PPM-MARKIVB Project.
These
are the links to the most current documents:
- Introduction
to Magnetometer Technology
- PPM IV (LCD) Manual Startup
Procedures(
- Ppmpp MarkIV ZIP(this is
the full Post-Processing package based on GNUPLOT for MarkIV
systems)
- MarkIVB
configuration options description--> MarkIVB_Jan2012_prices.pdf
- Benchmark tests results
This Web
Site describes all the phases and faces of our Proton Precession Magnetometer
project which started back at the beginning of 2005.
The
objectives of this project has been, from its beginning and till now, to
produce the most effective PPM with a democratic pricing tag for
non-professional users. The initial aim was to experiment and publish the
schematics of a DIY PPM.
The first
phases of the project were devoted to the gathering and study of all the
information required to master this technology.
While at it,
I have published all I could gather together with the summary of the results of
my analysis and their practical applications in this series of documents: PPM Guidelines.
From these
documents, one can already learn the basic principles and make his own
experimental testing.
Progressively,
we have found out that there was still a large gap between the quality of the
results coming from a DIY system and the quality expected from a professional
instrument even if we have proven that a cheap, DIY PPM could be built by an
amateur using largely available, cheap electronic components.
In order to
cross this gap, we had to re-design and build our systems using
professional-grade material and services as well as more sophisticated and more
powerful digital processing devices. Thus, we chose to use all SMD components,
double side PCB's manufactured and assembled by professional companies and fast
and powerful 32-bit ARM processors as digital signal processors.
The first
mechanical assemblies we produced had a rather amateurish look and feel and
could not be easily reproduced in series. Thus, we also have chosen to
sub-contract the building of the specific mechanical parts of the product like
the sensor coils and containers.
Being a
field instrument, we have also decided that all the mechanical design of the
electronic box to be water-tight (IP68), not just splash-proof.
Looking at
the current status of our project, we actually have succeeded to produce a
mature and reliable product with professional-grade specifications but still,
keeping its affordable price.
Each phase
of our project has produced its own prototypes which were thoroughly tested in
terms of Hardware and Software before being released for sales.
Each product
version has been improved over the previous ones with more functions, easier
human interface and higher standards of quality instead of adding marketing
gimmicks like flashy colours or any spectacular but useless features.
Our current MarkIVB version is now what we could call our most advanced
product with the mix of functional, electronic and mechanical specifications
very rarely found in any equivalent commercial product.
This version
is not a toy to be used by amateurs of treasure hunting but a sophisticated
instrument which can be used by professionals in the field.
Our instrument can be used for underground
surveys but its control box (with its GPS option) can also be used for
underwater surveys provided the sensor coils are contained in a
pressure-protected container and its connecting cable extended, shielded and
doubled with a proper towing cable.
Progress
event list
|
|
3/1/2012 : We have now received a new production batch of 10 pairs of
boards for the so-called 'PPM MarkIVB'
version. This version provides automatic tuning capabilities, improved SNR
and a PPM Utility program running on Windows and connected through USB link
to the PPM. This program can be used to manage all the system parameters and
the grid files without opening the box of the PPM. For underwater surveys, it
is also used as Graphical User Interface with plotting in real-time of the
GPS track and the PPM Field Gradients. It is also used to review captured
grid files and plot their results. Thanks to those two new capabilities, there is now no more need to
open the box and remove/insert the SD Card nor to manipulate the tuning DIP
switch. 20/1/2011 : The GPS option is now fully
tested and ready for shipping. It has got a price tag in the price structure
document. We have added a new operator command to be
able to review a stored grid file using the PPM system itself (thus, no need
for a PC on the survey location). It allows to spot the potential targets on
the survey track and to locate them as GPS fixes. 11/12/2010 : We have now finished testing
the basic configuration and we have published the official price list and the
corresponding operation manual. There is still no price tag on the GPS option
as we are still testing this option. 30/10/2010 : Ten sets of boards have been
manufactured, assembled and successfully tested. The first kit or semi-kit with a basic
configuration (no option) should be ready for shipping within about 10 days. We are now going to prototype and test all
the new options. |
Pictures
of the first fully assembled PPM-MarkIII unit and of
a MarkIV unit with GPS option.
Sensor with inline
coils configuration
Submarine survey sensor