table of contents...this building was constructed in 1986. from 1995 and 200 nearly 200 holes were...

Table of Contents 1. Executive Summary ................................................................................................ 3

2. Why use GPR? ........................................................................................................ 4

2.1. Legal Status of GPR: ....................................................................................... 5

2.2. Case Studies of where GPR should have been used: ........................................... 5

2.3. Overcoming objections: .................................................................................. 6

3. Sales Pitch ............................................................................................................. 6

3.1. Unique Selling Proposition: .............................................................................. 7

4. Competitive Comparison: ......................................................................................... 8

4.1. Product Bio: Structure Scan Mini .................................................................. 9

4.2. Product Bio: Hilti PS-1000 ......................................................................... 11

4.3. Product Bio: MALA CX-12 .......................................................................... 13

4.4. Product Bio: GSSI Structure Scan ............................................................... 15

5. Conquest 100 Sole Source Specs ............................................................................ 17

6. Technology Explanations: ...................................................................................... 20

6.1. DynaQ ........................................................................................................ 21

6.2. PCD (Power Cable Detector) .......................................................................... 23

6.3. Resolution ................................................................................................... 25

6.4. Depth Accuracy ............................................................................................ 27

Concrete Market Product Selling Guide

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1. Executive Summary

This document serves as a complete information package to guide the selling process of our Conquest

family of systems into the concrete scanning market. The purpose of this document is:

1) To educate internal staff on the concrete scanning industry and GPR products that service this market

2) To create a standardized selling approach to ensure the same message is delivered to clients

regardless of who they talk to within the company 3) To highlight the unique and important features of the our products that can be used to sway

sales in our favor This document is divided into the following sections:

1) The benefits of using GPR 2) Unique selling proposition – key selling features of GPR

3) Competitive analysis - An overview of the competitor systems, their strengths, weaknesses and advice for how to sell Conquest against the competition

4) Technology review – describes the unique technology used in Sensors & Software products, and the Sensors & Software definition of various industry terms

5) Sole source specification – this describes the key features of the Conquest 100, and specifically lists unique or patented technology that can only be found in Sensors & Software products. This is to be used for guidance when helping to write tenders and purchase requirements that

only Sensors & Software systems will meet. This document is confidential and is for internal use only.


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2. Why use GPR?

What does GPR do in this market?

In the concrete inspection market GPR is used to locate the following items within concrete slabs:

Rebar Post tension cables Conduits (water, power, telecom etc) Drains

…more Why are people using GPR in this Market? Goal: Failure to achieve the goal:

Assess what is inside concrete to ensure that the

structure is built properly

Improper construction practices that are not

caught can lead to long term structural problems or failure

Assess what is inside concrete to plan how to put an addition onto the existing structure

Poor planning resulting in costly change orders

Assess what is inside concrete so that a hole can be safely cut or cored into the concrete

Risk to worker’s life and safety 1) Water damage to structure 2) Electrical damage structure 3) Structural Damage structure

Other tools that are used for locating objects in concrete:

Technology: Description :

Cover Meter

Applications:

Locate rebar in a concrete slab.

Amount of concrete covering the rebar

from the surface down.

Diameter of Rebar Estimation. (+ or – one

rebar size)

Mapping of rebar

Limitations:

Detection depth 4-7 inches Rebar diameter measuring <3 inches of

cover concrete

No detection of anything beyond rebar. Common Retailers: Hilti – PS250 Ferroscan

Proceq – Profometer 630 Educational Video on Cover meters

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bue4PCy13IQ

X-Ray Applications:

Locate everything inside the concrete

Clear rebar size determination

Clear conduit size determination

Limitations:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bue4PCy13IQ


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Access needed to both sides of concrete

Dangerous since radiation is used

Significant training needed

Proper Licensing

Scan thickness 12 to 36inchs

Difficult to determine the depth of objects

within concrete

Educational Video on X-Ray

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tbFTvUQF5k

2.1. Legal Status of GPR:

Note that GPR is not required by law. These systems are recommended by the CSDA (Concrete Sawing

and Drilling Association) as a non-destructive tool for concrete investigation. Their best practices document can be found at: Q:\NoBackUp\AP\CSDA- Ground-Penetrating-Radar-Best-Practices.pdf

2.2. Case Studies of where GPR should have been used:

1) Christchurch CTV building collapse

This building was constructed in 1986. From 1995 and 200 nearly 200 holes were drilled throughout the structure 75% of which were through concrete. The contractor admitted that they had cut through reinforcement. This was a contributing factor in the buildings collapse during the

Christchurch earthquake resulting in 115deaths. Reference - http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10817580

2) Electrocution when cutting a slab

A new extruder was being installed at a factory that was expanding. The extruder weighed several ton which was above the floor’s limit. A rectangular hole needed to be cut into the floor in order

that a proper foundation could be installed. Cores arrived on site and asked the onsite foreman if they should be aware of any utilities in the floor. After a resounding “no” was given they began their work. 80ft into the first cut a blue arc came out of the saw and the saw operator was thrown

to the floor. http://ecmweb.com/shock-amp-electrocution/case-concrete-cutting-catastrophe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tbFTvUQF5k

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10817580

http://ecmweb.com/shock-amp-electrocution/case-concrete-cutting-catastrophe


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2.3. Overcoming objections:

This section will focuses on 4 common objections that a prospective client will put up in the concrete industry.

Objection: Response:

Objection 1: Liability – they don’t want to deal with the scanning. There is the impression amongst contractors that in-house scanning

brings additional liability onto their shoulders should a job go poorly. For this reason they will sub-contract scanning to a 3rd party company.

Response 1: Recommend that contractors really look at the contracts that they are signing with their sub-contractors. Often the primary liability

remains with the contractor who is hiring the subs. By bringing scanning in-house it allows for direct control over the quality of the scanning process.

Objection 2: Frequency - Sensors & Software’s competition has higher frequency scanners.

Normally people who have this objection as familiar with the competitions system and may even own them.

Response 2: The first thing to ask someone when they start talking about frequency is: what is their

application? Often if their application involves anything deeper than 12 inches we can make a very strong case for the 1000MHz Conquest 100. We can also argue that any cutter needs to be able not just to be able to see barely to the bottom of the slab but they also need to be able

to observe at least a few inches beneath it. This is due to the fact then when slabs are cut on grade the blade will touch soil beneath (and any utilities). Key features to emphasize to get people’s minds off this topic:

1) PCD comes standard on all out systems – safety is not an option

2) Grids – other systems maybe good for line collection but to properly clear an area you need to do grids. Our grid collection

and analysis is the best in the business. To see more on frequency vs resolution see the tech explanation section.

Objection 3: Bulky – At times the size of the Conquest case and having a separate display screen/ scanning unit are concerning to customers.

Response 3: The case has durable wheels allowing for easy job site navigation (note that we are working on a more permanent solution to this). Conquest’s screen size allows them to do exceptional data analysis. In addition the 2 part

nature of Conquest allows for the control unit to be plugged in once batteries are dead. This allows for prolonged data collection and more revenue. Conquests 2 piece nature also allows for data to be scanned on the ground or in the air in a more ergonomic fashion.

Objection 4: Price – Some prospects will make

comments like, Really $14,000? I thought it would be more like $5000.

Response 4: Showing the customer that the

business case for the system is worth the investment. Average scan $$ per day. This response should be business related.


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3. Sales Pitch

This section includes a summary of all the features that make Conquest a desirable product.

This section is not feature based but rather helps to communicate where the customer will

find value. A part of this for every competitive analysis will be to sell Sensors & Software as

a corporation.

3.1. Unique Selling Proposition:

Universal USPs (for all customers): - Wifi: Because concrete customers in our market are always moving to different location on a

site and switching sites throughout the day it is difficult for them to stay connected with their office and with their customers.

Wifi Mini reports allow Conquest users to share information while in the field. This allows them to stay connected throughout the day leading to satisfied customers and informed supervisors.

- Light Weight Sensor Head and Mobility kit: Since concrete customers work on ceilings, walls, and floors they need a light sensor head that can be configured to what they are doing.

Conquest’s ultralight sensor head allows users to comfortably use the system even when working overhead. The mobility kit even lets operators use the system from a standing position.

Specific USPs:

Cutting and Coring: 1) Concrete cutters are like detectives and must quickly ascertain what is in the concrete. Their

main objective is avoidance and they should do everything in their power to avoid an accident. PCD is a feature which increases their margin of safety by providing a little more information

about what is in the slab. 2) Concrete cutters are always at risk of damaging property with a saw or drill. They need to

reduce risk of damaging plastic conduits or in floor heating in order to control the liability associated with their job. Conquest’s GPR uses DYNAQ to give them the best data quickly. Efficiency with speed – Conquest provides it.

3) Because Concrete cutters work long hours on tight schedules they need their equipment to always be ready. Conquest can operate on long life Li-Ion batteries. When overtime ensues

Conquest has an AC plug to allow work to continue uninterrupted. 4) Because concrete corers are skilled on the job site but not used to technology they often find

high tech gadgets hard to use. Conquest defies the norm and uses a simple user interface with a touch screen to make scanning simple for everyone.

Structural Assessment & Alterations: 1) As an engineer it is essential to know how the existing structure was built so proper plans for

an addition can be created. Without this information change orders and contract addendums may increase the cost of a project. Conquest’s easy slice view shows the exact positon and

depth to reinforcing members and utilities. 2) When changes are being made to a structure engineers need to know how a structure was

built. Documentation needs to be provided to designers so that proper planning can be completed. Conquest GPR allows easy reports to be generated which detail key information like rebar spacing, location of post tension cables and where utilities run through the concrete. Conquest allows for accurate planning to occur the first time.

3) Building owners and leasers struggle to know the condition of the facilities that they own and operate in. Slabs-on-grade can, over time, develop voids underneath them. This can lead to cracking and sinkage. If the problem is caught before damage to the concrete occurs then

inexpensive grouting techniques can save thousands of dollars. Conquest can locate voids under sections of slab on grade. EKKO_Project allows these voids to be mapped out and analyzed so the extent of danger can be properly assessed.


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4. Competitive Comparison:

Now that we have established where GPR should be used and how it is conducive to working

with other technologies let’s look at how GPR stacks up against the competition. See the

next page for an example product comparison document.


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4.1. Product Bio: Structure Scan Mini

Product

Name:

Structure Scan Mini

Product

Manufacturer:

GSSI

Product

Webpage:

http://www.geophysical.com/s

tructurescanmini.htm

Product

Release Date:

2009-2016

Multi Product Intros

Brief Product

Description:

This is the original one piece

concrete scanner. It is

currently the market leader.

Basic Product Specs:

Weight: 3.6lb (1.63kg) to 4lb

(1.8kg)

Grid Mode Optional

Center Frequency: 1600, 2600,

2700Mhz

Individual models

Battery Life: 2.5hrs

Line Mode Ability: All systems Environmental: IP 65

Languages: English, Spanish,

French, (Japanese

and Chinese on the

XT)

Temperature

Operation Range:

-20Co to 40Co

Key Unique Product Features:

Important features that the competition advertises and you should be aware of as a sales person.

- Compact Design – light and small - Durability - Value – Two year warranty - Guiding laser for locating and 3D surveying

Product Options/configurations:

Configuration options, accessories, software options.

StructureScan Mini StructureScan Mini HR

StructureScan Mini XT

Centre Frequencies: 1600MHz 2600MHz 2700MHz

Post Processing Software:

Optional Optional Optional

Standup operation: No No Yes

Touch Screen: No No Yes

Environmental: IP 65 IP 65 IP 65

FCC Certified Yes Yes No (Pending)

Cross Section Yes Yes Yes

Grid Scan Optional Optional Optional

Migrated Cross Sections

See example data below:

No No Yes

Max Depth: 50cm 50cm 50cm

http://www.geophysical.com/structurescanmini.htm

http://www.geophysical.com/structurescanmini.htm


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Key Product Strengths:

- This system has a unique feature that allows it to display all reinforcing pieces of concrete on a

single slice. - A single compact unit. Attractive if you are only doing locates using lines. - Very light weight - These systems are able to resolve targets that are much closer together and shallower then

Conquest. Careful if you have to do a data comparison. GSSI is able to easily resolve rebar

5cm deep and 2.5cm spacing. In addition it is able to resolve targets 3cm deep. Key Product Weaknesses:

- Data analysis is difficult on a small screen along with the fact that GSSI cannot “stretch or

squeeze” data from cross sections. - Many sub menus make is easy for new users to get “lost.” No touch screen (Mini XT has touch

screen). - No standing operation. This promotes pushing the unit along with your feet or crawling. Both

are undesirable. (Mini XT has a standing handle with controls on handle). - The maximum grid size of this system is 1.2m by 0.6m. It is difficult to analyze data on such a

small screen so larger grids would be futile.

- Conquest has double the time window that GSSI has giving it a technical advantage. Max GSSI 50cm max Conquest 91cm

- Also GSSI has a highly inaccurate “auto target” picking option. It would be very bad for a beginner to use it.

How to best sell Conquest against the Structure Scan Mini:

- Conquest has a better ability to view data on a screen that is 75% larger then size of the

normal Mini and 50% bigger than the mini XT. Separate screen give more system flexibility. - Conquest can collect grid up to 23 m2 while GSSI can only do grids as large as 0.72 m2 - Conquest can operate on battery power and AC giving you 24hr operation - Conquest can image almost twice as deep as the GSSI Mini

- Conquest comes standard with PCD while the Mini does not even have a PCD option. - Conquest’s seems to be brighter and more visible when working in sunlight (see image below).


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4.2. Product Bio: Hilti PS-1000

Product Name: PS-1000

Product

Manufacturer:

Hilti

Webpage: https://www.hilti.ca/measuring-

systems/detection-

systems/r5042

Product Release

Date:

2012

Brief Product

Description:

This system is probably the

most high tech concrete scanner

on the market. The three-

channel system along with the

power cable detector allows for

unique capabilities.


Weight: 5.5lbs Grid Mode Yes

Center Frequency: 2400MHz Battery Life: 4hr

Line Mode Ability: Yes Environmental: IP 54

Languages: English, Spanish,

Portuguese, French

(? Verify?)

Temperature

Operation Range:

-5F (-15C) to 122

(50C)

Key Advertised Product Features:

- Quality assessment of rebar and PT cable layout

- Identify Safe Places to drill, core or saw. - Compact all in one handheld scanner - 3D visualization of objects concealed in concrete structures - Produce Large area images - Professional software for image evaluation and data management. (advertised as a feature) - Durable

Key Product Strengths:

- Fast Grid Scanning. The PS-1000 is very likely the fastest at scanning grids in the entire industry. This is largely due to the three pairs of TX/RX that run side by side allowing them to scan at 15cm intervals

- When conducting a line scan Hilti does not default to showing the user the cross section. Rather

they show a mini slice view and a migrated cross section. These can be seen in Example 4 in appendix A. The mini slice view is shown on the top of the screen and the vertical lines indicate that the GPR is running perpendicular to the rebar. The image on the bottom is a cross section but the data has been migrated and the rebar shows up as red dots. The bottom of slab is fairly visible in this image as well. This type of data processing decreases the complexity for the customer.

- The EM sensor on the Hilti is very good. It sensitivity is very similar to Conquest. - The system has ambidextrous scan start and stop buttons that are easy to use. - Handle is available for Hilti PS-100 with built in controls.

Key Product Weaknesses:

https://www.hilti.ca/measuring-systems/detection-systems/r5042




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- The Hilti PS-1000 cannot scan well into corners. This stems from the fact that when completing

a grid scan the hilti system must start entirely off the grid. This prevents scanning a grid closer than 6-8inchs from a wall.

- The data processing that Hilti does to produce the mini slice view and migrated cross section

also can remove important information from the data. Though processing simplifies the data that is not justification if a hit were to arise. In addition the raw data from the Hiliti is not only poor but also difficult to view.

- The screen on the scanner is approximately 5x5in. When collecting grids this leaves operators to view 4ft of cross sectional data in 5 inches of screen space. No stretch or squeeze function is available. There is a data viewing monitor however it only allows for viewing after the data has been collected. No real time viewing is possible.

- Hilti’s time window only allows them to see a mere 300mm (12inches) in concrete. This greatly limits an operator’s confidence since it provides them with a very short field of vison.

How to best sell Conquest against the PS-1000:

- Cost – the Hilti System costs twice as must as the Conquest 100 Enhanced - Hilti advertises that it is designed to provide you with large area scans. Hilti’s largest grid

allows you to scan 1.5m2 while Conquest allots for 24m2. - Hilti is known as a drill and jackhammer manufacturer. GPR is a technical piece of equipment

that needs proper support and training. - The 12 inchs that Hilti allows you to see may be adequate for looking inside the concrete but

what about directly beneath it. Conquest gives you the penetration you need to see in the slab

and below it. - Note the Conquest’s time window allows for over 900mm to be viewed, 3 times more depth

then the Hilti


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4.3. Product Bio: MALA CX-12

Product

Name:

CX-12

Product

Manufacturer

:

MALA

Webpage: http://www.malags.com/products/mal

a-cx-(concrete-imaging)-system

Product

Release

Date:

2004 (est)

Brief Product

Description:

MALA has produced a system with the

classic MALA user interface and put it

inside a Pelican case. Three different

frequencies are available.


Weight: Screen ( 27lb)

Transmitter (4.5-

6.5lbs ) lbs

Grid Mode Yes


2300MHz

Battery Life: 6hr


Languages: ? Temperature

Operation Range:

-20oC to +50oC (-4oF

to +122oF)

Key Advertised product Features: Safe and reliable way to cut and core with confidence. Multi Antenna’s to choose from. First to implement EM Sensor with GPR for concrete Enhance safety, eliminate damage to structure.

Key Product Strengths: Interface very consistent with all other MALA units. Some people love the single knob

operation while others do not like it. Large bright screen. 2300 MHz offers high resolution of shallow targets. Targets 5cm deep and 6.5cm apart can be

differentiated along with objects in the top few centimeters of the concrete.

Very solid industrial feel to the unit (minus the mini cart). Nice industrial design on the control module.

The CX-12 Has a handle which allows users to collect data while standing. The handle is

“smart” meaning that it has buttons on it to control the GPR unit. MALA offers a PCD however this is optional.

Key Product Weaknesses: Grid processing requires some expertise. Each time a grid is collected all the processing must

be adjusted manually. Training is needed. 1600MHz offers less depth penetration and lower data quality then the Conquest 100. Cords are over ½ inch thick, are very inflexible and cause trouble in keeping the systems on

course. The mini cart that Mala uses has a single wheel that triggers the odometer. This is difficult to

keep on the surface in some situations causing data to need to be recollected The large box that the MALA unit comes in must be moved around to every scan site.

http://www.malags.com/products/mala-cx-(concrete-imaging)-system

http://www.malags.com/products/mala-cx-(concrete-imaging)-system


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Need to complete a minimum 97% of the line length.

How to sell against the MALA CX-12: Conquest has “one button” processing for grids. Push a single button and slices are produced.

MALA requires knowledge and time to process every gird. According to the MALA dealer in Canada, 90% of the systems they sell are the 1600MHz.

Conquest will beat this system for data quality. A head to head comparison would be a good way to prove Conquest’s worth.

The large box (over 30lbs) which the Mala system comes in must be brought to every scan

location. Conquest can be unpacked in one location and then it becomes a highly mobile scanning unit.

Conquest has a standard PCD while MALA has an optional PCD. Safety is not an option when you choose Sensors & Software.


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4.4. Product Bio: GSSI Structure Scan

Product

Name:

Structure Scan

Product

Manufact

urer:

GSSI

Webpage: http://www.geophysical.com/struct

urescanstandard.htm

Product

Release

Date:

2004 (est)

Brief

Product

Descripti

on:

This is GSSI’s classic concrete

scanner, with 3 high frequency

options ranging from 1600-

2600MHz it gives users a wide

range of possible applications.


Weight: Screen ( 27lb)

Transmitter (4.5-

6.5lbs )

Grid Mode Optional


2600MHz

Battery Life: 2-3hrs


Languages: English, Chinese,

Japanese, French

Temperature

Operation Range:

-40oC to +60oC (-

40oF to +140oF)

Basic System Explanation:

The screen of the structure scan system is called the SIR 4000. It offers users unique

configuration options. The SIR 4000 can serve as a screen for all GSSI antennas. Depending

on your application you select the antenna you need and the “module” that is required for

the collection. The module options for concrete assessment are Structure Scan 2D and

Structure Scan 3D. Structure Scan 2D only allows for lines to be collected and viewed

whereas Structure Scan 3D allows for lines and grids to be collected, processed and viewed.

Key System Features Advertised: Real time data processing while the data is saved in its raw format. Horizontal zoom function Automatic Frequency Recognition Not a ton of marketing material out currently for the SIR4000 Structure Scan. More should be

added to this when available.

Key Product Strengths: Appearance – the SIR 4000 looks like a robust control unit.

Multi Antenna - GSSI allows for 3 different frequency of antennas to be collected with the SIR 4000. In addition the tablet can be used to collect data from low frequency GPR antennas as well. Note that customers may think that it is easy and free to collect low frequency data when

in reality they need to purchase additional modules for the SIR 4000. The 2600 MHz unit provides excellent ability to differentiate very small targets in the cross

section. Also the system can locate objects very close to the surface. The stand-up handle is “smart” meaning that it has buttons on it to control the GPR unit.

Key Product Weaknesses: The high frequency antennas used for the Structure scan require a third item for operation.

This means that the user has to carry the screen, the GPR and the timing box. This causes a never ending tangle of cords and other components to breakdown or maneuver around on a job site.

http://www.geophysical.com/structurescanstandard.htm

http://www.geophysical.com/structurescanstandard.htm


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The Tablet weight is 11lbs with the battery installed. This is very heavy for a user to hold.

The SIR 4000 was the most complicated system to learn to operate. Overall the GSSI SIR4000 had many menus, a lack of touch screen and buttons that were difficult to determine their operation.

No PCD available

How to best sell against the Structure Scan (SIR4000): The Conquest 100 is a much lighter system and easier system to maneuver around the jobsite. Some people will argue that the flexibility of the SIR4000 is amazing. This flexibility comes at a

very high cost. Most concrete scanners are specialists and do not venture into other GPR

applications. The touchscreen of Conquest allows for easier system operation. The battery life of Conquest is almost twice as long as the SIR4000. To run the Conquest nonstop

for an entire day you may need 2 batteries. The SIR4000 power requirements demands almost 4. No PCD is available for the Structure Scan


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5. Conquest 100 Sole Source Specs

The goal of this document is to provide a one-stop shop for people writing tenders and proposals. It

should be generalized to cover all specs for Conquest 100, so that it doesn’t appear to be a sole source

spec; yet contain adequate key features that only Conquest 100 possesses to make it easy to spec our

system.

Physical Design

The 1000 MHz transducer uses patented UWB antennas (Patent # US 6154167) with a bandwidth

to center frequency ratio of 1. They have superior stability resulting in less ringing in difficult

environments.

PCD (Power Cable Detector) – a secondary sensor that detects the presence of current carrying

conduits

Sensor head has integrated odometer, connected to both wheels

Resizable handle that connects to sensor head

Data collection buttons on display and sensor head for versatile and remote operation

Lithium-Ion battery packs, capable of 6 hours of operation

System can operate and charge battery if plugged in

Display Unit (DVL-500)

Color, touchscreen display

Resistive touchscreen, meaning it can be used with or without gloves

Display Unit internal memory of 8GB

USB port for data export

WiFi capability

Data acquisition

Only GPR system with DETS (Digital Equivalent Time Sampling) which enables instant/start stop

acquisition and precise timing control (Patent # US 6501413).

Only GPR system with active compensation for temperature and supply voltage (Patent # US

6577978). This capability means that even as the air temperature is fluctuating and battery

voltage is reducing, the data quality is the same.

DynaQ – a patented technology that provides continuous enhancement of data based on the

time window and speed of acquisition. This results in the best possible data quality.

IEP (Image Enhancement Processing) – continually monitors GPR pulse for proper operation.

Backup capability reverses the odometer to pinpoint the location of targets.

Cross-hairs provide a simple target depth measurement.

Firmware Capabilities


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Two modes of acquisition: Line Scan and Grid Scan

Simple, intuitive user interface makes Line Scan and Grid Scans easy to collect.

Auto-hide buttons in Line Scan mode, to maximize screen display when acquiring data

Display up to 10m (30ft)of Line Scan data on one screen

Option for collecting data in No Save Mode

PCD data is displayed in both Line Scan and Grid Scan mode

Create field interpretations on data by simply touching the target response on the screen and

export these interpretations in a .CSV file

Grid Scan mode supports grid sizes of:

o Metric: 0.6x0.6m, 1.2x0.6m, 1.2x1.2m, 2.4x0.6m, 2.4x2.4m

o US Standard: 2x2ft, 4x2ft, 4x4ft, 8x2ft, 8x8ft

Process grid data into depth slices on the display unit to locate targets and make drilling/coring

decisions at the site.

Drill locator, with variable sizes, allows you to superimpose drill hole over data, to determine

safest place to core

Able to save a screenshot as a .jpg file

Able to e-mail a data image in a report from the display unit

Automatic determination of concrete velocity

Built-in System Test to verify proper operation of various component

Export a single .GPZ file containing all lines & grids collected in a project

Processing software, EKKO_Project, is coded, updated and supported by the GPR manufacturer.

EKKO_Project software provides display of Line and Grid scans, allows interpretations to be

added to the data and outputs reports in CSV, DXF and PDF formats.

Data can be output from EKKO_Project in a 3D format for visualization.

Technical Specifications

Specifications Values

Sensor head size 150 x 130 x 190 mm (5.84 x 5.00 x 7.38 in)

Sensor weight 1.00 kg (2.18 lbs)

Display Unit weight (without battery)

2.83kg (6.24 lbs)

Battery weight 0.48 kg (1.05 lbs)

Display Unit screen

8.0" high-visibility, sunlight-readable diagonal LCD display with touchscreen Adjustable backlighting 1000 NIT and 800:1 contrast ratio

Colors 24 total color palettes (8 color palettes with 3 contrast levels per palette)

Wireless Integrated modules: Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 b,g,n) GPS/GLONASS

Audio Built-in speaker - 85dBA speaker w/volume control

Acquisition Rate 100,000 samples/s

Battery Lithium Battery pack


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Battery Life: 4-6 hours Battery Capacity: 9 Ah Built-in power management features to conserve battery power and preserve data integrity

Charger Built-in charger with status indicator Universal AC mains charger input: 100-240V , 2A, 50/60Hz Output: 18V, 4.45A, 80W Max

Display Unit input 10-24V , 4A maximum

Temperature & Environmental

Ruggedized, environmentally sealed unit and connections Ingress protection (IP) rating: DVL-500 is rated to IP65 under IEC 60529 Relative Humidity operation (non-condensing): 10 – 90% DVL-500 operating temperature range: -40 to 50°C Use battery charger/AC adapter between 0 and 35°C. Operation on battery is possible below -20°C but battery endurance will be limited. Do not use touch screen below -20°C.

Battery Storage

Recommended conditions for battery storage are -20 to 25°C.

Maximum temperature range for battery storage is -20 to 60°C.

Extended storage above 40°C could degrade battery performance and life.

Regulatory Specifications EMC-FCC, CE, IC Safety-TUV, CE


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6. Technology Explanations:

Our GPR systems are built on many innovative and patented technologies that allow for state of the art

GPR data collection, display and processing. Some of these are difficult to explain. This section attempts to explain these concepts. This content is not to be sent to clients but rather used to explain the technology to clients by our sales reps.


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6.1. DynaQ

Products found in: All Conquest products, all LMX family, Noggin Smart Systems (with DVL-400), pE PRO

(as a simple slider bar, not the way it’s described below).

Summary: DynaQ dynamically auto-stacks the data for a given speed of movement. This improves data

quality by increasing the signal to noise ratio.

Motivation:

There has always been a trade-off in data quality vs. speed of acquisition. This was most common in the

lower frequencies, which required longer time windows to see deep. With DynaQ, customers are

assured of the highest possible data quality regardless of how fast they are moving.

Technology Explained:

It is first necessary to explain what Stacking is. Stacking involves pulsing the GPR multiples times at a

given position. The return from these pulses are “stacked” or averaged to minimize the background

noise. In previous systems (and currently in some of our competitors), you had to specify the number of

stacks, and the higher the setting for stacks, the slower you had to move the GPR system.

In the diagram above, the pulse on the right is the return pulse, and the red part in the middle of that

pulse indicates the background noise. Note that with 8 stacks the background noise is reduced

compared with 1-2 stacks.

DynaQ technology stacks automatically when using an odometer. The user just sees a colour bar on the

screen, indicating the number of stacks. The faster the acquisition speed the lower the number of stacks

and the lower the data quality. Moving so fast that the system skips data greatly reduces data quality.

Dark Blue = Highest quality

Light blue = Better quality

Yellow = Moderate quality

White = No Data (too fast!)


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DynaQ ensures that the customer is collecting the best quality data automatically, and also provides an

indicator if they are collecting too fast. The images below are from an LMX200 and show the DynaQ bar

at the bottom of the screen. The top image shows good data collection, whereas the bottom one shows

DynaQ colours varying along the line.

DynaQ will improve performance by reducing the noise not boosting the response signals. It is

important to understand that slowing data collection to increase stacking may reduce the noise to

allow the GPR signals to penetrate 5-10% deeper. Increase stacking will never double or triple the

depth of penetration. If the user is in conductive soils (e.g. clay), it doesn’t matter how slow they

move; they may not increase the depth penetration enough to see the target they are looking for.


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6.2. PCD (Power Cable Detector)

Products found in: Conquest Enhanced (2007 and later), Conquest SL, Conquest 100

Summary: PCD is a feature added to Conquest to help it detect current carrying objects. This is a feature

that is safety focused and comes standard on all Conquest systems.

Motivation:

People use Conquest to scan a concrete slab when they need to locate everything prior to coring.

Cutting a power line can be dangerous for the operator, not to mention the downtime costs for a

business. However, these conduits can sometimes be tied to rebar or be very small diameter conduits,

making them hard to detect. Having this added piece of information ensures an extra margin of safety:

you have “two technologies in one”


Moving current (Alternating Current only) generates a magnetic field around it. Conquest systems

contain a magnetic flux sensor (called the PCD sensor) that will detect and measure this magnetic field,

indicating the presence of a conduit.

The field is shown as a red line in Line Scan mode, with a value indicating the field strength in nT

(nanoTesla).


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This is the same unit of measurement we use for the Earth’s magnetic field. The strength of the field

detected by the PCD is dependent on the following factors:

Amount of current flow (Amperes or load)

Depth of conduit (Deeper conduits generate less of a magnetic field at the surface)

Orientation of the wires in the conduit (Single wires return the highest response, where dual

wires side by side return less, and twisted pair return even less)

Users will always ask what is the minimum amount of current that can be detected by the PCD. The

answer is that it depends on the above 3 factors. Obviously conduits that are powering heavier loads will

be carrying more Amps, which will give a stronger response and be more easily detected. Remember it’s

the current, not the voltage that determines the strength of the field.

Below are a few other things to keep in mind:

There has to be a current draw, meaning the lights have to be on, or the machinery running. If

they are off, there is no current flow and therefore no magnetic field

DC current will not produce any field

Telephone, fire alarm, communications cables will not produce any field

PCD is meant to supplement the GPR data obtained, and should not be used simply as a tool on its own.


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6.3. Resolution

Products found in: All, but most important in the Conquest world

Summary: Resolution is the ability to distinguish between two closely spaced objects, in the horizontal

and vertical dimensions.

Motivation:

People mistakenly define resolution as being able to find a small object. Resolution is clearly

distinguishing two objects, so they are not mistaken as one. This is especially important for people to

find objects in concrete, where conduits, rebar and cables are laid out in a relatively small area. Having

high resolution is also important for measuring layer thicknesses (such as asphalt).


Resolution is primarily a function of wavelength. The diagrams below show two targets (1 & 2) and their

separation distance (∆r for the vertical dimension and ∆l for the horizontal dimension)

The formulas for calculating these are as follows (and can be found in PMD357)

As you can see, both vertical and horizontal resolution depend on wavelength, which also depends on

velocity. Additionally horizontal resolution also depends on depth.

If we plug some numbers into these equations, we’ll get the following (assuming a velocity of 0.1 m/ns

and frequency is expressed in GHz):


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Center Frequency

Vertical Res Horizontal Res

(0.2m deep)

Horizontal Res

(0.5m deep)

Horizontal Res

(1.0m deep)

250 MHz 0.1 m --------- 0.32 m 0.45 m

500 MHz 0.05 m --------- 0.22 m 0.32 m

1000 MHz 0.025 m 0.10 m 0.16 m ---------

For example, someone using Conquest (1000 MHz) to locate rebar 50cm deep, will need to ensure that

the rebar is at least 16cm apart to resolve them as separate objects.

Keep in mind that while the numbers above give the theoretical vertical resolution, you also need to take

into account the wavelength (or length of the pulse). If you have two objects that are coincident, the

bottom object could get hidden in the reflected pulse of the top object if it’s too close (< wavelength).

The pulse length is depicted below with the red arrow. In the case of Conquest, that’s about 8-10cm,

depending on the velocity of the concrete.

Some practical implications of resolution:

1. You cannot measure asphalt thickness less than 10cm

2. It is very difficult to determine how many PT cables are bundled together, unless they are usually

separated by ~8cm or more (depending on depth)

3. IceMap (500 MHz) can easily resolve the thickness of ice, as ice is usually over 30cm thick before

people start using it for vehicles.


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6.4. Depth Accuracy

Products found in: All

Summary: How accurate is my depth measurement?

Motivation:

People often need to know how deep something is. Depending on the application and market,

accuracies may be stringent or sometimes an approximation will suffice.


There is a difference here between absolute depth and relative depth. Absolute is the measured depth

of an object, whereas relative depth is the difference in depth between two objects, for example, pipes

in the ground.

In most cases, people measure the depth from the surface of the ground to the object in the ground

using the hyperbola fitting technique. Hyperbola fitting gives you a velocity which is used to calculate

depth. Possible sources of error include, but are not limited to:

1. The angle which the target was crossed - perpendicular crossing is most accurate (for a more

graphic representation, refer to the Conquest or Noggin courses)

2. Where the top of the hyperbola was picked (user dependent)

3. How well the shape was fitted (user dependent)

4. Soil material above the target is not homogeneous,

The image below shows how to fit a hyperbola to obtain depth:

For shallow objects, the top of the hyperbola can get distorted, making it difficult to do an accurate

velocity calibration, and thus to obtain an accurate depth.


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When measuring the relative depth between two objects, many of the sources of error are constant

(often user error) and therefore are not a factor. In the end, we say that absolute depth is +/- 5 – 10% of

measured depth, whereas the relative depth is 1 – 2% of measured depth.

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