Wiki source code of SmartSolo Node Seismometers

Version 59.1 by robert on 2025/07/16 11:27

version	line-number	content
1.1	1	(% class="row" %)
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42.3	5	= Node Types =
39.1	6
42.3	7	ANSIR carry two types of three-channel nodes
39.1	8
42.3	9	* SmartSolo IGU 16HR 3C (5 Hz Short Period)
43.1	10	* SmartSolo BD3C-5 (5 Second Broad-Band)
39.1	11
42.3	12	Both have a battery capacity of around 30 days. The programming, operation, and downloading procedures for both types of SmartSolo nodes are also similar.
39.1	13
	14
	15	----
	16
42.4	17	= Programming Defaults =
17.1	18
58.1	19	We recommend that the SP 16HR-3C be set to a gain of 24db and no higher than 250 Hz sampling rate unless there is an explicit reason to do so. The BD3C-5 should be set to a gain of 6db (which is the maximum allowed). These are what we use for our internal experiments.
17.1	20
57.1	21	Note that this gain must be removed when exporting to miniseed, otherwise amplitudes will be a factor of either 15.84893192 (24db) or 2 (6db) too high. We also recommend disabling bluetooth to increase battery life, and to enable "FIFO" mode just in case old data is still present on the units and you run out of space (although it is unlikely you will go over 64 Gb for one deploy). If using the "timed turn-on" option, please be aware that the units will not begin recording until they have acquired a GPS lock, which may nor occur if they are buried too deeply or have very poor sky view.
23.1	22
57.1	23
43.2	24	= Fieldwork Preparation =
17.1	25
18.1	26	(% class="box infomessage" %)
17.1	27	(((
18.2	28	(% class="box warningmessage" %)
	29	(((
22.1	30	INVEST IN FAST EXTERNAL HARD DRIVES – DO NOT LET THIS BE THE LIMITATION OF DATA HARVESTING
	31
43.1	32	Assume ~~1 Tb of storage for both raw and exported data per 50 nodes @ 250 Hz & 30 days. One node recording at 250 Hz for 30 days tends to create about 3 Gb of miniseed data.
17.1	33	)))
18.2	34	)))
17.1	35
57.1	36	== Magnets ==
	37
	38	If you are short on magnets, you may find it easier and a lot cheaper to buy magnets in Australia. AMF Magnetics is a good retailer, and [[this item>>https://magnet.com.au/collections/shop?q=23012B]] seems to work well. It is also advantageous to use smaller magnets and store/carry them individually in your back pocket (as well as stick them to various places in your field vehicle, etc).
	39
	40	== Animal-Proofing ==
	41
	42	We have experienced times where foxes (or some other animal) will dig up nodes and potentially carry them off for tens or hundreds of meteres. Being sanitary with the rope handles (e.g. not getting food grease on them) seems to help, as well as spraying the nodes and handles with methylated spirits et al. when deploying. There are other specialized products available depending on your environment.
	43
18.2	44	= Installation =
17.1	45
46.1	46	== 1. Logbook documentation ==
17.1	47
18.2	48	(((
	49	Essential Details: Record the following in a logbook:
	50
	51	* Station name
	52	* Latitude and longitude
	53	* Names of team members present
	54	* Date and local time of installation
	55	* Serial number (SN) of the sensor
	56	* Detailed notes on the site conditions and setup
	57
46.1	58	== 2. Node Placement ==
17.1	59	)))
	60
42.3	61	Protection: Place nodes inside (landfill) biodegradable bags to minimize cleaning and cross-site soil contamination.
17.1	62
18.2	63	Site Analysis:
	64
42.2	65	* Take compass measurements away from the sensor as it will affect your measurement.
18.2	66	* Take multiple photographs from various angles to document the site setup thoroughly.
18.3	67	* 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)
18.2	68
46.1	69	== 3. GPS Considerations ==
18.2	70
20.1	71	(% class="wikigeneratedid" %)
43.2	72	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. These nodes will not start recording without attaining a GPS lock and repeated attempts will excessively drain the battery.
20.1	73
46.1	74	== 4. Visibility and Location Marking ==
20.1	75
18.2	76	Flag Placement: Position a flag, preferably in a bright color (avoid green or yellow), near the instrument to aid in its future location.
	77
	78	GPS Marking:
	79
	80	* Use a GPS device to mark the instrument's exact location.
	81	* Record this location in both your paper notes and the GPS device.
	82
46.1	83	== (% style="color:inherit; font-family:inherit; font-size:max(18px, min(20px, 14.4444px + 0.462963vw))" %)5. Charge Time, Pre-Deployment & Post-Deployment(%%) ==
18.3	84
20.1	85	* Charging Duration: Both types of nodes take approximately 6-8 hours to fully charge from a flat state.
	86	* Pre-Deployment Charging:
42.2	87	** Although the nodes hold their charge well, it's beneficial to give them a "top up" charge before deployment.
20.1	88
	89	* Operational Duration:
42.2	90	** When recording at 250 Hz, with GPS on and Bluetooth disabled, the instruments are expected to last about 30 days per charge cycle. If they are set to run only overnight, this can be extended to 60 days.
20.1	91
	92	* Post-Retrieval Charging:
42.2	93	** After retrieval, charge the instruments to about 50-60% (indicated as "orange" level) unless they are to be immediately re-deployed.
20.1	94	* Storage and Shipping Charge Level:
43.2	95	** Maintain a battery charge level of around 50-60% (e.g. "orange") for both storage and shipping purposes.
20.1	96	** This charge level is recommended to prevent battery damage and is safe for transportation.
42.2	97	Nodes should not be stored fully charged, and it they should especially not be stored with 0 charge.**
20.1	98
42.2	99	(((
47.1	100	== 6. Data Sharing and Metadata Creation ==
28.1	101	)))
20.1	102
18.3	103	GPS Data:
	104
43.2	105	* Ensure you have documented precise lat/lon locations for each station and DOCUMENTED THIS CAREFULLY
18.3	106
	107	Photo Sharing:
	108
43.2	109	* It is strongly encouraged to take pictures of each site and upload these to a shared platform (OneDrive, Dropbox, etc.).
18.3	110
	111	Metadata File:
	112
47.1	113	* Create and organize metadata according to the [[ANU metadata standard txt file>>attach:example_metadata.txt]].
18.3	114
47.1	115	== 7. Additional Best Practices ==
18.3	116
43.2	117	* Training and Familiarisation: Make sure all team members are adequately trained in using the GPS devices, compass use, and other equipment to ensure consistent and accurate data collection.
18.3	118
24.2	119	----
18.3	120
43.2	121	= Seismic Station Demobilization and Documentation =
24.1	122
	123	1. (((
	124	Preparation for Demobilization:
	125
43.2	126	* Before starting the demobilization process, ensure you have a compass, tape, marker, pen, masking tape, clipboard, logbook, and compass ready in your tote bag.
24.1	127	)))
	128	1. (((
	129	Locating the instrument:
	130
	131	* Use the downloaded GPS file to accurately locate the node for demobilization.
	132	* Import this KMZ file onto your phone for easy reference and location tracking.
	133	* Utilize Google Maps or Google Earth to create a KMZ file of the station’s location.
	134	)))
	135	1. (((
	136	Labeling Instruments for Demobilization:
	137
43.2	138	* Write the station name and the instrument’s serial number on a masking tape label to apply to the top of the node.
24.1	139	* Add markers 'D' (for download), 'C' (for charge), and ‘R’ (for removal) next to checkboxes on the label.
	140	* Affix this label to the top of the instrument to avoid confusion during the charging and downloading data.
	141	)))
	142	1. (((
	143	Photographing the Setup Node:
	144
	145	* Take a photo of the entire setup node with the __//label//__ and __//compass visible//__.
	146	* This photo serves as a final record of the instrument’s condition and orientation at the time of removal.
	147	)))
	148	1. (((
	149	Logging Demobilization Details:
	150
	151	* Use the field logbook to note the time of demobilization, serial numbers, and station name.
	152	* Record any observations or issues related to the instrument’s orientation, level, or any other relevant factors.
	153	)))
	154	1. (((
	155	Final Checks and Equipment Removal:
	156
	157	* Before physically removing the instrument, double-check that all necessary data has been downloaded and all photos and notes have been taken.
	158	* Carefully dismantle and pack the equipment, ensuring that all components are accounted for and securely stored for transport.
39.1	159
	160
24.1	161	)))
	162
40.1	163	[[image:1706153556166-231.jpeg\|\|data-xwiki-image-style-alignment="center" height="345" width="460"]]
37.2	164
24.2	165	----
24.1	166
43.2	167	= Charging Procedure for Seismic Nodes =
24.1	168
45.1	169	(((
	170	== 1. Preparation for Charging: ==
24.1	171
24.2	172	* 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.
	173	)))
24.1	174
45.1	175	(((
	176	== 2. Disassembling the Node: ==
	177
42.2	178	* For the IGU-16HR, remove the battery (bottom half) from the sensor. This is done by unscrewing the spikes counter-clockwise.
24.2	179	)))
24.1	180
45.1	181	(((
	182	== 3. Setting Nodes in the Charging Box: ==
	183
42.2	184	* Place 1-16 IGU-16HR battery components upside-down into the charger, assuring they are oriented properly.
24.2	185	)))
24.1	186
45.1	187	(((
	188	== 4. Monitoring the Charging Process: ==
	189
42.2	190	* Once the nodes are set in the charging box and the charging process begins, lights adjacent to the batteries will illuminate. These lights indicate that charging is underway.
	191	* 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. For storage, the goal is to charge them to ORANGE.
24.2	192	)))
24.1	193
45.1	194	(((
	195	== 5. Updating Charge Status: ==
	196
34.2	197	* 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.
24.2	198	* This step is crucial for tracking the charging status of multiple units, especially when handling a large number of nodes.
	199	)))
24.1	200
39.1	201	[[IGU 16-HRcharger (left) and harvester (right)>>image:1705195933422-337.png\|\|data-xwiki-image-style-alignment="center" height="299" width="530"]]
36.2	202
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37.2	204
	205
39.1	206	[[image:1706153354750-415.png\|\|data-xwiki-image-style-alignment="center" height="317" width="562"]]
37.2	207
24.2	208	----
24.1	209
45.2	210	= Downloading and Converting Seismic Data to MiniSeed Format =
24.1	211
45.2	212	== Node Registration and Software Setup ==
24.1	213
24.2	214	1. (((
	215	Registering Nodes in the System:
24.1	216
24.2	217	* To begin, register the nodes in the system so the software can recognize them.
	218	* Navigate to the installation folder of “SmartSoloApps SoloLite”.
	219	* Right-click on deviceconfig.exe and choose “run as an administrator”. Save the file to the “deviceconfig” directory (refer to the snapshot below).
	220	* To avoid double registration, replace the file each time you register a new node.
	221	)))
	222	1. (((
	223	Creating a New Project in SoloLite:
24.1	224
24.2	225	* Open the “SoloLite” software.
	226	* Go to “File” and create a new project. Don't worry about finding the exact 16 nodes used in script writing.
	227	* Ignore the settings for seismic recordings in the subsequent window. Resetting instruments (e.g., sampling rate, gain) requires reprogramming via script.
	228	)))
	229
45.2	230	== Data Downloading Process ==
24.2	231
	232	1. (((
	233	Initiating Data Download:
	234
	235	* Once a new project is created, the Data Transfer View panel will display connected nodes with details like series number and data size.
	236	* If “Prospect not matched” appears, it simply means the new project doesn’t match the original programming project. This is not a concern.
	237	* Select all nodes and right-click to “force download”. This starts the download process.
	238	* Completed downloads will appear as new folders in the Downloaded Data panel.
	239	)))
	240	1. (((
	241	Exporting Data in Readable Format:
	242
	243	* Go to the “Tool” menu and select “export seismic data”.
	244	* Tailor other parameters to personal preference and ensure "Sample Interval" matches the setting used during node reset.
	245	* Click “prepare” followed by “run” to start reformatting. Monitor this process in the small panel at the bottom left.
29.1	246	* (% class="box warningmessage" %)
	247	(((
30.1	248	* Ensure to export data as "COUNTS", not "mV".
24.2	249
52.1	250	* Set "Remove Gain" to the same decibel gain as during programming (by default ANU sets this to 24db for short period nodes (a factor of 15.848932), and 6db for broadband nodes).
27.1	251	)))
	252	)))
24.4	253
45.2	254	== Handling Nodes During Download ==
24.2	255
	256	1. (((
	257	Monitoring Download Indicators:
	258
	259	* During download, green lights on nodes will blink, and associated red lights on the rack will flash.
	260	* Disconnect nodes properly before unplugging anything.
	261	* Be cautious: if the laptop enters sleep mode, the download will pause.
	262	)))
	263	1. (((
35.1	264	//Investment in Storage Hardware~://
24.2	265
28.1	266	* (% class="box warningmessage" %)
	267	(((
31.2	268	* Use fast external hard drives to avoid limitations in data harvesting.
	269
	270	* Recommended specifications: USB-C, USB 3.0, and 4+ Tb of space.
24.2	271	)))
28.1	272	)))
24.2	273	1. (((
	274	Metadata and Time Settings:
	275
	276	* Ensure all metadata is saved with the file.
	277	* 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.
	278	)))
	279	1. (((
	280	Finalizing the Download:
	281
34.1	282	* After downloading, mark the //"D"// box on your temporary labels to indicate completion.
36.1	283
	284
24.2	285	)))
	286
39.1	287	[[image:1706153266647-145.png\|\|data-xwiki-image-style-alignment="center" height="340" width="603"]]
36.2	288
	289
	290
39.1	291	[[Caption>>image:1705195543887-977.png\|\|data-xwiki-image-style-alignment="center" height="534" width="632"]]
36.2	292
	293
	294
	295
39.1	296	[[Caption>>image:1705195543890-537.png\|\|data-xwiki-image-style-alignment="center" height="397" width="665"]]
36.2	297
37.1	298
36.2	299
39.1	300	[[Caption>>image:1705195543891-334.png\|\|data-xwiki-image-style-alignment="center" height="379" width="650"]]
	301
	302
	303
	304	[[image:1705195543898-365.png\|\|data-xwiki-image-style-alignment="center" height="467" width="674"]]
	305
36.1	306	----
	307
45.5	308	= Cleaning =
36.1	309
59.1	310	When still connected, the nodes are water resistant (don't submerge them!) and can handle a good spray / wipedown. A strong, non-wire brush is helpful to reach areas between the metal spikes on the bottom.
36.1	311
48.1	312	= Weights (for shipping) =
	313
	314	The weights of bags of nodes, as well as data harvesters and node chargers, are listed below:
	315
49.1	316	1 bag + 6 SP (IGU-16HR) nodes: 18 kg
48.1	317
49.1	318	1 SP (IGU-16HR) data harvester: 21.5 kg
48.1	319
49.1	320	1 SP (IGU-16HR) charger: 26.3 kg
48.1	321
49.1	322	1 BB (BD3C-5) charger/data harvester (with and without 16 cables): 21 kg / 14.5 kg
48.1	323
49.1	324	1 case + 5 BB (BD3C-5) nodes and 6 BB nodes: 22 kg / 25 kg
8.3	325	)))
	326
1.1	327	(% class="col-xs-12 col-sm-4" %)
	328	(((
10.1	329	(% class="box" %)
	330	(((
	331	Contents
1.1	332
44.1	333	{{toc/}}
	334
43.2	335
10.1	336	)))
1.1	337
11.1	338	(% class="box" %)
10.1	339	(((
11.1	340	= SmartSolo [[BD3C-5>>url:https://smartsolo.com/cp-4.html]] =
12.1	341
15.1	342	[[image:Smartsolo IGU BD3C 5 (2).jpg]]
	343
16.1	344	[[image:smartsolo.jpg]]
	345
13.2	346	\|(% style="width:189px" %)Frequency Band\|(% style="width:221px" %)5 Seconds to 150Hz
	347	\|(% style="width:189px" %)Sensitivity\|(% style="width:221px" %)200 V/m/s
	348	\|(% style="width:189px" %)Size (without spike)\|(% style="width:221px" %)158 x160mm
	349	\|(% style="width:189px" %)Weight\|(% style="width:221px" %)2.8 kg
	350	\|(% style="width:189px" %)Data Storage\|(% style="width:221px" %)64 Gb
49.3	351	\|(% style="width:189px" %)Battery\|(% style="width:221px" %)(((
	352	Lithium-ion battery contained in equipment (168.84 Wh)
	353
	354	UN3481 PI967 S1
12.1	355	)))
49.3	356	)))
11.1	357
12.1	358	(% class="box" %)
	359	(((
	360	= SmartSolo [[IGU-16HR>>url:https://smartsolo.com/cp-3.html]] =
11.1	361
16.1	362	[[image:smartsolo node.jpg]]
	363
	364	[[image:smartsolo node 2.jpg]]
	365
13.2	366	\|(% style="width:187px" %)Frequency Band\|(% style="width:224px" %)5 Hz to 1652Hz
	367	\|(% style="width:187px" %)Sensitivity\|(% style="width:224px" %)67.7 V/m/s
	368	\|(% style="width:187px" %)Size (with spike)\|(% style="width:224px" %)103mm(L) × 95mm(W) × 187mm
42.2	369	\|(% style="width:187px" %)Weight\|(% style="width:224px" %)2.4 kg
13.2	370	\|(% style="width:187px" %)Data Storage\|(% style="width:224px" %)64 Gb
49.2	371	\|(% style="width:187px" %)Battery\|(% style="width:224px" %)(((
49.3	372	Lithium-ion battery contained in equipment (96.48 Wh)
49.2	373
	374	UN3481 PI967 S2
10.1	375	)))
49.2	376	)))
4.1	377
9.2	378
1.1	379	)))
	380	)))

Wiki source code of SmartSolo Node Seismometers

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