MALÅ GeoScience RAMAC X3M and EasyLocator Hardware Manual
Important note: In the US this unit operates under FCC rules Part 15. According to these rules a GPR system shall contain a manually operated switch that causes the transmitter to cease operation within 10 seconds of being released by the operator. Therefore all units sold after July 15 2002, in the US, will have this functionality and also be delivered with a kill switch. Units sold outside the US will have a plug attached to the kill switch connector.
Table of Contents ____________________________________________________________ 1. Introduction 1.1 Unpacking and Inspection 1.2 Repacking and Shipping 3 3 3 2. Start up and hardware description 2.1 Layout of the X3M 2.2 Mounting on the shielded antenna 2.3 Power cable 2.4 Distance measuring devices 2.5 Connection to computer 2.6 Kill switch 2.7 Start up and power button 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 7 3. Batteries and charging 3.1 Batteries 3.2 Charging 8 8 8 4. Software 8 5. Using the RAMAC X3M 9 6.
1 Introduction ___________________________________________________________ Thank you for purchasing the RAMAC X3M/EasyLocator. We at Mala GeoScience welcome comments from you concerning the use and experience of this equipment, as well as the contents and usefulness of this manual.
2 Start up and Hardware Description ___________________________________________________________ The RAMAC X3M/EasyLocator is an integrated radar control unit, mounted directly on the shielded antennas and powered externally. X3M is compatible with the RAMAC/GPR shielded antennas 100, 250, 500 and 800MHz. EasyLocator has it own family of shielded antennas; DEEP, MID and SHALLOW. The built-in electronic design makes it a low weight and compact size system, easier to assemble and operate.
3. Encoder 4. PC comm. 6. DC power 2. ON/OFF Figure 2.1 b. EasyLocator. 2.2 1. Kill switch The same connectors as in figure 2.1a showed on an Mounting on the shielded antennas Start by placing the X3M/EasyLocator on the antenna that you are going to use for your measurement. The Parallel port and the Power connection should point forward according to the picture (Figure 2.2). Fasten the unit on the antenna by tighten the securing screws. Figure 2.
2.3 Power cable When the X3M/EasyLocator is mounted on the antenna connect the Power cable from your battery. Look for the countersink and place it towards the mark on the connection. Push lightly. If you have it in the correct position it should connect smoothly. To disconnect: Pull out, holding the milled part of the connection. Figure 2.3. Power cable 2.
2.6 Kill switch The kill switch is attached to a handle that can either be handheld or snapped onto a RAMAC/GPR Cart (Figure 2.6 top). The X3M/EasyLocator will not be operational without the kill switch. The button has to be pushed down at all times during measurements. If the button is released the transmitter will stop transmitting. Kill switch Connect the kill switch to the bayonet holder on the X3M/EasyLocator by pushing lightly and turning the bayonet socket clockwise (Figure 2.6 bottom).
If you need to reset the X3M/EasyLocator press the power button for at least three seconds. When the light starts to flash again the X3M is ready for new measurements. To turn the X3M/EasyLocator off, push the button and release quickly. The red light will then stop flashing; the unit is now off. If the power cable is accidentally pulled out, the X3M/EasyLocator will start automatically when the cable is inserted again.
3 Batteries and charging ___________________________________________________________ 3.1 Batteries The battery belt is the standard power supply for the RAMAC X3M/EasyLocator. Capacity of the battery is 12V/9 Ah. This gives an operation time of 6-8 hours. When the battery voltage has dropped down to 10V the X3M/EasyLocator will automatically turn itself off. The battery should always be stored fully charged to maximize the lifetime of the battery.
required. Please refer to the GroundVision software manual for further information on the acquisition software. The EasyLocator is operated with the software EasyVision, designed for optimal user friendliness. Please refer to the EasyVision software manual for further information.
5 Using the RAMAC X3M/EasyLocator ___________________________________________________________ There are many applications where you can use the RAMAC X3M/EasyLocator. A variety of different accessories that will make the measurement easier are available for the X3M/EasyLocator. The X3M/EasyLocator can be used together with the RAMAC/GPR Cart. The Cart is designed for surveys on a flat surface (Figure 5.1) Figure 5.
6 RAMAC X3M Specifications ___________________________________________________________ Pulse repetition frequency Data bits Nr of samples/trace Nr of stacks 100 kHz 16 128-8192 (1024 with autostacking) Autostacking in the range 1-32768 for optimized speed performance Signal stability < 100ps Communication interface IEEE 1284 (ECP) Communication speed >700 kb/s Data transfer rate 40-400 kb/s at 4 Mbit/s 1 Acquisition mode Distance/time/manual 2 Power supply External 12V DC battery (Pb) Operating time 6-8
