SmartHandleV1 0

SmartHandle
User’s Guide
 Copyright 2002 Sensors & Software Inc. 01-0032-01

SENSORS & SOFTWARE INC. PRODUCT LICENCE, COPYRIGHT, LIABILITY AND WARRANTY INFORMATION
Important
Please read this document carefully before removing the SOFTWARE PRODUCT storage media from their protective cover
or assembling the HARDWARE PRODUCT. By removing the storage media or assembling the hardware, you are agreeing
to be bound by the terms of this agreement. If you do not agree to the terms of this agreement, promptly contact Sen-
sors & Software, Inc. at the address indicated at the end of this document.
Definition
The word PRODUCT as used herein defines any tangible item sold by Sensors & Software, Inc. and may be comprised
of HARDWARE PRODUCT which consists of physical objects and SOFTWARE PRODUCT which means computer programs,
codes and related support materials.
Software Product Licence Agreement

In order to preserve and protect its rights under the applicable laws, Sensors & Software, Inc. (hereafter SSI) does not
sell any rights to its Software product. Rather, SSI grants the right to use its software, diskettes (or other storage
media) and documentation (hereafter collectively called SOFTWARE PRODUCT) by means of a SOFTWARE PRODUCT
licence. You acknowledge and agree that SSI retains worldwide title and rights to all its software and that the SOFTWARE
PRODUCT contains proprietary materials protected under copyright, trademark and trade secret laws.
Grant of Software Product Licence

In consideration of payment of the licence fee which is the price you pay for the SOFTWARE PRODUCT and your agree-
ment to abide by the terms and conditions of this Licence Agreement, SSI grants to you, the Licensee, a non-exclusive
right to use the SOFTWARE PRODUCT under the following conditions:
You may:
• use the SOFTWARE PRODUCT on a single workstation owned, leased or otherwise controlled by you
• copy the SOFTWARE PRODUCT for backup purposes in support of your use of the product on a single workstation
You may not:
• copy, distribute or sell copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT or accompanying written materials, including modified or
merged SOFTWARE PRODUCT to others
• sell, licence, sublicence, assign or otherwise transfer this licence to anyone without the prior written consent of
SSI
• modify, adapt, translate, decompile, disassemble or create derivative works based on the SOFTWARE PRODUCT
Termination
This licence is effective until terminated. You may terminate the licence at any time by returning the SOFTWARE PROD-
UCT and all copies to SSI. The licence will automatically terminate without notice by SSI if you fail to comply with any
terms or conditions of this agreement. Upon termination, you agree to return all copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT to
SSI.
Update Policy
SSI may create, from time to time, updated versions of its SOFTWARE PRODUCT. At its option, SSI will make such
updates available to licencees who have paid the update fee.
Product Warranty, Limited Remedy and Limited Liability

SSI warrants the PRODUCT to be free from defect in material and workmanship under normal use for a period of one
year (365 days) from the date of shipment. Any third party computer systems or other items not manufactured directly
by SSI purchased with any PRODUCT or independently from SSI are subject to the original manufacturer's warranty and
not the responsibility of SSI.
SSI makes no other warranties including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a par-
ticular purpose. If this product is defective within the warranty period stated above, your exclusive remedy shall be, at
SSI’s option to replace or repair the SSI product or refund the purchase price of the SSI product. Except where prohib-
ited by law, SSI will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from this SSI product, whether direct, indirect, special,
incidental or consequential regardless of the legal theory asserted.
All statements, technical information, and recommendations related to SSI products are based on information believed
to be reliable, but the accuracy or completeness is not guaranteed. Before using this product, you must evaluate it and
determine if it is suitable for your intended application. You assume all risks and liability associated with such use. Any
statements related to the product which are not contained in SSI current publications, or any contrary statements con-
tained on your purchase order shall have not force or effect unless expressly agreed upon, in writing, by an authorized
officer of SSI.
SSI warrants the diskettes or other storage media on which the SOFTWARE PRODUCT is furnished to be free from defects
in material and workmanship under normal use for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of purchase as evidenced
by a copy of your invoice.
Except as specified above, any SOFTWARE PRODUCT is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed
or implied, including, but not limited to, the use or result of use of the product in terms of correctness, accuracy, reliabil-
ity, currentness or otherwise. The entire risk as to the results and performance of the PRODUCT is assumed by you. If
the PRODUCT is defective or used improperly, you, and not SSI or its dealers, distributors, agents, or employees,
assume the entire cost of all necessary servicing, repair or correction.
SSI's entire liability and your exclusive remedy for SOFTWARE PRODUCT shall be, at SSI's option, either
• the replacement of any diskette or hardware components which do not meet SSI's Limited Warranty and which are
returned to SSI postage prepaid with a copy of the receipt, or
• if SSI is unable to deliver a replacement diskette which is free of defects in material or workmanship, Licensee
may terminate this agreement and have the licence fee refunded by returning all copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT
postage prepaid with a copy of the receipt.
If failure of any PRODUCT resulted from accident, abuse or misapplication, SSI shall have no responsibility to replace
the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, refund the licence fee, or replace or repair the HARDWARE PRODUCT.
Do not tamper with any PRODUCT. PRODUCT contains no user serviceable parts. If tampering is evident in SSI’s
opinion, warranty is void and null.
No oral or written information or advice given by SSI, its dealers, distributors, agents or employees shall create a war-
ranty or in any way increase the scope of this warranty and you may not rely on any such information or advice.
Neither SSI nor anyone else who has been involved in the creation, production or delivery of the PRODUCT shall be lia-
ble for any direct, indirect, special, exemplary, incidental or consequential damages, claims or actions including lost
information, lost profits, or other damages arising out of the use or inability to use this PRODUCT even if SSI has been
advised of the possibility of such damages.
This warranty gives you specific rights. You may have other rights which vary from province to province, territory to ter-
ritory and certain limitations contained in this limited warranty may not apply to you.
General
pulseEKKO®, Noggin®, SpiView®, Conquest® and SnowScan® are registered trademarks of SSI. No right, licence, or
interest to such trademarks is granted hereunder with the purchase of the PRODUCT or the SOFTWARE PRODUCT licence.
Governing Law
In the event of any conflict between any provision in this licence agreement and limited warranty and any applicable
provincial legislation, the applicable provincial legislation takes precedence over the contravening provision. This
agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario, Canada.
Serviceability
Should any term of this agreement be declared void or not enforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the
remaining terms shall remain in full effect.
Waiver
Failure of either party to enforce any of its rights in this agreement or take action against any other party in the event of
a breach of this agreement shall not be considered a waiver of the right to subsequent enforcement of its rights or
actions in the event of subsequent breaches by the other party.
Acknowledgement
You acknowledge that you have read this agreement, understand it and agree to be bound by its terms and conditions.
You further agree that this agreement is the complete and exclusive statement of agreement between the parties and
supersedes all proposals or prior agreements oral or written between the parties relating to the subject matter of this
agreement.
Should you have any questions concerning this agreement, please contact in writing:
Sensors & Software Inc.

1040 Stacey Court
Mississauga, Ontario
Canada L4W 2X8
Tel:(905) 624-8909
Fax:(905) 624-9365
E-mail: [email protected]
pulseEKKO, Noggin, SpiView, SnowScan, Conquest, SmartCart, SmartHandle, Conquest for Windows, Win_EKKO, EKKO_Mapper,
EKKO_3D and EKKO_Pointer are Trademarks of Sensors & Software Inc.
SmartHandle Table of Contents i
Table of Contents
1 General Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
2 Assembling the SmartHandle System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
2.1 SmartHandle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
2.1.1 SmartHandle “Pull” Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
2.2 Cabling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
2.2.1 DVL to Sensor Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
2.2.2 Odometer Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
2.2.3 Smart Grip Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
3 Starting the Digital Video Logger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
3.1 Running a DVL Detached from a Smart System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
4 Noggin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
4.1 Overview of Noggin Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

4.1.1 Run. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
4.1.2 Demo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
4.1.3 Noggin Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
4.1.4 Transfer All Buffers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
4.1.5 Delete All Buffers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
4.1.6 Upgrades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
4.1.7 Return. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
4.2 Noggin Screen Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

4.2.1 Section A - Data Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
4.2.2 Section B - Data Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
4.3 Noggin Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

4.3.1 Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
4.3.2 Print Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
4.3.3 View Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
4.3.4 Calib (Calibration) Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
4.3.5 Depth Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
4.3.6 Gain Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
4.3.7 Start Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
ii Table of Contents SmartHandle
4.3.8 Stop Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

4.3.9 Filter Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
4.4 Noggin Data Acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

4.4.1 Collecting Data using the Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
4.4.2 Collecting Data in Free Run Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
4.4.3 Collecting Data using the Trigger (or B) Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
4.4.4 Noggin Data Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
4.4.5 Saving Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
4.4.6 Deleting Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
4.4.7 Special Buttons During Data Acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
4.4.8 Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
4.5 Noggin Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

4.5.1 Editing DVL Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
4.6 Noggin Buffer File Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

4.6.1 Transferring all Buffer Files to an External Computer
using the Win_PXFER Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
4.6.2 Deleting all Buffer Files on the DVL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
4.7 Upgrades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
4.8 Advanced Topics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

4.8.1 How Depth is Determined . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
5 Nogginplus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
5.1 Overview of Nogginplus Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

5.1.1 Line. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
5.1.2 Grid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
5.1.3 Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
5.1.4 File Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
5.1.5 Run without Saving Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
5.1.6 Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
5.1.7 Return. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
5.2 Nogginplus Data Acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

5.2.1 Replaying or Overwriting Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
5.2.2 Screen Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
5.2.3 Section A – Position Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
5.2.4 Section B - Data Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
SmartHandle Table of Contents iii
5.2.5 Section C - Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

5.2.6 Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
5.2.7 Collecting Data using the Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
5.2.8 Collecting Data in Free Run Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
5.2.9 Nogginplus Data Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
5.2.10 Calib. (Calibration) Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
5.2.11 Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
5.3 Nogginplus Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

5.3.1 System Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
5.3.2 Cart Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
5.3.3 Line Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
5.3.4 Grid Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
5.3.5 GPS Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
5.3.6 Set Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
5.4 Nogginplus File Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

5.4.1 Transferring all Data Files to an External Computer
using the Win_PXFER Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86
5.4.2 Deleting Data on the DVL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89
5.5 Nogginplus Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

5.5.1 Time and Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90
5.5.2 Odometer Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90
5.5.3 Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91
5.5.4 System Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91
5.5.5 DVL Recording Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91
6 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92
6.1 Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92
6.2 System Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92
6.3 System Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93
6.4 DVL Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93
6.5 Noggin Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93
6.6 Contacting Sensors & Software Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94

iv Table of Contents SmartHandle
7 Care and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95
7.1 Battery Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95
7.2 DVL Internal Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95
7.3 Cable Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95
7.4 Skid Pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96
7.5 Storage Cases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96
7.6 Spare Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96
Appendix A Nogginplus Data file Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
Appendix B Health & Safety Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
Appendix C FCC Regulations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-1
Appendix D Instrument Interference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D-1
Appendix E Safety Around Explosive Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1

SmartHandle 1-General Overview
1 General Overview
Noggin Smart Systems are integrated ground penetrating radar (GPR) data acquisition
platforms. Once the unit has been assembled and powered up you can be carrying out a GPR
survey in less than a minute. There are three different configurations available, the SmartCart
system, the SmartHandle system and the Rock Noggin.
This manual describes the SmartHandle system (See Figure 2-1 on page 2). The SmartHandle
system consists of the SmartHandle, a Noggin, an odometer wheel, a digital video logger (DVL),
and a battery. Section 2 Assembling the SmartHandle System on page 2 describes how to
assemble a SmartHandle system.
Each Smart System’s DVL comes with all the necessary software installed. This includes
software to acquire data as well as software to replay data files. Data management software
allows the data to be transferred to an external computer for further processing and/or plotting.
1
2-Assembling the SmartHandle System SmartHandle
2 Assembling the SmartHandle System
Figure: 2-1 SmartHandle System with a Noggin 1000
2
SmartHandle 2-Assembling the SmartHandle System
2.1 SmartHandle
The fully assembled Noggin 1000 SmartHandle system is shown in Figure 2-1. The Noggin 500
SmartHandle system looks very similar.
Assembly of the SmartHandle system for both the Noggin 500 and the Noggin 1000 is described
in this section from Figure 2-2 and on.
Note that most Noggin SmartHandle systems come from the factory partially assembled with the
odometer bracket, DVL-to-Noggin cable and the handle base already attached to the Noggin
unit. If your system is already partially assembled, skip to Figure 2-8.
Normally the SmartHandle system is used in the “push” configuration shown in Figure 2-1. In
some situations the “pull” configuration may be a more desirable. Figure 2-11 shows the
SmartHandle system in this configuration.
Figure: 2-2 The Noggin system ready for the SmartHandle.
Figure: 2-3 Slide the Noggin odometer bracket over the four, silver mounting posts for both the Noggin
1000 (left) and Noggin 500 (right). The odometer wheel should be pointing towards the floor.
3
Figure: 2-4 Connect the 37 pin connector on the Noggin-to-DVL cable to the 37 socket receptacle on
the Noggin unit by tightening the jack screws with a slotted screwdriver.
Figure: 2-5 On the Noggin-to-DVL cable, note the round receptacle on the back of the connector that
attaches to the Noggin unit. Connect the yellow odometer cable to this round receptacle.
4
Figure: 2-6 Press the handle base straight down onto the four, silver mounting posts. The handle base
should be pushed all the way down onto the odometer bracket.
Figure: 2-7 Insert the four quick release pins
5
Figure: 2-8 Push the SmartHandle extension into the handle base. The extension should click
securely into place. To release the extension, push on the large grey button and pull the two pieces
apart.
Figure: 2-9 Connect the SmartHandle grip to the SmartHandle extension. The grip should click
securely into place. To release the grip, push the large grey button and pull the two pieces apart.
Figure: 2-10 For a shorter handle, just connect the SmartHandle grip to the handle base without the
extension.
6
2.1.1 SmartHandle “Pull” Configuration

In some situations, conditions may dictate that pushing the SmartHandle system (Figure 2-1) is
not practical. An alternative configuration is to pull the SmartHandle system (Figure 2-11). To do
this, remove the 4 quick-release pins that hold the handle to the Noggin system, remove the
handle by pulling straight up and rotate the handle so that it faces the other direction. Then push
the handle down onto the Noggin as far as it will go and replace the 4 quick-release pins.
Figure: 2-11 In conditions where pushing the SmartHandle is difficult, it is possible to turn the handle
around and pull the system as shown.
2.2 Cabling
2.2.1 DVL to Sensor Cable

The DVL to Noggin cable is a Y-shaped cable with 3 connections; one to the Noggin sensor, one
to the DVL and one to the power supply (battery or AC).
Noggin Connection: The first connection was done in Figure 2-4 above, that is, the 37-pin
connector on the cable was attached to the 37-socket connector on the Noggin. A slotted
screwdriver and jack screws are used to secure this connection.
From the Noggin, the DVL to Sensor Cable runs up the side of the SmartHandle. Use the guides
(clips) on the side of the SmartHandle to attach the cable to it (see Figure 2-11).
7
(a)
(b)
Figure: 2-12 a) Insert cable - b) twist to grip
DVL Connection: The second connection from the DVL to Sensor Cable is to the DVL. One end
of the Y-shaped cable has a 37-socket connector. This end plugs into the 37-pin connector on the
back of the DVL.
Power Connection: The third connection on the SmartHandle cable attaches to a power supply.
The round, 4-pin connector attaches to either the standard battery or optional AC adapter.
2.2.2 Odometer Cable

The cable connecting the odometer or positioning wheel comes already installed at the factory.
8
2.2.3 Smart Grip Cable

The Smart Grip Cable is used to connect the Smart button and beeper into the system. The
Smart Grip Cable is a light grey, two part cable (pre-assembled) that connects from the Noggin to
the end of the SmartHandle grip. The connection at the Noggin may already be made when the
system is pulled from the box. The other end of the cable attaches to the connector at the bend of
the SmartHandle grip (see Figure 2-13). Again, this cable can run up the side of the SmartHandle
using the guides (clips) to secure the cable to it.
Figure: 2-13 The Smart Grip Cable attaches to the end of the SmartHandle Grip. This connects the
Smart button (extreme left, bottom) and beeper (not shown) into the system.
9
3-Starting the Digital Video Logger SmartHandle
3 Starting the Digital Video Logger

Once all the cable connections are made between the Noggin, the Digital Video Logger (DVL)
and the battery, the upper red LED light on the DVL panel should be lit. If the battery voltage is
low, the light will flash for about 30 seconds and go out. If the light flashes or does not appear,
check the connections and make sure the battery is fully charged. (See Section 7.1 Battery Care
on page 95 for more information on battery care.)
The voltage indicator can be helpful for identifying when the battery needs to be recharged. If the
battery voltage drops too low the DVL will cease to operate.
The front of the DVL is shown in Figure 3-1. To start the system, press any button on the front
panel. The DVL will begin to beep indicating it is booting up. The lower red LED on the front
panel should illuminate.
Figure: 3-1 Digital Video Logger (DVL) face
At this stage, the Noggin unit will still be powered down. Once Noggin action is requested (see
later menu items), the DVL will enable power to the Noggin. If the Noggin is receiving power, the
red LED light on the connector to the Noggin will be illuminated.
The water-resistant membrane keypad has a number of buttons that can be pressed to perform
various tasks. Note that the buttons on the membrane keypad sometimes need to be pressed
hard to register.
Menu Buttons: The yellow buttons labelled 1 to 8 correspond to menu choices that appear listed
on the screen or along the bottom of the screen when the Digital Video Logger is turned on.
In addition, there are two general-purpose buttons labeled A and B. All buttons are DVL
application dependent and roles change. The operation will be self-explanatory from the display
screen.
10
SmartHandle 3-Starting the Digital Video Logger
Screen: The DVL screen is a grayscale LCD selected for its wide temperature range and
visibility in sunlight. Visibility can be a major problem with viewing GPR data displays outdoors
and considerable effort has been expended on getting a readily visible outdoor display.
Brightness: The yellow Brightness control arrows are used to increase and decrease the screen
brightness. For example, increasing the Brightness setting may improve the visibility of the
screen when in a dark area. Note, however, that increasing the screen brightness also increases
battery consumption so don’t use a bright screen unless necessary.
Contrast: The yellow Contrast control arrows are used to increase and decrease the screen
contrast. For example, increasing the Contrast setting may improve the visibility of the screen on
a bright, sunny day. Increasing the Contrast can also be useful to see weaker features on the
screen. Adjusting the contrast has little effect on battery consumption.
Temperature sensors within the DVL automatically compensate the screen setting so that
manual adjustments of Brightness and Contrast should seldom be needed after initial setup.
Once the Digital Video Logger powers up, the Main Menu is displayed with 3 choices:
A – NOGGIN
B – NOGGIN PLUS
1 – CONTACT US
5 – POWER OFF
12.1 V 38°C 02-0181-00

100°F
• Pressing the A button starts the software for standard Noggin systems. Details about
the Noggin system software can be found in Section 4 Noggin on page 13.
• Pressing the B button starts the software for Nogginplus systems. Details about the Nog-
ginplus system software can be found in Section 5 Nogginplus on page 52.
• Pressing the 1 button displays contact information for Sensors & Software Inc.
• Pressing the 5 button will turn the DVL off.
Note that Nogginplus systems will operate with both the Noggin and Nogginplus software
while standard Noggin systems will only operate with the Noggin software.
This screen also displays the following information:
• Battery Voltage: The system will shut down when the battery voltage reaches about
10.2 Volts (see Section 7.1 Battery Care on page 95 for more details on the battery).
• Temperature: The internal temperature of the DVL is displayed on this screen in Cel-
sius and Fahrenheit.
• Software Version: The version of the software loaded on the DVL.
When the Noggin Smart System is not being used, do not leave the battery plugged in.
The system draws about 0.1 amps even when it is powered off and this will gradually drain
the battery.
11
3-Starting the Digital Video Logger SmartHandle
3.1 Running a DVL Detached from a Smart System

When collecting data with a Smart System, the DVL is powered by the system battery. It is
possible to detach the DVL from the Smart System and use it away from the system to review,
print or download data. There are 2 ways to power the DVL away from the Smart System:
The DVL II to Power Supply Cable allows the user to power the DVL away from the Smart
System using the system battery. As shown in Figure 3-2, the cable connects the battery to the
9-socket connector on the back of the DVL.
Figure: 3-2 The DVL II to Power Supply cable (CABL0029) can be used to power the Digital Video
Logger (DVL) from the system battery.
To avoid having to use the system battery to power the DVL, an optional AC power supply is
available. This, when combined with the DVL II to Power Supply Cable, allows the user to power
the DVL away from the Smart System using AC power. As shown in Figure 3-3, the AC power
supply connects to the DVL II to Power Supply Cable which connects to the 9 socket connector
on the back of the DVL.
Figure: 3-3 The DVL II to Power Supply cable (CABL0029) can be combined with an optional AC
power supply (PSUP0018) to power the Digital Video Logger (DVL) without the system battery.
12
SmartHandle 4-Noggin
4 Noggin
4.1 Overview of Noggin Menu Options

The Noggin main menu has the following choices:
A – RUN
B – DEMO
1 – NOGGIN SETUP
2 – TRANSFER ALL BUFFERS
3 – DELETE ALL BUFFERS
4 – UPGRADES
7 – RETURN
12.1 V Rev 6.00
4.1.1 Run
Pressing the A button starts the Noggin data acquisition program (see Section 4.4 Noggin Data
Acquisition on page 27).
4.1.2 Demo
Pressing the B button starts the Noggin Demonstration program. This program simulates data
acquisition (without actually moving the system) by displaying a default data set. This data set
cycles continuously until the user exits from the demo program. This allows the user to see and
experiment with the different menu items and different settings to see the effect they have on the
data presentation.
It is useful to run the demonstration program while reviewing the Noggin Screen Overview
described in Section 4.3 Noggin Menu Options on page 18.
4.1.3 Noggin Setup

There are many background setup parameters related to the Noggin Smart System operation
that can be edited. This menu allows the user to display and change various settings for different
aspects of the Smart System. The user can also reset all the parameters to the factory default
settings. See Section 4.5.1 Editing DVL Settings on page 33.
4.1.4 Transfer All Buffers

Pressing the number 2 on the main menu transfers ALL the data buffers (up to 250 screens) from
the DVL to an external PC. See Section 4.6.1 Transferring all Buffer Files to an External
Computer using the Win_PXFER Program on page 46.
13
4-Noggin SmartHandle
4.1.5 Delete All Buffers

Pressing the number 3 on the main menu allows the user to delete ALL the data buffers currently
saved on the DVL. See Section 4.6.2 Deleting all Buffer Files on the DVL on page 49
4.1.6 Upgrades
Pressing the number 4 on the main menu puts the DVL into listen mode to allow a software
upgrade to be transferred from an external PC to the DVL. Avoid pressing this button until the
instructions in a software upgrade tell you to. Once pressed, the DVL must have the power
disconnected to exit from this menu item.
4.1.7 Return
This button will return the user to main menu.
14
4.2 Noggin Screen Overview

The Noggin screen is shown in Figure 4-1. It is divided into 3 sections. The very top section
(Section A) contains velocity, total depth and positioning information. The center section (Section
B) contains the actual data and the bottom section (Section C) contains the menu.
Each screen of data is saved in the Digital Video Logger as an individual PCX graphics file called
a SPI file. Although each screen is saved as an individual file, these files can be viewed together
as a continuous chart up to 250 screens long. These data can be viewed on screen (see Section
4.3.3 View Menu on page 20), printed directly to a printer attached to the DVL (see Section 4.3.2
Print Menu on page 18) or transferred to an external computer (see Section 4.6.1 Transferring all
Buffer Files to an External Computer using the Win_PXFER Program on page 46).
Figure: 4-1 Noggin Data Acquisition Screen
4.2.1 Section A - Data Parameters

Section A displays three items:
1) The total depth to the bottom of the data image in Section B,

2) The velocity used to calculate the total depth and the depth lines (see Depth Lines in
Section 4.2.2 Section B - Data Display on page 16) and
15
3) The position indicator in meters or feet (depending on the odometer units set, see
Units Used on page 33).
Rather than displaying total depth and depth lines the user can select to display the total time
window in nanoseconds (see Units Used on page 33).
Note that it is possible to change the position label size (see Label Size on page 36).
4.2.2 Section B - Data Display

This section contains the actual data collected or replayed. The section also contains the depth
indicator lines, battery voltage indicator (which is visible each time you start), start of section
indicators, and any fiducial markers the user enters. See the sections below for more details.
Depth Lines
Depth lines are horizontal labelled lines indicating the estimated depth. They are very useful for
getting depth estimates to features of interest in the data.
The positions of the Depth Lines are controlled by the current velocity value as well as the depth
selected. See Section 4.3.5 Depth Menu on page 24 on selecting different depths and Section
4.8.1 How Depth is Determined on page 51 for more details on how depths are determined.
To display the correct depth, it is the responsibility of the user to calibrate the system to
the correct velocity of the material (see Section 4.3.4 Calib (Calibration) Menu on page 20
on how to calibrate the system).
Note that it is possible to change the depth units and the depth label size (see Section 4.5.1
Editing DVL Settings on page 33).
Battery Voltage Indicator

When the Start button is pressed, the current battery voltage will be displayed on the extreme left
side of the screen.
The voltage indicator can be helpful for identifying when the battery needs to be recharged. If the
battery voltage drops below 10.2 volts the DVL will cease to operate and this monitoring capacity
will not be available.
Start of Section Indicator

Any time the Start button is pressed, the current date and time are written vertically on the screen
to indicate the start of a new section (see Time and Date on page 33 on how to set time and date
on the DVL). The position indicator is also reset to zero. The current date and time can be
recorded in a field notebook along with the survey location to help the user organize where each
section of data was collected (Figure 4-2).
16
Figure: 4-2 Example field notes
Fiducial Markers
A fiducial marker is text written vertically on the section at a specific position during data
acquisition. Adding these markers during data acquisition is useful for recording significant
positions or the positions of surface objects encountered during the survey.
The position and name of the object encountered at each marker can be recorded in a field
notebook. Then, when the data are reviewed, these markers are visible right on the data section
and can assist with data interpretation.
A fiducial marker is activated by pressing the A button on the DVL keypad during data
acquisition.
SmartHandle systems: On SmartHandle systems, it is also possible to add a fiducial marker by

quickly pressing the Smart button on the SmartHandle during data acquisition.
The first time the A button (or Smart button) is pressed, the text “Marker 1” will be written to the
screen at the current position. The marker number will then increment each time it is pressed, for
example, Marker 2, Marker 3 etc. (see Figure 4-1).
Note that it is possible to automatically place a dashed vertical line at every position label (see
Odometer Markers on page 34).
Section C - Menu
The bottom section contains the user menu selection and current program settings. This menu is
described in more detail in Section 4.3 Noggin Menu Options on page 18.
During data acquisition it also displays the current odometer position and the Repeat Trace
Number that indicates if the system is moving too quickly and reducing data quality (see Section
4.4.1 Collecting Data using the Odometer on page 27).
17
4.3 Noggin Menu Options

The default menu selection is divided up into 7 sections: Exit, Print, View, Calib., Depth, Gain,
Filter and Start. Each of these options is addressed below.
Execution of a menu item is done by pressing the key immediately below the menu item.
Pressing the key will change the setting for that menu item. For example, pressing the key below
the Depth menu item will start to cycle through the different depth settings available.
4.3.1 Exit
This button will terminate the Noggin program and return the user to Noggin main menu. The
user can then run the Noggin again, run the demo program, change DVL settings, download data
to an external PC, delete data or return to the main menu.
Note that when the Start button is pressed and data acquisition begins (see Section 4.3.7 Start
Menu on page 25), the Exit button turns into a Stop button (see Section 4.3.8 Stop Menu on page
26). Data acquisition must be stopped by pressing the Stop button before it is possible to exit
from this menu.
4.3.2 Print Menu

This menu item allows the user to:
1) Print data images directly to an attached printer or,
2) Transfer one or more screens (or buffers) of data to an external computer (PC) as a
single PCX graphics file. This type of transfer is appropriate when the user wants to
transfer the data to an external computer for use with third-party graphics software
packages like Microsoft Paint and Word.
Printing Data to an attached Printer

The Noggin data images can be printed directly to a few select, but common, printers. The
supported printers are HP LaserJet printers, most Epson printers and the Seiko DPU5400
thermal printer (available from Sensors & Software). As well, any printer that can emulate these
printers can be used (see your printer’s User’s Guide for emulation modes available). For
example, Canon BubbleJet printers can usually be configured to emulate an Epson and most HP
printers will work using the Laser driver.
Figure: 4-3 Attaching a printer to the DVL using a standard printer cable.
18
On the back of the DVL there is a standard 25 socket parallel port. A printer can be attached to
the parallel port on the DVL with a standard printer cable, just as you would attach a printer to
any computer (Figure 4-3).
Always power down the DVL before attaching a printer. This will prevent damage to the
parallel port.
On the Digital Video Logger, after the Print option is selected, the user must define the section to
be printed. The user has the option to print ALL the current buffers, Select the buffers to print or
print a certain number of buffers. If a certain number of buffers are selected, i.e. 50, 75, 100, 150
or 200, the latest buffers are printed first. For example, if there are currently 145 buffers on the
DVL and the user selects to print 100 buffers, buffers 46 to 145 will be printed.
If the Select option is chosen, the user manually determines the point in the buffers where to
begin printing and where to end printing. The left edge of the page must be established first. This
is done by lining up the left edge of the Digital Video Logger screen with the edge of the plot
desired. Use the arrow buttons on the screen to move the section back and forth. A single arrow
moves the image 8 pixels either right (), or left (). A double arrow will move the image 640
pixels or 1 full page to the right () or left (). A single arrow with a vertical line will move the
section either to the start (y), or end (y) of the section. If the start or end of section button is
pressed, the image will page through one screen at a time. Data scrolling can be stopped by
pressing any button. Once the left edge is in place, pressing the OK button will lock the left edge
of the plot.
Figure: 4-4 Noggin Print Screen
The right edge of the plot must now be defined the same as the left, however now using the right
edge of the Digital Video Logger screen. Note that the right edge cannot exceed the left edge.
Next, select the type of printer attached (LASER for HP LaserJets and many other HP printers,
EPSON for Epson or Canon BubbleJet printers or SEIKO for the Seiko DPU5400 Thermal
printer). Text will appear on the bottom of the DVL screen indicating the image is printing on the
printer.
If an error occurs during the printing operation, press the A button to Abort. Try to resolve the
problem and try again. It may be necessary to turn the DVL off and power it back on and try
printing again.
When the print is complete the user is returned to the Noggin screen.
19
Transferring Data to an External PC

There are two ways of transferring data to an external computer. The first is to transfer one or
more screens (or buffers) of data as a single PCX graphics file. This method is described in this
section. The second way of transferring data files to an external computer is to copy all the
individual SPI (PCX) files from the DVL (see Section 4.6.1 Transferring all Buffer Files to an
External Computer using the Win_PXFER Program on page 46). This method is useful when the
user wants to view the data on an external computer using the SpiView software. SpiView is
available from Sensors & Software Inc.
The data transfer function can only be used after the parallel XFER cable has been
connected from the DVL to the external computer and after the Win_PXFER program has
been installed on the external computer and run. Section 4.6.1 Transferring all Buffer Files
to an External Computer using the Win_PXFER Program on page 46 describes how to
attach the parallel XFER cable and also how to install and run the Win_PXFER program.
Once Win_PXFER has been run on the external computer, it is ready to receive data image files
from the Digital Video Logger.
On the Digital Video Logger, after the Print option is selected, the user must define the section to
be printed. The left edge of the page must be established first. This is done by lining up the left
edge of the Digital Video Logger screen with the edge of the plot desired. Use the arrow buttons
on the screen to move the section back and forth. A single arrow moves the image 8 pixels either
right (), or left (). A double arrow will move the image 640 pixels or 1 full page to the right ()
or left (). A single arrow with a vertical line will move the section either to the start (y), or end
(y) of the section. If the start or end of section button is pressed, the image will page through
one screen at a time. Data scrolling can be stopped by pressing any button. Once the left edge is
in place, pressing the OK button will lock the left edge of the plot.
The right edge of the plot must now be defined the same as the left, however now using the right
edge of the Digital Video Logger screen. Note that the right edge cannot exceed the left edge.
Next, select a name for the image file from the options CART-1 to CART-4. As long as the
Win_PXFER program is running on the external PC, the file will be transferred to the current
directory indicated by Win_PXFER. When the data image file transfer is complete, the user will
find a data image (CART-n.PCX) file on the external computer in the current directory.
When the data transfer is complete, on the external computer, exit from the Win_PXFER
program. Press any button on the DVL to return to the Noggin screen.
4.3.3 View Menu

The View function allows the user to scroll back through previously recorded data in the same
manner as the Print function (see Section 4.3.2 Print Menu on page 18).
4.3.4 Calib (Calibration) Menu

Noggin systems can be used to scan into many different materials including soil, rock, concrete,
snow, ice and wood. The radio wave emitted by a Noggin system will travel at different velocities
depending on the material being scanned. The depth values on the Depth menu (see Section
4.3.5 Depth Menu on page 24) and on Depth Lines (see Section 4.2.2 Section B - Data Display
on page 16) are only accurate if the system has been properly calibrated to determine the
velocity of the material being scanned. See Section 4.8.1 How Depth is Determined on page 51
for more details about how depth is calculated.
20
The Calibration function allows the user to input the velocity of the material being scanned.
Velocity can be determined in one of four different ways depending on the situation:
1) Hyperbola matching
2) Target of known depth
3) Select a media
4) Input a velocity value
Hyperbola Matching
This is the most accurate way of determining the velocity of the material being scanned because
it extracts the speed using data collected in the area. This method may not work in all situations
because it depends on having a good quality hyperbola (or inverted U) in the data. A hyperbola
is the characteristic Noggin response from a small point target like a pipe, rock or even a tree
root. If the hyperbola has long tails on it, we can match the shape of the hyperbola and
determine the velocity of the material in the area.
With the hyperbola visible on the DVL screen, select the hyperbola (∩) button. This will
superimpose a hyperbola on the data. This hyperbola can be moved up (), down (), left ()
and right () using the appropriate arrow buttons. The goal is move the hyperbola until it lies on
top of the hyperbola in the data (see Figure 4-5). Then, the user can adjust the width of the
hyperbola to make it wider () or narrower () until the shape of the hyperbola matches the
shape of the hyperbola in the data. After matching the hyperbola, the velocity value is extracted
and used for all subsequent data acquisition.
Pressing the up, down left, right, wider and narrow buttons once makes a very small change in
the position or width of the hyperbola. These buttons must sometimes be pressed many times to
move the hyperbola to the correct position or width. To speed up the movement of the hyperbola,
use the REPEAT button. For example, to move the hyperbola up a long distance, press the up
button () followed by the REPEAT button. The hyperbola will then start moving upward without
having to press any more buttons. When it gets close to the desired location press any button to
stop it and then use the up, down, left and right buttons to fine-tune the position. The REPEAT
button can also be used after pressing the wider () or narrower () button.
(a) (b)
Figure: 4-5 Hyperbola matching to extract velocity. After pressing the CALIB button a hyperbola
appears on the screen (a). This hyperbola should be moved overtop of a hyperbola in the data using
the arrow keys. It can then be widened or narrowed to match the shape of the hyperbola in the data (b).
When the hyperbola shapes match, the velocity is extracted and used to make depth estimates more
accurate in subsequent data.
21
Hyperbola Matching calibration can only be done during data acquisition. It cannot be done
when viewing previously collected data. Further, the Hyperbola Matching calibration is only
available after at least half a screen of data with the same depth setting have been collected. If
less than half a screen of data are collected and the CALIB button is selected, only
calibrations selecting a material or inputting a velocity are available (see below).
Depths will appear in metres or feet depending on which units are selected. Velocities appear in
both metres per nanosecond (m/ns) and feet per nanosecond (ft/ns). To change units see Units
Used on page 33.
Target of Known Depth

If there are no suitable hyperbolas visible in the data to perform the Hyperbola Matching
described above, it may be the situation that there is a target of known depth in the area being
scanned. If this is the case, selecting the button with the circle with a horizontal line through it will
superimpose a horizontal line on the data. This line can then be moved up or down until it lies on
top of the Noggin response to the known target. Then, the user can adjust the velocity value up
or down until the known target depth is correct. Once the depth is matched, the current velocity
value is the one used for all subsequent data acquisition.
(a) (b)
Figure: 4-6 Using a target of known depth to extract velocity. After selecting CALIB, choosing the
known depth button (a circle with a horizontal line through it) will superimpose a horizontal line on the
data (a). Using the depth buttons, this line can then be moved up or down until it lies on top of the
Noggin response to the known target (b). Then, the user can adjust the velocity value up or down until
the known target depth is correct. Once the depth is matched, the extracted velocity value is
automatically used for all subsequent data acquisition.
22
If units are metres then depths will appear in metres. If units are feet then depths will appear in
feet. Velocities appear in both metres per nanosecond (m/ns) and feet per nanosecond (ft/ns).
To change units see Units Used on page 33.
Selecting a Media
If a good hyperbola or a target of known depth is not available, the user will have to estimate the
velocity by selecting the predominant material in the area. This can be done by selecting the
MEDIA button and selecting one of the 8 choices. The velocity associated with each of these
choices is given in the following chart:
Material Velocity (m/ns) (ft/ns)
Very Dry Soil 0.170 0.558
Dry Soil 0.130 0.427
Dry Rock 0.120 0.394
Soil 0.100 0.328
Rock 0.100 0.328
Wet Soil 0.080 0.262
Wet Rock 0.080 0.262
Very Wet Soil 0.065 0.213
Input a Velocity Value

It is also possible to input a velocity value directly. When the Velocity button is selected the user
sees the current velocity and can use the up and down arrows to increase or decrease that
value. A table of typical radar velocities in various materials is given below. If in doubt, use a
value of 0.10 m/ns. This is a good average velocity that will provide a good estimate of depth in
most situations.
Air 0.300 1.000
Ice 0.170 0.558
Dry Soil 0.130 0.427
Dry Rock 0.120 0.394
Soil 0.100 0.328
Wet Rock 0.100 0.328
Concrete 0.100 0.328
Pavement 0.100 0.328
Wet Soil 0.065 0.213
Water 0.033 0.108
Velocities appear in both metres per nanosecond (m/ns) and feet per nanosecond (ft/ns). To
change units see Units Used on page 33.
23
4.3.5 Depth Menu
This button cycles through 5 different depth ranges. The velocity of the material determined
under Calibration (Section 4.3.4 Calib (Calibration) Menu on page 20) affects the total apparent
depth scanned. See Section 4.8.1 How Depth is Determined on page 51 for more details about
how depth is calculated.
The Depth units can be changed to metres, feet or time in nanoseconds. For details, see Units
Used on page 33. As well, all the Depth values can also be doubled or halved by changing the
Window Zoom option (see Window Zooming on page 41).
It is important to remember that the properties of the material control the actual depth
being scanned. Just because the Depth setting is set to a certain value, it does not
necessarily mean that the Noggin is able to penetrate to that depth and collect data. For
example, if the Depth setting is 5 meters but the material penetration is only 3 meters the
last 2 meters of the image will not contain subsurface information. Some materials will
absorb the Noggin signal and limit penetration to less than the selected depth.
If the depth setting is deeper than the Noggin signals penetrate, the data in the lower part of the
section will look blank or speckled rather than signal with continuity.
4.3.6 Gain Menu

The signals that the Noggin system collects from the ground can be very weak, especially from
deeper objects. To see these weak signals it is necessary to amplify or apply “gain” to them.
The Gain setting controls how much the signal is amplified. It varies from 1 to 9 with 1 the lowest
and 9 the highest. In general, if the target is relatively shallow (1-2 meters) a low gain value can
be used. If the target is deeper or if the screen seems to be blank or speckled in the lower part of
the data section, increase the gain setting. Remember, however, that if the Noggin signal is not
penetrating to the maximum depth setting, even the maximum gain setting will not show any
data.
Figure 4-7 shows the effect of the gain setting. The data on the left has a gain of 1 incrementing
to the right up to a gain of 9.
24
Figure: 4-7 Effects of the Gain setting
If the user finds that they are always using very high or very low gain settings to see the data
adequately, the user may want to adjust the Linear Gain setting under Setup (see Linear Gain on
page 40).
4.3.7 Start Menu

The Start button will begin the acquisition of data and displaying of data to the screen. After
acquisition has started, the Start button disappears and a Stop button (used to halt acquisition)
appears on the left. As well, when data acquisition begins, the Exit, Print and View buttons are
removed.
Data acquisition begins by pressing the Start button on the DVL.
SmartHandle Systems: On SmartHandle systems, data acquisition can also be started by

quickly pressing the Smart button. When the Smart button has been pressed, the lights on the
handle should change from red to green to indicate that the system is ready to collect data. The
Smart button can also be used to stop data acquisition (see Section 4.3.8 Stop Menu on page
26).
25
When the Start button (or Smart button) is pressed for the first time after the system is turned on,
the Noggin will boot up (this can take about 10 seconds depending on the software version). The
operator should not start data collection until the system has finished booting (see the bottom left
corner of the screen) and the STOP button has appeared on the left. The current battery voltage
will then be displayed on the left side of the screen. This battery voltage appears only briefly
before starting data collection.
Anytime the Start button (or Smart button) is pressed, the current date and time are written
vertically on the screen to indicate the start of a new section (see Time and Date on page 33 to
set time and date). The position indicator is also reset to zero. The current date and time can
be recorded in a field notebook along with the survey location to help the user organize where
each section of data was collected.
4.3.8 Stop Menu

After the Start button is pressed, it disappears from the menu and the Exit button turns into a Stop
button. Data acquisition can be stopped by pressing the Stop button.
SmartHandle Systems On SmartHandle systems, data acquisition can also be stopped by

pressing the Smart button and holding it pressed for about 1 second before releasing it. When
the Smart button has been pressed like this, the lights on the handle should change from green
to red to indicate that the system has stopped collecting data.
Using the Smart button, it is possible to start a new line, collect the line, stop the line and
start a new line without having to touch the DVL menu buttons.
4.3.9 Filter Menu

The Filter menu option is only visible during data acquisition. Pressing the Filter button turns the
Background Subtraction filter on and off. For more details on Background Subtraction, see
Section 4.4.7 Special Buttons During Data Acquisition on page 31.
26
4.4 Noggin Data Acquisition

Data acquisition is done simply by pushing (or pulling) the Smart System along the survey line.
This is usually done with the odometer used as the triggering device, however, it is possible to
change the triggering method and run the Smart System in continuous operation or using the
trigger button (see Trigger Method on page 35).
During data acquisition, the settings for Depth (Section 4.3.5 Depth Menu on page 24) and Gain
(Section 4.3.6 Gain Menu on page 24) can be changed by pressing the corresponding button
until the desired setting appears. This can be done while the instrument is collecting data; there
is no need to stop first.
As well, during data collection, the Filter button is available on the DVL screen. Pressing the
Filter button toggles the Background Subtraction Filter on and off (see Section 4.4.7 Special
Buttons During Data Acquisition on page 31).
4.4.1 Collecting Data using the Odometer

As the Smart System moves, the odometer triggers the system to collect a data trace at fixed
distance intervals. This interval is called the “station interval”. For the Noggin 250, the normal
station interval is 5 centimeters (about 2 inches). For the Noggin 500, the normal station interval
is 2.5 centimeters (about 1 inch). For the Noggin 1000, the normal station interval is 1.0
centimeter (about 0.48 inch). The station interval can be changed in the Setup (see Station
Interval on page 37).
Each data trace is plotted as a vertical strip on the screen (see Figure 4-1). The width of this strip
can be changed to 1, 2, 4, or 8 pixels (see Plot Interval on page 40). The normal trace width for
Noggin 250 traces is 2 pixels while the normal width for Noggin 500 and Noggin 1000 systems is
1 pixel.
The odometer units that appear across the top of the screen can be set to either metres or feet
(see Units Used on page 33).
Smart Systems can normally collect data at a very fast walking pace. However, if the system is
moved too quickly, data quality is reduced (see below).
During data acquisition, the current odometer position value (in the current units, either metres or
feet) is written to the lower right corner of the screen (see Figure 4-1).
Note that Smart Systems can be configured to collect data either by pushing the system
(forward) or pulling the system (reverse). See Cart Direction on page 35 about changing the
system direction.
The odometer should be periodically re-calibrated to ensure accuracy. The procedure for re-
calibrating the odometer is described in Odometer Calibration on page 34.
Reducing Data Quality by Moving too Fast

On the lower right corner of the data acquisition screen, under the current odometer position
value (see Figure 4-1) is a single digit number that usually displays one (1). This value is the
Repeat Trace number.
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If the Smart System is being used with the odometer and is moved too quickly for the Noggin to
keep up, traces are skipped and the quality of the survey is reduced. The skipped traces do not
actually create gaps in the data but rather, the last trace that was collected properly is repeated.
The Repeat Trace number displays the number of traces that are being plotted to the screen. If
this number exceeds 1 or if the user notices the data looking smeared or “blocky”, this is probably
due to moving the Smart System too quickly. To eliminate this, either reduce the system speed
or, if possible, reduce the Depth setting (see Section 4.3.5 Depth Menu on page 24).
Note that skipping traces is not usually a problem because in order for the system to do this it has
to be moving at a running pace. It is more likely to happen if the depth setting is very deep (> 10
metres).
Backing up the System to Pinpoint Target Positions

The odometer also allows the user to stop the Smart System in the middle of a survey line and
back up. When this is done, an arrow and vertical line appear on the data image and move back
along the image as the system moves backwards (see Figure 4-1). This makes it possible to
correlate a target in the data image to an exact location on the ground. Once the arrow lines up
with the target, mark the ground at the centre point of the Noggin.
When the Smart System is moved forward again to continue with the survey, it does not start
collecting data again until you reach the position where you stopped at. This feature is useful for
producing a continuous data image even if the system is backed up during the survey line.
Note that it is not possible to back up and have the arrow indicator move more than one
screen.
Sometimes it may be desirable to back up to a point and then continue collecting data starting at
that point. To do this, reset the odometer by pressing Stop and then Start again. When the Smart
System is moved forward, it will collect data immediately.
The physical position corresponding to the Back-up arrow can be changed from the centre of the
Noggin to any other position. See Arrow Reference on page 40 on changing the Arrow Reference
value.
4.4.2 Collecting Data in Free Run Operation

It is possible to change the triggering method from the odometer and have the Noggin system run
in Free Run (or continuous mode) (see Trigger Method on page 35). This means that the system
collects data even if it is not moving. This option is useful for collecting data when using the
odometer wheel is not practical.
When the Smart System is used in Free Run mode, it is up to the user to keep track of
positioning by some other method, for example, a measuring tape, using fiducial markers (see
Fiducial Markers on page 17) or GPS (see GPS Setup Menu on page 41).
In this mode, data collection is dependent on two factors,
1) the speed that the Noggin system is collecting data and

2) the speed the Noggin system is moving.
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Controlling Data Collection Speed

In Free Run mode the user can control the speed the Noggin collects data by increasing or
decreasing the number of stacks (for more details on Stacking, see Stacks on page 68).
Increasing the number of Stacks has the effect of slowing down the data collection speed of the
Noggin system. Decreasing the number of Stacks has the effect of speeding up the data
collection speed of the Noggin system. The user can also control the speed of the Noggin data
collection by adjusting a time delay between data collection points. Note that any time delay
more than 0.0 seconds causes the system to emit a beeping sound as the data trace is collected.
Noggin Speed
In Free Run mode, the speed the Noggin moves determines the distance between sample points
on the ground (station interval). This type of data collection requires experimenting with the
number of stacks and time delay (see Trigger Method on page 35) and practicing to find a
satisfactory speed for the Noggin. Moving too quickly may result in under-sampling the data
making it more difficult to interpret. Moving too slowly may result in over-sampling the data. This
stretches the data image making it more difficult to interpret. As well, maintaining a uniform
speed is important for minimizing image distortion.
Positions
Each data trace is plotted as a vertical strip on the screen (see Plot Interval on page 40). In Free
Run mode the station interval is not fixed so each screen of data can represent any ground
distance. This means that the position values displayed in Section A at the top of the data image
(see Section 4.2.1 Section A - Data Parameters on page 15) are not correct.
When running the system in Free Run mode it is best to set the units (see Units Used on page
33) to metres and the Station Interval (see Station Interval on page 37) to a value of 1.0 metre.
Then the position values appearing on the top of the data image can be interpreted as trace
numbers and not an absolute position.
4.4.3 Collecting Data using the Trigger (or B) Button

It is possible to change the triggering method from the odometer and have the Noggin system
only collect data when the Trigger button (or B button on the DVL) is pressed (see Trigger
Method on page 35). This option is useful for collecting data when using the odometer wheel is
not practical.
After the user selects this option, a menu appears to select the number of stacks for each trace.
Generally, the more stacks the better the data quality (for more details on Stacking, see Stacks
on page 68).
In Trigger Button mode, the system “beeps” as each trace is collected. The length of the beep
will depend on the number of stacks (the more stacks, the longer it takes to collect a trace and
therefore the longer the beep).
When the Smart System is used in Trigger Button Mode, it is up to the user to keep track of
positioning by some other method, for example, using a measuring tape, fiducial markers (see
Fiducial Markers on page 17) or GPS (see GPS Setup Menu on page 41).
29
Since data collection only occurs by the user pressing the trigger button, usually a fewer number
of traces are collected in this mode compared to odometer triggering mode or Free Run mode
(see above). Therefore, it is often useful to increase the trace width to 4 or 8 pixels so that the
data are more easily seen on the DVL screen (see Plot Interval on page 40).
4.4.4 Noggin Data Screens
Total Distance Per Screen

The total distance that can be displayed on one screen varies depending on the Noggin system,
Station Interval and Plot Interval (see Figure 4-1). As the Station Interval increases, the distance
between data traces increases and the total distance per screen increases. As the Plot Interval
increases, the total distance per screen decreases.
Noggin 250
For the Noggin 250, each trace is normally 2 pixels wide. Since the screen is 640 pixels wide,
each screen has 320 traces. When the station interval is set to Normal (5 centimetres or 1.92
inches), each screen displays 16.0 metres or 51.2 feet of data.
Noggin 500
For the Noggin 500, each trace is normally 1 pixel wide. Since the screen is 640 pixels wide,
each screen has 640 traces. When the station interval is set to Normal (2.5 centimetres or 0.96
Noggin 1000
Total Data Distance on the DVL

The maximum number of screens (or buffers) that can be saved on the Digital Video Logger is
250. When default values are used for Station Interval and Plot Interval, this gives a total survey
distance of 4000 metres (2.4 miles) for both the Noggin 250 and Noggin 500. For the Noggin
1000, the total survey distance in 250 screens is 1600 metres (1.2 miles). For more details on
total distances and Station Intervals see Station Interval on page 37.
4.4.5 Saving Data

The user has two options for saving data (see Save Data Mode on page 33):
1) Do not save data, or

2) Save up to 250 screens (or buffers) of data and then prompt user to delete data.
30
When data are saved on the DVL, it acts like a continuous roll chart up to 250 screens long. If
there are data that need to be permanently saved, make sure they are transferred to an external
computer (see Section 4.3.2 Print Menu on page 18 and Section 4.6.1 Transferring all Buffer
Files to an External Computer using the Win_PXFER Program on page 46) before they are
overwritten.
4.4.6 Deleting Data

The easiest way to delete all the data currently on the DVL is to go to the main menu and press 3
(see Section 4.6.2 Deleting all Buffer Files on the DVL on page 49).
The user is prompted to delete data when the maximum number of screens (250) has been
reached. When this occurs, the user MUST delete 10%, 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% of the screens.
Note that when less than 100% of the screens are being deleted, the oldest screens are deleted
first.
It is also possible to delete all or some of the current screens of data before 250 have been
collected. To do this, stop the system, press the B button and then follow the directions to delete
10%, 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% of the screens. Note that when less than 100% of the screens
are being deleted, the oldest screens are deleted first.
4.4.7 Special Buttons During Data Acquisition
Fiducial Markers
During data acquisition, the user can press the A button to put a fiducial marker on the data (see
Fiducial Markers on page 17).
On SmartHandle systems, fiducial markers can also be added to the data by pressing the Smart
button quickly during data acquisition. Be aware that if the button is held down for too long the
data collection will stop.
Background Subtraction Filter

BEWARE THAT THE BACKGROUND SUBTRACTION PROCESS REMOVES DATA. IT
SHOULD ONLY BE TURNED ON WHEN THIS TYPE OF FILTERING IS NECESSARY.
The background subtraction process has the effect of removing flat-lying events in the data and
enhancing dipping events (like the response from pipes and other point targets). It can also assist
in seeing very shallow targets (< 0.5 meters) that may be masked by the strong signals at the
start of the trace.
31
Figure: 4-8 A data section before (top) and after (bottom) background subtraction. This process is
effective for emphasizing dipping reflectors like the responses from point targets like pipes.
Pressing the Filter button during data acquisition turns on (or off) the Background Subtraction
filter. When it is turned on, the text ON is displayed under the Filter button. Stopping data
acquisition turns the Background Subtraction filter off.
4.4.8 Error Messages

If an error occurs, an error message will appear in the bottom left section of the DVL screen.
EXIT the program and turn off the Digital Video Logger.
Make sure the cables are not damaged and that all cable connections are tightly secured.
Sometimes vibrations cause the cable connections to loosen just a bit and break contact and this
can cause errors. Disconnecting cables and reconnecting them may provide a better contact
and solve the problem. Also check and make sure the battery is adequately charged. Turn the
Digital Video Logger back on and try running the system again.
For more information on Troubleshooting the system, see Section 6 Troubleshooting on page 92.
32
4.5 Noggin Setup
4.5.1 Editing DVL Settings

Pressing the number 1 on the main menu selects the SETUP item. SETUP lists the settings that
can be edited in the Noggin software. Pressing the 1 button (labelled NEXT) moves forward
through the list and pressing the 2 button (labelled PREV) moves backward through the list. To
select a setting to edit, press the 3 button (labelled SET). Then use the numbered buttons to
select the new setting or press the A button to exit without changing the setting. When all the
desired changes have been made, press the 8 button (labelled SAVE) to save the new settings
and return to the main menu. To discard the edits and return to the previous settings, press the 7
button (labelled QUIT).
Default Settings
It is possible to change all the settings back to the default settings by pressing the 6 button
(labelled RESET).
The SETUP options are outlined below.
Time and Date

The date and time are written to the data image every time data are collected. The DVL date and
time setting can be changed by moving to one or more of the appropriate fields and editing the
current setting. The LEFT and RIGHT arrows are used to move between fields. To change any
of the numbers or months, use the UP and DOWN arrows to increase or decrease the value.
When the desired date and time are set, press ENTER to save the changes.
Save Data Mode

This setting controls how data are saved on the DVL. The available options are:
1) No saving of data buffer: If data are not saved, then only data currently on the screen
can be seen. As data scrolls off the screen it is gone and cannot be recovered or
viewed. In this case the View button will not appear.
2) Prompt at end of buffer (default): If this setting is selected, after the maximum 250
number of buffers has been reached, the program prompts the user to delete 10%,
25%, 50%, 75% or 100% of the data buffers. The oldest buffers are deleted first.
Units Used
This is the setting for the position and depth units. The available options are:
1) metres (default)
2) feet
3) metres and time
4) feet and time
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Options 3 and 4 mean that position will be displayed in metres or feet and depth will displayed in
time (nanoseconds). If time is selected the “depth” lines (Figure 4-1) are actually time lines.
Odometer Markers
This setting determines whether a vertical dashed line is put on the data image each time a
position label is written to the screen. The available options are:
1) Place a fid at each label

2) No fids at position labels (default)
Odometer Calibration
The odometer should be calibrated periodically to ensure accuracy.
Noggin Smart Systems can take input from several different odometers.
It is very important that the user selects and calibrates the odometer appropriate for their
Smart System.
When Odometer Calibration is selected from the Setup menu, the user is prompted to select the
odometer that is being used with the Smart System.
If a SmartCart System is being used, select one of the two SmartCart odometers (usually #1).
If a SmartHandle system is being used, select one of the two SmartHandle odometers (usually
#1).
If the system is being towed behind a vehicle and using the transmission odometer to trigger the
system, select one of the two Vehicle odometers (usually #1).
The odometers labelled Other are to be used in future configurations.
Once an odometer is selected, the user is prompted to either:
1) manually enter the odometer calibration factor or

2) to actually calibrate the odometer over a known distance.
To achieve the highest accuracy, it is recommended that the user choose option number 2 -
Odometer Calibration.
When Odometer Calibration is selected, the user is prompted to select the length of the line to
calibrate on. There are 8 different choices in metres and 8 choices in feet. To toggle the units
between metres and feet, press the B button. Pressing the A button on this screen gives the
additional option to select a user defined value. The user-defined value can range from 0.01 to
5000 metres or 0.01 to 26400 feet.
When the calibration distance has been selected follow the directions on the screen:
1) Set the system at zero and press A

2) Move the system the selected distance and press B
3) Press A to exit.
34
Odometer calibration values for the SmartCart odometer should be around 1080.
Odometer calibration values for the SmartHandle odometer should be around 1530.
Odometer calibration values for the Vehicle odometer vary but may be around 50.
Cart Direction
This setting determines whether data are collected as the Smart System is pushed forward or
pulled in reverse. The back up arrow (see Backing up the System to Pinpoint Target Positions on
page 28) will work in the direction opposite to this setting. The available options are:
1) Forward (push the cart) (default)

2) Reverse (pull the cart)
Trigger Method
This setting determines the method used to trigger the Smart System to collect data at each data
collection point. The available options are:
1) Trigger with Odometer

2) Free Run Operation
3) Trigger with Button
Trigger with Odometer: Selecting this option means that the Smart System will be triggered to
collect data using the input from the currently selected odometer (see Odometer Number below).
See Section 4.4.1 Collecting Data using the Odometer on page 27 for more details about data
acquisition with an odometer.
Free Run Operation: Selecting this option means that the Smart System runs continuously in
time, independent of any other triggering device (see Section 4.4.2 Collecting Data in Free Run
Operation on page 28). When continuous operation is selected, two other menus appear to
select the number of stacks and time delay between data traces. These options allow the user to
control the speed of the data acquisition.
The user can control the speed the Noggin collects data by increasing or decreasing the number
of stacks (for more details on Stacking, see Stacks on page 68). Increasing the number of Stacks
has the effect of slowing down the data collection speed of the Noggin system. Decreasing the
number of Stacks has the effect of speeding up the data collection speed of the Noggin system.
The second menu to appear prompts the user to input the time delay, in seconds, between each
data collection point. To run the system as quickly as possible, set this value to 0.0 seconds. For
a longer time delay, use the buttons to set the value. Note that any time delay longer than zero
(0.0) seconds causes the Smart System to emit a beeping sound to indicate data collection is
taking place.
The number of stacks and time delay should be set to values that, when combined with speed
the Noggin is moving at, provide an appropriate station interval. This may take a little
experimenting to determine the optimal values for stacks, time delay and the actual speed the
Noggin is moving at.
35
Trigger with Button: Selecting this means that the Smart System will be triggered to collect data
by pressing the trigger button (if the Smart System has a trigger button) or the B button on the
DVL (see Section 4.4.3 Collecting Data using the Trigger (or B) Button on page 29).
After the user selects this option, a menu appears to select the number of stacks for each trace
(for more details on Stacking, see Stacks on page 68).
Note that when data are collected in Trigger Button mode, the Smart System will emit a beeping
sound after the button is pressed to indicate data collection is taking place.
Odometer Number
Smart System.
When Odometer Number is selected, the user is prompted to select the odometer that is being
used with the Smart System.
#1).

The number after the odometer is the current Odometer Calibration value for that odometer. To
calibrate the odometer, see Odometer Calibration on page 34.
Label Size
This setting determines the size of the position labels across the top of the data image and the
depth labels beside the horizontal depth lines. The sizes available are:
1) Small
2) Medium (default)
3) Large
4) Extra Large
Noggin System
The Noggin System should be set to the type of Noggin currently in use on the Smart System.
Noggin SmartCarts can be used with the Noggin 250, 500 and 1000 systems. Noggin
SmartHandle systems can be used with the Noggin 500 and 1000 systems.
The systems available are:
1) Noggin 250 System
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Station Interval
If the Smart System is using an odometer for data collection, the odometer triggers the system to
collect a data trace at fixed distance intervals. This interval is called the “station interval”.
The station interval can be changed to allow a longer or shorter distance between traces. For a
successful survey, it is important that several traces be collected over a target. If the target is
small, the user may want to shorten the station interval to ensure that data traces are collected
over the target. Conversely, if the target is very large or is a flat-lying feature it is probably not
necessary to collect a lot of traces over the target, in fact, sometimes this can make the target
more difficult to see in the data. In this case it may be beneficial to increase the station interval.
Figure: 4-9 The Station Interval is the distance between sample points on the ground. Be careful not
to choose a Station Interval that is larger than the smallest target to be detected.
37
Note that decreasing the station interval increases the data volume and increasing the station
interval reduces the data volume.
The choices available are:

1) Short
2) Normal
3) Long
4) X-Long
5) Normal x 10
6) Normal x 20
7) Normal x 40
8) Normal x 50
9) Normal x 100
Each choice listed will be followed by an actual value in metres or inches depending on which
units are selected and which Noggin system is being used. Here is a chart showing the station
interval for each system and setting. Note the calculations for Data per Screen and Total Data
per 250 Screens assumes that the Plot Interval is set to Normal for the particular Noggin system
(Noggin 250 = 2 pixels per trace and Noggin 500 and 1000 = 1 pixel per screen). If these
assumptions are not true, see the formulas after the charts for calculating these values.
NOGGIN 250 SYSTEM
Setting Station Interval Data per Screen Total Data for 250 Screens
Short 2.5 cm or 0.96 in 8 m or 25.6 ft 2 km or 1.2 miles
Normal 5.0 cm or 1.92 in 16 m or 51.2 ft 4 km or 2.4 miles
Long 10.0 cm or 3.84 in 32 m or 102.4 ft 8 km or 4.8 miles
X-Long 25.0 cm or 9.6 in 80 m or 256 ft 20 km or 12.1 miles
Norm x10 50.0 cm or 19.20 in 160 m or 512 ft 40 km or 24.2 miles
38
NOGGIN 500 SYSTEM
Total Data for 250

Setting Station Interval Data per Screen
Screens
Short 1.0 cm or 0.48 in 6.4 m or 25.6 ft 1.6 km or 1.2 miles
Normal 2.5 cm or 0.96 in 16 m or 51.2 ft 4 km or 2.4 miles
Long 5.0 cm or 1.92 in 32 m or 102.4 ft 8 km or 4.8 miles
X-Long 12.5 cm or 4.8 in 80 m or 256 ft 20 km or 12.1 miles
Norm x10 25 cm or 9.6 in 160 m or 512 ft 40 km or 24.2 miles
NOGGIN 1000 SYSTEM
Setting Station Interval Data per Screen Total Data for 250 Screens
Short 0.5 cm or 0.24 in 3.2 m or 12.8 ft 0.8 km or 0.61 miles
Normal 1.0 cm or 0.48 in 6.4 m or 25.6 ft 1.6 km or 1.2 miles
Long 2.0 cm or 0.96 in 12.8 m or 51.2 ft 3.2 km or 2.4 miles
X-Long 5.0 cm or 2.4 in 32.0 m or 128 ft 8.0 km or 6.1 miles
Norm x10 10 cm or 4.8 in 64.0 m or 256 ft 16.0 km or 12.1 miles
Norm x20 20 cm or 9.6 in 128 m or 512 ft 32.0 km or 24.2 miles
If the Plot Interval is not set to Normal, use the following formula to calculate the total distance
per screen:
Total Distance Per Screen = Station Interval * (640 / Plot Interval)
where: Station Interval is in metres or feet, and
Plot Interval is in Pixels.
For example, if the Station Interval is 10 centimetres (0.1 metres) and the Plot Interval is 4 pixels,
the total distance per screen is calculated as follows:
0.10 * (640 / 4) = 16.0 metres per screen
The total distance per screen can then be multiplied by 250 to calculate the total distance per 250
screens. For example:
16.0 m * 250 = 4000 metres
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Plot Interval
The plot interval setting determines the width of data traces plotted to the screen. Traces can be
1, 2, 4 or 8 pixels wide.
The Normal setting for Noggin 250 systems is 2 pixels per trace and the Normal setting the
Noggin 500 and 1000 is 1 pixel per trace.
It can be useful to plot traces narrower than normal to allow more data to fit onto one screen. It
can also be useful to plot traces wider on the screen so that they are easier to see. For example,
when collecting data using the button to trigger the system (see Section 4.4.3 Collecting Data
using the Trigger (or B) Button on page 29) it is often preferable to make each trace 4 or 8 pixels
wide.
Linear Gain
As described in Section 4.3.6 Gain Menu on page 24, the weak signals must be amplified or
“gained” to see them on the display. The Gain button can be set to a value from 1 to 9 depending
on the amount of gain required (1 is lowest gain, 9 is highest gain).
There is also a second level of gain available to the user and that is the Linear Gain setting. The
default Linear Gain setting of 2.5 is usually adequate for most ground conditions, however, if the
user finds that they are surveying in areas where high Gain button settings are always required to
see data, it may be advantageous to increase the Linear Gain setting. Conversely, if the user
finds that low Gain button values work to see the data, it may be useful to decrease the Linear
Gain setting.
The choices available for Linear Gain are:
1) 0.0
2) 0.5
3) 1.0
4) 1.5
5) 2.0
6) 2.5 (default)
7) 3.0
8) 5.0
Arrow Reference
Section 4.4.1 Collecting Data using the Odometer on page 27 describes the Back-up Arrow that
appears when a Smart System is backed up. The Back-up Arrow allows the user to pinpoint the
exact ground position corresponding to a target response on the data image. The Arrow
Reference value is used to change the physical position that corresponds to the Back-up Arrow.
If the Arrow Reference value is set to the default value of zero (0.0) metres, the Back-up arrow
position corresponds with the center point of the Noggin.
40
However, the Arrow Reference value can be changed so that the Back-up Arrow corresponds to
a position at any offset from the center of the Noggin. For example, setting the Arrow Reference
value to +0.25 meters moves the Back-up Arrow to line up with a position 25 centimeters in front
of the Noggin centre point (on the Noggin 500 SmartCart this roughly corresponds to the front
axle). Setting the Arrow Reference value to -0.25 meters moves the Back-up Arrow to line up
with a position 25 centimeters in behind the Noggin centre point (on the Noggin 500 SmartCart
this roughly corresponds to the back axle). In this way, the Arrow Reference value can be
changed to correspond with any position desired by the user.
One reason the user may want to change the Arrow Reference value is so that the Noggin does
not cover the actual target location. This makes it easier to spray paint a mark or put a flag on
the ground where the target occurs.
To change the Arrow Reference value, use the Increase and Decrease buttons. The Increase
button will increment the value by 0.025 meters or 2.5 centimeters. The Decrease button will
decrement the value by 0.025 meters or 2.5 centimeters. Positive values correspond to positions
in front of the Noggin and negative values are positions behind the Noggin. Note that the Arrow
Reference value is always expressed in metres regardless of the settings of the other units.
When the Arrow Reference value has been set, press 4 to save it.
1) Increase
2) Decrease
3) Set to Zero
4) Save and Return
Window Zooming
Window Zooming allows the user to double or half all the default depth settings. For example, for
the Noggin 250 system, if the Window Zooming is set to the default of 100%, the five Depth
settings are: 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 and 15.0 metres.
If the Window Zooming option is changed to 50% then the Depth settings are reduced to one
half, specifically, 1.25, 2.5, 3.75, 5.0, and 7.5 metres.
Similarly, if the Window Zoom option is set to 200% then the Depth settings are doubled,
specifically, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, 20.0 and 30.0 metres.
This option allows the user to make larger or smaller depth ranges than the default.
1) 50%
2) 100% (default)
3) 200%
GPS Setup Menu

The Global Positioning System (GPS) uses special satellites around the Earth to determine the
position of a GPS receiver located at any position on the surface of the Earth. GPS receivers can
be purchased from a number of manufacturers.
41
The DVL has a serial port on the back for attaching a GPS receiver. This port will accommodate
any GPS receiver that has a standard serial port output.
This feature allows GPS information to be logged while collecting Noggin data. The GPS
information may be useful for determining where a specific target of interest is located in GPS co-
ordinates.
The DVL can be set up to read and log GPS information collected during data acquisition with the
Noggin system. GPS information can be logged in two different ways: 1) to display GPS
information on the data image every certain number of data traces collected by the Noggin
system, or 2) to display GPS information on the data image every time the user presses the A
button during data acquisition.
In order for the DVL to read the GPS data string, the GPS settings for the specific GPS receiver
being used must be input into this menu. There are 4 important items that must be specified
correctly for the DVL to display the GPS strings. These items are Baud Rate, Stop Bits, Data Bits
and Parity. These are discussed in more detail below. The default values listed below are the
values that are typically used. Read the GPS Receiver User’s Guide or experiment with the
settings to find the correct ones.
Once these 4 items are set correctly you should be able to run System Test #1 and have GPS
information written to the screen.
When the logging of GPS information is enabled, during data acquisition a message will appear
in the bottom left-hand corner of the DVL screen indicating whether GPS data is successfully
being received (see Figure 4-1).
Mode
There are three GPS modes available:
1) Off mode means that a GPS receiver is not connected to the DVL so no GPS
information is being logged. This should be the setting if you do not have a GPS
receiver.
2) Display every X traces mode means that every time the Noggin collects a user-
defined number of traces trace of GPR data, a data string of GPS information will be
written to the data image.
For example, the data may look like this:
Figure: 4-10 Noggin Data with GPS information written to the screen every 150 traces
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When this option is selected, the user is prompted to enter the number of traces to collect before
the GPS information is written to the data image.
With a Noggin 250 system, there are 320 traces per screen so using a value of 160 traces would
ensure that there are 2 GPS positions on each screen.
With a Noggin 500 and Noggin 1000 system, there are 640 traces per screen so using a value of
320 traces would ensure that there are 2 GPS positions on each screen.
3) Tagging with the A Button mode means that whenever the A button is pressed
during data acquisition, a data string of GPS information will be written onto the data
image.
For example, the data may look like this:
Figure: 4-11 Noggin Data with GPS information written to the screen when the A button is pressed.
Baud Rate
The baud rate is the speed that data is sent from the GPS receiver to the serial port of the DVL.
The available options are: 2400, 4800, 9600 (default) or 19200.
Stop Bits
The available settings for Stop Bits are: 1 (default) or 2.
Data Bits
The available settings for Data Bits are: 7 or 8 (default).
Parity
The available settings for Parity are: none (default), odd or even.
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End String
The GPS receiver can be set up to send one or more types of data strings. These strings are
called NMEA-0183 strings and each contains positional or other information in specific formats.
Each type of string is specified by a 5-character prefix. There are numerous NMEA strings but
examples of three different NMEA strings (GPGGA, GPVTG and GPGSA) are shown below.
$GPGGA,134713.00,4338.221086,N,07938.421365,W,2,06,2.1,152.51,M,-35.09,M,5.0,0118*79
$GPVTG,34.0,T,,,001.4,N,002.5,K,D*70
$GPGSA,A,3,30,26,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,4.2,2.1,3.6*36
$GPGGA,134713.00,4338.221086,N,07938.421365,W,2,06,2.1,152.51,M,-35.09,M,5.0,0118*79
$GPVTG,34.0,T,,,001.4,N,002.5,K,D*70
$GPGSA,A,3,30,26,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,4.2,2.1,3.6*36
$GPGGA,134713.00,4338.221086,N,07938.421365,W,2,06,2.1,152.51,M,-35.09,M,5.0,0118*79
$GPVTG,34.0,T,,,001.4,N,002.5,K,D*70
$GPGSA,A,3,30,26,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,4.2,2.1,3.6*36
$GPGGA,134713.00,4338.221086,N,07938.421365,W,2,06,2.1,152.51,M,-35.09,M,5.0,0118*79
$GPVTG,34.0,T,,,001.4,N,002.5,K,D*70
$GPGSA,A,3,30,26,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,4.2,2.1,3.6*36
Before using the GPS with the Noggin, the DVL software needs to know the prefix of the LAST
string being sent in each group. In the example above, three strings are being sent each time
(GPGGA, GPVTG and GPGSA). Since GPGSA is the last one being sent in each group, the End
String needs to be specified as GPGSA.
To see what the End String is for your particular GPS, run System Test #1 and note the first 5
characters on the last line after each series of strings is written to the screen. These are the 5
characters that need to be filled in under End String.
The End String option allows the user to fill in the 5 character GPS prefix. Use the Left and Right
buttons to move left or right to different characters in the string. The currently selected character
will have an “^” under it. To change the letter of the current character, use the Next button to
change it to the next letter in the alphabet and the Previous button to change it to the previous
letter in the alphabet. Using these keys all 5 characters can be filled in with the necessary GPS
End String.
See the GPS Receiver User’s Guide for details on how to set up the receiver to output specific
NMEA strings or groups of NMEA strings.
System Test #1
After all the settings above have been input and the GPS receiver is attached to the serial port on
the DVL, the user can test that the DVL is receiving the GPS output by using the Test option.
If the NMEA strings are successfully being read by the DVL they will appear on the DVL screen.
This is a good time to note the prefix of the last NMEA string in the list and input it in the End
String setting above.
If the NMEA strings do not appear, check that the port settings are correct. It is also possible that
a crossover cable is required between the output cable of the GPS receiver and the serial port on
the DVL.
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System Test #2
Once the GPS system is running successfully, System Test #2 can be used to graphically display
the GPS data. This screen displays the GPS Time, Latitude, Longitude and Altitude as well as
other values indicating the accuracy of the GPS reading. The GPS position is also displayed in a
square that can be Zoomed from 2 metres square to 16384 metres square.
Transfer Rate
Transfer Rate is a variable from 1 to 8 that corresponds to the speed of the data transfer from the
Noggin to the DVL. A value of 8 provides the fastest transfer speed while a value of 1 is the
slowest.
For standard Smart Systems the Transfer Rate value must be set to 8.
The Transfer Rate value will only be decreased for systems with data cables longer than
standard lengths. Please contact Sensors & Software before changing the Transfer Rate on your
system.
Reset Counter
The Noggin software records the total distance the system has travelled. This value is displayed
in Setup but cannot be changed.
The Noggin software also records a distance that can be reset by the user. To reset the distance
counter, move to the Reset Counter option and press the SET button.
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4.6 Noggin Buffer File Management

Files collected with the Noggin system can be transferred to an external computer (Section 4.6.1
Transferring all Buffer Files to an External Computer using the Win_PXFER Program on page
46) or deleted from the DVL (Section 4.6.2 Deleting all Buffer Files on the DVL on page 49).
4.6.1 Transferring all Buffer Files to an External Computer using the Win_PXFER
Program
Pressing the number 2 on the main Noggin menu transfers ALL the data buffers (up to 250
screens) from the DVL to an external computer. This type of transfer allows the user to view the
data on the external computer using the SpiView or Win_SpiView software. SpiView and
Win_SpiView are available from Sensors & Software Inc.
There are two ways of transferring data to an external PC. This section describes transferring all
data files to an external computer. The other method is to transfer one or more screens of data as
a single PCX graphics file (see Printing Data to an attached Printer on page 18 and Transferring
Data to an External PC on page 20). This other type of transfer is appropriate when the user
wants to transfer a small amount of data to an external computer for use with third-party graphics
software packages like Microsoft Paint and Word.
To transfer all the data buffers from the DVL to an external computer, the computer must be
connected to the DVL using the special parallel XFER cable that is supplied with the system
(Section 4.6.1 Transferring all Buffer Files to an External Computer using the Win_PXFER
Program on page 46). Note that this is a special cable and standard 25 pin to 25 pin or Laplink
cables will not work. As well, the computer must have the Win_PXFER program running on it
(Section 4.6.1 Transferring all Buffer Files to an External Computer using the Win_PXFER
Program on page 46).
Connecting the Digital Video Logger to an External Computer

The Smart System comes with a separate cable called the parallel XFER cable. This cable is
designed to connect the DVL to an external computer.
Figure: 4-12 Parallel XFER cable (CABL0023) connections
The 2 connections that must be made before attempting to transfer data are:
1) Attach the 25 socket parallel connector to the 25 socket parallel port on back of the
Digital Video Logger, and
2) Attach the 25 socket parallel connector the parallel port of the external computer.
WARNING: To avoid damaging any of the components, turn off the DVL and computer
before making any of these connections.
46
Installing and Running the Win_PXFER Program

The Smart System comes with a CD-ROM containing the Win_PXFER program.
To install the Win_PXFER program, follow the directions in the “Software Installation” document
that accompanies the CD. Briefly, running the SETUP.EXE program from the Win_PXFER folder
on the CD will install Win_PXFER on the computer.
Once the Win_PXFER program has been installed on the computer and the user is ready to
transfer data to the computer, the Win_PXFER program needs to be run. This can be done using
the Win_PXFER shortcut on the Desktop, double-clicking the Win_PXFER.EXE program in
Windows Explorer or pressing Start – Programs – Sensors & Software GPR and finally
Win_PXFER.
Figure: 4-13 Win_PXFER main screen
When the Win_PXFER program has been run, it will display a screen as shown in Figure 4-13.
This means that it is ready to receive data transferred from the DVL to the LPT port number 1.
This command assumes that the data buffers are being transferred across Parallel Port 1 (LPT1).
If using Parallel Port 2 (LPT2) or higher (LPT3, LPT4 etc.), specify the parallel port number under
the Port menu item from Win_PXFER.
The name of the folder (or directory) that the Noggin data will be transferred into is listed under
the “Current selected data directory”. In the example in Figure 4-13, the data will be transferred
to the c:\data directory. The data directory can be changed by pressing the Directory button and
choosing another directory. Note that Win_PXFER cannot be used to create new folders on the
computer. A program like Windows Explorer must be used to do this.
Transferring Buffer Files

Once the parallel XFER cable is connected and the Win_PXFER software is installed and
running (Section 4.6.1 Transferring all Buffer Files to an External Computer using the
Win_PXFER Program on page 46), it is now possible to transfer all data buffer files to the
external computer.
On the DVL, from the main menu, select number 2 – TRANSFER ALL BUFFERS.
47
The data will be transferred from the DVL to the computer and saved in the current working
directory. The progress of the data transfer will be displayed on the DVL screen and the external
computer.
When the data transfer is complete, on the external computer, exit from the Win_PXFER
program. Press any button on the DVL to return to the main menu.
Parallel Port not bi-directional Error

Sometimes, when attempting to transfer data to the PC, the error message “LPT1 is not bi-
directional” may appear on the DVL screen. When transferring data from the DVL unit to a PC,
the printer port is used. The Win_PXFER program utilizes the functions of a bi-directional printer
port for high-speed data transfer. A bi-directional port allows data to be sent in both directions
over the data lines. Most modern ports are bi-directional; however, they may not be configured
as such and may be configured as ‘output only’.
There are a number of ways the port can be reconfigured depending on the type and
manufacturer of your computer. Most computers configure the port using a BIOS setup program.
Again, different manufactures have different ways to start this program. Some use the Delete
key on boot up, some use the F1 or F2 key on boot up, some have a special key sequence and
others use a program run through DOS or Windows. Often there is a line of text written to the
screen during the boot-up sequence that indicates which key must be pressed to run Setup. This
key MUST be pressed BEFORE Windows starts. If you miss pressing it, go into Windows, shut
down, restart the computer and try again. Consult your owners’ manual for details.
After the BIOS Setup program starts, the Parallel or Printer port configuration that needs to be
changed is normally under the ‘Peripheral’ or “Advanced” setting heading. If you can’t find it
under these headings, look under the various headings for some setting like “Parallel Mode” or
“Parallel Configuration”. Take note of what the current setting is. The typical settings are
Normal, ECP, EPP and bi-directional. It may require some experimentation to find the correct
setting that works with the Win_PXFER program. First, try changing the setting to bi-directional.
Save the settings and exit the Setup program (usually there is a special key like F10 to do this).
Then allow the computer to continue to boot up. Then, try transferring data again, as described
above. If the “LPT1 is not bi-directional” error occurs again, reboot the PC, run the BIOS Setup
program, change the Parallel port setting to EPP, save the settings and try again. The settings
don’t appear standard so no one particular setting will solve the error on all computers. Keep
trying the different parallel port settings until one of them eliminates the error and allows data
transfer.
Viewing SPI Files in SpiView on the External PC

If the buffer data transferred to the external computer are to be viewed using the SpiView (DOS
version) or Win_SpiView (Windows version) software.
When you are using the SpiView program it is best if all of the data buffer files (SPIxx.PCX) are
copied to the \SPIVIEW\BUFFERS directory. Any buffer data files in this directory should be
moved or deleted before the new buffer data files are copied. Alternatively, the buffer location can
be changed using the SPI_LOAD.INI file (see the SpiView Manual for details). SpiView is
available from Sensors & Software Inc.
When you are using the Win_SpiView program the data buffer files (SPIxx.PCX) can be copied to
any folder on the PC. Win_SpiView is available from Sensors & Software Inc.
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4.6.2 Deleting all Buffer Files on the DVL

Pressing the number 3 on the main menu allows the user to delete ALL the data buffers (up to
250 screens) currently saved on the DVL.
Before the buffers are deleted, the user is asked, “Do you want to delete all the buffers?” To
answer YES to this question press the A button. To answer NO to the question press the B button
and the buffers are not deleted.
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4.7 Upgrades
Pressing the number 4 on the main menu puts the DVL into listen mode to allow a software
upgrade to be transferred from an external PC to the DVL. Avoid pressing this button until the
instructions in a software upgrade tell you to. Once pressed, the DVL must have the power
disconnected to exit from this menu item.
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4.8 Advanced Topics
4.8.1 How Depth is Determined

Ground penetrating radar systems record the time for a radio wave to travel to a target and back.
The depth to that target is calculated based on the velocity at which the wave travels to the target
and back. It is calculated as:
D = V x T/2
Where D is Depth (m)
V is Velocity (m/ns)
T is Two-way travel time (ns)
The wave velocity depends on the properties of the material. The Noggin software allows the
user to input different velocities, which changes the total depth range displayed on the screen.
The velocities of common materials are:
Air 0.3 1
Ice 0.17 0.57
Dry Soil 0.15 0.5
Dry Rock 0.12 0.4
Soil 0.1 0.33
Wet Rock 0.1 0.33
Concrete 0.1 0.33
Pavement 0.1 0.33
Wet Soil 0.065 0.22
Water 0.033 0.11
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5-Nogginplus SmartHandle
5 Nogginplus
5.1 Overview of Nogginplus Menu Options
The Nogginplus main menu has the following choices:
A – LINE
B – GRID
1 – NOGGIN PLUS SETUP

2 – FILE MANAGEMENT
3 – RUN WITHOUT SAVING DATA
4 – UTILITIES
7 – RETURN
12.1 V Rev 3.00
5.1.1 Line
Survey lines collected with the Nogginplus are saved as digital data files that can be viewed on the
DVL or exported to an external computer for processing and plotting. Sensors & Software
programs like Win_EKKO, EKKO_Mapper, EKKO_3D and EKKO_Pointer are available to
process and display the data.
Pressing the A button from the main Nogginplus menu takes the user to Line data collection. This
menu allows the user to select a project number and line number to save each data file to.
Data files from the same area can be organized and saved under a project number selected by
the user. As each individual line is collected, it is given a line number. These line numbers are
usually in sequential order but this is up to the user.
5.1.2 Grid
Survey lines collected with the Nogginplus are saved as digital data files that can be viewed on the
DVL or exported to an external computer for processing and plotting.
Pressing the B button from the main Nogginplus menu takes the user to Grid data collection.
Grid collection involves collecting data in an organized pattern over an area. This type of data
acquisition allows the GPR data to be displayed as 3D volumes with the EKKO_3D software or
presented as plan maps with the EKKO_Mapper or EKKO_Pointer software.
For inexperienced surveyors, laying out a grid with straight lines and all the corners at 90
degree angles can be difficult. Sensors & Software provides a product called EasyGrid to
make laying out an accurate grid simple. Contact Sensors & Software for more details.
The Grid menu allows the user to select a grid number and line number to save each data file to.
Before the data acquisition on a grid begins, the user must define the size of the area to be
surveyed, the direction of the survey lines and line spacing. The details of the grid survey are
specified in the Grid Setup menu option (see Section 5.3.4 Grid Parameters on page 75).
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SmartHandle 5-Nogginplus
5.1.3 Setup
There are many background setup parameters related to the Noggin Smart Systems operation
for line and grid surveys that can be edited. This menu allows the user to display and change
various settings for different aspects of the Smart System (see Section 5.3 Nogginplus Setup on
page 66). The user can also reset all the parameters to the factory default settings.
5.1.4 File Management

The file management option allows Line and Grid data to be downloaded from the DVL to an
external computer via the parallel XFER cable (see Section 5.4.1 Transferring all Data Files to an
External Computer using the Win_PXFER Program on page 86). This option can also be used to
delete data from the DVL.
5.1.5 Run without Saving Data

This option allows the user to go straight into data acquisition. This feature is to allow a “quick
look” at the data in the area. The data collected when in this mode are NOT saved and cannot be
reviewed later or exported. Data that scrolls off the edge of the screen is gone and cannot be
reviewed.
If a GPS receiver is attached to the DVL, GPS information can be logged to a file even when the
Nogginplus data are not being saved (see Section 5.3.5 GPS Parameters on page 80).
5.1.6 Utilities
This menu has utility programs to:
a) Change the Date and Time on the DVL (see Section 5.5.1 Time and Date on
page 90)
b) Calibrate the odometer (see Section 5.5.2 Odometer Calibration on page 90),
c) Use an external PC to transfer upgraded software to the DVL (see Section

5.5.3 Upgrade on page 91),
d) List or print or transfer system information to assist Sensors & Software in

troubleshooting problems with your system (see Section 5.5.4 System
Information on page 91) and
e) Determine how much space is left on the DVL (see Section 5.5.5 DVL
Recording Space on page 91).
5.1.7 Return
This button will return the user to main menu.
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5.2 Nogginplus Data Acquisition

Selecting the Line, Grid or Run without Saving Data options from the main Nogginplus menu will
start data acquisition. The Run without Saving Option goes straight to data acquisition while the
Line and Grid options require the user to select a project number, file number and press Run
before data acquisition begins.
If the Auto Start option is set to ON (see Section 5.3.2 Cart Parameters on page 68 – Auto Start
for details) the system will automatically boot up and be ready for data acquisition. If Auto Start is
set to OFF the user must press the Start button to boot up the system.
After acquisition has started, the Start button disappears and a Stop button (used to halt
acquisition) appears on the right. A Gain button is also visible as well as the current Depth
setting and equivalent Time Window length in nanoseconds (see Figure 5-1).
Data acquisition begins by pressing the Start button on the DVL.
Starting SmartHandle systems: On SmartHandle systems, data acquisition can also be started
by quickly pressing the Smart button. When the Smart button has been pressed, the lights on the
handle should change from red to green to indicate that the system is ready to collect data. The
Smart button can also be used to stop data acquisition by pressing and holding the button for 1
second before releasing it (see Stopping SmartHandle systems below).
When the Start button is pressed for the first time after the unit is turned on, the Noggin will boot
up (this can take up to 30 seconds depending on the software version of the Noggin). During this
time the system is self-calibrating and measuring such factors as temperature and battery
voltage.
Once this boot up has been completed, data acquisition can begin. For subsequent lines there is
only a short delay before data acquisition can begin.
Data acquisition is done by moving the Smart System along the survey line. During data
acquisition, the Gain button is dynamic and the screen display of the signal sensitivity can be
changed on the go (see Section 5.2.6 Gain on page 57).
When the survey line is completed, press the Stop button to stop data acquisition. At this point
no more data can be collected without starting a new line.
Stopping SmartHandle systems: On SmartHandle systems, data acquisition can also be

stopped by pressing the Smart button and holding it pressed for about 1 second before releasing
it. When the Smart button has been pressed like this, the lights on the handle should change
from green to red to indicate that the system has stopped collecting data.
5.2.1 Replaying or Overwriting Data

Immediately after a data file has been collected and the Stop button (or Smart button) pressed,
the data file can be replayed by pressing the left and right arrow buttons to the scroll the data to
the left and right. As well, during data replay, the data can be enlarged or “zoomed” by pressing
the Zoom button and changing the zoom factor. For example, zooming 2 times on data with a
depth setting of 5.0 metres will show the first 2.5 metres of data on the screen.
Any data file that has been collected can be replayed at any time by selecting the file number and
selecting Run. The user then has the option to View, Overwrite or Delete the data file.
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5.2.2 Screen Overview

The data acquisition screen is shown in Figure 5-1. It is divided into 3 sections.
Figure: 5-1 Nogginplus Data Acquisition Screen
The Noggin screen is shown in Figure 5-1. It is divided into 3 sections. The very top section
(Section A) positioning information. The center section (Section B) contains the actual data and
the bottom section (Section C) contains the menu.
5.2.3 Section A – Position Information

The very top section (Section A) contains horizontal spatial positioning information in feet or
metres depending on the position units setting (see Position Units on page 68)
5.2.4 Section B - Data Display

This section contains the actual data collected or replayed. The section also contains the depth
indicator lines and any fiducial markers the user enters. See the sections below for more details.
55
If a GPS receiver is attached to the DVL, a file containing GPS information can be saved (see
Section 5.3.5 GPS Parameters on page 80).
Depth Lines
Depth lines are horizontal lines indicating the estimated depth. They are very useful for getting
depth estimates to features of interest in the data.
The Depth Lines are controlled by the current velocity value as well as the depth selected. See
Depth on page 66 on changing the depth setting and for more details on how depths are
determined.
To display the correct depth, it is the responsibility of the user to calibrate the system to
the correct velocity of the material (see Section 5.2.10 Calib. (Calibration) Menu on page
62 on how to calibrate the system). Once a velocity value has been determined see
Velocity on page 67 on how to change the velocity setting.
Note that it is possible to change the depth units between metres and feet (see Position Units on
page 68).
Fiducial Markers
A fiducial marker is a dotted vertical line placed on the data section at a specific position during
data acquisition. Adding these markers during data acquisition is useful for recording significant
positions or the positions of surface objects encountered during the survey.
A fiducial marker is activated by pressing the A button on the keypad during data acquisition. As
well, when using the backup arrow (Section 5.2.7 Collecting Data using the Odometer on page
58) fiducial markers can be added at the current arrow location by pressing the A button.
SmartHandle systems: On SmartHandle systems, it is also possible to add a fiducial marker by

quickly pressing the Smart button on the SmartHandle during data acquisition.
The position and name of the object encountered at each marker can be recorded in a field
notebook. The fiducial marker is written to the trace header of the next trace to be collected.
Fiducial markers are numbered sequentially (F1, F2 etc.). When the data are transferred to a PC
and reviewed, these markers can assist with data interpretation.
If a GPS receiver is attached to the DVL, a file containing GPS information can be saved. In
Fuducial Tagging mode, whenever a fiducial marker is added to the data, a line of GPS
information will be added to the GPS file (see Section 5.3.5 GPS Parameters on page 80)
5.2.5 Section C - Menu

The bottom section (Section C) contains the user menu selection and current program settings.
This includes:
1) The total depth (and time window) to the bottom of the data image in Section B (see
Section 5.3.1 System Parameters on page 66),
2) The Gain button and current Gain setting (see Section 5.2.6 Gain on page 57),
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3) GPS information (if GPS receiver attached, see below and Section 5.3.5 GPS
Parameters on page 80),
4) The current odometer position,
5) The Repeat Trace Number which indicates when the system is being moved too fast
(see Section 5.2.7 Collecting Data using the Odometer on page 58) and
6) The Calib button for calibrating the velocity setting (see Section 5.2.10 Calib.
(Calibration) Menu on page 62).
If a GPS receiver is attached to the DVL (see Section 5.3.5 GPS Parameters on page 80) a
message will appear in the bottom left corner of the menu indicating whether the GPS data is
successfully being logged. The possible messages are:
1) GPS: DGPS fix means differential GPS data are currently being logged.
2) GPS: GPS fix means standard GPS data are currently being logged.
3) GPS: fix not valid means GPS data are NOT currently being logged. This is usually
because GPS satellites are not available.
4) GPS: No Input means the GPS receiver is not operating properly. Check the settings
and test the system (see Section 5.3.5 GPS Parameters on page 80).
5) GPS: No GGA means the GPS receiver is not outputting a GGA NMEA string that
the DVL requires (see Section 5.3.5 GPS Parameters on page 80).
5.2.6 Gain
During data acquisition, the Gain setting can be changed by pressing the Gain button until the
desired setting appears. This can be done while the instrument is collecting data; there is no
need to stop first.
The signals that the Noggin system collects from the ground can be very weak, especially from
deeper objects. To see these weak signals it is necessary to amplify or apply “gain” to them.
The Gain setting controls how much the signal is amplified. It varies from 1 to 9 with 1 the lowest
and 9 the highest. In general, if the target is relatively shallow (1-2 metres) a low gain value can
be used. If the target is deeper or if the screen seems to be blank or speckled in the lower part of
the data section, increase the gain setting. Remember, however, that if the Noggin signal is not
penetrating to the maximum depth setting, even the maximum gain setting will not show any
data.
Figure 5-2 shows the effect of the gain setting. The data on the left has a gain of 1 incrementing
to the right up to a gain of 9.
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Figure: 5-2 Effects of the Gain setting
Note that the gain setting is only for data display. The data are always saved without any
gain applied. It is not possible to collect Nogginplus data with an “incorrect” gain setting.
If the user finds that they are always using very high or very low gain settings to see the data
adequately, the user may want to adjust the Linear Gain setting under Setup (see Section 5.3.1
System Parameters on page 66).
5.2.7 Collecting Data using the Odometer

As the Smart System moves, the odometer triggers the system to collect a data trace at fixed
distance intervals. This interval is called the “station interval”. For the Noggin 250, the normal
station interval is 5 centimeters (about 2 inches). For the Noggin 500, the normal station interval
is 2.5 centimeters (about 1 inch). For the Noggin 1000, the normal station interval is 1.0
centimeter (about 0.48 inch). The station interval can be changed to a longer or short distance in
the Setup (see Station Interval on page 72).
Each data trace is plotted as a vertical strip on the screen (see Figure 5-1). The width of this strip
can be changed to 1, 2, 4, or 8 pixels (see Plot Interval on page 40). The normal trace width for
Noggin 250 traces is 2 pixels while the normal width for Noggin 500 and Noggin 1000 systems is
1 pixel.
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The odometer units that appear across the top of the screen can be set to either metres or feet
(see Units Used on page 33).
Smart Systems can normally collect data at a very fast walking pace. However, if the system is
moved too quickly, data quality is reduced (see below).
During data acquisition, the current odometer position value (in the current units, either metres or
feet) is written to the lower left corner of the screen (see Figure 5-1).
Note that Smart Systems can be configured to collect data either by pushing the system
(forward) or pulling the system (reverse). See Cart Direction on page 69 about changing the
direction of data acquisition.
The odometer should be periodically re-calibrated to ensure accuracy. The procedure for re-
calibrating the odometer is described in Odometer Calibration on page 34.
Reducing Data Quality by Moving too Fast

On the lower part of the data acquisition screen, beside the current odometer position value is a
single digit number that usually displays one (1) (see Figure 5-1). This value is the Repeat Trace
number.
If the Smart System is being used with the odometer and is moved too quickly for the Noggin
system to keep up, traces are skipped and the quality of the survey is reduced. The skipped
traces do not actually create gaps in the data but rather, the last trace that was collected properly
is repeated. The Repeat Trace number displays the number of traces that are being plotted to the
screen. If this number exceeds 1 or if the user notices the data looking smeared or “blocky”, this
is probably due to moving the system too quickly. To eliminate this either slow down the system
speed, decrease the number of Stacks or reduce the Depth setting (see Section 5.3.1 System
Parameters on page 66).
If the system is being moved too fast, after the data survey line is complete, the DVL will indicate
the total number of traces that were “skipped”. The user then has the option to Autofix the data.
The Autofix process replaces any repeated traces in the data with interpolated traces. While this
process does not solve the problem of skipping traces, it will make the data traces look less
“blocky”.
If the number of traces skipped is a significant percentage of the total number of traces collected,
i.e. 10% or more, the operator should slow down, decrease the number of Stacks or reduce the
Depth setting (see Section 5.5.2 Odometer Calibration on page 90).
Backing up the Smart System to Pinpoint Target Positions

The odometer also allows the user to stop the Smart System in the middle of a survey line and
back up. When this is done, an arrow and vertical line appear on the data image and move back
along the image as the system moves backwards (see Figure 5-1). This makes it possible to
correlate a target in the data image to an exact location on the ground. Once the arrow lines up
with the target, mark the ground at the centre point of the Noggin.
When the system is moved forward again to continue with the survey, the Smart System does not
start collecting data again until you reach the position where you stopped at. This feature is
useful for producing a continuous data image even if the system is backed up during the survey
line.
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Note that it is not possible to back up and have the arrow indicator move more than one screen.
The physical position corresponding to the Back-up arrow is the centre of the Noggin. This
position can be changed from the centre of the Noggin to any other position. See Arrow Offset on
page 70 on changing the Arrow Offset value.
5.2.8 Collecting Data in Free Run Operation

It is possible to change the triggering method from the odometer and have the Noggin system run
in Free Run (or continuous mode) (see Trigger Method on page 69). This means that the system
collects data even if it is not moving. This option is useful for collecting data when using the
odometer wheel is not practical.
When the Smart System is used in Free Run mode, it is up to the user to keep track of
positioning by some other method, for example, a measuring tape, using fiducial markers (see
Fiducial Markers on page 56) or GPS (see Section 5.3.5 GPS Parameters on page 80).
In this mode, data collection is dependent on two factors,
1) the speed that the Noggin system is collecting data and
2) the speed the Noggin system is moving.
Controlling Data Collection Speed

In Free Run mode the user can control the speed the Noggin collects data by increasing or
decreasing the number of stacks (for more details on Stacking, see Stacks on page 68).
Increasing the number of Stacks has the effect of slowing down the data collection speed of the
Noggin system. Decreasing the number of Stacks has the effect of speeding up the data
collection speed of the Noggin system. The user can also control the speed of the Noggin data
collection by adjusting a time delay between data collection points. Note that any time delay
more than 0.0 seconds causes the system to emit a beeping sound as the data trace is collected.
Noggin Speed
In Free Run mode, the speed the Noggin moves determines the distance between sample points
on the ground (station interval). This type of data collection requires experimenting with the
number of stacks and time delay (see Trigger Method on page 69) and practicing to find a
satisfactory speed for the Noggin. Moving too quickly may result in under-sampling the data
making it more difficult to interpret. Moving too slowly may result in over-sampling the data. This
stretches the data image making it more difficult to interpret. As well, maintaining a uniform
speed is important for minimizing image distortion.
Positions
Each data trace is plotted as a vertical strip on the screen (see Plot Interval on page 75). In Free
Run mode the station interval is not fixed so each screen of data can represent any ground
distance. This means that the position values displayed in Section A at the top of the data image
(see Section 5.2.3 Section A – Position Information on page 55) are not correct.
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When running the system in Free Run mode it is best to set the units (see Position Units on page
68) to metres and the Station Interval (see Station Interval on page 72) to a value of 1.0 metre.
Then the position values appearing on the top of the data image can be interpreted as trace
numbers and not an absolute position.
Collecting Data using the Trigger (or B) Button

It is possible to change the triggering method from the odometer and have the Noggin system
only collect data when the Trigger button (or B button on the DVL) is pressed. This option is
useful for collecting data when using the odometer wheel is not practical.
After the user selects this option (see Trigger Method on page 69), a menu appears to select the
number of stacks for each trace. Generally, the more stacks the better the data quality (for more
details on Stacking, see Stacks on page 68).
In Trigger Button mode, the system “beeps” as each trace is collected. The length of the beep
will depend on the number of stacks (the more stacks, the longer it takes to collect a trace and
therefore the longer the beep).
When the Smart System is used in Trigger Button Mode, it is up to the user to keep track of
positioning by some other method, for example, using a measuring tape, fiducial markers (see
Section 5.2.4 Section B - Data Display on page 55) or GPS (see GPS Setup Menu on page 41).
Since data collection only occurs by the user pressing the trigger button, usually a fewer number
of traces are collected in this mode compared to odometer triggering mode or Free Run mode
(see above). Therefore, it is often useful to increase the trace width to 4 or 8 pixels so that the
data are more easily seen on the DVL screen (see Plot Interval on page 75).
5.2.9 Nogginplus Data Screens
Total Distance Per Screen

The total distance that can be displayed on one screen varies depending on the Noggin system,
Station Interval and Plot Interval (see Plot Interval on page 75). As the Station Interval increases,
the distance between data traces increases and the total distance per screen increases. As the
Plot Interval increases, the total distance per screen decreases.
Noggin 250
For the Noggin 250, each trace is normally 2 pixels wide. Since the screen is 640 pixels wide,
each screen has 320 traces. When the station interval is set to Normal (5 centimetres or 1.92
Noggin 500
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Noggin 1000
Total Data Distance on the DVL

For more details on total distances and Station Intervals see Station Interval on page 72.
To see how much data can be collected before the DVL memory is full and data must be deleted
or downloaded, see Section 5.5.5 DVL Recording Space on page 91.
5.2.10 Calib. (Calibration) Menu

Noggin systems can be used to scan into many different materials including soil, rock, concrete,
snow, ice and wood. The radio wave emitted by a Noggin system will travel at different velocities
depending on the material being scanned. The depth value (see Section 5.3.1 System
Parameters on page 66) and on Depth Lines (see Section 5.2.4 Section B - Data Display on page
55) are only accurate if the system has been properly calibrated to determine the velocity of the
material being scanned. See Depth on page 66 for more details about how depth is calculated.
The Calibration function is a tool for determining the velocity of the material being scanned. A
velocity value can be input directly (see Velocity on page 67) or determined in one of two different
ways depending on the situation:
1) Hyperbola matching
2) Target of known depth
Note that unlike the Calibration with Noggin systems (see Section 5.2.10 Calib.
(Calibration) Menu on page 62), the Nogginplus Calibration does NOT automatically update
the velocity value in the software. In the Nogginplus calibration, once a velocity is
determined, the user must enter it into the System Parameters (see Velocity on page 67).
Hyperbola Matching
This is the most accurate way of determining the velocity of the material being scanned because
it extracts the speed using data collected in the area. This method may not work in all situations
because it depends on having a good quality hyperbola (or inverted U) in the data. A hyperbola
is the characteristic Noggin response from a small point target like a pipe, rock or even a tree
root. If the hyperbola has long tails on it, we can match the shape of the hyperbola and
determine the velocity of the material in the area.
With the hyperbola visible on the DVL screen, select the hyperbola (∩) button. This will
superimpose a hyperbola on the data. This hyperbola can be moved up (), down (), left ()
and right () using the appropriate arrow buttons. The goal is move the hyperbola until it lies on
top of the hyperbola in the data (see Figure 5-3). Then, the user can adjust the width of the
hyperbola to make it wider () or narrower () until the shape of the hyperbola matches the
shape of the hyperbola in the data. After matching the hyperbola, the velocity value is displayed
and now can be entered under the System Parameters (see Velocity on page 67).
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Pressing the up, down left, right, wider and narrow buttons once makes a very small change in
the position or width of the hyperbola. These buttons must sometimes be pressed many times to
move the hyperbola to the correct position or width. To speed up the movement of the hyperbola,
use the REPEAT button. For example, to move the hyperbola up a long distance, press the up
button () followed by the REPEAT button. The hyperbola will then start moving upward without
having to press any more buttons. When it gets close to the desired location press any button to
stop it and then use the up, down, left and right buttons to fine-tune the position. The REPEAT
button can also be used after pressing the wider () or narrower () button.
(a) (b)
Figure: 5-3 Hyperbola matching to extract velocity. After pressing the CALIB button a hyperbola
appears on the screen (a). This hyperbola should be moved overtop of a hyperbola in the data using
the arrow keys. It can then be widened or narrowed to match the shape of the hyperbola in the data (b).
When the hyperbola shapes match, the velocity is extracted and displayed. The user can then use this
velocity value for surveys done in the area.
In Nogginplus mode, hyperbola Matching calibration can be done during data acquisition and also
while viewing previously collected data.
If units are metres then depths will appear in metres and velocities in metres per nanosecond (m/
ns). If units are feet then depths will appear in feet and velocities in feet per nanosecond (ft/ns).
To change units see Depth Units on page 67.
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Target of Known Depth

If there are no suitable hyperbolas visible in the data to perform the Hyperbola Matching
described above, it may be the situation that there is a target of known depth in the area being
scanned. If this is the case, selecting the button with the circle with a horizontal line through it will
superimpose a horizontal line on the data. This line can then be moved up or down until it lies on
top of the Noggin response to the known target. Then, the user can adjust the velocity value up
or down until the known target depth is correct. Once the depth is matched, the current velocity
value is the one used for all subsequent data acquisition.
(a) (b)
Figure: 5-4 Using a target of known depth to extract velocity. After selecting CALIB, choosing the
known depth button (a circle with a horizontal line through it) will superimpose a horizontal line on the
data (a). Using the depth buttons, this line can then be moved up or down until it lies on top of the
Noggin response to the known target (b). Then, the user can use the velocity buttons to adjust the
velocity value up or down until the known target depth is correct. Once the depth is matched, the
velocity value should be used for all subsequent data acquisition.
If units are metres then depths will appear in metres and velocities in metres per nanosecond (m/
ns). If units are feet then depths will appear in feet and velocities in feet per nanosecond (ft/ns).
To change units see Depth Units on page 67.
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5.2.11 Error Messages

If an error occurs during data acquisition, an error message will appear in the bottom left section
of the data acquisition screen. Note the message number, exit the program and turn off the
Digital Video Logger.
and solve the problem. Also check and make sure the battery is adequately charged. Turn the
Digital Video Logger back on and try running the system again.
For more information on Troubleshooting the system, see Section 6 Troubleshooting on page 92.
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5.3 Nogginplus Setup

Pressing the number 1 on the main menu selects the Setup item. Setup lists the various
parameters that can be edited. These parameters are organized under the following headings:
1 - System Parameters
2 - Cart Parameters
3 - Line Parameters
4 - Grid Parameters
5 – GPS Parameters
6 – Set Defaults
To select a setting to edit, press the corresponding number button. Then use the numbered
buttons to select the new setting. It is also possible to change all the settings back to the factory
default settings by pressing the 6 button (labelled Set Defaults).
The SETUP options are outlined below.
5.3.1 System Parameters

The System Parameters settings allow the user to view and modify settings specific to the data
collection of the Noggin system. This includes the type of Noggin system, the desired depth of
investigation, the velocity of the material being surveyed, the units of depth and position, the
number of stacks and the amount of linear gain.
Depth
The depth setting is how deep the radar will try to probe in to the subsurface. It is important to
realize that the depth setting is an estimated value that is dependent on the velocity of the
material being probed.
Ground penetrating radar systems record the time for a radio wave to travel to a target and back.
They do not measure the depth to that target directly. The depth to a target is calculated based
on the velocity at which the wave travels to the target and back. It is calculated as:
D = V x T/2
Where D is Depth (m)

V is Velocity (m/ns)
T is Two-way travel time (ns)
The Depth units can be changed to metres, feet or time in nanoseconds. For details, see Depth
Units below in this section.
It is important to remember that just because the Depth setting is set to a certain value, it
does not necessarily mean that the Noggin is able to penetrate to that depth and collect
data. For example, if the Depth setting is 5 metres but the material penetration is only 3
metres the last 2 metres of the image will not contain subsurface information. Some
materials will absorb the Noggin signal and limit penetration to less than the selected
depth.
If the depth setting is deeper than the Noggin signals penetrate, the data in the lower part of the
data screen will look blank or speckled rather than signal with continuity.
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Velocity
The wave velocity depends on the properties of the material. The Nogginplus software allows the
user to input a velocity, which changes the total time window collected by the system.
See Section 5.2.10 Calib. (Calibration) Menu on page 62 for a discussion about determining
velocity.
A table of typical radar velocities in various materials is given below. If in doubt, use a value of
0.10 m/ns. This is a good average velocity that will provide a good estimate of depth in most
situations.
Air 0.300 1.000
Ice 0.170 0.558
Dry Soil 0.130 0.427
Dry Rock 0.120 0.394
Soil 0.100 0.328
Wet Rock 0.100 0.328
Concrete 0.100 0.328
Pavement 0.100 0.328
Wet Soil 0.065 0.213
Water 0.033 0.108
If units are metres then velocities will appear in metres per nanosecond (m/ns). If units are feet
then velocities will appear in feet per nanosecond (ft/ns). To change units see Depth Units on
page 67.
The Noggin will accept units in metres/nanosecond or feet/nanosecond depending on the Depth
Units setting.
Depth Units
This is the setting for the units of the horizontal depth lines that appear on the screen. The
available settings are metres, feet or nanoseconds (ns). If nanoseconds are selected the “depth”
lines (see Section 5.2.2 Screen Overview on page 55) are actually time lines.
1) metres
2) feet
3) nanoseconds
Noggin System
The Noggin System should be set to the type of Noggin currently in use on the Smart System.
The Noggins available are:
1) Noggin 250
2) Noggin 500
3) Noggin 1000
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Stacks
Some materials tend to absorb radar signals and limit penetration. These materials are said to
be lossy. When collecting data in lossy areas or areas with a lot of radio frequency noise, one
way of increasing data quality is to collect more than one trace at each survey position, average
them and save the averaged trace. This is known as “stacking”. Data quality improves because
the noise, which is usually random (like white noise on a TV screen with no station in the area),
tends to zero when averaged. Consequently, the usable signal is easier to see. This is known as
increasing the “signal-to-noise ratio”.
The amount of Stacking can vary from 1 to 2048 by factors of 2.
While stacking improves data quality, it also forces the user to slow down survey production. The
more stacks the longer it takes to collect data at each survey position. Therefore, it is important to
find the lowest number of stacks that still reveal the target adequately. For most surveys, stacking
4 times is suitable.
See the warning in Section 5.2.7 Collecting Data using the Odometer on page 58 about losing
data if the Smart System is moving too quickly for the Noggin system to keep up.
Linear Time Gain

As described in Section 5.2.6 Gain on page 57, the weak signals must be amplified or “gained” to
see them on the display. The Gain button described in Section 5.2.6 Gain on page 57 can be set
to a value from 1 to 9 depending on the amount of gain required (1 is lowest gain, 9 is highest
gain).
There is also a second level of gain available to the user and that is the Linear Gain setting. The
default Linear Gain setting of 2.0 is usually adequate for most ground conditions, however, if
advanced users find that they are surveying in areas where high Gain button settings are always
required to see data, it may be advantageous to increase the Linear Gain setting. Conversely, if
the user finds that low Gain button values work to see the data, it may be useful to decrease the
Linear Gain setting.
For the experienced user, the setting indicates the gain increases per nanosecond.
The Linear Gain setting can vary from 0.0 to 5.0 in steps of 0.5.
Position Units
This is the setting for the position units used by the odometer. The available options are:
1) metres (default)
2) feet
5.3.2 Cart Parameters

The Cart Parameters settings allow the user to view and modify settings specific to the Smart
System. This includes the direction the Noggin will move to collect data, whether or not the
odometer is active and whether Auto Start is on or off.
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Cart Direction
This setting determines whether data are collected as the Noggin is pushed forward or pulled in
reverse. The back up arrow (see Section 5.2.7 Collecting Data using the Odometer on page 58)
will work in the direction opposite to this setting. The available options are:
1) Push (default)
2) Pull
Trigger Method
This setting determines the method used to trigger the Smart System to collect data at each data
collection point. The available options are:
1) Odometer
2) Free Run
3) Button
Trigger with Odometer: Selecting this option means that the Smart System will be triggered to
collect data using the input from the currently selected odometer (see Odometer Number below).
See Section 5.2.7 Collecting Data using the Odometer on page 58 for more details about data
acquisition with an odometer.
Free Run Operation: Selecting this option means that the Smart System runs continuously in
time, independent of any other triggering device (see Section 5.2.8 Collecting Data in Free Run
Operation on page 60). When continuous operation is selected, two other menus appear to
select the number of stacks and time delay between data traces. These options allow the user to
control the speed of the data acquisition.
The user can control the speed the Noggin collects data by increasing or decreasing the number
of stacks (for more details on Stacking, see Stacks on page 68). Increasing the number of Stacks
has the effect of slowing down the data collection speed of the Noggin system. Decreasing the
number of Stacks has the effect of speeding up the data collection speed of the Noggin system.
The second menu to appear prompts the user to input the time delay, in seconds, between each
data collection point. To run the system as quickly as possible, set this value to 0.0 seconds. For
a longer time delay, use the buttons to set the value. Note that any time delay longer than zero
(0.0) seconds causes the Smart System to emit a beeping sound to indicate data collection is
taking place.
The number of stacks and time delay should be set to values that, when combined with speed
the Noggin is moving at, provide an appropriate station interval. This may take a little
experimenting to determine the optimal values for stacks, time delay and the actual speed the
Noggin is moving at.
Trigger with Button: Selecting this means that the Smart System will be triggered to collect data
by pressing the trigger button (if the Smart System has a trigger button) or the B button on the
DVL (see Collecting Data using the Trigger (or B) Button on page 61).
After the user selects this option, a menu appears to select the number of stacks for each trace
(for more details on Stacking, see Stacks on page 68).
Note that when data are collected in Trigger Button mode, the Smart System will emit a beeping
sound after the button is pressed to indicate data collection is taking place.
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Auto Start
If the Auto Start option is set to ON, after the user presses Run to collect a data line, the system
will automatically boot up and be ready for data acquisition, rather than having the Start button
appear. This prevents the user from having to press the Start button at the start of every new
line. This setting is especially useful when collecting numerous lines as occurs when
collecting grid data. If Auto Start is set to OFF the user must press the Start button to begin
data acquisition for each line.
Arrow Offset
Section 5.2.7 Collecting Data using the Odometer on page 58 describes the Back-up Arrow that
appears when the Smart System is backed up. The Back-up Arrow allows the user to pinpoint
the exact ground position corresponding to a target response on the data image. The Arrow
Offset value is used to change the physical position that corresponds to the Back-up Arrow. If the
Arrow Reference value is set to the default value of zero (0.0) metres, the Back-up arrow position
corresponds with the centre point of the Noggin.
However, the Arrow Offset value can be changed so that the Back-up Arrow corresponds to a
position at any offset from the centre of the Noggin. For example, setting the Arrow Offset value
to +0.25 metres moves the Back-up Arrow to line up with a position 25 centimetres in front of the
Noggin centre point (on the Noggin 500 SmartCart this roughly corresponds to the front axle).
Setting the Arrow Reference value to -0.25 metres moves the Back-up Arrow to line up with a
position 25 centimetres in behind the Noggin centre point (on the Noggin 500 SmartCart this
roughly corresponds to the back axle). In this way, the Arrow Offset value can be changed to
correspond with any position desired by the user.
One reason the user may want to change the Arrow Offset value is to ensure that the Noggin
does not cover the actual target location. This makes it easier to spray paint a mark or put a flag
on the ground where the target occurs.
Positive values correspond to positions in front of the Noggin and negative values are positions
behind the Noggin. Note that the Arrow Offset value is always expressed in metres regardless of
the settings of the other units.
Trip Menu
The software records the total distance the system has travelled. This value is displayed but
cannot be changed.
The software also records a distance that can be reset by the user. To reset the distance counter,
move to the Reset Counter option and press the Zero button.
Transfer Rate
Transfer Rate is a variable from 1 to 8 that corresponds to the speed of the data transfer from the
Noggin to the DVL. A value of 8 provides the fastest transfer speed while a value of 1 is the
slowest.
For standard Smart Systems the Transfer Rate value must be set to 8.
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The Transfer Rate value will only be decreased for systems with data cables longer than
standard lengths. Please contact Sensors & Software before changing the Transfer Rate on your
system.
Odometer Number
Smart System.
When Odometer Number is selected, the user is prompted to select the odometer that is being
#1).
The number after the odometer is the current Odometer Calibration value for that odometer. To
calibrate the odometer, see Section 5.5.2 Odometer Calibration on page 90.
5.3.3 Line Parameters

The Line Parameters settings allow the user to view and modify settings specific to collecting
data as individual lines, namely, the starting position of the line and line direction.
Start Position
The Start Position is the position value at the very beginning of a line. This will usually be set to
zero (0.0). However, if the user wants a data file to start at a position other than zero, this value
can be edited.
Line Direction
The Line Direction setting specifies which direction that line will be collected, either Forward or
Reverse. Data are usually collected in a forward direction.
If data are collected in the Forward direction the position stepsize is positive, that is, the position
value of each data collection point increments positively. For example, for a Noggin 250 system,
if the Start Position is 10.0 and the Line Direction is Forward, the positions on the line will
increment 10.00, 10.05, 10.10, 10.15 ….
If data are collected in the Reverse direction the position stepsize is negative, that is, the position
value of each data collection point increments negatively. For example, for a Noggin 250 system,
if the Start Position is 10.0 and the Line Direction is Reverse, the positions on the line will
decrement 10.00, 9.95, 9.90, 9.85 ….
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Station Interval
As Smart Systems moves, the odometer triggers the system to collect a data trace at fixed
distance intervals. This interval is called the “station interval”.
The station interval can be changed to allow a longer or shorter distance between traces. For a
successful survey, it is important that several traces be collected over a target. If the target is
small, the user may want to shorten the station interval to ensure that data traces are collected
over the target. Conversely, if the target is very large or is a flat-lying feature it is probably not
necessary to collect a lot of traces over the target, in fact, sometimes this can make the target
more difficult to see in the data. In this case it may be beneficial to increase the station interval.
Figure: 5-5 The Station Interval is the distance between sample points on the ground. Be careful not
to choose a Station Interval that is larger than the smallest target to be detected.
72
Note that decreasing the station interval increases the data volume and increasing the station
interval reduces the data volume.
1) Short
2) Normal
3) Long
4) X-Long
5) 10x Normal
6) 20x Normal
7) 40x Normal
8) 50x Normal
9) 100x Normal
Each choice listed will be followed by an actual value in metres or inches depending on which
units are selected and which Noggin system is being used. Here is a chart showing the station
interval for each system and setting. Note the calculations for Data per Screen assumes that the
Plot Interval is set to Normal for the particular Noggin system (Noggin 250 = 2 pixels per trace
and Noggin 500 and 1000 = 1 pixel per screen). If this assumption is not true, see the formula
after the charts for calculating this value.
NOGGIN 250 SYSTEM
Short 2.5 cm or 0.96 in 8 m or 25.6 ft
Normal 5.0 cm or 1.92 in 16 m or 51.2 ft
Long 10.0 cm or 3.84 in 32 m or 102.4 ft
X-Long 25.0 cm or 9.6 in 80 m or 256 ft
Norm x10 50.0 cm or 19.20 in 160 m or 512 ft
73
NOGGIN 500 SYSTEM

Short 1.0 cm or 0.48 in 6.4 m or 25.6 ft
Normal 2.5 cm or 0.96 in 16 m or 51.2 ft
Long 5.0 cm or 1.92 in 32 m or 102.4 ft
X-Long 12.5 cm or 4.8 in 80 m or 256 ft
Norm x10 25 cm or 9.6 in 160 m or 512 ft
NOGGIN 1000 SYSTEM
Short 0.5 cm or 0.24 in 3.2 m or 12.8 ft
Normal 1.0 cm or 0.48 in 6.4 m or 25.6 ft
Long 2.0 cm or 0.96 in 12.8 m or 51.2 ft
X-Long 5.0 cm or 2.4 in 32.0 m or 128 ft
Norm x10 10 cm or 4.8 in 64.0 m or 256 ft
If the Plot Interval is not set to Normal, use the following formula to calculate the total distance
per screen:
Total Distance Per Screen = Station Interval * (640 / Plot Interval)
where: Station Interval is in metres or feet and Plot Interval is in Pixels.
For example, if the Station Interval is 10 centimetres (0.1 metres) and the Plot Interval is 4 pixels,
the total distance per screen is calculated as follows:
0.10 * (640 / 4) = 16.0 metres per screen
To see how much data can be collected before the DVL memory is full and data must be deleted
or downloaded, see Section 5.5.5 DVL Recording Space on page 91.
To delete Nogginplus data from the DVL see Section 5.4.2 Deleting Data on the DVL on page 89.
74
Plot Interval
The plot interval setting determines the width of data traces plotted to the screen. Traces can be
1, 2, 4 or 8 pixels wide.
The Normal setting for Noggin 250 systems is 2 pixels per trace and the Normal setting the
Noggin 500 and 1000 is 1 pixel per trace.
It can be useful to plot traces narrower than normal to allow more data to fit onto one screen. It
can also be useful to plot traces wider on the screen so that they are easier to see. For example,
when collecting data using the button to trigger the system (see Collecting Data using the Trigger
(or B) Button on page 61) it is often preferable to make each trace 4 or 8 pixels wide.
Note that the Plot Interval in Nogginplus is strictly for display purposes on the DVL screen in real
time. The Plot Interval setting has no effect on the actual data collected and, in fact, data can be
viewed later on the DVL screen with any Plot Interval value. Similarly, data downloaded to a PC
can be plotted using any trace width.
5.3.4 Grid Parameters

The Grid Parameters settings allow the user to view and modify settings specific to collecting
data in organized grids. This includes the grid dimensions, line spacing, grid type and survey
format.
Data are normally collected on a grid if the user is interested in displaying the data as a 3D
volume (using the EKKO_3D software) or as a plan map (using the EKKO_Mapper and/or
EKKO_Pointer software). Producing accurate 3D volumes or plan maps is easier if the field
survey is properly designed and data are collected correctly.
Positional accuracy of each line is vital if the user wants to be able to relocate targets of interest
after the data have been processed.
For linear targets like pipes and utilities, the best GPR response occurs when the GPR survey
line crosses the target at right angles. If possible, it is always best to run GPR survey lines
perpendicular to the direction of linear targets.
For inexperienced surveyors, laying out a grid with straight lines and all the corners at 90
degree angles can be difficult. Sensors & Software provides a product called EasyGrid to
make laying out an accurate grid simple. Contact Sensors & Software for more details.
Grid Type
The Grid Type asks specifically the way that the area of the grid is to be covered by the survey
lines. Survey lines can be either a set of parallel lines in the X axis direction (Figure 5-6), a set of
parallel lines in the Y axis direction (Figure 5-7), or, for complete coverage, parallel lines in both
the X and Y direction (Figure 5-8).
X Lines Only - Forward

Set up a first-quadrant XY grid. Data lines run in the X direction, distance increasing from the Y
axis baseline. Line numbers increase in the positive Y direction (see Figure 5-6). Lines must be
equally spaced. It is not critical that all the lines are the same length. However, it does make
processing easier if all the lines start at the same baseline position (usually defined as zero
(0.0)).
75
Figure: 5-6 Proper X Line surveying pattern. Following this pattern and starting each line from the
same baseline minimizes the data editing required to produce a spatially accurate map of GPR data.
Y Lines Only - Forward

Set up a first-quadrant XY grid. Data lines run in the Y direction, distance increasing from the X
axis baseline. Line numbers increase in the positive X direction (see Figure 5-7). Lines must be
equally spaced. It is not critical that all the lines are the same length. However, it does make
processing easier if all the lines start at the same baseline position (usually defined as zero
(0.0)).
Figure: 5-7 Proper Y Line surveying pattern. Following this pattern and starting each line from the same
baseline minimizes the data editing required to produce a spatially accurate map of GPR data.
76
XY Lines - Forward
Set up a first-quadrant XY grid. X data lines run in the X direction, distance increasing from the Y
axis baseline. Line numbers increase in the positive Y direction (see Figure 5-8). Lines must be
equally spaced. Y data lines run in the Y direction, distance increasing from the X axis baseline.
Line numbers increase in the positive X direction. Lines should be equally spaced. The line
spacing of the X lines and Y lines can be different.
It is not critical that all the lines are the same lengths. However, it does make processing easier
if all the lines start at the same baseline position (usually defined as zero (0.0)).
Figure: 5-8 Proper XY grid surveying pattern. Following this pattern and starting each line from the
same baseline minimizes the data editing required to produce a spatially accurate map of GPR data
Survey Format
The Survey Format specifies how the lines will be collected. The lines shown in Figure 5-6,
Figure 5-7, and Figure 5-8 are all collected in the Forward direction only. This means that each
line starts at the X or Y baseline.
When the length of the survey lines are more than about 20 metres, data acquisition speed may
be increased by collecting every second line in the reverse direction (Figure 5-9, Figure 5-10,
and Figure 5-11). This is called a Forward and Reverse survey format.
Using forward and reverse format can speed acquisition but can lead to mapping artifacts called
“herringbone” if there are positional errors. It is important that the odometer is calibrated (Section
5.5.2 Odometer Calibration on page 90), the Grid Dimensions are correct (Grid Dimensions on
page 79) and that lines are always collected starting on a baseline.
77
X Lines Only – Forward and Reverse

Using the Forward and Reverse survey format, X line data are collected in the pattern shown in
Figure 5-9.
Figure: 5-9 For collecting GPR data consisting of long data lines it makes more sense to follow a
forward and reverse surveying pattern. For the final data to be spatially correct with a minimum of
editing, data collected in this pattern should be on lines that extend completely from one baseline to the
other.
Y Lines Only – Forward and Reverse

Using the Forward and Reverse survey format, Y line data are collected in the pattern shown in
Figure 5-10.
When data are collected like this, it is important that lines start and end on established baselines,
otherwise, when lines are reversed to the correct orientation for the display, they may be offset
from one another.
Figure: 5-10 For collecting GPR data consisting of long data lines it makes more sense to follow a
forward and reverse surveying pattern. For the final data to be spatially correct with a minimum of
editing, data collected in this pattern should be on lines that extend completely from one baseline to the
other.
78
XY Lines – Forward and Reverse

Using the Forward and Reverse survey format, XY line data are collected in the pattern shown in
Figure 5-11.
When data are collected like this, it is important that lines start and end on established baselines,
otherwise, when lines are reversed to the correct orientation for the display, they may be offset
from one another.
Figure: 5-11 For collecting GPR data on a grid consisting of long data lines, it makes more sense to
follow a forward and reverse surveying pattern. For the final data to be spatially correct with a minimum
of editing, data collected in this pattern should be on lines that extend completely from one baseline to
the other.
Grid Dimensions
For grid data acquisition, the grid size needs to be specified. The user needs to input the length
of the X dimension and the length of the Y dimension. The dimensions entered are assumed to
be in the same units as the Position Units (see Position Units on page 68), i.e. metres or feet.
On this screen the user needs to highlight the dimension to be changed. The user can toggle
between the X and Y fields by pressing the X/Y button.
The dimension value is incremented or decremented by pressing the +Line or –Line buttons.
The dimension value will change by a value equal to the current Line Spacing in that dimension.
For example, if the Line Spacing in the X direction is 0.5 metres, the grid dimension in the X
direction will increment or decrement in 0.5 metre intervals.
Note that the maximum number of lines that can be collected in each direction is 100.
Therefore, the X and Y grid dimensions cannot be set to a value that will result in more
than 100 lines being collected.
79
For example, if the Line Spacing between Y lines (defined as lines parallel to the Y axis) is set to
0.25 metres, the maximum X dimension is (100-1) X 0.25 = 24.75 metres. (One is subtracted
because the first line is at position 0.0 metres.)
To increase the X dimension value, the Y line spacing must be increased. Using the example
above, if the Y Line Spacing is increased to 0.30 metres then the maximum X dimension is (100-
1) X 0.30 = 29.70 metres.
If the Grid Type is set to X Lines only or Y Lines only (see Section 5.3.4 Grid Parameters on page
75), the length of those lines are not restricted by the Line Spacing parameter of the opposite
dimension. That is why if an X Lines only grid is selected, the X dimension can be input as a
value rather than an increment of the Y Line Spacing. Similarly, if a Y Lines only grid is selected,
the Y dimension can be input as a value rather than an increment of the X Line Spacing.
Line Spacing
For grid data acquisition, the distance between survey lines needs to be specified.
If the grid type is X Lines only (see Section 5.3.4 Grid Parameters on page 75) then the spacing
between the X lines needs to be input.
If the grid type is Y Lines only (see Section 5.3.4 Grid Parameters on page 75) then the spacing
between the Y lines needs to be input.
If the grid type is XY Lines (see Section 5.3.4 Grid Parameters on page 75) then the spacing
between the X lines and Y lines need to be input. The line spacing can be different. The user can
toggle between the X line spacing and Y line spacing fields by pressing the X/Y button.
Note that the maximum number of lines that can be collected in each direction is 100.
The calculation for determining an appropriate line spacing is complex. One has to consider
system frequency, target size and practical considerations. In general, the Noggin 250 should
have a line spacing of 0.5 metres or less, the Noggin 500 should have a line spacing of 0.25
metres or less and the Noggin 1000 should have a line spacing of 0.10 metres or less.
However, line spacing should really be determined by target size. In most cases the system
must pass over a target to detect it. Therefore, the line spacing needs to be on the order of the
size of the target or smaller, if practical. This can be adjusted to a larger spacing for larger targets
or targets with a linear extent. As well, these rules may have to be bent for practical purposes
like survey production rates. The fact is that a tighter line spacing takes longer to collect and this
may not be economically possible in all circumstances.
5.3.5 GPS Parameters

The Global Positioning System (GPS) uses special satellites around the Earth to determine the
position of a GPS receiver located at any position on the surface of the Earth. GPS receivers can
be purchased from a number of manufacturers.
The DVL has a serial port on the back for attaching a GPS receiver. This port will accommodate
any GPS receiver that has a standard serial port output.
80
This feature allows GPS information to be logged while collecting Nogginplus data. The GPS
information may be useful for mapping where GPR surveys have been performed (see Reading
per Trace mode below) or determining where a specific target of interest is located in GPS co-
ordinates (see Fiducial Tagging mode below).
The DVL can be set up to read and log GPS information collected during data acquisition with the
Nogginplus system. GPS information can be logged in two different ways:
1) For every trace collected by the Nogginplus system, or
2) Every time the user adds a fiducial to the data by pressing the A button (see Fiducial
Markers on page 56).
This feature provides a means of logging GPS information to an independent file. Note that the
GPS information is NOT automatically integrated with the Nogginplus data. After data
acquisition is complete, the data can be downloaded to a PC and the Win_EKKO_Pro software
can be used to integrate the GPS data with the Nogginplus data.
In order for the DVL to read the GPS data string, the GPS settings for the specific GPS receiver
being used must be input into this menu. There are 4 important items that must be specified
correctly for the DVL to display the GPS strings. These items are Baud Rate, Stop Bits, Data Bits
and Parity. These are discussed in more detail below. The default values listed below are the
values that are typically used. Read the GPS Receiver User’s Guide or experiment with the
settings to find the correct ones.
Once these 4 items are set correctly you should be able to run System Test #1 and have GPS
information written to the screen.
When the logging of GPS information is enabled, during data acquisition a message will appear
in the bottom left-hand corner of the DVL screen indicating whether GPS data is successfully
being received (see Section 5.2.4 Section B - Data Display on page 55).
Mode
There are three GPS modes available:
1) Off mode means that a GPS receiver is not connected to the DVL so no GPS
information is being logged. This should be the setting if you do not have a GPS
receiver.
2) Reading every x traces mode means that every time the Nogginplus collects a user-
defined number of traces of GPR data, a data string of GPS information will be added
to a file. This file has the same name as the data file i.e. LINE6, but with a GPS
extension. This file can be accessed after transferring the GPR data files to an
external PC (see Section 5.4.1 Transferring all Data Files to an External Computer
using the Win_PXFER Program on page 86).
81
For example, if the number of traces is set to 1, the LINE6.GPS may look like this:
Trace #1
$GPGGA,134713.00,4338.221086,N,07938.421365,W,2,06,2.1,152.51,M,-35.09,M,5.0,0118*79
$GPVTG,34.0,T,,,001.4,N,002.5,K,D*70
$GPGSA,A,3,30,26,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,4.2,2.1,3.6*36
Trace #2
$GPGGA,134713.00,4338.221086,N,07938.421365,W,2,06,2.1,152.51,M,-35.09,M,5.0,0118*79
$GPVTG,34.0,T,,,001.4,N,002.5,K,D*70
$GPGSA,A,3,30,26,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,4.2,2.1,3.6*36
Trace #3
$GPGGA,134713.00,4338.221086,N,07938.421365,W,2,06,2.1,152.51,M,-35.09,M,5.0,0118*79
$GPVTG,34.0,T,,,001.4,N,002.5,K,D*70
$GPGSA,A,3,30,26,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,4.2,2.1,3.6*36
Trace #4
$GPGGA,134713.00,4338.221086,N,07938.421365,W,2,06,2.1,152.51,M,-35.09,M,5.0,0118*79
$GPVTG,34.0,T,,,001.4,N,002.5,K,D*70
$GPGSA,A,3,30,26,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,4.2,2.1,3.6*36
Note that when the Reading per Trace option is on, it is still possible to add fiducial markers to
the GPS file. These will appear as F1, F2 etc. between the trace numbers. For example, a
portion of LINE6.GPS may look like this:
Trace #85
$GPGGA,134850.00,4338.204868,N,07938.429003,W,2,06,2.1,152.60,M,-35.09,M,4.2,0118*74
$GPVTG,152.6,T,,,002.3,N,004.3,K,D*43
$GPGSA,A,3,30,26,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,4.2,2.1,3.7*37
F1
$GPGGA,134850.00,4338.204868,N,07938.429003,W,2,06,2.1,152.60,M,-35.09,M,4.2,0118*74
$GPVTG,152.6,T,,,002.3,N,004.3,K,D*43
$GPGSA,A,3,30,26,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,4.2,2.1,3.7*37
Trace #86
$GPGGA,134851.00,4338.204362,N,07938.428362,W,2,06,2.1,152.40,M,-35.09,M,5.2,0118*72
$GPVTG,136.9,T,,,002.8,N,005.2,K,D*45
$GPGSA,A,3,30,26,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,4.2,2.1,3.7*37
3) Fuducial Tagging mode means that whenever a fiducial marker (F1, F2 etc.) is
added to the data (see Section 5.2.4 Section B - Data Display on page 55), a data
string of GPS information will be added to a file. This file has the same name as the
data file i.e. LINE6, but with a GPS extension. This file can be accessed after
transferring the GPR data files to an external PC (see Section 5.4.1 Transferring all
Data Files to an External Computer using the Win_PXFER Program on page 86).
For example, LINE6.GPS may look like this:

F1
$GPGGA,134218.00,4338.190204,N,07938.438411,W,2,05,2.6,154.60,M,-35.09,M,4.0,0118*7B
$GPVTG,356.8,T,,,000.2,N,000.4,K,D*4B
$GPGSA,A,3,30,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,,4.3,2.6,3.4*36
F2
$GPGGA,134219.00,4338.190294,N,07938.438409,W,2,05,2.6,154.45,M,-35.09,M,5.0,0118*7C
$GPVTG,1.3,T,,,000.4,N,000.7,K,D*44
$GPGSA,A,3,30,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,,4.3,2.6,3.4*36
F3
$GPGGA,134221.00,4338.190261,N,07938.438285,W,2,05,2.6,154.05,M,-35.09,M,5.2,0118*79
$GPVTG,10.0,T,,,000.2,N,000.4,K,D*72
$GPGSA,A,3,30,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,,4.3,2.6,3.4*36
F4
$GPGGA,134222.00,4338.190397,N,07938.438255,W,2,05,2.6,153.95,M,-35.09,M,5.0,0118*73
$GPVTG,9.8,T,,,000.3,N,000.5,K,D*42
$GPGSA,A,3,30,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,,4.3,2.6,3.4*36
82
If the GPS mode is set to Reading per Trace or Fiducial Tagging AND the Nogginplus is Run
Without Saving Data (see Section 5.1.5 Run without Saving Data on page 53), it is still possible
to log GPS data strings. Every time a fiducial marker is added to the data (see Section 5.2.4
Section B - Data Display on page 55), a data string of GPS information is added to a file. This file
is called TAGGED.GPS and can be exported and/or deleted using the Nogginplus File
Management (see Section 5.4 Nogginplus File Management on page 86).
An example of a TAGGED.GPS file is shown below.

New File 09-18-2000 13:53:38
F1
$GPGGA,134227.00,4338.190520,N,07938.438280,W,2,05,2.6,153.98,M,-35.09,M,4.6,0118*7E
$GPVTG,347.7,T,,,000.3,N,000.5,K,D*44
$GPGSA,A,3,30,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,,4.3,2.6,3.4*36
F2
$GPGGA,134228.00,4338.190238,N,07938.438286,W,2,05,2.6,153.87,M,-35.09,M,4.4,0118*75
$GPVTG,5.4,T,,,000.2,N,000.4,K,D*42
$GPGSA,A,3,30,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,,4.3,2.6,3.4*36
F3
$GPGGA,134229.00,4338.190277,N,07938.438273,W,2,05,2.6,153.76,M,-35.09,M,5.4,0118*7A
$GPVTG,23.4,T,,,000.1,N,000.2,K,D*73
$GPGSA,A,3,30,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,,4.3,2.6,3.4*36
F4
$GPGGA,134231.00,4338.190127,N,07938.438362,W,2,05,2.6,154.59,M,-35.09,M,5.0,0118*7A
$GPVTG,20.2,T,,,000.2,N,000.3,K,D*74
$GPGSA,A,3,30,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,,4.3,2.6,3.4*36
********************************************************************************
New File 09-18-2000 13:55:36
F1
$GPGGA,134259.00,4338.192453,N,07938.449096,W,2,06,2.4,153.14,M,-35.09,M,5.4,0118*75
$GPVTG,310.9,T,,,000.5,N,001.0,K,D*4A
$GPGSA,A,3,04,30,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,3.2,2.4,2.1*32
F2
$GPGGA,134301.00,4338.192559,N,07938.449176,W,2,06,2.4,153.17,M,-35.09,M,5.0,0118*7A
$GPVTG,314.4,T,,,000.6,N,001.1,K,D*41
$GPGSA,A,3,04,30,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,3.2,2.4,2.1*32
F3
4) GPR data out port mode means that the GPR data stream will be output to the serial
port of the DVL. This is for users who wish to read the GPR data into their own PC or
other device. Contact Sensors & Software Inc. for more details if you want to use this
option.
Note that this option slows down data acquisition speeds.
Baud Rate
The baud rate is the speed that data is sent from the GPS receiver to the serial port of the DVL.
The available options are: 2400, 4800, 9600 (default) or 19200.
Stop Bits
The available settings for Stop Bits are: 1 (default) or 2.
Data Bits
The available settings for Data Bits are: 7 or 8 (default).
83
Parity
The available settings for Parity are: none (default), odd or even.
End String
The GPS receiver can be set up to send one or more types of data strings. These strings are
called NMEA-0183 strings and each contains positional or other information in specific formats.
Each type of string is specified by a 5-character prefix. There are numerous NMEA strings but
examples of three different NMEA strings (GPGGA, GPVTG and GPGSA) are shown below.
$GPGGA,134713.00,4338.221086,N,07938.421365,W,2,06,2.1,152.51,M,-35.09,M,5.0,0118*79
$GPVTG,34.0,T,,,001.4,N,002.5,K,D*70
$GPGSA,A,3,30,26,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,4.2,2.1,3.6*36
$GPGGA,134713.00,4338.221086,N,07938.421365,W,2,06,2.1,152.51,M,-35.09,M,5.0,0118*79
$GPVTG,34.0,T,,,001.4,N,002.5,K,D*70
$GPGSA,A,3,30,26,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,4.2,2.1,3.6*36
$GPGGA,134713.00,4338.221086,N,07938.421365,W,2,06,2.1,152.51,M,-35.09,M,5.0,0118*79
$GPVTG,34.0,T,,,001.4,N,002.5,K,D*70
$GPGSA,A,3,30,26,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,4.2,2.1,3.6*36
$GPGGA,134713.00,4338.221086,N,07938.421365,W,2,06,2.1,152.51,M,-35.09,M,5.0,0118*79
$GPVTG,34.0,T,,,001.4,N,002.5,K,D*70
$GPGSA,A,3,30,26,10,13,24,06,,,,,,,4.2,2.1,3.6*36
Before using the GPS with the Nogginplus, the DVL software needs to know the prefix of the LAST
string being sent in each group. In the example above, three strings are being sent each time
(GPGGA, GPVTG and GPGSA). Since GPGSA is the last one being sent in each group, the End
String needs to be specified as GPGSA.
To see what the End String is for your particular GPS, run System Test #1 and note the first 5
characters on the last line after each series of strings is written to the screen. These are the 5
characters that need to be filled in under End String.
The End String option allows the user to fill in the 5 character GPS prefix. Use the Left and Right
buttons to move left or right to different characters in the string. The currently selected character
will have an “^” under it. To change the letter of the current character, use the Next button to
change it to the next letter in the alphabet and the Previous button to change it to the previous
letter in the alphabet. Using these keys all 5 characters can be filled in with the necessary GPS
End String.
See the GPS Receiver User’s Guide for details on how to set up the receiver to output specific
NMEA strings or groups of NMEA strings.
System Test #1
After all the settings above have been input and the GPS receiver is attached to the serial port on
the DVL, the user can test that the DVL is receiving the GPS output by using the Test option.
If the NMEA strings are successfully being read by the DVL they will appear on the DVL screen.
This is a good time to note the prefix of the last NMEA string in the list and input it in the End
String setting above.
If the NMEA strings do not appear, check that the port settings are correct. It is also possible that
a crossover cable is required between the output cable of the GPS receiver and the serial port on
the DVL.
84
System Test #2
Once the GPS system is running successfully, System Test #2 can be used to graphically display
the GPS data. This screen displays the GPS Time, Latitude, Longitude and Altitude as well as
other values indicating the accuracy of the GPS reading. The GPS position is also displayed in a
square that can be Zoomed from 2 metres square to 16384 metres square.
5.3.6 Set Defaults

To reset all the parameter settings back to the factory default settings press the 6 button (labelled
Set Defaults).
85
5.4 Nogginplus File Management

The File Management option is available by pressing 2 from the main Nogginplus menu. This
option allows the user to export Nogginplus data or the TAGGED.GPS file (see Section 5.3.5 GPS
Parameters on page 80) to an external computer using the parallel XFER cable. It is also here
that the user can delete data from the DVL.
Before data export can take place, the DVL must be connected to the external computer using
the parallel XFER cable that is supplied with the system. As well, the Win_PXFER program must
be installed and running on the external computer.
5.4.1 Transferring all Data Files to an External Computer using the Win_PXFER
Program
Connecting the Digital Video Logger to an External Computer

Smart Systems come with a separate cable called the parallel XFER cable. This cable is
designed to connect the DVL to an external computer. Note that this is a special cable and
standard 25 pin to 25 pin or Laplink cables will not work.
Figure: 5-12 Parallel XFER cable (CABL0023) connections
The 2 connections that must be made before attempting to transfer data are:
1) Attach the 25 socket parallel connector to the 25 socket parallel port on back of the
Digital Video Logger, and
2) Attach the 25 socket parallel connector the parallel port of the external computer.
WARNING: To avoid damaging any of the components, turn off the DVL and computer
before making any of these connections.
86
Installing the Win_PXFER Program

The Smart System comes with a CD-ROM containing the Win_PXFER program.
To install the Win_PXFER program, follow the directions in the “Getting Started” document that
accompanies the CD. Basically, running the SETUP.EXE program from the Win_PXFER folder
on the CD will install Win_PXFER on the computer.
Once the Win_PXFER program has been installed on the computer and the user is ready to
transfer data to the computer, the Win_PXFER program needs to be run. This can be done using
the Win_PXFER shortcut on the Desktop, double-clicking the Win_PXFER.EXE program in
Windows Explorer or pressing Start – Programs – Sensors & Software GPR and finally
Win_PXFER.
Figure: 5-13 Win_PXFER main screen
When the Win_PXFER program has been run, it will display a screen as shown in Figure 5-13.
This means that it is ready to receive data transferred from the DVL to the LPT port number 1.
This command assumes that the data buffers are being transferred across Parallel Port 1 (LPT1).
If using Parallel Port 2 (LPT2) or higher (LPT3, LPT4 etc.), specify the parallel port number under
the Port menu item from Win_PXFER.
The name of the folder (or directory) that the Noggin data will be transferred into is listed under
the “Current selected data directory”. In the example in Figure 5-13, the data will be transferred
to the c:\data directory. The data directory can be changed by pressing the Directory button and
choosing another directory. Note that Win_PXFER cannot be used to create new folders on the
computer. A program like Windows Explorer must be used to do this.
Exporting Data to an External Computer

Once the parallel XFER cable is connected (see above) and the Win_PXFER software is
installed and running (see above), it is now possible to export data to the external computer.
All the data in one or more Line or Grid Projects or the TAGGED.GPS file (see Section 5.3.5 GPS
Parameters on page 80) can be transferred to an external computer. From the main File
Management menu, the user selects whether to export Line data, Grid data or the TAGGED.GPS
file. If Line or Grid data is selected, the next screen lists the current projects.
87
One project can be highlighted and selected for export. Use the up and down arrows to highlight
the project and then press the XFER button to transfer to the PC.
It is also possible to use the TAG button to select several projects and export them all at once.
Use the up and down arrows to highlight the projects, the TAG button to tag each project and
then press the XFER button to transfer all the projects to the PC.
The data will be transferred from the DVL to the computer and saved in a sub-folder from the
current data directory indicated on the Win_PXFER program, for example, \DATA\PROJECT2.
The progress of the data transfer will be displayed on the DVL screen and the external computer.
When the data transfer is complete, exit from the Win_PXFER program. Press any button on the
DVL to return to the main menu.
Parallel Port not bi-directional Error

Sometimes, when attempting to transfer data to the PC, the error message “LPT1 is not bi-
directional” may appear on the DVL screen. When transferring data from the DVL unit to a PC,
the printer port is used. The Win_PXFER program utilizes the functions of a bi-directional printer
port for high-speed data transfer. A bi-directional port allows data to be sent in both directions
over the data lines. Most modern ports are bi-directional; however, they may not be configured
as such and may be configured as ‘output only’.
There are a number of ways the port can be reconfigured depending on the type and
manufacturer of your computer. Most computers configure the port using a BIOS setup program.
Again, different manufactures have different ways to start this program. Some use the Delete
key on boot up, some use the F1 or F2 key on boot up, some have a special key sequence and
others use a program run through DOS or Windows. Often there is a line of text written to the
screen during the boot-up sequence that indicates which key must be pressed to run Setup. This
key MUST be pressed BEFORE Windows starts. If you miss pressing it, go into Windows, shut
down, restart the computer and try again. Consult your owners’ manual for details.
After the BIOS Setup program starts, the Parallel or Printer port configuration that needs to be
changed is normally under the ‘Peripheral’ or “Advanced” setting heading. If you can’t find it
under these headings, look under the various headings for some setting like “Parallel Mode” or
“Parallel Configuration”. Take note of what the current setting is. The typical settings are
Normal, ECP, EPP and bi-directional. It may require some experimentation to find the correct
setting that works with the Win_PXFER program. First, try changing the setting to bi-directional.
Save the settings and exit the Setup program (usually there is a special key like F10 to do this).
Then allow the computer to continue to boot up. Then, try transferring data again, as described
above. If the “LPT1 is not bi-directional” error occurs again, reboot the PC, run the BIOS Setup
program, change the Parallel port setting to EPP, save the settings and try again. The settings
don’t appear standard so no one particular setting will solve the error on all computers. Keep
trying the different parallel port settings until one of them eliminates the error and allows data
transfer.
Viewing Data Files on the External Computer

After transferring data files to the external computer the Nogginplus data files can be viewed,
processed and plotted using the Win_EKKO, EKKO_3D, EKKO_Mapper or EKKO_Pointer
software.
Appendix A Noggin plus Data file Format contains details about the file format of Nogginplus data.
88
5.4.2 Deleting Data on the DVL

After data has been successfully transferred to an external computer or if the data is longer
required, the whole Line or Grid project can be deleted from the DVL. From the File
Management main menu, select Delete Line Project or Delete Grid Project. The next screen lists
all the current projects.
To delete a project, use the up and down arrows to highlight it and then press the DEL button.
It is also possible to use the TAG button to select several projects and delete them all at once.
Use the up and down arrows to highlight the projects, the TAG button to tag each project and
then press the DEL button to delete the data from the DVL.
Before the project is deleted, the user is asked to confirm the deletion by pressing Yes or No. If
the answer to the question is No, the project is not deleted.
This menu also allows the user to delete the TAGGED.GPS file.
89
5.5 Nogginplus Utilities

Pressing the number 4 on the main menu selects Utilities. This menu has utility programs to
change the date and time on the DVL and also calibrate the odometer.
5.5.1 Time and Date

The date and time are saved with the data files. The DVL date and time setting can be changed
by moving to one or more of the appropriate fields and editing the current setting. The LEFT and
RIGHT arrows are used to move between fields. To change any of the numbers or months, use
the UP and DOWN arrows to increase or decrease the value. When the desired date and time
are set, press ENTER to save the changes.
5.5.2 Odometer Calibration

The odometer should be calibrated periodically to ensure accuracy.
Smart System.
When Odometer Calibration is selected, the user is prompted to select the odometer that is being
#1).
Once an odometer is selected, the user is prompted to either 1) manually enter the odometer
calibration factor or 2) to actually calibrate the odometer over a known distance. To achieve the
highest accuracy, it is recommended that the user choose option number 2 - Odometer
Calibration.
When Odometer Calibration is selected, the user is prompted to select the length of the line to
calibrate on. There are 8 different choices in metres and 8 choices in feet. To toggle the units
between metres and feet, press the B button. Pressing the A button on this screen gives the
additional option to select a user-defined value. The user-defined value can range from 0.01 to
5000 metres or 0.01 to 26400 feet.
When the calibration distance has been selected follow the directions on the screen:
1) Set the cart at zero and press A

2) Move the cart the selected distance and press B
3) Press A to exit.
Odometer calibration values for the SmartCart odometer should be around 1080.
Odometer calibration values for the SmartHandle odometer should be around 1530.
90
Odometer calibration values for the Vehicle odometer vary but may be around 50.
5.5.3 Upgrade
This option is used to upgrade the software on the DVL. DO NOT press this button until told to
do so in the instructions accompanying the software upgrade. If you do accidentally enter this
menu item, the only way to exit is to disconnect the power to the DVL.
5.5.4 System Information

This option can be used to list system information that may be useful to troubleshoot a problem
with the Noggin. The information is intended for the use of Sensors & Software staff to assist in
solving a problem with the Noggin system.
System information can be listed to the screen, printed directly to an attached printer or
transferred to a PC.
To print the information to a printer, attach the printer to the parallel port of the DVL and then
press the B button.
To transfer the information file to a PC, attach the parallel XFER cable from the parallel port of the
PC to the parallel port of the DVL. Then run the Win_PXFER program on the PC (see Section
5.4.1 Transferring all Data Files to an External Computer using the Win_PXFER Program on
page 86) and press the 1 button.
Sensors & Software technical staff may request that this information be sent to them. A printed
copy of the information can be faxed to Sensors & Software Inc. If the data is transferred to a
PC, the data file can be e-mailed to Sensors & Software Inc.
5.5.5 DVL Recording Space

This option shows, based on the current data collection settings, the total number of traces that
can be collected before the DVL memory is full. It also lists, based on the current Station Interval,
the total distance of data that can be collected before the DVL memory is full.
91
6-Troubleshooting SmartHandle
6 Troubleshooting
Noggin Smart Systems are designed to minimize user problems; however, all electronic devices
are subject to possible failure. The following are troubleshooting hints in the likelihood of
occurrence if your Smart System fails to operate.
6.1 Power Supply

The most common problem that can occur while trying to run a system is insufficient power. The
battery may be dead or have a low voltage. If the system is being run from AC, there may be a
problem with the AC power supply or adapter.
If there is enough power to run the DVL, the upper red LED on the front of the DVL will light up
when the battery is plugged into the system. If this light is on and the DVL boots up, runs and
displays the main menu, next check that the red light on the connector to the Noggin is on. If this
light is off then there is a problem with the connection from the DVL to the Noggin. Check the
connection and this part of the cable.
If the DVL is running but the Noggin system will not run, go to the main menu and check that
battery voltage in the lower left corner (see the Rock Noggin Version 1.0 manual for more
information) is above 10.2 volts. If not, the battery needs to be recharged or replaced for the
Noggin to run (see below).
If the battery voltage is less than about 10.2 volts, the DVL may not turn on and the upper red
LED will flash or not illuminate.
Check the battery voltage with a voltmeter. Try to do this while the system is still attached to the
Smart System to get a true measure of the voltage while under load (it will be necessary to open
the SmartCart battery case or belt battery case and connect the voltmeter to the positive and
negative battery terminals). If the battery has a low voltage or seems dead, try the system with
another battery (if available), or give the battery a good 12-14 hour charge and try running the
system again.
If the battery does not charge up to 12 Volts or more, it should be replaced.
Smart System batteries are fused to protect the system. For the SmartCart system, open the
battery case and check that the 10 Amp fuse is OK. If necessary, replace it with one of the spare
fuses available inside the battery case. The smaller belt batteries available for the SmartHandle
systems are also fused. Remove the battery from padded casing and check the 5 Amp fuse.
Replace the fuse if necessary.
6.2 System Communications

If the system power supply is OK but the Noggin does not respond there may be a
communication failure between the DVL and the Noggin. This type of failure is often indicated by
a 10000 series error number like 10012.
If an error occurs, an error message will appear in the bottom left section of the Noggin screen.
EXIT the program and turn off the Digital Video Logger. Disconnect the power source to
completely shut down the system.
92
SmartHandle 6-Troubleshooting
and solve the problem. Use a slotted screwdriver to snug up the thumb screws of the
connection. Turn the Digital Video Logger back on and try running the system again.
If the power supply and cable are OK, the problem is likely a failure of the DVL. The DVL has no
user-serviceable parts so it will have to be returned to Sensors & Software Inc for inspection and
possible repair (see Section 6.6 Contacting Sensors & Software Inc. on page 94).
6.3 System Overheating

The Noggin systems are designed to operate to a maximum internal temperature of 70 C or 158
F. In situations of high ambient temperatures or long exposure to direct sun, this maximum
internal temperature may be exceeded and cause the system to fail. While the temperature
displayed on the DVL in the lower left corner of the main menu indicates the internal temperature
of the DVL and not the Noggin, this temperature should give an idea of whether the Noggin is
overheating.
If you suspect that the Noggin system is overheating, shut it off and give it a chance to cool down
in a shady location before trying to run it again. Placing a wet cloth on top of the Noggin may
help in cooling it down.
If the situation is such that the high temperatures or direct sun cannot be avoided, it may be a
good idea to put some sort of shade over the Noggin.
Contact Sensors & Software Inc. if the problem persists as there may be defective electronic
components that need to be replaced (see Section 6.6 Contacting Sensors & Software Inc. on
page 94).
6.4 DVL Problem

While the DVL has been ruggedized as much as possible, it should be handled in much the same
way a notebook computer is. If the DVL does not power up and boot up, there may be a problem
with the CPU or the storage media. If this occurs, contact Sensors & Software Inc. (see Section
6.6 Contacting Sensors & Software Inc. on page 94).
6.5 Noggin Problem

When the Smart System is powered up and the user selects data acquisition in Noggin or
Nogginplus mode, the Noggin system goes through a self-calibration sequence. While the self-
calibration is occurring the user sees the words “Booting Noggin” in the lower left corner of the
DVL screen. These words are followed by a number that counts up from 1. Normally, once the
count reaches 6 the text disappears and the Noggin is ready to collect data. Sometimes,
however, this count goes beyond 6 and keeps going without stopping. This indicates an internal
problem with the Noggin. No error message will be displayed on the screen and the only way to
exit from the screen is to pull out the power connection.
93
6-Troubleshooting SmartHandle
If this error occurs, power the system down, power it up again and retry data acquisition. If the
error persists, contact Sensors & Software Inc. (see Section 6.6 Contacting Sensors & Software
Inc. on page 94).
6.6 Contacting Sensors & Software Inc.

If the Noggin system does not run, contact your agent or Sensors & Software Inc.
When contacting SSI, please have the following information available:
1) Noggin and/or DVL Serial Number.
2) Version number of the data acquisition software.
3) The error number or message appearing.
4) A brief description of when the error is happening and the operating conditions
(temperature, humidity, sunshine, system and survey setup, etc.).
5) Sensors & Software Inc. technical staff may request a copy of the System Information
file be sent to them by fax or e-mail. See Section 5.5.4 System Information on page
91 on how to view, print and download this file.
94
SmartHandle 7-Care and Maintenance
7 Care and Maintenance

7.1 Battery Care
Smart Systems use 12-volt sealed lead acid batteries. They are fused with a 10 Amp fuse to
protect them from short circuit damage.
The SmartHandle belt battery has a 7 Amp-hour battery. This battery should run the
SmartHandle system for 2-3 hours before recharging is necessary. If long days of data surveying
are typical, more belt batteries may be a useful item.
If batteries are maintained in a charged condition they will give long life and reliable service.
Improper use and lack of maintenance will greatly reduce their life.
Sealed lead acid batteries should NEVER be left in a discharged condition for any period of time.
Charge the batteries as soon as possible after use.
Charge batteries at room temperature whenever possible.

The Noggin and DVL contain a voltage monitoring circuit that will turn off the unit when the input
voltage drops below 10.2 volts.
If a battery has been deeply discharged or left in a discharged condition for some period of time it
may not accept charge immediately when it is connected to the charger (The fast charge LED will
not light). If the fast charge light does not come on within 6 hours the battery should be
considered damaged and should be discarded.
Do not assume that a battery that is still charging after 8 hours is nearing the end of its charge
cycle. Typical charging time for an empty battery is 12-14 hours from start of fast charge.
Ensure that the batteries are fully charged before storing. If practical, store the batteries in a cool
place, 10oc (a refrigerator is ideal), but make sure the temperature is not likely to drop below -
30oC or the electrolyte may freeze and possibly split the case.
7.2 DVL Internal Battery

If the Smart System has not been powered up for an extended period of time, the internal battery
will discharge. The dead battery causes the DVL time and date to reset to January 1, 1988 at
12:00 PM. To correct the time and date see Section 4.5.1 Editing DVL Settings on page 33 or
Section 5.5.1 Time and Date on page 90.
To recharge the internal battery the Smart System must be powered up and left running for at
least one hour and preferably longer.
7.3 Cable Care

1) Cables are designed to be as tough as practical.
2) Careless use of cables making them carry loads that they are not designed for can
cause internal damage.
95
7-Care and Maintenance SmartHandle
3) Connectors are weak points in any system. With the use of this product in rough,
dusty and outdoor environments, users can minimize potential down time if they care
for cables and treat connectors with respect.
4) Cables and connectors are not designed to suspend or tow or otherwise carry the
weight of systems. They are part of the electrical circuit and should be treated
accordingly. When not in use they should be placed in their storage box.
7.4 Skid Pads

The bottom of the Noggin unit is covered with one large wear-resistant skid pad. The skid pad is
designed to protrude from the bottom of the Noggin and take the majority of the abrasive wear. If
the pad wears down enough, the less-resistant plastic housing may start to wear. If this occurs, it
is best to replace the skid pad. It is easily removed with a Phillips screwdriver and a new one can
be purchased from Sensors & Software Inc.
Note that there are two types of skid pads available. The standard type is flat and covers the
bottom of the Noggin. There is also an optional skid pad that covers the bottom of the Noggin but
also has curved edges that covers the front and back portions of the Noggin. Contact Sensors &
Software for details.
Figure: 7-1 Noggin with optional curved skid pad.
7.5 Storage Cases

Equipment that is transported and stored loosely is more susceptible to damage. All equipment
should be stored in its shipping case or a storage box. Sensors & Software has shipping cases
available as options for all Noggins and DVL’s.
7.6 Spare Parts

For customers working in remote areas or if downtime in the field is unacceptable, consider
buying our optional extended spares kit. This kit includes extra cables, batteries and chargers.
96
SmartHandle Appendix A - Noggin plus Data file Format
Appendix A Noggin plus Data file Format

Nogginplus data consists of two files, a Header file and a Data file. The files have the same name
but different extensions. The format details of these files are given below.
Header (.HD) File:

The header file, identified by the file extension .HD, is an ASCII file. An example is shown below.
The heading identifies what each piece of information represents.
1234
Data Collected with Noggin Plus

12/10/2000
NUMBER OF TRACES = 220
NUMBER OF PTS/TRC = 156
TIMEZERO AT POINT = 31
TOTAL TIME WINDOW = 62
STARTING POSITION = 0.0000
FINAL POSITION = 10.9500
STEP SIZE USED = 0.0500
POSITION UNITS = m
NOMINAL FREQUENCY = 250.00
ANTENNA SEPARATION = 0.3048
PULSER VOLTAGE (V) = 100
NUMBER OF STACKS = 4
SURVEY MODE = Reflection
This file can be read and/or printed using any Word Processor.
Data (.DT1) File:

The data file contains as many records as there are traces. Each record in turn consists of a
header section and a data section. The header section consists of an array of 25 real*4 numbers
and a string of 28 characters which is used for annotation. The 25 element real array contains the
following information:
Item # Description
1 Trace number
2 Position
3 Number of points per trace
4 Topographic data, if available
5 (not used)
6 # bytes/point (always 2 for Rev 3 firmware)
7 Time Window
8 # of stacks
9-10 reserved for GPS X position (double*8 number)

11-12 reserved for GPS Y position (double*8 number)
13-14 reserved for GPS Z position (double*8 number)
A-1
Appendix A - Noggin plus Data file Format SmartHandle
15 reserved for receiver x position

16 reserved for receiver y position
17 reserved for receiver z position
18 reserved for transmitter x position
19 reserved for transmitter y position
20 reserved for transmitter z position
21 timezero adjustment
where:point(x)= point(x+adjustment)
22 Zero flag: 0 = data okay, 1=zero data
23 (not used)
24 Time of day data collected in seconds past midnight.
25 Comment flag: 1 = comment attached.
26 - 32 Comment
The data section consists of an array of two-byte integers, one value for every data point.
A-2
SmartHandle Appendix B - Health & Safety Certification
Appendix B Health & Safety Certification

Radio frequency electromagnetic fields may pose a health hazard when the fields are intense.
Normal fields have been studied extensively over the past 30 years with no conclusive epidemiol-
ogy relating electromagnetic fields to health problems. Detailed discussions on the subject are
contained in the references and the web sites listed below.
The USA Federal Communication Commission (FCC) and Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) both specify acceptable levels for electromagnetic fields. Similar power
levels are mandated by corresponding agencies in other countries. Maximum permissible expo-
sures and time duration specified by the FCC and OSHA vary with excitation frequency. The low-
est threshold plane wave equivalent power cited is 0.2 mW/cm2 for general population over the
30 to 300 MHz frequency band. All other applications and frequencies have higher tolerances as
shown in graphically in Figure B-1.
Figure B-1: FCC limits for maximum permissible exposure (MPE) plane-wave equivalent power density mW/cm2.
All Sensors & Software Inc. pulseEKKO, Noggin and Conquest products are normally operated
at least 1 m from the user and as such are classified as “mobile” devices according to the FCC.
Typical power density levels at a distance of 1 m or greater from any Sensors & Software Inc.
product are less than 10-3 mW/cm2 which are 200 to 10,000 times lower than mandated limits.
As such, Sensors & Software Inc. products pose no health and safety risk when operated in the
normal manner of intended use.
B-1
Appendix B - Health & Safety Certification SmartHandle
References
1. Questions and answers about biological effects and potential hazards of radio-frequency
electromagnetic field
USA Federal Communications Commission, Office of Engineering & Technology
OET Bulletin 56
(Contains many references and web sites)
2. Evaluation Compliance with FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Elec-
tromagnetic Fields.
USA Federal Communications Commission, Office of Engineering & Technology
OET Bulletin 56
(Contains many references and web sites)
3. USA Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations paragraph 1910.67 and
1910.263.
Web Sites
www.fcc.gov/Bureau/EngineeringTechnlogy/Documents/bulletin
www.osha-slc.gov/SLTC (see radio frequency)
B-2
SmartHandle Appendix C - FCC Regulations
Appendix C FCC Regulations

This device complies with Part 15 of the USA Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules. Opera-
tion in the USA is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference and

(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Part 15 – User Information

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, where
applicable, and for an ultrawide bandwidth (UWB) device where applicable, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to
cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own
expense.
WARNING
Changes or Modifications not expressly approved by Sensors & Software Inc. could void the user’s author-
ity to operate the equipment.
Certification of this equipment has been carried out using approved cables and peripheral devices. The
use of non-approved or modified cables and peripheral devices constitutes a Change or Modification out-
lined in the warning above.
Operating Restrictions
Operation of this device is restricted to law enforcement, fire and rescue officials, scientific research insti-
tutes, commercial mining companies, and construction companies. Operation by any other party is a viola-
tion of 47 U.S.C. §301 and could subject the operator to serious legal penalties.
FCC Interpretation of Operation Restrictions issued July 12, 2002

(FCC Order DA02-1658, paragraph 9)
The regulations contain restrictions on the parties that are eligible to operate imaging systems. 1 Under the
new regulations, GPRs and wall imaging systems may be used only by law enforcement, fire and emer-
gency rescue organizations, by scientific research institutes, by commercial mining companies, and by
construction companies. Since the adoption of the Order, we have received several inquiries from the
operators of GPRs and wall imaging systems noting that these devices often are not operated by the users
listed in the regulations but are operated under contract by personnel specifically trained in the operation of
these devices. We do not believe that the recent adoption of the UWB rules should disrupt the critical
safety services that can be performed effectively only through the use of GPRs and wall imaging systems.
We viewed these operating restrictions in the broadest of terms. For example, we believe that the limita-
tion on the use of GPRs and wall imaging systems by construction companies encompasses the inspec-
tion of buildings, roadways, bridges and runways even if the inspection finds no damage to the structure
1. See 47 C.F.R. §§15.509(b), 15.511(b), and 15.513(b)
C-1
Appendix C - FCC Regulations SmartHandle
and construction does not actually result from the inspection; the intended purpose of the operation of the
UWB device is to determine if construction is required. We also believe that the GPRs and wall imaging
systems may be operated for one of the purposes described in the regulations but need not be operated
directly by one of the described parties. For example, a GPR may be operated by a private company
investigating forensic evidence for a local police department.
FCC Permitted Mode of Usage

The GPR antenna must be kept on the surface to be in compliance with FCC regulations. Use of the
antenna is not permitted if it is lifted off the surface. Use as a through-the-wall imaging device is prohib-
ited.
GPR Use Coordination

FCC regulation 15.525(c) requires users of GPR equipment to coordinate the use of their GPR equipment
as described below:
a) UWB imaging systems require coordination through the FCC before the
equipment may be used. The operator shall comply with any constraints on
equipment usage resulting from this coordination.
b) The users of UWB imaging devices shall supply detailed operational areas to
the FCC Office of Engineering and Technology who shall coordinate this infor-
mation with the Federal Government through the National Telecommunica-
tions and Information Administration. The information provided by the UWB
operator shall include the name, address and other pertinent contact informa-
tion of the user, the desired geographical area of operation, and the FCC ID
number and other nomenclature of the UWB device. This material shall be
submitted to the following address:
Frequency Coordination Branch., OET

Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20554
ATTN: UWB Coordination
The form given on the following page is a suggested format for performing the coordination.
C-2
SmartHandle Appendix C - FCC Regulations
FCC GROUND PENETRATING RADAR COORDINATION NOTICE
NAME:
ADDRESS:
CONTACT INFORMATION [CONTACT NAME AND PHONE NUMBER]:
AREA OF OPERATION [COUNTIES, STATES OR LARGER AREAS]:
FCC ID: [E.G. QJQ-NOGGIN250 FOR NOGGIN 250 SYSTEM)]
EQUIPMENT NOMENCLATURE: [ E.G. NOGGIN 250]
Send the information to:
Frequency Coordination Branch., OET

Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20554
ATTN: UWB Coordination

Fax: 202-418-1944
INFORMATION PROVIDED IS DEEMED CONFIDENTIAL
C-3
Appendix C - FCC Regulations SmartHandle
C-4
SmartHandle Appendix D - Instrument Interference
Appendix D Instrument Interference

Immunity regulations place the onus on instrument/apparatus/device manufacturers to assure
that extraneous interference will not unduly cause an instrument/apparatus/device to stop func-
tioning or to function in a faulty manner.
Based on independent testing house measurements, Sensors & Software Inc. systems comply
with such regulations in Canada, USA, European Community and most other jurisdictions. GPR
devices can sense electromagnetic fields. External sources of electromagnetic fields such as TV
stations, radio stations and cell phones, can cause signals detectable by a GPR which may
degrade the quality of the data that a GPR device records and displays.
Such interference is unavoidable but sensible survey practice and operation by an experienced
GPR practitioner can minimize such problems. In some geographic areas emissions from exter-
nal sources may be so large as to preclude useful measurements. Such conditions are readily
recognized and accepted by the professional geophysical community as a fundamental limitation
of geophysical survey practice. Such interference being present in the GPR recordings is not
considered as an equipment fault or as a failure to comply with immunity regulations.
D-1
Appendix D - Instrument Interference SmartHandle
D-2
SmartHandle Appendix E - Safety Around Explosive Devices
Appendix E Safety Around Explosive Devices

Concerns are expressed from time to time on the hazard of GPR products being used near blast-
ing caps and unexploded ordnance (UXO). Experience with blasting caps indicates that the
power of Sensors & Software Inc.’s GPR products are not sufficient to trigger blasting caps.
Based on a conservative independent testing house analysis, we recommend keeping the GPR
transmitters at least 5 feet (2m) from blasting cap leads as a precaution. Some customers do
experimental trials with their particular blasting devices to confirm with safety. We strongly rec-
ommend that GPR users routinely working with explosive devices develop a systematic safety
methodology in their work areas.
The UXO issue is more complex and standards on fuses do not exist for obvious reasons. To
date, no problems have been reported with any geophysical instrument used for UXO. Since
proximity and vibration are also critical for UXO, the best advice is to be cautious and understand
the risks.
E-1
Appendix E - Safety Around Explosive Devices SmartHandle
E-2

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SmartHandle

 Copyright 2002 Sensors & Software Inc. 01-0032-01

Software Product Licence Agreement

Grant of Software Product Licence

Product Warranty, Limited Remedy and Limited Liability

Sensors & Software Inc.

2 Assembling the SmartHandle System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

3 Starting the Digital Video Logger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

3.1 Running a DVL Detached from a Smart System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

4.1 Overview of Noggin Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

4.2 Noggin Screen Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

4.3 Noggin Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

4.3.8 Stop Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

4.4 Noggin Data Acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

4.5 Noggin Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

4.6 Noggin Buffer File Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

4.7 Upgrades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

4.8 Advanced Topics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

5.1 Overview of Nogginplus Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

5.2 Nogginplus Data Acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

5.2.5 Section C - Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

5.3 Nogginplus Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

5.4 Nogginplus File Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

5.5 Nogginplus Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

6.1 Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92

6.2 System Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92

6.3 System Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

6.4 DVL Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

6.5 Noggin Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

6.6 Contacting Sensors & Software Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94

7 Care and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95

7.1 Battery Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95

7.2 DVL Internal Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95

7.3 Cable Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95

7.4 Skid Pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

7.5 Storage Cases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

7.6 Spare Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

Appendix A Nogginplus Data file Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

Appendix B Health & Safety Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1

Appendix C FCC Regulations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-1

Appendix D Instrument Interference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D-1

Appendix E Safety Around Explosive Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1

2 Assembling the SmartHandle System

Figure: 2-1 SmartHandle System with a Noggin 1000

Figure: 2-2 The Noggin system ready for the SmartHandle.

Figure: 2-7 Insert the four quick release pins

2.1.1 SmartHandle “Pull” Configuration

2.2.1 DVL to Sensor Cable

2.2.2 Odometer Cable

2.2.3 Smart Grip Cable

3 Starting the Digital Video Logger

Figure: 3-1 Digital Video Logger (DVL) face

12.1 V 38°C 02-0181-00

This screen also displays the following information:

3.1 Running a DVL Detached from a Smart System

4.1 Overview of Noggin Menu Options

12.1 V Rev 6.00

4.1.3 Noggin Setup

4.1.4 Transfer All Buffers