Wiki source code of SmartSolo Node Seismometers

Version 75.1 by robert on 2025/07/31 20:04

version	line-number	content
1.1	1	(% class="row" %)
	2	(((
	3	(% class="col-xs-12 col-sm-8" %)
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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)
63.1	10	* SmartSolo BD3C-5 (5 Second Broadband)
39.1	11
63.1	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
42.4	16	= Programming Defaults =
17.1	17
74.2	18	The nodes must be programmed in the SoloLite software prior to use. Screenshots for the short period 16HR-3C and broadband BDC3-5 are shown with our recommended parameters.
17.1	19
74.2	20	[[IGU-16 3C (short period node) programming screen set at 250 Hz. Ensure that the highlighted areas are set!>>image:SP_programming.labels.png\|\|alt="IGU-16 3C programming screen"]]
	21
	22	[[BD3C-5 (broadband node) programming screen set at 250 hz. Ensure that the highlighted areas are set!>>image:BB_programming.labels.png\|\|alt="BD3C-5 programming screen"]]
	23
	24	FIFO (first in, first out) data mode is safest as this will overwrite old data in case you forgot to clear the storage. At <= 250 hz you can fit 4++ months of data on these, shouldn't be an issue.
	25
	26	Be sure to set the channel types to Seismic and the gain appropriately. For active source (i.e. explosions) you can leave the gain at 0, but for passive experiments some gain is purported to be helpful (although we have found this to be somewhat negligible). We can confirm that 6db for the broadband nodes and 24db for the short period works well.
	27
75.1	28	If you want recording to begin immediately, ensure that begin date is in the past by at least a few days. If you prefer to have a timed turn-on, then set the times as needed. Be warned that recording will not begin until a GPS lock is achieved, so if you set it to a future turn-on but bury it too deeply, it may not record!
	29
74.2	30	In newer versions of the software there is a "power consumption" setting.. we are no sure what this does exactly, but the manual says it gives life a "boost" at the expense of about 3 db of resolution. Until this can be quantified a bit better it is not recommended.
	31
75.1	32	Storage type can be DLD (proprietary) or Miniseed. We assume the software works best with their proprietary format so prefer not to risk any issues. You can export to miniseed later.
74.2	33
75.1	34	GPS is best set to cycle mode (e.g. once per hour) instead of constant "always on". The clock drift on these are almost nil even if there is no sync at all, so it's best to conserve power.
74.2	35
75.1	36	Bluetooth (BB nodes only) should be turned OFF to conserve power.
	37
74.2	38	We recommend that the SP 16HR-3C be set to a gain of 24db for passive experiments 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) for passive experiments (or 0 db if active).
	39
75.1	40	{{info}}
	41	Note that any applied instrument gain must be removed when exporting (e.g. to miniseed) after your deploy, otherwise amplitudes will be a factor of either 15.84893192 (24db) or 2 (6db) too high!
	42	{{/info}}
23.1	43
43.2	44	= Fieldwork Preparation =
17.1	45
18.2	46	(% class="box warningmessage" %)
	47	(((
22.1	48	INVEST IN FAST EXTERNAL HARD DRIVES – DO NOT LET THIS BE THE LIMITATION OF DATA HARVESTING
	49
43.1	50	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.
60.1	51
	52	We have had good experience with the 4Tb Samsung T7 Shield drives.
17.1	53	)))
	54
57.1	55	== Magnets ==
	56
	57	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).
	58
	59	== Animal-Proofing ==
	60
	61	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.
	62
18.2	63	= Installation =
17.1	64
62.1	65	(% class="box infomessage" %)
	66	(((
	67	Field logs are a critical component of fieldwork and this is especially the case for large N nodal deploys. Take notes!
	68	)))
	69
64.1	70	== 1. Logbook documentation ==
17.1	71
18.2	72	(((
62.1	73	Essential Details for field logs:
18.2	74
	75	* Station name
62.1	76	* Latitude, longitude, elevation
18.2	77	* Names of team members present
62.1	78	* Date and both local & UTC time of installation/removal
	79	* Serial number (SN) of the TOP HALF of the sensor (if a BD3C-5, there is only one serial number)
	80	* Detailed notes on the site conditions and setup, anything else that will be helpful to find it again ("by the fence", "south of rock", etc)
18.2	81
64.1	82	[[HERE>>http://auspass.edu.au/field/NODES_blank_fieldlog.pdf]] is an example logsheet that works well for nodes, feel free to print and use!
	83
60.3	84	== 2. Node Placement ==
17.1	85	)))
	86
42.3	87	Protection: Place nodes inside (landfill) biodegradable bags to minimize cleaning and cross-site soil contamination.
17.1	88
18.2	89	Site Analysis:
	90
42.2	91	* Take compass measurements away from the sensor as it will affect your measurement.
62.1	92	* Take photographs from various angles to document the site setup thoroughly.
	93	* Include a detailed site description in your notes
18.2	94
60.3	95	== 3. GPS Considerations ==
18.2	96
20.1	97	(% class="wikigeneratedid" %)
43.2	98	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	99
60.3	100	== 4. Visibility and Location Marking ==
20.1	101
18.2	102	Flag Placement: Position a flag, preferably in a bright color (avoid green or yellow), near the instrument to aid in its future location.
	103
	104	GPS Marking:
	105
	106	* Use a GPS device to mark the instrument's exact location.
	107	* Record this location in both your paper notes and the GPS device.
	108
60.3	109	== (% 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	110
20.1	111	* Charging Duration: Both types of nodes take approximately 6-8 hours to fully charge from a flat state.
	112	* Pre-Deployment Charging:
42.2	113	** Although the nodes hold their charge well, it's beneficial to give them a "top up" charge before deployment.
20.1	114
	115	* Operational Duration:
42.2	116	** 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	117
	118	* Post-Retrieval Charging:
42.2	119	** After retrieval, charge the instruments to about 50-60% (indicated as "orange" level) unless they are to be immediately re-deployed.
20.1	120	* Storage and Shipping Charge Level:
43.2	121	** Maintain a battery charge level of around 50-60% (e.g. "orange") for both storage and shipping purposes.
20.1	122	** This charge level is recommended to prevent battery damage and is safe for transportation.
60.4	123	Nodes should not be stored fully charged, and they should especially not be stored with 0 charge as this damages lithium batteries.**
20.1	124
42.2	125	(((
60.3	126	== 6. Data Sharing and Metadata Creation ==
28.1	127	)))
20.1	128
18.3	129	GPS Data:
	130
43.2	131	* Ensure you have documented precise lat/lon locations for each station and DOCUMENTED THIS CAREFULLY
18.3	132
	133	Photo Sharing:
	134
43.2	135	* It is strongly encouraged to take pictures of each site and upload these to a shared platform (OneDrive, Dropbox, etc.).
18.3	136
	137	Metadata File:
	138
60.3	139	* Create and organize metadata according to the [[ANU metadata standard txt file>>attach:example_metadata.txt]]. This is going to be particularly important if you are reusing nodes at different sites... not documenting the serial numbers (of the top half of the node) and the times they were deployed can lead to station mix-ups.
18.3	140
60.3	141	== 7. Additional Best Practices ==
18.3	142
43.2	143	* 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	144
24.2	145	----
18.3	146
43.2	147	= Seismic Station Demobilization and Documentation =
24.1	148
	149	1. (((
	150	Preparation for Demobilization:
	151
43.2	152	* 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	153	)))
	154	1. (((
	155	Locating the instrument:
	156
	157	* Use the downloaded GPS file to accurately locate the node for demobilization.
	158	* Import this KMZ file onto your phone for easy reference and location tracking.
	159	* Utilize Google Maps or Google Earth to create a KMZ file of the station’s location.
	160	)))
	161	1. (((
	162	Labeling Instruments for Demobilization:
	163
43.2	164	* 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	165	* Add markers 'D' (for download), 'C' (for charge), and ‘R’ (for removal) next to checkboxes on the label.
	166	* Affix this label to the top of the instrument to avoid confusion during the charging and downloading data.
	167	)))
	168	1. (((
	169	Photographing the Setup Node:
	170
	171	* Take a photo of the entire setup node with the __//label//__ and __//compass visible//__.
	172	* This photo serves as a final record of the instrument’s condition and orientation at the time of removal.
	173	)))
	174	1. (((
	175	Logging Demobilization Details:
	176
	177	* Use the field logbook to note the time of demobilization, serial numbers, and station name.
	178	* Record any observations or issues related to the instrument’s orientation, level, or any other relevant factors.
	179	)))
	180	1. (((
	181	Final Checks and Equipment Removal:
	182
	183	* Before physically removing the instrument, double-check that all necessary data has been downloaded and all photos and notes have been taken.
	184	* Carefully dismantle and pack the equipment, ensuring that all components are accounted for and securely stored for transport.
39.1	185
	186
24.1	187	)))
	188
40.1	189	[[image:1706153556166-231.jpeg\|\|data-xwiki-image-style-alignment="center" height="345" width="460"]]
37.2	190
24.2	191	----
24.1	192
43.2	193	= Charging Procedure for Seismic Nodes =
24.1	194
45.1	195	(((
60.3	196	== 1. Preparation for Charging: ==
24.1	197
24.2	198	* 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.
	199	)))
24.1	200
45.1	201	(((
60.3	202	== 2. Disassembling the Node: ==
45.1	203
42.2	204	* For the IGU-16HR, remove the battery (bottom half) from the sensor. This is done by unscrewing the spikes counter-clockwise.
24.2	205	)))
24.1	206
45.1	207	(((
60.3	208	== 3. Setting Nodes in the Charging Box: ==
45.1	209
42.2	210	* Place 1-16 IGU-16HR battery components upside-down into the charger, assuring they are oriented properly.
24.2	211	)))
24.1	212
45.1	213	(((
60.3	214	== 4. Monitoring the Charging Process: ==
45.1	215
42.2	216	* 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.
	217	* 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	218	)))
24.1	219
45.1	220	(((
60.3	221	== 5. Updating Charge Status: ==
45.1	222
34.2	223	* 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	224	* This step is crucial for tracking the charging status of multiple units, especially when handling a large number of nodes.
	225	)))
24.1	226
39.1	227	[[IGU 16-HRcharger (left) and harvester (right)>>image:1705195933422-337.png\|\|data-xwiki-image-style-alignment="center" height="299" width="530"]]
36.2	228
	229
37.2	230
	231
39.1	232	[[image:1706153354750-415.png\|\|data-xwiki-image-style-alignment="center" height="317" width="562"]]
37.2	233
24.2	234	----
24.1	235
45.2	236	= Downloading and Converting Seismic Data to MiniSeed Format =
24.1	237
60.3	238	== Node Registration and Software Setup ==
24.1	239
24.2	240	1. (((
	241	Registering Nodes in the System:
24.1	242
24.2	243	* To begin, register the nodes in the system so the software can recognize them.
	244	* Navigate to the installation folder of “SmartSoloApps SoloLite”.
	245	* Right-click on deviceconfig.exe and choose “run as an administrator”. Save the file to the “deviceconfig” directory (refer to the snapshot below).
	246	* To avoid double registration, replace the file each time you register a new node.
	247	)))
	248	1. (((
	249	Creating a New Project in SoloLite:
24.1	250
24.2	251	* Open the “SoloLite” software.
	252	* Go to “File” and create a new project. Don't worry about finding the exact 16 nodes used in script writing.
	253	* Ignore the settings for seismic recordings in the subsequent window. Resetting instruments (e.g., sampling rate, gain) requires reprogramming via script.
	254	)))
	255
60.3	256	== Data Downloading Process ==
24.2	257
	258	1. (((
	259	Initiating Data Download:
	260
	261	* Once a new project is created, the Data Transfer View panel will display connected nodes with details like series number and data size.
	262	* If “Prospect not matched” appears, it simply means the new project doesn’t match the original programming project. This is not a concern.
	263	* Select all nodes and right-click to “force download”. This starts the download process.
	264	* Completed downloads will appear as new folders in the Downloaded Data panel.
	265	)))
	266	1. (((
	267	Exporting Data in Readable Format:
	268
	269	* Go to the “Tool” menu and select “export seismic data”.
	270	* Tailor other parameters to personal preference and ensure "Sample Interval" matches the setting used during node reset.
	271	* Click “prepare” followed by “run” to start reformatting. Monitor this process in the small panel at the bottom left.
29.1	272	* (% class="box warningmessage" %)
	273	(((
61.1	274	* Ensure to export data as "COUNTS" (int32), not "mV" (float). This is critical!
24.2	275
61.1	276	* Set "Remove Gain" to the same decibel gain as during programming. By default ANU sets this to 24db for short period nodes (a scaling factor of 15.848932), and 6db (a factor of 2.0) for broadband nodes.
27.1	277	)))
	278	)))
24.4	279
60.3	280	== Handling Nodes During Download ==
24.2	281
	282	1. (((
	283	Monitoring Download Indicators:
	284
	285	* During download, green lights on nodes will blink, and associated red lights on the rack will flash.
	286	* Disconnect nodes properly before unplugging anything.
	287	* Be cautious: if the laptop enters sleep mode, the download will pause.
	288	)))
	289	1. (((
35.1	290	//Investment in Storage Hardware~://
24.2	291
28.1	292	* (% class="box warningmessage" %)
	293	(((
31.2	294	* Use fast external hard drives to avoid limitations in data harvesting.
	295
	296	* Recommended specifications: USB-C, USB 3.0, and 4+ Tb of space.
61.1	297	* The USB type for the harvester is TYPE-A, the typical normal rectangular shape.
24.2	298	)))
28.1	299	)))
24.2	300	1. (((
	301	Metadata and Time Settings:
	302
	303	* Ensure all metadata is saved with the file.
	304	* 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.
	305	)))
	306	1. (((
	307	Finalizing the Download:
	308
34.1	309	* After downloading, mark the //"D"// box on your temporary labels to indicate completion.
36.1	310
	311
24.2	312	)))
	313
39.1	314	[[image:1706153266647-145.png\|\|data-xwiki-image-style-alignment="center" height="340" width="603"]]
36.2	315
	316
	317
39.1	318	[[Caption>>image:1705195543887-977.png\|\|data-xwiki-image-style-alignment="center" height="534" width="632"]]
36.2	319
	320
	321
	322
39.1	323	[[Caption>>image:1705195543890-537.png\|\|data-xwiki-image-style-alignment="center" height="397" width="665"]]
36.2	324
37.1	325
36.2	326
39.1	327	[[Caption>>image:1705195543891-334.png\|\|data-xwiki-image-style-alignment="center" height="379" width="650"]]
	328
	329
	330
	331	[[image:1705195543898-365.png\|\|data-xwiki-image-style-alignment="center" height="467" width="674"]]
	332
36.1	333	----
	334
45.5	335	= Cleaning =
36.1	336
59.1	337	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	338
48.1	339	= Weights (for shipping) =
	340
	341	The weights of bags of nodes, as well as data harvesters and node chargers, are listed below:
	342
49.1	343	1 bag + 6 SP (IGU-16HR) nodes: 18 kg
48.1	344
49.1	345	1 SP (IGU-16HR) data harvester: 21.5 kg
48.1	346
49.1	347	1 SP (IGU-16HR) charger: 26.3 kg
48.1	348
49.1	349	1 BB (BD3C-5) charger/data harvester (with and without 16 cables): 21 kg / 14.5 kg
48.1	350
49.1	351	1 case + 5 BB (BD3C-5) nodes and 6 BB nodes: 22 kg / 25 kg
8.3	352	)))
	353
1.1	354	(% class="col-xs-12 col-sm-4" %)
	355	(((
10.1	356	(% class="box" %)
	357	(((
	358	Contents
1.1	359
44.1	360	{{toc/}}
	361
43.2	362
10.1	363	)))
1.1	364
11.1	365	(% class="box" %)
10.1	366	(((
11.1	367	= SmartSolo [[BD3C-5>>url:https://smartsolo.com/cp-4.html]] =
12.1	368
15.1	369	[[image:Smartsolo IGU BD3C 5 (2).jpg]]
	370
16.1	371	[[image:smartsolo.jpg]]
	372
13.2	373	\|(% style="width:189px" %)Frequency Band\|(% style="width:221px" %)5 Seconds to 150Hz
	374	\|(% style="width:189px" %)Sensitivity\|(% style="width:221px" %)200 V/m/s
	375	\|(% style="width:189px" %)Size (without spike)\|(% style="width:221px" %)158 x160mm
	376	\|(% style="width:189px" %)Weight\|(% style="width:221px" %)2.8 kg
	377	\|(% style="width:189px" %)Data Storage\|(% style="width:221px" %)64 Gb
49.3	378	\|(% style="width:189px" %)Battery\|(% style="width:221px" %)(((
	379	Lithium-ion battery contained in equipment (168.84 Wh)
	380
	381	UN3481 PI967 S1
12.1	382	)))
49.3	383	)))
11.1	384
12.1	385	(% class="box" %)
	386	(((
69.1	387	= SmartSolo [[IGU-16HR>>url:https://smartsolo.com/cp-3.html]]3C =
11.1	388
16.1	389	[[image:smartsolo node.jpg]]
	390
	391	[[image:smartsolo node 2.jpg]]
	392
13.2	393	\|(% style="width:187px" %)Frequency Band\|(% style="width:224px" %)5 Hz to 1652Hz
	394	\|(% style="width:187px" %)Sensitivity\|(% style="width:224px" %)67.7 V/m/s
	395	\|(% style="width:187px" %)Size (with spike)\|(% style="width:224px" %)103mm(L) × 95mm(W) × 187mm
42.2	396	\|(% style="width:187px" %)Weight\|(% style="width:224px" %)2.4 kg
13.2	397	\|(% style="width:187px" %)Data Storage\|(% style="width:224px" %)64 Gb
49.2	398	\|(% style="width:187px" %)Battery\|(% style="width:224px" %)(((
49.3	399	Lithium-ion battery contained in equipment (96.48 Wh)
49.2	400
	401	UN3481 PI967 S2
10.1	402	)))
49.2	403	)))
4.1	404
66.1	405	(% class="box" %)
	406	(((
65.1	407	= SmartSolo BD3C-16 Portable Battery Charger =
	408
68.1	409	[[image:20250729_125049.jpg]]
65.1	410
	411	\|Dimensions (LxHxW)\|558 x 357 x 300mm
	412	\|Input rating\|100-210V - 50/60Hz
	413	\|Power\|1000W
	414	\|Weight\|14.5kg
	415	\|Weight with cables\|21kg
66.1	416	)))
65.1	417
66.1	418	(% class="box" id="HSmartSoloBD3C-16PortableBatteryCharger" %)
	419	(((
	420	= SmartSolo IGU-16 Portable Data Harvester =
65.1	421
68.1	422	[[image:20250729_124747.jpg]]
65.1	423
	424	\|Dimensions (LxHxW)\|625 x 500 x 366mm
	425	\|Input rating\|100-210V - 50/60Hz
	426	\|Power\|100W
	427	\|Weight\|21.5 - 24kg
	428	\|Slots no.\|16
	429	\|Download Speed\|20MB/sec/slot
66.1	430	)))
65.1	431
67.1	432	(% class="box" %)
	433	(((
	434	= SmartSolo IGU-16 Portable Battery Charger =
66.1	435
68.1	436	= [[image:20250729_124644.jpg]] =
66.1	437
65.1	438	\|Dimensions (LxHxW)\|625 x 500 x 366mm
	439	\|Input rating\|100-210V - 50/60Hz
	440	\|Power\|640W
	441	\|Weight\|26.3kg
	442	\|Slots no.\|16
67.1	443	)))
65.1	444
72.1	445	(% class="box" %)
	446	(((
	447	= SmartSolo BD3C-5 Carry Bag =
65.1	448
72.1	449	[[image:20250729_124957.jpg]]
67.1	450
68.1	451
72.1	452	\|Dimensions (LxHxW)\|590 x 225 x 405mm
74.1	453	\|Weight\|8.2kg
72.1	454	\|Slots no.\|6
	455	)))
69.1	456
67.1	457	(% class="box" %)
	458	(((
70.1	459	= SmartSolo IGU-16 3C Carry Bag =
67.1	460
68.1	461	[[image:20250729_124502.jpg]]
	462
65.1	463	\|Dimensions (LxHxW)\|230 x 340 x 310mm
74.1	464	\|Weight\|3.6kg
65.1	465	\|Slots no.\|6
67.1	466	)))
65.1	467
67.1	468	(% class="box" %)
	469	(((
70.1	470	= SmartSolo IGU-16 1C Carry Bag =
67.1	471
68.1	472	[[image:20250729_124558.jpg]]
	473
71.1	474	\|Dimensions (LxHxW)\|225 x 200 x 550mm
74.1	475	\|Weight\|
65.1	476	\|Slots no.\|6
1.1	477	)))
	478	)))
67.1	479	)))

Wiki source code of SmartSolo Node Seismometers

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