Reutech Digital Compass

Instantaneous measurement

The Design

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.

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.

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.

360° Product Viewer

Solar panels
Power supply
HMI
Batteries
Laser
Solar Powered
In-pit Alarm System
WiFi & Weather Station
3D Proprietary MIMO Antenna Array
Antenna Positioner
Used only during setup (no movement when scanning)
Generator module
HMI Cabinet and Control Panel
On board laptop for HMI and MSR Connect software
Web based viewer to see all of the MSR systems on the mine.
Simple two button interface
Telescopic Handle
Extends the sensor’s reach with two pushbuttons.
Handle matching mechanical interface
For swiftly attaching/detaching the sensor to the telescopic handle.
Patented suspension system
Allows for ease of use.
Intuitive status indicators
Gives the operator intuitive feedback on the scan’s status.
Sensor
Comprises all the electronics that enable SSP to detect fault lines up to 10 meters deep.
Trailer

The single axle MSR trailer allows for enhanced rotational maneuverability and effortless parking in space-constrained locations.
Onboard Weather Station

An onboard high precision weather station accurately measures even the smallest changes in temperature, pressure and humidity to generate a real time refractivity index. Complex mathematical algorithms combines this information to closely model the effect of the atmosphere on the radiated radar wave even in rapidly changing conditions. The result is highly accurate slope movement data, available when it’s needed most.
Power System
With enhanced power system management and improved generator control, the overall power consumption of the MSR is greatly reduced. The result is a 50% saving in system lifecycle costs through increased supply autonomy and reduced service intervals.
Modular Design

Intended to evolve with operational and budgetary requirements, the upgradeable Radar Module (to a maximum of 4000 metres) is the foundation of the MSR solution. Optional Battery, Generator and Solar modules; deployable as fixed, vehicle, single and multiple trailer configurations provides unmatched flexibility.
Non Level Deployment

Advanced onboard gyroscopes and patented algorithms makes the MSR the only radar system in the world that can be deployed and georeferenced in a non-level state to within -15° and +15° of pitch and roll.
Internal Hardware

All internal hardware components have been carefully selected with standard operating temperatures within the -30°C to + 55°C range. This means that no additional heating or cooling elements are required dramatically improving power consumption as well as the overall reliability of the MSR.

Note: An optional Low Temperature Kit can be added to operate to -50°C.
Rugged Laptop

The internal rugged laptop provides a delicately refined user interface at every level. The internal 500 gigabyte Solid State Drive is resistant to shock and vibration and reliably stores up to 5 months of movement data. Fast data transfer rates allows for fully automated backups to a central server at user defined intervals and the automatic mounting of external storage devices further improves data portability. Complementing the extreme mobility of the MSR, an automatic power on/off sequence reduces the risk of data corruption during redeployment. With an easy to use keyboard and mouse interface as well as a 13.3” high visible-light intensity screen (600 nits), the rugged laptop can easily be operated in the harshest of conditions.
Georeferencing
The integrated Leica Geosystems Total Station along with securely mounted prisms provides for the highest level of accuracy when georeferencing the MSR.
Real Aperture Antenna

The next generation transceiver module is capable of transmitting and receiving radar signals every 6 milliseconds while continuously scanning at up to 40° per second. This means that multiple 3-Dimensional data points can be extracted from a single radar beam resulting in unrivalled data accuracy and reliability. With wide azimuth and elevation limits, the MSR offers high speed scanning over broad areas.
Auto-georeferencing

An Auto–georeferenced system can be deployed during the day or night and eliminates the requirement for line of sight to reference points on the mine when utilising a total station. Predetermined reference points can also be imported to determine the position of the radar within the local mine coordinate system. The hardware is a permanent installation that eliminates the need for additional tools or cables.
Push button
OLED display

Videos

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

Display modes

Dynamic (display updates as unit moves)
Static (displays last measurement)

Data output

CSV format, date and time stamped

True North offset

Set via PC application

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Batteries

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.

Do you get re-chargeable batteries for the device?

No.

Manual operation

What happens if my device freezes?

Remove the battery to reset the device.

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.

This setting is available in the menu under Mode, Display.

Can the RDC work in a -50°C environment?

We use industrial rated components at certified to -40 °C.

Taking a measurement

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.

Data

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.

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.

Can the data be exported to X, Y or Z?

The data is exported as a CSV file from the Manager PC application.

Technical questions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Software

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.

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.

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.

Reutech Digital Compass

The Design

Simplicity

Software

Certification

360° Product Viewer

Solar panels

Power supply

HMI

Batteries

Laser

Solar Powered

In-pit Alarm System

WiFi & Weather Station

3D Proprietary MIMO Antenna Array

Antenna Positioner

Used only during setup (no movement when scanning)

Generator module

HMI Cabinet and Control Panel

On board laptop for HMI and MSR Connect software

Web based viewer to see all of the MSR systems on the mine.

Simple two button interface

Telescopic Handle

Extends the sensor’s reach with two pushbuttons.

Handle matching mechanical interface

For swiftly attaching/detaching the sensor to the telescopic handle.

Patented suspension system

Allows for ease of use.

Intuitive status indicators

Gives the operator intuitive feedback on the scan’s status.

Sensor

Comprises all the electronics that enable SSP to detect fault lines up to 10 meters deep.

Trailer

Onboard Weather Station

Power System

Modular Design

Non Level Deployment

Internal Hardware

Rugged Laptop

Georeferencing

Real Aperture Antenna

Auto-georeferencing

Push button

OLED display

Videos

Technical Specifications

Dimensions and Weight

Battery

Bluetooth

Accuracy

Measurement modes

Display modes

Data output

True North offset

Frequently Asked Questions​ (FAQ)

Batteries

Manual operation

Taking a measurement

Data

Technical questions

Software

Support

Navigation

Business Units

Reutech Digital Compass Enquiry Form

Contact Info

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)