SmartSeis
TM
Maintenance Manual
3
1.0 SmartSeis
TM
Troubleshooting
When a functional problem with the SmartSeis
TM
seismograph occurs, there are several steps
towards isolating its cause. One should start with the easiest checks and, depending on the
results, proceed to more complicated tests and evaluations of the seismograph system set-up.
This section discusses the most common problems, such as with the power connection or
supply, external cabling, triggering, or internal hardware and software, encountered during
typical seismic surveys. The common symptoms (shown in bold) associated with each problem
are noted and troubleshooting procedures are described. Some solutions may call for
replacement of hardware, which are subsequently referred to in the pertinent parts of
Section
2.0, SmartSeis
TM
Maintenance and Repair
.
It is good practice to print out the contents of the README.DOC and other files before you
experience problems with your system. Since the operations and maintenance manuals are not
updated as frequently as the system software, the latest information is included on the support
and system disk. (Use the automatic programs in the batch files, named as #.BAT, by keying in
the number of the batch file program you would like to run at the DOS prompt, then press
ENTER).
1.1 External power
The most common problem is
power failure
, normally a discharged battery. The front panel
has a series of lights, which constantly display the battery voltage. The lights are not dependent
on the internal power supply (see
Section 1.4, Internal system, Power supply
) or computer,
so they will function even in case of an equipment fault. Monitor the battery voltage during field
operations. When the voltage drops below 10 Volts, little operating time is left and every effort
should be made to complete the survey in an orderly manner. Become familiar with the pattern
that the lights follow, so that you can anticipate battery discharge.
With the clip-type power cable, a vehicle battery can be used to operate the system. If the
connection
polarity is reversed
, the SmartSeis
TM
will not be damaged but the system will not
operate. A battery will deteriorate in storage unless it is charged regularly. If charged regularly,
the battery pack should retain its capacity for years. A failing battery will show a voltage lower
than the specified rating after only a short operating time, have decreased operating life, and will
charge up in increasingly less time.
1.2 External equipment
Other common problems are with external equipment, including the power, trigger, geophone
cables, and the geophones. For example, cable connections may be bad, cable wiring may be
damaged, or a geophone may be broken or unplanted.
