Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2022-24
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2022-24
21 Mar 2022
 | 21 Mar 2022

Developing a low-cost frequency-domain electromagnetic induction instrument

Gavin Wilson, Jacob Conrad, John Anderson, Andrei Swidinsky, and Jeffrey Shragge

Abstract. Recent advancements and the widespread availability of low-cost microcontrollers and electronic components have created new opportunities for developing and using low-cost, open-source instrumentation for near-surface geophysical investigations. Geophysical methods that do not require ground contact, such as frequency-domain electromagnetics, allow one or two users to quickly acquire large amounts of ground resistivity data. The Colorado School of Mines electromagnetic system (CSM-EM) is a proof-of-concept instrument capable of sensing conductive objects in near-surface environments, is similar in concept to commercial grade equipment, and costs under US$ 400 to build. We tested the functionality of the CSM-EM system in a controlled laboratory setting during the design phase and validated it over a conductive target in an outdoor environment. The transmitter antenna can generate a current of over 2.5 A, generating signals that are detectable by a receiver antenna at offsets of up to 25 m. The system requires little refitting to change the functioning frequency, and has been operationally validated at 0.4 kHz and 1.6 kHz. The receiver signal can be measured by off-the-shelf digital multimeters. Future directions will focus on improving the electronic and mechanical stability of the CSM-EM with the goal of using acquired data to make quantitative estimates of subsurface resistivity distribution.

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

05 Aug 2022
Developing a low-cost frequency-domain electromagnetic induction instrument
Gavin Wilson, Jacob Conrad, John Anderson, Andrei Swidinsky, and Jeffrey Shragge
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 11, 279–291, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-11-279-2022,https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-11-279-2022, 2022
Short summary

Gavin Wilson et al.

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2022-24', James Clark, 19 Apr 2022
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Gavin Wilson, 20 Apr 2022
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2022-24', Reza Mir, 22 Apr 2022
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Gavin Wilson, 14 May 2022

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2022-24', James Clark, 19 Apr 2022
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Gavin Wilson, 20 Apr 2022
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2022-24', Reza Mir, 22 Apr 2022
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Gavin Wilson, 14 May 2022

Peer review completion

AR: Author's response | RR: Referee report | ED: Editor decision | EF: Editorial file upload
AR by Gavin Wilson on behalf of the Authors (14 May 2022)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Referee Nomination & Report Request started (16 May 2022) by Alessandro Fedeli
RR by Anonymous Reviewer #3 (29 Jun 2022)
ED: Publish as is (29 Jun 2022) by Alessandro Fedeli
AR by Gavin Wilson on behalf of the Authors (08 Jul 2022)  Manuscript 

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

05 Aug 2022
Developing a low-cost frequency-domain electromagnetic induction instrument
Gavin Wilson, Jacob Conrad, John Anderson, Andrei Swidinsky, and Jeffrey Shragge
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 11, 279–291, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-11-279-2022,https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-11-279-2022, 2022
Short summary

Gavin Wilson et al.

Gavin Wilson et al.

Viewed

Total article views: 452 (including HTML, PDF, and XML)
HTML PDF XML Total BibTeX EndNote
316 116 20 452 7 7
  • HTML: 316
  • PDF: 116
  • XML: 20
  • Total: 452
  • BibTeX: 7
  • EndNote: 7
Views and downloads (calculated since 21 Mar 2022)
Cumulative views and downloads (calculated since 21 Mar 2022)

Viewed (geographical distribution)

Total article views: 425 (including HTML, PDF, and XML) Thereof 425 with geography defined and 0 with unknown origin.
Country # Views %
  • 1
1
 
 
 
 
Latest update: 23 Mar 2023
Download

The requested preprint has a corresponding peer-reviewed final revised paper. You are encouraged to refer to the final revised version.

Short summary
The widespread availability of low-cost electronics has created new opportunities for affordable geophysical equipment. Electromagnetic geophysical methods allow users to examine the electrical properties of the ground. The Colorado School of Mines electromagnetic system (CSM-EM) is a proof-of-concept instrument capable of sensing shallow conductive objects and costs under US$ 400 to build. We tested the system in a laboratory setting and validated it over a metal target outdoors.