White Mini-Seis III Pro User manual

MINI-SEIS III Pro™
OPERATING MANUAL

Mini-Seis III Pro™ Operating Manual Page 2
Contents
A Word Concerning This Manual .......................................................................................... 6
Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 6
Use .................................................................................................................................... 6
Operating Modes .............................................................................................................. 6
Ranges and Resolutions ..................................................................................................... 7
Sample Rates ..................................................................................................................... 7
Waveform Mode (4 or 8 Channel) .................................................................................. 7
Waveform Mode (1 Channel) ......................................................................................... 7
Histogram or Histogram/Waveform Mode (4 Channel) .................................................. 7
Histogram or Histogram/Waveform Mode (8 Channel) .................................................. 7
Waveform Recording Duration .......................................................................................... 7
Battery Life ........................................................................................................................ 7
Communication ................................................................................................................. 8
External Data Storage........................................................................................................ 8
Accessories and Software .................................................................................................. 8
Data Compression ............................................................................................................. 8
Automatic Reporting.......................................................................................................... 8
Options.............................................................................................................................. 8
8 Channel....................................................................................................................... 8
GPS ................................................................................................................................ 8
Ranges ........................................................................................................................... 8
Non-Standard Sensors.................................................................................................... 9
A Weighting................................................................................................................... 9
New Features ................................................................................................................. 9
Connectors........................................................................................................................ 9
Connecting a Sensor.......................................................................................................... 9
Communication ............................................................................................................... 10
Charging ......................................................................................................................... 10
The Keypad and Display ..................................................................................................... 11
ON Key............................................................................................................................ 11
OFF key........................................................................................................................... 11
ENTER Key ...................................................................................................................... 11

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Up/Down Arrow Keys ...................................................................................................... 11
Left/Right Arrow Keys...................................................................................................... 11
Soft Keys.......................................................................................................................... 11
Display ............................................................................................................................ 11
Displayed Fields.............................................................................................................. 11
Instrument Screens (in order as they appear) ..................................................................... 12
Information Screen .......................................................................................................... 12
Calibration Screen........................................................................................................... 12
Stabilization Screen ......................................................................................................... 12
The Main Screen.............................................................................................................. 14
........................................................................................................................................ 14
Next................................................................................................................................. 14
Current Mode Screen ...................................................................................................... 14
Event Screen ................................................................................................................... 15
Waveform Events ............................................................................................................ 15
Histogram Events ............................................................................................................ 15
Main Screen Functions ........................................................................................................ 17
Setting the Date and Time................................................................................................ 17
-Setup Menus- ................................................................................................................. 17
-Unit Options-............................................................................................................... 17
System Log Options ..................................................................................................... 20
Timer Setup.................................................................................................................. 20
Multi Triggering........................................................................................................... 21
Main Screen Trigger........................................................................................................ 21
Main Screen Data Port ..................................................................................................... 21
Main Screen Baud Rate .................................................................................................... 22
Mode Screen Functions (Waveform Mode) ......................................................................... 23
Rate ................................................................................................................................. 23
Duration .......................................................................................................................... 23
Seismic Trigger ............................................................................................................... 23
Acoustic Trigger.............................................................................................................. 24
Trigger Level Considerations....................................................................................... 24
Histogram Mode Functions ................................................................................................. 25
Rate ................................................................................................................................. 25

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Period.............................................................................................................................. 25
Interval............................................................................................................................ 25
To Run a Continuous Histogram.................................................................................... 25
To Run an Interval Histogram ....................................................................................... 25
To Run an Interval Histogram Starting at a Specific Time .............................................. 26
To Run an Interval Histogram Starting and Ending at a Specific Time ........................... 26
Status............................................................................................................................... 26
Histogram/Waveform Mode Functions................................................................................ 27
Rate ................................................................................................................................. 27
Period.............................................................................................................................. 27
Duration .......................................................................................................................... 27
Interval............................................................................................................................ 27
Seismic Trig..................................................................................................................... 27
Acoustic Trig ................................................................................................................... 28
Trigger Level Considerations....................................................................................... 28
Status............................................................................................................................... 28
Event Screen Functions....................................................................................................... 29
Waveform Events ............................................................................................................ 29
Histogram Events ............................................................................................................ 29
Copy ............................................................................................................................... 29
Copy Event Options ..................................................................................................... 29
4 Channel, 8 Channel and Single Channel Configuration.................................................... 31
Automatic Reporting ........................................................................................................... 32
Triggered Reporting ....................................................................................................... 32
Fixed Reporting............................................................................................................... 32
Interval Reporting ........................................................................................................... 32
Heartbeat ........................................................................................................................ 32
Using a USB Thumb Drive ................................................................................................... 33
Field Use............................................................................................................................. 34
Transducer Coupling....................................................................................................... 34
Microphone..................................................................................................................... 34
Preparing for Operation...................................................................................................... 35
Activating and Stabilization ............................................................................................. 35
Main Screen..................................................................................................................... 35

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Mode Screens.................................................................................................................. 35
Reviewing Data ............................................................................................................... 35
Example Steps for Monitoring Using Waveform Mode ........................................................ 36
Example Steps for Monitoring Using Histogram Mode ........................................................ 37
Updating the Firmware ....................................................................................................... 38
CLI Commands ................................................................................................................... 39
Enhanced Descriptions.................................................................................................... 43
AU................................................................................................................................ 43
AW............................................................................................................................... 43
CHEN ........................................................................................................................... 44
CHG............................................................................................................................. 44
COMP .......................................................................................................................... 44
ER ................................................................................................................................ 44
HB ................................................................................................................................ 44
HI ................................................................................................................................. 45
RE ................................................................................................................................ 45
RT................................................................................................................................. 45
SM................................................................................................................................ 45
SSP ............................................................................................................................... 45
SSP2 4 [unit] [range] [min] ........................................................................................... 46
TA ................................................................................................................................ 47
TS................................................................................................................................. 47
Limited Warranty ................................................................................................................ 49

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A Word Concerning This Manual
The content of this manual references the most recent Pro firmware. Instruments with older
firmware versions may not conform to the content. White recommends that the Pro firmware
be kept current. The current version of Seismograph Data Analysis will contain the most
recent Pro firmware. Some earlier versions of Seismograph Data Analysis do not support the
Mini-Seis III Pro. The trade names Mini-Seis III Pro, Mini-Seis III, Mini-Seis and Seismograph
Data Analysis are the property of White Industrial Seismology, Inc.
Introduction
The Mini-Seis III Pro is an enhanced version of the Mini-Seis III and is designed to replace
the Mini-Seis III. It features a 32 bit processor and 16 bit A/D. The Pro has over 3.5GB of
memory and can store many hours or days of continuous waveform data and many months if
not years of continuous histogram data. It may be possible to use the seismograph for many
years without having to erase the memory. Ruggedness, reliability, accuracy and power
conservation are built in to the design. Data transfer by both serial and high speed USB is
supported.
The Pro supports the standard 4 channel configuration, an optional 8 channel configuration
and a high speed single channel mode.
Use
The Pro is designed for many types of vibration monitoring including:
Blast Vibration
Environmental
Construction
Demolition
Underwater
And more…
It can also work with non-standard sensors like hydrophones, dynamic strain gauges and tilt
gauges. The Seismograph Data Analysis V13 and later software was designed for use with
the Pro with both standard and non-standard records.
Operating Modes
Waveform –The standard selection for time history vibration monitoring with trigger
thresholds and a fixed record duration.
Histogram –Primarily used for monitoring continuous or semi-continuous vibration.
The measured data includes the peak levels in each sample interval, the frequency at
the peaks and optionally the vector sum.
Histogram/Waveform –Merges both Waveform and Histogram modes so that
waveform events can be recorded simultaneously with histogram data based on user
specified trigger thresholds.

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Manual –A waveform mode where the instrument triggers based on a key press or
the application of an external trigger.
Ranges and Resolutions
The standard unit has a maximum seismic range of 10.24 in/sec (260 mm/sec) and a
maximum linear weighted acoustic range of 148 dB (512 Pa). The 16 bit seismic resolution at
the standard range is 0.0003125 in/s (0.00794 mm/s). The linear acoustic 16 bit resolution is
0.000156 Mb (0.0156 Pa). The maximum range of the seismic and acoustic sensors can be
modified at the factory for more or less sensitivity.
The downloaded data resolution can be changed between 16 bits and 12 bits with the
Seismograph Data Analysis software. Changing the resolution does not affect the native
data, which is stored using 16 bits. However, since the data are normally compressed when
accessed through the USB or serial interface, the 12 bit option will result in smaller file sizes.
The 12 bit seismic resolution at the standard range is 0.005 in/s (0.127 mm/s). The linear
acoustic 12 bit resolution is 0.0025 Mb (0.25 Pa).
Sample Rates
The available waveform sample rates are 1024, 2048, 4096, 8192 and 16384 over 4 or 8
channels of data. A 64K and 128K rate is available for single channel waveform. The
available histogram sample rates with the 4 channel model are 1024, 2048, 4096, 8192 and
16384. The 8 channel histogram sample rate is limited to no more than 8192.
WAVEFORM MODE (4 OR 8CHANNEL)
1K to 16K in powers of two.
WAVEFORM MODE (1 CHANNEL)
64K or 128K.
HISTOGRAM OR HISTOGRAM/WAVEFORM MODE (4 CHANNEL)
1K to 16K in powers of two.
HISTOGRAM OR HISTOGRAM/WAVEFORM MODE (8 CHANNEL)
1K to 8K in powers of two.
Waveform Recording Duration
The waveform recording duration can be from 1 to 120 seconds at all sample rates. There is
also a pre-trigger of 1024 samples. The time of the pre-trigger will thus vary with the
selected sample rate. At a sample rate of 1024, the pre-trigger is one second. At a sample
rate of 4096, the pre-trigger is 0.25 second.
Battery Life
In waveform mode, at a sample rate of 1024 samples per second, the unit will operate for
approximately 7 to 10 days with a full charge. With the Timer Mode set to an eight hour
monitoring day, the continuous operating time can be extended to approximately one

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month. The instrument can also be connected to AC power or a DC source such as an
automobile battery or solar cell for extended or unlimited operating time.
Communication
The Pro supports local communication by both serial and USB. It also supports remote
communication by serial. Any remote access device that supports serial, like a cellular
modem, WiFi router, or satellite modem, can be used to download data from and interact
with the seismograph. The instrument features serial baud rates from 1200 to 460800,
allowing it to work with a multitude of remote serial data devices.
External Data Storage
In addition to the seismograph’s internal memory, records can easily be transferred to a USB
thumb drive or to a computer using the Seismograph Data Analysis software. There is also
support for transferring data directly from the Pro to a USB thumb drive. The thumb drive
feature removes the need for a computer in the field to download events.
Accessories and Software
All required accessories are provided. The Seismograph Data Analysis software can be
downloaded from the White website at www.whiteseis.com.
Data Compression
The Pro uses data compression to reduce the size of the downloaded files. The amount of
compression will vary depending on the waveform characteristics and the selected
resolution. Data compression can be turned off if needed.
Automatic Reporting
The Pro supports the automatic reporting of data through the serial connector. There are
multiple modes of operation. Please refer to the chapter on Automatic Reporting for more
information.
Options
8CHANNEL
The 8 channel instrument can have two tri-axial seismic packages and two microphones.
Both seismic packages must use the same units and maximum range. If linear, both
microphones must use the same units and maximum range.
GPS
The Pro can be equipped with GPS for location logging. If available, GPS information will be
included in the summary of each waveform or histogram record.
RANGES
The standard unit will have a maximum seismic range of 10.24 in/sec (260 mm/sec) and a
maximum linear weighted acoustic range of 148 dB (512 Pa). These ranges can be modified

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at the factory for more or less sensitivity. Please check with White or your nearest Mini-Seis
III Pro reseller for the availability of other ranges.
NON-STANDARD SENSORS
The Pro does not support the direct display of data from non-standard sensors. However,
the software can display and analyze data from non-standard sensors. The standard sensors
are a tri-axial geophone package and an overpressure microphone.
Non-standard sensors might include accelerometers, strain gauges, hydrophones, etc. We
can supply a bud box with the desired connectors so that individual sensors can be used.
There can be from 1 to 8 non-standard sensors used, depending on the Pro configuration.
Contact White for more information.
AWEIGHTING
The Pro can be equipped with a logarithmic amplifier board for non-certified Type 2 A
weighting. We stress non-certified as we cannot test it to certify that it meets ANSI
standards. However, it has been tested and compared with ANSI certified devices. A
separate microphone should be used for A weighting versus linear overpressure. A
weighting is only available for channel 4.
NEW FEATURES
New features may be added. Please check with White or your nearest White Seismograph
reseller at any time for information concerning specific features.
Connectors
The standard 4 channel unit has four connectors, two push-pull connectors for the sensors
and two DB9 connectors. The 8 channel unit has two additional push-pull connectors. On
the 8 channel unit, the connectors closest to the outside of the case represent channels 1
through 4. The inside connectors represent channels 5 through 8. The push-pull sensor
connectors are interchangeable for any channel set.
The female top DB9 is the serial connector. This connector can be used for serial
communication and external charging by an AC or DC source. The male bottom DB9 is the
USB connector. The USB connection generates a high speed virtual com port.
WARNING –Do not attempt to charge the unit using the male DB9. Doing this could cause
significant damage. Always use AC chargers and DC cables supplied by White for external
power. A splitter cable can be provided if both power and serial communication are
needed at the same time.
Connecting a Sensor
To connect a sensor, align the notch of the male connector with the tab in the top of the
female connector and push in until it clicks. To disconnect a sensor, pull back on the sliding
fixture. The connectors are very rugged. However, care should be taken so that significant
amounts of dirt and mud do not become impacted around the pins.

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Communication
The serial DB9 (female) is wired so that it is not necessary to use a null cable with a cellular
modem. This means that standard local serial communication would require a null adapter.
However, it is anticipated that local communication will be with USB (male DB9). The change
in the serial DB9 also means that cables used with the Mini-Seis are not compatible with the
Mini-Seis III Pro.
The male DB9 connector is for USB data transfer. There are two USB cables supplied. One
cable is for computer communication, the other cable is for data transfer to a USB thumb
drive. While we have tested many thumb drives, it is possible that not all USB thumb drives
will function with the Pro. White recommends avoiding low priced generic cables in favor of
known brands. Mini-Seis III USB cables are not compatible with the Pro and vice versa.
Charging
The standard instrument will contain a sealed rechargeable lead acid battery. The Mini-Seis
III Pro has circuitry which helps prevent overcharging. It is harder on the internal battery to
let it discharge than to keep it charged.