A new PC control software for ZLS-Burris gravity meters

Abstract

The previous operation of the ZLS-Burris gravity meter using a PDA already provides a significant improvement of the operation of a metal spring gravity meter. But in the practical field work the observer usually wishes more information about the measurement and the collected data. This situation suggested an improvement of the software and computer hardware.The goal was to develop a small useful PC tool that eliminates these deficits. However, it resulted in a very extensive application software, which was developed during 2011–2015. Along the way, some unwanted effects of the original control circuit were detected. Therefore as a last step a complete new control circuit for the feedback system was developed. This new circuit is fast and smooth and without resonance effects to the system. The algorithm parameters can be specifically adapted to the specific gravity meter.The software has a security system that ensures the user, depending on his level of knowledge, a limited access to the software options.Furthermore, a customer project management system is integrated. The observer, the gravity meters, the projects and maps can be assigned. Several ZLS Burris gravity meters can be managed.A large station data management is integrated. Every station has up to more than twenty parameters, such as the mandatory coordinates or supplementary pictures of the station. External storage and documentation of the measurements are possible with extra modules.In addition the maintenance of the gravity meter system is significantly improved. The motor control of the early ZLS Burris gravity meter is also improved. The complete rotation is displayed on the screen.Finally, two survey examples show the advantages of the software related to the accuracy and the time needed for a measurement.