GSSI StructureScan Mini XT User manual

Copyright © 2017-2018 Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. MN70-812 Rev C
All Rights Reserved
MN70-812 Rev E

Copyright© 2017-2018 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, UtilityScan and PaveScan are registered trademarks of Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc.

StructureScan™Mini XT Quick Start Guide
A Fast Check List for Field Operation
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................. 1
StructureScan™ Mini XT........................................................................................................................................ 2
Front/Top View ........................................................................................................................................................2
Back View ...................................................................................................................................................................3
Section 1: Getting Started.................................................................................................................................... 4
First Time Setup .......................................................................................................................................................6
Section 2: Using ScanEZ Mode........................................................................................................................... 7
Understanding the Mini XT Screen ..................................................................................................................8
Collecting Data and Marking Targets .......................................................................................................... 10
Playing Back 2D Data.......................................................................................................................................... 13
Section 3: Using the Scan3D App....................................................................................................................15
Setting up Collection Parameters.................................................................................................................. 16
Section 4: File Management .............................................................................................................................23
Appendix A: The Dielectric Constant.............................................................................................................24
Appendix B: Data Interpretation and Examples of Common Features..............................................25

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
Please see our website, www.geophysical.com/regulatoryinformation, for current information and FCC Registration Form, including:
FCC Notice for U.S. Customer
Canadian Requirements for RSS-220
Declaration of CE Conformance
Laser Cautions and Warnings
Please see the full StructureScan Mini XT manual for important laser cautions and warnings.

StructureScan Mini XT Quick Start Guide Page 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
•Battery charger with AC power adaptor and set
of international plugs
•Tool to remove the XT’s handle
•Safety wrist strap
•Quick Start Guide (this document)
About this Quick Start Guide
This document is provided to get you up and running with your new Mini XT right out of the box. It details field setup
and use of two of the Mini XT’s applications: Scan EZ (for simple 2D collection) and Scan 3D (for 3D collection). The
Quick Start Guide is not a replacement for the full Mini XT manual. The XT manual contains full information on the
other modes as well as some tips and tricks for processing and presenting your data. You can download the full manual
from GSSI’s public website: www.geophysical.com. Navigate to Support → Download Resources.
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.

StructureScan Mini XT Quick Start Guide Page 2
StructureScan™Mini XT
Front/Top 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

StructureScan Mini XT Quick Start Guide Page 3
Back View
1
Power button
2 Battery slot
3USB port
4 Battery release
3
2
1
4

StructureScan Mini XT Quick Start Guide Page 4
Section 1: 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. Please see the full
Mini XT manual for details.

StructureScan Mini XT Quick Start Guide Page 5
The Main Menu Screen
App Selection
Carousel
Handle Keypad
Menu Carousel Softkeys
Battery and Storage Indicators

StructureScan Mini XT Quick Start Guide Page 6
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.
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 Softkey

StructureScan Mini XT Quick Start Guide Page 7
Section 2: Using ScanEZ Mode
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, 24 inches or 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 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.

StructureScan Mini XT Quick Start Guide Page 8
Understanding the Mini XT Screen
Depth Scale
Battery/Storage
Status
Backup Cursor
User Mark
File
Information
Bar
Menu Carousel
Hyperbola

StructureScan Mini XT Quick Start Guide Page 9
5If you haven’t done so already, 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. You can also pull the trigger to add a user mark.
•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. You will need to save and transfer the GPR file to get the image. See Section 4 for data transfer.
•New File: This will stop your current file and begin collecting a new one. If you decide to save the file, the file
number in the top-left corner will advance by 1.
•Close File: This will stop 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. You can also pull the trigger to add a user mark.

StructureScan Mini XT Quick Start Guide Page 10
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.
Start Scan

StructureScan Mini XT Quick Start Guide Page 11
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.

StructureScan Mini XT Quick Start Guide Page 12
4Take a minimum of two survey lines in each direction and connect your marks to draw what is in the slab on the slab.
5When you are finished with a survey line, select New or Close File from the Menu Carousel. The Mini XT will ask
you if you want to save the file. Click Left to save or Right to discard.
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

StructureScan Mini XT Quick Start Guide Page 13
Playing Back 2D Data
1To play back previously saved files, select Playback
from the ScanEZ Main menu using the handle keypad.
This will open the Playback and File Transfer menu
(at right).
2Click the Right arrow on the handle keypad to activate
the file browser. You can either click the Up and Down
arrows or swipe the touchscreen to browse files.
3Select the file(s) you want scrolling them to the top of
the list and clicking the center handle keypad button or
touching the box to the left of the file name.
4Display the file by clicking the Left arrow to activate
the handle keypad and then down to play back the data.
5To scroll through very long files, select Cursor from the
Menu Carousel. You will see crosshairs on the screen. You can move the crosshairs with either the arrow keys
or by touching the screen and dragging your finger. If you prefer to use the arrows keys, you can change the distance
interval per key push by changing the V-Step. Tap the +/- icons on the touchscreen to change between 1, 3, 5, 10, and
20. The value here is “scans” so if you collect 10 scans/inch and set this to 10, then each key push will move the
vertical crosshair by 1 inch. Push the middle keypad button to exit the cursor menu.

StructureScan Mini XT Quick Start Guide Page 14
V-Step Scan Toggle
Navigation Buttons

StructureScan Mini XT Quick Start Guide Page 15
Section 3: Using the Scan3D App
Scan3D is used to collect and view sections of 3D GPR data.
You can collect grids of three preset sizes: 1x1, 2x2, and 2x4 feet (30x30, 60x60, and 60x120 cm).
You can use one of the paper scan pads supplied by
GSSI as a template, create your own, or even draw a
grid on the survey surface. If you create your own or
draw a grid, it must be one of the three preset sizes
and the grid lines must be 2” (5 cm) apart.
Tape your scan template securely to the concrete. If
using a GSSI supplied pad, mark the concrete at the
holes in the corners. This will make it easier to draw
objects onto the concrete during data interpretation.
To begin, select Scan3D from the App Carousel and
then select Scan Setup from the handle keypad.
Data Collection Grids are free to download. Go to
www.geophysical.com, select Products > StructureScan
> StructureScan Mini XT. Scroll down the page until
you see “Resources.” You can find the 1x1, 2x2, and
2x4 foot (30x30, 60x60, and 60x120 cm) grids available
for download. You can also contact your GSSI sales
representative if you would like a purchase a pack of printed grids.

StructureScan Mini XT Quick Start Guide Page 16
Setting up Collection Parameters
1After selecting Scan Setup from the Scan3D Main menu,
click the Down arrow on the handle keypad to activate the
Menu Carousel. You will see the screen at the right. Select
the following parameters:
•Grid size: Choose the desired grid size.
•Auto Target: The Mini XT will attempt to auto-locate
objects. GSSI recommends leaving this Off during
collection. It can be applied during Playback if desired.
•Viewpoint: This determines how the onscreen template
grid will be viewed during collection.
•Color Table: Choose the desired color palette. GSSI
recommends Color Table 1 for beginners. This can be
changed in Playback.
•Band Filter: Turning this on will filter out horizontal banding. If you leave this off, you can decide later to apply
it in Playback.
•Depth: Select the maximum depth of investigation.
•Dielectric: Setting this correctly results in a more accurate depth reading on your objects as well as a cleaner
3D image. Please see Appendix A for details on setting the dielectric. GSSI recommends using one of the tools
available in ScanMax to accurately gauge your dielectric so that you can enter that value during 3D setup.
2Once you have selected the proper parameters, click the Up arrow to return to the Scan3D Main menu.