Exploration, engineering, environmental, and scientific investigators have a rapidly growing need for a new generation gravity meter with ”Gal accuracy. In 1988 EDCON initiated development of a high-resolution, computer-monitored gravity acquisition system. This development effort resulted in the introduction in 1990 of the Super-G™ Gravity System which combines simplicity of operation with high reliability and demonstrates ”Gal accuracy under adverse field conditions. In conjunction with the Super-G Gravity System development, EDCON designed and built an environmental chamber which allowed acquisition of data of ”Gal repeatability under harsh Arctic conditions.
The EDCON Super-G Gravity System is a significant enhancement of the LaCoste & Romberg Model G land gravity meter. Built for durability and ease of operation, the Super-G Gravity System incorporates numerous improvements that eliminate noise sources, improve meter accuracy and provide faster station occupations. Automatic data recording eliminates reading/writing errors and permits unattended data collection which is very useful on unstable ground. In a typical station occupation, the operator rough levels the meter, enables the PC, inputs station information via menu driven software and fine levels the meter. All station variables and gravity data are then automatically recorded over the desired averaging time interval. Files are downloaded on a daily basis for processing.
The Super-G Gravity System provides high-resolution results for environmental, engineering and exploration applications. The above photo, taken on the Rocky Mountain Calibration Range, shows the Super-G Gravity System with its carrying case and computer.
TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Temperature control is critical in obtaining ”Gal meter accuracy. The Super-G Gravity System achieves improved temperature control through the use of additional insulation and modifications to the thermostating circuitry.
AUTOMATIC NULLING - Continuous computer-monitored automatic nulling using electrostatic beam positioning circuitry allows ”Gal measurements over a range of 5 mGal without measuring screw reset.
LEVELING - Gravity measurements are corrected for "off level" errors through the use of precision digital electronic levels which are accurate to less than 1 arc second.
DATA LOGGING - Automatic data logging ensures accurate recording of raw and processed field data. Variables recorded at each station include: Observed Gravity; Tidal Corrections; Tide-Corrected Gravity; Observation Time and Date; Level Values; Meter Temperature; and Beam Position.
DATA AVERAGING - Selectable data averaging time interval allows flexibility in the use of the meter under varying field conditions. Under noisy conditions, the operator can select a longer averaging time interval to help ensure accuracy.
GRAPHIC DISPLAYS - Automatic graphic displays of Tide-Corrected Gravity and Instantaneous Gravity are used to monitor data quality.
EDCON has developed a special environmental chamber for the Super-G Gravity System for use in Arctic environments. This chamber, shown in the above photo, was configured with an attached GPS antenna and was used to obtain 3-5 ”Gal data along the North Slope of Alaska.
Super-G System Performance
- System Resolution: 0.1 ”Gal (0.0001 mGal)
- System Repeatability: 1.0 ”Gal or better while stationary
- Average Operating Conditions: 5.0 ”Gal or better
Averaging Time Interval
- Operator selectable with a default averaging time interval of 15 seconds.
Power Requirements
- The Super-G Gravity System operates on a 12 VDC, 250 milliamps average at 21ș C. The Super-G System uses aircraft approved sealed rechargeable gel cell batteries.
Operating Temperatures
- The Super-G Gravity System operates at temperatures ranging from -42șC to +42șC.
Field Dimensions & Weight
- Size: 42 cm. x 38 cm. x 26 cm.
- Weight: 15 kg.
Shipping Configuration
- The system, including spares and accessories, is shipped in three pieces at a gross weight of 60 kg.
Technical Support
- EDCON maintains a fully-staffed technical department that calibrates, tests, and maintains all EDCON equipment. The technical staff provides 24-hour-per-day support to EDCON and Client field personnel. EDCON remains committed to a continuing research and development program targeting refinements that will further enhance the Super-G Gravity System.
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