SPH Engineering AERO500NG Zond Aero 500 NG Ground Penetrating Radar User Manual

SPH Engineering AERO500NG Zond Aero 500 NG Ground Penetrating Radar

Product Information

• Specifications:
  • Model: Zond Aero 500 NG Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
  • Antenna: Shielded air-launched high-frequency antenna system with a central frequency of 500 MHz
  • Battery: Li-Ion battery 3S3P18650 11.1 V 9.0 A*h
  • Control Panel: Shockproof case with various components including charger connector, power switch button, power LED, fuse, power cable, and survey wheel cable

Product Usage Instructions

Logger Configuration:

• * Ensure that any computing device with an Ethernet LAN card 10/100BaseT is used for operation. Set the IP address of the logger to 192.168.0.2 and the subnet mask to 255.255.255.0 before connecting to the Control Unit.

• Antenna Usage:
  • The antenna system can be used on the ground surface or in a lifted position not exceeding 1 m above the ground surface.
• Battery Information:
  • The Li-Ion battery included in the Zond Aero 500 NG GPR is a 3S3P18650 11.1 V 9.0 A*h. Battery status is transmitted via TCP/IP protocol during data acquisition and displayed by the logger software.
• Control Panel Features:
  • The control panel includes components such as a charger connector, power switch button, power LED, fuse, power cable, and survey wheel cable for operation.
• Survey Wheel Connection (Optional):
  • The Zond Aero 500 NG GPR supports positioning by an external survey wheel with the help of Prism2 software. Connect the survey wheel cable to the control unit for distance and direction measurements.

FAQs

• Q: Can the Zond Aero 500 NG GPR be used without connecting to a computing device?
  • A: No, a computing device with an Ethernet LAN card is required for operation.
• Q: Is the Li-Ion battery safe for air transportation?
  • A: Yes, the 3S3P18650 battery is fully compatible with shipping by air according to aviation safety regulations.

General Description

• The Zond Aero 500 Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR or georadar) is geophysical equipment that uses radar pulses to image the subsurface. It is a non-intrusive method of surveying the sub-surface to investigate underground utilities such as concrete, asphalt, metals, pipes, cables or masonry. This nondestructive method uses electromagnetic radiation in the microwave band (UHF/VHF frequencies) of the radio spectrum and detects the reflected signals from subsurface structures. GPR has applications in a variety of media, including rock, soil, ice, fresh water, pavements and structures. In the right conditions, users can use GPR to detect changes in material properties, voids, cracks and other subsurface objects.

• The GPR transmitting antenna emits electromagnetic waves into the ground. When the wave encounters a buried object or a boundary between materials that have different permittivities, it reflects, refracts or scatters. A receiving antenna registers the variations in the received signal. The principles involved are similar to seismology, except GPR methods implement electromagnetic energy rather than acoustic energy, and energy may be reflected at boundaries where subsurface electrical properties change rather than subsurface mechanical properties as is the case with seismic energy.

• The electrical conductivity of the ground, the transmitted centre frequency, and the radiated power all may limit the effective depth range of GPR investigation. Increases in electrical conductivity attenuate the introduced electromagnetic wave, and thus the penetration depth decreases. Because of frequency-dependent attenuation mechanisms, higher frequencies do not penetrate as far as lower frequencies. However, higher frequencies may provide improved resolution. Thus operating frequency is always a trade-off between resolution and penetration. The optimal depth of subsurface penetration is achieved in ice. Dry sandy soils or massive dry materials such as granite, limestone, and concrete tend to be resistive rather than conductive. However, in moist or clay-laden soils and materials with high electrical conductivity, penetration may be as little as a few cm or even zero.

• The Zond Aero 500 NG GPR is a member of the new generation family of radars (so-called xGPR) manufactured by Radar Systems, Inc. The members of the xGPR family are based on the Real Time Sampling (RTS) technique. The RTS helps to digitize analog signal right on the antenna side, without the need to use any other receiving electronics, while an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with very high clocking speed (200 MHz) is connected to the receiving antenna directly. It gives a lot of opportunities to expand dynamic range and speed up the GPR movement speed. The high digital data traffic converts to high stacking (up to the hundreds and thousands of times), which increases a signal to noise ratio.

• The Zond Aero 500 NG GPR consists of two integrated parts: a Control Unit and air-launched antenna 500A. Control Unit transmits the acquired GPR data and operates by a PC-compatible computer under Windows 8/10/11 and Prism2 software or any other standalone TCI/IP logger with corresponding software like UgCS SkyHub (hereinafter logger). The logger is connected to the Control Unit via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cross cable. The antenna and the Control Unit fit into a plastic shockproof case with a built-in battery 11.1 V 9.0 A*h, a Wi-Fi router and two runners as shown in Fig. 2. and Fig. 3. The brief description of parts of the Zond Aero 500 NG GPR is given below.
  Logger.

• Any computing device with the Ethernet LAN card 10/100BaseT is suitable for the Zond Aero 500 NG GPR operation. The TCP/IPv4 protocol is used for the data exchange between the logger and the Control Unit. Therefore, before the connection of the logger to the Control Unit, you have to set IP address of the logger as 192.168.0.2 (if this address is occupied or is not accessible, you could use any address from 192.168.0.2 to 192.168.0.254, except 192.168.0.10 and 192.168.0.100. Please, consult with your network administrator before changing IP addresses). Set the Subnet mask as 255.255.255.0. The logger performs the following functions: it controls the operation modes of the GPR, and receives, stores, processes and displays the data.

Note: Please take a look at the step-by-step configuration instructions in the Prism2 User’s Manual for the details of the connection settings.

• Main unit. The Zond Aero 500 NG GPR is a bistatic Ground Penetrating Radar (Fig. 1). The main GPR unit contains control electronics, a GPR antenna, a built-in Lithium-Ion battery and a Wi-Fi router which are mounted inside of a plastic waterproof case on the sledge runners. The main unit is equipped with carrying handles on its both sides. The sledge runners have a smaller sliding area that helps to pull Zond Aero 500 NG GPR along the ground surface manually with a tow-handle help clipped to a tow hook or by any transport with a speed up to 20 kmh. The sledge runners additionally help to fixate Zond Aero 500 NG GPR in its optional shockproof cart for the data acquisition on flat surfaces without high vegetation. The optional Survey Wheel mounts on a dovetail bracket and connects to the corresponding connector on the control panel.
• Antenna. The Zond Aero 500 NG GPR contains the shielded air-launched high-frequency antenna system with a central frequency of 500 MHz, which can be used on the ground surface or in the lifted position (not higher than 1 m above the ground surface).
• Battery. The Zond Aero 500 NG GPR is equipped with the Li-Ion battery 3S3P18650 11.1 V 9.0 A*h, which is built-in to the main unit. The status of the battery (voltage and percentage of the battery level) is transmitted via TCP/IP protocol during data acquisition and is displayed by the logger software in a data acquisition mode.
• The 3S3P18650, as a part of the Zond Aero 500 NG GPR, is fully compatible for shipping by air per International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Technical Instructions, International Air Transport Association (IATA) DGR packing instructions PI965 Section IB, PI966 Section II and PI 967 Section II appropriate of IATA DGR 63rd (2022 Edition) for transportation.
• A brief Material Safety Data Sheet of the battery is available below (Appendix A. Battery Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)). The full battery MSDS is available here: https://www.radsys.lv/downloads/msds_3s3p18650.pdf
• Charger. The MASCOT 2541 charger is used for the built-in battery charging and it is supplied as part of the Zond Aero 500 NG GPR set. The user has to connect the charger to the charging connector on the control panel, plug in the socket cable to the charger and plug it into the socket (100-250 V ac 50-60 Hz). Please follow the charger LED. The charger changes its colour from red to green during the charging process, where red means discharged and green – charged. You will find the full MASCOT 2541 charger user’s manual inside of its package, please follow it for the details.
• Control panel. The control panel of the Zond Aero 500 NG GPR shockproof case is shown on Fig. 3. It contains:
  • 7-pin charger connector for the built-in battery charging by the Mascot 2541 charger;
  • Power switch button;
  • Power led, which indicates the device powering;
  • Fuse
  • Power cable;
  • Survey wheel cable.
• Survey wheel (optional). The Zond Aero 500 NG GPR is capable of supporting positioning by the external survey wheel with the Prism2 software help. The rotary encoder AB interface is used for the distance and direction measurements.
• There is a 4-pin survey wheel connector on the control unit (Fig. 1.) that could be connected to the control panel survey wheel cable (Fig. 3). The survey wheel mounts on a dovetail bracket (Fig. 4) and connects to the corresponding waterproof connector.
• GPS/GNSS (optional). The Zond Aero 500 NG GPR is capable of supporting positioning by the GPS/GNSS receiver with the Prism2 software help. Any GPS/GNSS receiver that provides information in NMEA 0183 format by any serial interface (Bluetooth, USB or RS232) could be used for positioning, for example zBell RTK GNSS receiver manufactured by Radar Systems, Inc.
• Shockproof cart (optional). The Zond Aero 500 NG GPR has an optional shockproof cart (Fig. 5) with built-in survey and it is capable of supporting wheel positioning with the Prism2 software help. The rotary encoder AB interface is used for the distance and direction measurements. There is a 4-pin survey wheel connector on the shockproof case (Fig. 4.) that could be connected to the shockproof cart encoder. The shockproof cart encoder’s cable connects to the survey wheel waterproof connector on the control panel of the main unit. There is a pivot 5/8” for the GPS/GNSS mounting on the shockproof cart.

Preparation For Operation

Zond Aero 500 NG GPR preparation for operation Hardware settings

1. Connect the logger to the Zond Aero 500 NG GPR with Wi-Fi or Ethernet communication cable help
2. Connect the powering cable to appropriate connector of the harness coming out from the shockproof case control panel (Fig. 3) or to another 12V DC powering source.
3. If necessary, put the main unit to the shockproof cart or mount the survey wheel to the dovetail bracket (Fig 4), mount the tow handle, connect its cable to the main unit (Fig. 2 or Fig. 3) and Ethernet cable to the logger.
4. If necessary, mount the GPS/GNSS receiver on the shockproof cart using 5/8” pivot, turn it on and tune it in correspondence with the GPS/GNSS receiver User’s Manual.

First Run

1. Place the Zond Aero 500 NG GPR in a working position.
2. Turn ON the GPR using an ON/OFF switch on the shockproof case-control panel. The green light-emitting diode should to light up.
3. Turn on the logger. The next steps are described operation under Prism2 software on a PC Compatible computer (hereinafter computer), if you are using another logger or the third-party software please follow the instructions from its manuals.
4. The user has to install the Prism2 software package using the flash USB disk supplied with the kit for the computer under Windows 7/8/10/11. The installation process is described in the User’s Manual of Prism2 software. Once the installation is completed, you have to perform the actions described in the Prism2 User’s Manual (paragraphs 5.1 and 5.2 “Configuring the computer to connect with Zond GPR Control Unit” and paragraph 6 “First Run”).
5. Run Prism2 software, its main menu is shown in Fig. 6.
6. Click the Start button to enter the data acquisition mode as shown on Fig.7.
   • Note: We would like to recommend the user use the keyboard for the navigation in the data acquisition mode (use the following keys to navigate ←, →, ↑, ↓, Spacebar, Enter and Escape). It’s much more convenient to use it in field conditions instead of cursor-oriented operations due to its invisibility in direct sunlight. If you are using a tablet computer, touchscreen or other mouse-like tracking device please mark the menu “Radar->Tablet controls” first.
7. Enter the Setup menu. Once Setup is activated, the screen shows the Zond x500 setup dialogue box as in the picture below (Fig. 8 and Fig. 9). The navigation is possible with the cursor keys, Enter or Space key help. The xGPR-family members have two different tuning styles of the Prism2 setup: Smart (Fig. 8) and Advanced (Fig. 9). Smart setup has a small number of adjustable parameters that help to easily tune the device, the user just needs to choose the necessary medium, scan rate (for the non-wheel positioning) and a time range and device automatically adjust hardware stacking and data speed to provide a better quality of the acquired signal. It covers up to 99% of GPR applications. A GPR signal may not be seen in the proper position as in the picture at the first run. To set the correct position of the signal choose the Pulse delay menu and press the “A” key on the keyboard to start the automatic adjustment. Press the Enter and then Close setup menu after the pulse delay adjustment is finished.
   • Note: We would like to recommend the user to use as small a Scan rate as the user’s task and GPR application allows. The best Scan rate for pedestrian applications is 20 traces per second [tps]. There is no need to increase this value for such use, otherwise huge volume of acquired data (understocked data) slows down software operation and the dynamic range of the device. But users shouldn’t overstack data as well, as it slows down the GPR movement speed.
   • Note: Survey wheel positioning helps to disable the Scan rate choice and issues based on it, as it allows to choose the proper scan rate for the device, depending on the GPR movement speed. Advanced setup has a full set of the xGPR device tuning parameters and is designed for specific tasks with full control of the GPR parameters (for example in scientific tasks).
   • Note: Zond Aero 500 NG GPR has a built-in deactivating mechanism, i.e. transmitter is switched ON only when the operator enters the SETUP dialog box or STARTs a data acquisition. The transmitter switches OFF immediately after the operator STOPs the data acquisition or leaves the SETUP dialogue box.

Data acquisition

• Right after the SETUP dialog box is closed button START activates. Press it to start the data acquisition. The acquired data will appear as on the picture below (Fig. 10).
• Press the Escape key or STOP button to stop the data acquisition.

Environment requirements

1. The Zond Aero 500 NG GPR can operate at air temperatures from -10°C (263°K) to +50°C (323°K) and relative humidity up to 95% at temperatures +35°C (308°K).
2. It is allowed to operate at a lower temperature by applying the heat-insulating cover for the main unit.
3. It is not recommended to switch on the Zond Aero 500 NG GPR earlier than an hour after its transfer from the negative temperature to a warm environment.
4. In the case of operation of the Zond Aero 500 NG GPR in conditions of high air temperature (higher than +25°C), it is not recommended to leave the device in a place where it is possible to affect it by the direct sun light.

Transportat ion rules

• It allows device transportation in soft and rigid packages by railway, road and air transport without restriction of distance in case of device packaging rules observed according to this Manual.

Guarantees

• Radar Systems Inc. guarantees free-of-charge repair of any components of the Zond Aero 500 NG GPR and eliminates any defects for one year commencing on the date of purchase under condition of delivery of failed components to Radar Systems, Inc. address.
• The warranty does not extend to the case of mechanical damages due to incorrect use. In all other cases, repair is performed for extra pay.

Appendix A. Battery Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Appendix B. CE declaration of conformity

For the following equipment:
Zond Aero 500 NG GPR is herewith confirmed to comply with the requirements set out in the Council Directive on the Approximation of the Laws of the Member States relating to Electromagnetic Compatibility and Radio Spectrum Matters (99/5/EC), range devices, Ground- and Wall-Probing Radars applications, Low- voltage Directive (73/23/EEC) and the Amendment Directive (93/68/EEC). For the evaluation regarding the Directives, the following standards were applied:

1. EN 302 066-2
2. EN 55022
3. EN 61000 – 4 – 2
4. EN 61000 – 4 – 3
5. EN 61000 – 4 – 4
6. EN 61000 – 4 – 5
7. EN 61000 – 4 – 6
8. EN 61000 – 4 – 7
9. EN 61000 – 4 – 8
10. EN 61000 – 4 – 11
11. EN 61000 – 6 – 3
12. EN 61000 – 6 – 1

FCC

Appendix C. FCC Notice for U.S. Customer 2AUQQ-AERO500NG

FCC Interference Compliance Statement (Part 15.19(a))
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.

Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

FCC Interference Compliance Statement (Part 15.105 (b))
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, under 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 by 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:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

FCC Interference Compliance Statement (Part 15.509 (b))
Operation under the provisions of this section is limited to GPRs and wall imaging systems operated for purposes associated with law enforcement, fire fighting, emergency rescue, scientific research, commercial mining, or construction.

FCC Part 15 Clause 15.21

Warning: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Coordination Requirements

1. GPR as an Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) imaging system requires coordination through the FCC before the equipment may be used. The operator shall comply with any constraints on equipment usage resulting from this coordination.
2. The users of UWB imaging devices shall supply detailed operational areas to the FCC Office of Engineering and Technology who shall coordinate this information with the Federal Government through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The information provided by the UWB operator shall include the name, address and other pertinent contact information of the user, the desired geographical area of operation, and the FCC ID number and other nomenclature of the UWB device. This material shall be submitted to the following address:
   • Frequency Coordination Branch, OET
   • Federal Communications Commission
   • 445 12th Street, SW
   • Washington, D.C. 20554
   • ATTN: UWB Coordination
3. Users of authorized, coordinated UWB systems may transfer them to other qualified users and different locations upon coordination of change of ownership or location to the FCC and coordination with existing authorized operations.
4. The NTIA/FCC coordination report shall include any needed constraints that apply to day-to-day operations. Such constraints could specify prohibited areas of operations or areas located near authorized radio stations for which additional coordination is required before the operation of the UWB equipment. If additional local coordination is required, a local coordination contact will be provided.
   • Notice: Use of this device as a wall imaging system is prohibited by FCC regulations.

GPR Coordination Notice and Equipment Registration

Note: This form is only for Domestic United States users. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires that all users of GPR who purchased antennas after July 15th, 2002 register their equipment and areas of operation. If you have purchased any of the antennas listed in question 6 after July 15th, 2002, you must fill out this form and fax or mail it to the FCC. Failure to do this is a violation of Federal law.

1.| Date|
---|---|---
2.| Company Name|
3.| Address|
4.| Contact Information [contact

name and phone number]

|
5.| Area of Operation [state(s)]|
__

| Brand Name| Radar Systems, Inc.
Model| Zond Aero 500 NG
FCC ID| 2AUQQ-AERO500NG
7.| Receipt Date of Equipment|

• Fax this form to the FCC at 202-418-1944 or mail it to: the Frequency Coordination Branch,
• OET Federal Communications Commission
• 445 12th Street, SW
• Washington, D.C. 20554
• ATTN: UWB Coordination or fill this form online: https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ato/service_units/techops/safety_ops_support/spec_management/library/gprc.cfm.
• Do not send this information to Radar Systems, Inc. or its representatives

Appendix D I SED Industrial Canada IC) Notice for Canadian Customer

• IC: 25515-AERO500NG
• ISED RSS – General Notices

This Ground Penetrating Radar Device shall be operated only when in contact with or within 1 m of the ground. This Ground Penetrating Radar Device shall be operated only by law enforcement agencies, scientific research institutes, commercial mining companies, construction companies, and emergency rescue or firefighting organizations. This device contains licence-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s) that comply with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s licence-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

• This device may not cause interference.
• This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device

ISED Canada ICES-003 Compliance Label

• CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B)

Radiation Exposure Statement

• The device is compliant with the requirements outlined in CFR 47 Sections 2.1091 and Industry Canada RSS-102 for an uncontrolled environment.
• 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.

Appendix E . Contacts

• Radar Systems Inc.,
• Darzauglu str. 1-105,
• Riga LV-1012,
• LATVIA.
• Phone: (+371) 67141041
• Web: http://www.radsys.lv.
• E-mail: radsys@radsys.lv.
• Riga, 2024
• Darzauglu Str. 1-105, Riga LV-1012, Latvia
• Phone/Fax: (+371)-67141041
• E-mail: radsys@radsys.lv.
• Web: www.radsys.lv.

References

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