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Manual Terrameter

Terrameter manual

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Manual Terrameter

Terrameter manual

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Alexandra Gerea

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Instruction Manual

Terrameter SAS 4000 / SAS 1000

ABEM Product Number 33 0020 26

ABEM Printed Matter No 93109

2010-06-04

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

Information in this document is subject to change without notice and constitutes

no commitment by ABEM Instrument AB.
ABEM Instrument AB takes no responsibility for errors in the document or
problems that may arise from the use of this material.
Copyright 2009 ABEM Instrument AB. All rights reserved.

ABEM Instrument AB
Alln 1
S-172 66 Sundbyberg
Sweden

Phone:

+46 8 564 88 300

Fax:

+46 8 28 11 09

Internet:

http://www.abem.se

E-mail:

[email protected]
[email protected]

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

WARNING! Deadly hazard!

The ABEM Terrameter SAS 4000 / SAS 1000 delivers high
voltages and currents. Always consider all cables and electrodes
connected directly or indirectly to the Terrameter to carry
current.
Stay away from cables and electrodes while the system is
operating. Wear electrically insulating boots and gloves during
field work. Disconnect cables from Terrameter / Electrode
Selector before connecting / disconnecting electrodes to / from
cables.
The operator must always keep all parts of the equipment
including instrument, electrode selector, electrode cables,
electrodes etc. under control for unauthorized persons and stray
animals while the system is operating to avoid accidents!

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

INTRODUCTION
1.1
1.1.1

UNPACKING AND INSPECTING

SHIPPING DAMAGE CLAIMS

1.2

WARRANTY

1.3

REPACKING AND SHIPPING

1.4

COMPLIANCE

GENERAL

2.1

TERRAMETER SAS 4000 - THE SYSTEM

2.2

TERRAMETER SAS 1000 THE SYSTEM

2.3

TERRAMETER SAS 1000 / 4000 - GENERAL

2.4

TYPES OF MEASUREMENT SUPPORTED

2.4.1

RESISTIVITY MEASUREMENTS

2.4.2

INDUCED POLARIZATION MODE - CHARGEABILITY

2.4.3

NEGATIVE READINGS?

2.4.4

DC POTENTIAL MEASUREMENT (SP)

2.5
2.5.1
2.6

TECHNICAL LAYOUT OF THE SAS 1000 / 4000

CURRENT AND POTENTIAL CONNECTORS

ACCESSORIES

2.6.1

THE LUND RESISTIVITY IMAGING SYSTEM

2.6.2

TERRAMETER SAS LOG 300

OPERATING THE SAS 1000 / 4000

3.1

CONTROLS AND TERMINALS

3.1.1

CONTROLS

3.1.2

SPECIAL KEY SEQUENCES

3.1.3

MULTI CHANNEL ADAPTER (MCA)

3.2

WARNINGS

3.2.1

SAFETY

3.2.2

LIGHTNING

3.2.3

HEAT

3.3

MANAGING THE CONTROLLING PROGRAM

A tour through the SAS 1000 / 4000 program

3.4

MEASURING MODES OF THE SAS 1000 / 4000

18
18
20

3.4.1

STATISTICAL DESCRIPTION - MEAN OR MEDIAN

3.4.2

VOLTAGE MEASURING MODE (SP) SURVEYS

3.4.3

RESISTIVITY SURVEYING MODE

-i-

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

3.4.4
3.5
4

INDUCED POLARIZATION SURVEYS

ACQUISITION TIMER

POWER SUPPLY
4.1

24
24

BATTERY PACK

Safety precautions
4.2
5

25
26
26

ELECTRODES

STEEL ELECTRODES

5.1.2

NON-POLARISABLE ELECTRODES

5.1.3

IMPORTANT REMARKS CONCERNING CURRENT ELECTRODES

CABLE SETS

LUND IMAGING SYSTEM

6.1

INTRODUCTION

6.1.1

WELCOME TO 2D AND 3D RESISTIVITY SURVEYING

6.1.2

POWERFUL FEATURES

6.1.3

ELECTRODE SELECTOR / LUND IMAGING SYSTEM

6.2

EXTERNAL 12 V BATTERY ADAPTER

5.1.1

5.2
6

ELECTRODES AND CABLES

5.1

DATA ACQUISITION PROCEDURE

6.2.1

PREPARATIONS FOR FIELD SURVEYING

6.2.2

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT

6.2.3

RECOMMENDED ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT

6.2.4

FIELD PROCEDURE FOR 2D ELECTRICAL IMAGING

6.2.5

USING THE LUND IMAGING SYSTEM SOFTWARE

6.2.6

ELECTRODE TEST

6.2.7

SPEED UP THE FIELD PROCEDURE

6.2.8

DATA COVER

6.2.9

AREA COVER / 3D ROLL-ALONG

6.2.10

3D RESISTIVITY SURVEYING BY MEANS OF A NUMBER OF 2D LAYOUTS

6.2.11

BOREHOLE MEASUREMENTS

6.2.12

POSSIBLE SOURCES OF ERROR

6.2.13

THE ALARM CONNECTOR

TERRAMETER SAS LOG 300

7.1

CONTROLS, TERMINALS AND LOGGING CABLE

7.2

OPERATING THE LOGGING SYSTEM

- ii -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

7.3

TEMPERATURE & SP LOGGING

Proceed as follows:

7.4

RESISTIVITY AND IP LOGGING

7.5

THE RESISTIVITY AND IP MODES ARE EXPLAINED BELOW

SHORT NORMAL LOGGING

LONG NORMAL LOGGING

LATERAL LOGGING

7.6

FLUID RESISTIVITY AND ESTIMATION OF TDS

Concentrations by weight

7.7
8

PLOTTING OF LOGGING DATA

UTILITY SOFTWARE
8.1

TERRAMETER SAS1000/SAS4000 UTILITY SOFTWARE

8.1.1

COMMUNICATION BETWEEN TERRAMETER AND PC COMPUTER

54
54

Setting the SAS 1000 / 4000 in communication mode

Install software on the SAS 1000 / 4000

Import data from the Terrameter

8.1.2

DATA CONVERSION

8.1.3

CONVERSION PROGRAM ON PC - S4KCONV.EXE

8.1.4

MEASUREMENT PROTOCOL GENERATION AND MANAGEMENT

Error Codes in MPFC program

8.1.5

FORMAT OF LUND IMAGING ADDRESS, PROTOCOL AND LOCATION FILES

Cable Description Files (Address Files)

Protocol Files

Geometry Files

8.1.6
8.2

FORMAT OF VES PROTOCOL FILES

ERIGRAPH

63
64

8.2.1

DATA CONVERSION

8.2.2

PSEUDOSECTION PLOTTING

8.2.3

2D AND 3D MODEL INTERPRETATION

8.2.4

DATA QUALITY CHECKING AND EDITING

SERVICING THE EQUIPMENT

9.1

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

9.2

DATA STORAGE MEMORY

9.3

ERROR CODES

9.4

STORAGE AND HUMIDITY

9.5

PERIODIC CHECKS

- iii -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

9.5.1

TERRAMETER SAS 1000 / 4000 - CHECK

9.5.2

QUICK CHECK OF SAS 1000 / 4000

9.6

TESTING OF LUND EQUIPMENT

9.6.1

FAST CONTINUITY TEST OF CABLE AND RELAY SWITCH

9.6.2

SPECIAL CHECKS IN THE MODULE TEST SOFTWARE

Check Cable Isolation.

Auto Relay Test

Manual Relay Switching

9.6.3
10

TERRAMETER SAS LOG 300 - CHECKS

APPENDIX A. BASIC PRINCIPLES OF RESISTIVITY SURVEYING

10.1

GENERAL

76
76

10.1.1

RESISTIVITITY OF NATURAL MATERIALS

10.1.2

MEASUREMENT PRINCIPLES

10.2

MULTIPLE GRADIENT ARRAY SURVEYING

10.2.1

SURVEYING PRINCIPLES

10.2.2

PSEUDOSECTION PLOTTING

10.3

REFERENCES

APPENDIX B. TERRAMETER ERROR CODES

APPENDIX C. MPFC ERROR CODES

13
APPENDIX D. ES464 / ES10-64 ADDRESS, TAKE-OUT AND PIN CONNECTOR
RELATION
88
14
14.1

14.2

14.3

APPENDIX E. ADDRESS AND PROTOCOL FILES

EXAMPLE ADDRESS FILES

Example Address Files for CVES

Example Address Files for Areal/3D Cover

EXAMPLE PROTOCOL FILES

Example: Wenner Array Protocol File

Example: Dipole-dipole Array Protocol File

Example: Gradient Array Protocol File

Example: Pole-pole Array Protocol File using one channel

Example: Pole-pole Array Protocol File using three channels (POL3SS)

EXAMPLE LOCATION / GEOMETRY FILE

14.4
WENNER_L + WENNER_S: 1-CHANNEL WENNER
CABLES 96

- iv -

94
CVES WITH 4 ELECTRODE

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

14.5
GRAD4L(X)8 + GRAD4S8: 4-CHANNEL MULTIPLE GRADIENT ARRAY CVES WITH 4
ELECTRODE CABLES
97
14.6
DIPDIP4L + DIPDIP4S: 4-CHANNEL DIPOLE-DIPOLE ARRAY CVES WITH 4
ELECTRODE CABLES
98
14.7
POLDIP4L + POLDIP4S: 4-CHANNEL POLE-DIPOLE ARRAY CVES WITH 4 ELECTRODE
CABLES 99
14.8
GRAD3L6 + GRAD3S6: 3-CHANNEL MULTIPLE GRADIENT ARRAY CVES WITH 4
ELECTRODE CABLES
100
14.9
GRAD1L7 + GRAD1S7: 1-CHANNEL MULTIPLE GRADIENT ARRAY CVES WITH 4
ELECTRODE CABLES
101
14.10

WEN32SX: 1-CHANNEL WENNER CVES WITH 2 ELECTRODE CABLES

102

14.11

POL3SS: 3-CHANNEL POLE-POLE CVES WITH 2 ELECTRODE CABLES

103

14.12

POL3L: 3-CHANNEL POLE-POLE CVES WITH 4 ELECTRODE CABLES

104

14.13 SQUARE2A, SQUARE2B AND SQUARE2C: SQUARE ARRAY AREA COVER WITH
TWO ELECTRODE SPACINGS
105
14.14

POL8X8: POLE-POLE IN 8X8 SQUARE GRID

106

14.15

POL21X7A-F: 3 CHANNEL POLE-POLE 3D ROLL-ALONG SURVEYING

108

14.16

POLDIP_A AND POLDIP_O: 4 CHANNEL POLE-DIPOLE 2D TO 3D SURVEYING

109

APPENDIX F. S4KCONV

110

15.1

DESCRIPTION

110

15.2

SYNTAX

110

-F:type

110

-options

110

wildcard

111

@filename

111

15.3

EXAMPLES

111

15.4

ERROR CODES S4KCONV

112

APPENDIX G. AMP FILE FORMAT

113

16.1

BASIC PRINCIPLES

113

16.2

DETAILS, LINE BY LINE

113

16.3

HEADER

114

Index coordinate type

114

XYZ:0|1|2|3

115

16.4

DATA

115

16.5

TOPOGRAPHY

116

16.6

General Topography Information

116

Electrode Locations

117

REMARKS

117

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ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

16.7
17

EXAMPLES

119

APPENDIX H. ERIGRAPH FILE FORMATS

123

17.1

INTRODUCTION

123

17.2

PSEUDOSECTION PLOTTING AND FILE FORMAT

123

17.3

INVERTED MODEL PLOTTING AND FILE FORMAT

123

17.4

TOPOGRAPHY

124

17.5

USER DEFINED TEXT

125

17.6

LEVEL MARKERS

125

17.7

REFERENCE DATA

126

APPENDIX I. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

127

18.1

TERRAMETER SAS 1000 / 4000 - SPECIFICATIONS

127

18.2

ELECTRODE SELECTOR ES464 - SPECIFICATIONS

129

18.3

ELECTRODE SELECTOR ES10-64C(E) - SPECIFICATIONS

129

18.4

TERRAMETER SAS LOG 300 - SPECIFICATIONS

130

APPENDIX J. REMOTE CONTROL

131

19.1

COMMUNICATION PARAMETERS

131

19.2

COMMANDS AND SYNTAX

131

19.2.1

DELETE

131

DEL filename(s)
19.2.2

131

DIR

131

DIR path
19.2.3

131

EXIT

131

EXT
19.2.4

131
INSTALL SOFTWARE

132

INS filename
19.2.5

132

SEND SERIAL NUMBER

132

GID
19.2.6

132
SEND VERSION STRING

132

VER
19.2.7

132
SET DATE AND TIME

132

STM yyyy/mm/dd hh:mm:ss

19.2.8

132

SET DEFAULT

132

DFL
19.2.9

132
SET ERROR CHECKING

133

SEC err4,err5,algorithm,speed

133

- vi -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

19.2.10

SET IP

133

STI ImA , Imode , fs , tOn/Off , tD , t0(index) , mult , N

19.2.11

SET MODE

134

OPM mode
19.2.12

133

134

SET RESISTIVITY

134

STR ImA, Imode, fs, tD, tAcq

134

19.2.13

SET SP

135

STS t
19.2.14

135
SETSTACK

135

SAS Nmin, Nmax, Elimit, Norm

135

19.2.15

SOUND

135

SND freq, freq, freq.

19.2.16

135

CONTACT TEST

135

TST
19.2.17

135
TRIG

136

TRG

136

- vii -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

- viii -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

1 INTRODUCTION
This Instruction Manual covers operation, maintenance and, where appropriate, reduction of
data. A careful study of this manual is recommended before starting to work with the
equipment.
ABEM products are carefully checked at all stages of production and are thoroughly tested
before leaving our factory. They should provide many years of satisfactory service if handled
and maintained according to the instructions given in this manual.
ABEM will be pleased to receive occasional reports from you concerning your use of and
experience with the equipment. We also welcome your comments on the contents and
usefulness of this manual. In all communication with ABEM be sure to include the instrument
types and serial numbers. Contact details:
Address: ABEM Instrument AB, Alln 1, S-172 66 Sundbyberg, Sweden.
Fax number: +46 8 28 11 09
Phone number: +46 8 564 88 300
E-mail: [email protected] or, if you have technical questions, [email protected].
Information about ABEM:s product range is available on internet: http://www.abem.se. Also
the most recent version of interpretation software are available on: www.abem.se.
In general, e-mail correspondence gives the fastest response.
In view of our policy of progressive development, we reserve the right to alter specifications
without prior notice.
IMPORTANT
It is important that you as a user of the instrument notify ABEM about your name and
address. This allows us to keep you updated with important information about the instrument
and e.g. upgrades of the built-in software and documentation. Please send your name and
address directly to ABEM, utilize the Warranty Registration Card delivered along with the
instrument.

1.1 UNPACKING AND INSPECTING

Use great care when unpacking the instrument. Check the contents of the box or crate against
the packing list that is included. Inspect the instrument and accessories for loose connections
and inspect the instrument case for any damage that may have occurred due to rough handling
during shipment.

1.1.1 Shipping damage claims

File any claim for shipping damage with the carrier immediately after discovery of the
damage and before the equipment is put into use. Forward a full report to ABEM, making
certain to include the ABEM delivery number, instrument type(s) and serial number(s).
All packing materials should be carefully preserved for future re-shipment, should this
become necessary.

1.2 WARRANTY
ABEM warrants each instrument manufactured by them to be free from defects in material
and workmanship. ABEM's liability under this warranty is limited in accordance with the
terms of General Conditions for the Supply of Mechanical, Electrical and Associated
Electronic Products (ORGALIME). It covers the servicing and adjusting of any defective
-1-

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

parts (except tubes, transistors, fuses and batteries). The Warranty is effective for twelve (12)
months after the date of Bill of Lading or other delivery document issued to the original
purchaser, provided that the instrument is returned carriage paid to ABEM, and is shown to
ABEM's satisfaction to be defective. If misuse or abnormal conditions have caused the fault,
repairs will be invoiced at cost.
Should a fault occur that is not correctable on site, please send full details to ABEM. It is
essential that instrument type and serial number is included and, if possible, the original
ABEM delivery number. On receipt of this information, disposition instructions will be sent
by return. Freight to ABEM must be prepaid. For damage or repairs outside the terms of the
Warranty, ABEM will submit an estimate before putting the work in hand.
Be sure to fill in the warranty registration card (included with the equipment) correctly and
return it to ABEM promptly. This will help us process any claims that may be made under the
warranty. It will also help us keeping you informed about e.g. free software upgrades. ABEM
welcomes your response at any time. Please let us know your name and address, and the serial
number of the instrument.

1.3 REPACKING AND SHIPPING

ABEM packing is designed for the instruments concerned and should be used whenever
shipping becomes necessary. If original packing materials are unavailable, pack the
instrument in a wooden box that is large enough to allow some 80 mm of shock absorbing
material to be placed all around the instrument. This includes top, bottom and all sides. Never
use shredded fibers, paper or wood wool, as these materials tend to pack down and permit the
instrument to move inside its packing box. Do not return instruments to ABEM until
shipping instructions have been received from ABEM. Contact ABEM on fax number
+46 8 28 11 09 or [email protected].

1.4

Compliance

The Terrameter SAS 4000 / SAS 1000 and the accessories are in conformity with the essential
requirements in the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEG, 93/68/EEG and the Electromagnetic
Compatibility Directive 89/336/EEG of the EC.

-2-

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

2 GENERAL
The Terrameter SAS system consists of a basic unit called the Terrameter SAS 1000 or SAS
4000 which can be supplemented as desired with accessories such as the ABEM LUND
electrode systems and the ABEM SAS LOG 300 borehole logging unit. This manual covers
the operation of SAS 1000 and SAS 4000 as well as these accessories.
SAS stands for Signal Averaging System - a method whereby consecutive readings are taken
automatically and the results are averaged continuously. SAS results are more reliable than
those obtained using single-shot systems.
SAS 1000 / 4000 can be used for resistivity surveys, IP surveys and self-potential surveys.
The ABEM LUND system is an automatic electric imaging system, suited for automatic
resistivity, IP and SP profiling.
The SAS Log 300 (optional) provides an efficient, simple way of extending your survey
into wells and drill holes. It consists of a 300m cable with logging probe, electrodes,
temperature transducer, water level indicator and resistivity cell, all mounted on a
backpacking frame.
The applicability of the different resistivity and IP methods supported by the SAS 1000 /4000
is summarized in table 2-1 below.

Object of search or investigation

Archeological sites
Cavities in subsurface
Clays, peat and soil
Dam safety and leakage
Fissures in rock
Fracture zones in rock
Groundwater in crystalline rock
Groundwater in sedimentary areas
Groundwater / clay distinction
Groundwater flow
Ores in hard rock areas
Overburden thickness
Pollution of soil and groundwater
Saltwater invasion
Waste mapping / characterisation

VES

x
x

x
x
x
x
x

Imaging
x
x
x
(x)1
x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x

x
x

Table 2-1: Applicability of different resistivity and IP methods. Modified from Parasnis
(1997)2. SP=Self Potential, VES=Vertical Electrical Sounding, Imaging=Profiling
(with different electrode separations), IP=Induced Polarization.

Monitoring.

Parasnis, D. S., Principles of Applied Geophysics, 5 edition, 1997. Chapman & Hall.

-3-

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

2.1 TERRAMETER SAS 4000 - THE SYSTEM

The Terrameter SAS 4000 system consist of the following components:
SAS 4000 instrument with four input channels, including clip-on battery tray
External Battery Connector
RS 232 cable (with KPT connector to SAS 4000 and DSUB connector to PC)
Documentation kit (two sets of Operators Manual, Warranty Registration Card)
CD with software

2.2 TERRAMETER SAS 1000 THE SYSTEM

The Terrameter SAS 1000 system consist of the following components:
SAS 1000 instrument with one input channel
External Battery Connector
RS 232 cable (with KPT connector to SAS 4000 and DSUB connector to PC)
Documentation kit (two sets of Operators Manual, Warranty Registration Card)
CD with software

2.3 TERRAMETER SAS 1000 / 4000 - GENERAL

The Terrameter SAS 1000 / 4000 can operate in three modes:
In the resistivity surveying mode, it comprises a battery powered, deep-penetration
resistivity meter with an output sufficient for a current electrode separation of 2000 meters
under good surveying conditions. Discrimination circuitry and programming separates DC
voltages, self potentials and noise from the incoming signal. The ratio between voltage and
current (V/I) is calculated automatically and displayed in digital form in kiloohms, ohms or
milliohms. If array geometry data is available, apparent resistivity can be displayed. The
overall range thus extends from 0.05 milliohms to 1999 kiloohms.
In the Induced Polarization mode the SAS 1000 / 4000 measures the transient voltage
decay in a number of time intervals. The length of the time intervals can be either constant
or increasing with time. The IP effect is thus measured in terms of chargeability [msec
V/V].
In the voltage measuring mode, the SAS 1000 / 4000 comprises a self potential instrument
that measures natural DC potentials. The result is displayed in V or mV. Optional nonpolarisable electrodes are available for e.g. self potential surveys.
A useful facility of the Terrameter SAS 1000 / 4000 is its ability to measure in four channels
simultaneously. This implies that as well resistivity and IP measurements as voltage
measurements can be performed up to four times faster. The electrically isolated transmitter
sends out well-defined and regulated signal currents, with a strength up to 1000 mA and a
voltage up to 400 V (limited by the output power 100 W). The receiver discriminates noise
and measures voltages correlated with transmitted signal current (resistivity surveying mode
and IP mode) and also measures uncorrelated DC potentials with the same discrimination and
noise rejection (voltage measuring mode). The microprocessor monitors and controls
operations and calculates results.
In geophysical surveys, the SAS 1000 / 4000 permits natural or induced signals to be
measured at extremely low levels, with excellent penetration and low power consumption.
-4-

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

Moreover, it can be used in a wide variety of applications where effective signal/noise
discrimination is needed.
It can be used to determine the ground resistance of grounding arrangements at power plants
and along power lines and (in a pinch) it can even be used as an ohmmeter. The strength of
the SAS 1000 / 4000 is its ability - thanks to the induced polarization mode - to distinguish
between geological formations with identical resistivity, e.g. clay and water.
Some of the highlights in the specifications characterizing the SAS 1000 / 4000 Terrameter
are listed below:
Resolution 1 V (at 0.5 sec integration time)
Bitstream A/D conversion
Three automatically selected measurement ranges ( 250 mV, 10 V and 400 V)
Dynamic range as high as 140 dB at 1 sec integration time, 160 dB at 8 sec integration
time
Precision and accuracy better than 1% over whole temperature range
Galvanic separated input channels (SAS 4000)
Built-in PC compatible microcomputer
More than 1,000,000 data points can be saved on the internal flash disk
Fast and highly time-efficient data acquisition

2.4 TYPES OF MEASUREMENT SUPPORTED

The transmitted current is commutated in a waveform suitable either for resistivity surveying
or for induced polarization measurements.

2.4.1 Resistivity measurements

The receiver measures the response voltage signal (plus self-potential and ground noise) at
discrete time intervals when the eddy currents, the induced polarization and the cable
transients have decayed to low levels.
The operator can select between different time scales. Under most conditions a cycle time of
approximately 2.6 sec (which corresponds to an acquisition delay of 0.2 sec and an
acquisition time of 0.3 sec) will work fine. However, under extreme depth and resistivity
conditions the corresponding time cycles should be increased. Under normal conditions the
measuring technique is equivalent to pure DC surveying.

-5-

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

Period

Voltage

Current

Receiving intervals

Figure 1.

Timing diagram of the Terrameter SAS 1000 / 4000 in resistivity mode. The fulldrawn curve shows the transmitted current, and the dotted curve an example of
the measured voltage in the presence of noise. The three receiving intervals are
shown at the bottom line.

The current amplitude is set automatically by the instrument, but can also be controlled by the
operator to suit the actual survey conditions. It can be set to values from 1 mA up to 1000
mA. The maximum voltage at the current electrodes is 400 V. It is recommended to use the
AUTO setting, which implies that the instrument sets the optimum value.
In the resistance measuring mode, the Terrameter SAS 1000 / 4000 measures voltage
responses created by the transmitter current while rejecting both DC (SP) voltage and noise.
The ratio V/I is automatically calculated and displayed digitally in kiloohms [k], ohms []
or milliohms [m]. The relevant receiver resistance range is automatically selected.
The result is displayed to 3 or 4 digits. When the transmitter is operating at 500 mA, the
Terrameter SAS 1000 / 4000 has a resolution of 0.02 m for a single reading.
To take full advantage of the outstanding capabilities of the Terrameter SAS 1000 / 4000, care
must be observed in the arrangement of cables and electrodes used in the field. Current
leakage and creep can substantially reduce the attainable accuracy and sensitivity and thus the
depth penetration.

2.4.2 Induced polarization mode - Chargeability

In IP mode the current is transmitted symmetrically, i.e. that the positive and negative
polarities are of equal length. A complete cycle consist of one positive part of length T (called
current on) and one negative part of the same length T (current off). This time can be set to
the following values: 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, ... sec in steps of 0.5 sec.

-6-

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

Period

Voltage

Current

Measuring intervals

Figure 2. Timing diagram of the Terrameter SAS 1000 / 4000 in IP mode. The full-drawn
curve shows the transmitted current, and the dotted curve an example of the
measured decaying voltage in the presence of noise. In this example there is almost
no IP effect. The two receiving intervals are shown at the bottom line. Each
measuring interval can consist of up to ten time windows.
As in resistivity mode the current amplitude is set automatically by the instrument, but can
also be controlled by the operator. It can be set to values from 1 mA up to 1000 mA. The
maximum voltage at the current electrodes is 400 V.
In the induced polarization mode (IP) the SAS 1000 / 4000 measures the transient decay of
the voltage when the transmitted current is turned off. The voltage is integrated over a number
of time intervals, and the SAS 1000 / 4000 can measure in up to ten such time intervals. The
total integration time is limited to 8 sec. The first interval starts after the initial time delay
t d . The length of the different time intervals can be expressed by the relation

t i n f i1t 0
where

t 0 is the fundamental time interval (20 msec in areas with 50 Hz main power frequency,
respectively 16.67 msec in areas with 60 Hz power frequency)
n is a multiplying factor (default = 1)
f = 1 or 2 (default f = 2) is an incremental exponent
i is the time window index (1, 2, ... , 10)
Four parameters are needed in order to specify the way SAS 1000 / 4000 measures the
induced polarization:

The initial time delay (10, 20, 30, .... msec). Default is 10 msec. Maximum is 10 sec.
The length of the first time window (column one in the tables below). Default is 100 msec.
The number of time windows (from one to ten). Default is 1.
The incremental factor: 1 corresponding to the first of the tables below, 2 corresponding to
the last of the tables.

-7-

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

Window number (incremental factor = 1)

20*

100

200

500

1000

Table 2-2: The length of each of the time window (measured in msec) when the incremental
factor is 1. The * indicates that in countries with 60Hz power line frequency, the
value is 16.67 msec in stead of 20 msec.

Window number (incremental factor = 2, power line frequency = 50 Hz)

160

320

640

1280

2560

100

200

400

800

1600

3200

200

400

800

1600

3200

500

1000

2000

4000

1000

2000

4000

Table 2-3: The length of each of the time window (measured in msec) when the incremental
factor is 2. This table is valid in countries with 50Hz power line frequency.

Window number (incremental factor = 2, power line frequency = 60 Hz)

16.7

33.3

133

267

533

1067

2133

100

200

400

800

1600

3200

200

400

800

1600

3200

500

1000

2000

4000

1000

2000

4000

Table 2-4: The length of each of the time window (measured in msec) when the incremental
factor is 2. This table is valid in countries with 60Hz power line frequency.

-8-

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

Whenever the sum of the time windows in use exceeds the current on (off) time T, this time is
extended so that the current off time exceeds the sum of the active time windows plus the
initial time delay. Observe, that the total integration time cannot exceed 8 sec. This explains
the "white" area in the tables above.
Current is
turned off at
time t=0
Transient
voltage decay
curve

time

Figure 3. The IP decay curve. The chargeability is measured as the area between two time
values. For example M20,40 represents the chargeability measured in the interval
between 20-40 msec. The delay before the measurements starts are denoted by tD =
t1

The SAS 1000 / 4000 measures the time-domain quantity called chargeability Mtiti+1 defined
in the following way:

M titi 1

1
V0

ti 1

V t dt

[msec]

(1)

where V(t) is the decaying voltage, ti and ti+1 is the start and stop time of the interval, and V0 is
the voltage measured before the current is turned off. The terminology refers to figure 2. The
chargeability is measured in the unit msec. Alternatively, the chargeability can be presented as
mV/V:

M titi1

V t t
0

i 1

ti 1

V t dt

[mV/V]

For further reference on the chargeability, see e.g. Parasnis3 chapter 5.

D. S. Parasnis, Principles of Applied Geophysics, 5. edition, 1997. Chapman and Hall.

-9-

(2)

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

120
100

Exponential decay
curve with added
harmonic voltage (50
Hz, 10V) and normal
distributed
noise

80
60
40
20
0

Time

-20
0

100

110

120

130

Time [msec]

Figure 4. Synthetic example illustrating the noise reduction effect in the chargeability. In
this example the difference between the chargeabilities M10,30 measured from 10
msec to 30 msec on the smooth exponential decay curve and the "noisy" curve is
only 2%.

Figure 3 is a synthetic example illustrating the noise reduction effect of the chargeability. In
the figure is shown an exponential decay curve 100exp(-t/) with the decay constant =25
msec. Also shown is the decay curve with added harmonic power-line voltage (50 Hz, 10V)
and normal distributed noise with standard deviation 10V.
Integration over a time window, e.g. 10-30 msec, shows that the chargeability is only little
affected by the noise. In this particular example the deviation is 2.3% between the true
exponential decay curve and the curve superimposed with noise.

2.4.3 Negative readings?

Negative resistivity readings can occur, but in general, these are not caused by geological
formations if standard electrode arrays are used. Hence, negative resistivity readings are
normally a sign of serious measurement quality problems, and the cause should be
investigated. Typical causes are poor electrode grounding resulting in low transmitted power
and possible capacitive coupling. If the ground is dry the electrode contact must be improved
by e.g. watering and possibly connecting several electrodes to each electrode point. Inspect all
connectors and cable jumpers for dirt, oxide and damage that may cause data quality
problems. High noise level or the influence from close-by objects like fences or steel pipes in
electrical contact with the ground might also cause non-expected results.
Negative IP readings, on the other hand, are to be expected in many cases, even though the
intrinsic chargeability never can become negative. On a stratified ground negative IP readings
can occur in certain cases when the subsurface layer is more conducting relative to the upper
- 10 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

layers. This (paradoxical) behaviour is explained quantitatively in the literature4. Near-surface
objects can also cause negative IP readings, see e.g. Principles of Applied Geophysics5
section 5.6.

2.4.4 DC potential measurement (SP)

If the SP option is chosen in the Main Menu, DC potential (self-potential) measurements can
be done. Thanks to extremely linear circuits, the voltage can be read and displayed to 3 or 4
significant digits.
The basic integration interval is 20 msec (16.66 msec in countries with 60 Hz power line
frequency). This integration gives an effective reduction of noise. In areas close to electric
railways with 16 2/3 Hz frequency it is recommended to select 100 msec integration interval.
The Terrameter SAS 1000 / 4000 calculates either the mean or the median value (default).
The standard deviation of the measurements are also calculated and presented. Statistically
distributed voltage noise is thus reduced by a factor of N , where N is the number of
readings. Measure time can be 1 - 8 sec in steps of 0.1 sec.

2.5 TECHNICAL LAYOUT OF THE SAS 1000 / 4000

The SAS 1000 / 4000 is equipped with a PC-compatible microcomputer and controlled by
four knobs (Figure 5). Each knob is mounted on a peg, fixed in the instrument panel, and the
motion of the knob is transferred magnetically. This ensures waterproof sealing.
For a detailed description of the user interface, please refer to chapter 3. The program allows
the user to specify the measuring parameters in detail, and even put comments on the data
files. However, for those who want simply to take a reading, there is no need for setting
parameters. Just hit the red knob.

Nabighian, Misac N., and Elliot, Charles L., Negative Induced-Polarization Effects from Layered Media, Geophysics 41,
6A, p1236-1255.

Parasnis, D.S., Principles of Applied Geophysics, Fifth Edition 1997, Chapman and Hall.

- 11 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

Figure 5: The Terrameter panel with display (centre), control knobs (right), multi purpose
communication and signal connector (left), and current and potential terminals
(top). On older SAS 4000 instruments there may be additional communication
connectors.

2.5.1 Current and potential connectors

For measurements utilizing only one channel (out of the four channels) it is often easier to use
the four banana connectors labelled C1, C2, P1 and P2. These connectors are localized
above the instrument display. In cases where more channels are needed, the MULTI
connector has to be used. The C1, C2, P1 and P2 banana connectors are connected in
parallel to the corresponding pins in the MULTI connector.
To connect more than one set of potential electrodes, use the Multi Channel Adapter (optional
accessory for the SAS 4000).

2.6 ACCESSORIES
2.6.1 The LUND Resistivity Imaging System
The LUND system is a multi-electrode system for high-resolution 2D and 3D resistivity
surveys. It consists of a basic unit, the Electrode Selector ES464 or ES10-64, and multiconductor cables. The system can be controlled directly from the SAS 1000 / 4000. Among
the powerful features you will find:
64 electrodes unrestricted switching in a compact, battery-operated unit.
Robust, waterproof design for reliable operation in harsh environments.
Designed to link to the Terrameter SAS 1000 / 4000 with one single cable.

- 12 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

Robust data-acquisition software featuring:
Automatic measurement process.
Automatic roll-along with coordinate updating.
Electrode cable geometry and switching sequence defined in address and protocol
files allow user-defined surveying strategies and arrays. Files are supplied for
Wenner, Wenner-Schlumberger, multiple gradient array, pole-dipole, dipole-dipole,
pole-pole and square-array measurements.
On-screen echo of measurement progress
Software for graphical presentation including:
Pseudosection plotting in colour or grey-scale.
Optionally available 2D inversion software for automatic 2D interpretation.

2.6.2 Terrameter SAS LOG 300

The Terrameter SAS LOG 300 logging system is intended for use together with the
Terrameter SAS 1000 / 4000 system. It is intended for logging to depths up to 200m, 300m or
500m. It supports the following logging modes:
Short normal (16") resistivity / IP
Long normal (64") resistivity / IP
Lateral (18") resistivity / IP
Self potential
Temperature
Fluid resistivity (can be used to estimate TDS)
Water level indicator
This simple, easy to transport, logging system makes it possible to delineate formation
boundaries with regard to infiltration, porosity and permeability by means of self potential
and resistivity measurements. Under favourable circumstances, water flow boundaries can be
detected by measuring temperature changes. Moreover, the resistivity of the water can be
measured in situ so that the total amount of total dissolved solids (TDS) can be estimated.
Zones of high salinity can thus be localized and sealed off by means of casing and cementing.

- 13 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

3 OPERATING THE SAS 1000 / 4000

These operating instructions explain only how to handle the equipment itself. Instructions for
conducting the different types of surveys are available in other documents.

3.1 CONTROLS AND TERMINALS

3.1.1 Controls
To turn on the SAS 1000 / 4000, press the two lower knobs towards each other as indicated
by the ON/OFF symbol on the instrument panel. A LED (Light Emitting Diode) indicates that
the instrument is starting, and after approximately 20 sec the start menu comes up on the
display. During the start-up process of the SAS 1000 / 4000 you should avoid touching the
knobs.
(1)
The MEASURE knob.
Turn the knob upward or
downward to perform a
measurement.

(3)
control
knob.
Used
to
increase/ decrease
values in data entry
fields. Also used to
scroll
between
menus.

(2)
and
control knob.
Turn the knob to the right to
accept a menu choice, or to
the left to cancel.

(4) / control knob. Used

to move between fields.

Figure 6: The control knobs on

the SAS 1000 / 4000

POWER: To turn on press

these two control knobs
towards each other until the
LED comes on. To turn off,
press towards each other for a
moment and then accept OK.

Important: After turning on the instrument (using the two lower control knobs)
the red LED (light emitting diode) will turn on, and the welcome menu will
appear after 20-30 sec.
If the display does not become visible, please check the display contrast as
described below.

To turn OFF, press the two knobs towards each other until the "Power OFF" dialog box
appears on the screen, then accept OK. This will initiate the computer to close all files and
safely switch off.

- 14 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

Measure para[RES:R00001] ()Page 1/6
Output:
200 mA Mode: Auto

Acq. delay

Acq. time:Power off?

Total cycl.

( )=Measure ()=Quit

Keeping the two knobs towards each other for an extended period of time, will
cut the instrument power regardless computer activities, data and settings may not be saved.

3.1.2 Special key sequences

Battery voltage and software build: press / (4) and
(3) away from each other.
The battery voltage will then be displayed. Also the software build number is shown.
(2) and
Program information: press
information about program version etc.

(3) towards each other. This brings up

Change the Display Contrast: press (2) and / (4) to the right (for darker display)
or left (for lighter display) simultaneously to adjust the LCD contrast. It is essential that
both knobs are actuated at the exactly same time. Keep the knobs in the left (or right)
position for several seconds while the contrast successively changes. The purpose with the
exact timing is to distinguish this action from any other action with the knobs. If an attempt
fails, this might set the system into one of several dialog windows (so far invisible) and no
further action but the precise answer in the dialog window is accepted by the software. It
will now be necessary to turn the instrument off and try all over again. After turning on the
instrument, wait 30 seconds for starting up.

3.1.3 Multi Channel Adapter (MCA)

The SAS 4000 Multi Channel Adapter (optional accessory) is connected directly to the
MULTI connector on the SAS 4000. The adapter makes it possible to connect one pair of
current electrodes (named CURRENT) and four pairs of potential electrodes (named CH1,
CH2, CH3 and CH4). Furthermore the MCA contains four banana takeouts (named T1, T2,
T3 and T4) intended for instrument test and calibration. Please refer to 9.5 for information
about the instrument test.

- 15 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

The Multi Channel Adapter is used to connect more than one potential channel in e.g. vertical
electrical soundings. In performing Schlumberger soundings it is very favourable to connect
the four channels to potential electrodes separated by, say, 0.20 m, 1 m, 3 m and 10 m. Then
the overlapping sounding curve segments, needed in Schlumberger soundings, are easily
constructed afterwards. The Multi Channel Adapter is not delivered with the SAS 1000.

- 16 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

3.2 WARNINGS
3.2.1 Safety
Dangerous voltages and currents are transmitted by the
Terrameter via the cables and electrodes connected to it! During
the entire duration of an electrode contact test or measurement
session it is the responsibility of the operator always to have full
control of all equipment including the entire electrode cable layout,
so that unauthorized persons and stray animals do not get close to
the electrodes and measurement cables!

Due to the very high voltage in the current connectors on the SAS 1000 / 4000 it is dangerous
for personnel and animals to get in touch with these connectors and cables. It is the
responsibility of the operator to eliminate the risk for accidents with the instrument.
Some important steps to avoid accidents:
The instrument and connected accessories should only be operated by instructed personnel.
Keep unauthorized people and stray animals away from the instrument, connected accessories and cables.
Also when running automatic data collection (with the LUND system) the operator is
responsible for having full control of the entire cable layout.

3.2.2 Lightning
Note that semiconductors protect both the current and the potential terminal circuits.
Lightning, high voltage cattle fence or other high voltage sources may, however, damage the
instrument. Lightning miles away may induce hundreds of volts in long cable layouts, and this
entails risk for both personnel and equipment.
You should never take measurements during a thunderstorm!

If a thunderstorm should come up while you are taking measurements, disconnect the cables
from the terminals without touching any bare conductors. Never leave the cables connected to
the SAS 1000 / 4000 overnight, since a thunderstorm may occur.

3.2.3 Heat
Although each individual Terrameter is tested by operating for at least one hour in a heat
chamber prior to delivery, it is important to pay attention in order to avoid overheating.
Thermal fuses will under normal operating conditions turn off the instrument if overheating
occurs to prevent damage, but it will of course halt the measuring process.
Some precautions to avoid overheating:

Never operate an instrument in direct sunlight, use a parasol or other device to keep it in
the shade.

Do not operate the instrument in small closed spaces, like for example transport boxes,
where air cannot circulate freely.

Even if these precautions are taken production stops may occur when operating in hot
climates. Various techniques may be employed to cool the instrument in order to keep up
production. Cooling mats intended for e.g. laptop computers are recommended, these are flat
- 17 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

bags filled with a salt with high thermal capacity that can be placed in contact with the sides
of the instrument.
Another option under extreme climate conditions is to lean the instrument and place a moist
piece of cloth on the side of it; evaporation of the moisture will then give a good cooling
effect. Similarly bags with ice have been used to cool instruments in the field. In any of these
cases extreme caution must be taken to avoid electric shock from short circuit by water from
the cooling device! The operator has the full responsibility for this!

3.3 MANAGING THE CONTROLLING PROGRAM

A tour through the SAS 1000 / 4000 program
After turning on the instrument the welcome
menu appears. This menu will only stay for a
few seconds, until it is followed by the
Applications menu. Select between the
different sorts of measurements or the RS232
communication for download of data and
update of software. Depending upon which
program modules you have downloaded into
the instrument, other options may appear. By
selecting <SAS 4000 Standard> the next menu
appears.

SAS 4000 APPLICATIONS

<LUND Imaging System>

<ES Test Program>

<Setup>

In the RECORD MANAGER menu you can

select
the
measuring
mode
<SP>,
<Resistivity> or <IP>. In the second entry
field you can manage the record. Move
between the fields with the
/
control
knobs. The data are saved on a file named e.g.
R00005.S4K. The first letter (in this case R)
indicates it is resistivity data. In the case of
self-potential the first character is S and in
case of IP an I. The following five digits
defines the record number and is
automatically updated when a new record is
defined. The number can be adjusted in the
New record field by use of the editing
knobs / and
.

RECORD MANAGER
Mode:
Resistivity

Record: R00005.S4K

=Measure, =Quit, =Next/Prev Page

To select a mode turn the

knob and move
between SP, Resistivity and IP by the
/
knob. Select a mode by pressing .

RECORD MANAGER
ModeSelect Mode

Reco <SP> <Resistivity> <IP>

=Measure, =Quit, =Next/Prev Page

To define a record, press the

knob in the
record field. This brings up the submenu, in
which you can select a new record, open an
existing, or delete record(s).

RECORD MANAGER
Mode:
Resistivity Record

Record: R00005.S4K <New>

<Open>

=Measure, =Quit, =Next/Prev Page

- 18 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

(Res.) R00002.S4K
Method: Untitled

Layout: Untitled

No of channels: 4

Powerline freq.: 50 Hz

<Setup Layout Ref.>

Grid:
2.00m

By selecting a new record the next menu

appears. For VES with pre-defined protocols
(see below) set Layout: to Sounding, and
Method: to Schlumberger. The number of
channels can be set to 1, 2, 3 or 4 (SAS4000
only). Go to this position and select with the
knob. Change the number with the
knob. The power line frequency is important
for noise reduction purposes: in countries
with 60 Hz power line frequency set this to 60
Hz. Select the <Setup Layout Ref.> to define
a reference point. Also the azimuth and
inclination of the line can be defined here.
Press the
knob (or select <Ok>) to
continue to the Acquisition Settings menu.
The Acquisition Settings menu consists of 6
pages. Use the
knob to navigate between
the five pages. In this menu, select the output
current. If Mode=Auto the program will
automatically reduce the current if it is
impossible to transmit the selected current.

Measure para[RES:R00002] ()Page 1/6

Output:
200 mA Mode: Auto

Acq. delay: 0.3 sec.

Acq. time:
0.5 sec.

Total cycle time:

3.8 sec.

( )=Measure ()=Quit

On this page the stacking parameters are

defined. With the settings in the example,
there will be max 4 stackings. If the standard
deviation is below 1% after e.g. 3 stackings,
the stacking will be stopped. The norm can be
Median or Mean. The first is more robust
to blunders. Based on the geometry, the
program can display the apparent resistivity if
the last option is set to Yes, and if array
geometry parameters are available. The Data
buffer size is the number of readings
between each saving operation to the storage.

Stack param.[RES:R00002] ()Page 2/6

Min. stacks:
1

Max. stacks:
4

Error limit:
1.0 %

Norm:
Median

View app. res.: No

Data buffer size: 20

( )=Measure ()=Quit

Normally there is no need to change the

parameters on this page.

Options[RES:R00002] ()Page 3/6

Ignore error 4:
No

Ignore error 5:
No

Ignore error 22:

Tx setup mode:
Smart

( )=Measure ()=Quit
Infotext[RES:R00002] ()Page 4/6
Operator:

Client:

Comm.#1:

Comm.#2:

Comm.#3:

Comm.#4:

( )=Measure ()=Quit
View samples[RES:R00002] ()Page 5/6
Number of entries:
0

Select a channel to view:

=========================

<Ch. 1>

Start at sample: 1

No. of samples: 100

( )=Measure ()=Quit

In this page information about the operator,

client etc can be written. Select a row by
/
followed by . Then write characters with
the
knob.
From this page it is possible to select a
channel and view all the measured data.

- 19 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

It is possible to select pre-defined electrode
geometries from a protocol file that has been
uploaded using the Transfer/Install XYZ
file option in the Utility software (see
Section 8.1.6 Format of VES Protocol Files,
to select the desired
page 63). Press
measurement protocol.

When you are finished, move to the

measuring menu by pressing the knob.
By pressing
the electrode separations
meny is reached. If a pre-defined
measurement protocol was selected, the
<AB+> and <MN+> commands can be used
to increase electrode separations, and <AB->
and <MN-> to reduce them. Otherwise the
electrodes separations can be adjusted
manually by pressing and using / and
to step up or down the values.
Perform a measurement by pressing
result is presented in this window.

Select locat[RES:R00002] ()Page 6/6

Select:

( )=Measure ()=Quit
Select ()Page 6/6

Select:SCHLUM.XYZ

( )=Measure ()=Quit

Ch P1
P2 Resistance S.Dev% Stacks
1:
2: ___
3: ___
4: ___
C:
I=Auto
N=0
R00004.S4K
Free=100%
Press (+/-) for more...
Ch P1
P2 Resistance S.Dev% Stacks
1:
2: ___
3: ___
4: ___
C:
I=Auto
N=0
R00002.S4K
Free=100%
Next: AB/2=0.56 Ch1MN/2=0.10 Press +/-

. The

3.4 MEASURING MODES OF THE SAS 1000 / 4000

The Terrameter SAS 1000 / 4000 can operate in different modes, Resistivity, Self Potential
and Induced Polarization. In all modes the SAS 4000 is capable of measuring simultaneously
in four channels. This makes it suitable for all sorts of resistivity surveys.

3.4.1 Statistical description - mean or median

The Terrameter SAS 1000 / 4000 can use either of two different metrics for describing the
statistical characteristics in the data: mean or median. The mean value is simply the sum of
the individual stacked values, divided by the number of stackings. The median is the value in
the "middle" of the ensemble of stacked values. As an example, consider the following four
readings: 12, 31, 13, 12
The mean value is 17 and the median is 12.5. It is obvious that the median is more stable
against blunders. As default, the SAS 1000 / 4000 uses the median when presenting the result.
For both metrics, the standard deviation is calculated and displayed (and saved on the file
together with the measured value).

- 20 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

3.4.2 Voltage measuring mode (SP) surveys

Use non-polarisable electrodes only.
Connect the voltage that is to be measured to terminals P1(-) and P2(+). If you are
measuring self potential (SP), non-polarisable electrodes must be used. Beware of
thunderstorms! Any high voltages from cattle fences or the like picked up by the cables
connected to the SAS 1000 / 4000 can damage the instrument.
Turn the power on.
Check that the mode is set to SP, otherwise correct it. Define a new record if appropriate.
Activate the Measure key to perform a measurement. Each measurement is added to the
file automatically.
Continue to next position to repeat the measurement.

3.4.3 Resistivity surveying mode

Stainless steel potential electrodes are preferable, although ordinary steel electrodes are
acceptable. The following procedure is appropriate when performing resistivity soundings.
Position the SAS 1000 / 4000 half way between the potential electrodes (M and N).
Connect terminals P1 and P2 to terminals M and N respectively. Use an ABEM sounding
cable set or a 2-conductor cable of good quality with the conductors separated at the
electrode end.
Connect the current electrodes (A and B) to terminals C1 and C2 respectively. Run these
cables in parallel adjacent to the SAS 1000 / 4000, and arrange them symmetrically with
respect to the potential electrodes. Beware of thunderstorms! Any high voltages (from
cattle fences or the like) picked up by the cables connected to the SAS 1000 / 4000 can
damage the instrument.
Turn the power on. Select <SAS 1000 / 4000 Standard>.
Check that the mode is set to Resistivity, otherwise select it. Define a new record if
appropriate.
Select Method, Layout etc. as described in Section 3.3 Managing the controlling program.
Activate the Measure knob to perform a measurement. Each measurement is added to the
file automatically.
Continue to next position to repeat the measurement.
Negative resistance readings can occur for two reasons:
1. The current or the potential electrodes have been connected with reversed polarities.
2. The noise level may be much higher than the signal level (long distances between A
and B and low current). If this is causing single negative readings, signal averaging
must be used.
User defined electrode geometries can be entered via protocol files, see section 8.1.6 Format
of VES Protocol Files (page 63) for a description.

- 21 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

3.4.4 Induced Polarization surveys

It is preferable to use non-polarisable electrodes for the potential electrodes. However,
stainless steel electrodes will work fine in many cases, even though the noise level is
increased considerably. For IP soundings perform as described above in section 3.4.3, with
the exception that you have to select IP mode instead of Resistivity.
It is preferable to use the AUTO setting for the output current. In IP surveys it is very
important to eject as high current as possible. The chargeability can be measured in up to 10
time windows staring from 10 msec and upward (in steps of 20 msec), with a total duration of
the measurement interval of 8 seconds. A general and convenient setting for the first time
window is from 10 msec to 110 msec. Please see section 2.4.2 (page 6) for further
information on how the chargeability is measured.
The IP readings are displayed in a window
similar to the one used for display of
resistivity results. The unit for the
chargeability is ms (milliseconds).

When measuring in IP mode also the

resistivity is measured automatically. By
activating the knob (downwards) the detailed
information is displayed. Proceed with the
knob to display the results for channels
2-4 (if measured).

Ch
P1
P2 Chargeability S.Dev
1:
0
0
12.14 ms
1.2
2: N/A
3: N/A
4: N/A
N=2
I=Auto
Resistivity: Untitled, Untitled
I00017.S4K
C1=
, C2=
Mode: IP
Rec:
I00017.S4K
Channel: 1

Activating the
again brings up detailed
information about the decay voltages for each
channel. The primary voltage is given in the
first row. The decay voltages for up to six
time windows are given in the following
rows.

- 22 -

Ch.#1
42.11 V
8.20 mV
2.44 mV
---------

Ch.#2
---------------

Stk .
4 .
.
.
.
.
.
.

I=200 mA
V=42.11 V
R=210.55
M=12.14 ms
S.Dev.=1.2
Stks=4

Ch.#3
---------------

Ch.#4
---------------

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

3.5 ACQUISITION TIMER

In all measurement modes (resistivity, IP and SP) and in as well standard measurements as
LUND measurements, a timer function can be activated. This timer will automatically start a
measurement at certain time intervals.
The Acquisition Timer is especially useful in monitoring applications. For example, you can
make Self Potential readings at certain time intervals, or take a complete LUND Imaging
layout each, say, four hours.
This is the standard measuring menu. When
you press
a measurement will be done. To
activate the acquisition timer, press .

This brings up four commands. The

commands <Delete Last>, <Skip Next> and
<Exit> are obvious. If you select <Set Timer>
the next menu appears:

In the Set Timer menu you can define the start

time and date. The interval is the time in
hours, minutes and seconds between the start
of each measurement. If you define an
interval shorter than the time needed for SAS
1000 / 4000 to perform a measurement, the
next measurement will start immediately after
the previous.
The Set Timer menu has the same function
and layout in the case of LUND
measurements.

- 23 -

Ch
P1
P2 Resistance S.Dev Stacks .
1:
.
2: N/A
.
3: N/A
.
4: N/A
.
N=0
I=Auto
.
Resistivity: Untitled, Untitled
.
R00017.S4K
C1=
, C2=
.

Ch
P1
P2
1:
2: N/A
3: N/A
4: N/A
N=0
Resistivity:
R00017.S4K

Resistance S.Dev Stacks .

Command
.
<Delete Last>
.
<Skip Next>
.
<Set Timer>
.
<Exit>

.
C1=
, C2=
.

Set Timer
Start:
08/11/1999 13:30:00

Interval: 0000:00:01

=Measure, =Quit, =Next/Prev Page

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

4 POWER SUPPLY
The SAS 4000 is powered by either by a clip-on NiMH (NiCd for older units) battery pack or
by an external 12V source. The SAS 1000 / 4000 consumes around 1000 mA whenever it is
turned on. During current transmission, the consumption can be up to 20 A. For all practical
purposes this implies that the SAS 1000 / 4000 can run up to one working day on the original
power pack, provided the instrument is used for ordinary electrical soundings only and turned
off between soundings, and provided no higher currents than 20 mA are used. In the case of
automatic profiling using the LUND imaging system, involving thousands of readings per
day, it is necessary to use an external (car) battery. The External Battery Connector, EBC,
replaces the NiMH Power Pack, and allows the instrument to be connected directly to an
external 12 V source. The Terrameter SAS 1000 is delivered with this adapter only, and no
NiMH power pack.
The external battery should be of sufficient capacity. Lead acid batteries of type car batteries,
or better gelled/sealed lead-acid batteries that do not leak if turned over, of 25 Ah or higher
can be used. For heavy duty use 60 Ah is recommended.
The battery pack, as well as the External Battery Adapter, clips conveniently onto the bottom
of the instrument.

4.1 BATTERY PACK

Stored batteries lose their charge (self-discharge) gradually, and this takes place more rapidly
at higher ambient temperatures. However, even if a battery loses all of its charge during
storage, satisfactory operation can be restored after one or two charge/discharge cycles.
During storage, batteries should be disconnected from instruments. Batteries can be stored at
ambient temperatures ranging from -40 C to +65 C.
The NiMH battery pack has a capacity of 8 Ah.
Safety precautions

DO NOT damage a battery pack or expose it to fire. It may burst or release toxic materials.
DO NOT short circuit the battery since this will result in high discharge currents, causing
dangerous heating.
Older battery packs with Ni-Cd battery cells

Since the batteries are sealed you will normally not come into contact with the electrolyte.
You should nonetheless be aware that the electrolyte used in both sealed and vented Ni-Cd
batteries is potassium hydroxide. If you should get it in your eye, even a small amount can
cause serious injury. Immediate flushing with water for 15 minutes plus follow-up medical
attention is absolutely necessary. If the electrolyte gets on your skin, use vinegar or some
other mild acid for neutralization.
Finally, it should be remembered that the cadmium in a Ni-Cd battery is a toxic metallic
element that should not be disposed of in the usual way, since it represents a serious threat to
the environment. Follow the rules set up by the local authorities in your country for handling
rechargeable batteries.

- 24 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

4.2 EXTERNAL 12 V BATTERY ADAPTER

The external battery adapter was delivered together with your Terrameter SAS 1000 / 4000.
When you need more power than available in the standard battery pack, the external battery
adapter is a convenient solution. The external battery adapter allows the Terrameter to utilize
an external 12V DC source, e.g. a car battery. The external battery adapter clips on to the
Terrameter in the same way as the standard battery pack, but contains a connector for the 12V
DC source. The external battery adapter contains a protective circuit that protects the
Terrameter against wrong polarity. A 20A fuse inside external battery adapter will blow in
case of wrong polarity, and a few spare fuses are supplied. Note that even if this fuse is blown
it might be possible to start the instrument but it will not be fully functional. Please observe
that the external battery adapter itself (when not connected to the Terrameter) is not
watertight.

- 25 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

5 ELECTRODES AND CABLES

5.1 ELECTRODES
Two types of electrodes are available from ABEM:

Stainless steel electrodes

Non-polarisable electrodes

The purpose of an electrode is to establish electric contact between an electronic conductor

(the cable) to an ionic conductor (the earth). All sort of electrodes generate noise. This is of
importance only at the potential electrodes. Noise is defined as the fluctuating voltage that
appears between a pair of electrodes, placed so close that no other natural voltages appear.
One way - among several other ways - to measure the electrode noise is to place two
electrodes in a case filled with soil, and register the fluctuating voltage as a function of time.
It appears that non-polarisable electrodes create much less noise than steel electrodes. Another
observation is that stainless steel electrodes create less noise than electrodes made of ordinary
steel. An example of noise recording made between two pairs of electrode, one nonpolarisable (Pb-PbCl2) pair and one of stainless steel pair, is shown in Figure 7. Note the large
zero shift and change in time in the data recorded with the steel electrodes.

5.1.1 Steel Electrodes

Resistivity surveys can be conducted using current electrodes made of ordinary steel.
Potential electrodes made of ordinary steel can also be used under favourable circumstances
but here stainless steel is preferred.
ABEM electrodes are made of stainless steel.

5.1.2 Non-polarisable Electrodes

Self potential surveys require non-polarisable electrodes. Also Induced
Polarization soundings are preferably measured with non-polarisable
electrodes. The ABEM Terrameter type of electrode consists of a solid
state gypsum rod, covered with a plastic cylinder. The gypsum contains
lead-chloride (PbCl2), and a solid lead rod is placed in the centre. This
electrode does not need any special care. However, after using an
electrode, always clean it and replace the electrode cover to prevent drying
out.
WARNING: The content of the electrode is poisonous.

Do not put the electrodes into your mouth

Avoid direct contact with the electrodes - use protective gloves
Wash your hands after any direct contact with the electrodes
Keep the electrodes away from children
Store safely, away from children
Dispose off properly

- 26 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

400
Steel electrodes

Potential (mV)

300

200

50 cm spacing between the electrodes

100
Pb-PbCl2 electrodes
0
0

1000

2000
Time (s)

3000

4000

Figure 7. Potentials measured between a pair of Pb-PbCl2 electrodes (lower curve) and a
pair of steel electrodes (upper curve), showing typical difference in electrode noise.

5.1.3 Important remarks concerning current electrodes

Especially for the current electrodes it is very important with good galvanic contact with the
soil. For small electrode separations (a few meters) it might be enough to stick the steel
electrodes a few centimetres into the ground. For larger separations it is very important with a
good grounding of the current electrodes. In dry conditions it is usually necessary to apply
water around the electrodes. In the figure below is illustrated the relation between electrode
burial and contact resistance, assuming that the ground is homogeneous in terms of resistivity.
It is seen, that theoretically it is very favourable to bury the electrodes some 20-30 cm,
whereas he profit of increasing the depth to, say, 60 cm is very limited. In a real situation,
however, it is possible that the uppermost part of the ground is drier and more high resistive
than underlying horizons, in which case it may pay off well to bury the electrodes deep
enough to reach a moist zone.
In order to decrease the contact resistance it is possible to use more electrodes, connected in
parallel. Provided the separation between the two electrodes to be connected is larger than the
depth of burial, the contact resistance will be almost reduced by a factor of two. Similarly,
three or more electrodes can be connected in parallel.
In dry and permeable soils, like sand, a common problem is that the water used to improve
electrode contact is drained away before measurements are finished. In such cases it is useful
to mix for example a starch compound (e.g. Johnson Revert intended to stabilise wells during
drilling) into the water to make it more viscous, this can serve to keep the water in place for a
sufficiently long time. Mixing salt into the water will further improve the ground contact.

- 27 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

Resistance in between electrode and soil

1000

Resistance [Ohm]

800

600
Soil resistivity: 100 Ohm-m
Electrode diameter: 1 cm

400

200

0
0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

Electrode burial in ground [m]

Figure 8. Theoretical relation between electrode burial and the contact resistance.

5.2 CABLE SETS

The standard Schlumberger and Wenner sounding cable set consists of
2 x 750 m current cable, 0.75 mm2, on reel
2 x 250 m potential cable, 0.75 mm2, on reel
2 x 2 m connection cable, red
2 x 2 m connection cable, black
4

crocodile clip

The sounding cable set is intended to facilitate Schlumberger and Wenner soundings. The
cables incorporate heavy gauge conductors with excellent insulation to ensure good survey
results. Moreover, there are convenient, short hook-up cables that reduce setup times and
permit you to position the cable drums as desired.
Another important feature of the sounding cable set is easy expandability. If you need to run
longer cables, for deeper penetration, you can purchase additional drums and connect them in
series with your present drums.

- 28 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

6 LUND IMAGING SYSTEM

This chapter applies to the use of ABEM LUND Imaging System together with the
Terrameter SAS 1000 / 4000. For use of the LUND Imaging System together with the
Terrameter SAS 300, please refer to the LUND Instruction Manual, part no. 38 5002 83.

6.1 INTRODUCTION
6.1.1 Welcome to 2D and 3D Resistivity Surveying
Welcome to the ABEM Lund Imaging System, the multi-electrode system for cost-effective
and high-resolution 2D and 3D resistivity surveys. The included data acquisition software
supports 2D and 3D surveys with surface arrays, which may also be used borehole
measurements.
The basic unit Electrode Selector ES464 / ES10-64e / ES10-64 is a multi-channel relay matrix
switch, which connects directly to the ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / 4000. Operating power
comes from an internal 12 volt rechargeable NiCd battery pack (ES464) or via the Terrameter
(ES10-64e / ES10-64).
Third party software packages for resistivity and IP data processing can be used for advanced
interpretation. Please ask your authorized ABEM Distributor for details about resistivity
interpretation packages that are available.
Your Lund Imaging System was carefully checked at all stages of production. It was
thoroughly tested before being approved for delivery. If you handle and maintain it according
to the instructions in the technical documentation, you will get many years of satisfactory
service from it.
To ensure you get optimum results with ABEM Lund Imaging System, please take time to
read this Reference Manual thoroughly. It gives you detailed step-by-step instructions for
cost-effective field measurements. You should also look through this Reference Manual to
- 29 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

become familiar with its layout and contents. If you should, for any reason, have difficulties
in operating ABEM Lund Imaging System or in getting satisfactory resistivity survey results,
please contact your authorised ABEM distributor. ABEM always listens to end-user
comments about their experience with ABEM products. So please send occasional reports on
field usage as well as your ideas on how Lund Imaging System and its technical
documentation could be improved to help you do an even better job of resistivity surveying.

6.1.2 Powerful Features

Among the powerful features you will find in ABEM Lund Imaging System are:
4x64 or 10x64 channels switching in compact unit.
Robust waterproof design for reliable operation in harsh environments.
Designed to link to the ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / 4000.
SAS 1000 / 4000 data acquisition software featuring:
Automatic measurement process.
In-field quality control of measurements thanks to electrode tests and statistical
measurement control.
Automatic roll-along with coordinate updating in x direction (Figure 9) or y
direction.
Electrode cables geometry and switching sequence defined in address and protocol
files allow user defined surveying strategies and arrays. Files supplied for standard
and non-standard electrode arrays measurements.
On-screen echo of measurement progress.
PC - software for download and conversion to several data formats:
Pseudosection plotting in colour or greyscale.
Model section plotting of inverted model sections in colour or greyscale including
topography, reference data and reference levels (inversion software not included).
Graphical output in bitmap format.
Utility software for data conversion (e.g. to format used by 2D inversion software).

- 30 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

Figure 9. Sketch system layout for roll-along CVES surveying using four electrode cables.
With 2 meter intervals between the electrode take-outs the system has a total length
of 160 meter, with 5 meter intervals the total length is 400 meters.

6.1.3 Electrode Selector / Lund Imaging System

To operate the electrode selector with SAS 1000 / 4000 the boxes must be interconnected by
the Multi-function cable, 33 0020 11. This applies for ES10-64e, ES 10-64 and ES 464
delivered after September 1997.
Older ES 464 units delivered before September 1997 will need two cables: one
Communication Cable for Electrode Selector to Terrameter, 33 0020 08 and one
Current/Potential Cable, 33 0019 17.
Special connection cables
These two cables are used instead of the multi-function cable 33 0020 11 (not applicable to
ES10-64):
In the normal setup, as described above, only channel one in the SAS 1000 / 4000 is used.
With an optional Pole-Pole cable, 33 0020 14 between the SAS 4000 and one unit ES 464
it is possible to perform pole-pole measurements using three measuring channels on the
SAS 4000.
With the optional Y-cable, 33 0020 15 it is possible to connect two ES 464 units to the
SAS 4000. This allows for e.g. dipole-dipole measurements with three channels on the
SAS 4000.

- 31 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

6.2 DATA ACQUISITION PROCEDURE

For general information on geoelectrical imaging please consult suitable geophysical
textbooks6. A brief introduction is given in Appendix A. Basic Principles of Resistivity
surveying (page 76).

6.2.1 Preparations for Field Surveying

Look through archive material for the area (topographical maps, geological maps, aerial
photographs, reports etc.), and consider whether resistivity surveying is a suitable method for
the current problem. If so, select possible profile lines.
Walk around the area to be surveyed with maps and/or aerial photographs at hand (aerial
photographs and a pocket stereoscope is often highly useful) to select the optimal profile
lines. Walk along the entire length of the planned profiles before putting out any equipment,
to ensure that the selected lines are practical.

6.2.2 Essential Equipment

The following equipment is mandatory for data acquisition using the Lund Imaging System.
ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / 4000
To ensure proper function, SAS 1000 / 4000 should be powered from a gelled lead-acid
battery or a car battery (25 707 Ah).
ABEM Electrode Selector ES 464 / ES 10-64e / ES 10-64, including connecting cable to
Terrameter.
Lund spread cables and suitable quantity of Cable Joints and cable jumpers.
Suitable quantity of electrodes.
Tool and spare kit.

Examples of geophysical textbooks:

Parasnis, D.S. (1997) Principles of Applied Geophysics, 5:th ed, ISBN 0 412 64080 5, Chapman and Hall,
London, 429p.
Reynolds, J.M. (1997) An Introduction to Applied and Environmental Geophysics, ISBN 0-471-95555-8,
John Wiley and Sons, Chicester, 796p.
Sharma, P.V. (1997) Environmental and Engineering Geophysics, ISBN 0 521 57632 6, Cambridge
University Press, 475p.
Telford, W.M., Geldart, L.P. and Sheriff, R.E. (1990) Applied Geophysics, 2nd ed., Cambridge University
Press, 770 p.
Ward, S.H. (1989) Resistivity and Induced Polarization Methods, in Investigations in Geophysics no. 5:
Geotechnical and Environmental Geophysics, vol I, ed. S. Ward, Society of Exploration Geophysisits, Tulsa,
p 147-189.

A battery capacity of 60-70 Ah is recommended for heavy duty applications, i.e. continuous work for several hours with a
high current setting.

- 32 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

6.2.3 Recommended Additional Equipment

Often additional equipment is required for efficient acquisition of good quality data. The
following list is an attempt to summarize frequently needed additional equipment.
It is strongly recommended to power SAS 1000 /4000 from an external gelled lead-acid
battery or a car battery (25 708 Ah) via an adapter.
A set of walkie-talkies if cables with long electrode take-out spacing is used (i.e. more than
2 meters between each take-out).
Polyurethane hammers of Stanley type (two or more) for hammering down electrodes.
Plastic bottles for water with added salt and viscosity increasing polymer, to improve
electrode contact in dry ground. A drill mud polymer (such as Johnson Revert or similar)
added to the water can increase the viscosity to prevent draining away during measurement
in permeable soils. Mix salt and polymer with water to suitable viscosity, it may be wise to
do this in buckets before pouring the mixture into plastic bottles of convenient size.
At least an additional double amount of electrodes and jumpers if operating in areas with
dry ground giving contact difficulties.
Spray paint and pegs to mark out profile lines.
Non-metallic ruling tape to measure distance from profile line to reference objects, or to
measure electrode spacing if smaller spacing than the take-out spacing are to be used.
Levelling equipment and / or GPS receiver.
Remote electrode cable(s) if pole-pole or pole-dipole array is used.
Pocket multimeter with continuity check function for error detection.

6.2.4 Field Procedure for 2D Electrical Imaging

Ensure that the batteries for the Terrameter and Electrode Selector are charged before going to
the field! To ensure proper function, SAS 1000 / 4000 should be powered from a gelled leadacid battery or a car battery of sufficient capacity.
The following field procedure assumes that the standard ABEM Lund equipment with a set of
4 cables with 21 electrode take-outs each is used.
For all protocol files using the standard Lund Imaging System cable layout, of four cables
with 21 take-outs each, the procedure described below is recommended. By using this
procedure, high near surface resolution towards the ends of the measured section is achieved.
This is important not only for the resolution at shallow depths, but it also affects the
resolution at depth.
At the first measurement station start laying out and connecting three cables only, and connect
the instrument between the first two cables. In the data acquisition software these cables are
designated as Cable 2, Cable 3 and Cable 4 (see Figure 10), where the instrument is connected
between Cable 2 and Cable 3, and Cable 1 is excluded at the first station. Note that the last
and the first electrode take-outs shall overlap at the cable ends.

A battery capacity of 60-70 Ah is recommended for heavy duty applications, i.e. continuous work for several hours with a
high current setting.

- 33 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

Figure 10.Cable arrangement at the first measurement station in a roll-along survey, where
the first cable is excluded.

All CVES cables shall be rolled out in the direction of the profile, i.e. with the takeout
numbers increasing in the same direction as the coordinate numbers increase. The procedure
is: Secure the free cable end at the point of the lower coordinate number and walk the reel
towards points of higher coordinate numbers. It is a good rule to have the profiles always
running south-to-north or west-to-east (instead of north-to-south or east-to-west), to avoid
confusion when the results are to be presented (unless an existing co-ordinate system demands
else). Take-out # 21 of one shall overlap take-out # 1 of the next cable at the cable joints and
in the layout centre9. Overlapping takeouts connect to the same electrode.
Link together the inner and outer electrode
cables (Cable 3 and Cable 4 only at this
stage) with a cable joint (white cylindrical
connecting device). Take care to connect it
in the right direction: the groove on the
cable joints should point towards the
instrument in the layout centre9.
Outer end

Instrument

Connect electrodes to the odd-numbered take-outs on all active electrode cables9. The evennumbered take-outs can be left out for the time being. If the ground is soft and moist the
electrodes can just be pushed into the ground and connected, however hammering and wetting
is often needed. Check the contact surfaces between electrode take-outs, cable jumpers and
electrodes for dirt and oxide, which can ruin the data quality, and clean if needed. Link
together inner and outer electrode cables using the white cable joints.
Connect the Electrode Selector at the centre of the cable spread, i.e. between cable #2 and
cable #3.
9

Note: For cable systems with 16 take-out cables the take-out must NOT overlap at the cable
ends but be separated with the same spacing as all other take-outs in the. Furthermore, all
electrodes should be connected from the start. Note also that the cable joints have two grooves
instead of one for this type of cable system.
- 34 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

Note!
Moisture and/or dirt in the connectors may compromise
the data quality and even cause permanent damage to the
connectors. Always keep the protection caps clean and in
place whenever possible. Let the protection caps protect
each other when the cables are connected as shown in the
picture.

Interconnect the Terrameter and Electrode Selector using the cable 33 0020 11 (alternatives as
per paragraph 6.1.3). Turn on the SAS 1000 / 4000.
At the second measurement station, and all the following stations as long as the line is being
extended, all four cables are connected (see Figure 11). Cable 1 is connected to Cable 2 with a
cable joint as well, where again the groove must face the cable closest to the instrument.

Figure 11.Cable arrangement at the second measurement station in a roll-along survey.

When finishing the measurement profile, and no additional electrode cable and electrodes are
put out, the instrument should still be moved one step in order to get all the near surface
information. The active electrode cables will thus be Cable 1, Cable 2 and Cable 3 (see Figure
12). Since all (for e.g. Wenner, Schlumberger and multiple gradient array) or many (for
dipole-dipole or pole-dipole) of the possible measurements have already been done for the
long layout protocol the measuring will be fast.

- 35 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

Figure 12. Cable arrangement at the last measurement station in a Wenner, Schlumberger or
multiple gradient array roll-along survey, where the last cable is excluded.
If the multi-channel dipole-dipole or pole-dipole protocols mentioned in this document are
used, it is necessary to do roll-along twice without adding new cable at end of line (see Figure
13). This depends on that these protocols are designed to avoid unnecessary repetition of
measurements, and still get as much data as possible. Such a procedure need not be
considered for single channel dipole-dipole or pole-dipole protocols. Notice that even if this
procedure is used duplicate data points can occur for multi-channel pole-dipole protocols after
roll-along.

Figure 13. Cable arrangement at the last measurement station in a dipole-dipole or poledipole roll-along survey, where the last two cables are excluded.
For a cable set of 4 cables with 16 electrode take-outs each it is simpler. For nested electrode
arrays (such as Wenner, Schlumberger and multiple gradient) all possible measurements can
be taken with all 4 cables in one go. Hence all electrodes must be connected at the start.
Furthermore, there must be no overlapping of electrode take-outs at the cable intersections. It
is only for dipole-dipole and pole-dipole type of arrays measured with multi-channel
equipment that it is motivated to consider using measurement protocols that require roll-along
move of the instrument without adding new electrodes at the end of a surveying line in order
to optimise the use of the multi-channel capability.

- 36 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

6.2.5 Using the LUND Imaging System Software

In the start-up menu select "LUND Imaging System" and press
program as described in the following.
The first menu (after the welcome menu) is the
Record Manager. Select the preferred mode (SP,
Resistivity or IP).

you get the

If you move to Record and press
options to create a new record, open an existing or
delete record(s).

If you select New you get the option to name a

new record. Either accept the default name, or
define a new. Use the
knob to change
characters, and the
/
knob to move between
fields. If you name the record 00005, the record
name will become LR00005. LR means LUND
and Resistivity. If the mode was IP, the record
name would become LI00005.

. This starts the LUND

RECORD MANAGER
Mode:
Resistivity

Record:

=Measure, =Quit, =Next/Prev Page

RECORD MANAGER
Mode:
Resistivity Record

Record:
<New>

<Open>

=Measure, =Quit, =Next/Prev Page

RECORD MANAGER
Mode:
Resistivity

Record:

New record: 00005

=Measure, =Quit, =Next/Prev Page

If you select a new record this menu appears. The

smallest electrode distance is simply the electrode
separation in meters. The power line frequency is
either 50 Hz or 60 Hz. The midpoint coordinates
can be given in units of electrode spacing. The
base ref. is the coordinates and the
azimuth/inclination of the origo of the base. To
continue, select OK and press
or simply press
.

(Res.) LR00005.S4K
Smallest electrode distance: 2.0 m

Power line freq.: 50 Hz

Midpoint X: 0.0
(
0.0 m )

Y: 0.0
(
0.0 m )

This brings up the menu where you select protocol

file(s). At the first entry you have to select "Add"
and press .

1:
5:

2:
6:

3:
7:

4:
8:

Add protocol:

Select: POL2L

WENB_L

Select:WENB_S

WENFASTL

WENFASTS

WENNER_L

<Ok>
WENNER_S

Move to the "Select" entry and press

This brings up a list of all possible protocol file. In

this list, move with the
to a suitable protocol,
e.g. Wenner_L. Then press , and you are back in
the menu shown above. Go to <Ok> and press .
The message "Validating protocol ..." will appear
for a couple of seconds.
- 37 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

You are now back in the menu discussed above,

but with the name of the selected protocol file
written in position 1. In order to add one more file,
select <Add> and go through the previous steps.
In case you select incompatible protocols (e.g.
WENNER_L together with SQUARE2A a
warning will be given. A maximum of eight files
can be specified. When ready, select OK or simply
press .

1:WENNER_L
5:

2:WENNER_S
6:

3:
7:

4:
8:

A typical selection for one channel measurement

is WENNER_L and WENNER_S, which is
optimised for use together with the standard
ABEM LUND cable, article no. 33 0019 25 or 33
0019 26. For four channel measurements the
combination GRAD4L8 and GRAD4S8 is
recommended.
The next menu is one out of a series of five
menus. You can move between these five
submenus with the
knob. you have the option
to specify measuring parameters. If you are
satisfied, just press
, otherwise select new
values. By pressing
you can move between
four submenus. This is only of relevance if you
need to change settings, e.g. number of stackings,
error limit etc. A selection of a high current (200,
500 or 1000 mA) and Mode=Auto is
recommended. The instrument will automatically
step down to a lower current if it is impossible to
transmit the selected current.

Resistivity: LR00004.S4K (PAGE/)

Output:
1000 mA Mode: Auto

Acq. delay: 0.3 sec.

Acq. time: 1.0 sec.

Total cycle time:

5.2 sec.

=Measure, =Quit, =Next/Prev Page

In the second submenu you can specify the

number of stacks. If the standard deviation during
the measuring cycles passes below the error limit,
the stacking is stopped. The norm can be either
Median or Average, corresponding to the L1 and
L2 metrics respectively. Finally, you can decide to
show the apparent resistivity instead of the
resistance.

Resistivity: LR00004.S4K (PAGE/)

Min. stacks:
2

Max. stacks:
4

Error limit:
1.0 %

Norm:
Median

View app. res.: No

Data buffer size: 20

=Measure, =Quit, =Next/Prev Page

The data buffer size is the number of readings

taken before saving to the disk. This value is a
trade-off between speed and security.
In this third submenu some internal parameters
can be controlled. It is advised not to change these
default settings.

- 38 -

Resistivity: LR00004.S4K (PAGE/)

Ignore error 4: No

Ignore error 5: No

Ignore error 22: No

Tx setup mode: Smart

Tx setup time: Fast

=Measure, =Quit, =Next/Prev Page

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

In the fourth submenu you decide whether or not

to ignore negative readings and errors. You can
choose to wait between protocol files. If you have
access to an external alarm connected to the
ALARM connector on the Electrode Selector, you
can define whether or not to activate it.

Resistivity: LR00004.S4K (PAGE/)

Ignore negative resistivity: No

Ignore errors 1-5:

Wait between protocols:

Yes

Use external alarm:

=Measure, =Quit, =Next/Prev Page

In the fifth submenu you can define information

about the measurements. Select a row by pressing
the
knob. Move between the characters and
numbers by the
knob.

Resistivity: LR00004.S4K (PAGE/)

Operator:

Client:

Comm. #1:

Comm. #2:

Comm. #3:

Comm. #4:

=Measure, =Quit, =Next/Prev Page

Resistivity: LR00004.S4K (PAGE/)
Number of entries:
0

Select a channel to view:

=========================

<Ch. 1>

Start at sample: 0

=Measure, =Quit, =Next/Prev Page

In the sixth submenu you can select a channel to

view on the screen (in this case there is only one
channel available).

When you turn

to start the measurement, a
menu appears in which the results are displayed.
Also the actual battery voltage is displayed here.

When you turn

once again the Measurement
Setup menu appears. Here you can select if the
electrode
test
should
be
performed
(recommended), and you can select the minimum
output current. It is NOT recommended to step
down the current level below 20 mA unless
necessary, since the signal-to-noise ratio will
inevitably suffer, with decreasing data quality as a
result! For extra long electrode layouts a higher
minimum current is recommended. The
coordinates of the setup can be specified here also.
If you know that certain electrodes must be
excluded, select <Skip Electrodes> and deactivate
the electrodes you do not need. In the upper frame
the number of LUND units is given (1 or 2).
The Skip Electrodes Menu allows you to skip
certain electrodes.

- 39 -

Ch
P1
P2 Resistance S.Dev Stacks.
1:
.
2: N/A
.
3: N/A
.
4: N/A
.
N=0
I=Auto
Batt=12.4 V
Resistivity: Wenner-a, Section
.
LR00004.S4K
C1=
, C2=
.
Setup (1 unit)
Protocol #1: WENNER_L.ORG

Electrode test: No

Min. output:
20 mA

Midpoint X: 0.0
(
0.0 m )

Y: 0.0
(
0.0 m )
<Skip Electrodes> <START> <CANCEL>

<< Skip Electrodes Menu >>>

Protocol
#1: WENNER_L.ORG
#1 On 1-3-5-7-9-#2 On 1-3-5-7-9-#3 On --3-5-7-9-1
#4 On --3-5-7-9-1
Cable #1 takeout #1: Enabled
( =Close )

.
.
.
.
.
.
.

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

(or select the <START>

To accept, press the
option). This start the electrode test (if you have
selected "Electrode test: Yes" above) or the
measuring procedure (if you have selected
"Electrode test: No"). It is recommended that you
use the electrode test function. When the test is
finished, a list of the electrodes with bad ground
contact is given. You then have the option to skip
a particular electrode, or to improve the
grounding. It may be necessary to connect several
electrodes to each take-out to get sufficient contact

Ch
P1
P2 Resistance S.Dev Stacks.
1:
.
2: N/A
.
3: N/A
.
4: N/A
.
N=0
I=Auto
.
Resistivity: Wenner-a, Section
.
LR00004.S4K
C1=
, C2=
.

NOTE: Dangerous voltages and currents are transmitted by the

Terrameter via the electrode cables connected to the Electrode
Selector! During the entire duration of an electrode contact test
or measurement session it is the responsibility of the operator
always to have full control of the entire electrode cable layout, so
that people and animals do not get close to the electrodes and
electrode take-outs connected to the measurement cables!

6.2.6 Electrode Test

If the electrode test (as described above) is set to Yes, the system checks if it is possible to
transmit current through all electrodes. This test only takes a couple of minutes, but can save a
lot of time afterwards!
The array code determines how the contact test is performed. For most arrays the electrodes
can be tested pair-wise against each other starting at one end. Another option is to test each
electrode against all the other electrodes (only available for ES10-64). For pole-pole and poledipole all the electrodes are tested individually since one of the current electrodes is assumed
to be a remote electrode.
If long cables (e.g. with 5 meters or more between take-outs) are used a set of walkie-talkies
are useful for efficient work, otherwise a lot of time may be wasted running up and down the
cables.
The program automatically continues to measure using all four electrode cables when the
contact is satisfactory. Occasionally, the program may stop depending on poor electrode
contact even if the contact test was passed (depending e.g. on drying out, or that two "halfpoor" electrodes are used together). It is therefore advisable to check that measurements have
not stopped every now and then, and improve contact (or step down the current for that
particular electrode combination only). It may be wise using a one step higher lowest
permissible current during the Electrode Test and then return the value to the ideal, before
the measuring starts.

- 40 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

6.2.7 Speed Up the Field Procedure

A good way to speed up the field procedure is to have one extra electrode cable and a
generous supply of electrode and cable jumpers available, so that the extra cable can be rolled
out and hooked up to electrodes while measurements are in progress. In this way the
instrument and cable joints can simply be moved one step before starting the roll-along
measuring on the following measurement station. If no extra electrode cable is at hand the
following procedure can be adopted.
While the measurements are in progress for the long layout (using all four cables) the
electrodes for the remaining take-outs on the two electrode cables closest to the centre (short
layout) may be connected. When measurements are done for the long layout, the program
stops and waits for the operator to press to continue with protocol file #2 if "Wait between
protocols" is set to YES.
As soon as the measuring on the long layout is finished, Cable 1 can be disconnected, wound
up and rolled out ahead of Cable 4 (if you want to perform roll-along). In this way all
electrodes can be in place when measurements on the short layout are finished. Bring along
the cable joint used to link Cable 1 and Cable 2 and drop it at the Electrode Selector.
Disconnect the other cable joint when passing the connection between Cable 3 and Cable 4,
and use it for linking the former Cable 1 when it is in place in the position ahead of Cable 4.
Make sure that what is now Cable 3 and Cable 4 are linked together with a cable joint, unless
it is the last station on the profile and Cable 4 hence is excluded.
When all measurements on the short layout are finished, the program stops and asks whether
to continue with roll-along measurements (upward or downward) or quit. If you want to link
more data to the profile, first disconnect Cable 2 and Cable 3 from Electrode Selector, and
link these cables together with the cable joint. These cables are from now Cable 1 and
Cable 2! Move Electrode Selector and Terrameter to the new centre point, and connect what
is now Cable 2 and Cable 3 to Electrode Selector.
If you decide to continue with roll-along (up or down) the Measurement Setup menu appears
again. The same comments as described previous applies. The process now continues as
described above: checking of contact and measuring first for long layout and then short
layout. However, measuring is now faster since many possible measurement combinations
were already measured in the previous layout. While measuring is carried out on the long
layout all electrodes at even-numbered take-outs on Cable 1 can be removed and connected to
the even-numbered take-outs on Cable 3, to be ready for the contact test for the short layout.
The profile can be extended as far as desired. In addition measuring can be stopped at any
time by pressing , which gives a possibility to change certain parameters in the setup. The
measurement can then be continued, by pressing the key.
While measuring the profile, do not forget to take notes of the position of reference points
along the line using the cables as ruler. Do also mark out some of the used midpoints along
the profile with pegs, sticks, paint or whatever is suitable. This facilitates identification of
points for further investigations later on. Furthermore, it is often efficient to level the
topography while doing the measurements, using the cables as ruling tape. Similarly it can be
efficient to determine the coordinates of key points along the measured line with GPS during
the measurement process, unless this is taken care of by a special arrangement.
It is possible to stop the measuring program at any point, and re-start it again. You can select
an existing record and add data to this record. The program will automatically find out how
far the surveying has proceeded, update coordinates etc. It is thus possible to continue
surveying without loosing data after e.g. a power failure, or to extend a profile the next day. A
profile can be extended either towards increasing coordinates (up) or decreasing coordinates
- 41 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

(down), but the cables must always be rolled out with increasing takeout numbers in parallel
with increasing coordinate numbers.

6.2.8 Data Cover

The data cover for resistivity surveying with cable systems in general is dependent on several
factors such as: the total number of electrode take-outs, the number of sections the cable array
is divided into, the measurement array type used (Wenner, pole-pole, dipole-dipole etc.), and
whether there are any restrictions on how the electrodes can be combined. This section shows
the data cover of standard Wenner CVES, while Appendix E. Address and Protocol Files
(page 90) summarizes the characteristics of protocol files supplied with Lund Imaging
System.
For the standard Wenner CVES the data cover is enhanced by measuring in two sets, linking
in electrodes from the outer electrode cables. This is demonstrated by the protocol files
WENNER_L and WENNER_S. With roll-along measuring the data cover becomes
continuous, for all but the longest electrode separations where there are gaps in the cover
between the station points (Figure 14). Since there is a substantial over-lap in data cover
between consecutive station points, the .UP and .DWN protocol files are reduced accordingly,
which means measuring is much faster. In practice, this means that the measuring for these
points normally take about half as long time as for the first midpoint. WENNER_S is
designed only to supplement WENNER_L for the shortest electrode spacing, and is generally
not suitable for use alone if only the two central cables are used. If measuring with two cables
only use a protocol dedicated for this (see Appendix E. Address and Protocol Files).

Figure 14. Data coverage of standard Wenner CVES, using the measurement protocols
WENNER_L and WENNER_S, for roll-along with three full measurement
stations, plus one station with a cable excluded at each end of the line. A unit
electrode spacing of 1 metre was used.
Any cable configuration and electrode array could in principle be used for measuring, as long
as the geometry and measuring sequence is specified in the address and protocol files used.
Details on the format of these files are given in section 8.1.5 Format of Lund Imaging
Address, Protocol and Location Files (page 60).
The SAS 1000 / 4000 displays measured resistance or apparent resistivity values on the screen
during data acquisition, as well as the smallest inter-electrode distance and the midpoint
coordinate.
- 42 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

6.2.9 Area Cover / 3D Roll-along

For applications where area coverage is needed it may be desirable to do roll-along in a
direction perpendicular to the extension of the cables, as shown in Figure 15.

Figure 15.

Sketch system layout for roll-along surveying, with a roll-along direction

perpendicular to the cable direction. The roll-along direction will depend on
coordinate system orientation preferences.

6.2.10 3D Resistivity Surveying by Means of a Number of 2D Layouts

A simple way of carrying out a 3D survey is to measure a number of parallel, and optionally
orthogonal, 2D sections, and afterwards merge the 2D data sets into a 3D data set before
inverting the data. A condensed step-by-step description is given below, in which it is
assumed that the (first) electrode cable layout direction is called X and the perpendicular
direction is called Y (Figure 16). The description assumes that Res3dinv is to be used for the
inversion, but the procedure should also be applicable to alternative inversion software.
1. Decide the number or electrodes in the cable layout direction (X-direction). This will be
limited by the number of take-outs on the electrode cables available, and could be for
example 16, 21, 32 or 41 electrodes.
2. Decide which electrode configuration to use. Pole-dipole (both forward and reverse
measurements) is often preferred as it offers good depth penetration and sensitivity
towards the edges on limited cable layouts, plus good resolution. Dipole-dipole or
multiple gradient array measurements are good options if it is not practical to use a remote
electrode.
3. Select suitable protocol files and ensure that these are available to the Lund data
acquisition software in the Terrameter (if necessary compile a PROTOCOL.BIN file and
upload to the instrument).
4. Roll out the electrode cable(s) along the first investigation line and connect the electrodes.
Connect the electrode cable(s) to the Electrode Selector and start measuring to a New
data file using the selected protocol file(s).

- 43 -

Y axis

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

Line 9
Start

End
Line 8

Start

End
Line 7

Start

End
Line 6

Start

End
Line 5

Start

End
Line 4

Start

End
Line 3

Start

End
Line 2

Start

End
Line 1

Start

End
X axis

Figure 16.

Example showing a survey consisting of 9 parallel lines oriented in the

x-direction. In this case, according to the nomenclature of Res2dinv collate tool,
all lines have the same X location of first the electrode along this line, but
different Y locations. The line direction is zero in all cases (0=X,1=Y), and the
line direction/sign is also zero (0=positive,1=negative).

5. While measuring is being carried out, electrode cable(s) can be rolled out and electrodes
connected on the next investigation line. The distance between lines should normally not
exceed twice the electrode separation.
6. When measuring is finished on the first line, select Quit, disconnect the Electrode
Selector and move it and the Terrameter to the second line. Start a New data file and
proceed with measuring as above.
7. Remove the cable(s) and electrodes from the first line and set up the third line. Continue
this process as far as desired.
8. Using a separation between the lines that is equal to the electrode separation will increase
the resolution. If extra resolution is required the process can be repeated with the electrode
cables rolled out in the perpendicular direction (Y-direction).
9. After data acquisition is completed, download all the data files to a computer using the
utility software. Convert the data files to the DAT-format used by Res2dinv.
10. Make a copy of the file COLLATE_2D_TO_3D.TXT (can be found in the Res2dinv
program directory) and change filenames and coordinates according to the present survey.
Start Res2dinv and use the option File/Collate data into Res3dinv format to merge the
files.
11. Start Res3dinv and invert the merged data file.

6.2.11 Borehole Measurements

Borehole measurements require electrode cables designed for this purpose, standard Lund
Imaging System electrode cables are not suitable. Address files must be designed to suit the
- 44 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

particular hardware configuration of these cables, and protocol files should use array code 12
(tomography). See section 8.1.5 Format of Lund Imaging Address, Protocol and Location
Files (page 60) for more information on address and protocol files. The roll-along feature
will not work for this type of measurements.

6.2.12 Possible Sources of Error

A number of possible problems, common sources of error/reasons and suggested measures are
listed below. Suggestions for additions to this list are appreciated.
N.B. Moisture and/or dirt in the connectors will conflict the field work and even cause
permanent damage to the connectors. Always keep the protection caps clean and in place
when ever possible.
N. B. To ensure proper function, SAS 1000 / 4000 should be powered from a gelled lead-acid
battery or a car battery (25 7010 Amp. hours) during the field work.
Problem

Reason

Remedy

No signs of life from

the
Electrode
Selector (no beep
when the Terrameter
power is switched
on).

The battery may be

completely discharged in
either the Electrode Selector
or the Terrameter, or the
communication
cable
between the units may be
faulty.

Check that the batteries of Electrode

Selector and Terrameter are properly
charged, and that the cable linking the
units is OK

No contact obtained Poor electrode grounding

at all during the for all electrodes, or no
contact test
proper response from the
Terrameter

Check that the Electrode Selector is

trigging and Terrameter is responding
properly. If not check that all interface
cables are in good condition and properly
connected, and that the batteries are OK.
If the Terrameter is responding check the
error code, where a common reason is
that the contact resistance is too high for
all the electrodes. Try to improve the
grounding, or step down the current (in
general not recommended, will impair
data quality)

A battery capacity of 60-70 Ah is recommended for heavy duty applications, i.e. continuous work for several hours with a
high current setting.

- 45 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

Unstable
possibly
readings

and Poor
electrode
negative connection/grounding, and
possibly too low measuring
current. High level of selfpotential.

No contact obtained
from electrode takeouts on the cable
beyond the cable
joint

Check that the Terrameter is set to as high

measuring current as possible! If
necessary water, and hammer down,
electrodes, and if that is not sufficient
connect two or more electrodes to each
electrode take-out! Check that all
connectors are in good condition and are
firmly connected to the electrodes!

The cable joint may be Check that the cable joints are properly
connected in the wrong connected! The groove on the cable joint
direction or not connected at should point towards the layout centre
all

Negative, but rather Cable 2 and cable 3 may be Check that the cables are connected to the
stable
resistivity switched
at
Electrode Electrode Selector in the right order!
readings
Selector
Unstable/unrealistic
results

Badly installed electrodes. Check that all connectors and cables are
Dirty or moist connectors. in good condition. Run CABLETST and
CABLE INSULATION TEST on regular
Damaged spread cables.
bases.

6.2.13 The ALARM Connector

The ALARM connector on the ES464 has four pins:
A

Gives 12V out at an occasion of alarm. The output is fused by 2A.

Pin B and C give a contact closure at an occasion of alarm. The pins are totally
isolated from the rest of the system. Max permissible load would be 12V at 2A.

C
D

0V reference

The ALARM connector on the ES10-64 has a different configuration of the four pins:
A

For 12V power supply of ES10-64C[e] for linked units beyond the first one.

Gives 12V out at an occasion of alarm. The output is fused by 2A.

0V reference.

Ground for power supply.

- 46 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

7 TERRAMETER SAS LOG 300

This section describes the operation of the Terrameter SAS 1000 / 4000 accessories
Terrameter SAS LOG 300. All instructions apply for both versions of SAS LOG.

7.1 CONTROLS, TERMINALS AND LOGGING CABLE

N.B. during logging operation there should be no connections to C1-C2 and P1-P2 terminals
on SAS 1000 / 4000.
The SAS LOG 300 consists of a 300 m long logging cable with a logging probe and a
convenient backpacking frame. On the frame is an electronic unit mounted as well as
terminals for the Current Return / Potential Reference and a connector for connecting to the
SAS 1000 / 4000.
The logging cable has seven nylon-insulated conductors and a polyurethane jacket. A Kevlar
stress member, good for 4000N is incorporated. Three cylindrical current takeouts are located
5.6 m, 1.2 m and 0.4 m upwards from the probe shoulder. The cable is marked at 1 m
intervals, starting at the logging probe shoulder.
The stainless steel upper end (shoulder) of the logging probe, serves as electrode 0 m. The
lower inside end of the probe - the chamber - has one ring electrode, -0.4 m and one electrode
in the centre, the chamber electrode. The centre electrode also contains the temperature
transducer. The end of the chamber is set at an angle to improve circulation of fluid in the
chamber as the probe moves. Three holes in the chamber wall permit air to escape, thus
ensuring good contact with the fluid.
A control cable, 33 0020 11, connects the SAS LOG 300 to SAS 1000 / 4000. The SAS LOG
is fully governed from the SAS 1000 / 4000.
The return current terminal is connected to a return current electrode (ABEM stainless steel
electrode) placed not less than 75 m from the well to be surveyed.
The potential reference terminal is connected to a reference potential electrode (ABEM
stainless steel electrode) not less than 50 m from the well and in the opposite position from
the return current electrode.
Even if there is a test facility testing the ground connection for these remote electrodes, great
care should be exercised when installing them to ensure reliable connection to ground.
Directly after switch on, the LOG will perform a self-check, which takes a few seconds.
The SAS LOG 300 facilitates following functional modes:
Down (automatic measurements according to settings made in point 4 chapter 7.2,
manually activated)
Up (automatic measurements according to settings made in point 4 chapter 7.2, manually
activated)
Electrode Check
Level Check (Water-)
Depolarise
Temperature
SP Voltage
Short Normal (Resistivity)
- 47 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

Long Normal (Resistivity)

Lateral (Resistivity)
Fluid Resistivity (Resistivity)
Short Normal IP
Long Normal IP
Lateral IP

7.2 OPERATING THE LOGGING SYSTEM

Assuming basic familiarity with SAS 1000 / 4000, these would be the steps to set up for a
well logging
1. In the Application menu, select SAS LOG 300, .
2.

In the Record Manager Menu, define a NEW log title,

DELETE records, .)

. (Or OPEN an old file or

3. In the next menu, define the LOGGING INTERVAL in meters. This is the smallest
conceivable distance between two logging points, OK
4. In the Log Configure menu, page 1(9), enter the distance steps for downwards and
upwards logging (the logging interval is multiplied by this number, the return is the
actual distance between the logging points in the respective run) and select which
modes should be utilized on the way down and which on the way up, see paragraph
8.2.3,
.
5. In the SP Parameter menu, page 2(9) select desired SP measuring time,

6. In the Measure Parameter menu, page 3(9), make the desired resistivity settings,
7. In the IP Parameter menu, page 4(9), make the desired IP measuring settings,

.
.

8. Calibrate temperature, page 5(9), the log is shipped with default calibration values
entered, which allow the stated accuracy. For special demands other values may be
entered.
9. In the Stack Parameter menu, page 6(9), enter details for stacking and also whether to
view apparent resistivity or resistance (plain V/I, without geometry calculations),
.
10. In the Options menu, page 7(9), set options for the current transmitter,

11. In the Info Text menu, page 8(9), make all the comments for the actual survey,
.
12. Return to the View Sample menu, page 9(9), to view retrieved data

13. Select whether to follow the sequences preset in point 4 above, Down,
or, Up, .
Options are, / :
Electrode Check, to verify whether the remote electrodes are properly installed, ..
Level Check. Select this function and lower the probe, an indication is given on the
SAS 1000/ 4000 LCD when the probe reaches the water level, .
Depolarise, equalizes built up potentials prior to SP measurements, .
Take single readings in any function mode at any arbitrary depth, .
14. The last retrieved data is shown in the upper part of the LCD, together with the relevant
depth information. The next measurement and the appropriate new level according to the
settings in point 4 above are suggested in the lower half of the LCD.
- 48 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

WARNING:
Make
certain
that
the
Terrameter SAS 1000 / 4000 is turned off
while handling the logging cable and probe.
The cable and probe electrodes can carry high
on the
voltages after the MEASURE button
SAS 1000 / 4000 is activated.

- 49 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

7.3 TEMPERATURE & SP LOGGING

Normally temperature and SP are logged at the first run
downwards the well, in the unstirred water and with no
polarization effects residing from resistivity measurements.

5.6 m

The temperature is measured to an accuracy of 1C within the

0C ... +20C range and 0.1C within the +20C ... +50C
range, thus permitting local temperature gradients to be studied
in detail.
When assuming high precision for temperature gradient studies,
ample time must be allowed to permit the probe to reach thermal
equilibrium vis--vis the fluid. Move the probe slightly up and
down a few times while waiting for equilibrium to be
established. Temperature logging should be the first log at each
station, since undisturbed water is required.

1.2 m

To reduce electrode polarization, attributable to previous

resistivity measurement or long storage in air, the electrodes
should be depolarised before SP logging starts.
Proceed as follows:

Connect all cables and electrodes as explained above.

Perform the Electrode Check.

0.4 m

Select the Level Check. Lower the logging probe into the
well, use the level mode to determine the depth to the water
table. Return to the Info Text menu (para. 8.2.2, point 11) and
enter the water table depth in the comments field.
Lower the probe to the desired depth (i.e. as indicated in the
measuring menu, 0 m for the first sample).

Select the Depolarise and wait for this function to finish.

Select Down.
Press and temperature and SP will be measured, the values
stored and shown in the upper half of the LCD. An imperative
to proceed to next depth appears in the lower half of the LCD.
Lower the probe to next depth as indicated on the LCD and
press .
Continue till the desired depth is reached and to where the
resistivity upwards logging should commence.

-0.4 m and
chamber e.
Logging probe with
current takeouts

The voltage that is displayed will be the potential between the remote potential reference
electrode and the upper electrode, the shoulder, on the logging probe.

- 50 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

7.4 RESISTIVITY AND IP LOGGING

N. B. Resistivity or IP measurements should not be made during a SP logging run.

Select Up

Enter the actual depth in, meters, where the upwards resistivity logging should
commence.

Adjust the depth of the probe to the depth newly entered.

Press

All the selected upwards modes are now passed through one by one, followed by an
imperative to hoist the probe to next level for measurement.

Press

Etc.

7.5 THE RESISTIVITY AND IP MODES ARE EXPLAINED BELOW

FLUID RESISTIVITY LOGGING

The current is injected via the ring electrode, while the potential is measured between the
shoulder electrode 0 m and the chamber electrode. The fluid resistivity is calculated,
presented on the display, and saved in the SAS 1000 / 4000. In case of small-diameter wells a
correction is needed. In table 8.1 are listed the correction factors to be used. The calculation is
not done to the stored values.

Well diameter in mm. Correction

factor
50 - 60

1.08

60 - 70

1.06

80 - 90

1.03

90 - 100

1.01

Table 7-1: Correction factors used in the SAS 1000 / 4000 for small-diameter wells when
measuring fluid resistivity.
SHORT NORMAL LOGGING
Current is injected via the shoulder electrode, 0 m). The corresponding response voltage is
measured between the ground potential reference and the ring electrode at the bottom of the
probe. The SAS 1000 / 4000 will display the resistivity of the surrounding medium.
LONG NORMAL LOGGING
Current is injected via cable electrode 1.2 m while the potential is measured at the ring
electrode at the bottom of the probe. The SAS 1000 / 4000 will then display the resistivity of
the surrounding medium.

- 51 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

LATERAL LOGGING
Current is injected via cable electrode 5.6 m, and the potential is measured between the ring
electrode at the bottom of the probe and the cable electrode 0.4 m

The SAS 1000 / 4000 will automatically perform the necessary conversions, and display the
resistivity of the surrounding medium, measured with the Lateral configuration.

7.6 FLUID RESISTIVITY AND ESTIMATION OF TDS

The SAS LOG can be used to measure the resistivity of a fluid, thus enabling you to
determine the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in the fluid.
Resistivity is a function of water temperature, and a standard temperature (usually 25C) must
be specified for reporting resistivities or conductivities. For resistivity, the approximate
conversion formulas for common standard temperatures are:
18 = T (0.62 + 0.021 T)
20 = T (0.58 + 0.021 T)
25 = T (0.48 + 0.021 T)
where T is the temperature in C in the range 5 - 50 C and T the measured fluid resistivity at
the temperature T.
Concentrations by weight
Concentrations of the common ions found in ground water are often reported by weight in
parts per million (ppm). One ppm defines one part by weight of the ion to a million parts by
weight of water, and it is numerically equivalent to milligrams per liter. Total dissolved solids
(TDS) is also reported as ppm.

The following diagram illustrates the relationships between resistivity and TDS for various
salt solutions and for an average of natural ground waters.
The TDS estimation for an average of natural ground waters is:
TDSppm = 6400/25

where 25 is in m.

Conductance is sometimes preferred for the estimation of TDS (rather than resistance, its
reciprocal) since it increases with salt content. Conductance is measured in Siemen (= S =
mho = (m)-1), but for comparative purposes results are usually reported as electrical
conductivity (EC) which is measured in S/m. Since most ground waters have conductivities of
much less than 1 S/m (and since this method is often used to determine the TDS of ground
water), it is often more convenient to use mS/m.

7.7 PLOTTING OF LOGGING DATA

The most commonly used data format for borehole is LAS (Log ASCII Standard). The
Terrameter SAS 4000 / SAS 1000 Utilities software has an option to convert logging data
from S4K raw data files to LAS format.

- 52 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

A general purpose diagram plotting software (e.g. Grapher or Excel) can be used for the
plotting. This may require some editing of the data file, like e.g. simply removing the part of
the file before the data section. Another option is to use Interpex IX1D.
There is also a variety of dedicated software available for plotting borehole logging data from
LAS format files. A recommended such software is Strater from Golden Software, another
option is LogPlot from RockWare.

- 53 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

8 UTILITY SOFTWARE
8.1 TERRAMETER SAS1000/SAS4000 UTILITY SOFTWARE
The utility software for Windows 95/98/NT/ME/2000/XP is delivered on CD. You can also
download the most recent version of the software from http://www.abem.se. Insert the CD in
your computer, and execute the SETUP program to install the software. By default the
software is installed in the directory C:\SAS 4000.
Hint: If you are not comfortable with file handling, accept the default settings to avoid future
path-problems.
The utility software contains several functions:

Retrieve measured data from the Terrameter SAS 1000 / 4000

Install new software and protocol files to the Terrameter

Convert measured data to various file formats (e.g. for interpretation)

Manage protocol files (e.g. for handling the LUND Imaging System)

Above is shown the main display in the Utilities software. All available commands are
accessible through the toolbar. When you move the cursor over the command tools, a tool tip
is displayed for information. From left to right there are: New project, Open project, Save
project, Delete project or document, Program properties, Help, Get data from Terrameter,
Install program module into Terrameter, Remove program module from Terrameter, Modify
calibration parameters.

8.1.1 Communication between Terrameter and PC computer

The SAS 1000 / 4000 communicates with a PC compatible computer through the serial cable
delivered together with the instrument.
Setting the SAS 1000 / 4000 in communication mode
In order to communicate with an external PC it is necessary <SAS 4000 Standard>
to set the SAS 1000 / 4000 in communication mode. From
the record manager press the key. This brings you to the <LUND Imaging System>
Program Selection Screen which can look as illustrated to <RS 232 communication>
the right. Observe, that only program modules installed in
the SAS 1000 / 4000 will appear in the Program Selection Screen. Move to the selection
<RS232 Communication> and press
. The SAS 1000 / 4000 will then be ready to
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ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

communicate with the external PC through a serial connection. Please ensure that the settings
(baud rate) are identical on both the Terrameter and the computer.

VERY IMPORTANT
If you are installing (or upgrading) software to the SAS 1000 / 4000 be patient. After the
necessary file(s) are copied to the SAS 1000 / 4000, the program will unpack and install
itself. This procedure can take several minutes. DO NEVER TOUCH THE SAS 1000 /
4000 DURING THIS TIME. In the worst case the communication program on the SAS
1000 / 4000 will be damaged, and you have lost all possibilities to communicate with the
SAS 1000 / 4000. If this happens you will need to ship the SAS 1000 / 4000 to ABEM for
new program installation. Also ensure there is sufficient battery capacity before starting
upgrading the communication program.
Install software on the SAS 1000 / 4000
From time to time you might want to install another program module, or install an upgraded
program version. In order to do this, press the appropriate toolbar (green arrow pointing
downward). This brings up the Install Program Modules menu:

Specify which program modules you want to install, and press OK. Please check that the
serial number of your Terrameter is shown in this window. This ensures that the
communication is working properly. In case of problems with the communication, check
that the baud rate is set equally on the Terrameter and on the PC. Also check that the correct
serial port on the PC is used. In some rare cases it is necessary to decrease the baud rate to
19200 or 9600.
Import data from the Terrameter
Press the toolbar (double blue arrows pointing upward) to invoke the Import Data menu as
shown. The tree structure displays all files residing on the Terrameter. In the example shown,
only one single file (named R00001.S4K) is found. You can specify exactly which files to
import to the PC by marking the checkbox.

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ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

8.1.2 Data Conversion

Observe, that the files residing on the Terrameter are saved in a binary format with the file
extension .S4K. It is therefore necessary to convert the data files to another convenient
format. This conversion is activated in the following way:
Select the New toolbar. This brings up the menu

Select Data Conversion Project and click OK. In the conversion window, right-click with
the mouse to select the data files. (Alternatively, select the menu Data Conversion Add
Files).

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ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

You can add as many files you want. Some basic information about each file is given, e.g.
measuring data and instrument serial number.
To convert the files, mark them and right-click (or simply click the ! tool or press the F8 key)
to convert. This brings up the Data Conversion Dialog window. Select which output format
you need, e.g. RES2DINV. Most of the settings in this dialog are obvious. In fact this dialog
calls an external DOS based program (called S4KCONV.EXE). In the window labelled
Command line is shown the corresponding command line when executing the DOS based
program. For more details on the DOS program, see section 8.1.3.

8.1.3 Conversion program on PC - S4Kconv.EXE

Optionally the program S4KCONV can be used to convert SAS 1000 / 4000 data, for example
by typing the following on a command line:
S4KCONV -r LR*.S4K
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ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

The "-r" option means conversion to RES2DINV format, which is also accepted by
ERIGRAPH. In this example all LUND resistivity files are converted due to the file name
LR*.S4K. (Refer to Appendix F. S4KCONV for information about this command.)

8.1.4 Measurement Protocol Generation and Management

Select File, New (or use the New toolbar) in the Terrameter SAS1000/SAS4000 utility
software.

Select Lund Protocol Project and press OK.

The menu belwo appears. By moving the cursor above the different tools, a display of the
function of the tool is displayed.

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ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

The leftmost Manage Protocols brings up the dialog box:

Among the available protocols (left) you can select which protocols to make active. Press OK
to finish. In the above example only two protocols are selected. To compile these protocols
into a binary file PROTOCOL.BIN, press the rightmost tool. This activates the Multielectrode Protocol File Compiler (MPFC), used to compile address- and protocol-files into a
binary database to be transferred to TERRAMETER SAS 1000 / 4000. Besides the fact that it
is easier to handle a single database file in serial transfers it makes it possible to check that the
protocol files are correct and consistent.
The program reads all address files (*.ADR) and protocol files (*.ORG, *.UP, and *.DWN) in
the current directory and creates a file called PROTOCOL.BIN. When the compile is ready
the resulting file PROTOCOL.BIN.
The resulting file PROTOCOL.BIN can then be uploaded into the Terrameter as described on
page 54.

Error Codes in MPFC program

There are a number of error codes associated with the MPFC.EXE program, as listed in
Appendix C. MPFC Error Codes. Errors are fatal and hence no database file will be created
while warnings are non-fatal and a database file will be created.
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ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

For example, if only an ORG-file has been created and no UP- and DWN-files a warning will
be issued. As it is fully legal to define only an ORG-file the compiler accepts this but warns
the user that he/she might have missed to supply the UP- and DWN-files.

8.1.5 Format of Lund Imaging Address, Protocol and Location Files

The measurement process is controlled via address files (.ADR) and protocol files (.ORG,
.UP and .DWN). For measurements involving boreholes location files (.LOC) are also used.
Cable Description Files (Address Files)
The cable description files (address files - extension .ADR) contain information about the
physical configuration of the cables presently used: number of electrode cables, number
electrode take-outs per section, internal and external addresses of electrode channels, etc. All
parameters are integers.

To edit an existing address file, press the

tool. This brings up the dialog shown below.

The following format is used in the files:

nsec neach

{ number of electrode cables, total number of take-outs per cable }

nskip nx-move [ny-move] { active electrode skip factor, lengths for x-move, lengths for y-move }
ntot [nx]

{ total no of active take-outs, no of take-outs in x-direction }

1 adr1 cable1-pos1

{ number, internal address and physical position of 1st take-out }

2 adr2 cable2-pos2

{ number, internal address and physical position of 2nd take-out }

...
...

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ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

ntot adrntot cablentot-posntot { number, internal address and physical position of last take-out }

For line oriented cable arrangements with roll-along in the direction of the cable the
parameters ny-move and nx are not specified, but only for areal cover and 3D cable
arrangements. In these cases the parameter nx-move is set to zero. Excluded electrode positions
can be entered into the address file by assigning the address 0 (zero). These electrode
positions will then be omitted from electrode contact test and measuring. Example address
files can be found in Appendix E. Address and Protocol Files (page 90).
The physical connection between the multi-pole connectors and the internal relay addresses
is:
Connector

Pin Numbers

Internal Addresses

1-32

33-64

1-21

54-64, 22-32

Table 8-1: The physical connection between the three ES 464 connectors and the internal
relay addresses. The ES10-64 is only equipped with connector 1 and connector 2,
hence an adapter is needed for connecting three cables to it.

The pins 22-32 in the standard cables are not connected to any electrode take-outs, but used
for linking every second take-out on the outer electrode cables to the Electrode Selector via
the cable joints. There is an overlap between the connectors, where connector three is
connected to the addresses connected to pins with numbers higher than 21 in connectors one
and two. This means that cable joints should not be used when a cable is connected to multipole connector three on the ES 464.
Protocol Files
The protocol files specify the measurement sequence, and can be designed to do
measurements using arbitrary arrays.

The first station (midpoint position) is always measured using a protocol file with .ORG
filename extension, whereas consecutive stations use .UP or .DWN protocol files depending
on if the roll-along is done towards higher or lower coordinates. The .UP or .DWN files
should normally be reduced according to the possible data overlap with the previous station,
to avoid measuring the same data points twice. This also means that measuring is normally
much faster for consecutive stations at a roll-along than for the first.
If more than one protocol file is used for each station there is also a possible overlap, between
the protocol files at the same midpoint, as for example when doing Wenner CVES with long
and short layouts. In this case one of the files should be reduced accordingly.
The protocol files contain an array code, the address file used followed by a comment string,
and the logical positions of the electrodes. The positions are given for the current electrodes
followed by the position of the potential electrodes. The format is thus:
code
[arraystring]
addressfile
[commentstring]
Apos(1) Bpos(1) Mpos(1) Npos(1)
Apos(2) Bpos(2) Mpos(2) Npos(2)
...
Apos(n) Bpos(n) Mpos(n) Npos(n)

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ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

where the electrode positions are given as integers in the interval 1-ntot. If remote electrodes
are used these positions are specified as zero. Example protocol files can be found in
Example Protocol Files (page 92).
The array codes are used mainly for presentation purposes, and in the case of pole-pole and
pole-dipole how the contact test is performed. The following codes are defined:
Code

Array

Resistance

Wenner-

Pole-Pole

Dipole-dipole

Pole-dipole

Square-

Schlumberger

General surface array

Tomography

Equatorial dipole-dipole

Multiple gradient array

If an array not defined in the list is to be used, array code 0 may be used, which means that
resistance instead of apparent resistivity is displayed during measurement. If array code 12 is
used only the electrode numbers, and not the coordinates are saved, which is suitable for e.g.
measurements involving boreholes (see section on geometry files below).
Geometry Files
The electrode coordinates for a borehole measurement are entered via a geometry file (textfile
with XYZ file extension), with the following format:
n-cables
Header cable 1
1
x1,1
2
x1,2

n1
x1,n1
Header cable 2
1
x2,1
2
x2,2

n2
x2,n2
Header cable 3
1
x3,1
2
x3,2

n3
x3,n3

y1,1
y1,2

z1,1
z1,2

y1,n1

z1,n1

y2,1
y2,2

z2,1
z2,2

y2,n2

z2,n2

y3,1
y3,2

z3,1
z3,2

y3,n3

z3,n3

An example is given in Appendix E. Address and Protocol Files.

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ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

8.1.6 Format of VES Protocol Files

The electrode geometry for VES can be pre-defined via measurement protocols defined via a
textfile saved with XYZ file extension (the filename must have maximum 8 characters). The
file can be prepared in a suitable spreadsheet or text editor, and should have the following
format:
No of variables
Comment label 1
1
data 1,1
2
data 1,2

n1
data 1, n1
Comment label 2
1
data 2,1
2
data 2,2

n2
data 2,n2

The following example shows a VES protocol for a Schlumberger sounding, where the
current electrode spacings are listed first followed by the potential electrode spacings:
2
Comment AB/2
1
1
2
1.4
3
2.2
4
3.2
5
4.6
6
6.8
7
10
8
14
9
22
10
32
11
46
12
68
13
100
14
140
15
220
16
320
17
460
18
680
19
1000
Comment MN/2
1
0.2
2
0.5
3
2.0
4
5.0
5
20
6
50

The file is uploaded to the Terrameter using the function Transfer/Install XYZ file.

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ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

8.2 ERIGRAPH
The software ERIGRAPH is primarily designed to facilitate graphical presentation of CVES
(2D electrical imaging) data and associated inverted model sections. The measured apparent
resistivity can be plotted as pseudosections in colour or grey scale. Inverted sections can be
plotted as continuous (smooth) plots or as rectangular blocks. 2D inversion must be carried
out using a separate inversion program, such as for example Res2dinv. Conversion from the
field data files formats OHM11 and S4K to DAT format is also built-in, as well as conversion
to model files in RHO format from the output formats INV and XYZ created by RES2DINV.

8.2.1 Data Conversion

Before displaying the field data must be converted to the DAT format used by RES2DINV.
By selecting File/Conversion/S4K->DAT in ERIGRAPH the menu below will appear, and
upon selecting a data file the data file properties will be summarised. By ticking on/off
protocols and channels different sub-sets of the data can be extracted, and it is also possible to
shift or reverse the length coordinates.

The built-in conversion routine in ERIGRAPH can automatically incorporate topography in

the DAT file, if it is saved in an ASCII file (preferably in the same directory as the OHM file
to be converted). The topography file should have the same filename as the data but with ALT
or TXT extension. The file format is as follows:
x(1)
x(2)
...
...
x(n) alt(n)

alt(1)
alt(2)

Used by ERIC.EXE for data acquisition controlling Terrameter SAS300C and Electrode Selector ES464 from a PC.

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ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

If the topography is not included in the DAT file by the conversion routine it can be manually
copied into the data file in the regular format after the resistivity data, but a line with the text
Topography in separate list must be added between the resistivity data and the topography
data (i.e. immediately before the topography data section) when using the general four
electrode format.

8.2.2 Pseudosection Plotting

A common method for qualitative presentation of CVES/2D resistivity data is the drawing of
pseudosections. A pseudosection is made by plotting the data points in a diagram, using the
length axis for the distance along the surveying line and the depth axis for the electrode
separations, as indicated in Figure 17.

Figure 17. Principle for building up a pseudosection

The distance for the electrode configuration midpoint is thus plotted against the electrode
separation for each measured data point, letting the latter reflect the measurement depth. The
corresponding apparent resistivity for the plotted points are then used to contour the variation
in apparent resistivity along the surveying line. The pseudosection thus obtained reflects the
variation of resistivity in the ground in a qualitative way, and an experienced interpreter may
estimate approximate structures and depths to layer interfaces. It should be noted that a
pseudosection is simply a 2D equivalent of the plotted field data points in a VES diagram,
however normally with a linear depth scale instead of a logarithmic scale as is normally used
in VES.
In this context, the drawing of pseudosections needs computer assistance to be practical due to
the large amounts of data. The ERIGRAPH software is developed for automatic drawing of
pseudosections in grey scales or colour, using linear interpolation between data points. Linear
interpolation involves no smoothing of data, which gives a good indication on the data
quality.
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ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

The selection of resistivity interval limits is of major importance when presenting data, as the
perception of the plotted data is strongly controlled by the colours. A suitable selection of
limits may enhance the geological variation, while an unsuitable selection may hide important
information or enhance irrelevant features. Obviously it may be necessary to have geological
reference for optimising the data presentation. The character of resistivity data often makes it
suitable to use a logarithmic distribution between the resistivity intervals.
The example of a pseudosection plot in Figure 18 shows the response of a vertical contact,
with 10 m to the left of the contact and 100 m to the right. The example shows
analytically calculated model response (Carpenter, 1955), and emulates data sampled in a
pattern similar to that of the data collection system. The example points out the importance of
being aware of the strong lateral effects on DC-resistivity data of vertical discontinuities when
interpreting pseudosections, and the necessity of using inverse modelling (inversion) to get an
image that reflects the true geometry of the investigated object.

Figure 18.

Example of a Wenner pseudosection plot showing analytical response of a

single vertical contact (10 m and 100 m), with data sampled as field data.

The software was developed for plotting of DC-resistivity data measured with a multielectrode array, implying that electrode spacing are always an integer multiple of the smallest
electrode spacing used. Furthermore, profile distance coordinates are assumed to fall into the
same positions as data for the smallest electrode spacing or halfway between them. If data
stored in another geometrical pattern is plotted with the program it may not function properly.
To view the converted data file as a pseudosection run ERIGRAPH and select open data file.
By clicking the Edit diagram settings icon, or by right click on the diagram window, the
settings menu below will appear with various plot options.

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ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

8.2.3 2D and 3D Model Interpretation

Model interpretation accounting for 2D or 3D variation is not supplied with the system, but
third party software packages for resistivity data processing can be used for advanced
interpretation. Two such examples of programs are RES2DINV, SENS2DINV and RESIX
2DI, which perform smoothness-constrained inversion (inverse modelling). Please ask ABEM
or your authorised ABEM Distributor for details about resistivity interpretation packages that
are available.
For inverting the data with RES2DINV transfer the S4K files to a computer in the regular way
via the SAS1000/4000 Utility Software or use ERIGRAPH (version 2.9 or higher) for the
conversion12. The latter will by default specify half the actual minimum electrode separation
on the second line of the data file for some electrode arrays (e.g. multiple gradient array,
dipole-dipole, pole-dipole), which forces RES2DINV to use a finer grid in the inversion
model. This is recommended as the inversion routine can have difficulties in handling the
increased information content in the data, compared to e.g. Wenner array data, which may
create artefacts if a coarser grid is used. Data is saved in the general four electrode format i.e.
array code 11, and sub-array code 0 (unspecified array) 15 (gradient array), 3 (dipole-dipole)
or 6 (pole-dipole).
Figure 19 shows an example plot of a 2D model interpretation section, inverted using
RES2DINV. Before plotting by ERIGRAPH it is necessary to convert from the iNV format to
RHO format, which can be done either in RES2DINV of ERIGRAPH. In cases with steep
topography the inverted model files from RES2DINV often benefit from converting to RHO
format from an XYZ file exported from RES2DINV, rather than converting directly from the
INV file. In order to include topography into the exported XYZ file it is necessary to plot the
model section including topography before exporting.

At present there is a maximum of 6000 data points in the conversion routine.

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ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

Figure 19.

Example of an inverted 2D section.

8.2.4 Data Quality Checking and Editing

ERIGRAPH can be used for a visual data quality assessment, and it is recommended to plot
data for each n-factor or each electrode spacing separately, or it may appear as the example in
Figure 20. Furthermore, since many data points may be overlapping in the plots, the function
to plot either the first or the last data point saved in the data file should be used.

Figure 20.

Example of pseudosection plot of multiple gradient array data with mixed

n-factors and electrode separations.

It is possible to use the Exterminate bad datum points feature in RES2DINV13 for editing
away noisy data points. It is, however, often more difficult to identify which are the noisy data
points for arrays with a mix of different a-separations and n-factors than for e.g. Wenner data.
It is common that the plots have an apparently noisy character even for very good data
quality. However, from version 3.55 RES2DINV has a facility to plot multiple gradient array
data in a way that facilitates editing, provided sub-array type 15 is specified on line 3 in the
DAT-file, see example in Figure 21.

Res2dinv version 3.51 or later of is assumed.

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ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

Figure 21.

Example of RES2DINV Edit bad data plot of multiple gradient array data.

Another way to deal with data quality is to start running a preliminary inversion using the
robust inversion method. The function Display/Edit data/Estimate data errors can then be
used to save the data with estimates of the measurement errors, which are based on the model
residuals from the inversion. The thus created file is used for running the inversion once more.
In cases with noisy data this can create more realistic inverted models.

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ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

9 SERVICING THE EQUIPMENT

The Terrameter SAS System is designed to withstand the normal wear and tear encountered in
field work.

9.1 GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

Excessive vibration, temperature and moisture exposure should be avoided:
Do not transport the instrument loose on vehicle floors or truck beds.
Avoid excessive temperature exposure such as direct sunshine in hot weather.
Do not expose the instrument to rain for long periods. It is splash proof but not submersion
proof.

9.2 DATA STORAGE MEMORY

The number of readings that can be stored in the internally depends on the size of the internal
disk. Due to the construction of the storage medium, the read- and write-procedures now and
then takes longer time than usual, i.e. several seconds for some instrument generations. This is
due to an internal algorithm that spreads the data on the disk.
It is recommended not to fill the data memory to 100 percent.
Important:

A good advice is now and then to go to the <Setup> menu and select the command
<Disk Cleanup>.

9.3 ERROR CODES

Whenever an error occurs in the SAS 1000 / 4000 a code is displayed on the screen. The
meaning of the codes is explained in Appendix B. Terrameter error codes (page 83).

9.4 STORAGE AND HUMIDITY

When not in use, instruments should be
stored in dry premises.

IMPORTANT

If the instrument has been exposed to

excessive humidity during a long period,
lifting the circuitry out of the case and
letting it dry in the sun or near a stove
can dry it. Remember, however, that
static electricity can damage the
circuitry.

Static electricity can damage the components in

the circuitry. Do not touch any circuitry
needlessly with your hands or your tools. Always
discharge yourself by touching a grounded object
before handling the internal parts of the SAS 1000
/ 4000. Protect your workshop against static
electricity.

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ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

9.5 PERIODIC CHECKS

9.5.1 Terrameter SAS 1000 / 4000 - Check
The proper functioning of most of the SAS 1000 / 4000 circuitry can be checked using
reference resistors and a capacitor having known values. This test should be performed at
least once per year. The following test assumes access to a Multi Channel Adapter (optional
accessory 33 0020 02), but similar tests can be carried out for channel 1 (CH1) with test
separate resistors.
Two resistors and one capacitor are built into the Multi Channel Adapter. Their nominal
values are:
Between terminals: Resistance: Capacitance:
T1 and T2

T3 and T4

15 k

1 F

T2 and T4

The following procedure will check the SAS 1000 / 4000 and also check the values of the
above components. Enter the readings in the table below.
To perform the test you need at least four test cables with banana plugs or fork connectors.
Proceed as follows:
1. Connect P1 from e.g. CH1 to T3.
2. Connect P2 from e.g. CH1 to T4.
3. Connect C1 to T3 and C2 to T4.
4. Perform a resistivity measurement using AUTO output current and enter the reading in the
table below
5. Perform a IP measurement using AUTO output current (one time window, from 10 msec to
110 msec) and enter the reading in the table below
6. Repeat step 1-4, but with the cables connected to T1 and T2.
7. As in 6, but with cables connected to T2 and T4.
8. If you are testing a SAS 4000 move the connectors from CH1 to CH2 (and after that to
CH3 and CH4) and repeat step 1-7.
Write down the measured values in this table for future reference:
CH1
T3 - T4, resistivity
T3 - T4, IP

CH2

CH3

CH4

Expected

M10,110 =

7.7

msec

T1 - T2, resistivity

T2 - T4, resistivity

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ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

Deviations from the expected values of up to 10% are acceptable, because the components
only have a limited accuracy. Usually the chargeability reading M10,110 is in the range 8.0 to
8.5 msec.
If in future checks, minor changes in the readings occur (within, say, 1%) they can be
attributed to temperature changes etc.
If you do not have access to a Multi Channel Adapter the following test can be carried out:
1. Connect the test resistor between the C1 and C2 terminals of the Terrameter.
2. Connect C1 and P1 using a test cable with banana plugs or equivalent.
3. Connect C2 and P2 using a test cable with banana plugs or equivalent.
4. Perform a resistivity measurement using AUTO output current and note down the reading.
Note: The test resistor must be able to handle the level of current you select as maximum, or it
may be damaged.

9.5.2 Quick check of SAS 1000 / 4000

During field work it happens that it just does not work. It will be necessary to quickly sort
the problem out.
A very quick check of SAS 1000 /4000 is done in a few steps:

With the unit switched On and set for resistivity, No cables (but the power cable)
attached. Preferably the unit should be set to show ohms instead of ohmmeters.

Press the red MEASURE button

ERROR 1 should appear on the LCD, this is a sign of health.

Attach a piece of metal wire, a straightened paper clip or so under the terminal nuts
C1 and C2. The piece of metal might be replaced by a resistor with a known value
and so the test will also be a simple quality check.

Attach a piece of wire between C1 and P1, likewise between C2 and P2 Again
straightened paper clips serve well.

Press the red MEASURE button.

ERROR 1 should not appear. If a reasonable low reading, some 10 to 100 m or a

value corresponding to the resistor used appears, there are reasons to assume the unit
under test is in shape.

The test may be repeated with other current settings, different resistors etc.

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ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

9.6 TESTING OF LUND EQUIPMENT

9.6.1 Fast continuity test of cable and relay switch

Figure 22.

Connecting both ends of one LUND cable to the ES464 / ES10-64(e).

It is possible to test each of the 32 conductors in a LUND cable by use of the ordinary LUND
program module, using a special protocol file.
1. Connect both ends of one LUND cable to connector 1 and 2 on the ES464 /
ES10-64[C][e] as illustrated in the above figure.
2. Connect the SAS 1000 / 4000 to the ES464 / ES10-64[C][e] as usual and turn on the
equipment.
3. Start the LUND Imaging System, select Resistivity Mode and define a record.
4. Select the protocol denoted CABLETST. If this protocol is not loaded in the instrument,
please compile a new PROTOCOL.BIN (containing this protocol) using the SAS 4000
Utility Software and download it into the SAS 1000 / 4000.
5. Select the current 1000 mA, and Acq. delay and Acq. time = 0.1 sec. Select stacks=1 and
NO electrode test.
6. Press MEASURE to start the measuring sequence.
7. During the measuring sequence, the display will show the resistance in Ohm of each
conductor.

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ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

8. The resulting .S4K file can be converted to an AMP file for documentation. An example
of such an .AMP file is shown below.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Filename:
D:\SAS 4000\Data\lrtest02.s4k
Instrument ID:
SAS 1000
2001336
Date & Time:
16/08/2000 09:57:07
Base station:
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Rows header/data/topography: 27
32
0
Acquisition mode:
2R
Measurement method:
Section
Electrode layout:
0
Resistance RES
Co-ordinate type:
Index
Smallest electrode spacing: 1.00
Marine survey (R,h,a,b):
Protocol #1:
CABLETST
Protocol #2:
Protocol #3:
Protocol #4:
Protocol #5:
Protocol #6:
Protocol #7:
Protocol #8:
Operator:
Client:
Comment #1:
Comment #2:
Comment #3:
Comment #4:
No. Time
Tx
Rx
Dx I(mA) Voltage(V)
Res.(ohm) Error(%)
1
37
nan
nan
nan 1000
22.277361
22.277361
nan
2
45
nan
nan
nan 1000
21.702435
21.702435
nan
......
29
299
nan
nan
nan 1000
10.687839
10.687839
nan
30
308
nan
nan
nan 1000
10.770562
10.770562
nan
31
316
nan
nan
nan 1000
10.733336
10.733336
nan
32
326
nan
nan
nan 1000
10.993915
10.993915
nan
_________________________________________________________________________________________________

The whole procedure takes typically 5-6 minutes. In the above example, some of the
conductors have resistance values around 22 Ohm, and some around 11 Ohm. This is because
of the fact that some conductors are connected in parallel, thus causing lower resistance
readings.

9.6.2 Special checks in the module Test Software

Check Cable Isolation.
Will check the cable spread for short circuit or leakage. Only one end of the cables should be
connected to the ES464 or ES10-64[C][e], and all takeouts must be isolated from the ground.
If using the two white Cable Joints, the outer two cables will only be partially tested. To
overcome this, run the test in two rounds with two cables each time. Alternatively replace the
white joints with electrically transparent (black) Cable Joints, part number 33 0019 35.
Auto Relay Test
Will set and reset every relay of the ES464. No cables should be connected. This is a lengthy
procedure, takes like 30 minutes.
Manual Relay Switching
Allows the user to set or reset any individual relay in the switch box. Useful for testing a
specific address (e.g. set an address and check for continuity with a digital multimeter) or for
taking a single reading in a cable spread.
- 74 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

9.6.3 Terrameter SAS LOG 300 - Checks

A full check of the SAS LOG 300 is quite complicated and must be done in the ABEM
laboratory. However, the thermometer and the fluid resistivity cell can be checked fairly
accurately using a fluid of known temperature and resistivity in a suitable container. Currently
ABEM advises against altering the factory set parameters for thermometer function.
To test the fluid resistivity cell, the entire logging probe must be submerged well below the
fluid surface. The return current terminal and the potential reference terminal must be well
separated from each other and also from the logging probe.

- 75 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

10 APPENDIX
A.
BASIC
RESISTIVITY SURVEYING

PRINCIPLES

10.1 GENERAL
The SAS 1000 / 4000 measures different parameters that characterizes the ground:
Resistivity
Induced Polarization
Self Potential
The electrical resistivity varies between different geological materials, dependent mainly on
variations in water contents and dissolved ions in the water. Resistivity investigations can thus
be used to identify zones with different electrical properties, which can then be referred to
different geological strata. Resistivity is also called specific resistance, which is the inverse of
conductivity or specific conductance. A very brief introduction to resistivity surveying is
given below, for further information the reader is referred to textbooks on the subject (e.g.
Parasnis 1997; Reynolds 1997; Sharma 1997; Telford et al. 1990; Ward 1989).
A brief section introducing multiple gradient array surveying is also included since it is not
described in the textbooks mentioned above.

10.1.1 Resistivitity of Natural Materials

The most common minerals forming soils and rocks have very high resistivity in a dry
condition, and the resistivity of soils and rocks is therefore normally a function of the amount
and quality of water in pore spaces and fractures. The degree of connection between the
cavities is also important. Consequently, the resistivity of a type of soil or rock may vary
widely, as shown in Figure 23. However, the variation may be more limited within a confined
geological area, and variations in resistivity within a certain soil or rock type will reflect
variations in physical properties. For example: the lowest resistivities encountered for
sandstones and limestones mean that the pore spaces in the rock are saturated with water,
whereas the highest values represent strongly consolidated sedimentary rock or dry rock
above the groundwater surface. Sand, gravel and sedimentary rock may also have very low
resistivities, provided the pore spaces are saturated with saline water, which is not indicated in
Figure 23. Fresh crystalline rock is highly resistive, apart from certain ore minerals, but
weathering commonly produces highly conductive clay-rich saprolite. The variations in
characteristics within one type of geological material makes it necessary to calibrate
resistivity data against geological documentation, from for example surface mapping, test pits
or drilling. However, this applies to all geophysical methods.

- 76 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

Figure 23. Typical ranges of electric resistivities of geological materials.

The amount of water in a material depends on the porosity, which may be divided into
primary and secondary porosity. Primary porosity consists of pore spaces between the mineral
particles, and occurs in soils and sedimentary rocks. Secondary porosity consists of fractures
and weathered zones, and this is the most important porosity in crystalline rock such as
granite and gneiss. Secondary porosity may also be important in certain sedimentary rocks,
such as limestone. Even if the porosity is rather low, the electrical conduction taking place
through water filled pore spaces may reduce the resistivity of the material drastically. The
degree of water saturation will of course affect the resistivity, and the resistivity above the
groundwater level will be higher than below if the material is the same. Consequently, the
method can be used for finding the depth to groundwater in materials where a distinct
groundwater table exists. However, if the content of fine grained material is significant the
water content above the groundwater surface, held by hygroscopic and capillary forces, may
be large enough to dominate the electrical behaviour of the material.
The resistivity of the pore water is determined by the concentration of ions in solution, the
type of ions and the temperature. A range of resistivities for different types of water is given
in table 10-1 below.
Type of water

Resistivity [m]

Precipitation

30 - 1000

Surface water, in areas of igneous rock

30 - 500

Surface water, in areas of sedimentary rock

10 - 100

Groundwater, in areas of igneous rock

30 - 150

Groundwater, in areas of sedimentary rock

Sea water

0.2

Drinking water (max. salt content 0,25%)

> 1.8

Water for irrigation and stock watering (max. salt content 0,25%)

> 0.65

Table 10-1. Electric resistivity of some types of natural waters

- 77 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

The presence of clay minerals strongly affects the resistivity of sediments and weathered rock.
The clay minerals may be regarded as electrically conductive particles, which can absorb and
release ions and water molecules on its surface through an ion exchange process.
As the variation in temperature of the ground is generally small, the temperature influence is
normally negligible. However, in e.g. geothermal applications the variation can be significant,
as well as in permafrost regions. The mobility of ions increases with increasing temperature,
as the viscosity of water is lowered. Hence a decrease in resistivity with increasing
temperature can be observed for materials where electrolytic conduction dominate.

10.1.2 Measurement Principles

Measurement of the resistivity of the ground is carried out by transmitting a controlled current
(I) between two electrodes pushed into the ground, while measuring the potential (U) between
two other electrodes. Direct current (DC) or an alternating current (AC) of very low frequency
is used, and the method is often called DC-resistivity. The resistance (R) is calculated using
Ohm's law:
R

U
I

(A.1)

The material parameter resistivity (), which is the inverse of electrical conductivity (), is
related to the resistance via a geometrical factor. It is common, but not necessary, to place the
potential electrodes symmetrically spaced on the line between the current electrodes. The
resistivity of ground can be calculated using:

U
I

where the geometrical factor is

1
1
1
1
K 2

r11 r12 r21 r22

(A.2)

for a generalized array, whose value depends on the positions of the electrodes as defined in
Figure 24.

Figure 24.

A generalized four-electrode array with potential electrodes P1, P2 and current

electrodes C1, C2 (0<, <)

- 78 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

In homogeneous ground the apparent resistivity will equal the true resistivity, but will
normally be a combination of all contributing strata. Thus, the geometrically corrected
quantity is called apparent resistivity (a).
Figure 25 shows examples of different collinear electrode configurations in use: Wenner (,
and ), Schlumberger, dipole-dipole, and pole-pole. It can be noted that the Wenner
configuration is a special case where the four electrodes are equally spaced with a separation
a. For the Schlumberger array the l/L-relation will vary during normal surveying, similarly the
factor n will vary in a dipole-dipole survey. The different electrode configurations offers
advantages and disadvantages compared to each other in terms of logistics and resolution, and
the choice is usually a trade-off between these factors. Furthermore, the reciprocity principle
states that the current and potential electrodes may change places without affecting the
measured quantity. In some applications it may be an advantage to make use of the reciprocity
principle for logistic reasons, or for estimating the measurement accuracy.

Figure 25. Examples of different electrode arrays (A and B represent current electrodes, M
and N potential electrodes). Also a combination of pole-pole and dipole-dipole is
possible. This configuration is denoted pole-dipole.

- 79 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

10.2 MULTIPLE GRADIENT ARRAY SURVEYING

The following text is mainly based on Dahlin and Zhou (2002).

10.2.1 Surveying Principles

Multi-electrode gradient surveying is carried out by injecting current with a separation (s+2)a
and simultaneously or sequentially picking up all the potential differences between the
potential electrodes with the spacing a (Figure 1). Here s is an integer, which means the
maximum number of potential readings for a current injection. Figure 2a gives a schematic
representation of this array, where the sensitivity function of the measurement with the first
potential electrode pair is also shown in the background. Generally, the bigger separation of
current electrodes the deeper penetration of the configuration, and the smaller spacing of
potential electrodes the more details of potential variation are obtained. In practical
applications the selection of spacing a and separation s will be a trade-off between noise
sensitivity, horizontal detail and depth penetration. Traditional gradient surveying often
comprised measurements with the current electrodes at one fixed location only. In a multielectrode gradient survey a large number of current electrode combinations are used, scanning
across the electrode layout with several different spacings a and separations s, similar to
multi-electrode surveying with other electrode arrays.

n-factor
A

a
M

N
s-factor

Figure 26.

Sketch of gradient array layout showing the position of the

electrodes for a measurement with s-factor 8 and n-factor 2.

It can be observed that the gradient array is essentially a pole-dipole array (Figure 2b) when
the potential dipole is close to one of the current electrodes, at least for large s-factors. When
the potential dipole is centred between the current electrodes it is identical to the
Schlumberger array (Figure2c). Thus, the gradient array may be expected to combine the
characteristics of the pole-dipole and Schlumberger arrays, however without the need of a
remote electrode that can be cumbersome to arrange in some environments.

- 80 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

P1(2) P1(n)

P1(1) P2(1) P2(2)

P2(n)

C2
+

Gradient array
(s+2)a

P1 P2

Pole-dipole
C1

P1 P2

Schlumberger
Figure 27.

Schematic representations for a) gradient array, b) pole-dipole,

and c) Schlumberger measurement. The background shows the
sensitivity pattern of the configuration, in the gradient case for the
first potential electrode pair (n-factor = 1).

10.2.2 Pseudosection Plotting

Plotting the measured apparent resistivities as pseudosection is a valuable tool for fast
assessment of the data quality. Systematically varying apparent resistivity in a pseudosection
usually shows that the data quality is acceptable, where a modestly experienced field crew
easily picks out outliers indicating measurement technical problems. A pseudosection can also
give a rough hint about the resistivity structure at the site, but must be used with great caution
as the sensitivity function of different electrode arrays lead to images that are strongly
distorted compared to the geometry of the imaged structures.
For the gradient protocols many data points tend to end up in the same location in the
pseudosection using the formulas above, hence it is suggested that pseudosections based on
several sub-sets of the data are plotted separately for data quality assessment. Furthermore, it
it may be useful to make separate plots for each electrode spacing a used in order to get a
clear image of the data quality.

10.3 REFERENCES
Dahlin, T. and Zhou, B. (2002) Gradient and mid-point-referred measurements for multichannel 2D resistivity imaging, Procs. 8th Meeting Environmental and Engineering
Geophysics, Aveiro, Portugal, 8-12 September 2002, 157-160.
Parasnis, D.S. (1997) Principles of Applied Geophysics, 5:th ed, ISBN 0 412 64080 5,
Chapman and Hall, London, 429p.
- 81 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

Reynolds, J.M. (1997) An Introduction to Applied and Environmental Geophysics, ISBN 0471-95555-8, John Wiley and Sons, Chicester, 796p.
Sharma, P.V. (1997) Environmental and Engineering Geophysics, ISBN 0 521 57632 6,
Cambridge University Press, 475p.
Telford, W.M., Geldart, L.P. and Sheriff, R.E. (1990) Applied Geophysics, 2nd ed.,
Cambridge University Press, 770 p.
Ward, S.H. (1989) Resistivity and Induced Polarization Methods, in Investigations in
Geophysics no. 5: Geotechnical and Environmental Geophysics, vol I, ed. S. Ward, Society
of Exploration Geophysisits, Tulsa, p 147-189.

- 82 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

11 APPENDIX B. TERRAMETER ERROR CODES

Whenever an error occurs in the Terrameter SAS 1000 / 4000 a code is displayed on the
screen. The meaning of the codes is as follows:

Error code Cause

Remedy

Transmitter cables or grounding have

too high resistance - SAS 1000 / 4000
cannot transmit the selected current
into the ground.

Check all connections - a probable cause is

a broken cable or bad cable connection.
Improve the electrode grounding (i.e. more
electrodes connected in parallel). Decrease
current or (better) select AUTO current.

Internal error

Contact ABEM

Not possible to transmit a current

sufficient
for
the
"minimum
acceptable
current
level".
Only in LUND measurements.

Decrease the minimum acceptable current

in the appropriate menu in the LUND
control program. A suitable setting is 10
mA.

The total resistance between C1 and Check the electrode grounding. Check also
C2 increased considerably during the if some of the cables are broken.
measurement.

The total resistance between C1 and Check the electrode grounding. Check also
C2 decreased considerably (e.g. short for short circuits.
circuit) during the measurement.

Overheated - the temperature in the Let the instrument cool down for a few
SAS 1000 / 4000 DC/DC converter is minutes.
above the acceptable level

Internal
A/D
converter
Registers not properly reset.

Internal A/D converter error. Register Try again. If the error persists, contact
overflow.
ABEM.

Battery voltage dropped during a Charge / change battery. Check battery

measuring cycle.
cables and connectors involved

General fault in transmitter circuit.

Contact ABEM

Negative resistance

Check electrodes and geometry, and

measure again. Check if the transmitted
current is too low. Geometry and nature can
however, cause negative resistance.

Invalid
current
selected The selected current must be greater than
the selected minimum output.
Only in LUND measurements

error. Try again. If the error persists, contact

ABEM.

- 83 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

Internal error
parameters

Internal error - invalid fundamental Try again. If the error persists, contact
frequency
ABEM.

Record full

No more readings can be added to this

record. Create a new record.

Low battery in ES 464

Change battery, or use an external power

supply

No response from ES 464 (LUND Check cables. Check ES 464 battery. Make
Imaging System)
sure the "Serial" connector on the SAS
1000 / 4000 is not connected to any other
device.

No more items in LUND protocol file Check the protocol file

The specified protocol could not be Check the protocol files. Recompile the
found
in
the
database files and download again.
PROTOCOL.BIN

One or more addressed electrode Check the electrode positions in the

positions are outside the physical protocol file.
layout

Quit the protocol

Bad connection or no connection Check and

during electrode test. One or more grounding.
electrodes.

improve

the

electrode

Bad connection or no connection at Check and

all at remote current electrode
grounding.

improve

the

electrode

No connection at any electrode

Skip the rest of this protocol

Bad version of LUND protocol

The protocol read from disk is not

compatible with the program version.
Compile the protocol files with a version of
MPFC of same generation as the main SAS
1000 / 4000 program.

LUND connection error

Contact ABEM

No (or too
connected

Multimac
error

few)

logical

invalid

ES464

setup Try again. If the error persists, contact

ABEM.

Check cables

units Check communication cables and the power

to each ES464 unit.

communication

- 84 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

Multimac general error

More than one electrode connected

Connection error Multimac

No electrodes at all connected

Quit Multimac measurement

The addressed Multimac electrode

does not exist

No user defined protocol for

Multimac with this name could be
found in the database

The geometry file specified in the

protocol file could not be found in the
database.

Not all electrodes could be connected

Not all electrodes

disconnected

Error when trying to get Multimac

status

Insignificant error

User break. The user has pressed the This is not a system error - repeat the
quit knob during a measurement.
measurement if needed.

100

The disk is full and no more data can Transfer data to a computer and clean the
be stored
SAS 1000 / 4000 memory.

could

Check the electrode switcher(s)

Ignore this error message

- 85 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

12 APPENDIX C. MPFC ERROR CODES

There are a number of error codes associated with the MPFC.EXE program, as listed below.
Errors are fatal and cause no database file to be created while warnings are non-fatal and a
database file will be created.
For example, if only an ORG-file has been created and no UP- and DWN-files a warning will
be issued. As it is fully legal to define only an ORG-file the compiler accepts this but warns
the user that he/she might have missed to supply the UP- and DWN-files.
The possible error codes in MPFC program.
Code Message
1000 Empty line in definition file for Electrode Layout Codes.
1031 Could not find a '.DWN' file corresponding to the current '.ORG'
file.
1032 Could not find a '.UP' file corresponding to the current '.ORG' file.
1033 Could not find a .MM file
1501 An electrode number refers to a relay address equal to zero. This is
only a warning.
2000 Missing Electrode Layout Code for keyword.
2001 Duplicate key found.
2003 Could not find a layout code corresponding to the keyword.
2101 Error in scanning geometry files .XYZ
3000 Could not open the protocol file (.ORG, .DWN or .UP)
3001 Could not find the '.ADR' file stated in the source file.
3002 Could not open the '.ADR' file stated in the source file.
3011 Syntax error in electrode mapping. Three numerical values are
required (the last is an expression X-Y).
3021 Electrode position is out of limits.
3022 Relay address is out of limits.
3023 Cable number is out of limits.
3024 Takeout number is out of limits.
3025 The whole or a part of this address has already been defined. All
addresses must be unique.
3026 This electrode position has already been defined. All positions must
be unique.
3027 An electrode number did not map to a valid relay address.
3101 Invalid number of parameters.
- 86 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

3102 One of nx-move or ny-move must be zero. The layout can only be moved
in either the X- or Y-direction.
3201 Could not open a .MM file
3202 Could not find the referred geometry file .XYZ
3203 Too few arguments to the command on the Multimac protocol file
3204 Too many arguments to the command on the Multimac protocol file
3205 At least one value in the parsed command was out of limits
4001 Syntax error, invalid command.
4011 Syntax error in command. Four numerical values are required.
4012 One or more of the values have a duplicate in this command.
4013 The electrode numbers were defined in an incorrect order in the
context of the selected electrode configuration.
4014 In four-electrode configurations there should never be a zero
electrode.
4015 Unexpected electrode(s).
4051 Too many entries in the protocol file.
4101 Could not interpret the contents of the '.ADR' file. Further
processing not possible.
9011 Could not find/open the Electrode Layout Code File.
9012 The Electrode Layout Code File did not contain any valid code
definitions.

- 87 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

13 APPENDIX D. ES464 / ES10-64 ADDRESS, TAKEOUT AND PIN CONNECTOR RELATION

The following table describes the connection between the address, the cable take out and the
pin in the connectors when using all three connectors (left) or only the two connectors (right).
The four-cable configuration assumes a set of standard Lund Imaging System electrode cables
with 21 take-outs each. The four-cable configuration applies to ES10-64 as well.

Three-cable
configuration
ADR

Four-cable
configuration

Cable 1 Cable 2 Cable 3

Cable 1 Cable 2 Cable 3 Cable 4

- 88 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

d
e

- 89 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

14 APPENDIX E. ADDRESS AND PROTOCOL FILES

14.1 EXAMPLE ADDRESS FILES
Example Address Files for CVES
The following file (LONG32.ADR) is used when four electrode cables are arranged on a line
and linked together to the Electrode Selector, used for roll-along in the direction of the cable
layout. Every second electrode take-out is active.
4 21
2 10
41
1
22

1-1

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41

1-3 {Col 2: internal relay address according to the above table

1-5 {Col 3: physical position (cable no. - take-out no.) }
1-7
1-9
1-11
1-13
1-15
1-17
1-19
2-1
2-3
2-5
2-7
2-9
2-11
2-13
2-15
2-17
2-19
2-21
3-3
3-5
3-7
3-9
3-11
3-13
3-15
3-17
3-19
3-21
4-3
4-5
4-7
4-9
4-11
4-13
4-15
4-17
4-19
4-21

23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
3
5
7
9
11
13
15
17
19
21
35
37
39
41
43
45
47
49
51
53
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64

{number of electrode cables, number of take-outs per electrode cable}

{electrode spacing multiplication factor for long layout, total no of lengths of one cable}
{total number of active electrode take-outs}
{Col 1: electrode identification number, corresponding to numbers in protocol file}

8-1}

Next example shows an address file (SHORT32.ADR) used when two cables are arranged on
a line and connected to the Electrode Selector, used for roll-along in the direction of the cable
layout. Every electrode take-out is active, apart from one of the overlapping ones:
4 21
1 20
41
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

{number of electrode cables, number of take-outs per electrode cable}

{electrode spacing multiplication factor for long layout, total no of lengths of one cable}
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

2-1
2-2
2-3
2-4
2-5
2-6
2-7
2-8
2-9
2-10

- 90 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41

11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53

2-11
2-12
2-13
2-14
2-15
2-16
2-17
2-18
2-19
2-20
2-21
3-2
3-3
3-4
3-5
3-6
3-7
3-8
3-9
3-10
3-11
3-12
3-13
3-14
3-15
3-16
3-17
3-18
3-19
3-20
3-21

Example Address Files for Areal/3D Cover

For roll-along perpendicular to the direction of cable extension a little additional information
is needed, specifying that cables are moved for roll-along in the y-direction instead and the
number of take-outs in x-direction. The following file (SIDEBY32.ADR) is intended for
measuring with three electrode cables parallel to each other, and connected directly to the
Electrode Selector:
3 21
1 0 1
63 21
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
8
8
9
9
10
10
11
11
12
12
13
13
14
14
15
15
16
16
17
17
18
18
19
19
20
20
21
21
22
33
23
34
24
35
25
36
26
37
27
38
28
39
29
40
30
41
31
42
32
43
33
44

{electrode spacing multiplication factor for short layout, no. of lengths for x-move, no. of lengths for y-move}
1-1
1-2
1-3
1-4
1-5
1-6
1-7
1-8
1-9
1-10
1-11
1-12
1-13
1-14
1-15
1-16
1-17
1-18
1-19
1-20
1-21
2-1
2-2
2-3
2-4
2-5
2-6
2-7
2-8
2-9
2-10
2-11
2-12

- 91 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63

45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63

2-13
2-14
2-15
2-16
2-17
2-18
2-19
2-20
2-21
3-1
3-2
3-3
3-4
3-5
3-6
3-7
3-8
3-9
3-10
3-11
3-12
3-13
3-14
3-15
3-16
3-17
3-18
3-19
3-20
3-21

14.2 EXAMPLE PROTOCOL FILES

Example: Wenner Array Protocol File
The following example is extracted from a protocol file used for Wenner CVES (single
channel):
1
Wenner-a
LONG32
Long array, measuring sequence large to small spacings.
1 37 13 25
2 38 14 26
3 39 15 27
4 40 16 28
5 41 17 29
1 31 11 21
2 32 12 22
...
18 21 19 20
21 24 22 23
24 27 25 26
27 30 28 29
30 33 31 32
33 36 34 35
36 39 37 38

Example: Dipole-dipole Array Protocol File

The following example is extracted from a protocol file used for 4-channel dipole-dipole array
CVES (note order of current electrodes):
11
SHORT
2 1 3
2 1 4
3 2 4
3 2 5
4 3 5
4 3 6
5 4 6
5 4 7
6 5 7
6 5 8

4
5
5
6
6
7
7
8
8
9

10
4
DIPOLE-DIPOLE
Dipole-dipole array for 4 channel measuring w. SAS4000 + ES10-64
5 6 7 8 9 10
6 7 8 9 10 11
6 7 8 9 10 11
7 8 9 10 11 12
7 8 9 10 11 12
8 9 10 11 12 13
8 9 10 11 12 13
9 10 11 12 13 14
9 10 11 12 13 14
10 11 12 13 14 15

- 92 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

Example: Gradient Array Protocol File
The following example is extracted from a protocol file used for 4-channel multiple gradient
array CVES:
11
LONG
1 31
1 31
2 32
2 32
3 33
3 33
4 34
4 34
5 35
5 35
6 36
6 36
7 37

10
4
GRADIENT
Gradient array for 4 channel measuring w. SAS4000 + ES10-64
4 7 10 13 16 19 22 25
7 10 13 16 19 22 25 28
5 8 11 14 17 20 23 26
8 11 14 17 20 23 26 29
6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27
9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30
7 10 13 16 19 22 25 28
10 13 16 19 22 25 28 31
8 11 14 17 20 23 26 29
11 14 17 20 23 26 29 32
9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30
12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33
10 13 16 19 22 25 28 31

Pole-pole
Pole-pole, long array

Example: Pole-pole Array Protocol File using three channels (POL3SS)

A protocol file for three channel pole-pole (using ES 464 with the special adapter 33 0020 14)
could look like this:
4
SHORT32
1
1
1
2
2
2
3
...
30
31
31
32
32
33
33
34
34
35
35
36
36
37
37
38
39
40

Pole Pole
13
5
2
14
6
3
15

17
7
3
18
8
4
19

21
9
4
22
10
5
23

31
35
32
36
33
37
34
37
35
38
36
38
37
39
38
39
40
41

32
37
33
38
34
39
35
38
36
39
37
39
0
40
0
40
41
0

33
39
34
40
35
41
36
40
0
41
0
40
0
41
0
41
0
0

- 93 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

14.3 EXAMPLE LOCATION / GEOMETRY FILE

The electrode coordinates for a borehole measurement are entered via a location or geometry
file (textfile with LOC or XYZ file extension). Here is an example:
3
Surface cable
1
-2
0
0
2
0
0
0
3
2
0
0
4
4
0
0
5
6
0
0
6
8
0
0
7
10
0
0
8
12
0
0
9
14
0
0
10
16
0
0
11
18
0
0
12
20
0
0
13
22
0
0
14
24
0
0
15
26
0
0
16
28
0
0
17
30
0
0
18
32
0
0
19
34
0
0
20
36
0
0
21
38
0
0
Borehole cable #1
1
0
0
2
2
0
0
4
3
0
0
6
4
0
0
8
5
0
0
10
6
0
0
12
7
0
0
14
8
0
0
16
9
0
0
18
10
0
0
20
11
0
0
22
12
0
0
24
13
0
0
26
14
0
0
28
15
0
0
30
16
0
0
32
17
0
0
34
18
0
0
36
19
0
0
38
20
0
0
40
21
0
0
42
Borehole cable #2
1
36
0
2
2
36
0
4
3
36
0
6
4
36
0
8
5
36
0
10
6
36
0
12
7
36
0
14
8
36
0
16
9
36
0
18
10
36
0
20
11
36
0
22
12
36
0
24

- 94 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21

36
36
36
36
36
36
36
36
36

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

26
28
30
32
34
36
38
40
42

The following pages describe example protocol files supplied with the Lund Imaging System.

- 95 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

14.4 WENNER_L + WENNER_S: 1-CHANNEL WENNER CVES WITH

4 ELECTRODE CABLES

This combination of protocol files is intended for Wenner- CVES roll-along measurements,
and has been found very useful for a variety of applications. Note that it is important to select
the protocol files in the correct order, starting with the long layout (WENNER_L) before
selecting the protocol for short layout (WENNER_S). It gives a dense near-surface cover, and
a slightly sparser measurement pattern at long electrode spacings. The WENNER_L protocol
supplied here has a higher data density than in previous releases, being identical to the
previously supplied WENNERXL.
WENNER_S is designed only to supplement WENNER_L for the shortest electrode spacings,
and is generally not suitable for use alone if only the two center cables are used. If measuring
with two cables only, either use WENNER_L and exclude all electrode positions on the outer
electrode cables, or use a protocol dedicated for using two electrode cables only (see below).

Protocol
Array Type Address File
WENNER_L
Wenner- LONG
WENNER_S Wenner- SHORT
Sum

Size .ORG
258
87
345

Size .UP/.DWN
113
50
163

Figure 28: Data cover of standard Wenner CVES using WENNER_L and WENNER_S
for roll-along with three stations (take-out spacing 1metre).

- 96 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

14.5 GRAD4L(X)8 + GRAD4S8: 4-CHANNEL MULTIPLE GRADIENT

ARRAY CVES WITH 4 ELECTRODE CABLES

This combination of protocol files is intended for multiple gradient array CVES roll-along
measurements, and has been found very useful for a variety of applications. It offers a
resolution superior to the commonly used Wenner array, and thanks to 4-channel measuring
the increased data density does not become costly in terms of increased time required in the
field. Note that it is important to select the protocol files in the correct order, starting with the
long layout (GRAD4L8) before selecting the protocol for short layout (GRAD4S8). It gives a
dense near-surface cover, and a slightly sparser measurement pattern at long electrode
spacings. GRAD4S8 is designed to supplement GRAD4L8 for the shortest electrode spacings
only. GRAD4LX8 is similar to GRAD4L8 but supplemented with expanding WennerSchlumberger measurements for the longest electrode separations in order to improve the data
cover for the largest investigation depths.
Array
type

Protocol name Address No

of No
of No
of Total
file
data
data UP data
data for
ORG
DWN
one
layout14
GRAD4L(X)8 LONG

Gradient

GRAD4S8

512(608) 248(340) 248(340)

SHORT 248

160

1080

Figure 29. Data cover of GRAD4L8 and GRAD4S8 for roll-along with three full stations
(minimum electrode spacing 5 metres). Note that many data points fall on top of
each other in multiple gradient array pseudosection plots.

Total number of data points for a four-cable layout using the procedure described in this manual.

- 97 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

14.6 DIPDIP4L + DIPDIP4S: 4-CHANNEL DIPOLE-DIPOLE ARRAY

CVES WITH 4 ELECTRODE CABLES

This combination of protocol files is intended for dipole-dipole array CVES roll-along
measurements, and has been found very useful for a variety of applications. It offers a
resolution superior to the commonly used Wenner array, and thanks to 4-channel measuring
the increased data density does not become costly in terms of increased time required in the
field. It is, however, a lot more sensitive to noise. Note that it is important to select the
protocol files in the correct order, starting with the long layout (DIPDIP4L) before selecting
the protocol for short layout (DIPDIP4S). It gives a dense near-surface cover, and a slightly
sparser measurement pattern at long electrode spacings. DIPDIP4S is designed to supplement
DIPDIP4L for the shortest electrode spacings only.
Array
type

Protocol
name

Address
file

No of No of No of Total data
data
data
data
for
one
ORG
UP
DWN layout15

Dipoledipole

DIPDIP4L

LONG

383

207

DIPDIP4S

SHORT

252

160

1113

Figure 30. Data cover of DIPDIP4L and DIPDIP4S for roll-along with three full stations
(minimum electrode spacing 5 metres).

Total number of data points for a four-cable layout using the procedure described in this manual.

- 98 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

14.7 POLDIP4L + POLDIP4S: 4-CHANNEL POLE-DIPOLE ARRAY

CVES WITH 4 ELECTRODE CABLES

+ REMOTE ELECTRODE
This combination of protocol files is intended for dipole-dipole array CVES roll-along
measurements, and has been found very useful for a variety of applications. It offers a
resolution superior to the commonly used Wenner array, and thanks to 4-channel measuring
the increased data density does not become costly in terms of increased time required in the
field. It has a larger depth penetration, but requires a remote electrode that may be
problematic in practice. Due to the character of the array some duplicate data points can occur
when doing roll-along. Note that it is important to select the protocol files in the correct order,
starting with the long layout (POLDIP4L) before selecting the protocol for short layout
(POLDIP4S). It gives a dense near-surface cover, and a slightly sparser measurement pattern
at long electrode spacings. POLDIP4S is designed to supplement POLDIP4L for the shortest
electrode spacings only.

Array
type

Protocol
name

Address
file

No of No of No of Total data
data
data
data
for
one
16
ORG
UP
DWN layout

Poledipole

POLDIP4L LONG

584

292

POLDIP4S SHORT

288

284

1651

Figure 31. Data cover of POLDIP4L and POLDIP4S for roll-along with three full stations
(minimum electrode spacing 5 metres).

Total number of data points for a four-cable layout using the procedure described in this manual.

- 99 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

14.8 GRAD3L6 + GRAD3S6: 3-CHANNEL MULTIPLE GRADIENT

ARRAY CVES WITH 4 ELECTRODE CABLES

This combination of protocol files is intended for multiple gradient array CVES roll-along
measurements, and has been found very useful for a variety of applications. It offers a
resolution superior to the commonly used Wenner array, and thanks to 3-channel measuring
the increased data density does not become costly in terms of increased time required in the
field. Note that it is important to select the protocol files in the correct order, starting with the
long layout (GRAD3L6) before selecting the protocol for short layout (GRAD3S6). It gives a
dense near-surface cover, and a slightly sparser measurement pattern at long electrode
spacings. GRAD3S6 is designed to supplement GRAD3L6for the shortest electrode spacings
only.

Array
type

Gradient

Protocol
name

Address
file

No of No of No of Total data
data
data
data
for
one
17
ORG
UP
DWN layout

GRAD3L6

LONG

504

234

GRAD3S6

SHORT

198

120

942

Figure 32. Data cover of GRAD3L6 and GRAD3S6 for roll-along with three full stations
(minimum electrode spacing 5 metres). Note that many data points fall on top
of each other in multiple gradient array pseudosection plots.

Total number of data points for a four-cable layout using the procedure described in this manual.

- 100 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

14.9 GRAD1L7 + GRAD1S7: 1-CHANNEL MULTIPLE GRADIENT

ARRAY CVES WITH 4 ELECTRODE CABLES

This combination of protocol files is intended for multiple gradient array CVES roll-along
measurements, and has been found very useful for a variety of applications. It offers a
resolution superior to the commonly used Wenner array. Note that it is important to select the
protocol files in the correct order, starting with the long layout (GRAD1L7) before selecting
the protocol for short layout (GRAD1S7). It gives a dense near-surface cover, and a slightly
sparser measurement pattern at long electrode spacings. GRAD1S7is designed to supplement
GRAD1L7for the shortest electrode spacings only.

Array
type

Gradient

Protocol
name

Address
file

No of No of No of Total data
data
data
data
for
one
ORG
UP
DWN layout18

GRAD1L7

LONG

518

245

GRAD1S7

SHORT

224

140

1022

Figure 33. Data cover of GRAD1L7 and GRAD1S7 for roll-along with three full stations
(minimum electrode spacing 5 metres). Note that many data points fall on top
of each other in multiple gradient array pseudosection plots.

Total number of data points for a four-cable layout using the procedure described in this manual.

- 101 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

14.10 WEN32SX: 1-CHANNEL WENNER CVES WITH 2 ELECTRODE

CABLES

This protocol file is intended for Wenner- CVES roll-along measurements with 2 cables
only, i.e. it is not reduced for long array overlap.

Protocol
WEN32SX

Array Type Address File

Wenner- SHORT

Size .ORG
190

Size .UP/.DWN
138

Figure 34: Data cover of Wenner CVES using WEN32SX for roll-along with three stations
(take-out spacing 1metre).

- 102 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

14.11 POL3SS: 3-CHANNEL POLE-POLE CVES WITH 2 ELECTRODE

CABLES

Please observe that C2 and P2 are the remote electrodes.

This measurement protocol is designed for pole-pole CVES using only two standard cable
sections, addressing each electrode take-out. The number of measurement combinations
included is only a fraction of the total possible number of independent combinations using the
pole-pole array (820 combinations), but designed to give an even roll-along cover and
reducing the measurement time.
The POL3SS protocol is designed for using three measuring channels using SAS4000 and
ES464. In order to measure with three channels you need the optional Pole-Pole
interconnection cable between the SAS4000 and the ES464, order no. 33 0020 14.

Protocol
POL3SS

Array Type
Pole-pole

Address File
Size .ORG
SHORT
297(106)

Size .UP/.DWN
180(74)

Figure 35. Data cover of 3 station roll-along for pole-pole CVES using POL3SS (take-out
spacing 1metre).

- 103 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

14.12 POL3L: 3-CHANNEL POLE-POLE CVES WITH 4 ELECTRODE

CABLES

Please observe that C2 and P2 are the remote electrodes.

This measurement protocol is designed for pole-pole CVES using four standard cable sections
linked together, addressing every fourth electrode take-out. The number of measurement
combinations included is less than half of the total possible number of independent
combinations using the pole-pole array (820 combinations), but designed to give an even rollalong cover and reducing the measurement time.

Protocol
POL2L
POL3L

Array Type Address File

Pole-pole
LONG32
Pole-Pole
LONG32

Size .ORG
392
146

Size .UP/.DWN
130
58

The POL3L protocol is identical to the POL2L, with the exception that it is designed for using
three measuring channels on the SAS 4000. Please note, that using this protocol the
measuring time is reduced by a factor of 2.2 to 2.7. In order to measure with three channels
you need the optional Pole-Pole interconnection cable between the SAS 4000 and the ES
464, order no. 33 0020 14.

Figure 36. Data cover of 3 station roll-along for pole-pole CVES using POL3L (take-out
spacing 1metre).

- 104 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

14.13 SQUARE2A, SQUARE2B AND SQUARE2C: SQUARE ARRAY

AREA COVER WITH TWO ELECTRODE SPACINGS

These protocol files are intended for area cover with roll-along perpendicular to the layout
direction of the cables. The roll-along direction can be in either direction depending on if a
right handed or left handed coordinate system is preferred (often the opposite direction to as
what is illustrated above is preferable). Two electrode spacings are measured: 1x and 2x the
take-out spacing. Observe that there is no support in RES3DINV for this electrode
configuration, and that it is not suitable for 3D inversion due to limited depth cover!
Note that it is not possible to calculate an apparent resistivity for the square- array: in
homogeneous ground no potential is measured!

Protocol
Array Type
SQUARE2A
Square-
SQUARE2B
Square-
SQUARE2C
Square-
Sum

Address File
SQUARE32
SQUARE32
SQUARE32

Size .ORG
59
59
59
177

Size .UP/.DWN
39
39
39
117

Figure 37. Data cover for roll-along with three stations of square array area measurements
using SQUARE2A, SQUARE2B or SQUARE2C.

- 105 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

14.14

POL8X8: POLE-POLE IN 8X8 SQUARE GRID

Cable D
57

Cable C

Cable B

Cable A

Figure.

Sketch of 8 x 8 electrode layout using 4 standard Lund cables with 21 take-outs

each. The cables are connected so that take-out 1 is closest to the instrument. Note
that every second electrode take-out on the outer cables is skipped (grey take-outs
in the sketch), and there is no overlap of electrodes between the inner and outer
cables.

This protocol file is designed for 3D surveying using the pole-pole array. Observe that every
electrode take-out is used on the two cables closest to the electrode selector, and every second
take-out used on the outer two cables. Furthermore, there shall be no overlap at the cable
joints.
Protocol

Array Type

POL8X8

Pole-pole

Address File
8X8

Size .ORG
728

Size .UP/.DWN
-

Note:
The logical arrangement of the address file in this case is such that it appears as 8 parallel
cables to the data acquisition software, i.e. electrode 1-8 in the sketch appears as cable 1,
electrode 9-16 appears as cable 2, etc.. Observe that in this case it does not match the labelling
on the cables at all! The address file describes the physical configuration of the cable, and
how the electrode take-outs are wired to the internal addresses of the relay switch, and can as
in this case be used to arrange cables in a different way than originally intended. Note also
that the protocol file in turn only refers to the electrode numbers.
- 106 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

For 3D surveys, however, an 8x8 layout is very small. It is generally more convenient to carry
out a 3D survey as a number of parallel, and possibly also perpendicular 2D lines that, may
later be assembled to a 3D data set (see 3D Resistivity Surveying by Means of a Number of
2D Layouts on page 43).
Table.

Distribution of electrode position numbers according to sketch in relation to takeout numbers on the electrode cables.
A-1

B-1

C-1

D-1

A-2

B-2

C-2

D-2

A-3

B-3

C-3

D-3

A-4

B-4

C-4

D-4

A-5

B-5

C-5

D-5

A-6

B-6

C-6

D-6

A-7

B-7

C-7

D-7

A-8

B-8

C-8

D-8

A-9

B-9

C-9

D-9

A-10

B-10

C-10

D-10

A-11

B-11

C-11

D-11

A-12

B-12

C-12

D-12

A-13

B-13

C-13

D-13

A-14

B-14

C-14

D-14

A-15

B-15

C-15

D-15

A-16

B-16

C-16

D-16

A-17

B-17

C-17

D-17

A-18

B-18

C-18

D-18

A-19

B-19

C-19

D-19

A-20

B-20

C-20

D-20

A-21

B-21

C-21

D-21

- 107 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

14.15 POL21X7A-F: 3 CHANNEL POLE-POLE 3D ROLL-ALONG

SURVEYING

These protocol files are intended for area cover with roll-along perpendicular to the layout
direction of the cables, using the special adapter cable for 3 channel measurement using
Terrameter SAS4000 and one unit ES464. The roll-along direction can be in either direction
depending on if a right handed or left handed coordinate system is preferred (often the
opposite direction to as what is illustrated above is preferable).Two remote electrodes are
required at a distance of preferably 10 times the maximum electrode separation or more.
These protocol files have a data cover identical to the survey presented by Dahlin et al
(2002)19.
These protocol files are provided as an example, but similar protocols for the combination
SAS4000 and ES10-64 are not recommended. According to numerical modelling studies e.g.
the pole-dipole array is preferable, as it would give better resolution, is easier in terms of field
logistics with only one remote electrode, and furthermore is less sensitive to noise.
Furthermore, a 3-cable adapter would be needed to connect three cables to the ES10-64.
See also 3D Resistivity Surveying by Means of a Number of 2D Layouts on page 43.

Dahlin, T., Bernstone, C., and Loke M. H. (2002). A 3D resistivity investigation of a contaminated
site at Lernacken in Sweden, Geophysics, 67(6), 1692-1700.

- 108 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

Y axis

14.16 POLDIP_A AND POLDIP_O: 4 CHANNEL POLE-DIPOLE 2D TO

3D SURVEYING

Line 9
Start

End
Line 8

Start

End
Line 7

Start

End
Line 6

Start

End
Line 5

Start

End
Line 4

Start

End
Line 3

Start

End
Line 2

Start

End
Line 1

Start

End
X axis

These protocol files are intended for area cover via a number of 2D sections that are
combined into a 3D data set (see 3D Resistivity Surveying by Means of a Number of 2D
Layouts on page 43), using Terrameter SAS4000 and ES10-64. Measurements can be taken
with cable layout in one direction only, as indicated in the sketch above, or by adding
perpendicular layout measurements as well. One remote electrode is required at a distance of
preferably at least 10 times the maximum electrode separation. It is recommended not to
exceed line separations of more than twice the electrode spacing.
The POLDIP_O only contains the measurement combinations with odd n-factors, forward and
reverse, whereas the POLDIP_A protocol contains both odd and even measurement
combinations. The former is thus much faster to measure.
Protocol

Array Type

Address File

Size .ORG

Size .UP/.DWN

POLDIP_O

Pole-dipole

ONECABLE

206

POLDIP_A

Pole-dipole

ONECABLE

394

These protocol files are provided as an example, and similar protocols for other electrode
arrays can be used as well. One advantage of the pole-dipole array is good depth penetration
and good data cover near the ends of the layout, which is important when operating in
confined spaces. Dipole-dipole and/or multiple gradient array protocols are recommend if it is
practical to avoid using a remote electrode.

- 109 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

15 APPENDIX F. S4KCONV
15.1 DESCRIPTION
This conversion utility reads each file defined in the file specification and converts it
according to selected type and options. Please note that some options are valid only for a
limited number of types of conversion and/or types of data.
The program does not check for already existing output files. Thus, it will overwrite previous
conversions if there are files with same name as the output files of the current conversion.
All conversions are performed in the current directory.
S4KCONV.EXE is a MS-DOS program to convert TERRAMETER SAS 1000 / 4000 S4Kdatafiles to formats readable by interpretation and presentation programs. Normally the
Terrameter Utilities program performs the conversion. In some cases, however, it is necessary
to perform the conversion manually by using the DOS program according to the instructions
below.

15.2 SYNTAX
s4kconv -type
-F:type
a

-options wildcard@filename

Convert data to ABEM Multi Purpose Format (ASCII-text). Output file

extension: .AMP

Convert data to ERIGRAPH format. Output file extension: .DAT

Convert data to RES2DINV format. Output file extension: .DAT

Convert data to Interpex RESIX IP format. Output file extension .RPD

Convert data to Interpex RESIX Plus format. Output file extension

.DAT

Convert data to RES3DINV format. Output file extension .DAT

-options
-c:[1,2,3,4]

Do not convert the specified channels.

-G:filename Include topography data, where filename is the name of the file
containing the topography data
-k:n0[,n1]

Skip the first n0 data points. If n1 is not specified the conversion

continues until end of file is encountered.

-m:r,h,a,b

Underwater survey. r=water resistivity in m, h=distance between

water surface and local datum, a=left limit of water boundary (xcoordinate), b=right limit of water boundary (x-coordinate).

-n

Discard negative resistivity values.

-p

Discard positive resistivity values.

-R

Forced conversion to apparent resistivity instead of chargeability. Valid

for IP records only.
- 110 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

-i:nn

Use chargeability for interval nn only. Valid for IP records only.

-s:mm,nn

Sum chargeabilities of intervals mm to nn. If only one value is given,

chargeabilities will be summed from interval 1 to nn.

-t:n

Error threshold (%). Rejects data with measurement error greater than
the specified threshold.

-u

Unconditional conversion. Data are always converted regardless of any

other options.

-w

Overwrite existing output files.

-x

Convert to resistance (AMP conversion only).

-z[0123] Output electrode locations in XYZ format, i.e. C1, C2, P1 and P2 with
all x,y,z coordinates specified. 0=output only station number, 1=output
only x-coordinate, 2=output x and y coordinates, 3=output x,y,z
coordinates (3 is default).
-!

Output sample number instead of running index

-g:x,y,z

Specify new grid spacing

-b

Append protocol file name as comment to each line

-L

Output all measurements from SASLOG file

-N

Negate all readings (multiply by 1)

-V:filename Log file in which the program messages are output

wildcard

Any valid MS-DOS wildcard specification. Default is *.S4K.

@filename

Converts the files listed in the file given by filename.

15.3 EXAMPLES
1. Convert
all
s4kconv F:a

S4K-files

formatted

ASCII

text

format:

2. Convert all IP records acquired using the Lund Imaging System to RES2DINV format,
summing the chargeabilities of intervals 2 to 5 and discarding points with negative
apparent
resistivity:
s4kconv F:r -s:2,5 li*.s4k
3. Convert all records in the above example but extract apparent resistivity instead of
chargeabilities,
discarding
negative
apparent
resistivities:
s4kconv F:r -R -n li*.s4k
4. Convert all resistivity records to ERIGRAPH format, discarding negative apparent
resistivities:
s4kconv F:e -n *.s4k

- 111 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

15.4 ERROR CODES S4KCONV

1001

There is no support for converting this electrode layout

1002

There is no support for converting this type of data

1003

A general conversion error occurred

1004

Geometry file does not exist or is invalid

- 112 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

16 APPENDIX G. AMP FILE FORMAT

This is a description of the ABEM Multi-purpose Protocol data format contained in an ASCII
text file. It is intended to be fairly complete, but has the potential to have items added in the
future. In order to make reading of this format easy it follows some basic guidelines that will
be described below, see Section 0. In Section 0 some examples are provided.
The suggested filename extension is: .AMP

16.1 BASIC PRINCIPLES

The file is divided into three sections: header, data and topography. The topography
section is optional.
The line and column numbering starts with line 1 and column 1.
The header lines start at column 1 with a key text string that ends with a colon. The
corresponding parameter starts at column 33. If two parameters or more are stated in a
header line they are white space separated (one or more white spaces).
The parameters in the header can be divided into two categories, normal and information
only. The normal parameters have a meaning for how data are interpreted and handled,
while the information only does not carry any special meaning needed to use the data.
The header starts with lines containing normal parameters. The first line of the information
only type is Protocol #1:.
The line preceding the legend is always a blank line.
An invalid, undefined, or missing value is denoted by either a dash (-) or the text string
nan.
Infinite values are denoted by the strings inf or infinity or a value with a magnitude greater
than 1.0E+38. Both the string and the value can be signed, e.g. +inf or -inf. The string
alternative is case insensitive.

16.2 DETAILS, LINE BY LINE

Line 1*:

The name of the original record.

Line 2*:

Instrument model and serial number. The serial number is

optional.

Line 3*:

Date and time of creation of the original data record in the format
DD/MM/YYYY HH:MM:SS. The month can either be in a twodigit number format or a three-letter abbreviation. For example:
17th of September 1997 would be either 17/09/1997 or
17/SEP/1997.

Line 4*:

X, Y, and Z co-ordinates of the base station (in meters).

Line 5*:

Number of text lines contained in the header section (=NH), data

section (=ND), and topography section (=NT) respectively.

Line 6*:

Acquisition mode, where 1 = SP, 2 = Resistivity, 3 = IP (single

time window), 4 = IP (multiple time windows).
- 113 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

If the mode is 2R the data values are resistance values (measured
in ohms)
Line 7*:

Measurement method. This may be any suitable text describing

how the data were acquired, preferably one word. For example:
Section, Sounding etc.

Line 8*:

Electrode layout. It comprises one, two, or three values. The

second and third parameters are optional. The first parameter is an
integer code, the second is the name of the layout as a text string
and the third parameter defines a three-letter abbreviation. For a
list of valid codes see table a: available electrode layout codes,
names and three-letter abbreviations. (Page 118)

Line 9*:

Co-ordinate type. Can be Index or XYZ:0|1|2|3.

Smallest electrode spacing in meters.

Line 11 :

Data defining marine (underwater) surveys. There four

parameters; resistivity of the water layer, thickness of the water
layer relative the local datum, left and right limits of water layer
(e.g. when crossing a river). In a normal measurement (i.e. onshore) there are dashes in the positions for the marine survey data.

Line 12-19:

Protocol #1-#8. Names of the protocols used to control the

measurements. Usually used in connection with multi-electrode
switch systems.

Line 20:

Operator.

Line 21:

Client.

Line 22-25:

Comment #1-#4.

Line 26*:

Blank line.

Line 27*:

Legend. This line describes the items in the datelines.

Line NH +1 to NH + ND:

Data.

Line 10 :

NOTE! In future extensions of the data format new items may be added after line 11. In
this case the line numbers for lines 12-27 will be incremented accordingly.
*)

The files marked with an asterisk must always be defined in the file header.

16.3 HEADER
Index coordinate type
This type comprises three parameters; transmitter index (Tx), receiver index (Rx) and spacing
multiplier index (Dx). They denote multiples of the smallest electrode spacing. If any of these
indices is invalid or not defined for a certain array it will be set to 0 (zero). In the case of two
indices being identical, they will have equal values.

Tx:

Location of the leftmost transmitting electrode, except for the gradient array and
potential (SP) measurements, where it is the leftmost moveable receiving
electrode.

Rx:

Number of electrode spacings between the rightmost transmitting electrode and

the
leftmost
receiving
electrode.
For reversed pole-dipole arrays (i.e. the transmitting moving electrode is located
- 114 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

to the right of the receiving dipole) this will be a negative number.
For the Wenner array it is identical to the spacing multiplier index.
For the Schlumberger array it is the number of electrode spacings between the
outer and inner electrodes.
Dx:

The spacing multiplier index applies to gradient, dipole-dipole, and pole-dipole

arrays and defines the electrode spacing. For example, in dipole-dipole arrays it is
the dipole size (AB and MN) measured in number of electrode spacings. It is also
used, if needed, for potential (SP) measurements to define the receiving electrode
spacing.
For Wenner and Schlumberger arrays it is the number of electrode spacings
between the two center electrodes.

XYZ:0|1|2|3
When this type is defined, the X, Y, Z co-ordinates of the A, B, M, and N electrodes are used
in
the
following
order:
Ax, Ay, Az, Bx, By, Bz, Mx, My, Mz, Nx, Ny, Nz.

XYZ co-ordinates are normally given in meters. If XYZ:0 is defined, however, the coordinates are given in station numbers. In the other cases 1 denotes that only X co-ordinates
are listed, 2 that X and Y co-ordinates are listed and 3 that X, Y, and Z co-ordinates are listed.

16.4 DATA
There are two parameters that affect the data rows; the acquisition mode determines the
format of the measured values and co-ordinate type determines the format of the electrode
positions. In general, the data comes in the form:
Data no. Time Electrode positions Measured values.
Data no. is just an ordering number of the data. It is possible to attach one or more
symbols to the end of the number to represent the status of the data (see the table
below for more information).
Symbol

Description

The data point was skipped and does not contain any information.

There might have been a drop in the transmitted current. Please check the data.

A general error occurred during data acquisition. Data may be invalid.

Overflow during data acquisition.

The data point was skipped due to current transmission failure.

The status symbols and their meaning

An example:
.
.
.
114
115?
116?
117
- 115 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

118
119
120121-~
122-~
123.
.
.
Time is the elapsed time in seconds between the creation of the original data record
and the acquisition of the data point.
Electrode positions can be either in the Index-format or the XYZ-format described
above.
Measured values depends on acquisition mode as follows (and in the order
indicated):
1. SP: {V E}
{Voltage (V) Error (%)}.
2. Resistivity: {I V E}
{Current (mA) Voltage (V) Apparent resistivity (m) Error (%)}.
3. IP (single time window): {I Vp Ra Ton/off TD T Ca E}
{Current (mA) Voltage (V) Apparent resistivity (m) Time On/Off (sec) Delay (sec)
Integration time (sec) Apparent chargeability (msec) Error (ms)}.
4. IP (multiple time windows): {I Vp Ra Ton/off TD T1 Ca1 T2 Ca2 T3 Ca3 . . . Tn Can
E}
{Current (mA) Voltage (V) Apparent resistivity (m) Time On/Off (sec) Delay (sec)
Integration time #1 (sec) Apparent chargeability #1 (msec) Integration time #2 (sec)
Apparent chargeability #2 (msec) Integration time #3 (sec) Apparent chargeability #3
(msec) . . . Integration time #N (sec) Apparent chargeability #N (msec) Error (ms)}.
NOTE!

There is one exception to the above rule. The electrode layouts with codes -1
and 0 (Untitled and Resistance) force the co-ordinate type to XYZ and replace
apparent resistivity with resistance.

16.5 TOPOGRAPHY
The number of lines containing topography data is given in the header (line 5) and the first
line containing topography data is line NH+ND+1.
There are two different ways of presenting the topography information.
General Topography Information
The data are given in a whitespace separated XYZ format. The first co-ordinate should be the
location of the first electrode. The rest of the co-ordinates, however, do not necessarily have
to be bound to the electrode locations. The co-ordinates need not be sorted.

An example:
-40
20
0
50
150

0
0
0
0
0

5.5
6.5
6.0
4.8
3.0
- 116 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

.
.
.

Electrode Locations
The data are given in a format that supports more than one co-ordinate set and missing
electrodes. Each co-ordinate set is contained in its own section. If an electrode is missing, its
co-ordinates are set to nan (=not a number) or a dash (-). The number of topography rows
entered in the file header is the total number of rows including co-ordinate set header and
number.

An example:
Cable
21
1
2
3
.
.
.
19
20
21
Cable
21
1
2
3
.
.
.

#1
-80
-75
-70
.
.
.
nan
15
20

0
0
0
.
.
.
nan
0
0

0
0
0
.
.
.
nan
0
0
#2

25
30
35
.
.
.

0
0
0
.
.
.

16.6 REMARKS
The default co-ordinate type when converting SAS 1000 / 4000 data files is Index. However,
in some cases, data cannot be represented as being acquired along a line or profile. Then the
XYZ co-ordinate type is used instead. For example, tomographic measurements, areal
coverage, resistance measurements, untitled electrode layouts etc.
It is also possible to force the use of the XYZ co-ordinate type when converting data by the
program S4KCONV.EXE.

- 117 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

Table A: Available electrode layout codes, names and three-letter abbreviations.

Code Name20

Three-letter
abbreviation

Comment

-1

Untitled

XXX

This code is used for layouts that have not

been defined or arbitrary layouts. See also
code=11.

Resistance

RES

Plain resistance, ignore electrode locations.

Wenner-a

WNA

Wenner-b

WNB

Wenner-g

WNG

Pole-Pole

PPE

Dipole-Dipole

DDP

Pole-Dipole

PDP

Square-a

SQA

Square-b

SQB

Square-g

SQG

Schlumberger

WSC

The three letter abbr. stands for WennerSchlumberger.

Other surface array

GN4

General four electrode array. If two or three

electrodes are used set the other electrodes
to infinity.

Tomography

TOM

Equatorial
Dipole

Potential

Dipole- EDD
POT

Used for SP measurements.

These names are based on usage of 7-bit ASCII code. Thus -a, -b, and -g are used to denote -, -, and - respectively.

The three letter abbreviations are at this stage only a proposal, but are included so that should they become a standard, they
are supported. Therefore they are optional in this edition of the data format.

- 118 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

16.7 EXAMPLES

Example A: An example of a data file containing IP data acquired using SAS 1000 / 4000 +
ES464 LUND

Filename:
Instrument ID:
Date & Time:
Base Station:
Rows header/data/topography:
Acquisition mode:
Measurement Method:
Electrode layout:
Co-ordinate type:
Smallest electrode spacing:
Marine survey:
Protocol #1:
Protocol #2:
Protocol #3:
Protocol #4:
Protocol #5:
Protocol #6:
Protocol #7:
Protocol #8:
Operator:
Client:
Comment #1:
Comment #2:
Comment #3:
Comment #4:
No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
.
.
.
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270

Time
971
990
1009
1028
1047
1066
1088
1108
1127
1146
1165
1185
.
.
.
8359
8389
8411
8441
8470
8499
8529
8559
8590
8622
8652
8683
8705

Tx
-40
-38
-36
-34
-32
-40
-38
-36
-34
-32
-30
-28
.
.
.
17
-18
-15
-12
-9
-6
-3
0
3
6
9
12
15

Rx
24
24
24
24
24
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
.
.
.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

Dx
24
24
24
24
24
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
.
.
.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

LI00003.S4K
SAS 4000
05/05/1997 10:31:10
0.0
0.0
27
270
3
Section
1 Wenner-a
Index
2.000000
WENNER_L
WENNER_S
-

I(mA)
200
200
200
200
200
200
100
200
200
200
200
100
.
.
.
200
100
100
200
200
200
200
50
50
100
200
100
50

Voltage(V)
0.061783
0.055621
0.063124
0.076727
0.080722
0.063699
0.027652
0.049046
0.056467
0.048668
0.059255
0.034352
.
.
.
4.541188
3.224135
5.236955
0.000000
5.089408
7.423481
8.690695
3.441935
9.975839
9.544613
0.000000
1.989075
0.402264

0.0
0

App.R.(ohmm)
93.166584
83.875082
95.188382
115.701262
121.725726
80.046623
69.497576
61.632693
70.958730
61.157926
74.462229
86.334918
.
.
.
285.331236
405.156731
658.095207
0.000000
319.776943
466.431115
546.052483
865.052609
2507.201668
1199.411429
0.000000
249.954547
101.099904

- 119 -

T(On)
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
.
.
.
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000

T(0)
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
.
.
.
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010

T(N)
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200
.
.
.
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200

App.Ch.(ms)
0.080724
-2.062340
-1.659207
-1.365044
-3.151035
-0.535476
-1.803617
-7.067369
-1.324859
-4.662757
-0.799598
-2.032617
.
.
.
7.916800
4.530084
3.747487
5.618462
6.336401
11.886886
8.741027
6.508956
13.477847
0.000000
5.657914
5.712136
-13.452191

Error(%)
-53.033009
-54.997192
-35.355343
-7.856742
-70.710678
-6.862929
-101.015259
-4.714045
-32.635700
0.000000
-5.656854
-7.443229
.
.
.
16.098215
2.351068
0.107381
22.609901
4.318378
10.709951
14.206529
8.844142
9.588460
18.253386
27.452284
22.407339
-49.913418

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

Example B: Same as example a, but with XYZ-format instead of indexed co-ordinates.
Filename:
Instrument ID:
Date & Time:
Base station:
Rows header/data/topography:
Acquistion mode:
Measurement method:
Electrode layout:
Co-ordinate type:
Smallest electrode spacing:
Marine survey:
Protocol #1:
Protocol #2:
Protocol #3:
Protocol #4:
Protocol #5:
Protocol #6:
Protocol #7:
Protocol #8:
Operator:
Client:
Comment #1:
Comment #2:
Comment #3:
Comment #4:
No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
.
.
.
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270

Time
971
990
1009
1028
1047
1066
1088
1108
1127
1146
1165
1185
.
.
.
8359
8389
8411
8441
8470
8499
8529
8559
8590
8622
8652
8683
8705

A(x)
-80.0
-76.0
-72.0
-68.0
-64.0
-80.0
-76.0
-72.0
-68.0
-64.0
-60.0
-56.0
.
.
.
34.0
-36.0
-30.0
-24.0
-18.0
-12.0
-6.0
0.0
6.0
12.0
18.0
24.0
30.0

A(y)
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
.
.
.
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0

LI00003.S4K
SAS 4000
05/05/1997 10:31:10
0.0
0.0
27
270
3
Section
1 Wenner-a
XYZ
2.000000
WENNER_L
WENNER_S
-

A(z)
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
.
.
.
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0

B(x)
64.0
68.0
72.0
76.0
80.0
40.0
44.0
48.0
52.0
56.0
60.0
64.0
.
.
.
40.0
-30.0
-24.0
-18.0
-12.0
-6.0
0.0
6.0
12.0
18.0
24.0
30.0
36.0

0.0
0

B(y)
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
.
.
.
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0

B(z)
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
.
.
.
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0

M(x)
-32.0
-28.0
-24.0
-20.0
-16.0
-40.0
-36.0
-32.0
-28.0
-24.0
-20.0
-16.0
.
.
.
36.0
-34.0
-28.0
-22.0
-16.0
-10.0
-4.0
2.0
8.0
14.0
20.0
26.0
32.0

- 120 -

M(y)
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
.
.
.
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0

M(z)
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
.
.
.
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0

N(x)
16.0
20.0
24.0
28.0
32.0
0.0
4.0
8.0
12.0
16.0
20.0
24.0
.
.
.
38.0
-32.0
-26.0
-20.0
-14.0
-8.0
-2.0
4.0
10.0
16.0
22.0
28.0
34.0

N(y)
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
.
.
.
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0

N(z)
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
.
.
.
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0

I(mA)
200
200
200
200
200
200
100
200
200
200
200
100
.
.
.
200
100
100
200
200
200
200
50
50
100
200
100
50

T(On)
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
.
.
.
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000

T(0)
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
.
.
.
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010

T(N)
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200
.
.
.
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200
0.200

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

Example C:

An example of a datafile containing resistivity data.

Filename:
Instrument ID:
Date & Time:
Base station:
Rows header/data/topography:
Acquistion mode:
Measurement method:
Electrode layout:
Co-ordinate type:
Smallest electrode spacing:
Marine survey:
Protocol #1:
Protocol #2:
Protocol #3:
Protocol #4:
Protocol #5:
Protocol #6:
Protocol #7:
Protocol #8:
Operator:
Client:
Comment #1:
Comment #2:
Comment #3:
Comment #4:
No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
.
.
.
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275

Time
44
55
66
77
114
127
142
155
168
181
194
208
.
.
.
3632
3648
3664
3677
3686
3699
3710
3722
3736
3744
3757
3766
3776
3792
3808
3821
3832
3848

Tx
-40
-38
-36
-34
-32
-40
-38
-36
-34
-32
-30
-28
.
.
.
2
5
8
11
14
17
-18
-15
-12
-9
-6
-3
0
3
6
9
12
15

Rx
24
24
24
24
24
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
.
.
.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

Dx
24
24
24
24
24
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
.
.
.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

LR00003.S4K
SAS 4000
05/05/1997 12:57:33
0.0
0.0
27
275
2
Section
1 Wenner-a
Index
2.000000
WENNER_L
WENNER_S
-

I(mA)
200
200
200
200
200
200
100
200
200
200
200
100
.
.
.
100
100
100
200
200
200
100
100
200
200
200
200
50
50
100
200
100
50

Voltage(V)
0.136505
6.584017
9.163850
4.960269
7.969791
8.394967
8.127193
4.502501
6.093730
4.018672
4.955431
2.964660
.
.
.
4.795485
3.457042
3.483400
4.490331
2.000446
1.943116
3.076852
5.255373
0.000000
4.535642
4.184105
5.970642
2.424126
3.453999
3.351758
7.726032
1.281213
0.405052

0.0
0

App.R.(ohmm)
205.844900
9928.462853
13818.759699
7479.909681
12018.161162
10549.426522
20425.864992
5658.009040
7657.607645
5050.012879
6227.178231
7451.004402
.
.
.
602.618408
434.424653
437.736949
282.135834
125.691749
122.089591
386.648630
660.409696
0.000000
284.982759
262.895066
375.146483
609.249280
868.084713
421.194261
485.440876
161.002010
101.800610

- 121 -

Error(%)
157.648819
40.120365
11.142968
15.035524
12.330555
5.336802
17.772417
30.860693
7.562192
36.650208
18.102890
14.860514
.
.
.
8.994401
3.134221
1.251520
6.292008
0.483040
8.052369
0.491711
0.319420
2.801630
0.632914
3.002125
0.132899
0.165847
12.230147
2.446515
3.741924
0.517482
6.580061

ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000

Example D: An example of a file with resistance instead of apparent resistivity data and
with topography data included.

Time
44
55
66
77
114
127
142
155
168
181
194
208
.
.
.
3632
3648
3664
3677
3686
3699
3710
3722
3736
3744
3757
3766
3776
3792
3808
3821
3832
3848
-40.00
-30.00
-20.00
-10.00
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00

Tx
-40
-38
-36
-34
-32
-40
-38
-36
-34
-32
-30
-28
.
.
.
2
5
8
11
14
17
-18
-15
-12
-9
-6
-3
0
3
6
9
12
15

Rx
24
24
24
24
24
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
.
.
.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00

Dx
24
24
24
24
24
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
.
.
.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

LR00003.S4K
SAS 4000
05/05/1997 12:57:33
0.0
0.0
27
275
2
Section
1
Wenner-a
Index
2.000000
WENNER_L
WENNER_S
-

I(mA)
200
200
200
200
200
200
100
200
200
200
200
100
.
.
.
100
100
100
200
200
200
100
100
200
200
200
200
50
50
100
200
100
50
1.60
1.85
2.13
2.01
1.75
-1.30
-1.65
-0.47
0.12
2.50

0.0
10

Res.(ohm)
0.682526
32.920082
45.819248
24.801346
39.848953
41.974834
81.271935
22.512503
30.468653
20.093363
24.777155
29.646605
.
.
.
47.954849
34.570415
34.834000
22.451656
10.002232
9.715581
30.768520
52.553734
0.000000
22.678207
20.920525
29.853209
48.482517
69.079987
33.517574
38.630157
12.812133
8.101035

- 122 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 4000 / SAS 1000

17 APPENDIX H. ERIGRAPH FILE FORMATS

17.1 INTRODUCTION
Erigraph is primarily designed to facilitate graphical presentation of CVES data (2D DC
resistivity surveying) and associated inverted model sections. The measured apparent
resistivities can be plotted as pseudosections in colour or grey scale. Inverted sections can be
plotted as continuous (smooth) plots or as rectangular blocks. 2D inversion must be carried
out using a separate inversion program, such as for example Res2dinv.

17.2 PSEUDOSECTION PLOTTING AND FILE FORMAT

The apparent resistivity data can be stored either in a conventional ASCII format with one set
of x, a, rho-a on each line or in the format used by Res2dinv (in both cases DAT filename
extension is assumed). For the latter format please refer to the manual of Res2dinv. Field data
files from the ABEM Lund Imaging System can be converted into DAT-files using
ERIGRAPH or the Terrameter SAS1000 / SAS4000 Utility Software.
In addition to the .DAT file the program searches for a file with .INF extension, which holds
information in the following format:
comment string
date of measurement
array type
blank
(line contents not used)
direction label left side (optional)
direction label right side
(optional)
nl no of marker labels (optional)
x[1] flag[1] marker text string[1]
label distance, type flag, text string (optional)
x[2] flag[2] marker text string[2]
...
x[nl] flag[nl] marker text string[nl]

The topography can be automatically incorporated in the DAT file, if it is saved in an ASCII
file in the same directory as the OHM file to be converted. The topography file should have
the same filename as the data but with ALT extension. The file format is as follows:
x(1) alt(1)
x(2) alt(2)
...
...
x(n) alt(n)

17.3 INVERTED MODEL PLOTTING AND FILE FORMAT

Erigraph can plot inverted models in RHO-files (ASCII files) with the following format:
RHO-1 [IP]
nd Depth(1) Depth(1) ... Depth(nd)
x(1) rho(1,1) rho(1,2) ... rho(1,nd) [ip(1,1) ip(1,2) ... ip(1,nd)]
x(2) rho(2,1) rho(2,2) ... rho(2,nd) [ip(2,1) ip(2,2) ... ip(2,nd)]
...
...
x(nx) rho(nx,1) rho(nx,2) ... rho(nx,nd) [ip(nx,1) ip(nx,2) ... ip(nx,nd)]
/Model residuals:
[optional]
/Inversion type header:
[optional]
/IP parameter/unit
[optional]

- 123 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 4000 / SAS 1000

The specified depth is in this case be the midpoint of each layer. Blank model cells should be
entered as asterisks (*). If IP data is available it can be included as indicated, the square
parantheses [] indicate that it is optional. The IP parameter/unit line would similar to the
corresponding line in the DAT files.
Alternatively the RHO-2 format can be used:
RHO-2 [IP]
x(1) alt(1)
nd(1)
rho(1,1) Depth(1,1) [ip(1,1)]
rho(1,2) Depth(1,2) [ip(1,2)]
...
rho(1,nd-1) Depth(1,nd-1) [ip(1,nd-1)]
rho(nd) [ip(nd)]
x(2) alt(2)
nd(2)
rho(2,1) Depth(2,1) [ip(2,1)]
rho(2,2) Depth(2,2) [ip(2,2)]
...
rho(2,nd-1) Depth(2,nd-1) [ip(2,nd-1)]
rho(2,nd) [ip(2,nd)]
...
...
...
...
x(nx) alt(nx)
nd(nx)
rho(nx,1) Depth(nx,1) [ip(nx,1)]
rho(nx,2) Depth(nx,2) [ip(nx,1)]
...
rho(nx,nd-1) Depth(nx,nd-1) [ip(nx,nd-1)]
rho(nx,nd). [ip(nx,nd)]
/Model residuals:
[optional]
/Inversion type header:
[optional]
/IP parameter/unit
[optional]

The RHO-2 format has been added since it is advantageous in cases with strong gradients in
the topography. The depth is in this case the bottom of each layer. There is a built-in RHO-2
format conversion tool in Erigraph for conversion from XYZ files saved by Res2dinv (do not
use negative depths). This conversion tool is only designed for models inverted with
topography.
For both model formats an unlimited number of comment lines may be added at the end of the
file, where each comment line should start with a slash (/). This can be useful for saving
information on e.g. inversion parameters together with the model.
Res2dinv has an option for exporting inverted models in Lund-format, which will in the
present version use the old version of the RHO-1 format. In some versions of Res2dinv there
is a bug so it will export non-sense models.

17.4 TOPOGRAPHY
If a data file is opened and an associated inverted model is plotted selecting "2D section", the
models will be plotted with topography provided the DAT-file contains topography (please
consult the Res2dinv manual for details). Alternatively, the topography may be saved in a file
with ALT extension (see above). However, in any case it is necessary to open a datafile and
then plot the associated 2D section since the RHO-1 model file does not contain any
topography information. The RHO-2 format includes topography in the model file.
- 124 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 4000 / SAS 1000

17.5 USER DEFINED TEXT

The text strings on the axes of the diagrams can be customised by placing a text file in the
directory holding the data files to be plotted. This can be handled automatically via the menu
Settings/Diagram Labels.
For the pseudosections the file must be named PSEUDO.TXT and have the following
structure:
Header
Distance label
Electrode spacing label
Apparent resisitivity legend label

Example of a PSEUDO.TXT file:

PSEUDOSECTION
Distance/[m]
a/[m]
Apparent resisitivity/[ohm-m]

For the model sections the file must be named MODSEC.TXT and have the following
structure:
Header
Distance label
Depth scale label
Topography scale label
Resisitivity legend label

Example of a MODSEC.TXT file:

2D INVERTED SECTION
Distance/[m]
Depth/[m]
Level/[m]
Resistivity/[ohm-m]

17.6 LEVEL MARKERS

Level markes can be included in the model plots by saving the level marker data in an ASCII
file with MRK extension in the data/model directory. Use the following format:
"comment" "comment"
/ first marker line
x(1,1) depth(1,1)
x(1,2) depth(1,2)
...
...
x(1,n) depth(1,n)
"comment" "comment" / second marker line
x(2,1) depth(2,1)
x(2,2) depth(2,2)
...
...
x(2,n) depth(2,n)

- 125 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 4000 / SAS 1000

17.7 REFERENCE DATA

Drilling reference data can be included in the model plots as well.
x(1)
/ distance
id(1)
/ reference point id text string (optional)
gwl(1)
/ groundwater level (optional)
nl(1)
/ no of layers
x(1,1) d(1,1) code(1,1) col(1,1) txt(1,1)
/ dist, depth, materialcode, textcolour,
text lable
x(1,2) d(1,2) code(1,2) col(1,2) txt(1,2)...
...
x(1,nl) d(1,nl) code(1,nl) col(1,nl) txt(1,nl)
x(2)
/ distance
id(2)
/ reference point id text string (optional)
gwl(2)
/ groundwater level (optional)
nl(2)
/ no of layers
x(2,1) d(2,1) code(2,1) col(2,1) txt(2,1)
/ dist, depth, materialcode, textcolour,
text lable
x(2,2) d(2,2) code(2,2) col(2,2) txt(2,2)...
...
x(2,nl) d(2,nl) code(2,nl) col(2,nl) txt(2,nl)

The text strings for the layer materials are written in black if the text colour is set to 0, and
white is set to 1 (in the latter case select transparent labels under Settings/Plot
Options/Transparent layer labels in order to see the text).
The following fill patterns are available for plotting the layers, with the corresponding
material codes below:

- 126 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 4000 / SAS 1000

18 APPENDIX I. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

This section presents specifications for the Terrameter SAS 1000 / 4000, the Electrode
Selector ES464 / ES10-64 / ES10-64E and the Terrameter SAS LOG 300.

18.1 TERRAMETER SAS 1000 / 4000 - SPECIFICATIONS

Transmitter

Automatic or user selectable currents 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 mA
Excitation voltage (max)

400 V (800 V peak-peak)

Output power, max

100 W at 50% duty cycle

Accuracy of transmitted current

Better than 0.5%

Current pulse length

0.1 sec to 4 sec

Cycle type in resistivity mode

plus-minus-minus-plus (commutated DC)

Cycle type IP mode

plus-zero-minus-zero (commutated DC)

Receiver
Self Potential (SP)

Number of input channels

4, galvanic isolated (SAS 1000 one channel)

Input impedance

10 M, min

Automatic ranging

250 mV, 10 V, 400 V

Resolution

30 nV (theoretical), 1 V (at 0.5 sec integration time)

Accuracy (at 0.5 sec integration)

Better than 0.2% measured at 100 mV, 5 V and 200 V

Precision (at 0.5 sec integration)

Better than 0.1% measured at 100 mV, 5 V and 200 V

Dynamic range

up to 140 dB plus 64 dB automatic gain

Resistivity

Number of input channels

4, galvanic isolated (SAS 1000 one channel)

Input impedance

10 M, min

Automatic ranging

250 mV, 10 V, 400 V

Resolution

30 nV (theoretical), 1 V (at 0.5 sec integration time)

Accuracy V/I

Better than 1% measured at 1 , from 1 mA to 1000

mA with varying resistive load from 0 to 380 k (at
0.5 sec integration).
- 127 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 4000 / SAS 1000

Precision V/I

Typically better than 0.5% (at 0.5 sec integration).

Dynamic range

Up to 140 dB plus 64 dB automatic gain

Induced Polarization (IP)

Number of input channels

4, galvanic isolated (SAS 1000 one channel)

Input impedance

10 M, min

Automatic ranging

250 mV, 10 V, 400 V

Resolution

30 nV (theoretical), 1 V (at 0.5 sec integration time)

Type of IP measurements

Time domain chargeability (M) measured in msec

Initial time delay

10 ms up to 10 sec in steps of 10 ms

Number of IP time intervals

1-10 user defined time windows on all channels.

Basic integration interval

20 msec or 16.67 msec depending on power line freq.

Dynamic range

Up to 140 dB plus 64 dB automatic gain

General

Computer

PC compatible

Memory capacity

> 1 000 000 data points

Temperature range, operation

-5C to +50C

Casing

Waterproof (IP66), rugged cast aluminum

Display

LCD, 200x64 pixels, 8 lines of 40 characters

Multi connector

Current and potential for all four channels. RS232

serial communication with PC or external devices.

Support for external devices

LUND Imaging System, SAS LOG 300, Multimac

Power

An ordinary car battery is recommended. NiMH clipon power pack (del. with SAS 4000) could be used in
low current soundings.

Power consumption

600 mA in standby. Up to 20 A during transmission

of high currents.

Weight

4.6 kg. (SAS EBC 1.2 kg, NiMH Power Pack 2.0 kg)

Dimensions

105 x 325 x 300 mm (W x L x H) with power pack

- 128 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 4000 / SAS 1000

18.2 ELECTRODE SELECTOR ES464 - SPECIFICATIONS

Number of channels

4x64 channels standard configuration. Up to four units of

Electrode Selector ES464 can be linked together via the serial port,
giving e.g. 4x256 channels.

Power supply

12 V DC clip-on re-chargeable battery or an external battery via an

adapter (operates several days on a charged battery).

Operating temperature

-10 C to +70 C.

Casing

Waterproof (IP66), rugged cast aluminum

Dimensions

W x L x H: 105 x 325 x 300 mm.

Weight

6.7 kg (including battery pack).

Resistivity instrument

The Lund Imaging System requires an ABEM Terrameter SAS

1000 / 4000 (or SAS 300C and PC).

18.3 ELECTRODE SELECTOR ES10-64C(E) - SPECIFICATIONS

Number of channels

10x64 channels standard configuration (4x64 channels for model

ES10-64Ce). Several units of Electrode Selector ES10-64C can be
linked together, giving e.g. 10x256 channels.

Power supply

12 V DC power supply via SAS1000 / 4000 (negligible extra

power consumption).

Operating temperature

-10 C to +70 C.

Casing

Waterproof (IP66), rugged cast aluminum

Dimensions

W x L x H: 120 x 300 x 200 mm.

Weight

5.2 kg

Resistivity instrument

The Lund Imaging System requires an ABEM Terrameter SAS

1000 / 4000.

- 129 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 4000 / SAS 1000

18.4 TERRAMETER SAS LOG 300 - SPECIFICATIONS

Cable length

300 m

Logging probe diameter

40 mm

Survey modes

16 short normal

0.05 - 100 000 m

64 long normal

0.5 - 100 000 m

18 lateral

0.5 - 100 000 m

Fluid resistivity

0.05 - 100 000 m

Self Potential

0.05 - 1000 V

Temperature, range

0C ... +50C

Temperature, precision

0.01C (0C ... +20C)

Temperature, precision

0.1C (20C ... +50C)

Temperature, accuracy

Weight

14.0 kg

Dimensions

880x440x230 mm

Power supply

Powers from SAS 1000 /

4000

- 130 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 4000 / SAS 1000

19 APPENDIX J. REMOTE CONTROL

This is a description of the commands used for remote control of Terrameter SAS1000/4000.

19.1 COMMUNICATION PARAMETERS

The following setup is used:
Baudrate

Selected in SAS4000 Main Menu. (Default: 115200).

Databits

Stopbits

Parity

None

Handshaking

DTR, DSR

19.2 COMMANDS AND SYNTAX

All commands consists of a three letter (upper case) combination, an optional list of
parameters (separated from the command by a space) and ends with a !. If there are more
than one parameter in the list they are comma-separated. The command will not be executed
until the ! is received.
When the connected Terrameter SAS4000 starts executing a command, it transmits the
character # (ASCII decimal code 35).

19.2.1 Delete
DEL filename(s)
Deletes the specified file(s). Most system files cannot be deleted. Wildcards are not allowed.

19.2.2 Dir
DIR path
Returns a directory listing of the specified path.

19.2.3 Exit
EXT
Exits the program.

- 131 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 4000 / SAS 1000

19.2.4 Install Software

INS filename
Installs the file called filename in the root directory. Wildcards are not allowed in the
parameter, the file must be present in the current directory and have the extension .EXE.

19.2.5 Send Serial Number

GID
Returns a character string containing the serial number of the connected SAS4000. For
example:

4981663

19.2.6 Send Version String

VER
Returns a character string containing the name of the application, its version and revision
number. For example:

Remote Control Version 1.23 Rev.A

19.2.7 Set Date And Time

STM yyyy/mm/dd hh:mm:ss
Set (or get) the real-time clocks date and time.

yyyy:

Year (1980-2048).

mm:

Month (1-12).

dd:

Day.(1-31).

hh:

Hours (0-24).

mm:

Minutes (0-59).

ss:

Seconds (0-59).

19.2.8 Set Default

DFL
Reset all parameters to their default values. Disables measurements.

- 132 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 4000 / SAS 1000

19.2.9 Set Error Checking

SEC err4,err5,algorithm,speed
This command sets (or gets) the measurement error checking parameters and the output setup
algorithm and speed parameters.

err4:

Check error 4? 0=No, 1=Yes.

err5:

Check error 5? 0=No, 1=Yes.

algorithm:
mode.

Select the algorithm for setting up current output. 0=Safe mode, 1=Smart

speed:

Select the speed for setting up current output. 0=Slow, 1=Medium, 2=Fast.

19.2.10 Set IP
STI ImA , Imode , fs , tOn/Off , tD , t0(index) , mult , N
ImA:
Output current (mA). Valid range: 1-1000.

Imode:

Output current mode. Valid values: 0 = automatic ranging, 1 = fixed current.

fs:

Sampling frequency (Hz). It should be set in accordance with power line

frequency that can exist in the area where measurements are being done. Valid
values: 50, 60.

tOn/Off:

The current switch on and switch off time (s). The on and off time are equal.
Valid range: 1.0-8.0 s (in steps of 0.5 s).

tD:

IP delay time (s). This parameter defines the time between current switch off
and the start of the first integration interval. Valid range: 0.01-10.0.

t0 :

The number of samples included in the first integrating interval. Valid range:
1-50 at 50 Hz, 1-60 at 60 Hz. See Table 2 for some examples.

Table 2
The integration interval indices and
corresponding times at the two sampling frequencies.
Integration Time

t0 (fs = 50 Hz)

t0 (fs = 60 Hz)

16 2/3 ms

N/A

20.0 ms

N/A

100.0 ms

200.0 ms

500.0 ms

1000.0 ms

mult:

Multiplication factor. Valid values: 1, 2.

- 133 -

the

ABEM Terrameter SAS 4000 / SAS 1000

Number of integration intervals. Valid range: 1-10.

If no parameter list is defined the current parameter values are returned in a text string with
the same format.
If the multiplication factor (mult) equals one, each IP intervals integration time will be equal
to t0/fs. If the multiplication factor is equal to two, the length of each successive IP interval
will be doubled, i.e. if the first interval is 100 ms the second will be 200 ms the third 400 ms
and so on. The total integration time, however, cannot exceed 8 seconds.

19.2.11 Set Mode

OPM mode
Sets the measurement mode. The valid parameter values are listed in Table 2. If no parameter
is given, the current mode is returned. The mode selected is active until another mode is
selected or the program is terminated.

Table 3

Valid measurement mode parameters.

Mode

Description

Disables measurements

Resistivity

19.2.12 Set Resistivity

STR ImA, Imode, fs, tD, tAcq
Sets the parameters specific for resistivity measurements.

ImA:

Output current (mA). Valid range: 1-1000.

Imode:

Output current mode. Valid values: 0 = automatic ranging, 1 = fixed current.

fs:

Sampling frequency (Hz). It should be set in accordance with power line

frequency that can exist in the area where measurements are being done. Valid
values: 50, 60.

tD:

The delay time between current switch on and start of sampling. Valid values
0.0-4.0 s (in steps of 0.1 s)

tAcq:

The time used for sampling (integration). Valid values 0.1-4.0 s (in steps of 0.1
s).

If no parameter list is defined the current parameter values are returned in a text string with
the same format.
The total time for one single measurement pulse will be equal to 4 * (tD + tAcq) seconds.
- 134 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 4000 / SAS 1000

19.2.13 Set SP
STS t
t:

The measure time in seconds. Valid values 0.1-8.0 s (in steps of 0.1 s).

If no parameter list is defined the current parameter value are returned in a text string with the
same format.

19.2.14 SetStack
SAS Nmin, Nmax, Elimit, Norm
Nmin:
The minimum number of stackings.

Nmax:

The maximum number of stackings.

Elimit:

The error limit that ends stacking (in percent). Valid values 0.5-100 (in steps of
0.5).

Norm:

Norm used to sum the stacked values. Can be 0 or 1, where 0=median and
1=mean.

This command sets the limits for the automatic stacking. Nmin must be less than, or equal to
Nmax. If Nmin is less than Nmax the stacking will be finished if the measurement error becomes
less than Elimit.
If no parameter list is defined the current parameter values are returned in a text string with
the same format.

19.2.15 Sound
SND freq, freq, freq.
This command sounds a tone with a pitch corresponding to freq (freq=100 lowest pitch,
freq=20000 highest pitch). There is one tone for each parameter passed.

19.2.16 Contact Test

TST
This command performs a contact test by trying to transmit a current. If a valid measure mode
has been set, it returns the current transmitted. If a current could not be transmitted, a zero is
returned.

- 135 -

ABEM Terrameter SAS 4000 / SAS 1000

19.2.17 Trig
TRG
Triggers a measuremement. When the command has been accepted and the measurement
started a ! is returned. Then you have to wait for the data to arrive (or an error code). The
data are returned in the following format:
CHX I,V,E,N,Cip1,Eip1,Cip2,Eip2, ... ,Cipn,Eipn;

where X=channel number, I=output current (mA), V is the measured voltage in volts (the
primary voltage in IP measurements), E is the normalized error (standard deviation) in percent
and N is the number of stackings. When doing IP measurements some additional pairs of data
are returned. The number of pairs is equal to the number of IP intervals and each pair consists
of the apparent chargeability for that interval (in milliseconds) and the measurement error
(true error in milliseconds). After each channels data has been returned a ; and a new line
are returned to mark end of data.
The time you have to wait before data starts coming from the instrument depends on the type
of measurement, cycle time, integration time etc.

- 136 -

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