SC11 Sensor Interface Product Description

The performance of the Spicer Consulting SC11 Analysis System is now enhanced using the SC11 Sensor Interface so that it can make all the measurements required for the next generation TEMs.

Based on a laptop computer and operating under Windows 98/Me/NT/2000/XP, the SC11/SI is purposed-designed for precision site surveys. It is a portable tool for measurement and analysis of ambient magnetic fields, vibrations and acoustic levels in one compact system.

The sensor interface powers and supports a three axis wideband DC magnetic field sensor, up to 3 accelerometers and a precision microphone. An auxilliary BNC input allows other sensors to be used if desired.

The software suite consists of three virtual instruments, an oscilloscope, a spectrum analyser and a chart recorder. Results are displayed graphically on the laptop screen. The data can be printed directly or exported for further processing in spreadsheet programs.

The SC11 fits neatly into a carrying case which is supplied. The complete system is accurate, easy to operate with a minimum of training and produces user friendly results.

Hardware

Laptop computer
The laptop computer is optionally supplied by Spicer Consulting with all the software pre-installed. Alternatively you may install the software on your own laptop PC. If desired, Spicer Consulting can install the system on your own computer. The minimum requirement for the computer is a 700 MHz Pentium with 64 MB RAM, 100 MB free hard disc, CD-ROM, 3½in floppy disc drive and PCMCIA slot.

Sensor Interface
The SC11 Sensor Interface has a universal AC power input. It powers and supports an SC20 3-axis magnetic field sensor, up to 3 accelerometers and a precision microphone. It also has an auxiliary voltage input with a range of ±10 V. The interface connects to a National Instruments DAQCard-6024E -a PCMCIA card in the laptop computer.

Magnetic Field Sensor
The SC20 wideband DC sensor can measure both AC and DC magnetic fields in three axes. It enables quick surveys of low frequency fields and 3-axis capture of unrepeatable events such as passing trains or trucks. It is convenient to be able to measure AC fields with the same sensor. The sensor has a magnetic field measurement range of 40 mG (4 µT) pk-pk with a bandwidth of DC to 5 kHz and is also used in Spicer Consulting field cancelling systems. Alternatively, if DC fields are not of real interest, it is possible to use the SC20 AC sensor in this system. This has the same dynamic range but does not need to be reset after being moved.

Precision Microphone
The Brüel & Kjær 4190 microphone with 2669L preamplifier connects directly to the sensor interface. It measures sound levels from 20dB to 103dB and 1.5 Hz to 2 kHz in this system.

Accelerometer
The accelerometer is a Wilcoxon Research model 731A, with a bandwidth of 0.1 Hz to 500 Hz in this system. It is suitable for the measurement of extremely low level vibrations. Each accelerometer measures vibration along its axis. Up to three can be connected to measure the three orthogonal X, Y and Z axes at once, or one can be rotated to measure them one at a time.