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The time associated with each data point in a SEG-2 data file generated by a Geode is related to the time of the
“trigger” event which was instrumental in the production of the file and its content.
The Trigger Master and Trigger Distribution
The trigger event occurs at the Geode designated within the Controller software as the Trigger Master.
Although all Geodes are capable of being Trigger Masters, there must be one and only one Trigger Master in
any properly functioning Geode system. The Controller automatically takes care of this requirement when the
designation is made by a user, and when the system is established at the time of Controller start-up based on a
previous designation (or a default setting in the case of a “new survey”). All other Geodes in the system will
have their Trigger Master circuit disabled. A trigger event can be initiated by an external electrical pulse
provided to the trigger input connector of the Trigger Master Geode, or by a command sent via Ethernet from
the Controller to the Trigger Master (usually for test purposes), but only when all conditions are satisfied to
allow data recording. There is also a special trigger initiation situation, called “self-triggering” which will not
be discussed further here.
Upon acceptance of a trigger event, the Trigger Master will distribute the trigger signal to all Geodes in the
system, itself included, via an RS-485 network that resides within the digital interconnect cabling. (Proper
termination of this RS-485 network is automatically taken care of by the Controller.) The trigger signal is
propagated through the cabling and Geodes at the nominal speed of 70% of the speed of light, or approximately
2.1x10^8 m/sec. The maximum distance of successful propagation depends on a number of factors such as the
number of Geodes involved, the noise environment, the quality of the cables, and the acceptable amount of
timing uncertainty for the particular application. Distances approaching or exceeding 1km should be given
careful attention in this regard. In a 3-D Geode system involving LTUs, each LTU, unlike a Geode, will
reconstruct the trigger signal before sending it on, effectively confining the maximum distance issue to each
sub-network separated by LTUs. The penalty is an additional delay of about 100nS for each LTU in the route.
The External Trigger Circuit
The external trigger input is capacitively coupled, with a 2mS time constant, to the midpoint of a resistive
voltage divider. The voltage difference between the two ends of the divider constitute a voltage "window",
which size is set by the trigger sensitivity parameter and can range from essentially zero at the highest
sensitivity, to about +/- 2.5V at the lowest sensitivity. The Geode will trigger (if enabled) if and when the
coupled signal exceeds the window, in either direction (i.e., positive or negative going). The signal, after the
capacitor, is clamped by diodes to the range between the trigger signal ground and +5VDC.
The trigger detector output is disabled when the system is disarmed, during a parameter change, and during a
shot, up to the trigger hold-off time after the end of the shot. The trigger hold-off time is a parameter set by the
user.
Preceding the coupling capacitor (i.e., essentially the node accessible at pin A of the external connector), there
is a 3.3K-Ohm pull-up resistor to +5VDC (relative to pin B). Also a fast transient suppressor clamps the input
at about +/-14VDC. It is advised that the DC + AC level of any voltage applied to pin A relative to pin B be
kept within the range of +/-7V, giving some margin of safety.
If a DC voltage somewhat less than +5VDC is applied when the connector is first mated, the instrument may
trigger at that moment. But, subsequently, because of the capacitive coupling, it will trigger on the next positive
or negative going pulse that exceeds the window level. If the duration of the applied voltage pulse is less than
the record length + delay time + hold-off time, then the Geode will effectively be ready to trigger on the same
edge of another similar pulse.
Sub-sample Synchronization
The Geode supports a sub-sample timing synchronization feature used for synchronizing the data acquisition
after a trigger event to the distributed trigger signal, so that subsequent time points will be known to within 1/32
(~1/20 at the fastest two sampling rates) sample interval. It does this by increasing the sample interval at the
trigger time by 0 to 31/32 of a sample interval in increments of 1/32, so that the first sample after the trigger
would represent a time of one sample interval after the trigger event, with a tolerance within 1/32 of a sample
interval. The following samples continue from there at the expected intervals. For example, with a selected
sampling interval of ¼ mS and a recording delay of 0mS, the first sample in the recorded file for each channel
would represent data at 250 to 258uS after the trigger event.
This of course potentially introduces a small discontinuity at the time of the trigger, observable depending on
the nature of the channel waveform(s). (The zero-phase anti-alias filter will smear the discontinuity into the
nearby samples both before and after, consistent with the bandwidth of the filter.) Sub-sample synchronization
can be disabled if it is deemed to be detrimental for the particular application, at the expense of losing the 1/32
interval timing accuracy.
Timing Errors
The principal errors in Geode timing are of two types: those associated with the trigger mechanism and which
are static over the duration of the record, and those associated with the time base and which change over the
duration of the record. Excluding the trigger propagation delay mentioned above, the trigger timing uncertainty
is about 1uS. The known fixed errors have been lumped together and are reported in the SEG-2 file trace
headers as channel SKEW. (The actual channel skew is zero, since all channels are effectively sampled
simultaneously, but the SKEW value in the header is used as the only place permitting small timing corrections.
Note that the SKEW value for every channel is identical.) If the size of this correction is important to the
application, the SKEW value should be added to the calculated time points when the data is being processed.
The Geode time base has a +/-15ppm stability over temperature (-20C to +70C) and component variations.
Thus time drift relative to absolute time and relative to other Geodes is possible. (However, all channels within
any Geode enclosure use the same time base, so there is no relative drift between channels in the same
enclosure.) Therefore timing uncertainty increases from that existing at the time of the trigger until the time of
the next trigger (or end of record).
Special Timing Issues Involved with “Continuous” Recording
“Continuous” recording is a method that allows unending 100% time coverage with recorded Geode data. It
produces a series of time-overlapped records created by the use of a negative time delay set equal to the record
length such that each record consists of completed history at the time of the trigger event. This technique
circumvents the problem of data transmission overrunning data acquisition. The principle constraint is that the
cycle time from trigger to trigger must always be less than the chosen record length. Otherwise, gaps rather
than overlap would result. Commonly it is used with GPSderived
triggering in order to provide time-stamping of each trigger event.
Upon consideration of the above, it will become clear that the time-stamp associated with a particular trigger
event will pertain to the data in the following record, not to the data in the record in which the time-stamp is
written. This comes about because the trigger event ends the record.
Because there is data overlap between records, the precise trigger point in the following record at which the
time-stamp applies can be found by comparison of the data values at the end of the former record with those
near the beginning of the subsequent record. The overlapping data will be exactly identical in both records
(since they are read from the same memory location, twice). The earliest data in the subsequent record that
goes beyond the data of the previous record is the data that is one sample interval (assuming sub-sample
synchronization is enabled) past the time-stamp.
Note well that this comparison must be made independently for at least one channel of each 8-channel Geode
board set, because the discrete time at which data values are written to the memory buffer, relative to the trigger
event, is a function of each individual board set in the Geode system.
Correct GPS Time-Stamping
There are differences between various GPS models that can affect accurate time stamping. The 1PPS signal
from a GPS has a “timing edge” and return edge, of which only the former is the true whole-second edge.
Some models use a rising edge as the timing edge, some the falling edge, and some have it selectable. Consult
the GPS manual to determine the definition of its timing edge. As indicated earlier, the Geode can be triggered
on either a rising or falling edge. It is important to insure that the Geode is being triggered on the proper edge
in order to avoid timing that may be a fraction of a second off. This is expanded upon below.
Some GPS units provide a very narrow timing pulse, others one that has a nearly 50/50 Duty cycle. For the
narrow pulse units, almost certainly it is the leading edge (rising or falling) that is the “timing edge”. This case
can be easily handled by using the Geode Trigger Hold-off feature. If a 10-second cycle time is desired, set the
Trigger Hold-off time to about 9.5 seconds. In this case, there is a very small chance that the very first trigger
could occur on the wrong (trailing) edge, but from then on the leading edge will be used as the triggering edge.
If the GPS provides a 50/50 Duty cycle edge, and it is not alterable, then the Geode by itself could as easily start
on the wrong edge as on the correct timing edge, and continue thusly until restarted. For this case, Geometrics
can provide a Trigger Timing Interface Box (TTIB) that will correct the situation. The TTIB can be
programmed to respond only to the correct edge (rising or falling), change the polarity if needed, and gate
through only one of every N 1PPS pulses, where N is programmable. (The TTIB also incorporates an alarm
system that can provide a remote alert if a record is missed.)
Another potential issue comes from the variations between GPS models of the time that the serial time string
(containing the time value of the associated 1PPS) is issued relative to the 1PPS itself. The Geode Controller
attempts to pick the correct serial string based on a calculation involving the known record length, the PC times,
and the trigger notification message from the Geodes. But if the GPS issues the serial string at an unusual time
(and the time has been seen to vary somewhat with a given GPS unit) then it could pick up the incorrect time,
off by 1 second. If rare, it can be subsequently detected and corrected during data processing, but if consistent
it may not be easily detected. Again, the TTIB can accommodate the situation by only gating through to the Controller PC the string belonging to the gated-through 1PPS pulse. The Controller Serial Input Time Window can then safely be widened to 2 seconds (assuming the
cycle time is more than 2 seconds) if need be, to expand the Controller’s search for the string around the calculated trigger time.
Degaussing is a method by which magnetic domains in metals or magnetic inclusions in other materials are randomized so that net magnetization is minimized. One tool do accomplish this is the “Bulk Tape Eraser” designed to erase data tapes.
The method works because the “Bulk Tape Eraser” generates an alternating electromagnetic field, which flips the magnetization of the magnetic domains in the material at 100 or 120 reversals per second (50 or 60 hertz). As the operator slowly removes the “Eraser” from the vicinity of the magnetized material, the magnetic domains of the material individually freeze in one orientation or the other, leaving the domains in a randomized orientation with minimal net magnetic effect.
Degaussing with a Bulk Tape Eraser
*The procedure is straight forward. Plug the Eraser into an extension cord or wall socket (the Eraser cord is usually short). Holding the object to be degaussed in one hand, depress the Eraser start button and move it towards the object. Once close to the object or section of material, begin moving the Eraser with a small circular motion and then increase the radius of the circle as you draw the Eraser away from the object. DO NOT STOP the Eraser closer than three feet from the object being degaussed or it will become strongly magnetized in one direction! If this happens accidentally, just redo the degaussing procedure over again starting from the beginning.
*For larger objects, run the Eraser along tubing or struts in a circular motion to “bathe” the objects in an oscillating field. Be sure to cover the entire surface area of the object being degaussed. Then slowly withdraw the eraser (while still running) until it is at least 3 feet away. Then release the power switch.
*The magnetometer can be used to check the sufficiency of the degaussing procedure. After degaussing, rotate the object close to an operating magnetometer to see if there is a response from the magnetometer. This is best done with a cesium magnetometer operated in gradient mode, but it can be done with a single sensor with one person watching the result and another moving the object near the sensor.
Degaussing Sensor Mount
Degaussing Pack Frame
Degaussing GPS Antenna
Limitations of Degaussing with a Bulk Eraser
Depth of penetration: The Bulk Tape Eraser can only randomize materials to a certain depth. This is due to the size of the gap in the degaussing unit. A small gap makes for a very large degaussing field at the gap (about 2000 gauss, or 200 million nanoteslas), but also for a very rapid falloff away from the gap. Bulk tape erasers are optimized to penetrate through the thickness of a typical video tape. This gives a typical depth of an inch (2.5 cm). Deeper objects may need to be degaussed using stronger degaussing fields.
Degaussing through a conductive chassis: An additional problem occurs when the object being degaussed is covered by a conductive surface (such as a sheet of aluminum). The degaussing field will generate huge eddy currents in the conductive surface which will generate its own opposing magnetic field. This will be evident to the operator because the opposing field will cause the degausser to buzz loudly. This doesn’t hurt anything, but be aware that the degaussing field on the other side of the conductive surface will be attenuated by some amount, so it may take a longer amount of time or multiple passes to degauss the object.
The Bulk Tape Eraser is a short Duty cycle device. It varies a little from manufacturer to manufacturer, but typically it is rated for 1 minute on and 5 to 10 minutes off. Most have an internal thermal cutout that will shut it off if it overheats, and if tripped may take 20 minutes or more to cool down enough to reset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is degaussing needed? Degaussing misaligns magnetic domains so that there is no net permanent magnetization that would give an offset or heading error to magnetic field readings. Sensitive magnetometers such as those manufactured by Geometrics can be effected by nearby materials that are not sufficiently magnetically randomized. Degaussing does not alter the induced magnetic moment of any material. A piece of steel, when degaussed, is still magnetic because it draws and concentrates the earth’s field through it. However, a degaussed piece of steel is much less magnetic than a permanently magnetized piece.
How much effect does it have on magnetic signatures? Depending on the distance from the sensor to the magnetic object and the amount of magnetization, the effects can be very large -10’s of nanoTeslas. Many materials including brass, aluminum, fiberglass and other non-ferrous materials may have some ferrous materials in them naturally or acquired during the manufacturing process. Other materials such as ‘non-magnetic’ stainless steel are hugely magnetic when compared to the sensitivity of our magnetometers. Degaussing can decrease the magnetic effect of these materials by a factor of 10 or more.
What should I degauss? The operator should degauss any metallic object that is near the sensor. By “near”, in general we mean within 1 meter but certainly those metallic and non-metallic materials within a few centimeters of the sensor must be considered (this also includes the sensor itself, which could have minute magnetic inclusions in the sensor materials). This could also include GPS antennas, magnetometer cart assemblies (including brass fittings, bolts, clamps), buckles, eyeglasses, boots and parts of backpacks. We would also do occasional degaussing of the G-858 console and batteries.
Will degaussing hurt anything? This is a tough question since it is impossible to imagine every conceivable system arrangement that could be subjected to degaussing. In all our experience we have never had any electronics device hurt by the degaussing process. This is because the induced voltages from the degausser are low, and the electronics components have a fairly high impedance at low voltages. It would be safer to degauss electronics while the power to the electronics is turned off in case the small induced voltages cause the device to operate incorrectly. It is always safe to degauss any of Geometrics’ manufactured equipment (including the sensor). On the other hand, here are some things to consider when degaussing some types of objects. Large conductive planes or rings will have large circulating currents induced in them by the degausser (but the voltages are still very small). This induced current will produce an opposing magnetic field that will fight the degaussing field – causing both the degausser and the conductive plane/loop to vibrate substantially. If the device being degaussed is sensitive to this vibration (intricate mechanical workings and the like) then this is a possible route for causing some damage. Also, sometimes objects being degaussed have embedded magnets that are necessary for the device to operate properly. A good example is a device with a permanent magnet speaker inside. Generally it is hard to degauss a magnetically hard permanent magnet, but the degausser is strong enough to at least partially do the job. A partially degaussed speaker (or other object that requires a magnet to work right) isn’t going to work the same as before – so be aware. [Things that have magnets in them shouldn’t be used near magnetometers anyway.]
When to degauss and how often? We recommend that parts close to the sensor be degaussed before every major survey event. In other words on a weekly or monthly basis or before a new survey. Remnant magnetism or “Perm” can be “picked up” (domains realigned) when the materials are static in the earth’s magnetic field for a period of time. The amount of time required to acquire a “Perm” can be from days to weeks or months depending on the magnetic “hardness” of the materials. This is also known as the materials “susceptibility”, that is, susceptibility to being magnetized. Also, magnets are everywhere, and they can easily and unknowingly ‘perm’ up parts on or near the sensor. Magnetic screwdrivers, for example, are great for holding steel screws on the end of the driver while starting them into a threaded hole, but they are bad news near any magnetometer sensors.