Micromate FAQs

Copy events to a computer

Please refer to Chapter 5.4 of the THOR Operator Manual, page 98, for more information.

Use this function to store a copy of the event file(s) onto your local computer. The Location attribute indicates where the event file resides.

Unit: The event file is stored on the unit and is being viewed temporarily in THOR.

Local: A copy of the event file has been downloaded to the local computer and can be
viewed permanently in THOR.

1. Click the Projects & Events tab.
2. Click the Manage Events button.
3. Click a project’s arrow that contains the unit’s event data to copy.
4. Click a monitoring unit.
5. Select one or more events with the Location Type Unit, then right-click and select Create Local Copy of Event(s) and Log(s). or click the Copy icon. (Events with the Location Type Local are already copied onto the computer.)

Delete events from a unit

Please refer to Chapter 5.5.1 of the THOR Operator Manual, page 99, for more information.

Delete events in projects

1. Click the Projects & Events tab.
2. Click the Manage Events button.
3. Click a project’s arrow that contains the unit’s event data to delete.
4. Click a monitoring unit.
5. Select one or more events then right-click and select Delete Event(s). Tip: To select multiple events, hold down CTRL on the keyboard and select the events.
6. In the confirmation dialog box, click OK. WARNING: Deleting an event, will delete all associated reports with it.

Delete all events in monitoring units

Please refer to Chapter 5.5.2 of the THOR Operator Manual, page 100, for more information.

To delete all the events in a unit:

1. Click the Projects & Events tab.
2. Click the Manage Events button.
3. Click a project’s arrow that contains the unit’s event data to delete. WARNING: Deleted events cannot be restored.
4. Right-click a monitoring unit.
5. Click Delete All Events and Logs.
6. In the confirmation dialog box, click OK.

Please refer to Chapter 3.7 of the THOR Operator Manual, page 69, for more information.

Each unit contains a configuration file known as the “Unit Setup”. All units can use the standard Compliance setup.

Unit Setup files can be created, edited and used as templates for other units. Saving unit settings for later use facilitates switching between configurations. Once created in THOR they simply need to be loaded into the unit.

Setup files can be sent to any unit of the same type. The same unit setups can be used on multiple units.

E.g. Applying a single unit setup to three Micromate’s used to monitor the same series of blasts at a quarry.

To view the complete Micromate setup procedure, refer to the THOR Operator Manual section mentioned above.

Seismic Trigger: 0.127 to 254 mm/s (0.005 to 10 in/s)

Linear Acoustic Trigger: 2.0 to 500 Pa (100 to 148 dB)

Sound Level Microphone: 33 to 140 dB (A or C)

Please refer to Chapter 3.7.2 of the THOR Operator Manual, page 66, for more information.

1.  Waveform 
   1. To record multiple events automatically with no lag time between events. (Ex: Blasting) The unit records an event, displays the results, and continues to monitor for events exceeding the trigger level to record.  
2. Waveform Manual 
   1. Used when automatic triggers are unreliable due to high wind or nearby vehicle activity. Used also to record background noise levels near a site.
3. Histogram 
   1. For long-term recording periods. (Ex: Pile driving) The unit stores summary information in intervals. The unit gathers continuous data based on the sample rate but only registers relevant peaks for the interval. (This reduces the recorded data and increases storage capacity.) For each interval, the unit calculates the maximum peaks, the largest peak frequency, and the peak vector sum. For each channel, the unit calculates the maximum peak and its frequency. It also calculates the largest peak vector sum over the entire event, displaying the peak of each interval in a bar chart.
4. Histogram Combo 
   1. This will create a waveform record while Histogram recording. (This happens when an event exceeds the waveform trigger level, Ex: Pile driving) Records data on peak events and Histogram events. The waveform event is saved as a separate file, while the Histogram Event file remains continuous, limited only by the amount of available memory.
   2. NOTE: The auxiliary trigger is automatically disabled in this mode.

To retrieve Service Logs from Micromate or Minimate Pro units:

1. Establish communication with the unit in the Unit/Communications to verify a connection.
2. Switch the unit type to Series IV by checking the box at bottom of the screen if connecting to a Micromate (Be sure the COM port in the Series IV communications menu matches the Micromate communications port if you are connecting to a Micromate).
3. In the Tools menu, select Save Series IV Service Log.
4. Select a location to save the file in the Select Output file prompt.  You will see a confirmation window listing the number of service log records copied, if there is data in the service log.  If the service log is empty you will receive an error that 0 service logs were written.
5. Navigate to the file location and find the .SVR file to be sent to Instantel for review.

Users can replace a modem with the Lantronix UDS1100 (Serial to Ethernet converter)  to reduce modem associated fees at remote sites that have available Ethernet networks. The Micromate can also connect to a wireless modem and has a local USB port for retrieving event data on-site. Please contact [email protected] for custom applications.

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Please follow the instructions below to create a request for calibration or repair services on your Instantel equipment.

1. Login to the Instantel Service Portal.
2. Once you are logged in, click on Create RMA Request.
3. You will then have to fill in your Contact Information, your Local Distributor's Contact Information and the Return Shipping Address.
4. Click Continue.
5. Enter information about your Instantel equipment. There is also a section here to enter any details or items you would like our technicians to review.
6. Click Continue.
7. You will be provided with an RMA (Return Material Authorization) number – this is your service request number. An email with instructions on how to send your equipment to Instantel will be sent to the email address you submitted the request with. This email will also include a return shipping label with Instantel’s corporate address and the RMA number.
8. Please use the shipping labels provided to return your equipment to Instantel.

Please refer to Chapter 14 of the Micromate Operator Manual, page 121, for more information.

The Sensor Check feature on Instantel vibration monitors is to help ensure that the sensors have been connected and installed correctly. If a geophone sensor was not level or was upside down, the monitor would indicate a failed sensor check on one or more channels. The sensor check is NOT a calibration check and cannot replace the annual calibration process as it does not compare the measured result against an external traceable reference.

When a Sensor Check error occurs, check the following for possible causes:

• Was the sensor moved during the Sensor Check? This will result in a failed reading.
• Ensure that the orientation of the Geophone is correct, as per the given application, such as a ceiling installation. Refer to the section in this manual, Geophone Direct Hard Surface Mount Installation Instruction.
• Check all cable connections.
• Check cables and connectors for wear, bent pins, or foreign debris.
• If required, return the sensor to an Authorized Instantel Representative for further testing.

Please refer to Chapter 11.5.6 of the Micromate Operator Manual, page 107, for more information.

The Remove Offsets menu will monitor the geophone and microphone for 10 seconds and then analyze the data to determine if there is an offset on any of the channels. If an offset has been detected, the value associated with this offset will be stored in the unit. This offset will then be used to correct the data being recorded by adding the stored offset value to the data. This corrected value is then stored as the event data.

Note: Ensure there are no vibration or sound signals produced while running this function as it will negatively affect the results.

1. Go to the Maintenance Menu.
2. Select Remove Offsets.
3. Select the checkmark to confirm the removal. A screen stating it is removing offsets will appear followed by a new screen stating Removing Offsets Complete.

Please refer to Chapter 11.5.7 of the Micromate Operator Manual, page 108, for more information.

The Calibrate Sound Level Microphone function will calibrate a Sound Level Microphone (optional) in the field. The calibration date is set to the current date, and the name of the calibrator is set to “Field Calibration”, which will appear on event reports. In order to use the Calibrate Sound Level Microphone, Instantel recommends the following sound level microphone calibrators:

• Delta OHM HD9101 Class 1
• Brüel & Kjaer Sound Calibrator Type 4231
• Rion NC-74 Sound Calibrator

1. Set the Sound Level Microphone Calibrator to 94 dB at 1000 Hz.
2. Go to the Field Calibration Menu
3. Select Calibrate
4. Confirm by selecting the checkmark button to proceed with calibration
   1. A screen will appear saying it is running calibration.
   2. Once the calibration is complete, a screen will appear confirming completion.