Intelligent Node
Automated Switching Resistivity System


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Abbreviated Manual
The Intelligent Node automated switching resistivity system consists of two cables each with 10 intelligent nodes at 5 meter spacings, an automated switching module with rechargeable battery and array configuration software. Additional cables may be added to extend the system to a maximum of 255 nodes. Node spacing may also be increased to 10 meters. The nodes are attached via short cables and alligator clips to metal stakes that are sunk into the ground. When using the intelligent node system with any Syscal resistivity meter, the ground resistance can be checked before data acquisition begins. This ground resistance is measured between a reference electrode located next to the switching module and each electrode node of the sequence. It is also possible to check the operating status of each node to determine if they are all in good working condition.

The Electre software is provided to enable designing of an array and then down loading this to any Syscal resistivity meter. You can also use the Electre software in making IP measurements with the automated switching system when using resistivity meters with the IP option.

Two frequently used terms that must be defined before further description of the system are:

Quadripole: a group of 4 electrode numbers defining A, B, M, N, stakes.
Sequence: series of quadripoles, defining the order of measurements

Example: Sequence #1

Dipole-Dipole Configuration, 6 electrodes, 6 quadripoles

A B M N
1 2 3 4 . . . . . . Quadripole 1/6
1 2 4 5 . . . . . . Quadripole 2/6
1 2 5 6
2 3 4 5
2 3 5 6
3 4 5 6 . . . . . . .Quadripole 6/6

This program allows creation and editing of sequences of quadripoles, and transfer of them to a resistivity meter. Data files can later be transferred back to the PC were Electre will allow you to edit the files and create a standard ASCII file compatible with any data sheet (such as Notepad...) or spread sheet (such as Excel...) software. Finally, Electre features an interface module driving the Surfer (for Windows) software by automatically creating a Surfer image according to chosen parameters.

Installation of Electre is quick and easy. The operator has the choice of three different languages to view the software; French, German, and English.
To begin configuring a sequence the operator is first asked to fill out the Header page. In this window parameters of acquisition are set. Some of these parameters include: name of operator, an area for comments, number of electrodes, number of quadripoles, minimum and maximum number of stacks, and the file name. Essentially this window acts as a title page to distinguish this file from others.

The next window is where the actual sequence is created. This can be done using preset sequences or line by line creation. The «Fill» command on the task bar has preset sequences for

Dipole-Dipole, Pole-Pole, Pole-Dipole, Schlumberger Sounding, and Schlumberger Profile quadripole configurations. In either case (preset or line by line configuration) the geometrical factor K is computed automatically according to the standard formula. You can add a multiplicative factor or choose the absolute value of this formula. The electrode coordinates can also be entered manually line by line. If a preset option is chosen, you will be asked what the electrode spacing is and in some cases what the quadripole midpoint is, and the program will automatically fill in the electrode coordinates.
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Header Window

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Preset array configurations ask you to enter number of electrodes, and their spacings.
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Sequence configuration window for a Dipole-Dipole array using 7 electrodes spaced 5m apart and 10 quadripoles.
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Geometrical factor K computation window.
Once you have finished creating your sequences the files are transferred to any Syscal resistivity meter using an RS-232 link. You can transfer and store up to 9 sequence files (each with a maximum of 1200 quadripoles per sequence) in the resistivity meter.

The multi-electrodes mode under the MODE Key on the resistivity meter must be selected before data acquisition begins. This operation mode permits the resistivity meter to drive a network of intelligent nodes and to automatically perform a series of measurements. The sequence file name is selected from a list under the ARRAY key, and the START key is pressed. The system will automatically cycle through each quadripole and store the average voltage, current, self potential value, standard deviation of the resistivity (noise indicator), and the computed value of the apparent resistivity. A 100 meter profile, with 153 quadripoles, that is to say 153 readings can be completed in less than 2 hours without having to relocate any electrodes! Imagine the possibilities!

The Electre program is again used to transfer the acquired data from the resistivity meter to the PC. Electre allows you to view the results of your data file after the transfer is completed. You also have the possibility to modify any line of data and recompute the apparent resistivity for this line. If modifications have been made an asteric (*) sign will appear in the record next to the modified line.

Files can be exported and automatically converted to other program formats. You can export the whole file or just a part, and choose the desired separator type (comma, semicolon, or tabulation). The Electre software also has preset formats for some resistivity and IP data processing software applications. Simply select the separator type or preset format and the file is exported from Electre with a new extension, ready for import into whichever application you choose.

The Electre software is conveniently interfaced with the Surfer (for Windows) software. You have the possibility to create just a .DAT file or to create a .DAT file with its associated image file (.SRF). In the second case you have the options to choose the kind of image you want to create (map or pseudo-section), and the orientation and the unity for the Surfer configuration. With a click of a button your Surfer program can be lauched and the file displayed.

Finally it is possible to merge several .DAT files (source files) together to have one final merged data file.
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Raw data collected with the Intelligent Node System and automatically converted to Surfer format on the left and Resix 2DI format on the right.