Quanterra Dataloggers

The BSL uses three types of dataloggers for recording seismic data. All are manufactured by Quanterra, Inc. in Harvard, MA. Quanterra is a subsidiary of Kinemetrics Inc.

Q980 Model

6 channel digitizer with 24-bit resolution
3 channel digitizer with 21-bit resolution
MSHEAR software

This photograph illustrates a typical Quanterra Q935 datalogger. Known affectionately as a "pumpkin", this orange box digitizes and packetizes up to 9 input data streams, with local storage on disk. These dataloggers are exceptionally quiet and are used at a number of Berkeley Digital Seismic Network sites.

Q4120 Model

4 or 8 channel digitizer with 24-bit resolution
MSHEAR software

This photograph shows the Quanterra Q4120 datalogger installed at the BDSN station CVS. These dataloggers are nicknamed "squash" and the BSL has a number of Q4120s deployed in the field as part of the Berkeley Digital Seismic Network and the Northern Hayward Fault Network. In fact, the development of the Q4120 was motivated by the technological needs of the HFN, such as the higher sampling rates and causal filtering.

Q730 Model

3, 4, or 6 channel digitizer with 24-bit resolution
MSHEAR software

This photo of a Quanterra Q730 datalogger or a "gourd" is from the Kinemetrics Q730 Data Sheet. The BSL uses Q730s in the High Resolution Seismic Network at Parkfield and as part of the Bay Bridge component of the Northern Hayward Fault Network. In addition, two Q730s are deployed at BDSN sites with Episensors.

Q330 Model

The newest generation of the Quanterra dataloggers are Q330s. The BSL is currently testing this model, known as the "carrot".

Multi-SHEAR Software

The introduction of the MultiSHEAR software in late 1998 resolved a systematic timing error of the decimated channels from the SHEAR and UltraSHEAR software. More information on this timing error is available here.

Quanterra Users Group

The BSL participates in the Quanterra Users Group and maintains an archive of Quanterra-contirbuted and user-contributed software.

Berkeley Seismological Lab
215 McCone Hall, UC Berkeley
Berkeley CA 94720-4760
www@seismo.berkeley.edu