SmartSolo Node Types and Procedures

SmartSolo Node Variants:

• SmartSolo IGU 16HR 3C (5 Hz) Short Period Node
• SmartSolo BD3C-5 (5-second) Broad-Band Node

The installation, demobilization, and data downloading procedures for both types of SmartSolo nodes – the IGU 16HR 3C Short Period Node and the BD3C-5 Broad-Band Node – are largely similar.

This uniformity in process ensures ease of operation across different node types, allowing for a streamlined approach in fieldwork and data management.

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!