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MiniMate Plus Keyboard
MiniMate Plus Keyboard

 

MiniMate Plus Setups: Setups Key

The Setups key changes the preferences used by the MiniMate Plus to record events. Preferences may change from one monitoring session to another.

MiniMate Plus Setups
MiniMate Setups Flowchart

 

1) Change the Record Mode:

Shortcut: Setups

The MiniMate Plus has five record modes: Single Shot, Continuous, Manual, Histogram and Histogram Combo. For more information on the different records modes, visit Ground Vibration Monitors – MiniMate Plus Record Modes.

To change the record mode, press the Setups key with the Main window displayed. The Recording Mode window appears. Press the → key to scroll through the record modes: Single Shot, Continuous, Manual, Histogram and Histogram Combo. Press the Enter key to select the record mode.

2) Pick a Sample Rate:

Shortcut: Setups, Enter x 1

The MiniMate Plus offers three sample rates: a standard rate of 1024 samples per second, a fast rate of 2048 samples per second, and a faster rate of 4096 samples per second. Increasing the sample rate increases the accuracy of the waveform recording. For this reason, set the sampling rate according to the location of the MiniMate Plus or the standard transducer. For close–in monitoring one may consider using a sample rate to 4096 samples per second. For far–field monitoring one may consider using a sample rate to 1024 samples per second.

To choose a sample rate, press the Setups key with the Main window displayed. Use the Enter key to scroll through the windows until the Sample Rate window appears. Press the → key to scroll through the available sample rates. Press the Enter key to select a sample rate when it appears on the display.

3) Select Storage Mode:

Shortcut: Setups, Enter x 2

The storage mode setting allows you to limit the amount of data recorded with each event. In the Store Full Waveform setting, the MiniMate Plus records all event data. In Store Summary Only mode, the monitor records all event data except the graphical waveforms and the Compliance Method. If you choose Store Summary Only, you will not be able to recreate the waveform.

To choose a storage mode, press the Setups key with the Main window displayed. Use the Enter key to scroll through the windows until the Storage Mode window appears. Press the → key to scroll through the available settings, either Store Full Waveform or Store Summary Only. Press the Enter key to choose a mode when it appears on the display.

4) Set Maximum Geo Range: (Compliance Module Only)

Shortcut: Setups, Enter x 3

The Maximum Geo Range sets the measurement limits of the geophone in the Minimate Plus or its transducer. Two ranges are available: 1.25 in/s (31.8 mm/s) and 10.0 in/s (254 mm/s). Choosing a maximum range depends on the location and intensity of the event.

To choose a maximum geophone range, press the Setups key with the Main window displayed. Use the Enter key to scroll through the windows until the Maximum Geo Range window appears. Press the → key to scroll through the two settings, either 1.25 in/s (31.7 mm/s) or 10.0 in/s (254 mm/s). Press the Enter key to choose a range when it appears on the display. On eight channel monitors, set the Maximum Geo Range for the first four channels then set the Maximum Geo2 Range for channels five to eight.

5) Choose a Trigger Source: (Single Shot, Continuous and Histogram Combo Modes)

Shortcut: Setups, Enter x 4

By choosing a trigger source, you set the MiniMate Plus to trigger and start recording on either ground vibrations measured by the geophone or sound pressure measured by the microphone. The trigger source can be set through the transducer, microphone, or both.

To choose a trigger source, press the Setups key with the Main window displayed. Use the Enter key to scroll through the windows until the Trigger Source window appears. Press the → key to scroll through the trigger sources until the Geo and/or Mic window appears. Press the Enter key to select this trigger source.

6) Set the Trigger Levels:

Geo Trigger Level Shortcut: Setups, Enter x 5

Mic Trigger Level Shortcut: Setups, Enter x 6

The MiniMate Plus uses a trigger level, chosen by you, to automatically start recording when an event’s activity exceeds this preset level.

To set the trigger level, press the Setups key when the Main window is displayed. Press the Enter key to scroll through the windows until the Geo Trigger Level window appears. Set the Geo trigger level using the → key to move the cursor and the ↑ key to change the trigger level number. Press the Enter key to save your setting. The Mic Trigger Level window appears. Set the Linear Mic trigger level using the → key to move the cursor and the ↑ key to change the trigger level numbers. Press the Enter key to save your setting. If you have an eight channel monitor, the Geo2 and Mic2 trigger level windows appear. Repeat the above procedure.

7) Choose a Recording Stop Mode: (Single Shot, Continuous and Manual Modes)

Recording Stop Mode Shortcut: Setups, Enter x 7

Record Time Shortcut: Setups, Enter x 8

Choose a recording stop mode if using the single shot or continuous record modes. The recording stop determines when the Minimate Plus stops recording data after being triggered. The Fixed Setting sets a specific amount of time to record after the geophone or microphone trigger level is met. The Auto Setting continues to record an event as long as activity is above a determined trigger level. For more information on the different records modes, visit Ground Vibration Monitors – MiniMate Plus Record Modes.

To change the record time, press the Setups key when the Main window is displayed. Press the Enter key to scroll though the windows until the Recording Stop Mode window appears. Use the ↑ key to choose the Fixed or Auto setting. Press the Enter key to save a setting. If you picked the fixed setting, the Record Time window appears. Press the ↑ key to change the setting. Press the Enter key to save this setting.

8) Select a Notes Format:

Shortcut: Setups, Enter x 9

The notes format lets you copy notes from the BlastWare III software to the MiniMate Plus, describing an event. Press the Option and Test keys together to review setups and see if any notes are already saved.

To set the notes format, press the Setups key when the Main window is displayed. Press the Enter key to scroll though the windows until the Notes Format window appears. Use the → key to display the two settings. The Use Notes setting records your notes with an event. If you choose the Use Blank Text Notes choice, only blank text lines record with an event, leaving you space to manually write-in notes after you have printed the event.

9) Pick a Job Number Format:

Shortcut: Setups, Enter x 10

The Job Number format allows the Minimate Plus user to assign a job number for each recorded event to help you keep track of events. Job numbers range from 1 to 9999.

To display the Job Number Format window, press the Setups key when the Main window is displayed. Press the Enter key to scroll through the windows until the Job Number Format window appears. Press the → Arrow key to display the two choices: Use Job Number or Don’t Use Job Number. Press the Enter key to select a setting when it appears on the display. If you chose the Use Job Number setting, after pressing the Enter key the Job Number window appears. Press the → key to position the cursor and the ↑ key to edit the four digit job number to the desired number. Press the Enter key to save the job number.

10) Enter Scaled Distance:

Shortcut: Setups, Enter x 11

Scaled distance information can be saved with each event. The scaled distance information includes two factors: Distance from Blast and Charge Weight. The Distance from Blast factor is the measured distance from the blast charge to the monitor’s sensors. The Charge Weight is the physical weight of the charge used.

To enter scaled distance information, press the Setups key when the Main window is displayed. Press the Enter key to scroll through the windows until the Scaled Distance window appears. Press the ↑ key to display the Use Scaled Distance window. Press the Enter key. The Distance from Blast window appears. Use the Arrow keys to enter the distance from the blast to the monitor’s sensors then press the Enter key. The Charge Weight window appears. Use the Arrow keys to enter the charge weight and press the Enter key to save your setting.

11) Set the Current Time:

Shortcut: Setups, Enter x 12

The MiniMate Plus supports both the standard and military time format.

To set the time, press the Setups key when the Main window is displayed. Press the Enter key to scroll through the windows until the Time window appears. Use the → key to move the cursor and the ↑ key to set the present time. To select either the 12 or 24 hour time format, position the cursor under the AM/PM/24 hour indicator. Press the ↑ key to display the required setting. Press the Enter key to save your setting.

12) Set Today’s Date:

Shortcut: Setups, Enter x 13

The MiniMate Plus uses the Month/Day/Year date format.

To set the date, press the Setups key when the Main window is displayed. Press the Enter key to scroll through the windows until the Date window appears. Use the → key to move the cursor and the ↑ key to set the date. Press the Enter key to save your setting.

 

MiniMate Plus Setups: → key + Setups Key

The → key and Setups key changes the general preferences used by the MiniMate Plus.

MiniMate Plus Setups + Right Arrow Flowchart
MiniMate Plus Setups + Right Arrow Flowchart

 

1) Timer Mode:

Shortcut: Setups + →

The timer mode can be set to automatically turn on and start monitoring an event at a preset time. The preset time can be set to a one time monitoring session or it can be set to record at the same time every day. Using the timer extends battery life because the MiniMate Plus is only running when events occur and not the time between events. It also minimizes the recording of false events from other sources. To stop timer recording, press the Cancel key at any time.

Monitor Once Only:

To set the MiniMate Plus to monitor once in the future, press the → key and the Setups key together when the Main window is displayed to bring about the Timer Mode window . Press the → key to display the Monitor Once Only option. Turn the timer on by pressing the Enter key. The Monitor Start Time window appears.

Enter the start time for monitoring operations to begin. Use the → key to move through the date and time displays and the ↑ key to change the settings. Press the Enter key to save the Monitor Start Time setting and display the Monitor Stop Time window. Enter the stop time for monitoring operations to end. Use the → key to move through the date and time displays and the ↑ key to change the settings. Press the Enter key to save the stop time setting. Press the Start Monitor key to enter the timer mode. The timer is now set to start monitoring operations automatically according to your start and stop dates and times. The monitor displays the following window:

GVM Timer Mode Monitor Once
Timer Mode Monitor Once

 

Monitor Everyday:

To set the MiniMate Plus to monitor daily at the same time, press the → key and the Setups key together when the Main window to display the Timer Mode window. Press the → key to display the Monitor Everyday option. Press the Enter key to display the Daily Start Time window. Use the → key to move the cursor and the ↑ key to change the hour and minute settings. Press the Enter key to save your start time. After the Daily Stop Time window appears, use the → key to move the cursor and the ↑ key to change the daily stop time. Press the Enter key to save your changes. Press the Start Monitor key to enter the timer mode. The MiniMate Plus is now set to start and stop monitoring operations automatically at the same time every day. The monitor displays the following window:

GVM Time Mode Monitor Daily
Time Mode Monitor Daily

 

2) Daily Self Check:

Shortcut: Setups + →, Enter x 1

The daily self check mode programs the MiniMate Plus to test its function daily while in the monitor mode. At the same time each day, the MiniMate Plus exits the monitor mode, performs the check, and returns to the monitor mode. This mode ensures that there is a record indicating your machine is operating properly over a period of time. The results appear in a monitor log entry.

To select the self check mode, use the → key and simultaneously press the Setups key, then press Enter to bypass the Timer Mode setting and display the Daily Self Check window. Use the ↑ key or → key to toggle between Enabled and Disabled options, and Enter to save the desired setting. If you select Enabled, the next screen prompts for a time to be entered. Use the → key to move the cursor between hours and minutes, and the ↑ key to change the time, then press Enter to save your changes.

3) Sensorcheck: (Compliance Module Only)

Shortcut: Setups + →, Enter x 3

The Sensorcheck window allows you to automatically test the MiniMate Plus and its transducer and microphone sensors. Sensorcheck can be manually ran by pressing the Test key.

Use the → key and simultaneously press the Setups key, then press Enter key until you reach the Sensorcheck window. At this window, use the Arrow Keys to select Disabled, After Each Event, or Before Monitoring Starts depending on when and whether you want to perform a Sensorcheck. Press the Enter key to select a setting when it appears on the display. By selecting Before Monitor Starts, the results of a single Sensorcheck appear with each event recorded during the monitoring session. This reduces processing time, by not having to run Sensorcheck for each event, and speeds up recording especially when using the continuous record mode.

4) Measurement System: (Compliance Module Only)

Shortcut: Setups + →, Enter x 4

The MiniMate Plus uses the Metric or the Imperial measurement system.

To set the MiniMate Plus to operate with either system, press the → key and the Setups key at the same time when the Main window is displayed. Press the Enter key to scroll through the windows until the Measurement System window appears. Press the → key to display the Metric or Imperial settings. Press the Enter key to select a setting when it appears on the display.

5) Basic Channels: (Compliance Module Only)

Shortcut: Setups + →, Enter x 5

The MiniMate Plus can record with four and eight channel monitors or you can turn off either the geophone or microphone recording channels. On eight channel monitors, choosing to turn off either the geophone or microphone channels turns off all geophone channels (channels 1, 2, 3, and 5, 6, 7) or both microphones (channels 4 or 8). Also, all channels can be turned off except one or two geophone channels.

You may, for example, turn off the microphone if your are monitoring inside a building where the microphone is not applicable. This reduces the amount of memory required to save and store a single event and therefore increases the overall number of events the MiniMate Plus can record and store.

To display the Basic Channels window, press the → key and the Setups key together. Press the Enter key to scroll the windows until the Basic Channels window appears. To monitor with only one or two geophone channels, choose the Geophone Channel 1 or Geophone Channels 2 option. Choose 4 Channels ON on four channel monitors or 8 Channels ON on eight channel monitors to disable this feature. Another Basic Channels window appears.

On eight channel monitors, press the ↑ or → keys to select either four or eight recording channels. Press the Enter key. Press the → key to display the three choices: All Channels ON, Mic Channel OFF, and Geo Channels OFF. Press the Enter key to select a setting when it appears on the display.

6) Microphone Type: (Compliance Module Only)

Shortcut: Setups + →, Enter x 7

Two types of microphones may be connected to the MiniMate Plus: Linear “L” and “A” Weight. The MiniMate Plus must be configured to the microphone type to ensure the proper measurement units and data analysis techniques are used. This setting tells the MiniMate Plus which microphone you are using. To check the type of your microphone, read the label on the side of the microphone. All Instantel microphones have a model number. Lin Mic identifies a Linear “L” microphone. A Mic identifies an “A” Weight microphone.

To select a microphone type, press the → key and the Setups key together. Press the Enter key to scroll the windows until the Microphone Type window appears. Press → key to display the two microphone types, Linear “L” or “A” Weight. To choose a setting, display it on the MiniMate Plus display and press the Enter key. On eight channel monitors, set the microphone type for the second microphone, Mic2.

7) Microphone Units: (Compliance Module Only)

Shortcut: Setups + →, Enter x 8

The measurement units for the microphone channel depend on the microphone type and measurement system being used. For Linear “L” microphones, you have the choice between psi (L), dB (L), or pa. (L). For “A” Weight microphones, units are dB (A) only. For this reason, when you chose the “A” Weight microphone type, this window does not appear on the MiniMate Plus display.

To choose the microphone measurement units, press the → key and the Setups key together. Press the Enter key to scroll the windows until the Microphone Units window appears. Press → key repeatedly to display the three choices. Press the Enter key to select a measurement unit when it appears on the display.

8) Geophone Type: (Compliance Module Only)

Shortcut: Setups + →, Enter x 9

Two types of geophone may be connected to the MiniMate Plus: a Standard Geophone or a 4.5 Hz Geophone.

To select a geophone type, press the →key and the Setups key together. Press the Enter key to scroll the windows until the Geophone Type window appears. Press the → key to display the two microphone types, Standard or 4.5 Hz. To choose a setting, display it on the MiniMate Plus display and press the Enter key.

Note that for the 4.5 Hz Geophone, the unit will perform a continuity test when Sensorcheck is run instead of the standard Sensorcheck test.

9) Geo Alarm Level: (Compliance Module Only)

Shortcut: Setups + →, Enter x 10

The Geo Alarm Level is an optional alarm that sounds when geophone event activity exceeds a certain point. It can be set to the geophone trigger level or higher, allowing for the triggering of a second alarm. For example, in pile driving operations the remote alarm triggers a warning when activity exceeds the trigger level for the geophone, notifying the operator that the pile driving activity has exceeded that set level. The second alarm triggers when activity exceeds the Geo Alarm Level, set to a higher level, notifying the operator that operations should cease immediately.

To set the Geo Alarm Level, press the → key and the Setups key together. Press the Enter key repeatedly to scroll through the windows until the Geo Alarm Level window appears. Use the ↑ and → keys to set the alarm level. Press the Enter key to save your setting.

10) Mic Alarm Level: (Compliance Module Only)

Shortcut:Setups + →, Enter x 11

The Mic Alarm Level is an optional alarm that sounds when Mic event activity exceeds a certain point. It can be set to the microphone’s trigger level or higher, allowing for the triggering of a second alarm. See the Geo Alarm Level section, above, for an example.

To set the Mic Alarm Level, press the → key and the Setups key together. Press the Enter key repeatedly to scroll through the windows until the Mic Alarm Level window appears. Use the Up and → keys to set the alarm level. Press the Enter key to save your setting.

11) Serial Connection:

Shortcut: Setups + →, Enter x 12

This sets the MiniMate Plus to communicate with a computer using the BlastMate III PC Connecting Cable (712A2301) or via a modem over telephone lines or radio frequencies. You must set the MiniMate Plus to the proper serial connection before starting communications. To communicate with a computer using the connecting cable, choose the Direct setting. To communicate using modems, choose the Via Modem setting. Set the baud rate on the monitor to match the baud rate of your computer or modem.

To choose the Serial Connection, press the → key and the Setups key together. Press the Enter key to scroll the windows until the Serial Connection window appears. Press → key repeatedly to display the two choices. Select Direct if you are connecting to a computer with the BlastMate cable or Via Modem if you are using modems. Press the Enter key to select a choice when it appears on the display.

12) Direct Baud Rate or Modem Baud Rate:

Shortcut: Setups + →, Enter x 13

This sets the baud rate for the serial connection method chosen in the previous step, either direct or via modem. For direct, choose a baud rate of 38400 for telephone communications 9,600 baud rate is often selected.

13) Call Home:

Shortcut: Setups + →, Enter x 14

This setting is used to setup the monitor for use with the Auto Call Home feature of the BlastWare III software. With Auto Call Home, your monitor can be setup to automatically download results either after an event, or at specified times. You must have a modem and phone line connected to the unit in order to use this feature. In addition, you must setup Auto Call Home within BlastWare III on your PC. Please refer to the BlastWare III Operator Manual (p/n 714U0301) for information on how to configure Auto Call Home and setup modems for use with a monitor. To turn Call Home on, select Enabled. If you do not wish to use this feature, select Disabled.

To set Call Home, press the → key and the Setups key together when the Main window is displayed. Press the Enter key to scroll through the windows until the Call Home window appears. Press the ↑ key or → key to display either Enabled or Disabled. Press the Enter key to save your setting. Note: Auto Call Home is supported by MiniMate Plus units with a serial number of 6000 or higher.

14) Call Home Test:

This menu becomes available when the Call Home feature is enabled. It offers you a collection of tools to configure and test your Auto Call Home setup to ensure that it is working properly. BlastWare III must be running on your PC, and Auto Call Home must be active in order to test your setup.

To set Call Home Test, press the → key and the Setups key together. Press the Enter key to scroll through the windows until the Call Home Test Window appears. Press the ↑ key or → key to display the desired selection, then the Enter key to save your setting. Four selections are available: 1) Do Not Call Now, 2) Call Now, 3) Call Now and Monitor, and 4) Set Signal Strength.

(1) Do Not Call Now

Select this setting if you do not wish to test your Auto Call Home setup.

(2) Call Now

This setting will cause the unit to call in to your PC as soon as you press the Enter key. The messages “power up delay…” and “connecting…” will appear as the unit first communicates with the modem and them connects to your PC to download events. A message appears telling you whether or not downloading was successful.

(3) Call Now and Monitor

With this setting, the unit calls in to your PC as in Call Now, and then enters monitor mode.

(4) Set GSM Signal Strength

This setting is used to test the signal strength of GSM (cellular) modems. Press the Enter key to display signal strength from the modem, and then press Cancel when you are done.

15) Beep When Triggered:

Shortcut: Setups + →, Enter x 15

This menu allows you to choose whether the MiniMate Plus beeps when an event is triggered. Select On to activate beeps, and Off to turn them off.

To set Beep When Triggered, press the → key and the Setups key together. Press the Enter key to scroll the windows until the Beep When Triggered window appears. Press the → key to toggle between On and Off. Press the Enter key to select a choice when it appears on the display.

 

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