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Here are some of the articles that have been recently posted to the PASSCAL website:

SmartSolo archives flipped polarity (IGU-16HR 3C 5Hz)

Dear EarthScope Community and EPIC PIs:

In September of 2023 we discovered that SmartSolo node (IGU-16HR 3C, 5Hz) data archived from EPIC experiments has a non-standard polarity on the Z-channel relative to the down-positive industry geophone convention. Details of this discovery and the steps that will be taken to correct this discrepancy, which will affect the existing and future archives, are outlined below.

Issue

The expected polarity for data archived from EPIC experiments are as follow:

Broadband seismometer – Up (Z-dip = -90), North and East motion produce a positive polarity. Geophone – Down (Z-dip = +90), North and East motion produce a positive polarity

Data archived, both PH5 and SEED, prior to October 05, 2023 from EPIC experiments using the SmartSolo nodes have the following polarity and metadata mismatch: 

12/04/2023
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Important Hardware/Software Notes for Researchers Using EPIC Equipment

This page includes important Hardware/Software Notes for Researchers Using EPIC Equipment. January 17, 2019: GPS Rollover

Late 2018 EPIC learned of a GPS week rollover event that can affect data logger performance and timing. EPIC has acquired a GNSS signal generator that can emulate GPS satellite signals. This satellite emulator allows us to test EPIC equipment that relies on GPS timing and to determine how equipment will handle the GPS rollover event. To date, we have determined that some models of GPS engines are affected by the rollover. How the rollover errors manifest is dependent on the data logger’s model and firmware version of the GPS engine.

01/17/2019
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Acknowledgment & Citation

Acknowledgment

In any publications or reports resulting from the use of these instruments, please include a statement in the acknowledgment section. You are also encouraged to acknowledge NSF and EPIC in any contacts with the news media or in general articles.

How to Cite EPIC support in Your Publication

Portable Program Citation

Aster, R., Beaudoin, B., Hole, J., Fouch, M., Fowler, J., and James, D., 2005, IRIS Seismology Program Marks 20 Years of Discovery, Eos Trans. AGU, 86(17), p. 171-172.

03/13/2025
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Huddle testing feedback-sensors and dataloggers

Introduction

“Huddle”-testing sensors before field deployment is a key part of any seismic experiment.  Huddle-testing involves testing almost all components of the field station, for many stations, in parallel.  The number of stations that can be tested at one time is limited only by availability of personnel and lab space.

Huddle-testing potentially reduces crew time spent in the field, cost of the experiment, and the need to revisit sites.  Huddle-testing improves crew consistency and most importantly, the likelihood of successful station deployments and survival.

02/07/2025
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Magseis Fairfield ZLand 3C Node - 3-Channel All in One, Sensor and Datalogger

The FairfieldNodal ZLand 3C is a compact all-in-one 3-channel sensor & datalogger with onboard GPS timing, and a self contained power supply. Originally designed for use in large N industry deployments, it has been adopted by the academic community as a useful sensor for both active and short-term passive deployments.

Unlike other sensors & dataloggers at EPIC, use of the ZLand 3C requires a deployment plan to be filed in advance with EPIC for handheld unit pre-programming.  Likewise, the units must be sent back to EPIC for data offload.

02/06/2025
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Smart Solo IGU-16HR 3C

The Smart Solo IGU-16HR 3C is a compact all-in-one 3-channel sensor & datalogger with onboard GPS timing, and a self-contained power supply. Similar to the FairfieldNodal ZLand 3C, it has been adopted by the academic community as a useful sensor for both active and short-term passive experiments.

The units require a pre-deployment plan to be filled out with the sample rate, gain, and minimum or linear phase specified. The units must be sent back to EPIC for data offload, unless the portable harvester system is requested for the experiment.

Specifications:

02/06/2025
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All-In-One Systems

All-In-One systems combine seismic sensors with their dataloggers in a single, easily-deployed unit. Because these units do not require numerous cables to connect a sensor to its datalogger, they avoid many serious problems associated with cables, such as incorrect connector types, broken and chewed wires, or damaged pins. They are also much easier to deploy than conventional sensor/datalogger combinations. Their use can dramatically cut down on both station installation times and the number of required personnel. Their smaller size can also be very beneficial for deployments using volume-limited transportation methods, such as sea vessels.

Because Nodes and SmartSolos both utilize lithium batteries that operate above the 100Wh threshold, shipping of more than 2 units produced by either vendor will require special handling, including: packing, marking and documentation. Special handling, if needed, will require the assistance of a certified dangerous goods shipper.

02/06/2025
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Data Archiving Information

Data Archiving Information Center All experiments

   Data Delivery Policy

01/28/2025
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General Information

Welcome to the EPIC General Information web pages. Here you will discover how to borrow EPIC equipment, learn about the equipment and services we provide, and browse past, current and future experiments scheduled to use our facility.

Borrowing Equipment Equipment Inventory Experiment+Schedules Training Shipping Information Governing Policies Meet the EPIC Standing Committee Contacts Visiting EPIC Acknowledgment,+Citation,+and+Logos Employment at EPIC
01/28/2025
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GEOICE

The Geophysical Earth Observatory for Ice-Covered Environments (GEOICE) project was a NSF collaborative Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) program that expanded the EPIC Polar group’s observational capabilities and logistical efficiencies. GEOICE developed a rapidly deployable, dense footprint seismic observatory system for operation in ice-covered areas. The GEOICE project was a collaborative effort between Central Washington University (CWU), Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (EarthScope) and the Portable Array Seismic Studies of the Continental Lithosphere (EPIC) Instrument Center at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology.

01/14/2025
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