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Reliable
measurements.
Seismometers
General Description
Contents
Introduction........................................................................................1
History..................................................................................................1
Track record......................................................................................... 2
Available models............................................................................... 2
Scientific vs. Engineering models......................................................................... 2
The LE-xD 1 Hz models (surface)..................................................... 3

Technical details for the LE-xD 1 Hz seismometers......................................... 4
The LE-3D/BH downhole seismometers......................................... 5

The LE-xD/5s models......................................................................... 6
LE-3D/5s.........................................................................................................................6
LE-1DV/5s...................................................................................................................... 7
Technical details for the LE-xD/5s seismometers............................................. 7
The LE-3D/20s model......................................................................... 8
Technical details for the LE-3D/20s seismometer............................................ 9
The LE-xD DIN compliant sensors................................................. 10
Technical details for LE-xD DIN compliant sensors.......................................11
Principle of operation..................................................................... 12
The inverse filter method.....................................................................................12
Feedback sensors......................................................................................................12
The Lippmann method...........................................................................................12
Connecting with a datalogger......................................................14
Maximum cable lengths.........................................................................................15

Extension cables.......................................................................................................15
Lightning protection...............................................................................................15
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)..............................................16
Calibration coil.......................................................................................................... 16
Factory recalibration................................................................................................17
Huddle test................................................................................................................. 18
Waiting time after power-up............................................................................... 18
No 12 V DC power supply available?.................................................................19
Electronic noise.........................................................................................................19
Document revised: July 2011 / February 2009 / June 2008 / June 2007 /...
Latest revision: add new models LE-1DV/5s, LE-3D/BH, LE-3D/BHs. Previously: Added Accessories; updated pole/zero info for 3Dlite/1DV and 5s. Added information
on LE-3Dlite MkII. Removed for further information page. Updated poles/zeros information for LE-3D/20s, added new countries, updated number of instruments.
Accessories........................................................................................ 20
CT-EW1 Calibration Table.......................................................................................20

STS-1 (and other BB sensors) Warp-Free Baseplate......................................20
STU Shielding: Gabbro Plate and Hood for STS-2.........................................21
Where are Lennartz sensors in use?............................................. 22
Introduction
This document gives you a comprehensive overview about the entire Lennartz Seismometers
product range. You will find useful background information and lots of technical detail
here! If you have any further questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact us at
info@lennartz-electronic.de .
History
How did Lennartz get started in seismometers? Until the early eighties, we would usually resell
somebody elses seismometers (M**k Products, G**tech, K***metrics - you name it). In early 1983,
during the annual meeting of the German Geophysical Society in Aachen, we heard the following
presentation:
A simple method for

expanding the measurement range of electrodynamic seismo
meters
The method presented was indeed simple, but efficient. We got in touch with Erich Lippmann,
and soon ended up with an agreement that would grant us the exclusive right of exploitation of his
patent:
There were still some detail problems to be solved, but after a few iterations the first LE-3D seismo
meter, the LE-3D classic, was introduced.
Lennartz electronic GmbH

Phone: +49-7071-93550
Bismarckstrasse 136
Fax: +49-7071-935530
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info@lennartz-electronic.de
Germany
www.lennartz-electronic.de
Track record
At the time of going to print (July 2011), about 11,000 channels of LE-xD seismometers have shipped.
Infant mortality rate is very low, long-term stability has proven to be very high (read more about
this topic in the FAQ [Frequently Asked Questions] section of this document).
Available models
The Lennartz family of seismometers is broadly subdivided into two branches:
The scientific branch (very high resolution, very good low frequency fidelity, limited high
frequency response)
The engineering branch (very high clip level, extremely wide high frequency band up to
315 Hz, limited resolution, limited low frequency response)
Within either branch there are several models; some come in 1- and 3-component versions:
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Scientific vs. Engineering models

The scientific instrument line generally puts more emphasis on sensitivity and low-frequency fidelity. On the other hand, the engineering line has a higher clip level, rendering these instruments
more suitable for structural work where higher amplitudes are to be expected. Also, the engineering
sensors have a switchable upper frequency limit which extends up to 315 Hz, whereas the highest
frequency limit for the scientific line is 100 Hz.
For the engineering product line, there is no choice of eigenfrequency available. This is so because
DIN 45669 defines the requirements for a compliant sensor very strictly, and leaves no room for
discussion here.
The scientific line offers a lot more possibilities in this respect: 1 Hz, 5 seconds, and 20 seconds.

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The LE-xD 1 Hz models (surface)

These are the workhorses of the scientific product line. Originally available in a blue rectangular
housing (known for a long time as the LE-3D classic, now out of production, shown below left),
hundreds of these sensors are in daily duty all over the world. The later version of the same model
(shown below center) comes in a cylindrical stainless steel housing and is called LE-3Dlite. Additionally, a vertical single component version is available, aptly named LE-1DV. The original LE-3Dlite
design as shown in the small photo below has recently gone out of production (after more than 1,000
units) and has been replaced by LE-3Dlite MkII which has a female KPTC connector instead of the
permanently attached cable. The same goes for LE-1DV MkII (introduced early 2008).
Users are attracted by these unique features that set these sensors miles apart from their mechanical
predecessors:
Extremely compact and lightweight
Rugged
Sheer simplicity; true plug-and-play operation
All sensors calibrated to identical output voltages; no need to keep records of which sensor
has been connected to which datalogger
Low noise, low power (typically 3 mA per component @ 12 V DC)
Dynamic range > 120 dB
Comparatively insensitive to improper leveling
No mass lock, mass center, control box, or other contraption required; can be transported in
any orientation
Proven long-term stability; over fifteen years of field experience
top: LE-3D classic

right: LE-3Dlite, LE-1DV
top: LE-3Dlite MkII

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Technical details for the LE-xD 1 Hz seismometers

The following table shows the relevant technical parameters for both the single and the three component versions of Lennartz 1 Hz surface seismometers:
LE-1DV MkII
LE-3Dlite MkII
LE-3D/BH(s)
Power Supply
1016 V DC, unstabilized
Power Consumption
Output Voltage
Damping
3 mA @ 12 V DC
8 mA @ 12 V DC
400 V/m/s, precisely adjusted
400 V/m/s, precisely

adjusted on all components
0.707 critical (internal damping; independent of datalogger

input resistance)
Dimensions
85 mm diameter
55 mm height
95 mm diameter
65 mm height
Borehole: 58 mm diameter,
1000 mm overall length
Weight
1.1 kg
Temperature Range
-15 +60 C
Housing
1.6 kg
Borehole: 4.9 kg (without
cable)
Stainless steel, matted surface, splash proof, with level

adjustment feet and water
bubble level control
Stainless steel, matted

surface, splash proof, with
level adjustment feet and
water bubble level control
Borehole: completely waterproof stainless steel
Eigenfrequency
1 Hz
Upper Corner Frequency
100 Hz
RMS Noise @ 1 Hz
< 3 nm/s
Dynamic Range (typical)
136 dB
Poles
3 poles:
4.44 / +4.44j
4.44 / 4.44j
1.083 / 0.0j
Zeroes
Triple zero at the origin
The Upper corner frequency row denotes the frequency up to which the sensors have been tested on a shake table. Users should
be aware that there is an inherent low pass filter in the sensors circuitry which will gradually damp away frequencies higher than the
upper corner frequency.
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The LE-3D/BH downhole seismometers

An exact copy of the LE-3Dlite, but in a sleek downhole package, intended for use at depths up to
500 meters (see limitations below). The borehole sensor comes in two versions:

LE-3D/BH including upper clamping mechanism, azimuthal adjustment dial, spear tip, and
hole lock (shown in the left photo, just prior to deployment)
LE-3D/BHs for installation in sand simple cylindrical housing without clamping mechanism,
no hole lock supplied, slightly angled conical tip (photo right)
Photo courtesy of Kyushu University

The LE-3D/BHs sensor is comparatively undemanding in terms of installation requirements. Since
there is no hole lock to install, there is no absolute need for a cased borehole (although an uncased
borehole may make it somewhat difficult to calculate the amount of sand required for filling up the
space between the borehole wall and the sensor housing.
Also, since there is no hole lock to install and, consequently, no downhole orientation to be determined,
the actual sensor installation is almost trivial, and does not require the presence of Lennartz staff.
For the LE-3D/BH sensor, on the other hand, there are a number of prerequisites that need to be
fulfilled for successful installation and operation:

cased borehole, preferably PVC casing (see below)

if hole lock cannot be installed beforehand (i.e. before the casing is deployed), depth less than
200 meters, and presence of Lennartz staff required
if azimuthal orientation is to be determined by downhole measurement (as opposed to surface
measurement), casing needs to be non-magnetic so that a magnetic compass can be used
For more information, please contact us, providing as much detail as possible about your existing
or planned borehole installation.

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Fax: +49-7071-935530
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The LE-xD/5s models

LE-3D/5s
This instrument is the runner-up in terms of popularity, providing flat velocity response down to 5
seconds while still preserving basic fieldworthy qualities such as ruggedness and portability. It quickly
gained acceptance among those requiring a little bit of extra low frequency response. Recently, a
single-component vertical version has been
requested by GFZ Potsdam to be used in site
evaluation studies for the GITEWS Tsunami
Early Warning System (see next page for details
on the 1D version).
LE-3D/5s is the sensor of choice for a wide
variety of field and observatory tasks being
still portable, it will allow you to go places
where a broadband sensor just wont do the
job. If space and weight constraints prevail,
LE-3D/5s will help you meet them. It is not
only the dimensions and weight of the sensor
proper that count do not forget to take power
requirements into account. In this department,
the LE-3D/5s leaves broadband seismometers
in the dust. At only 100 mW, LE-3D/5s wont
require its own truck battery even for a longterm deployment. As an example, a 20 Ah
battery (which is still easily handled) will last
up to 100 days!
But do not believe that this noteworthy power consciousness will incur a significant performance
penalty the noise level of this sensor (approx. 1 nm/s RMS at 1 Hz) is such that it can be used in
most low-noise sites without problems.
Compact and lightweight, rugged construction

Sheer simplicity; true plug-and-play operation
All sensors calibrated to identical output voltages; no need to keep records of which sensor
has been connected to which datalogger
Low noise, low power (typically 3 mA per component @ 12 V DC)
Dynamic range > 120 dB
Comparatively insensitive to improper leveling; no mass lock, mass center, control box, or
other contraption required; can be transported in any orientation
Proven long-term stability; over twenty years of field experience
Thinking Nakamura? LE-3D/5s is the ideal sensor:
The accelerometers were in general very poor, and in some cases not sensitive enough.
The epis**sor, which should have been very good, was unstable and therefore very poor
at low frequencies. The Lennartz 5sec sensors were the best performing
in terms of the frequency range and sensitivity.
Quoted from: INFLUENCE OF INSTRUMENTS ON H/V SPECTRAL RATIO OF AMBIENT NOISE (SCF-3-01-P, Poster presented at XXVIII ESC
General Assembly, Genova, 2002)
B. Guillier (1), K. Atakan (2), A-M. Duval (3), M. Ohrnberger (4), R. Azzara (5), F. Cara (5), J. Havskov (2), G. Alguacil (6), P. Teves-Costa (7), Nikos Theodulidis (8) and the
SESAME Project WP02-Team.
(1) LGIT, Observatoire de Grenoble, BP 53 - 38041 Grenoble Cedex - France, (2) UiB, Bergen, Norway, (3) CETE, Nice, France, (4) IGUP, Potsdam, Germany, (5) INGV, Rome,
Italy, (6) UG, Granada, Spain, (7) CGUL, Lisbon, Portugal, (8) ITSAK, Thessaloniki, Greece

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LE-1DV/5s
The LE-1DV/5s seismometer comes in a stainless steel housing similar to LE-1DV (see photo). Other than the different
housing and having just one vertical component it is for all
practical purposes identical to the LE-3D/5s.
Technical details for the LE-xD/5s seismometers

LE-1DV/5s
Power Supply
LE-3D/5s
Power Consumption
Output Voltage
Damping
3 mA @ 12 V DC
10 mA @ 12 V DC
400 V/m/s
400 V/m/s, precisely

adjusted on all components
0.707 critical (internal damping; independent of datalogger input resistance)
Dimensions
Weight
Temperature Range
Housing
100 mm diameter
150 mm height
195 mm diameter
165 mm height
2.5 kg
6.5 kg
-15 +60 C
Matted stainless steel,
splash proof, with level
Painted alumin(i)um,
splash proof, with level
Eigenfrequency
0.2 Hz
50 Hz
RMS Noise @ 1 Hz
< 1 nm/s
Dynamic Range
(typical)
140 dB
Poles
3 poles:
0.888 / +0.888j
0.888 / 0.888j
0.290 / 0.000j
Zeroes
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The LE-3D/20s model

This is the latest addition to the product line, further boosting low frequency response down to 20
seconds. For those interested in classical regional earthquake seismology, or in the low frequency
grumblings of volcanoes, this instrument fills a niche between short period and real broadband.
While physically identical to LE-3D/5s (except for the different paint colour), it is a fundamentally
different instrument under the hood. In order to bring a physical 2 Hz electrodynamic geophone to
behave like a 20 sec seismometer (remember those clumsy yet delicate beasts? You barely touched them,
and the mass would shift out of whack!),
considerable electronic wizardry needs to
be applied. To some extent, this comes at
a price increased power consumption
(but still within very reasonable limits).
However, many of the qualities that
have made Lennartz seismometers the
practitioners favourite for more than a
decade are present in this instrument.
Compared to true broadband sensors,
the most salient advantages are much
faster startup time (the instrument will
output meaningful results in less than
a minute after power-up!) and drastically reduced sensitivity to temperature
or pressure fluctuations. Since there is
no physical long-period element inside,
nothing will respond to daily temperature drift, or to the sudden air draught
of a door being shut.
For the record, if anyone is interested in learning what a real broadband installation entails, this
is a very valuable resource of information:
http://www.seismo.berkeley.edu/seismo/bdsn/instrumentation/guidelines.html
If you dont want to read the whole article, here is one paragraph that sums it up:
it takes 500 man-hours to search, plan, travel, prefabricate, and install a site.
IfAttheminimum,
distances are great, or construction is complex, the time requirement can easily go to
2000 man-hours. For example, we spent approximately 1500 man-hours on KCC (sited in
an existing tunnel), 2000 man-hours on HOPS (because of vault construction), and we spent
1300 man-hours on FARB (our most inaccessible station).
Basically, this means that unless you have that kind of time and resources to invest (and who does,
especially in a mobile scenario??), you wont get anywhere near the full data quality that a broadband
sensor can theoretically deliver. So, the advantages of having a simple, easy to use, quickly up-andrunning instrument may very well compensate for the fact that it isnt a true broadband sensor
on paper.

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Technical details for the LE-3D/20s seismometer

LE-3D/20s
Power Supply
Power Consumption
Average 50 mA @ 12 V DC; max.

100 mA (for full scale output)
Output Voltage
1000 V/m/s, precisely adjusted on

all components
Damping
0.707 critical (internal damping;

independent of datalogger input
resistance)
Dimensions
195 mm diameter
165 mm height
Weight
6.5 kg
Temperature Range
Housing
-15 +60 C
Painted alumin(i)um, splash
proof, with level adjustment feet
and water bubble level control
Eigenfrequency
0.05 Hz
> 40 Hz
RMS Noise @ 1 Hz
< 2 nm/s
Dynamic Range (typical)
136 dB
Poles
Zeroes
3 poles:
0.222 / +0.222j
0.222 / 0.222j
0.23 / 0.000j
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The LE-xD DIN compliant sensors

As explained previously, Lennartz makes a line of sensors used predominantly in a typical engineering
scenario. For vibration measurement equipment to be used in buildings, there is a DIN (Deutsches
Institut fr Normung; German Norm Institute) regulation called DIN 45669. Unfortunately, copyright restrictions do not allow us to reproduce the DIN 45669 specifications here. In a nutshell, though,
these requirements deal more with high frequency issues than with low frequency and low noise
problems. In other words, the standard scientific Lennartz sensors would simply not comply.
DIN compliant sensors are available in 3D and 1D vertical versions. They all come in the same
rectangular housing depicted below. The housing can be bolted to the structure under test with M6
screws. An optional base plate with adjustable hardened steel tip feet, manufactured in compliance
with DIN 45669, is also available.
In order to fulfill the DIN 45669 requirements, these sensors have a switch-selectable upper frequency
limit of 80 or 315 Hz; eigenfrequency is 1 Hz. All sensors are guaranteed to be free of spurious
resonances up to the selected upper frequency limit.
As you will readily see from the table specifying the technical details in the next chapter, the DIN
sensors do not really compete with the scientific product line. Their sensitivity is much lower
(rendering them much less suitable for earthquake work), but they have a higher clip level and a
higher upper frequency limit.
In accordance with DIN 45669, each sensor undergoes a rigorous shake table test. A Calibration
Certificate is included. Factory recalibration service is available (see the
FAQ [Frequently Asked Questions] chapter of this
document for details).

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Technical details for LE-xD DIN compliant sensors
LE-1DV/DIN, LE-3D/DIN
Power Supply
Power Consumption
Output Voltage
5 mA @ 12 V DC (1D model), 15 mA (3D model)

100 V/m/s (certified at 16 Hz), precisely adjusted on all components
Maximum unclipped
ground velocity
50 mm/s
Minimum resolvable
ground velocity
Significantly less than 0.05 mm/s

(0.05 mm/s is the threshold stipulated by DIN 45669)
Damping
0.707 critical (internal damping; independent of datalogger

input resistance)
Dimensions (identical for 1D and 3D

models)
75 mm width (+20 mm for the connector)

55 mm height (+12 mm for the bubble level)
120 mm depth
Weight
930 g (without optional base plate)
Temperature Range
Housing
-15 +60 C
Painted alumin(i)um, protection class IP 65, water bubble level
control
Eigenfrequency
1 Hz

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switch selectable: 80 or 315 Hz
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Principle of operation
This description applies to all Lennartz seismometers except the DIN compliant sensors, i.e. the
whole scientific line.
The inverse filter method

There have been many attempts in the past to compensate for the well-known low frequency rolloff of
typical electrodynamic seismometers. Early attempts would try to achieve this by a so-called inverse
filter, i.e. an amplifier that selectively enhances the low-frequency part of the spectrum, providing
progressively higher amplification for lower frequencies. As a matter of fact, this is how the engineering line works there is nothing inherently wrong with this principle, but it does have some
drawbacks that get in the way for high precision, low noise work.
Feedback sensors
Another possibility for enhancing low frequency performance is to apply feedback to the suspended
mass. This method exploits a well known measurement method that is also used in many other disciplines: rather than measuring the entity itself, measure an ancillary entity that is required to keep
the system in a steady state. In the case of feedback sensors, a force is generated that keeps the mass
steady. To apply this force, we can use either the normal geophone coil (in which case we need a
second element, e.g. a capacitive sensor, that tells us the exact position of the mass), or we need to
use a sensor with a normal pickup coil and a calibration coil. In the latter case, the calibration coil
can be used to generate an EMF (electromotoric force) that keeps the mass steady.
Most broadband sensors operate on this principle. It has got a number of advantages; most prominently, the fact that the mass remains steady means that (at least in a first-order approximation) all
nonlinearities of the suspension spring are irrelevant after all, the spring should theoretically never
be stressed and strained.
One obvious disadvantage of the feedback method is that it requires certain sensor properties that are
not easily found in standard, off-the-shelf products such as geophones used for exploration seismo
logy. Sensors that can be used with the feedback method tend to be largish or delicate or expensive
or any combination thereof :-)
The Lippmann method

Lennartz sensors operate on a kind of feedback principle, keeping the advantages (avoid the nonlinearities) while circumventing the disadvantages (it does not require special or modified sensors).
To explain the principle, let us start from a standard electrodynamic moving coil geophone. Such
sensors are in fact used in all Lennartz seismometers. It is textbook knowledge that the transfer function of such a geophone depends on the damping resistor applied across its output. With no damping at all (i.e. an infinite resistance), it will show a more or less pronounced resonance peak. With
a damping resistor applied, the transfer function will approach the desired shape (denoted 0.707 in
the graph below) with a flat response above the eigenfrequency (f0), and a rolloff proportional to f 2
below f0 (note that we use frequency ( f ) instead of angular frequency () in the text).
When the value of the damping resistor is further decreased we approach critical damping (damping constant of 1.0). For higher damping constants, the response curve becomes even flatter. We
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13
can see in the graph that for damping factor values > 1, the transfer function will eventually reach
a completely different shape, namely proportional to f. Such high damping constants, however,
can not be achieved by real damping resistors; even a damping resistor of zero (a shorted sensor
output) will not achieve this. Only a negative resistor will do! This is exactly what happens inside
the seismometer. One could say that the negative resistor feeds back the sensor through the same
pins that are used for signal output a feedback sensor without an extra feedback coil.
After this first step we arrive at the orange
curve, proportional to f. Since the graph
0
shows the response with respect to
of transfer function
r
u
io
ground velocity, the orange straight line
0.707
av
0.999
eh
b
effectively describes a response that is
l
1
> 1.0
ica
ot
t
flat
to acceleration. While this may be a
p
ym
As
merit in its own right, it is definitely not
2
p1
f ste
o
t
what
we want. What we need to do now
ul
Res
is to convert the acceleration proportional output back to velocity, shifting
/0
0.01
0.1
1
10
the eigenfrequency in the process. Since
our transfer function after this first step
is proportional to frequency, we now need an element which is proportional to f below the new f0 ,
and proportional to 1/f above it.
Eigenfrequency of mechanical sensor
This is easily achieved by implementing a simple RC-type bandpass filter whose center frequency
becomes the new virtual f0 of the enhanced sensor:
In the example shown here, the virtual f0 is one fifth of the original f0. This is not too far from
reality; for the Lennartz 1 Hz sensors, the original f0 is 4.5 Hz.
Summing up the characteristic traits of the Lippmann method, we can see the following points in
its favour:

Can be used with inexpensive and, even more importantly, ROBUST exploration grade sensors
Suppresses nonlinearities of sensor springs equally well as conventional feedback principles
Extremely power conscious
Low sensitivity to environmental effects (temperature drift, air pressure changes)
Eigenfrequency of electronically enhanced sensor
Result of step 1
+1
+1
0.01

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Final result
1
Bandpass filter
+2
0.1
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/0
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14
Connecting with a datalogger

This chapter deals with the various cabling options available for connecting a Lennartz sensor to a
third-party data acquisition system. Needless to say, there are cables available that fit all Lennartz
dataloggers perfectly. However, the sensors can be used with pretty much any type of datalogger
available. Even if your datalogger does not provide 12 V DC output, there is a solution available.
The following sketch shows the standard cables available for connecting Lennartz sensors to a Lennartz
datalogger (MARS-88, MARSlite, or M24), to older Reftek loggers (using a PU77/U connector),
and finally to an arbitrary brand XYZ datalogger.
We can also supply custom-made cables for Reftek 130 and Nanometrics Taurus dataloggers
(not shown in the drawing). Please inquire.
All third party cables have an open end which you can use to fit the respective connector. At the
other end there is a Cannon KPT connector; this connector family is used on all current Lennartz
sensors. The LE-1DV (not MkII) and LE-3Dlite (not MkII) are the only sensors that have a short
length of cable permanently attached (but both models are out of production now); all other sensors
require an extra cable in any case.
The cables and reference numbers shown below are not exhaustive. Different types and lengths of
cable can be made to order. When in doubt, please do not hesitate to ask. Please do also refer to the
following subchapter that deals with maximum cable lengths.
390-0056 (5 m)
direct connection possible

(approx. 1.5 m)
352-0020 (5 m)
352-0058 (10 m)
352-0065 (30 m)
352-0042 (5 m)
352-0064 (10 m)
390-0058b (5m)
390-0058 (10 m)
390-0058a (50 m)
MARS-88
MARSlite
M24
Brand XYZ
(fit your own connector)
390-0057
352-0025
278-0008a
50 m

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LE-3Dlite MkII
LE-1DV MkII
LE-1DV/5s
LE-3D/5s
LE-3D/20s
All DIN compliant
models
LE-3Dlite (not MkII)

LE-1DV (not MkII)
352-0097b (10 m)
D-72072 Tbingen
RefTek
Germany
15
Maximum cable lengths

Since all Lennartz sensors are active sensors with a built-in preamplifier and low-impedance output,
driving long cables is far less of a problem than with conventional mechanical sensors. Cable lengths
up to 200 m have been tested with no ill effects; longer lengths may be possible but are currently
not offered as a standard.
If you intend to use cable lengths in excess of 10 m, please be sure to read the subchapter on lightning protection below!
Extension cables
We make cable drums containing 50 m of fully shielded cable with suitable Cannon KPT connectors
at either end. Multiple cable drums can be chained together to obtain longer cables.
Since 50 m is the maximum length of cable that can be conveniently fit on a hand-carried drum,
longer lengths are not available on drums. A 100 m ring of cable (again with KPT connectors) is
available. If more than 100 m are desired, you should use more than one ring. In excess of 100 m,
the cable tends to become quite unwieldy.
A special cable version that can be used ONLY with LE-1DV or LE-1DV/5s is also available. Due to
the reduced number of wires, this cable has a smaller diameter and is more flexible. Hence, about
double the amount of the standard 3D cable can be fit onto a given cable reel.
Lightning protection
As you certainly are aware, long seismometer cables make excellent antennae to pick up lightning
induced overvoltage. It is therefore strongly recommended to put a lightning protection box at either
end of a long cable (just how long is long? That depends on many factors, but more than 10 m is
a safe bet!). Lennartz makes such boxes, providing plug compatibility with the connectors used on
seismometers and cables. Of course, for the lightning protection to be efficient, the user will need
to provide a good solid earth connection.
The perceived savings from not using a lightning protection box will literally go up in smoke sooner
or later... you have been warned!

Phone: +49-7071-93550
Bismarckstrasse 136
Fax: +49-7071-935530
D-72072 Tbingen
Germany
16
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Over the years, certain questions tend to be asked again and again these are the most popular ones,
given here in no particular order.
Calibration coil
Q
A
What about calibration? You mention elsewhere that the sensors do not
have a calibration coil. How can I be sure that the sensor works at all, and that its characteristics
have not changed over time?
It is true that the sensors do not have a calibration coil. Instead, an electronic facility is provided. While not functionally equivalent to a calibration coil, this facility closely reproduces the classical weight lift test in that it applies two pulse signals so that the
mass will perform a significant excursion both in the positive and in the negative direction. Besides
being useful as a simple go / no-go test, the response of the sensor to this pulse train could be
used for long-term monitoring of the sensors behaviour. However, classical methods (such as
trying to deduce the sensors damping constant from the output signal) should not be applied.
The following graph shows the response of an LE-3D/20s to the calibration pulse sequence (which
can be initiated by simply pulling the -CAL pin to ground). The two pulses are spaced far enough
apart to allow the sensor to completely settle back to baseline in between. For the 5 sec and 1 Hz
seismometers, the two pulses are less distant.
As can be seen in the lower trace (a magnified rendition of one of the horizontal channels whereas
the top trace is the vertical channel), the calibration pulses are superimposed on the normal output
signal (in this case, plain noise in a busy laboratory).

Phone: +49-7071-93550
Bismarckstrasse 136
Fax: +49-7071-935530
D-72072 Tbingen
Germany
17
Factory recalibration
Q
A
If I cant recalibrate the sensor myself, what is the factory recommendation

for a reasonable recalibration interval? How is it done? What is the approximate cost?
This is not a simple question to answer. For the DIN compliant sensors, the
answer is easy: Factory recalibration requirements are dictated by the DIN regulations. At the
time of this writing, DIN 45669 requires periodic recalibration every three years or after any major
incident (repair / damage). For the scientific sensors, the (somewhat unsatisfactory) answer is it
depends. Before shipping, each sensor undergoes an individual test and calibration cycle on Lennartzs
own shake table. Shown below: One horizontal 5 sec sensor attached to the shake table harness,
and the round printed circuit board containing the support circuitry. Once this initial calibration
is in place, the sensors will remain highly stable over time with more than twenty years worth of
experience, we ought to
know by now!
It is certainly not a bad

idea to have your sensors
recalibrated after, say, two
years of field duty, but
there is no strict recalibration scheme that we need
to enforce. Of course, if
your institution adheres
to a quality standard such
as ISO 9xxx, special recalibration interval requirements may apply.
A recalibration service is
available for a flat fee (at
the time of going to print,
290 , subject to change without notice). The flat fee applies as long as there are no additional services
(beyond recalibration) to be provided. Apart from cosmetic flaws that the sensor will undoubtedly
have acquired over time, your sensor will be equivalent to a new instrument after the procedure. A
Sensor Calibration Sheet will be issued.

Phone: +49-7071-93550
Bismarckstrasse 136
Fax: +49-7071-935530
D-72072 Tbingen
Germany
18
Huddle test
Q
A
In your Sensor Inspection Sheet you mention that each sensor has been
submitted to a so-called huddle test. What exactly does that mean, and what is its relevance?
Isnt the shake table test good enough?
Huddle testing means that we put a number of identical sensors (typically,

five or six) physically very close to each other, and record ground noise during a few hours in the
dead of night. Traces are then compared using various statistical methods to ensure good coherence.
Why do we go to these extra lengths? The shake table test is fine, but since fairly large amplitudes
are used here, it does not completely test the sensors behaviour. The sub-micrometer sensitivity of
the huddle test is able to reveal flaws that the shake table test can not show.
Waiting time after power-up
Q
A
Yo u m e n t i o n q u i c k u p - a n d - r u n n i n g t i m e a s a p a r t i c u l a r a d va n t a g e o f
your sensors. What exactly does that mean? I am used to having to wait a couple of minutes
at the very least...
Obviously, the lower the sensors eigenfrequency, the longer one will have
to wait until the system has reached a steady state, and hence delivers stable results. One of
the unique advantages of Lennartz sensors is that this time has been cut down quite drastically. The
example shown below is for the LE-3D/20s; it shows the sensor output after power-up (the datalogger
has been up and running before; the sensor was powered up separately). As you can see, after the
initial overshoot the sensor signal will quickly settle down, and a mere 30 second wait is enough!
Obviously, the shorter period sensors will perform equally well or better.

Phone: +49-7071-93550
Bismarckstrasse 136
Fax: +49-7071-935530
D-72072 Tbingen
Germany
19
No 12 V DC power supply available?
Q
A
What if I need to connect the sensor to an instrument that does not have
12 V DC output?
We can offer a breakout box with a built-in 12 V battery (1.3 Ah). A wall
plug AC recharger is included. Recharging during normal sensor operation is possible. Sensor
output is normally provided on BNC connectors (one per channel); other connector types are
available upon request. The 1.3 Ah battery will typically last six to seven days with a 1 Hz or 5 sec
3-component sensor.
Electronic noise
Q
A
The sensors being electronic, I imagine there is some noise present. What is
the noise level, and how does it depend on frequency?
dB relative to 1 m/s2 rms in 1/6 decade
Obviously, this assumption is correct there is no such thing as a noise free

electronic circuit. However, the noise level is so low that there are only few sites with low
enough ground noise for you to realise there is electronic noise at all, not to mention the datalogger as a source of
electronic noise. The
graph below shows
noise power spectral
density, measured in
a 1/6 decade bandwidth,
and compared
Self noise of Lennartz seismometers
to USGS High and
(as determined by Prof. E. Wielandt)
Low
Noise Models.
compared with USGS High and Low Noise Models
Translated to equiva-100
lent velocity, around 1
LNM
Hz
we are in the subLE-3Dlite
LE-3D/5s
-110
to low-nanom eters/
LE-3D/20s
HNM
sec range.
-120
-130
-140
-150
-160
-170
-180
0.01

Phone: +49-7071-93550
0.1
1
Period [seconds]
Bismarckstrasse 136
Fax: +49-7071-935530
10
D-72072 Tbingen
100
Germany
20
Accessories
CT-EW1 Calibration Table
Designed by none other but Professor Erhard Wielandt, the inventor of broadband seismometry
as we know it today, the CT-EW1 is a high precision electromechanical device used for the absolute
calibration of broadband, intermediate- and even short-period seismic sensors.
The sole purpose of the CT-EW1 is to determine the absolute transduction factor (typically expressed
as X V/m/s) as precisely as possible. While it is generally not a big problem to determine the relative
transfer function of modern seismometers (these are often given by the manufacturer as poles and
zeroes), the absolute transduction factor is much more tricky. CT-EW1 does this for you, typically
with better than 1% precision.
Compared to sending your sensor
back to the manufacturer for periodic
recalibration (for example, if your
institution adheres to ISO 9xxx quality control standards), the CT-EW1
has the major advantage of being able
to get the job done in situ, verifiying
your whole data acquisition chain as
a side effect (for example, you will
quickly learn about inverted polarity
if it exists).
While the stock CT-EW1 will handle
normal STS-2 (1,500 V/m/s) and
Gralp sensors without problems,
high-sensitivity versions of these
sensors may exhibit clipping when
used on the CT-EW1 even in low
gear. An optional high sensitivity
CT-EW1 and STS-2 in the MOXA valut during an international workshop sponsored by BGR
kit will mechanically and electrically modify the CT-EW1s table motion in such a manner as to not
overload a high-sensitivity sensor.
STS-1 (and other BB sensors) Warp-Free Baseplate

Another brilliant design by Erhard Wielandt. Glass hood not supplied. Made from meticulously
CNCed anodized aluminum, with a Fischer connector for the sensor signals and a high-grade
vacuum stopcock.
Glass hoods come with, or without, a vacuum
valve. For use with our Baseplate, a vacuum
valve on top of the glass hood is not required.
The sandwich-type baseplate keeps warping and
tilting motion induced by air pressure variations
away from the sensor.
The coverplate and manometer shown here are
not part of the setup. This photo was taken
during a long-term leakage test at approx. -1 bar.
The coverplate substitutes the glass hood.
Phone: +49-7071-93550
Bismarckstrasse 136
Fax: +49-7071-935530
D-72072 Tbingen
Germany
21
STU Shielding: Gabbro Plate and Hood for STS-2

Every broadband seismologist knows that proper shielding of the sensor from environmental influences is the key ingredient to obtaining useful recordings. The highest quality sensor can be severely
degraded by an improper and insufficient setup, with shielding often being the most crucial part.
Lennartz now offers a carbon copy of the famous STU (Stuttgart) design (again - you guessed
it - conceived by Erhard Wielandt). For details, please see
http://klops.geophys.uni-stuttgart.de/~widmer/DGG2006poster.pdf
Like the Warp-Free Baseplate, the Gabbro Plate comes equipped with a Fischer through-connector
for easy plug-and-play installation. No modification to existing cabling infrastructure is required.
Described as hermetically sealed pressure vessel with rigid gabbro base plate and compliant stainless
steel pot, this setup achieves an attenuation of ambient pressure variations are attenuated by 40dB.
In addition, the huge thermal mass of the massive slab of gabbro provides excellent attenuation of
ambient temperature variations.

Phone: +49-7071-93550
Bismarckstrasse 136
Fax: +49-7071-935530
D-72072 Tbingen
Germany
22
Where are Lennartz sensors in use?

Rather than naming individual institutions, suffice it to give a list of countries where Lennartz sensors are in permanent and regular use. This list contains only the home sites of sensors; in many
cases, users will literally take them around the world. We know of Lennartz sensors that have been
around the world several times over...
Antarctica
Australia
Belgium
Bolivia
Bosnia-Herzegowina
Bulgaria
Cameroon
China
Colombia
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cuba
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
Ethiopia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Honduras
Hongkong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Israel
Italy
Japan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Mexico
Monaco
Mongolia
Morocco
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Norway
Panama
Peru
Poland
Portugal
Russia
Slovak Republic
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Trinidad & Tobago
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
Venezuela
Viet Nam
Yemen
Yugoslavia (former)
Zambia
The content of this document has been carefully edited and is believed to be correct at the time of going to print (2008-06). However, Lennartz electronic GmbH can not be held responsible for any
errors contained herein. Subject to change without notice.

Phone: +49-7071-93550
Bismarckstrasse 136
Fax: +49-7071-935530
D-72072 Tbingen
Germany

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The LE-xD 1 Hz models (surface)..................................................... 3

The LE-3D/BH downhole seismometers......................................... 5

The LE-3D/20s model......................................................................... 8

Technical details for the LE-3D/20s seismometer............................................ 9

The LE-xD DIN compliant sensors................................................. 10

Technical details for LE-xD DIN compliant sensors.......................................11

Connecting with a datalogger......................................................14

Maximum cable lengths.........................................................................................15

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)..............................................16

CT-EW1 Calibration Table.......................................................................................20

Where are Lennartz sensors in use?............................................. 22

A simple method for

Lennartz electronic GmbH

Scientific vs. Engineering models

Lennartz electronic GmbH

The LE-xD 1 Hz models (surface)

Extremely compact and lightweight

Sheer simplicity; true plug-and-play operation

Low noise, low power (typically 3 mA per component @ 12 V DC)

Dynamic range > 120 dB

Comparatively insensitive to improper leveling

Proven long-term stability; over fifteen years of field experience

top: LE-3D classic

Lennartz electronic GmbH

Technical details for the LE-xD 1 Hz seismometers

1016 V DC, unstabilized

400 V/m/s, precisely adjusted

400 V/m/s, precisely

0.707 critical (internal damping; independent of datalogger

Stainless steel, matted surface, splash proof, with level

Stainless steel, matted

Upper Corner Frequency

Dynamic Range (typical)

Triple zero at the origin

The LE-3D/BH downhole seismometers

Photo courtesy of Kyushu University

cased borehole, preferably PVC casing (see below)

Lennartz electronic GmbH

The LE-xD/5s models

Compact and lightweight, rugged construction

Thinking Nakamura? LE-3D/5s is the ideal sensor:

in terms of the frequency range and sensitivity.

Lennartz electronic GmbH

Technical details for the LE-xD/5s seismometers

1016 V DC, unstabilized

400 V/m/s, precisely

0.707 critical (internal damping; independent of datalogger input resistance)

Upper Corner Frequency

Triple zero at the origin

The LE-3D/20s model

Lennartz electronic GmbH

Technical details for the LE-3D/20s seismometer

1016 V DC, unstabilized

Average 50 mA @ 12 V DC; max.

1000 V/m/s, precisely adjusted on

0.707 critical (internal damping;

Upper Corner Frequency

Dynamic Range (typical)

The LE-xD DIN compliant sensors

Lennartz electronic GmbH

Technical details for LE-xD DIN compliant sensors

1016 V DC, unstabilized

5 mA @ 12 V DC (1D model), 15 mA (3D model)