Overview
The Sensors and Software Pulse EKKO PRO is a flexible GPR system consisting of a control unit, transmitters, receivers and choice of shielded and unshielded antennas.
We have a selection of transmitters with different power outputs to suit both ground conditions and local operating rules.
Please note that operation in the UK will require you to hold a licence, available from OFCOM.
The GEF has one system available all year round and shares a second system with the British Antarctic Survey, this system is normally available to GEF users from mid-April to mid-September. See our schedules page for equipment availability.
The shared system has a multi-channel adapter to allow simultaneous collection of data from multiple antennas and at multiple frequencies.
Both systems have 25, 50, 100, 200MHz unshielded antenna and 500MHz shielded antennas available. Our system also has 250 and 1000MHz shielded antennas for loan.
A SmartCart is now available which allows quicker data collection over suitable ground.
Usage guide
The Pulse EKKO PRO has a range of antenna enabling a wide variety of applications to be handled. Flexible fibre optic cables of different length allow multiple antenna configurations to be used for profiling and CMPs. Typical applications for this equipment include :-
- Glaciology
- Stratigraphy
- Water table detection
- Contaminant mapping / Landfill monitoring
- Soil structures
- Archaeology
Specifications
Control Unit (DVL)
| Model | DVL 3 / 400 |
|---|---|
| Power consumption | 4W, 12V (belt battery or Smartcart pack supplied) |
| System performance | 186 dB (max) |
| Sample interval | Any multiple of 50ps |
| Variable PRF | 100kHz (max) |
| Stacking | 1 - 32768 |
| Time window | 500ps - 200,000ns |
| Data storage | Compact Flash cards (supplied) |
| Environmental | Sealed to IP66 |
Transmitter
| Model | PE PRO |
|---|---|
| Output | EU (European Limit), 400V, 1000V |
| Size | 25 x 14 x 11 cm |
| Weight | 3 kg (including batteries) |
| Power | 0.8A @ 12V DC (2 sealed lead-acid batteries supplied by the GEF) |
Receiver
| Model | PE PRO |
|---|---|
| Output | 16 bit digital, LSB 1.5 uV |
| Size | 25 x 14 x 11 cm |
| Weight | 3 kg (including batteries) |
| Power | 0.5A @ 12V DC (2 sealed lead-acid batteries supplied by the GEF) |
Unshielded antennas
| Antennas | 25, 50, 100, 200 MHz |
|---|---|
| Dimension and weight |
|
Shielded antennas
| Antennas | 250, 500, 1000 MHz |
|---|---|
| Dimension and weight |
|
| Electronics | Integrated transmitters and receivers |
Accessories
SmartCart
A SmartCart is available to ease the task of data collection over reasonably smooth ground.
ReflexW Processing Software
ReflexW software is supplied to allow processing of the collected GPR data.
Laptop
A laptop for field processing and viewing of GPR data can be supplied.
Packaging and shipping
Both our of PE PRO systems make use of PELI and SporTube cases and plastic crates for transport and storage. Depending on the exact configuration of the system you apply for, various combinations of the following cases will be supplied.
PELI 1600
Used for DVL, transmitters and receivers.
| Width | 63 cm |
| Depth | 50 cm |
| Height | 23 cm |
PELI 1650
Used for fibre optics, antenna handles, spares and toolkits.
| Width | 75 cm |
| Depth | 55 cm |
| Height | 29 cm |
PELI 1690
Used for 500MHz antenna, sled and handle.
| Width | 88 cm |
| Depth | 75 cm |
| Height | 48 cm |
SporTube
Used for unshielded antennas.
| Width | 120 to 207 cm |
| Depth | 23 cm |
| Height | 18 cm |
Plastic crate
Used for cables, adapters and miscellaneous items.
| Width | 70 cm |
| Depth | 44 cm |
| Height | 32 cm |
Courier to a UK destination
The GEF(Edinburgh) will ship loan items to the borrower by courier to UK addresses on a next day basis free of charge. It is the borrowers responsiblity to return the equipment to the GEF, on time and at their own expense via any suitable means.
Please note some GEF equipment uses Lithium Ion batteries. You may need to use a road based courier to return equipment to us, please contact us or see our guide to shipping lithium batteries for further information.
Collection from the GEF
Borrowers may collect and return equipment in person from the GEF offices (in Edinburgh and Leicester).
Shipping outside the UK
The GEF(Edinburgh) only ships to destinations within the UK. It is the borrowers responsibility to arrange transportation and all necessary customs paperwork for any temporary export and re-importation to the UK. You may arrange your own courier to collect equipment from our offices.
User training
New users of our GNSS equipment are required to be trained by Facility staff. Training usually takes place during a one day visit to the GEF offices. Previous users are encouraged to attend for refresher training.
Successful applicants will be invited to contact the Facility to arrange a suitable training date, usually close to the start of the project.
Training is free of charge, however applicants will be responsible for making their own way to the Facility.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a GPR system before I obtain a licence from OFCOM?
Yes, you may apply and wait for confirmation of your loan request before you apply to OFCOM for a licence (the current cost is £50 for 3 years). You must not operate the equipment in the UK until you receive the licence.
Is the Pulse EKKO PRO waterproof
No, parts of the system, and in particular transmitters and antennas, must be protected from water. The DVL control console is splashproof to some degree and is sealed to IP66.
What batteries are supplied by the Facility?
The transmitter and receiver run from 12V rechargeable batteries supplied by the Facility. The main DVL console control unit is powered by another 12V rechargeable battery in a belt-worn pack and is also supplied by us. We supply cables should you wish to power the DVL from another 12V source.