Overhauser MaxiMag and AeroSmartMag magnetometers offer unique flexibility in solving a wide range of tasks, from gradiometry for archaeology to regional studies with UAV. Both devices are fully independent magnetometers with integrated high-precision GNSS receivers, consoles, and memory. AeroSmartMag can be used as a UAV magnetometer with any compatible drone, or as a base station or second sensor with MaxiMag, turning the latter into a fully functional high-precision gradiometer. Walking MaxiMag can also be used as a base station. In addition to the standard components of MaxiMag and AeroSmartMag, the set includes a set of cables, brackets, and a tripod for assembling the gradiometer or installing base magnetometer.
High-precision coordinate referencing
Both magnetometers are equipped with high-precision built-in dual-frequency GNSS receivers capable of recording raw data. This allows to use any magnetometer not only as a magnetic base station, but also as a GNSS base. At the same time, the second magnetometer operates as a rover to provide centimeter-level accuracy for measurement positioning. The RTK option is an indispensable tool for archaeological surveys where precise coordinates are critically important. Both magnetometers can be mounted on the dedicated non-magnetic MagCart.
An ideal solution for any region
Our Overhauser magnetometers have no dead zones and can be used at any latitude. Simply keep the sensor in a vertical or horizontal position as shown in the diagram below to achieve maximum sensitivity, without worry about line direction or specific sensor orientation. This feature is especially important for UAV magnetometers operating in equatorial regions.
Overhauser magnetometers do not require sensor heating, like optically pumped ones, so power consumption and operating time remain the same whether in the summer heat or winter cold, and it is always much longer compared to any optical pumped magnetometer.
Low power consumption and lightweight design
Overhauser magnetometers offer a unique combination of sensitivity and low power consumption. MaxiMag and AeroSmartMag are the lightest magnetometers in their class, thanks to their design and the use of lightweight batteries. MaxiMag comes with a light and comfortable harness featuring multiple adjustments to fit anybody and a backpack for your lunch and a jacket.
MaxiMag sensors are available in two modifications:
Modular |
Rigid |
|
Sensor vertical orientation |
+ |
- |
Sensor to electronics module connection |
Connector |
Permanent |
Carry-on case |
+ |
- |
We recommend the rigid design for harsh environments at low temperatures where additional connectors and assembling the sensor with gloves on can be inconvenient. Modular sensors are convenient for use closer to equator and during transportation.
The magnetometer package contains a minimum number of parts to make assembly as easy as possible, but at the same time it consists of all the necessary components, so you do not have to buy additional cables, GNSS receiver and other “options and accessories” required for regular operations. Every magnetometer we ship is ready to use in its basic configuration. Options add functionality but are not required by most users for standard operating scenarios.
Thoughtful down to the smallest details
We spent years conducting geophysical surveys before deciding to design equipment that would make life easier for field geophysicists. We implemented all the ideas that came to us in the taiga or mountains, under the scorching sun and in the polar night.
MaxiMag features a built-in bright LED flashlight and a heated LCD display, ensuring perfect readability day or night, in both hot and cold conditions. AeroSmartMag is equipped with an OLED display that operates without heating down to -40°C.
MaxiMag also has a dual-sided keypad that is equally comfortable for both right- and left-handed users, and especially convenient on freezing days when you just want to keep switching hands in and out of a warm pocket.
We value user feedback and ideas of improving functionality and usability. Many features were implemented thanks to user suggestions and the simple option of magnetometers firmware update.
Data format
User can create project folders that can be used to divide survey sites or data collection days. All measurements are saved in a TXT file in the project folder. The file from each magnetometer has a name containing the serial number of the console, the code of the measurement mode and the number of connected sensors. The files have a homogeneous structure, i.e. every measurement in the file is a line that contains all necessary information: UTC date and time, time zone, base name or line# and station name, measured field, estimated error, sensor serial number, latitude and longitude in decimal degrees, altitude, UTM coordinates with automatic zone and hemisphere selection, horizontal and vertical accuracy. When working with a gradiometer, the line will contain measured field, estimated error, and sensor serial number for each of the connected sensors, and the file name will be different from the magnetometer mode, so the uniformity of the format will not be broken.
Even if there are many operators working on a survey site at the same time, you will always be able to identify which instrument was used for each single measurement in the database.
Metrology and noise protection - a guarantee of high accuracy
All our magnetometers are metrologically tested. We control noise level, absolute accuracy and heading error. The robust algorithms allow to perform measurements at high level of industrial noise, in a city environment, or right under high-voltage powerlines.
Reliability and warranty
Three-year warranty, reliability and fast technical support make your project seamless. Our Overhauser sensors have the longest in the World lifecycle of more than 10 years. You can also take advantage of our trade-in program and replace your old instruments with the new magnetometers from us. Trade in your outdated, unreliable, and heavy magnetometers from other manufacturers for our modern, lightweight, and high-performance solutions!
Type |
Overhauser magnetometers |
Number of sensors |
2 (up to 30 with additional sensors) |
Dynamic range |
20 000 to 120 000 nT |
Absolute accuracy |
0.1 nT |
Sensor sensitivity |
0.021 nT/√Hz rms |
Resolution |
0.001 nT |
Gradient tolerance |
30 000 nT/m |
Sample rates |
0.2, 0.25, 0.5, 1 s and longer with 1 s step |
Sensors stability |
> 10 years |
Additional sensors |
IMU, compass |
Interfaces |
built-in: USB, RS-232, CAN FD. |
Maximum communication cable length |
up to 6 km (CAN FD), up to 100 m (RS-232) |
GNSS receiver |
built-in and optional external |
GNSS antenna |
MaxiMag: built-in and optional external AeroSmartMag: external |
GNSS signals |
GPS L1C/A and L2C; GLONASS L1OF and L2OF; Galileo E1B/C and E5b; BeiDou B1I and B2I; QZSS L1C/A, L1S and L2C. SBAS: WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS, GAGAN, SDCM |
Connectors |
MaxiMag: 2 × CAN FD+12V / RS232+12V, USB, external GNSS antenna SmartMag: 2 × CAN FD / RS232 / 12V, USB, external GNSS antenna, Overhauser sensor |
Display |
MaxiMag: 240 × 128, LCD AeroSmartMag: 160 × 128, OLED |
Keypad |
MaxiMag: 32 buttons AeroSmartMag: 6 buttons with backlight |
Built-in memory |
up to 32 Gb (microSD) |
Power supply |
9.5-21 VDC, LiPo 3S/4S, Li-ion 3S/4S, LiFePo4 4S, or lead-acid battery |
Operating temperature |
–40 to +60 °C |
Battery included |
14.8 V, 4 Ah |
Dimensions with connectors |
MaxiMag: 930×125×72 mm – rigid sensor 940×130×105 mm – assembled modular sensor 260×150×45 mm – console AeroSmartMag: Ø73×116 mm – sensor 125×100×35 mm – console |
Item weight |
MaxiMag: 1.1 kg – console 1.4 kg – rigid sensor 1.5 kg – modular sensor 0.7 kg - Li-ion battery AeroSmartMag: 1000 g – magnetometer 151 g – 4S 1300 mAh LiPo battery 37 g – bracket for DJI M300/M350 142 g – 4 m suspension rope |
Weight of a set includes console, sensor, battery, tripod, and GNSS antenna |
MaxiMag walking magnetometer: 4 kg SmartMag base station: 3.1 kg MaxiMag+SmartMag gradiometer: 6 kg |
Delivery package size and weight |
MaxiMag: 100 × 20 × 25 cm, 14 kg – magnetometer with rigid sensor 55.8 × 35.5 × 19 cm, 8.5 kg – magnetometer with modular sensor AeroSmartMag: 55.8 × 35.5 × 19 cm, 7.5 kg |