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NuSeis Field

Operations Guide
REVISION 2.0

NuSeis System
GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY INC | WWW.GEOPHYSICALTECHNOLOGY.COM
NUSEIS FIELD OPERATIONS GUIDE NUSEIS

Document Identifier: Field Operations Manual

This document Explains the use of the NuSuite software package. Chapters in this document will be
referring to field use. See accompanying documentation for individual software manuals. This
manual is believed to be correct and accurate, however Geophysical Technology Inc reserves the
right to make changes to products, software or specifications without notice at any time to improve
performance, reliability, and functionality. Information contained in this document may not be
modified or altered in any form without the expressed written consent of Geophysical Technology
Inc

Checked Approved
Revision Description Author Date
By By
1.0 First Draft JL 08-Aug-18
2.0 Revised for N2 and new software BH 04-Apr-20

Customer Support:

Email – customersupport@geophysicaltechnology.com

Phone
Geophysical - +1-713-893-5655
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NUSEIS FIELD OPERATIONS GUIDE NUSEIS

Table of Contents
Field Operations ................................................................................................. 4
Chapter 1 - NRU Unit .......................................................................................................... 5
Handling and Durability .................................................................................................. 6
User Manual Statement – FCC ......................................................................................... 8
NRU-1C M Series Specifications ...................................................................................... 9
NRU-1C N Series Specifications ............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Functionality ................................................................................................................ 12
Configuration ............................................................................................................... 13
Coupling ....................................................................................................................... 14
LED Codes ..................................................................................................................... 16
Chapter 2 - System Setup ................................................................................................. 17
Data Management Panel .............................................................................................. 18
Connection ...................................................................................................................................... 19
Configuration .................................................................................................................................. 20
Charging Panel ................................................................................................................................ 23
Chapter 3 - Survey ............................................................................................................ 24
Survey Options ............................................................................................................. 25
Pre-Surveyed ................................................................................................................................... 25
No Survey ........................................................................................................................................ 25
Ad Hoc or On the Fly assignment .................................................................................................... 25
Chapter 4 - Project Setup ................................................................................................. 26
NuScribe ....................................................................................................................... 27
Importing Survey Files (skip if assigning on the fly) ........................................................................ 28
Edit Users ........................................................................................................................................ 34
URL Setup ........................................................................................................................................ 35
NuSite .......................................................................................................................... 36
Chapter 5 - Programming Units ........................................................................................ 38

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Parameters ................................................................................................................... 39
Charging ....................................................................................................................... 40
Commissioning Units .................................................................................................... 40
Chapter 6 – Deployment .................................................................................................. 44
Field Tools .................................................................................................................... 44
Manual Deployment Tool (MDT) .................................................................................................... 45
Surface Retrieval Tool ..................................................................................................................... 47
Battery Rotary Hammer Powered Deployment Tool ...................................................................... 47
Subsurface Retrieval Tool ............................................................................................................... 50
Urban Use .................................................................................................................... 51
Depth and Concealability ................................................................................................................ 51
NuSite .......................................................................................................................... 51
Geode .................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Downloading Geode App ................................................................................................................ 59
Setting up Mock Location ............................................................................................................... 59
Adjusting Settings on Device........................................................................................................... 64
Operation – At Each Line / Station.................................................................................................. 66
Notes ............................................................................................................................................... 68
Line Scanning .................................................................................................................................. 69
Chapter 7 - Unit Retrieval ................................................................................................. 70
Cleaning and Maintenance............................................................................................ 70
Uploading ..................................................................................................................... 71
Rolling Spread .............................................................................................................. 75
Recommission .............................................................................................................. 76
Chapter 8 – Transcription ................................................................................................. 77
Data Directory .............................................................................................................. 78
Creating SegY ............................................................................................................... 78
Correlating SegY ........................................................................................................... 81
Chapter 9 - Backup of Data ............................................................................................... 82
BacPac .......................................................................................................................... 83

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Field Operations

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Chapter 1 - NRU Unit

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Figure 1

• The most important part of the NuSeis Ecosystem is the field equipment.
• The NRU-1C is deployed in the field to record seismic data.
• The data is recorded in proprietary format on a uSD card. The data is extracted and
output in SegY format by NuScribe.
• Deployment of the NRU in the field can be done with several different methods.
• Manual deployment and retrieval tools can be used for most applications. A
Powered Deployment Tool is also available for hard terrain.
• The ADS (automatic deployment system) allows for accurate quick deployment.
• NRU-KCK units have an external connector that allows for recording with external
geophone strings, hydrophone or recording of auxiliary channels from the recorder
encoder.

Handling and Durability

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• While the construction of the NuSeis field equipment is extremely rugged and
robust, some of the equipment still contains electronic circuitry that could possibly
be damaged by heavy physical shock and abuse.
• Handling of all NuSeis equipment should be done in accordance with
precautions and instructions described in the NuSeis Manuals.
• NRUs should be handled with care. Avoid dropping or throwing the nodes to
cause a heavy shock to be translated into the internal electronics. Use the
prescribed transportation and handling methods, never transport the NRUs loose
in a vehicle or box/bag that will allow the NRU to slam together during transport.

PLEASE NOTE

• Any misuse or mishandling of any NuSeis equipment will


void the manufacturer warranty and any required repairs will
be at the buyer’s cost.
• No warranty shall apply in the event products are used
outside their normal operating or handling conditions, or in
case of:

• lightning, fire, misuse, defective maintenance,


negligence, fault
• repairs that are not certified or completed by GTI

• alteration or modifications by the customer or a third


party
• integration of components, sub-assemblies or
assemblies non-certified by GTI into the products
• connections to equipment or power / voltage sources
non-approved by GTI.

• Only GTI or GTI-certified personnel should open or repair


NuSeis equipment.

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User Manual Statement – FCC


• This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference, and
• This device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
• Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
• This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one of the following measures:
o Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
o Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
o Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that
to which the receiver is connected.
o Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
• To comply with FCC RF exposure limits for general population / uncontrolled
exposure, the antenna(s) used for this transmitter must be installed to
provide a separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons and must
not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or
transmitter.

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NRU-1C M Series Specifications

Seismic Data 1 Component Maximum input signal:


Channel 1768mVrms @0dB
ADC Resolution 24-Bit Delta Sigma Total Harmonic
Distortion: 0.0001%
Preamplifier Programmable 0dB to 42dB in
Gain 6dB steps @31.25Hz
Instantaneous Dynamic
206.5Hz @ 2ms, 413Hz @ 1ms Range @ 12dB gain:
Anti-alias Filter Linear Phase and Minimum 123dB @ 2ms
Phase 121dB @ 1ms
Operating Acquisition Channel 119dB @ 0.5ms
Temperature -40°C to +60°C @2ms sample interval, Equivalent Input Noise:
Range 25°C, 31.25Hz
1500nV @ 0dB
Weight 0.862 kg, 1.9 lbs. 400nV @ 12dB
Max 50.5mm tube 160nV @ 24dB
299 mm long Gain Accuracy: 0.25% unit
Dimensions to unit
Max 1.988” tube
11.77” long Input Impedance: 20kohm
Type: 10ah Li-Ion Timing Accuracy:
+/- 12.5usec
Charging Time: ~6 hours from
GPS Time Standard: Better
cutoff to 100%
Battery than 500ppb
Charging Temperature Range:
0°C to 45°C 1 Sensor Test Resistance, Impedance, Noise
Cycle Life: >500 cycles to 80% Internal Single Geophone:
~384 Hours @2msec 10Hz +/-3.5%
Battery Sensor 85.8V/m/s +/-3.5%
12 hours/day: ~30 days
Longevity Other geophones available on
24 hours/day: ~16 days
request
Bluetooth (BLE low power) and
Communication Impulse Response, Noise, Total
USB or TransferJet Proximity Internal Test
Harmonic Distortion
Ultra-low power, multi-GNSS
with multi-path detection and 8GB standard (expandable to 16, 32,
compensation or 64GB)
Memory
Orbit prediction for fast TTFF ~55 days @ 2ms
GNSS PPS typical accuracy +/-10ns ~27 days @ 1ms
Sensitivity: Acquisition -
148dBm cold / -163dBM
hot
Tracking: -165dBm

1
Max charging temperature is protected by firmware, but care should be taken to only charge NRU that have
cooled below 45°C.

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NRU-1C N Series Specifications

Seismic Data Ultra-low power, multi-GNSS with


1 Component
Channel multi-path detection and compensation
Orbit prediction for fast TTFF
ADC Resolution 24-Bit Delta Sigma
PPS typical accuracy +/-10ns
Preamplifier Programmable 0dB to 42dB in 6dB Sensitivity: Acquisition -148dBm cold /
GNSS
Gain steps -163dBM hot
206.5Hz @ 2ms, 413Hz @ 1ms Tracking: -165dBm
Anti-alias Filter
Linear Phase and Minimum Phase

Temp. -40°C to +60°C


Maximum input signal: 1768mVrms
Altitude 4572 m @0dB
Humidity 0-100% Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.0001%
@31.25Hz
Operating Range Immersion IP68
Instantaneous Dynamic Range @ 12dB
Indoor, outdoor, gain:
arid, swamp, 123dB @ 2ms
Environment
marsh, wetland, 121dB @ 1ms
etc… Acquisition
Channel 119dB @ 0.5ms
Weight 0.693 kg, 1.53 lbs. @2ms sample Equivalent Input Noise:
interval, 25°C, 1500nV @ 0dB
Max 53.5 mm tube
31.25Hz 400nV @ 12dB
209 mm long
Dimensions
Max 2.1” tube 160nV @ 24dB
8.23” long Gain Accuracy: 0.25% unit to unit

Type: 13.4ah Li-Ion


Input Impedance: 20kohm
Charging Time: ~8 hours
Battery Timing Accuracy:
Charging Temperature Range: 0°C to
+/- 12.5usec
45°C 2
GPS Time Standard: Better than
Cycle Life: >500 cycles to 80% 500ppb
~ 495 Hours @2msec Sensor Test Resistance, Impedance, Noise
Battery
12 hours/day: ~ 42 days
Longevity Internal Single Geophone:
24 hours/day: ~ 21 days
10Hz +/-3.5%
Communication Bluetooth (BLE low power) and USB Sensor 85.8V/m/s +/-3.5%
Other geophones available on request
Overvoltage
Device: Category I
Category
Impulse Response, Noise, Total Harmonic
Internal Test
Distortion
Pollution Degree 2
8GB standard (expandable to 16, 32, or
64GB)
Memory
~55 days @ 2ms
~27 days @ 1ms

2
Max charging temperature is protected by firmware, but care should be taken to only charge NRU that have
cooled below 45°C.

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Functionality

• The NRU Unit can be placed in varying environmental conditions from urban
placement to remote desert terrain.
• Deployment Tools can be used to gain a coupling with the earth that is unparalleled by
standard geophone strings.
• The extreme coupling provides resistance to environmental factors such as wind and
rain.

• When the NRU is deployed with the Cap


Assembly above ground, the light codes
Cap Assembly are easily visible.

• The Geophone is located in the bottom of


the Bottom Assembly giving the phone a
buried depth equal to the length of the
bottom assembly.

• When deployed completely below ground


Bottom Assembly the NRU becomes undetectable from the
surface, this greatly reduces the possibility
of external forces disturbing the
equipment. I.E. People, animals, or
environmental factors

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Configuration

• The original form factor (M series) had a bottom assembly containing 2 (26650)
vertically stacked, lithium ion batteries.
• The current, smaller unit shown below (N series) was designed for shallow depth to
allow greater coupling in areas with near surface rock formations. The battery
configuration of the smaller unit is 4 (18650) side-by-side, lithium ion batteries.
• Other configurations will be available as well for varying environmental
considerations.

M5

N2

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Coupling

• Reaches more consolidated soil


• Minimizes the disturbance to surrounding soil
• Increases the contact surface area between the sensor and the earth
• Flattens the coupling transfer function in the bandwidth of interest
• Minimizes exposed physical profile to decrease noise
• Reduce soil related signal variability
• Improve high frequency response
• Provide sharper first breaks
• Minimize static shifts and phase delays
• Reduce background ambient noise levels

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LED Codes
• Highly visible LEDs indicate status of the NRU.

LED
Status Green Blue White Yellow Purple Red
Solid till
Fully Charged
removed - - - - -
Battery
from charge
Geophone 5 - 1 sec
- - - - -
Testing Pass blinks
Valid
Deployment 5 - 1 sec
- - - - -
(wake from blinks
sleep)
BLE Startup - - 2 sec solid - - -
Geophone 1 sec blink till
- - - - -
Testing complete
Bump On From
- - 1 sec blink - - -
Shelf
nd
(2 ) After
Auto-Deploy (1st) 2 sec
10 sec, 1 sec - - - -
Bump blink
blink
Solid
BLE Connected
- while - - - -
to NuSite
connected
4 second
Charging Battery - - - - -
blink
Top-Off
4 sec blink - - - - -
Charging
Valid Un- 5 - 1 sec
- - - - -
deployment blink
Going into Shelf Solid until
- - - - -
Mode shelved
Data connection 1 sec blink
- - - - -
lost forever
Failed Deploy or
- - - - - 5 - 1 sec blink
Un-deploy
Failed 2 sec blink
- - - - -
Geophone Test forever
2 sec blink
NRU Error - - - - -
forever
LED Chart

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Chapter 2 - System Setup

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Data Management Panel

There are different configurations of the Data Management Panel (DMP) to fit the individual needs of
prospect size and portability.

• Base of operations setup - hard mounted to your office base camp, a permanent fixture in your
base camp where you will bring the all the NRUs for download and processing.

• Mobile Offload Trailer – A towable mobile trailer suited to the needs of your project, this trailer
will contain multiple data management panels, charging units, and processing computers.

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• Portable Data Management Case – This case was developed for use in areas where the base
camp would be constantly moving, or smaller projects where the other options would be
unnecessary.

Switch – controls connection


between DMP and your computer

Charging Panels

DMP (Data Management Panel)


Used for connection to the NRU –
programming
and offloading units

Connection
Whatever style of offload panel you have it will need to be connected to your computer, which should
have NuSuite software installed. For information on installation of software please refer to installation
documentation. The connection will be made using the ethernet switch which will be wall mounted in
the case of the Base of Operations and Mobile Offload Trailer setups. In a Portable Data Management
case the switch will be internally located with an ethernet port located on the side of the case. The
switch can be as simple as a standard Gigabit switch for small systems, up to a 40 Gigabit if required.

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DMP inputs and standard 1 Gb Switch

The Portable Data Management Case


with locations for power connection
and ethernet port

Configuration

When initially connecting to your workstation you will need to configure your ethernet address, via the
following steps:

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• Right-click on the internet icon in your quick access menu located on the bottom right of your
screen

• Select Open Network & Internet Settings


• Select Change Adapter Settings

• Right-click on ethernet and select Properties


• Highlight Internet Protocol Version 4(TCP/IPv4), then select properties

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• Now you will need to change your IP address from dynamic (obtains IP automatically) to a static
IP address (manually configured IP address).
• There are cases in which you may need to use multiple ethernet ports to connect to different
DMPs or DMP clusters, in this case each port would need unique addresses.
• The IP address you choose should follow the following naming convention:
10.10.0.* The first three IP segments will always be 10, 10 , and 0. In place of * you
should place a number between 1 and 10, in the following case we use 8. Always set
your Subnet Mask to 255.0.0.0 and leave default gateway blank. Select “OK”.

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Charging Panel
• Depending on your setup you will have multiple charging panels. Each Charging panel can
charge up to eight units at once. The Portable Data Management Case has two charging panels
and one data management panel.
• When charging, the unit LED will blink yellow every 4 seconds.
• When fully charged the unit LED will remain solid green until removed from the charging panel.

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Chapter 3 - Survey

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Survey Options
• Whether you plan on having a full survey crew or opt for stake-less survey, you will typically
start the project with a pre-plot given to you by your project designer.
• The format for all pre and post plots should be an industry standard SP1 or SPS file, but a generic
text file with space separated fields will also work.
• You can use most projections, but NuSuite software will internally transform the projection to
WGS84, this is also what is recorded in the NRU.

Pre-Surveyed
• For a traditional survey, a survey team will survey the points in front of the line crew, setting
flags or stakes to mark stations.
• When the survey files come in for the day they will be inserted into NuScribe as post plot
coordinates, this will be described in more detail later.
• When the layout crew starts deploying units, they will be using post plot (surveyed) coordinates.

No Survey
• In the case of a project going without a survey crew, the units can be placed using the preplot
project design coordinates.
• These coordinates will be loaded into the NuSite software on the included tablet.
• For optimal accuracy in placement, an external GPS, such as the Juniper Geode or better, should
be connected to the tablet to achieve more accuracy in the field.
• The Geode and connection to the tablet will be discussed later in further detail. Also see the
Connecting to External GPS Manual.

Ad Hoc or On the Fly assignment


• In some cases, mostly for engineering or educational institutions, it is preferred to lay out
without any form of pre-plot, assigning line and station as they go.
• These coordinates and station assignments will be saved in the NuSite software on the included
tablet, and synchronized with the NuScribe software.
• The points from the NuSite tablet will be converted to “post-plot” stations in NuScribe, and used
for SEG-Y coordinates unless another coordinate data source is preferred.

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Chapter 4 - Project Setup

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NuScribe
• To begin, you will need to create a new project in NuScribe.
• Open NuScribe and click on the “File” tab. This is where you will manage any of your
existing prospects, merge prospects onto other workstations, or export bacpacs to back
up your data.
• Click on “New” to start a new prospect

• This brings up the New Prospect dialog. The only mandatory field is “Project Name”,
however it is always a best practice to fill out as much information as you can.

• “Advance Parameters” is not used, so should be ignored.


• After filling in your job information click on the next arrow

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• The next screen will have you enter your Survey Projections, this is where you will enter
the coordinate reference system (CRS) you have for your sp1 file. One common
projection used is wgs84, which is also what NuSuite uses internally. You can enter other
projections in this window, so that the software will be able to convert your survey into
WGS84. The projection to use may be found in the header of the SPS or SP1 file you
need to import. For the purpose of this tutorial we will use WGS 84, if you have another
projection, you should be able to locate it in the “Name” pull-down menu.

• You will enter WGS 84 in “Name” field


• This will auto populate the EPSG and
Description fields after you tab out of the
Name field.
• Click the next arrow

Importing Survey Files (skip if assigning stations on the fly)


• The next step will be importing your survey file. This will be the same process you will
use later to enter post plot coordinates or making any adjustments to your original
survey.
• Click on the add file icon and browse to find your survey file(s). Select the next arrow.

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• The next Screen will be to set the import conditions for your survey.
▪ Plot Type – you will select pre or post plot, when creating a project this will
always be preplot. Note: Pre-plot is required if Work Orders will be used to
manage troubleshooters and deployment crews. Also, if no post-plot is entered,
the Pre-Plot coordinates will pass through to the SEG-Y coordinates.
▪ File Type – you will select whether this is a receiver or source file, and type of
file: SP1 or SPS rev0 or rev2. For the project in this guide we will input the
receiver file now and the source file later.
▪ Total Headers – You will enter the number of lines in your sp1 file that begin
with “H”. The headers in the sp1 file will be ignored in the import, the header is
where details about the project will be stored in your sp1 file.
▪ Line Scalar – Line numbers are stored internally as integers. So, if the surveyors
provided an SP1 or SPS file with decimal line or station numbers, the Scalar can
be used to convert that to an integer number. If the Lines in the file are
numbered as half lines, 1000.5, 1001.5, 1002.5, etc…. then the scalar would be
set to 10 to convert these numbers to 10005 10015 10025, etc….
▪ Station Scalar – Similar to Line scalar but used for your station. IMPORTANT: If
the line or station scalars are used, the resulting lines/stations much match
those imported from SeisLink, or other source controller. If the station numbers
don’t match, SEG-Y will not be generator for those sources.
▪ GIS Projection – this is where you will input the projection you entered earlier in
the section.
▪ Coordinate Type – This value can be Geographic or Cartesian, for WGS the
coordinate type will be Geographic (latitude/longitude, decimal degrees), other
projections such as NAD27 State Plane will use Cartesian (Easting/Northing
meters or feet).
▪ Coordinate Scalar – Same as other scalar functions for coordinates. SPS files
typically have defined decimals, where the SP1 files normally use implied
decimals or 10ths of feet/meters. In the case of cartesian coordinates, NuScribe
stores them internally as 10ths of feet or meters, but reads them as floating
point feet or meters, so the scalar is meant to convert the number in the SP1 file
into a floating point number with a single decimal place.

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▪ Import Elevation – Uncheck this box if you do not have elevations in your
preplot data
▪ Elevation Scalar - Same as other scalar functions for elevation.
▪ The next step is to format your sp1 file, click on the Line box.

▪ They layout format will default to the standard for the file type selected. In this
case the Line number will be column 21 and 22, which the user can select by
typing the numbers into the Begin and End fields circled above, or by clicking
the arrows to raise or lower the numbers.

▪ Click on the Station box, this will be 23-25.

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▪ Next will be Latitude 27-35

▪ Last will be Longitude at 36-45

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▪ Clicking on the next arrow will bring you to the import screen

▪ Click the Create button, on the bottom right, to begin the process of building
your project database and importing your survey files.
▪ When all tasks are finished press the OK button twice, this should return you to
the main NuScribe screen. Note: If the Project create completes, but survey
import does not, you will still need to click OK, and you can fix the Survey import
via Survey Tools after opening the project database.

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▪ If you now click on the Map tab you should see your receivers.

▪ Click on Layers, then click on world.


▪ This will enable the globe icon. Click the globe icon.

▪ The globe icon will download a map based on your screen size, you should now
be able to see your project area.
▪ If you would like a larger area map, zoom out first before downloading the first
image, then zoom in to the project after for higher resolution.

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Edit Users

• To log in to NuSite, you will need to create users. To do this select Edit on the Setup tab

• Set up the users that will be able to log in to NuSite devices.

You can create different users for each department or


have one user created and share the password with
other workers.

In this case we will just create a single Supervisor.

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• Click on the add user button in the Supervisor tab.

The only fields you are required to fill are username and
password, but you may enter more information as
desired.

When finished entering


information click OK. Be sure
to also click OK on the main
Edit User dialog.

URL Setup
• Next, also on the Setup tab, click on URL Setup. This may set up automatically, but is
required to synchronize with NuSite, so should be verified.

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• If you receive a red X on the configure tab you will need to click the Reset Config button,
once you have done that it should automatically fill the NuWeb database, select OK

NuSite
• When connecting to NuSite for the first time 2 message boxes will appear asking for
permissions, click allow.

• You will need to have NuScribe open during the process of syncing your NuSite device.
• The first time you use the tablet for a new project you will have to synchronize users,
when you press this button the program will prompt you to input your IP address.
• You must be connected to the same wireless connection on your tablet and workstation
in order for this process to complete.
• To find your IP address, type cmd in the windows search bar on your workstation.
• This will open your command prompt, type ipconfig.

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You will be looking for the IPv4


address, enter this number into the
input box on the NuSite tablet.

Select OK, you will see your IP


address followed by /NuWeb select
ok again.

This will be followed by a


synchronization screen.

• Once the Sync is complete you can enter the username and password you created in
NuScribe.

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Chapter 5 - Programming Units

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Parameters
• Before deploying units for the field, you will need to set the recording parameters on
your NRUs.
• See NuScribe User Manual page 50 for a detailed description of parameters to be set.
These values should be provided before the start of your project by crew management
based on contractual and client requirements.
• Open NuScribe with the Data Management Panel connected and powered on.

• Open the Rack view, under the Data Panels tab of NuScribe. You will know you are
connected when you see at least 1 Panel with 8 icons indicating DMP slots.

• On the Data Panels tab, click on NRU Parameters.

• The window will open with Default_2ms parameters, which is set for 2ms sample
interval, 0 dB Gain, and Linear anti-alias filter with 24 hour continuous recording. For the
purpose of this manual we will be using default parameters, but you can make a new set
of parameters by selecting either of the New or Clone buttons upper left corner.

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• See the NuScribe manual for full details on the Parameter setup.

Charging
• All units should be fully charged before commissioning units. Charge settings for
projects are normally 95% and 4000 mV.
• One of the Commissioning sequence tasks is to test their battery level. If the units are
not fully charged, they will fail the commissioning process which will either require you
to charge them first or manually update the battery fail levels.
• It is a good practice to always charge units before programming.

Commissioning Units
• Select the Rack and TJX Sequence views

• Click the Rack Sequence pull down menu and select Commission.

• The built-in Commission sequence sets the parameters, checks battery level, sets the
NRU to Auto-deploy on wakeup, then shuts down the NRU.
• Other key items in the Commission sequence are
• Firmware – Updates the NRU firmware to latest level
• EPO – Applies recent Extended Position Orbit data for GPS
• Auto deploy allows the units to deploy themselves after being woken up, or “bumped”
from off or sleep state with a 12v battery.

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• Click on Edit Sequences. See the NuScribe User Manual Appendix C for a detailed
description of the different Sequences and their tasks.

• This window will allow you to change some options in the sequence tasks, but the user
may not remove any tasks.
• The default settings on the tabs in this view are set to successfully complete their
individual task.

• You can add new sequences, but this should only be done by an experienced user.

• Click OK when finished editing or confirming sequence parameters.

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• Click on Slot Config. If using the M series NRUs, you will want to stagger the slots so that
slots 1, 3, 5, and 7 go first, and slots 2, 4, 6, and 8 don’t start until after the first for have
finished. See the Slot Configuration description in the NuScribe user guide for details.
• Insert units into the Data Management Panel and select Launch Sequencer.
• This will begin the process of programming units with either 4 or 8 units at a time,
depending on the NRU version and slot configuration.
• To watch the process of an individual unit, right click on one of the active NRUs and
select Display Command Sequence.

• After the units have completed and turned from yellow to green swap them out with
other units going to the field and continue the process until all units are programmed.

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Chapter 6 – Deployment

Field Tools

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Manual Deployment Tool (MDT)


• The manual deployment tool is an easy to use device for creating a custom fitted hole for the
NRU-1C node.
• Operates as a slide hammer to open a hole in the earth, pushing the earth to the side rather
than digging a hole.

➢ The correct PPE should be in use when operating the manual deployment tool. Eye, ear and
hand protection are recommended at a minimum. Be aware of finger pinch points on the tool.
Back safety should be observed while operating the tool, straight back and feet planted in line
with shoulders.

• Identify the location for the NRU to be deployed, as close to the pre-plot receiver point as
possible.
• Kick or scrape any loose dirt or gravel away from the point, this prevents any of that debris from
falling back into the hole after removing the deployment tool.
• Place the point of the tool firmly on the ground, but it should not be thrown like a dart.
• Grip the slide hammer handle(s) firmly with both hands. Slide the hammer up to a height that is
comfortable, then bring it down hard. Be aware that the slide shaft can come out of the bottom
section, so do not lift too high.
• Care needs to be taken to keep the tool straight up and down to create a hole for the NRU that
is as near to vertical as possible.
• Repeat the slide hammer blows until the tool reaches the desired depth.
• For nominal NRU depth, the bottom of the base collar should be at ground level. In loose sandy
soil, a deeper depth may be needed depending on soil stiffness and to compensate for small
cave-in material. Start of job experimentation may be needed to find an optimal depth for the
tool.

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• To completely bury the NRU, drive down until the top of the bottom collar is level with the
ground. This is preferred in urban areas or locales where locals may attempt to steal or damage
the NRUs.
• Once the desired depth is reached with the tool, it needs to be Removed without causing the
surrounding soil to fall back into the hole.

o To draw out the tool, holding the 2 handles of the main body of the tool, rotate side
to side a couple times to break it loose from the soil
o Pull up slowly while rotating the tool slightly.
• Place the NRU in the hole, after bumping it with the battery or bump tool.
o If too much material has fallen into the hole and prevents the NRU from reaching
the desired depth, re-shape and deepen the hole with the tool.

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• Step on the top of the NRU to firmly plant it in the hole. The NRU should be solid in the
ground and have no room for any movement. An NRU with a good plant cannot be removed
by hand easily. Never stomp on an NRU to plant it as that will generally loosen the hole,
skew the NRU, and may result in injury to the foot or leg and possibly damage the NRU.

Battery Powered Rotary Hammer Deployment Tool

• Current model in use is a Makita 36v dual battery XRH07 rotary hammer drill.

• The Powered Deployment Tool is used in places the manual deployment tool cannot be used
due to the hardness of the soil or in rock.
• The hammer drill can also be used in conjunction with the manual deployment tool.
o Drill a pilot hole and then form the hole with the manual tool.
➢ Always use the required PPE when using the Powered Deployment Tool.
o Safety glasses/goggles

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o Hearing protection
o Gloves
➢ Never wear loose clothing that can be caught by the drill bit. Long hair should be kept under a
cap or secured away from the drill chuck or bit.
➢ Follow manufacturer instructions for use
➢ Never operate the drill if it is physically damaged
o Never use drill batteries that are physically damaged
➢ Only use Makita batteries and chargers

Surface Retrieval Tool

• The Manual Retrieval Tool is used to safely and effectively remove an NRU from the ground,
• Due to the firmness of the EarthGrip plant, most NRU cannot be removed by hand. The Retrieval
Tool does this job.

• The claw grips of the tool are custom shaped to fit onto the NRU between the top hex clamp
and the bottom clamp of the NRU

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• Once the retrieval tool is lodged in the groove of the NRU, the NRU can now be levered out of
the ground.

➢ Never hammer or kick the top of the NRU to try to dislodge it from the ground. This may
damage the NRU or cause injury to the individual trying to remove the NRU.

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• If an NRU has been planted below the level of the ground, a subsurface manual retrieval tool
with long tines will need to be used.
• Never use the retrieval tool as a pickaxe or hammer.

Subsurface Retrieval Tool

• This Manual Retrieval Tool is used to safely and effectively remove a NRU that has been planted
with the top even or just below the surface of the ground to hide it from easy view and for
surface planted NRU as seen below

• If an NRU has been planted below ground level, use the foot pedal to push the tool tines down
till they contact the NRU stainless steel ring.
• Lever the NRU up till it can be pulled from the ground easily.
• Push on the soil around the hole with your feet to settle the disturbed earth back into the NRU
hole.

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• Care should be taken when handling this tool as the tine ends are sharp. Never use the tool as a
pickaxe or hammer.

Urban Use
• NuSeis is ideal for urban projects, avoiding many pitfalls other systems have.

Depth and Concealability


• The NRU can be deployed at varying depths for concealment purposes.
• This reduces the chance of the unit being tampered with or stolen.
• When choosing to completely bury the NRU surface noise can be greatly reduced.
• NRU-NuSite Bluetooth connectivity can help locate stolen NRUs

NuSite
• In order to begin deployment, we will need to create a work order to match the parameters we
have programmed. The Work Order can be used to:
• Select stations for deployment, and allow the NuSite user to navigate to the point.
• Select a single point so that NuSite recognizes the parameters and can help the user find
any NRUs that have incorrect parameters.
• Select stations for troubleshooting.
• Select stations to undeploy.
• To do this, use the Map screen, and the polygon tool.

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• With the polygon tool, draw a shape around any units we would like to create a job for, in this
case we will grab all 20 units and set them up for deployment.
• In the following photo we have selected four points around our units. A double-click on our 4th
point will create a work order.

• Now the work order screen will pop up and we can populate the values needed to match the
NRU.

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The User field should be any user created earlier.

The Work order type for this example will be deploy.

The priority can be set from 1 to 3 depending on urgency.

The Job Parameters should match those created earlier, in this


case, Default (2ms)

• After the work order is complete, select OK.


• Log in to the NuSite device using the Name and PW you created earlier before synchronizing
users.
• This will take you to the home screen of NuSite. Select ”Manage data” then select NuWeb
Interface.

Wait for the text above the “Advanced Settings”


box to update. It will confirm work orders and
stations to synchronize, and confirm the correct
project is selected on the server.

Select Synchronize All.

After this step completes, return to the Home


screen and select Map.

You should now be able to see a map image of


your project with corresponding receiver points.

If not, press the project zoom icon to zoom in on the map image and receiver
points.

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• Select the back arrow to enter the home screen on your NuSite Tablet.
• Click Work Orders and select your work order to start. This is necessary if you are using the work
order to navigate to stations.
• Go back to your home screen and click map.
• Navigate to your first location.
• The left and right arrows allow the user to select which point they will navigate to first.
• The arrow in the center is the direction the user should travel to the point.
• The lower left corner tells the user how far away the station is.

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• Use the Manual Deployment tool to make your first hole.


• Use a 12v battery to bump your NRU unit. White LED lights should flash on for 2 seconds. If the
NRU is in AutoDeploy mode, and vertical, the white LED lights will be followed by 5 1-second
flashes of the Green LEDs.

After bumping the NRU, keep the NRU vertical and


lower into the hole, step on the unit, applying
vertical pressure, not by kicking, to secure it, and
allow it to acquire GPS, and run through its startup
tests. This takes up to 2 minutes. Progress can be
monitored on the NuSite device in the NRU Details
page. After the green blinks indicating the internal
tests have passed, the NRU Status should include “Recording”. See the NuSite User Manual page
27 for more information on the NRU Details page.

What is the optimal operational efficiency of deployment? This is a question that comes up
frequently, and it varies greatly depending on the size, goals, and manpower available. We
typically recommend a layout crew that quickly runs through bumping NRUs and planting into

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the holes made by the MDT or Automator, with a scanner/troubleshooter following 20-30
minutes behind to manage station assignment and confirm all NRUs have started recording. This
is recommended so that the deployment can go quickly, and not require waiting for the NRUs to
boot and go through tests. Then the scanner can also move very quickly, only swapping NRUs
that didn’t start recording for any reason.

Some customers would prefer one touch operation where the NRUs are powered up and
deployed, with station assignment occurring only after picking up the NRUs. This can cause
some data loss if there is user error in handling the NRUs, but for larger projects with receiver
fold in the 1000’s it may not be an issue.

• Station assignment may be done via multiple methods.


o Auto-Assign – If you had AutoAssign selected at the top of the NRU list
▪ NuSite will automatically assign an NRU to the nearest station during the first 30
seconds it is in deploy mode. This allows the user to acquire coordinates, and
move on to the next station without waiting for GPS acquisition and self test.
NOTE: A troubleshooting sweep after line layout is recommended to confirm all
stations deployed correctly.
▪ Tapping on the NRU shown will assign the NRU to the station based on the
closest match between NuSite GPS position and NRU GPS position.
o Manual Assign – The user selects the NRU at the top of the list, sorted by signal
strength, taps Edit Assignment, and confirms the Line and Station automatically entered
are correct.
o Scan only, then Assign Vacant stations in NuScribe after the tablet(s) are synchronized.
This option is useful in areas where survey has marked every station, and navigation is
not required for deployment.
• Go back to the NuSite home screen and click NRU Units, this will give you a list of your NRUs and
their current status.
• The unit you have should be at the top of the list, as it is the closest NRU to your tablet, it is a
good idea to check the serial number. If the station spacing is 10 meters or less, and you are
unsure which NRU is closest, it helps to connect, and check for blue LEDs on the NRU.
• Click on that unit, select Assign Deployment and verify that it has the correct line and station. If
not edit the assignment. Select Edit Deployment, then OK. Unit status should change to Good.

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• Repeat above deployment procedure until all units have been deployed.

Once all units have been deployed you should have Good
status on all units.

To complete your work order, you will need to back out of the
NRU list, tap Work Orders, select the work order you were
working on, and tap Completed. You can then sync with
NuScribe to transfer your tablet information.

• Once you have synced with NuScribe your map should now indicate that units have been
deployed. The change from black station icons to yellow indicates deployment.
• If you open your Spread view, you can view the Station/NRU assignments, as well as
coordinates, scan times, and Deployment times.

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NuSite External GPS


• An external GPS device can be connected via Bluetooth to the NuSite device to provide more
accurate GPS values. If you are considering a project without an initial survey it is highly
recommended to use an external GPS to increase your accuracy over that of the tablet device
GPS. For this example, we are using the Juniper Geode which gives +/- 1 meter accuracy in
positioning, but Trimble also has blue tooth enabled GPS receivers which can be connected for
higher accuracy.

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Downloading Geode App


In order to get NuSite to function
properly with external Geode GPS on
your android device you will first need to
download the Geode Connect App from
Google Play Store. This will allow you to
initially set up your connection to the
geode device. Click the install button to
start the procedure. When the install is
finished launch the program, the system
will then ask for permission to access
your filesystem and access your device
location, click allow to both of these
procedures.

You will next need to


know what your device name
will be to connect to your
device. On the bottom of your
geode there will be a Serial
Number, in this case SN:
200978, this will be your device
name in Geode Connect.

Setting up Mock Location


You will need to use your device name for the next step as you will be connecting to your Geode
through Geode Connect. It is preferable to do this next step outside as the Geode will attempt to
search for a GPS signal. If it cannot find the GPS signal the Geode may restart its attempt to
search, which could disconnect you from the unit. The best practice would be to wait until the

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unit has steady GPS contact which would be indicated by the orange light next to the satellite
icon on the front of the Geode. You will need to use the drop-down menu to search for your
device to connect to the unit (indicated by red arrow).

In this case the device, 200978, would be the first choice in the menu. Select this button and the
app should begin connecting to your geode.

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After connecting to your device, press the three bars in the upper left corner, or three dots in
the upper right corner of the screen depending on the Android and/or Geode Connect version.

This will bring up a drop-down menu where you can access device preferences and setting. On
this screen you will need to select Preferences, or App Settings.

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This will take you to the screen where you can select Enable Mock Location Provider. Note you
will not be allowed to save this feature unless you change your setting on the android device in

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the Developer options Tab. If this is your first time setting up Geode Connect you should be
prompted to change this device setting after you select Enable Mock Location Provider. Don’t
forget to tap on the SAVE icon at the bottom of the window after making any changes.

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Adjusting Settings on Device


If it’s the first time using Geode Connect, you will have to set the Mock Location app in your
Android Developer options. The app should automatically direct you to the developer options at
the bottom of the settings page, as shown below.

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As seen here no Mock Location app has been set. You will need to set this to Geode Connect.
Tap on Mock Location App and set this to Geode Connect, this will allow you to use the Mock
Location function, and you will see an improvement in GPS performance though NuSite.

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After you have made this change re-enter Geode Connect/Preferences to check to see if the
Mock Location box is still selected. If it is not, re-select this box and save your preferences. This
should allow you to use your mock location in NuSite now.

Operation – At Each Line / Station


In NuSite you choose either “Edit Deployment” / “Deploy” to assign a line and station for a
particular NRU. At the instant you select “Edit Deployment” / “Deploy” the external Bluetooth
GPS device location is captured, if available. See Figure 1. For best results place the antenna of

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your Bluetooth GPS device directly above the NRU before selecting “Edit Deployment” /
“Deploy”.

Figure 1 Example of Capturing External Bluetooth GPS Location

If no mock location is available, then no capture is performed when line and station are entered
into NuSite. See Figure 2. You may continue using NuSite to assign line and station without an
external Bluetooth GPS device, however if your operating procedure requires the accuracy of the
external Bluetooth GPS device then select “Cancel”, check battery levels, check the Bluetooth
connection, and/or use the steps in this document to troubleshoot.

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Figure 2 Example of not Capturing External Bluetooth GPS Location

Notes
If you have followed all the steps accurately and are still having trouble with NuSite finding the
mock location return to Settings/Developer Options/Mock Location app. Here you will select no
apps. Go back to the same settings and select Geode Connect again you should see a pop-up

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that indicates “Location Services Enabled”. Sometimes the android system becomes stale and
needs this manual refresh.
If you have other GPS apps on your device, perhaps Trimble, or BlueTooth GPS, going through
this process will disable those apps. Geode Connect will be used in all apps for external GPS
location while using the Geode receiver. As long as you are in Bluetooth range of the Geode your
android device will assume your location to be the location of the Geode. Turn off the Geode
when not in use, and reboot your android device to regain the functionality of your internal GPS.

Line Scanning

• It is advisable to check the condition of your spread as often as possible for continuous and
quality data.
• With the NuSite software this can be as simple as walking the line as you check NRU status via
Bluetooth. A remote scanning device that can attach to a drone is also in development.
• If any equipment shows an error, replace the NRU with a new one and bring the malfunctioning
units back to base for testing and diagnostics.
• The more often you check the condition of your equipment the better data quality you can
achieve, however, average data return on the system is around 99.8%
• Any tablets used in line scanning or deployment need to be synchronized with NuScribe when
they come through camp at any point in the day, or at the end of the day.

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Chapter 7 - Unit Retrieval

Cleaning and Maintenance


• Units coming in from the field tend to have soil buildup after extraction.
• It is a good idea to use a brush to remove any debris from the NRU before insertion into the
electronic panels.
• It is also a good housekeeping procedure to regularly vacuum out the data and charging panels
with a shop vac, or blow them out with compressed air that has a line dryer. Never clean the
charging or data management panels with power connected.

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Uploading

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• When removing from the field with the retrieval tool, the unit should be immediately
undeployed. To do this stand in the place where the unit was stationed and turn the unit upside
down, hold the unit like this until the undeployment light flashes. If NRU inversion does not
undeploy, try connecting with NuSite and undeploy there. Failure to Undeploy units in the field
could cause processing errors later in the project.
• To Upload the units, they will need to be picked up from the field and cleaned before being put
on the data management panel.
• Power on your data management panel, wait 30-45 seconds for the panels to boot up and the
front LED lights to flash, then open NuScribe.
• Be sure to have enough space either on your workstation or connected to an external storage
device such as a RAID or NAS.
• When NuScribe is connected to the data management panel you will see the panel represented
in the rack view.

• Fill the data management panel with your 1st 8 units.


• In NuScribe, select the Upload sequence via the Rack Sequence drop down menu.
• Click Edit Sequences in the Rack tab.

• The sequence editor goes to the previously selected sequence, so will open with the Upload tab

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This is the default sequence for offloading units, it is


possible to upload and create SEG-Y in the same process,
but we will discuss that later.

Using this process will create .dat files, the raw data files,
with accompanying ancillary files.

The only option to change here is “Seismic”, which is


where we choose the output data directory

Under Seismic/Data Directory browse to where you will


store your data.

See NuScribe guide for description of options. Displayed


here are the defaults with an output directory selected.

Press OK to confirm your selections.

• Click on Launch Sequencer, this will begin uploading


your data to the system.
• After the units have turned green in your rack tab, check your file directory to make sure you
have a folder created for each NRU. For this project we deployed 20 units, so we should have 20
folders in our offload directory.

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• Next, verify you have received at least 1 ancillary file and 8 .dat files (7 unit test files and one
recording file – note the difference in file size.). If the NRUs were calendared to wake every day,
you should see 8 .dat files for each day they recorded.

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• After uploading you can transfer the units to the charging panel for recharge.
• Continue this process until all units are uploaded.

Rolling Spread

• A rolling spread would be where you pick units off the back of the spread when they are passed
your shooting criteria and move then to the front lines.
• This can greatly reduce the number of units required for a job.
• If completing a rolling spread, follow the above steps to offload and charge then take them to
their new location and deploy them again.
• Do not redeploy units without at a minimum undeploying them. It’s best to upload them first,
but moving without undeploying and redeploying may cause placement errors, gps skews, and
battery issues.

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Recommission
• The only time you will commission units is at the beginning of the job, or if you have a special
area inside your job that will require different parameters.
• When you recommission units, you will no longer be able to upload them to the same directory
previous units.
• If you want to keep good data management and clean file systems do not recommission if you
are still working on the same project.

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Chapter 8 – Transcription

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Data Directory
• It is preferable when creating your file structure to store your Raw files (.dat, .bin), in a separate
directory than your SegY or Correlated SegY files.
• This makes it easier to access your data when you don’t have to comb through your directories
to find what you are looking for.
• It is suggested to make a BIN or DAT folder for those files correspondingly, or a SegY file for
those files.
• Whatever your file structure may be, make sure you have enough space for the data you are
collecting

Creating SegY
• To create SegY in this example we will be using continuous, or passive data.
• You will need to open the Flows view and Data Segments view. See the NuScribe User Manual
page 95 for a detailed description of the Flow view.

• Use your Data Segments tab to determine your start and end time for your continuous data.

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• Select your input directory based on where you have your data files stored.
• Select your output directory based on where you would like your SegY stored.
• The Domain you can change from either shot gather to receiver gather, for passive data we have
no sources, so in this case it will be receiver gather.

• Select your start and end time based upon your Data Segments table. Setting the start time and
end time for a day before and a day after will output all data recorded. If you prefer to have the
same number of records for each receiver, set the start and end times to start with the last
receiver deployed and the first receiver undeployed.

• To create Segy the only process needed in your flow will be Read Dat.
• For continuous data unselect Remove DC Offset
• You can adjust your sample rate and record length here. Your sample rate needs to match what
was programmed in your parameters.
• Check Output Segy, select Save, this is now your default flow, close deployment times and open
Manager tab.

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• Select Create NuTask, in the pull-down menu select Flow work, then select default flow.
• Your project will now be queued in the task manager and should automatically begin to work.
• After the process is complete you should see all of your SegY files in your SegY folder, they
should all be the same size for continuous data.

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• If operating with sources, you would create SegY in the same manner after importing your
source logs into NuScribe.
• Instead of selecting continuous data you would leave that box unchecked and make sure that
Remove DC Offset box is checked.
• Repeat the process above to create your SegY.

Correlating SegY
• To make correlated SegY, you will need to have a pilot sweep created using a UE2 connected to
an NRU-KCK unit.
• The NRU-KCK unit is designed to be connected to external geophones and can also be used with
a UE2 connection, from the recording truck.
• You will need to add the Correlate process into your flow.
• When correlating data, you will need to browse to select your pilot file and select your sweep
length.
• You will run the flow in manager as with previous flows.

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Chapter 9 - Backup of Data

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BacPac
• The export feature in the file tab of NuScribe is designed for the ability to create a backup of
your project.
• You can also use this function to merge together two remote systems, such as a transcribing
system at your base of operations and a recording system in the recording truck.
• Using the export function will create a file called a BacPac, with the date and time of creation.
• It is recommended that you create a backup of your project daily or after any significant events.
• To create your BacPac, select the file tab, click export, and the project you wish to backup.

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• You will now browse to where you would like to store your backup and choose what you would
like to name it.
• It is recommended to store your backup on a separate location than the workstation your
project is stored on.
• You project will be saved as follows

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