PPM MarkIV project progress report

Hi all,

We are now working on the new features we want to implement on our PPM instrument, it will be identified as 'PPM-MarkIV'.

The following add-ons will be available:
1. Automatic sensor tuning based on the local precession frequency.
     On the MkII and MkIII, the tuning capacitors were put in operation through a manual DIP switch. On the MkIII, we had added an automatic procedure to measure the local frequency but the operator had still to setup the DIP switch at installation time.
On the MkIV, there will be a fully controlled tuning capacitor sub-system. Before starting a survey in a new region of the world, the operator will just have to push a menu key to execute the tuning procedure which will be entirely automatic.

2. GUI option module
    This is a Graphical User Interface with Touch Pad based on an intelligent 3.5" QVGA module (see picture attached) replacing and upgrading the functions of the character-based LCD and five-key keyboard of the base unit.
Apart from its neater aspect on the control box (see picture attached), what can you expect from this option to add-on to the existing features of the MkIII or the base MkIV units?

• Easier  Menu navigation
• Simpler system parameter setup
• Real-time graphical plot of the measured field gradients
• Review on screen of a captured survey grid uploaded from its SD Card file
• Integrated post-processing of a captured survey grid without any need to upload to a PC
• local 2D plotting of a post-processed survey grid with zooming and panning operations

This module will be an option on the base MkIV unit. Thus, the MkIV units will also exist in their base version using the LCD and Keyboard.
The already shipped units will be upgradable with this module.
This upgrade will be user-installable for MkIV units but will need a factory upgrade for MkII and MkIII units.

Willy

Linkback:

You are not allowed to view links.
Please Register or Login

http://www.thunting.com/smf/index.php/topic,12655.msg79936.html#msg79936

Thank you very much for your advices.

We'll indeed put a thin and flexible plastic sheet over the screen for two main reasons:
1. Ensure the dust and water tightness.
2. Mechanical protection against scratches.
The picture I have attached is just an early mechanical prototype.
However, we need to use a sheet that is flexible enough to allow the resistive touch pad to operate. This also means that its material will not be scratch-proof and we'll need to plan for its replacement after a time of operation.

We could indeed keep the option of a few real keys for the real-time operation of the instrument during the survey. Essentially, one pause/resume, one start/stop buttons.

During survey, each picture will stay still for one second since this is the maximum reading rate of the instrument. Thus, the operator will have ennough time to read the dispalyed values and plots.

Willy
Hi,

This is two pictures of the GUI in operation.
The first one is the real time display as a running bar chart.
The second one is the 2D plot displayed on the GUI after executing the post-processing locally.

Willy
Better picture quality
Willy
More screen shots.
Look at the beginning of the progress event list there:

You are not allowed to view links.
Please Register or Login

Willy
Latest screen dumps of the GUI


-         The HOME screen :

You are not allowed to view links.
Please Register or Login

-         The System Parameter setup screen :

You are not allowed to view links.
Please Register or Login

-         The Grid management screen :

You are not allowed to view links.
Please Register or Login

-         The Real-time survey screen :

You are not allowed to view links.
Please Register or Login

-         The 2D plot of a survey grid :

You are not allowed to view links.
Please Register or Login

Willy



Linkback:

You are not allowed to view links.
Please Register or Login

http://www.thunting.com/smf/index.php/topic,12655.msg97551.html#msg97551

Hi all,

We have now received and tested a new batch of PPM-MarkIV boards.
These have the following extra capabilities on top of the ones of the MarkIII systems:
- GUI module option
- Controllable back-lighting of LCD for night operation (when no GUI option)
- Integrated GPS option (internal chip + patch antenna)
- Automated sensor tuning procedure based on the local precession frequency


Basic MarkIV configurations are immediately available. The price structure and the operator manuals will be updated in a few days.

The GPS driver and the automated sensor tuning control firmware code are still under test but the boards are designed and built to provide these capabilities.

Willy

Linkback:

You are not allowed to view links.
Please Register or Login

http://www.thunting.com/smf/index.php/topic,12655.msg127800.html#msg127800

Hi Willy, so a ballpark figure for your boat towed magnetometer is???
Do you have the facilities to produce a few at a time?
 [idea]Send me one for a 'field test' in real conditions

Cheers,

Andrew

Linkback:

You are not allowed to view links.
Please Register or Login

http://www.thunting.com/smf/index.php/topic,12655.msg130950.html#msg130950

Hi

i am among the first owners of the ppm Mark-ii
i am very pleased with unit ppm. actually go much deeper than most everything  we tried.!!!

Linkback:

You are not allowed to view links.
Please Register or Login

http://www.thunting.com/smf/index.php/topic,12655.msg132275.html#msg132275