Reutech Digital Compass
Instantaneous measurement
The Design
Measure Dip and Dip Direction or Dip and Strike with a single button press at any angle or orientation using the Reutech Digital Compass (RDC). This handheld device enables quick and easy measurement of geological features, and uniquely tagged measurements are stored on the unit for convenient transfer to PC via Bluetooth as and when required.
Simplicity
The RDC offers the opportunity to achieve much more in a far shorter time span, enabling mapping of multiple structures in a fraction of the time spent using conventional means. The elimination of tedious tasks such as levelling a unit or ensuring the unit does not move before reading the measurement guarantees a seamless experience when using the device. An intuitive menu provides a single button interface. Taking measurements and activating, cycling through, or selecting menu items is all achieved by either a long or short button press.
Once all measurements have been taken, the data is rapidly transferred via Bluetooth to a PC application for viewing.
Software
Connect wirelessly to the RDC to configure or download measurements via a user-friendly Windows 10 application. The application displays device information, individual measurements and enables addition of a user defined true or magnetic north correction factor to measurements taken. Download stored results to CSV format for processing in third party geotechnical software.
Certification
- FCC
- CE
- IC
- IS
- SANS
Technical Specifications
Dimensions and Weight
80 x 62 x25 mm, <72g (including battery)
Battery
CR2450 (±8 hour operation)
Bluetooth
4.2 interface to RDC PC application
Accuracy
< ±2°
Measurement modes
Dip (D) and Dip direction (DD)
Dip (D) and Strike (S)
Compass
Dip (D) and Strike (S)
Compass
Display modes
Dynamic (display updates as unit moves)
Static (displays last measurement)
Static (displays last measurement)
Data output
CSV format, date and time stamped
True North offset
Set via PC application
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What type of batteries are used?
A standard CR2450 battery is used.
How long does the batteries last?
The lifetime is dependent on the measurement and Bluetooth usage, which makes the lifetime of the battery difficult to specify.
It is important to keep these functions to a minimum when not taking measurements or downloading data.How do I change the batteries?
There is a quarter turn battery cover on the rear portion of the device.
Clock-wise to close and anti clock-wise to open.
Do not over turn or the locking mechanism will be damaged.
Once open press the battery retaining clip to the side away from the battery to release it.
Insert the new battery making sure it is clipped onto place correctly before closing the cover.
Clock-wise to close and anti clock-wise to open.
Do not over turn or the locking mechanism will be damaged.
Once open press the battery retaining clip to the side away from the battery to release it.
Insert the new battery making sure it is clipped onto place correctly before closing the cover.
What happens if my device freezes?
Remove the battery to reset the device.
How is the data downloaded?
To download data enable Bluetooth on the RDC.
Connect to the RDC via Bluetooth on the Manager PC application first. Follow the procedure in the manual to read and save the data stored on the device.
Connect to the RDC via Bluetooth on the Manager PC application first. Follow the procedure in the manual to read and save the data stored on the device.
What data is recorded?
Each measurement is numbered and has a date/time stamp.
When this data is saved to the PC it is in a comma delimited CSV format.
Does the device use magnetic or True North?
Both options are available but not at the same time.
The user is able to set the magnetic declination via the Manager PC application.
A value of 0 (zero) indicates no magnetic declination.
The user is able to set the magnetic declination via the Manager PC application.
A value of 0 (zero) indicates no magnetic declination.
How do I calibrate the device?
On the device menu go to Calibrate under the Settings menu and do a long press on the red Push button to enter the calibration procedure.
Hold the device in your hand and move it around in a figure of eight movement for a minute or two to generate the calibration data.
Once the device has sufficient data it will perform the calculation and exit the calibration menu.
Hold the device in your hand and move it around in a figure of eight movement for a minute or two to generate the calibration data.
Once the device has sufficient data it will perform the calculation and exit the calibration menu.
What is the accuracy of the device?
The accuracy of any measurement is dependent on external magnetic influences.
This could be from metallic objects in the vicinity and includes wrist watches and cell phones.
This is no different for an analog or digital compass of any type.
The user should achieve better than ±2⁰ accuracy with minimal external interference.
This could be from metallic objects in the vicinity and includes wrist watches and cell phones.
This is no different for an analog or digital compass of any type.
The user should achieve better than ±2⁰ accuracy with minimal external interference.
How do I reset the device?
Remove the battery to reset the device.
How do I clear the storage on the device?
The stored data on the device can be cleared from the device via the menu or via the Manager PC application.
Can I change the displayed measurement type?
The device offers three measurement options:
- Dip and Dip Direction – the default setting.
- Dip and Strike – the alternative setting.
- Compass – the device operates as a compass.
Does the compass measure dip direction with respect to magnetic declination and is the correction made after the measurement is done?
The user can enter the magnetic declination in the software, and when the data is saved it is corrected.
Can the RDC work in a -50°C environment?
We use industrial rated components at certified to -40 °C.
Will the compass work in magnetic ore?
It is affected in the same way an analogue compass is. The analogue compass needle will move but the perceived movement will not be as noticeable as small changes are difficult to see. On the RDC unit, the numbers will be changing dynamically which is much more visible to the observer.
How do you position the instrument on the joint face to get the right dip and dip direction measurement?
The base of the unit is the reference, and the body can be at any orientation, typically the most comfortable position for measuring is used in each situation.
How do I pair my device to a laptop/PC?
There is no need to use the PC’s Bluetooth menu for this.
To pair you first need to enable BLE on the device.
Run the Manager PC application and click on BLE Connection and follow the steps.
Once the device is connected to the Manager the icon on the device will change and the Manager will show the connection status and device information.
To pair you first need to enable BLE on the device.
Run the Manager PC application and click on BLE Connection and follow the steps.
Once the device is connected to the Manager the icon on the device will change and the Manager will show the connection status and device information.
How do I fix my Bluetooth connection to the device?
No need, this is done by the device and Manager PC application.
How do I switch on Bluetooth?
Enter the menu on the device and navigate to the Bluetooth menu option.
Select BLE On and then execute with a long press.
A radio icon will appear on the device display.
Once the Manager PC application has connected the icon will change to the standard Bluetooth icon.
Select BLE On and then execute with a long press.
A radio icon will appear on the device display.
Once the Manager PC application has connected the icon will change to the standard Bluetooth icon.
Can the data be exported to X, Y or Z?
The data is exported as a CSV file from the Manager PC application.
How does the device’s menu system work?
The menu is accessed by a LONG press on the Red pushbutton once it has been woken up.
A LONG press either enters the Menu option or confirms the option selection.
A SHORT press cycles through the menu options.
A LONG press either enters the Menu option or confirms the option selection.
A SHORT press cycles through the menu options.
What is the device’s warranty period?
The warranty is 1 year against latent defects.