GSSI SIR 4000 User manual

Copyright© 2014-2016 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, NH 03060-3075 USA
Printed in the United States
SIR, RADAN and UtilityScan are registered trademarks of Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc.

Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. SIR® System 4000
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.
FCC Class B Compliance
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) the device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003
Contains FCC ID: VRA-SG9011089E
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.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment or residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the introduction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation.
Shielded cables must be used with this unit to ensure compliance with the Class B FCC limits.
Canadian Emissions Requirements
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numerique de la classe B est conforme a la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
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.

Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. SIR® 4000
Manual
MN72-574 Rev D
Table Of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction ................................................................................................................1
1.1: Unpacking Your System .............................................................................................1
1.2: General Description.....................................................................................................1
1.3 Cautions and Warnings ...............................................................................................7
Chapter 2: Getting Started and Expert Mode Setup..........................................................9
2.1: Hardware Setup ............................................................................................................9
2.2: Introduction Screen.................................................................................................. 11
2.3: Setup Collect/Playback Screen ............................................................................. 18
2.4: The Toolbar.................................................................................................................. 42
Chapter 3: Setting Up Your SIR 4000 for 2D Data Collection and Playback in
Expert Mode................................................................................................................................... 63
3.1: Setting Up Distance Mode Data Collection ...................................................... 63
3.2: Setup for Single Line 3D Collection in Expert Mode...................................... 67
3.3: Setting Up for Time Mode Data Collection....................................................... 68
3.4: Setting Up for Point Mode Data Collection ...................................................... 71
3.5: Playing Back Collected Data .................................................................................. 74
3.6: Saving an Image......................................................................................................... 74
Chapter 4: Using Quick3D Mode............................................................................................77
4.1: Quick3D File Structure............................................................................................. 77
4.2: Setting Up a Physical 3D Grid................................................................................ 78
4.3: Setting Up Quick3D Collection ............................................................................. 79
4.4: Step By Step Quick3D Setup.................................................................................. 80
4.5: Collecting 3D Data .................................................................................................... 83
4.6 Modify the 3D Display during Collection ........................................................... 87
4.7 GPS Enabled 3D Collection ..................................................................................... 89
4.8 Quick3D Playback....................................................................................................... 90
Chapter 5: Summary of Pre-Set Mode Parameters..........................................................95
5.1: StructureScan2D........................................................................................................ 95
5.2: StructureScan3D......................................................................................................103
Chapter 6: Data Transfer and File Maintenance .............................................................115
6.1: Transfer to a PC via a USB Memory Stick .........................................................115
6.2: Deleting Data from the System ..........................................................................115
Chapter 7: Using a GPS with your SIR 4000......................................................................117
7.1: Connecting a GPS....................................................................................................117
7.2: Understanding GPS.................................................................................................118
7.3 What is the DZG File? ..............................................................................................119
7.4 What is WAAS?...........................................................................................................121
7.5 What is NMEA?...........................................................................................................121

Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. SIR® 4000
Manual
MN72-574 Rev D
Appendix A: SIR 4000 System Specifications...................................................................123
A.1: System Hardware ....................................................................................................123
A.2: Data Acquisition and Software...........................................................................124
A.3: System Includes.......................................................................................................124
Appendix B: The How-To’s of Field Survey.......................................................................125
B.1: Site Selection ............................................................................................................129
B.2: Targets.........................................................................................................................130
B.3: Data Collection Methods: 2D vs. 3D..................................................................132
Appendix C: Dielectric Values For Common Materials ...............................................135
Appendix D: Listing of Antenna Parameters ...................................................................137
D.1: Preloaded Setups in Expert Mode.....................................................................137
D.2: Parameter Listing for Older/Specialty Antennae .........................................140
Appendix E: Glossary of Terms and Suggestions for Further Reading...................143

Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. SIR® 4000
Manual
MN72-433 Rev D 1
Chapter 1: Introduction
This manual is designed for both the novice and experienced user of ground penetrating radar. It is
intended as both a reference and a teaching tool and it is recommended that you read the entire manual,
regardless of your level of GPR experience. For information about GPR theory, please see the list of
general geophysics references that can be found in Appendix F.
If you experience operation problems with your system, GSSI Technical Support can be reached
Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 5 pm EST, at 1-800-524-3011, or at [phone] (International).
1.1: Unpacking Your System
Thank you for purchasing a GSSI SIR®4000 (hereafter referred to as SIR 4000). A packing list is
included with your shipment that identifies all of the items included in your order. You should check your
shipment against the packing list upon receipt of your shipment. If you find an item is missing or was
damaged during the shipment, please call or fax your sales representative to immediately report the
problem.
Your SIR 4000 system contains the following items:
1- Digital Control Unit (DC-4000) with preloaded operating system.
1 - Transit Case
2 - Batteries
1 - Charger
1 - Sunshade
1 - Operation Manual
1 - GSSI Manual CD
1 - USB Drive
1 - Universal Mounting Bracket
Your choice of antenna, cables, and post-processing software is available for an additional purchase.
1.2: General Description
The SIR 4000 is a lightweight, portable, ground penetrating radar system that is ideal for a wide variety of
applications and designed to operate GSSI single digital antennas, single analog antennas, or dual
frequency antennas. The system will not support operating both a digital and analog antenna at the same
time. The various components of the SIR 4000 are described below.
The major features of the control unit are the keypad, control knob, 10.4 inch LED display with 1024 by
768 pixel resolution, connector panels (HDMI Video Out, USB 2.0, Ethernet, Serial Port I/O, digital and
analog antenna connectors, power, GPIO Connector, micro-USB), battery slot, and indicator lights. The
display screen allows you to view data in real time or in playback mode. It is readable in bright sunlight,
although a sunshade for the unit is available. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight will cause the screen
to heat up and may affect screen visibility.
There are two latching panels on the sides of the unit that contain the battery slot, Micro-USB port, and
Ethernet port. To open the panels, rotate the locking pin until it is loose. To close the panel press it firmly,
push the locking pin in, and rotate the pin until it tightens. See the figure below for further detail.

Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. SIR® 4000
Manual
MN72-433 Rev D 2
Left: Side panel when closed and locked. Right: Side panel when closed and unlocked.
The battery slot on the left side of the unit accepts the 10.8 V Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery provided.
Survey time with a fully charged battery is approximately two and a half (2.5) hours. Batteries are
recharged with the included battery charger or by simply leaving the battery in the unit and connecting the
unit to a standard AC source using the optional AC adapter. Time to recharge a battery is approximately
one and half to two (1.5-2) hours. Be sure to keep
the right and left side panel covers on the unit
closed and secured while in use to ensure that no
dust or dirt enters the unit’s interior.
Compatibility
The SIR 4000 is not compatible with the following GSSI software or systems.
StructureScan Optical:When using either the black pad or the optical reader.
RADAN 5 or 6: Data collected with a SIR 4000 is also not compatible with RADAN 5 or 6. You will
need RADAN 7 or later version in order to view and process data collected with this system.
Orange Control Cables: The SIR 4000 will not work with the short, orange attenuated control cable
that was sold with the SIR 2000. The SIR 4000 will only work with non-attenuated cables (blue or black
in color). Repeated use of the orange attenuated cable with the SIR4000 may cause damage to the
SIR4000 circuitry.
Note:It is always recommended to
remove the battery from the battery slot
when storing or transporting the SIR 4000.

Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. SIR® 4000
Manual
MN72-433 Rev D 3
Hardware Connections - Top
The SIR 4000 has seven connectors located on the top of the unit. Facing the unit from left to right the
connectors are: 13 pin Digital Antenna Connection, 19 pin Analog Antenna Connection, External Power,
GPIO Connector, HDMI Video Out, Serial Port, and USB 2.0.
Digital Antenna Connector: The protruding 13-pin connector at the back of the system is for a GSSI
digital antenna control cable. You will notice the antenna connection on the SIR 4000 has five notches cut
from the metal. These mate with the five raised nubs on the control cable to ensure that the pins line up
properly.
•Screw the cable connector collar onto the SIR 4000 to make proper contact. The cable should
only be hand-tightened. Do not use a wrench to tighten the connection as over-tightening will
result in damage. The cable connector collar should be screwed down far enough to cover the red
line on the SIR 4000 connector.
•The only proper time to attach or detach an antenna is with system power off. Be sure to unplug
any external power and to remove the battery before attaching or detaching antennas.
Analog Antenna Connector: The large, protruding 19-pin connector at the back of the system is for the
GSSI analog antenna control cable. You will notice the antenna connection on the SIR 4000 has five
notches cut from the metal. These mate with the five raised nubs on the control cable to ensure that the
pins line up properly.
•Screw the cable connector collar onto the SIR 4000 to make proper contact. The cable should
only be hand-tightened. Do not use a wrench to tighten the connection as over-tightening will
result in damage. The cable connector collar should be screwed down far enough to cover the red
line on the SIR 4000 connector.
•The only proper time to attach or detach an antenna is with system power off. Be sure to unplug
any external power and to remove the battery before attaching or detaching antennas.
External Power Adapter:Plug in the optional AC power adaptor to run the system from 110-240 V,
47-63 Hz power.
Digital
Antenna
Analog
Antenna
External
Power
GPIO
Connector
HDMI
Video
Out
USB
2.0
Serial
Port

Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. SIR® 4000
Manual
MN72-433 Rev D 4
GPIO Connector: This is a General Purpose Input/Output connector. It will run a range of future
accessories and peripherals available from GSSI. Output signals include power and GPS among others.
HDMI Video Out: This will allow you to duplicate the screen on the SIR 4000 when connected to an
external monitor or projector.
Serial I/O (RS232): This is a standard serial connection that can be used to establish communication
between the SIR 4000 and a GPS as well as supply power. Please see Chapter 5: Using a GPS with your
SIR 4000 for additional information.
USB 2.0:This port is for connection to a variety of USB peripherals, including a mouse, keyboard, or
memory device.
•The internal memory capacity is approximately 32 gigabytes. Please see Chapter 4: Data Transfer
and File Maintenance for additional information on transfer.
Hardware Connections – Right Side
Micro-USB: The Micro-USB is used to connect an external USB memory device for data transfer.
Ethernet: The Ethernet connection is reserved for future functionality.
Ethernet
Micro-USB