- Piezometers (10)
- Inclinometers and Tiltmeters (33)
- RDS Railway Deformation System (8)
- Pendulums (2)
- Settlement Gauges (14)
- Pressure cells (7)
- Load Cells (6)
- Extensometers (6)
- Crackmeters and Jointmeters (3)
- Strain Gauges and Thermometers (4)
- Readout units and dataloggers (60)
- Cables, Accessories and Software (3)
Inclinometers and Tiltmeters
FAQ#119 - Why can't I connect the BRAIN reel to my mobile phone/tablet? Have I connected correctly my BRAIN measuring system?
Make sure that ALL the following steps are checked:
1. The batteries of the mobile phone/tablet and the BRAIN system are charged
2. You have installed the latest version of the BRAIN APP (check the Google Play Store or Apple Store)
3. The version of the mobile phone/tablet's operating system is Android 7 or higher, or iOS 11 or higher
4. The Bluetooth version of the mobile phone/tablet is 4.2 or higher
5. Only for Android mobile phones/tablets:
• in the Android settings, the BRAIN APP has all the permissions (storage, geolocation)
• as first thing, pair the mobile phone/tablet to the BRAIN, from the Android settings, as described in the BRAIN user manual
• if the system keyboard does not allow the correct decimal separator to be entered, install the "Gboard" app which allows the standard Google keyboard to be used
6. The measuring probe is correctly connected to the BRAIN reel connector, as described in the user manual
7. Once the measuring probe (inclinometer, spiral meter or T-REX) has been connected, start a measurement or checking the system with the appropriate button of the app: the led on the BRAIN reel must never be red. A red LED means that the BRAIN reel does not see the measuring probe connected correctly.
FAQ#118 - Is it possible to use the reference reading (zero reading) taken with a digital inclinometer probe as a reference reading for another digital inclinometer probe?
No, this is not possible.
Sisgeo calibrates each probe individually, but each probe has its own small different properties, that have a certain influence on the readings.
The international standard ISO 18674-3, describing the reference reading, states that:
"It is good practice to take an additional reference measurement with an independent probe that can be used as a backup".
The direction suggested by the standard is therefore clear: if you change the measurement probe, you must take a new reference measurement with the new probe.
However, with the KLION inclinometer data management software, Sisgeo offers a possibility to compare data from different probes. The method proposed by KLION can be applied by accepting 3 strong assumptions (see also the KLION software user manual at the following link, starting on page 43: https://www.sisgeo.com/uploads/manuali/KLION_SOFTWARE_EN_03_2022.pdf):
1 - there was no movement between the first measurement with the new probe and the last reading with the old probe, so they can be considered to be coincident.
2 - the international standard ISO 18674-3 considers measurements taken with different probes to be non-comparable.
3 - international publications suggest not using this approach: the correct procedure when starting measurements on an existing inclinometer tube with a new probe is to start a new data analysis and processing by acquiring a new reference measurement.
By accepting these assumptions, it will be possible to apply the 'new probe' function.
FAQ#117 - WHY CANT I CONNECT MY ANDROID DEVICE TO B.R.A.IN INCLINOMETER SYSTEM?
Preliminary verifications:
• B.R.A.IN reel’s battery is charged
• Your mobile or tablet has the following minimum features:
Bluetooth Low Energy BLE 4.2 or higher
Android OS 7 or higher
If the preliminary verification is positive, please proceed as follows:
• Un-install the B.R.A.IN app from your device (if you have already installed it)
• Un-pair the B.R.A.IN from your device (if you have already paired it)
• Restart your device
• Switch on your B.R.A.IN reel
• Go into Android settings --> Bluetooth. Search for the available Bluetooth devices. You should find your B.R.A.IN named with its serial number, select it.
• If the system requires to insert the Bluetooth PIN: insert the code 123456 and then OK.
• Give the permissions to the B.R.A.IN APP for “Location” and “Storage”: go to “Android Settings” --> “App & notifications” --> select the “B.R.A.IN” app --> “Permissions” --> Allow “LOCATION” and then also allow “STORAGE”
• Restart the device
• Switch off you B.R.A.IN reel (if the B.R.A.IN led doesn’t change from blue, keep pressed the switch-on button for more than 3 seconds until the led becomes flashing green, now press again the button in order to switch off the B.R.A.IN).
• Download and install the B.R.A.IN app from your device store (e.g. Google Play)
• Open the B.R.A.IN app on your device
• Switch on the B.R.A.IN reel
• Select "system" in the B.R.A.IN app. You should find the switched-on B.R.A.IN reel with its serial number.
• Tap on the find B.R.A.IN and wait for connection.
• Within 15-20 second you should see the "system info" page, something similar to the following image:
FAQ#116 - How do I configure a WR-Log digital node to read RS485 Sisgeo TIMED sensors?
Sisgeo digital instruments can operate in two powering modes: TIMED or ALWAYS-ON (for more information see F.A.Q.#094 here https://www.sisgeo.com/products/faq/item/which-are-the-available-powering-mode-for-sisgeo-digital-sensors.html ).
A string of mixed instruments consisting of TIMED gauges and ALWAYS-ON gauges cannot work.
The first thing to do is therefore to check that ALL connected instruments in your array are set to TIMED mode.
You can check the powering mode of your gauges in the calibration reports of each instrument as in the example below.
The numbers "3-3" after "TIMED" are the "warming delay" and "address delay" values to be entered in the APP wizard set-up page.
In order to correctly set-up the WR-Log app for reading a string of Sisgeo digital gauges in TIMED powering mode, please follow the next screenshot as example:
- choose the protocol "Sisgeo v3"
- insert the correspondent Warming delay value (in our example 3)
- insert the correspondent Adress delay value (in our example 3)
- insert the addresses of the gauges in your string, separated by comma without any space, in ASCENDING order (do NOT inser the addresses in random order!)
NOTE: in TIMED mode, the reading time is about WARMING_DELAY x HIGHER_RS485_ADDRESS, in our case 3 x 20 = about 60 seconds.
So, if your string is composed by 20 gauges BUT with addresses from 200 to 220, the reading time is about 3 x 220 = 660 seconts (11 minutes) to read the same 20 gauges. So that, is really important to correctly set-up the addresses of the gauges of the string to be read.
FAQ#110 - What's the purpose of the linear and polynomial factors written in the Calibration Reports?
Utilize the Linear Sensitivity Factors (A, B) and Ploynomial Sensitivity Factors (A, B, C, D) of the Calibration Reports permit to obtain readings in engineerig units with a maximum error as for the Calibration Report.
In the case of analogue gauges, the factors shall be applied on the electrical readings (i.e. mA, mV, digit, etc...)
In the case of digital gauges in "Legacy mode" (digital gauges with FW version 0.X, 1.X, 2.X or 3.X), the factors shall be applied on the output in engineering units (i.e. sin angle, kPa, etc...)
In the case of digital gauges in "Normal Mode" (digital gauges with FW version 3 or higher), the factors are already applied inside the gauge, so the Sensitivity Factors shall not be utilized with these instruments.
NOTE: all the new digital gauges are in "Normal mode".
For more information regarding SISGEO Calibration Report, refer to the following video https://youtu.be/BF8e3ZRcaYU
For more information on "how to use" the Sensitivity Factors with analogue gauges and with digital gauges in Legacy Mode, refer to the instruments manuals or to the following document: https://www.sisgeo.com/uploads/manuali/Addendum_data_processing/ADDENDUM_-_DATA_PROCESSING_-_EN_00.pdf
FAQ#097 – Which is the Bluetooth PIN for connecting B.R.A.IN to the iOS/Android device?
The PIN code is the same for all the B.R.A.IN and is 123456.
Please follow the instruction in the user manual for the first connection of B.R.A.IN to the device.
FAQ#096 - How many SISGEO digital sensors could be read with WR-LOG digital node?
If the digital gauges are settled in ALWAYS ON, the WR-LOG digital node will be able to read up to 15 gauges.
If the powering mode is settled in TIMED, the WR-LOG digital node will be able to read up to 30 gauges.
FAQ#095 - How long does a chain of digital sensors take to be read?
It mainly depends from the powering mode of the gauges (refer to FAQ#094 for the description of the powering modes).
AN EXAMPLE WILL BETTER CLARIFY THE ANSWER.
In a batch of 240 gauges, unless otherwise requested by the Customer, the addresses are settled from #001 up to #240. In a borehole is installed a chain of 30 digital IPI with addresses from #210 to #240 that are read with a dedicated logger or wireless node.
- IF the powering mode is ALWAYS ON, the system will take 30 seconds to read the whole chain (about 1 second for each gauge)
- IF the powering mode is TIMED, the system will take 723 seconds to read the whole chain, because the TIMED mode call one by one ALL the addresses (3 seconds of warm-up +[3 seconds x higher address]). So that the reading time strongly depends from the address number.
Consequently, is really important to define the LAYOUT OF THE SYSTEM: number of digital chains, the number of gauges for each chain, and how many or which logger will be utilized to read the gauges.
In the batch of 240 gauges, if they will be installed in 8 chains of 30 sensors each, and if each chain is read with a dedicated logger or digital wireless node, the best solution is to inform SISGEO about the layout of installation and SISGEO will set-up ALL the chains of digital gauges with addresses from #001 to #030.
In this case, in TIMED mode the chain will be read in 93 seconds.
FAQ#094 - Which are the available powering modes for SISGEO digital sensors?
All SISGEO digital gauges can be settled in two different powering mode:
- ALWAYS ON: all digital sensors switched on together. Faster solution, but high power consumption. The system will take about 1 second to read each gauge.
- TIMED: the sensors are powered and switched-on one by one. Reading of the chain take more time than "always on", but the power consumption is lower. In this case the system will take about 3 seconds to read each gauge.
The STANDARD powering mode is ALWAYS ON, so unless otherwise requested by the Customer, the sensors are settled as default in ALWAYS ON.
FAQ#093 - B.R.A.IN App Devices Compatibility
B.R.A.IN App is compatible with Android OS (from ver.7) and Apple iOS (from ver.11).
Moreover the device have to be compatible with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) v.4.2.
At this link you can find all the smartphone and tablet tested by SISGEO.
NOTE: the list of devices is updating time by time.
FAQ#087 - Could the IPI, BH Profile and DEX probes have problems in frozen water?
Sisgeo suggest that frozen water within the inclinometer casings is to be avoided due to following reasons:
- Ice within the casing will affect functionality of the systems by blocking the individual probes;
- Mechanical damages can occur to the probes, but also to the inclinometer casing due to the expansion of frozen water
In any case, inclinometers and DEX probes can work until -30°C so that sensors will be not damaged.
What can be done to avoid this?
- insert a heating cable that keeps water temperature above 0°C;
- remove water from the inclinometer casing;
- place the inclinometer/DEX probes at locations where temperatures remain above 0°C.
FAQ#077 - Which are the maximum cable lengths from instrument to datalogger?
The cable lengths depend from many factors, first of all installation and cable protections (screen, earth, etc...). Assuming that instruments are installed in a workmanlike, for the maximum cable lengths should be followed the next suggestions:
DIGITAL INSTRUMENTS: see FAQ#073
ANALOGUE INSTRUMENTS: see both documents:
Cable length guide line with internal multiplexers
Cable length guide line with external multiplexers
FAQ#076 - Why it is necessary add a termination resistor to the last digitized sensor of each RS-485 chain?
All SISGEO digitized instruments (IPIs, Tiltmeters, H-Level…) use the RS-485 serial communication protocol
The RS485 protocol contemplate a termination resistor.
The recommended chain connection is point-to-point (multidropped) nodes as a bus mode (line). Star, ring or multiply network connection are not recommended.
SISGEO dataloggers has already a termination resistor assembled (typically 120Ω). On the opposite side (sensors side) is necessary to mount a resistor on the last device of each chain.
Without termination resistors, reflections of fast driver edges can cause multiple data edges and consequently data corruption. Termination resistors also reduce electrical noise sensitivity. The value of each termination resistor should be equal to the cable characteristic impedance (typically, 120 Ω for twisted pairs and for only one chain).
SISGEO supply the correct termination resistor (120 Ω, 240 Ω, etc.), considering the number of the chains connected to the same master unit (logger):
- N.1 digital chain connected to one logger (OMNIAlog, digital node, ecc..): N.1 resistance, value 120 Ω
- N.2 digital chains connected to one logger (OMNIAlog, digital node, ecc..): N.2 resistances, value 240 Ω (one for each chain)
- N.3 digital chains connected to one logger (OMNIAlog, digital node, ecc..): N.3 resistances, value 360 Ω (one for each chain)
- N.4 digital chains connected to one logger (OMNIAlog, digital node, ecc..): N.4 resistances, value 480 Ω (one for each chain)
The termination resistor must be connected on the appropriate sensor connector.
At the following link an example scheme:
FAQ#075 - Which parameters are save into SISGEO digitized sensors?
All SISGEO digital sensors (IPIs, Tilt-meters, RDSs, H-Level etc..) use the serial RS-485 communication protocol.
The SISGEO digital sensors are joined through an electrical cable, so only one cable is used to take reading.
In agreement with Customer, they are configured in factory for:
- Calibration parameters
- Serial number
- RS-485 andress. Each digitized sensor has a univocal address also reported in a label on the cable.
- Powering type:
- always on (all digitized sensor switched on together). Faster solution, but high power consumption.
- timed (the sensors are powered and switched on one by one). Reading of the chain take a little bit more time than "always on", but the power consumpion is lower - Measuring units
FAQ#074 - Which kind of datalogger is necessary to read a SISGEO digital sensors?
The sensors are read connecting the end cable to a Modbus Master unit (i.e. OMNIAlog or miniOMNIAlog) with RS-485 interface (DCE, Half duplex, no Echo) able to manage communication with SISGEO Modbus RTU communication protocol.
SISGEO’s communication protocol is available for the release upon request.
The power [W] of power supply must be chosen according to the sensor quantity and power supply mode.
SISGEO suggests not to change the parameters set in factory (serial number, calibration, factors etc..)
The Modbus master unit (readout unit) must be set according to the IPI’s factory sensor configuration.
FAQ#073 - Which is the maximum number of digitized sensors (RS-485, Modbus), the maximum number of chains and the maximum length of cable in a RS-485 network?
Last update: October 2021
All the SISGEO digitized sensors utilize a RS485 interface with Modbus protocol.
1.The maximum number of digitized sensors in a RS-485 network are 247 (theoretical)
2.The maximum number of digitized sensors chains that is possible to connect to Modbus master unit (as OMNIAlog or miniOMNIAlog) are 4.
3. About the maximum number of sensors in a chain and lengths, please follow the next tables:
NOTE: The sum of “A” and “C” lengths can’t exceed 1000m. The compliance of points A and B, avoids the excessive voltage drop on the RS-485 line and guarantees the correct RS-485 network operation.
FAQ#038 - Do I have to power the TEL-310S before start to set-up and use it?
If the TEL-310S was supplied 2 or more month before, will be better to power it for 8 hours before starting to set-up and use it. This is to recharge the back-up battery that give troubles if it is completely discharged.
FAQ#038 - Do I have to power the TEL-310S before start to set-up and use it?
If the TEL-310S was supplied 2 or more month before, will be better to power it for 8 hours before starting to set-up and use it. This is to recharge the back-up battery that give troubles if it is completely discharged.
FAQ#036 - Which is the right mix for inclinometer casing grouting?
There is not an exact ratio for each kind of soil. It depends from many factors that could change for every geological and geotechnical situation. Anyway the grouting should be similar to the soil even if is not really possible to match both characteristics.
Approximate Cement/Water/Bentonite mix ratio are:
- for hard and medium soil: 1 / 2.5 / 0.3 (i.e. 50kg / 125kg / 15kg)
- for soft soil: 1 / 6.5 / 0.4 (i.e. 50kg / 325kg / 20kg)
The right way to mix the materials is:
1. mix the water and cement
2. add and mix the bentonite
The results have to be similar to an heavy cream.
The ratio of the cement and water determine the strength of the grout. More water decrease the strength.
- A grout too thick will be difficult to pump.
- A grout too thin solidifies and the water will separate from it.
- A mix too watery could separate cement ( on the bottom) from water and bentonite (on the top).
FAQ#027 - Which type of damping fluid is recommended for filling the pendulum tanks?
We recommend to use the following mineral oil with selected viscosity:
SAE 50-90 for direct pendulums
SAE-10 for inverted pendulums.
FAQ#026 - What can we do when the inclinometer casing 'float' during installation?
If the water filled casing is lighter than grout backfill the uplift force of grout varies with the height of the grout column. If the column is short, the uplift force is low and the casing can be held in place by its own weight or with very little down-force applied from the top. When the grout sets, the bottom cap is isolated from the column of grout and there is no surface for the uplift force to act on. No more than two or three meters to 3 m need to be grouted in the first stage. If the normal bentonite/cement grout is used it needs to set for at least 12 hours before second-stage grouting.
Avoid use of a quick-set grout, since the heat of hydration could melt and deform the plastic. The two stages can be placed via an outside tremie pipe. Alternatively the first stage can be placed before lowering the casing, provided that all is done efficiently so that there is no chance of the grout setting prematurely.
FAQ#025 - How get good readings with inclinometer probe?
A good practice for getting good readings with inclinometer probe is to follow these simple operations: – Use the same probe for each survey, if possible; – if you must use a different probe, be sure to note the serial number of the probe used for each survey, so any necessary corrections can be made during data processing; – protect the probe from shock, which contributes to zero shift and sensor rotation.
Transport the probe in its carrying case. – power up the probe before you lower it into the borehole. – wait 10 minutes for the probe to adjust to the temperature of the borehole up to the displayed readings will be stabilized within two units and validate data; – validate data on site using checksum statistics, if you are using the Nadir readout.
FAQ#024 - How can we keep efficiently the inclinometer operating cable?
A good practice for the inclinometer users is to follow these simple recommendations: – when you connect the inclinometer operating cable to the probe, avoid overtightening the nut, since this will flatten the O-ring and reduce its effectiveness; – use a pulley assembly. It protects the inclinometer operating cable and provides a good reference index; – when very high precision is expected, it may be useful to periodically record the date and the precise length of your inclinometer operating cable; – perform regular maintenance.
FAQ#023 - For obtaining best results with inclinometer, must the borehole be very close to the vertical?
Borehole should be drilled as close to the vertical as possible, however 2/3 degrees from vertical are normally accepted in specifications.
FAQ#009 - Can the TEL-310S functioning be influenced from atmospheric conditions?
Any factor (water, mud etc.) that could dirty the internal part of the “SUS” optical sensor unit’s cover can influence the TEL-310S correct functioning. So it is essential to protect properly the “SUS” optical sensor unit from weather conditions, leaving anyway the access possibility for cleaning/maintenance.
In any case, TEL-310S has an auto-diagnostics able to alert the user for the maintenance. Sample solution used to protect the instrument (old TEL-310) from weather conditions.
FAQ#008 - What is the 0TEL310CAL0 calibration/mounting kit and what is it for?
The 0TEL310CAL0 kit includes a drilling template for the wall where the “ANS” support will be placed, and a template to be placed on the “SUS” optical sensor unit for a possible functional check on field (pendulum’s wire simulation).
FAQ#007 - Are the TEL-310S CUS control unit and the PWS power unit supplied with the fixing kit?
No kit is needed. The “CUS” and “PWS” units are placed in aluminum boxes ready to be fixed on the wall through four M6 screws (not included).
FAQ#006 - Is it possible to use the ANS adjustable support for the pendulum optical manual readout (coordinometer)?
The pendulum readout fixing plate has four holes so it can be fixed, through screws, to the “ANS” adjustable support.
FAQ#005 - Is it possible to fix the ANS adjustable support to the floor?
Since the “ANS” support is articulated, it can be fixed to the floor; this can be useful in case the pendulum’s wire is too far from the walls.
FAQ#004 - Is it possible to place the SUS optical sensor unit with the X axis perpendicular to the wall where the ANS support is fixed?
The TEL-310S telecoordinometer has the following measuring range:
- X axis: 145mm (150mm nominal),
- Y axis: 60mm.
To use the “ANS” adjustable support you must have the “X” axis parallel to the wall: so it is not possible to fix the “SUS” optical sensor unit perpendicular to the wall using the “ANS” adjustable support.
FAQ#003 - Which are the needed conditions to use the ANS adjustable support for TEL-310S if you need to monitor the direct pendulum's wire?
To fix the “SUS” optical sensor unit through the “ANS” support, it is necessary that the direct pendulum’s wire is at a distance of d=230 mm. from the wall.
To achieve that, the direct pendulum’s tank has to be placed at a distance of D=20 mm. from the wall: in this way is guaranteed that the pendulum’s wire is exactly at the center of the “SUS” optical sensor unit.
FAQ#002 - What is the 0TEL310ANS0 adjustable support for TEL-310S and what is it for?
The “ANS” adjustable support (0TEL310ANS0) has been developed to support and fix the “SUS” optical sensor unit (0TEL310SUS0) of the new TEL-310S telecoordinometer. The support is fixed to the wall through two M16 threaded bars, of 370 mm. length (supplied). Once the “SUS” optical sensor unit is fixed to the support, it is possible to adjust the settings in order to place the pendulum’s wire in the chosen position within the instrument measuring range.
FAQ#001 - If the SUS optical sensor unit is removed for maintenance, is it possible to continue the monitoring using the pendulum optical manual readout?
It is possible to use the pendulum optical manual readout instead of TEL-310S “SUS” optical sensor unit without any regulation of the “ANS” support.
It is also possible to start the pendulum’s monitoring with the pendulum optical manual readout and then automate the readings with TEL-310S telecoordinometer , without changing its initial zero.