Magrec-4C is a small-size fan-less data acquisition computer with a built-in PalmAcq GPS/GNSS timing module. It runs a middleweight Linux operating system, that hosts the MAGLIN data acquisition program and several related utilities. Magrec-4C is primarily designed for geomagnetic observatory data acquisition. However, it can be used for many other data acquisition, data monitoring purposes. Magrec-4C supports long-term, unattended data acquisition from one or more instruments. It provides different ways for local and remote system check and data file access. Linux skills are not required to use the main functions of Magrec-4C. Most important networking and data acquisition settings can be edited with easy-to-use graphical configuration programs.

Magrec-4C system

MAGREC-4C is a data collection platform based on a fanless computer with low power consumption. It is specially designed for geomagnetic data recording purposes.

Typical and special applications:

• Geomagnetic observatory data acquisition from fluxgate and proton magnetometers with GPS/GNSS time synchronization
• Instrument testing, intrument comparison
• Temperature and heat flow monitoring of buildings and heating/cooling systems
• Weather stations
• Some mobile applications are also possible (collected data can be merged with GPS positional data.)

Supported acquisition units, instruments

• ADAM-4000 analog and digital input modules or compatible modules (for example ICP DAS).
  More modules can be chained in an RS-485 network.
  RS-485 line can be surge protected. Fiber optic communication is also available.
  Typical sampling frequency is 1 Hz, but certain modules support faster rates.
• ObsDaq 24-bit A/D converter.
• Several proton magnetometers with RS-232 output (including GEM System's magnetometers and POS-1 type PPM).
• dIdD magnetometer
• LEMI-025 magnetometer.
• Many serial text output instruments (requires specific configuration settings).

Magrec-4C hardware

• Built around a dual core x86 compatible processor based industrial computer with 2 GB RAM.
• Runs from wide range of DC power supply: 8-24 Vdc. Low power consumption: typical: 6 W, max: 12 W @ 12 Vdc.
• Fan-less design, noiseless, no moving parts.
• Operting system and data files are stored on industrial grade 4 GB or higher capacity SD memory card, built on durable SLC type NAND flash.
• Small size: 115 × 115 × 35 mm (4.53" × 4.53" × 1.38"), weight: 550 grams (1.2 lb), case: aluminium top cover, steeel sides and bottom.
• Ports/connectors: 3× USB, 2× RS-232 (COM3/COM4), 1× RS-485 (COM1), 1× RS-485 and 1× RS-232 (RxD, TxD and GND only) through PalmAcq GPS timing unit, VGA, 10/100 Mbps Ethernet, SMA GPS antenna connector, GPS-PPS signal output.
• Hardware watchdog, auto start on power.
• Built-in PalmAcq module with GPS for GPS time synchronization and for real-time time stamping of data records coming on RS-232 and RS-485 peripheral ports. The GPS/GNSS module supports concurrent reception of GPS/QZSS, GLONASS and BeiDou satellites.
• GPS-PPS signal output for triggering ObsDaq A/D converter.

Magrec-4C Software

• Middleweight Linux with X-window graphical system
• Main settings (IP address, host-name, display resolution, server functions, etc.) are collected into one centralized configuration file that can be edited using a simple graphical setup program. No Linux skills are required to modify the main settings.
• Can boot in normal or read-only mode - in read-only mode the file system modifications are written to RAM memory instead of to the disk.
• Installed ssh, ftp, sftp and VNC network services, possibility to use network time synchronization (ntp).
• Other network services/protocols supported by Linux can be easily added (e-mail, ppp, web server, etc.).
• Many other functionality can be added by installing Linux programs (eg. video surveillance with motion detection).
• Automatic mounting of plugged USB drives.
• Program updates and configuration changes can be done by plugging an USB drive containing the update files and a script.
• Automatic data file copy to a prepared USB drive every time it is plugged to the computer.
• Management of a two stage, software and hardware watchdog.

Accessories

• GPS antenna (without built-in fixing magnet), available cable lengths: 3 m, 5m, 6m, 10m, 35m (other lengths are also possible)
• DC power cable
• AC/DC power adapter (depends on country)
• D-SUB 9-pin terminal block adapter to make the connections into RS-485 ports and PPS output easy
• Fixing screws for VESA 100 x 100 mm mounting
• Printed manual
• USB PenDrive with manuals and programs, for recovery and data retrieval

Schema of a Magrec-4C based observatory system

Screenshots