Instantel

International / U.S.A. Customers:

Canadian Customers:
Instantel Inc. Instantel Inc. Telephone: 1-613-592-4642
309 Legget Drive 808 Commerce Park Drive Toll free: 1-800-267-9111
Ottawa, Ontario K2K 3A3 Ogdensburg, NY 13669 Facsimile: 1-613-592-4296
Canada U.S.A. Website: www.instantel.com

Customer Support:
Instantel is represented by a network of qualified dealers throughout the United States, Canada,
and Internationally. For further information, including product literature and the location of the
dealer nearest you, contact Instantel.
Extensive dealer network. Indepth user documentation.
Comprehensive application support. Technical support, 16135924642
or e-mail [email protected]

Warranty:
All Instantel products come with a one-year warranty. Series III monitors (Blastmate III,
Minimate Blaster, and Minimate Plus) and sensors will have the warranty extended for a
second year if they are returned to the Instantel factory for service and calibration within 30 days of
the Next Calibration date printed on the calibration label located on the product.

If within a period of one year from the date of shipment to a customer the instrument fails to
perform in accordance with Instantels published specifications and the operators manual, due to a
defect in materials or workmanship, it will be repaired or replaced at Instantels option, free of
charge. This warranty is void if the equipment has been dismantled, altered or abused in any way.
This warranty is nontransferable.

The above warranty does not include any implied warranty of functionality for a particular purpose.
Instantel assumes no responsibility for damages of any description resulting from the operation or
use of its products. Since it is impossible to anticipate all of the conditions under which its products
will be used either by themselves or in conjunction with other products, Instantel cannot accept
responsibility for the results unless it has entered into a contract for services which clearly define
such an extension of responsibility and liability.

Any shipments returned directly to Instantel Inc. must have our prior approval and all packages
must display the Return of Material Authorization (RMA) Number issued by Instantel. Shipping
charges to Instantels plant will be paid by the customer and those for return to the customer will
be paid by Instantel.

To protect your warranty, you must complete and return a Warranty Registration Certificate, or
complete the online Warranty Registration Form, within ten days of purchase. Units will be
assumed out of warranty if there is no warranty card on file at Instantel. Retain this portion and the
proof of purchase for your records.

Warning:
This is an electronic instrument. Although it has been designed for field use, it contains sensitive
components which cannot be expected to withstand the same stress and shock as heavy
machinery. It contains a microcomputer and solid state memory, both of which may be made
inoperative by severe radio interference. The use of transmitting equipment in the immediate
vicinity of the unit should be avoided. Evidence of negligence in the care or handling of the
instrument may void the manufacturer's warranty. This product contains no serviceable parts. The
battery is not intended to be replaced by the operator. The unit should be returned to an authorized
Instantel service center for service. Any attempt to service this product will void any and all
warranties offered by Instantel. Service enquiries should be made via your dealer.

EC Warning:
This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio interference in
which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.

1990-2013 XMARK Corp. Instantel, the Instantel logo, Auto Call Home, Blastmate, Blastware, Micromate, Minimate and
Histogram Combo are trademarks of Stanley Black & Decker, Inc., or its affiliates. Microsoft and Windows are registered
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. 716U3001 Rev 03
_____________________________________________________________ Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Thank You .. .......................................................................................... v

Before You Begin ..................................................................................... v

Check the Package Contents ............................................................................................... v
Record the Minimate Blaster Identification Numbers ........................................................ v
Check Your Local Electric Power Supply .......................................................................... v
Connect the Battery ...........................................................................................................vi
Charge the Battery ............................................................................................................. vi
Check the Monitors Memory...........................................................................................vii
Complete Your Registration Card or Register Online ......................................................vii
Handling Precautions ........................................................................................................vii
Condensed Instructions ................................................................................................... viii
Conventions Used throughout this Manual........................................................................ ix

Notes:........................................................................................................ x

1. Introduction ...................................................................................... 11
1.1. Minimate Blaster Features and Benefits ................................................................ 11
1.2. Accessories ............................................................................................................ 12
1.3. Minimate Blaster Keys .......................................................................................... 13

2. Basic Tutorial ................................................................................... 21

3. The Minimate Blaster ....................................................................... 31

3.1. Explanation of Sensor Orientation ......................................................................... 31
3.2. Installing the Standard Transducer ............................................................................ 31
3.2.1. Soft Surface Installation ....................................................................... 32
3.2.2. Hard Surface Installation ..................................................................... 33
3.3. Installing the Microphone ...................................................................................... 34
3.4. The Minimate Blaster Keyboard ............................................................................ 34
3.5. Enter * Key ............................................................................................................ 34
3.6. Start Monitor Key .................................................................................................. 34
3.7. Setups Key ............................................................................................................. 35
3.7.1. Record Mode........................................................................................ 35
3.7.2. Sample Rate ......................................................................................... 35
3.7.3. Storage Mode ....................................................................................... 35
3.7.4. Maximum Geo Range .......................................................................... 36
3.7.5. Trigger Source ..................................................................................... 36
3.7.6. Trigger Level ....................................................................................... 36
3.7.7. Record Stop Mode ............................................................................... 36
3.7.8. Record Time ........................................................................................ 37
3.7.9. Notes Format........................................................................................ 37
3.7.10. Job Number Format ............................................................................. 37
3.7.11. Scaled Distance .................................................................................... 38
3.7.12. Time ..................................................................................................... 38
3.7.13. Date ...................................................................................................... 38
3.8. Right Arrow Key + Setups Key ............................................................................. 39
3.8.1. Timer Mode ......................................................................................... 39
3.8.2. Daily Self Check ................................................................................ 310

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 Table of Contents ___________________________________________________________

3.8.3. Sensorcheck........................................................................................310
3.8.4. Measurement System .........................................................................310
3.8.5. Basic Channels ...................................................................................310
3.8.6. Microphone Units...............................................................................311
3.8.7. Geo Alarm Level ................................................................................311
3.8.8. Mic Alarm Level ................................................................................311
3.8.9. Serial Connection ...............................................................................311
3.8.10. Direct Baud Rate or Modem Baud Rate .............................................311
3.8.11. Beep When Triggered ........................................................................311
3.9. Up Arrow Key ......................................................................................................312
3.9.1. View Events .......................................................................................312
3.9.2. Delete All Events ...............................................................................313
3.9.3. Print Event List ..................................................................................313
3.9.4. Print Selected Event ...........................................................................313
3.9.5. Print All Events ..................................................................................313
3.9.6. Upload One Event ..............................................................................314
3.9.7. Upload All Events ..............................................................................314
3.9.8. Copy BMIII Notes..............................................................................314
3.10. Cancel Key ...........................................................................................................314
3.11. Test Key ...............................................................................................................315
3.12. Option Key ...........................................................................................................315
3.12.1. Option Key + Setups Key...................................................................315
3.12.2. Option Key + Test Key = Review Setups ..........................................317
3.12.3. Option Key + Enter Key = OnLine Help .........................................317
3.12.4. Option Key + Cancel Key = Backlight ON ........................................317
3.12.5. Option Key + Up Arrow Key = Down Arrow ....................................317
3.12.6. Option Key + Right Arrow Key = Left Arrow ...................................317
3.13. Right Arrow Key ..................................................................................................317

4. Reference ......................................................................................... 41
4.1. Additional Installation Procedures ........................................................................ 41
4.1.1. Standard Transducer Wall Installation ................................................ 41
4.1.2. Standard Transducer Ceiling Installation ............................................ 42
4.2. Theory of Operation .............................................................................................. 43
4.2.1. Transducer ........................................................................................... 43
4.2.2. Microphone ......................................................................................... 44
4.3. Sensorcheck .......................................................................................................... 44
4.3.1. Checking the Standard Transducer Geophones ................................... 45
4.3.2. Checking the Microphone ................................................................... 46
4.3.3. Sensorcheck Report ............................................................................. 46
4.4. Anti-alias Filters .................................................................................................... 46
4.5. Data Analysis Techniques ..................................................................................... 46
4.5.1. Vibrations ............................................................................................ 46
4.5.2. Pressure ............................................................................................... 49
4.6. Alternate Manual Waveform Calculations ...........................................................410
4.6.1. Sinusoidal Waveforms .......................................................................410
4.6.2. Nearly Triangular Waveforms............................................................410
4.6.3. Compound Waveforms ......................................................................411
4.6.4. Irregular Waveforms ..........................................................................412

Notes: ..................................................................................................413

5. Maintenance ..................................................................................... 51
5.1. Battery Charging ................................................................................................... 51
5.2. Annual Calibration Requirements ......................................................................... 52

ii Minimate Blaster Operator Manual

_____________________________________________________________ Table of Contents

5.3. Cleaning the Minimate Blaster .............................................................................. 52

6. Troubleshooting .............................................................................. 61

Appendix .................................................................................................. 1
a) Minimate Blaster Specifications. .................................................................................... 2
b) Parts and Accessories ..................................................................................................... 3
c) Compliance Reports........................................................................................................ 4
d) Calculating Battery Life ................................................................................................. 5
e) Connecting a Printer to the Minimate Blaster................................................................. 5

Notes:........................................................................................................ 7

Index ......................................................................................................... 1

Minimate Blaster Operator Manual iii

 Table of Contents ___________________________________________________________

Notes:

iv Minimate Blaster Operator Manual

____________________________________________________________ Before You Begin

Thank You ...

Thank you for purchasing Instantels Minimate Blaster. If this is your first Instantel
seismograph, welcome to the new World Standard set by Instantel. If this seismograph adds to
your existing fleet, congratulations! You will find the features simple to use and offer you powerful
control over your monitoring operations.

Before You Begin

Before you begin using your new Minimate Blaster, please complete the following. It only takes
a few minutes of your time and ensures your monitor is ready for operation and that you become
part of Instantels Product Support Program.
Important information appears within the Blastware software Readme file. Install the Blastware
software then read this file for additional information. See the Blastware Operator Manual for
installation instructions.

Check the Package Contents

Please check that you received all the parts identified on your shipping invoice. Remember to keep
your shipping box because it was designed to safely ship your monitor. It is an important
component of what you have just purchased.

Record the Minimate Blaster Identification Numbers

Record the following identification numbers for future reference.

IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS

Model Number
Monitor Serial Number
Monitor Software Version Number
Standard Transducer Serial Number
Microphone Serial Number
Dealer Name
Date Purchased

Check Your Local Electric Power Supply

Every Minimate Blaster comes with a 120 VAC 60 Hz input AC adapter providing 10 to 14
VDC, 500 mA output. An optional 220 VAC adapter is available. Check with your local power
utility to ensure the supplied electric power may be used with the Minimate Blaster. Ask your
dealer for information on an optional AC adapter to meet your local requirements.

Minimate Blaster Operator Manual v

 Before You Begin ____________________________________________________________

Note to Our Customers in India and Other Countries

Due to large power fluctuations found in countries including India, please use a voltage stabilizer
and a 220 V AC Adapter to provide 10 - 14 VDC @ 500 mA to power the monitor.

Connect the Battery

The Minimate Blaster comes with its battery disconnected to conserve battery life. To connect
the battery, loosen four screws located on the top of the Minimate Blaster. Remove the face
panel. Locate the battery connector. Attach the connector. Replace the face panel and tighten the
four screws being careful not to over tighten or pinch wires.
WARNING: Do not pull on the internal wires or allow them to be pinched and damaged when
assembling the monitor.

Battery Connector

Figure 1 Connecting the Minimate Blaster Battery.

To disconnect the battery for shipping or storage purposes, reverse the above procedure.

Charge the Battery

Before you use the Minimate Blaster, charge its battery for at least 24 hours. Although Instantel
ships every Minimate Blaster fully charged, it is a good idea to top up the battery charge before
use. To check the battery charge, turn the Minimate Blaster on and read the battery level
displayed in the Main Window.

03 03
Off Off

Figure 2 Battery Level Indicator.

To charge the battery, plug the AC adapter into the top connector located on the righthand side of
the Minimate Blaster. Plug the other end into a 120 VAC 60 Hz electrical outlet. The battery
charging indicator light turns on. For electrical outlets other than 120 VAC 60 Hz, you must use
an optional power converter. See your dealer for more information.
You can operate the Minimate Blaster during charging. Try the Basic Tutorial, Chapter 2, for a
quick and easy lesson on how to record events.

vi Minimate Blaster Operator Manual

____________________________________________________________ Before You Begin

WARNING: Always charge the monitor in a well ventilated area.

Do not allow the battery to become discharged and left in a discharged state for
any extended period of time. Allowing the battery to become discharged may
cause permanent damage to the battery.

Check the Monitors Memory

The Start Up Window displays the amount of memory available. The bar line has ten bars with
each representing ten percent of the total internal memory. When the memory is empty, you can
record events. When the memory is full, the memory has stored the maximum number of events
and cannot store more until you delete the stored events.

Minim ate Blaster Minim ate Blaster

Sn BE8086 R 1.1 Sn BE8066 R 1.1

Figure 3 Memory Available Indicator.

Complete Your Registration Card or Register Online

Instantel offers the most comprehensive Product Support Program available. You receive a two
year warranty, product support, and product updates (your monitor and sensors must be returned
to Instantel for annual calibration and servicing to maintain your warranty). You also receive free
software upgrades for the Minimate Blaster and the Blastware software programs for the first
year. All you have to do is complete the registration card included with your Minimate Blaster
and return it to Instantel by mail or facsimile within thirty (30) days of purchasing your new
monitor. Or, if you would like to register online, go to http://www.instantel.com/service, and
submit a completed warranty form.

Handling Precautions
Handle All Components with Care.
Keep the Minimate Blaster On Charge.
Leaving the Minimate Blaster battery in a totally discharged state for an extended period of time
irreparably damages the battery. Always charge the battery when fewer than two graph-bars
appear in the display. A message appears on the display telling you to charge the monitor. When
not in use, keep the Minimate Blaster on charge. The supplied Instantel charger protects the
battery from overcharging.
Disconnect the Battery if Storing the Minimate Blaster.
If storing for prolonged periods of time, make sure the battery is fully charged, then disconnect the
battery. Recharge the battery every six months for twenty four hours.

Minimate Blaster Operator Manual vii

 Before You Begin ____________________________________________________________

Always Hold a Cable by its Connector.

Do not hold the cord to pull on a connector when connecting or disconnecting it.
Never Force a Connector.
Always align the connector to the port before inserting.
Use Only the Instantel Supplied Cable to Connect the Minimate Blaster to a
Personal Computer.
Use the Blastmate III PC connecting cable only, part number 712A2301. Using other cables
including the BlastMate II to MiniMate connecting cable, part number 715A0501, may
damage your unit.
Never Connect or Disconnect Cables Without First Turning Off the Minimate
Blaster and Your Computer.
Do Not Drop the Minimate Blaster or Submerge it in Liquids.
The Minimate Blaster is rugged and designed to withstand normal wear and tear. The Minimate
Blaster is splash resistant designed to withstand temporary exposure to drops of water. It is not
waterproof and should not be immersed in water. Immersing the monitor or installing the monitor
where standing water may accumulate may damage the monitor.
Keep Computer Disks Away from the Minimate Blaster and Transducers.
The Minimate Blaster external transducers contain magnets that could erase the data stored on
computer disks.
Clean the Minimate Blaster Periodically.
Vacuum dust, dirt, and sand from the Minimate Blaster. Use alcohol to remove stains. Do not use
paint thinners and ketone solvents. These may damage the Minimate Blaster. To avoid scratching
the protective cover and display, do not scrub the surfaces with abrasive material including
cleaning pads.

Condensed Instructions
1. Set and level sensors and connect cables.
2. Turn on the unit by pressing *. Watch the display for battery, time and date.
3. Press SETUP to verify or edit setups. TEST to check sensor channels, or the UP ARROW
key to access events.
4. Press START MONITOR to begin monitoring.
5. Depending on setup, the unit may perform a sensor test and PERFORMING
SENSORCHECK is displayed on the LCD. Do not touch the sensors while this message
is shown.
6. If accidentally triggered, press CANCEL and go back to Step 4.
7. When finished, turn off by pressing and holding *.

IMPORTANT: KEEP UNIT ON CHARGE WHEN NOT IN USE TO AVOID BATTERY

DAMAGE.

viii Minimate Blaster Operator Manual

____________________________________________________________ Before You Begin

Conventions Used throughout this Manual

The following typographical conventions appear throughout this manual.
Bold type This type indicates the Minimate Blaster keys you press. For example, when you
see Setups key, it means press the Setups key located on the Minimate Blaster
keyboard.
Window This word, when capitalized, refers to a message window appearing on the
Minimate Blaster display. For example, when you see Main Window, it refers to
the following display:

Ready to Monitor
Battery: E - - - - - - - - - - F
Jan 25 03
99 12:05:23
Hold * =Off =Events

Minimate Blaster Operator Manual ix

 Before You Begin ____________________________________________________________

Notes:

x Minimate Blaster Operator Manual

_________________________________________________________________ Introduction

1. INTRODUCTION
This manual is divided into sections. The first section is a tutorial for the new user. Follow this
tutorial to record your first event quickly and easily. This section describes basic functions with
illustrative examples to lead you through. The following section, called the Compliance Module,
covers the operation of the monitor. The last sections provide reference and maintenance
information, extensive troubleshooting support, followed by supporting information in the
Appendix.

1.1. Minimate Blaster Features and Benefits

The Minimate Blaster offers outstanding features unequaled in the industry. The following table
lists some of the features. Please see the specifications located in the Appendix of this manual for
a complete list.
Small, rugged package for portability and easy setup.
Easy-to-use keypad with intuitive menu-driven operation.
Rechargeable gel cell battery allows continuous monitoring for up to 210 hours.
Non-volatile memory with storage capacity for up to 300 events.
Sample rates from 1024 to 4096 samples per second.
Integral monitor log records time and duration of monitoring jobs.
AutoRecord stop mode allows the monitor to continue recording as long as activity cycles
above the trigger level.
Continuous monitoring means zero dead time, even while the unit is processing.

Minimate Blaster Operator Manual 11

 Introduction __________________________________________________________________

1.2. Accessories
Instantels complete line of Minimate Blaster accessories offers you the control and flexibility to
monitor all types of events. Sensors connect to the Minimate Blaster external models.
Transducer Leveling Plate with adjustable leveling feet and integrated bubble level. Used
to mount the transducer to a wall or ceiling as well as ground installations.

Remote Alarm self contained remote alarm indicator complete with high power auxiliary
drive capability for external sirens and other alarms.

DS 20 Wire Trigger a wire, broken by an explosion, transmits a signal to trigger the

Minimate Blaster to start recording.

110 VAC and 220 VAC Adapter connect the Minimate Blaster to your local electrical
power supply.

Auto / 12 V Adapter connect the Minimate Blaster to your vehicles 12 volt power supply
or a 12 volt battery for remote installations.

Extension Cable general purpose extension cable to connect transducers, microphones, and
a personal computer. Available in standard and custom lengths.

Null Modem Cable for modem communication between the monitor and a modem (25 pin
connection).

Optional Accessory Case carry Minimate Blaster and accessories in a hard case.
Removable foam accommodates your accessories.

12 Minimate Blaster Operator Manual

_________________________________________________________________ Introduction

1.3. Minimate Blaster Keys

Minimate Blaster Operator Manual 13

________________________________________________________________ Basic Tutorial

2. BASIC TUTORIAL
In this tutorial, you will learn how to turn on and setup the Minimate Blaster to record an event.
Follow this tutorial to practice event monitoring. You can also use it as a guide when recording
actual events.

Step 1: Install the Minimate Blaster

Unpack your Minimate Blaster. Attach the ground spikes to the standard transducer. Point the
transducer in the direction of the event. For this tutorial, point it away from yourself. Press on the
transducer to force the ground spikes fully into the ground. Check that the transducer is level.
Attach the transducer cable to the GEO connector on the side of the Minimate Blaster. Screw the
three sections of the microphone stand together and attach the microphone to the stand. Aim the
front of the microphone towards the event. In our case, aim it away from yourself. Press the
microphone stand into the ground keeping it in an upright position. Attach the microphone cable
to the MIC connector located on the side of the Minimate Blaster.

Figure 1 Installing the Minimate Blaster.

Minimate Blaster Operator Manual 21

 Basic Tutorial ________________________________________________________________

Step 2: Turn the Minimate Blaster On

Press and hold the Enter key, located on the Minimate Blaster face panel, until you hear an
audible beep. A Start Up Window displays for three seconds followed by the Main Window
display. The Start Up Window shows the Minimate Blaster serial number, operating software
release number, amount of installed memory, whether the memory is empty or full, and the
number of events stored in the Minimate Blaster.
Minimate Blaster Operating Sy stem
Sn BE8068 RR1.1
4.0 Release

Figure 2 The Minimate Blaster Start Up Window.

The Main Window tells you the Minimate Blaster is ready to monitor. It also indicates battery
level, date, time, and online help information. This is your starting window whenever you setup
the Minimate Blaster. From here, you access all setups.

03
Off

Figure 3 The Minimate Blaster Main Window.

Step 3: Check Your Installation

Check your installation by pressing the Test key. This executes the Sensorcheck program and tests
the transducer and microphone. The message Performing SensorCheck, then Check
Channel(s): with Press Option + Test to Review Setups appears on the display confirming that
the installation is level.

Step 4: Review Setups

To review setups, press the Option key and the Test key together. The current setups scroll past
on the Minimate Blaster display. You can pause the display by pressing the Enter key. To
continue the scrolling, press the Enter key again.

Step 5: Change the Minimate Blaster Setups

After reviewing the setups, we have decided to change them, specifically the record mode, trigger
source, trigger levels, record stop mode, the time, and the date. To change these setups, follow the
steps below.
a) Change the Record Mode
The Minimate Blaster has two record modes: Continuous and Manual. In Continuous record
mode, the Minimate Blaster records multiple events until you stop monitoring or the memory
fills up with recorded events.
To change the record mode, press the Setups key with the Main Window displayed. The
Recording Mode Window appears. Press the Right Arrow key to toggle between the two record
modes. When the Recording Mode: Continuous window appears, press the Enter key to select
this record mode. The Minimate Blaster is now set to record in the continuous record mode.

22 Minimate Blaster Operator Manual

________________________________________________________________ Basic Tutorial

b) Choose a Trigger Source

By choosing a trigger source, you set the Minimate Blaster to trigger and start recording on either
ground vibrations, measured by the standard transducer, or sound pressure, measured by the
microphone. The trigger source may be the transducer, microphone, or both the transducer and
microphone.
To choose a trigger source, press the Setups key with the Main Window displayed. Use the Enter
key to scroll through the windows until the Trigger Source Window appears. Press the Right
Arrow key to scroll through the trigger sources until the Geo and/or Mic Window appears. Press
the Enter key to select this trigger source.
c) Set the Trigger Levels
The Minimate Blaster uses a trigger level, chosen by you, to automatically start recording when
an events activity exceeds this preset level. For our purposes, we will set an arbitrary trigger level
for the transducer and the microphone.
To set the trigger level, press the Setups key when the Main Window is displayed. Press the Enter
key to scroll through the windows until the Geo Trigger Level Window appears. Set the Geo
trigger level to 3.0 mm/s using the Right Arrow key to move the cursor and the Up Arrow key to
change the trigger level number. Press the Enter key to save your setting. The Mic Trigger Level
Window appears. Set the Linear Mic trigger level to 100 dB using the Right Arrow key to move
the cursor and the Up Arrow key to change the trigger level numbers. Press the Enter key to save
your setting.
d) Choose a Recording Stop Mode
The recording stop mode sets how the Minimate Blaster stops recording after being triggered.
You can choose between a Fixed setting or an AutoRecord setting. Selecting Fixed sets the
record time to a specified length. In AutoRecord, unlike in Fixed, the Minimate Blaster
continues to record event activity as long as that activity remains above the trigger level. We will
set a fixed record time of two seconds.
To change the record time, press the Setups key when the Main Window is displayed. Press the
Enter key to scroll though the windows until the Recording Stop Mode Window appears. Use the
Up Arrow key to choose the Fixed setting. Press the Enter key. The Record Time Window
appears. Press the Up Arrow key to change the setting to two seconds. Press the Enter key to
save this setting.
e) Set the Current Time
The Minimate Blaster supports the twelve hour, 11:55:23 PM, and twenty four hour, 23:55:23,
time formats. You can choose either format.
To set the time, press the Setups key when the Main Window is displayed. Press the Enter key to
scroll through the windows until the Time: Window appears. Use the Right Arrow key to move
the cursor and the Up Arrow key to set the present time. To select either the 12 or 24 hour time
format, position the cursor under the AM/PM/24 hour indicator. Press the Up Arrow key to
display the required setting. Press the Enter key to save your setting.
f) Set Todays Date
The Minimate Blaster uses the Month/Day/Year date format.
To set the date, press the Setups key when the Main Window is displayed. Press the Enter key to
scroll through the windows until the Date Window appears. Use the Right Arrow key to move the
cursor and the Up Arrow key to set the date. Press the Enter key to save your setting.

Minimate Blaster Operator Manual 23

 Basic Tutorial ________________________________________________________________

Step 6: Record Events

At this point, you are ready to record events. Press the Start Monitor key to begin monitoring. To
see an event being recorded, clap your hands once in front of the microphone. The Minimate
Blaster beeps indicating an event activity has exceeded the trigger level and the events results
appear on the Minimate Blaster display. The Minimate Blaster then returns to the monitoring
mode ready to record another event. Now bump the Minimate Blaster standard transducer. Again,
the Minimate Blaster beeps. The results appear on the display and the Minimate Blaster returns
to the monitoring mode. Press the Cancel key to stop monitoring.
We have just recorded two events and stored them in the Minimate Blaster memory. In the next
step, we view these events.

Step 7: View the Events

Let us view the events we just recorded. From the Main Window, press the Up Arrow key to
display the View Events Window. Press the Enter key to view the most recently recorded event.
In our tutorial, this is the one we triggered by bumping the transducer. Next, press the Up Arrow
key to display the event we recorded caused by clapping our hands in front of the microphone.

Step 8: Turn the Minimate Blaster OFF

We are finished with the Minimate Blaster, so we can turn it off. Press the Cancel key to return
to the Main Window. Press and hold the Enter key until the display disappears. The Minimate
Blaster is now turned off.

Congratulations, you are now a Minimate Blaster User.

24 Minimate Blaster Operator Manual

____________________________________________________________ Minimate Blaster

3. THE MINIMATE BLASTER

This chapter provides instructions to install and setup the Minimate Blaster.

3.1. Explanation of Sensor Orientation

The sensor measures transverse, vertical, and longitudinal ground vibrations in terms of particle
velocity. Transverse ground vibrations agitate particles in a side to side motion. Vertical ground
vibrations agitate particles in an up and down motion. Longitudinal ground vibrations agitate
particles in a back and forth motion progressing outward from the event site. Events also affect air
over pressure by creating what is commonly referred to as air blast. By measuring air pressure,
we can determine the effect of air blast energy on structures.
Orienting the microphone, or pointing the arrow on the standard transducer, towards the blast
ensures the proper reading in all channels.

Figure 4 Sensor Orientation

3.2. Installing the Standard Transducer

The following sections apply to the standard transducer as supplied by Instantel. The sections
illustrate installation procedures recommended by Instantel. Your particular monitoring activities
may employ one or a combination of all of the following procedures. You may even devise your
own method for a specific application. Whatever the method, it is important for you to couple the
transducer securely to ensure reliable monitoring results.
The following sections provide example installation methods. For wall and ceiling installations,
refer to the Reference chapter. Other methods may be used if they satisfy the following
requirements.

Minimate Blaster Operator Manual 31

 Minimate Blaster ______________________________________________________________

1. Arrow Pointed in Direction of the Event

The arrow on the top of the standard transducer must be pointed in the direction of the event to
ensure the geophone sensors, located inside standard transducer, remain in their natural axis.
2. Level Installation
The standard transducer must be installed level. For the installations on a rigid surface, a leveling
plate is available with three leveling feet and an integrated bubble level indicator.
3. Securely Coupled to the Surrounding Surface
The standard transducer must be securely coupled to the surrounding surface. The surface must be
compact with no loose or soft material close to the standard transducer. Coupling is critical for
reliable and accurate monitoring results. Insufficient coupling allows the standard transducer to
move independently of the surrounding surface resulting in distorted, often higher, monitoring
results.
Coupling methods depend upon the type of surface with no single method applicable to all types.
It is up to you to check the surface and mount the standard transducer with sufficient coupling to
ensure reliable monitoring results.
4. Protect the Minimate Blaster from Water
The Minimate Blaster is splash resistant designed to withstand temporary exposure to drops of
water. It is not waterproof and should not be immersed in water. Immersing the monitor or
installing the monitor where standing water can accumulate may damage the monitor.

3.2.1. Soft Surface Installation

Always install and use the ground spikes provided with the standard transducer. For the best
coupling, bury the standard transducer, or cover with a sandbag.
a. Using the Ground Spikes
Screw the three ground spikes into the bottom of the standard transducer and tighten. Aim the
standard transducer in the direction of the event. Press on the top of the standard transducer to
push the spikes fully into the ground. Check the standard transducer to ensure it is securely in
place and level. Press the Test key to check your sensors using Sensorcheck.
WARNING: Do not over-tighten the ground spikes. This can damage the casing of the standard
transducer.

Figure 5 Installing the Standard Figure 6 Final Installation with

Transducer using the Ground Spikes. Ground Spikes Pushed Fully into the
Ground.

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b. Burying the Standard Transducer

You can bury the standard transducer to couple it to the ground and prevent movement.
The ground must be hard and compact with no loose material surrounding the standard transducer
and the compact ground material. Dig a hole from four inches (10 cm) to six inches (15 cm) deep.
Place standard transducer in the hole with the arrow pointing toward the event. Level the standard
transducer. Compact the material around the standard transducer while back filling to securely
couple it to the surrounding ground material.

Figure 7 Burying the Standard Figure 8 Fill in and pack the material
Transducer. around the Standard Transducer.

3.2.2. Hard Surface Installation

For hard surface installations, such as rock or concrete, the preferred installation method bolts
standard transducer to the surface. A second method, for very low level velocities only, uses a
sandbag placed over the standard transducer.
a. Bolting the Standard Transducer
A standard transducer may be bolted to a surface alone or with the aid of the optional leveling
plate. Position the standard transducer with leveling plate, if attached, on the surface and mark the
position of the bolt. Use a 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) bolt or threaded rod. Install the bolt according to the
manufacturers instructions. Slide the standard transducer, and leveling plate, over the bolt. Slide a
3/8 inch (9.5 mm) washer and a 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) lock washer over the bolt. If using the leveling
plate, level the standard transducer using the leveling feet and integrated bubble level. Tighten the
retaining nut to finish the installation. Press the Test key to check your sensors using Sensorcheck.

Figure 9 Bolting the Standard Figure 10 Bolting the Standard Transducer

Transducer to a surface. to a surface using the Leveling Plate.
b. Sandbagging For Very Low Velocity Levels Only
Use this method for installations where velocity levels remain very low. The sandbag must be of
sufficient size to cover the standard transducer and lay on the surrounding surface around the
standard transducer. A sandbag should weigh at least 25 pounds (12 kg) containing sand or 1/4

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washed gravel or equivalent. The optional fastening plate or leveling plate can be used with this
method.

3.3. Installing the Microphone

Instantel microphones come with a sectional three foot (one meter) mounting stand. Screw the
three mounting stand pieces together. Locate the mounting stand at the point of interest. Press the
stand into the ground. Check that the stand is firmly positioned and installed upright. Insert the
microphone into the mounting bracket on the top of the stand, and attach the windscreen to reduce false
triggering caused by wind. Point the microphone in the direction of the event. Connect the microphone
cable to the Minimate Blaster. Press the Test key to check your microphone and the microphone
connection.
NOTE: The microphone windscreen attenuates the microphone reading by 0.2 dB. In most cases,
this does not have a material impact on results.
WARNING: Handle the microphone with care. Dropping the microphone or otherwise subjecting
it to impact may damage the microphone element. The windscreen can help to
protect the microphone, and its use is recommended.

3.4. The Minimate Blaster Keyboard

The integrated keyboard offers convenient access to all the Minimate Blaster operations. The
keyboard has eight keys with additional functions accessed by pressing two keys at the same time.
The Minimate Blaster provides a confirmation beep when a key is pressed. Refer to the keyboard
diagram located in Chapter 1.

3.5. Enter * Key

The Enter * key turns the Minimate Blaster on or off. It also scrolls through the Minimate
Blaster windows, selects windows, and saves your settings.
To turn the Minimate Blaster ON, press and hold the Enter key until an audible beep sounds. To
turn the Minimate Blaster OFF, display the Main Window then press and hold the Enter key
until the display disappears. When turning on the Minimate Blaster, you can display the Main
Window immediately by pressing the Cancel key after pressing the Enter key. The key also lets
you view previously recorded events while the monitor is in the monitor mode waiting for a
trigger.
To view events while monitoring, press the Enter key. Data for the most recently recorded event
appears on the display. Press the Up Arrow key to display other events. Press the Right Arrow
key to display event data for other channels. Press and hold the key until you hear a beep
confirming your key press. If you viewed event data before, the data last displayed appears first
the next time you view events.
Event data appears in the following order:
1. Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) and Air Overpressure.
2. Velocity results for all channels, displayed in pairs, beginning with channels 1 and 2.
3. Acceleration and peak displacement results for each channel displayed individually.
4. PVS
5. PPV in dB

3.6. Start Monitor Key

Press this key to enter monitor mode. The Minimate Blaster is now waiting to record an event.

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In manual record mode, the unit will display the following message when you press the Start
Monitor key: Press * to start, Cancel to abort. Press the Enter key to begin monitoring.
You can view previously recorded events while the monitor is in the monitor mode (refer to
Section 3.5 for more information on using the Enter - * key).

3.7. Setups Key

The setups configure the Minimate Blaster to record events. The functions accessed by this may
change from one monitoring session to another. You can change the Minimate Blaster setups
using the keyboard or using a personal computer running the Blastware software. This section
outlines the procedures to change the setups using the Minimate Blaster keyboard. For
information on how to change the setups using a personal computer, refer to the Blastware
Operator Manual.

3.7.1. Record Mode

A record mode determines how the Minimate Blaster records events. The Minimate Blaster
offers the following recording modes:
a. Continuous Record Mode
Use continuous record mode to record multiple events automatically. The Minimate Blaster
records an event, displays the results, and continues to monitor, ready to record following events.
The Minimate Blaster records all events whose activity exceeds a preset trigger level. See below
for information on the trigger level.
b. Manual Record Mode
Use manual record mode if automatic triggering is unreliable, due to excessive wind or nearby
vehicle activity, or to record the background noise level in the vicinity of a site.

3.7.2. Sample Rate

The Minimate Blaster offers three sample rates: a standard rate of 1024 samples per second, a
fast rate of 2048 samples per second, and a faster rate of 4096 samples per second. Increasing the
sample rate increases the accuracy of the waveform recording. For this reason, set the sampling
rate according to the location of the standard transducer. For closein monitoring, set the sample
rate to 4096 samples per second. For farfield monitoring, set the sample rate to 1024 samples per
second.
Aliasing occurs when a highfrequency signal appears as an erroneous low frequency because the
waveform was sampled at too low a sampling rate. An anti-aliasing filter solves this problem by
removing the highfrequencies before they can appear at lower frequencies. The Minimate
Blaster standard sensors have anti-alias sensors built into them to avoid this problem.
To choose a sample rate, press the Setups key with the Main Window displayed. Use the Enter
key to scroll through the windows until the Sample Rate Window appears. Press the Right Arrow
key to scroll through the available sample rates. Press the Enter key to select a sample rate when
it appears on the display.

3.7.3. Storage Mode

The storage mode setting allows you to set the amount of data recorded with each event. In the
Store Full Waveform setting, the Minimate Blaster records all event data. In Store Summary
Only mode, the monitor records all event data except the graphical waveforms and the
Compliance frequency standard.
WARNING: If you choose Store Summary Only, you will not be able to recreate the
waveform.

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To choose a storage mode, press the Setups key with the Main Window displayed. Use the Enter
key to scroll through the windows until the Storage Mode Window appears. Press the Right
Arrow key to scroll through the available settings, either Store Full Waveform or Store Summary
Only. Press the Enter key to choose a mode when it appears on the display.

3.7.4. Maximum Geo Range

The Maximum Geo Range specifies the measurement limits of the geophones in the Minimate
Blaster or standard transducer. Two ranges are available: 1.25 in/s (31.7 mm/s) and 10.0 in/s (254
mm/s). Choosing a maximum geophone range depends on the proximity of the transducer to the
event and the expected velocities.
To choose a maximum geophone range, press the Setups key with the Main Window displayed.
Use the Enter key to scroll through the windows until the Maximum Geo Range Window appears.
Press the Right Arrow key to scroll through the two settings, either 1.25 in/s (31.7 mm/s) and
10.0 in/s (254 mm/s). Press the Enter key to choose a range when it appears on the display.

3.7.5. Trigger Source

Choose a trigger source when using Continuous Record Mode. The trigger source sets the
Minimate Blaster to trigger and start recording an event automatically on ground vibrations,
measured by a transducer, or air overpressure, measured by a microphone. The Minimate Blaster
has three trigger source settings: transducer alone, microphone alone, or both transducer and
microphone together. When you choose both transducer and microphone together, triggering
occurs and recording begins if an events ground vibrations or air overpressure exceeds the trigger
level for either the transducer or the microphone.
To choose a trigger source, press the Setups key with the Main Window displayed. Use the Enter
key to scroll through the windows until the Trigger Source Window appears. Press the Right
Arrow key to scroll through the three trigger sources. Press the Enter key to select a trigger
source when it appears on the display.

3.7.6. Trigger Level

The trigger level sets a threshold that must be exceeded by an event activity before the Minimate
Blaster begins recording. Set a trigger level for the trigger source or sources chosen above.
Use your judgment when setting the trigger level. You must set the level high enough so the
Minimate Blaster does not trigger on unwanted events such as nearby vehicle traffic. At the same
time, you have to set the trigger level low enough so that an event activity exceeds the trigger level
and starts the Minimate Blaster recording. Available trigger level ranges appear in the
specifications located in the Appendix of this manual.
To set the trigger level, press the Setups key when the Main Window is displayed. Press the Enter
key to display the Trigger Level Window for the trigger source chosen above. Use the Right
Arrow key to move the cursor and the Up Arrow key to change the trigger level number. Press
the Enter key to save your setting. If both the geophone and microphone were chosen as trigger
sources, pressing the Enter key saves the geophone trigger level setting and then displays the Mic
Trigger Level Window. Set the microphone trigger level and press the Enter key to save your
setting.

3.7.7. Record Stop Mode

The record stop mode sets how the Minimate Blaster stops recording after being triggered. You
can choose between a Fixed setting or an AutoRecord setting. Fixed sets the record time to a
specified length. For example, you set the Minimate Blaster to record for two seconds in the
Basic Tutorial. Once the record time has elapsed, the Minimate Blaster stops recording. In
AutoRecord, unlike in Fixed, the Minimate Blaster continues to record event activity as long as
that activity remains above the trigger level. (Sufficient memory and battery power must be

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available). Recording stops a specified period of time after the event activity falls below the
trigger level. The period of time, called the Auto Window, can be adjusted. See page 315.
Remember to set the record time long enough to record an entire event but not too long to avoid
recording unnecessary data and filling the Minimate Blaster memory.
A helpful rule of thumb when setting a record time for a blast event is to add the delays between
detonating holes or use the longest delay, then add one second for each one thousand feet (300 m)
from the event to the Minimate Blaster to account for the speed of sound. For example, in the
figure below the minimum record time required is 1.1 seconds. To be on the safe side and ensure
you record all the events activity, set the record time to 2.0 seconds. There is no single method for
setting a record time. Use your knowledge and experience to determine a record time.

Figure 11 Calculating a Recording Time.

The total record time available depends upon the amount of available memory. The Minimate
Blaster checks your setup to determine the amount of available memory. If there is not enough
memory, a warning message appears and the record time defaults to the maximum available.
To set the record stop mode, press the Setups key when the Main Window is displayed. Press the
Enter key to scroll though the windows until the Record Stop Mode Window appears. Press the
Up Arrow key to display either the Fixed setting or the AutoRecord setting. Press the Enter key
to save your setting when it appears in the display.

3.7.8. Record Time

The Record Time sets the length of time in seconds that the unit records if you have selected a
Fixed record stop mode. Once the record time has elapsed, the monitor stops recording. The
maximum record time is displayed by the unit.

3.7.9. Notes Format

The notes format lets you include notes describing an event. You write the notes using the
Blastware software and then copy them to the Minimate Blaster. Press the Option and Test keys
together to review setups and see if notes are presently stored in the Minimate Blaster and what
these notes are.
To set the notes format, press the Setups key when the Main Window is displayed. Press the
Enter key to scroll though the windows until the Notes Format Window appears. Use the Right
Arrow key to display the two settings. The Use Notes setting records your notes with an event. If
you choose the Use Blank Text Notes choice, only blank text lines record with an event leaving
you space to manually write in notes after you have printed the event.

3.7.10. Job Number Format

You may include a job number for each recorded event. Job numbers help you keep track of
events stored in the Minimate Blaster or in a computer. Job numbers range from 1 to 9999.

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To display the Job Number Format Window, press the Setups key when the Main Window is
displayed. Press the Enter key to scroll through the windows until the Job Number Format
Window appears. Press the Right Arrow key to display the two choices: Use Job Number or
Dont Use Job Number. Press the Enter key to select a setting when it appears on the display.
If you chose the Use Job Number setting, after pressing the Enter key the Job Number Window
appears. Press the Right Arrow key to position the cursor and the Up Arrow key to edit the four
digit job number to the desired number. Press the Enter key to save the job number.

3.7.11. Scaled Distance

Scaled distance information can be saved with each event. The scaled distance information
includes two factors: distance from blast and charge weight. The distance from blast factor is the
measured distance from the blast charge to the monitors sensors. The charge weight is the
physical weight of the charge used.
To enter scaled distance information, press the Setups key when the Main Window is displayed.
Press the Enter key to scroll through the windows until the Scaled Distance: Window appears.
Press the Up Arrow key to display the Use Scaled Distance Window. Press the Enter key. The
Distance from blast Window appears. Use the Arrow keys to enter the distance from the blast to
the monitors sensors then press the Enter key. The Charge weight Window appears. Use the
Arrow keys to enter the charge weight and press the Enter key to save your setting.
If you do not require the scaled distance information, choose the Omit Scaled Distance choice
from the Scaled Distance Window.

3.7.12. Time
The Minimate Blaster supports the twelve hour, 11:55:23 PM, and twenty four hour, 23:55:23,
time formats. You can choose either format.
To set the time, press the Setups key when the Main Window is displayed. Press the Enter key to
scroll through the windows until the Time: Window appears. Use the Right Arrow key to move
the cursor and the Up Arrow key to set the time. To select 12 or 24 hour time formats, position
the cursor under the AM/PM/24 hour indicator. Press the Up Arrow key to display the required
setting. Press the Enter key to save your setting.
a. Adjust Clock Speed (Option Key + Setups Key) )
Pressing the Option key and the Setups key at the same time from within the Time: Window
accesses the Clock Speed Adjust Window. This command allows you to make adjustments to the
speed of the Minimate Blasters internal clock.
Enter the number of seconds that the clock will be adjusted each day. Use the Up Arrow key to
first select positive or negative, and then enter the number of seconds using the Up and Right
Arrow keys. Positive numbers are added to the time and negative numbers are subtracted. Press
the Enter key to save your setting. You will return to the Time Window.
Note: The Daily Self Check function must be activated in order for the time to be corrected. The
time is adjusted as part of the Daily Self Check. Please see page 310 for information on
how to activate the Daily Self Check.

3.7.13. Date
The Minimate Blaster supports the Month/Day/Year date format.
To set the date, press the Setups key when the Main Window is displayed. Press the Enter key to
scroll through the windows until the Date Window appears. Use the Right Arrow key to move the
cursor and the Up Arrow key to set the date. Press the Enter key to save your setting.

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3.8. Right Arrow Key + Setups Key

Pressing the Right Arrow key and the Setups key at the same time provides the following
functions: timer mode, daily self check, Sensorcheck, measurement system, basic channels,
microphone units, geophone alarm level, microphone alarm level, serial connection, beep when
triggered, use GPS location, and baud rate.

3.8.1. Timer Mode

The timer function sets the Minimate Blaster to automatically turn on and commence monitoring
operations at a preset time in the future. The timer can be set for a one time monitoring session or
it can be set to monitor at the same time every day. Using the timer extends the Minimate Blaster
battery life by turning on and monitoring only the time periods when events occur and not the time
periods between events. It also minimizes the recording of false events from other sources.
To stop timer recording, press the Cancel key at any time.
a. Monitor Once Only
To set the Minimate Blaster to monitor at some time in the future, press the Right Arrow key
and the Setups key together when the Main Window is displayed. The Timer Mode Window
appears. Press the Right Arrow key to display the Monitor Once Only option. Turn the timer on
by pressing the Enter key. The Monitor Start Time Window appears. Enter the start time for
monitoring operations to begin. Use the Right Arrow key to move through the date and time
displays and the Up Arrow key to change the settings. Press the Enter key to save the Monitor
Start Time setting and display the Monitor Stop Time Window. Enter the stop time for monitoring
operations to end. Use the Right Arrow key to move through the date and time displays and the
Up Arrow key to change the settings. Press the Enter key to save the stop time setting. Press the
Start Monitor key to enter the timer mode. The timer is now set to start monitoring operations
automatically according to your start and stop dates and times. The monitor displays the following
window:

03
03

03
Figure 12 Timer Mode Window Monitor Once Only.
b. Monitor Everyday
To set the Minimate Blaster to monitor at the same time each day, press the Right Arrow key
and the Setups key together when the Main Window is displayed. The Timer Mode Window
appears. Press the Right Arrow key to display the Monitor Everyday option. Press the Enter key
to display the Daily Start Time Window. Use the Right Arrow key to move the cursor and the Up
Arrow key to change the hour and minute settings. Press the Enter key to save your start time.
The Daily Stop Time Window appears. Use the Right Arrow key to move the cursor and the Up
Arrow key to change the daily stop time. Press the Enter key to save your changes. Press the
Start Monitor key to enter the timer mode. The Minimate Blaster is now set to start and stop
monitoring operations automatically at the same time every day. The monitor displays the
following window:

03
Figure 13 Timer Mode Window Monitor Everyday.

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3.8.2. Daily Self Check

Use the Self Check mode for remote monitoring where you require a record indicating the monitor
was operating properly over a period of time.
Daily Self Check must be enabled for adjustment of the units real-time clock speed. The Self
Check mode program operates when the monitor is in the monitor mode; the monitor temporarily
exits the monitor mode, at the same time each day specified by you, performs the check, and
returns to monitor mode. The results appear in a monitor log entry.
To select the self check mode, use the Right Arrow key and simultaneously press the Setups key,
then press Enter to except the Timer Mode setting: Daily Self Check mode is now available use
the Up Arrow or Right Arrow to toggle between Enabled and Disabled options, and Enter to
save the desired setting. If you select Enabled, the next screen prompts for a time to be entered.
Use the Right Arrow to move the cursor between hours and minutes, and the Up Arrow to
change the time, then press Enter to save your changes.

3.8.3. Sensorcheck
The Sensorcheck Window allows you to choose when the Sensorcheck program runs
automatically to test the Minimate Blaster and its transducer and microphone sensors. You can
run Sensorcheck manually by pressing the Test key. You can choose not to run Sensorcheck, to
run Sensorcheck after recording each event, or only once before monitoring starts. If you choose
Disabled, Sensorcheck does not run and the sensors are not checked. If you choose After Each
Event, Sensorcheck runs after recording each event. If you choose Before Monitoring Starts,
Sensorcheck runs once before monitoring starts, when you enter the monitor mode. The results of
this single Sensorcheck appear with each event recorded during the monitoring session. This
reduces processing time, by not having to run Sensorcheck for each event, and speeds up
recording especially when using the continuous record mode.
To set when to run Sensorcheck, press the Right Arrow key and the Setups key at the same time
when the Main Window is displayed. Press the Enter key to scroll through the windows until the
Sensorcheck Window appears. Press the Right Arrow key to display the Disabled, Before
Monitoring, or After Each Event choices. Press the Enter key to select a setting when it appears
on the display.

3.8.4. Measurement System

The Minimate Blaster uses the Metric or the Imperial measurement system.
To set the Minimate Blaster to operate with either system, press the Right Arrow key and the
Setups key at the same time when the Main Window is displayed. Press the Enter key to scroll
through the windows until the Measurement System Window appears. Press the Right Arrow key
to display the Metric or Imperial settings. Press the Enter key to select a setting when it appears
on the display.

3.8.5. Basic Channels

You can operate Minimate Blaster monitors with all recording channels on or you can turn off
either the geophone or microphone recording channels
You may, for example, turn off the microphone if your are monitoring inside a building where the
microphone is not applicable. This reduces the amount of memory required to save and store a
single event and therefore increases the overall number of events the Minimate Blaster can record
and store.
To display the Basic Channels Window, press the Right Arrow key and the Setups key together.
Press the Enter key to scroll the windows until the Basic Channels Window appears. Choose All
Channels ON to enable both the geophone and the microphone.

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3.8.6. Microphone Units

The measurement units used on the microphone channel depend on the microphone type and
measurement system (metric [pa], or imperial [psi], or decibels [d]) being used. For Linear L
microphones, you have the choice between psi (L), dB (L), or pa. (L).
To choose the microphone measurement units, press the Right Arrow key and the Setups key
together. Press the Enter key to scroll the windows until the Microphone Units Window appears.
Press Right Arrow key repeatedly to display the three choices. Press the Enter key to select a
measurement unit when it appears on the display.

3.8.7. Geo Alarm Level

The Geo Alarm Level controls the triggering of an optional remote alarm (711A1401).
The remote alarm sounds two alarms: warning and alarm. The warning alarm sounds when event
activity exceeds the geophone trigger level. The Geo Alarm Level can be set to a higher level than
the geophone trigger level. This allows for the triggering of a second alarm at the higher level.
To set the Geo Alarm Level, press the Right Arrow key and the Setups key together. Press the
Enter key repeatedly to scroll through the windows until the Geo Alarm Level Window appears.
Use the Up and Right Arrow keys to set the alarm level. Press the Enter key to save your setting.

3.8.8. Mic Alarm Level

The Mic Alarm Level controls the triggering of an optional remote alarm (711A1401).
The remote alarm sounds two alarms: warning and alarm. The warning alarm sounds when event
activity exceeds the microphone trigger level. The Mic Alarm Level can be set to a higher level
than the microphone trigger level. This allows for the triggering of a second alarm at a higher
level.
To set the Mic Alarm Level, press the Right Arrow key and the Setups key together. Press the
Enter key repeatedly to scroll through the windows until the Mic Alarm Level Window appears.
Use the Up and Right Arrow keys to set the alarm level. Press the Enter key to save your setting.

3.8.9. Serial Connection

This sets the Minimate Blaster to communicate with a computer using the BlastMate III PC
Connecting Cable (712A2301) or via a modem over telephone lines or radio frequencies. You
must set the Minimate Blaster to the proper serial connection before starting communications. To
communicate with a computer using the connecting cable, choose the Direct setting. To
communicate using modems, choose the Via Modem setting. Set the baud rate on the monitor to
match the baud rate of your computer or modem.
To choose the serial connection, press the Right Arrow key and the Setups key together. Press
the Enter key to scroll the windows until the Serial Connection Window appears. Press Right
Arrow key repeatedly to display the two choices. Select Direct if you are connecting to a
computer with the BlastMate cable or Via Modem if you are using modems. Press the Enter key
to select a choice when it appears on the display.

3.8.10. Direct Baud Rate or Modem Baud Rate

This sets the baud rate for the serial connection method chosen in the previous step, either direct or
via modem. For direct, choose a baud rate of 38400. For modem communications, choose a baud
rate supported by the modems you are using.

3.8.11. Beep When Triggered

This menu allows you to select whether or not the unit will emit a beep when triggered. Select On
to activate beeps, and Off to turn them off.

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To set Beep When Triggered, press the Right Arrow key and the Setups key together. Press the
Enter key to scroll the windows until the Beep When Triggered Window appears. Press the Right
Arrow key to toggle between On and Off. Press the Enter key to select a choice when it appears
on the display.

3.9. Up Arrow Key

The Up Arrow key moves you through the Minimate Blaster windows and edits numerical
values within windows. Also, from the Main Window, the Up Arrow key scrolls through the
following functions.

3.9.1. View Events

You can view events stored in the Minimate Blaster internal memory.
From the Main Window, press the Up Arrow key to display the View Events Window. This
window indicates the total number of events stored in the Minimate Blaster. Press the Enter key
to enter the View Window. Press the Up Arrow key to scroll through the events beginning with
the most recently recorded event. Press the Right Arrow key to scroll through the data for the
selected event. You can also view events on the display while the monitor is in monitor mode,
waiting for a trigger. See the section explaining the Enter key, above.
By default, event data appears in the following order. If you viewed event data before, the data last
displayed when you stopped viewing events appears first the next time you view events.
1. Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) and Air Pressure.
W:Jan 25 99 10:17:47
03 37 Hz
3.78 mm/s
Date 57.5 pa. (L) 7.2 Hz Time
= previous = next
PPV
Air Pressure On-line Help

2. Velocity or air pressure results along with the frequency for all channels, displayed
in pairs, beginning with channels 1 and 2. For advanced events, the velocity result
appears only. Frequency is not calculated for advanced events.
W:Jan 250399 10:17:47
1: 2.91 mm/s 32 Hz
2: 3.78 mm/s 37 Hz
Channels = previous = next PPV and
Frequency

3. Acceleration and peak displacement results for each channel displayed individually.
W:Jan 25 99 10:17:47
1: Accel03 .059 g Acceleration
Pk Disp .014 mm
Channel = previous = next
Peak
Displacement

4. Peak vector sum results for channels 1, 2, 3.

W:Jan 25 99 10:17:47
PVS 123:034.73 mm/s

= previous = next Peak

Channels Vector Sum

5. PPV for all enabled channels expressed in decibels, and Air Pressure. (Units with a
serial number of 6000 or higher only.)

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W:Jan 25 99 10:17:47
03 3.2 Hz
51.2 dB
57.5 pa. (L) 7.2 Hz
= previous = next Decibels
Air Pressure

Figure 14 The View Event Window.

3.9.2. Delete All Events

Deleting all the events stored in the Minimate Blaster frees up internal memory space in order to
record additional events.
WARNING: Once the events have been deleted, they cannot be recovered.
To delete all the events in the Minimate Blaster, press the Up Arrow key with the Main Window
displayed, until the Delete All Events Window appears. This window indicates the total number of
events stored in the Minimate Blaster. Press the Enter key to begin the deletion. A second
window appears asking you to hold the Enter key for five seconds to delete all files. This window
asks you to confirm your initial choice or leave the window without continuing. Press and hold the
Enter key for five seconds to delete all events. At the bottom of the window, a countdown
indicator tells you the number of memory blocks being deleted. The message All Memory
Erased. Press any key. indicates all events have been successfully deleted from the monitor.

3.9.3. Print Event List

You can print an event list indicating all the events stored in the Minimate Blaster along with
each events date, time, and recording results. A printer (optional) must be connected to the
Minimate Blaster. See the Appendix for information on how to connect a printer to the
Minimate Blaster.
To print an event list, press the Up Arrow key when the Main Window is displayed, until the
Print Event List Window appears. Press the Enter key to print the event list.

3.9.4. Print Selected Event

You can select and print specific events stored in the Minimate Blaster. A printer (optional) must
be connected to the Minimate Blaster. See the Appendix for information on how to connect a
printer to the Minimate Blaster.
To print one event, press the Up Arrow key when the Main Window is displayed, until the Print
Selected Event Window appears. Press the Enter key to display the most recently recorded event.
Press the Up or Right Arrow keys to scroll through the other events stored in the Minimate
Blaster. To print an event, press the Enter key when it appears on the display. During printing,
the event appears on the display along with the message Printing Event. When printing finishes,
the display returns to the Event Window where you can scroll through the stored events and
choose another event to print, if desired.

3.9.5. Print All Events

You can print an event summary report for each event stored in the Minimate Blaster. A printer
(optional) must be connected to the Minimate Blaster. See the Appendix for information on how
to connect a printer to the Minimate Blaster.
To print all the events, press the Up Arrow key when the Main Window is displayed, until the
Print All Events Window appears. Press the Enter key to select this choice and begin printing.
During printing, the Minimate Blaster displays each event along with the total number of events
to be printed. The display returns to the Print All Events Window after printing finishes.

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3.9.6. Upload One Event

You can copy events stored in a Minimate Blaster to a BlastMate III monitor. For example, you
could transfer events from the Minimate Blaster to the BlastMate III then print them using the
BlastMate III printer. Minimate Blaster events printed on a BlastMate III are identified as
Minimate Blaster events on the top of the event summary report.
In order to upload events, you must first connect the Minimate Blaster to the BlastMate III Cable
(716A1801 optional). Plug the BlastMate III end of the cable into the BlastMate III Aux connector
and the Minimate Blaster end of the cable into the Minimate Blaster Aux connector. Check that
the BlastMate III is displaying the Main Window with the message Ready to Monitor. Set the
Serial Connection to Direct and set the baud rate to the same rate in both monitors.
To upload one event, press the Up Arrow key when the Main Window is displayed, until the
Upload One Event Window appears. Press the Enter key to select this choice. The most recently
recorded event appears on the display. Press the Up Arrow to display the next event or the Right
Arrow to display the earliest recorded event. With the required event appearing on the Minimate
Blaster display, press the Enter key to begin the uploading. The message Uploading along with
the number of the event appears on the bottom of the Minimate Blaster display. After the event
has been transferred to the BlastMate III, the message Event Uploaded Successfully appears
momentarily on the Minimate Blaster display.

3.9.7. Upload All Events

You can copy all the events stored in a Minimate Blaster to a BlastMate III monitor. For
example, you could transfer events from the Minimate Blaster to the BlastMate III then print
them using the BlastMate III printer. Minimate Blaster events printed on a BlastMate III are
identified as Minimate Blaster events on the top of the event summary report.
In order to upload events, you must first connect the Minimate Blaster to the BlastMate III Cable
(716A1801 optional). Plug the BlastMate III end of the cable into the BlastMate III Aux connector
and the Minimate Blaster end of the cable into the Minimate Blaster Aux connector. Check that
the BlastMate III is displaying the Main Window with the message Ready to Monitor. Set the
Serial Connection to Direct and set the baud rate to the same rate in both monitors.
To upload all the events, press the Up Arrow key when the Main Window is displayed, until the
Upload All Events Window appears. Press the Enter key to select this choice. The message
Uploading along with the number of each event currently being uploaded appears on the bottom
of the Minimate Blaster display. After all the events have been transferred to the BlastMate III,
the message All Events Uploaded Successfully appears momentarily on the Minimate Blaster
display.

3.9.8. Copy BMIII Notes

This command copies the notes from a BlastMate III to a Minimate Blaster. You require the
Minimate Plus to the BlastMate III Cable (716A1801 optional).
Plug the BlastMate III end of the cable into the BlastMate III Aux connector and the Minimate
Blaster end of the cable into the Minimate Blaster Aux connector. Check that the BlastMate III
is displaying the Main Window with the message Ready to Monitor. Set the Serial Connection
to Direct and set the baud rate to the same rate in both monitors.
To copy the notes, press the Up Arrow key repeatedly on the Minimate Blaster until the Copy
BMIII Notes window appears. Press the Enter key. The message Copying appears on the
display followed by Notes Copied Successfully when the process completes.

3.10. Cancel Key

Use this key to return to the previous window. It can be pressed at any time during operations.
Pressing the key a number of times always returns you to the Main Window. You can change a
setting and return to the Main Window without scrolling through further windows.

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Also, the Cancel key exits all monitoring modes. You may be requested to enter a password
before exiting monitoring. Press the Cancel key. The Password Window appears. You have ten
seconds to enter the four character password. Enter the four character password then press the
Enter key. This password protection can be enabled or disabled by pressing the Option key +
Setups key and choosing the Password command. See page 316.

3.11. Test Key

Pressing the Test key executes Sensorcheck and tests the Minimate Blaster and its sensors.
Sensorcheck performs a two stage test. In the first stage, the program displays the Minimate
Blaster serial number, software version, the total amount of memory installed, the amount of
memory available to store events, and the number of events presently stored in memory.

Minimate Blaster Operating System

R 4.0 V
R 7.1 4.0
V 1.1 Release and Version

Figure 15 The Sensorcheck Window.

The second stage tests each geophone within the standard transducer and the microphone. The
program also tests the operation of the Minimate Blaster itself and the transducer and microphone
connecting cables. The message All Channels Working. Press Option + Test to Review Setups
indicates the Minimate Blaster passed the Sensorcheck.

3.12. Option Key

The Option key, when used in combination with other keys, provides the following functions.

3.12.1. Option Key + Setups Key

Pressing the Option key and the Setups key at the same time accesses additional functions
including Reset Factory Defaults, Auto Window, Password, Auxiliary Trigger, Backlight on Time,
Power Saving Timeout, Monitoring LCD Cycle, Trigger Sample Width, and Cut Cable Detection.
a. Reset Factory Defaults
This function returns all the Minimate Blaster setups to the original factory defaults. If you
choose to reset the monitor, all of your setups will be lost and replaced with the factory defaults.
You can reprogram your setups again anytime you want.
WARNING: Resetting the Factory Defaults deletes your existing setups. Your setups will be
lost.
To reset factory defaults, press the Option key and the Setups key together when the Main
Window is displayed. The Reset Factory Defaults Window appears. Press the Enter key to
continue or the Cancel key to exit. Press and hold the Enter key for five seconds to reset the
factory defaults or press the Cancel key to move to the next window.
b. Auto Window
When the Record Stop Mode is set to AutoRecord, the Auto Window determines the length of
time the Minimate Blaster continues to record for after an events activity falls below the trigger
level. This ensures that an events activity, particularly air blast, is recorded. For example, if you
plan to record an event at a long distance from the source, set the Auto Window to a large value to
compensate for the time required for the air blast to travel from the source to the monitors
microphone. If you set the value to a small value, the monitor may stop recording after the seismic
activity reaches it but before the air blast reaches it. The Auto Window values range from one to
nine seconds.

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To set the Auto Window, press the Option key and the Setups key together when the Main
Window is displayed. Press the Cancel key to exit the Reset Factory Defaults Window. Press the
Enter key to scroll through the windows until the Auto Window appears. Use the Right Arrow
key to move the cursor and the Up Arrow key to change the time setting. Press the Enter key to
save your setting.
c. Password
This feature activates a password control requiring an operator to enter a password before being
able to exit the monitor mode. The password prevents an unauthorized exit from monitor mode
while still allowing an operator to view event summaries. Password control can be enabled or
disabled. The default password is four up arrows in a row. Passwords may include any
combination of the Up Arrow key, Right Arrow key, Setups key, Test key, and the Start Monitor
key. Passwords can be enabled in all monitoring modes except the advanced mode.
To display the password feature, press the Option key and the Setups key together when the main
window is displayed. Press the Cancel key to exit the Reset Factory Defaults Window. Press the
Enter key to scroll through the windows until the Password window appears. Use the Up or
Right Arrow key to display Enabled to turn the password on or Disabled to turn the password off.
Press the Enter key. Enter a password and press the Enter key. Enter the password again to
confirm your original choice and press the Enter key.
d. Auxiliary Trigger
The auxiliary trigger is an external triggering mechanism used to start monitor recording.
A variety of optional auxiliary triggers are available including the DS 20 Wire Trigger
(677A9601), and the BlastMate Trigger Cable (712A3901) used to connect several monitors
together for multiple point blast monitoring.
To use the auxiliary trigger, set the monitor in the single shot or continuous record mode. Set a
fixed record time. The auxiliary trigger does not operate in the auto record time setting. Press the
Option key and the Setups key together when the Main Window is displayed. Press the Cancel
key to exit the Reset Factory Defaults Window and display the Auto Window. Press the Enter key
to display the Auxiliary Trigger Window. Use the Up or Right Arrow key to display Enabled to
turn the auxiliary trigger on or Disabled to turn the auxiliary trigger off. Press the Enter key to
save your setting.
e. Backlight On Time
This command sets the length of time the backlight remains on. If enabled, the backlight is turned
on by pressing the Option key and the Cancel key together. An adjustable timer, from 0 to 255
seconds, determines the length of time the backlight remains on. To disable the backlight and not
have it turn on, set the timer delay to 0. This conserves battery power.
To set the backlight timer, press the Option key and the Setups key together when the Main
Window is displayed. Press the Cancel key to exit the Reset Factory Defaults Window. Press the
Enter key to scroll through the windows until the Backlight On Time Window appears. Use the
Right Arrow key to move the cursor and the Up Arrow key to change the time setting. Press the
Enter key to save your setting.
f. Power Saving Timeout
The Power Saving Timeout is a timer that automatically turns the Minimate Blaster off when it
has remained in the ready to monitor mode with the Main Window displayed for a specified
period of time. To turn the monitor on again, press and hold the Enter key.
To set the power saving timer, press the Option key and the Setups key together when the Main
Window is displayed. Press the Cancel key to exit the Reset Factory Defaults Window. Press the
Enter key to scroll through the windows until the Power Saving Timeout Window appears. Use
the Right Arrow key to move the cursor and the Up Arrow key to change the time setting. Press
the Enter key to save your setting.

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g. Monitoring LCD Cycle

The Monitoring LCD Cycle is a timer that automatically starts a power saving mode. While in this
mode, the Minimate Blaster minimizes power consumption while continuing its monitoring
operations. The monitor display cycles off for the time period set in this command, turns on the
display momentarily, then cycles again. To turn this feature off, set the time to zero. To reactivate
the monitor and see the display, press the Enter key.
To set the monitoring LCD cycle, press the Option key and the Setups key together when the
Main Window is displayed. Press the Cancel key to exit the Reset Factory Defaults Window.
Press the Enter key to scroll through the windows until the Monitoring LCD Cycle Window
appears. Use the Right Arrow key to move the cursor and the Up Arrow key to change the time
setting. Press the Enter key to save your setting.
h. Trigger Sample Width
You can specify the number of consecutive samples that must exceed the trigger level before the
unit will start recording. The default is 1 sample, with an option of 1-3 samples.
To set the trigger sample width, press the Option key and the Setups key together when the Main
Window is displayed. Press the Cancel key to exit the Reset Factory Defaults Window. Press the
Enter key to scroll through the windows until the Trigger sample width Window appears. Use the
Up Arrow key to change the setting. Press the Enter key to save your setting.
i. Cut Cable Detection
This setting is used to automatically disable a geophone channel as a trigger if the cable is cut or
damaged. While in continuous mode, the unit checks each geophone channel after an event is
recorded. If there is a problem, the unit automatically disables that channel as a trigger source for
subsequent events. This feature does not apply to the single-shot, manual, histogram or histogram
combo modes.
To enable cut cable detection, press the Option key and the Setups key together when the Main
Window is displayed. Press the Cancel key to exit the Reset Factory Defaults Window. Press the
Enter key to scroll through the windows until the Cut Cable Detection Window appears. Use the
Up Arrow key to change the setting. Press the Enter key to save your setting.

3.12.2. Option Key + Test Key = Review Setups

Press these two keys together to review the Minimate Blaster setups. Reviewing the Minimate
Blaster setups scrolls you through the current settings allowing you to check the setups without
having to enter the individual window for each setting.

3.12.3. Option Key + Enter Key = OnLine Help

Press these two keys at the same time to see help information on the display.

3.12.4. Option Key + Cancel Key = Backlight ON

Pressing the Option key and the Cancel key together turns on the backlight and illuminates the
display.

3.12.5. Option Key + Up Arrow Key = Down Arrow

Pressing these two keys together acts as a down arrow.

3.12.6. Option Key + Right Arrow Key = Left Arrow

These keys, when pressed together, act as a left arrow.

3.13. Right Arrow Key

The Right Arrow key scrolls through windows and moves the cursor position within windows.

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4. REFERENCE
This chapter discusses wall and ceiling installation procedures, and the theory of operation for the
Instantel standard transducer, microphone, Sensorcheck, anti-alias filter, and data analysis
techniques.

4.1. Additional Installation Procedures

The following sections outline procedures to install the standard transducer on walls and ceilings.

4.1.1. Standard Transducer Wall Installation

Refer to the installation illustration below and follow the instructions to install the standard
transducer and wall mount kit.
To complete this installation you will need the following tools:
1. Hammer
2. 19mm (3/4 inch) deep-throated socket and ratchet
3. 13mm (1/2 inch) wrench
4. 12mm (.47 inch) drill bit and drill
(1) Using the Geophone Wall Mount as a template, orient the block as shown, and mark the
location of the two holes to be drilled.
(2) Remove the Geophone Wall Mount, and drill two 12mm (.47 inch) diameter holes; drill the
holes to a depth of 89mm (3.50 inches).
(3) Place a nut on the end of each wedge anchor bolt to protect the threads, and using a hammer,
securely drive each bolt into place. Ensure that at least 32mm (1.25 inches) of each of the wedge
anchor bolt threads extend from the wall.
(4) Remove the nuts from the wedge anchor bolts, and reposition the Geophone Wall Mount.
Secure it using two washers, the two nuts previously removed, and a deep-throat socket with a
ratchet.
(5) Position the Geophone (not included in this kit) on top of the Geophone Wall Mount, aligning
the through-hole of the geophone with the mount; secure it using the bolt, washer, and wing nut.
Hand-tighten the wing nut DO NOT use a wrench or pliers to tighten the wing nut, as this may
damage the Geophone.

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4.1.2. Standard Transducer Ceiling Installation

You can install the standard transducer on a ceiling by itself or with the optional leveling plate
where leveling adjustments are required.
The transducer may be installed on level ceilings where no leveling adjustments are required. To
mount a transducer, install a bolt into the ceiling according to the manufacturers instructions.
Hold the transducer in the upright position and slide it over the bolt. This ensures the vertical
geophone, located inside the transducer, maintains its original axis. Point the arrow in the direction
of the event. Slide on 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) washer and a 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) lock washer over the bolt
and tighten with the retaining nut. Press the Test key to check your sensors using Sensorcheck.

Figure 16 Installing the Standard Transducer on a Ceiling Right Side Up.

The standard transducer may also be mounted on a ceiling using the leveling plate. This requires
optional extended leveling feet for the leveling plate. Secure the standard transducer to the
leveling plate with the three screws provided. Remove the existing leveling feet and replace with
the extended leveling feet. Screw the leveling feet through the bottom of the leveling plate. Place

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the assembly on the ceiling with the transducer right side up and the arrow pointing in the
direction of the event. Mark the position of the bolt. Install the bolt into the ceiling according to
the manufacturers instructions. Slide the leveling plate with the transducer over the bolt. Slide a
3/8 inch (9.5 mm) washer and a 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) lock washer over the bolt. Screw on the
retaining nut to hold the unit in position. Level the assembly by adjusting the leveling feet. The
integrated bubble level cannot be seen when installing the leveling plate on a ceiling. Use a level
to check the installation. Tighten the retaining nut on the bolt to secure the installation. Press the
Test key to check your sensors using Sensorcheck.

4.2. Theory of Operation

This section describes how Instantels transducer and microphone operate. It also discusses
Instantels Sensorcheck program, anti-alias filter, and the data analysis techniques used to
calculate monitoring results.

4.2.1. Transducer
A transducer measures ground vibrations. The actual mechanism inside the transducer is called a
geophone. Transducers have either one geophone, called uniaxial transducers, or three geophones,
called standard transducers.
a. Geophone Operation
Functionally a geophone sensor is a coil of wire suspended around a magnet. The magnet is free to
move in a field of magnetic flux lines. By Lenzs' Law, induced voltage is proportional to the speed
at which flux lines are traversed. Induced coil voltage is therefore proportional to the relative
velocity of the coil to the magnet. In practice, it does not matter whether the coil or the magnet
moves. Only the motion and speed relative to each other are important.

Figure 17 Geophone Sensor Operation.

Geophone sensor specifications give a number known as the Intrinsic Voltage Sensitivity. It is the
coil voltage induced for a given coil versus magnet speed with units of V/in/s. In seismic
applications, the magnet is moved by the blast energy because it is coupled to the particles of the
surrounding terrain. The coil, because of its inertia, does not move and the resulting magnet versus
coil motion induces a voltage which is proportional to particle velocity.

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b. Instantel Standard Transducer

Instantel offers a 2 to 300 Hz standard transducer in a round package. The transducer may be
installed on a floor, wall, or ceiling using a variety of installation procedures including ground
spikes, burying, mounting rod, wall mount or optional leveling plate with leveling feet and
integrated bubble level. The figure below includes an Instantel Standard Transducer (a) and a
Standard Transducer with leveling plate (b).

Figure 18 Instantel Standard Transducer (a) and Standard

Transducer with the Optional Leveling Plate (b).
c. Transducer Calibration Requirements
The geophone sensors inside the Minimate Blaster and inside Instantels transducers must be
calibrated annually by Instantel or an authorized Instantel service facility. Contact your dealer for
further information.

4.2.2. Microphone
The microphone measures air overpressure and comes with a three foot (one meter) microphone
mounting stand.
a. Measurement Scales
Linear L measurement is generally used to measure the effect of low frequency air overpressure
on buildings. The linear scale records sound pressure without modification in the 2 to 300 Hz
range. Measurement units may be in absolute, Pascal, or relative dB scales.
b. Microphone Calibration Requirements
Instantels microphone must be calibrated annually by Instantel or an authorized Instantel service
facility. Contact your dealer for further information.

4.3. Sensorcheck
Sensorcheck performs a two stage test on the Minimate Blaster and its sensors. In the first stage,
the program displays the Minimate Blaster serial number, software version, the total amount of
memory installed in the Minimate Blaster, the total amount of memory available to store events,
and the number of events presently stored in memory. The second stage tests each geophone
within Instantels transducer and the microphone operation. The program also tests the operation
of the Minimate Blaster itself and the sensor connecting cables. Pass or fail results appear on the

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display. See the Basic Reference chapter of this manual to choose when Sensorcheck operates
automatically.

4.3.1. Checking the Standard Transducer Geophones

Sensorcheck measures a geophones natural frequency and damping indicated by an Overswing
Ratio (OR). Sensorcheck sends an electric pulse to the geophones and measures the response. If
the geophone response falls within a specified calibration range, the geophone is in calibration and
monitoring operations can continue. If the geophone response does not fall within a specified
calibration range, the geophone is not working properly. You cannot record events until you fix or
replace the geophones. See the troubleshooting section of this manual for the appropriate
procedures to follow.
a. Natural Frequency
Waveform measurements check the natural period (t) of a geophone sensor coil assembly.
Referring to the figure below, the distance from P1 to P2 represents 0.125 seconds. Since
Frequency is the reciprocal of the period, F=1/t, the frequency is approximately 8 Hz. A calibrated
sensor has a natural frequency between 6.5 and 9.5 Hertz. Calculations for all geophones appear
with each recorded event.

T
P1 P2

Figure 19 Calculating a Geophone's Natural Frequency.

b. Damping Overswing Ratio (OR)
The overswing ratio (OR) measures damping and is calculated by computing the ratio of the
magnitude of adjacent waveform peaks according to the following formula:
A1
OR=
A2
Acceptable overswing ratios range from 2.8 to 4.8. The figure below displays a graph of a free
fall response for a geophone coil. A1 and A2 are used for overswing calculations.

Figure 20 Calculating a Geophone's Overswing Ratio.

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4.3.2. Checking the Microphone

Sensorcheck tests the microphones operation by sending a signal to the microphone and
measuring its frequency and amplitude response. If the results of the test fall within specified
ranges, the microphone is within calibration.

4.3.3. Sensorcheck Report

The Sensorcheck report appears on the Minimate Blaster display. The message All Channels
Working, Press Option + Test to Review Setups indicates the Minimate Blaster sensors have
passed the Sensorcheck.

4.4. Anti-alias Filters

Aliasing occurs when a highfrequency signal appears as an erroneous low frequency because the
waveform was sampled at too low a sampling rate. An anti-aliasing filter solves this problem by
removing the highfrequencies.

4.5. Data Analysis Techniques

The following sections define the Minimate Blaster data analysis techniques. The first section,
vibration, discusses calculations applied to event data recorded by a transducer. The second
section, sound pressure, describes the microphone event data calculations.

4.5.1. Vibrations
The Minimate Blaster calculates the Peak Particle Velocity, Zero Crossing Frequency, Peak
Acceleration, and Peak Displacement for each of the, transverse, vertical, and longitudinal axes.
The Minimate Blaster calculates Peak Vector Sum using data from all three axes.
a. Peak Particle Velocity (PPV)
Peak Particle Velocity indicates the maximum speed particles travel resulting from an events
vibration. The Minimate Blaster calculates the PPV for each geophone.

Figure 21 Calculating Peak Particle Velocity.

b. Zero Crossing Frequency (ZC Freq)
The Zero Crossing Frequency calculates the event waveforms frequency at the largest peak.
(1) Calculating Zero Crossing Frequency
To calculate the Zero Crossing Frequency, we need to determine the period of oscillation of the
waveform. Convenient waveform positions for measuring period, the time for one complete cycle,
occur between two successive peaks, troughs, or zero crossings. The Minimate Blaster measures
between zero crossings. Frequency is the number of periods that occur in one second calculated by
the formula: Frequency = 1/period.

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Peak Particle Velocity

Amplitude
(In/s or mm/s)

Time
(seconds)

T1 Zero Crossing

Figure 22 Calculating the Zero Crossing

Frequency.
(2) Zero Crossing Frequency Limitation
The Zero Crossing Frequency calculation is limited because it assumes a single predominant
frequency at the peak, typically represented by sinusoidal waveforms. In practice, the peak may be
the result of two or more major frequency components representing compound waveforms as
illustrated in the figure below. It is therefore only an approximation of the frequency of the Peak
Particle Velocity.
Waveforms may have the same Peak Particle Velocities but different Zero Crossing Frequencies
depending on the shape of the waveforms involved. With reference to the figures above and
below; both waveforms have the same Peak Particle Velocities however their Zero Crossing
Frequencies differ. In the figure above, the zero crossing frequency uses the 1/2 period indicated
by T1. In the figure below, the zero crossing frequency uses the 1/2 period indicated by T2. Notice
that T1 is less than T2 because of the different waveform shapes, therefore the Zero Crossing
Frequency in figure above is greater than the Zero Crossing Frequency in the figure below. It is for
this reason, the Zero Crossing Frequency may differ for peaks having the same Peak Particle
Velocity.

Figure 23 Zero Crossing Frequency Calculation

Limitation.
(3) Sample Rate Error
The Zero Crossing Frequency requires the period of a wavelength before it can calculate the
wavelengths frequency using the formula 1/period. A sampling error occurs for higher
frequencies when wavelength periods become relatively small and the sampling rate begins to
miss zero crossing points. In other words, the wavelength periods occur much faster than a
Minimate Blaster can sample and use in the calculation.
At higher frequencies there are fewer sample points per cycle and therefore greater error. The
following table illustrates how error increases with frequency.

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Zero Crossing Frequency Sample Error Rate

Frequency Recording Rate

Range
Standard Fast Faster
(1024 Hz) (2048 Hz) (4096 Hz)
0 30 Hz negligible negligible negligible
error error error
31 50 Hz up to 5 Hz up to 2.5 Hz negligible
error error error
51 70 Hz up to 8 Hz up to 4 Hz up to 2 Hz
error error error
71 90 Hz up to 18 Hz up to 9 Hz up to 4.5 Hz
error error error
91 150 Hz up to 50 Hz up to 25 Hz up to 12.5 Hz
error error error

The Minimate Blaster does not calculate frequencies above 100 Hz because of the high error
level at 1024 samples per second. The message ">100 Hz" displays. At 2048 samples per second,
the message ">200 Hz" displays. When recording at 4096 samples per second, the message ">400
Hz" displays. Furthermore if a waveform is very complex, or if it contains a large offset value, the
zero crossings may lie outside an acceptable window. Whenever a frequency cannot be calculated
the message "<1 Hz" displays. The message N/A indicates an entire waveform was not captured
and therefore no frequency could be calculated. More accurate analysis is available using the
Blastware software.
c. Peak Acceleration
The Minimate Blaster calculates peak acceleration, the rate of change of velocity, by dividing the
difference in velocity by the difference in time. To obtain the peak acceleration, the Minimate
Blaster subtracts two velocity readings and divides the result by the elapsed time between them.
dV V
a=
dT T
where:
T = a small interval
The Minimate Blaster calculates the peak acceleration at each point along the entire waveform
and reports the peak value. Note that this is not necessarily at the peak velocity for an individual
waveform.
d. Peak Displacement
The Minimate Blaster calculates peak displacement, or particle distance traveled, by multiplying
speed by time. In the Minimate Blaster the interval velocity is multiplied by the time interval and
the resulting displacement segments are summed.

s = Vdt (Vt)
where:
V= the velocity in each interval

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To obtain the peak displacement, the Minimate Blaster integrates each wave segment of the
entire waveform between zero crossings, selects the largest, then divides the value by half. Note
that this is not necessarily at the peak velocity of the waveform.
e. Peak Vector Sum (PVS)
The figure below displays three event waveforms. The figure illustrates the procedure of
graphically calculating peak vector sums. Measured magnitudes are tabulated for six different
times and represent velocities in each of the three axes. The vector sum represents the resultant
particle velocity magnitude and is calculated by squaring and adding the magnitudes and taking
the square root.

PVS = T2 + V 2 + L2
where:
T = particle velocity along the transverse plane
V = particle velocity along the vertical plane
L = particle velocity along the longitudinal plane

Figure 24 Calculating the Peak Vector Sum.

The Minimate Blaster calculates the peak vector sum for each point of the sampled waveforms
and displays the largest value. Note that this is not necessarily at the peak velocity for an
individual waveform.

4.5.2. Pressure
The Minimate Blaster calculates two air overpressure indicators, peak sound pressure and zero
crossing frequency.
a. Peak Sound Pressure (PSP)
The Minimate Blaster checks the entire event waveform and displays the largest sound pressure
called the Peak Sound Pressure (PSP), also referred to as the Peak Air Overpressure. Results
appear on the Minimate Blaster display.
b. Zero Crossing Frequency (ZC Freq)
The Zero Crossing Frequency calculation for sound pressure is the same calculation used for
ground vibrations. Please see above for a complete discussion.
Note: The Zero Crossing Frequency calculation is performed for Linear L microphones only.

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4.6. Alternate Manual Waveform Calculations

The following sections discuss manual waveform analysis techniques. These have been included
for reference purposes only. They do not represent the calculation techniques employed by the
BlastMate III.
Graphical methods for calculating area and slope depend on the shape of the waveform being
analyzed. A complete discussion of the procedures is beyond the scope of this manual. Two useful
reference texts are G. A. BOLLIGER, BLAST VIBRATION ANALYSIS, Southern Illinois
University Press and CHARLES H. DOWDING, BLAST VIBRATION MONITORING AND
CONTROL, PrenticeHall Inc.
In each of the subsequent examples some formulae appear with no attempt at derivation. The
following definitions apply:
A = amplitude in inches/second measured from the zero line
Am = amplitude measured in millimeters/second
T = period in seconds
Y = absolute change in amplitude over time measured in inches/second
Ym = absolute change in amplitude over time measured in millimeters/second

4.6.1. Sinusoidal Waveforms

The motion is essentially sinusoidal with gradual amplitude and frequency changes.

Figure 25 Manual Waveform Calculations on Sinusoidal Waveforms.

a. Calculating Displacement:
T
A
Maximum Displacement (in.) = 2
T
Am
Maximum Displacement (mm) = 2
b. Calculating Acceleration:
2
Maximum Acceleration (in./s2) = A
T
2
Maximum Acceleration (mm/s2) = Am
T
4.6.2. Nearly Triangular Waveforms
Motion is irregular and has large amplitude.

410 Minimate Blaster Operator Manual

___________________________________________________________________ Reference

Figure 26 Manual Waveform Calculations on Nearly Triangular

Waveforms.
a. Calculating Displacement:
T
Maximum Displacement (in.) = A
8
T
Maximum Displacement (mm) = Am
8
b. Calculating Acceleration:
1
Maximum Acceleration (in./s2) = Y
T
1
Maximum Acceleration (mm/s2) = Ym
T
4.6.3. Compound Waveforms
If the record exhibits interference by two or more predominant frequencies then the maximum
displacement will be the sum of the maximum of each individual frequency component.

T1
A

A1

A2
T

T2

Figure 27 Manual Waveform Calculations on Compound Waveforms.

a. Calculating Displacement:
T1 T
Maximum Displacement (in.) = A1 + 2 A 2
2 2
T1 T
Maximum Displacement (mm) = A1m + 2 A 2m
2 2

Minimate Blaster Operator Manual 411

 Reference ____________________________________________________________________

b. Calculating Acceleration:
2 2
Maximum Acceleration (in./s2) = A1 + A2
T1 T2
2 2
Maximum Acceleration (mm/s2) = A1m + A 2m
T1 T2

4.6.4. Irregular Waveforms

Figure 28 Manual Waveform Calculations on Irregular Waveforms.

a. Calculating Displacement:
Maximum Displacement = area under curve measured by a planimeter.

412 Minimate Blaster Operator Manual

___________________________________________________________________ Reference

Notes:

Minimate Blaster Operator Manual 413

_________________________________________________________________ Maintenance

5. MAINTENANCE
This chapter outlines maintenance procedures for the Minimate Blaster including battery
charging, annual sensor calibration, and cleaning.

5.1. Battery Charging

The Minimate Blaster internal battery requires periodic and regular charging. To check the
battery charge, turn the Minimate Blaster on and read the battery level from the Main Window. If
a number appears in this window instead of the bars, charge the monitor immediately to avoid
possible battery damage. Keep the unit on charge when not in use, or charge and then disconnect
the battery if storing for prolonged periods of time.

03 03
Of Of

Figure 29 Battery Level Indicator.

WARNING: Do not allow the battery to become discharged and left in a discharged state for
any extended period of time. Allowing the battery to become discharged may
cause permanent damage to the battery. Always charge the monitor in a well
ventilated area.
To charge the battery, plug the AC adapter into the top connector located on the righthand side of
the Minimate Blaster. Plug the other end into a 120 VAC 60 Hz electrical outlet. The battery
charging indicator light turns on. For electrical outlets other than 120 VAC 60 Hz, you must use
an optional power converter; see your dealer for more information.
All Minimate Blaster monitors use the DV-1250 AC adapter, provided with each monitor. The
adapter restricts the voltage and current to no more than 12 VDC at 500 mA. Voltage can increase
to 13.8 VDC without damaging the monitor. For example, an AC adapter with an output rating of
12 VDC at 1000 mA may be used as long as the voltage does not exceed 13.8 VDC for loads over
500 mA when used with a monitor. Check the manufacturers specifications carefully to ensure
the AC adapter does not exceed the maximum voltage and current specifications.
Use of AC adapters that exceed the maximum voltage and current specifications may cause undue
stress on the monitors internal regulators. Like all electronic devices, exceeding these
specifications increases the risk of damage and possibly of an accidental fire. Instantels warranty
does not cover this type of damage.
Instantel recommends using the DV-1250 AC adapter supplied with each monitor. Replacements
can be ordered from Instantel. A 220 VAC adapter (p/n DV-1250UP) is also available from
Instantel for use with the DV-1250 110 VAC adapter.

Minimate Blaster Operator Manual 51

 Maintenance _________________________________________________________________

If required, other AC adapters may be used but must meet the following restrictive specifications.

Minimum Voltage Maximum Maximum No Maximum Safety Length Plug Style and
Required by the Output Load Voltage Power Rating of Cord Size
Monitors (VDC) (VA) (equal to)
11 VDC less than 13.8 18.8 12 maximum CSA/UL 3m 2.1 mm
VDC for loads 6 (10 ft.) Coaxial
over 500 mA recommended center post
positive

5.2. Annual Calibration Requirements

The Unit, Standard Transducer, and the microphone require annual calibration to ensure continued
accurate monitoring results. Calibration may be performed by an authorized Instantel service
facility or by Instantel. Contact your dealer to arrange to have your Minimate Blaster and its
sensors calibrated.

5.3. Cleaning the Minimate Blaster

Vacuum dust, dirt, and sand from the Minimate Blaster. Use isopropyl alcohol to remove stains.
Do not use paint thinners or ketone solvents. These may damage the Minimate Blaster. To avoid
scratching the protective cover and display, do not scrub the surfaces with abrasive material
including cleaning pads.

52 Minimate Blaster Operator Manual

______________________________________________________________ Troubleshooting

6. TROUBLESHOOTING
Use the following information to help solve operation problems.

FAULT PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION

The monitor does not turn ON. No power source. Verify 120 VAC is supplied.
Check the battery.
The monitor does not turn ON Battery needs recharging. Recharge the battery.
with battery only but does turn on Battery is dead. Contact your authorized service
using the AC Adapter. facility.
Batter is not connected See Figure 1, Page iv for directions
on connecting the battery.
The monitor sounds a Beep Battery needs recharging. Recharge the battery.
The monitor turns off unexpectedly. Monitor has entered Power Saving Press the Enter key to activate the
Mode. monitor.
Battery needs recharging. Recharge the battery.
Battery is dead. Contact your authorized service
facility.
The monitor fails to trigger and The monitor is not in monitor mode. Press the Start Monitor key to enter
record an event. monitor mode.
Trigger Level set too high. Lower Trigger Level.
The monitor triggers Trigger Level set too low. Raise the Trigger Level.
continuously. Noisy electric power supply. Connect the monitor to a dedicated
electric power supply line with no
line noise or use a broadband noise
filter.
The monitor does not record events. The monitors memory is full. Transfer events from the memory,
verify the events transferred okay,
then delete the events.
Warning Memory Less than 15%. The monitors memory is almost full. Transfer events from the memory,
verify the events transferred okay,
then delete the events.
Memory Full. The monitors memory is full. Transfer events from the memory,
verify the events transferred okay,
then delete the events.
Backlight does not turn ON. Backlight on time set to zero. Increase the backlight on time.
Low Battery level . Check the battery level and charge
battery, as required.

FAULT PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION

Minimate Blaster Operator Manual 61

 Troubleshooting
_______________________________________________________________

Check Channel(s): Tran Message. Transducer not connected. Connect the transducer.
The transducer not installed level. Check the transducer installation for level.
The transducer moved during Press the Test key to run Sensorcheck
Sensorcheck. again. Do not touch the transducer.
Transducer cable improperly installed or Check the cable connections and cables.
damaged.
Damaged transducer. Have the transducer checked by an
authorized Instantel service facility.
Check Channel(s): Vert Message. Transducer not connected. Connect the transducer.
Transducer not installed level. Check the transducer installation for level.
Transducer moved during Sensorcheck. Press the Test key to run Sensorcheck
again. Do not touch the transducer.
Transducer cable improperly installed or Check the cable connections and cables.
damaged.
Transducer installed upside down. Check the transducer for the arrow on the
top.
Damaged transducer. Have the transducer checked by an
authorized Instantel service facility.
Check Channel(s): Long Message. Transducer not connected. Connect the transducer.
Transducer not installed level. Check the transducer installation for level.
Transducer moved during Sensorcheck. Press the Test key to run Sensorcheck
again. Do not touch the transducer.
Transducer cable improperly installed or Check the cable connections and cables.
damaged.
Damaged transducer. Have the transducer checked by an
authorized Instantel service facility.
Check Microphone Message. Microphone not connected. Connect the microphone.
Damaged microphone or microphone Have the microphone checked by an
cable. authorized Instantel service facility.

62 Minimate Blaster Operator Manual

____________________________________________________________________ Appendix

Appendix

Minimate Blaster Operator Manual A1

 Appendix ____________________________________________________________________

a) Minimate Blaster Specifications

The Minimate Blaster is fully compliant with the International Society of Explosives and Engineers (ISEE) performance
specifications for blasting seismographs.
Seismic Range 10 in/s (254 mm/s).
Resolution 0.005 in/s (0.127 mm/s), to 0.000625 in/s (0.0159 mm/s) with builtin
preamp.
Trigger Levels 0.005 to 10 in/s (0.127 to 254 mm/s) in steps of 0.001 in/s (0.01 mm).
Frequency Analysis National and Local Standards for most countries (see text).
Accuracy +/- 5% or 0.5 mm/s (0.02 in/s), whichever is larger, between 4 and 125 Hz.
Acceleration, Calculated using entire waveform, not estimated at peak.
Displacement
Air Overpressure Range 88148 dB, 7.25 x 10-5 psi to 0.0725 psi, 0.5 Pa to 500 Pa.
Monitoring
Resolution 0.1 dB above 120 dB (0.25 Pa).
Trigger Levels 100148 dB in 1 dB steps.
Accuracy Range +/- 10% or +/- 1 dB, whichever is larger, between 4 and 125 Hz
Frequency Range 2 to 250 Hz between 13 dB roll off points
Sampling Rate 1024 to 4096 Hz per channel (independent of record time).
Event Storage Full Waveform Events 300 at standard sample rate of 1024.
Summary Events 1750 at standard sample rates of 1024.
Frequency Response 2 to 300 Hz Ground and Air, Independent of record time.
Full Waveform Recording Fixed Record Modes Manual, continuous and programmed start/stop.
Record Stop Mode Fixed record time, AutoRecord, record stop mode.
Record Time 1 to 20 sec (programmable in one-second steps) plus 0.25 seconds pre-
trigger.
AutoRecord Time Quiet window programmable from 1 to 9 seconds, plus a 0.25 second pre-
trigger. Event is recorded until activity remains below trigger level for
duration of quiet window, or until available memory is filled.
Special Functions Timer Operation Programmed start/stop.
Self Check Programmable daily check.
Scaled Distance Weight and distance stored with event.
Monitor Log History printout programmable up to all events stored.
Measurement Units Imperial or metric, dB or linear air pressure.
Location Log GPS (Global Positioning System) data into record.
User interface Keyboard 8 domed tactile with separate keys for common functions.
Display 4 line by 20 character high contrast backlit display with on-line help.
Battery Life 210 hours continuous recording, 25 days with timer.
Dimensions 3.2 x 3.6 x 6.3 (81 mm x 91 mm x 160 mm).
Weight 3 lbs. (1.4 kg).
Warranty 2 Years Parts and Calibration and equipment check required at 1 year to maintain warranty.
Labor
Environmental LCD 14 to 122 degrees F (10 to 50 degrees C) operating.
Electronics 4 to 131 degrees F (20 to 55 degrees C) operating.
Humidity 5 90% RH non condensing
Storage 4 to 160 degrees F (20 to 70 degrees C).
Instantel reserves the right to change any specifications without notice.

A2 MiniMate Plus Operator Manual

____________________________________________________________________ Appendix

b) Parts and Accessories

DESCRIPTION PART NUMBER

Monitor
Minimate Blaster with Standard Transducer 714A3001
Transducer
Standard Triaxial Geophone (Series III): With 2 m (6 ft.) cable. 714A9701
Triaxial Geophone Leveling Plate: Complete with leveling feet and spirit level. 714A1801
Triaxial Geophone Wall Mount Kit: Used to mount a triaxial geophone to a wall, or other vertical 718A0101
surface. Includes aluminum mounting block, bolts, and instructions.
Microphones
Linear Microphone Assembly (Series III): With 2 m (6 ft.) cable. 714A9801
Microphone Windscreen: Foam ball for use with microphone assemblies. 1712
Microphone Stand Assembly 714A3401
AC Adapter
110 V AC Adaptor (Origin - China): For use with Instantel Series III (output 12 VDC 500 mA) DV 1250
220 V AC Adaptor (Origin - China): For use with Instantel Series III (output 12 VDC 500 mA) DV 1250UP
12 V Battery/Power Supply Cable: Provides external power connectors for Series III and new 714A2401
Series II monitors to connect to a car battery or alternate power supply.
Extension Cables
Extension Cable Line Driver, 30 m (100 ft.): Extension cable for Standard Triaxial Geophone 714A7601
(p/n 714A9701).
Extension Cable Line Driver, 75 m (250 ft.): Extension cable for Standard Triaxial Geophones 714A7602
(p/n 714A9701).
Accessories
Minimate Plus to Blastmate III Cable: RS-232 cable for uploading settings from a Blastmate III 716A1801
monitor to a Minimate Plus monitor, or downloading data from a Minimate Plus monitor to a
Blastmate III monitor.
Remote Alarm Controller: Self-contained controller complete with high power auxiliary drive 711A1401
capability for external sirens and other alarms.
DS-20 Wire Break Trigger Package: Includes connector cable and instructions. 677A9601
Master/Slave Trigger Cable: Used to trigger one Instantel monitor from another in a master/slave 712A3901
configuration. Not available for Minimate monitor (DS-077).
Null Modem Cable: For use when connecting a modem to an Instantel monitor. One null modem 714A7501
cable required for each monitor.
Accessory Case with Foam Insert: Rigid plastic case similar to Blastmate case - used to store and 714A2601
carry accessories. Can also be used to store and carry 1 or 2 Minimate, Minimate Blaster, or
Minimate Plus monitors.

Minimate Blaster Operator Manual A3

 Appendix ____________________________________________________________________

c) Compliance Reports
The Minimate Blaster supports numerous Compliance Reports, also called National Frequency
Analysis Standards, including U.S.A. USBM/OSMRE, British Standard BS 6472, French GFEE,
German DIN 4150, New Zealand 4403:1976, and Spain UNE 22.381. Two frequency standards,
U.S.A. USBM/OSMRE and German DIN 4150, appear below. Use the Blastware software to
choose the Compliance Report used by your monitor.

Figure A30 United States Bureau of Mines and German DIN 4150 Compliance Reports.
Note: Data points appearing outside of the report boundaries indicates the recorded data was
outside the range of the report. In the DIN 4150 example, some peaks occurred at
frequencies greater than 100 Hz and were therefore drawn outside the boundaries of the
report.
Using the optional Blastware Advanced Module, you can edit Compliance Reports or create an
entirely new report to meet your specific needs.

A4 MiniMate Plus Operator Manual

____________________________________________________________________ Appendix

d) Calculating Battery Life

The Minimate Blaster battery life depends on current draw, aggregate sample rate, battery
longevity, and ambient temperature.

Battery Life versus Current Draw

Battery life depends on battery capacity and current draw. Battery capacity is stated in ampere
hours and is the product of discharge current and discharge time. With a fully charged battery, the
Minimate Blaster has a battery life of 10 days in monitor mode. If you use the Timer for eight
hour daily monitoring, the battery life increases to approximately 25 days in monitor mode.
Note: We recommend connecting a monitor to the AC adapter or an external power supply.

Aggregate Sample Rate

The aggregate sample rate (sample rate x the number of recording channels) measures the effect of
choosing combinations of sample rates and recording channels. The following table lists the
approximate battery life at various aggregate sample rates. The first section applies to the
continuous record mode. The second section applies to the histogram record mode.

Battery Life

Sample Rate Minimate Blaster

4096 122 Hours
2048 165 Hours
1024 210 Hours
Note: sufficient memory capacity must be available.

Battery Longevity
Battery longevity refers to a useful service life determined by the number and depth of discharge
cycles. The following indicates the expected battery longevity expressed in charge/discharge
cycles. A battery lasts longer if it is kept in a charged condition.

Depth of Discharge Longevity

(Capacity) (Charge/Discharge Cycles)
100 % 200
50 % 400
30 % 1200

Battery Capacity Varies with Ambient Temperature

Battery capacity is a function of ambient temperature and rate of discharge. At 68F (20C) the
rated capacity is 100%. The capacity increases above this temperature and decreases below this
temperature.

e) Connecting a Printer to the Minimate Blaster

A printer may be connected directly to the Minimate Blaster allowing you to print event
summary reports and other recorded information. Instantel supports the Hewlett Packard HP
DeskJet 320 printer. Other printer types may work with the Minimate Blaster if they can be
configured to the settings listed in the tables below.

Minimate Blaster Operator Manual A5

 Appendix ____________________________________________________________________

The diagram below illustrates how to connect the printers to a Minimate Blaster. The tables list
the printer setups for each printer. You must set each printer to the listed setups in order for it to
work properly with the Minimate Blaster.
Before you can connect and use a printer with the Minimate Blaster, you must load the required
printer driver into the monitor using the Blastware software program. Connect the Minimate
Blaster to your computer using the BlastMate III to PC Connecting Cable (712A2301). Start the
Blastware program. Under the Unit menu, choose the Reload Operating System command. Select
the printer driver type. Click on the Reload Library and Components Only button. The information
will be transferred to the monitor.

Tools and Materials Required:

BlastMate III PC Connecting Cable (712A2301 supplied).
Serial/Parallel Converter (Recommended Greenwich Instruments GA935 not supplied).
USA Tel:7048758490, UK Tel: (020) 8302-4931, Germany Tel: +49893072165
HP DeskJet 320 printer.

Serial / Parallel
Converter*
Minimate Blaster (GA935)
MiniMate Plus

BlastMate III to PC
Connecting Cable Printer
(712A2301)
AUX
Connector
* Not required for the Kodak Diconix 180 SI Serial Printer
Figure A31 Connecting the Minimate Blaster to a Printer.

Step 1: Configure the Printer.

You must configure the printer to work with your Minimate Blaster. Follow the instructions in
your printers users manual. Configure the printer to the settings appearing at the end of this
section. Turn the printer OFF.
Step 2: Connect the Serial/Parallel Converter to the Printer.
Plug the Serial/Parallel converter into the printers parallel port located on the printer.
Step 3: Connect the Minimate Blaster to the Serial/Parallel Converter.
Using the BlastMate III to PC Connecting Cable (712A2301), connect one end to the Aux
connector on the Minimate Blaster. Connect the other end of the cable to the Serial/Parallel
Converter.
Step 4: Turn the Minimate Blaster ON.
Step 5: Turn the Printer ON.
Caution! Always perform this step last.

Printer Settings
Configure the HP DeskJet 320 or the Canon BJ30 printers to the required settings outlined
below. The HP DeskJet 340 and Canon BJC-80 do not require configuring.

A6 MiniMate Plus Operator Manual

____________________________________________________________________ Appendix

a. HP DeskJet 320
Set the HP DeskJet 320 printer settings to the following:

Printer Settings

Battery Control None

Media Source Sheet Feeder or Manual
Feed
Media Size U.S. Letter
CR Def. CR only
Perf. Skip On
Text Scale Off
Character Set PC8 USA

b. Canon BJ30
Set the BJ30 print setup parameters to the following:

Operator Panel Settings

Print Mode Any setting

Reduction Mode 1/1
Control Mode LQ
Font / Function Any setting
Epson LQ Mode Settings
(1) Horizontal Print Position OFF
(2) Not Used
(3) Text scale mode OFF
(45) Top Margin OFF
(6) Smoothing mode OFF
(7) Automatic Power Off Any setting
(8) Font Typeface lock mode OFF
(9) Input / download buffer OFF
(10) Automatic line feed (LF) OFF
(1113) International character set All OFF
(14) Character set Any setting
(1518) Code page All OFF
(19) Automatic emulation switching mode OFF
(1A) Low ink warning Any setting

Notes:

Minimate Blaster Operator Manual A7

 Appendix ____________________________________________________________________

A8 MiniMate Plus Operator Manual

____________________________________________________________________ Appendix

Index

press to display the main window, 34

A press to stop timer mode, 39
Canon BJ30, 7
A Weight Ceiling Installation, 42
and zero crossing frequency, 410 Charge Weight, 38
microphone units, 311 Cleaning the Minimate Blaster, 52
Accessories, 12, 2 Clock
Adapter adjusting speed, 38
charging the battery, vi Compliance Reports, 4
voltage, vi Compound Waveforms, 412
Adjust Clock Speed, 38 Continuous Record Mode, 35
Aggregate Sample Rate, 5 Copy BMIII Notes, 315
Alarm Level Customer Support. See the title page
geophone, 311 Cut Cable Detection, 318
microphone, 311
Analysis Techniques, 46 D
Antialias Filters, 46
Auto Record Time, 37 Daily Self Check, 310
Auto Window, 316 Damping, 45
Auxiliary Trigger, 316 Data Analysis Techniques, 46
Date
B displayed in the start up window, 22
setting, 39
Backlight On Time, 317 Delete All Events, 313
Backlight, Option Key + Cancel Key, 317 Direct Baudrate or Modem Baudrate, 312
Basic Channels (Compliance Module Only), 311 Distance from blast, 38
Battery Down Arrow, Option key + Up Arrow key, 318
battery life, 5
battery life versus current draw, 5
battery longevity, 5
E
calculating battery life, 5 EC Warning. See the title page
capacity varies with ambient temperature, 5 Electric Power Supply, v
charging, vi, 51 Enter * Key, 34
connect the battery, vi Event Monitoring, 31
extending battery life using the timer, 39 Events
monitoring LCD cycle to conserve battery power, 317 delete all events, 313
power saving timeout to conserve battery power, 317 printing, 314
turn backlight off to conserve power, 317 recording events, see the Basic Tutorial, 21
Baudrate, direct or modem, 312 view events, 312
Beep When Triggered, 312
Burying the Standard Transducer, 33 F
C Factory Defaults, resetting, 316
False Events
Calibration manual record mode, 35
annual requirements, 52 using the timer to minimize, 39
maintaining warranty. See the title page, See the title Features and Benefits, 11
page Fixed Record Time, 37
microphone calibration requirements, 44
transducer calibration requirements, 44 G
Cancel Key, 315
exit all monitoring modes, 315 Geo Alarm Level (Compliance Module Only), 311

Minimate Blaster Operator Manual A1

 Index _______________________________________________________________________

Geo Range (Compliance Module Only), 36 M

Geo Trigger Level, 36
Geophone Maintenance, 51
geo channels, 311 Manual Record Mode, 35
geophone operation, 43 Manual Waveform Calculations, 410
range, 36 Maximum Geo Range, 36
testing, 310 Measurement Scales, 44
trigger level, 36 Measurement System, 310
trigger source, 36 Memory
Geophone and Microphone as trigger source, 36 checking amount available, vii
Ground Spikes, 32 checking amount installed, 315
Ground Vibrations delete events, 313
analysis techniques, 46 saving, 311
as trigger source, 36 Metric, 310
types, 31 Mic Alarm Level, 311
Mic Trigger Level, 36
Microphone
H calibration requirements, 44
Handling Precautions, vii extension cable, 12
Hard Surface Installation, 33 installation, 34
Help, Option key + Enter key, 318 mic channel, 311
microphone units, 311
I part numbers, 3
serial number, v
Identification Numbers, v theory of operation, 44
Imperial, 310 trigger level, 36
Installation trigger source, 36
bolting, 33 windscreen, 3
burying, 33 Microphone Units, 311
ceiling, 42 Minimate Blaster
ground spikes, 32 burying, 33
hard surface installation, 33 sandbagging, 34
microphone, 34 Minimate Blaster Keys, 13
sandbagging, 34 Models, 11
wall, 41 Modem
Irregular Waveforms, 413 serial connection, 311
setting the baudrate, 312
J Monitor Everyday, 39
Monitor Once Only, 39
Job Number Format, 38 Monitoring LCD Cycle, 317

K N
Keyboard Natural Frequency, 45
description of, 34 Notes Format, 37

L O
Left Arrow, Option key + Right Arrow key, 318 On/Off. See the Enter * key
Linear L Option Key, 315
microphone units, 311 Option Key + Cancel Key = Backlight ON, 318
part number, 3 Option Key + Enter Key = OnLine Help, 318
specifications, 2 Option Key + Right Arrow Key = Left Arrow, 318
List Events. See view events Option Key + Setups Key, 316
Longitudinal Axis, 31 Option Key + Test Key = Review Setups, 318
Option Key + Up Arrow Key = Down Arrow, 318
Overswing Ratio, 45

I2 Minimate Blaster Operator Manual

_______________________________________________________________________ Index

P peak sound pressure (PSP), 410

zero crossing frequency (ZC Freq), 410
Parts, 2 Specifications, 2
Password, 316 Start Monitor Key, 35
Peak Acceleration, 49 Storage Mode, 35
Peak Displacement, 49
Peak Particle Velocity (PPV), 46
Peak Sound Pressure (PSP), 410
T
Peak Vector Sum (PVS), 49 Test Key
Power Saving Timeout, 317 compliance module, 315
Precautions, vii Theory of Operation, 43
Print Time
all events, 314 displayed in the start up window, 22
event list, 313 setting, 38
selected event, 314 Timer Mode, 39
Printer Transducer
Canon BJ30, 7 bolting, 33
connecting, 6 burying, 33
settings, 7 calibration requirements, 44
extension cable, 12
R hard surface installation, 33
installation, 31
Range, geophone, 36 installing using the ground spikes, 32
Record Mode, 35 Instantel Standard Transducer, 44
continuous record mode, 35 levelling plate, 12
manual record mode, 35 part numbers, 3
Record Stop Mode, 37 sandbagging, 34
auto, 37 soft surface installation, 32
fixed, 37 theory of operation, 43
Record Time, setting, 37 trigger level, 36
Reference, 41 trigger source, 36
Registration Card, vii Transverse Axis, 31
Remote Alarm Triangular Waveforms, 411
geo alarm level, 311 Trigger Level
mic alarm level, 311 compliance module, 36
Reset Factory Defaults, 316 Trigger Sample Width, 317
Right Arrow Key, 318 Trigger Source
Right Arrow Key + Setups Key, 39 compliance module, 36
Troubleshooting, 61
S Tutorial, 21
Sample Rate
compliance module, 35 U
Sandbagging, 34 Up Arrow Key, 312
Scaled Distance, 38 Upload All Events, 314
Sensorcheck, 310 Upload One Event, 314
sensorcheck report, 46
test key, 315
theory of operation, 44
V
Serial Connection, 311 Vertical Axis, 31
Setups Key View Events, 312
compliance module, 35
Sinusoidal Waveforms, 411 W
Soft Surface Installation, 32
Software Version, 22 Wall Installation, 41
Sound Pressure, 410 Warning Alarm
analysis, 410 geo alarm level, 311

Minimate Blaster Operator Manual I3

 Index _______________________________________________________________________

mic alarm level, 311 limitation, 47

Warranty. See the title page sample rate error, 48
Waveform Calculations, 410 sound pressure, 410

Z
Zero Crossing Frequency (ZC Freq), 47
calculating, 47

I4 Minimate Blaster Operator Manual