SmartSolo Nodes

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.

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

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= **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

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== **Pre-Fieldwork Preparation** ==

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**INVEST IN FAST EXTERNAL HARD DRIVES – DO NOT LET THIS BE THE LIMITATION OF DATA HARVESTING**

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**Plan on 1 Tb to store ALL data for 50 nodes @ 250 Hz and a single ~~30 day occupation**

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= **Installation** =

=== **1- Logbook documentation** ===

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**Essential Details**: Record the following in a logbook:

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* Station name

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* Latitude and longitude

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* Names of team members present

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* Date and local time of installation

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* Serial number (SN) of the sensor

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* Detailed notes on the site conditions and setup

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=== **2- Node Placement** ===

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**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.

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* Take multiple photographs from various angles to document the site setup thoroughly.

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* 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)

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=== **3- GPS Considerations** ===

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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.

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=== **4- Visibility and Location Marking** ===

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**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.

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* Record this location in both your paper notes and the GPS device.

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=== (% style="color:inherit; font-family:inherit; font-size:max(18px, min(20px, 14.4444px + 0.462963vw))" %)**5- Charge Time, Pre-Deployment & Post-Deployment**(%%) ===

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* **Charging Duration**: Both types of nodes take approximately 6-8 hours to fully charge from a flat state.

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* **Pre-Deployment Charging**:

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** Although the nodes hold their charge well, it's beneficial to give them a "top up" charge right before deployment.

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* **Operational Duration**:

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

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* **Post-Retrieval Charging**:

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** Do not store the instruments with completely drained batteries.

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** After retrieval, charge the instruments to about 50-60% (indicated as "orange" level) for optimal battery health.

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* **Storage and Shipping Charge Level**:

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** Maintain a battery charge level of around 50-60% for both storage and shipping purposes.

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** This charge level is recommended to prevent battery damage and is safe for transportation.

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=== **6- Data Sharing and Metadata Creation** ===

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**GPS Data**:

* Download the GPS file to a laptop.

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* 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.).

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* 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.

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=== **7- Additional Best Practices** ===

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* **Environmental Responsibility**: Ensure that the node placement and the materials used are environmentally responsible and adhere to local regulations.

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* **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.

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==== **Keeping the Instruments Clean** ====

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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>>url:http://auspass.edu.au/field/bd3c_removal.mp4]] demonstrating its effectiveness.

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=== **Seismic Station Demobilization and Documentation** ===

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**Preparation for Demobilization**:

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

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**Locating the instrument**:

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* Use the downloaded GPS file to accurately locate the node for demobilization.

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* Import this KMZ file onto your phone for easy reference and location tracking.

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* Utilize Google Maps or Google Earth to create a KMZ file of the station’s location.

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**Labeling Instruments for Demobilization**:

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* Write the station name and the instrument’s serial number on a label.

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* Add markers 'D' (for download), 'C' (for charge), and ‘R’ (for removal) next to checkboxes on the label.

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* Affix this label to the top of the instrument to avoid confusion during the charging and downloading data.

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**Photographing the Setup Node**:

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* Take a photo of the entire setup node with the __//label//__ and __//compass visible//__.

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* This photo serves as a final record of the instrument’s condition and orientation at the time of removal.

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**Logging Demobilization Details**:

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* Use the field logbook to note the time of demobilization, serial numbers, and station name.

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* Record any observations or issues related to the instrument’s orientation, level, or any other relevant factors.

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**Final Checks and Equipment Removal**:

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* Before physically removing the instrument, double-check that all necessary data has been downloaded and all photos and notes have been taken.

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* Carefully dismantle and pack the equipment, ensuring that all components are accounted for and securely stored for transport.

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=== **Charging Procedure for Seismic Nodes** ===

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**Preparation for Charging**:

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* 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.

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**Disassembling the Node**:

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* 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.

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**Setting Nodes in the Charging Box**:

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* 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.

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**Monitoring the Charging Process**:

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* 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.

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* 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.

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**Updating Charge Status**:

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* 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.

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* This step is crucial for tracking the charging status of multiple units, especially when handling a large number of nodes.

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[[IGU 16-HRcharger (left) and harvester (right)>>image:1705195933422-337.png||data-xwiki-image-style-alignment="center" height="299" width="530"]]

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=== **Downloading and Converting Seismic Data to MiniSeed Format** ===

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==== **Node Registration and Software Setup** ====

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**Registering Nodes in the System**:

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* To begin, register the nodes in the system so the software can recognize them.

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* Navigate to the installation folder of “SmartSoloApps SoloLite”.

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* Right-click on deviceconfig.exe and choose “run as an administrator”. Save the file to the “deviceconfig” directory (refer to the snapshot below).

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* To avoid double registration, replace the file each time you register a new node.

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**Creating a New Project in SoloLite**:

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* Open the “SoloLite” software.

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* Go to “File” and create a new project. Don't worry about finding the exact 16 nodes used in script writing.

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* Ignore the settings for seismic recordings in the subsequent window. Resetting instruments (e.g., sampling rate, gain) requires reprogramming via script.

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==== **Data Downloading Process** ====

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**Initiating Data Download**:

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* Once a new project is created, the Data Transfer View panel will display connected nodes with details like series number and data size.

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* If “Prospect not matched” appears, it simply means the new project doesn’t match the original programming project. This is not a concern.

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* Select all nodes and right-click to “force download”. This starts the download process.

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* Completed downloads will appear as new folders in the Downloaded Data panel.

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**Exporting Data in Readable Format**:

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* Go to the “Tool” menu and select “export seismic data”.

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* Tailor other parameters to personal preference and ensure "Sample Interval" matches the setting used during node reset.

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* Click “prepare” followed by “run” to start reformatting. Monitor this process in the small panel at the bottom left.

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* **Ensure to export data as "COUNTS", not "mV".**

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

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==== **Handling Nodes During Download** ====

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**Monitoring Download Indicators**:

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* During download, green lights on nodes will blink, and associated red lights on the rack will flash.

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* Disconnect nodes properly before unplugging anything.

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* Be cautious: if the laptop enters sleep mode, the download will pause.

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//**Investment in Storage Hardware**~://

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

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

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**Metadata and Time Settings**:

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* Ensure all metadata is saved with the file.

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* 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.

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**Finalizing the Download**:

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

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=== **Cleaning** ===

**Procedure for Seismic Nodes:**

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* 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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**Contents**

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* [[SmartSolo IGU 16HR 3C (5 Hz) Short Period Node>>path:#HSmartSoloIGU16HR3C285Hz29ShortPeriodNode]]

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** [[Sub-paragraph>>path:#HSub-paragraph]]

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** [[ >>path:#H]]

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* [[Smart Solo BD3C-5 (5 second) Broad-Band Node>>path:#HSmartSoloBD3C-5285second29Broad-BandNode]]

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** [[GPS Considerations>>path:#HGPSConsiderations]]

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* [[Keeping the Instruments Clean>>path:#HKeepingtheInstrumentsClean]]

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* [[Charge Time, Instrument Life, and Charge During Storage & Shipping>>path:#HChargeTime2CInstrumentLife2CandChargeDuringStorage26Shipping]]

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* [[Best Practices and Guide>>path:#HBestPracticesandGuide]]

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** [[Install>>path:#HInstall]]

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** [[Removing/Demob>>path:#HRemoving2FDemob]]

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** [[Charging>>path:#HCharging]]

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** [[Downloading and Converting Data to MiniSeed>>path:#HDownloadingandConvertingDatatoMiniSeed]]

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** [[Converting data>>path:#HConvertingdata]]

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** [[Cleaning>>path:#HCleaning]]

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= SmartSolo [[BD3C-5>>url:https://smartsolo.com/cp-4.html]] =

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[[image:Smartsolo IGU BD3C 5 (2).jpg]]

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[[image:smartsolo.jpg]]

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|(% style="width:189px" %)**Frequency Band**|(% style="width:221px" %)5 Seconds to 150Hz

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|(% style="width:189px" %)**Sensitivity**|(% style="width:221px" %)200 V/m/s

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|(% style="width:189px" %)**Size (without spike)**|(% style="width:221px" %)158 x160mm

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|(% style="width:189px" %)**Weight**|(% style="width:221px" %)2.8 kg

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|(% style="width:189px" %)**Data Storage**|(% style="width:221px" %)64 Gb

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|(% style="width:189px" %)**Battery**|(% style="width:221px" %)Li_etc XXAh

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= SmartSolo [[IGU-16HR>>url:https://smartsolo.com/cp-3.html]] =

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[[image:smartsolo node.jpg]]

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[[image:smartsolo node 2.jpg]]

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|(% style="width:187px" %)**Frequency Band**|(% style="width:224px" %)5 Hz to 1652Hz

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|(% style="width:187px" %)**Sensitivity**|(% style="width:224px" %)67.7 V/m/s

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|(% style="width:187px" %)**Size (with spike)**|(% style="width:224px" %)103mm(L) × 95mm(W) × 187mm

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|(% style="width:187px" %)**Weight**|(% style="width:224px" %)2.3 kg

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|(% style="width:187px" %)**Data Storage**|(% style="width:224px" %)64 Gb

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|(% style="width:187px" %)**Battery**|(% style="width:224px" %)Li_etc XXAh

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