TrilliumCompact UserGuide 16889R10

User Guide
November 12, 2020
Strategic Intelligence Fueled by Science

© 2020 Nanometrics Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Trillium Compact User Guide. Applies to model numbers
Product Name Model Number Part Number

Trillium Compact, 120 second TC120-SV1 16838
Trillium Compact, 20 second TC20-SV1 16838-20
Trillium Compact Posthole, TC120-PH2 17327
120 second, 300 m
Trillium Compact Posthole, TC20-PH2 17327-20
20 second, 300 m
Trillium Compact Posthole, TC20-PH2-XC 17327-20XC
20 second, 300 m, Polar Environment
Trillium Compact Posthole, TC120-PH2-XC 17327-01
120 second, 300 m, Polar Environment
The information in this document has been carefully reviewed and is believed to be reliable.
Nanometrics Inc. reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice to improve the
reliability and function of the product.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any
form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the
prior written permission of Nanometrics Inc.
Nanometrics Inc.
250 Herzberg Road
Kanata, ON K2K 2A1
Canada
Toll free: +1 855-792-6776 (within North America)
Tel +1 613-592-6776
Fax +1 613-592-5929
Email [email protected]
www.nanometrics.ca
Part number: 16889R10

Release date: 2020-11-12
About This Document
Document Conventions
Essential and Supplementary Information
(WARNING) Explains a risk of irreversible damage to data, software, or equipment and

provides recommendations for preventive action.
(CAUTION) Explains a risk of damage to data, software, or equipment where recovery is

likely to be troublesome and provides recommendations for preventive action.
(NOTE) Provides additional information related to the current text.
(TIP) Explains a best practice or provides helpful information related to the current text.
Text Conventions
Identifies referenced elements in the graphical user interface (GUI)
bold text (for example, “click Cancel to discard the changes”).
Identifies variables such as parameter names and value
italic text placeholders (for example, “select Configuration > Sensor Name”).
Identifies commands that must be entered exactly as shown
courier text
(for example, “type mkdir $APOLLO_LOCATION/config”).
Revision number 16889R10 includes the following changes:
l Added content for Polar Environment product model TC20-PH2-XC. See "About the Trillium
Compact" on page 9
l Modernized instructions for "Installing a Trillium Compact Posthole Seismometer" on
page 18
l Updated available accessories listing including a new lifting cable kit and compact holelock
kits. See "Cables and Accessories" on page 12.
l General updates to specifications including additional performance specifications and
environmental specifications. See "Specifications" on page 68.
l Formatting and typographical changes
Contents
Part 1 - Installation 8
Chapter 1 - Getting Started 9
1.1 About the Trillium Compact 9
1.2 Unpacking and Handling a Trillium Compact seismometer 11
1.3 Cables and Accessories 12
1.4 Technical Support and Maintenance 16
1.4.1 Recording Your Serial Number and IP Address 17
Chapter 2 - Installing a Trillium Compact Posthole Seismometer 18
2.1 Installing a Trillium Compact Posthole 18
2.2 Selecting a Site for a Trillium Compact Posthole seismometer 18
2.3 Pre-Installation Preparation 19
2.4 Preventative Maintenance of Connectors 19
2.5 Connecting the Centaur digital recorder and the Trillium Compact 20
2.6 Verifying connection with the Centaur digital recorder 21
2.7 Installing a Trillium Compact Posthole Seismometer 21
2.7.1 Installing a Trillium Compact Posthole in an Uncased Hole (Direct Burial) 22
2.7.2 Installing a Trillium Compact Posthole in a Cased Hole 24
2.7.3 Lowering the Seismometer into a Deep Cased Hole 25
2.8 Aligning a Trillium Compact Posthole to North 27
2.8.1 Aligning the Trillium Compact Posthole using a Surface Line 27
2.8.2 Aligning the Trillium Compact Posthole using a Surface seismometer 28
2.9 Installation Checklist for the Trillium Compact Posthole seismometer 29
Chapter 3 - Installing a Trillium Compact Vault Seismometer 30
3.1 Installing a Trillium Compact surface vault seismometer 30
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3.2 Preparing for a Vault Installation 30
3.3 Selecting a Site for the Trillium Compact Vault 31
3.4 Preparing the Site for a Vault Installation 32
3.4.1 Common Types of Surface Installations 32
3.4.2 Performing a Vault Installation 34
3.4.3 Performing a temporary installation on Rock 34
3.5 Recommendations for Pier Construction 35
3.5.1 Choosing the Right Concrete 35
3.5.2 Decoupling the Pier and Vault Walls 36
3.6 Alignment, Leveling, and Placement Features 36
3.7 Aligning and Leveling a Trillium Compact in a Vault Installation 39
3.8 Theory and Practice of Insulation 40
3.9 Insulation Options 42
3.9.1 Insulating a Trillium Compact Vault with the Insulating Cover 42
3.9.2 Installing a Trillium Compact Vault in the Insulating Cover 43
3.9.3 Insulating a Trillium Compact Vault with a Rigid Foam Box 45
3.10 Connecting the Centaur digital recorder and the Trillium Compact 46
3.11 Verifying connection with the Centaur digital recorder 47
3.12 Installation Checklist for the Trillium Compact Vault seismometer 48
Chapter 4 - Post-Installation Activities 49
4.1 Troubleshooting Your Installation 49
Part 2 - Operation 52
Chapter 5 - Input & Output Signals 53
5.1 UVW and XYZ Output Signals 53
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5.2 Serial RS-232 Communications 54
5.3 Digital Control Input Signals 55
5.4 Calibration Input Signal 55
5.5 State-of-Health Output Signal 56
5.6 Power Consumption 56
Chapter 6 - Configuring Your System 58
6.1 Configuring the Centaur for the Trillium Compact 58
6.2 Seismometer System Sensitivity Guidelines 58
Chapter 7 - Configuring Serial Communications 60
7.1 About Serial Communications 60
7.2 Connecting through a Nanometrics Digitizer 60
7.3 Calculating the IP Address 61
Chapter 8 - Using the Web Interface 62
8.1 About the Web Interface 62
8.2 Accessing Trillium Compact Web pages 63
8.3 Viewing the Current State-of-Health 63
8.4 Viewing Seismometer Control 64
8.5 Control Lines 65
8.6 Upgrading the Seismometer Firmware 65
8.7 Hardware Information 66
Part 3 - Reference 67
Chapter 9 - Specifications 68
Chapter 10 - Performance 72
10.1 Frequency Response for 120 s and 20 s models 72
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10.2 Self-Noise 75
Chapter 11 - Connectors and Cables 79
11.1 Pin-out for 14-Pin Trillium Compact Connector 79
11.2 Pin-out for 16-Pin Trillium Compact Connector 80
11.3 Cable Design Guidelines 81
Chapter 12 - Features and Dimensions 82
12.1 Trillium Compact - models TC120-SV1 and TC20-SV1 82
12.2 Trillium Compact Posthole - models TC120-PH2, TC120-PH2-XC, TC20-PH2 and

TC20-PH2-XC 84
12.3 Trillium Compact Features and Dimensions - Optional 70 mm spikes 86
Appendix A - Site Record 87
Appendix B - Grounding guidelines 89
Appendix C - Carrying Case 94
C.1 Transporting a Trillium Compact in the Carrying Case 94
Appendix D - Leveling Cradle and Spike Kit 96
D.1 Using the Leveling Cradle 96
D.2 Using the Leveling Cradle and Spike Kit 97
Appendix E - Open Source Attributions 100
Glossary 101
Unit Abbreviations and Symbols 102
About Us 103
Contact Us 103
Contact Technical Support 103
16889R10 • 2020-11-12 Page 7

Part 1 - Installation
Part 1 - Installation
l Getting Started
l Installing a Trillium Compact Posthole Seismometer
l Installing a Trillium Compact Vault Seismometer
l Post-Installation Activities
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Chapter 1 - Getting Started
1.1 About the Trillium Compact

Trillium Compact is extremely simple to deploy with no mass lock and no mass centering
required. The exceptionally small size significantly reduces the time and effort required for site
preparation and installation. Continuous quality data are available within minutes of
deployment with no requirement for further intervention.
All Trillium Compact seismometers are observatory-class three-component, very broadband,

low-noise seismometers with extended low frequency range useful out to beyond 1000 s, low
noise, and a high clip level that is ideal for teleseismic, regional, and local studies.
l Low-noise broadband seismometer performance

l Broadband performance, 20 or 120 second to 100 Hz, with improved noise floor at
high frequency
l Exceptionally high clip level of 26 mm/s permits on scale recording of larger events
closer to the source
l Ultra low power consumption of just 180 mW for low operating costs and higher
station reliability
l Ease of deployment through no mass lock, no mass centering and wide tilt range
l Integrated web server for efficient instrument management
l Extended operating temperature range for Polar Environment models TC20-PH2-XC
and TC120-PH2-XC
Trillium Compact seismometers are available with 20 s or 120 s low corner period. The 20 s
variants have a wide operational tilt range of ±10° and are suitable for down-hole installations
where the seismometer cannot be leveled, or for rapid deployments where a quick settling
time is needed. The 120 s variants have lower long-period noise and a narrower tilt range of
±2.5° and are suitable for installations where the seismometer can be manually leveled or
placed on a level surface (in a vault or at the bottom of a suitably prepared borehole).
Featuring low sensitivity to both tilt and temperature, Trillium Compact seismometers do not
require mass centering under normal operation. With the wide tilt range, leveling is simple and
if additional leveling is required, the seismometer can be leveled in seconds by seating it in its
16889R10 • 2020-11-12 Page 9

optional leveling cradle, which corrects an uneven installation surface by up to ±9º. See
"Leveling Cradle and Spike Kit" on page 96 for more information.
The Trillium Compact has an integrated Web server that is accessible using a standard Web
browser and the RS-232 serial interface available on the connector. A desktop computer with a
serial port configured with serial-over-Internet-Protocol (SLIP) can be used to browse into the
Trillium Compact and configure optional features, check factory information or state-of-
health, and update firmware. Current generation Nanometrics digitizers support this interface
so users can access the Web-based features of the Trillium Compact remotely, even with the
unit in service.
The symmetric triaxial arrangement of the sensing elements ensures uniformity between
vertical and horizontal outputs. The ability to remotely select either the raw (UVW) or resulting
horizontal-vertical (XYZ) outputs allows for the calibration of each axis separately. For some
studies, it may be preferable to use UVW mode instead of XYZ mode for recording seismic
data.
Trillium Compact is available in several variants to facilitate vault, surface, or buried downhole
deployments:
Model TC120-SV1 A surface vault seismometer in an aluminum enclosure with a

l 14-pin MIL-C-26482 Series I connector
l bandwidth of -3 dB points at 120 s and 108 Hz
Model TC20-SV1 A surface vault seismometer in an aluminum enclosure with a
l 14-pin MIL-C-26482 Series I connector
l bandwidth of -3 dB points at 20 s and 108 Hz
Model TC120-PH2 A posthole seismometer in a submersible stainless steel enclosure that
l has a 16-pin marine-class connector
l is suitable to a depth of 300 m
l has a bandwidth of -3 dB points at 120 s and 108 Hz
Model TC20-PH2 A posthole seismometer in a submersible stainless steel enclosure that
16889R10 • 2020-11-12 Page 10

Model TC120-PH2-XC A posthole seismometer in a submersible stainless steel enclosure that

l is suitable for installation in Polar environments
Model TC20-PH2-XC A posthole seismometer in a submersible stainless steel enclosure that
l is suitable for installation in Polar environments
1.2 Unpacking and Handling a Trillium Compact seismometer

The shipping box and packing material for the Trillium Compact seismometers have been
designed and tested to protect the seismometers against the impact of accidental drops
during hand-carrying and from vibration and shock during shipping. To maintain warranty
protection, Trillium Compact seismometers must always be transported in packaging
approved by Nanometrics. Save the original packaging and reuse it any time you are
transporting a Trillium Compact seismometer. If custom packaging is required for a particular
application, please consult Nanometrics (see "Contact Us" on page 103).
After delivering a Trillium Compact seismometer to its installation site, you can safely remove it
from the packaging and handle it without any special precautions other than taking care not
to drop it or bang it against hard surfaces. Trillium Compact seismometers do not require any
mass lock mechanisms or mass centering. These seismometers are ready to operate right out
of the box and can withstand shocks of up to 100 g with no degradation in performance or
service life.
16889R10 • 2020-11-12 Page 11

1.3 Cables and Accessories

Nanometrics offers optional equipment, that can be purchased separately, that add
convenience to the installation and use of your Trillium Compact seismometer. This section
describes a number of these options.
Table 1-1 - List of cables and accessories

Name Part number Descriptions
Surface vault models TC120-SV1, TC20-SV1

Trillium Compact Carrying 16862 Dual-purpose enclosure that serves as both a
case/ Insulating cover carrying case when transporting the Trillium
Compact and as an insulating cover.
As a carrying case, this enclosure provides
cushioning protection during transport.
When installed as an insulating cover, this
enclosure thermally insulates the seismometer
and protects it from external air currents.
See "Carrying Case" on page 94 for information
and instructions on using this product to
transport your Trillium Compact.
See "Installing a Trillium Compact Vault
Seismometer " on page 30 for instructions on
using this product as an insulating cover in an
installation.
Foam Plug for Trillium MEC16852R1 A foam plug specially designed for the carrying
Compact Carrying case/ case. This plug prevents movement of the
Insulating cover Trillium Compact and leveling cradle when a
cable is not packed in the case.
Cable – Trillium 16777–3M Double-shielded, ultra-flexible cable with
seismometer to Trillium Compact right-angled connector on one
16777–5M
Nanometrics digitizer end and Nanometrics digitizer connector on the
16777–10M other end.
16777–15M In addition to connecting the analog inputs,
16777–25M power, and control line signals to the digitizing
and data logging features of the digitizer, this
cable also provides access to the Web interface
of the seismometer through the Web interface
of the digitizer.
Standard cable lengths are 3 m, 5 m, 10 m, 15
m, and 25 m.
Custom cable lengths are available upon
request.
16889R10 • 2020-11-12 Page 12

Table 1-1 - List of cables and accessories (Continued)

Cable – Trillium 16865–3M Double-shielded, ultra-flexible cable with
seismometer to open end Trillium Compact right-angled connector on one
16865–5M
end and open-ended at the other end for
16865–10M attaching the connector of a third-party digitizer.
16865–15M In addition to connecting the analog inputs,
16865–25M power, and control line signals to the digitizing
of the digitizer.
Standard cable lengths are 3 m, 5 m, 10 m, 15
m, and 25 m.
request.
Cable – Trillium Contact Double-shielded, ultra-flexible cable with
seismometer to third-party Nanometrics Trillium Compact right-angled connector on one
digital recorder end and a connector for a common third-party
digital recorder, such as a Q330 or REFTEK
D130, on the other end.
Contact Nanometrics (see "Contact Us" on
page 103 for a full listing of cables with
connectors to third-party digital recorders.
Cable – Serial 16978–2M A cable that provides serial communications and
communications and power power to the Trillium Compact. The cable has a
cable, molded Trillium Compact connector on one end and
splits into two 2 m lengths. One end of the cable
split has a DB-9 serial connector that connects
to the serial port of a computer, and the other
end has a two-prong banana plug for power.
Standard cable length is 2 m.
request.
Posthole models TC120-PH2, TC120-PH2-XC, TC20-PH2 and TC20-PH2-XC

Bubble Level MSC0225 For applications where precise leveling is
required, the bubble level is placed on top of the
Trillium Compact seismometer during
installation.
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Cable –Trillium Compact 17768-10M A cable with a molded neoprene connector on
Posthole to Nanometrics one end that connects to the Trillium Compact
17768-30M
Digitizer, Molded Posthole connector and a connector on the
other end for connecting to a Nanometrics
digitizer. The cable features a robust neoprene
cable jacket that is suitable for buried
deployments.
In addition to connecting the analog inputs,
power, and control line signals to the digitizing
of the digitizer.
Cable – Trillium Compact 18005-5M A cable with a molded neoprene connector on
Posthole to Open End, one end that connects to the Trillium Compact
18005-10M
Molded Posthole connector and is open-ended on the
18005-30M other end.
18005-70M In addition to connecting the analog inputs,
power, and control line signals to the digitizing
of the digitizer.
Adjustable Feet Kit 17245 A kit including three adjustable locking feet that
should be used on model numbers TC120-PH2,
TC20-PH2, TC120-PH2-XC and TC20-PH2-XC
instead of the default fixed studs in a surface
vault installation.
Lifting Cable Kit, 19251-xxM Compact/Titan Posthole and Borehole, 1/8"
Compact/Titan Posthole 316SS, Harsh Env.
where xx refers
and Borehole, 1/8" 316SS,
to the cable For use when installing the Trillium Compact
Harsh Env
length in meters. Posthole in a deep cased hole. This kit includes a
lifting cable, cable clamps, cable ties. See Table
1-2 for a detailed component list.
Compact Holelock Kit (T- 18884 To adapt the Trillium Compact Posthole for
CHL1) installation in a 107 mm to 129 mm borehole. Kit
includes holelock assembly for 107 mm to 129
mm borehole, adapter plate and mounting
screws. See instruction sheet Installing a
Nanometrics Sensor with a Cam Holelock (19026).
16889R10 • 2020-11-12 Page 14


Compact Holelock Kit (T- 18884-01 To adapt the Trillium Compact Posthole for
All models
70 mm Spike Kit 17247 Spikes that attach to the base of the
seismometer for installations in soft soil.
Leveling cradle 16863 Tripod deployment cradle for rapid leveling.
See "Leveling Cradle and Spike Kit" on page 96
for information and instructions for using this
product.
Leveling cradle spike kit 16874 Kit containing three types of spikes that attach to
the leveling cradle. Use the spikes to stabilize
the cradle in soil, gravel, or sand.
See "Leveling Cradle and Spike Kit" on page 96
for information and instructions for using this
product.
Table 1-2 - List of Contents for Lifting Cable Kit
Qty Part Number Description

1 19250-xxM Lifting cable, Compact/Titan Posthole and Borehole, 1/8"
316SS, Harsh Env
1 17938 Lifting Bail, Meridian Compact or Trillium/Titan Posthole,
13.3 cm
1 17312 Wellhead Cable Clamp, for 1/8” Stainless Steel Lifting
Cable
1 15251 Wellhead Cable Clamp for Seismometer Cable
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Table 1-2 - List of Contents for Lifting Cable Kit (Continued)
Qty Part Number Description

1 HDW1397 Shackle, Stainless Steel, 1/4" diam.
* MSC0360 Cable Tie, Harsh Env, 8”
*Quantity depends on cable length. 1 tie wrap around

seismometer cable and wire rope every 5 m.
1.4 Technical Support and Maintenance

If you need technical support, please submit your request by email. Include a full explanation
of the problem and any supporting information (such as a screen capture of the observed
problem, mass position readings, photographs of the site, operating input voltage and
current) to help us direct your request to the most knowledgeable person for reply. Before
returning a unit for repair, contact Nanometrics Technical Support to obtain an RMA (Return
Merchandise Authorization) number. Email us at [email protected] or see "Contact
Technical Support " on page 103.
The mechanical and electronic elements of the Trillium Compact seismometers have been
designed to be robust and reliable, to ensure there is no need to open units for on-site
maintenance. The internal reverse-voltage protection and over-current protection
automatically resets when the fault is removed, so there are no fuses to replace.
Contents may be under pressure, please contact Nanometrics technical support

before servicing. See "Contact Technical Support " on page 103.
When servicing the Trillium Compact, be aware that if the unit has failed in a buried or
underwater environment there is a small possibility that water may have leaked in
under pressure, compressing the air inside. If the unit has been submerged beyond its
rated depth of 10 m there is some risk of hazardous trapped pressure.
For safety, air pressure must be relieved before opening the unit. To do this, undo the
top connector jam nut and push the connector down to break the seal and relieve any
pressure trapped inside.
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1.4.1 Recording Your Serial Number and IP Address
Before installing your Trillium Compact seismometer, it is important to record both the serial
number and the IP address of the unit. Both numbers are located on the label.
Keep this information readily available. You will need to reference the serial number when
contacting Technical Support. You will need the IP address of the unit to access its Web
interface. See "Configuring Serial Communications" on page 60 for more information.
If the IP address of the unit is not recorded, it can be calculated later using the serial
number. See "Calculating the IP Address" on page 61.
16889R10 • 2020-11-12 Page 17

Chapter 2 - Installing a Trillium Compact Posthole Seismometer
Chapter 2 - Installing a Trillium Compact Posthole

Seismometer
The contents of this chapter are applicable to Trillium Compact Posthole, model
numbers TC120-PH2, TC120-PH2-XC, TC20-PH2 and TC20-PH2-XC.
2.1 Installing a Trillium Compact Posthole

1. "Selecting a Site for a Trillium Compact Posthole seismometer" below
2. "Pre-Installation Preparation" on the next page
3. "Preventative Maintenance of Connectors" on the next page
4. "Grounding guidelines " on page 89
5. "Connecting the Centaur digital recorder and the Trillium Compact" on page 20
6. "Verifying connection with the Centaur digital recorder" on page 21
7. Installing a Trillium Compact either by:
a. "Installing a Trillium Compact Posthole in an Uncased Hole (Direct Burial)" on
page 22 or by
b. "Installing a Trillium Compact Posthole in a Cased Hole" on page 24
Once you have completed the installation of your Trillium Compact Posthole, you can proceed
to configure the digital recorder. Refer to the Centaur User Guide (17935).
2.2 Selecting a Site for a Trillium Compact Posthole

seismometer
There is no substitute for a geological survey when it comes to site selection. A survey provides
knowledge of the structures over which the seismometer seismometer will be installed.
Where possible, seismometers should be installed on bedrock and as far away as possible
from sources of cultural noise such as roads, dwellings, and tall structures.
Use the worksheet "Site Record" on page 87 to record information about the structure,
cultural environs, and climatic conditions of the site; as well as information about the type and
length of the installation.
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2.3 Pre-Installation Preparation

Advanced planning and preparation for the installation of your Trillium Compact seismometer
will ensure that you have a properly prepared site and the tools and materials you need readily
available. Follow these recommendations when preparing for your installation:
l Gather your installation tools and materials. At a minimum you should have the
following on-site when installing your seismometer:
l Digging tools for direct burial installation
l Power source
l Digitizer and cable. See "Cables and Accessories" on page 12 for information on
cables and other accessories.
l Compass for alignment. See "Aligning a Trillium Compact Posthole to North" on
page 27.
l A laptop or mobile device with software and cables required to connect to and
communicate with the digitizer.
To save time during installation, the Trillium Compact and the Nanometrics digital recorder can
be pre-configured for deployment. See "Configuring Your System" on page 58.
2.4 Preventative Maintenance of Connectors
For the Trillium Compact Posthole, prior to each deployment, inspect the cable
connectors and grease them if needed. Once greased and mated the connectors will
be well protected and will not need to be serviced during the course of a field
deployment.
For the Trillium Compact Vault there are no special handling requirements.
For Trillium Compact Posthole seismometers, prior to each deployment, cable connectors
should be inspected and, if necessary, greased using the following guidelines:
l Inspect, grease and mate the connectors at a warm temperature (above -20ºC) prior to
deployment if possible. (Below -20ºC connectors become stiff and cannot be mated.
However, once mated connectors can be used to -40ºC or lower.)
l For standard temperature deployments, use Molykote 44, Molykote 111, or Dow
Corning 111 grease
16889R10 • 2020-11-12 Page 19

l For extremely low temperature deployments, (below -40ºC) use Molykote 33 or Uniflor
8911 grease
To apply the grease:
1. Apply a layer of grease to the seismometer end of the cable connector as follows:
1. If the connector is dry, apply a layer of grease approximately 2 mm thick.
2. If the connector is already wet (for example, in the field), apply a layer of grease
approximately 8 mm thick.
2. To distribute the grease into the socket holes and onto the connector prongs, push
together the two ends of the connector, then pull them apart again to verify that the
grease has been distributed sufficiently.
3. Once the grease distribution has been verified, reconnect the ends and tighten the red
locking sleeves to prevent the connectors from coming apart.
For more information, see the video, SubConn ® greasing and mating above water (dry mate),
published by MacArtneyGroup (2013). Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vp_cbGtSsXI
2.5 Connecting the Centaur digital recorder and the Trillium

Compact
Use the guidelines in this section to connect the Centaur digital recorder and the Trillium
Compact.
1. Ground the system using the guidelines in "Grounding guidelines " on page 89.
2. Power up the digital recorder. You can continue with the steps in this procedure while
the digital recorder is booting up.
3. Using the appropriate seismometer to digitizer cable, see "Cables and Accessories" on
page 12, attach the seismometer connector to the Trillium Compact making sure that
the guides on the cable connector align with the notches on the Trillium Compact.
4. Attach the other end of the cable to the digital recorder, making sure that the guides on
the cable connector align with the notches on the digital recorder
Once powered up, the digital recorder will provide pass-through power to the seismometer as
well as feedback regarding seismometer operation.
16889R10 • 2020-11-12 Page 20

2.6 Verifying connection with the Centaur digital recorder

Use the guidelines in this section to verify that the connection between the Centaur digital
recorder and the Trillium Compact was successful.
1. Once the Centaur has booted up, using a Web-enabled device such as a laptop, login to
the Centaur and Discover the seismometer as follows, see Figure 2-1:
a. Navigate to the Sensors page.
b. For each sensor, click on the Discover button.
c. Once a sensor has been discovered, a link will display above the Discover
button. You can access the sensor’s web page by clicking on the appropriate
Serial radio button, then clicking on the link.
Figure 2-1 - Centaur Web interface Sensors page
2.7 Installing a Trillium Compact Posthole Seismometer

A Trillium Compact Posthole seismometer may be installed in an uncased or cased hole, to a
maximum depth of 300 m. Units will self-level as long as the seismometer is within ±2.5° of
vertical for the 120 s model or within ±10° of vertical for the 20 s model, making site
preparation simple.
16889R10 • 2020-11-12 Page 21

Direct burial ( Uncased hole) installation method
The direct burial (also known as uncased hole) method is used for a shallow, low-cost
deployment. It is used for temporary installations or for installations in remote areas that are
inaccessible to a drill truck, or simply to save on installation costs. Saving cost on installation
allows you to install more stations within a similar budget. This is important because the size
and density of the network is just as important as the quality of each individual station. See
"Installing a Trillium Compact Posthole in an Uncased Hole (Direct Burial)" below.
Cased hole installation method
The cased hole method is used for deeper installations in bedrock. This type of installation
improves noise performance but it costs more and requires access by a drill truck. This
method of installation is applicable to permanent seismic observatory stations. See "Installing
a Trillium Compact Posthole in a Cased Hole" on page 24.
2.7.1 Installing a Trillium Compact Posthole in an Uncased Hole

(Direct Burial)
The hole should be a minimum of 1 meter deep and have a diameter large enough to
accommodate the instrument, which has a diameter of 97 mm. The minimum hole depth will
allow the instrument to be covered by of fill once the installation is complete. This backfill
creates a buffer between the installation and the surface, shielding it from temperature
change and weather. In general, greater depth produces better results with all other things
being equal.
Use the following steps to install a Trillium Compact Posthole seismometer in an uncased hole:
Ensure that the bottom of the hole is sufficiently level for your application. For best
results, the Trillium Compact Posthole seismometer should be as level as possible. For
deep holes, this may require the use of self-leveling cement or other methods.
1. Prepare the hole by tamping the bottom surface of the hole with a flat-ended pole such
as a pickaxe handle, then adding a few centimeters of sand to support the base of the
Trillium Compact.
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2. Lower the seismometer into the hole and stand it upright, not touching the sides of the
hole. The seismometer should stand approximately vertical, but it does not need to be
precisely leveled since it has an internal self-leveling mechanism. The top end of the
seismometer should be at least 90 cm (3 feet) below the ground surface so that it will
be well insulated once it is buried.
3. Rotate the seismometer to align its North line to geographic North (allowing for the
local declination with a magnetic compass). See "Aligning a Trillium Compact Posthole to
North" on page 27.
1. The recommended practices for aligning a Trillium Compact Posthole vary based on
the depth of the hole where the unit is installed.
2. For recommendations on aligning a Trillium Compact Posthole in a shallow hole of
2 m or less, see "Aligning the Trillium Compact Posthole using a Surface Line" on
page 27.
3. For recommendations on aligning a Trillium Compact Posthole in a deeper hole, see
"Aligning the Trillium Compact Posthole using a Surface seismometer" on page 28.
4. Stabilize the instrument by compacting sand or other fill material to ensure that the
instrument is solidly coupled to the surrounding substrate and will not shift or move. It
is preferable to use clean dry sand since it will tend to flow easily. Leave the top of the
seismometer uncovered for the time being for easy removal in case of any problem.
5. Verify that the installation is level by checking that the mass positions are within an
acceptable range (at or very close to zero).
6. To provide strain relief to the cables, leave a coil of cable near the top of the
seismometer.
7. Fill the hole to the surface and mound additional material on the hole so that water will
run off and not collect in the hole.
8. Optionally, cover the installation with a plastic ground sheet to maintain a more
constant moisture level in the sediment around the seismometer.
9. Pile additional soil or rocks on top of the ground sheet to secure it.
10. Close the hole using the appropriate method for the type of hole ensuring that the
cable is not under any strain.
11. Check the seismic outputs to verify that the unit is undisturbed.
12. Place the digitizer in its final location.
13. Install any remaining station equipment such as additional batteries, and solar
equipment.
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14. Proceed to configure the Centaur for use with the Trillium Compact, see "Configuring
Your System" on page 58, using the following paragraphs as a guideline:
a. Verify that the connections displayed in the Discovery panel on Centaur Web
interface match the connections on the Centaur digital recorder, see "Verifying
connection with the Centaur digital recorder" on page 21.
b. Select the sensor type from the sensor library. See " Configuring the Centaur for
the Trillium Compact" on page 58.
Make sure that the selected seismometer is compatible with the actual
seismometer. For example, if you have a 20s seismometer, select
Trillium Compact Posthole 20s - Default from the Sensor Library.
c. Configure the digitizer sensitivity, see "Seismometer System Sensitivity

Guidelines " on page 58. Typically this will be 40 V peak-to-peak.
2.7.2 Installing a Trillium Compact Posthole in a Cased Hole
Use the following steps to install a Trillium Compact Posthole in a cased hole:
For best results, make sure that the cased hole is dry and the bottom is sealed. If you
are using an existing cased hole, make sure that the hole is not flooded. Additionally,
the inner diameter of the casing should be at least 10 mm larger than the
seismometer to allow clearance for casing joints and to allow space for sand to flow all
around the seismometer when it is installed. See the Nanometrics technical note 18093
Borehole Drilling Requirements for details on preparing a cased hole.”
1. Prepare the hole for the installation.

The hole diameter must be large enough to accommodate the seismometer, which has
a diameter of 97 mm. The hole must be covered at the top to protect the seismometer
from the elements such as wind and rain. This cover must secure and stabilize the
electrical and lifting cables, allowing some slack to avoid strain on the seismometer.
2. Obtain very clean dry sand material that will flow easily and not solidify over time.
Aluminum oxide sandblasting material with a coarse grain size is recommended. A more
easily available substitute is washed play sand, however it must be dried prior to use so
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that it will flow easily and not leave any air spaces.
3. Pour 1 liter of sand down the hole to provide a base for the sensor.
4. Lower the sensor until it reaches the bottom of the hole. A winch is required for deep
holes. In very deep holes it may not be obvious when the sensor has reached the
bottom. In this case, continue to lower the cable until it goes slack at the top end. (It will
eventually go slack because the cable is too stiff to fall down a narrow borehole, it will
stand wedged between the sides of the hole and not slide down more than a small
amount.) (See "Lowering the Seismometer into a Deep Cased Hole" below.)
5. Optionally, if you have serial communications to the sensor (a Centaur digitizer or SLIP
appliance is recommended for this), access the State of Health page and verify that
the case tilt is within the leveling range of the instrument. If not, it may be possible to
correct this by pulling up on the cable to move the seismometer around, and if need be,
maintain some tension on the cable while sand is poured down to stabilize it. If
excessive tilt cannot be corrected, it is likely because the hole is non-vertical at the
bottom end.
6. Pour a measured volume of sand down the hole, sufficient to cover the sides plus
15 cm (6 inches) on top. This is enough to stabilize the sensor, while still allowing it to be
easily extracted if necessary.
7. Slacken the cable.
8. Verify that the installation is level by checking that the mass positions are within an
acceptable range (at or very close to zero).
9. Optionally, in a shallow hole (less than 10 m depth) there may be a benefit to filling the
top end of the hole (from the top of the wellhead to slightly below ground level) with
insulating material such as bags of polyester wool to mitigate the effect of temperature
changes at surface.
10. Securely clamp the cable at the top end of the hole.
11. Close and seal the wellhead to prevent any water or moist air from entering the cased
hole.
2.7.3 Lowering the Seismometer into a Deep Cased Hole
Use the instructions in this section and Lifting Cable Kit (19251) to deploy the Trillium
Compact Posthole in a deep cased hole using a tripod and winch or another similar method.
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The winch should only be operated by persons who are suitably trained to do so and
who are familiar with any local regulations for this type of a device. The stall force of
the winch must be less than the rated load of the tripod and lifting wire rope to prevent
breakage if the equipment becomes jammed or snagged during lifting. Failure to follow
safety instructions may result in severe personal injury, death or damage to property.
1. Lay out, in a straight line if possible, the sensor cable and the lifting cable (also known as
a wire rope).
2. Attach the load-bearing wire rope to the eyebolt located on the top of the Trillium
Compact Posthole seismometer.
3. Attach the magnetic cable strain relief to both the

seismometer cable and the wire rope 0.6 meter
above the top of the Trillium Compact Posthole
seismometer (see image). Ensure that you allow a
little slack in the seismometer cable when you
attach the magnetic cable strain relief so that the
weight of the seismometer is supported by the
load-bearing wire rope.
4. Insert the thicker seismometer cable into the wider
cutout in the magnetic cable lock and insert the
thinner load-bearing wire rope into the narrower
cutout. Use a screwdriver to securely tighten the
screws (1 N•m or 9 inch-pounds).
The magnetic cable strain relief is used to prevent any vibrations that travel down the
wire rope and the seismometer cable from being transferred to the seismometer.
When the tension is removed from the wire rope and seismometer cable, the magnetic
cable strain relief uses magnetic force to attach itself to the side of the cased hole. This
ensures that the 0.6 m of seismometer cable and wire rope between it and the top of
the seismometer are not under any strain and are isolated from vibration or motion of
the cable and wire rope that occurs above the magnetic cable strain relief.
5. Use the tripod and winch to lift the seismometer off of the ground and position it over
the hole.
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6. Lower the seismometer into the hole to the targeted depth ensuring that cable tie
wraps are tied around both the seismometer cable and the wire rope approximately
every 5 meters to keep them together and ensure that the load is placed on the load-
bearing wire rope and not on the seismometer cable.
7. Return to "Installing a Trillium Compact Posthole in a Cased Hole" on page 24 to
complete the installation.
2.8 Aligning a Trillium Compact Posthole to North

There are two typical methods for aligning a Trillium Compact Posthole to north. The method
used is usually determined by the depth of the hole where the unit is installed.
For shallow holes,
l Align the north-south guide on the top of the pressure vessel to a surface line. See
"Aligning the Trillium Compact Posthole using a Surface Line" below for details.
For deeper holes,
l Correlate the output of the seismometer with that of a temporarily installed

surface-based seismometer that is aligned to true north to calculate their relative
orientation. See "Aligning the Trillium Compact Posthole using a Surface seismometer"
on the next page.
2.8.1 Aligning the Trillium Compact Posthole using a Surface Line
If you are installing the Trillium Compact Posthole in a shallow hole (usually 2 m or less) where
the top of the seismometer pressure vessel is visible and the unit can be turned by hand after
being lowered into the hole, you can use the surface line method to align the instrument.
To align a Trillium Compact Posthole to north with a surface line:
1. Place a ruler, or stake a line, aligned to true north across the hole.
If you are using a magnetic compass, account for the local magnetic declination when
making the line across the hole.
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2. Turn the seismometer until the north-south guide on the top of the pressure vessel is
parallel to the line at the top of the hole.
2.8.2 Aligning the Trillium Compact Posthole using a Surface

seismometer
You can use a seismometer installed at the surface to determine the orientation of the
horizontal (X and Y) components of the Trillium Compact Posthole once installed in the hole.
This method involves comparing the recorded output of both seismometers and computing
the relative direction of seismic wave motion to determine the relative azimuth of the down-
hole Trillium Compact Posthole compared to the surface seismometer.
When you install the reference seismometer on the surface, ensure that you align it carefully in
a known orientation. After both seismometers/instruments have been installed, leave the
installations undisturbed for at least one hour while collecting data from both. When you are
ready to perform your data analysis, ensure that your post-processing software is equipped to
apply a rotation transformation, allowing it to measure and correct the relative azimuth. Take
note of the values and enter them on the Centaur in the Digitizer Orientation Correction
configuration feature. See the Centaur user guide (17935) for instructions.
Orientation correction.You should record the actual azimuth. This value can be used
to perform field data rotation to correct the sensor orientation for instances where the
physical orientation of a deployed three-component geophysical sensor is different
than what is desired, resulting in output X, Y and Z signals that do not represent the
desired directions of sensitivity (typically East, North and Vertical). See the Orientation
correction sections in the Centaur User Guide (17935) for more detail.
One advantage of this method of alignment is that it allows you to verify the performance of
the down-hole instrument: it should be quieter than the surface instrument.
Contact Nanometrics (see "Contact Technical Support " on page 103) for more information on
using this method of alignment.
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2.9 Installation Checklist for the Trillium Compact Posthole

seismometer
Use the following checklist to help you verify that you have completed all of the necessary
steps in the installation of your Trillium Compact Posthole.
Check that the cable connector has sufficient grease.
Installation hole is prepared according to best practices.
Trillium Compact Posthole is mass centered.
Trillium Compact Posthole is aligned to east-west or north-south.
Trillium Compact Posthole serial number and IP address is noted.
If alignment was accomplished using the surface seismometer method, ensure that
Orientation Correction values have been entered on the Centaur.
Cable is connected to the Trillium Compact Posthole and the digitizer.
Cable is clamped at the wellhead.
System is correctly grounded according to guidelines in grounding section.
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Chapter 3 - Installing a Trillium Compact Vault Seismometer
Chapter 3 - Installing a Trillium Compact Vault

Seismometer
The contents of this chapter are applicable to Trillium Compact, model numbers
TC120-SV1, TC20-SV1, TC120-PH2, TC120-PH2-XC, TC20-PH2 and TC20-PH2-XC.
For model numbers TC120-PH2, TC120-PH2-XC, TC20-PH2 and TC20-PH2-XC, the
optional bubble level will be required and the optional adjustable locking feet kit may
be required when performing a surface vault installation. See "Cables and
Accessories" on page 12.
3.1 Installing a Trillium Compact surface vault seismometer

The following steps for installing a Trillium Compact in a vault are described throughout this
guide:
1. "Preparing for a Vault Installation" below

2. "Selecting a Site for the Trillium Compact Vault " on the next page
3. "Preparing the Site for a Vault Installation" on page 32
4. "Grounding guidelines " on page 89
5. "Alignment, Leveling, and Placement Features" on page 36
6. "Aligning and Leveling a Trillium Compact in a Vault Installation" on page 39
7. "Insulation Options" on page 42
8. "Connecting the Centaur digital recorder and the Trillium Compact" on page 46
9. "Verifying connection with the Centaur digital recorder" on page 47
10. Configuring the Centaur for use with the Trillium Compact, see "Configuring Your
System" on page 58
3.2 Preparing for a Vault Installation

Advanced planning and preparation for the installation of your Trillium Compact Vault
seismometer will ensure that you have a properly prepared site and the tools and materials
you need readily available. Follow these recommendations when preparing for your
installation:
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l Select and prepare your site. If the site requires the construction of a pier or other
time-consuming labour, factor this time into your installation schedule. See "Preparing
the Site for a Vault Installation" on the next page.
l Select your insulation method. You can thermally insulate your Trillium Compact
Vault seismometer with the insulating cover (recommended) or make a free-standing
cover out of rigid plastic foam. Determine which method you will use before your
installation so that you have the necessary materials on-site. For more information on
insulating your seismometer, see "Theory and Practice of Insulation" on page 40 and
"Insulation Options" on page 42.
l Gather your installation tools and materials. At a minimum you should have the
following on-site when installing your seismometer:
l Thermal insulation
l Power source
l Digitizer and cable. See "Cables and Accessories" on page 12 for information on
cables and other accessories.
l Compass for alignment. See "Aligning and Leveling a Trillium Compact in a Vault
Installation" on page 39.
l Gather any optional tools and materials you may need. Your installation may
also require:
l A laptop or mobile device with software and cables required to connect to and
communicate with the digitizer if using one without a display screen.
l Ground the system using the guidelines in "Grounding guidelines " on page 89.
l Note that there are no special handing requirements for connectors for the Trillium
Compact Vault.
3.3 Selecting a Site for the Trillium Compact Vault

There is no substitute for a geological survey when it comes to site selection. A survey provides
knowledge of the structures over which the seismometer will be installed.
Where possible, seismometers should be installed on bedrock and as far away as possible
from sources of cultural noise such as roads, dwellings, and tall structures. Low porosity is
important as water seepage through the rock can cause tilts which overwhelm the seismic
signal at long periods. Clay soils and, to a lesser extent, sand are especially bad in this sense.
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Use the worksheet "Site Record" on page 87 to record information about the structure,
cultural environs, and climatic conditions of the site; as well as information about the type and
length of the installation. "Common Types of Surface Installations" below provides
recommendations for some common installation types.
3.4 Preparing the Site for a Vault Installation

Before deploying your seismometer, you should have an understanding of the type of
installation you will use and how you will insulate your seismometer. Your installation must be
designed to provide a stable base for the seismometer without any forces or disturbances
acting on it.
The installation methods described in this section incorporate installation design guidelines
that aim to reduce the possibility of installation-related noise. Horizontal spikes in the signal
are indicative of installation-related issues, and it is normal to see horizontal spikes following
installation. However, if the spikes do not diminish after a few days, there may be a problem
with the installation. See "Troubleshooting Your Installation" on page 49 for more
information.
3.4.1 Common Types of Surface Installations
Following are two common methods for installing and insulating a seismometer (see "Theory
and Practice of Insulation" on page 40 and "Insulation Options" on page 42 for more
information):
Vault installation
Vault installations can be at or below the surface and usually include a pier that provides a
level platform for the seismometer to sit on and good coupling to the ground. Insulation of
the pier, vault roof, and most importantly the seismometer, is required.
The pier must be insulated from air currents to prevent tilt noise caused by the thermal
expansion or contraction of its surface. For a pier solidly connected to the ground (such as a
poured cement pad on top of bedrock), a useful technique is to place a thick quilt over the
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surface of the pier. Cutting a hole out of the quilt allows it to drop over the insulating cover of
the seismometer and cover the pier.
Thoroughly insulate the roof of the vault and any exposed sides. Seal the door and any other
openings. Do not use a thermostat-controlled heating or cooling system in the vault because
the temperature cycling will show up as periodic noise in the seismic signal. See
"Recommendations for Pier Construction" on page 35.
Insulate the seismometer to protect it from drafts and temperature change. To achieve
optimal levelness and insulation of the seismometer, the following optional equipment is
recommended:
l a Carrying Case / Insulating Cover (See "Cables and Accessories" on page 12)

l In addition, if you are installing model number TC120-PH2, TC120-PH2-XC, TC20-PH2
or TC20-PH2-XC as a surface vault seismometer, you will also need the optional leveling
bubble (Nanometrics part number MSC0225) and the adjustable leveling feet kit
(Nanometrics part number 17245). See "Cables and Accessories" on page 12 for a
description of these items.
l See also "Insulating a Trillium Compact Vault with a Rigid Foam Box" on page 45 for
another method of insulating the seismometer.
See "Performing a Vault Installation" on the next page.
Temporary deployment on rock
Installations on rock are at the surface level and the seismometer must be in a sealed,
insulated enclosure to protect it from the elements or other environmental disturbances. To
achieve optimal levelness and insulation, the following optional equipment is recommended:
l a leveling cradle and a Carrying Case / Insulating Cover (See "Cables and Accessories" on
page 12)
l if you are installing model number TC120-PH2, TC120-PH2-XC, TC20-PH2 or TC20-PH2-
XC as a surface vault seismometer, you will also need the optional leveling bubble
(Nanometrics part number MSC0225). See 1.3 "Cables and Accessories" on page 12 for
descriptions of these items.
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l See also "Aligning and Leveling a Trillium Compact in a Vault Installation" on page 39
and "Insulating a Trillium Compact Vault with a Rigid Foam Box" on page 45 for other
methods of leveling and insulating the seismometer.
See "Performing a temporary installation on Rock" below.
3.4.2 Performing a Vault Installation
To perform this type of deployment,
1. Connect the cable to the seismometer.

2. Follow "Aligning and Leveling a Trillium Compact in a Vault Installation" on page 39 to
properly align and level the seismometer.
3. Place the insulating cover over the seismometer, fitting the cable exit slot over the
cable. For more detailed instructions, see "Insulating a Trillium Compact Vault with the
Insulating Cover" on page 42.
4. Power the seismometer, and using a digitizer (see "Configuring Your System" on
page 58) or the Trillium Compact Web interface (see "Configuring Serial
Communications" on page 60 and "Using the Web Interface" on page 62 verify a level
installation by checking that the mass positions are within an acceptable range (at or
very close to zero).
3.4.3 Performing a temporary installation on Rock
To perform this type of deployment,
1. Locate the flattest available surface for your installation.

2. Connect the cable to the seismometer and secure it to the side of the unit using a tie
wrap.
3. Remove the feet from the seismometer and retain for future deployments.
4. Follow "Aligning and Leveling a Trillium Compact in a Vault Installation" on page 39 and
"Using the Leveling Cradle" on page 96 to properly align and level the seismometer in
the leveling cradle.
5. Lay sand in a ring around the leveling cradle to create a flat and level sealing surface for
the insulating cover.
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6. Place the insulating cover over the seismometer, fitting the cable exit slot over the
cable. See "Installing a Trillium Compact Vault in the Insulating Cover" on page 43.
If the fit around the seismometer is too tight, remove the inner layer of foam from the
insulating cover. Retain the pieces of foam for future deployments and transport.
It may be necessary to place a weight on the insulating cover or to bury it to protect it
from weather or other disturbances.
7. Power the seismometer, and using a digitizer (see "Configuring Your System" on
page 58) or the Trillium Compact Web interface (see "Configuring Serial
Communications" on page 60 and "Using the Web Interface" on page 62 verify a level
installation by checking that the mass positions are within an acceptable range (at or
very close to zero).
3.5 Recommendations for Pier Construction

If your installation involves the construction of a pier, use Table 3-1 as a guide to constructing
your pier:
Table 3-1 - Recommended pier design specifications

Material Concrete. Homogeneous, 50% Portland cement and 50% sieved sand (see
"Choosing the Right Concrete" below).
Size Large enough to fit all required seismometers, cables, and insulation.
Thickness Within the range of 2 in. to 4 in. on top of bedrock.
Surface Smooth, level, and clear of debris.
Decoupling Decouple the pier from the vault walls (see "Decoupling the Pier and Vault
Walls" on the next page).
3.5.1 Choosing the Right Concrete
The concrete used in a seismic pier should be as homogeneous as possible to avoid inducing
tilts from differing thermal coefficients of expansion. To create a homogeneous concrete
mixture do not use any aggregates and ensure the concrete is free of air bubbles. Steel
reinforcement is not necessary as strength is not a concern in seismic piers.
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The recommended concrete mixture is 50 percent Portland cement and 50 percent sieved
sand. 1 After pouring the concrete, shake it to allow trapped bubbles to escape. Allow 24 hours
for the concrete to harden before positioning the seismometer on the pier.
The pier may generate spurious signals as the concrete cures, which can take two to
four weeks.
3.5.2 Decoupling the Pier and Vault Walls
When setting up the concrete forms for the pier, include a gap between the edge of the
concrete and the walls of the vault. Decoupling the pier and the vault walls prevents the
transfer of non-seismic forces, such as those generated by surface winds, from the vault walls
to the pier. Such forces can cause the pier to tilt or twist and obscure the desired seismic
signal. These signals are mostly long period, so vault wall decoupling is critical for quiet site
long period studies.
3.6 Alignment, Leveling, and Placement Features

To aid in the proper alignment of your seismometer, each Trillium Compact Vault has:
l Vertically-scribed marks on the north-south axis.

l A north-south guide on the top of the case.
"Features and Dimensions" on page 82 provides illustrations that show the relative
orientation of the east-west and north-south alignment features in top, bottom and side
views.
For leveling purposes, each Trillium Compact Vault seismometer is equipped with:
l Three adjustable-height feet with lock nuts. A 2.5 mm hex screwdriver works well to
tighten the lock nuts in place.
1Bob Uhrhammer and Bill Karavas, Guidelines for Installing Broadband Seismic Instrumentation
(Berkeley: The Regents of the University of California, 1997),
http://seismo.berkeley.edu/bdsn/instrumentation/guidelines.html.
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For models TC120-PH2, TC120-PH2-XC, TC20-PH2 and TC20-PH2-XC, the adjustable

locking feet kit (Nanometrics part number 17245) is optional.
If a sufficiently flat and level installation surface is available, the feet can be removed
and the seismometer will rest on three raised bosses that are located on the bottom of
the seismometer base.
l A leveling bubble on the cover.
For models TC120-PH2, TC120-PH2-XC, TC20-PH2 and TC20-PH2-XC, the bubble level
(Nanometrics part number MSC0225) is optional.
Optional leveling tools for a Trillium Compact are:
l A leveling cradle for rapid leveling on prepared piers or for installation on hard uneven
or unlevel surfaces. (See "Leveling Cradle and Spike Kit" on page 96.)
l A spike kit for the leveling cradle that facilitates installations in sediment, soil, gravel, or
sand. (See "Leveling Cradle and Spike Kit" on page 96.)
Figure 3-1 shows the north scribe line on a Trillium Compact aligned with a line drawn on the
installation surface that is parallel to north-south.
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Figure 3-1 - Example of seismometer alignment using vertically scribed marks
Figure 3-2 shows the case-top north-south guide with a dashed line indicating where a
straight-edge, staked line, or laser level line would fall.
Figure 3-2 - Example of seismometer alignment using the case-top guide
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3.7 Aligning and Leveling a Trillium Compact in a Vault

Installation
Following are best practices for aligning and leveling a Trillium Compact Vault using the
vertically scribed markson the north-south axis or the north-south guide on the top of the
case:
1. Prepare the north-south guideline using one of the following methods. The north-south
line must be aligned to true north. If you are using a magnetic compass, account for the
local magnetic declination when drawing the line. For underground installations, you
can transfer north measured at the surface to below ground by traversing with survey
equipment.
l Using the north-south vertically scribed marks. Draw a line on the
installation surface parallel to north-south.
l Using the case-top north-south guide. Stake a line (for example, using
fishing line) parallel to north-south, directly over the location where you want to
install the Trillium Compact.
2. When you are ready to remove the Trillium Compact Vault from the box, gently place it
on the installation surface in an approximate north-south alignment.
If you are using the optional leveling cradle, you will not be leveling the seismometer
using the leveling feet as described in the next step. Instead, see "Using the Leveling
Cradle" on page 96, or if you are using the leveling cradle with its optional spike kit, see
"Using the Leveling Cradle and Spike Kit" on page 97.
3. Use the adjustable feet, as required, and the leveling bubble placed on the cover to level
the seismometer. Center the bubble as precisely as possible inside the black ring to
ensure that the Z output is measuring true vertical motion:
a. Extend the leveling feet as little as possible to achieve a level seismometer. Try to
keep one of the feet fully retracted into the seismometer base for greatest
stability.
b. When the Trillium Compact Vault is level, lock each foot using a 2.5 mm Allen key,
by inserting Allen key into one of the lock nut holes and turning the lock nut until
it engages firmly with the base of the seismometer. A foot that is properly locked
will not turn easily when touched.
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4. Precisely align the Trillium Compact to north-south by:

l Using the north-south vertically scribed marks. Align the vertical north-
south scribe lines on the base of the seismometer with the line drawn on the
installation surface. See Figure 3-1.
l Using the north-south guide. Align the case-top north-south guide to the
staked line, laser level line, or straight edge. See Figure 3-2.
Some care is required when aligning the seismometer to avoid sighting at an angle
and introducing a parallax error.
5. After aligning the seismometer, verify that it is still level. It may need to be adjusted due
to unevenness of the installation surface.
6. If you re-leveled the Trillium Compact Vault and you are leveling it with the adjustable
feet, ensure the feet are locked when finished.
3.8 Theory and Practice of Insulation

Seismometer installations must be thermally insulated to achieve optimal performance,
particularly at long periods. There are two broad categories of thermal effects that can cause
unwanted noise:
l Direct thermal sensitivity. The Trillium Compact Vault is designed to minimize

temperature sensitivity; however, like all seismometers, it has some residual thermal
response. There are several components in a seismometer that are temperature
sensitive, such as the springs that suspend the inertial masses. The effect of direct
thermal sensitivity typically shows up as very long period noise on the vertical channel,
in particular, a periodic diurnal variation in response to the day-to-night temperature
cycle.
l Thermally induced tilt. All seismometers are susceptible to thermally induced tilt. Tilt
converts the strong vertical acceleration of gravity into an apparent horizontal
acceleration. There are many mechanisms for the conversion of temperature into tilt.
For example:
l Movement of air surrounding the seismometer can cause non-uniform thermal
expansion or contraction of the pier and the seismometer. Such effects typically
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have an apparent ground-motion spectrum that is peaked at long periods.

l Movement of anything touching the seismometer, including the digitizer cable
and insulation materials, can cause forces to develop that change with
temperature. Stick-slip effects typically transform these forces into sudden step
changes in tilt. The apparent ground-motion power spectral density is, therefore,
inversely proportional to the square of frequency.
For seismometers that are well temperature-compensated, such as the Trillium Compact Vault,
but are improperly installed, thermally induced tilt on the horizontal channels will be more
significant than direct thermal sensitivity on the vertical channel. Furthermore, due to the
natural convection of air, thermally induced tilt is even observable in sealed underground
vaults where the temperature is very stable.
Therefore, the objectives of a good installation are to:
l Insulate the seismometer from temperature changes.

l Prevent the movement of air on the surface of the seismometer.
l Insulate the installation pier from temperature changes.
l Prevent the movement of air on the surface of the pier, including the sides and
underside of piers that consist of a slab raised above the vault floor.
l Prevent anything from touching and thereby applying a mechanical force to the
seismometer.
To meet these objectives and achieve the best possible performance, observe the following
practices:
l The vault (the space or room where the seismometer is installed) must provide a stable
thermal environment. This environment is typically achieved through careful site
selection and by installing the seismometer below ground.
The site must have good drainage to prevent flooding of an underground vault. Passive
drainage is better than pumps which cause vibration. Roof and wall surfaces that are
directly exposed to the sun and wind may require up to 30 cm (1 foot) of insulation to
completely stabilize the inside temperature. The door and any other openings must be
fully sealed to prevent air drafts.
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l The digitizer cable must be flexible enough to bend without applying significant forces
to the seismometer. Nanometrics provides ultra-flexible cables designed for this
purpose. See "Cables and Accessories" on page 12.
l The insulation surrounding the seismometer must:
l Have low thermal conductivity to insulate the seismometer from temperature
changes.
l Form a nearly airtight seal against the pier to block drafts.
l Fit closely around the seismometer, eliminating space that may cause convection
inside the cover.
l Not touch the seismometer or the cable. The insulation is subject to temperature
expansion and can exert measurable forces on the seismometer.
3.9 Insulation Options

There are two options for insulating a Trillium Compact Vault:
l Recommended method. Use the Nanometrics Trillium Compact Carrying Case/

(Nanometrics part number 16862). See also "Insulating a Trillium Compact Vault with
the Insulating Cover" below.
l Make a freestanding cover using rigid foam insulation that is sealed against air drafts,
does not touch the seismometer, and minimizes the volume of air trapped between the
insulating box and the seismometer. See also "Insulating a Trillium Compact Vault with a
Rigid Foam Box" on page 45.
Before proceeding with the implementation of thermal insulation, there are many aspects you
must consider in the context of the particular site and type of installation. See "Preparing the
Site for a Vault Installation" on page 32.
3.9.1 Insulating a Trillium Compact Vault with the Insulating Cover
Nanometrics recommends insulating your Trillium Compact seismometer with its specially
designed Carrying Case / Insulating Cover, which, when properly installed, will attenuate
temperature-induced long-period noise.
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Made of rigid plastic and lined with insulating foam, the insulating cover is a rugged, form-
fitting cover that creates a close fit around a Trillium Compact without touching any part of
the seismometer or the cable. When fitted over a Trillium Compact, the cover creates a small
air gap between itself and the seismometer. This gap reduces the potential for noise by
preventing the cover or other objects from exerting force on the seismometer; by minimizing
the amount of air trapped under the cover, thereby eliminating convection; and by providing a
cable channel that reduces heat conduction through the cable.
Figure 3-3 - Trillium Compact insulating cover features and dimensions
3.9.2 Installing a Trillium Compact Vault in the Insulating Cover
The contents of this section are applicable to Trillium Compact, model numbers TC120-
SV1, TC20-SV1.
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Use the following steps to install a Trillium Compact in the Carrying Case / Insulating Cover for
insulating purposes at the installation site:
1. Prepare a flat installation surface.

2. Secure the cable to the side of the seismometer with a tie wrap (see Figure 3-4 below).
3. Use tape or a heavy object to strain relieve the cable on the installation surface.
4. Use your preferred method of aligning and leveling the seismometer (see "Aligning and
Leveling a Trillium Compact in a Vault Installation" on page 39).
If you are burying the Trillium Compact and its insulating cover, pull all of the foam out
of the cover. Retain these pieces of foam for future installations and transport. See
"Alignment, Leveling, and Placement Features" on page 36 for more information on
buried installations.
Figure 3-4 - Cut-away illustration of a Trillium Compact in the insulating cover
The seismometer in Figure 3-4 illustrates model numbers TC120-SV1 and TC20-SV1.
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5. Optionally, place the lid on top of the insulating cover and secure it with the latches (see
Figure 3-4 on the previous page). If you choose not to attach the lid to the top of the
cover, retain the lid for future deployments and transport.
6. Hold the insulating cover above the sensor, aligning the cable slot with the cable (see
Figure 3-4 on the previous page). Ensure that the insulating cover is centered on the
centerline of the Trillium Compact.
7. Gradually lower the insulating cover over the Trillium Compact, ensuring that the
insulating cover does not touch the seismometer.
Ensuring the cover does not touch the seismometer is important for keeping the
seismometer level and aligned.
If you are using the optional leveling cradle, the inside of the foam will fit snugly with
the legs of the leveling cradle (see "Using the Leveling Cradle" on page 96).
8. Place a brick or other heavy object on top of the insulating cover to compress the foam
gasket on the bottom of the insulating cover.
3.9.3 Insulating a Trillium Compact Vault with a Rigid Foam Box
If you are not using the recommended Trillium Compact Vault insulating cover, insulate the
seismometer with a rigid foam box. Use the following recommendations as a guide when
constructing the box:
When installing a Trillium Compact Vault in a rigid foam insulating box, follow the best
practices for aligning and leveling the seismometer that are outlined in "Aligning and
Leveling a Trillium Compact in a Vault Installation" on page 39.
l Construct a five-sided box that is large enough to house the seismometer without
touching the sides of the seismometer or the cable.
Preferably, use rigid foam insulation with foil on one or both sides. There are two
advantages to the foil-coated foam:
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l it has a higher insulation resistance and

l you can make the joints with aluminum tape, which is quicker and cleaner than
glue.
l Use insulation that is at least 5 cm (2.0 in.) thick. Depending on the temperature
stability of the site, additional or thicker boxes can be used.
l Cut a groove at the appropriate point in the bottom of the box to allow the
seismometer cable to exit.
l Seal the box joints properly:
l For rigid foam without a foil coating, glue the joints using polystyrene adhesive
or polyurethane resin, taking care not to leave any gaps.
l For rigid foam with a foil coating, tape the joints with aluminium tape, taking care
not to leave any gaps.
l Ensure there is a good seal between the bottom edge of the box and the pier. Adhesive
weather-stripping that is 1.25 cm (0.5 in.) thick creates a good seal.
l Ensure the thermal insulation box is held firmly in place by setting a weight on top of it.
A brick works well for this purpose.
l Strain relieve the cable to the pier, close to the seismometer. Tie-wraps with tie-wrap
anchors or a heavy object are effective tools for achieving strain relief.
3.10 Connecting the Centaur digital recorder and the Trillium

Compact
Use the guidelines in this section to connect the Centaur digital recorder and the Trillium
Compact.
1. Ground the system using the guidelines in "Grounding guidelines " on page 89.
2. Power up the digital recorder. You can continue with the steps in this procedure while
the digital recorder is booting up.
3. Using the appropriate seismometer to digitizer cable, see "Cables and Accessories" on
page 12, attach the seismometer connector to the Trillium Compact making sure that
the guides on the cable connector align with the notches on the Trillium Compact.
4. Attach the other end of the cable to the digital recorder, making sure that the guides on
the cable connector align with the notches on the digital recorder
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Once powered up, the digital recorder will provide pass-through power to the seismometer as
well as feedback regarding seismometer operation.
3.11 Verifying connection with the Centaur digital recorder

Use the guidelines in this section to verify that the connection between the Centaur digital
recorder and the Trillium Compact was successful.
1. Once the Centaur has booted up, using a Web-enabled device such as a laptop, login to
the Centaur and Discover the seismometer as follows, see Figure 3-5:
a. Navigate to the Sensors page.
b. For each sensor, click on the Discover button.
c. Once a sensor has been discovered, a link will display above the Discover
button. You can access the sensor’s web page by clicking on the appropriate
Serial radio button, then clicking on the link.
Figure 3-5 - Centaur Web interface Sensors page
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3.12 Installation Checklist for the Trillium Compact Vault

seismometer
Use the following checklist to help you verify that you have completed all of the necessary
steps in the installation of your Trillium Compact Vault in a vault.
Installation surface is clear of debris.
Trillium Compact Vault is level.
Trillium Compact Vault is aligned to east-west or north-south.
The feet of the Trillium Compact Vault are locked.
Trillium Compact Vault serial number is noted.
Cable is connected to the Trillium Compact Vault and the digitizer.
Cable is strain-relieved to the installation surface.
Cable is not touching theTrillium Compact Vault case.
Thermal insulation is in place.
Thermal insulation is not touching the Trillium Compact Vault or cables.
If using a rigid-foam insulating box, it is weighted down.
Masses are centered.
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Chapter 4 - Post-Installation Activities
4.1 Troubleshooting Your Installation

It is normal to see noise spikes in the horizontal channels of a Trillium Compact seismometer
as the instrument settles after installation. However, if these spikes do not diminish after a
few days, there may be a problem with the installation and the site should be visited to
determine the cause of the spikes.
The following tables list common types of noise that may occur and the reasons why the noise
may be present.
Table 4-1 - Types of noise and possible causes for posthole deployments
Noise Type Possible Cause
Spikes on horizontal channels l There is a force pulling on the cable.
l There is unstable soil around the seismometer. Note that
deploying in unstable soil may be a deliberate choice for a
posthole installation if that is the only way to place a
seismometer at that location, for example a marsh or flood
plain.
Continuous low frequency l The hole is not sealed and air drafts are causing
wander (random noise, larger on temperature fluctuations.
horizontal channels)
Spikes on the vertical channel l Usually due to electrical system noise. For example, power
supply noise from a battery charging circuit, or interference
from a strong magnetic or radio source that is nearby.
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Table 4-1 - Types of noise and possible causes for posthole deployments (Continued)
The mass positions are large, The Trillium Compact is powered and not level or was powered
but slowly trending towards zero, during leveling.
and one or more of the main
When a Trillium Compact is left powered while not level, it can
velocity outputs has an offset on
take as long as a few hours for the unit to recover after leveling.
the order of several volts.
More importantly, when in this state, the unit is unresponsive to
ground motion. For short-term deployments or when
immediate confirmation that the sensor is working properly is
required, briefly setting the seismometer in short-period mode
allows the unit to recover immediately and produce ground-
motion recordings.
For fast recovery after leveling do one of the following
l Leave the sensor unpowered until after it is level
l Power cycle the unit, which momentarily puts the unit in
short-period mode during start up
l Access the user interface, put the unit into short-period
mode, and then immediately return it to long-period mode
(see "Control Lines" on page 65)
l Use the control lines on the digitizer to briefly put the unit
into short-period mode, and then return it to long-period
mode
Table 4-2 - Types of noise and possible causes for vault deployments

Spikes on horizontal channels l The feet of the seismometer are not locked.
l There is a force pulling on the cable.
l There is something touching the sides of the seismometer.
Continuous low frequency l Insulation is missing or not well sealed, allowing drafts to
wander (random noise, larger on blow over the seismometer.
horizontal channels)
l There are forces, such as wind, acting on the installation.
Spikes on the vertical channel l Usually due to electrical system noise. For example, power
supply noise from a battery charging circuit, or interference
from a strong magnetic or radio source that is nearby.
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Table 4-2 - Types of noise and possible causes for vault deployments (Continued)

The mass positions are large, The Trillium Compact is powered and not level.
but slowly trending towards zero,
When a Trillium Compact is left powered while not level, it can
and one or more of the main
take as long as a few hours for the unit to recover after leveling.
velocity outputs has an offset on
More importantly, when in this state, the unit is unresponsive to
the order of several volts.
ground motion. For short-term deployments or when
immediate confirmation that the sensor is working properly is
required, briefly setting the seismometer in shortperiod mode
allows the unit to recover immediately and produce ground-
motion recordings.
For fast recovery after leveling do one of the following
l Leave the sensor un-powered until after it is level
l Power cycle the unit, which momentarily puts the unit in
short-period mode during start up
l Access the user interface, put the unit into short-period
mode, and then immediately return it to long-period mode
(see "Control Lines" on page 65)
l Use the control lines on the digitizer to briefly put the unit
into short-period mode, and then return it to long-period
mode
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Part 2 - Operation
Part 2 - Operation
l Input & Output Signals
l Configuring Your System
l Configuring Serial Communications
l Using the Web Interface
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Chapter 5 - Input & Output Signals
5.1 UVW and XYZ Output Signals

The Trillium Compact can be configured to output either XYZ or UVW signals. The “natural”
output is UVW where the outputs represent the motions in the direction of sensitivity of the
three sensor components. The “conventional” seismometer output is XYZ where the outputs
represent horizontal and vertical motion of the seismometer. When you change the output
mode, the seismometer will respond within 4 s.
To understand the difference between the UVW and XYZ outputs, see Figure 5-1. By design,
the Trillium Compact axes are identical and sense motion in orthogonal directions. The U axis
is aligned with the X axis when projected into the horizontal plane.
Figure 5-1 - Trillium Compact axis orientation
This arrangement results in the following transformation equations:
(EQ1)
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(EQ2)
The first equation (EQ1) is implemented mechanically in the Trillium Compact through the
orientation of the individual axes. The second equation (EQ2) is implemented electronically
when the Trillium Compact is in XYZ mode.
Alternatively, seismic data can be digitized with the Trillium Compact seismometer in UVW
mode and the transformation to horizontal and vertical signals being implemented when the
data are processed. For example, UVW mode is particularly useful for the calibration of the
transfer function of individual axes.
To account for the source impedance, see Table 10-1 "Ground motion response nominal
parameters for 120 s and 20 s models" on page 74.
5.2 Serial RS-232 Communications

The 9600 baud serial communications interface is provided on the Rx and Tx signals of the
serial connector or the main connector, where DGND serves as the ground reference for the
serial link.
The Trillium Compact automatically senses when valid serial communication on the Rx line is
being received, and turns on the Tx line to transmit. The Rx and Tx signals share pins with the
CTRL and UVW control inputs. Care must be taken to ensure that the UVW/TX line is not being
simultaneously driven by the digitizer/data logger. When serial communications are occurring
on the Rx and Tx lines, the control line signals CTRL (or SP/LP) and UVW that share these pins
are not effective. For more details, see "Digital Control Input Signals" on the next page and
"Connectors and Cables" on page 79.
Serial communication should not be active when the highest quality seismic signal is
desired because it may cause low levels of noise on the analog output signals.
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5.3 Digital Control Input Signals

Trillium Compact seismometers have two digital control input signals: UVW and CTRL. UVW
changes the output mode (which is XYZ by default) to UVW mode. By default, CTRL enables
the calibration function. You can reconfigure the CTRL control line to activate short period
mode (the default is long period mode) instead. The seismometer will respond to changes in
the state of the control signal within 5 s.
1. Long period mode is the normal mode for collecting seismic data. However, you
may want to use short period mode when bench-testing the Trillium Compact, such
as by tilting the instrument to see the response of the mass position outputs. When
in long period mode, the mass positions ramp very slowly and changes due to tilt
may take several minutes. In short period mode the mass positions respond within a
second, allowing you to watch the effects of tilting the instrument.
2. The UVW/TX input control signal is disabled when the seismometer is transmitting
serial communications because this pin is used as the RS-232 serial Tx output signal.
For more information on serial communication with a Trillium Compact, see "Serial
RS-232 Communications" on the previous page and "Configuring Serial
Communications" on page 60.
Each input is optically isolated from the input voltage, the output signals, and the calibration
input signals. Therefore, signals applied to these pins must be referenced to DGND rather
than ±PWR or AGND.
All of the control input signals are active-high signals. See "Connectors and Cables" on page 79
for details. All inputs can tolerate at least ±15 V except for UVW/TX which can tolerate voltages
from -7 V to +15 V. The CTRL and UVW control lines are shared with the serial RS-232 port (see
"Calibration Input Signal" below). It is recommended that you use +12 V to activate these
control lines and high impedance for deactivation.
5.4 Calibration Input Signal

The Calibration Input Signal is provided to allow for relative calibration of the Trillium Compact
seismometer across frequency and over time.
Since the Trillium Compact is a symmetric triaxial seismometer, calibration is best performed
on the individual axes (UVW) rather than the horizontal and vertical outputs (XYZ). Individual
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axis outputs can be digitized by placing the seismometer in UVW mode. For instructions on
how to set a Trillium Compact to UVW mode, see "UVW and XYZ Output Signals" on page 53.
5.5 State-of-Health Output Signal

The mass position output signal (MAXIMUM MASS POSITION) is provided to monitor the
effect of tilt and temperature on the spring that sets the rest position of the boom. As with
the calibration signal, this signal represents the state of the individual axes (UVW) rather than
the horizontal and vertical outputs (XYZ).
This signal represents the axis with the highest absolute mass position and its operational
range is ±4 V, with an optimal output of 0 V. A maximum mass position output signal greater
than ±3.5 V indicates that the Trillium Compact is no longer sufficiently level and may not be
providing useful seismic signals. Should this occur, visit the installation site as soon as possible
to level the unit.
5.6 Power Consumption
For long cables, account for the resistive voltage drop due to the cable length and, if
necessary, increase the voltage at the source.
For example, 50 m of 24 AWG wire has a resistance of 4.2 Ω in each direction.
Therefore the voltage drop due to the possible 100 mA leveling current at 10 V would
be 0.84 V. The supply should also be able to sustain a 1 W peak output at a voltage that
guarantees the seismometer receives at least 9 V.
Following are power consumption scenarios typical for a Trillium Compact seismometer:
l Under normal operation, (the unit is level, there is a low seismic signal, the unit has
settled for at least 30 minutes, and the RS-232 serial port is not transmitting), power
consumption for 120 s models is approximately 180 mW and approximately 195 mW
for 20 s models
l On start-up, power consumption may briefly surge to 1 W
l Once level and operating normally, any additional power consumption above normal
quiescent, after the power-on inrush, is roughly proportional to the output signal and is
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largely independent of mass position, providing the unit does not shift so that the
seismometer is no longer sufficiently level
l For a unit that is settled and level, a seismic signal that approaches the maximum clip
level of the seismometer may draw as much as 0.8 W peak
(The average power consumption would be much lower.)
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Chapter 6 - Configuring Your System
6.1 Configuring the Centaur for the Trillium Compact

The current generation Nanometrics digitizer, Centaur, features an on-board sensor library
that contains the default configurations for all Nanometrics sensors. Use the following
instructions to configure the Centaur digitizer to use with Trillium Compact seismometers.
1. Log on to the Centaur Web Interface, access the Configuration window and navigate to
the Sensor Library menu item.
2. Expand the Sensor Library menu item and click on the appropriate default sensor type
(Trillium Compact - Default).
If your Sensor Library does not include the sensor definitions for the Trillium Compact,
upgrade your Centaur firmware to the latest version, or contact Nanometrics for
further assistance. See "Contact Us" on page 103.
3. Click on the Apply button. While the system is processing the configuration change the
configuration window will be greyed out. This may take approximately 1 minute.
4. Once the message INFO: changes applied appears at the bottom of the configuration
window, click on the Commit button.
5. Click on the Close button.
6.2 Seismometer System Sensitivity Guidelines

If increased system sensitivity is desired, decrease the digitizer input range and increase the
sensitivity. Use Table 6-1 and Table 6-2 as a guide.
Increasing the sensitivity of a digitizer by decreasing the input range below the 40 Vpp
output range of the Trillium Compact seismometer can cause the digitizer to clip
during strong events.
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Table 6-1 - Clip Level versus Gain Range

Digitizer Input Range Digitizer Trillium Compact Clip Level
(Vpp) Sensitivity Sensitivity (mm/s)
(count /µV) (V/(m/s))
40 0.4 754 26.5
20 0.8 754 13.3
10 1.6 754 6.63
4 4 754 2.65
2 8 754 1.33
1 16 754 0.66
0.5 32 754 0.33
Table 6-2 - System Sensitivity versus Gain Range

Digitizer Input Centaur System Sensitivity Pegasus System Sensitivity
Range (Vpp) (Counts/(m/s)) (Counts/(m/s))
40 2.99e+08 2.99e+08
20 5.99e+08 6.03e+08
10 1.20e+09 1.21e+09
4 2.99e+09 3.02e+09
2 5.99e+09 6.03e+09
1 1.20e+10 1.21e+10
0.5 2.40e+10 2.41e+10
Note that the exact nominal system sensitivity will vary depending on the normalization
frequency (typically 1 Hz) and the lower corner period. The exact nominal sensor sensitivity for
a particular type of Trillium Compact seismometer can be taken from the appropriate table in
"Frequency Response for 120 s and 20 s models" on page 72.
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Chapter 7 - Configuring Serial Communications
7.1 About Serial Communications

The Trillium Compact has an integrated Web server that is accessible using a standard Web
browser and the RS-232 serial interface. The sensor web page can be used to retrieve sensor
information, access state-of-health information and control features, and to configure the
sensor.
The simplest way to connect to the sensor’s web page is to use a Nanometrics digitizer, such as
Centaur (see "Connecting through a Nanometrics Digitizer" below.) The web page is accessed
through the Web interface of the digitizer. The Web Interface is a series of Web pages that
retrieve information about the seismometer, access state-of-health (SOH) information and
control features, and allow you to configure the seismometer. See "Using the Web Interface"
on page 62.
If you are not using a Nanometrics digitizer, connecting to a Trillium Compact seismometer
requires an IP connection over a Serial port. Most modern PCs, laptops, and handheld devices
do not include a physical serial port. In addition, currently supported Microsoft Windows
operating systems do not support Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP) connections.
Nanometrics has developed a simple, low-cost appliance that converts Ethernet to SLIP to
allow IP communication with sensors from PCs or laptops. Alternatively, advanced Linux users
can build their own SLIP appliance. For more information about the Nanometrics SLIP
appliance, instructions on building your own SLIP appliance, and other methods of accessing
your Nanometrics smart sensor web interface, refer to the Nanometrics technical note
Accessing Your Nanometrics Smart Sensor Web Interface (18105), or go to
support.nanometrics.ca
7.2 Connecting through a Nanometrics Digitizer

Nanometrics digitizers, such as the Centaur, support the Web interface of the Trillium
Compact, allowing you to access the Web-based features of the seismometer through the Web
interfaces of those instruments. This allows you to access the unit remotely, even while it is in
service, without requiring a breakout cable and a SLIP connection on a co-located computer.
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See "Using the Web Interface" on page 62 for details on how to access the Web interface and
for descriptions of each page.
7.3 Calculating the IP Address

You will need the IP address if you are not using a Nanometrics digitizer to access the sensor’s
Web interface. The IP address was provided with the unit. However, if you cannot locate the IP
address, you can calculate it using the method described below.
The IP address of the Trillium Compact is 2.23.x.y, where x and y are calculated from the serial
number of the unit. To calculate the values for x and y in the serial number:
l x = SerialNumber / 256
Use the resulting whole number for the value of x and discard any decimal amounts.
l y = SerialNumber modulo 256
The reference to modulo 256 in the equation for y means that it is the remainder after
256 is divided into the serial number.
For the which has an IP address of 2.23.x.y and assuming a serial number of 800, you
can use the above equations to determine that:
l x = 800 / 256, which results in a value of 3.125. Only the whole number is required,
leaving x equal to 3.
l y = 800 modulo 256, which results in a value of 32.
Therefore, having solved for x and y, the IP address of a with a serial number of 800 is
2.23.3.32.
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Chapter 8 - Using the Web Interface
8.1 About the Web Interface

Each Trillium Compact seismometer has an integrated Web server that is available using a
standard Web browser and the RS-232 serial interface (see "About Serial Communications" on
page 60). This interface is provided through either the serial connector or the main connector.
Use the Web interface to retrieve information about the sensor, access state-of-health
information and control features, and to configure the sensor.
Ensure that the proxy server is disabled when using a Web browser with a Trillium
Compact seismometer.
If you are not using a Centaur digitizer, you will need to acquire a Nanometrics appliance that
converts Ethernet to Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP) or build your own SLIP device. For
more information, see "About Serial Communications" on page 60.
Use this interface to retrieve information about the seismometer, access state-of-health
information and control features, and configure the seismometer. Access the seismometer
Web interface through the Web interface of the Nanometrics digitizer, such as the Centaur or
by connecting the optional cable.
The serial port should not be accessed when the highest quality seismic signal is
desired as serial port traffic may cause low levels of noise on the analog output signals
of the Trillium Compact seismometer.
The home page provides links to other pages which are described in the following sections:
l "Viewing the Current State-of-Health" on the next page

l "Viewing Seismometer Control" on page 64
l "Control Lines" on page 65
l "Upgrading the Seismometer Firmware" on page 65
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8.2 Accessing Trillium Compact Web pages

Proceed as follows to access the Trillium Compact Web pages through the Centaur digitizer:
You can connect two sensors to the 6-channel Centaur. Each sensor is accessed from
one of the Serial radio buttons.
1. Login to the Centaur.

2. Navigate to the Sensors page.
3. For each seismometer,
a. If the Discovery section of the Sensors page indicates “No sensor found”, click on
the Discover button.
b. Click on the Serial radio button (A or B). A link to the sensor Web home page will
display.
c. Click on the link located above the Discover button to access the Trillium
Compact Web pages.
8.3 Viewing the Current State-of-Health

The SOH page provides detailed information that indicates the health and status of the
seismometer, including the following:
l Temperature. Displays the approximate temperature of the Trillium Compact

seismometer in Celsius and Fahrenheit.
l Case tilt angle. Displays the tilt of the case from vertical in degrees.
The case tilt feature applies to all Trillium Compact models with serial numbers 2500
and above.
l Mass Positions (Range ±4) The mass position values for the U, V, and W axes for the
seismometer module. These values range from 0 V (perfectly centered) to
approximately ±4 V (when decentered and not able to respond to ground motion). The
mass position output on pin R of the connector is an analog voltage that corresponds
to the axis that is decentered the most. For example, if the U, V, and W mass positions
are +0.230 V, -2.200 V, and +1.024 V respectively, then the analog mass position
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output would be approximately 2.200 V.
For mass position readings under ±2.5 V, the table cell is green, for readings from
±2.5 V to ±3.5 V, the cell is yellow, and for readings above ±3.5 V, the cell is red.
Together these values provide the health of the Trillium Compact seismometer.
8.4 Viewing Seismometer Control

The Seismometer Control page allows you to enable or disable calibration, change the
XYZ/UVW output mode, and to change the long/short period mode for the seismometer. Click
Apply to save your settings. These settings will reset to the factory default settings when the
firmware is rebooted or the unit is power cycled.
1. Once a control is set on this page, the corresponding digital control line is
subsequently ignored. Selecting the Use control line option tells the Trillium
Compact to again obey the control line for that function.
2. Settings on this page are always reset to factory defaults on power up or reboot.
The sections on the page are as follows:
l Calibration Enable. Calibration can be enabled for the three U, V, and W axes
simultaneously, for a specific axis, or disabled for all axes. Select Use control line to
permit the control line input to enable or disable calibration for all axes simultaneously.
The default is Use control line.
l Output Mode. Choose the output mode of XYZ or UVW (see "UVW and XYZ Output
Signals" on page 53 for a detailed explanation of the output signals). Select Use
control line to permit the control line input to select between XYZ and UVW modes.
The default is Use control line.
l Long or Short Period Mode. The lower corner of the seismometer response can be
changed from the normal operating mode of 120 s period to a “short period” response
of approximately 1 s period. This may be useful when leveling the seismometer,
allowing you to see the mass positions quickly respond to changes in tilt, or once the
seismometer is leveled, to allow the mass positions to quickly settle. Be sure to set the
seismometer to “120 second” (Long period) mode when recording seismic signals. The
default setting is Use control line.
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8.5 Control Lines

Use the seismometer Control Lines page to reconfigure the function of the CTRL/RX pin on
the Trillium Compact serial connector and main connector (referred to as Connector PIN D on
the Web page). When set to a positive voltage level (default), the CTRL/RX pin enables
calibration. Alternatively, set this pin to activate the short period response of the
seismometer.
Click Apply to save your settings. This setting is retained when the unit is powered off or
rebooted.
8.6 Upgrading the Seismometer Firmware

Use the Firmware page to upgrade the unit with a new firmware file provided by
Nanometrics.
Firmware Version 2.x.x is not compatible with older version hardware. Do not attempt
to upgrade to Version 2.x.x if the serial number of your unit is 2499 or less.
Use the following steps to upload new firmware:
1. Copy the new firmware file (nmx_trillium_compact_land-2.x.x.nbf) provided by

Nanometrics to a local or network accessible location.
2. From a browser on this PC, access the Trillium Compact web interface.
3. Click the Firmware link on the Home page.
4. Click OK and continue to the next page.
If the Version is 1.x.x, you cannot upgrade the firmware using this instruction. Please
contact Nanometrics.
5. Browse to the firmware file provided by Nanometrics.

6. Click Choose file to navigate to the new firmware file.
7. Click Upload to begin the firmware upgrade.
When the firmware upload begins, the Upload button becomes disabled and its label
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changes to “Uploading...”
8. When the firmware upgrade is complete a message indicates that the unit must be
rebooted or power cycled for the new firmware to become active.
Restart the unit using one of the following methods:
a. Click the Back button and click Reboot on the previous page to reboot the
firmware.
b. Manually power-cycle the unit.
9. Confirm that the version has been updated by verifying the version at the bottom of
the Home page after rebooting.
8.7 Hardware Information

The Hardware Information link displays a page that lists detailed factory information, such
as the unit model, serial number, and subcomponent versions and serial numbers. This
information can be exported to a text file (.txt) for record keeping or for transmitting to
Nanometrics for technical support purposes.
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Part 3 - Reference
Part 3 - Reference
l Specifications
l Performance
l Connectors and Cables
l Features and Dimensions
l Site Record
l Grounding guidelines
l Carrying Case
l Leveling Cradle and Spike Kit
l Open Source Attributions
l Glossary
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Chapter 9 - Specifications
Table 9-1 - Technology specifications
Topology Symmetric triaxial
Feedback Force balance with capacitive transducer
Mass centering Not required
Table 9-2 - Leveling and alignment specifications

Bubble level Removable and can be protected by optional cover. This is an
optional accessory for models TC120-PH2, TC20-PH2, TC120-
PH2-XC and TC20-PH2-XC.
Digital bubble level Graphical bullseye level is available via Centaur digital
recorder Web interface
Leveling l For models TC120-PH2, TC20-PH2, TC120-PH2-XC and
TC20-PH2-XC: Optional bubble level
l For models TC120-SV1 and TC20-SV1:
l Integrated bubble level
l Adjustable locking feet
l For all models: Optional tripod deployment cradle for rapid
leveling
Alignment l Vertical scribe marks for north-south
l Precision guide in cover for straight-edge, line, or laser level
Table 9-3 - Seismometer Performance specifications

Self-noise See Figure 10-2 on page 76 and Figure 10-3 on page 77
Sensitivity For 120 s models: 754.3 V•s/m nominal
For 20 s models: 753.1 V•s/m nominal
Precision Within ± 0.5% of nominal at 1 Hz. See Table 10-1 on page 74
Off-axis sensitivity ±0.5%
Bandwidth For 120 s models: –3 dB points at 120.2 s and 108 Hz
For 20 s models: –3 dB points at 20.04 s and 108 Hz
Lower corner damping relative 0.707
to critical
Output impedance 2 x 150 Ω±1%
Calibration input impedance For 120 s models: 120 kΩ
For 20 s models: 133 kΩ
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Table 9-3 - Seismometer Performance specifications (Continued)

Transfer function l Lower corner poles within ±0.5% of nominal provided
l High-frequency response within 1 dB of nominal up to 45 Hz
l No peak in response at high frequency
Clip level 26 mm/s up to 10 Hz and 0.17 g above 10 Hz
Parasitic resonances None below 200 Hz
Tilt For 120 s models: Dynamic and operational tilt range of ±2.5°
For 20 s models: Dynamic and operational tilt range of ±10°
Dynamic range For 120 s models: greater than 159 dB @ 1 Hz
For 20 s models: greater than 152 dB @ 1 Hz
Table 9-4 - Hardware interface specifications

Main Connector For Trillium Compact surface vault models TC120-SV1
and TC20-SV1
l 14-pin connector
l Shell size 12
l MIL-C-26482 Series I
l Mounted in top of case
For Trillium Compact Posthole models TC120-PH2, TC120-

PH2-XC, TC20-PH2 and TC20-PH2-XC
l 16-pin connector
l Submersible
l SubConn MCBH16MSS
l Mounted in top of case
Velocity output l Selectable XYZ (east, north, vertical) or UVW mode
l 40 Vpp differential
Mass position output l Single ±4 V output representing maximum mass position
l Three channel mass positions available through serial port
Calibration input l Single voltage input and one active-high control signal to
enable all three channels
l Remote calibration in XYZ or UVW mode
l Independent channel selection by serial port
Table 9-5 - Digital command and control interface specifications

Digital interface l On board Web server, standard HTTP
l RS-232 compatible Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP)
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Table 9-5 - Digital command and control interface specifications (Continued)

Commands l XYZ/UVW mode switching
l Calibration channel selection (off, enable all, U, V, or W)
l Short period/long period mode switching
l Firmware updates
l State-of-health display
l Upload user calibration data
Data outputs l Independent mass position values
l Instrument temperature
l Factory sensitivity and sensor response data
l User calibration data (poles and zeros)
l Instrument serial number and firmware revision
Table 9-6 - Power specifications

Supply voltage 9 V to 36 V DC isolated inputs
Power consumption See "Power Consumption" on page 56 for typical power
consumption scenarios
Protection l Reverse-voltage and over-voltage protected
l Self-resetting over-current protection
Table 9-7 - Environmental specifications

Operating temperature For models TC120-SV1, TC20-SV1, TC120-PH2 and TC20-
PH2: -20ºC to 60ºC (Standard Model)
For models TC120-PH2-XC and TC20-PH2-XC: -50ºC to 60ºC
(Polar Certified Model)
Storage temperature -40ºC to 70ºC
Shock l 100 g half sine, 5 ms without damage, 6 axes
l No mass lock required for transport
Magnetic Insensitive to natural variations of the Earth’s magnetic field
Ingress protection For models TC120-SV1 and TC20-SV1: Rated to IP67 for
outdoor use, dust, and immersion resistance
For models TC120-PH2, TC20-PH2, TC120-PH2-XC and
TC20-PH2-XC: Rated to IP68 to 300 m for prolonged
immersion
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Table 9-8 - Physical specifications for models TC120-SV1 and TC20-SV1

Diameter 90 mm
Height 113 mm – body and connector
128 mm – with leveling feet fully retracted
135 mm – with leveling feet fully extended
Weight 1.2 kg
Housing Powder coated aluminum surface resistant to corrosion,
scratches, and chips
Table 9-9 - Physical specifications for models TC120-PH2, TC120-PH2-XC, TC20-PH2 and
TC20-PH2-XC
Diameter 97 mm
Height 160 mm – body and connector
167 mm – on fixed studs 230 mm – on optional
70 mm spikes
Weight 3.2 kg
Housing Stainless steel surface resistant to corrosion, scratches, and
chips
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Chapter 10 - Performance
10.1 Frequency Response for 120 s and 20 s models

The following sections provide frequency response information for Trillium Compact
seismometers.
You can obtain response files from the following sources:
l From Nanometrics' customer support site at http://support.nanometrics.ca.

l From the IRIS DMC Library of Nominal Responses for Seismic Instruments at
http://ds.iris.edu/NRL/.
Figure 10-1 is a bode plot that shows the nominal ground motion response for Trillium
Compact seismometers. The amplitude response to calibration input signals is nearly identical
to that for ground motion. The phase response is slightly different at higher frequencies.
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Figure 10-1 - Bode plot for 120 s and 20 s models
Table 10-1 provides the ground motion response nominal parameters for 120 s and 20 s
models. The ground motion sensitivity at f0 assumes an infinite input impedance at the
digitizer.
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Table 10-1 - Ground motion response nominal parameters for 120 s and 20 s models
Symbol Parameter Nominal Values Nominal Values Units
(120 s model) (20 s model)
zn Zeros 0 0 rad/s
0 0
-392 -392
-1960 -1960
-1490 ±1740i -1490 ±1740i
pn Poles –0.03691 –0.2214 ±0.2221i rad/s

±0.03702i
–343
–343
-370 ±467i
-370 ±467i
-836 ±1522i
-836 ±1522i
-4900 ±4700i
-4900 ±4700i
-6900
-6900
-15000
-15000
k Normalization factor 4.34493 ×1017 4.34491 ×1017 (rad/s) 5
f0 Normalization frequency 1 1 Hz
s Ground motion sensitivity 754.3 753.1 V•s/m

at f0
The seismometer module sensitivity (s), poles (pn), and zeros (zn) define the transfer function
according to this equation:
(EQ1)
Where the normalization factor (k ) is defined by
(EQ2)
and is given for informational purposes only.
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The calibration sensitivity is not trimmed with the same accuracy as the ground motion
sensitivity. The calibration input can be used to verify the frequency response but not the
absolute sensitivity. The calibration input sensitivity, combined calibration sensitivity, and
input resistance of the available models of the seismometer module are listed in Table 10-2.
Table 10-2 - Calibration circuit parameters for 120 s and 20 s models

Model Calibration input Combined calibration Calibration input
sensitivity at 1 Hz sensitivity at 1 Hz impedance
120 s -0.011 m/(s²•V) ±7% -8.3 rad/s ±7% 120 kΩ
20 s -0.010 m/(s²•V) ±7% -7.5 rad/s ±7% 133 kΩ
The units of the combined calibration response are rad/s because the calibration input
produces an equivalent acceleration, while the sensor passband is flat to velocity. Therefore
for a sinusoidal calibration you must divide the sensitivity listed by 2πf, where f is the
frequency of the sinusoid, to determine the expected gain.
10.2 Self-Noise
Figure 10-2 and Figure 10-3 plot typical self-noise for Trillium Compact seismometers. Three
curves are included for reference: Peterson’s new low-noise model (NLNM) and new high-noise
model (NHNM), and McNamara and Buland’s probability density function (PDF) mode low
noise model (MLNM). 1
The noise floor shown is the typical level of instrument self-noise in an ideal installation. To
achieve best performance for any seismometer, careful attention to detail must be paid to
choice of site; vault design , if applicable; and seismometer installation. See "Installing a
Trillium Compact Posthole Seismometer" on page 18 or "Installing a Trillium Compact Vault
Seismometer " on page 30.
1See also:
Jon Peterson, Observations and Modeling of Seismic Background Noise, Open-File Report 93-922
(Albuquerque, New Mexico: U.S. Department of Interior Geological Survey, 1993).
Daniel E. McNamara and Raymond P. Buland, “Ambient Noise Levels in the Continental United States,”
Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America 94, 4 (August 2004): 1517–1527.
John F. Clinton and Thomas H. Heaton, “Potential Advantages of a Strong-motion Velocity Meter over a
Strong-motion Accelerometer,” Seismological Research Letters 73, 3 (May/June 2002): 332–342.
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Figure 10-2 - Noise floor figure for 120 s models
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Figure 10-3 - Noise floor figure for 20 s models
To determine the dynamic range at frequencies of interest for your application, compare the
noise floor to the Trillium Compact seismometer clip level using Figure 10-4. For the purpose
of comparing noise floors to clip levels, Figure 10-4 converts power spectral densities using
octave bandwidths and an RMS-to-peak conversion factor of 1.253.
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Figure 10-4 - Trillium Compact seismometer performance
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Chapter 11 - Connectors and Cables
11.1 Pin-out for 14-Pin Trillium Compact Connector

Trillium Compact model numbers TC120-SV1, TC20-SV1 (surface vault) are equipped with a
14-pin male military circular type hermetic connector. Table 11-1 provides the connector
pinout.
Table 11-1 - Pinout for 14-pin Trillium Compact connector

Pin Name Function Type
B X+/U+ X axis output (east) 40 Vpp differential
C X-/U-
F Y+/V+ Y axis output (north) 40 Vpp differential
H Y-/V-
L Z+/W+ Z axis output (vertical) 40 Vpp differential
M Z-/W-
K CAL_SIG Calibration signal input See Table 10-2 on page 75
R MAXIMUM Mass position of the axis with the -4 V to +4 V analog
MASS highest absolute mass position
POSITION
D CTRL/RX Calibration enable, Short Digital: Active-high 12 V to 15 V (low
Period/Long Period mode* -OR- is equal to open or 0 V)
Serial RS-232 receive input Serial receive: +5 V/0 V to +15 V/-15 V
* See "Digital Control Input

Signals" on page 55 and "Viewing
Seismometer Control" on
page 64 for pin configuration and
functionality.
J UVW/TX Input: Enable UVW outputs instead of Digital: Active-high 5 V to 15 V (low is

XYZ factory default equal to open or 0 V)
Output: Serial RS-232 transmit Serial transmit: ±3.7 V
E AGND Analog ground N/A

P +PWR Power input 9 V to 36 V DC isolated
N -PWR Power return
A DGND Digital ground N/A
shell CHASSIS For shielding and safety N/A
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11.2 Pin-out for 16-Pin Trillium Compact Connector

Trillium Compact model numbers TC120-PH2 and TC20-PH2 (posthole seismometers) are
equipped with a 16-pin male neoprene molded waterproof connector. Table 11-2 provides the
connector pinout.
Table 11-2 - Pinout for 16-pin Trillium Compact connector

Pin Name Function Type
5 X+/U+ X axis output (east) 40 Vpp differential

6 X-/U-
7 Y+/V+ Y axis output (north)
12 Y-/V-
9 Z+/W+ Z axis output (vertical)
10 Z-/W-
8 CAL_SIG Calibration signal input See Table 10-2 on page 75
14 MAXIMUM Mass position of the axis with the -4 V to +4 V analog
MASS highest absolute mass position
POSITION
3 CTRL/RX Calibration enable, Short Period/Long Digital: Active-high 12 V to 15 V (low is
Period mode* equal to open or 0 V)
-OR-
Serial receive: +5 V/0 V to +15 V/-15 V
Serial RS-232 receive input
* See "Digital Control Input

Signals" on page 55 and "Viewing
Seismometer Control" on page 64
for pin configuration and
functionality.
4 UVW/TX Input: Enable UVW outputs instead of Digital: Active-high 5 V to 15 V (low is

XYZ factory default equal to open or 0 V)
Output: Serial RS-232 transmit Serial transmit: ±3.7 V
11 AGND Analog ground N/A

1 +PWR Power input 9 V to 36 V DC isolated
2 -PWR Power return
15 DGND Digital ground N/A
13 CHASSIS For shielding and safety N/A
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11.3 Cable Design Guidelines

If you are designing your own cable, use the following cable design guidelines:
l Include effective EMI shielding in the cable design.
Double-shielded twisted-pair cable is a good choice for EMI shielding as the twisted
pairs provide magnetic shielding, an inner shield grounded at the digital recorder
provides good electric field shielding, and a continuous outer shield provides good high
RF shielding.
l Use the DGND for the return currents of the control signals (CTRL/RX and UVW/TX)
l Use the AGND for the return currents of the analog signals (CAL_SIG and MAXIMUM
MASS POSITION).
l Ensure the cable length is sufficient to allow for strain relief.
l Ensure that the peak current requirement of the Trillium Compact does not result in a
voltage drop along the cable which takes the power supply voltage below the minimum
required at the Trillium Compact. See"Power specifications " on page 70.
l Ensure the cable is watertight.
l Check the cable electrically after assembly. In particular, ensure that the individual and
overall shields are not shorted together unless so specified.
l Make sure cables are labelled with correct drawing numbers and revisions.
l Make sure the digital recorder is configured so that the default states of the control
lines put the Trillium Compact in the desired state.
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Chapter 12 - Features and Dimensions
12.1 Trillium Compact - models TC120-SV1 and TC20-SV1
All dimensions are in millimeters unless otherwise stated.
Figure 12-1 - Top view
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Figure 12-2 - Bottom view
Figure 12-3 - Side view
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12.2 Trillium Compact Posthole - models TC120-PH2, TC120-

PH2-XC, TC20-PH2 and TC20-PH2-XC
All dimensions are in millimeters unless otherwise stated.
Figure 12-4 - Top view
Figure 12-5 - Bottom view
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Figure 12-6 - Side view
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12.3 Trillium Compact Features and Dimensions - Optional 70

mm spikes
Figure 12-7 - Side view (available for posthole models only)
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Appendix A - Site Record

Use the following table to record information about the installation and site, including its
structure, cultural environs, and climatic conditions. This information will be helpful in
identifying changes to the site over time.
Site Record
Site name (full name / station code / Latitude:

network code, for example, Yellowknife /
Longitude:
YKN / CN):
Elevation:
Description of installation site (for Date of installation (mm/dd/yyyy):

example, name of building, location of
seismometer within building, depth of hole,
other): Duration of installation:
Permanent or temporary:
If temporary, expected time frame

(mm/dd/yyyy to mm/dd/yyyy):
Type of installation (for example, direct

burial or vault):
Depth of sensor installation (m)

_______________
Ground surface elevation above

sea level (m) __________________________
Depth to bedrock (m)__________________
Orientation in hole (±°)__________________
Seismometer azimuth
__________ (° from north)
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Site Record
Ground surface type (for example, soil, Distance to potential noise sources
sand, clay, other): (km):
__________ Airport or air traffic
__________ Coastline
Seasonal temperature ranges (°C):
__________ Railway
_____________ January 1 to March 31
__________ Roads
_____________ April 1 to June 30
__________ Tall structures _____ Height (m)
_____________ July 1 to September 30
__________ Trees ________Height (m)
_____________ October 1 to December 31
__________ Dwellings
__________ Industrial site
__________ Others (describe):
Orientation of unit: Expected range of motion at the site:
Orientation of X arrow ______________
Orientation of Y arrow ______________ __________ g to __________ g
Orientation of vertical (Z) ______________
List of equipment at site (include model, serial number and IP addresses):
Notes:
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Appendix B - Grounding guidelines

In a station system consisting of multiple pieces of equipment with power, signal, and ground
connections running between them, the differences in ground potential must be considered
and managed to minimize noise and to minimize the risk of damage due to lightning surge.
Trillium Compact seismometers and Centaur digitizers are designed for high immunity to
ground voltages, with isolated power inputs, differential signalling for noise immunity, and
internal surge protection circuitry. The protection circuitry has been tested to withstand a
simulated lightning surge applied between the case grounds of the sensor and digitizer, with a
peak voltage of 1000 Volts and a pulse duration of 50 microseconds. In addition, the power
input to the Centaur is surge protected up to 2000 Volts for 50 microseconds.
Nevertheless, it is important to set up a correct grounding scheme that minimizes ground

potential differences to ensure the best possible noise performance and highest immunity to
lightning surge.
This section provides a general grounding scheme and guidelines for grounding a Trillium
Compact seismometer in a metal-cased hole, an uncased hole, or in a vault installation or test
lab.
B.1 Grounding Scheme

All electronic devices at the site should have a low-impedance (1 ohm or less) ground
connection to a single earth ground point. Nanometrics cables provide a low-impedance
connection from the case ground of each piece of equipment to the digitizer via the cable
shield braid. The case of the digitizer should be connected to earth ground via a short, low-
impedance cable. The earth ground may be a ground stake or buried screen, a metal borehole
casing, or the sensor itself in a direct burial installation.
This grounding scheme minimizes ground voltage differences between separate pieces of
equipment. As long as there is a low-impedance connection to a single main earth ground,
incidental contact of equipment with the earth at other points is usually of little or no
consequence. However, additional isolation and surge protection measures may be needed in
exceptional circumstances such as if pieces of equipment at the surface are too widely
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separated to allow a low-impedance connection, or if equipment or support structures are at

high risk of a direct lightning strike.
In very dry desert or in polar environments with no liquid water, a true earth ground
connection may not be possible. The system can function well in isolation as long as there is a
low-impedance connection between the case grounds of all pieces of equipment.
For safety reasons, equipment should be connected to earth ground wherever possible.
B.2 Grounding the Sensor in a Direct Burial Installation

Use the guidelines in this section to ground a Trillium Compact Posthole that is installed in an
uncased hole.
In a direct burial installation the seismometer itself provides the system earth ground. When
the case of the seismometer and all other equipment is connected to the case ground of the
digitizer via shielded cables as provided by Nanometrics, this implements a correct grounding
scheme as described in "Grounding Scheme" on the previous page. See Figure B-1.
If the Trillium Compact Posthole seismometer is installed in a cased hole, ground the system as
described in "Grounding the Sensor in a Metal-cased Hole Installation" on the next page.
In a test lab installation, a Trillium Compact Posthole system should be grounded as described
in "Grounding the Sensor in a Vault or Test Lab Installation" on page 93.
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Figure B-1 - System grounding for burial in uncased hole (direct burial)
B.3 Grounding the Sensor in a Metal-cased Hole Installation

Use the guidelines in this section to ground a Trillium Compact Posthole seismometer that is
installed in a metal-cased hole.
Lightning surge failures can occur at improperly grounded metal-cased hole installation sites
when the digitizer’s earth ground at the surface becomes charged to a high voltage while the
seismometer is connected to a more neutral voltage at depth.
To minimize this voltage difference, connect the digitizer chassis ground to the borehole casing
at the wellhead. A steel borehole casing provides an excellent earth ground for all equipment
at the station, as well as a ground shield around the seismometer itself. Surge currents will
travel down the outside surface of a steel casing but will not penetrate significantly to the
inside, due to the small skin depth for fast surge transients. See Figure B-2.
A non-conductive plastic casing is another option, although this option is usually not preferred
due to poorer mechanical properties (thermal expansion and creep) which may cause low-
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frequency horizontal noise effects. However a plastic casing may be used in special
circumstances, for example if the site includes highly saline groundwater that would attack
steel, or if there is a weight limit for transporting materials to the site. In these instances, a
separate earth ground should be constructed via a suitable ground stake or buried screen.
Connect the case ground of the digitizer to the earth ground, and connect the case ground of
the seismometer and all other equipment to case ground of the digitizer via cable ground
shields as described above.
Figure B-2 - System grounding for burial in a metal-cased hole
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B.4 Grounding the Sensor in a Vault or Test Lab Installation

Use the guidelines in this section to ground a Trillium Compact Vault that is installed in a vault
or in a test lab.
In a vault installation, connect the case of the digitizer to a suitable earth ground such as a
ground stake or buried screen. Connect the case ground of the seismometer and other
equipment to case ground of the digitizer via shielded cables as provided by Nanometrics. See
Figure B-3.
In a test lab or other building with mains power, connect the case of the digitizer to the safety
ground of the mains power system (typically via the case ground of an AC-DC power supply).
Connect case ground of the seismometer and all other equipment to case ground of the
digitizer via shielded cables as provided by Nanometrics.
In a dry vault or test lab installation it is possible (but not recommended) to keep the entire
instrument system isolated or with only a high-impedance connection to earth ground. The
equipment can perform well in this configuration, however this is not recommended for safety
reasons. Connecting the case ground of all equipment to earth ground will maintain a safe
ground potential on accessible parts of the equipment.
Figure B-3 - System grounding for a vault or test lab installation
16889R10 • 2020-11-12 Page 93

Appendix C - Carrying Case
The contents of this appendix are applicable to Trillium Compact, model numbers
TC120-SV1, TC20-SV1 (surface vault).
C.1 Transporting a Trillium Compact in the Carrying Case

The recommended method for transporting your Trillium Compact is in its specially designed
Carrying Case / Insulating Cover (Nanometrics part number 16862). This enclosure functions
as both a carrying case for transporting your Trillium Compact and as an insulating cover at
the installation site.
When used as a carrying case (see Figure C-1), this enclosure can house the seismometer, a 5 m
ultra-flexible cable (Nanometrics part numbers 16777-5M or 16865-5M) or a foam plug
(included with carrying case), and a leveling cradle (Nanometrics part number 16863). The case
provides cushioning protection and makes transport of the Trillium Compact and its
accessories easy with its compact design and handle.
To properly pack your carrying case:
1. Lower the Trillium Compact feet first into the case.

2. Tightly coil the cable (the case will fit up to a 5 m cable) and lower it into the case so that
it is resting on top of the Trillium Compact.
-OR-
If you are not packing a cable in the case, insert the foam plug or other cushioning
material that will prevent movement of the Trillium Compact and leveling cradle during
transport.
3. Firmly fit the feet of the leveling cradle into the corresponding slits in the foam of the
lid.
4. Place the lid on the case and secure it with the latches.
16889R10 • 2020-11-12 Page 94

Figure C-1 - Cut-away illustration of a packed carrying case
16889R10 • 2020-11-12 Page 95

Appendix D - Leveling Cradle and Spike Kit
The contents of this appendix are applicable to surface vault and posthole models of
Trillium Compact.
D.1 Using the Leveling Cradle

The optional leveling cradle (Nanometrics part number 16863) allows you to accurately level
your seismometer in seconds on installation surfaces that are as much as ±9º outside of level.
The two-sided cradle provides bowls of two depths. The shallow bowl corrects an uneven
surface by up to ±5º and the deep bowl corrects by up to ±9º.
The Trillium Compact rests on three slanted supports that create a bowl shape. Using the
leveling bubble on the top of the case, simply adjust the seismometer on the supports until
the bubble is in the center of the black ring. When using the cradle on its own (without the
spike kit described in Section D.2 on page 97) use the shallow bowl of the cradle to hold the
Trillium Compact. The supports on the deep side of the cradle are designed to act as feet when
the spike kit is not in use.
Figure D-1 - Leveling cradle features and dimensions
16889R10 • 2020-11-12 Page 96

Remove the three leveling feet from the seismometer before placing it in the leveling
cradle. Retain the feet for future installations.
D.2 Using the Leveling Cradle and Spike Kit

The shallow side of the cradle (see Figure D-1) provides threaded holes for connecting the
spikes included with the optional leveling cradle spike kit (Nanometrics part number 16874).
The combined leveling cradle and spike kit allows you to achieve a secure, stable, and level
installation on unprepared surfaces such as sediment, soil, sand, or gravel.
The leveling cradle spike kit includes three types of spikes, each of which is meant for a
different type of installation surface:
l Thick spikes: Three spikes for use in sand; dry, loose soil; or snow.
l Thin spikes: Three spikes for use in dense, wet soil or clay.
l Long spike: One spike for use in rocky or frozen soil or ice. If more support is required,
you can use the three thin spikes with the long spike.
Figure D-2 shows four views of a Trillium Compact mounted on a leveling cradle with the
various spike configurations.
16889R10 • 2020-11-12 Page 97

Figure D-2 - Leveling cradle and spike kit assembly configurations
To use the spike kit:
1. Select the appropriate spikes or spike for the installation surface and thread these
tightly into the appropriate threaded holes on the shallow side of the leveling cradle:
l For sand; dry, loose soil; or snow, thread the three thick spikes into the threaded
holes in the feet of the cradle.
l For dense wet soil or clay, thread the three thin spikes into the threaded holes in
the feet of the cradle.
l For rocky or frozen soil or ice, thread the single long spike into the threaded hole
in the center of the cradle. If more support is needed, also thread the three thin
spikes into the feet of the cradle.
2. Push the spikes into the earth, firmly securing the assembly and making it as level as
possible.
3. Place the Trillium Compact on the cradle, aligning it to your alignment line (see "Aligning
and Leveling a Trillium Compact in a Vault Installation" on page 39).
4. Level the Trillium Compact by adjusting it on the cradle until the leveling bubble is
centered in the black ring.
16889R10 • 2020-11-12 Page 98

5. Test the stability of the cradle by gently pressing down on a corner of the leveling
cradle. It should remain stable and the leveling bubble should not move.
16889R10 • 2020-11-12 Page 99

Appendix E - Open Source Attributions
Appendix E - Open Source Attributions

Discrete portions of the Nanometrics software product may include open source software code. Please see the
attribution notices below.
Contiki
Copyright (c) 2017, X.

All rights reserved.
Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without modification, are permitted provided that
the following conditions are met:
1. Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright notice, this list of conditions
and the following disclaimer.
2. Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the above copyright notice, this list of
conditions and the following disclaimer in the documentation and/or other materials provided
with the distribution.
3. The name of the author may not be used to endorse or promote products derived from this
software without specific prior written permission.
THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR "AS IS'' AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT,
INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED
TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS
INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT
LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS
SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
16889R10 • 2020-11-12 Page 100

Glossary
Glossary
AGND Analog Ground
AWG American Wire Gauge
CHGND Chassis Ground
DGND Digital Ground
EMI Electromagnetic Interference
GPS Global Positioning System
MLNM Mode Low Noise Model
NHNM New High-Noise Model
NLNM New Low-Noise Model
PDF Probability Density Function
PWR Power
RMA Return Merchandise Authorization
RMS Root Mean Squared
SLIP Serial-Over-IP
TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
16889R10 • 2020-11-12 Page 101

Unit Abbreviations and Symbols
Unit Abbreviations and Symbols

Abbreviation or Abbreviation or
Definition Definition
Symbol Symbol
° degree lb pound
Ø diameter m meter
µ micro m/s meter per second
Ω ohm m/s2 meter per second, squared
A ampere mA milliampere
AC alternating current MB megabyte
b bit MΩ megaohm
B byte MHz megahertz
bps bits per second mi. mile
C Celsius mL milliliter
cm centimeter mm millimeter
dB decibel ms millisecond
DC direct current MTU maximum transmission unit
F farad mV millivolt
ft. foot mW milliwatt
g gram N Newton
g gravity nF nanofarad
GB gigabyte ns nanosecond
GHz gigahertz rad radian
Hz hertz rad/s radian per second
in. inch s second
KB kilobyte sps samples per second
kg kilogram U rack unit (1.75 inches)
kHz kilohertz V volt
kΩ kiloohm Vpp Volts peak-to-peak
kW kilowatt W watt
L liter
16889R10 • 2020-11-12 Page 102

About Us
About Us
Nanometrics is an award winning company providing monitoring solutions and equipment for
studying man-made and natural seismicity. Headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario, with offices
and representatives world-wide, Nanometrics has over 30 years’ experience, delivering
solutions to customers across the globe. Nanometrics real-time and portable systems are
utilized by the world’s leading scientific institutions, universities and major corporations. Our
pedigree is founded on precision instrumentation, network technology and software
applications for seismological and environmental research. We specialize in collecting and
analyzing critical real time data for global, regional and local seismic networks. We deliver
world-class network design, installation and training services throughout the globe in a safety
conscious environment.
Contact Us
Nanometrics Inc.
250 Herzberg Road

Kanata, ON K2K 2A1
Canada
Phone: +1 613-592-6776
Toll free: +1 855-792-6776 (within North America)
Fax: +1 613-592-5929
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.nanometrics.ca
Contact Technical Support
If you need technical support please submit a request on the Nanometrics technical support
site or by email or fax. Include a full explanation of the problem and related information such
as log files.
Support site: http://support.nanometrics.ca/

Email: [email protected]
16889R10 • 2020-11-12 Page 103

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User Guide

November 12, 2020

Strategic Intelligence Fueled by Science

Trillium Compact User Guide. Applies to model numbers

Product Name Model Number Part Number

Part number: 16889R10

Essential and Supplementary Information

(WARNING) Explains a risk of irreversible damage to data, software, or equipment and

(CAUTION) Explains a risk of damage to data, software, or equipment where recovery is

(NOTE) Provides additional information related to the current text.

Revision number 16889R10 includes the following changes:

Chapter 1 - Getting Started 9

1.1 About the Trillium Compact 9

1.2 Unpacking and Handling a Trillium Compact seismometer 11

1.3 Cables and Accessories 12

1.4 Technical Support and Maintenance 16

1.4.1 Recording Your Serial Number and IP Address 17

Chapter 2 - Installing a Trillium Compact Posthole Seismometer 18

2.1 Installing a Trillium Compact Posthole 18

2.2 Selecting a Site for a Trillium Compact Posthole seismometer 18

2.3 Pre-Installation Preparation 19

2.4 Preventative Maintenance of Connectors 19

2.6 Verifying connection with the Centaur digital recorder 21

2.7 Installing a Trillium Compact Posthole Seismometer 21

2.7.1 Installing a Trillium Compact Posthole in an Uncased Hole (Direct Burial) 22

2.7.2 Installing a Trillium Compact Posthole in a Cased Hole 24

2.7.3 Lowering the Seismometer into a Deep Cased Hole 25

2.8 Aligning a Trillium Compact Posthole to North 27

2.8.1 Aligning the Trillium Compact Posthole using a Surface Line 27

2.8.2 Aligning the Trillium Compact Posthole using a Surface seismometer 28

2.9 Installation Checklist for the Trillium Compact Posthole seismometer 29

Chapter 3 - Installing a Trillium Compact Vault Seismometer 30

3.1 Installing a Trillium Compact surface vault seismometer 30

16889R10 • 2020-11-12 Page 4

3.3 Selecting a Site for the Trillium Compact Vault 31

3.4 Preparing the Site for a Vault Installation 32

3.4.1 Common Types of Surface Installations 32

3.4.2 Performing a Vault Installation 34

3.4.3 Performing a temporary installation on Rock 34

3.5 Recommendations for Pier Construction 35

3.5.1 Choosing the Right Concrete 35

3.5.2 Decoupling the Pier and Vault Walls 36

3.6 Alignment, Leveling, and Placement Features 36

3.7 Aligning and Leveling a Trillium Compact in a Vault Installation 39

3.8 Theory and Practice of Insulation 40

3.9 Insulation Options 42

3.9.1 Insulating a Trillium Compact Vault with the Insulating Cover 42

3.9.2 Installing a Trillium Compact Vault in the Insulating Cover 43

3.9.3 Insulating a Trillium Compact Vault with a Rigid Foam Box 45

3.11 Verifying connection with the Centaur digital recorder 47

3.12 Installation Checklist for the Trillium Compact Vault seismometer 48

Chapter 4 - Post-Installation Activities 49

4.1 Troubleshooting Your Installation 49

Chapter 5 - Input & Output Signals 53

5.1 UVW and XYZ Output Signals 53

16889R10 • 2020-11-12 Page 5

5.3 Digital Control Input Signals 55

5.4 Calibration Input Signal 55

5.5 State-of-Health Output Signal 56