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MWD Master Interface Manual

Software P/N 50088


P/N 12477 Revision J

This document is written for the following area(s) checked below:


R&D

Production

Repair & Maintenance

Customer

Copyright 2013, APS Technology Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.

12477 REV J

MWD MASTER INTERFACE MANUAL,


SOFTWARE P/N 50088

Revision History
This document must be updated in the specified language.
English

Spanish

Russian

Chinese

Table 1: Documentation Revision History

Rev

Date

Completed By

9/08/09

4/16/10

6/10/10

E
F

11/19/10
3/31/11

8/31/13

R. Ferguson

10/10/13

R. Ferguson
P. Alcantara

2/12/14

Greg Gherardi

Description
Initial release ECO
Added Gamma & WPR Parameter
sections with new screens;
reformatted and re-worded
sections to be more customer
friendly.
New screen shots and new
program specifications to match
the latest software version R0103
Master 50088 RO 107
Master 50088 RO 109
General update, Translation into
Spanish for TRN-10031
Converted to Spanish. Added
Language Box.
General update. Added Appendix
containing sections on VMM/VMS
operations.

ECO No.

Checked By

09-246

10-263
10-598
11-134
13-300
13-344

J. Hickey
J. Brooks

14-019-A

B. Turner Jr.
J. Hickey

Related Product Lines: MWD, SureShot

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Copyright Notice
Copyright 2014 by APS Technology, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. No part of this publication may
be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted into human or
computer language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, manual, or
otherwise, without express written permission of
APS Technology, Inc., 7 Laser Lane, Wallingford CT 06492.
Trademarks
APS, APS Technology, APS Technology logo, APSPlot, Engineering Solutions for Harsh
Environments, Advanced Systems for Drilling Performance, SureShot, SureShot Control Center
(SSCC), SureShot Vibration Memory Module (VMM), Wave Propagation Resistivity Sub (WPR),
Electromagnetic Telemetry System (EMT), FlowStat, Rotary Steerable Motor (RSM), Drilling
Dynamics Monitor (DDM), Active Vibration Damper Sub (AVD), Vibration Memory Sub (VMS),
SoftTools, ToolJoint, WellDrill, VacOil, PetroMax, and WellDesigner are trademarks of APS
Technology, Inc.
NOTICE: THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION OF
APS TECHNOLOGY, INC. AND IS INTENDED SOLELY FOR USE BY THE PARTY TO WHOM IT HAS
BEEN ISSUED BY APS. ANY UNAUTHORIZED USE OR THE DISCLOSURE OF THIS DOCUMENT
TO ANY THIRD PARTY WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF APS IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
APS MAKES A SINCERE EFFORT TO ENSURE THE ACCURACY OF THE INFORMATION
CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT, AND DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY FOR ANY INDIRECT, DIRECT,
CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER SPECIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THIS
INFORMATION.

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CONTENTS
Required Reference Materials .......................................................................................................6
OVERVIEW ....................................................................................................................................10
SureShot MWD System ...........................................................................................................11
Sensor Measurement Points ....................................................................................................12
SureShot Surface Equipment ..................................................................................................13
SureShot MWD Surface System Software Programs and Functions: ..............................13
Field Notes ...............................................................................................................................14
SureShot Software Block Diagram and Configuration Hook up. .............................................15
Test Boxes, Use, Cables and Instructions ...............................................................................16
SIU & Encoder Interface Box P/N 60348 .......................................................................17
Black Communications Box Testing Steps........................................................................18
Battery Test Box P/N 60401 Yellow Test Box ...........................................................19
String Test Box P/N 60402 Orange String Test Box .........................................................20
SureShot Tool Configuration and FID programming ............................................................21
Step by Step Instructions .........................................................................................................21
Set up the Black SIU & Encoder Interface Box ........................................................................21
Tool Programming Set up and Three Cable Hook up .....................................................22
MWD Master Interface ..................................................................................................................23
Introduction- MWD Master Interface Program .........................................................................23
Start Tool Configuration - Main Screen....................................................................................24
Open and Connect to Com 2 ...................................................................................................25
To Configure the Tool String Encoder .....................................................................................26
Obtaining FID Config from MWD Tool ...............................................................................26
MWD Master Interface Main MWD Master Interface Screen...................................................27
MWD Master Interface Configuration Screen .......................................................................28
MWD System Configuration Screen Master Controller Configuration .....................................29
File Menu Selections ................................................................................................................31
Help Menu ................................................................................................................................32
Tools Menu Selections .............................................................................................................33
Display Directional Data Screen ..............................................................................................34
Display Rotation Data Screen ..................................................................................................35
Display Gamma Data Screen...................................................................................................35
Transmit Data Screen ..............................................................................................................36
An Introduction to the Alert System ...........................................................................................37
Configuring MPT Parameters to Recognize the Alert System .................................................37
Configure Tool Transmission Options......................................................................................38
Option 1: Load Configuration from File ............................................................................39
Option 2: Load Configuration from Master (Tool Master Controller) ................................39
Option 3: Edit Configurations............................................................................................40
Edit MPT (Mud Pulse Telemetry) Parameters .........................................................................41
Create Basic Settings & FID Formats ......................................................................................42
Mud Pulse System Parameters .........................................................................................42
MPT Parameters Screen ...................................................................................................44
Set Repeats, Resync and Loop Back ................................................................................44
Transmission Groups ........................................................................................................45
Non-Rotating Directional Surveys .....................................................................................45
FID FORMATS ..................................................................................................................45
Special FID Table editing using the Mouse - Right Click button. .............................................47
Adding a FID with the Sub Menu .......................................................................................47
Changing FID Order .................................................................................................................51
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Move FID to another Row..................................................................................................51
Confirm the Order of FIDs has Changed ...........................................................................52
Remove or Delete FID .......................................................................................................52
Change or Modify FID Value or Options ..................................................................................54
Edit MPT Sequence of FID ................................................................................................54
FID Table Loop Back ...............................................................................................................55
DOWNLINKING OPTION & RUN LENGTH ENCODING ........................................................56
Master Parameters & Battery Switch Threshold Voltage.........................................................57
SET Battery Switch Threshold VOLTAGE ........................................................................57
Battery Switch Volts ...........................................................................................................58
An Introduction to the Memory Recorder ..................................................................................59
Configuring the Memory Recorder ....................................................................................59
Edit Memory Recorder .......................................................................................................60
Select Device to Log ..........................................................................................................61
Adding New Column to log ................................................................................................62
Static Survey (Directional) File ..........................................................................................63
Limit Logging Times ..........................................................................................................63
Saving a Set up of logging Files ........................................................................................65
Gamma Parameters .................................................................................................................66
WPR Parameters .....................................................................................................................68
Setting WPR Parameters: .................................................................................................69
Sample WPR Configuration (Memory Files) Screen Shots ...............................................71
Memory OffStand Alone WPR .................................................................................................71
WPR Interface Screen Showing File Menu Selections .....................................................73
Battery Switch Threshold for WPR Tool String .................................................................74
Master Controller Progress screen ....................................................................................75
Managing the Memory Recorder .............................................................................................77
Manage Memory Recorder ................................................................................................77
Reading Memory Recorder Screen ...................................................................................77
Memory Recorder Screen .................................................................................................78
Erasing the Memory Recorder Memory.................................................................................78
Memory Recorder ERASE WARNING ..............................................................................79
Erase Progress Timer Shown............................................................................................80
WARNING: ERASE AFTER TEST ....................................................................................82
PWD Pressure While Drilling .......................................................................................................83
The PWD parameters panel ..............................................................................................83
VMR Vibration Memory Recorder ...............................................................................................84
Vibration Memory Module ........................................................................................................84
STAND ALONE VIBRATION MEMORY SUB..........................................................................85
VMM / VMS INTERFACE PANEL ............................................................................................86
Tool Configuration Panel..........................................................................................................88
Collected Data File Management .............................................................................................90
The Roll Test .................................................................................................................................92
Roll Test Report Information ....................................................................................................93
Field Verification Roll Test Screen ...........................................................................................94
Field Verification Roll Test at 270 degrees ..............................................................................95
Roll Test Complete or View Report ...................................................................................96
Roll Test View Report ........................................................................................................96
Field Verification Roll Test Report ...........................................................................................97
Set All Clocks ...........................................................................................................................98
Exit Configuration Screen ........................................................................................................99
Bus Communications Monitor ..................................................................................................100
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The SIU ADMINISTRATIVE INTERFACE PROGRAM ...............................................................101
Reference the SIU Administrative Manual - P/N 11266.........................................................101
Downloading Memory Recorder Data.......................................................................................102
Download and Depth Tag data ..............................................................................................102
Download data using Master Interface ..................................................................................102
Progress Bars for File & Over All ...........................................................................................105
Quick Look Data Viewer .............................................................................................................107
Core Dump Flash Data ..........................................................................................................110
Troubleshooting .........................................................................................................................111
Failure to Enter Slave Mode...................................................................................................111
Memory Recorder Configuration conflicts with Master Controller..........................................112
Memory Recorder Screen ...............................................................................................112
Inconsistent Configuration for the Direction file ...............................................................112
Mismatched Format Table .....................................................................................................113
Quick Look Data Viewer.........................................................................................................114
Gamma Lifetime Log ..................................................................................................................116
Purpose ..................................................................................................................................116
Overview ................................................................................................................................116
How to View Gamma Lifetime Tool Data ...............................................................................117
About Lifetime Data................................................................................................................118
View Periodic Data .................................................................................................................119
View Peak Data ......................................................................................................................121
Enable VMM Features ................................................................................................................122
Purpose ..................................................................................................................................122
Download and Install Key Files ..............................................................................................122
Enable VMM Features ...........................................................................................................122
Run VMM Gateway Interface ..........................................................................................122
VMM Features Not Enabled ...................................................................................................123
VMM Features Enabled .........................................................................................................124
View Lifetime Tool Data .............................................................................................................126
Purpose ..................................................................................................................................126
How to view VMM Lifetime tool data ......................................................................................126
About View Periodic Data ......................................................................................................127
Configure VMS Gen 4 in MWD Master Interface ......................................................................130
Purpose ..................................................................................................................................130
Enable Stand Alone VMS button ...........................................................................................130
Configure Logging ..................................................................................................................131
Check Firmware Version ........................................................................................................131
Configure Tool ........................................................................................................................132
Perform Hardware Check.......................................................................................................135
About HS Read All Data.........................................................................................................136
Configure VMM in MWD Master Interface ................................................................................138
Purpose ..................................................................................................................................138
Prepare Tool for Logging .......................................................................................................138
Download and Erase Memory Data .......................................................................................142

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Required Reference Materials


Required reference materials to assemble and operate the SureShot Measurements-While-Drilling System are
listed in this section.
SureShot Field Operations Manual .......................................................................... P/N 11475
SureShot Field Notes Job Site Tool assembly .................................................... Spec 11043
SureShot Field Notes System and Tool configuration.......................................... Spec 11044
SureShot Field Notes Field Verification Roll Test ................................................. Spec 11110
MWD Interface Program Operations Manual ( for old Ref ) ....................................... P/N 11629
SureShot Field Notes MWD Interface Program...................................................... Spec 11046
SIU Administration Software Operations Manual ....................................................... P/N 11266
SureShotField Notes, SIU Configuration ................................................................ Spec 11047
Sensor Interface Unit User Manual ............................................................................... P/N 10930
SureShotField Notes, SIU Menu Tree...................................................................... Spec 11051
SureShot Control Center Software Program Manual for 3.0 New PN ................. P/N 12526
SureShot Field Notes, ControlCenter, Job Settings.............................................. Spec 11042
SureShot Field Notes, WinLog Plotting Quick Guide ........................................... Spec 11120
Fixed Mount Rotary Pulser Field Operations Manual ................................................. P/N 10857
Retrievable Rotary Pulser Field Operations Manual ................................................... P/N 11002
Interface and Test Box Operations Procedures ......................................... Ref Chart with TPs
Battery Test Box 60401

Operation Procedure AP-10086

String Test Box 60402

Operation Procedure AP-10087

SIU & Encoder Interface Box 60348

Operation Procedure AP-10099

Pulser & Flow Stat Test Box 60201

Operations Procedure Manual 11017

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Table of Figures
Figure 1 SureShot Measurements-While-Drilling System .........................................................11
Figure 2 Sensor Measurement Points ...........................................................................................12
Figure 3 Block Diagram Hook up...................................................................................................15
Figure 4 Set up and hook up Cables .............................................................................................21
Figure 5 Hook up cables ................................................................................................................22
Figure 6 MWD Master Interface Screen Showing Data Flow Plus Red and Green LEDs ............24
Figure 7 Com Port 2 ......................................................................................................................25
Figure 8 Loading from Encoder .....................................................................................................26
Figure 9 MWD Master Interface Screen ........................................................................................27
Figure 10 MWD System Configuration Screen .............................................................................28
Figure 11 FILE MENU ....................................................................................................................31
Figure 12 .........................................................................................................................................32
Figure 13 Tools Menu and Sub-menu Options on the MWD System Configuration Screen ........33
Figure 14 Display Directional Data Screen ...................................................................................34
Figure 15 Display Rotational Data Screen .....................................................................................35
Figure 16 Display Gamma Data Screen ........................................................................................35
Figure 17 Transmit Data Screen ...................................................................................................36
Figure 18 Options to Obtain & Set FIDs ........................................................................................38
Figure 19 Load from File ...............................................................................................................39
Figure 20 Load from Tool Encoder into the Surface gear .............................................................39
Figure 21 Edit Configuration ..........................................................................................................40
Figure 22 Edit MPT (Mud Pulse Telemetry) Parameters ..............................................................41
Figure 23 MPT ENCODING TYPE SELECTION ..........................................................................42
Figure 24 Downlink Option shown ..................................................................................................43
Figure 25 MPT Parameters Screen ...............................................................................................44
Figure 26 Transmission Groups ....................................................................................................45
Figure 27 Non Rotating Directional Surveys .................................................................................45
Figure 28 FID TABLE EDITING WITH MOUSE ............................................................................47
Figure 29 Adding FID in SUB MENU.............................................................................................48
Figure 30 New FID Seqence .........................................................................................................48
Figure 31 New FID Edit Row .........................................................................................................48
Figure 32 New Fid Edit Low Inclination .........................................................................................48
Figure 33 MPT Parameters Screen To Show Transmission Groups ............................................49
Figure 34 All FIDs Available for Transmission Group ...................................................................50
Figure 35 View FID Changes and Accept Them ...........................................................................50
Figure 36 Accepting Change to FID ..............................................................................................50
Figure 37 Confirm New FID ADDED .............................................................................................50
Figure 38 Change Order of FID .....................................................................................................51
Figure 39 Move FID to another Row .............................................................................................51
Figure 40 Confirm the Order has changed ....................................................................................52
Figure 41 Remove or Delete FID...................................................................................................52
Figure 42 FID Row moved up........................................................................................................53
Figure 43 Change or Modify FID ...................................................................................................54
Figure 44 Edit MPT Sequence of FID............................................................................................54
Figure 45 FID LOOP BACK ...........................................................................................................55
Figure 46 DOWNLINK OPTION .....................................................................................................56
Figure 47 MASTER PARAMETERS to see Battery Switch Threshold .........................................57
Figure 48 Battery Switch Threshold ..............................................................................................58
Figure 49 Configure Memory Recorder .........................................................................................59
Figure 50 .........................................................................................................................................60
Figure 51 EDIT Memory Recorder Files ........................................................................................60
Figure 52 Start another Logging File .............................................................................................61
Figure 53 Select Device to Log .....................................................................................................61
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Figure 54 Add new Column to Memory Recorder Parameters .....................................................62
Figure 55 Static Survey (Directional) file .......................................................................................63
Figure 56 Limit Logging Times ......................................................................................................63
Figure 57 File Editing - Delete a Device ........................................................................................64
Figure 58 .........................................................................................................................................65
Figure 59 Saving a Set up of Logging Files ..................................................................................65
Figure 60 GAMMA PARAMETERS ................................................................................................66
Figure 61 .........................................................................................................................................66
Figure 62 .........................................................................................................................................67
Figure 63 .........................................................................................................................................68
Figure 64 .........................................................................................................................................69
Figure 65 WPR INTERFACE PANEL ............................................................................................69
Figure 66 .........................................................................................................................................70
Figure 67 WARNING TWO PLACES TO SAVE DATA s!! ............................................................71
Figure 68 STAND ALONE WPR SHORT CUT .............................................................................72
Figure 69 WPR INTERFACE ..........................................................................................................73
Figure 70 BATTERY SWITCH WARNING ....................................................................................74
Figure 71 YELLOW PROGRAM MASTER BUTTON ....................................................................75
Figure 72 Master Controller Progress panel .................................................................................75
Figure 73 Master Controller Configuration was Successful ..........................................................76
Figure 74 Manage Memory Recorder............................................................................................77
Figure 75 Reading Memory Recorder panel .................................................................................77
Figure 76 Memory Recorder Screen .............................................................................................78
Figure 77 Erasing the Logged Data from Memory ......................................................................79
Figure 78 Warning .........................................................................................................................79
Figure 79 Erase progress Timer Shown ........................................................................................80
Figure 80 MEMORY RECORDER.................................................................................................81
Figure 81 EXEC QUICK EXT FLASH TEST .................................................................................81
Figure 82 PWD PARAMETERS ....................................................................................................83
Figure 83 PWD PANEL DISPLAY .................................................................................................83
Figure 84 VMM MODULE PANEL ..................................................................................................84
Figure 85 GREY BUTTON WARNING ..........................................................................................84
Figure 86 STAND ALONE VMS - SUB...........................................................................................85
Figure 87 VMM / VMS INTERFACE PANEL ..................................................................................86
Figure 88 Tool Configuration Panel ...............................................................................................88
Figure 89 Collect Logged Data .......................................................................................................89
Figure 90 Collected Data File Management ...................................................................................90
Figure 91 .........................................................................................................................................91
Figure 92 Roll Test Select Button ..................................................................................................92
Figure 93 Roll Test Report Information .........................................................................................93
Figure 94 Roll Test STEP 1 OF 9 ..................................................................................................94
Figure 95 Roll Test STEP 7 of 9 ....................................................................................................95
Figure 96 Roll Test Complete or View Report ...............................................................................96
Figure 97 Roll Test View Report....................................................................................................96
Figure 98 Roll Test Spread and Limit ............................................................................................96
Figure 99 Roll Test Sample Report ...............................................................................................97
Figure 100 SET ALL CLOCKS ......................................................................................................98
Figure 101 Exit Configuration Screen............................................................................................99
Figure 102 Configuration Warning.................................................................................................99
Figure 103 Bus Communications Monitor ...................................................................................100
Figure 104.....................................................................................................................................102
Figure 105.....................................................................................................................................102
Figure 106 Manage Data Recorder .............................................................................................103
Figure 107 Memory Recorder Management Screen ...................................................................103
Figure 108 Root Name Assignment ............................................................................................104
Figure 109 Saving Memory Data .................................................................................................105
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Figure 110.....................................................................................................................................105
Figure 111 Double Click to Open ................................................................................................106
Figure 112.....................................................................................................................................106
Figure 113 Quick Look Data Viewer ............................................................................................107
Figure 114 Plot of Gamma Data Selected ...................................................................................108
Figure 115 Core Dump Flash Data..............................................................................................109
Figure 116 Failed to enter Slave Mode .......................................................................................111
Figure 117 Inconsistent Configuration for the Direction file ........................................................112
Figure 118 Mismatched Format Tables WARNING MESSAGE .................................................113
Figure 119.....................................................................................................................................113
Figure 120 Data Flat Line With Spike ..........................................................................................114
Figure 121 Data Now Visible .......................................................................................................114

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OVERVIEW
SureShot is a stand-alone, open-platform Mud Pulse Telemetry (MPT) MeasurementsWhile-Drilling (MWD) system that provides accurate real-time survey and down-hole sensor
data. The SureShot MWD System includes the following two sub systems:
Down-hole System: SureShot MWD Tool String (Figure 1)
Surface System: SureShot Control Center System, Standpipe Pressure Transducer
Sensor Cable, and Rig Floor Display (Figure 1)
SureShot enables the user to:

Provide directional and steering services

Provide Logging-While-Drilling (LWD), which now includes Gamma Ray Service, WPR
(Wave Propagation Resistivity), Directional Data and Vibration data

Perform survey calculations, plot, etc.

Add other sensors as required.

The SureShot system software supports both MWD and LWD service. SureShot software
consists of the following modules:
1. MWD MASTER Interface Software
2. SIU Administrative Interface Software
3. SureShot Control Center (SSCC) Software.
Each software module is discussed within its own section later on in this manual.

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Interconnect
Centralizer

Page 11 of 145

Surface Safe
Area

Surface
Hazardous
Area

Sensor Interface Unit

Interconnect
Centralizer

Remote
Display
Unit

Battery
M odule #2

r net
Ethe n
r
o
less
c a tio
W ire mmuni
o
C

SureShot Control
Center Computer

SureShot Directional
Sensor M odule
w/ Encoder Board

Interconnect
Centralizer

n--Hole
Dow n
System

Rotary Pulser &


FlowStat
M odule
FlowStat

Keyboard

LCD Screen

Pressure
Transducer

Battery
M odule #1

Interconnect
Centralizer

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SureShot MWD System

Figure 1 SureShot Measurements-While-Drilling System

WARNING: Tool String must be powered before SIU and encoder test box is switched on.

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Sensor Measurement Points

Figure 2 Sensor Measurement Points

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SureShot Surface Equipment

SureShot MWD Surface System Software Programs and Functions:


Functions
Communicate to the tool and SIU
Communicate to the tool and SIU
Remotely control the SIU
Decode and Filters the mud
pulse.

Name of Software & Part


Number

Manual
P/N

MWD Master Interface PN 50088


MWD System Interface PN ------SIU Administration PN 50007

12477
11629

SIU User PN 50001

Run the job.

SureShot Control Center PN 50015

Controls Rig Floor Display

SureShot Rig floor Display PN


50016

APS CONFIDENTIAL

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11266
10930

12526

Field Notes
Spec-_______
Spec-11046
Spec-11047
Spec-11057
Spec-11051
Spec-11042
Spec-11043
Spec-11044
Spec-11110

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Field Notes
To start: Use the SureShot Field Notes, which are Quick Start Guides
Field Notes Spec 11043 Job Site and Tool Assembly
Field Notes Spec 11044 System and Tool Configuration
Field Notes Spec 11110 Field Verification RollTest

MWD Master Interface Manual PN 12477

Configures the Tool Encoder Field Notes Spec 11046


Sets the Tool FID Format

SIU Administration Manual PN 11266


Control of the SIU through the P.C Field Notes Spec 11047
Configures the SIU
Sets the SIU FID Format
Set SIU for either Check Shot or MWD Field Notes Spec 11057

SureShot Control Center REL 5.01.004 Manual PN 12526


Runs the Job Field Notes Spec 11042
Stores the Job Data
Supports the Rig Floor Display

SIU USER Manual PN 10930


Small window
SIU MENU TREE Field Notes Spec 11057

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SureShot Software Block Diagram and Configuration Hook up.

Figure 3 Block Diagram Hook up

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Test Boxes, Use, Cables and Instructions


The SureShot system consists of three different automated MWD Test Boxes colored boxes: Black
(Communications), Orange (String Test Voltage Monitor), and Yellow (Battery Tests). All have the
following features (also refer to the MWD Test Box pictures below):

Oilfield ready

Go/No-Go Logic

Meters & Lights


o

Voltage

Continuity

Communications Box

Voltage Monitor and


String Test Box

Battery Test Box

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SIU & Encoder Interface Box

P/N 60348

Where used: The Black Communications (Comm) Box is used on the rig and in the shop.
Other usage: Used to configure the Power Tool and the SIU
Part Number

Color

60348

Black

60516 Rev C = 30

Grey with
Blue ends
Black

60366
Two 9 pin Serial
Cables

Name
SIU & Encoder
Box
Interconnect
cable
Cable
9 pin Serial
Cables

Instructions
P/N
AP-10099

Test Box Used for:


Configuring Tool Encoder
Configuring the SIU
AC needed to Power box

SureShot Tool String Assembly

Grey Cable with blue ends ( P/N 60516 Rev C ) 30 ft

Two (2) Serial Communications Cables (Straight-through 9-pin Male and 9-pin Female)

Sensor Interface Unit (P/N 60182, P/N 60183, or P/N 60487)

SIU & Encoder Interface Box (P/N 60348)

Host Computer with a RS-232 Serial Port

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Black Communications Box Testing Steps
1. Test in NO LOAD. All 16 Green LEDS ON Reading should be approx. 36 volts on
the Yellow Battery Test Box.
2. Check battery feed through continuity by ensuring that all LED's are green.
If all lights are NOT lit, the battery is in need of repair and should not be used.
If the NO LOAD voltage is less than 30vdc, there may be a problem with one
or more of the cells in the pack.
3. Test in LOAD. Reading should be 24 volts MIN.
Pulser & Flow Stat Test Box

P/N 60201

Black Communications Test Box

Part
Number

Color

Name

Instructions P/N

Test Box
Used to:

60201

Black

Pulser & Flow Stat Test Box

Manual 11017

Simulate
Flow and
cycle Pulser

60237

Tool Connection Cable 22 pin


Communicate
with either
the FlowStat
or Motion
Control.

AC Power needed to charge


internal batteries which power
the test box and internal Air
compressor
1 Fuse at AC power Inlet
3 Internal fuses for test box
batteries.
11245

Flow STAT Pillow Block Air


powered or tapped with finger
FlowStat Stored Data,
Retrieval Procedure
FlowStat Data Pasting
Procedure
Motion Control Stored Data
Retrieval Procedure
Motion Control Data Pasting
Procedure

APS CONFIDENTIAL

30 Sec delay
to read ON
and a 6 sec
delay to read
OFF

Page 18 of 145

AP-10073
AP-10114
AP-10050
AP-10113

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Battery Test Box

P/N 60401 Yellow Test Box

Where used: The Yellow Battery Test Box is used on the rig and in shop.

Part
Number

Color

Name

60401

Black

Battery Box

60404 6 ft.

Yellow

Cable 6 ft

60365 9 ft.

Yellow

Cable 9 ft

Depassivation
of Lithium
Battery

Instructions
P/N
AP-10086

TP-10088

Test Box Used


for:
Loads & tests Battery
Voltage
Test one battery at a
time
They must be
separated from
the tool string
TP 10088 also has
listing of
Battery Suppliers

Note: The Yellow Test Box gets its power from the battery it is testing. Testing Battery Module
Assembly P/N 60214

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String Test Box P/N 60402 Orange String Test Box
Where used: The Orange Test Box is used to check voltages on Battery 1, Battery2, and the overall
string. It can also trigger simulated pulses.

Part
Number

Color

Name

60402

Orange

String Test Box

60405
60406

Red
Red

Cable Assy 6 ft
Cable Assy 6 ft

Instruction
s P/N

Test Box Used for:

AP-10087

Monitoring the Voltage of


the complete Tool
String. It can also act as
a Transducer
Simulator
With 22 pin connector
With a Wall mount
Connector
To Test the Test Box

TP 10059

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SureShot Tool Configuration and FID programming


Step by Step Instructions
This section contains the step by step instructions for the SureShot Tool Configuration and
FID programming.
Below is a diagram showing the well-site operations using the Black SIU & Encoder Interface
Box - P/N 60348 AP-10099 with blue colored cable and the MWD Master Interface Program.

Set up the Black SIU & Encoder Interface Box

Figure 4 Set up and hook up Cables

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Tool Programming Set up and Three Cable Hook up

Figure 5 Hook up cables

1. Open the Black SIU & Encoder Interface Box - P/N 60348.
2. Plug a (RS-232) computer cable into the Host Computer Comm port on the top left
side of the Black SIU & Encoder Interface Box. Connect the other end of the
computer cable to the COM port on the box, SIU, Surface gear assembly. ( P/N 60500 )
3. Plug a (RS-232) computer cable into the SIU ADMIN COMM PORT port on the top
right side of the Black SIU & Encoder Interface Box. Connect the other end to the
ADMIN port in the back of the SIU.
4. Attach the blue programming cable to the Black SIU & Encoder Interface Box at the
ENCODER COM PORT and run the other end of the cable to the MWD tool at the
Encoder.
5. IMPORTANT: Verify that the Black SIU & Encoder Interface Box is turned OFF.
6. Unscrew the bullnose from the MWD tool DOWN HOLE END and attach the blue
programming cable.

7. Plug in the AC power and switch the SIU & Encoder Interface Box to ON.
8. Start the MWD Master Interface Program on the surface gear PC.

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MWD Master Interface


Introduction- MWD Master Interface Program
MWD Master Interface is the software program that uploads or downloads the Tool
Configuration and Format Identification (FID) table from the Tool Master Controller. The
program creates a file that the SIU must upload in order to Decode the Mud pulses. In addition,
the MWD Master Interface Software provides the following functionality:

Monitors SureShot tool bus communications

Monitors: Directional, Gamma Ray, and WPR sensors.

Monitor and configure Vibration Recorder, Gamma Logging, WPR Logging, Directional
Logging.

Configures SureShot tool

Program MWD/LWD data transmission formats into SureShot tool

Performs Directional Sensor roll test

Loads new APS firmware into SureShot tool

There are three options for obtaining and setting the Tool configuration and FIDs within this
program. These options can be accessed by pressing the Configure System button and
following the steps shown below:
Load from FILE
Load from the Tool String Encoder
Custom EDIT the FID configuration

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Start Tool Configuration - Main Screen

Figure 6 MWD Master Interface Screen Showing Data Flow Plus Red and Green LEDs

The above MWD Master Interface screen is the first to display after starting the MWD Master
Interface program. Its main purpose is to indicate the status of the various nodes on the
attached to the Communications Bus.
Note Figure 15: The Red LEDs indicate PWD and Master Module are not on the tool.
Items to check:
1. Once the tool string is connected to the interface box, and both the interface box
and tool string are powered, open the MWD Master Interface program. The
MWD master Interface screen will be displayed showing the following two option
buttons:

System Configuration

Exit.

2. Verify normal MWD Sensor Bus activity by reading the information displayed in
the Bus Communications Monitor section of the screen. Note Bus Activity can
be saved.
3. In most cases, the File -> Com Port -> COM2 menu options is selected.
4. Verify 4 Node Status are Green (Red LEDs only display for missing modules).
5. Verify nominal Power Bus Voltage (Idle). Record Volts. ____ expect to see 30
to 36 volts

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Open and Connect to Com 2

Figure 7 Com Port 2

If no messages are displayed in the Bus Communications Monitor for more than 40 seconds,
check the Communications Port. Generally, Com2 is connected to the Interface Box.
Select Com2 to verify that there is activity between the Tool Master Controller and the
Surface Gear PC and that the data is being updated dynamically (continually). If there is
activity, the Bus Communication Monitor will fill with data and Green LED Status lights will be
displayed. The status LEDs will remain black until a status message is detected from the
Master Controller.

Bus Communications Activity and Battery Switch Troubleshooting


If there is no communication, try the following steps:
1. Click the File menu, then select COM Port and verify that the COM Port 2 option has a
check mark next to it. (If it does not and there is no communication, try the other ports.)
2. Confirm that the cable is plugged into COM Port 2. In Windows Device manager, confirm
port 2 is used

3. Try exiting and reentering the MWD Master Interface program.


4. Verify normal Node Status (No Red LEDs Except absent Nodes).
5. Verify that the Power Bus Voltage (Idle) is above your companys recommended value.
(APS Technology does not recommend values less than 24.0 volts)
Note: The Battery Switch Over monitors the Power Bus Voltage (Loaded.)

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To Configure the Tool String Encoder


Perform the following steps to configure the Tool String Encoder:
1. Press the System Configuration button on the MWD Master Interface screen.
2. The PC will receive the Tool Configuration and MPT Formats that are already
programmed into the tool prior to displaying the MWD System Configuration screen.

Obtaining FID Config from MWD Tool

Figure 8 Loading from Encoder

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MWD Master Interface Main MWD Master Interface Screen

Figure 9 MWD Master Interface Screen

The MWD Master Interface screen is the first screen displayed when the MWD System
Configuration screen displays to allow viewing a summary of information about the components.
Most notably, the screen displays the active or inactive status of each component as follows:

Green lights displayed on the bottom right of the screen indicate which nodes are active
based on the data displayed in the Bus Communications Monitor portion of the screen.

Red lights show nodes not detected on the current assembly. (You should see only Red
lights for components that you know are missing.)

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MWD Master Interface Configuration Screen

Figure 10 MWD System Configuration Screen

The MWD System Configuration screen allows the user to access multiple configuration
screens by pressing the function button for the task that needs to be performed. Each function
is displayed on the buttons listed under the MWD System Configuration Screen Master
Controller Configuration section of the screen. All function buttons will be discussed in the
following pages listed under its related page heading. In addition, a Block Diagram of
Software Selections shows the flow of the configuration screens as an aid in helping to
visualize the sequence and correlation of the screens and functions that are explained later in
this section of the manual.

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MWD System Configuration Screen Master Controller Configuration


The following table shows the sequence of task selection flows when using the buttons located
on the Master Controller Configuration section of the MWD System Configuration screen.
MWD System Configuration Screen Main and Sub-menu Selections and Flow
Button Label

First Set of Selection

Second Set of Selections

Master Parameters

Battery Switch Volts

MPT Parameters

MPT Encoding Type

Third Set of Selections

Load Config from file


Load Config from
Master
Edit Configurations

MPT Transmission Rate


MPT Transmit Delay
Static Survey Delay
Inclination Threshold
Non-Rotating & Rotating
MPT Formats

Transmission Group
FID PICK TABLE
Paired FIDs for low and
High Inclination

(If Memory Recorder


Present)

Recorder Parameters

Add Module File

Edit Logging Properties

(If Alert System


Present)

Alert Parameters

Add Alert Device

Select Alert FIDs to send

(If VMR Module


Present)

VMR Parameters

Control Frequency of
Alerts if triggered
Full VMR interface

(If Gamma Module


Present)

Gamma Parameters

Full Gamma Interface

(If WPR Module


Present)

WPR Parameters

Full WPR interface

Allows configuring Module


and Downloading
Collected Data
Allows configuring Gamma
integration characteristics
Allows configuring of WPR
Module

Save Config to file


Program Master
configuration
Exit Configuration Screen

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The following table shows the Configuration section of the MWD System Configuration
screen.
From The MWD System Configuration screen file tab selections
File
Select SIU Folder

Serial Number

Build Number

Data QuickLook
Viewer
Exit Configuration
Screen

Tools
SIU Folder
A M/S file folder.

Test
Nodes

Default Folder
C;\Program Files\
SiuIntrfcAdmin
Display Serial
number of Master
controller
Display Build
Number of Master
Controller
Display
downloaded Data

Display
Directional
Data
Display
Rotational
Data
Display
Gamma Data

Transmit
MPT Data

Update
Firmware

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File Menu Selections

NOTE SET ALL CLOCKS

REF Fig ( 93) KEY ITEM FOR


SAVING DATA

Figure 11 FILE MENU

The File menu selections are shown below, along with a brief explanation of the functionality of
each.

Select SIU Folder

Serial Number

Build Number

Data Quick Viewer

Exit Configuration Screen

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Help Menu
The Help Menu has two items:
1. The About item shows the program identity panel you saw when you first started the
program.
2. The Process Help brings up a panel which explains the configurations needed.

Figure 12

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Tools Menu Selections

Figure 13 Tools Menu and Sub-menu Options on the MWD System Configuration Screen

The MWD System Configuration screen shows the Tools menu and sub-menu selections. It
is important to note that the main function of the Tools menu is to allow users to display Real
time data of the function selected on the sub-menu. The Update Firmware menu item will
prompt the user for the new firmware file for the Master Controller. (Firmware for other nodes
may be upgraded with the panels responsible for controlling those nodes.) The MWD Master
Interface will usually offer only files which are proper for the node, but it is the user's
responsibility to only use the correct file. It is possible to damage the equipment by upgrading
with the wrong file.
The Tools menu consists of two commands and a sub-menu that is displayed after clicking on
the Test Nodes arrow. The selections on this sub-menu are shown below and will be explained
in more detail in the following pages.

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Display Directional Data

Display Rotation Data

Display Gamma Data

Transmit MPT Data

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Display Directional Data Screen


Display Directional Data is the first selection on the Tools sub-menu on the MWD System
Configuration screen. When selected, the Display Directional Data screen is displayed and
shows all of the directional data as it relates to the tool. Note that the directional data can be
saved to a file as an historical record.

Figure 14 Display Directional Data Screen

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Display Rotation Data Screen

Figure 15 Display Rotational Data Screen

Display Rotational Data is the second selection on the Tools sub-menu on the MWD System
Configuration screen. When selected, the Display Rotation Data screen is displayed and
shows all rotational data for the tool. Use the rotation box and coil to create a magnetic field and
simulate rotation.

Display Gamma Data Screen

Figure 16 Display Gamma Data Screen

Display Gamma Data is the third selection on the Tools sub-menu on the MWD System
Configuration screen. When selected, the Display Gamma Data screen is displayed and
shows The Gamma Counts and Acquisition Interval configuration, in addition to displaying the
status of the Firmware process. Use the blue gamma blanket/rods to increase the gamma
counts (a qualitative test) and test if the gamma detector detects the change in gamma counts.

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Transmit Data Screen

Figure 17 Transmit Data Screen

The Transmit Data screen is displayed after selecting Transmit MPT Data on the Tools menu
located on the MWD System Configuration screen. The Transmit Data option allows an
operator to command the Master Controller to transmit a pre-programmed directional data
sequence. These pre-programmed data values are static and are only used to simulate a
directional sensor.
This is used to test the physical operation of the Pulser.
It is important to note that this MWD transmission is not actual sensor data. In fact, the Master
Controller can transmit the MWD data sequence without being connected to a directional
sensor. When the Transmit Data process is initiated, the Master Controller ignores the flow
status and activates the Rotary Pulser to transmit the pre-programmed data sequence.
This function can test the Pulser, but no longer supports testing decoding due to changes in
formats. Instead, connect a string to the string test box and stimulate the flowstat. Connect a
pressure transducer cable from the string test box to the SIU.
An Introduction to the Alert System

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An Introduction to the Alert System


Configuring MPT Parameters to Recognize the Alert System
In its latest version of its MWD Master Interface Program, APS has introduced an Alert
System, which has the ability to interrupt the normal stream of FID information and transmit
FIDs that detect dangerous or destructive conditions.
This section of the manual discusses the important features and capabilities of the Alert
System and explains how to input MPT Parameters that activate the new Alert column so that
the MWD Master Interface program can recognize when to send an alert when your designated
alert parameters have been detected by the system.
For example, if your tool string includes a VMM (Vibration Memory Module), and the Alert
System is configured to detect vibration while drilling, it can report the amount of vibration it is
experiencing while drilling. You may also configure the VMM to generate an Alert if the
vibrations exceed a user defined limit. In this case, the normally programmed FID stream would
be interrupted, and the FID indicating the excessive vibration would be sent to the surface. The
drilling operator would then make adjustments to reduce the vibration.
It is possible, however, that some of the FIDs are too important to be interrupted with Alert
FIDs. To address this issue, you may disable Alert interruption by setting the Alert column
value to OFF for that FID on the MPT Parameters screen. For example, turn alerts OFF for
surveys.
How to Configure the System to Use the Alert System Capabilities
There are three parts to configuring the tool so that the system recognizes where and when to
use the Alert System. The three configurations that must be specified are shown below:
1. The individual module must be configured to enable the Alerts using that modules
interface panel.
2. The Alerts must be enabled for at least one FID in the MPT Parameters Table.
3. The Alerts must have Alert FIDs assigned to them using the Alert Parameters button
under the Edit Configurations panel option that is located on the MWD System
Configuration screen.
Note: If your tool does not have a module capable of generating alerts, the Alert Parameters
button will not be visible on the Edit Configurations panel.

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Configure Tool Transmission Options

Figure 18 Options to Obtain & Set FIDs

The following three configuration options are accessed in the Master Controller Configuration
section of the MWD System Configuration screen and are used to obtain and to set the
system Tool Transmission configuration:
1. Load Configuration From File
2. Load Configuration from Master (the Tool String Master Controller)
3. Edit Configurations. This option allows you to custom edit the FID
configurations using the MPT Parameters Screen.

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Option 1: Load Configuration from File

Figure 19 Load from File

Select
on the MWD System Configuration screen when you want to
use a Tool Configuration that was created previously. This is accomplished by selecting the
directory and configuration file location using the above screen.
Option 2: Load Configuration from Master (Tool Master Controller)

Figure 20 Load from Tool Encoder into the Surface gear

Select
on the MWD System Configuration screen to load, or re-load, the
Transmission Configuration from the Tool Master Controller. (This was done when the
MWD System Configuration panel was first opened.)

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Option 3: Edit Configurations

Figure 21 Edit Configuration

Select

if you need to create a custom Tool Configuration.

All custom edits are made through the Edit Configurations panel which displays after the Edit
Configurations option is selected. Details regarding how to enter parameters to create
customized configurations are discussed in the following pages.

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Edit MPT (Mud Pulse Telemetry) Parameters

Figure 22 Edit MPT (Mud Pulse Telemetry) Parameters

The Edit Configurations panel is displayed after selecting


on the MWD
System Configuration screen. Select the MPT Parameters button to access the MPT (Mud
Pulse Telemetry) Parameters panel where the FID Formats and Loop Back configurations
can be edited.
Note that the option buttons on the Edit Configurations panel are dependent upon the
configuration of your system and change accordingly. In the sample shown here, only the
Memory Recorder and Gamma Modules are present.
Note: The Master Parameters button is used to set the Battery Switch Threshold Voltage.

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Create Basic Settings & FID Formats


A Format Identifier (FID) is a unique numerical code assigned to a specific MWD Data Block
transmission sequence format. For details and descriptions regarding the APS Technology
Measurement While Drilling (MWD) transmitted Data Block formats and Format Identifiers,
refer to SPEC-10029.
This document describes the required tasks and procedures to create the basic settings and to
pick the FID formats using the MWD Master Interface Program. For the MWD System to work
properly, the MWD Master Controller must send the information in the same sequence and
time frame that the Sensor Interface Unit (SIU) is expecting to receive it.
The SureShot MWD Surface system uses 3 different software programs. One must know
the following functions of each program to effectively use the equipment:

Communicate between the tool string and (SIU) Sensor interface Unit.

Decode and filter the mud pulse.

Remotely control the SIU from the PC

Display and record survey information. Adds Depth information.

Field Notes have the information to remind the operator of key steps.

Mud Pulse System Parameters


There are now two views of MPT parameters. The old style for Master Controllers does not
support Run Length Encoding and Downlinking and are described first. The description of FID
number editing has not changed and Downlinking Option MPT PARAMETERS are described
later in this section.

Figure 23 MPT ENCODING TYPE SELECTION

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New screen for downlinking MPT:

Figure 24 Downlink Option shown

The top portion of the MPT Parameters panel lists the parameter fields that control the overall
behavior of the MPT system. Below is a list of each parameter and the role that each plays
within the system.
MPT Encoding Type:
This field specifies how the Mud Pulses are to be encoded and interpreted. Currently,
TimeBase2, TimeBase3, and RLL are available. TimeBase2 should be selected an older-generation SIU
without a DSP is being used.

MPT Transmission Rate:


The MPT Transmission Rate specifies the size of the Mud Pulse and affects the time required
to receive an FID. Setting the MPT Transmission Rate depends upon your prior experience
and knowledge of your drilling equipment and hole depth.
MPT Transmit Delay:
Indicates the time from when flow is first detected to before the first pulses will be sent.
The Static Survey Delay:
This is the time from when the flow stops to when the Static Survey is acquired.
Inclination Threshold:
This is the inclination angle at which the Non-Rotating MPT Format table switches from Low
Inc FIDs to High Inc FIDs.

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MPT Parameters Screen

Figure 25 MPT Parameters Screen

The Configuration Source field shows that the configuration was retrieved from Tool Master
Controller.
To set the configuration, the user should:

Set MPT Encoding Type to: TimeBase2, TimeBase3, or RLL

Set MPT Transmission Rate

Set MPT Transmit Delay

Set Inclination Threshold

Select MPT Transmission Formats


Set Repeats, Resync and Loop Back

WARNING: Set Loop Back Number. Do not set to option None without referring to
specs and manuals:
SPEC-10029: APS MWD DATA TRANSMISSION FORMATS
SPEC-11166: SureShot, Field Notes, Best Practices for Programming APS Tool and
Staying in Sync
P/N 11474 MUDPULSE TELEMETRY SIGNAL DECODING MANUAL

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Remember, you may double click a feature to change its value, or right click in the FID table to
get a menu of FID editing options.
Double click an FID number to change the FID or Add a Fid (in an empty box under the title
low Inc FID) to open the Non-Rotating MPT Transmission Groups Format table.

Transmission Groups

Figure 26 Transmission Groups

Select the Transmission Group to open a set of FID Formats. The Non-Rotating Directional
Surveys are shown.
Non-Rotating Directional Surveys
FID FORMATS

Figure 27 Non Rotating Directional Surveys

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To load the desired Fid Formats, put your cursor on the number and double-click.
Non-rotating FID numbers are paired together ( 0,1 ) ( 2,3 ) ( low , High) and will fill in the Low
Angle and High Angle space on the MPT Parameters screen once the line is selected.
When you have finished modifying the FIDs, press Exit to return to the Edit Configurations
panel.

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Special FID Table editing using the Mouse - Right Click button.

Figure 28 FID TABLE EDITING WITH MOUSE

Right clicking on a table element brings up an editing menu that allows you to Add a New FID
(same function as double clicking on the element), Remove a FID (from the middle of the table
if you like), Modify a FID, or Move the FIDs around.

Adding a FID with the Sub Menu

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Figure 29 Adding FID in SUB MENU

Right click any square then click on Add New FID

Figure 30 New FID Seqence

A new panel opens where you can set all the parameters that go into the table for this new FID.
Notice the Row number is set to the next available row in the table (5 here).

Figure 31 New FID Edit Row

Figure 32 New Fid Edit Low Inclination

Now double click the box for the Low Inclination FID.

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Figure 33 MPT Parameters Screen To Show Transmission Groups

When the MPT Parameters panel pops up, double click a Transmission Group to display a
new screen showing all the FIDs in the Transmission Group as shown below:

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Figure 34 All FIDs Available for Transmission Group

Double click a new FID number.

Figure 35 View FID Changes and Accept Them

Notice that the new FID and its High Inclination partner have been placed in the new section of
the screen. You may check or un-check the check box or change the number of Times to
Repeat FID. If you wish to change the FID you selected, double click the FID number again.
when finished making changes, click OK.

Figure 36 Accepting Change to FID

Notice that the new FID is added to the bottom of the table.

Figure 37 Confirm New FID ADDED

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Changing FID Order

Figure 38 Change Order of FID

To change the order of the FIDs, right click on the FID you wish to move, then click on Move
FID to display a new panel as shown below:

Move FID to another Row

Figure 39 Move FID to another Row

Enter the new row number destination for the selected FID and press OK.

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Confirm the Order of FIDs has Changed

Figure 40 Confirm the Order has changed

Note the two rows changed places as shown in the sample MPT Parameters screen.

Remove or Delete FID

Figure 41 Remove or Delete FID

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To delete a FID, right click on the FID number you wish to remove and select Remove:

Figure 42 FID Row moved up

Notice that the selected row has been removed and the row below it was shifted up.

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Change or Modify FID Value or Options

Figure 43 Change or Modify FID

Right click on the FID you wish to change and click Modify. This action opens a panel just like
the Add New FID discussed earlier, except that the Row number is for the row you right clicked
on.

Edit MPT Sequence of FID

Figure 44 Edit MPT Sequence of FID

The Edit MPT Sequence FID allows you to set and modify parameter values and FIDs just by
double clicking in their boxes.

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FID Table Loop Back

Figure 45 FID LOOP BACK

At the bottom of the MPT Parameters panel, there are three parameters that control how the
FID table is processed. An explanation of these parameters is shown below:
Nonrotating Loop Back:
This control specifies the line in the table that the MPT system will repeat the sequence
when the last line in the table has been sent. This allows you to specify that a line or two
at the top of the table can be sent once during Non-Rotary Drilling, with the rest of the
table repeated until either rotation starts or flow is cycled.
Rotating Loop Back:
This parameter functions the same as the above parameter for the Rotating MPT
Formats.
Rotating to Non-Rotating Loop Back:
This parameter specifies the line in the Non-Rotating MPT Formats table to be sent first
when rotation stops. The two table Loop Back parameters can be set to None. Use
this if you dont want the tables repeating. In this case shown as None

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DOWNLINKING OPTION & RUN LENGTH ENCODING

Figure 46 DOWNLINK OPTION

You will notice that the Encoding Type and Transmission Rate fields have been changed to a
table with three rows.
Below the table are two more parameters to control the operation of the downlinking process.
If downlinking is disabled, only the "Selected" row is used.
If Downlinking is Enabled, the "Selected" row is used until a Downlink signal is
received, at which point the encoding type is advanced to the next row.
If that happens to be off the bottom of the table, the top row encoding type is
selected. You Must Have a DSP SIU to use RLL and Timebase3.
The original SIUs did not support RLL encoding.

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Master Parameters & Battery Switch Threshold Voltage


SET Battery Switch Threshold VOLTAGE

Figure 47 MASTER PARAMETERS to see Battery Switch Threshold

To set the Battery switch Threshold Voltage.


1. Start from the MWD System Configuration screen and press the Edit
Configurations button.
2. Then press the Master Parameters button as shown above.
3. Check the power configurations
4. Master Parameters will open to Battery switch threshold volts and you will
see the Master Parameters panel.

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Battery Switch Volts

Figure 48 Battery Switch Threshold

5. Verify that the Battery Switch Threshold is set to your companys recommended
value.
APS Technology does NOT recommend values less than 21 for directional
only, 24 for gamma, and 26 for WPR.
6. The Battery Switch monitors the Loaded Voltage.
7. Press the Exit button to return to the MWD System Configuration screen.
WARNING: Not lower than 21 volts.
WARNING: For Battery Switch threshold Volt Change to remain with the tool
the PROGRAM ENCODER CONFIGURATION button must be pressed after the
voltage was altered.
Note: If any other items were changed, SIU Administration program must be run to
re-configure the SIU.
8. Press Program Master Configuration button.

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An Introduction to the Memory Recorder


With this latest version of MWD, APS is introducing the ability to record various pieces of
information to Flash EEPROM Memory located in the tool string. This feature allows for the
collection of data while drilling at a higher frequency and resolution than what can be
telemetered to the surface for logging. This feature can also be used as an alternative (or
backup) to telemetering data if the mud channel is noisy.
There are three parts to using the Memory Recorder System:

First there may be some configuring of the data source required with each
Nodes interface panel. For example the WPR Node must have its Calibration
table programmed, or you might want to change the integration size for the
Gamma module. These parameters are set with the modules interface screen.

Second, the Master Controller must be configured to collect and log the
required data. This subject is discussed in the next section.

Finally, when the tool comes back after drilling, you will download the data from
the tool to the surface computer and erase the Flash EEPROM memory in
Sureshot..
Please remember:

You must erase the Memory Recorder (under Manage Data Logger) if you
change the Recorder Parameters in the Master Controller.

Configuring the Memory Recorder


Press Recorder Parameters to configure down-hole data logging. Recorder Parameters are
input on the Edit Memory Recorder Parameters screen shown on the following page.

Figure 49 Configure Memory Recorder

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This action opens the Edit Memory Recorder Parameters screen as shown below.
Edit Memory Recorder

Figure 50

Figure 51 EDIT Memory Recorder Files

The Edit Memory Recorder Parameters screen displays valuable information.


There are three System files, which are always opened:
1. System Status
2. Battery Status
3. Node Status

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You may change how data is logged to them, but they may not be removed and will consume at
least 16 Kilobytes each.
To start another logging file, press the Add Module File button as shown below:

Figure 52 Start another Logging File

Select Device to Log

Figure 53 Select Device to Log

You will be asked to select the logging device to add:


Click on the desired Log file.
Remember, it is the responsibility of the user to avoid selecting files for modules or nodes that
have not been assembled into the tool being programmed. If a file is selected for an absent
module, the file will be opened and 16 kilobytes of Flash memory will be reserved for it, but no
data will be logged to the file.

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Adding New Column to log

Figure 54 Add new Column to Memory Recorder Parameters

This adds a new column to the table.


You will notice that the File Size Limit for this file has been set to 8192 Kilobytes. This is the
same as saying that there is no limit on the size of this file (as this Flash Memory recorder only
has 8 megabytes, which is the same as 8192 Kilobytes). The purpose of the file size limit is to
prevent run away errors from filling the Flash Memory with unimportant information. If a
Nodes Status was constantly toggling back and forth between two states, the Node Status file
could quickly fill up with status change logs. If there were no limit on this file size, all of the
Flash would be consumed with information that we could easily understand from the first dozen
records. Important log files are usually left at 8192K so there will be no limit on the data logging
(other than the total Flash available). Other facilities will stop the logging when the Flash has
run out of memory.
The initial delay is used to keep logging the data file starting from a user specified period of
time. If you know you will spend several hours tripping to the bottom of the hole, you could use
this feature to avoid logging until you reach the bottom. Remember that if you reach the bottom
before this time has run out, you must either wait for the time to expire or miss the data that
would otherwise be logged.
Logging specifies when data records are to be logged. Usually this is a time interval as
specified by Update Rate. The only exception to this is the Static Survey (Directional) file.
This file gets a data record when the Master Controller captures the Static Survey that it
normally transmits to the surface (as controlled by the Static Survey Delay specified on the
MPT Parameters Panel.

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Static Survey (Directional) File

Figure 55 Static Survey (Directional) file

The next line on the panel is used to limit the logging of data to times of useful activity. For
example, if you only wanted to log Gamma data while the tool was rotating, you would specify
Only Record while Rotating regardless of Flow:

Limit Logging Times

Figure 56 Limit Logging Times

Based upon the data entered and shown on the above screen, Gamma records will be written
every 30 seconds after the first 33 seconds, but only if the tool is rotating (no matter what the
Flow is doing).

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File Editing Operations Delete a Device

Figure 57 File Editing - Delete a Device

Deleting a file:
A line labeled File Editing Operations can be found below the Recording Conditions line. If
you click in this square, you will find a list of options which will be applied to the file in this
column only. If you select the Restore Defaults option, the configuration parameters for this file
will be restored to what there were when you first added this file to the list of files to log. If you
select Cancel, nothing will happen. If you select Delete this Device, the column for that file will
be cleared and that file will be not be logged.
Below the File Editing Operations is a line labeled Logging Time. This is an estimate of how
long the given file will continue to log if it is allowed to use the entire File Size Limit of data
along with all the other files competing for that memory. The Estimated Total Log time is the
time for the last file to become full given the current configuration. All of these estimates
assume that each file is consuming memory at the rate specified and computes the time when
the given file can no longer allocate memory. So if one particular device has large data records,
and you double its logging interval, all of the files will be able to log for a longer period of time.
There can be no estimate of Logging Time for the System Files and Static Survey as there is
no way for the configuration to know how often Static Surveys will be captured. It is
reasonable to assume that the Static Surveys are not frequent and that this file will be relatively
small. However, when calculating the logging time, it is assumed that the fully reserved amount
of memory will be used by these files. You may want to adjust the update rates of the timed
logging files to allow the logging time to fit the expected time the tool will be down hole, and then
change the Static Survey File Size Limit 10 32 Megabytes (unlimited). The Static Survey will
not consume the entire memory, but the logging time estimator has no way of knowing that.
You should also know that the System Status File and Node Status File do not write records
regularly. For these two files, the status is checked every second. If the status has changed
since the last record was written, a new record is written. Otherwise, data is not logged to these
two files unless something changes. For example: it is common to see several records written
to the Node Status file when the tool is powered up. This is the Master Controller checking to

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see if the Nodes are present, and as each node responds, it has a new status (all OK). Then no
more records are written to this file until the tool is powered up again. The System Status file
also gets several records at the start as different facilities become available. Then there is a
new record each time the rotation state or flow state changes.

Figure 58

If your tool string has more than one memory node and that string is connected to the interface
program, you will see a list on the left side of the panel. This shows which memory nodes have
been detected. In this case you can specify which memory node the data file will be logged to
with the Primary Logging Device selector.
Again, in systems with multiple memory nodes, you can place a redundant copy of a data file on
a different logging node. You would do this for extremely important files, when you suspect that
the tool will fail down hole.
Saving the configuration:
When you have finished setting up the files to be logged with the Edit Memory Recorder
Parameters panel, at the bottom of the pane, click OK > Exit to return to the MWD System
Configuration screen.

Saving a Set up of logging Files

Figure 59 Saving a Set up of Logging Files

Please remember: You must erase the Memory Recorder (under Manage Memory Recorder)
if you change the Recorder Parameters in the Master Controller. You must also be sure to
select Program Master Configuration button for the changes you've made to be written to the
Master Controller.

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Gamma Parameters

Figure 60 GAMMA PARAMETERS

The Gamma Interface panel is accessed by clicking


Configurations panel.

on the Edit

Figure 61

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The Gamma Interface shows all of the present values of the Gamma settings, along with
information regarding the specific tool that is connected and active.

Figure 62

The above screen shot shows the selections that are available on the File menu. Each
selection is explained below:

Update Firmware is used to program new firmware versions to your Gamma node
when new firmware becomes available.

Serial Number is used to display/refresh the serial number for the Gamma node. This
number is set at the factory in newer tools when initially shipped, they are also set on
older tools when they are returned to the factory for service.

Build Number is used to display/refresh the number this particular Gamma node has
been rebuilt at the factory.

Data Quick Look Viewer is used to display data which has been downloaded from the
Memory Recorder.

Exit will close this panel and return to the Edit Configurations panel.

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WPR Parameters
There are two methods to reach the WPR Interface Panel. The first is the normal way, shown here first.
And a SECOND method for the STAND ALONE WPR version that can be reached from the MWD Master
Interface panel. This is shown later in this section.

Figure 63

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Setting WPR Parameters:
1. Press the
button on the MWD System Configuration panel to display
the Edit Configurations panel as shown below:

Figure 64

Press the
button to display the WPR Interface panel where you are
able to view and set WPR parameters, as well as check the Diagnostics section of the screen to
ensure that the WPR tool is functioning as required.

Figure 65 WPR INTERFACE PANEL

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2. Press
on the WPR Interface panel to access the WPR Configuration
panel where you may Enable or turn On various WPR Memory files. It is important to
note that the WPR has its own memory. The Cycle Time field allows you to set the update
rate to control how often the tool writes to its memory.
The Operation field gives you two options for controlling the behavior of the memory files:
Continuous:
When this option is selected, WPR data is recorded continuously to memory.
Only when flow is on:
When this option is selected, the WPR Tool will only long data when it receives
messages from the Master Controller indicating that the mud flow is currently on.

Figure 66

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Sample WPR Configuration (Memory Files) Screen Shots
Memory Enabled
NOTE SET ALL CLOCKS
REF PAGE 103
KEY ITEM FOR SAVING DATA

WARNING !!!
If you change anything on the WPR
Configuration screen, when you
return to the main menu, you MUST
click the
Program Tool Configuration
button on the
WPR Interface panel; otherwise, the
changes will not take effect.

Figure 67 WARNING TWO PLACES TO SAVE DATA s!!

Note: Always enable raw data to be saved here as well as in the master controller memory.

Memory Off

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Stand Alone WPR


The second method to reach the WPR interface Panel from the MWD MASTER INTERFACE PANEL

Figure 68 STAND ALONE WPR SHORT CUT

There is now a short cut for those people operating the WPR tool without the rest of the MWD
string. This is for logging WPR data and is call "Standalone" mode. If the interface has any
reason to believe the Master Controller might be connected, it will dim this button and you will
not be able to use it. The first step performed by the System Configuration button is to put the
Master Controller into Slave mode which is required before the interface program can request
data of any kind from any part of the tool.

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WPR Interface Screen Showing File Menu Selections

Figure 69 WPR INTERFACE

The above screen shot shows the options that are available on the Files menu. However, only
the following selections are available to the user for modifications, since the other menu options
are used to display Read-only data that is generated internally by the system:

COM Port

Update Firmware

Data Quick Look Viewer

Exit

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Battery Switch Threshold for WPR Tool String

Figure 70 BATTERY SWITCH WARNING

The MWD System Configuration screen shot shows the error message that displays when trying to exit
if the Tool Configuration indicates that the tool string contains a WPR node. If a WPR node is attached,
the Battery Switch Threshold must be 24.0 or greater for the tool string.
To correct the error, you must go back to the Master Parameters screen and raise the Battery Switch
Threshold.

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YELLOW PROGRAM MASTER BUTTON

Figure 71 YELLOW PROGRAM MASTER BUTTON

After changing your configuration and returning to the MWD System Configuration screen,
notice that the Program Master Configuration button has turned yellow. This color change is
to remind you that the changes you have made will not affect the tool until you press the
Program Encoder Configuration button

Master Controller Progress screen

Figure 72 Master Controller Progress panel

As soon as you press the Program Encoder Configuration, a Progress Panel will appear
while the tool is being configured. A similar panel will appear while if re-reads the configuration
parameters from the Master Controller. This operation is performed to compare the
configuration programmed with what it should be. If they match, a success message will appear
on the Notice screen:

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Figure 73 Master Controller Configuration was Successful

Click the OK button.


You may re-visit any of the configuration panels again if you wish to see what has been
configured. But remember that if you make any more changes, you must program the tool
again for the changes to take effect. Also remember that you are not ready to run the job yet.
The SIU must be reprogrammed with the current tool configuration to work properly with this
tool. When you click the Program Master Configuration button, you create the file that will be
transferred to the SIU. So you simply need to start the SIU Administrative Interface Program,
click Import Encoder Settings, and click Program SIU Configuration, to properly prepare the
SIU.

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Managing the Memory Recorder


Check to see that the Memory is blank before starting a run, and make sure that the Memory
Recorder does not still contain data from the last run before starting the next one. To ensure
this is the case, click the Manage Memory Recorder button before exiting the MWD System
Configuration panel. After pressing this button, the Reading Memory Recorder panel will be
displayed, showing the progress of the directory load process.

Manage Memory Recorder

Figure 74 Manage Memory Recorder

Reading Memory Recorder Screen

Figure 75 Reading Memory Recorder panel

This is followed by the Memory Recorder panel (showing the current file directory).

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Memory Recorder Screen

Figure 76 Memory Recorder Screen

In this example, there is data in the Memory Recorder from a previous run. Not only that, but it
contains a file that we do not currently have configured. This is noted by the Inconsistent
Configuration in the Portion of Allocation used.

Erasing the Memory Recorder Memory


To clear away all the old data we must erase the data that is there. This will take about 3
minutes and a timer will appear to remind you of how much time remains. But first, you must be
sure that the data in the Memory Recorder has been saved. If you do not know, I recommend
downloading the data again. Directions to do this are in the next section. To erase the data
click the Erase Data button.
Please remember: You must erase the Memory Recorder if you change the Recorder
Parameters in the Master Controller. But also remember to be sure the data has been
downloaded before you erase it. If you can't be sure, it may be best to download it again
just before erasing it. Once it is erased there is no way to get it back.

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Figure 77 Erasing the Logged Data from Memory

When you erase the Memory Recorder, a Warning displays and asks if you are sure that you
really want to perform the Erase Operation. Click, Yes to erase, or No to not erase.

Memory Recorder ERASE WARNING

Figure 78 Warning

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Erase Progress Timer Shown

Figure 79 Erase progress Timer Shown

After clicking on, Yes, Erase command will be sent to the tool and the interface will start
monitoring the progress of the erasure.
Notice that the Flash Busy LED turned yellow.
Also a timer and three more LEDs appear. The timer counts down the number of seconds
remaining to erase the memory. It is possible for this time to continue counting into negative
numbers, but that is rare. The 1 and 2 refer to which half of the Flash memory is being erased.
The EEPROM LED indicates the time needed to erase the Memory Recorder File Directory
from the EEPROM.
Once the memory has been erased, the Memory Recorder is ready to log data.

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Figure 80 MEMORY RECORDER

Figure 81 EXEC QUICK EXT FLASH TEST

The memory Manager has a new button which may be used to check the hardware connections
to the Flash Memory used to log data in the tool. This test involves writing to all of the memory
chips to verify their function; therefore all data must be erased before executing the test.
You should be sure all data has been downloaded before erasing the data. When the data for
this memory node has been erased the Blank Memory LED will be blue and the Exec. Quick
Ext. Flash Test button will be enabled.
When you click this button, there will be a quick hardware check of the flash memory and a
panel will pop up to say "Passed." If there is a problem with the test, a panel will appear
explaining which chip failed the test.
You should make note of the chip(s) that failed and include that with the tool when you return it
for repair. You should not use a memory for logging that has failed its memory test.

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It is possible for the other functions of the Master Controller to continue when the memory failed,
but it is equally possible that whatever damaged the memory damaged other facilities in the
tool, and APS recommends that you do not use a damaged tool.

WARNING: ERASE AFTER TEST


WARNING: You MUST erase the memory after a test, before you use the memory to log data
again. Failure to erase the memory after a memory test will prevent data from being logged
properly and could damage the hardware.
If you wish to check another memory recorder, you must move the slide switch to point to that
memory (which will trigger the reading of that memories file directory).

Repeat the same process for the new memory to download, erase, test and erase
again.

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PWD Pressure While Drilling


For those who have Pressure While Drilling tools, you will see a button on the Edit
Configurations panel: This button will display the PWD parameters panel:

Figure 82 PWD PARAMETERS

The PWD parameters panel

Figure 83 PWD PANEL DISPLAY

Special privilege is required to modify the Integration Period.All parameters are displayed for
confirmation only.

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VMR Vibration Memory Recorder


For those who have Vibration Memory Recorder tools, you will see a button on the Edit
Configurations panel: This button will display the Vibration Memory Recorder parameters panel.
There are two kinds of Vibration Memory Recording tools. The first is a Vibration Memory
Module (VMM) and is a part of a system of tools including the Master Controller, Directional
sensor, pulser and other tools. The second kind of Vibration Memory Recorder is a Vibration
Memory Sub.

Vibration Memory Module


This button will take
you to the VMM/
VMS INTERFACE
PANEL
FIG (79)

Figure 84 VMM MODULE PANEL

The second kind of Vibration Memory Recorder is a stand alone unit that logs vibration and
rotation data as long as it has power. This data is then downloaded with the VMR panel after
the bit run.
You can more easily access the VMR panel from the MWD Master Interface Top panel using
the Stand Alone VMS button. It is important to avoid using this button in a system where a
Master Controller is present.
IF THE Master Controller
is present, then these two
buttons will be GREY

Figure 85 GREY BUTTON WARNING

IF you have a STAND ALONE VIBRATION MEMORY SUB, you would use this button to reach
the VMM/ VMS INTERFACE PANEL

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STAND ALONE VIBRATION MEMORY SUB

Figure 86 STAND ALONE VMS - SUB

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VMM / VMS INTERFACE PANEL

Figure 87 VMM / VMS INTERFACE PANEL

Most of this panel is used to display the current status of the Vibration Memory Recorder.
Generally you should click the "Disable" button in the upper right corner to stop the tool
logging data while you are using this interface. You should minimize the amount of log memory
used to log data at the surface to leave the most for logging data on the bit run.
The upper right box shows the amount of information currently logged on the tool.
There are three fundamental kinds of data logged on this tool.
The first is the Short Period Aggregate Record. Each record in this section tracks the vibration
data over a 4 second interval. The tool will log the peak acceleration (the greatest acceleration
in a 4mS interval) encountered in that four second period. It will also log the RMS average of
the vibration in that four second interval.

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The second type of data is the Long Period Aggregate record. This data record holds data
accumulated over a twenty second interval. It first stores the greatest 1 second RMS average
found in that 20 second interval, then the RMS average for the full 20 seconds. It logs the
temperature of the tool, though the temperature sensor currently only reports temperatures up
to 125C. It logs the Maximum, Average, and Minimum RPM rotation rate of the tool in that 20
second interval. It logs the Maximum and Minimum Change in RPM in that 20 second interval
and finally it logs the Ratio of the (Max - Min)/Avg for that 20 second interval.
The third kind of data the VMR will log is called Burst data. This is where the raw
Accelerometer and Magnetometer readings are logged every 4mS for 10 seconds. Most of
these are recorded at a regular time interval of 10 minutes. It is possible to configure the tool to
log ONE of these when a special event occurs like when high vibration starts or when the
rotation data indicates unusual rotation conditions. Recently these have been turned off
because it was found most of these were being triggered by events on the surface while
assembling the tool to the tool string.
The section of the parameters panel on the lower right shows the readings from the sensor
right now. At rest, the ADC values should hover around 500. The limits of the data here are 0 1024. The G values for the accelerometers should be 0 to 1 at rest, and they have a data range
+-355g. The Magnetometer readings should be in the range 0 - 4096, and can be anything in is
range when at rest. If you can rotate the tool without damage while still connected to the
interface, you should see these numbers change.
The middle section on the left shows the time on the PC and the time on the VMR tool. The
time is logged with each data record so you know when things happened, so it is important to
get the VMR Clock set correctly.
The section on the bottom left shows the VMR status, serial number and firmware version
number. The interface will complain if it thinks you need to update the firmware or the interface
based on these numbers.
The top left section contains navigation buttons for switching to other VMR panels and
leaving this one.
The button at the bottom left labeled "Reboot Node" is used to send a "Reboot" message to
the VMR node. Users generally will not use this button, but if you do click it remember that data
logging will be enabled again and you may need to click the "Disable" button. The tool is
rebooted any time it regains power, and when leaving the system configuration panel.
The button on the bottom left labeled "Refresh Panel" is used to re-read the start up
information collected from the tool when this panel first opened. (Serial number, Build number,
firmware version and so on). The user will generally not use this button.
The top left button "Prepare Tool for Logging" will present the following panel:

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Tool Configuration Panel

Figure 88 Tool Configuration Panel

The operations available on this panel depend on the privilege level of the user.
Field users can reset the Accelerometer offsets with the "Null Offsets" button then the
"Program Accelerometer Offsets" button.
Pressing the "Set Clock" button will copy the time in the System Clock to the tool, to
synchronize the tool with the computer running the interface.
The user may also set the Logging Delay which delays the start of data logging for the
specified period of time. You may specify the number of hours to delay logging to the nearest
quarter hour (0.25 hr). If you wish to change the logging delay, type the new value into the
Logging Delay Time box and click the "Program Logging Delay" button.
Finally before sending the tool down hole, you should make sure all of the logged data space
is available. However, before erasing the data be sure any collected data has been
downloaded. If you are confident that the tool can be erased, click the "Erase Flash Memory"
button. It will take about 3 minutes to erase this memory and a timer will pop up and countdown
in seconds. The tool must remain powered for this time for the erasure to complete.
It is possible for the timer to count into negative numbers, but as long as the Flash Memory
Busy light is on, it is still erasing.

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Finally, click "Clear Errors" if any of the red LEDs is on. If an error occurs with the tool it is
logged to EEPROM so that the user can see that there was an error when the tool gets back to
the surface. (The batteries are usually run all the way down on a bit run, so errors must be
logged.) Clicking the Clear Errors button will erase this EEPROM location. If clicking this button
fails to clear the error, you may have a defective tool or old firmware.
When you have finished these operations, click the OK button to return to the top VMR panel.
After the tool returns from a bit run, the data logged in the tool should be downloaded. Navigate
to the top VMR panel as described above and click "Collect Logged Data Files." This will cause
a new panel to appear:

Figure 89 Collect Logged Data

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Collected Data File Management

Figure 90 Collected Data File Management

This Collected Data File Management panel displays parameters about the data logged by the
tool and offers a few buttons for working with the logged data.
If the tool shows evidence of damage and reports little or no data logged data, click the "Core
Dump..." button.
This will start a process to dump all of the flash memory,
blank or not, to a core dump file. You should include the words CoreDump in the file name as it
will be in a different format. To regain useful data from this file, you will probably have to send it
to APS. Generally if a tool is damaged to the point that you would fail to get logged data, it will
not communicate either, so this button may be of little utility. But it is provided as a last resort
for the user.
To get your data click the "Read All Data.." button.
This will download all of
the logged data sections in a format consistent with the APS VMR Data analysis tools. You will
be asked for the name of the file. You should type important information about why this data
was collected. Generally include the date the file was downloaded, many people include the
Job number and bit run number as well. Downloading the data will probably take between
20 and 30 minutes.
Once the data has downloaded, you should check to be sure the data is on your disk and looks
like you expect. The Quick Look facility was created for this. Click the "Quick Look."
button and navigate to the file you just created. It may take a minute for long
files to read in, but then a colored plot will appear. Generally look at the temperature curve to

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tell when the tool went down hole and came back. Also you will generally see pauses in the
vibration data for every pipe connection after drilling starts. You will need other programs for
more useful data analysis, this is just to verify that the data was properly downloaded before the
tool is erased. If you have the data from the tool, click the "Erase Flash Memory."
button.
If you encounter trouble downloading the data due to electrical noise, extra long cables or other
communications difficulties; you may still be able to read the data using a slower data rate. If
you click the box labeled "Transfer Speed"
you may select "Low Speed."
This will download the data using a different and slower data rate.
It may take more than 6 hours to download data at this LOW SPEED.
WARNING 6 HOURS
When you have finished downloading and erasing the data, click the "Done with Data Files"
button to return to the top VMR panel.

Figure 91

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The Roll Test


Before sending the tool down-hole for a job, you should verify the operation of the directional
sensor using the Roll Test. To start, click the Perform Roll Test button on the MWD System
Configuration panel. See SureShot Field Notes Field Verification Roll Test Spec 11110
for additional details.
This action will display a panel, which allows you to enter information for the header of the Roll
Test Report.

Roll Test Select Button

Figure 92 Roll Test Select Button

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Roll Test Report Information

Figure 93 Roll Test Report Information

To run a report, fill in the form, and click the Radio Button options to indicate if you will be
rotating the tool in 45 degree increments or 90 degree increments. Also click the Browse
button to specify the file name for the Roll Test Report.
When all of the information has been entered into the form and selections have been made,
click the Start Test button to run the report.

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Field Verification Roll Test Screen

Figure 94 Roll Test STEP 1 OF 9

You will be presented with the Field Verification Roll Test panel. Notice that at the top of the
panel, there is a field marked, Current Instruction: This field tells the system what the next
step of the test will be.
The procedure for running the test is as follows:
1. Set Scribe Line or orient the tool to get a gravity tool face of zero.
2. Rotate the tool to get a Gravity tool face of 45 degrees (90 if you selected 90 degree
increments).
3. Press the Accept Data button.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each angle in a full circle.

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Field Verification Roll Test at 270 degrees

Figure 95 Roll Test STEP 7 of 9

Notice that the table is filled in with each increment. 270 will fill in next.
When the test is complete, the report will be written to the file you specified and you will see a
the following Notice panel:

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Roll Test Complete or View Report

Figure 96 Roll Test Complete or View Report

If you click Exit, you will just return to the MWD System Configuration panel. However, if you
click the View Report button, you will see the report that was created in a Notepad TXT
format. You can then save the report.

Roll Test View Report

Figure 97 Roll Test View Report

Note: While obtaining the Test Data the software is checking the SPREAD against the LIMIT.
If it finds readings are outside LIMIT then it highlights the window in RED.

Figure 98 Roll Test Spread and Limit

Here the Azimuth is reading 1.025 which is outside the Limit of 1.000 so the software has
highlighted the window in Red.

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Field Verification Roll Test Report

If the sensor failed it will show here

Spread and Limits show here

Figure 99 Roll Test Sample Report

When you have finished with this report, click the close box in the upper right corner to return to
the MWD System Configuration screen.

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Set All Clocks

REMEMBER TO
SET ALL CLOCKS

Figure 100 SET ALL CLOCKS

Now that the MWD system can log data to down-hole memory, the time stored on the tool is
important. There can also be several data sources on a single drill string with each having its
own clock and each using that clock in different ways. All CLOCKS should be synchronized
to the surface computer that will download and display the data. (All computers should
have their clock set to the correct time, but this is less of a problem if the same computer which
is used to configure the tool is also used to download the data without changing the clock
between these two activities.) The goal is to coordinate depth data with logged activities, and
the best way to do that is to use the same time to reset the clocks that is used to log depth.
To insure all of the modules have the correct time, first make sure the interface panel is showing
the correct time, then press Set All Clocks. This action will send the current time to all known
modules.
When you have finished configuring the system, you should look again at all the configuration
panels to make sure that all the configuration parameters are correct. If you change anything,
remember to click Program Master Configuration again to insure the displayed parameters
are what the tool will be using.

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Exit Configuration Screen

Figure 101 Exit Configuration Screen

After you are sure all clocks are set, click, Exit Configuration Screen.

If you do not see the warning shown below, the programming was successful, and
the panel will continue to the MWD Master Interface panel.

Figure 102 Configuration Warning

If you see the above warning, then changes to the settings and the FID formats were
not programmed into the Master Controller.

If this is the case, press No to return to the MWD System Configuration panel and
then press the Program Master Configuration button.

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Bus Communications Monitor

Figure 103 Bus Communications Monitor

This will take you back to the main MWD Master Interface panel. It is recommended that you
watch the Bus Communications Monitor to see the MWD message traffic and to verify that
the Red and Green LEDs are as you expect. Watch the information on the screen this for at
least 2 minutes to insure that the Memory Recorder process starts up correctly (no errors
reported and no red memory recorder LED) if you have configured a Memory Recorder for this
run. If it started correctly, you may go back to the Manage Memory Recorder screen to erase
the memory again if you wish to start with a clean memory.

You Are Now Ready To Exit Out Of MWD Master Interface


WARNING: You are not ready to run the job! You have completed the tool string
Configuration and FID programming, but, you are not ready to run the job, since
you need to run the SIU Administration Interface Program

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The SIU ADMINISTRATIVE INTERFACE PROGRAM

Follow the steps below to run the program:


1. Import the saved MWDFormat.cfg and MWDConfig.cfg files into the SIU.
2. Select the Program SIU Configuration Button on the main menu panel and the
Program SIU Configuration window will be displayed. After the program SIU
configuration operation completes, the program will automatically download the
newly programmed configuration from the SIU into the SIU Administrative software
and verify the file has been correctly downloaded into the SIU. After performing this
step, a window will be displayed that informs you that the SIU configuration was
successful.
3. Press the Exit button to exit from the SIU Administrative Interface Program.
Refer to REF: Manual P/N 11266 SIU Administration Software Operations Manual for more
details.

Reference the SIU Administrative Manual - P/N 11266

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Downloading Memory Recorder Data


Download and Depth Tag data
The approved method is to use SureShot to download and depth tag data.

Download data using Master Interface


Follow the steps below to download Memory Recorder Data:
1. When the tool is back on the surface, reconnect it to the SIU & Encoder Interface Box.
2. Start the MWD Master Interface program.
3. Power up the tool and turn on the interface box.
Within about 20 seconds you should start seeing messages displaying on the Bus
Communications Monitor.
4. When you start seeing messages and some Green LEDs, click the Edit Configurations
button.

Figure 104

First a timer appears while the interface waits to put the tool into slave mode.

Figure 105

Then two Load Configuration Progress bars.

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Click System Configuration in the MWD Master Interface main screen.

Figure 106 Manage Data Recorder

Figure 107 Memory Recorder Management Screen

When the MWD System Configuration screen appears, click Manage Data Recorder:
Another progress bar will appear then the Memory Recorder management screen will appear:

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Make sure that the Transfer Speed is set to High Speed and click the Download All Files
button. After doing so, a dialog box will open where you can specify the Root file name for a
series of files which are about to be created:

Figure 108 Root Name Assignment

If you look at some of the files in the above sample, you will see where [Battery Status] appears
in square brackets. This portion is appended to the Root file name of 090709 1335.
When you type a new name and click, Save, several new files will be created (five in this case:
[System Status file], [Battery Status file], [Node Status file], [Directional file], and [Gamma
Node file]).
You may type whatever you like for the root name (it is common to include the job number and
run number). By using the boxes at the top of the screen, you may alter the directory that the
data file is stored in, but you must remember where you put the data. (It is common to use
different folders for different jobs and even different runs.) Type a filename and click, Save.
When you have entered a file name, a file download progress bar appears on the Save
Memory Data screen:

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Progress Bars for File & Over All

Figure 109 Saving Memory Data

It will take a few seconds for the data download to start, but when it does, you should see the
Record # counting. It will restart for each file, but as long as the numbers are changing, the
download is still working properly. The file that is currently downloading is displayed in the top
field along with the drive and folder name. Directly below the Record # is the progress bar for
the file. This will advance and reset several times (once for each file).
Below The Percent Complete field is the Over All Progress bar. This will give you an idea of
how far along the file download process is, and how much longer it will take. You should be
aware that the progress speed for the green bar is not always consistent. It is based on the
number of records the download process will be moving. But some records are much larger
than others. Gamma files only have 8 bytes per record; raw WPR files have 87 bytes per
record. So if you had just logged Gamma and WPR Raw, you would see the Over All
Progress bar move quickly to 55% and then nearly stop. As long as the Record # is changing,
the download is still progressing normally.
A full 32 Megabyte memory will download will take roughly 2 hours under normal conditions.
When the download is finished, you will see:

Figure 110

This Notice box tells you that all of the data has successfully transferred from the tool to the
interface computer. However, before erasing the memory, you should take a quick look at the
data to see if it is what you expected.

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Figure 111 Double Click to Open

All of the data is stored as a text file, so you can double click the new filename to open the file
and look at it with your text editor.
This is best for the Node Status and System Status files.

Figure 112

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Quick Look Data Viewer

Figure 113 Quick Look Data Viewer

Use the Quick Look facility of the MWD Master Interface to take a quick look at the data you
have downloaded. This display utility is listed on the Tools menu of the Memory Recorder
screen. (It is also available on the menus of other panels as well.)
When you select this option, you will be asked for the name of the file you wish to view: Double
click on the data file you just downloaded and a new panel will appear showing a plot of the data
selected.

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Record number of
Left Edge data point

File name

Record number of
Right Edge data
point

The date and time that the log file was started
Mouse Time and Mouse Record number

89 Records per Column


Figure 114 Plot of Gamma Data Selected

The above screen shot is a plot of background Gamma data. The top of the panel shows the
name of the file displayed in the middle. On each side of the name is the record number of the
left edge and right edge Data Record, respectively.
The plot of the data is scaled to the maximum and minimum data values in the data set. For
this plot the maximum is 1602 counts/30sec and the minimum is 1309 counts/30sec
The Data Collection Started box below the plot is the date and time that the Log File was
started.
Below the Data Collection Started field is a box labeled, Mouse Time, which displays the
approximate time of the record that the mouse cursor is placed over. As the mouse is moved
over the plot, the Mouse Time and Mouse Record number will change, as well as the data
values for that record.
Slide the mouse over the plot while watching the Mouse Time values. Note the date and time
that the data collection started while the mouse is on the left side. When the mouse is on the
right side note the date and time of when the collection was stopped or when the batteries quit
provided power.
Check that the dates and time for the start and stop are correct. Scroll the mouse over the plot
to review the data from beginning to end. If the data seems complete, you may erase the data
from the tool memory. Note that the Quick Look Data Viewer is showing the previously
downloaded data.

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It is important, to remember that several data records are plotted in each column (89 in this
example). The plot shows the maximum and minimum value of the 89 records represented in
that column. In this example the Mouse Record number will jump by 89 records per column.

Figure 115 Core Dump Flash Data

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Core Dump Flash Data


If the data does not look complete, and you think more information should have been stored
than was downloaded, you can attempt a Core Dump.
The Core Dump tool was created for program development, but was made available to
customers as a last resort for getting data from a defective tool. It will be a rare case where the
tool works well enough to communicate, but not able to properly download data files. However,
if the file directory has an error, the collected data is still available, and could be rebuilt if the
directory is repaired. In this case you would perform a Core Dump all of the Flash data and
send it to APS. APS Engineers will attempt to rebuild the data structure that was lost and return
the correct data files.
To start a Core Dump:
1. Click the Core Dump button on the Memory Recorder panel.
2. You will be asked for the filename for this file.
APS recommends that the words Core Dump be included in the file name to avoid
confusion about the file format. It will take about 35 minutes to finish the Core Dump of
an 8 Megabyte Memory and it will include several sections.

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Troubleshooting
Failure to Enter Slave Mode
When you first click the button System Configuration, the interface program attempts to put
the Master Controller into Slave Mode. Normally when the Master Controller is operating, it
has control of the RS-485 communications bus. It sends commands to other modules, and
those modules respond to those commands. It is the Master Controller that determines when
any module can send a message since they can only respond to commands they receive.
However, there is one command that the Master Controller sends to allow this to change.
Once every five seconds in normal operation, the Master Controller sends a Master Assert
Request message. If another device responds to this message correctly, the Master
Controller enters Slave Mode. In this condition, the Master Controller will not issue any
commands. In this mode it will only respond to commands it receives (from the Interface
Program). Almost everything that the MWD Master Interface does requires the Master
Controller to be in Slave Mode. The only exception to this is the initial panel where the Bus
Communications Monitor simply reports whatever the Interface Box and MWD Master
Interface happen to see on the RS-485 bus. If you get to this panel and see nothing
happening, you probably are not completely connected to the RS-485 bus and nothing else will
work. (When we started this manual, we recommended that you check COM port settings and
such until you saw some activity.)

Figure 116 Failed to enter Slave Mode

If you click the System Configuration button and the MWD Master Interface fails to see the
Master Assert Request message after some 17 seconds, it will display an error panel:
If you feel that the 17 seconds just was not long enough, or you have fixed a hardware
connection problem, you would click the Green Retry Entering Slave Mode button. This will
cause the MWD Master Interface program to resume watching for the Master Assert Request
message. If you wish to abort the scan for the Master Assert Request message (so that you
can go back and change the COM port or some other activity, you would click the blue Cancel
Command Request. If you know that the Master Controller is not generating Master Assert
Requests because it is already in Slave Mode, you could click Ignore Error Proceed with
Command. This button is colored red since clicking it is a bad idea. If you click this button by
mistake: Turn off the Interface box, click OK for all the error messages, and exit back to the top

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MWD Master Interface panel. Finally, the bottom button There is no Master Controller is
used when you know that a Master Controller is not a part of a the system (like the Stand Alone
WPR configuration). Again it is colored Red to indicate caution is needed

Memory Recorder Configuration conflicts with Master Controller


This situation can arise if you change the configuration in the Master Controller by loading a
configuration from File or Editing the Memory Recorder Configurations, and Programming
the Master Configurations; all while there is still data recorded in the Memory Recorder.
When you press the Manage Data Logger button, you would see a screen similar to the
sample below:

Memory Recorder Screen


Inconsistent Configuration for the Direction file

Figure 117 Inconsistent Configuration for the Direction file

Notice that in the above sample, the File Size Limit is zero and Portion of Allocation Used
says Inconsistent Configuration for the Direction File. Note also that a Directional File was
recorded on the Memory Recorder, but the configuration programmed into the Master
Controller did not include the Directional File.
You can still download the file, but the Memory Recorder screen has no way of calculating the
Portion of Allocation used by this file since no memory has been allocated for it.
Normally, you would download the data when this situation occurs, unless you were sure that it
had been downloaded before, and then Erase the data. However, you could just leave the data
in memory. There would simply be no new records added to it until you put the file back via the
Recorder Parameters panel.

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Mismatched Format Table

Figure 118 Mismatched Format Tables WARNING MESSAGE

If the format table programmed into the Master Controller is not the same as the one in the
MWD Master Interface, the MWD System Configuration panel will present a WARNING
message:

Figure 119

When you see the above message box, you will need to re-program the Master Controller
Firmware, though you may want to Save Configuration to file first.

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Quick Look Data Viewer


The Quick Look Viewer will Auto Scale the plot based on the downloaded data.
Occasionally, however, there may be a bad record containing a 0 or 65536 as the reading. The
scale adjusts, so that all data is displayed on the plot. For most of the data, it will plot as a flat
line, then spike up or down at the bad record point.
Note: In the example: the plot scale includes a bad record; therefore, all the interesting
information has been compressed into a flat line.

Bad Record

Flat line

Figure 120 Data Flat Line With Spike

If the bad data point is removed, the remaining data becomes visible as the scale factor was
readjusted. (See Fig 109 Data Now Visible).

Note: You should understand what has caused the defective data point record before you
remove it, and you should always keep a copy of the original data.
Use the Text Editor to edit the data.

Figure 121 Data Now Visible

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Addendum

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Gamma Lifetime Log


Purpose
This procedure details how to use MWD Master Interface to view Gamma Lifetime Log data and
download it from the tool for storage.

Overview
APS Technology has developed a new Low Power Gamma Controller that can be installed in new
and earlier build gamma sensors. The Low Power Gamma Controller board offers two distinct
advantages over the current Gamma Controller board:

The new board draws less current than the present board (7 mA vs. 30 mA).
This translates into an approximate 15% increase in battery life when running a
DG string with the new Low Power Gamma Controller board.

The Low Power Gamma Controller board contains built-in accelerometers measuring
axial and lateral vibration. Peak axial and lateral vibrations and minimum and maximum
temperature are stored in memory, every 5 minutes, for up to 5,000 hours. Information
on service history (service date and gamma sensor serial number) of the tool is also
stored in memory. This Lifetime Log provides important information when evaluating
tool health and performing preventative maintenance. It also provides evidence of
excessive vibration for warranty claims.

The user can view Lifetime Log data and export it, in ASCII format, to import into a spreadsheet or
other program for plotting. The user cannot delete Lifetime Log data. If the Lifetime Log memory
data is full, contact an APS Technology repair and service facility to clear it.

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How to View Gamma Lifetime Tool Data


1. Start MWD Master Interface.
2. On the main window, choose System Configuration. The MWD System Configuration
window displays.

3. On the MWD System Configuration window, click Edit Configurations. The Edit
Configurations window displays.

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4. On the Edit Configurations window, click Gamma Parameters. The Gamma Interface
window displays.

5. On the Gamma Interface main menu, choose Lifetime. Note sub-menu commands:
View Periodic Data and View Peak Data.

About Lifetime Data

View Periodic Data: Displays data logged to memory for every 5 minutes the Gamma Sensor is
powered up. Periodic Data contains the following data types:

Minimum Temperature (C)

Maximum Temperature (C)

Peak Lateral Vibration (g)

Peak Axial Vibration (g)

View Peak Data: Displays Maximum Temperature, Lateral/Axial Vibration data for all 5 minute
storage intervals. This facilitates checking each runs Maximum or Peak data.

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View Periodic Data


1. On the Gamma Interface window main menu, choose Lifetime > View Periodic Data. The Low
Power Gamma Lifetime Data window displays.

2. Click List Files to retrieve Gamma data files stored in memory and display them in the
upper pane. Note: A new file is created each time the Gamma Sensor is powered up;
typically when a string is assembled before each run.

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3. Select the desired file and click Read File or double-click the file. The lower pane
displays Periodic data types: Min/Max Temperature, Peak Lateral, and Axial Vibration
data for each 5 minute interval.

4. (optional) Click Save All to save a specific Run, Job Temperature, or Vibration Log to
a separate file for storage or reporting. Note: File data is in ASCII format so it can be
imported into a spreadsheet and plotted.
5. Click Exit.

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View Peak Data


1. On the Gamma Interface window main menu, choose Lifetime > View Peak Data. The
Lifetime Peak Readings window displays.

2. Reference data, and then click Exit.

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Enable VMM Features


Purpose
This procedure details how to enable VMM features in MWD Master Interface.

Download and Install Key Files


1. Run cvidistkit.VMM Gateway Interface 50260\Volume\Setup.exe. Note: This creates the
key files folder.
2. Download key files: "VMM_Installer_XXXX.cfg" where XXXX is the serial number of the tool
to enable.
3. Place the key file in the run folder: C:\Program Files (x86)\APS Technology\VMM Gateway
Interface.

Enable VMM Features


Run VMM Gateway Interface
1. Make connection to tool interface and then run VMM Gateway Interface.
2. Click Connect to Tool. Note: The tool can take up to 20 seconds to enter slave mode.

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3. VMM Gateway Interface attempts to load key files:
a. If VMM Gateway Interface loads the key files, it retrieves tool serial number, firmware
version, and enables the Install VMM button.

b. If VMM Gateway Interface did not load key files, click Find Key File. The VMM Installer
dialog displays to browse the file system to the location of the installed key files.

4. Click Install VMM. The buttons LED is green if the installation was successful and red if it
was not.
5. Click Release Tool to disconnect from the tool and enter back into Master Mode.
6. Click Quit to exit VMM Gateway Interface.
7. Start the MWD Master Interface and then confirm version is 50088R0127 or later.
8. On the right side of MWD Master Interface, check color VMR Module Status LED:
a. If green, continue according to section: VMM Features Enabled.
b. If red, Enable VMM failed to work or there is a hardware problem. Resolve issues
according to section VMM Features Not Enabled.

VMM Features Not Enabled

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1. Click System Configuration > Edit Configurations > VMR Parameters.

Confirm a green panel, labeled VMM/VMS Interface 32 Meg displays. If the panel is
gray, click Exit > VMR Parameters again. Install VMM didn't work, if the panel is still
gray.

2. Click Exit to return to the MWD System Configuration panel.


3. Confirm firmware version is 50076R0116 or later.
4. In the Serial Number field, note all serial number characters, including any leading zeros.
5. Email APS CT to report the problem and to receive a new key file. Note: If the green
VMM/VMS Interface 32 Meg panel displays with a red LED on the top panel, then there is a
potential hardware problem with the vibration sensor.
6. Continue processing according to section "VMM Features Enabled" to the Open
Magnetometer Dual Trace Scope and present Start Display of Real Time Vibration Data
instructions. Note: Flat Lines" indicates a sensor problem.
7. Stop and start the particular display twice to insure the interface is operating properly.
8. Capture a screen shot to send to APS when reporting the problem.

VMM Features Enabled


1. Click System Configuration > Edit Configurations > VMR Parameters.

Confirm displayed panel is green and labeled VMM/VMS Interface 32 Meg. If the
panel is gray, re-click Exit > VMR Parameters. If the panel remains gray, Install
VMM didn't execute.

2. Click Manage Memory Recorder. The Memory Recorder panel displays.


3. Confirm log memory is blank before proceeding:

If the tool contains data and you are unsure if the data has been downloaded, click
Download All Files before erasing it. Note: Erased data cannot be recovered.

If tool data has been downloaded, erase it by clicking Erase Data. Note: If the
directory display is blank, it is recommended erasing flash memory as there is no
harm in doing so.

If you just performed Updated Firmware it sometimes erases the file directory,
without erasing flash data. As a best practice, re-erase blank memory. This prevents
damage caused when writing log data to flash memory containing data.

4. After flash memory is erased, click Exit to return to the VMM/VMS Interface 32 Meg panel.
5. Click Prepare Tool for Logging. The Tool Configuration panel displays.

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6. Click Program Defaults to set all new VMM Configuration parameters to default values.

(optional) If you are familiar with VMM Configuration parameters, modify them at
this time. Note: Program defaults are only required once per tool and should not be
done after modifying the Recorder Parameters.

7. Click Open Magnetometer Dual Trace Scope and then wiggle the tool to verify sensor
hardware operation.
8. Click Start Display of Real Time Vibration Data and then wiggle the tool to verify sensor
hardware operation.
9. Click Exit to return to the Edit Configurations panel.
10. Click Recorder Parameters to edit the files logged by the Master Controller.
11. Click Add Module File to add the new VMM files to the list. The Select Device to Log panel
displays.
12. Select VMM Aggregate Drilling Performance to obtain the desired drilling performance log
file.
13. Modify Update Rate and other logging conditions to requirements.
14. (optional) Add VMM Diagnostics to collect extra diagnostic data for APS. Generally, this log
file does not contain information about the drilling environment. Use VMM Diagnostics to
diagnose problems as it consumes little memory in its default configuration.

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View Lifetime Tool Data


Purpose
This procedure details how to use MWD Master Interface to view VMM Lifetime Log data and
download it from the tool for storage.

How to view VMM Lifetime tool data


The user can view Lifetime Log data and export it, in ASCII format, to import into a spreadsheet or
other program for plotting. The user cannot delete Lifetime Log data. If the Lifetime Log memory
data is full, contact an APS Technology repair and service facility to clear it.
1. Start MWD Master Interface.
2. On the main window, click System Configuration. The MWD System
Configuration window displays.

3. On the MWD System Configuration window main menu, choose Lifetime > View
Periodic Data.

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About View Periodic Data

View Periodic Data: Displays data logged to memory for every 15 minutes the VMM Sensor is
powered up, for the lifetime of the tool. Periodic Data contains the following data types:

Minimum Temperature (C)

Maximum Temperature (C)

Peak Lateral Vibration (g)

Peak Axial Vibration (g)

X Acceleration

Y Acceleration

Display Periodic Data


1. On the main menu, choose Lifetime > View Periodic Data. The VMM Lifetime Data window
displays.

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2. Click List Files to retrieve VMM data files stored in memory and display them in the
upper pane. Note: A new file is created each time the VMM Sensor is powered up;
typically when a string is assembled before each run.

3. Select the desired file and click Read File or double-click the file. The lower pane
displays Periodic data types: Min/Max Temperature, Peak Lateral, and Axial Vibration
data for each 15 minute interval.

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4.

(optional) Click Save All to save a given Run, Job Temperature, and Vibration Log to
a separate file for storage or reporting. Note: File data is in ASCII format so it can be
imported into a spreadsheet and plotted.

5. Click Exit.

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Configure VMS Gen 4


in MWD Master Interface
Purpose
Prepare a VMS Gen 4 tool to collect vibration data and dump data once collected.

Enable Stand Alone VMS button


The Stand Alone VMS button may not be available on the MWD Master Interface main panel.

To enable the Stand Alone VMS button, edit tool configuration file: C:\Program Files (x86)\APS
Technology\Shared\ToolConfig.txt by adding line 50152 and removing lines 50076, 50000, or
50130.

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Configure Logging

On the MWD Master Interface main panel, click Stand Alone VMS. The VMM/VMS Interface 32
Meg panel displays.
Important: Correct panel color is green and is labeled: VMM/VMS Interface 32 Meg. If panel
color is gray or labeled VMM/VMS Interface 8 Meg, click Exit > Stand Alone VMS to open
correct panel. Do not configure a 32Meg VMS (Gen 4) using the gray VMS panel.

Check Firmware Version

In the Diagnostics area, in Firmware Version, check if firmware version is 50152R0100 or


greater. If required, update the firmware by clicking main menu command: File > Update/Verify
Firmware.

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Configure Tool
1. On the VMM/VMS Interface 32 Meg panel, in the Main Menu area, click Prepare Tool for
Logging. The Tool Configuration panel displays.

2. Click Program Defaults to set all parameters to a Safe setting, in case they are not modified.
Note:
This option disables all configured data logging.
Perform this option only once per tool and if the firmware has been updated.
Because this option removes your data logging configuration, it must not be done every
time the tool is serviced or before configuring data logging.
The VMS tool configures data logging differently than VMM. In VMM it is configured as a
part of the Memory Recorder system (Recorder Parameters button). In VMS all
aspects of data logging is configured on the Data Logging Manager panel. A VMM can
be configured using Data Logging Manager, but Memory Manager will display an
Inconsistent Configuration error message. Apart from the message, there is nothing
wrong with using the panel to configure VMM.

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3. Click Data Logging Manager.

4. Most logging configuration parameters are erased when using the Program Defaults button.
Turn logging back on and set logging time by entering logging time in Diagnostic Logging Time
(hours) and Aggregate Logging Time (hours).
Note:
As time is entered into Aggregate Logging Time (hours), Aggregate Logging
Time/Number Bursts displays a numeric value which changes as the logging configuration
is modified.
This value is subsequently used by the Copy Down button to provide a Burst Logging
interval to fill the remaining Flash Log Space with Burst Log segments
5. Select the following:
a. Click All Diagnostic Elements to select all diagnostic elements.
b. Click All Aggregate Elements to select all aggregate data elements.
c. Click All Burst Elements to select to log all burst data elements.
6. In Burst Data Logging Time (seconds), enter time to log burst records, type 8.0000.
Note:
At this point, the system knows how much memory is used by specified components.
The system uses this value to calculate the interval to log burst segments to
completely fill the 32Megabytes of flash memory in the time set in Aggregate
Logging Time (hours). The system enters this interval in the Aggregate Logging
Time/Number Bursts field.
7. Click Copy Down to copy this time value into the Interval (hhhh:mm:ss between timed burst
data) field. Make this interval longer to prevent filling memory (twice as long to fill half the
memory.)

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8. The Program VMR Logging Configuration button is now yellow to note the configuration is not
on the tool and must still be programmed. Click Program VMR Logging Configuration to
program the tool. A Success message displays:

9. Click OK. Yellow highlighting is removed and the tool ready to run down hole.
10. Click Done with Data Manager to exit panel.

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Perform Hardware Check


Before unplugging from the tool, check if hardware is functioning.
1. On the Tool Configuration panel, click Open Magnetometer Dual Trace Scope to display a
plot of magnetometer data, as read by the tool. Rotate the tool to wiggle traces or wave a weak
magnet near the tool to deviate magnetometer readings. Note: Some modern interfaces have
different traces, at different scales. Any movement responding to a changing magnetic field
indicates a working tool.

2. Click Start Display of Real Time Vibration Data to display the following plot and do one of the
following:
Rotate the tool to observe traces deviating. These are changes in the direction of gravity.
Bang the tool to observe spikes in data. These are very small accelerations.

3. Confirm VMR Clock and PC system time are correct:


a. If VMR Clock time is incorrect, click Set Clock to copy System Time to the VMR Clock.
b. If PC system time is not correct, then exit MWD Master Interface program and set PC
clock. Restart MWD Master Interface to read correct PC system time. Note: Time is the
only way to correlate data collected by the tool with depth or other activities.

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4. Click OK to return to the VMM/VMS Interface 32Meg panel.
5. If the tool is not blank, click Manage Memory Recorder to dump and erase the tool before
sending it down hole. Note: This makes available the most memory for logging and minimizes the
time required to dump tool data.
Tool is not blank if:
Aggregate Records, Burst Segments or Diagnostic Records display non-zero numbers.
Blank Memory LED is not blue.

6. Determine data origin.


If data originated when working with the tool on the surface, then simply erase it.
If data originated from a bit run and is not yet dumped or you are not sure if it was, then
dump it, before erasing it.
Note:
Erased data cannot be recovered.
Dumping a full flash can take 8 hours.
7. After data is dumped, click Erase Data to erase flash memory. Note: This requires
approximately 3 minutes.

About HS Read All Data

HS Read All Data is a new button used to dump data. It has been tuned to work as fast as
currently possible.
HS Read All Data will crash a PC when using a USB dongle serial port.
HS Read All Data only works with a built-in serial port or a PCMCIA adapter.
HS Read All Data only works with firmware versions: 50152 and 50076R0116 or greater.

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HS Read All Data dumps data 8 times faster than Download All Files. It downloads a full
32Meg memory in just over an hour, while Download All Files requires almost 8 hours.
HS Read All Data is colored blue to note its experimental nature. Use it, if your hardware
supports it; otherwise use Download All Files. Note: If HS Read All Data fails, it will be within
the first 10 minutes.

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Configure VMM
in MWD Master Interface
Purpose
This procedure is a concise summary of how to configure a downhole tool and surface system to run
VMM. This VMM Quick Start Guide assumes the operator is familiar with the APS SureShot
downhole and surface system and software.

Prepare Tool for Logging


1.

Start MWD Master Interface and on the main panel click System Configuration.
The MWD System Configuration panel displays.

2.

On the MWD System Configuration panel, click Edit Configurations.

3.

On the Edit Configuration panel, under Modules, click VMR Parameters. The

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VMM/VMS Interface 32 Meg panel displays.

4.

On the VMM/VMS Interface 32 Meg panel, click Prepare Tool for Logging. The
Tool Configuration panel displays.

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5.

On the Tool Configuration panel:


a. Click Program Defaults. A Success dialog displays, click OK to acknowledge.
b. Click OK on Tool Configuration panel. The VMR/VMS Interface 32 Meg
panel displays.

6.

On the VMR/VMS Interface 32 Meg panel, click Exit to return to the Edit
Configuration panel.

7.

On the Edit Configuration panel, under Master Controller, click MPT Parameters.
The MPT Parameters panel displays:
a. Select frames, which include VWBSX, for real-time transmission of vibration
data.
b. In the Alert column, select Off. Note: It is not required to access the Alert
Parameters menu.

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8.

On the Edit Configuration panel, click Recorder Parameters. The Edit Memory
Recorder Parameters panel displays.

9.

On the Edit Memory Recorder Parameters panel, click Add Module File. The
Select Device to Log dialog displays.

10. From Please select one of the following add the following:

VMM Aggregate Drilling Performance

VMM Diagnostics

Any files required by other devices supplying data.

.
11. On the Edit Memory Recorder Parameters panel, click OK to return to Edit
Configurations panel.
12. On the Edit Configuration panel, click Exit.
13. Click yellow Program Master Configuration to program new recorder
configurations.
14. Click Set all clocks.

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Download and Erase Memory Data


An operator primarily uses the SureShot Control Center (SSCC) program to download
VMM memory data directly into the SureShot job database. However, if VMM memory
data download issues occur when using SSCC, then an operator can use the MWD
Master Interface program to download VMM memory data for troubleshooting and
diagnostic purposes. The following procedure is only performed if memory recorder data
is present.
1. If Manage Memory Recorder is yellow, click to download and erase flash memory.
The Memory Recorder panel displays.

2. If tool has data, click Download All Files.

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3. Verify memory data downloaded correctly. If data downloaded correctly, click Erase
Data to clear memory for the next run. A Warning prompts to confirm action. Click
Yes to acknowledge.

4. Close interface:
a. Click Exit to return to Edit Configuration panel.
b. Click Exit Configuration Panel to return to the main panel.
c.

On the main panel, click Exit.

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Engineering Solutions for


Harsh Environments SM

APS Technology
Headquarters
APS Technology, Inc.
7 Laser Lane, Wallingford, CT USA 06492
Phone: 860-613-4450
Fax: 203-284-7428
Web-Site: www.aps-tech.com
Email: info@aps-tech.com

USA/Houston
APS Technology
15415 International Plaza Drive
Suite 150, Houston, TX USA 77032-2466
Tel: 281-847-3700
Fax: 832-230-2899

China
Guanghan APS Technology Ltd.
East Section 2, Guangdonglu Road
Guanghan City, Sichuan Province, P.R. China 618300
Tel: 0838-5103-658
Fax: 0838-5517-099

Dubai/Middle East (Office Location)


APS Technology
B43, Oilfield Supply Center Complex
Jebel Ali Freezone, Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971.4.883.7231

Russia/Moscow (Official Distributor)


GeoTrend Corporation
29/16, Sivcev Vrazhek Lane, Suite 410
Moscow 119002, Russia
Tel: +7 (499) 241-7410
Fax: +7 (499) 241-2166

UK/Aberdeen APS Technology Office


Tel: +44.(0).750.0116.902

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