Has Anyone Bought This Kit?

[Unregistered]

I was checking out this kit that is supposed to be a complete Magnetometer.

Here is a link: http://www.fatquarterssoftware.com/Kits/kits.htm

Has anyone bought this system? Any good/bad reviews?

Thanks Guys...

[bdoubled]

Yes, I bought the Gradiometer kit and have not yet finished it. Having only a basic understanding of electronics, it's taking me a while to make sure I assemble it correctly. Be sure you can identify the polarity of the components. Also, you'll have to buy several items not included (potentiometers, speaker, switch, battery & connector, headphone jack). The housing is PVC pipe and a Radio Shack kit box -- cost is about $10. A tricky part is sanding the PVC parts to fit together; I built a crude lathe from a piece of all-thread, a couple locknuts and plastic corks, and used a drill for the lathe motor. I'm about 14 solder connections from being finished.

[Unregistered]

Apparently, no one else has

And for good reason. It doesn't work.

[rgecy]

I purchased the kit about 2 years ago and it works perfectly. I was even given an upgraded scl007 that was more sensitive to test and had good results. The most important part is getting the sensors aligned. They are very sensitive and the slightest misalignment will cause problems.


Have you tried the EPE Magnetometer design published in the July2004 issue of EPE Magazine? I was very impressed and built this unit as well. It has data logging and GPS input and also a null feature that will balance out any local annomolies. Overall a pretty good design. I wish I knew more about programming PICs. The design lacks some features I would like to have, like the ability to mark points as you survey. As it is designed, the GPS readings are taken only at the begining and end of a run.

Robert in SC

[Unregistered]

Out of interest what features would you add?

[Unregistered]

Out of interest what features would you add?

In addition to those you listed I was thinking manual being able to set
the reading direction (up or down the field). An option allowing allow
two sets of sensors to be used to decrease the field walking by half.
(not that I've even purchased the FGM3's yet )