Geode Ultra-Light Exploration Seismograph

Seismic Products

The new Geode seismic recorder is the next generation of seismic recording system, combining the best of Geometrics' traditional seismic recorders with the flexibility and convenience of a distributed system. It's ideal for refraction or reflection, downhole or VSP - even tomography surveys.

Place a Geode module out on the line close to the geophones or well head and eliminate long, expensive analog cables. Never hassle with poor connections and bad roll box contacts when doing a reflection survey. And when you are not using the Geode for exploring, use it for monitoring earthquakes, quarry blasts or vibration from heavy equipment.

Geode architecture and Geometrics software lets you build seismic recording systems from 3 to 1000 channels with multiple lines and built-in roll capability. The low power Geodes even have an on-board hardware correlator that can be used for swept sources and MiniSosie (psuedo-random) surveys and compress data before transmission.

The Geode seismic modules house from 3 to 24 channels each, weigh only 8 lbs.(3.6 kg) and interconnect using inexpensive digital network cable. The Geode will run all day on a small 12v battery and sleeps when not in use.

For light-duty applications, you can run the Geode from your laptop to view, record, and process your data. The software interfaces to the Geode as a simple high-speed network device, eliminating the need for special drivers and cards. For more demanding applications where ruggedness and reliability are key, use the Geode in combination with Geometrics' StrataVisor NZ series seismographs.

And because getting the answer is key, Geometrics bundles the Geode with a suite of no-charge industry-standard professional software that expands you capabilities for commercial or research applications.

Features:

Versatile Seismic Recorder: Petroleum exploration and monitoring, engineering studies, depth to bedrock, fault and fracture location, hydrologic investigations, research and teaching.

Accomodates All Surveys:

  • Reflection: suitable for shallow reflection, deep reflection, 2-D and 3-D surveys
  • Refraction: comes with built-in first break picking and analysis
  • Marine surveys: very fast time between shots, real-time single-trace gathers, gun monitoring, noise snapshots, tape swapping for 24/7 operation.
  • Sub-bottom profiling: works with boomers, sparkers, bubble-pulse sources or air guns
  • Vertical Seismic Profiling: separate windows allow display of x, y and z data components
  • 4-D Time Lapse Surveys: weather-proof Geodes can be left in place or redeployed easily for accurate repeat surveys
  • Gun boat monitor: optional wireless interface transmits signature to recording vessel
  • Earthquake monitoring: uses STA/LTA type algorithm to trigger on incoming data stream, synchronizes with GPS clock
  • Continuous recording: continuous mode plus GPS sychnonization for blast and vibration monitoring, general industrial applications

Ultra Light-weight: 8 lb., 3.6 kg, modules are easy to carry and deploy.

3 Year Warranty: Supported by full time customer service staff with 4 technicians, 4 geophysicists, real-time on-line support available.

Expandable: Available with 3 to 24 channels per module; connect more modules to build low cost distributed systems up to 1000 channels.

Unmatched Specifications: 24 bit, ultra-high resolution 20 kHz bandwidth (8 to 0.02 ms sampling), low distortion (0.0005%), low noise (0.2uV), stacking accuracy (1/32 of sample interval).

Very Rugged: Passes MIL810E vibration test, survives 1.5m drop onto concrete in 14 orientations, submersible.

Easy Interface: Connects to any laptop or PC via standard network port or interfaces with Geometrics' new StrataVisor NZ series seismographs for professional applications in harsh environments. Plug the Geode into your building network and operate it remotely.

Noiseless Digital Transmission: Data transmitted from Geodes digitally on light, inexpensive cable, eliminating heavy, noise prone analog lines.

Complete Performance and Line Testing: Built-in test finds bad geophones, cables. Interfaces with Geometrics field portable test oscillator when specifications verfication is requred.

Bundled No-Charge Professional Software Gives Quick Answers:

  • Geometrics built-in first break picker and layer assignment tool.
  • Industry-standard refraction analysis (SIPQC) from Rimrock Geophysics. Field version3
  • Versatile Seisimager-Lite with modeling, interpretation. Field version3
  • Reflection processing software (WinSeis-Lite)

Configurations:

Geodes seismic modules are controlled by an external computer via an industry-standard network interface. Suitable control computers include an inexpensive laptop, a desktop computer, an industrial rack mount computer, or Geometrics field-hardened StrataVisor NZ seismograph. There are many different ways to configure Geodes. Below are listed some basic configurations to consider.

1. Single Geode, single line, 3 to 24 channels, operated from a portable laptop computer. Uses SGOS software for data collection and processing.

 

 

 

2. Multiple Geodes, one or 2 lines, operated from a portable laptop computer. Uses MGOS software for data collection and processing. 360 channels is a practical maximum.

3. Geodes, up to 4 lines, operated from Geometrics StrataVisor NZ controller/seismograph. The NZ is specially constructed for use in harsh environments and can also house acquisition channels as well. Uses MGOS software for data collection and processing.

4. Multiple Geodes, up to 8 lines, operated from a desktop or rack mount computer, typically vehicle mounted.Uses MGOS software for control, data collection and processing.

 

Software:
  • Operating Systems:

    • Geodes can be operated from computers running Windows NT, 98, ME, W2K and XP. No special drivers are required to run a Geode other than what comes standard with your network card.

  • Operating Software:

    •      Geometrics offers two software packages to operate the Geode

    For Customers using a single box Geode, we suggest the economical SINGLE GEODE OPERATING SOFTWARE (SGOS). SGOS includes a full compliment of acquistion, display, plotting, storage and analysis features, but excludes some unnecessary or specialized functions like networking and correlation.

    For customers with two or more boxes, or single Geode customers with special applications, we recommend the MULTIPLE GEODE OPERATING SOFTWARE (MGOS). MGOS has the following additional features:

    • Multiple Geode network management software.
    • Real-time spectral analysis. 1
    • Correlation for swept sources. 1
    • Additional preamp gain selections.
    • Tape drivers to write SEG-D and SEG-Y to tape or disk. 1
    • Multiple line operation. 1
    • Line and geophone testing. 1

    NOTE: If you are buying a StrataVisor NZ seismograph, MGOS software is included.

  • Operating Software Options:

    • Several enhancements are available for the Geode and NZ seismographs:

    • Marine surveying
    • Sub-bottom profiling
    • Continuous recording
    • Earthquake and vibration monitoring. 2
    • Pilot spiking and processing for pseudo-random and MiniSosie surveys.
    • Wireless data transmission (contact factory)
    • Tomography and VSP QC.

    Download a data sheet describing the software options available with this instrument.

  • No-charge Bundled Applications Software:

    • Packages are available either bundled with the Geode operating software or are separate packages for your PC.

    • SIPQC from Rimrock Geophysics. In-field refraction interpretation software using the time delay method.Field version3
    • WinSeis-Lite reflection processing software from the Kansas Geological Survey.
    • Seisimager-Lite refraction modeling and interpretation. Field version3.

Specifications:

A/D Conversion: 24 bit result using Crystal Semiconductor sigma-delta converters and Geometrics proprietary oversampling.

DynamicRange:144 dB (system), 110 dB (instantaneous, measured) at 2ms, 24dB.

Distortion: 0.0005% @ 2 ms, 1.75 to 208 Hz.

Bandwidth:1.75 Hz to 20 kHz. Low corner frequency option available.

Common Mode Rejection:> -100 dB at <=100 Hz, 36 dB.

Crosstalk: -125 dB at 23.5 Hz, 24 dB, 2 ms.

Noise Floor: 0.2uV, RFI at 2 ms, 36 dB, 1.75 to 208 Hz.

Stacking Trigger Accuracy: 1/32 of sample interval.

Maximum Input Signal: 2.8 VPP.

Input Impedance: 20 kOhm, 0.02 uf.

Preamplifier Gains: SGOS software enables selectable gain pair of either 24 or 36 dB. MGOS software selection between jumpered gain pair 12 and 24 dB, gain pair 24 and 36 dB, or 0dB.

Anti-alias Filters: -3 dB at 83% of Nyquist frequency, down 90 dB.

Pre-trigger Data:Up to 4,096 Samples. Optional event detection software enables system for earthquake, vibration monitoring.

Sample Interval:0.02, 0.3125, 0.0625, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0, 16.0 ms.

Record Length:16,000 samples standard, 64,000 samples optional 2

Delay:0 to 9999 ms in 1 ms steps.

DataTransmission:Uses reliable Ethernet connections and requires no custom transmission software. Interfaces directly with network capabilities of Windows 95/98/NT.

AuxiliaryChannels:All Geode channels can be programmed as either AUX or DATA. Fixed data aux channels available in StrataVisor DZ.

Instrument Tests:Optional built-in daily, weekly and monthly testing available. External laboratory quality oscillator available to measure noise, crosstalk, dynamic range, gain similarity and trigger accuracy to factory specification

Acquisition and DisplayFilters:

  • LowCut:OUT, 10, 15, 25, 35, 50, 70, 100, 140, 200, 280, 400 Hz, 24 or 48  dB/octave, Butterworth.
  • Notch:50, 60, 150, 180 Hz and OUT, with the 50 dB rejection bandwidth 2% of center frequency.
  • HighCut:OUT, 250, 500 or 1000 Hz, 24 or 48 dB/octave.

LineTesting:Real time noise monitor displays real-time output from geophones. Optional geophone pulse test helps identify bad geophones and shorted or broken cables.

Data Storage:Stores data locally on laptop hard drive for transfer to portable media . Additional tape options available. 2

Triggering:Positive, negative or contact closure, software adjustable threshold.

Data Formats:SEG-2 standard with SGOS. SEG-D and SEG-Y available. 2

Power:Requires 12V external battery. Uses 0.65 W/channel during acquisition, sleep mode reduces power consumption by 70% while in standby.

Plotters:Drives a variety of NT compatible printers including Printrex 4, 8  and 12 inch plotters. Consult factory.

Environmental:-30 to 75 degrees C. Waterproof and submersible. Withstands a 1 m drop onto concrete on 6 sides and 8 corners.

Operating System:Windows XP/W2K/ME/98/NT. An older, limited feature version of the software is available for 95.

Optional Built-In Test Functions

Verification of specifications can be done either with external field-portable oscillator, rack mount oscillator or by circuit cards installed directly in the seismograph:

Internal Digital Tests:

  • CPU diagnostics
  • Internal network test
  • Digital functions
  • Battery Warning

Internal Oscillator Tests:

  • Noise
  • DC Offset
  • Gain Accuracy
  • Gain and Phase Similarity
  • Distortion
  • Crossfeed
  • Bandwidth
  • Timing Accuracy

Line:

  • Geophone Similarity
  • Noise
  • Disconnected phones

For further discussions regarding the specifications and use of external oscillators, please contact the factory.

Notes:

  1. Laptop computers are NOT field devices! They are easily damaged by harsh treatment or exposure to extreme environments. They have a short battery life. Geometrics StrataVisor NZ is designed to operate in harsh conditions for extended periods and should be used with the Geode for professional surveys when reliability is important.  
  2. Additional with MGOS software.
  3. Field versions of software are only launchable while the Geode or NZ module is connected. PC versions of this software is available separately.