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Bird Dog 4

Bird Dog 4

Overview

The Bird Dog 4 is Seismic Source’s advanced field quality control system for testing vibrators, geophones, hydrophones, accelerometers, and load cells directly in the field or workshop. Designed for independent acceptance testing, the Bird Dog 4 provides precise measurements, advanced analysis tools, and rugged portability for demanding seismic environments. The system features 24 high-speed data channels, precision ADC circuitry, GPS timing and location tracking, Ethernet connectivity, and specialized sensor connections for easy field operation. The Bird Dog 4 can run independent QC tests without relying on the recording or source control system, helping crews verify performance and ensure equipment is operating correctly. Bird Dog 4 supports vibrator QC, geophone testing, hydrophone testing, and optional load cell testing, making it a versatile quality control platform for seismic acquisition operations.

Features

Advanced Hardware
  • 24 data channels for testing sources and sensors
  • High-speed ADC circuits for precise measurements
  • 24-bit ADC chips for lower noise and increased accuracy
  • Specialized field connectors for simplified operation
  • Rugged aluminum enclosure with integrated carrying handle
Vibrator QC Testing
  • Run wireline tests on up to five vibrators simultaneously
  • Includes two magnetic accelerometers for independent testing
  • Independent vibrator QC separate from recording system
  • Analyze polarity, phase error, and force output
  • Industry-standard vibrator QC reporting
Geophone Testing
  • Test up to three 1C geophones or strings simultaneously
  • Supports one 3C geophone test configuration
  • QC individual geophone elements or strings
  • Time and frequency domain testing
  • MS Excel compatible reporting interface
Hydrophone Testing
  • Optional hydrophone and streamer testing
  • Measures electrical and acoustic properties
  • Includes sound tube and amplifier option
  • Verifies hydrophone accuracy and output
  • Stores and generates hydrophone reports
Load Cell Testing
  • Optional portable load cell system
  • Supports one to four load cells per system
  • Analyzes amplitude and phase performance
  • Compatible with any seismic vibrator
  • VSCOPE software support for interpretation and analysis
Connectivity & Data Management
  • Ethernet connectivity for configuration and data offload
  • Optional Wi-Fi connectivity
  • GPS timing and location tagging for all tests
  • All test data stored in non-volatile memory
  • Lifetime software license included for vibrator, geophone, and accelerometer testing

Benefits

Verify Equipment Performance
  • Bird Dog 4 allows crews to independently verify vibrator, sensor, and hydrophone performance without relying on the acquisition system.
Improve Data Quality
  • Independent QC testing helps identify equipment problems before production acquisition begins, improving overall seismic data quality.
Reduce Downtime
  • Portable field testing allows crews to quickly diagnose and troubleshoot equipment directly onsite.
Support Multiple Sensor Types
  • The Bird Dog 4 can test vibrators, geophones, hydrophones, accelerometers, and load cells using one flexible platform.
Improve Reporting & Documentation
  • Integrated software generates reports, archives test results, and provides GPS-based time and location tracking for every test.
Operate Anywhere
  • Rugged construction, low power operation, and Ethernet/Wi-Fi connectivity make the Bird Dog 4 ideal for remote field operations.

Related Applications

Learn more about applications commonly used with this product.

Vibrator Quality Control
  • Independent field QC testing for seismic vibrators, including force output, phase analysis, and accelerometer verification.
Geophone Testing
  • Field and office testing of geophones, geophone strings, and 3C sensors.
Hydrophone Preparation
  • Hydrophone and streamer section testing for marine seismic operations.
Load Cell Analysis
  • Amplitude and phase testing for seismic vibrators using portable load cell systems.
Independent Acceptance Testing
  • Verify source and sensor equipment performance before acquisition begins.