Events

Zero Time Box

Product information, applications, features, benefits, and brochure.

Back to Large Seismic Operations
Zero Time Box

Zero Time Box

Overview

The Zero Time Box is a portable timing analysis tool designed to compare the start times of seismic source units with the recording system. It works with any source encoder, controller, or decoder that outputs a low-voltage start signal on a BNC connector.

The Zero Time Box can be used for fast on-site vibrator quality control, source timing verification, and precision measurement of timing intervals. With six total channels, including one encoder channel and five decoder channels, it allows crews to quickly confirm that multiple source controllers are starting in time with the recorder.

No setup is required. The unit automatically determines whether input pulses are rising or falling edge, provides full galvanic isolation between channels, and displays timing results directly on the built-in screen.

Features

Fast Timing Analysis
  • Compares source unit start times with the recording system
  • Works with source encoders, controllers, and decoders
  • Can be used as a five-channel precision timing interval measurer
  • High precision measurement with ±1 microsecond timing accuracy
  • Measuring range from -32000 to +32000 microseconds
Easy Operation
  • No setup required
  • Red button powers up the system
  • Black button arms and controls operation
  • Trigger the recording system and read the results
  • Visual representation of timing results on the display
System Compatibility
  • Works with any recording system
  • Compatible with source electronics using low-voltage BNC start signals
  • Automatically determines rising or falling pulse slope
  • Minimum trigger voltage: 3V
  • Maximum trigger voltage: 10V
Field Reliability
  • Full galvanic isolation between channels
  • Built-in rechargeable battery for portable operation
  • Up to 12 hours of continuous battery operation
  • Includes power cable for 12 Volt office operation
  • Automatically powers off when not used
Physical Specifications
  • Six total channels: one encoder plus five decoders
  • External power: 10–16V, 150mA
  • Operating temperature: -20°C to +50°C
  • Humidity: 95% non-condensing
  • Size: 7.48 x 4.84 x 2.56 inches
  • Weight: 2.6 lbs / 1.18 kg

Benefits

Useful for Every Project
  • The Zero Time Box provides a quick and simple way to verify source timing on virtually any seismic project.
Quickly Check Multiple Controllers
  • Five decoder channels allow crews to quickly check start timing for multiple source controllers against the encoder signal.
Assure Clients of Proper Timing
  • Timing verification helps demonstrate that source units are starting properly with the recording system.
Reduce Troubleshooting Time
  • No setup, automatic edge detection, and direct display results make timing checks fast and easy in the field.
Improve Field QC Confidence
  • Galvanic isolation and high precision measurement help crews perform reliable timing checks without complicated external equipment.

Related Applications

Learn more about applications commonly used with this product.

On-Site Vibrator Quality Control
  • Verify source start timing and confirm synchronization between source controllers and the recording system.
Source Timing Verification
  • Measure timing differences between encoder and decoder start signals using BNC connections.
Recording System Checkout
  • Confirm timing output behavior from recording systems and source electronics before production.
Field Troubleshooting
  • Quickly identify timing offsets or missing start signals during field operations.

Brochure

Zero Time Box Brochure