any equipment to GSSI, a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number must be
obtained. Please call the GSSI Customer Service Manager who will assign an RMA number. Be sure to
have the serial number of the unit available
Regulatory Information
The use of GSSI antennas is governed by different regulatory agencies around the world. Specific antenna
models must be certified for legal operation in your country. Please read and understand the following
regulatory passages that pertain to your antenna. A listing of certified antennas by region can be found
www.geophysical.com/regulatoryinformation.htm.
Notice
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2)
this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the
device.
Survey Wheels
All of GSSI’s antennas are designed to operate with survey wheels. Some antennas have built-in survey
wheels, including the 62000 Palm Antenna and the Mini-SIR. The series of concrete antennas, including
the 5100, 5101 and 52600, have survey wheels built in to their special carts, the 614 and 615. The larger
antennas, including the 3101D, 5103, 50400 and 5104 are used in the larger carts, the 623 and 643, which
have survey wheels built in to them. Various sizes of survey wheels can also be attached directly to these
antennas. This includes the 611, 620 and 622. For highway surveys we use the 630 Distance measuring
Instrument (DMI).

Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. StructureScan™ Mini XT
Manual
Garantie limitée, limites de responsabilité et restrictions
Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc, ci-après dénommé GSSI, garantit à l'acheteur original de ce produit
que, pendant une période de 24 mois à compter de la date de livraison, ce dernier sera exempt de défauts
de matériaux et de fabrication. EXCEPTE POUR CETTE GARANTIE LIMITÉE, GSSI REJETTE
TOUTE GARANTIE, EXPLICITE OU IMPLICITE, Y COMPRIS TOUTE GARANTIE DE QUALITE
MARCHANDE OU D'ADEQUATION A UN USAGE PARTICULIER. L’obligation de GSSI est limitée
à la réparation ou le remplacement de pièces ou équipements qui sont retournés à GSSI, transport et
assurance prépayés, sans altération ni d'autres dommages, et qui, d’après GSSI, étaient défectueux ou sont
devenus défectueux lors d’une utilisation normale.
GSSI N'ASSUME AUCUNE RESPONSABILITE POUR LES DOMMAGES DIRECTS, INDIRECTS,
SPÉCIAUX, INCIDENTS OU CONSEQUENTS OU BLESSURES CAUSEES PAR UNE BONNE OU
MAUVAISE UTILISATION DE SON EQUIPEMENT DÉFECTUEUX OU NON.
Avant de retourner tout équipement à GSSI, une autorisation de retour matériel (RMA) doit être obtenue.
Appelez s'il vous plaît le service clientèle GSSI qui attribuera un numéro de RMA. Soyez sûr d'avoir le
numéro de série de l'unité.
Informations réglementaires
L'utilisation des antennes GSSI est régie par différents organismes de réglementation à travers le monde.
Certains modèles d'antenne spécifiques doivent être certifiés pour un fonctionnement légal dans votre
pays. Merci de lire et comprendre les passages suivants de réglementation qui s'appliquent à votre
antenne. Une liste des antennes certifiées par région peut être trouvée sur www.geophysical.com /
regulatoryinformation.htm.
Avis
La mise en œuvre est soumise aux deux conditions suivantes: (1) cet appareil ne doit pas provoquer
d'interférences et (2) cet appareil doit accepter toute interférence, y compris les interférences qui peuvent
causer un fonctionnement non désiré de l'appareil.
Roues codeuses – Odomètres
Toutes les antennes GSSI sont conçus pour fonctionner avec des roues codeuses. Certaines antennes,
comprenant l'antenne 62000 Palm et le Mini-SIR, intègrent directement les roues codeuses. La série
d'antennes pour le béton, comprenant les 5100, 5101 et 52600, ont des roues codeuses intégrées à leurs
chariots spéciaux, les 614 et 615. Les antennes plus grandes, telles que la 3101D, 5103, 50400 et 5104
sont utilisées dans les chariots plus grands, les 623 et 643, qui ont des roues codeuses intégrées.
Différentes tailles de roues codeuses peuvent être également être fixées directement sur ces antennes,
comprenant les 611, 620 et 622. Pour les auscultations de chaussées nous utilisons l’odomètre 630 (DMI :
Distance Measuring Instrument).

Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. StructureScan™ Mini XT
Manual
FCC Notice (for U.S. Customers):
This device complies with part 15, class F of the FCC Rules:
Operation is subject to the following conditions:
1. This device many not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received, Including interference that may cause
undesired operation
Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Operation of this device is restricted to law enforcement, fire and rescue officials, scientific research
institutes, commercial mining companies, construction companies and private parties operating on behalf
of these groups. Operation by any other party is a violation of 47 U.S.C. § 301 and could subject the
operator to serious legal penalties.
Coordination Requirements
(a) UWB imaging systems require coordination through the FCC before the equipment may be used. The
operator shall comply with any constraints on equipment usage resulting from this coordination.
(b) The users of UWB imaging devices shall supply detailed operational areas to the FCC Office of
Engineering and Technology who shall coordinate this information with the Federal Government through
the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The information provided by the
UWB operator shall include the name, address and other pertinent contact information of the user, the
desired geographical area of operation, and the FCC ID number and other nomenclature of the UWB
device. This material shall be submitted to the following address:
Frequency Coordination Branch, OET
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20554
ATTN: UWB Coordination
(d) Users of authorized, coordinated UWB systems may transfer them to other qualified users and to
different locations upon coordination of change of ownership or location to the FCC and coordination
with existing authorized operations.
(e) The NTIA/FCC coordination report shall include any needed constraints that apply to day-to-day
operations. Such constraints could specify prohibited areas of operations or areas located near authorized
radio stations for which additional coordination is required before operation of the UWB equipment. If
additional local coordination is required, a local coordination contact will be provided.
Notice: Use of this device as a wall imaging system is prohibited by FCC regulations.

Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. StructureScan™ Mini XT
Manual

Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. StructureScan™ Mini XT
Manual
For U.S. Customers
Ground Penetrating Radar Coordination Notice And Equipment Registration
Note: This form is only for Domestic United States users. The Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) requires that all users of GPR who purchased antennas after July 15th, 2002 register their
equipment and areas of operation. It is required that you fill out this form and fax or mail to the FCC.
Failure to do this is a violation of Federal law.
1. Date:
2. Company name:
3. Address:
4. Contact Information [contact name and phone number]:
5. Area Of Operation [state(s)]:
---Continued on next page.

Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. StructureScan™ Mini XT
Manual
6. Equipment Identification:
Brand Name: Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc.
Antenna Model No. (center frequency): List all antennas being registered.
Model Frequency
FCC ID (QF7 followed by
Model #)
MINIXT 2700 MHZ QF7MINIXT
7. Receipt Date Of Equipment:
Fax this form to the FCC at: 202-418-1944
Or
Mail to:
Frequency Coordination Branch, OET
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20554
ATTN: UWB Coordination
Do not send this information to GSSI.

Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. StructureScan™ Mini XT
Manual
Canadian Requirements for RSS-220
Canadian Requirements of RSS-220 for Ground Antennas
This Ground Penetrating Radar Device shall be operated only when in contact with or within 1 m of the
ground.
This Ground Penetrating Radar Device shall be operated only by law enforcement agencies, scientific
research institutes, commercial mining companies, construction companies, and emergency rescue or
firefighting organizations.
Cet appareil de radar de sol (ou géoradar) ne doit être utilisé qu’en contact avec le sol ou à 1 m maximum
au dessus du sol.
Cet appareil de radar de sol ne doit être utilisé que par les forces de l’ordre, les instituts de recherche
scientifiques, les sociétés minières, les sociétés de construction, et les organisations de secours d’urgence
ou de combat du feu.
Canadian Requirements of RSS-220 for Hand-held
Antennas
This In-wall Radar Imaging Device shall be operated where the device is directed at the wall and in
contact with or within 20 cm of the wall surface.
This In-wall Radar Imaging Device shall be operated only by law enforcement agencies, scientific
research institutes, commercial mining companies, construction companies, and emergency rescue or
firefighting organizations.
Cet appareil de radar de structure (murs, poutres, dalles…) ne doit être utilisé qu’en contact avec la
structure ou à 20 cm maximum décollé de cette structure.
Cet appareil de radar de sol ne doit être utilisé que par les forces de l’ordre, les instituts de recherche
scientifiques, les sociétés minières, les sociétés de construction, et les organisations de secours d’urgence
ou de combat du feu.
Canadian Requirements of RSS-220 for Search and Rescue
Antennas
This Through-wall Radar Imaging Device shall be operated only by law enforcement agencies or
emergency rescue or firefighting organizations that are under a local, provincial or federal authority. The
equipment is to be operated only in providing services and for necessary training operations.
Cet appareil de radar au travers des murs ne doit être utilisé que par les forces de l’ordre ou les
organisations de secours d’urgence ou de combat du feu qui sont sous une autorité locale, provinciale ou
fédérale. Cet équipement ne doit être utilisé que dans le cadre de services et pour les opérations
d’entrainement nécessaires.

Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. StructureScan™ Mini XT
Manual
Declaration of CE Conformance
Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. hereby confirms that the following named
products have been tested and meet the requirements of the European standards as indicated:
Models: 3101A, 5106A, 52600S, 62000, MINISIR, MINIHR, LL3P, LLTRx, 41000SA, 42000S,
50400S, 51600S, 50270S, D50300/800
Description: Ground Penetrating Radar Antennas
European Standards: ETSI EN 301 489-32 V1.1.1 (2005-09), ETSI EN 301 489-V1.6.1
(2005-09), ETSI EN 302 066-1 V1.1.1(2005-09), ETSI EN302 066-2 V1.1.1 (2005-09),
ETSI EN 302 066-1 V1.2.1(2008-02), ETSI EN302 066-2 V1.2.1 (2008-02),
ECC/DEC/(06)08
Place and Date of Issue: Intertek – ETL SEMCO 07.02.07, 03.11.09, 10.13.09, 11.18.09
Compliance Worldwide 03.23.12 09.25.12 04.14.14 11.10.15
Model: Profiler™ EMP-400
Description: Electromagnetic Induction System
European Standards: EN61326:1997 + A1:1998 + A2:2001
Place and Date of Issue: Intertek – ETL SEMCO 08.29.06
Model: FGDC-3000/2100, StructureScan™ EZ System, StructureScan™ MINI System
StructureScan™ MiniXT, StructureScan™EZXT
Description: Ground Penetrating Radar Data Acquisition Systems
European Standards: EN61000-6-2:2005, EN61000-4-2, EN61000-4-3, EN61000-4-4,
EN61000-4-5, EN61000-4-6, EN61000-4-11
Place and Date of Issue: Compliance Worldwide 09.29.09, 11.25.09 Intertek 08.31.15
Models: SIR®30, SIR®30E
Description: Ground Penetrating Radar Data Acquisition System
European Standards: EN61000-6-4: 2007 per EN 55011:2009 + A1:2010
Place and Date of Issue: Compliance Worldwide 07.10.12, 07.11.12
Model: SIR®4000
Description: Ground Penetrating Radar Data Acquisition System
European Standards: EN61000-6-4: 2007 per EN 55011:2009 + A1:2010
Place and Date of Issue: Compliance Worldwide 04.14.14
Chris Plumlee
1.08.15
Name of authorized person

Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. StructureScan™ Mini XT
Manual
MN 70-813 Rev E
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Using the StructureScan Mini XT.........................................................................1
Section 1: Introduction .......................................................................................................1
StructureScan™ Mini XT......................................................................................................2
Section 2: Getting Started..................................................................................................3
Section 3: Using ScanEZ Mode.........................................................................................5
Section 4: Using the Scan3D App................................................................................. 10
Section 5: Using the ScanMax App.............................................................................. 15
Section 6: Calibrating for Depth in the ScanMax App........................................... 21
Section 7: Using the DualScan App............................................................................. 24
Section 8: Using the Palm XT......................................................................................... 27
Section 9: File Management .......................................................................................... 29
Chapter 2: Using RADAN for StructureScan Mini............................................................. 31
Setting up Your Laptop/PC and Data Transfer........................................................ 31
Launching and Navigating the Software .................................................................. 32
Viewing and Processing the Data ................................................................................ 34
Processing the Data.......................................................................................................... 36
Ribbon Options.................................................................................................................. 38
Home Ribbon Options..................................................................................................... 38
3D Volume Options Ribbon........................................................................................... 44
Appendix A: The Dielectric Constant.................................................................................... 45
Appendix B: Data Interpretation and Examples of Common Features ................... 47
Appendix C: Technical Specifications...................................................................................51
Appendix D: Accessories........................................................................................................... 53
Appendix E: Labeling.................................................................................................................. 57

Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. StructureScan™ Mini XT
Manual

Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. StructureScan™ Mini XT
Manual
MN 70-813 Rev E 1
Chapter 1: Using the
StructureScan Mini XT
Section 1: Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the StructureScan Mini XT by GSSI. StructureScan Mini XT is the very latest
product from GSSI’s line of cutting-edge GPR concrete inspection tools. The Mini XT is designed with
today’s busy concrete professional in mind. It’s a tool that packs a ton of simple to learn functionality into
a ruggedly reliable package. The Mini XT will turn in a solid day of work and be back on the job first
thing in the morning with no complaints.
What Comes in the Box
•StructureScan Mini XT
•StructureScan Mini XT transit case
•Two (2) rechargeable lithium ion
batteries
•Dual bay battery charger with AC power
adaptor and set of international plugs
•Tool to remove the XT’s handle
•Safety wrist strap
•Data collection grids (sample pack)
•Quick Start Guide
About this Manual
This document is the exhaustive user’s guide for the Mini XT. As such, it incorporates the information in
the printed Quick Start Guide as well as information for those applications not described in the Quick
Start. This manual also discusses tips and tricks for processing and presenting your data results in
RADAN, GSSI’s premier GPR data processing software. This is a living document so be sure to
periodically check GSSI’s Technical Support Site: www.support.geophysical.com for downloadable
updates, both to your Mini XT and to this document
GSSI also recommends that you take advantage of one of the training opportunities provided for the
Mini XT. GSSI offers a full suite of webinars, videos, and live training classes for you to deepen your
knowledge of GSSI products and GPR applications. Please visit www.geophysical.com or contact
[e-mail] for more details.

Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. StructureScan™ Mini XT
Manual
MN 70-813 Rev E 2
StructureScan™ Mini XT
Front/Top View
Back View
1
Ergonomic removable handle
and controls
2Easy to use operator interface
with color display screen
3Survey wheel encoder
4Guiding laser for locating
5 Accessory attachment point
1
2
3
4
5
1
Power button
2 Battery slot
3USB port
4 Battery release
3
2
1
4

Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. StructureScan™ Mini XT
Manual
MN 70-813 Rev E 3
Section 2: Getting Started
1Remove any protective tape from the wheels.
2GSSI recommends fully charging the batteries prior to use.
3Insert a fully charged battery into the battery slot. The battery
should be inserted with the small plastic tabs pointing down.
Gently push the battery in until the plastic battery release clips
on the Mini XT catch on the battery tabs.
4Push the Power Button to turn on the Mini XT. The Mini XT is powering up and on when the Blue
ring on the button is illuminated. After a few moments the Mini XT Main menu screen will appear.
Note: The Mini XT incorporates a power-saving Sleep feature. The Mini XT is asleep when the
screen goes black and the blue ring around the power button pulses. Pushing any of the buttons on the
handle control keypad will wake the Mini XT. You can modify the sleep settings and power
management plan in the ScanMax App.
The Main Menu Screen
App Selection
Carousel
Handle Keypad
Menu Carousel Softkeys
Battery and Storage Indicators

Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. StructureScan™ Mini XT
Manual
MN 70-813 Rev E 4
First Time Setup
Note: The Mini XT incorporates a touch screen. You can use the handle keypad or touchscreen to access
most of the menu items.
Setting UI App Mode
The StructureScan Mini XT apps are divided into two categories for ease of use. These categories are
referred to as UI Modes. The UI Modes are accessible from the menu carousel, secondary menu:
•Simple Mode:ScanEZ
•Standard Mode:ScanEZ, ScanMax, Scan3D
•Advanced Mode: ScanEZ, ScanMax, Scan3D, DualScan
For first time setup, make sure that the Mini XT is in Standard UI mode.
1Set Language: Make sure that the Mini XT is in ScanMax App. Click the Down arrow to highlight
the menu carousel and then the Left/Right arrows to choose Select Language. Click the middle
keypad button or press the softkey on the carousel to select. Choose your desired language. This may
cause the Mini XT to restart.
2Set Units: In the ScanMax App, choose Units from the menu carousel. Click the middle handle
keypad button to press the softkey to toggle between English (Imperial) and Metric units.
3Calibrate Antenna: In the ScanMax App, select Calibrate Antenna from the menu carousel. Follow
the onscreen instructions. Calibrating will set appropriate gain levels.
4Set Date/Time: In the ScanMax App, choose the secondary menu softkey: Click the middle
handle button or push the softkey to toggle to the ScanMax secondary menu carousel.
Follow the onscreen instructions to set the appropriate date and time.
The choices you have made here will carry over to the ScanEZ and the Scan3D Collection Apps.
Secondary Menu

Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. StructureScan™ Mini XT
Manual
MN 70-813 Rev E 5
Section 3: Using ScanEZ Mode
Configuring the Mini XT
Before collecting any data, you may want to configure your Mini XT. Choose ScanEZ from the
App Carousel.
1Choose Inspection Depth: Possible options are 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 inches or 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 cm.
GSSI recommends setting the inspection depth a little deeper than required.
2Set Concrete Curing Level: GPR energy travels at different speeds though concrete which is at
different cure levels. Setting this accurately will allow for more accurate depth readings. These names
refer to the concrete’s cure, not any surface water. See Appendix A in this guide for details.
3Choose Color Table: This will set the data display color. GSSI recommends that new users choose
Color Table 1.
4Once you have configured the XT, pull the trigger or select Scan from the handle keypad to begin
collecting data.

Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. StructureScan™ Mini XT
Manual
MN 70-813 Rev E 6
Understanding the Mini XT Screen
5If you haven’t already done so, pull trigger to begin collecting data and roll
the Mini XT across the concrete. The data image will be displayed in real time.
6The project and file number will be displayed at the top-left corner of the screen. The Menu Carousel
will display different options depending on whether the Mini XT is adding new data to the screen or
using the Backup Cursor to review data already collection.
While adding new data, the menu carousel will have the following options:
•New File: This will stop and save your current file and begin collecting a new one. The file number
in the top-left corner will advance by 1.
•Mark: This will write a red-dashed user mark to the scan that is being written when the option is
pushed. This is useful to note the location of something you want to remember.
•Close File: This will stop and save the current file and return you to the ScanEZ menu screen.
While using the Backup Cursor, the menu carousel will have the following options:
•Auto Gain:This will adjust the screen brightness to either brighten up under-gained (weak) images
or dampen over-gained (saturated) images.
•Save Image: This will store a screen shot as a PNG image format. Each image will have the same
name as the GPR data file. Multiple images of the same GPR file will have a letter tag added. For
example: FILE__056A, FILE__056B, etc.
Depth Scale
Battery/Storage
Status
Backup Cursor
User Mark
File
Information
Bar
Menu Carousel
Hyperbola

Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. StructureScan™ Mini XT
Manual
MN 70-813 Rev E 7
•New File: This will stop and save your current file and begin collecting a new one. The file number
in the top-left corner will advance by 1.
•Close File:This will stop and save the current file and return you to the ScanEZ menu screen.
•Mark:This will write a red-dashed user mark to the Backup Cursor location when the option is
pushed. This is useful to note the location of something you want to remember.
Collecting Data and Marking Targets
This section covers the steps to locate and mark out objects in 2D.
1From the ScanEZ Main menu, pull the trigger or
select Scan from the handle keypad to begin.
Roll the Mini XT along the area to be
scanned. The system will display data in
real time as you are rolling it.
2Back the Mini XT up in a straight line. You will see
a yellow vertical line (the backup cursor) appear on
the screen. The position of this cursor is tied to the
Mini XT’s survey wheel. Stop when the cursor
bisects a hyperbola.
3Mark the survey surface at both side laser points,
and then back the Mini XT up a little further and
make an “X” in the middle between those laser
marks. Note that objects you are imaging run perpendicular to the track of the Mini XT.
After each line, select New File to collect a new line.
Start Scan

Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. StructureScan™ Mini XT
Manual
MN 70-813 Rev E 8
4Take a minimum of two survey
lines in each direction and connect
your marks to draw what is in the
slab on the slab.
Note: GPR does not provide object
size so GSSI recommends that you
draw 2 inch (5 cm) thick line
covering your drawn markouts so
as to provide a safe margin near
any objects.
Direction of steel
2” (5 cm)
margin of
safety