Opera Duo User Manual

Rev. 1.1 N°doc: MN/2014/024 Config.: OPERA DUO-PRCS-OUT-MN

OPERA DUO

OPERA DUO

System v. 1.0 –

User Manual

KEYWORDS GEORADAR, RADAR SYSTEM, ANTENNA, RADAR MAP, ASSEMBLY PROCEDURE

SUMMARY

This manual contains a complete description of the Opera Duo

radar system, detailing the assembly procedure, the correct use of

the data acquisition software, the field work procedure and the

general operating procedures of the system.

Document Evolution

Revision Date Reason of change

Rev. 1.0 April 2014 First Edition

Rev 1.1 May 2014 Added paragraphs 5.1and 10.1, changes in paragraphs 3.1.6, 3.2, 4.1, 4.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6

Document Change Record (Log)

RNC Reference Modification Description

SW Versions covered by this document Ouverture 01.00

DISCLAIMER

1. General.

i. The present Disclaimer applies to all products (the Products) designed, produced and distributed by Ingegneria Dei Sistemi SpA - Georadar Division (IDS), its Subsidiaries, Affiliated and authorized Distributors. IDS reserves full ownership and intellectual property rights of any Information contained in this Disclaimer including Trade Marks and Graphics. No part of this Disclaimer may be used or reproduced in any forms without the prior written agreement of IDS. ii. In the event that any provision of this Disclaimer may be invalid, unlawful or incapable of being

enforced by a rule of law, all other provisions shall, nonetheless, remain in full force and effect. Failure to either enforce or exercise any right, privilege, or legal remedy at any time, any provision contained in this Disclaimer, shall not be deemed a waiver of such provisions or right, remedy, or privilege.

iii. This Disclaimer shall be interpreted, governed, construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of Italy. Buyer hereby consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of Pisa, Italy.

2. Initial Precautions for Setting-up and Use of the Products.

i. For setting-up and using the purchased Products, the Buyer shall consult the official documentation provided by IDS for the Products (Reference Documentation) and carefully ascertain the compliance with national laws and requirements, which may limit or even forbid their use.

ii. For Products which operate by circulation in Public Areas/Roads, with or without moving traffic, the Buyer/User shall verify the approval of local authority and/or site owner according to their specific procedures. IDS shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages or injuries, including without limitation, lost revenues or lost profits, resulting from unauthorized use of the Products in Public Areas/Roads.

iii. For Products which include specific Operational software with automatic data processing and analysis Tools, the User shall be aware that the results provided by these Tools may be not error free. Any User who completely relies on the outcomes provided by these Tools only, does it at his own risk.

iv. In no event IDS shall be liable for special, direct, indirect, incidental, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages including, but not limited to, loss of profits or revenue, caused by the use of the Products, either separately or in combination with other products or relied upon the results provided by the above Tools.

3. Disclaimer for the Use of the Products.

i. The User shall follow the instructions provided by IDS in its official Reference Documentation for the Product, in particular the User’s Technical Manual which contains all the specific steps and recommendations for a correct set-up and use of the Product.

ii. In no event IDS shall be liable for special, direct, indirect, incidental, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages including, but not limited to, loss of profits or revenue, caused by the lack or incomplete observance of the instructions and prescriptions for the use of the Products, either separately or in combination with other products, in particular for the following main aspects:

a. Use of IDS Products outside their limitation of use, without proper and adequate scientific/technical knowledge or without specific training.

b. Use of results/outcomes of the measurements performed by the Product dealing with safety aspects without using adequate control procedures and assessment by skilled personnel.

c. Opening of the Equipment (for HW Products) without express written authorization from IDS.

d. Unauthorized changes and additions to the Products.

e. Use of the Products connected to suspected defective equipment or to equipment (mainly PC) not having characteristics in compliance with the required IDS specifications or not expressly authorized by IDS.

f. Poor or faulty operation of the electrical and telecommunication networks not directly managed by IDS or its delegates.

g. Poor or faulty operation of third party Software/Hardware connected with IDS Equipment.

h. Poor or faulty operation of the Products due to infection from Software Virus after their delivery.

i. Use of the Products which have encountered suspected manumissions, accidents, electrostatic shocks, lightning, fire, earthquake, flooding or other natural disasters or unexpected events.

j.

Use or storage of the Products outside the limits of the Operational Temperature Range specified by IDS.

Contacts

IDS Ingegneria dei Sistemi S.p.A. – GeoRadar Division

Via Enrica Calabresi, 24 – Loc. Montacchiello

56121 PISA - ITALY

Tel: +39.050.312411

Fax: +39.050.3124205

[email protected]

Customer Care department:

[email protected]

Tel.: +39.050.3124356

Sales & Marketing department:

[email protected]

Tel.: +39.050.3124352

Warranty Conditions & Registration Form A. Standard Warranty Conditions

1. IDS Ingegneria dei Sistemi S.p.A, (hereinafter referred to as IDS or Seller), warrants that its products shall be free from defects in material and workmanship, for a period of 12 months from the delivery date duly registered and certified (“Effective Date”) in the “Warranty Registration Form” enclosed hereto. IDS shall repair or replace Products or parts thereof found faulty (the “Faulty Parts”) which are returned to IDS, and which, at IDS’s judgment, were defective or became defective during its normal use. The Seller’s obligations shall not apply to Faulty Parts that:

(a) The Buyer does not properly store, install, use, or maintain;

(b) The Buyer modifies, or performs tests on, which are not approved in writing by the Seller;

(c) The Buyer has subjected to any kind of misuse, detrimental exposure beyond its intended purpose or damaged in an accident or by natural disaster or calamities.

(d) Are repaired by personnel other than IDS personnel; in which HW/SW accessories not supplied by IDS have been installed; are integrated or connected to equipment different from the ones supplied by IDS (except the PC data Logger conform to IDS specifications);

(e) Whose operational software was not installed as per IDS instructions (see IDS User’s Guide for the Data Acquisition Software); 2. The Seller’s Products may include specific “Operational” software with automatic data processing and analysis tools (SW) supplied under a

License agreement (EULA). While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information/results provided by these tools, they must not be intended as a substitute for analysis by personnel; rather, they are intended as an advisor and the user must not completely rely on the results provided by them. Under no circumstances does IDS warrant that the SW will operate uninterrupted or error free. The SW is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind. IDS warrants for a period of sixty (60) days from the Effective date that, under normal use, the SW support media will be free of defects in material and workmanship; in such case the provisions of above point a) apply

3. Any different warranty, granted by the Buyer to its retailers and clients, even as final consumers, pursuant to the European Union law in force regarding the rights of the consumers, does not engage IDS in anyway.

4. The above mentioned warranty excludes any other remedies and it has to be considered the only and exclusive remedy foreseen for the Buyer and its retailers and clients, with reference to IDS Products purchase, being, expressively understood that any kind of limitation and/or discharge of responsibility provided by the present warranty is referred to both (I) the responsibility as against any third parties, pursuant to the legislation regarding the producer responsibility and (II) the warranty provided by the law in force.

B. Warranty Procedure

1. To proceed in the application of warranty terms, the Buyer has to contact IDS Customer Care Office to get the clearance to return the Faulty Parts.

2. The Faulty Parts once received by IDS will be inspected to verify they are eligible for repair or replacement..

3. The Buyer is responsible for ensuring that the Faulty Parts are returned to IDS in suitable packing (it is recommended that the original packing be saved for a better understand of the failure cause); IDS will not be obliged to repair or replace Faulty Parts damaged from abuse, misuse, negligence, accident loss or damage in transit.

4. The Shipping costs for Products returned during the warranty period, are as follows:

(f) From the Buyer Site to the Seller site  shipping costs, as per Incoterms CIP, are borne by the Buyer (g) From the Seller Site to the Buyer site  shipping cost, as per Incoterms CIP, are borne by the Seller

5. The warranty period on the repaired or replaced Faulty Parts is 6 (six) months or the unexpired portion of warranty on such Faulty Parts whichever date comes later.

C. Limited Liability

1. The Seller’s sole obligation and liability under this Agreement shall be limited to the repair or replacement of the Product, or the refund of the purchase price at the Seller’s sole option. This Article sets forth the sole and exclusive remedies for claims based upon defects or nonconformity of the Products, whether the claim is on contract, warranty, tort (including negligence), strict liability, or otherwise.

2. The cumulative liability of the Seller, including its subcontractors or suppliers, for any and all claims, including but not limited to claims based on the Seller’s negligence of any degree, strict liability, breach of contract, warranty, reliance on the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of the information provided by the SW, patents or otherwise, shall not exceed the sums cashed by IDS for the purchased Produc ts, which give rise to the claim, and any such liability shall terminate upon the expiration of the warranty period.

Registration Form

(to be partially filled in by IDS, sent to Distributor/Customer and returned to IDS duly completed as indicated)

To be filled in by References and dates Distributor Purchase Order (if applicable) IDS

End Customer Purchase Order (if available) Distributor/IDS Delivery Date certified by IDS IDS

Effective Date certified for Warranty (*) Distributor/End Customer

End Customer Name and full address Distributor/IDS

End Customer Representative (Name, Phone, Fax, e-mail address)

End Customer

IDS seal and signature

Distributor seal and signature (if applicable)

End Customer seal and signature

List of Products purchased and test certificate to be filled in by IDS (if the lines are not enough, please use additional sheet) Order

line item

Description Q.ty S/N System Summary Test Certificate date and

reference to internal test report(**)

(*) In case the Customer/Distributor does not return the Warranty Registration Form duly filled in and signed to IDS the effective warranty date shall start 10 (ten) days after the delivery date as certified by IDS and written in the above form.

(**) By inserting a date in this field, IDS certifies that the item has been checked and calibrated as per IDS standard procedures and the item meets or exceeds all test specifications. The location of tests is Pisa – Italy.

!

WARNING

CLEANING INFORMATION

Before cleaning any external parts of the apparatus, make sure

that all cables have been disconnected, including the power

supply cable. If a damp cloth is used, make sure it is not too wet,

to avoid any damage to the electrical components of the

equipment. Wait until the equipment is totally dry before

reconnecting the cables.

The Opera Duo should be cleaned periodically using a damp

cloth.

Do not use solvents or abrasive detergents.

Do not apply liquid directly to the electrical contacts of the

various connectors. If a specific spray is used to clean the PC

TFT monitor, make sure it is not flammable; in any case, do not

spray it directly on the screen, instead, spray it onto the cleaning

cloth.

BATTERIES REMOVAL INFORMATION

Laptop Batteries (X2):

Type: Li-ion

Characteristics: 7.2 V 3.4 Ah

Removal instructions:

1. Open the drawer with the symbol of the batteries;

2. Extract the battery pack pulling the tab.

Radar batteries:

Manufacturer: FIAMM FG21202 / SAFT MP176065

Type: Rechargeable lead acid / rechargeable lithium-ion

Characteristics: 12V & 12Ah / 15V & 6.8Ah

Removal instructions:

1. Disconnect the battery from the instrument:

a. pull the connector wings;

b. separate the connectors;

2. Remove the battery from the cover (optional) opening the

strap.

RECYCLING

The crossed out wheeled bin symbol shown on the equipment indicates that

the product must be recycled separately from other waste at the end of its

useful life.

Separate waste disposal of this product at the end of its useful life will be

organised and managed by IDS. When you decide to dispose of the

equipment, contact IDS and follow the system that IDS has set up to permit

the separate collection of the apparatus at its life end.

Adequate separate collection for its subsequent recycling, treatment and

environmental friendly disposal contribute towards avoiding any

unnecessary effects on the environment and to health and favour the reuse or

recycling of the materials that make up the equipment. Unauthorised disposal

of this product as unsorted waste by its possessor will lead to an

administrative penalty foreseen by national regulations.

CONTENTS 1. Introduction ... 14 1.1 Purpose ... 14 1.2 Application Field ... 14 1.3 Trademarks ... 14 1.4 Reference ... 14 1.4.1 Regulations ... 14

1.5 Acronyms and Definitions ... 17

1.5.1 Acronyms ... 17

1.5.2 Definitions ... 17

2. Overview... 18

2.1 Contents ... 18

2.2 Intended readership ... 18

3. Opera Duo hardware description ... 19

3.1 Opera Duo main body ... 22

3.1.1 Antenna ... 22 3.1.2 Control unit ... 23 3.1.3 Encoders... 23 3.1.4 Handle ... 24 3.1.5 Wheels ... 25 3.1.6 Laptop support ... 25 3.2 Laptop ... 26 3.3 Battery ... 28 3.4 Battery charger ... 29 3.5 Spray support ... 30 3.6 GPS support ... 31 4. Assembly procedure ... 32

4.1 Unfold the radar main body ... 32

4.2 Connect the laptop ... 35

4.3 Insert the battery ... 37

4.4 Mount the Spray support ... 38

4.5 Mount the GPS support ... 40

4.6 Encoder calibration ... 41

5.3.2 Area map and radargram ... 46

5.3.2.1 Area map ... 47

5.3.2.2 700 and 250 radargrams ... 48

5.3.3 Acquisition commands ... 48

5.3.4 Target commands ... 49

5.3.4.1 Place Target Window ... 49

5.3.5 Acquisition menu ... 51

5.3.5.1 Create Report ... 52

5.3.6 System status ... 53

5.3.7 Map visualization menu ... 53

5.4 New Assisted Project ... 54

5.4.1 Assisted Project Setup ... 54

5.4.1.1 Area map ... 55

5.4.1.2 Reference Line Commands ... 56

5.4.1.3 Grid Settings ... 56

5.4.2 Assisted Project Acquisition window ... 57

5.4.2.1 Starting Point Editor ... 57

5.5 Open Project ... 58

5.5.1 Area map and radargrams ... 58

5.5.2 Target Commands ... 58

5.5.3 Review Acquisition menu ... 59

5.6 Settings ... 60 5.6.1 Survey Settings ... 60 5.6.1.1 Positioning Settings ... 61 5.6.2 Hardware Settings ... 63 5.6.2.1 Wheel calibration ... 63 5.6.3 International Settings ... 65

6. IDS geomap guide ... 66

6.1 The command Export to Ids Geomap ... 66

6.2 GeoMap application ... 66

6.2.1 GPR and GPS data export ... 67

7. Preliminary jobsite investigation ... 73

7.1 Jobsite features ... 73

7.2 Technical maps ... 73

7.3 Opening manholes ... 74

8. Field working procedure ... 75

8.1 Job setup ... 75

8.2 On site target mark-out ... 75

8.3 Utilities mapping without GPS ... 76

8.4 Utilities mapping with GPS ... 77

10. IDS On-line assistance ... 79

10.1 Download area ... 79

10.2 Remote assistance using Webex Support Center ... 80

10.2.1 How to use the Webex service ... 80

FIGURES INDEX FIG. 3.1 – TWO WHEELED SYSTEM SIZE, OPENED ... 19

FIG. 3.2 – TWO WHEELED SYSTEM SIZE, CLOSED ... 20

FIG. 3.3 – FOUR WHEELED SYSTEM SIZE, OPENED ... 20

FIG. 3.4 – FOUR WHEELED SYSTEM SIZE, CLOSED ... 21

FIG. 3.5 – OPERA DUO ANTENNA AND WHEELS COVERS ... 22

FIG. 3.6 – DAD POWER BUTTON ... 23

FIG. 3.7 – OPERA DUO HANDLE ... 24

FIG. 3.8 – ETHERNET CABLE PLUG ON THE HANDLE ... 24

FIG. 3.9 – TWO AND FOUR WHEELED VERSIONS OF THE OPERA DUO ... 25

FIG. 3.10 – LAPTOP SUPPORT ... 25

FIG. 3.11 – PANASONIC CF-H2 ... 26

FIG. 3.12 – OPERA DUO BATTERY ... 28

FIG. 3.13 – BATTERY CHARGER ... 29

FIG. 3.14 – SPRAY SUPPORT ... 30

FIG. 3.15 – EXAMPLE OF VERTICAL SPRAY SPOT MARKER ... 30

FIG. 3.16 – SPRAY SUPPORT STORAGE BAG ... 31

FIG. 3.17 – GPS SUPPORT IN THE STORAGE BAG ... 31

FIG. 4.1 – UNFOLD THE OPERA DUO ... 32

FIG. 4.2 – HANDLE BAR AND LAPTOP SUPPORT HEIGHT REGULATION BUTTONS ... 33

FIG. 4.3 – LAPTOP SUPPORT INCLINATION REGULATION ... 33

FIG. 4.4 – ANTENNA LOCKING LEVER FOR TWO WHEELED VERSION ... 34

FIG. 4.5 – ANTENNA HEIGHT REGULATION ... 34

FIG. 4.6 – VELCRO STRIPS ON THE LAPTOP AND LAPTOP SUPPORT... 35

FIG. 4.7 – ETHERNET CONNECTION... 35

FIG. 4.8 – REMOVAL OF SUPPORT PLATE FOR DIFFERENT MODEL OF LAPTOP ... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. FIG. 4.9 – BATTERY COMPARTMENT ... 37

FIG. 4.10 – BATTERY CONNECTION ... 37

FIG. 4.11 – SPRAY SUPPORT LOCKS ... 38

FIG. 4.12 – SPRAY SUPPORT FIXING ... 38

FIG. 5.3 – SOFTWARE VERSION NUMBER AND CONTACT INFORMATION ... 43

FIG. 5.4 – RADAR CALIBRATION COMPLETION ... 44

FIG. 5.5 – CALIBRATION ERROR ... 44

FIG. 5.6 – ACQUISITION MAIN WINDOW ... 45

FIG. 5.7 – DOWNLOADABLE MAP LAYERS ... 46

FIG. 5.8 – AREA MAP ... 47

FIG. 5.9 – RADARGRAM ... 48

FIG. 5.10 – MARKER SPRAY ... 49

FIG. 5.11 – PLACE TARGET WINDOW ... 50

FIG. 5.12 – TARGET TYPE ... 50

FIG. 5.13 – PROPAGATION VELOCITY EVALUATION ... 51

FIG. 5.14 – DELETE LAST SCAN ... 51

FIG. 5.15 – CREATE REPORT ... 52

FIG. 5.16 – STATUS DETAILS ... 53

FIG. 5.17 – LOW NUMBER OF SATELLITES ... 53

FIG. 5.18 – ASSISTED PROJECT SETUP ... 54

FIG. 5.19 – REFERENCE LINE ... 55

FIG. 5.20 – REFERENCE LINE POINT SETUP ... 56

FIG. 5.21 – GRID DIMENSION ... 56

FIG. 5.22 - STARTING POINT EDITOR ... 57

FIG. 5.23 – REVIEW ACQUISITION WINDOW ... 58

FIG. 5.24 – SURVEY SETTINGS ... 60

FIG. 5.25 – COM PORT SETTINGS ... 61

FIG. 5.26 – POSITIONING SYSTEM MENU ... 62

FIG. 5.27 – HARDWARE SETTINGS ... 63

FIG. 5.28 – CALIBRATION START ... 63

FIG. 5.29 – ENCODER CALIBRATION ... 64

FIG. 5.30 – CALIBRATION FINISHED ... 64

FIG. 5.31 – INTERNATIONAL SETTINGS ... 65

FIG. 6.1 – EXAMPLE OF A FILE IN ASCII FORMAT ... 66

FIG. 6.2 – IDS_GCAD_XYZ TOOLBAR ... 66

FIG. 6.3 - DIALOG WINDOW PARAMETER SECTION PARAMETERS ... 67

FIG. 6.4 – TRAVERSAL SECTION EXAMPLE ... 68

FIG. 6.5 – 3D VIEW WITH RENDERING ACTIVATED ... 69

FIG. 6.6 – 3D VIEW IN IRON WIRE MODE ... 69

FIG. 6.7 – LAYOUT MANAGER WINDOW ... 70

FIG. 6.8 – EXAMPLE OF AREA SUBDIVISION IN PRINTINGS ... 71

FIG. 6.9 – EXAMPLE PRINTING LAYOUT ... 71

FIG. 6.10 - EDIT OBJECT WINDOW PROPERTY CHANGES... 72

FIG. 10.1 – REGISTRATION FORM ... 79

FIG. 10.2 – IDS E-MAIL SENT TO THE CLIENT ... 80

FIG. 10.3 – CLIENT DATA INSERTION FORM ... 81

FIG. 10.4 – WEBEX SET UP WINDOW ... 81

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose

This manual explains how to use an Opera Duo system.

1.2 Application Field

This system is dedicated to underground utilities localization and mapping and it is used for applications in the civil engineering field.

1.3 Trademarks

Windows 7 and Windows 8 are owned by the Microsoft Corporation. Google is owned by Google Inc.

1.4 Reference

1.4.1 Regulations

CONFORMITY TO EUROPEAN REGULATIONS

The equipment conforms to the following requirements set by EC

regulations, including subsequent modifications, and to the legislation set

by the member states that implement these regulations:

1999/05/EEC Radio Directive

Warning: this equipment is destined for use in industrial environments

(Class A apparatus). In residential, commercial and light industry

environments, this apparatus may generate radio interference: in this case,

the user may be required to operate while taking appropriate

countermeasures.

The apparatus is sensitive to the presence of external electromagnetic fields,

which may reduce its performance.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR THE US CUSTOMERS

FCC ID: UFW-OPERADUO

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules: Operation is subject to the following 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

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

Operation of this device is restricted to law enforcement, fire and rescue officials, scientific research institutes, commercial mining companies, and construction companies. Operation by any other party is a violation of 47 U.S.C. § 301 and could subject the operator to serious legal penalties.

Coordination Requirements.

(a) UWB imaging systems require coordination through the FCC before the equipment may be used. The operator shall comply with any constraints on equipment usage resulting from this coordination.

(b) The users of UWB imaging devices shall supply detailed operational areas to the FCC Office of Engineering and Technology who shall coordinate this 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

(d) Users of authorized, coordinated UWB systems may transfer them to other qualified users and to different locations upon coordination of change of ownership or location to the FCC and coordination with existing authorized operations.

(e) 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 operation of the UWB equipment. If additional local coordination is required, a local coordination contact will be provided.

(f) The coordination of routine UWB operations shall not take longer than 15 business days from the receipt of the coordination request by NTIA. Special temporary operations may be handled with an expedited turn-around time when circumstances warrant. The operation of UWB systems in emergency situations involving the safety of life or property may occur without coordination provided a notification procedure, similar to that contained in CFR47 Section 2.405(a)-(e), is followed by the UWB equipment user.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR THE CANADIAN CUSTOMERS

IC Certification Number: IC:8991A – OPERADUO

This device complies with the requirements of IC Standard RSS-220

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.

NOTE IMPORTANTE POUR LES UTILISATEURS CANADIENS

Numéro de certification IC:8991A – OPERADUO

Cet appareil est conforme aux exigences de la norme RSS IC-220

Cet équipement géoradar doit être utilisé que lorsqu’il est en contact ou à moins de 1 mètre du sol.

Cet équipement géoradar doit être utilisé que par des organismes d'application de la loi, des instituts de recherche scientifique, des sociétés minières commerciales, des entreprises de construction et de secours d'urgence ou les organisations de lutte contre les incendies.

RADIO-FREQUENCY EXPOSURE COMPLIANCE

This product operated is usually operated at least 1 m from the operator.

Typical power density levels at a distance of 1 m or greater is below 1



W/cm

2

(0.01 W/m

2

) which are far below the levels specified by the

current regulations.

Thus, this product pose no health and safety risk when operated in the

normal manner of intended use.

CONFORMITÉ D’EXPOSITION AUX FRÉQUENCES

RADIO

Le produit doit être à au moins un mètre de l’utilisateur lorsqu’en opération.

Le niveau de densité de puissance à une distance de 1 mètre et plus est de 1



W/cm

2

(0.01 W/m

2

), ce qui est nettement inférieur aux niveaux spécifiés

par la réglementation en vigueur.

Ainsi, ce produit ne représente aucun risque pour la santé et la sécurité

lorsqu'il est exploité dans les conditions d'utilisation prescrites.

1.5 Acronyms and Definitions

1.5.1 Acronyms

DAD: Digital Antenna Device

RADAR: RAdio Detection And Ranging

USB: Universal Serial Bus

GPR: Ground Penetrating Radar

PPS: Pulse Per Second

HDOP: Horizontal Dilution Of Precision

RTK: Real Time Kinematic

LAN: Local Area Network

GPS: Global Positioning System

AC: Alternate Current

NMEA: National Marine Electronics Association

CORS: Continuously Operating Reference Station

UHF: Ultra High Frequency

GSM: Global System for Mobile communications

1.5.2 Definitions

Raw data: unprocessed data obtained during a field survey.

Maps: graphics showing the change in received radar signal with respect to the scanning direction.

Survey: the name given to a collection of acquisitions, which together cover all the areas of a large investigation: typically an entire town or a large urban area.

Scan: a single movement of the antenna trolley from the beginning to the end of a pre-established path.

Setup: initialization of a piece of equipment or a software process.

Encoder: a distance measurement device which constantly signals the distance travelled from the start of the scan back to the Control Unit .

Transmitter: part of the antenna dedicated to emitting the radar signals. Receiver: part of the antenna dedicated to detecting the radar signals.

Utilities: the objects the Detector Duo searches for, i.e. pipes supplying gas and water, electricity cables, etc.

2. OVERVIEW

2.1 Contents

This manual is divided into the following sections: Chap. 1: Introduction.

Chap. 2: Overview.

Chap. 3: Hardware description. Chap. 4: System assembly procedure. Chap. 5: Software description.

Chap. 6: Preliminary site investigation. Chap. 7: Working procedure.

Chap.8: GPS requirements. Chap 9: On-line assistance.

2.2 Intended readership

The intended reader of this manual should be the technician in charge of using the system that has undergone the IDS training for Opera Duo.

3. OPERA DUO HARDWARE DESCRIPTION

The Opera Duo system is composed by the following parts:

 Opera Duo main body

 Laptop (with the Opera Duo software)

 Battery

 Battery charger

 Spray support (optional)

 GPS support (optional)

This chapter contains the description of those parts.

The size of the two versions of the system, in trolley and working position, are shown in Fig. 3.1, Fig. 3.2, Fig. 3.3 and Fig. 3.4.

Fig. 3.2 – Two wheeled system size, closed

3.1 Opera Duo main body

The main body of the system consists of a trolley, foldable for easy transportation, available in two forms: 2 or 4 wheeled; it contains the following sub-components:

 Antenna  Control unit  Encoders  Handle  Wheels  Laptop support

The system will also be supplied with covers for the antenna and the back wheels (see Fig. 3.5).

Fig. 3.5 – Opera DUO antenna and wheels covers

3.1.1 Antenna

The Opera Duo has a dual-frequency antenna, 250 and 700 MHz.

The 700 MHz antenna permits the user to see small shallow targets, up to a depth 2-3 meters depending on the soil conditions.

The 250 MHz antenna permits the user to see bigger targets situated deeper underground (up to 4-5 meters).

3.1.2 Control unit

The Control Unit, or DAD, is the central part of the system because it communicates with the antenna, the laptop and the encoder, making all the systems work together.

The DAD is lodged in the antenna box and has a power button on top of it to turn it on/off (see Fig. 3.6).

The characteristics of the Control Unit are: Voltage: 12 V +/- 10%

Environment feature: IP 65 Absorbed power: 8 W

Operating temperature: -10/+40 °C

Fig. 3.6 – DAD power button

3.1.3 Encoders

The Opera Duo employs two encoders for acquisition distance measuring, each one is positioned inside one of the wheels.

This feature ensures that the distance is correctly registered even in rough terrain when, at times, only one wheel is touching the ground.

3.1.4 Handle

The Opera Duo handle is an ergonomic and adjustable handle bar (Fig. 3.7) that can be adjusted both in height and inclination (see paragraph 4.1).

Fig. 3.7 – Opera Duo handle

The Laptop support is mounted on the Handle bar (see paragraph 3.1.6).

The Handle bar also contains the Ethernet cable that goes to the laptop (Fig. 3.8).

3.1.5 Wheels

The Opera Duo comes in 2 and 4 wheeled versions (Fig. 3.9); the 2 wheeled version has tubeless tires while the 4 wheeled version has 2 tubeless tires in the rear and 2 solid tires in the front.

The tubeless tires have to be inflated to a pressure of 2 bars.

Fig. 3.9 – Two and four wheeled versions of the Opera Duo

3.1.6 Laptop support

The inclination of the Laptop support can be adjusted to achieve the best viewing angle for the user (Fig. 3.10).

The support is made to hold a laptop Panasonic CF-H2, to hold a different type of computer the user must remove the plastic plate unscrewing the two screw shown in Fig. 3.10.

3.2 Laptop

The system can be provided with a laptop Panasonic CF-H2 (see Fig. 3.11), with the software already installed; however the user can operate Opera Duo with any laptop respecting the following minimum requirements:

 Processor: i3 1.7 GHz

 RAM: 1 GB

 Graphic adapter compatible with Open GL 2 or newer

 Operative system: Windows 7

 Ethernet port

However, for an optimal performance we recommend the following requirements:

 Processor: i5 1.7 GHz

 RAM: 2GB

 Graphic adapter compatible with Open GL 2 or newer

 Screen resolution: 1024 X 786

 Operative system: Windows 7

 Hard disk: 40 GB shock proof

 Serial port RE 232 (only used with the GPS)

 USB port

 Ethernet port

Prior to the software installation the user should be sure that the drivers of the graphic adapter are updated to the latest version.

For example for Intel graphic adapter those steps can be followed:

1. Connect the laptop to internet (the user should set the IP address to dynamic for this operation);

2. Open an internet browser and go to http://www.intel.com/p/en_US/support/detect; 3. Install the updated drivers;

3.3 Battery

The battery used by an Opera Duo system provides power to the Control Unit and, from there, to the Antenna, the Encoder and, if present, the Spray support; the battery does not provide power to the laptop or the GPS, if present.

The Opera Duo battery is a 12 V / 12 AH rechargeable lead battery (see Fig. 3.12).

3.4 Battery charger

The battery charger is composed of two parts: a small cable to connect the battery to the charger and the battery charger itself, to be connected to the electricity mains at AC 110/220 (see Fig. 3.13).

Fig. 3.13 – Battery charger

The battery can be charged whilst connected to the system or after having been removed. Note that, in either case, the radar cannot be turned on during the battery charging.

3.5 Spray support

The Spray support can be easily attached to the radar main body and contains a cable to be connected to a socket in the upper part of the antenna lodging (see Fig. 3.14).

Fig. 3.14 – Spray support

The support must be used with a vertical spray spot marker (see Fig. 3.15).

The Spray support is provided with a storage bag that can also contain an additional spray can (see Fig. 3.16).

Fig. 3.16 – Spray support storage bag

3.6 GPS support

The GPS support is composed of two parts that have to be mounted on the radar main body and holds the GPS pole (see Fig. 3.17).

4. ASSEMBLY PROCEDURE

The procedure to assemble the Opera Duo is very simple and can be performed by one person.

To assemble the system follow these steps:

1. Unfold the radar main body (paragraph 4.1); 2. Connect the laptop (paragraph 4.2);

3. Insert the battery (paragraph 0);

4. Mount the Spray support (optional, paragraph 4.4); 5. Mount the GPS support (optional, paragraph 4.5).

4.1 Unfold the radar main body

To unfold the Opera Duo main body place it to on the ground, press the central handle button and raise the rudder to the desired angle (Fig. 4.1).

The user can also adjust the height of the handle bars and laptop support using the two vertical buttons in the upper part of the rudder (Fig. 4.2).

Fig. 4.2 – Handle bar and laptop support height regulation buttons

The inclination of the laptop support can be changed opening the two horizontal locks on its sides (Fig. 4.3).

In the 2 wheeled version, the antenna movement can be blocked by putting the front lever in the right position (Fig. 4.4); if the lever is in the central position the antenna will have limited mobility, useful for rough terrain; while the left position is used for the transportation of the folded system.

Fig. 4.4 – Antenna locking lever for two wheeled version

In the 4 wheeled version, the antenna can be slightly raised from the ground by pulling the strap shown in Fig. 4.5.

4.2 Connect the laptop

The laptop support on the radar main body is complete with Velcro strips; to attach the laptop to the support press down until the Velcro strips on the support are securely attached to the Velcro strips on the laptop (see Fig. 4.6).

Fig. 4.6 – Velcro strips on the Laptop and Laptop support

The CF-H2 laptop provided with the radar already has the Velcro strips attached; if another laptop is used instead, the user should attach the Velcro strips (provided with the radar) to this laptop.

If a different model of laptop is used, such as a Panasonic CF-19, the upper holding plate must be removed from the support prior to the Velcro application, see paragraph 3.1.6.

4.3 Insert the battery

To connect the battery open the dedicated compartment by turning and pulling the metallic ring (Fig. 4.8), slide the battery inside with the plastic connector facing the front of the radar (Fig. 4.9) and then close the compartment.

4.4 Mount the Spray support

The Spray support is an optional component to hold and command the spray to mark targets on the ground.

It can be mounted on either side of the antenna, following these steps: 1. Open the locks in the lower part of the spray support (Fig. 4.10);

Fig. 4.10 – Spray support locks

2. Fix the spray support to the radar main body, inserting first the upper part and then the lower (Fig. 4.11);

3. Close the locking system in the lower part of the spray support; 4. Connect the Spray cable to the dedicated connector (Fig. 4.12);

5. Insert the spray can into the support with the dispenser facing downward (Fig. 4.13).

4.5 Mount the GPS support

The GPS support is composed of two metallic parts whose purpose is to hold the GPS pole. This pole is not provided with the radar.

To mount the GPS support follow these steps:

1. Insert the upper part of the support into the two dedicated holes (Fig. 4.14);

Fig. 4.14 – GPS support upper part insertion

2. Screw the lower part to the Opera Duo main body using the two knobs, in this way the two parts will be fixed together (Fig. 4.15).

4.6 Encoder calibration

The first time the system is used the metric wheels have to be calibrated; this operation can also be repeated every time a difference between real and measured distance is noted. First the user should inflate the tires to a pressure of 2 bars, then proceed with the wheel calibration using the proper software tool (see paragraph 5.6.2).

5. OUVERTURE SOFTWARE GUIDE

The Opera Duo software, Ouverture, manages the acquisition and storage of the data acquired with the Opera Duo radar system.

5.1 Software installation

Prior to the software installation the user must be sure that the graphic adapter drivers are updated, see paragraph 3.2.

To install the software the file Ouverture-x.x.x.exe (where x.x.x is the version number) must be launched, then the user have to follow the on screen instruction.

Please note that the installer has to be executed as an administrator (Fig. 5.1).

5.2 Main menu

The Ouverture main menu contains 5 commands (Fig. 5.2): 1. New Project (see paragraph 0)

2. New Assisted Project (see paragraph 5.4) 3. Open Project (see paragraph 5.5)

4. Settings (see paragraph 5.6) 5. Exit

Fig. 5.2 – Main menu

In the Menu bar at the top of the screen the user can also find the Help command, in which the software version number and IDS Customer Care contact information can be found (Fig. 5.3).

5.3 New Project

Clicking the New Project button in the main menu (Fig. 5.2), the software calibrates the radar and in Fig. 5.4 is shown when the calibration is completed.

Fig. 5.4 – Radar calibration completion

If the radar fails to calibrate (Fig. 5.5), the user should check if the LAN cable is properly connected to the laptop and the DAD is turned on (see Fig. 3.6); if the problem persists contact the IDS customer care.

If one of the channels is not working, a calibration error appears with the faulty channel indicated.

After the calibration, the acquisition main window automatically opens ( Fig. 5.6).

Fig. 5.6 – Acquisition main window

The main window is composed by the following sections: 1. Map layer list (paragraph 5.3.1)

2. Area map and radargrams (paragraph 5.3.2) 3. Acquisition commands (paragraph 5.3.3) 4. Target commands (paragraph 5.3.4) 5. Acquisition menu (paragraph 5.3.5) 6. System status (paragraph 5.3.6)

7. Map visualization buttons (paragraph 5.3.7)

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5.3.1 Map layer list

The user can load one or more maps from a saved file or from the internet to visualize the scan lines and the targets on them.

To load a saved map use the button; the types of file format that can be loaded are .tif, .tiff, .and .kml). Be sure to load a map containing the area you are currently scanning.

To load from the internet use the button; the layers that can be downloaded are shown in Fig. 5.7.

Fig. 5.7 – Downloadable map layers

Each layer can be removed from the list using the button, turned off by clicking the

button and made more transparent using the slider .

The layers are visualized in the Area map (see paragraph 5.3.2).

5.3.2 Area map and radargram

This section is divided in 3 parts:

1. Area map (see paragraph 5.3.2.1)

2. 700 MHz radargram (see paragraph 5.3.2.2) 3. 250 MHz radargram (see paragraph 5.3.2.2)

5.3.2.1 Area map

This map shows the loaded map layers (see paragraph 5.3.1), a compass , the scan trajectory and the inserted targets (Fig. 5.8). The current position of the radar is

represented as a yellow icon .

Fig. 5.8 – Area map

The user can zoom to the entire extent of the scan with the button and zoom in/out

5.3.2.2 700 and 250 radargrams

This map shows the two radargrams in real time, complete with horizontal scale (distance travelled) and vertical scale (depth), see Fig. 5.9.

Fig. 5.9 – Radargram

The same zoom commands can be found here as for the Area map section, (see paragraph

5.3.2.1); in addition the user can adjust the contrast of each map with the command.

5.3.3 Acquisition commands

Before starting an acquisition, the user can chose the scan direction (forward or backward)

using the button, in order to push or pull the radar.

To start an acquisition click the button; after that the button changes into the

button, that needs to be clicked to stop and save the acquisition.

During the first scan, the software uses a very short part of the radar scan (about half a meter) to evaluate soil characteristics and to calculate the best graphic settings for the visualization of radargrams. Following this, the software continuously adjusts those settings.

If a sudden change in the soil condition is encountered, the software won’t be able to

adjust the graphic settings properly. The user should click the button to refresh the graphic settings based on the acquired data (from the previous half a meter).

5.3.4 Target commands

To insert a marker click the button and then click directly on the anomaly seen on the radargram: this opens the Place Target window (see paragraph 5.3.4.1).

To delete a marker click the button then select the marker to be deleted using the mouse.

If the Spray Support is installed and connected, the user can click the button to mark the target on the ground (see Fig. 5.10).

Fig. 5.10 – Marker Spray

5.3.4.1 Place Target Window

This window opens after a marker has been placed on the radargram using the

button. In the left part of this window (see Fig. 5.11) the user can edit the inserted marker, defining:

 Target type (Fig. 5.12);

 Name: a list of the previous inserted targets is available. A default name is proposed based on the selected target typology;

 Color: default color is defined according to the target typology;

 Notes.

If two markers are inserted using the same name, the software connects them with a line in the map, forming a so-called “Target”.

Fig. 5.11 – Place Target window

The right part of the Place Target window is used for the propagation velocity estimation: the user can superimpose the red hyperbola on the radargram using the slider below the map or modifying one of the three values below the slider (Fig. 5.13). All these parameters are bound by a relationship.

Fig. 5.13 – Propagation velocity evaluation

With the button the user can reset the propagation velocity to the last confirmed value.

On the right of the radargram the zoom buttons , and . can be found.

To confirm the insertion of the marker click the OK button, otherwise click Cancel.

5.3.5 Acquisition menu

This bar contains a series of buttons to manage various functions.

By clicking the button, the Create Report window opens, see paragraph 5.3.5.1.

With the button, the grid on the radargrams can be turned on and off.

The user can click the button to access the Settings menu, see paragraph 5.6; please note that the settings window during a project is only for the visualization, to change the settings the user must access the window using the main menu, see paragraph 5.2.

To stop the current Project and go back to the main menu (see paragraph 5.1) click the

button.

5.3.5.1 Create Report

In the Create Report window the user can manage the options for the survey report generation (Fig. 5.15).

Fig. 5.15 – Create Report

In the Header section the Company and Operator name and the Date/Time can be inserted; the user can also insert a Logo to be printed in the report.

In the Survey Description section the user can edit the Survey and Project name and the job Location; some notes can also be added to the report.

In the Format section the user can switch between different Paper sizes (A3 or A4), Planimetry scales (from 1:50 to 1:1000) and Output types (PDF or HTML).

Click Save to generate the report, select Preview to visualize it before saving and click Cancel to avoid saving the report.

5.3.6 System status

The status of the radar , the GPS , and the battery can be checked

in this section.

The user can verify the status of the system by clicking on one of these buttons (see Fig. 5.16).

If the number of satellites seen by the GPS is low the window in Fig. 5.17 will be shown.

Fig. 5.16 – Status details

Fig. 5.17 – Low number of satellites

5.3.7 Map visualization menu

The user can turn on and off the Area map , the “shallow” channel and the

5.4 New Assisted Project

5.4.1 Assisted Project Setup

When the Assisted Project button is clicked in the main menu (Fig. 5.2), the software opens the Assisted Project Setup window (Fig. 5.18), from here the user must setup the measurement grid.

Fig. 5.18 – Assisted Project Setup

The Setup window is composed by the following parts: 1. Map layers list (paragraph 5.3.1)

2. Area map (paragraph 5.4.1.1)

3. Reference Line commands (paragraph 5.4.1.2) 4. Grid Settings (paragraph 5.4.1.3)

When the grid is complete the user must click to begin the acquisition,

or to go back to the main menu.

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5.4.1.1 Area map

This section contains the loaded map layers and the grid sketch superimposed on each other.

The user can zoom to the entire extent of the grid with the button and zoom in/out

with the button.

To draw the grid reference line the user must click and then click on the map to place two or more points (Fig. 5.19).

Fig. 5.19 – Reference Line

5.4.1.2 Reference Line Commands

When the drawing of the reference line is finished, the user can click

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The reference line can be modified if the button is clicked

again.

Selecting one of the points of the reference line the user can change the distance from the previous point and the angle relative to the previous segment of the line (Fig. 5.20).

Fig. 5.20 – Reference Line point setup

5.4.1.3 Grid Settings

In this section the user can change the dimension and the step of the grid in the T and L directions. There is also the option to flip the grid 180°. The total number of scans needed to complete the survey is also shown here (Fig. 5.21).

The T axis is the starting point of the transversal scans, the L axis is the starting point of the longitudinal scans.

5.4.2 Assisted Project Acquisition window

The Acquisition window is the same as the one explained in paragraph 5.3, but has two new available commands.

The button lets the user select a scan line on the defined grid (see 5.4.1.3); to do this click and drag the selection over the desired lines, alternatively the user can just click on the line he wishes to select. This function is available before starting a scan.

Clicking opens the Starting Point Editor window, from which the user can modify the starting position of the next scan with respect to the defined grid (see paragraph 5.4.2.1). This function is available before starting a scan.

5.4.2.1 Starting Point Editor

This window shows the information of the selected scan (Direction and Coordinate) and allows the user to modify the starting point position and scan direction (Forward or Backward).The radar picture is interactive, green arrows can be clicked to modify the values of the in-line and lateral displacements. The radar icon on the Map is positioned on the pre-defined grid according to the parameters set in this window.

5.5 Open Project

The Open Project button in the main menu (Fig. 5.2) is used to open an existing project select the .xml file found inside the survey folder, this opens the Review Acquisition window (Fig. 5.23).

Fig. 5.23 – Review Acquisition Window

The Review Acquisition window is composed by the following parts: 1. Area map and radargrams (paragraph 5.5.1)

2. Target Commands (paragraph 5.5.2) 3. Map visualization buttons (paragraph 5.3.7) 4. Review Acquisition menu (paragraph 5.5.3)

5.5.1 Area map and radargrams

This section is similar to the one explained in paragraph 5.3.2, in addition the radargrams

contain the and buttons to scroll the scan horizontally.

5.5.2 Target Commands

These commands are the same as the ones explained in paragraph 5.3.4, except the button is not present.

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5.5.3 Review Acquisition menu

This bar contains the commands to manage various software functions.

The , , and functions are explained in paragraph 5.3.5.

The function is described in Paragraph 5.3.2.

Clicking the button the user can resume the saved Survey and proceed with data acquisition (for example, for completion with missing lines).

With the command the targets are exported to IDS Geomap in a .dat file, see chapter 6.

Using the Scroll menu , the user can switch between the

5.6 Settings

The Settings menu , accessible using the Settings button of the main menu (Fig. 5.2), is subdivided in three tabs:

1. Survey Settings (see paragraph 5.6.1) 2. Hardware Settings (see paragraph 5.6.2) 3. International Settings (see paragraph5.6.3)

5.6.1 Survey Settings

In the Survey Settings menu the user can (see Fig. 5.24):

Fig. 5.24 – Survey settings

1. Modify the project name and save the folder;

2. Turn on and off the GPS and access the Positioning Settings (see Paragraph 5.6.1.1).

5.6.1.1 Positioning Settings

The Positioning Settings menu contains two tabs: 1. COM Port Settings (Fig. 5.25)

2. Positioning System (Fig. 5.26)

In addition, the status of the GPS and the incoming NMEA strings can be found in the same window.

In the COM Port Settings the user must insert the same value used for the setting of the GPS (refer to the GPS user manual).

In the Positioning System menu contains a Status section displaying the following information:

1. Satellites: indicates the number of satellites from which the GPS is receiving data, for a good signal at least 5 satellites are required.

2. HDOP: Horizontal Dilution Of Precision, the lower this number is, the better accuracy is achieved; for a good positioning this value should be no greater than 2. 3. Fix: indicates the Real Time Kinematic status, the value can be GPS Fix (without

RTK) or RTK Fix (with RTK); if the value is RTK Float it means that the connection with the base station is lost.

5.6.2 Hardware Settings

The Hardware Settings menu is used for modifying the radar depth range (in ns) and the number of samples, see Fig. 5.27.

From the same menu the user can also calibrate the encoder clicking on , see paragraph 5.6.2.1.

Fig. 5.27 – Hardware Settings

5.6.2.1 Wheel calibration

The user must click Calibrate to start the wheel calibration, see Fig. 5.28, and then click the Start button in the encoder calibration window, see Fig. 5.29.

Fig. 5.29 – Encoder calibration

Once the calibration is finished, click the Stop button, then the user must enter the travelled distance and click the OK button, see Fig. 5.30.

Fig. 5.30 – Calibration finished

5.6.3 International Settings

The International Settings menu allows the user to choose the language, the measurement system and units (Fig. 5.31).

Fig. 5.31 – International Settings

The available units of measurement for distance are meters, feet and yards; for depth the user can choose between meters, centimeters, inches or feet.

6. IDS GEOMAP GUIDE

6.1 The command Export to Ids Geomap

Clicking the button, the user can save a file in ASCII format with the list of coordinates of all the targets extracted. This file is saved in the current directory (Fig. 6.1).

Fig. 6.1 – Example of a file in ASCII format

When the user has completed the target insertion, the targets can be exported to Autocad. The user has to open Ids_gcad_xyz Autocad application to import the data file into Autocad.

6.2 GeoMap application

Once the Autocad application icon is launched, the Ids_gcad_xyz toolbar appears (Fig. 6.2).

Fig. 6.2 – Ids_gcad_xyz toolbar

The procedure used to transfer data to AUTOCAD software from Opera DUO software is detailed as follows.

6.2.1 GPR and GPS data export

To export GPR data on Autocad the user must follow this procedure:

1. Click the Open Project button on the Ids_gcad_xyz toolbar. Then select any .scan file from the current project folder and click Open.

2. Click the Load from radar export button from the Ids_gcad_xyz toolbar. The data will be automatically represented on the drawing and georeferenced according to the reference system used (GPS or Reference Line).

3. The Make Section button allows the user to automatically obtain schematic longitudinal, traversal, horizontal and diagonal sections of the cartography imported from the Data Base. Clicking this button the window in Fig. 6.3 appears in which the user can decide which section to perform. To create a section the user must edit the following fields:

 Section name: insert the name of the section

 Vertical Limits: insert the min & max depth of the vertical section

 Grid : insert the X-step & Y-step of the reference grid

 Vertical Scale Factor: select the scale relation in vertical direction.

After having completed the setting phase, click Create Section (Fig. 6.3 and Fig. 6.4).

Fig. 6.4 – Traversal section example

4. The Dress Pipe button allows the user to “dress” the pipes, creating around the pipe axis the vectors of a cylinder. This type of viewing gives the pipe a so-called “iron wire” look. After clicking on Dress pipe, the mouse pointer becomes a small square which can be used to select the pipes to be “dressed”.

5. The Undress Pipe button allows the user to “undress” the pipes, highlighting the pipe axis. This command allows the user to reduce the pipe in a poli-line, and can be modified using normal AutoCad tools.

6. The Shade 3D Objects button automatically executes a “rendering” of all the 3D elements in the AutoCad file see Fig. 6.5.

Fig. 6.5 – 3D View with rendering activated

7. The Unshade 3D Objects button allows the user to view the 3D elements in the so-called “iron wire” view Fig. 6.6.

8. The Layout Manager button activates the window in Fig. 6.7 to manage the creation of the various printing Layouts.

In the window in Fig. 6.7 the user can select the following fields:

 Paper Size – select paper format

 Output Scale – select the printing scale

 Insert Frame- insert in the AutoCad file the design subdivision boarders that delimit the printing area (see ex. Fig. 6.8).

 Make All Layouts – create various printing layouts.

 Visible frames when closing – view printing boarders in the AutoCad design.

Fig. 6.8 – Example of area subdivision in printings

9.

The Object Information button transforms the AutoCad cursor into a white square; clicking on the desired item the window in Fig. 6.10 appears. This window shows all the general information regarding the Project and Zone and information regarding the selected object, for example, type of plot R-PIPE and the name PIPE-01 (see Fig. 6.10).

Fig. 6.10 - Edit object window property changes

The following fields may also be edited:

 Color: clicking Select Color the user can choose from the palette of AutoCad colors the color to associate to the selected element.

 Diameter of Pipe: change pipe diameter.

 Step for Pipe Depth Text: select the distance interval of the fields associated to each pipe.

7. PRELIMINARY JOBSITE INVESTIGATION

7.1 Jobsite features

The first fundamental phase for any field survey consists in understanding the features of the jobsite: the scope is to acquire all the necessary information for the logistics of the operation, taking into account the objectives to be performed.

In the specific case of a GPR investigation for underground utilities detection, the first thing to consider is the accessibility of the site, in terms of the space available for the passage of the GPR equipment and any architectural features that could cause an obstacle to the data acquisition phase. Often, in fact, the investigation is performed in streets, squares and on pavements with a relatively high level of urban traffic, and above all, in the presence of randomly parked cars.

The main points to be considered during this phase are described below:

 Specific permission must be obtained (access to pedestrian zones, permission to interrupt the traffic flow, etc.);

 Any difficulties in accessing the site must be considered;

 The space available;

 The presence of parked cars;

 The level of traffic.

It is the task of the user to take these points into consideration when planning the survey.

7.2 Technical maps

Technical maps of the existing utilities are produced by the various utilities companies. These give general indications in a schematic way about the type and position of the utilities that are managed and/or have been constructed by them.

These maps can be requested by faxing or writing to the cartographic or planning office of the companies, specifying clearly the streets and areas of interest.

The most important types of utilities (which may be managed by different agencies) to be considered are:

 Public Street Lighting

 Low, Medium and High Voltage Electricity Cables

 Water supply

 Gas

 Telephone Cables

7.3 Opening manholes

This phase is normally performed once the acquisition phase has been completed, and consists in opening the manholes present in the investigated site.

The data regarding the depth, diameter, and direction of the utility should be saved on the work sheet: this provides the user with further reference data during the interpretation phase, and allows propagation velocity estimates to be performed in order to calculate the depth of the identified utility as precisely as possible.

8. FIELD WORKING PROCEDURE

8.1 Job setup

Prior to departure to the jobsite be sure that the laptop and radar batteries are fully charged.

Upon arrival at the jobsite mount the system (see chapter 4), complete with optional components if needed (see paragraph 3.5 and 3.6).

For a correct acquisition follow the instruction in paragraph 8.2, depending on the purpose of the job and the available tools.

8.2 On site target mark-out

If there is no need for mapping of the subservices, a GPS is not required, but it would be useful to adopt the Spray Support (see paragraph 3.5 and 4.4).

The acquisition procedure is: 1. Turn on the laptop;

2. Start up the Opera DUO software;

3. Click the New Project button (because a grid is not needed in this situation, see paragraphs 5.1 and 0);

4. After the radar calibration, check the radar and battery status (see paragraph 5.3.6);

5. For a better visualization of the radargrams, the area map can be turned off (see paragraph 5.3.7);

6. Choose the movement mode, pulling or pushing the instrument (see paragraph 5.3.3) and position the instrument at the start of a line to be scanned;

7. Start the acquisition (see paragraph 5.3.3) and start moving;

8. When a target is found stop and go back until the vertical yellow line in the radargrams is on top of the target;

9. Insert the target and estimate the correct depth (see paragraph 5.3.4.1);

10. If a Spray Support is present, use the proper command to mark the ground (see paragraph 5.3.4);

11. When a line is finished stop the acquisition (see paragraph 5.3.3) and position the instrument at the start of a new line;