Node Setup

Short term (~30 day) battery powered nodes. The default gain should be 24 db for the 16HR-3C and 6 db for the BD3C-5

***this needs to be reformatted

Pre-Fieldwork Preparation

Installation

1- Logbook documentation

Protection: Place nodes inside thick, landfill biodegradable plastic bags for environmental protection.

Site Analysis:

• Conduct compass measurements away from the node and metallic structures, adjusting for inclination angle.
• Take multiple photographs from various angles to document the site setup thoroughly.
• Include a detailed site description in your notes, specifying distances and orientations from nearby landmarks (e.g. Richards garden, Te Mini steam field eastern side)

3- GPS Considerations

The GPS antenna is at the top and center of the unit, and will (usually) only receive signal with a clear sky view directly above. The signal is able to penetrate plastic and terracotta planters and a thin layer of soil, but may struggle if the soil layer is too thick. The BD3C will not start recording without first attaining a GPS lock.

4- Visibility and Location Marking

Flag Placement: Position a flag, preferably in a bright color (avoid green or yellow), near the instrument to aid in its future location.

GPS Marking:

• Use a GPS device to mark the instrument's exact location.
• Record this location in both your paper notes and the GPS device.

5- Charge Time, Pre-Deployment & Post-Deployment

• Charging Duration: Both types of nodes take approximately 6-8 hours to fully charge from a flat state.
• Pre-Deployment Charging:
  • Although the nodes hold their charge well, it's beneficial to give them a "top up" charge right before deployment.

• Operational Duration:
  • When recording at 250 Hz, with GPS on and Bluetooth disabled, the instruments are expected to last about 30 days per charge cycle.

• Post-Retrieval Charging:
  • Do not store the instruments with completely drained batteries.
  • After retrieval, charge the instruments to about 50-60% (indicated as "orange" level) for optimal battery health.

• Storage and Shipping Charge Level:
  • Maintain a battery charge level of around 50-60% for both storage and shipping purposes.
  • This charge level is recommended to prevent battery damage and is safe for transportation.

• 6- Data Sharing and Metadata Creation

GPS Data:

• Download the GPS file to a laptop.
• Share this file on a drive accessible to all team members for uniform understanding of node locations.

Photo Sharing:

• Upload site photos to a shared platform (OneDrive, Dropbox, etc.).
• Integrating photos into Google Maps or Google Earth can be particularly beneficial for easy location referencing.

Metadata File:

• Create a metadata XML file for each node, which is essential for data organisation and future reference.

7- Additional Best Practices

• Environmental Responsibility: Ensure that the node placement and the materials used are environmentally responsible and adhere to local regulations.
• Training and Familiarisation: Make sure all team members are adequately trained in using the GPS devices, compass, and other equipment to ensure consistent and accurate data collection.

• Keeping the Instruments Clean

• Use a (landfill, not compost) degradable bag when installing to keep the instrument clean. This will save you many hours of time cleaning them in preparation for their return. Here is a video demonstrating its effectiveness.

Seismic Station Demobilization and Documentation

1. Preparation for Demobilization:

   • Before starting the demobilization process, ensure you have a compass, tape, marker, pen, clipboard, logbook, and compass ready in your tote bag.

2. Locating the instrument:

   • Use the downloaded GPS file to accurately locate the node for demobilization.
   • Import this KMZ file onto your phone for easy reference and location tracking.
   • Utilize Google Maps or Google Earth to create a KMZ file of the station’s location.

3. Labeling Instruments for Demobilization:

   • Write the station name and the instrument’s serial number on a label.
   • Add markers 'D' (for download), 'C' (for charge), and ‘R’ (for removal) next to checkboxes on the label.
   • Affix this label to the top of the instrument to avoid confusion during the charging and downloading data.

4. Photographing the Setup Node:

   • Take a photo of the entire setup node with the label and compass visible.
   • This photo serves as a final record of the instrument’s condition and orientation at the time of removal.

5. Logging Demobilization Details:

   • Use the field logbook to note the time of demobilization, serial numbers, and station name.
   • Record any observations or issues related to the instrument’s orientation, level, or any other relevant factors.

6. Final Checks and Equipment Removal:

   • Before physically removing the instrument, double-check that all necessary data has been downloaded and all photos and notes have been taken.
   • Carefully dismantle and pack the equipment, ensuring that all components are accounted for and securely stored for transport.

Charging Procedure for Seismic Nodes

1. Preparation for Charging:

   • Before charging, ensure each node is clean. This involves removing any dirt or debris to maintain the integrity of the equipment and ensure effective charging.

2. Disassembling the Node:

   • Carefully remove the battery and the spike from the sensor. This is typically done by twisting the spike part of the instrument to release these components.

3. Setting Nodes in the Charging Box:

   • Place up to 16 nodes into the charging box, arranging them with the spikes pointing upwards. This configuration is essential for proper connection and efficient charging.

4. Monitoring the Charging Process:

   • Once the nodes are set in the charging box and the charging process begins, red lights adjacent to the batteries will illuminate. These lights indicate that charging is underway.
   • Observe the transition of the lights from steady red to orange, then to green, and finally to flashing green. A flashing green light signifies that the batteries are fully charged.

5. Updating Charge Status:

   • During the charging period, take this opportunity to update the status of each unit. Check the "C" box on your temporary labels to indicate that the unit has been successfully charged.
   • This step is crucial for tracking the charging status of multiple units, especially when handling a large number of nodes.

Downloading and Converting Seismic Data to MiniSeed Format

Node Registration and Software Setup

1. Registering Nodes in the System:

   • To begin, register the nodes in the system so the software can recognize them.
   • Navigate to the installation folder of “SmartSoloApps SoloLite”.
   • Right-click on deviceconfig.exe and choose “run as an administrator”. Save the file to the “deviceconfig” directory (refer to the snapshot below).
   • To avoid double registration, replace the file each time you register a new node.

2. Creating a New Project in SoloLite:

   • Open the “SoloLite” software.
   • Go to “File” and create a new project. Don't worry about finding the exact 16 nodes used in script writing.
   • Ignore the settings for seismic recordings in the subsequent window. Resetting instruments (e.g., sampling rate, gain) requires reprogramming via script.

Data Downloading Process

1. Initiating Data Download:

   • Once a new project is created, the Data Transfer View panel will display connected nodes with details like series number and data size.
   • If “Prospect not matched” appears, it simply means the new project doesn’t match the original programming project. This is not a concern.
   • Select all nodes and right-click to “force download”. This starts the download process.
   • Completed downloads will appear as new folders in the Downloaded Data panel.

2. Exporting Data in Readable Format:

   • Go to the “Tool” menu and select “export seismic data”.
   • Tailor other parameters to personal preference and ensure "Sample Interval" matches the setting used during node reset.
   • Click “prepare” followed by “run” to start reformatting. Monitor this process in the small panel at the bottom left.
   • • Ensure to export data as "COUNTS", not "mV".

     • Set "Remove Gain" to the same decibel gain as during programming (ANU usually sets this to 18 db, but double-check).

Handling Nodes During Download

1. Monitoring Download Indicators:

   • During download, green lights on nodes will blink, and associated red lights on the rack will flash.
   • Disconnect nodes properly before unplugging anything.
   • Be cautious: if the laptop enters sleep mode, the download will pause.

2. Investment in Storage Hardware:

   • • Use fast external hard drives to avoid limitations in data harvesting.

     • Recommended specifications: USB-C, USB 3.0, and 4+ Tb of space.

3. Metadata and Time Settings:

   • Ensure all metadata is saved with the file.
   • System auto-determines the earliest data time as the start time. You can set it a day earlier at 00:00:00 for 24-hour data segments starting from midnight.

4. Finalizing the Download:

   • After downloading, mark the "D" box on your temporary labels to indicate completion.

    

Cleaning

Procedure for Seismic Nodes:

• If the nodes are placed in a thick plastic bag at the time of installation, the cleaning procedure should be straightforward. If not you have a lot of work to do before they are returned to us!

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Smart Solo BD3C-5 (5 second) Broad-Band Node

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GPS Considerations

The GPS antenna is at the top and center of the unit, and will (usually) only receive signal with a clear sky view directly above. The signal is able to penetrate plastic and terracotta planters and a thin layer of soil, but may struggle if the soil layer is too thick. The BD3C will not start recording without first attaining a GPS lock.

Keeping the Instruments Clean

Use a (landfill, not compost) degradable bag when installing to keep the instrument clean. This will save you many hours of time cleaning them in preparation for their return. Here is a video demonstrating its effectiveness.

Charge Time, Instrument Life, and Charge During Storage & Shipping

Both nodes take about 6-8 hours to charge from flat and hold their charge reasonably well, however you may benefit from a "top up" charge immediately prior to deploy. The instruments should last around 30 days per cycle (recording at 250hz) with GPS on cycle on and bluetooth disabled.

Upon retrieval, the instruments should not be stored flat as this will damage the batteries. It is recommended to charge them back up "to orange" such that they are charged around ~50-60%. This is also acceptable for shipping.

Best Practices and Guide

Install

Logbook is required (used again for pick up & metadata creation) 

- station name 

- lat / long 

- team members 

- date and local time 

- SN of sensor 

- notes on site 

Place nodes in thick (“landfill biodegradable”) plastic bags in the hole 

Take compass measurement away from node and fences [make sure to adjust inclination angle] 

Take many photos from the site from different angles  

Add a precise site description to the notes such as distances and orientations from landmarks  

It will be very helpful in locating the instrument if you place a flag next to it, preferably in a color other than green or yellow. 

Make a mark (digital) of the instrument's location using a GPS device. Record the location both in your paper notes and on the GPS device. 

Download the GPS (Garmin) file to a laptop and share drive to share with other GPS devices 

Share photos in a shared location (Google photos, OneDrive, Dropbox, etc), but most useful are those added to a Google Maps/Earth location 

Create metadata .xml file

Removing/Demob

Download and then use the GPS file to locate the node  

Use Google Maps / Google Earth to create a kmz file that can then be imported onto your phone.   

Upload photos of the site   

- station name 

- latitude 

- longitude 

- elevation 

• SN of sensor – SN of battery (optional) 
• Site notes and name of location (e.g. Richards garden, Te Mini steam field eastern side)  

Upload photos into Google Earth and on a shared drive 

Before removing the instrument have your compass, tape, marker, pen, clipboard, logbook and compass ready (in tote bag!).  

Write the station name and the instrument’s serial number, along with 'D' and 'C' and ‘R’, each next to a box to indicate 'download' and 'charge'. Stick this label to the top of the instrument. When dealing with dozens or hundreds of these you WILL start to mix them up after a while! Having an easy visual cue keep them sorted will save you a great deal of confusion later on.

Take a photo of the entire setup node with the label on it + compass  

Use existing field logbook to note time, SN and station name plus any notes – including any issues with orientation or level or anything else 

Charging

Clean node prior to charging and harvesting the data 

Remove battery (and spike) from the sensor by twisting the spike part of the instrument 

Set 16 nodes into the charging box (spikes up) 

Red lights on the box next to the batteries will come on and remain a steady red light while charging. This will change to orange, then to green, then to flashing green when fully charged.

This is a good time to check the "C" box on your temporary labels to mark that the unit has been charged

Downloading and Converting Data to MiniSeed

The first thing to do is to register the nodes in the system, so the software can recognize them. To do this, go to the folder where the “SmartSoloApps SoloLite” was installed. Then right-click the deviceconfig.exe program to “run as an administrator” and save the file to the directory of “deviceconfig” (snapshot below). Note that to avoid registering the same node twice, you can simply replace the file each time you do the registration. 

Then open the “SoloLite” software, and just go to “File” to make a new project. In this case, you do not need to find the exact 16 nodes that were grouped for script writing. Do not worry about the settings for the seismic recordings for the next window to pop up, as the only way to reset the instruments (e.g., sampling rate, gain etc) is to write script to re-program them. 

Once you create the new project, your Data Transfer View panel on the bottom right of the window will show these nodes that have properly connected to the data harvest, including series number, data size etc. It is okay if the “Prospect not matched”, which simply means the project you just created does not match the one you made to program them. Simply select all these nodes, and right click to “force download”, which will initiate the downloading process. Once they are done, you will see new folders created for each slot at your Downloaded Data panel on the top left of the window. 

At this stage, it means that the raw DLL data of the recording has been downloaded successfully to your local machine. To output data in readable format, such as SAC or miniSEED, click the “Tool” menu and select “export seismic data”. The parameters here should be straightforward to set and tailored to personal reference.

A list of ANU group preferred parameters can be found at the end of this session. One thing to note is that the “Sample Interval” must be set exactly to this used to reset the nodes. Once you are done with the setting, click “prepare” before “run”. If everything works correctly, you should see the reformatting process from the small panel on the bottom left of this popped up window. 

Now the data should be ready. Then you can select these data and right click to output the GPS information associated with them. 

When downloading, all the green lights on the nodes will blink. The associated red lights on the rack will flash when it is downloading, and make sure to disconnect the nodes before you unplug anything. Be careful: if the laptop goes to sleep, the download process will pause. 

When downloading, ensure that all metadata is saved along with the file. 

Start and endtime: the system will automatically find the earliest time of the data and set that as the starting time. However, you can set the time a day earlier with a sharp start of 00:00:00. In this case, all the outputted data segments will be 24 hours long starting from midnight.

Once downloaded, mark the "D" box on your temporary labels!

Converting data

Check the data all have been converted to miniseed correctly  

– 3 files per station per day  

• Files are the same size (NOTE if having memory issues one or more of the components may have 0-1 kb) 
• ~ 5 Gb / node / month 

Tick ‘R’ box on the node label 

Cleaning

If the nodes are placed in a thick plastic bag at the time of installation, the cleaning procedure should be straightforward. If not you have a lot of work to do before they are returned to us!