MALÅ GroundExplorer HDR Series User Manual __________________________________________________________________________________
Our Thanks... Thank you for choosing Guideline Geo and MALÅ as your Ground Penetrating Radar solution provider. The very core of our corporate philosophy is to provide our users with the very best products, support and services. Our development team is committed to providing you with the most technologically advanced and easy-to-use GPR products with the capability to meet your needs for efficiency and productivity now, and into the future.
Guideline Geo | MALÅ Under the copyright laws, this manual may not be copied, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Guideline Geo. Your rights to the software are governed by the accompanying software license agreement. The MALÅ logo is a trademark of Guideline Geo registered in Sweden and other countries. The product described in this document is subject to continuous developments and improvements.
Table of Contents Our Thanks... ........................................................................................................................................................................ 2 Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................................................... 4 Preface .........................................................................................................................
Navigating the Menus and Options ..................................................................................................................... 22 Main 2D Project Menu .............................................................................................................................................. 23 Zoom Function ............................................................................................................................................................ 24 Main Menu Icons .
Preface About this Manual This manual is written for the end user of the product and explains how to set up and configure the product, as well as providing detailed instruction on its use. Basic theory for Ground Penetration Radar is outlined to help the operator understand the underlying technology. References for thorough discussions of this topic and applications for the technology are also presented.
Safety and Compliance User Notices This GPR-device is certified according to FCC, subpart 15, IC RSS-220 and ETSI EN 302 066-1&2. You are cautioned that changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
French translations: Cet instrument de Géoradar se devra d’être opéré seulement en contact à même le sol ou en deça d’un mètre du sol. Cet instrument de Géoradar se devra d’être utilisé seulement par les agences chargées de l’application de la loi, les instituts de recherches scientifiques, les compagnies minières à buts lucratifs, les compagnies de construction et les organisations responsables pour le sauvetage et la lutte contre les incendies.
Get Ready. Set up. Go This section walks through the steps for getting ready, setting up and basic operation of your new MALÅ GX HDR. Information is also available on what to do in case the equipment may have been damaged during shipment. Note: If a defect in the equipment is discovered, make sure to contact MALÅ Geoscience prior to use and follow the instructions for Repacking and Shipping in this section.
Accessories and Optional Extras MALÅ GX HDR Rough Terrain Cart (RTC) MALÅ Rough Terrain cart is a robust carrier for Guideline Geo Shielded Antennas designed to handle rough GPR surveying. The cart is suitable for Guideline Geos shielded antennas 160, 450 and 750 MHz. Visit our website for more information. MALÅ Controller Holder and Towing Options Controller holder, rough terrain skid plate, tow attachment and tow handle.
Additional Battery and charger Additional Li-ion Battery Pack 12 V (5 Hour) for the MALÅ GX HDR. Shipping Cases Robust shipping cases for the MALÅ GX Controller and accessories. Measuring Wheels and Devices GX Measuring Wheel GX Spring-loaded Wheel String Encoder Others To the GX system there is also a GPS bracket and extension pole for easy attachment of a GPS antenna on the GPR antenna.
Unpack. Inspect. Register Great care should be taken when unpacking the equipment. Be sure to verify the contents shown on the packing list and inspect the equipment and accessories for any loose parts or other damage. Note: The packing list that is included with the shipment should be read careful and any discrepancy should be reported to our sales department at www.guidelinegeo.com Remove the protective shipping cover on the antenna. Using the supplied Torx screwdriver, remove the 4 Torx screws.
Repacking and Shipping The Guideline Geo packing kit is specially designed for shipping MALÅ GX HDR. The packing kit should be used whenever shipping is necessary. If original packing materials are unavailable, pack the instrument in a box that is large enough to allow at least 80mm of shock absorbing material to be placed all around the instrument. This includes top, bottom and all sides.
System Assembly and Set Up MALÅ GX HDR is an integrated system, consisting of a GX controller and HDR antenna, linked through a single data/power cable. The MALÅ GX Controller is mounted on the handle of the Rough Terrain Cart or the Controller Holder and connects to the HDR antenna through a single data/power combination cable, and displays the data as the instrument is moved. Use the two supplied knobs or Velcro to mount the controller.
Connecting it all up Connect data cable to the GX controller Note: Look for the countersink in the power cable and place it towards the mark on the connection. Push lightly. If you have it in the correct orientation it will go into its position smoothly. To disconnect, pull out holding the metal part of the connector.
Connect the encoder wheel to the antenna. Always remember to attach the sprint as well for a firm connection of the wheel. Note: The precision of the encoder wheel depends on several factors, such as; the condition of measurement surface, the pressure applied on the wheel and possible wear.
Antenna LED Indicators Three LED-indicators are mounted beneath the antenna product label. DATA: Continuous flashing light indicates the unit is working properly and ready for data collection. Irregular flashing on this LED means erroneous antenna configuration or possible software version issue. The LED switches to continuous illumination when the unit enters data collection.
Warning: Power sources other than the recommended 12V/8.7Ah Li-ion battery are not compatible with the power meter and the status of the battery will not be indicated accurately. To remove and charge the antenna battery, pull the battery release pin on the rear of the battery module and gently remove the battery pack by lifting upward and in a backward direction. When re-mounting the battery, gently attach the d-sub connector on front of the battery with the d-sub on the mounting tower.
Powering the GX antenna/controller from the optional battery bag or other external battery source With the use of the optional antenna battery adaptor, the GX antenna can be powered from the optional battery bag. Note: The battery bag can also power the GX Controller. There are also cables available for use together with external 12 V batteries. Charging the GX Controller Connect the supplied power supply to the socket on the right hand side of the GX Controller data/power connectors.
User Interface The following sections contain a detailed description of the user interface and give tips and warnings designed to help the user achieve the highest possible level of productivity and safety while operating the MALÅ GX HDR.
Start Menu The MALÅ GX Controller uses dedicated software designed specifically for the display and collection of GPR data. Note: The Controller utilizes a sunlight readable LCD display for maximum visibility in daylight. The Start Menu has the different project options, the Positioning information, File manager and the System Menu button The icon indicates the connection status to the antenna.
Main 2D Project Menu As 2D projects are the most common ones, the different main user interfaces are explained with this project type. The items available under the Main Menu vary depending whether the system is in Stopped mode or Started mode. Stopped mode Started mode Tip: The MALÅ GX Controller is equipped with a Zoom Function for enlarging areas of interest in the GPR Profile (see below).
Zoom Function Use the Navigator to select the Vertical scrollbar. The vertical scrollbar turns yellow when selected. Push the Navigator once to activate scrolling. The Vertical scrollbar will turn blue indicating that it has been activated. Push, hold and turn the Navigator to zoom in and out, the vertical scroll bar will be blue with arrows.
Note: Pressing the Navigator again returns the display to the default with the menu included. The Background removal filter button is used to remove horizontal lines/reflections caused by noise from the GPR profile. By rotating the Navigator, various levels of background removal can be applied. The effect of the filtering can be seen when the button is deactivated, the level can be gradually adjusted to create the clearest and most interpretable image possible.
Measurement Parameters Menu Depth defines the length of the radargram vertical scale. This is sometimes referred to as the time window length. In this case, the the set velocity is used to calculate the depth window. Note: This value will vary if the soil velocity measurement parameter is changed. Set to manual or auto (Automatic Gain Control). Note: Manual gain activates the Time Gain button on the main screen and allows the user to manually adjust the gain.
Note: Changing the three different trigger options will change the options listed below the Acquisition Mode icon. Note: When measuring by time, make sure that the time interval is appropriate. Selecting the Wheel type icon can choose a selection of predefined wheels from the drop-down list. Tip: Additional wheels and individual calibration can be added to the list by accessing the Acquisition Parameters menu.
Acquisition Parameters Menu Choose Forward or Backward depending on the direction of the scan whilst utilising the Measuring Wheel or Cart. Note: This option will not be available when Time or Keyboard Triggering is selected on the Measurement Parameters Menu Select the Wheels Edit and Calibration to enter the Wheels menu. See below.
Wheels Edit and Calibration Menu Choose the Select Wheel to highlight the wheel to be edited or deleted from the list. Or Choose the Create New Wheel option which allows the user to select a new type of wheel in addition to the standard list. This may be useful if the encoder is attached to a nonstandard wheel. Then select Edit Current Wheel calibrate the wheel, see Wheel Edit Options section below for further details.
Wheels Edit Options Select Wheel Name to create a name for the new wheel. Select Forward or Reverse depending on the direction of the wheel during the calibration process. Measure a distance on the ground using a measuring wheel or tape. Enter this distance after selecting Distance for Calibration. Tip: For a higher level of accuracy, measure a length over the surface where the GPR is being used. A longer distance will average out any surface variations.
Display Parameters Menu The palette refers to the display of the radargram, there are 3 options, a grey scale and 2 color options. If trace view is ON, a small window will appear on the right hand side of the radargram during measurements, showing the actual measured trace. The intensity of the screen light can be changed with the backlighter option. Tip: Reducing the backlight will extend the battery life between charges. Saves changes and exits to previous screen Closes the Menu without applying changes.
Operating Instructions The following sections walk you through more advanced modes of operation of the equipment.
2D Project Select 2D Project from the main screen options to conduct a simple 2D profile Select New to begin the measurement. See Main 2D Project Menu section for a full description of the icons. Note: Check Settings before commencing a measurement. See section Measurement Parameters Menu above.
appear on the vertical curser which can be positioned at the correct depth by using the Navigator control. Hide removes the markers from the display. This is not permanent; the markers can be made visible again by selecting Show, which is indicated after Hide is selected. Select Cancel to exit the Marker Menu. Note: Markers are saved in a text file with the extension *.mrk. This file get the same name as the data file. Select Tools to enter the Tools Menu.
3D Grid Project 3D Grid Project is a tool that makes the gathering and visualization of radar data measured in two perpendicular directions easier. A typical Grid Project can be used to map a larger area where the direction and location of utilities for instance is unknown. It enables the use of a plan view of reflections to visualise the utilities.
First enter the size of your grid. Using the Navigator, select and edit the Xsize and Y-size. Then select and enter the Point Interval for the measurement between the traces. Next select and enter the Line Spacing for the measurement between each profile. Customer, Operator and Site details can be entered along with any additional comments Finally, select Start the Project Note: The maximum size of grid will be determined by line spacing, point interval and time window values.
As the antenna is moved forward, a black line indicates the progression along the grid line If a mistake is made during the measurement, or the line is not completed, select Stop and then Next Line, an option will appear to restart the line. When the line is completed, the GX Controller will indicate the completed line by changing the screen ready for the next line. Move the antenna over to the next grid line and select Next Line. Repeat these steps until the X-axis is completed.
Set Background Removal option to On if removal of horizontal lines in the dataset is required. Next, select Migration Wizard, this enables the correct velocity setting to obtain the best possible top view. Choose an X or Y cross-section with a well-defined hyperbola. Select the Velocity button and increase or decrease the velocity value until the hyperbola becomes a point. Tip: Too high a velocity value will cause the hyperbola to invert, reduce the value until the desired response/reflector is achieved.
Select the X-Section button to view the X-axis data in the side view. When activated, use the Navigator to scroll across the data set. Select the Y-Section button to view the Y axis data in the side view Select the Depth button and use the Navigator to scroll through the time slices in the top view window Select the Full Screen option.
Select the correct level of backlight for the ambient light levels. This setting can be adjusted within the range of 0–100%. Tip: Reducing the backlight will extend the battery life between charges.
ObjectMapper Project An ObjectMapper Project is a tool to easily handle and interpret radar profiles acquired with the GX Controller, where a number of radar profiles are linked to a common baseline or positioned with GPS. See the examples below. or or Once an ObjectMapper Project is created within the GX Controller, it can be directly opened in the ObjectMapper program, a Windows based interpretation software for quick mapping of underground features.
Select Settings to apply correct measurement values. See Measurement Parameters Menu for full details Select New Project to start the project and move onto the following screen: Select Project Name to tag a name to the project.
Object Mapper Measurements with Baseline When the Start the project button is pressed, the Start Profile screen appears Once Start Profile is pressed, the user returns to the ordinary measurement screen. The additional Baseline Crossing icon will be active on this screen. When passing the baseline, select the menu option BL Crossing (bottom button) to place a marker on the GPR profile. This marker will be used to connect the current profile to the defined baseline.
After pressing BL Crossing the screen to the left is seen. Here the current profile’s positioning is defined, in terms of distance from the baseline start point and the direction of the profile in relation to the baseline. See the picture illustration below. Measured GPR Profiles 1 1 Baseline start Baseline end 4 2 3 Key: 1: Orientation to baseline start point. In this case it is 270 degrees.
When all the ObjectMapper profiles are measured, select Stop ObjectMapper Project on the Start Profile screen to close and save the ObjectMapper Project. This project is easily uploaded to a computer (see the Transferring Data section) where it can be opened in the ObjectMapper PC software, for simple interpretation of underground features. For further information, see the Object Mapper Operating Manual.
Tip: With GPS positioning activated, the user can complete one long profile in a zig-zag formation around the area to be surveyed or stop and start profiles to create a number of parallel profiles.
File Manager In the File Manager menu all measured files and projects are found. Here you can select, mark several files and delete or upload the same. 2D files has the file extension *rd7, ObjectMapper projects *.obm and 3D Grid Projects *.rhd Note: For the ObjectMapper and 3D Grid Projects all made files in one project are uploaded at the same time.
MALÅ GeoDrone 80 Project If the GX Controller is connected to a MALÅ GeoDrone 80, the GX controller will automatically show the GeoDrone Start Menu options at start. Press Project. to start a GeoDrone The GeoDrone antenna is connected to the GX Controller by WiFi. If this is active the WiFi symbol is seen in the upper right corner.
System Menu To enter the System Menu, select on the start screen. The GX Controller will now enter the System Menu. Select Time and Date to modify the internal clock settings. Select Battery max level to set the battery level indicator. Enter 12 (Volts) if a generic external 12Volt battery is being used; select 11 for the MALÅ battery packs. Battery Save Mode allows the user to activate or de-activate the backlight dimming option. Select Imperial or SI for the appropriate local requirements.
Tip: It is recommended that reformatting is performed periodically to maintain peak performance for data management. Note: Reformatting does not affect the operating system or the GX Controller software. The GX Controller software can be upgraded by downloading the latest software from the downloads page of the Guideline Geo website and transferring them onto a USB data storage device. Copy the file ram10img.gz (and parameter files: eeprom_1, eeprom_2 if they exist) to the root of a USB data storage device.
GPS options and settings Select GPS Parameters to enter the settings screen for the GPS options. There are 3 options for the GPS Interface/Unit setting. Built-in, this option selects the built-in DGPS module. Select the correct SBAS Region for your area. COM Port, this option is selected for an RTK GPS input via the serial COM port. Once this option is activated, various parameters will be activated, see below. USB, select this option if a simple GPS antenna is attached to the USB port.
COM Port settings for external RTK GPS. The Select accuracy for green option allows the user to set the tolerance for the GPS precision indicator that is displayed at the top right of the monitor's screen while in Started mode. Use the High setting if utilising an RTK GPS. Select the correct values for the COM Port Baud Rate and CheckSum Validation to match the external RTK GPS output. A small external puck type GPS antenna can be connected to the GX, select USB in the settings to activate this option.
WiFi options and settings The WiFi optional extra enables the user to connect the antenna to the GX controller without the use of the data cable i.e. wireless. This may be desirable when the antenna is used remotely from the GX controller. If you are using the GX system in one of the cart options, we recommend that you use the wired option as this will give a more stable connection between the antenna and the GX Controller and longer battery life.
System Menu (screen 2) Rotate the Navigator and select the Wi-Fi ON/OFF option to activate the Wi-Fi. When ON the WiFi Symbol should be seen in the upper right corner Note: WiFi initialisation can take up to 60 seconds to complete, please be patient Incorporated into the WiFi system is an in-built data storage module in the antenna, this enables data to be stored independently whilst taking measurements to enable a more secure mode of data collection.
area and which channels are the quietest. Some apps will inform you which WiFi channels are better for a good connection. Once you have chosen the new channel, it will take approximately 1 minute to finish the channel switching. Restoring Missing Traces It is possible to move the antenna away from the GX Controller once a measurement has commenced.
If the Controller experiences difficulty restoring the missing traces, it may be necessary to restore via wired connection. If this Restore Via Wire message is displayed, press the Navigator button to close the widow, connect the data cable between the antenna and the Controller. Switch the WiFi off and then proceed to the Work With Files option on the Start Screen.
Troubleshooting MALÅ GX HDR has been designed to be robust and reliable under adverse conditions. If you encounter a mechanical failure that cannot be fixed on site, please contact Guideline Geo or your local Guideline Geo representative for advice. System Malfunctions Most malfunctions are power/data communications or user settings related.
Service and Repairs To maintain maximum performance, the MALÅ GX HDR should be regularly serviced. Contact Guideline Geo or your local Guideline Geo representative for more information on how to service your MALÅ GX HDR. Technical Support Guideline Geo is committed to providing exceptional product support. Our technical support representatives are available online to help you find answers to even the most challenging technical support issues.
Technical Specification MALÅ GX80 HDR Technology: Antenna center freq. SNR: Significant/useful number of bits: Scans/second: Survey speed: Data acquisition rate Time window: Operating time: Bandwidth: Positioning: Power supply: Power consumption: Acq. Mode: Dimensions: Weight: Operating temp: Environmental: MALA Semi-Real-Time pat pending 80MHz > 114.
MALÅ GX600 HDR Technology: Antenna center freq. SNR: Significant/useful number of bits: Scans/sec: Survey speed: Data acquisition rate Time window: Operating time: Bandwidth: Positioning: Power supply: Power consumption: Acq. Mode: Dimensions: Weight: Operating temp: Environmental: MALA Semi-Real- Time pat pending 600Mhz > 97dB 16 bit > 1000, time window 140nS 275 [km/h] point distance 10cm 160MHz 140ns 5h >120%, fractional, -10dB Inbuilt DGPS, external GPS, Wheel encoder Interchangeable 12V/8.
