SCINTREX ENVI-MAG User manual

Part Number 788 711
November, 1994

Copyright Information
The software supplied as the ENVIMAP processing system and
described in this manual is furnished under license and may only be
used or copied in accordance with the terms oof this license.
Copyright © SCINTREX Limited 1994. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system or transmitted, in any form, or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photo-copying, recording, or otherwise, without prior
consent from SCINTREX Limited.
ENVI-MAG, WALKMAG and ENVIMAP are trademarks of SCINTREX Limited.
November, 1994
Manual designed and produced by GEO F/X.
Printed and bound in Canada.

E
NVI-MAG
ENVI-MAG Manual i
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Preface
Features ....................................................................... vii
Upgrades and options.................................................. viii
ENVIMAP software included ..........................................ix
How to use this manual.................................................ix
HELP-Line......................................................................xi
The ENVI-MAG Instrument
Introduction
Cold boot ..................................................................A1-2
Instrument overview .................................................A1-2
Preparing the ENVI-MAG
Unpacking .................................................................A2-2
Repacking .................................................................A2-3
Assembly ..................................................................A2-3
The Instrument
Pre-defined operating modes....................................A3-1
Console description ..................................................A3-3
Keypad description ...................................................A3-4
Display screens ........................................................A3-8
Operating displays ..................................................A3-12

Table of Contents
ii ENVI-MAG Manual
Setting-up the ENVI-MAG
First time operation .................................................A4-1
General setup principles ...........................................A4-4
How to:.....................................................................A4-5
Line and Station setup .............................................A4-7
Basic Mode...............................................................A4-9
Search Mode ..........................................................A4-11
Advanced Mode.......................................................A4-12
Operating the ENVI-MAG
Accurate and meaningful measurements .................A5-1
Repeated surveys lines.............................................A5-4
WALKMAG—
Total-field/Gradiometer
(Automatic mode) .....................................................A5-5
Manual mode—
Total-field/Gradiometer
(Semi-automatic) ......................................................A5-8
Base-station operation...........................................A5-11
Search mode ..........................................................A5-13
Survey data correction procedures........................A5-15
Remote operation...................................................A5-20
Data output
Output formats ........................................................A6-1
Basic mode ...............................................................A6-7
Advanced mode.........................................................A6-8
Maintenance and Repair
Battery charging ......................................................A7-1
Periodic maintenance ...............................................A7-4
Fuse replacement .....................................................A7-5
Instrument disassembly/assembly............................A7-6
Cable repair ..............................................................A7-7
Trouble shooting .......................................................A7-8

ENVI-MAG Manual iii
Table of Contents
Reference information
ENVI-MAG technical specifications...........................A8-1
Instrument parts list ...............................................A8-4
Warranty & Repair ...................................................A8-5
Applications for the ENVI-MAG
Magnetic surveying overview
Introduction ..............................................................B1-1
Basic magnetic theory..............................................B1-1
Magnetic targets ...................................................B1-11
Survey planning
Introduction ..............................................................B2-1
Sampling intervals ....................................................B2-1
Precision and Accuracy of surveys ...........................B2-3
Grid layout and orientation .......................................B2-7
Survey procedures and a sample survey
Introduction ..............................................................B3-1
Survey do’s and don’ts.............................................B3-1
Post-survey procedures .........................................B3-11
Field example ..........................................................B3-12
Bibliography ...........................................................B3-17

Table of Contents
iv ENVI-MAG Manual
The ENVIMAP Software
Introduction
The ENVIMAP software ............................................C1-1
Processing system steps.........................................C1-1
Conventions used in this section..............................C1-2
Installation and getting started
Before you begin .......................................................C2-1
Installation procedure...............................................C2-2
If you have problems ...............................................C2-13
ENVIMAP Reference
Limitations ...............................................................C3-2
Menuing system .......................................................C3-2
Menu Reference......................................................C3-10

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NVI-MAG
ENVI-MAG Manual v
Preface
Preface
Preface
Congratulations on purchasing the ENVI-MAG environmental magnetometer/
gradiometer from SCINTREX Ltd! You are in possession of one of the most
advanced magnetometers for environmental, geotechnical, archaeological and
mineral exploration uses of today.
The ENVI-MAG is a portable, proton-precession magnetometer that also is
inexpensive, lightweight and rugged. In its trademarked WALKMAG mode, it is
ideal for applications where high production, fast reading and high sensitivity are
required. It is quite versatile and can be optionally configured as a total-field
magnetometer, a gradiometer or as a base-station.
Features
The main features of the ENVI-MAG include:
▲interactive menus for easy operator use
▲selectable sampling rates as fast as 2 times per second
▲WALKMAG mode for rapid data acquisition
▲true simultaneous gradiometer option with the WALKGRAD mode for rapid
data acquisition
▲large internal memory, expandable to 188,000 readings
▲easy to read, large LCD screen that displays data both graphically and
numerically
▲easy review of the data and Datacheck quality control
▲ENVIMAP software for processing and mapping of the data

Preface
vi ENVI-MAG Manual
The complete ENVI-MAG system consists of several basic modules:
▲lightweight console with a large screen alphanumeric display and high
capacity memory
▲staff or back-pack mounted sensor and sensor cable
▲rechargeable lead-acid battery and battery charger
▲RS-232 cable for downloading data
▲ENVIMAP processing and mapping software
Upgrades and options
There are optional upgrade kits available for the ENVI-MAG to provide the
following:
1. True simultaneous gradiometery
An additional processor module is installed in the console, a second sensor
with a staff extender and a ruggedized backpack for the WALKGRAD mode
are provided in this kit.
2. Base-station applications
An accessory kit allows the sensor and staff to be converted into a base-
station sensor and the cabling allows a field ENVI-MAG to be connected for
automatic magnetic diurnal-variation corrections.
3. Low temperature operations
An external battery pouch along with a thermostatically controlled display
heater will permit field operations down to minus 40°C.
4. Expanded memory
Larger capacity memory chips are available to provide additional data
storage (up to 5 times the data of the base unit.), allowing you to collect up
to 188,000 readings in the WALKMAG mode. This is a factory installed option.
5. External trigger interface
This kit provides a tool for acquiring evenly spaced data when no survey grid
has been established in advance. The kit is an interface between the
ENVI-MAG and a triggering device (such as a measuring wheel or a hip-chain
that you supply). It works by triggering a station increment at intervals in the
WALKMAG mode. Detailed instructions for installation, interfacing and
usage are provided with the kit.

ENVIMAP software included
ENVI-MAG Manual vii
Preface
ENVIMAP software included
The ENVIMAP software provided with your ENVI-MAG is an easy to use, user-
friendly, menu-driven system. It will download your data from the ENVI-MAG and
produce report quality contour maps of your survey on a variety of printers. A
complete description of the software and its use can be found in the third section
of this manual.
How to use this manual
Sections
This manual is divided into three sections, labelled Ato C:
A. The ENVI-MAG Instrument
B. Applications for the ENVI-MAG
C. The ENVIMAP Software
Type styles
The following typeface conventions will be used throughout the manual. There
may be additional conventions used in the specific sections. These will be
described in the introduction for the section.
Convention Use
Bold 1. An action you are required to perform
2. A proper name.
Italic 1. A new term is being introduced
2. An item of importance is being emphasized.
Dot
Matrix
1. A prompt on the ENVI-MAG console
2. Text that you are required to input to the console.
ALL CAPS 1. A display or key on the ENVI-MAG console
2. The name of a method, item or mode.

Preface
viii ENVI-MAG Manual
Symbols
The following symbols will be used to highlight
specific sections of text throughout the manual.
Symbol Meaning
▲
Indicates an item in a list/
grouping or a single-step
procedure
Indicates specific information
that you should read.
Indicates a tip, new idea or
helpful hint.
Indicates a note of caution.
You should pay special
attention to this section.
Indicates a warning. You
should read this section very
carefully.
Indicates a typical question
you may have and provides an
answer.
Please read this! Indicates a
very important message.

HELP-Line
ENVI-MAG Manual ix
Preface
Page numbering
The page numbering scheme used consists of three parts; the section label,
chapter number and page number. For example, A3-1 would refer to Section A
(the instrumentation section), Chapter 3, page 1.
For your convenience, each chapter in a section has a thumb-tab on the right-
hand side allowing you to quickly locate a chapter of interest. The thumb-tabs are
arranged in descending order within each section, with Chapter 1 always starting
at the top.
HELP-Line
In order to provide a high-degree and quality of technical support, a special
HELP-Line is available for ENVI-MAG users. If you need any help with the
instrument, applying the instrument to a particular problem or help with the
ENVIMAP software, please contact SCINTREX ENVI-support, Monday to Friday
from 0900 to 1600 (Eastern Standard Time) at the following numbers:
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[phone]
Telex: 06-964570

Preface
xENVI-MAG Manual

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NVI-MAG
ENVI-MAG Manual A- i
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction...................................................................... A1-1
Cold boot........................................................................... A1-2
Instrument overview........................................................ A1-2
Preparing the ENVI-MAG............................................... A2-1
Unpacking.......................................................................... A2-2
Repacking .......................................................................... A2-3
Assembly........................................................................... A2-3
Connecting the sensor(s) to the cable .............................. A2-3
Total-field sensor ....................................................... A2-4
Base-station sensor.................................................. A2-5
Gradiometer sensors................................................. A2-6
Lower sensor...................................................... A2-6
Upper sensor ...................................................... A2-7
Installing the terminal protective cover ............................. A2-8
Assembling the sensor staff ............................................ A2-8
Back-pack installation ...................................................... A2-9
Battery installation/exchange ......................................... A2-10
Using the external battery pack................................ A2-11
Using an external power supply................................. A2-12
The ENVI-MAG
Instrument

Table of Contents
A-ii ENVI-MAG Manual
The Instrument................................................................ A3-1
Pre-defined operating modes.......................................... A3-1
Basic mode..................................................................... A3-1
Search mode .................................................................. A3-1
Advanced mode ............................................................... A3-1
Console description ......................................................... A3-3
Keypad description........................................................... A3-4
Key Functions ................................................................. A3-5
Display screens ................................................................ A3-8
General information ......................................................... A3-8
Cursor ..................................................................... A3-9
Display blocks ........................................................... A3-9
Pop-up windows ...................................................... A3-10
Help screens .......................................................... A3-11
Operating displays ......................................................... A3-12
Basic mode configuration displays................................... A3-12
Basic mode data collection displays .......................... A3-17
Search mode configuration display .................................. A3-18
Search mode data collection displays ........................ A3-21
Advanced mode configuration displays ............................. A3-22
Main operating display ............................................. A3-22
Instrument setup display ......................................... A3-23
Magnetometer setup display .................................... A3-25
Advanced mode data displays ......................................... A3-29
Numeric data display ............................................... A3-29
Graphic data display ................................................ A3-31
Recall displays .............................................................. A3-32
Recall setup display ................................................. A3-32
Recall data display................................................... A3-33
Modifying the display window .................................... A3-34
Auxiliary display ............................................................. A3-35
Data output display ....................................................... A3-36
Data output formats ............................................... A3-38
Notes display ................................................................ A3-39
Information display ........................................................ A3-40

ENVI-MAG Manual A-iii
Table of Contents
Setting-up the ENVI-MAG .............................................. A4-1
First time operation ........................................................ A4-1
Cold Boot ....................................................................... A4-2
Configuration menu ......................................................... A4-3
General setup principles ................................................. A4-4
How to:.............................................................................. A4-5
Access the main operating display .................................... A4-5
Access display sub-panels/blocks ...................................... A4-5
Access the parameter fields ............................................ A4-5
Change parameters......................................................... A4-5
Select! and Enter! ........................................................... A4-6
Select! ..................................................................... A4-6
Enter! ...................................................................... A4-6
Line and Station setup.................................................... A4-7
Entering the starting station ........................................... A4-8
Entering the starting line................................................. A4-8
Basic Mode ....................................................................... A4-9
Sample total-field setup................................................... A4-9
Search Mode .................................................................. A4-11
Sample search mode setup ............................................ A4-11
Advanced Mode .............................................................. A4-12
Instrument setup.......................................................... A4-12
Sample total-field setup
(WALKMAG or WALKGRAD) ........................................... A4-14
Sample stop-and-go gradiometer setup .......................... A4-17
Sample base-station setup ............................................ A4-20
Information display ........................................................ A4-23
Note entry.................................................................... A4-25
Display intensity control ................................................ A4-27
Parameter lock ............................................................. A4-28
Reprogramming the operating system ............................ A4-29
At the computer ..................................................... A4-29
At the ENVI-MAG .................................................... A4-29

Table of Contents
A-iv ENVI-MAG Manual
Operating the ENVI-MAG............................................... A5-1
Accurate and meaningful measurements ..................... A5-1
Orientation ..................................................................... A5-2
Effects of gradient .......................................................... A5-2
Other sources of noise .................................................... A5-3
On the staff.................................................................... A5-3
On the back plate ............................................................ A5-3
Base-station................................................................... A5-3
Repeated surveys lines ................................................... A5-4
WALKMAG—
Total-field/Gradiometer
(Automatic mode)............................................................. A5-5
Check your setup ............................................................ A5-6
Start survey ................................................................... A5-6
WALKGRAD gradiometer survey ....................................... A5-7
Manual mode—
Total-field/Gradiometer
(Semi-automatic) ............................................................. A5-8
Check your setup ............................................................ A5-9
Start survey ................................................................... A5-9
Automating your measurements..................................... A5-10
Base-station operation ................................................. A5-11
Check your setup .......................................................... A5-11
Start operation............................................................. A5-12
Search mode................................................................... A5-13
Basic ........................................................................... A5-13
Advanced...................................................................... A5-13
Survey data correction procedures............................. A5-15
Using base-station data ................................................ A5-15
Tie-point (TIE-PT) mode .................................................. A5-16
Loop type—collecting data....................................... A5-16
Line type—collecting data........................................ A5-17
Tie-point correction procedure ....................................... A5-19
Basic modes (Loop only) ........................................... A5-19
Advanced modes ..................................................... A5-19
Remote operation .......................................................... A5-20

ENVI-MAG Manual A-v
Table of Contents
Data output...................................................................... A6-1
Output formats................................................................ A6-1
XYZ................................................................................ A6-2
XYZ+ ............................................................................. A6-3
XYZ++........................................................................... A6-4
PRN ............................................................................... A6-5
NOTES ........................................................................... A6-6
Basic mode ....................................................................... A6-7
Advanced mode................................................................. A6-8
Output setup.................................................................. A6-8
Dumping data ............................................................... A6-10
All data .................................................................. A6-10
Specific data........................................................... A6-11
Line by line.............................................................. A6-12
Erasing data from memory ............................................. A6-13
Basic mode ............................................................. A6-13
Advanced mode ....................................................... A6-14
Maintenance and Repair................................................ A7-1
Battery charging.............................................................. A7-1
One battery .................................................................... A7-2
Two batteries.................................................................. A7-3
Periodic maintenance ...................................................... A7-4
Cleaning the sensors ....................................................... A7-4
Desiccant exchange......................................................... A7-4
Fuse replacement ............................................................ A7-5
Instrument disassembly/assembly................................. A7-6
Cable repair ...................................................................... A7-7
Trouble shooting............................................................... A7-8

Table of Contents
A-vi ENVI-MAG Manual
Reference information ................................................... A8-1
ENVI-MAG technical specifications................................ A8-1
Instrument parts list ...................................................... A8-4
Warranty & Repair........................................................... A8-5
Warranty........................................................................ A8-5
Repair ............................................................................ A8-5
When to ship the unit ................................................ A8-5
Description of the problem ......................................... A8-5
Shipping instructions....................................................... A8-6
U.S.A. ...................................................................... A8-6
Canada ..................................................................... A8-6
Outside Canada/U.S.A................................................ A8-6

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NVI-MAG
ENVI-MAG Manual A1-1
Chapter
Introduction
1
Introduction
This section is the reference for the ENVI-MAG instrument itself. You will find all
the information you need to know about setting-up the unit for field use, its oper-
ation, maintenance and trouble-shooting. It is divided into eight chapters with
the information flow from chapter to chapter following a natural progression, as
shown in the following table:
CHAPTER Description
Introduction Outlines what the instrument can do.
Preparation Describes the assembly of the system for use.
Description Describes the physical parts of the ENVI console, keypad
and display menus. It also describes the function of each
key and the various modes and parameters shown on all
the display screens.
Setting up Gives step-by-step instructions on how to set up the
instrument as either a Total Field Magnetometer, a
Gradiometer or a Magnetic Base Station.
Operations Guides you through typical instrument operation using
basic and advanced configurations in a WALKMAG and a
stop-and-go type of survey.
Data Output Shows examples of data output formats and explains how
to dump the acquired data.
Maintenance Describes basic maintenance, trouble-shooting and
repair.
Reference Contains the instrument parts list and warranty
information.

Introduction
A1-2 ENVI-MAG Manual
Cold boot
Note: Please read the section “First time operation” on page A4-1 so that you
will know how to do a cold boot of the instrument. This is needed the first
time you use it, whenever you wish to change operating configurations,
or after the batteries have been removed for more than 10 minutes.
Instrument overview
The SCINTREX ENVI-MAG is an easy-to-use, light-weight, battery-powered, por-
table magnetometer. It is a total-field instrument using the proton-precession
technique to measure the local magnetic field. Optional upgrade kits allow the
instrument to be used as a gradiometer or as a base-station. The standard config-
uration has the sensor mounted in a back-pack mode permitting rapid data ac-
quisition in the trademarked WALKMAG mode.
Measured data is stored in memory along with the coordinates where the mea-
surement took place. In the advanced configuration modes, you can also enter
descriptive notes of up to 32 characters at any station. The data can be displayed
either numerically or graphically for quick inspection of the data quality and
spotting of anomalies. Data can also be recalled from memory for visual inspec-
tion, dumped to the serial port (RS-232) of a computer or directly to a printer. In
addition to this, the base-station data can be recorded on a strip-chart recorder.
You can also automatically correct your magnetic data for diurnal variations
when another ENVI-MAG is used as a base-station or when you conduct your
survey in the TIE mode.
To make the ENVI-MAG easy to use, there are preset configurations for site
characterization, drum location, archaeology, general search, ground water,
mineral, oil and gas exploration. These configurations fall into two categories:
basic (where you only need to set a few parameters) and advanced (where you
have complete control over all operating modes).
The operating modes of the ENVI-MAG can be manual, semi-automatic or fully
automatic. In the WALKMAG (walking magnetometer) mode, data are acquired
and recorded at rates of up to two readings per second, as you walk at a steady
pace along the survey line. At desired intervals, you trigger a station marker by
pressing a single button and the co-ordinates are automatically assigned to the
recorded data. You can even introduce delays in the automatic recording to
compensate for walking over rugged terrain.