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CG3/3M AUTOGRAV

AUTOMATED GRAVITY METER


OPERATOR MANUAL

SCINTREX LIMITED
Head Office

In the U.S.

In Australia

222 Snidercroft Road


Concord, Ontario
Canada, L4K 1B5

525 Fort Worth Drive


Suite 214
Denton, Texas 76201

1031 Wellington St.


West Perth,
West Australia 6005

Tel.:
(905) 669-2280
Fax:
(905) 669-6403
Telex: 06-964570

Tel.:
Fax:

Tel:
Fax:

P.N: 858 700


Version 5.00
August 1995

(817) 591-7755
(817) 591-1968

(619) 321-6934
(619) 481-1201

Autograv CG3
Table of Contents

Section 1:

INSTRUMENT OVERVIEW

Section 2:

GETTING STARTED
Unpacking the Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Removing the Dust Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Starting up the Autograv . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23


Powering up the Autograv . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Using the Keypad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

The Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .210


Parameter Setup Display . . .
Menu Structure . . . . . . . . .
Moving Between Menus.
Selecting a Menu . . . . .
Modifying Parameters . .

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.210
.210
.210
.211
.212

Initializing the Instrument Parameters . . . . . . . . . .215


The Display during Readings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .225
Setting up the Tripod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .226
Tripod Extender Legs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .229

Temperature Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .231


Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .231
Adjusting Temp. Compensation Offset . . . . . . . . . . . .232

Adjusting Drift Corrections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .236


Setting up for Field Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . .241
Recalling Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .242
Scrolling in Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Scanning the Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Directly Accessing a Record from Memory .
Recalling Data in the Cycling Mode . . . . . .
Exiting from the Memory Mode . . . . . . . . .

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.242
.243
.245
.246
.246

Autograv CG3/3M Manual i

Table of Contents

The Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26


Top Functions (Operations Mode) . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Bottom Functions (Enter Mode) . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Section 3:

INSTRUMENT PARAMETERS
Main Menu (Auxiliary Mode) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Auxiliary Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
INITIALISE Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
INITIALISE Submenus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

LINE SEP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314


STN SEP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
AUTOGRAV SETUP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
AUTOGRAV SETUP Submenus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316

OUTPUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
OUTPUT Submenus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331

EDIT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
LOCK AUX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Locking the Auxiliary mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Unlocking Auxiliary mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340

Section 4:

FIELD OPERATION
Parameter Setup and Keypad Operation . . . . . . . . 41
Reading Time Terminating a Reading . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Cal. After . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Levelling Requirements and
Continuous Tilt Correction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Recording Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Auto Rejection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Notebook Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Transporting and Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46


Operation Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Motion Noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Base Station Selection . . . . . . . . .
Cold Weather Operation. . . . . . . . .

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. 47
. 48
. 49
. 49
. 410

Using the CG-3 before Warm-up


Stabilization is Complete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 410
Dumping Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 411

ii Autograv CG3/3M Manual

Section 5:

BATTERY AND CHARGER


Loss of Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Temperature Effects
Voltage . . . . . . . . . .
Life Expectancy . . . .
Replacing . . . . . . . .

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.52
.53
.54
.55

Charger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Charging Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Charger Line Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Selecting an alternate voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Battery Compartment Fuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58


How to Change a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Section 6:

MAINTENANCE
Obtaining Accurate Drift Correction Results . . . . . . .62
Using a Chart Recorder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Tilt Correction Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64


Tilt Sensor Zero Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Measuring XE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fine Adjustment of XE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Measuring YE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fine Adjustment of YE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tilt Sensor Coarse Zero Adjustment . . . . . . . . .
Coarse Adjustment of XE . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coarse Adjustment of YE . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tilt Sensor Sensitivity Adjustment (TILTXS, TILTYS)
Measuring X-axis Sensitivity . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusting X-axis Sensitivity . . . . . . . . . . . .
Measuring Y-axis Sensitivity . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusting Y-axis Sensitivity . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tilt Sensor Cross-Coupling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Measuring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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.64
.64
.66
.68
.69
.610
.610
.611
.612
.612
.613
.614
.615
.616
.616
.617

Recalibrating the Gravimeter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .618


Tripod Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .620
Storing the Autograv . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .620
Autograv CG3/3M Manual iii

Table of Contents

Temperature Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61


Drift Correction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

Section 7:

TROUBLESHOOTING

Section 8:

REFERENCE INFORMATION
Autograv Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Standard Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Optional Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Application Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Instrument Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
CG-3 Gravity Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Options and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Spare Parts Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86


Warranty and Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Ship the Unit .
Description of Problem .
How to Ship the Unit . .

Appendix A: THEORY OF

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. 87
. 87
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. 88

OPERATION

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A1
Control Console and Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A5

Spring Service Life and Reading Range . . . . . . . . . A7


Processing of the Gravity Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A10
Compensation and Corrections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A12
Drift Correction . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tilt Correction (TIC) . . . . . . . . . . .
Temperature Compensation (TEC) .
Earth Tide Correction (ETC) . . . . .
Residuals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gravity Offset (GREF) . . . . . . . . .

Appendix B: ELASTIC

iv Autograv CG3/3M Manual

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HYSTERESIS EFFECTS

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. A12
. A13
. A15
. A16
. A16
. A17

Appendix C: INTERFACING WITH THE

AUTOGRAV

RS 232C Standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C1


IGS Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C2
Serial I/O Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C2
Serial Data Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C5
Text Transmission Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C6

Communication Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C6


Appendix D: INITIAL

CONSTANTS SHEET

INDEX

Table of Contents
Autograv CG3/3M Manual v

vi Autograv CG3/3M Manual

Autograv CG3
Section

The Autograv is a microprocessor-based automated gravity meter that has a


measurement range of over 7000 mgals without resetting and a reading resolution of 0.005 mGals (CG3) or 0.001 mGal (CG3M). This enables the
Autograv to be used for both detailed field investigations and large scale regional or geodetic surveys.
Accurate measurements are taken by simply pressing a key, and under most
conditions it takes under one minute to complete the reading. A series of
readings of gravity measurements at a fixed site can be performed by setting
the Autograv in the cycling mode. The Autograv obtains a reading by continuously averaging a series of one second samples. The reading is displayed
on the LCD directly in mGals. The data is stored in the solid state memory
and can be sent to a printer, modem, recorder or microcomputer.
The gravity sensor, solid-state control system and battery are integrated into
a single instrument housing, which doubles as a carrying case. This eliminates the need for packing and unpacking the sensor between readings. Stability is increased and the risk of an accident is reduced by the absence of
an external cable between the battery and sensor. The kinetic mounting system which indexes the Autograv onto the tripod further increases instrument stability.
When setting the Autograv up for a reading, the electronic tilt sensors provide greater accuracy and are easier to operate than the conventional bubble levels. The gravity meter displays the outputs from the sensors on high
resolution meters on the front panel and also on the 80 character liquid
crystal display.

Autograv CG3 Manual 1-1

Introduction

INSTRUMENT OVERVIEW

Instrument Overview
Excellent protection from changes in ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure is achieved by sealing the Autograv sensing element in a temperature stabilized vacuum chamber. The wide operating temperature of -40C
to +45C (optional +35C or +55C) enables the operator to use the Autograv
in many environments. Since the sensor is made from non-magnetic fused
quartz, the Autograv is not affected by magnetic field variations (as long as
they are less than ten times the Earths magnetic field, i.e. 0.5mT).
Low drift is a result of the extremely stable operating environment of the
quartz elastic system. It allows the long term drift of the sensor to be accurately predicted and a real time software correction reduces it to less than
0.02 mGals per day.
Internal tilt sensors constantly supply the Autograv with information when
an operator selects the continuous tilt correction feature. If measurements
are taken on unstable ground, errors due to the movement of the Autograv
are automatically eliminated.
An automatic tidal correction can also be selected via the keyboard. The operator enters in the geographical location and time zone information and
the Autograv automatically calculates and applies a real time tidal correction to each reading.
The internal 12 volt rechargeable battery provides sufficient power to operate the Autograv throughout a normal survey day. An operator can check the
battery voltage at any time by pressing a key and viewing the display. When
the battery voltage is approaching the discharge level, the Autograv emits an
audible alarm. An optional cable enables the instrument to operate from
any external 12 volt DC power supply or battery which can supply 3 amperes
peak current. In the event of a main battery failure, a set of built-in miniature
batteries keeps the memory safe for several days.

1-2 Autograv CG3 Manual

Introduction
Autograv CG3 Manual 1-3

Instrument Overview
Figure 1

1-4 Autograv CG3 Manual

Autograv The Automated Gravity Meter

Autograv CG3
Section

GETTING STARTED
UNPACKING

THE INSTRUMENT

ATTENTION:
During shipment
the battery must be
disconnected.
If you have just
received your
CG3, the battery
is fully charged, but
disconnected.
Please reconnect
the battery (see
step 6 on page 2-5)
before operating

Autograv CG3 Manual 2-1

How To

The Autograv is packed in an insulated case (with the battery disconnected


to comply with transport safety regulations) in order to protect the
instrument during shipment.

Getting Started
Figure 2

Autograv Transportation Case

UNPACKING
1. Pull up the tab of the link lock and turn the tab counter-clockwise to

unfasten the lock from the keeper plate.


2. Repeat step 1 for the other link lock.
3. Open the Autograv transportation case by lifting the cover.
4. Remove the protective foam from the left hand side of the

transportation case to view the top of the Autograv dust cover plate.
5. Remove the Autograv from the transportation case and visually inspect

for any physical damage that may have occurred during transportation.

Important: If there is any evidence of physical damage, immediately


call Scintrex Limited.

6. From the right hand side of the transportation case, remove the

Autograv accessories.

REMOVING THE DUST COVER


1. Remove the dust cover plate on the Autograv by pressing down on the

two latches and sliding the cover away from the instrument.
2. Place the dust cover back inside of the transportation case for safe

keeping.

Note: If you are shipping the Autograv, insert the dust cover to protect
the instrument.

2-2 Autograv CG3 Manual

Starting up the Autograv

STARTING

UP THE

AUTOGRAV

Starting-up the Autograv for the first time, or after it has been turned off for
more than 48 hours, requires the following steps and waiting periods.
1. Powering up the Autograv The charger powers up the
instrument and also charges the battery.
2. Warm-up period After you connect the battery charger to the
Autograv, it requires a 4 hour warm-up time in order to reach the
operating temperature.

You can unplug the battery charger from the Autograv to take test
readings during the stabilization period however, you must reconnect
the charger after the readings are complete or if the Autograv emits the
low battery alarm.
4. Checking and adjusting the temperature compensation
You check and adjust the temperature compensation after the
instrument is stable. (Refer to page 2-35)
5. Checking and adjusting the drift correctionYou check and
adjust the drift correction after the temperature compensation has
been checked (or adjusted if necessary). This procedure involves
running the Autograv for approximately 24 hours in the cycling mode
(unattended). (Refer to page 2-41)
6. Setting up the instrument for field operationsYou can set
up your Autograv for field use after you complete the previous steps.
(Refer to Section 4 - Field Operation)

Autograv CG3 Manual 2-3

How To

3. Stabilization period The instrument requires a 48 hour period


after you connect the battery charger to stabilize. This is a good time to
become familiar with the keypad and software. You can initialize the
software by resetting the time and date, erasing the memory and setting
up the Autograv parameters.

Getting Started

POWERING

UP THE

AUTOGRAV

1. Set the charger to the appropriate line voltage (115V or 230V) by adjust-

ing the voltage setting switch on the charger.


2. Check the charger fuse by unscrewing the fuse holder. Each voltage

setting requires a different fuse rating.


Fuses are available in the Spare Parts Kit.
Voltage

Fuse

115V

0.75A

230V

0.375A

3. After you have set the charger voltage and checked the fuse, plug the

power cord of the charger into an AC outlet. The green light on the
charger turns on to indicate that the charger is working.

Figure 3
2-4 Autograv CG3 Manual

Front View of the Autograv with Charger

Powering up the Autograv


4. Remove the dust cap from the charger plug on the Autograv.
5. While holding the top of the instrument, insert the charger connector

to the charger plug on the Autograv.


6. Open the battery compartment by pressing down on the two latches

and lifting the cover away from the instrument.


7. Remove the battery by pushing on the left side of the battery and then

pulling the black tab towards you so the battery can slide out of the
compartment.
8. Insert the connector of the battery into either socket on the left side of

the compartment. The Autograv has two sockets so that you can change
batteries without powering down the instrument (see Figure 4).
black tab against the bottom, side and top of the compartment. If the
black tab is not pressed against the walls of the compartment, the
battery will not fit and the foam padding will be damaged.
10.Place the battery inside of the compartment with the top of the battery

facing outwards and the battery cable to the left as shown in Figure 4.
11.Reinstall the battery compartment cover.

Autograv CG3 Manual 2-5

How To

9. Before you reinstall the battery, place your hand inside and flatten the

Getting Started
Figure 4

2-6 Autograv CG3 Manual

Position Of Battery Inside Compartment

Using the Keypad

USING

THE

KEYPAD

How To

Figure 5

The Autograv Keypad

THE KEYPAD
You can use the Autograv keypad to:

Select menu options


Set system parameters
Take a reading
Record data
Recall stored data
Dump data
Reset the instrument

Each key has two functions. The mode of operation determines which function the Autograv responds to. The two modes of operation are:
Operation modeIn this mode, the key press initiates the function that is
displayed at the top of each key.
Enter modeIn this mode, the key press initiates the function that is displayed at the bottom of each key.

Autograv CG3 Manual 2-7

Getting Started
Note: If the keypad is not responding to a key press, then you need
to reset the Autograv by pressing and holding the ON/OFF
(
) key for more than 5 seconds.

Top Functions (Operations Mode)


Key

Description
ON/OFF Turns the instrument on and off.

When you turn on the instrument, the previous menu


option appears on the display (i.e. the status of the instrument is saved when the Autograv is turned off).
Note: If the instrument is busy printing, measuring or
hung-up, then you must press the ON/OFF key
for more than 5 seconds, to reset the instrument

r
1
2
38
4

RECORD Enters measurements into memory.

METHOD Displays the method/mode in which the instrument is currently operating.

The selectable modes are FIELD, CYCLING or NONE.


DATA Shows on the display the set of measurement

parameters being measured or just completed.

MEMORY Recalls and displays data that is stored in

memory by scrolling.
LINE Shows the present line number and/or a line

number recalled from memory (if applicable). The current line appears on the top line while the line number
from memory is on the second line.
It also enables you to change the current line number.

2-8 Autograv CG3 Manual

Using the Keypad

Key

5
0
6

Description
SCROLL KEYS Perform two functions:
1. Scroll through lists of selected data, actions or the

menu options
2. Goes to the next line or station if line or station

number is displayed
AUX Displays the AUXILIARY mode menu options.

Use the AUX key to exit from a submenu and to return to


the previous menu level.

Pressing the AUX key, while the meter is measuring, will


cancel the measurement.

7
9

INFO Provides remaining memory capacity, battery

voltage, time and date, grid number and notebook information.


STATION Displays the current station number and/or

a station number for a measurement in memory.


The current station appears on the top line while the
station number in memory is on the second line.
It enables you to change the current station number.

CHANGE Enables you to select the ENTER mode so

you can modify parameters using the bottom functions


of each key.

Autograv CG3 Manual 2-9

How To

If you press the AUX key twice, then the software takes
you from your immediate menu to the first level menu
(i.e. the Main menu).

Getting Started

Key

Description
START/STOP Enables you to:

Start or stop a measurement


Start or stop the output of data to
communication or recording devices
Start erasing and testing memory
Start the EDIT mode

Bottom Functions (Enter Mode)


Key

w
0
9
r
q
e
2-10 Autograv CG3 Manual

Description
CLEAR Erases the current number.

09 Inputs numerical data

Enters a decimal point

+/ or NE/ SW - Toggles between north, south,


east, west and +/ for station and line numbers.

ENTER Enables you to:

access the menu option shown on the display


to enter a selected value into memory.

The Display

THE DISPLAY
PARAMETER SETUP DISPLAY
The Autograv display is an 80 character liquid crystal display (LCD) arranged in 4 rows of 20 digits in each row. For example:

DATA IDENTIFIER

100E
100N
0E

1
0
0
%

AVAILABLE
MEMORY

PRECEDING DATA

However, not all areas of the display will have information:

If you are in the first level of menu, then there is no current or


previous data so these areas will be blank.
If you select a menu option that does not have previous data, then
this area will be blank.

MENU STRUCTURE
The Autograv has three levels of menus. Refer to the Instrument Parameters
section (page 3-1) for a detailed description of the Autograv software.

Moving Between Menus


When you press a function key in the OPERATION mode, you will see a menu
option appear on the display.

Autograv CG3 Manual 2-11

How To

STATION
CHANGE?
LINE
STATION

PROMPT

CURRENT DATA

Getting Started
Example:

Press:

6A

UX

AUTOGRAV SETUP
ENTER?

1. By pressing ENTER, one item of the menu list appears on the display.
2. If you want to go to the next menu option in the same level, then:

Press:

5 or 0 (S

CROLL)keys

3. If you want to go to the submenu of the displayed menu, then press the

key shown on the second line of the display prompt.


4. To go back to the previous level of menu, press the

6 (A

UX)

key.

Selecting a Menu
When the display shows the menu option that you want to select, press the
key that is shown on the second line.
Example:

AUTOGRAV SETUP
ENTER?
KEY TO PRESS

Press:

e (E

NTER)

key.

MODE: FLD GRAV


CHANGE?
KEY TO PRESS

Press:

e (C

2-12 Autograv CG3 Manual

HANGE)

key

The Display

Modifying Parameters
The prompt that is on the second line shows you how to change the parameter that is displayed. There are three types of prompts:
PROMPT

KEYS

SELECT/ENTER
xxxx> nnn
ENTER?

Example:

5 or 0
0 to 9,r,
w(C ),
q
LEAR

e (C

limited to selection

numerical values,
N,S,E,W, +/

limited to 2 selections

HANGE)

5 0

If you change the parameter by using the


or
(SCROLL) keys,
or change a numerical value, then you must press the ENTER key to
load the change into memory.

If you are enabling or disabling a parameter, then you do not have to


press the ENTER key.

To change the read time from 65 secs to 120 secs:

READ TIME
CHANGE?

Press:

e (C

65

HANGE)

READ TIME>65
ENTER

Autograv CG3 Manual 2-13

How To

xxxx
CHG? >xxxx<

TYPE

Getting Started

Type:

120(120)
READ TIME> 120
ENTER

Press:

e (E

NTER)

READ TIME
CHANGE?

2-14 Autograv CG3 Manual

120

The Display

How To
Autograv CG3 Manual 2-15

Getting Started

2-16 Autograv CG3 Manual

The Display
Figure 6

Autograv Software Flowchart For Auxiliary Mode

How To
Autograv CG3 Manual 2-17

Getting Started

INITIALIZING THE INSTRUMENT


PARAMETERS
To prepare the instrument to take a reading, you must first initialize some
parameters by doing the following:

Reset time and date


Erase memory
Setup the Autograv parameters

Note: If a key is not pressed within approximately one minute, the


display automatically turns off. However, the Autograv brings
you back to the same place in the menu where you left off
when you press the
(ON) key.

1. To Reset Time and Date


Key to Press

Display

66
(A ) twice

Current Menu

UX

5 or 0 until...
e

Current Menu

5 or 0 until...
e(C

INITIALISE
ENTER?

HANGE)

2-18 Autograv CG3 Manual

TIME
CHANGE?

xx:xx:xx
xx/xx/xx

TIME
ENTER

HH:xx:xx

Initializing the Instrument Parameters

Display

HH
(Value for hour)

TIME
ENTER

HH:xx:xx

NTER)

TIME
ENTER

xx:MM:xx

MM
(Value for minutes)

TIME
ENTER

xx:MM:xx

NTER)

TIME
ENTER

xx:xx:SS

SS
(Value for seconds)

TIME:
ENTER

xx:xx:SS

e(E

DATE:
ENTER

xx/xx/xx

e(E

e(E

NTER)

Repeat the steps shown above to set the current date.


After you type the day and press the ENTER key, the clock starts to run.

Autograv CG3 Manual 2-19

How To

Key to Press

Getting Started

2. To Erase Memory
Key to Press

Display

66

Current Menu

(AUX) twice

5 or 0 until...
e(E

NTER)

5 or 0 until...
e(E

NTER)

q(S

TART/STOP)

INITIALISE
ENTER?
Current Menu
ERASE MEMORY
ENTER?
ERASE MEMORY
START?
MEMORYFREE 100%
TESTED XXK

XXK is the size of the memory installed in the Autograv. For example: 48K

2-20 Autograv CG3 Manual

Initializing the Instrument Parameters

3. Autograv Setup
Key to Press

66

(AUX twice)
Cycling and
Read Time
Setup

5 or 0 until...
NTER

e (C

HANGE)

5 or 0 until...
e (E

NTER)

(SCROLL down)

e (C

HANGE)

120
(120)

Current Menu

AUTOGRAV SETUP
ENTER?
Current Menu
MODE:XXXX
CHANGE?
MODE:XXXX
SELECT/ENTER
MODE:>CYCLING
SELECT/ENTER
MODE:CYCLING
CHANGE?
READ TIME XXX
CHANGE?
READ TIME>XXX
ENTER
READ TIME>120
ENTER

Autograv CG3 Manual 2-21

How To

e (E )
5 or 0 until...

Display

Getting Started

Key to Press

e(E

NTER)

(SCROLL down)

e (C

HANGE)

600
(600)
Chart Select
Setup

e (E

NTER)

(SCROLL down)

e (C

HANGE)

555 until...
STOP ERR
Setup

e (E

NTER)

(SCROLL down)

2-22 Autograv CG3 Manual

Display

READ TIME 120


CHANGE?
CYCLE TIME XXX
CHANGE?
CYCLE TIME>XXX
ENTER
CYCLE TIME>600
ENTER
CYCLE TIME 600
CHANGE?
CHART SELECT:XX
CHANGE?
CHART SELECT:>XX
SELECT/ENTER
CHART SELECT:>1
ENTER
CHART SELECT: 1
CHANGE?
STOP:ERR.<LIM
CHG?>XXXX<

Initializing the Instrument Parameters

Key to Press

ee
(C
until...)
HANGE

(SCROLL down)

e (C

HANGE)

(12)
CONT TILT
Setup

e (E

NTER)

0
Auto
Rejection
Setup

CAL. AFTER XX
CHANGE?
CAL. AFTER>12
ENTER
CAL. AFTER>12
ENTER
CAL. AFTER 12
CHANGE?

(SCROLL down)

CONT.TILT CORR.
CHG?>XXXX<

ee
(C
until...)

CONT.TILT CORR.
CHG?>DISABLED<

HANGE

0
TIDE CORR
Setup

STOP:ERR.<LIM
CHG?>DISABLED<

(SCROLL down)

AUTO REJECTION
CHG?>XXXX<

ee
(C
until...)

AUTO REJECTION
CHG?>SELECTED<

HANGE

(SCROLL down)

TIDE CORRECTION
CHG?>XXXX<

Autograv CG3 Manual 2-23

How To

12

Display

Getting Started

Key to Press
LAT and LONG
Setup

ee
(C
until...)
HANGE

(SCROLL down)

e (C

HANGE)

Decimal degrees of
the reading site

Display

TIDE CORRECTION
CHG?>SELECTED<
DEG. LAT XX
CHANGE?
DEG. LAT XX
ENTER
DEG. LAT>DD
ENTER

N is + (positive)
S is (negative)

e (E

NTER)

(SCROLL down)

e (C

HANGE)

Decimal degrees of
the reading site

DEG. LAT DD
CHANGE?
DEG. LONG XX
CHANGE?
DEG. LONG XX
ENTER
DEG. LONG>DD
ENTER

W is + (positive)
E is (negative)

e (E

NTER)

2-24 Autograv CG3 Manual

DEG. LONG DD
CHANGE?

Initializing the Instrument Parameters

GMT Setup

Key to Press

(SCROLL down)

e (C

HANGE)

(GMTClock time)
in hours

Display

GMT. DIFF XX
CHANGE?
GMT. DIFF>XX
ENTER
GMT. DIFF>HH
ENTER

AUTO
RECORD
Setup

e (E

NTER)

0
GREF Setup

GMT. DIFF HH
CHANGE?

(SCROLL down)

AUTO RECORD
CHG?>XXX<

ee
(C
until...)

AUTO RECORD
CHG?>DISABLED<

HANGE

(SCROLL down)

e (E

NTER)

0 (0 )
e (E

NTER)

GREF. XX
CHANGE?
GREF.>XX
ENTER
GREF.>0
ENTER
GREF. 0
CHANGE?
Autograv CG3 Manual 2-25

How To

(e.g. Toronto =+5hrs


or +4 during daylight
savings time)

Getting Started

DRIFT CORR
Setup

Key to Press

(SCROLL down)

e (E )
5 or 0 until...
NTER

e (C

HANGE)

Numerical value
(From constant
sheet or most recent
value)

e (E

NTER)

Display

DRIFT CORRECT.
ENTER?
Current Menu
DRIFT XX
CHANGE?
DRIFT>XX
ENTER
DRIFT>VV
ENTER

DRIFT VV
CHANGE?

(SCROLL down)

CHG. START TIME


ENTER?

ee) twice
(C

CHG. START TIME


ENTER?

HANGE

The drift correction start time is now set to the current time and date on
the clock.

6 (A

UX)

2-26 Autograv CG3 Manual

DRIFT CORRECT.
ENTER?

Initializing the Instrument Parameters

Initial
Constants
Setup

Key to Press

Display

(SCROLL down)

INIT. CONST.
ENTER?

(E
) and
e
then 5 or 0
) until...
(S

GCAL.1 XX
CHANGE?

NTER

CROLL

e (C

HANGE)

GCAL.>XX
ENTER

(Every instrument has its own set of initial constants. These must match
the parameters setup in the INITIAL CONSTANTS mode.)

e (E

NTER)

(SCROLL down)

GCAL. 1 XX
CHANGE?
GCAL. 2 XX
CHANGE?

Follow the key press steps (as shown in the previous four steps) for all five
of the initial constants and set the values to match the instruments individual constants. sheet values.

6 (A
0

UX)

(SCROLL down)

INIT. CONST.
ENTER?
MODE: CYCLING
CHANGE?

You are now back to the top/start of the AUTOGRAV SETUP submenu.

Autograv CG3 Manual 2-27

How To

Enter the numerical value from the INSTRUMENT CONSTANTS sheet.

Getting Started

THE DISPLAY

DURING

READINGS

After you press the START key to initiate a reading, the display goes through
two display changes to enable you to level the Autograv before you actually
start a reading.
The first display indicates that the Autograv is in the ADJUST mode. Within a
few seconds, the display changes to show you the values of the X and Y tilts,
as follows:
LEVELING PARAMETERS

TILTS
ADJUST
LINE
STATION

Y:

VALUES

X:XXX 1
XXX
0
100
0
0
%

AVAILABLE
MEMORY
READ
VERTICALLY

To level the instrument, read the display and analog tilt meters, and then adjust the tripod until the Autograv is level.

2-28 Autograv CG3 Manual

The Display during Readings


Press the START key to start the reading. The display then goes into the
PAUSE mode to enable the instrument to settle after the button is pushed.
Within a few seconds, the gravity reading appears on the second display as
follows:
DURATION OF READING

GRAV.
DUR
LINE
STATION

GRAVITY READING

XX.XXX
1
XER. X.XXX0
100
0
0
%

AVAILABLE
MEMORY
READ
VERTICALLY

Autograv CG3 Manual 2-29

How To

ERROR OR STANDARD DEVIATION (SD)

Getting Started

SETTING

UP THE

TRIPOD

The tripod enables you to level the Autograv before taking a reading. The
three leveling screws on the bottom of the tripod are adjusted until the X and
Y meters on the front panel of the Autograv and the display show that the
Autograv is level.

Figure 7

2-30 Autograv CG3 Manual

Setup of the Tripod

Setting up the Tripod


To set up

1. Set the tripod on stable ground in a quiet location with the bubble level

away from you as shown in the previous diagram (Figure 7).


2. Place the cone on the bottom of the instrument (left side) down onto

the left rear tripod foot.


3. Place the slot on the bottom of the instrument (right side) down onto

the right rear tripod foot.


4. Lower the instrument onto the front tripod foot.

5. Press the START key.

The following prompts appear one after the other:

How To

AUTOGRAV
ADJUST

TILTS
ADJUST

X: XXX
Y: XXX

6. View the X and Y meters on the front panel and the display to level the

instrument.

Autograv CG3 Manual 2-31

Getting Started

Figure 8
To Level

Adjusting the Tripod

You have two options for leveling the Y-axis of the CG-3/3M. The fastest way
to level the meter is to adjust both rear screws on the tripod as outlined in
Step 7. The other option for high precision microgravity measurements is to
set one of the rear screws in the middle of its range and tape over it. Adjust
the other rear screw until the Y-axis is level. This method ensures that the elevation of the CG-3/3M sensor relative to the tripod is strictly maintained.

2-32 Autograv CG3 Manual

Setting up the Tripod


7. Adjust the Y-axis first by turning the two rear screws on the tripod and

viewing the display and bubble meters.


If you need to level the Y-axis in the positive direction, then turn the
rear screws towards the front of the instrument. (See Figure 8 above.)
This procedure of rotating both screws in opposite directions at the
same time is the most efficient way to level about the Y-axis.
8. After the Y-axis is level, adjust the X-axis by turning the front screw on

the tripod and viewing the display and bubble meters.


If you need to level the X-axis in the positive direction, then turn the
front screw clockwise. (See Figure 8 on page 2-32.)

The tripod comes with three extender legs which may be used under soft
soil conditions.
To set up

1. Place one extender leg over one of the pointed bottom legs of the tri-

pod with the tab of the extender leg facing the outside of the tripod.
This tab is available so that you can step on the tab to dig the shaft of
the leg into the soil.
2. Insert the 8-32 hex bolt through the openings of the legs. Ensure that the

head of the nut fits into the recessed slot on the extender leg as this
enables you to securely tighten the bolt.
3. Place the washer and the black wing nut onto the bolt and slightly

tighten the wing nut.


4. Adjust the angle of the extender leg and tighten the wing nut.
5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 for the other two extender legs.

Autograv CG3 Manual 2-33

How To

TRIPOD EXTENDER LEGS

Getting Started

Figure 9

2-34 Autograv CG3 Manual

Tripod with Extender Legs

Temperature Compensation

TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION
Important: Do not adjust the temperature compensation until the
Autograv has gone through the complete stabilization
time of 48 hours. If you can not wait for 48 hours, then
please refer to Using the CG-3 before Warm-up Stabilization is Complete on page 4-10.

CHECKING
1. Select a stable base for the Autograv in a quiet location and place the

instrument on the tripod (with extender legs removed).

Tripod on page 2-30.


3. When the following prompt appears,

TILTS
X: XXX
ADJUST Y: XXX

press the

0 (S

CROLL DOWN)

key. The following prompt appears:

TEMP. X.XX
ADJUST

a. If the number on the top line of the display is between +1.0

and -1.0, then the temperature of the gravity sensor is


within range. Please proceed to the section Adjusting Drift
Corrections on page 2-41.
b. If the temperature value is outside of the acceptable range,

you must adjust the temperature compensation offset.


Autograv CG3 Manual 2-35

How To

2. Level the Autograv by following the steps outlined in Setting up the

Getting Started

ADJUSTING TEMP. COMPENSATION OFFSET


1. Using a slot-head screwdriver, unscrew the four 4-40 oval screws from

the faceplate of the Autograv.


2. Remove the faceplate.

SCREWS TO BE
REMOVED

Figure 10 Faceplate of Autograv

2-36 Autograv CG3 Manual

Temperature Compensation

How To
Autograv CG3 Manual 2-37

Getting Started

Figure 11 Autograv Faceplate Removed


2-38 Autograv CG3 Manual

Temperature Compensation
To Adjust

Adjust the Temperature Compensation Fine Adjustment Potentiometer (R1)


until the display is close to 0.0 (i.e. within the range of -0.1 to +0.1.)
Counter-clockwise = positive
If the temperature value adjusts to this range, then replace the cover.

If the temperature value cannot be adjusted to be within


the specified range, then:
Centre R1 by turning the potentiometer clockwise 25 turns
followed by 10 turns counter-clockwise.

2.

Using a slot head screwdriver, remove the four M2.5 x 5mm flat
head screws from the Temperature Coarse Adjustment cover.

3.

Underneath the cover is an O-ring seal. This ensures that no


moisture or dust can enter into the adjustment pot. Remove the
O-ring seal and place it in a dry, clean place.
(See Figure 11 on page 2-38.)

4.

View the position of the Coarse Adjustment screw. You only need
to slightly move the screw to make an adjustment.
BEFORE TURNING THE SCREW, CAREFULLY NOTE ITS POSITION.

Clockwise = positive
Counter-clockwise = negative
After making a very small adjustment of a few degrees, wait
several seconds for the system to stabilize before reading the
temperature value.
Note: Do not push down on the coarse adjust screw, as this could
damage the adjustment potentiometer.
5.

Adjust the Coarse Adjustment Screw to bring the temperature


reading to as close to zero (0.0) as possible.

6.

Adjust the Fine Adjustment potentiometer until the reading is


within the range of -0.1 to +0.1.

7.

Wait a few minutes and then check the reading.

Autograv CG3 Manual 2-39

How To

1.

Getting Started
8.

Readjust the Fine Adjustment potentiometer, if necessary.

Note: If the reading does not come within the range with a coarse adjustment of 1 turn in either direction, contact Scintrex Limited.
9.

Replace the cover(s).

2-40 Autograv CG3 Manual

Adjusting Drift Corrections

ADJUSTING DRIFT CORRECTIONS


Important: You must first check and adjust the temperature compensation before you can adjust the drift correction.

1. Measure Drift
1. After you adjust the temperature compensation, press the
(SCROLL DOWN) key to display the X and Y Tilts.

2. Level the instrument (using the tripod setup procedures) to within -10

3. Press the START key. The instrument starts a reading.

If the reading appears to be out of range (top line of display) refer to


unlatching the sensor on page 7-1 of the Troubleshooting section.
4. The Autograv now automatically takes and records a reading once

every 600 seconds.


5. After approximately 24 hours, press the STOP or AUX key if the
instrument is taking a measurement. Otherwise, press the STOP key.

This stops the reading cycle.


If any of the DATA, INFO or SCROLL keys are pressed, then the display
will appear to be locked-up. You must then press and hold the ON key
for more than 5 seconds to reset the instrument.
If any other key is pressed while the meter is in the OFF stage of the
CYCLE mode, then you must press the STOP key to stop cycling.
6. Output the data to a printer or computer.

Autograv CG3 Manual 2-41

How To

to +10 arcseconds about both axis.


Level the Y-axis, rear footscrews, first.

Getting Started

2. Output Data

6
50

6 (A ) key
2. Press the 5 or 0 (S
appears:
1. Press the

UX

CROLL)

key until the following prompt

OUTPUT
ENTER?

Note: You must setup the baud rate, data bits and carriage return of
the printer before you dump data. Refer to the Instrument
Parameter Section, starting on page 3-37, on how to set these
parameters.

3. Press the ENTER key. The following prompt appears:

AUTOGRAV
START DUMP

q
Example

4. Press the START key.

The following is a sample printout of output data:


------------------------------------------------------------------------------SCINTREX V4.1
AUTOGRAV / Cycling Mode
R4.4
Cycle Time:
150
Ser No:
8267.
Line:
2. Grid:
0.
Job:
0. Date: 95/05/08 Operator:
0.

DRIFT

R1,T1

GREF.:
-4158. mGals
Tilt x sensit.:
296.5
GCAL.1:
6131.436
Tilt y sensit.:
283.8
GCAL.2:
0.
Deg.Latitude:
43.7
TEMPCO.:
-0.1241 mGal/mK
Deg.Longitude:
79.6
Drift const.:
0.18
GMT Difference:
4.hr
Drift Correction Start Time: 11:57:16
Cal.after x samples:
12
Date: 95/04/13
On-Line Tilt Corrected = "*"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------Station Grav.
SD.
Tilt x Tilt y
Temp.
E.T.C. Dur # Rej
Time
0.
41.684 0.041
2.
-2.
-0.69
-0.023
120
0 14:03:57
0.
41.685 0.037
1.
-3.
-0.67
-0.023
120
0 14:06:27
0.
41.684 0.044
2.
-3.
-0.65
-0.023
120
1 14:08:57

2-42 Autograv CG3 Manual

Adjusting Drift Corrections


41.683
41.682
41.682
41.680
41.682
41.681
41.681
41.683
41.679
41.681
41.682
41.680
41.681
41.679
41.682
41.683
41.681
41.679
41.679
41.678
41.682
41.681
41.680
41.679
41.680
41.684
41.678
41.681
41.681
41.681
41.680
41.682

0.031
0.036
0.034
0.033
0.045
0.036
0.038
0.038
0.042
0.034
0.043
0.035
0.037
0.037
0.032
0.039
0.039
0.049
0.039
0.038
0.040
0.038
0.042
0.044
0.040
0.038
0.039
0.036
0.043
0.041
0.044
0.040

1.
1.
1.
2.
2.
2.
1.
1.
1.
1.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.

-3.
-3.
-3.
-3.
-3.
-3.
-3.
-3.
-4.
-4.
-3.
-3.
-3.
-3.
-3.
-3.
-3.
-3.
-3.
-3.
-3.
-3.
-3.
-3.
-3.
-3.
-3.
-3.
-3.
-3.
-3.
-3.

0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.

41.749
41.742
41.743
41.741
41.749
41.749
41.745

0.039
0.037
0.044
0.041
0.041
0.040
0.031

1.
2.
2.
1.
1.
1.
1.

-3.
-3.
-3.
-3.
-3.
-3.
-3.

-0.65
-0.65
-0.64
-0.64
-0.64
-0.64
-0.64
-0.64
-0.63
-0.64
-0.64
-0.64
-0.64
-0.63
-0.63
-0.63
-0.64
-0.64
-0.64
-0.64
-0.63
-0.64
-0.63
-0.63
-0.63
-0.63
-0.63
-0.63
-0.63
-0.63
-0.63
-0.63
.
.
.
.
.
-0.63
-0.63
-0.63
-0.63
-0.63
-0.63
-0.63

-0.023
-0.024
-0.024
-0.024
-0.024
-0.024
-0.023
-0.023
-0.023
-0.023
-0.023
-0.023
-0.023
-0.023
-0.023
-0.023
-0.023
-0.022
-0.022
-0.022
-0.022
-0.022
-0.022
-0.021
-0.021
-0.021
-0.021
-0.020
-0.020
-0.020
-0.020
-0.019

120
120
120
120
120
120
120
120
120
120
120
120
120
120
120
120
120
120
120
120
120
120
120
120
120
120
120
120
120
120
120
120

0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

14:11:27
14:13:57
14:16:27
14:18:57
14:21:27
14:23:57
14:26:27
14:28:57
14:31:27
14:33:57
14:36:27
14:38:57
14:41:27
14:43:57
14:46:27
14:48:57
14:51:27
14:53:57
14:56:27
14:58:57
15:01:27
15:03:57
15:06:27
15:08:57
15:11:27
15:13:57
15:16:27
15:18:57
15:21:27
15:23:57
15:26:27
15:28:57

-0.016
-0.016
-0.016
-0.015
-0.015
-0.014
-0.014

120
120
120
120
120
120
120

0
0
0
1
0
0
0

01:51:27
01:53:57
01:56:27
01:58:57
02:01:27
02:03:57
02:06:27

3. Reading the Data


1. From the listing, take one reading (R1) at time T1 close to the start of

the recording period and another reading (R2) at time T2 from near
the end of the period.
Do not use readings which are obviously noisy or disturbed.
2. From these values, calculate a new Drift Correction.
R2 R1
DRIFT = DRIFT + --------------------T2 T1

Autograv CG3 Manual 2-43

How To

R2,T2

0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.

Getting Started
where:
DRIFT is the Drift constant in the instrument during readings
(T2-T1) is in units of days.
Example:

The data from the printout on page 2-42 was used to calculate the following
drift value.
Selecting:

T2 = 02:03:57 on 95/05/09
T1 = 14:03:57 on 95/05/08

Gives the corresponding readings:


R2 = 41.749
R1 = 41.684
DRIFT = 0.18 (from the dumps header: Drift const.)

and

R2 R1 = 0.065mGal
T2 T1 = 12 hrs = 0.50 days
Therefore,
0.065
DRIFT = 0.18 + --------------0.5

DRIFT = 0.31 mGal/day

4. Adjusting the Drift Correction

1. Press the AUX key twice and then the

2. Press the ENTER key.

the following prompt appears:

5 or 0 (S

AUTOGRAV
SETUP ENTER?

2-44 Autograv CG3 Manual

CROLL)

key until

Adjusting Drift Corrections

50

3. Press the

appears:

5 or 0 (S

CROLL)

key until the following prompt

DRIFT CORRECT.
ENTER?

e
50

4. Press the ENTER key.


5. Press the

appears:

5 or 0 (S

CROLL)

key until the following prompt

6. Press the CHANGE key.


7. Type: The new calculated drift value (DRIFT').

8. Press the ENTER key.

With a new instrument, check the Drift Correction once a week for 4 weeks.
After this period, check approximately once a month. For most sensors, the
drift rate will go down as they age, especially during the first couple of
months. Please also note that the drift correction start time is automatically
reset to zero after 128 days since the last adjustment giving rise to an apparent large offset. Therefore, you must reset the drift correction start time
before 128 days have elapsed.

Autograv CG3 Manual 2-45

How To

DRIFT XX
CHANGE?

Getting Started

SETTING UP FOR FIELD


MEASUREMENTS
Press the A key and then the 0 key until the following prompt
60 1. appears.
UX

MODE: CYCLING
CHANGE?

e
0

2. Press the CHANGE key.


3. Press the

0 key until the following prompt appears.


MODE: > FLD GRAV
SELECT/ENTER

4. Press the ENTER key.


5. The reading time (120 seconds) may be too long for normal field

operation, however it can be shortened 60 seconds (see the Instrument


Parameters and Field Operation sections).

6. Take a reading by pressing the START key once to get into the ADJUST

mode.
7. Re-level the Autograv.

8. Press the START key again.

2-46 Autograv CG3 Manual

Recalling Data

RECALLING DATA

When the Autograv records a measurement, all information associated


with that measurement (i.e. measured data, line and station numbers,
notebook information, time and date) are filed together in a single
record.
For every measurement taken at each station, the Autograv creates a
new, separate record.
The Autograv enables you to scan these records using either of the
or
(MEMORY) keys.

3 8

In memory, you can scroll from station to station, from line to line or from
grid to grid. The two MEMORY keys enable you to scroll sequentially through
the stations on a line, through the lines of the survey or through the grids of
the survey.
Various data recorded from one station can also be examined. The two
scroll keys enable you to scroll through the data or notebook information at
a particular station.

Note: This information is for recalling data in the FIELD mode for the
day on which it was recorded.
To recall data from previous days or to recall data in the
CYCLING mode, refer to pages 2-48 to 2-51.

Autograv CG3 Manual 2-47

How To

SCROLLING IN MEMORY

Getting Started

SCANNING THE RECORDS


To search through the memory do the following:
1. Return to the first level of menus in the AUXILIARY mode.
2. If the data is recorded using the FIELD and CYCLING modes, then select

the method that you want to examine (see page 3-xx).


3. Press one of the following keys:

2D
9S
4L
7I

ATA

TATION

INE

NFO

for recorded time and measured data


for station numbers
for line numbers
for current time, date and notebook
information or for grid numbers

4. Press one of the memory keys to enter the MEMORY mode. The upper

line of the display shows the current information, while the second line
shows the information stored in the memory. The prompt MEMORY
indicates the stored information.

Notes:

5 0

If the line number is displayed, by pressing the MEMORY keys, the


records with the current station but with larger line numbers
(
MEMORY) or smaller line numbers (
MEMORY) are
accessed. By subsequently pressing the
DATA or
INFO
keys their respective records will be recalled for display.

7
3

If the grid number is displayed (


INFO key and
or
),
by pressing the memory keys, the records with the current station
but with larger grid numbers (
MEMORY) or smaller grid
numbers (
MEMORY) are accessed. By subsequently pressing
the
DATA or
INFO keys their respective records will be
recalled for display.

8
2

If the station number is displayed, by pressing the memory keys,


the records with the current line number with larger station
numbers (
MEMORY) or smaller station numbers (
MEMORY) are accessed.

2-48 Autograv CG3 Manual

Recalling Data

If the DATA or INFO is displayed, by pressing the MEMORY keys, the


same parameters are displayed for the current line numbers but
for station numbers that are larger (
MEMORY) than the
current station number or smaller (
MEMORY) than the
current station number.

3
8

The following signs appear on the second line to show you where
you are in the memory:
Sign

The data is from a station number:


higher than the current station

equal to the current station

lower than the current station

The message NO STN or NOLINE (or a similar message) indicates that there is no data for the station, line or grid number with
the number larger (
Memory) or smaller (
Memory)
than currently being examined.

)M
38
Use the ( 50) S
record.

5. Use the (

keys to scroll through the records.


CROLL keys to examine data in a particular
EMORY

Autograv CG3 Manual 2-49

How To

Getting Started

DIRECTLY ACCESSING A RECORD FROM MEMORY


You can directly access a record instead of using the scrolling method described previously, by doing the following:

9+ 38 1. Press the S

TATION

key and then one of the MEMORY keys.

2. Enter the required station number by doing the following:

Press: CHANGE/ENTER
Enter: Station number and Direction

Press: CHANGE/ENTER
Note: The entry appears on the second line.
3. If the station is on a different line, then do the following:

4
e

Press: LINE key


Press: CHANGE/ENTER
Enter: Line number

e
2

Press: CHANGE/ENTER
4. Press: DATA key
5. Examine the data for the record.

2-50 Autograv CG3 Manual

Recalling Data

RECALLING DATA IN THE CYCLING MODE


The procedure is basically the same as in the Field Mode accept that the
data is stored under the same station and line.
1. To view the data for the current day do the following:

2
3OR 8
5OR 0

Press: DATA key

3 8
Press: 5or 0 to scroll through the parameters of a particular

or
MEMORY key to scroll through records (stored
Press:
in the same order in which they were made)
record.

4
8
2

Press: LINE key

MEMORY key to get the data from the previous day


Press:
(pressing it again will take you back another day for each press,
etc.) The displayed line number does not change during these
operations.

Press: DATA key to access the records of the selected day.

EXITING FROM THE MEMORY MODE

There are two ways to exit from the memory mode:


1. Press the ON/OFF key

or,

2. Press the START key to start a new measurement.

Autograv CG3 Manual 2-51

How To

2. To view the data from a previous day do the following:

Getting Started

2-52 Autograv CG3 Manual

Autograv CG3

Section

INSTRUMENT PARAMETERS
The Autograv operation is controlled through the keyboard accessed firmware functions. The software programs are permanently stored in EPROM
(erasable programmable memory) chips and are called firmware. There are
two sets of EPROM chips:

Data acquisition system (DAS) firmware chips (current version V4.1)


Autograv measurement control firmware chips (current version R4.4)

The firmware version of each set is indicated on the first line of the data
dump (page 331).

MAIN MENU (AUXILIARY MODE)


6 1. You can access the M M by pressing the 6 A key.
50 2. Tokeys.scroll through the first level of menus, simply press the 5 or 0
AIN

ENU

UX

3.

In the AUXILIARY mode there are three levels of menus. To enter a


submenu, you follow the instructions given by the prompt that is
displayed on the bottom line of the display.

4.

To return to the previous menu level, you must press the

6A

UX key.

Please refer to the software flowchart (Figure 6 on page 2-17) to view all of
the menu levels. A description of each parameter is given in the pages following the AUXILIARY mode software flowchart.

Autograv CG3 Manual 3-1

Parameters

The Autograv software is accessed using the keys on the keypad. The
AUXILIARY mode displays the main menu of the Autograv.

Instrument Parameters
Notes:

Auto-shutoff If you do not use the Autograv for one minute, the display
automatically turns off. Press the
ON key to return to the menu selection where you had previously left the instrument.

Sub-menu data entryIf you have selected a submenu (by pressing the
key shown in the prompt on the bottom of the display), but have not entered
in new data, then you must either:

press the ENTER key to leave the data as it is,


or enter in new data and then press the ENTER key.

Returning from sub-menusPress the


previous menu.

6A

UX

key to return to the

AUXILIARY MODE
There are seven main menu options in the AUXILIARY mode:
1.

INITIALISE

2.

LIN SEP

3.

STN SEP

4.

AUTOGRAV SETUP

5.

OUTPUT

6.

EDIT

7.

LOCK AUX

3-2 Autograv CG3 Manual

INITIALISE Menu

INITIALISE MENU
There are twelve submenus in the INITIALISE mode. These menus, if selected,
require you to input specific data.

1.

To enter into the INITIALISE submenus, press the ENTER key and a submenu appears:

Example:

INITIALISE
ENTER?

Press:

eE

NTER

key

ERASE MEMORY
ENTER?

To enter into the submenu level, follow the prompt that is shown on the
second line of the display.

3.

To return to the previous level of menu, press the AUX key.


Note: If you have selected a submenu (by pressing the key shown in
the prompt on the display), but have not entered in new data,
then you must press the ENTER key to leave the data as it is or
enter in new data and then press the ENTER key. You may then
press the AUX key to return to the previous menu.

INITIALISE SUBMENUS
The steps involved to enter a submenu are shown starting from the INITIALISE
menu. If you are already in the submenu level, then follow the steps starting
from step 2.

Autograv CG3 Manual 3-3

Parameters

2.

Instrument Parameters

1. ERASE MEMORY
At the start of each survey day ensure that there is adequate storage space
for the days data. The amount of memory available is displayed on the right
hand side of the screen (or by pressing the INFO key). If there is insufficient
capacity available, then erase the memory.
Erasing the memory does not erase initialization, setup or position parameters. However, all the recorded measurements in the memory will be lost.
Please ensure that you have transferred the data to your computer or printed
them out.
To erase the memory, do the following:

1.

Display the INITIALISE prompt and press the ENTER key.

2.

Scroll through the submenus by pressing the


following prompt appears:

5 or 0 key until the

ERASE MEMORY
ENTER?

3.

Press the ENTER key. The following prompt appears:

ERASE MEMORY
START?

4.

Press the START key. The prompt TESTING appears.

5.

When the memory is erased the following message appears:

MEMORY FREE
TESTED 48K

3-4 Autograv CG3 Manual

100%

INITIALISE Menu
The 48K represents the size of memory installed in the Autograv. If the
value in the display does not agree with the installed value, then there
has been a partial memory failure.

2. JOB NO.
This submenu allows you to set a job number as shown in the following
steps:

1.

Display the INITIALISE prompt and press the ENTER key.

2.

Scroll through the submenus by pressing the


following prompt appears:

JOB NO.
CHANGE?

3.

Press the CHANGE key.

4.

Key in the new job number

5.

Press the ENTER key.

Parameters

5 or 0 key until the

3. OPERATOR
This submenu allows you to set an operator number as shown in the following steps:

1.

Display the INITIALISE prompt and press the ENTER key.

2.

Scroll through the submenus by pressing the


following prompt appears:

OPERATOR
CHANGE?

5 or 0 key until the


X

Autograv CG3 Manual 3-5

Instrument Parameters

e
e

3.

Press the CHANGE key.

4.

Key in the new operator number.

5.

Press the ENTER key.

4. GRID
This submenu allows you to set a grid number, as shown in the following
steps:
Note: You can also set this parameter by:
pressing the
INFO key on the keypad,
scrolling through the menu to the GRID prompt
and following the same steps as outlined below in steps 3 to 5.

1.

Display the INITIALISE prompt and press the ENTER key.

2.

Scroll through the submenus by pressing the


following prompt appears:

GRID
CHANGE?

3.

Press the CHANGE key

4.

Key in the new grid number

5.

Press the ENTER key.

5 or 0 key until the


X

5. LINE DIR
This submenu enables you to set the direction in which the lines are running
on the grid. You can choose from the following selections:

3-6 Autograv CG3 Manual

E/W
N/S
+/-

INITIALISE Menu
Example: If you select E/W, then a line is identified as north or south
of zero and a station (along a specific line) as east or west
of zero.
To select a line direction, do the following:

1.

Display the INITIALISE prompt and press the ENTER key.

2.

Scroll through the submenus by pressing the


following prompt appears:

LINE DIR
CHANGE?

3.

Press the CHANGE key.

4.

Press the
display.

5.

Press the ENTER key.

5 or 0 key until the


XX

5 or 0 key until the desired direction appears on the

Important: It is recommended that you do not change the line direction


setting before the data has been output and the memory has
been erased.

6. LINE
You can enter the line number that is to be surveyed first on the survey day.

Autograv CG3 Manual 3-7

Parameters

Note: The line and station data are recorded as positive and negative
numbers in the memory. The selection E/W or N/S is a filter
which only modifies the presentation of the data for display or
output. This is done by assigning either N or E for the positive
lines (or stations) as specified by the current setting. For example, a station record as +100 will be output as 100E, if the
line direction setting is not changed. However, if the setting is
changed to N/S before the data is output, then the same station will appear as 100N.

Instrument Parameters

Note: You can also set this parameter by pressing the


LINE key
on the keypad and following the same steps as outlined below
in steps 3 to 5.
To set the first line number do the following:

1.

Display the INITIALISE prompt and press the ENTER key.

2.

Scroll through the submenus by pressing the


following prompt appears:

LINE
CHANGE?

3.

Press the CHANGE key

4.

Key in the first line number.

5.

Press the ENTER key.

5 or 0 key until the


X

7. STATION
At the start of a survey day you should enter in the first station number before taking a measurement.

Note: You can also set this parameter by pressing the


STATION
key on the keypad and following the same steps as outlined below in steps 3 to 5.
To set the first station number do the following:

1.

Display the INITIALISE prompt and press the ENTER key.

2.

Scroll through the submenus by pressing the


following prompt appears:

STATION
CHANGE?

3-8 Autograv CG3 Manual

5 or 0key until the


X

INITIALISE Menu

e
e

3.

Press the CHANGE key.

4.

Key in the first station number.

5.

Press the ENTER key.

8. AUTO STN INC


You can set the Autograv so that it automatically increments to the next station after a cycle of survey measurements is recorded. Refer to the first level
menu of STN SEP.
To set the Automatic station increment feature, do the following:

1.

Display the INITIALISE prompt and press the ENTER key.

2.

Scroll through the submenus by pressing the


following prompt appears:

5 or 0 key until the

AUTO STN INC


CHG? >nnnnnn<

3.

Press the CHANGE key to alternately choose either DISABLED or


SELECTED.

4.

Press the

5 or 0 key to scroll to the next submenu.

When the measurement for a station has been recorded, the station number
is displayed along with the prompt Change?. In the lower line of the display, the number of the station where the measurements were just taken is
shown. Depending upon whether the Auto Station Increment was selected
or disabled, the upper line displays either the next station number or the
one just measured, respectively.

a) Automatic Station Increment - Selected


If you select the Automatic Station Increment feature, after you press the
RECORD key, then the station number automatically increments to the
next station number after each measurement is recorded. However,

Autograv CG3 Manual 3-9

Parameters

Instrument Parameters
you must ensure that the station separation parameter (STN SEP)
reflects the direction of travel. During a survey, you might walk up one
line and down the next. To accommodate this change of direction, the
station separation must be changed also.
Example: When walking north (or east, or +), a station separation of
100N (or E, or +) will increment the station number by 100
with each recorded measurement. Walking down the next
line, you will be traveling south (or west, or ). For the automatic incrementation to work properly, the station separation must be set to 100S (or W, or ) so that the station
numbers will now decrement.

b) Automatic Station Increment - Disabled


If you disable the Automatic Station Increment feature, you must
manually increment the Autograv to the next station by using one of the
scroll keys (
or
). Refer to the chart below to see how the
station numbers increment or decrement according to the key press.

5 0

Stations:
Line
Direction
N/S

E/W

+/-

3-10 Autograv CG3 Manual

Press

Press

north of zero
increments

north of zero
decrements

south of zero
decrements

south of zero
increments

east of zero
increments

east of zero
decrements

west of zero
decrements

west of zero
increments

+ zero increments

+ zero decrements

- zero decrements

- zero increments

INITIALISE Menu
If you select +/ for the line direction, pressing
station number, possibly to a negative value.

Notes:

0 decreases the

+ indicates north or east


indicates south or west

The display only shows the sign, as the + sign is assumed.

9. RECAUTOSTART
This feature must be disabled to operate the Autograv.
To disable the RECAUTOSTART feature, do the following:

1.

Display the INITIALISE prompt and press the ENTER key.

2.

Scroll through the submenus by pressing the


following prompt appears:

5 or 0 key until the

REC->AUTOSTART
CHG?
>nnnnn<

3.

Press the CHANGE key to choose DISABLED.

4.

Press the

5 or 0 key to scroll to the next submenu.

10. SERIAL #
The Autograv serial number should be entered into the memory. The serial
number is located on the bottom of the case. Please enter the six right-most
digits, as the Autograv will only accept six characters.
To enter the serial number, do the following:

1.

Display the INITIALISE prompt and press the ENTER key.

2.

Scroll through the submenus by pressing the


following prompt appears:

5 or 0key until the

Autograv CG3 Manual 3-11

Parameters

Instrument Parameters

SERIAL#
CHANGE?

3.

Press the CHANGE key.

4.

Key in the serial number. (Enter the six right-most digits).

5.

Press the ENTER key.

11. LANG. ENGLISH


Due to memory restrictions, the Autograv only uses English as the operating
language.

12. HEATER
If the Heater function is selected, then the display heater automatically turns
on when the temperature drops below -20C.

1.

Display the INITIALISE prompt and press the ENTER key.

2.

Scroll through the submenus by pressing the


following prompt appears:

5 or 0 key until the

HEATER
CHG?
>nnnnn<

3.

Press the CHANGE key to alternately choose DISABLED or


SELECTED.

4.

Press the

3-12 Autograv CG3 Manual

5 or 0 key to scroll to the next submenu.

INITIALISE Menu

13. TIME HH:MM:SS


You can set both the time and date from this prompt.
To set the time and/or date do the following:

Display the INITIALISE prompt and press the ENTER key.

2.

Scroll through the submenus by pressing the


following prompt appears:

3.

TIME:
CHANGE?

XX:XX:XX
XX:XX:XX

TIME:
ENTER?

HH:MM:SS
XX:XX:XX

Press the CHANGE key.

4.

Key in the hours and press the ENTER key to go to the next parameter in
the time field.

5.

Press the ENTER key after you have typed in the seconds.

TIME:
CHANGE?

e
e

5 or 0 key until the

HH:MM:SS
YY:MM:DD

6.

Key in the year and press the ENTER key to go to the next parameter in
the date field.

7.

Press the ENTER key after you have typed in the day. When you enter in
the day, the clock starts to run.

Autograv CG3 Manual 3-13

Parameters

e
e

1.

Instrument Parameters

LINE SEP
There are no submenus in the LINE SEPARATION mode. This mode requires
the entry of the regular distance between survey lines in metres or feet.
During a survey, when you change to the next line, the instrument advances
its records to the next line number when you press the
LINE and
(or
) keys.

To set the line separation value do the following:

1.

Display the LIN SEP prompt and press the CHANGE key. The following prompt appears:

LIN SEP
ENTER?

2.

Key in the new line separation value.

3.

Press the ENTER key.

3-14 Autograv CG3 Manual

STN SEP

STN SEP
There are no submenus in the STATION SEPARATION mode. This mode requires the entry of the distance between stations in metres or feet. During
the survey, when you change to the next station, the instrument advances its
records to the next station number.
If the direction of travel has changed and Automatic Station Incrementation
is selected, then the sign (or direction) of the separation parameter has to
be changed.
To set the station separation value do the following:

1.

Display the STN SEP prompt and press the CHANGE key. The following prompt appears:

STN SEP
ENTER?

Key in the new station separation value.

3.

Press the ENTER key.

Parameters

2.

Autograv CG3 Manual 3-15

Instrument Parameters

AUTOGRAV SETUP
There are 14 submenus in the AUTOGRAV SETUP mode. Four of the submenus appear only if specific parameters are selected. A second level of
submenus is also available for only some of the first level submenus.

1.

To enter into the first level submenu of the AUTOGRAV SETUP, press the
ENTER key and a submenu appears:

Example:

AUTOGRAV SETUP
ENTER?

Press:

e (E

NTER)

key

MODE:
CHANGE?

NNNN

2.

To enter into the second level of submenus, follow the prompt that is
shown on the second line of the display.

3.

To return to the previous level of menu, press the AUX key.

AUTOGRAV SETUP SUBMENUS


The steps involved to enter a submenu are shown as if you were starting from
the AUTOGRAV SETUP prompt. However, if you are already in the submenu level, then follow the steps starting from step 2 by pressing the
or
key until the required prompt appears.

3-16 Autograv CG3 Manual

AUTOGRAV SETUP

1. MODE
You can select from three modes of operation:
FLD GRAV

Used for normal field operations

CYCLING

Automatically repeats measurements at a specified


cycling time.

NONE

Disables Autograv measurements

To select a mode of operation do the following:

1.

Display the AUTOGRAV SETUP prompt and press the ENTER key.

2.

Scroll through the submenus by pressing the


following prompt appears:

MODE:
CHANGE?

3.

Press the CHANGE key.

4.

Press the
display.

5.

Press the ENTER key.

NNNN

5 or 0 key until the desired mode appears on the

2. READ and CYCLE TIME


To set the read time, a numerical value must be entered in seconds, as
follows:

1.

Display the AUTOGRAV SETUP prompt and press the ENTER key.

2.

Scroll through the submenus by pressing the


following prompt appears:

5 or 0 key until the

Autograv CG3 Manual 3-17

Parameters

5 or 0 key until the

Instrument Parameters

READ TIME
CHANGE?

3.

Press the CHANGE key.

4.

Key in a new read time.

5.

Press the ENTER key.

XX

If you have selected the FLD GRAV or NONE mode, then go to step 10 as the
CYCLE TIME prompt will not appear in the display.
If you have selected the CYCLING mode, then:
6.

Press the

0 key and the following prompt appears:


CYCLE TIME
CHANGE?

e
Notes:

7.

Press the CHANGE key.

8.

Key in the new cycling time.

XXXX

For a selected read time, the minimum cycle time is:


READ TIME * (1 + 1/CAL AFTER) +5

To terminate the measurement sequence in the CYCLING mode,


push the STOP key.

To cancel the measurement, press the AUX key. If the Autograv is


off (i.e. cycle time is larger than the minimum cycle time), then
press the STOP key.

If any of the DATA, INFO or SCROLL keys are pressed, then the
display will appear to be locked-up. You must then press and hold
the ON key for more than 5 seconds to reset the instrument. If any
other key is pressed while the meter is in the OFF stage of the
CYCLE mode, then you must press the STOP key to stop cycling.

3-18 Autograv CG3 Manual

AUTOGRAV SETUP

e
6

9.

Press the ENTER key.

10. Press the AUX key to return to the previous submenu.

a) CHART SEL:
This submenu appears only if you select the CYCLING mode. You can
choose the full scale range of the output of the digital to analogue
converter from the following selections:

0.1 mGal
1.0 mGal
10.0 mGal
100.0 mGal

Note: See page 63 for details about using the chart recorder.
To set the chart select do the following:

Display the AUTOGRAV SETUP prompt and press the


ENTER key.

2.

Scroll through the submenus by pressing the


until the following prompt appears:

CHART SEL:
CHANGE?

e
e

5 or 0 key
XX

3.

Press the CHANGE key.

4.

Press the
or
key until the desired chart selection
appears on the display.

5.

Press the ENTER key.

5 0

Autograv CG3 Manual 3-19

Parameters

1.

Instrument Parameters

3. STOP: ERR. < LIM


You can set the Autograv to stop a reading (error limit stop), if the estimated
measurement error value is less than (<) the specified limit. If you select the
ERROR< LIMIT feature, then the error limit value must be entered in the next
submenu. For details on error level, please see page 42 and page A11.
To set the STOP: ERR< LIM do the following:

1.

Display the AUTOGRAV SETUP prompt and press the ENTER key.

2.

Scroll through the submenus by pressing the


following prompt appears:

5 or 0 key until the

STOP: ERR < LIM


CHG?
>NNNNN<

3.

Press the CHANGE key to alternately choose either DISABLED or


SELECTED.

4.

If this feature is selected, then press the


prompt appears:

0 key and the following

ERR. LIMIT
CHANGE?

5.

To set the error limit value, press the CHANGE key.

6.

Key in the error limit value.

7.

Press the ENTER key.

3-20 Autograv CG3 Manual

XXXX

AUTOGRAV SETUP

4. CAL. AFTER
You can set the internal calibration frequency with this value. Please refer
to page 42 for more information about the CAL. AFTER feature.
To set this function do the following:

1.

Display the AUTOGRAV SETUP prompt and press the ENTER key.

2.

Scroll through the submenus by pressing the


following prompt appears:

5 or 0 key until the

CAL. AFTER
CHANGE?

3.

Press the CHANGE key.

4.

Key in the new calibration after value (seconds). (Refer to page 42 for
recommended value).

5.

Press the ENTER key.

5. CONT. TILT CORR.


You can select or disable this feature. (Please refer to page 43 for more
information).
To set the tilt correction do the following:

1.

Display the AUTOGRAV SETUP prompt and press the ENTER key.

2.

Scroll through the submenus by pressing the


following prompt appears:

5 or 0 key until the

CONT. TILT CORR.


CHG?
>NNNN<

Autograv CG3 Manual 3-21

Parameters

Instrument Parameters

3.

Press the CHANGE key to alternately choose either DISABLED or


SELECTED.

4.

Press the

5 or 0 key to scroll to the next submenu.

Note: If the Continuous Tilt Correction feature is selected in a previous reading, a small square appears on the top line of the display next to GRAV.

6. AUTO REJECTION
You can set the Autograv to automatically reject noisy samples (page 44)
as follows:

1.

Display the AUTOGRAV SETUP prompt and press the ENTER key.

2.

Scroll through the submenus by pressing the


following prompt appears:

5 or 0 key until the

AUTO REJECTION
CHG?
>NNNN<

3.

Press the CHANGE key to alternately choose either DISABLED or


SELECTED.

4.

Press the

5 or 0 key to scroll to the next submenu.

7. TIDE CORRECTION
You can set the tide correction feature using this function as follows:

1.

Display the AUTOGRAV SETUP prompt and press the ENTER key.

2.

Scroll through the submenus by pressing the


following prompt appears:

3-22 Autograv CG3 Manual

5 or 0 key until the

AUTOGRAV SETUP

TIDE CORRECTION
CHG?
>NNNN<

3.

Press the CHANGE key to alternately choose either DISABLED or


SELECTED.

4.

Press the

0 key to scroll to the next submenu.

If you select the tide correction feature the following three submenus
appear:

DEG. LAT
DEG. LONG
GMT DIFF

a) DEG. LAT
This submenu appears only if you select the tide correction feature.

1.

Display the AUTOGRAV SETUP prompt and press the ENTER


key.

2.

Scroll through the submenus by pressing the


until the following prompt appears:

DEG. LAT
CHANGE?

e
e

3.

Press the CHANGE key.

4.

Key in the value (N is positive, S is negative)

5.

Press the ENTER key.

5 or 0 key
XX.X

Autograv CG3 Manual 3-23

Parameters

To set the degrees latitude do the following:

Instrument Parameters
b) DEG. LONG
This submenu appears only if you select the tide correction feature.
To set the degrees latitude do the following:

1.

Display the AUTOGRAV SETUP prompt and press the ENTER


key.

2.

Scroll through the submenus by pressing the


until the following prompt appears:

DEG. LONG
CHANGE?

e
e
c)

3.

Press the CHANGE key.

4.

Key in the value (W is positive, E is negative)

5.

Press the ENTER key.

5 or 0 key
XX.X

GMT. DIFF
This submenu only appears if you select the tide correction feature.
To set the Greenwich mean time (GMT) difference do the following:

1.

Display the AUTOGRAV SETUP prompt and press the ENTER


key.

2.

Scroll through the submenus by pressing the


until the following prompt appears:

GMT. DIFF
CHANGE?

3.

Press the CHANGE key.

3-24 Autograv CG3 Manual

5 or 0 key
X

AUTOGRAV SETUP

4.

Key in the value. (GMT - clock time) in hours. This will be negative
east of Greenwich and positive west of Greenwich.

5.

Press the ENTER key.

8. AUTO-RECORD
You can set the instrument so that it automatically records the results of a
reading without displaying it on the screen.
To set the Auto-record feature do the following:

1.

Display the AUTOGRAV SETUP prompt and press the ENTER key.

2.

Scroll through the submenus by pressing the


following prompt appears:

5 or 0 key until the

AUTO-RECORD
CHG?
>NNNN<

3.

Press the CHANGE key to alternately choose either DISABLED or


SELECTED.

4.

Press the

5 or 0 key to scroll to the next submenu.

9. GREF.
The GREF value is the gravity offset added to the gravity reading.
To set the GREF value do the following:

1.

Display the AUTOGRAV SETUP prompt and press the ENTER key.

2.

Scroll through the submenus by pressing the


following prompt appears:

5 or 0key until the

Autograv CG3 Manual 3-25

Parameters

Instrument Parameters

GREF:
CHANGE?

3.

Press the CHANGE key.

4.

Key in the value.

5.

Press the ENTER key.

>

10. DRIFT CORRECTION


You can set the Drift correction value based on your calculations (see page
243)

a) Drift
To set the drift correction do the following:
1.

Scroll through the submenus by pressing the


until the following prompt appears:

5 or 0key

DRIFT CORRECT.
ENTER?

2.

Press the ENTER key.

3.

Scroll through the menu using the


following prompt appears:

5 or 0keys until the

DRIFT:
CHANGE?

3-26 Autograv CG3 Manual

>

XXX.

AUTOGRAV SETUP

e
e

4.

Press the CHANGE key.

5.

Key in the new drift value.

6.

Press the ENTER key.

b) Change start time


To change the drift correction start time to the current time do the
following:

1.

Display the AUTOGRAV SETUP prompt and press the ENTER


key.

2.

Scroll through the submenus by pressing the


until the following prompt appears:

5 or 0 key

DRIFT CORRECT.
ENTER?

3.

Press the ENTER key.

4.

Press the

5 or 0 key until the following prompt appears:


CHG. START TIME
ENTER?

5.

Press the ENTER key and the prompt shown at the top of the
display shows you the current start time.

6.

Press the CHANGE key.

The prompt at the top of the display changes to the current real-time
clock setting.

Autograv CG3 Manual 3-27

Parameters

Instrument Parameters
c)

Non-current start time


To change the start time to a setting that is not the current time, do the
following:
1.

Reset the real time clock to a time approximately one minute


before the desired start time.

2.

Scroll through the submenus by pressing the


until the following prompt appears:

5 or 0 key

DRIFT CORRECT.
ENTER?

3.

Press the ENTER key.

4.

Press the

5 or 0key until the following prompt appears:


CHG. START TIME
ENTER?

eee

5.

Repeatedly press the ENTER key until the prompt shown at the top
of the display reaches the desired start time.

6.

Reset the real time clock to the current time.

The Warning message INITIALIZE RTC. will appear after an attempt


to take a reading when the DRIFT START TIME happens to be ahead
of the real time clock (RTC) that has not been initialized yet.
To rectify the problem:
a. Initialize the RTC
b. Re-enter the DRIFT START TIME relative to the new RTC.

3-28 Autograv CG3 Manual

AUTOGRAV SETUP

11. INITIAL CONSTANTS


Each instrument has its own individual constants. The five constants for an
instrument are provided in the appendix section of the manual. Refer to the
Getting Started section for an example.
To set your Autograv to its initial constants do the following:

1.

Display the AUTOGRAV SETUP prompt and press the ENTER key.

2.

Scroll through the submenus by pressing the


following prompt appears:

5 or 0 key until the

INIT. CONST.:
CHANGE?

Press the CHANGE key.

4.

Set the initial constants to the values shown on the instrument


constants sheet. The constants TILTXS and TILTYS require
periodic checking (see page 612 and page 614). If the calibration
range is locally available, then the GCAL1 could be checked (see page
618). The constants GCAL2 and TEMPCO should not be changed.
Use the following example to enter in each constant.

GCAL.1:
CHANGE?

a. Press the CHANGE key.

c.

XXX

b. Key in the GCAL.1 initial constant value.

5.

Press the ENTER key.

d. Press the
key to go to the next initial constant.
Repeat step 4 until you have entered all five initial constant values.

Autograv CG3 Manual 3-29

Parameters

3.

Instrument Parameters

6
OUTPUT
6.

Press the AUX key to return to the previous submenu.

The measured data is stored in the internal memory and dumped in ascending order according to the:
grid
line
station
time values (in this order of priority).
There is no way to change this order, i.e. the measurement recorded at a station with the lower station number will be dumped before the measurement
at the higher station number, regardless of the time it was taken.
There are seven submenus in the OUTPUT mode.

1.

To enter into the OUTPUT mode, press the ENTER key and a submenu
appears:

Example:

OUTPUT
ENTER?

Press:

eE

NTER

key

AUTOGRAV
START DUMP?

2.

To enter into the second level of submenus, follow the prompt that is
shown on the bottom line of the display.

3.

To return to the previous level of menu, press the AUX key.

3-30 Autograv CG3 Manual

OUTPUT

Notes:

To dump data which is recorded in the FIELD Mode, the instrument


must be in the FIELD Mode - similarly for the CYCLING Mode.
For information about interfacing the Autograv, please refer to
Appendix C.

OUTPUT SUBMENUS
The steps involved to enter a submenu is shown from the OUTPUT mode. If
you are already in the submenu level follow the steps from step 2.

1. AUTOGRAV START DUMP


This feature starts the dumping of data that is in memory.
To start the dumping of data do the following:

1.

Display the OUTPUT prompt and press the ENTER key.

2.

Scroll through the submenus by pressing the


following prompt appears:

5 or 0 key until the

3.

Press the START key.


a. The display shows the prompt PRINTING
b. When printing is complete, the prompt FINISHED appears.

q
w

c.

To pause the printing, press the STOP key.

d. To resume printing, press the START key.


e. To stop completely, press the OFF key.

Autograv CG3 Manual 3-31

Parameters

AUTOGRAV
START DUMP?

Instrument Parameters

2. DUMP ALL DATA


For the Autograv, DUMP ALL DATA option performs the same function
as the previous AUTOGRAV START DUMP.

3. PLOT
This submenu enables you to set the characteristics of the plot by setting six
of the seven second level submenu parameters. The plotting is simulated by
a character position on the print line giving you a simplistic graphic presentation. One line is used per data record.
Two different sets of data can be traced at one time.
The PLOT submenu has a further second level submenu for setting the
following parameters:

TRACE1
BIAS1
SCALE1
TRACE2
BIAS2
SCALE2
START PLOT

To set the plot characteristics, do the following:

1.

Display the OUTPUT prompt and press the ENTER key.

2.

Scroll through the submenus by pressing the


following prompt appears:

0 or 5 key until the

PLOT
ENTER?

a) TRACE1

3.

Press the ENTER key and the following prompt appears:

3-32 Autograv CG3 Manual

OUTPUT

TRACE1:
>
SELECT/ENTER

NNNN

You must select one of the following parameters as your first trace:
INFO A

GRAV

INFO B

TILT X

INFO C

TILT Y

INFO D

TEMP

INFO E

SD.G

INFO F

# REJ

INFO G

CAL AFTER

INFO H
a. Press the ENTER key.

c.

b. Press the

5 0

or
key until the desired characteristic
appears on the display.
Press the ENTER key again.

b) BIAS1
4.

Now press the

0 key and the following prompt appears:


BIAS1:
CHANGE?

XXXX

The BIAS value is a parameter which establishes a predetermined


threshold for the plotting of data. It is useful in that the lower limits of a
plot can be eliminated, thus enhancing areas of a plot that are of
interest.
Autograv CG3 Manual 3-33

Parameters

Instrument Parameters
To enter a BIAS value:

a. Press the CHANGE key.

c.

b. Key in the BIAS1 value.

Press the ENTER key.

c)

SCALE1

5.

Press the

0 key and the following prompt appears:


SCALE1>XXXX< E X
CHANGE?

6.

If you press the CHANGE key, then the following prompt appears:

SCALE1> XXXX < E X


SELECT/ENTER

There are two sets of parameters (a multiplier and an exponential,


i.e. XXXX EX) that can change in this prompt:
Multiplier

Exponential Value

XXXX

<E X

There are six multiplier


settings:
+/-1
1
+/-2
2
+/-5
5

3-34 Autograv CG3 Manual

There are six exponential


selections:
0
1
2
3
4
5

OUTPUT

a. Select the multiplier or exponential value by pressing the

0 or 5 key until the desired value appears.

b. Press the ENTER key.

Parameters
Autograv CG3 Manual 3-35

Instrument Parameters
d) TRACE2
7.

Press the

0 key and the following prompt appears:


TRACE2:
CHANGE?

8.

You set the second trace characteristics as outlined in TRACE1 on


page 3-32.

e) BIAS2
9.

NNNN

Press the

0 key and the following prompt appears:


BIAS2:
CHANGE?

XXXX

10. You set the second Bias value as outlined in BIAS1 on page 3-33.

f)

SCALE2

11. Press the

0 key and the following prompt appears:


SCALE2: XXXX < E X
CHANGE?

12. You set the second scale as outlined in SCALE1 on page 3-34 in step 6.

3-36 Autograv CG3 Manual

OUTPUT
g) START PLOT
13. Press the

0 key and the following prompt appears:


AUTOGRAV
START PLOT?

14. Press the START key.


a. The display shows the prompt PRINTING
b. When printing is complete, the prompt FINISHED appears.

q
w

c.

To pause the printing, press the STOP key.

d. To resume printing, press the START key.


e. To stop completely, press the OFF key.

4. REMOTE

5. BAUD RATE
You must set the baud rate that the instrument sends data. The fastest operating baud rate for the Autograv is 2400 baud. There are five different baud
rates in the menu:

2400
1200
600
300
110

To set the baud rate do the following:

1.

Display the OUTPUT prompt and press the ENTER key.

2.

Scroll through the submenus by pressing the


following prompt appears:

5 or 0key until the

Autograv CG3 Manual 3-37

Parameters

This function is for SCINTREX engineering use only. Please ignore it.

Instrument Parameters

BAUD RATE:
CHANGE?

XXX

3.

Press the CHANGE key.

4.

Select the baud rate by pressing the


value appears.

5.

Press the ENTER key.

6.

If the 2400 baud rate is selected and the printing does not start, then you
must press and hold the
ON key to clear the apparent hang-up.

5 or 0key until the desired

6. DATA BITS
A choice of 7 or 8 data bits is available.
To set the data bits do the following:

1.

Display the OUTPUT prompt and press the ENTER key.

2.

Scroll through the submenus by pressing the


following prompt appears:

5 or 0key until the

DATA BITS:
CHANGE?

3.

Press the CHANGE key.

4.

Press the

5.

Press the ENTER key.

3-38 Autograv CG3 Manual

5 or 0key until the desired value appears.

OUTPUT

7. CR DELAY
You can set the carriage return (CR) delay according to the printer speed.
It is a value between 0 and 999.
Notes:

A loss of data may require a higher setting


The printer supplied by Scintrex requires a CR delay of 0.

To set the carriage return delay do the following:

1.

Display the OUTPUT prompt and press the ENTER key.

2.

Scroll through the submenus by pressing the


until the following prompt appears:

CR DELAY:
CHANGE?

3.

Press the CHANGE key.

4.

Key in the carriage delay value

5.

Press the ENTER key.

Parameters

5 or 0 key

Autograv CG3 Manual 3-39

Instrument Parameters

EDIT
You can do the following three types of changes to the data in memory via
the EDIT mode:

Erase a measurement
Change a station, line or grid number, or ancillary information
Repeat a measurement for a particular station or line

Note: CYCLING mode measurements cannot be edited.

Warning: Once you enter the EDIT mode, filed data can be permanently
changed or accidently lost. Scintrex Limited does not
recommend that you use the EDIT mode. It is preferable to edit
the data that has been dumped to the computer. For more
information contact Scintrex Limited.

3-40 Autograv CG3 Manual

LOCK AUX.

LOCK AUX.
The LOCK AUX mode enables you to lock the AUXILIARY mode in order to
prevent unintentional change of system parameters during surveys.
When the battery is connected or if the CG-3 is reset, the LOCK AUX function
is automatically disabled. All of the system menu options will appear in the
display.

LOCKING THE AUXILIARY MODE


1.

Scroll through the main menu by pressing the


until the following prompt appears:

5 or 0 key

LOCK AUX.
CHG? >DISABLED<

2.

Press the CHANGE key to choose SELECTED

3.

Press the AUX. key twice. All of the AUXILIARY menu options
disappear from the display except Station Separation (STN
SEP).

4.

If you use the scroll keys


appears:

50, the following message


TO UNLOCK AUX.
RESET INSTRUMENT

UNLOCKING AUXILIARY MODE


To unlock the AUXILIARY mode you must reset the instrument.

Autograv CG3 Manual 3-41

Parameters

e
66

Instrument Parameters
To reset the instrument, press and hold the
while turning on the Autograv.

3-42 Autograv CG3 Manual

w (O /O
N

FF) key for 5 seconds,

Autograv CG3
Section

FIELD OPERATION
Several features of the Autograv, such as the integrated housing with the
built-in shock mounts and the absence of an internal clamping system,
make it easy to safely transport the instrument and to obtain accurate
readings.
The following pages describe typical field operating procedures for the
Autograv.

PARAMETER SETUP AND


KEYPAD OPERATION
The Getting Started section describes the basic procedure for taking a
reading. The following briefly describes the steps that are involved:
1. Initialize the software with the instrument in the FIELD mode.

3. Push the START key once to get into the ADJUST mode.

5. Push the START key again to start the reading.

4. Level the instrument via the tripod footscrews.

6. Wait until the measurement stops automatically, or press the STOP

key to terminate it.

7. Push the RECORD key to store the data.

Autograv CG3 Manual 4-1

Field Operation

2. Place the Autograv on the tripod.

Field Operation
The Firmware section and Appendix A: Theory of Operation give full descriptions of the Autograv software function. This section describes how to select
setup parameters and software settings for field operation.

READING TIME TERMINATING A READING


A reading can be terminated automatically or manually. How the Autograv
automatically terminates a reading depends on the setup of the following
options in the AUTOGRAV SETUP.
If you disable the STOP: ERR.< LIM feature, the Autograv terminates
the reading when the reading duration (DUR) reaches the preset READ
TIME.
If you select the STOP: ERR =.<LIM feature, the Autograv terminates
the reading at either ERR < error limit1 or DUR = READ TIME whichever
occurs first. The value of ERR.< LIM is set by the operator.
In either case, you can manually terminate a reading at any time by pressing
the STOP key.
The recommended software setting for most applications is not to select the
STOP: ERR.<LIM feature. For more information on this subject, please
refer to page A-12. Instead, select a fixed reading time. The read time
DUR=60 sec will be suitable for most applications. If extra precision is required (microgravity), then the read time could be extended to DUR=120
sec. Alternatively, you could take two DUR=60 sec readings and average
these during post-processing. In this manner, the repeatability of the readings could be evaluated and possible recovery effects could be revealed.

CAL. AFTER
As described in Appendix A: Theory of Operation, the CAL.AFTER parameter adjusts the ratio of internal calibration samples to gravity samples. Reducing the ratio (reducing the frequency of internal calibration) increases
the efficiency of the reading process as more gravity samples are being accumulated in a given time. However, the internal electronic noise increases
as the number of ADC calibrations is reduced.
1

NOTE:

4-2 Autograv CG3 Manual

The minimum reading time for readings terminated on the ERR. LIMIT criterion is 15 seconds.

Parameter Setup and Keypad Operation


For most applications, a CAL.AFTER setting of 12 is recommended.

LEVELLING REQUIREMENTS AND


CONTINUOUS TILT CORRECTION
The Autograv compensates for levelling error by two different methods depending on whether you select or disable the continuous tilt correction feature (CONT. TILT CORR.).
Continuous Correction disabledIf you disable the CONT. TILT
CORR. feature, a correction is made based on the last one second samples
of tilts X and Y before the reading is terminated. This gives the tilt sensors the
maximum time to stabilize before their outputs are used for a correction (refer to Appendix A: Theory of Operation). This setting should be used when
the tripod is on a relatively hard surface and the instrument does not move
during the reading. If the instrument is initially levelled to within 10 arcsec
about both axes, then rapid readings can be made without stabilization drift
in the tilt sensors reducing reading accuracy.

Note: If the continuous tilt correction feature is selected in a previous


reading, then a small square appears on the display in the
previous data area.

Autograv CG3 Manual 4-3

Field Operation

Continuous Correction selectedIf you select the CONT. TILT


CORR. feature, a tilt correction is applied to each one second sample
based on the tilt sensor outputs at the time the sample is made. This setting
should be used when the tripod is on a soft surface and it is possible that the
instrument could move during a reading. The tilt sensors must be allowed to
stabilize for approximately 15 seconds after you level the instrument and before you take a reading. This ensures that accurate corrections are made if
the instrument moves. It is also recommended to try to initially level the instrument within 10 arcsec, reducing the size of the corrections which have
to be made. This makes it less likely that the instrument tilts beyond the 200
arcsec range of the tilt correction.

Field Operation

RECORDING DATA
The way data is recorded depends on whether you select or disable the AUTO-RECORD option in the AUTOGRAV SETUP.

If you disable the AUTO-RECORD feature, you must press the RECORD
key when a reading is terminated.

If you select the AUTO-RECORD feature, the instrument


automatically records the data when the reading is terminated.

If you select the AUTO STN INC option in the INITIALISE menu, the
station number is automatically changed by an amount equal to the
STN SEP entry in the AUXILIARY mode menu.

If you disable the AUTO STN INC option, you can change the
station number by a keyboard entry or by using the SCROLL keys to
change the station setting by an amount equal to the STN SEP entry.

AUTO REJECTION
This feature eliminates noise spikes from a reading and should be selected
during field surveys. Samples which are more than 4 standard deviations
away from the average are rejected. No rejections are made from the first five
samples which are used to build up an average and standard deviation.
While the measurement progresses, the standard deviation is continuously
recalculated and the most recent value is used to set the rejection thresholds of 4 standard deviations around the summing gravity average. The
standard deviation (SD) of the 1 second gravity signal sample is displayed
during calibration measurements, i.e. every 12 seconds, if CAL AFTER is
set to 12.
Therefore, if you can identify sources of noise spikes, start the reading in a
quiet time so that a realistic average and standard deviation can be built up
to serve as a basis for rejections. For example, if you want to take a reading
beside a road, wait until there are no cars going past before you start the
reading.

4-4 Autograv CG3 Manual

Recording Data
The auto-rejection feature is also quite useful in the situation where the instrument is cycling and connected through the battery charger to the AC
power line. The voltage supplied could be noisy and cause the occasional
spikes in readings.

NOTEBOOK FEATURE
With each measurement that you take, you can enter in up to eight sections
of coded information (Info A Info H). Within each section, up to 5
digits may be entered. To enter in information, do the following:
1. Before a measurement has been recorded, press the INFO key and scroll

until Info A appears on the display.


Note: Info A is usually used for instrument height.
2. Press the CHANGE/ENTER key and enter in up to 5 digits.
3. Press the CHANGE/ENTER key to complete the entry.
4. To add more information, scroll to Info B etc. and repeat steps 2 to
4. The last section is INFO H.
5. When you have completed all of the necessary information for the
specific measurement, press the RECORD key to enter the measurement

and the notebook information into memory.


Note: Adding information using the INFO key does not have to be in
any sequential order.

Field Operation
Autograv CG3 Manual 4-5

Field Operation

TRANSPORTING

AND

HANDLING

The Autograv case is waterproof and the instrument has been designed to
be transported between stations without the dust cover. The dust cover only
needs to be installed when the instrument is being shipped or when there
is a danger of the front panel or control console being damaged.
To get the best results from your Autograv and to ensure a long working life,
treat your instrument carefully:

Avoid shocks and jolts caused by hitting the instrument against rocks
and trees etc., when taking the instrument out of vehicles and placing
it on the tripod.

When transporting the instrument in a vehicle, place it on a compliant


surface, either a padded seat or a pad made from some other shock
absorbing material and fasten it down with a flexible binding material
(e.g. seat belt or rubber-based cord).

OPERATION HINTS
The following are some hints for better instrument results:

Whenever the Autograv is not actively being transported between


stations by hand, vehicle or aircraft, even for 15 minutes or less, place it
on its tripod and level it, within the range of the tilt meters, until you are
ready to make a measurement. This is especially important if
microgravity measurements are being made. Similarly, the Autograv
should be levelled on its tripod overnight and whenever it is not on
survey (See Appendix B: Elastic Hysteresis Effects). If the Autograv has
been left off-level at rest for some hours or more, it should be set up
onto the tripod and left levelled for several hours (e.g. overnight) to
stabilize before starting a measurement.

When it is necessary to replace the battery during the course of a long


day, then take a reading with the original battery, replace the original
battery, wait 5 to 10 minutes and then repeat the previous reading to
determine if there has been a level shift, however minute.

4-6 Autograv CG3 Manual

Operation Hints

Ensure that the drift correction and adjustment as described in


Sections 2 (page 2-41) and 6 (page 6-2), the tilt correction adjustments
(Section 6, page 6-4) and the temperature compensation adjustments
(Sections 2, page 2-35 and 6, page 6-1), have been recently updated.

Follow the same setup and reading routine at each station. For
example, if you are transporting the Autograv by vehicle, take each
station reading at approximately the same time interval after the
vehicle has stopped.

Where it is possible, select station locations which are on solid ground,


away from trees, bridges, poles or other potential sources of vibration.

TRANSPORTATION
The CG-3 is an extremely sensitive and precise scientific instrument. It
is capable of measuring gravity changes which would result in 10-10
metres change in the proof mass vertical position. Note that the hydrogen atom has a diameter of the same size. However, it is inherently
robust and well capable of providing accurate relative gravity values
under relatively rough (but normal) field handling. In a controlled
shock test, one production meter was dropped from various heights to
a hard floor. The drops from 40mm, resulting in a 20g peak deceleration at the sensor location, resulted in level shifts of less than 0.01
mGal. The shock isolators and the stops limiting the proof mass movement, reduce the effect of shocks on the sensor. No CG-3/3M sensors
have been found to be broken since production started in the second
half of 1989. Nevertheless, it too has limits, so that careful handling during transportation generally yields better measurement results.

To obtain the highest accuracy after unavoidable rough transport,


allow the Autograv to settle for a few minutes after being levelled on its
tripod, before starting the reading. If rough handling has occurred,
there may be a slight, but noticeable drift, for only a few minutes
immediately after levelling.

Whereas the Autograv may be placed in any orientation (tilted or on its


side) without damage, it is preferable to keep it upright in storage or
during shipment. When at rest it should be kept levelled (see above)
for best results. If for some unavoidable reason, these precautions have
not been followed, then allow time for the CG-3 readings to stabilize at
Autograv CG3 Manual 4-7

Field Operation

Field Operation
the first station. By observing the sequential readings (e.g. 60 or 120
seconds averaging) you can tell if the unit is stable by judging their
convergence.

MOTION NOISE
Motion of the base of support of the meter may induce noise and consequent reading errors. Such motion may be caused by:
Poor ground conditionsSoft ground, tree root movement and settling
of the tripod. These are improved by the Tilt Correction (continuous or not)
which is described on page 4-3.
Microseismic noise This is due to motion of the continental crust as
an effective wave guide for seismic surface waves of (usually) a 5 to 7 second period. These effects may be caused by long-period ocean waves striking coast lines. They are most severe in islands in the seas (e.g. Ireland), but
may at times be troublesome even in the centre of large continents.
The effect of microseismic noise may best be reduced by measuring for larger periods and thus achieving the required statistical accuracy of the measurement.
Earthquake shock wavesThe shock waves from an earthquake may
affect measurements so much that they cannot be carried on while these
shock waves last.
Industrial traffic noise Vibration due to industrial activity and/or
the nearby movement of heavy vehicles generally introduces higher frequency seismic noise (e.g. 4 to100Hz). Gravity stations which are near such
sources of noise should be avoided. Where they cannot be moved to a quieter location, measure longer, e.g. 120 sec instead of 60 sec.
The standard deviation of 1 second measurement samples is a a good indication of the seismic noise, especially longer period microseismic noise.
During quiet periods, SD is in the range of 0.010 to 0.030 mGal, whereas, during storms on open seas, it could increase to 0.150 mGal (measured in Toronto) or even higher near the sea coast. It could go to 0.5 mGal and higher
during remote but strong earthquakes. The shorter period industrial noise

4-8 Autograv CG3 Manual

Operation Hints
is reduced by signal averaging over 1 second so that the 1 second samples
are less responsive to this noise. Noise spikes are removed by auto rejection
of 1 second samples.

WIND
Wind striking a gravity meter can cause both vibration noise and reduction
in gravity by tilting the meter out of verticality. Tilting the meter so that it is
not vertical tends to reduce the apparent gravity value, despite the statistical
averaging of the gravity measurements and the automatic tilt correction.
A windbreak should be devised to protect the meter from the effect of wind.
A simple windbreak can be made from a sheet of canvas about 1.5m square,
fastened on each of two opposing sides to two aluminum tubes or wooden
rods (each, about 2m (6.5ft) long). The operator (or a helper) then holds
the rods outstretched and vertical on the upwind side of the gravity meter
to shield it from the wind. Alternatively, a large (golf) umbrella could also
be used.

BASE STATION SELECTION


By repeated gravity measurement at the base station, the residual drift could
be determined.
In any survey area, try to select base stations which:
are easily accessible to the other stations to be surveyed, e.g. perhaps
near the centre of the survey area

have low vibration noise, e.g. away from industrial, vehicular or natural
vibration sources (rivers, beaches, volcanoes etc.) and

have a hard, level surface where the precise tripod location may be
repeated, and the level of the gravity meter maintained.

Autograv CG3 Manual 4-9

Field Operation

Field Operation

COLD WEATHER OPERATION


In extremely cold weather (e.g. well below 0C) the battery life will be reduced because of:

increased battery drain required to maintain the temperature of the


sensor and to heat the display.

reduced capacity of the battery because the battery becomes cold.

An external battery belt and extender cable (optional) can reduce the effect of a cold battery as the external battery is kept warm by the heat of the
operator (see page 5-2).

Tip:

If desired, the external battery may be disconnected before


measurement only so that there will be no interconnecting cable during the measurement time.

USING THE CG-3 BEFORE WARM-UP


STABILIZATION IS COMPLETE
After the CG-3 has been powered down for more than 2 days, it is recommended that the unit go through a warm-up period of 48 hours (see also
page 2-35), followed by the drift correction procedure which takes another
12 hours (see also page 2-41). In some situations, it may not be possible to
wait this long before a survey is started.
After a 12-hour period, the instrument operates properly, except that the
long-term drift will not be stable. Good results can usually be obtained after
this 12-hour period, if you follow these steps:

4-10 Autograv CG3 Manual

Dumping Data
1. After the instrument has been powered up for 12 hours, check the Tem-

perature compensation and adjust if necessary (see page 2-35). Note


that the instrument does not have to be connected to the charger to
warm up. It can be warmed up by simply plugging in the battery. However, due to the high initial load, the battery will discharge more quickly
than normal.
2. Design the field survey such that there are frequent repeat readings at

base station(s) and correct for the drift in the data reduction. Do not
attempt to adjust the DRIFT constant in the CG-3 software yet. For the
first day of surveying, it is advisable to re-occupy base stations approximately once every two hours. On the second day, once every 4 hours
is probably sufficient.
3. At the end of the first and second days work, check the Temperature

Compensation and adjust if necessary.


4. At the end of the second days work, adjust the Drift Correction (see

page 2-41). After this, the instrument can be operated normally.

DUMPING DATA
Once the Autograv has been physically linked to a computer by means of
adapters and serial cables, it is necessary to make them communicate. The
interface software may be a commercially available communications
package, or may be custom software dedicated to the users hardware
configuration.

Scintrex provides for the Autograv users communication software called


IDUMP. This program is the property of Geosoft and is provided free of
charge. Please observe all Geosoft requirements in the use and distribution
of this software as stated in the copyright message. It supports serial port
COM1/COM2 and a baud rate of up to 2400 BPS (for Autograv). It is self-documented and easy to use. Should you have any questions or concerns,
please contact Scintrex Ltd.

Autograv CG3 Manual 4-11

Field Operation

Commercial communications packages tend to be quite comprehensive


and for the simple function of transferring data to a computer from the
Autograv are unnecessarily complicated.

Field Operation

4-12 Autograv CG3 Manual

Autograv CG3
Section

BATTERY AND CHARGER


Attention:
The instrument must be powered at all
times (even during storage)!

LOSS

OF

POWER

The instrument must be powered at all times (even during storage) by either
the internal 12V battery or the battery charger. If a loss of power to the instrument occurs, then several things happen:

After a few seconds of power loss, the clock setting is erased and must
be reset to the current time after power is resumed.

The thermostat loses power and the instrument begins to cool down.
The consequences of the power loss depends upon the length of time
that the instrument is powered down.
Check the temperature output in the ADJUST mode to see when the
thermostat is stable. The stabilization time increases as the powereddown time increases.

Battery

Autograv CG3 Manual 5-1

Battery and Charger


.

Power Off Time

Stabilization Time Required


After Power Up

a few minutes

30 minutes (approx.)

12 hours

24 hours (approx.)

48 hours or more

48 hours (approx.)

If the instrument is powered down for more than 48 hours, the contents
of the memory, including the Autograv initialization constants could be
lost. If this occurs, you will have to go through the Initialization procedures outlined in the Getting Started section.

BATTERY
The standard internal rechargeable battery for the Autograv is the
Panasonic12V/7.2Ah (previously, the Sonnenschein 12V/6Ah battery was
used). When this battery is fully charged, it provides enough power to operate the instrument throughout a normal survey day. However, battery lifetime increases as the ambient temperature increases. At 25C, the newly
installed battery lasts for 15 to 16 hours but at -10C, the battery lasts for only
seven hours.

TEMPERATURE EFFECTS
A typical plot of CG-3 service hours against the ambient temperature for the
Panasonic battery is shown in Figure 12 on page 5-3. At low temperatures,
the service hours decrease rapidly for two reasons:

low temperatures reduce the inherent electrochemical capacity of the


battery.

the load on the battery increases as the temperature drops, in order to


maintain the CG-3 sensor at its constant operating temperature.

To circumvent the first effect and extend the battery life under cold weather
conditions, an external battery belt (optional) can be provided. This battery
belt is strapped to the operator's waist underneath the clothing and thereby
kept warm. An extender cable to the charger plug on the Autograv provides
5-2 Autograv CG3 Manual

Battery
power to the instrument. Once the external battery supply has been connected, the internal battery, if discharged, should be removed, as it should
not be kept in place for very long thereafter. When the internal battery has
been replaced, the external battery may be then disconnected without any
interruptions of the temperature stabilization of the sensor.

Figure 12

Typical CG-3 Service Hours vs. Temperature


(Panasonic LCR 6V 7.2P)

VOLTAGE
Low battery warningIf the battery voltage drops below 10.5 volts, the
Autograv emits an audible low battery level alarm. The battery has approximately 1 hour left of operating time after the alarm sounds. The battery
should then either be recharged by connecting the instrument to the charger or replaced with a charged battery.

Autograv CG3 Manual 5-3

Battery

Checking battery voltageYou can check the battery voltage at any


time by pressing the INFO key on the keypad and scrolling to BATT XXX.
You must divide the value shown on the display by a factor of 10 to obtain
the actual battery voltage. For example, a value of 117 indicates that the
voltage supply is close to 11.7 volts.

Battery and Charger


Note: The battery voltage display is not automatically updated. To
update, you must press the INFO key again.
If you press the INFO key quickly several times, you will notice a variation in
the displayed battery voltage. This is due to the thermostat heater switching
on and off. When the battery is fully charged, the maximum value that is displayed is 138 which is 13.8 volts. The minimum value that is displayed is
105 which is 10.5 volts.

LIFE EXPECTANCY
The life expectancy of the battery is approximately 200 cycles (each cycle
being a complete discharge and recharge). In standby operation, the life expectancy is 4 to 5 years. Two batteries are supplied with each Autograv.
If the CG-3 battery has been in use in the field for 150 to 200 days, then its
capacity to hold a charge may be significantly less than it was new. At this
point, it is more economical to replace the battery with a new one, rather
than suffer with the operational inconvenience of a reduced battery life and
frequent battery changes in the field. Figure 13 on page 5-4 illustrates the typical deterioration of the battery capacity with the number of discharge/
charge cycles.

Figure 13 Typical battery capacity vs. ChargeDischarge cycles


5-4 Autograv CG3 Manual

Charger

REPLACING
You should replace both of your batteries with new ones, approximately
once a year if your CG-3 has been in relatively steady use. You should replace
an individual battery even earlier, if you should find that its capacity has
been reduced, even after it has been fully charged.
When replacing a CG-3 battery, it is recommended that you do so only with
one of a type which has been tested and approved by Scintrex. To date, the
only recommended batteries are:

Panasonic LCR6V/7.2P, 12V/7.2Ah

Sonnenschein Dryfit A200 12V/6Ah (used in the CG-3S prior to 1994).


Please note that this battery is now being manufactured by Mallory/
Duracell, but still uses the same designation (Dryfit A-200 12V-Ah)

The reason why a general approval cannot be given for all 12V lead-acid batteries is that each brand may have different charging requirements, resulting
in incompatibility with the CG-3 charger.

Hints:

1.

Do not operate charger at temperatures below -25C.

2.

Do not store discharged batteries in cold temperatures.

3.

Replace a battery after about 200 days of field use, as it will no longer
provide a proper lifetime in the field.

CHARGER
The charger serves three functions:
a.
b.
c.

Powering up the Autograv via an AC outlet


Charging the internal rechargeable 12V battery
Charging spare batteries via the two external output connectors

Autograv CG3 Manual 5-5

Battery

When the charger is connected to the Autograv it provides current to charge


the internal battery and to maintain its charge. It also enables the internal
battery to be removed without affecting the performance of the instrument.

Battery and Charger


Batteries are charged by applying a constant voltage. The charging current
is self limiting. The required charging voltage varies with temperature. To accommodate this the Autograv charger has a temperature sensor in the end
of the output cable which is used to automatically adjust the charging voltage to the correct value.
When the Autograv is connected to the charger, the battery in the instrument (if connected inside the battery compartment) is automatically
charged. Up to two spare batteries can be recharged by plugging them into
the sockets on the side of the charger.

CHARGING TIME
Charging time for batteries is approximately eight hours. For best charge acceptance by the batteries, the ambient temperature should be in the 20 to
30C range, wherever possible.

CHARGER LINE VOLTAGE


The charger can be used with either of these line voltages:

115V
230V

When you are selecting a line voltage you must set the charger voltage
switch to the correct line voltage.

Selecting an alternate voltage


1.

Ensure that the charger is unplugged from the AC outlet.

2.

Using a small flathead screwdriver, flip the recessed voltage switch that
is on the front of the charger to the appropriate setting.

5-6 Autograv CG3 Manual

Charger
3.

Change the charger fuse to the appropriate rating as shown below.


Voltage

Fuse

115V

0.75A

230V

0.375A

When you plug the charger into an AC outlet, the green light turns on to indicate that the charger is working.

Notes:

To operate the Autograv with the 230V setting, you need the optional
230V adaptor plug.

If you use the 0.75A fuse with the 230V setting, then the battery and the
charger will not be protected against potentially dangerous fluctuations in the line voltage, or the electronic component failure.

If you use the 0.375A fuse with the 115V setting, then you will blow the
fuse when you plug the charger into an AC outlet.

The battery charger gets hot when in use. This is normal and the
charger has an automatic thermal limiting circuit to reduce power dissipation before overheating occurs. To reduce heating, ensure that the
charger is uncovered in an open place and that air flow over the case
and fins is not restricted.

If the Autograv is plugged into the charger for an extended period of


time, then remove the battery compartment door.

If the instrument has a discharged battery in it when the charger is connected, then wait for 1 to 2 hours before plugging in another discharged battery into a side socket.

If the ambient temperature is below -25C, then do not charge a battery


using the charger.

Autograv CG3 Manual 5-7

Battery

Warning: Do not connect the Autograv to any external 12V DC-supply


other than a spare Autograv battery or the authorized charger
supplied by Scintrex. For example, do not power the Autograv
from the electrical system of a vehicle, the voltage from such
sources may readily exceed the permissible input voltage to
the Autograv and cause serious damage to its electronic
system, thus voiding the warranty.

Battery and Charger

BATTERY COMPARTMENT FUSE


There is a 3A fuse located inside of the battery compartment. This fuse protects the instrument from dangerous voltages.
Note: If this fuse is blown, then the Autograv will not operate.

Figure 14 Inside of Battery Compartment

HOW

TO

CHANGE

BATTERY

1.

Open the battery compartment door by pressing down on the two


latches and lifting the cover away from the instrument (see Figure 15 on
page 5-9).

2.

Without unplugging the discharged battery, remove the battery from the
battery compartment by pushing on the left side of the battery and then
pulling the black tab towards you so the battery can slide out (see
Figure 15 on page 5-9).

5-8 Autograv CG3 Manual

How to Change a Battery


3.

Insert the connector of the new battery into the spare socket on the left
hand side of the battery compartment wall (see Figure 15).

4.

Unplug the discharged battery.

5.

Before you reinstall the new battery, place your hand inside and flatten
the black tab against the bottom, side and top of the compartment. If
the black tab is not pressed against the walls of the compartment, then
the battery will not fit and the foam padding will be damaged.

6.

Reinstall the battery compartment cover.

Figure 15 Battery installation

Battery
Autograv CG3 Manual 5-9

Battery and Charger

5-10 Autograv CG3 Manual

Autograv CG3
Section

There are several instrument parameters that you need to periodically


check and adjust, if required. You can adjust some of these parameters
by using the keypad while other parameters must be physically adjusted
via the sensor front panel. As the instrument gets older you will not have
to check these parameters as often.
The parameters that require periodic checks and adjustments are:

Temperature compensation
Drift correction
Tilt correction
Calibration constant

TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION
Important: The temperature compensation must be checked and
adjusted (if required) before the drift correction.
The reason for apparent long term drift of the monitored chamber temperature is the slow aging of thermistors. The thermistors are used for the
sensor chamber thermal stabilization and the chamber temperature
monitoring and compensation. The measurement range of the temperature monitoring circuits is 3 mK. It is advisable to readjust the reading
offsets well before the ends of the range are reached.
Check the temperature compensation if the instrument has been turned
off for more than two hours and also periodically during field operations.

Autograv CG3 Manual 6-1

Maintenance

MAINTENANCE

Maintenance
With the instrument at room temperature, the temperature reading must be
within the range of: -1.0 mK < TEMP < +1.0 mK
Please refer to the Getting Started section on how to check and adjust the
temperature compensation (starting on page 2-35). Also, note that the
adjustment does not change the sensor chamber temperature, but only the
temperature reading offset circuits. Consequently, the gravity readings will
differ by the value TEMP x TEMPCO, where TEMP is the temperature
reading change and the TEMPCO is the software correction constant (see
page A-15). The previous level would be re-established by using the GREF
function, see page 3-25.

DRIFT CORRECTION
1.

During the first month of operation for a new instrument, check the drift
correction once a week.

2.

After this four week period, check the drift correction once every
month or longer depending on the individual characteristics of the
instrument.
Important: If an instrument has been turned off for several weeks or
more (which should never be done without a valid reason), then the setup procedure outlined in Section 2
must be followed as if the instrument was new.

3.

In any event, the drift correction must be checked at intervals of no


more than three months apart and the drift value and start time
updated accordingly (see page 3-26 to page 3-29).

OBTAINING ACCURATE DRIFT CORRECTION RESULTS

Reset the drift correction start time (refer to page 2-41) at the same
time as the new drift constant is entered. The drift correction start time
must be reset before the difference between it and the current time
exceeds 4 months. (Refer to equation 9.8 on page A-13 in Appendix A)

The drift correction should not be adjusted on the basis of repeat measurements at base stations during a field survey, but rather with drift
measurements obtained from a stationary instrument. The drift correc-

6-2 Autograv CG3 Manual

Drift Correction

Ensure that the tide correction is selected and properly adjusted while
measuring the drift correction.

To obtain the most accurate estimate of instrument drift, connect a


chart recorder to the instrument during the measurement period. This
enables you to visually filter out any noise from the chart data. The
drift is then calculated from the slope of a straight line drawn through
the noise free data. The most convenient chart speed for this measurement is 0.5 or 1cm/hr, with a sensitivity of 1mGal full scale.

Using a Chart Recorder


When the instrument is in CYCLING mode, you can obtain an
analog output of the reading by connecting the optional chart
recorder cable (P/N 780-542) to the instrument front panel. The
analog signal is always in the range of 0-1V with the scale being
selected in the software through the CHART SELECT submenu
of the AUTOGRAV SETUP. The preset ranges available to you
are: 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 mGal full scale.
Hint:

The most useful chart scale selection for drift measurement is


1mGal full scale.

Before connecting the chart recorder cable to the recorder, check


that it is switched to 1V full scale deflection and that it is correctly
calibrated and zeroed. Chart speed depends on the cycle time
and the application.

Autograv CG3 Manual 6-3

Maintenance

tion feature corrects for relatively constant long term instrument drift
due to stress relaxation in the elastic system. There may be a small
amount of additional drift induced by transportation and handling.
The drift correction is not intended to eliminate drift due to transportation as it is generally not constant and depends on the conditions of
transportation. This residual drift can be determined by repeated measurements at selected base stations.

Maintenance

TILT CORRECTION ADJUSTMENT


The perfect tilt adjustment condition is the coincidence of instrument zero
tilts as defined by the digital readout of the level bubbles and tilts referred
to the horizontal as defined by the maximum sensor output.
To achieve these conditions, you can adjust the tilt sensor zero position and
the tilt sensor sensitivity. The sensor zero setting is a hardware adjustment
while the tilt sensor sensitivity is adjusted via the keypad.
The tilt sensors are adjusted before the instrument leaves Scintrex Ltd., and
since the tilt sensors are very stable under normal operating conditions they
only need to be checked approximately every two months.

TILT SENSOR ZERO ADJUSTMENTS


The zero errors XE and YE are measured and adjusted one axis at a time
starting with the X-axis.
These should be checked approximately once every two months.

Measuring XE
1.

Initialize the system by setting the following parameters.


Parameter

Setting

MODE

FIELD

READ TIME

120

TILT CORRECTION

SELECTED

TIDE CORRECTION

SELECTED

AUTO REJECTION

SELECTED

STOP: ERR. < LIM

DISABLED

6-4 Autograv CG3 Manual

Tilt Correction Adjustment


Place the Autograv on the tripod in a quiet location with a solid floor
(concrete is preferable). A wooden floor or carpet is not suitable.

3.

Press the START key. The TILTS value appears on the display.

4.

Adjust the tripod until X = 150 10 and Y = 0 5.

5.

Wait for 5 minutes and then note the exact value (X1) as shown on the
display.

6.

Take a reading and record the reading as R1.

7.

Rotate the front footscrew counter-clockwise until X = -150 10 and


if necessary adjust the rear footscrews so that Y = 0 5.

8.

Wait for 5 minutes and then note the exact X value (X2) as shown on
the display.

9.

Take a reading and record the reading as R2.

10.

Calculate the zero error by using the following formula.


R2 R1
X E = --------------------- 43386
X1 X2

where X1, X2 and XE are in units of arc sec and R1, R2 are in mGal.
Example:

X1 = +156
X2 = 149

R1 = 4236.58
R2 = 4236.54
4236.54 4236.58
X E = ------------------------------------------------- 43386
156 ( 149 )
0.04 43386X E = ------------------------------------305

XE = 5.7 arc sec

Autograv CG3 Manual 6-5

Maintenance

2.

Maintenance

Fine Adjustment of XE
If XE 0, the Autograv must be adjusted so that the non-level readings are
correctly compensated.
1.

Leave the instrument in the X = X2, Y = 0 orientation.

2.

Remove the Autograv faceplate by unscrewing the four 4-40 oval


screws. Refer to the page 2-36.

3.

Press the START key to put the instrument in the ADJUST mode.

4.

Check the TILTS value and if necessary set Y = 0 2 and


X = X2 = -150 10.
You do not have to adjust X2 to the previous value.

5.

Adjust the X Tilt Sensor Fine Adjustment potentiometer (see Figure 16


on page 6-7) while you view the TILTS X-value on the liquid crystal
display until X2' = X2 + XE
Note: Potentiometer sensitivity is approximately 2.5 arcsec /turn and
adjusting the pot. counter-clockwise increases the reading.

Example:

X2' = 149 +(5.7)


X2' = 149 6
X2' = 155

Note: If the Fine Adjustment potentiometer runs out of range in


step 5, refer to the section on the Tilt Sensor Coarse Zero Adjustment starting on page 6-10.
6.

Repeat the measurement of XE and make another adjustment if


necessary.

6-6 Autograv CG3 Manual

Tilt Correction Adjustment

Maintenance

Figure 16 Autograv Faceplate Removed with R2, R3 and


Tilt Sensor Coarse Zero Adjustment Shown

Autograv CG3 Manual 6-7

Maintenance

Measuring YE
The following procedure is basically the same as that for measuring XE.
1.

Press the START key in order to display the TILTS value.

2.

Rotate the rear footscrews until Y = 15010 and if necessary, adjust


the front footscrews until X = 0 5.

3.

Wait for 5 minutes and then note the exact Y value (Y1) as shown on
the display.

4.

Take a reading, and record the reading as R1.

5.

Adjust the rear footscrews until Y = -150 10 and if necessary, adjust


the front footscrew until X = 0 5.

6.

Wait for 5 minutes and then note the exact Y value (Y2) as shown on
the display.

7.

Take a reading, and record the reading as R2.

8.

Calculate the zero error by using the following formula.


R2 R1
Y E = --------------------- 43386
X1 X2

where Y1, Y2 and YE are in units of arc sec and R1, R2 are in mGal.
Example:

Y1 = +156
Y2 = 149

R1 = 4236.58
R2 = 4236.54
4236.54 4236.58
Y E = ------------------------------------------------- 43386
156 ( 149 )
0.04 43386YE =
------------------------------------305

YE = 5.7 arc sec

6-8 Autograv CG3 Manual

Tilt Correction Adjustment

Fine Adjustment of YE
If YE 0, the Autograv must be adjusted so that the non-level readings are
correctly compensated.
Leave the instrument in the Y = Y2, X = 0 orientation.

2.

Remove the Autograv faceplate by unscrewing the four 4-40 oval


screws. Refer to page 2-36.

3.

Press the START key to put the instrument in the adjust mode.

4.

Check the TILTS value and if necessary set Y = Y2 = -150 10


and
X = 0 5.

You do not have to adjust Y2 to the previous value.


5.

Adjust the Y Tilt Sensor Fine Adjustment potentiometer (see Figure 16


on page 6-7) while you view the TILTS Y value on the liquid crystal
display until

Y2' = Y2 + YE

Note: Potentiometer sensitivity is approximately 2.5 arc sec/turn and


adjusting the pot. counter-clockwise increases the reading.
Example:

Y2' = 149 + (5.7)


Y2' = 149 6
Y2' = 155

Note: If the Fine Adjustment potentiometer runs out of range in


step 5, refer to the section on the Tilt Sensor Coarse Zero Adjustment starting on page 6-10.
6.

Repeat the measurement of YE and make another adjustment if


necessary.

Autograv CG3 Manual 6-9

Maintenance

1.

Maintenance

TILT SENSOR COARSE ZERO ADJUSTMENT


This adjustment is performed if the fine adjustment potentiometer runs out
of range during the Fine Zero Adjustment.

Coarse Adjustment of XE
1.

Remove the Coarse Zero Adjust cover.

2.

Underneath the cover is an O-ring seal. This ensures that no moisture


or dust can enter into the adjustment pot. Remove the O-ring seal and
place it in a dry clean place.

3.

Place the Autograv into the ADJUST mode.

4.

Level the Autograv until X = 0 2 and Y = 0 10.


Important: Do not readjust the leveling of the instrument during the
proceeding steps.

5.

Centre the Fine Zero Adjustment by rotating the potentiometer


clockwise for 25 turns followed by 10 turns counter-clockwise.

6.

Carefully rotate the X tilt sensor coarse zero adjustment until X = XE.
Note: Potentiometer sensitivity is 2000 arc seconds/turn and adjusting the pot. counter-clockwise increases the reading. Carefully
rotate the screw using very small increments while viewing the
liquid crystal display.

7.

Wait 10 minutes for the Autograv to stabilize and readjust if necessary.

8.

Repeat the Fine Adjustment procedure on page 6-6.

6-10 Autograv CG3 Manual

Tilt Correction Adjustment

Coarse Adjustment of YE
Remove the Coarse Zero Adjust cover.

2.

Underneath the cover is an O-ring seal. This ensures that no moisture


or dust can enter into the adjustment pot. Remove the O-ring seal and
place it in a dry clean place.

3.

Place the Autograv into the ADJUST mode.


Note: If the instrument turns off during the adjustment,
then press the ON key.

4.

Level the Autograv until Y = 0 2 and X = 0 10.


Important: Do not readjust the leveling of the instrument during the
proceeding steps.

5.

Centre the Fine Zero Adjustment by rotating the potentiometer


clockwise for 25 turns followed by 10 turns counter-clockwise.

6.

Carefully rotate the Y tilt sensor coarse zero adjustment until Y=YE.
Note: Potentiometer sensitivity is 2000 arc seconds/turn and adjusting the pot. counter-clockwise increases the reading. Carefully
rotate the screw using very small increments while viewing the
liquid crystal display.

7.

Wait 10 minutes for the Autograv to stabilize and readjust if necessary.

8.

Repeat the Fine Adjustment procedure on page 6-9.

Autograv CG3 Manual 6-11

Maintenance

1.

Maintenance

TILT SENSOR SENSITIVITY ADJUSTMENT (TILTXS, TILTYS)


This adjustment is performed after both the tilt sensor zero adjustments are
performed. In general, the tilt sensor sensitivity is more stable than the zero
point, so it only needs to be checked once every four months.

Measuring X-axis Sensitivity


1.

Initialize the firmware by setting the following parameters.


Parameter

Setting

MODE

FIELD

READ TIME

120

TILT CORRECTION

SELECTED

TIDE CORRECTION

SELECTED

AUTO REJECTION

SELECTED

STOP: ERR. < LIM

DISABLED

2.

Place the Autograv on the tripod in a quiet location with a solid floor
(concrete is preferable). A wooden floor or carpet is not suitable.

3.

Press the START key. The TILTS value appears on the display.

4.

Level the instrument until X = 0 10 and Y = 0 10.

5.

Take a reading and record it as R0.

6.

Adjust the tripod until X = 0 150 and Y = 0 5.

7.

Wait for 5 minutes and then note the exact value (X1) as shown on the
display.

8.

Take a reading and record the reading as R1.

6-12 Autograv CG3 Manual

Tilt Correction Adjustment

Adjusting X-axis Sensitivity


1.

Calculate the new value of the X-axis sensitivity.


TILTXS = K TILTXS

K =

R0 R1
4
1 + 8.7 10 -------------------X1 2

and X1 is in arcsec and R0 and R1 are in mGal.

Example:

2.

Replace TILTXS by TILTXS in the Autograv initial constants.

3.

Repeat the measurement of the X-axis sensitivity to check that the


adjustments are correct.

X1 = +155
TILTXS = 195.3

R0 = 4236.52
R1 = 4236.56

therefore,
TILTXS =

0.04
4
- 195.3
1 + 8.7 10 ------------- 155 2

TILTXS = 180.6

Autograv CG3 Manual 6-13

Maintenance

where

Maintenance

Measuring Y-axis Sensitivity


1.

Initialize the firmware by setting the following parameters.


Parameter

Setting

MODE

FIELD

READ TIME

120

TILT CORRECTION

SELECTED

TIDE CORRECTION

SELECTED

AUTO REJECTION

SELECTED

STOP: ERR. < LIM

DISABLED

2.

Place the Autograv on the tripod in a quiet location with a solid floor
(concrete is preferable). A wooden floor or carpet is not suitable.

3.

Press the START key. The TILTS value appears on the display.

4.

Level the instrument until Y= 0 10 and X= 0 10.

5.

Take a reading and record it as R0.

6.

Adjust the tripod until Y= 0 150 and X= 0 5.

7.

Wait for 5 minutes and then note the exact value (Y1) as shown on the
display.

8.

Take a reading and record the reading as R1.

6-14 Autograv CG3 Manual

Tilt Correction Adjustment

Adjusting Y-axis Sensitivity


1.

Calculate the new value of the Y-axis sensitivity.


TILTXYS = K TILTXYS

K =

R0 R1
4
1 + 8.7 10 -------------------Y1 2

and Y1 is in arcsec and R0 and R1 are in mGal.

Example:

2.

Replace TILTYS by TILTYS in the Autograv initial constants.

3.

Repeat the measurement of the Y-axis sensitivity to check that the


adjustments are correct.

Y1 = +155
TILTYS = 195.3

R0 = 4236.52
R1 = 4236.56

therefore,
TILTXYS =

0.04
4
- 195.3
1 + 8.7 10 ------------- 155 2

TILTYS = 180.6

Autograv CG3 Manual 6-15

Maintenance

where

Maintenance

TILT SENSOR CROSS-COUPLING


This adjustment reduces cross-coupling between the tilt sensors and reduces the effect that an adjustment about the X-axis has on the output of the Y
sensor. It enables you to level the Autograv more quickly by following the
steps in the Getting Started section. The cross-coupling should be very stable
and only needs to be measured and adjusted as required.

Measuring
1.

Place the Autograv on the tripod in a quiet location with a solid floor
(concrete is preferable). A wooden floor or carpet is not suitable.

2.

Rotate the tripod footscrews eight turns up from their bottom positions.

3.

Press the START key to set the Autograv into the ADJUST mode and level
the instrument until X = 0 10, Y = 0 1.

4.

Wait 5 minutes and observe the Y-tilt. Record the value as Y0.

5.

Rotate the front footscrews clockwise five turns. Observe the Y-tilt and
record the value as Y1.

6.

Rotate the front footscrews counter-clockwise five turns. Observe the


Y-tilt and record the value as Y2.

7.

The cross coupling specification is:


Y2 Y0 < 5
Y1 Y0 < 5

If this specification is not met, then proceed with the steps as outlined in the
following Adjustment section.

6-16 Autograv CG3 Manual

Tilt Correction Adjustment

Adjusting
Place the Autograv on the tripod in a quiet location with a solid floor
(concrete is preferable). A wooden floor or carpet is not suitable.

2.

On a piece of protective foam, lay the Autograv down on its front and
view the bottom of the instrument. See figure below:

Figure 17 Bottom of Autograv


3.

Loosen the four screws on the Vee groove plate (slot side) until the
plate can just slide freely.

4.

Raise the tripod feet eight (8) turns from their bottom positions.

Autograv CG3 Manual 6-17

Maintenance

1.

Maintenance
5.

Place the instrument onto the tripod.

6.

Press the START key to place the instrument into the ADJUST mode.

7.

Level the instrument until X = 10, Y = 1

8.

Wait 5 minutes and observe the Y-tilt. Record the value as Y0.

9.

Rotate the front footscrew clockwise five turns. Observe the Y-tilt output.

10. Hold the tripod in place as it must not move during this step. Rotate the
instrument on the tripod until Y = Y0 5 (if Y < 0, then rotate instru-

ment clockwise). The Vee groove block should slide relative to the case.
If possible, have a second person hold the tripod.
11. Tighten the four screws on the Vee groove plate.
12. Repeat steps 8 and 9. The difference in Y (i.e. Y0 Y) should be less

than 5 seconds. If it is not within this range, then repeat the adjustment
procedure.

RECALIBRATING

THE

GRAVIMETER

As explained on page A-10, the calibration factors GCAL1 and GCAL2 are
applied to the gravity signal, according to the Equation (A.4) on page A-10.
The calibration factor GCAL2, which accounts for a small quadratic nonlinearity, is evaluated in the Scintrex gravity laboratory. Since 1991, it has been
reduced to zero by an electronic adjustment. The GCAL2 need not be reevaluated.
The main calibration constant, GCALI, is determined on the Orangeville
Calibration Line, 70 km north of Toronto. This line, which includes two absolute stations, was established and is maintained by the Geological Survey
of Canada. The section used for the CG-3 calibration and testing consists of
5 stations spread over a distance of 70 km covering a gravity interval of 106
mGal (recently modified to 119 mGal). Instruments are transported by car,
strapped onto the back seat with no special transport case or fixtures.
Readings are taken at each station on the way up the line and repeated on
the way down. Readings of DUR=60 seconds are taken. Earth tide corrections are made automatically with the instruments built-in program.

6-18 Autograv CG3 Manual

Recalibrating the Gravimeter


A linear residual drift correction is applied, off line, on the basis of repeat
readings at station 1. The difference Sij, between drift corrected readings at
station 1 and station j is then calculated. The measurement error for a gravity
difference is defined as

where gij are the reference gravity differences and k is a constant (the scale
correction factor) which is varied until the standard deviation of the measurements errors is minimized. The new scale factor GCAL1 is then calculated from the old value GCAL1 used during the calibration test as
GCAL1 = k * GCAL1

The accuracy of the GCAL1 determination is about 0.01% (0.01 mGal measurement error in 106 mGal gravity test range).
The GCAL1 stability depends on the dimensional stability of the capacitive
displacement transducer, and the stability of the internal D.C. reference voltage. After the initial period of a few months, during which the GCAL1 may
change, due to the stress relaxation effects in the newly fused quartz sensor,
by up to 0.1%, the drift rate of the scale factor GCALl is commonly 1 to 2 ppm
(parts per million) per day. After a few years, users requiring greatest precision, in particular for regional surveys, may wish to recalibrate their
gravimeters. This could be done in a similar way as it was done initially at
Scintrex.
In order to derive the new GCALl at least two locally available stations with
the reliably determined gravity difference of at least 100 mGal are necessary.
Additional intermediate well determined gravity stations will serve to increase the precision of this determination. By looping back to the starting
station the residual drift should be determined, and used for correction of
readings at other stations. Beware that some older calibration ranges were
established by using LaCoste-Romberg gravimeters before the existence of
cyclic measurement screw errors was known and the corrections for it applied, and that therefore they may not be very accurate.

Autograv CG3 Manual 6-19

Maintenance

Eij = k * Sij gij

Maintenance

TRIPOD MAINTENANCE
The tripod footscrew adjustment threads are protected by a stainless steel
sleeve at the tripod base and a plastic wiper in the bottom of each footscrew.
The stainless steel sleeve should be periodically maintained by winding the
tripod footscrews to the top of their travel, and then cleaning and lightly oiling the sleeve.

STORING

THE

AUTOGRAV

There are several steps that you must follow in order to obtain the best results
from your instrument:

Level the Autograv

Always keep the Autograv connected to the powered up battery


charger when not in use.

Store the Autograv with the powered up battery charger in a dry, secure
place.

During storage, remove the battery compartment door to prevent a


buildup of gases which could vent from the battery.

6-20 Autograv CG3 Manual

Autograv CG3
Section

TROUBLESHOOTING

Problems

Possible Causes

Possible Remedies

Battery is depleted.

Plug in charger and charge battery.

Battery compartment fuse


is blown

Replace battery compartment fuse.


(See Figure 14 on page 5-8)

Charger is not connected.

Connect charger cable to the Autograv


connector.

Charger is not plugged in.

Plug charger into AC outlet.

Charger light does


not come on

Charger is not plugged in.

Plug into AC outlet.

Charger fuse is blown.

Install correct fuse. (See page 5-5)

Keypad does not


work

Display is stuck.

Autograv will not


power up

Sensor may be latched

Reading appears to
be out of range or
reading is close in
value to GCAL1 and
ERR/SD is low.

Reset the Autograv by pressing the ON/


OFF key for more than 5 seconds.

1.Gently tap the upper panel underneath the Autograv name with your
finger several times.
2.Take a new reading so that the
instrument does not average the
incorrect reading.
3.If the reading is still incorrect, repeat
the steps increasing the number of
taps until the sensor unlatches.
Autograv CG3 Manual 7-1

Troubleshooting

The following is a brief outline of problems, possible causes and possible remedies to aid you
in the event of system failures. Follow the natural progression of steps that is shown below for
troubleshooting the Autograv.

Troubleshooting

Problems

Possible Causes

Possible Remedies

Analog tilt meter


at one end of range
while digital tilt
readout close to
zero.

Meter needle may be


latched.

Gently tap the meter until the meterneedle unlatches.

Needs new battery.

Replace with new battery and charge


with the charger as outlined in the
Getting Started section.

Battery compartment fuse


is blown

Replace battery compartment fuse


3A fast acting (See Figure 14 on page
5-8)

Display changes
slowly

Ambient temperature is
too cold for the display to
operate properly

Keep console warm.


Purchase optional display heater.

Memory loss after


Autograv is turned
off

Miniature batteries on
memory board need
replacement

Send Autograv Control Console to


Scintrex Limited for repair.

Auxiliary Mode
locked

Instrument needs to be
reset

Press the ON/OFF key while the


Autograv is turned on, for more than
five seconds to reset the CG-3.

Battery does not


charge

Cannot dump data

7-2 Autograv CG3 Manual

1.Read Appendix C.
NORMAL/REVERSE
switch
2.Check RS232C cable.
adaptor not used
3.Check that the Autograv and
faulty RS232C cable
computer communications
wrong computer
parameters are the same.
settings or component
used

Autograv CG3
Section

REFERENCE INFORMATION
AUTOGRAV SPECIFICATIONS
CG-3: 0.005 milligal
CG-3M: 0.001 milligal

Minimum Operating
Range:

7000 milligals, without resetting.

Residual Long-term
Drift:

Less than 0.02 milligal/day.

Typical Repeatability
in field use:

CG-3: less than 0.01 mGal standard deviation.


CG-3M: less than 0.05 mGal standard deviation

Range of Automatic
Tilt correction:

200 arc sec.

Dimensions:

240mm x 310mm x 320mm.

Weight:

11 kg, including standard battery.

Power Consumption:

5 W at +25C.

Operating
Temperature Range:

-40C to +45C.
Optionally high temp. to +55C.

Interval Between
Readings in CYCLING
Mode:

Adjustable from 6 to 99999 seconds

Standard Memory:

48K RAM internal solid-state memory records


up to 1290 gravity observations. .

Autograv CG3 Manual 8-1

Reference

Reading Resolution:

Reference Information

Noise Rejection:

Samples of more than 4 standard deviations


from the average are rejected, if this feature is
selected upon initialization of the instrument.

Displayed and
Recorded Data:

Corrected Gravity, Standard Deviation, Tilt about


the X-axis, Tilt about the Y-axis, Gravity Sensor
Temperature, Tidal Correction, Duration of
Measurement, Time at start of measurement and
Header Information (including date and
initialization constants).

Digital Display:

80 character, 4 line LCD display.

Keypad Input:

14 keys for entering all commands, co-ordinates,


header and ancillary information

Real Time Clock:

Day, month, year, hour, minute and second.


One second resolution, one second stability
over 24 hours over the operating temperature
range.

Digital Data Output:

8-2 Autograv CG3 Manual

RS-232C serial interface.


Data outputs in 7 or 8 bit ASCII, one start, two
stop bits, no parity format.
Baud rate is selectable at 110, 300, 600, 1200 and
2400 baud.
Carriage return delay is keyboard selectable in
increments of one from 0 to 999.
X-ON/X-OFF handshaking protocol.

Standard Accessories

STANDARD ACCESSORIES
Tripod:

Gravity meter tripod with built-in bubble


level 1.0 kg,
0.5 m leg extensions 1.0 kg.

Battery:

Two 7.2 Ah; 2.2 kg.

Battery Charger:

115/230V AC; 50/60 Hz

Carrying Bag:
Communications:

RS-232 cable, adaptor and IDUMP software

RS-232C Cable and


Adaptor:

Includes a special RS-232C data transfer cable and adaptor. Used for communicating
with peripheral devices.

Display Heater:

Required for cold weather operation.


Powered by main batteries, thermostatically
controlled to turn off above -20C

Reference

Minor Spare Parts Kit:


Operations Manual:

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
Belt Battery Pack:

The operator wears the Belt Battery Pack inside


their coat during cold weather to keep rechargeable batteries warm. This extends the lifetime of
the batteries.

Chart Recorder
Cable:

This cable interfaces with any standard chart recorder

External Power
Cable:

Required for operation of the instrument from an


external 12V DC power supply or battery

Autograv CG3 Manual 8-3

Reference Information

Backpack:

For transporting the CG-3 over long distances or in


difficult terrain.

High Temperature
Option:

Fo operating up to +55C

Elevation Options:

Scintrex can provide a variety of devices for elevation and positional control.

Peripheral Devices:

Scintrex can recommend and supply suitable


digital printers, microcomputers, modems and
other peripherals.

APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Scintrex supplies fully documented software written for the IBM family of
microcomputers, and certain other microcomputers which use the
MS-DOS operating system.
This software permits:

data reduction
archiving of data
processing of data
profile and contour plotting
modelling

TRAINING
Scintrex can provide detailed training programs for the CG-3 including operation, basic maintenance and data processing.

8-4 Autograv CG3 Manual

Instrument Parts List

INSTRUMENT PARTS LIST


CG-3 GRAVITY METER AND STANDARD ACCESSORIES
Part Number
858 011
858 012
858 013
858 076
858 077
858 091
858 092
858 095
858 099
858 700
780 549
780 541
211 150

Description
Battery Pack Belt
Chart Recorder Cable
External Power Cable
Back Pack

Part Number
858 093
780 542
858 078
858 021

858 028
140 260
858 079
780 031

OPTIONS

Autograv CG3 Manual 8-5

Reference

Description
CG-3 Gravity Meter (includes:)
Case
Sensor
Tripod
Cover
Battery Charger
Console
Transport Case
Carrying Strap
Manuals
RS-232C Cable
RS-232C Cable Adaptor
RS-232C Female-Female
Gender Converter
Minor Spare Parts Kit
Carrying Bag
Battery
Display Heater Kit

Reference Information

SPARE PARTS KIT


Description
Fuse - Fast Acting - 3 Amp
Fuse - Slow Blow - 0.75 Amp
Fuse - Slow Blow - 0.375 Amp
Screw Driver - 5/32"
Screw Driver - 3/16"
Screw Driver - Jewellers Set
Allen Wrench - 7/64"

8-6 Autograv CG3 Manual

Quantity
2
2
2
1
1
1
1

Part
Number
512 020
512 039
512 041
540 062
540 063
540 064
540 065

Warranty and Repair

WARRANTY

AND

REPAIR

WARRANTY
All Scintrex equipment, with the exception of consumable items, is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year
from the date of shipment from our plant. Should any defects become evident under normal use during this warranty period, Scintrex will make the
necessary repairs free of charge.
This warranty does not cover damage due to misuse or accident and may
be voided if the instrument console is opened or tampered with by persons
not authorized by Scintrex Limited.
To validate the warranty, the warranty card supplied with the instrument
must be returned to Scintrex within 30 days of shipment from our plant.

Reference

REPAIR
When to Ship the Unit
Please do not ship your instrument for repair until you have communicated
the nature of the problem to our Customer Service Department by facsimile,
telephone or letter, etc. Our Customer Service Department may suggest certain simple tests or steps for you to do which may solve your problem without shipping the instrument back for repair. If the problem cannot be
resolved, our personnel will request that you send the instrument to our
plant for necessary repairs.

Autograv CG3 Manual 8-7

Reference Information

Description of Problem
When you describe the problem, include the following information:
the symptoms of the problem
how the problem started
if it is constantly present, intermittent or repeatable
if constant, under what conditions it occurs
a printout of measurement data demonstrating the problem
the initial constants that were used with the instrument
Please mention the instrument serial number in all communications regarding equipment leased or purchased from Scintrex.

How to Ship the Unit


No instrument will be accepted for repair unless it is shipped prepaid. After
repair it will be returned collect.
Ensure that you unplug the battery from the unit and send it with the instrument. In the case of a short battery life or possible battery problems, the
charger should also be returned for diagnosis/repair.
Instruments shipped for repair from outside Canada should be addressed to:
Scintrex Limited
c/o DANZAS, Customs Brokers
Lester B Pearson (Toronto) International Airport
Canada
Scintrex instruments are manufactured in Canada. Consequently, there is no
customer duty payable in Canada. It is advisable to state on customs documents:
Canadian Goods Returned to Canada for Repair
Shipments should be made by air in the original shipping case to minimize
the possibility of damage in transit. Within Canada, ship by air directly to:
Scintrex Limited
222 Snidercroft Road
Concord, ON L4K 1B5
8-8 Autograv CG3 Manual

Autograv CG3
Appendix

INTRODUCTION
The sensing element of the Autograv is based on a fused quartz elastic
system. The gravitational force on the proof mass is balanced by a spring
and a relatively small electrostatic restoring force. The position of the
mass, which is sensed by a capacitative displacement transducer, is altered by a change in gravity. An automatic feedback circuit applies DC
voltage to the capacitor plates producing an electrostatic force on the
mass which brings it back to a null position. The feedback voltage, which
is a measure of the relative value of gravity at the reading site, is converted
to a digital signal and then transmitted to the instrument's data acquisition system for processing, display and storage. The position of the center
of gravity of the proof mass relative to the case of the perimeter is shown
in Figure A1 on page A-2.
The inherent strength and excellent elastic properties of fused quartz together with limit stops around the proof mass permit the instrument to be
operated without clamping. Further protection is provided by a durable
shock mount system which attaches the sensor to the housing.
The parameters of the gravity sensor and its electronic circuits are chosen
so that the feedback voltage covers a range of over 7000 mGals without
resetting. The use of a low-noise electronic design, together with a highly
accurate auto-calibrating analog to digital converter, results in a resolution of either 0.005 or 0.001 mGal, equipping the gravity meter for both
detailed field investigations and large scale regional or geodetic surveys.

Autograv CG3 Manual A-1

Theory

THEORY OF OPERATION

Theory of Operation
The instruments tilt sensors are also electronic, with a resolution of 1 arc
second. The outputs from the sensors are displayed on high resolution
meters on the instruments front panel and also transmitted to the data acquisition system where they are displayed and stored. If the instrument is operated on an unstable base, real-time corrections for tilt errors can be
automatically made over a range of 200 arc seconds.

Figure A1 CG-3/3M Proof Mass Position

Protection from ambient temperature changes is provided by locating the


quartz elastic system, the analog to digital converter, sensitive electronic
components and the tilt sensors inside a high-stability, two stage, thermostatically controlled environment. There is no mechanical temperature compensation. External temperature changes are reduced by a factor of over 104
and small residual effects are corrected in software using the output of a
sensor located in close thermal contact with the main spring. The operating
range of the thermostat in the standard instrument is -40C to +45C. How-

A-2 Autograv CG3 Manual

Introduction
ever, since there is no critical operating point for the sensor, the upper operating temperature can be set at a lower or higher value (optional +35C or
+ 55C).

The sensor design is mechanically very simple. The fine balancing required
to obtain astatisation is not needed, as the displacement transducer has sufficient resolution (0.02nm) to detect the beam position of a non-astatised
system, and electronic filtering reduces the effect of seismic noise. The
mechanisms, micrometer screws, gearboxes and mechanical feed-throughs
associated with mechanical feedback systems have been replaced by a voltage applied to the same plates which form the displacement transducer. The
temperature control is also accurate enough for the sensor to operate without mechanical compensation.

Autograv CG3 Manual A-3

Theory

The entire gravity sensing mechanism is enclosed in a vacuum chamber.


Since there are no mechanical feed-throughs, excellent isolation from variations in atmospheric pressure is obtained. This extremely stable operating
environment for the quartz elastic system allows the long-term drift of the
sensor to be accurately predicted, and real-time software correction reduces it to less than 0.02 mGals/day.

Theory of Operation

Figure A2
A-4 Autograv CG3 Manual

Autograv Block Diagram of Signal Flow

Introduction

CONTROL CONSOLE AND SOFTWARE

Console
functions

It processes and applies corrections to the signals from the sensor, stores
data, formats it for outputting and performs instrument control functions.
A menu format with prompts is used to operate the instrument.

Operating
modes

The gravity meter has two modes of operation:


FIELD mode, where readings are initiated by the operator
CYCLING mode, where a series of readings are made automatically with
an operator selected preset cycle time between each reading.
The software function is essentially the same in both modes.

Console
operation

The control console operation is based on a one second gating time. Once
every second:
analog signals are sampled
the display is updated
keypad commands are responded to
and necessary control functions performed.
During a reading:
the gravity signal Vfb is sampled once every second by ADC1 (see
Figure A2 on page A-4).
The individual samples are averaged to filter out seismic noise.
A running mean of the samples is displayed together with its standard
deviation.
In the course of a reading, the input of ADC1 is periodically switched
to the calibration voltage (Vcal). The frequency of calibration depends
on the operating conditions and is determined by the operator before
the reading starts.

Autograv CG3 Manual A-5

Theory

The control console includes:


14-key dual function keypad
80 character LCD
microprocessor
solid state memory

Theory of Operation

A reading is stopped either by the operator or when a preset time or


estimated standard deviation of the mean is reached.
Corrections for tilts and long-term drift are made every second during
the reading.
A statistical rejection criterion is used to discard any noise spikes.
A tide and temperature correction is applied at the end of the reading.
The tilt and tide correction features can be disabled via the keypad.

When a measurement is completed, the gravity reading is stored in the


memory along with the following nine other variables.
1.
station number
2.
standard deviation of the mean of 1 second samples
3.
tilt X
4.
tilt Y
5.
sensor temperature
6.
tide correction applied
7.
reading duration
8.
number of rejected samples
9.
time of start of reading
All current and stored data can be viewed on the LCD by using the scroll feature on the keypad.
Additional information can be entered at the time of measurement for recording in memory. Eight blocks of data, each containing up to a five-digit
signed number can be stored with each reading.
The standard memory stores up to 1290 readings. The memory is protected
for several days in the event of a battery failure.
Other information is also generated and is accessible through the display, including time, date, battery voltage and available memory space.
The instrument is equipped with an RS-232 interface. This enables data from
the memory to be accessed through a connector on the instrument front
panel. Output of selected portions or of the entire contents of the memory
can be obtained in the form of a data listing or as a plot, which can be printed out directly onto a line printer, transferred to a portable computer or tape
recorder or transmitted over a telephone line with a modem.

A-6 Autograv CG3 Manual

Spring Service Life and Reading Range

SPRING SERVICE LIFE


READING RANGE

AND

SUmin = 0.l * GCAL1 + 0.0l * GCAL2

(A.1)

The average value of SUmin is about 600 mGal. Depending on the values
GCAL1 and GCAL2 this value may differ somewhat for your meter. It is recommended that you calculate this value for your meter, because the gravity
readings of lower values than SUmin may not be accurate.
The high end of the gravity measurement range may be calculated by inserting value (SF/SC) = l.457 into Equation (A.4)

SUmax = l.457 * GCALI + 2.123 * GCAL2

(A.2)

The average value of SUmax is about 8800 mGal. Depending on the values
GCAL1 and GCAL2 this value may differ somewhat for your meter. It is recommended that you calculate this value for your meter, because the gravity
readings of the higher value than SUmax may not be accurate.
The CG-3 sensor spring position is adjusted during the sensor manufacture
in such a way that, on the average, the gravity reading in Toronto (latitude
43.7 degrees) is about 4200 mGal. This, in conjunction with the gravity reading range of about 8000 mGals, assures that newly produced CG-3 may measure the relative gravity anywhere on the surface of the earth, from
elevations of a few thousand meters above the equator to sea levels at both
poles. For your convenience, values of normal gravity at sea level, as a function of latitude, are listed in Table I on page A-9.
Autograv CG3 Manual A-7

Theory

The uncorrected gravity reading is obtained as shown from Equation (A.4)


on page A-10. The gravity reading range has high and low end, the range of
which is guaranteed to be 7000 mGal, but is normally much larger. The low
end of the gravity measurement range of the CG-3 may be calculated by inserting value (SF/SC) = 0.l into Equation (A.4)

Theory of Operation
Because of the positive drift rate of the CG-3 gravity sensor, the uncorrected
gravity readings at the fixed locations gradually increase in value. The linear
drift of the CG-3 sensor is caused by an unavoidable creep of the quartz
spring, whose length under tension increases, on the average, by 0.5 ppm/
day at the operating temperature of 60C. A typical sensor with the drift rate
of 0.5 mGal/day will reach the high end of the measurement range, at the
latitude of 60 degrees, in about 20 years. If used at lower latitudes, as most
gravimeters are, the typical CG-3 service life will be even longer.
You may estimate the remaining service life of your meter in the following
way:

Example:

a.

Calculate the value SUmax for your meter.

b.

Obtain the gravity reading at your location.

c.

If you are planning to use your meter at higher latitudes than your
present latitude, evaluate from Table I the gravity difference
between your present latitude and the highest latitude at which
you will be using your meter. Add this difference to the reading
obtained in Step b. to obtain the value SUm.

d.

The remaining service life expressed in days is calculated by


dividing the difference (SUmax SUm ) by the value of the linear
drift rate of your CG-3.

1.

You have calculated for your meter from Equation (A.2) on page A-7:
SUmax = 8800 mGal

2.

The drift rate of your meter is: 0.51 mGal/day.

3.

Assuming that you are at latitude of 50.

4.

You have measured SU = 5012 mGal.

5.

Assuming that you will be using your meter up to latitudes of 60.

6.

Giving SUm = (5012 + 847) mGal, (see Step c.).

7.

Then the number of remaining service days is:


(8800 5012 847)/0.51 = 5767.

A-8 Autograv CG3 Manual

Spring Service Life and Reading Range


g = g e [ ( 1 + b sin2 ) ( b1 sin2 ( 2 ) ) ]

where:

gravity at latitude

(A.3)

ge = 978.03268 (Gal), gravity at the equator


b = 0.00503244
b1 = 0.0000058
= latitude

Lat.

g
(Gal)

g - ge
(mGal)

Lat.

g
(Gal)

g - ge
(mGal)

Lat.

g
(Gal)

g - ge
(mGal)

0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30

978.032680
978.034253
978.038969
978.046823
978.057805
978.071902
978.089098
978.109371
978.132697
978.159048
978.388392
978.220695
978.255916
978.294015
978.334944
978.378655
978.425095
978.474208
978.525935
978.580214
978.636978
978.696160
978.757689
978.821489
978.887485
978.955596
979.025740
979.097832
979.171785
979.247510
979.324915

0.000
1.573
6.289
14.143
25.125
39.222
56.418
76.691
100.017
126.368
155.712
188.015
223.236
261.335
302.264
345.975
392.415
441.528
493.255
547.534
604.298
663.480
725.009
788.809
854.805
922.916
993.060
1065.152
1139.305
1214.830
1292.235

30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60

979.324915
979.403907
979.484390
979.566266
979.649436
979.733799
979.839254
979.905696
979.993021
980.081122
980.169892
980.259224
980.349009
980.439138
980.529500
980.619987
980.710488
980.800892
980.891089
980.980970
981.070424
981.159343
981.247618
981.335140
981.421804
981.507502
981.592131
981.675586
981.757765
981.838568
981.917895

1292.235
1371.227
1451.710
1533.586
1616.756
1701.119
1786.574
1873.016
1960.341
2048.442
2137.212
2226.544
2316.329
2406.458
2496.820
2587.307
2677.808
2768.212
2858.409
2948.290
3037.744
3126.663
3214.938
3302.460
3389.124
3474.822
3559.451
3642.906
3725.085
3805.888
3885.215

60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90

981.917895
981.995650
982.071737
982.146062
982.218535
982.289066
982.357569
982.423960
982.488156
982.550080
982.609654
982.666806
982.721465
982.773564
982.823038
982.869828
982.913875
982.955125
982.993526
983.029033
983.061600
983.091188
983.117761
983.141285
983.161732
983.179075
983.193295
983.204373
983.212296
983.217053
983.218640

3885.215
3962.970
4039.057
4113.382
4185.855
4256.386
4324.889
4391.280
4455.476
4517.400
4576.914
4634.126
4688.785
4740.884
4790.358
4837.148
4881.195
4922.445
4960.846
4996.353
5028.920
5058.508
5085.081
5108.605
5129.052
5146.395
5160.615
5171.693
5179.616
5184.373
5185.960

Autograv CG3 Manual A-9

Theory

Table I: Normal Gravity at Sea Level (Torge, 1989 p.51)

Theory of Operation
If, after many years of service, your CG-3 has drifted out of range, then the
spring position may be reset by a routine procedure at the Scintrex plant.
You may also use this occasion to inquire about the available program to
overhaul your meter, to upgrade to the latest firmware version or to upgrade
to the CG-3M accuracy level (if the evaluation at Scintrex shows that the
quality of your sensor warrants such an upgrade).

PROCESSING

OF THE

GRAVITY SIGNAL

While reading this section, please also refer to the Signal Flow diagram in
Figure A2 on page A-4.
The input to the gravity analog to digital converter (ADC1) is switched between Vfb, the gravity transducer output and Vcal, the stable calibration voltage. When the instrument is in the ADJUST mode (after the START key is
pressed once), the calibration voltage is connected to ADC1. In this mode,
the value of Vcal can be viewed on the display under the heading GRAV.
In the READ mode, (after the START key is pressed a second time) the input
to ADC1 is held at Vcal for one second (during PAUSE) then switched to
Vfb for x one second samples. It is then switched back to Vcal for one sample then to Vfb for x samples and so on until the reading is terminated. The
value of x is entered under the Autograv setup at the CAL AFTER prompt.
The output of ADC1 is termed SC when Vcal is applied and SF when the Vfb
is applied.
Uncorrected
sample

The calibration voltage and other calibration factors are then applied to the
gravity signal by the function fcal in order to give an uncorrected sample
SF
SF 2
SU = f cal(SC, SF) = GCAL1 ------- + GCAL2 -------
SC
SC

(A.4)

SF is divided by the most recent value of SC to correct for any drift in the
scale factor of ADC1. The factors GCAL1 and GCAL2 are the instrument
calibration factors which are entered via the keypad. They take into account
a small quadratic non-linearity inherent in the ADC and in the conversion
from electrostatic feedback voltage to force.

A-10 Autograv CG3 Manual

Processing of the Gravity Signal


Corrected
sample

The uncorrected sample has drift correction and GREF applied and if selected, then also the tilt correction, to give a corrected sample
(A.5)

S = SU DC + GREF + TIC = SU + C

A running average of corrected samples (the function in Figure A2 on


page A-4) gives the corrected reading
x

SF ij
SF ij 2
GCAL1 ---------- + GCAL2 ---------- + C ij
SC j
SC j

(A.6)

( Sij + Cij )

j = 1i = 1
= 1i = 1
= j--------------------------------------------RU ij = ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------( j 1 )x + i NR
DUR

Where SCj is the value of the jth voltage calibration and SFij and Cij are the
ith gravity sample and correction after the jth voltage calibration.
Standard
deviation

The standard deviation (SD) of the corrected samples is calculated every


second and samples which are more than four standard deviations from RUij
are rejected. This AUTO REJECT feature can be disabled via the keypad.
The SD is displayed every time the instrument calibrates itself, e.g. every 12
seconds, if CAL AFTER value 12 is selected. It is recorded and output, as
well. It is the measure of signal noisiness, which includes the instrumental
and ambient seismic noise.
The current value of RUij is shown on the top line of the display during the
reading period and the current sample number
DUR = ( j 1 )x + i NR

(A.7)

where NR is the number of rejections. On the right hand side of the second
line the display alternates between the latest value of the SD during calibration sampling and the standard deviation of the mean, which is estimated
under the assumption that the noise is normally distributed (i.e. white) from
the relationship:
SD
ERR = ----------------DUR

(A.8)

during gravity sampling.

Autograv CG3 Manual A-11

Theory

Theory of Operation
The formula given in Equation (A.8) is the one used in the CG-3. However,
during periods of high seismicity (caused by microseismic noise), the standard deviation of the mean is better estimated by
SD
ERR = ------------DUR

(A.9)

Consequently, the measurement duration (DUR) evaluated by (9.5) to make


ERR < ERR LIM are too long. It is therefore suggested, that the function to
terminate the measurement when the estimated error value is less than the
specified limit is not used if the SD is greater than 0.04 mGal. It is better to
extend the measurement time to 120 seconds if microGal precision is required during periods of high ambient seismicity.
Displayed
reading

Sampling of the gravity signal stops when either DUR reaches the preset
READ TIME, when ERR < ERR LIM or when the START/STOP key is
pressed. Up to three further corrections: the tilt correction (TIC), the temperature correction (TEC) and the earth tide correction (ETC) are then
added to RU to give the reading R which is then displayed.

(A.10)

R = RU + TIC + ETC TEC

COMPENSATION

AND

CORRECTIONS

DRIFT CORRECTION
Long term instrument drift is largely due to stress relaxation in the elastic system. After an initial stabilization period, it can be considered a linear function of time. The effect of long term drift will be to produce a uniform
change in reading with time. For example, Figure A3 on page A-17 shows
several days of continuous readings. If two uncorrected readings are taken
at times t1 and t2* at a point where there has been no change in gravity, then
the difference between them will depend on the long term drift rate, d, of
the instrument and is:

* tn is the midpoint between the start and finish of a reading

A-12 Autograv CG3 Manual

Compensation and Corrections


RU ( t 2 ) RU ( t 1 ) = d ( t 2 t 1 ) *

(A.11)

To eliminate the effects of instrument drift, a drift correction


DC(t) = ( t t s )DRIFT

(A.12)

DRIFT is the drift constant with units of mGal/24hrs, ts is the drift correction
start time and t is the time at which the samples are taken. Both DRIFT and
ts are entered via the keypad.
With the drift correction applied, Equation (A.11) becomes:
R ( t 2 ) R ( t 1 ) = RU ( t 2 ) DC ( t 2 ) RUt 1 + DC ( t 1 )
= ( d ( t 2 t 1 ) DRIFT(t 2 t 1) )

(A.13)

If the drift correction is properly adjusted:


DRIFT = d

(A.14)

R(t 2) R(t 1) = 0

The procedure for adjusting the drift correction is given in the Getting
Started section starting on page 2-41.

TILT CORRECTION (TIC)


The uncompensated gravity reading changes in response to tilt according to
the following expression:
RU( x, y) = RU(0, 0) g ( 1 cos x cos y )

(A.15)

g is the value of gravity at the reading site and x and y are the tilts of the
gravity sensor about two perpendicular horizontal axes (x and y) as shown
in Figure 8 on page 2-32 with x = y = 0 being defined as the orientation in
which the uncompensated gravity meter reading is maximized.
* calculation precision limits the maximum value of (t-ts) to 4 months (128 days)

Autograv CG3 Manual A-13

Theory

is subtracted from each uncorrected sample SU.

Theory of Operation
The tilt correction operates over a range of 200 arcsec and is
TIC = g t ( 1 cos x cos y )

(A.16)

where gt is an average sea level gravity value of 980.6 Gal and X and Y are
the indicated gravity meter tilts.
Assuming gt = g (this assumption leads to an error of 0.002 mGal in the worst
case), the corrected reading will be:
R( x, y) = RU(0, 0) g t ( cos x cos y cos x cos y )

(A.17)

If
x = x
y = y

(A.18)

then
R( x, y) = RU(0, 0) = R(0, 0)

(A.19)

and errors due to instrument tilt are eliminated. The method used to adjust
X and Y so that Equation (A.18) is satisfied, is given in the Maintenance section starting on page 6-4.
There are two software selectable modes of operating the tilt correction.
1.

(CONT. TILT CORR - SELECTED), a correction is applied to


each one second sample.

2.

(CONT. TILT CORR - DISABLED), a correction is only applied


at the end of the reading based on the X and Y values of the last one
second sample of the reading.

The reason for two modes of operation is that the tilt sensors have a relatively
fast response (typically a few seconds) up to within approximately 5 arcsec
of the final value and then it takes up to a minute to come to within one arcsec of the final value.
If the Autograv is on a solid base and it does not move during the reading,
then the DISABLE mode will give the most accurate result as the tilt sensors
will have more time to settle before a compensation is applied.

A-14 Autograv CG3 Manual

Compensation and Corrections


If the instrument is on a soft base and moves during a reading, then it is preferable to select the continuous correction mode.

TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION (TEC)


The fused quartz mainspring is the most temperature sensitive component
in the gravity meter with a coefficient of approximately - 130 mGal/C
(spring becomes stronger as the temperature increases). This spring is protected from ambient temperature changes by a two stage thermostat which
maintains the spring temperature Ts constant to within 0.5mK under normal
operating conditions. The changes in Ts are measured using a temperature
sensor in good thermal contact with the mainspring. The output of the temperature bridge is converted to a digital signal, TEMP, shown in Figure A2
on page A-4 and this is converted to the temperature compensation signal.
TEC = TEMPCO TEMP

(A.20)

TEMPCO is the instrument temperature coefficient in mGal/mK. It is measured during the production of each instrument and is entered through the
keypad. A new value of TEC is computed and applied after the last sample
has been taken.
The spring temperature TEMP in units of mK can be displayed on the liquid
crystal display. The last TEMP value for each reading is also stored in memory together with other measurement variables. The range of TEMP is
3.0 mK, and it is adjusted with a zero offset to within 1.0 mK for normal
operation (See Getting Started section Temperature Compensation on
page 2-35). This ensures that there is at least a 2.0 mK useful range to compensate for severe ambient temperature fluctuations.

Autograv CG3 Manual A-15

Theory

It should be noted that over a period of several hours, some tilt changes may
arise from movement of the elastomer in the shock isolators (used to protect
the sensor from severe shocks). This not relevant for the FIELD mode. In the
CYCLE mode, however, these changes are corrected by the tilt correction
function, regardless of whether or not the tilt correction function is enabled
or disabled.

Theory of Operation
The chamber temperature is measured by a set of two thermistors, which
themselves exhibit a long-term drift due to their aging. However, the effect
of this drift is indistinguishable from the gravity sensor drift, and is corrected
by the linear drift correction.

EARTH TIDE CORRECTION (ETC)


The ETC is generated in the software via the Longman* formula (gravimetric
factor = 1.16) by entering in the latitude, longitude and difference between
the gravimeter clock time and GMT from the keypad. It is applied after the
last sample has been taken and it may also be disabled via the keypad. The
time used in the tidal calculation is the midpoint between the start and the
end of a reading.
It is critical that the GMT DIFF (see page 3-24) is properly input into the
CG-3. If the sign is entered incorrectly, or the value is wrong because the local daylight savings time shifts (summer time) are not properly accounted
for, then the resulting corrections will be poor.

Residuals
The ETC will compensate for the gravity effects of the Sun and Moon to within (usually) 3 Gals. Tidal accelerations cause elastic deformations to the
Earths body (earth body tides). The average effect of this deformation is taken into account by the gravimetric factor 1.16 in the Longman formula (16%
increase over the amplitude of gravimetric tides of the rigid Earth). Slight
variances of gravimetric factor exist. The gravimetric factor is latitude dependent and different tidal waves have slightly different factors. This may result
in minor residuals of a semi-diurnal and diurnal nature having amplitudes
of about 3 Gals. In addition, the ocean tides, besides their direct gravitation, cause additional deformation by their loading. These deformations
lead to additional changes of the gravity values observed on the surface of
the Earth. The residuals from both effects could be effectively removed from
field measurements by using another gravity meter as a base-station (Figure
A3 on page A-17).

* Longman, I.M., Journal of Geophysical Research, Volume 64, No. 12, Formulas for Computing
the Tidal Accelerations Due to the Moon and the Sun, December 1959

A-16 Autograv CG3 Manual

Compensation and Corrections

GRAVITY OFFSET (GREF)


This value is in mGal and entered from the keypad. It is added to each reading sample.

Theory
Figure A3Continuous measurement over ten days showing the
linear nature of drift together with other phenomena,
such as ocean loading tide.

Autograv CG3 Manual A-17

Theory of Operation

A-18 Autograv CG3 Manual

Autograv CG3
Appendix

ELASTIC HYSTERESIS EFFECTS

When the mainspring in a gravimeter is maintained at a constant length,


as it will be at all times when it is balanced during a measurement, no hysteresis effect will occur. Between measurements, however, the balance
condition will usually not prevail, and the spring will be subject to a
change in length. Clamping the mass between measurements will fix the
spring length but, unfortunately it will not do so at the usual balance condition, so that hysteresis effects are almost certain to occur as a result of
clamping. In addition, gravimeters with reset mechanisms (e.g. LaCoste
D meter) exhibit elastic hysteresis effects resulting from the change in
mainspring tension caused by the reset, even though the mass remains
fixed in position.
Figure B2 on page B-3 shows the hysteresis effect of clamping on a
LaCoste G meter, after only 20 minutes of clamping.
It is for such reasons that LaCoste gravimeter operators have learned to
wait after releasing the clamp (e.g. 5 minutes), and longer after reset
(D meter), in order to obtain higher reading repeatability.

Autograv CG3 Manual B-1

Hysteresis

All springs, however elastic, exhibit what is known as elastic hysteresis or


stress relaxation effects. This occurs, for example, when the spring length
is changed for a time (by a change in tension on the spring) and then returned to its original tension. When this happens, the spring does not instantaneously return to its original length, but has a small memory effect,
which slowly relaxes with time and eventually disappears. The relaxation
time may be of the same order as the length of time over which its tension
was changed. Figure B1 on page B-3 shows this effect graphically.

Elastic Hysteresis Effects


In the case of the CG-3, where the ruggedness of the inherent quartz element
allows us to dispense with clamping between readings, and its universal
range requires no resetting, we avoid the introduction of the hysteresis effects due to such causes. On the other hand, we allow the possibility of their
introduction if the Autograv is left stationary, off level, i.e. out of its measuring range, for significant lengths of time. For this reason, it is recommended
that whenever the Autograv is not being transported between stations, it
should be levelled on its tripod so that the mass and spring are in their normal configuration. When in transit, hysteresis effects do not build up to any
extent because the bipolar, high frequency changes in tension on the spring
effectively cancel out any tendency for such effects to build up.

B-2 Autograv CG3 Manual

Figure B1 Elastic Hysteresis Effect

Hysteresis
Figure B2 Retardation effect after unclamping LaCoste Romberg
gravimeter G79, previous clamping time 20 minutes.
EFE Hanover (from Gravimetry by Wolgang Torge,
Walter de Gruyter, 1989.)

Autograv CG3 Manual B-3

Elastic Hysteresis Effects

B-4 Autograv CG3 Manual

Autograv CG3
Appendix

INTERFACING WITH
THE AUTOGRAV
RS 232C STANDARD

The standard defines 22 pins and 3 unassigned pins. This does not imply a
25 pin connector, although this has become the industry standard. Conventionally, the male connector is used with the DTE and the female connector
with DCE.
The Autograv used the IGS console as the data acquisition and control system. The IGS is RS 232C compatible. This does not mean it can immediately
communicate with every other device so labelled. The statement RS 232C
compatible means that none of the specifications defined by the standard
EIA RS 232C are exceeded by the equipment. There may exist minor differences within this specification that preclude immediate communication.
These incompatibilities may generally be overcome by reviewing pin assignments and re-wiring (by means of adapters) as necessary.
Autograv CG3 Manual C-1

Interfacing

The Electronic Industry Association (EIA) established a standard for the interface between data terminal equipment (DTE) and data communication
equipment (DCE) in 1963. The latest revision of this standard has been in effect since 1969, and is known as RS 232C. This standard specifies mechanical and electrical characteristics of the interface, the number of interchange
circuits and their functions, and the relationship between these circuits and
standard interface types. Standards similar to the RS 232C have also been established by the Comit Consultatif International Tlphonique et
Tlgraphique (CCITT). These standards, CCITT V.24 and CCITT V.28, are
very similar to RS 232C but not identical.

Interfacing with the Autograv

IGS OUTPUT
SERIAL I/O CONNECTIONS
The IGS is configured as Data Communications Equipment (DCE). Communication with other devices is via the RS-232C DB25S (female) connector on
the front of the Autograv. Supplied with the instrument are a bi-directional
serial RS 232C* cable with a NORMAL/REVERSE switch, and an IGS-2
adapter.
The adapter is first plugged into the instrument, then the cable (either end).
The function of the NORMAL/REVERSE switch is to allow the instrument
to be reconfigured as Data Terminal Equipment (DTE). This is performed by
switching to the REVERSE position. This is necessary when attempting to
communicate with another device configured as DCE. When the switch is
set to NORMAL the instrument remains DCE. Generally, the NORMAL position is used to communicate with printers and computers. Try the REVERSE if the NORMAL does not work.
This switching is necessary because of the assignment of functions to certain pins in the RS 232C standard. The pins in question are 2 and 3. The DCE
mode expects to receive data on pin 2 and transmit data on pin 3 and the
assignments are compatible for DTE communication. That is, DTE transmits
through pin 2 and receives data on pin 3.
When interfacing two pieces of DCE, it is necessary to switch to REVERSE
so the signals are received on the appropriate pins (see Figure C1).
..

DCE
Function

DTE

to
Pin

Pin

Receive

Receive

Transmit

Transmit

Scintrex Part Number 780 549


Scintrex Part Number 780 541

C-2 Autograv CG3 Manual

Function

IGS Output

DCE
Function

DTE

to
Pin

Pin

Function

REVERSE
DCE
Function

DTE

to
Pin

Pin

Function

Receive

Receive

Transmit

Transmit

NORMAL
Figure C1 Function of the NORMAL/REVERSE Switch
on the Serial RS-232C Cable

The important pin assignments are as follows:


Function

Receive

Transmit

Ground

14

EIAR1 (DTR)

18

Positive Battery

24

D/A out

The adapter between the Autograv and the serial RS 232C cable must be
used. Damage may occur to either or both instruments if the adapter is not
in place. The adapter wire as indicated in Figure C2 and the serial RS 232C
cable wiring appears as Figure C3.

Autograv CG3 Manual C-3

Interfacing

Pin

Interfacing with the Autograv


Note: This adapter has the letter A engraved on its side. It differs from
the older version, Scintrex part number 738 093, in that it allows the data dump at 2400 baud rate, for which pin 14 to pin
20 is required.
DATA FLOW
DATA FLOW

Female
(Into Serial RS-232C
Cable)

Male
(Into Autograv)
Description

Pin

Pin

Receive

Transmit

Transmit

Receive

18

Clear to Send

Data Set Ready

Carrier On

Positive Battery

Description

Ground

Signal Ground

D/A out

24

25

Analog Chart
Recorder

EIAR1

14

20

Data Terminal
Ready (DTR)

Figure C2
IGS-RS 232C Wiring Diagram (P/N 780 541)
NORMAL

REVERSE

Male

Male

Transmit

Receive

Request to Send

C-4 Autograv CG3 Manual

IGS Output

Male

NORMAL

Male
5

Clear to Send

Data Set Ready

Ground

Carrier On

20

20

REVERSE

Data Terminal ready

Figure C3 Serial RS 232C Cable Wiring Diagram (P/N 780 549)

SERIAL DATA FORMAT


On transmit and receive1 start bit, 7 or 8 data bits (user selectable),
no parity and 2 stop bits.
Handshakingin all cases is via the X-ON (DC-1 or Control-Q)/X-OFF
(DC--3 or Control-S) protocol.

Autograv CG3 Manual C-5

Interfacing

Baud rateData are transmitted serially at a selectable baud rate between 110 and 2400 baud.

Interfacing with the Autograv

TEXT TRANSMISSION SEQUENCE


Text is transmitted as ASCII characters. A dump (or plot) may consist of several sections, each of which contains a header and a data portion. Each section is preceded by and followed by a null line consisting of a carriage return
<CR> and a line feed <LF>. The last section is followed by six null lines, indicating end of transmission. All other lines consist of, at most, 80 characters
followed by a <CR> <LF>.
The operator, when in OUTPUT MODE, selects the carriage return delay
(n). This is an integer and causes the insertion of n null characters after the
last recorded character (i.e. <LF>) on each line. This is to ensure the host device (printer, computer etc.) has sufficient time to process each line of data
before the next line is transmitted.

COMMUNICATION SOFTWARE
Once the Autograv has been physically linked to a computer by means of
adapters and serial cables, it is necessary to make them communicate. The
interface software may be a commercially available communications
package, or may be custom software dedicated to the users hardware
configuration.
Commercial communications packages tend to be quite comprehensive
and for the simple function of transferring data to a computer from the
Autograv are unnecessarily complicated.
Scintrex provides for the Autograv users communication software called
IDUMP. This program is the property of Geosoft and is provided free of
charge. Please observe all Geosoft requirements in the use and distribution
of this software as stated in the copyright message. It supports serial port
COM1/COM2 and a baud rate of up to 2400 BPS (for Autograv). It is self-documented and easy to use. Should you have any questions or concerns,
please contact Scintrex Ltd.

C-6 Autograv CG3 Manual

Autograv CG3
Appendix

INITIAL CONSTANTS SHEET


AUTOGRAV SERIAL #
At time of shipping:
Parameter

Code

Value

(GCAL1)

Gravity constant #2

(GCAL2)

Temperature constant

(TEMP)

Tilt X sensitivity

(TILTXS)

Tilt Y sensitivity

(TILTYS)

Drift constant

(DRIFT)

Constants

Gravity constant #1

Autograv Technician

Autograv CG3 Manual D-1

Initial Constants Sheet

D-2 Autograv CG3 Manual

Autograv CG3
Index
Index
A

Autograv CG3 Manual Index-i

Index

Accessories
Optional 83
Part numbers 85
Standard 82
ADJUST mode 225
Adjusting
Drift Correction 239
Temp. compensation offset 234
Tilt correction 64
Tilt sensor
coarse zero 610
Cross-coupling 617
sensitivity 612
zero 64
X-axis Sensitivity (TILTXS) 613
Y-axis Sensitivity (TILTYS) 615
Auto Rejection 44
Autograv
Handling 46
Incomplete warmup stabilization 410
Initialization constants
losing 52
Instrument parameters 31
Interfacing with C1
Keypad 26
Leveling 228
Maintenance 61
Optional Accessories 83
Overview 11
Powering up 24
Reset 72
Setup 218
Specifications 81
stabilization period 23

Standard Accessories 82
start-up sequence 23
Storing 620
Transporting 46
Troubleshooting 71
unpacking 22
warm-up period 23
Autograv Setup
AUTO REJECTION 322
AUTO-RECORD 325
CAL. AFTER 321
CONT. TILT CORR. 321
CYCLE TIME 317
DRIFT CORRECTION 326
INITIAL CONSTANTS 328
MODE 316, 317
READ TIME 317
STOP ERR. <LIM> 320
Submenus 316
TIDE CORRECTION 322
AUTOGRAV START DUMP 331
Automatic
Record 325
Rejection 322
Shutoff 32
Station increment 39
Aux (Auxiliary) key 28
Aux. mode
locking 340
unlocking 340
Auxiliary mode 31, 32
Flowchart 214

B
Battery 52
Changing 58
Charging time 56
Checking voltage 53
Cold weather operation 410
Compartment Fuse 58
External belt 52
Life expectancy 54
Low warning 53
Panasonic
12V/7.2Ah 52, 55
LCR6V/7.2P 55
Replacing 55
Sonnenschein Dryfit A200 12V/6Ah 55
Temperature effects 52
voltage display update 54
BAUD RATE 336
BIAS1 333
BIAS2 335
Bottom function keys 29

C
CAL. AFTER 321, 42
Calculating
Drift values
example 239
Cancelling
measurement 318
Change key 28
Changing
Battery 58
Start time 327
Charger 55
fuse 24, 57
Selecting alternate voltage 56
Charging time 56
Chart Recorder 63
CHART SEL 319
Index-ii Autograv CG3 Manual

Checking
Battery voltage 53
Temperature compensation 231
CHG? prompt 212
Clear key 29
Cold Weather Operation 410
Communication
Software C6
IDUMP 411, C6
Compensation
Temperature 61
Checking 231
Console
Operation A5
CONT. TILT CORR. 321, 43
disabled 43
Selected 43
Control Console A5
Correction
Drift 236, 62, A12
Tide A16
Tilt A13
Continuous 43
CR DELAY 338
CYCLE TIME 317
CHART SEL 319
minimum value 318
CYCLING
Mode 317

D
Data
Auto rejection 44
Displayed 82
dump 411
cannot 72
Entry
submenus 32
Key 27

E
Earth Tide Correction (ETC) A16
Earthquake shock waves 48
EDIT mode 339
Eliminating
noise spikes 44
Enter
Key 29
Mode 26
Keys 29
ENTER? prompt 212
EPROM chips 31
ERASE MEMORY 34
Erasing memory 217
Error display 225
Error limit stop 320
ETC A16
Examples
Calculating drift values 239
Changing read time 212
Data output printout 237
Initialise submenus 33
moving between menus 211
selecting a menu 211
Exiting
Memory Mode 246
Extender legs
Tripod 229
External battery belt 52

F
Field
Measurements
Mode 317
setting-up 241
Mode
Data recall 242
Operation 41
FLD GRAV 317
Autograv CG3 Manual Index-iii

Index

Notebook feature 45
Output 237
Recall
Cycling mode 246
Field mode 242
recalling 242
Recording 44
Serial format C5
Types recorded 82
DATA BITS 337
Date
Reset 215
DCE C2
Decimal key 29
DEG. LAT 323
DEG. LONG 324
Digital display 82
Direction key 29
Display 210
battery voltage update 54
digital 82
error 225
gravity reading 225
Heater
Minor spare parts kit 83
Leveling parameters 225
Parameter set-up 210
SD 225
Drift
calculating example 239
Correction 236, 62, A12
adjusting 239
obtaining accurate 62
setting 326
measuring 236
residual long-term 81
DRIFT CORRECTION 326
DTE C2
DUMP ALL DATA 331
Dumping Data 411
Dust cover 46
removing 22

G
Flowchart
Auxiliary Mode 214
Format
Serial data C5
Fuse
Battery compartment 58
Charger 57
charger 24

G
GCAL1 618, A7
GCAL2 618, A7
Geosoft 411, C6
GMT. DIFF 324
Gravimeter
recalibrating 618
Gravimetric factor A16
Gravity
Stored readings A6
Value display 225
Gravity offset 325, A17
Gravity signal
Processing A10
Greenwich Mean Time 324
GREF A11, A17
GRID 36
Ground conditions 48

H
Handling 46
rough 47
HEATER 312
Hints
Cold weather operation 410
Earthquake shock waves 48
industrial traffic noise 48
Microseismic noise 48
Index-iv Autograv CG3 Manual

Operation 46
poor ground conditions 48
Transportation 47
Wind noise 49

I
IDUMP 411, C6
IGS Output C2
Industrial traffic noise 48
Info key 28
INITIAL CONSTANTS 328
Memory loss 52
INITIALISE
Menu 33
Submenus 33
Initialise
AUTO STN INC 39
ERASE MEMORY 34
GRID 36
HEATER 312
JOB NO. 35
LANG. ENGLISH 312
LINE 37
LINE DIR 36
OPERATOR 35
REC AUTOSTART 311
SERIAL # 311
STATION 38
TIME 313
Initializing 215
Parameters/Software 215
Instrument parameters 31
Interfacing
Autograv C1

J
JOB NO. 35

L
LANG. ENGLISH 312
Latitude 323
Leveling 228
Parameters display 225
Requirements 43
Life expectancy
Batteries 54
LINE 37

M
Main Menu
(Aux. Mode) 31
flowchart 214
Maintenance
Autograv 61
Tripod 620
Measurement
cancelling 318
Field setup 241
Measuring
Drift 236
gravity 241
Tilt Sensor cross-coupling 616
X-axis Sensitivity (TILTXS) 612
XE 64
Y-axis Sensitivity (TILTYS) 614
YE 68
Memory
Directly accessing records 245
erasing 217
keys 27
Loss 52, 72
Mode
Exiting 246
Scrolling 242
Autograv CG3 Manual Index-v

Index

Key functions 26, 27


Enter mode 29
Operations mode 27
Keypad 26
Input 82
Operation 41
Keys
+/- 29
Aux 28
Bottom functions 29
Change 28
Clear 29
Data 27
Decimal 29
Direction 29
Enter 29
Info 28
Line 27
Memory 27
Method 27
NE/SW 29
Numeric 29
On/Off 27
Record 27
Scrolling 28
Start/Stop 29
Station 28
Top Functions 27

Line
direction 36, 310
key 27
separation 314
LINE DIR 36
LINE SEP 314
Line Separation mode 314
LOCK AUX. 340
Locking Auxiliary mode 340
Longitude 324
Longman formula A16
Low battery warning 53

N
Standard 81
Menu
INITIALISE 33
Main 31
flowchart 214
Menus
moving between 210
Selecting 211
Structure 210
Method key 27
Microseismic noise 48
Minimum cycle time 318
MODE
Selection 317
Mode
Adjust 225
AUTOGRAV SETUP 316
Aux.
Locking 340
unlocking 340
Auxiliary 32
Auxiliary (Main Menu) 31
CYCLING 317
recalling data 246
EDIT 339
ENTER 26
Field
data recall 242
FLD GRV 317
LINE SEP 314
Memory
Exiting 246
NONE 317
OPERATION 26
OUTPUT 330
Pause 225
STN SEP 315
Modes
operating 26, A5
Modifying
parameters
Index-vi Autograv CG3 Manual

CHG? 212
paramters 212
Motion Noise 48

N
NE/SW key 29
Noise A11
Earthquake shock waves 48
Industrial traffic 48
Microseismic 48
moition 48
Rejection 82
spikes
eliminating 44
Wind 49
NONE 317
Notebook Feature 45
Numeric keys 29

O
On/Off key 27
Operating
modes 26, A5
Operation
Cold weather 410
Console A5
Hints 46
Keypad 41
Mode 26
Keys 27
OPERATOR 35
Options
Part numbers 85
Output 332
AUTOGRAV START DUMP 331
BAUD RATE 336
CR DELAY 338

R
Data 237
DATA BITS 337
DUMP ALL DATA 331
IGS C2
Mode 330
Submenus 331

Gravity Signal A10


Prompt line 210
Prompts
CHG? 212
ENTER? 212
SELECT/ENTER 212
Proof mass A1

Index

P
Panasonic
12V/7.2Ah battery 52
LCR6V/7.2P 55
Parameters
Initializing 215
Instrument 31
modifying 212
ENTER? 212
SELECT/ENTER 212
Parameters set-up
display 210
Parts List 85
Pause mode 225
PLOT 332
parameters 332, 334
BIAS! 333
BIAS2 335
SCALE2 335
START PLOT 336
TRACE1 332
TRACE2 335
Trace 332
Plus/Minus keys 29
Power
Consumption 81
loss 51
Off
Consequences 51
Off Time and stabilization 52
Powering up 24
Processing

Q
Quartz elastic system A1

R
Range
Automatic Tilt correction 81
Operating temperature 81
Readings A7
Ratio
Internal Cal. to Gravity samples 42
READ TIME 317
Reading
Out-of-range 71
Range A7
Repeatability 81
Resolution 81
Terminating 42
Time 42
Real Time Clock 82
REC AUTOSTART 311
Recalibrating gravimeter 618
Recalling Data
Cycling mode 246
Field mode 242
Record key 27
Recording
Data 44
Notebook feature 45
Records
Autograv CG3 Manual Index-vii

S
Scanning 243
Repair 87
Repeatability
readings 81
Replacing Batteries 55
Reset
Autograv 72
date 215
time 215
Resolution
Reading 81
RS 232C C1

S
SCALE1 334
SCALE2 335
Scanning
Records 243
Scroll keys 28
Scrolling in memory 242
SD display 225
SELECT/ENTER prompt 212
Selecting
Charger voltage 56
Mode of operation 317
Sensor
Latched 71
Unlatching 71
SERIAL # 311
Serial data format C5
Service Life
Spring A7
Setting
Drift correction 326
Setting-up
Autograv 218
Field Measurements 241
Tripod 226
Sign conventions 244
Index-viii Autograv CG3 Manual

Software 215, 84
Communication C6
Sonnenschein Dryfit A200 12V/6Ah 55
Spare Parts Kit 86
Springs
Service Life A7
Stress relaxation B1
Stabilization period 23
Standard deviation A11
value display 225
START PLOT 336
Start/Stop key 29
Station
Auto-increment 39
disabled 310
seleceted 39
Initialise 38
Key 28
Separation 315
Station Separation mode 315
STOP ERR. 320
Storing
Autograv 620
Stress relaxation
Springs B1
Submenus
Autograv Setup 316
Data entry 32
Initialise 33
Output 331
Returning from 32

T
TEC A15
Temperature
Compensation 61, A15
adjusting offset 234
checking 231
offset 232

W
Cycle 317
Initialising 313
reading 42
Reset 215
Top keys 27
Trace 332
TRACE1 332
TRACE2 335
Training 84
Transportation 47
Autograv 46
case 22
Rough handling 47
Tripod
Extender Legs 229
Maintenance 620
on a hard surface 43
on a soft surface 229
setup 226
Troubleshooting 71

U
Unlatching sensor 71
Unlocking Auxiliary mode 340
Unpacking
Autograv 22

V
Vee-groove plate 617
Voltage 53
checking 53

W
Warm-up period 23
Warning
Autograv CG3 Manual Index-ix

Index

TEC A15
Effects
Batteries 52
Terminating
Readings 42
Text transmission sequence C6
Theory of Operation A1
Thermostat
stability 51
TIC A13
Tide
Correction A16
TIDE CORRECTION 322
DEG. LAT 323
DEG. LONG 324
GMT. DIFF 324
Tilt
Correction A13
Adjustment 64
continuous 43
TIC A13
Tilt Sensor
Adjusting
cross-coupling 617
sensitivity 612
zero 64
Coarse Zero Adjustment 610
Cross-Coupling 616
adjusting 617
measuring 616
Sensitivity Adjustment (tiltxs, tiltys) 612
Zero Adjustments 64
TILTXS 612
adjusting 613
measuring 612
TILTYS
adjusting 615
measuring 614
Time
Battery charging 56
Changing start 327

X
Low battery 53
Warranty 87
Weight 81
Wind 49

X
XE
Coarse adjustment 610
Fine Adjustment 66
Measuring 64

Y
YE
Coarse adjustment 611
Fine adjustment 69
Measuring 68

Index-x Autograv CG3 Manual

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