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This guide is intended for use by scientists and technicians to quickly get started measuring samples on the MFK2 Multi-Function Kappabridge on the JOIDES Resolution. The MFK2 can be run at three frequencies: 976 (F1), 3904 (F2) and 15616 (F3) Hz. For more in depth information please refer to the Agico manuals for the MFK2 unit and for the Safyr7 software or the IODP User Guide for the MFK2 unit.

Selecting a holder

The 3D holder can measure the AMS and bulk susceptibility in approximately 1.5 minutes whereas the 2D classic holder takes approximately 3 minutes to complete the full set of measurements. Another benefit to the 3D holder is the sample has to be handled only one time and therefore there is less chance for positioning errors.


The 3D holder should not be used for samples with a low susceptibility. The 3D holder has a susceptibility of approximately -30×10−6 SI on Frequency 1 and the susceptibility is higher at Frequency 2 and 3. Agico indicates that samples with low degree of anisotropy and/or those with bulk susceptibility below 100 X 10 -6 SI or over 1 X10 -3 SI will be measured more precisely with the classic rotator or manual holder than with the 3D holder. Please review the "Limitations" section of the Agico 3D rotator application note for more information.

Starting the MFK2


  1. Turn on power switch on the back of the MFK2 control unit
    1. A Green light will appear on the front of the MFK2 control unit and on the pick-up unit.

Figure 1 MFK2 Control Unit

Figure 2 MFK2 Pick-Up Unit

       2.  Select Safyr7 Software on the desktop and the program will launch.

Figure 3 Safyr7 Desktop Icon


Activating the MFK2 for measurements:

  1. Ensure the sample holder is empty and clean.
  2. Select the Activate button at the bottom left of the window main Safyr 7 window
  3. The instrument settings window will open and the user can adjust the measurement mode. Once the instrument mode has been set, select OK.

        4. Wait for initialization of instrument. Instrument status will be displayed on screen as initialization is completed.

Figure 6 Instrument Activation Window during activation process

        5. Select Ok when complete

Figure 7 Instrument Activation Window when activation is completed

        6. Wait for the instrument to stabilize for 10 minutes.

    1. Notes on stabilization:
      1. "Stabilization helps to eliminate the coil drift and it is especially necessary in case of the low-susceptibility specimens with low degree of anisotropy" (Agico 3D-Rotator Application Note)
      2. The computer will 'chime' to indicate the stabilization is complete if the box Ring when finished is checked.
      3. AGICO default stabilization time upon instrument start up is 10 minutes. This time can be reduced using the Reduce Waiting button.
      4. If the software is closed or crashes but the pick- up unit has not been powered down, it is not necessary to wait the 10 minutes for stabilization.
      5. When changing the frequency of the pick-up unit the user should allow time for the instrument to stabilize. Wait for 10 minutes is good practice.

Figure 8 Instrument Stabilization Window


Configuring the Instrument:


User should verify that the Measuring Mode, Field Intensity, and Operation Frequency are properly set before beginning measurements. The instrument automatically detects the type of sample holder (3D or 2D) installed on the unit. NOTE: If the sample holders are switched the instrument should be turned off before disconnecting the holder.

  1. Select Settings: Instrument Settings or press F12

Figure 9 Instrument Settings Window (when 3D rotator is used)

        2. Verify the measurement mode (default is automatic)

                3. Select sample shape, either cube or cylinder when using the 3D rotator (this option does not exist with the 1-axis rotator). IODP cubes with rounded corners can be used with either shape as long as the sample is loaded into the automatic holder as depicted in the user interface.

    1. When changing the sample shape, Safyr will set the sample volume to a default. This volume can be changed later in the Settings tab under Volume/Mass Susceptibility. For example, the default volume for cylinders is 10cc. If you wish to run the rounded corner cubes as a cylinder, be sure to change the volume to 7cc.

        4. Set Field Intensity. This value defaults to 200 A/m on start up. Recommend default field intensity is 425 A/m. This value corresponds to the root mean square 300 A/m used as default on the previous KLY4 Kappabridge model. 

        5. Verify the operating frequency. Default value F1 (976 Hz) is recommended for basic measurements.

        6. When finished, select OK

        7. When the Instrument Configuration window appears, verify configuration is correct and select OK.

        8. Instrument will stabilize for a few seconds (about 10 s) after changes are made.

Figure 10 Instrument Configuration Confirmation Window

        9. The orientation parameters should be set to 12/0/12/0. Go to Settings: Anisotropy Settings: Orientation Parameters to check the orientation parameters and to modify them if needed.

Figure 11 Orientation Parameters Window

       10. Select Settings: Volume/Mass Susceptibility to input a sample volume and select volume or mass normalization. Default is Volume-Normalized. IODP cubes without the corners (aka J-cubes) have a volume of approximately 7cc. Cubes cut on the rock saw are approximately 8cc. Select OK when done.

Figure 12 Volume and Mass Susceptibility Window



Calibration and Holder Correction:

When starting measurements each day a user should measure the holder and calibration standard. This should also be done if the HCORR or CALIB status at the bottom of window are red, indicating they need to be remeasured. If the calibration is out of date, Safyr will automatically prompt the user to calibrate.

  1. Select Execute: Instrument Calibration or press F3. Place AGICO standard in holder. Position of the calibration standard varies by the holder used, see photos for proper orientation for each holder.

Figure 13 Instrument Calibration Window

        2. Place AGICO standard in holder. Position of the calibration standard varies by the holder used, see photos for proper orientation for each holder.

Figure 14 Calibration standard in the 2D holder

Figure 15 Calibration standard in the 3D holder

Figure 16 Calibration standard in the manual holder


3. Ensure nothing is blocking the sample holder and press START.

4. If calibration finishes successfully (see status bar at the bottom of the window), select Save.

          Figure 17 Calibration Window after a successful calibration


Figure 18 Agico provided table of acceptable calibration values from the 3D rotator application manual

5. Holder values will be cleared after saving a new calibration. and user will see a pop up window. Select Ok.

Figure 19 Warning window after saving calibration indication the holder values have been zeroed.

6. The HCORR will turn red at the bottom warning user the HCORR is not up to date

Figure 20 Main Safy7 window with an invalid holder correction value.  Note the red HCORR at the bottom of the window.

7. Remove Calibration Sample from holder

8. SelectExecute: Holder Correction or press F4

Figure 21 Holder Correction Window

9. Select Start.

    1. Holder will lower into MFK2 pick up unit and anisotropy will be measured in 3 positions

Figure 22  3D Holder Correction Window during measurement

        10. If successful, select Save.

    1. If the holder values are suspicious a window will appear to warn the user.

Figure 23 Holder Correction Window after successful measurement





Figure 24 Suspicious Holder Correction values warning window



Measuring a Sample:

There are some methods that vary depending on the holder used for AMS measurements. The differences are mainly in the positioning of the sample in the holder and the orientation values entered. Make sure to follow the instructions for the holder in use.

  1. Select New Specimen and the New Specimen window will open.

Figure 25 New Specimen Window

        2. Enter the Cube ID value (ie CUBE9594971) or use the bar code scanner gun.

    1. This ID will be translated into Exp-Site-Hole-Core-Section-Half- Interval after upload.

        3. Enter the orientation angles. This corrects for the orientation of the sample in the holder.

    1. If using the 3D holder, enter an Azimuth of 0 and a dip of 90.


    1. If using the 2D holder, leave the Azimuth and Dip fields blank

        4. Select Ok.

        5. Secure sample in holder.

    1. When using the 3D holder, position the sample in the holder as specified in the user interface (figure XXX). This will be the only position the cube will be placed in.


  2. Figure 26 Sample in 3D Holder using the Cylinder setting

    Figure 27 Sample in 3D Holder using the cube setting


                 b. When using the 2D holder, the cube will be placed in three positions

Figure 28 Sample positions for 2D holder

        6. Select the green Aniso button at the bottom of the window.

    1. When using the 3D holder, if the 'auto bulk' box is selected, the measurements will be fully automated and the bulk measurement will be taken immediately following the anisotropy measurement.
    2. Instrument status will be displayed at the bottom of the screen during measurements.

Figure 29 Safyr7 Window when using the 3D holder after new specimen information has been entered. Note the 'Aniso' button is now green.

        7. When measurements are complete, select Save.

    1. If a file is already open, the data will be saved to the open file. The current file is displayed at the top of the window.
    2. If no file has been opened prior to measurement, the user will be prompted to create a file or select a file to append the data to.

Figure 30 Safyr7 save data prompt

         8. The user can then continue measuring samples by clicking the new specimen button.

    1. Azimuth and Dip should remain in the fields as long as the "Retain Valuesspecimen data" box is checked in the New Specimen window.


Bulk Only measurements:

Bulk only measurements should be performed with the manual holder for the best measurements. The manual holder can be used with or without the up/down manipulator. It is recommended to use the up down manipulator as it is more precise when inserting the holder into the pickup coils.


  1. Go to Settings: Instrument Settings

Figure 31 Instrument Settings window with Bulk Susceptibility Individual Measurements selected

2. Select Bulk Susceptibility: Individual Measurements.

3. Select Ok.

4. A configuration window will appear. Verify the settings and select Ok.

Figure 32 Instrument Settings verification window

5. A warning that a manual holder should be used for bulk only measurements will appear on the screen. Select Ok.

Figure 33 Warning indicating that the manual holder should be used for bulk susceptibility measurements.

6. Remove the rotator assembly from the up/down manipulator so it is out of the way. NOTE: Do not disconnect the rotator without first turning off the instrument.

7. Fix the manual holder insert in the up/down assembly and attach the manual holder to the insert. Push the manual holder all the way down so that the conical top piece fits into the insert.

Figure 34 Manual holder insert fixed to the up/down manipulator

8. If the up/down manipulator is disabled, the white plastic cylinder needs to be inserted into the pick-up coil prior to measurements. This is to ensure the specimens are placed at the correct height. The sticky kappabridge cleaning stick works best for inserting and removing the cylinder.

    1. To disable the up/down manipulator select Execute: Auxiliary Commands and disable the Up/Down manipulator. It helps to remove the rotator assembly from the up down manipulator so it is out of the way. NOTE: Do not disconnect the rotator without first turning off the instrument.

Figure 35 White plastic cylinder insert for bulk susceptibility

9. Select Execute: Holder Correction and measure the manual holder. The holder correction routine consists of three consecutive measurements. The procedure differs depending on if the up/down manipulator is enabled or not. IMORTANT: When switching from anisotropy mode to bulk only measurements, you must always run a new holder correction measurement. SAFYR saves separate holder values for anisotropy mode and bulk only mode, even id you are using the same holder.

    1. If the up down manipulator is enabled, click start. The routine will be performed automatically.
    2. If the Up/Down manipulator is disabled, a warning box will appear notifying the user to insert the white plastic cylinder into the pick up coils. Click OK
    3. Click start and wait for a long beep, then manually insert the holder into the pickup coils so that it rests on the white plastic cylinder in the center of pickup coils. Remove the holder when you hear a short beep. The holder will need to be inserted and removed 3 times.

Figure 36 Warning box when up/down manipulator is disabled


Figure 37 Bulk Susceptibility only window after holder correction measurement

11. Select SAVE if you are satisfied with the holder correction.


You are now ready to begin measuring.

  1. Select NEW SPECIMEN and a new specimen window will open.

Figure 38 New specimen window

    1. Scan or enter the sample name
    2. Enter the volume of the sample in cubic centimeters. Plastic cubes with rounded corners are 7cc, hard rock cubes are 8cc, cylinders are generally 10cc.
    3. You have the option to add a note
    4. Enter the number of measurement repetitions in the Auto Repeat box
    5. Select OK
  2. Insert the sample into the specimen holder in the desired orientation.
  3. Select START
    1. The instrument will first take a measurement of the empty coils to zero the instrument.
    2. If the up/down manipulator is enabled the holder will automatically be moved into the pick up coil
    3. If the up/down manipulator is disabled, wait for a long beep then insert the sample into the pick up coil until it rests on the white plastic cylinder. When you hear a short beep indicating that the measurement is complete, remove the sample from the pickup coil.
  4. Select SAVE


File Outputs

There are 4 files generated when a user saves AMS data. These are the binary .ran and .ams files and the text .asc file, and a .csv file. A separate .bulk file is generated when measuring bulk only measurements. The files are written to C:\Agico\Data

AMS file types

  1. .csv file- csv file formatted for upload to LIMS database
  2. .ams file- binary data file intended for use in the Anisoft5 software
  3. .ran file- standard binary file for use in the Anisoft4 software
  4. .asc file- text file meant as a log file for completed measurements


Bulk Only file type

  1. .bulk file- space delimited text file in a fixed format

Data Upload

To upload MFK2 AMS data to the LORE database, 4 files are needed. These files are the .ams, .ran, .asc, and a .csv.

Editing MFK2 AMS data:

If any corrections need to be made to the data before uploading (fix azimuth and dip information, etc.), these can be made in anisoft5

  1. Open Anisoft5 software
  2. Select File:Open
  3. In the browser window, select the .ams file for the data to be uploaded and select Open
  4. Select Edit: Edit Orientation Data
  5. Make the desired changes then click SAVE.
  6. Change the display to geographic. If this step is skipped anisoft will only export the specimen coordinate data
  7. Select File:Export and export .csv file
  8. Open the .csv you just created

    1. copy the values from the following columns: Kmax_Dec, Kmax_Inc, Kint_Dec, Kint_Inc, Kmin_Dec, Kmin_Inc. These columns correspond to the following columns in the MUT upload csv created by Safyr7: K1 Dec (Geo), K1 Inc (Geo), K2 Dec (Geo), K2 Inc (Geo), K3 Dec (Geo), K3 Inc (Geo).

    2. paste the copied values into the cells of the corresponding samples.
    3. save the .csv
  9. Open MegaUploadaTron (MUT)
  10. Ensure the .asc, .ams, .ran, and .csv file all have the same file name and are in the In data folder
  11. Select Upload in MUT


Troubleshooting

  • The azimuth and dip information for a sample was entered wrong at the time of measurement.
  1. Open the .ams file in Anisoft5.
  2. Select Edit:Edit Orientation Data
  3. Adjust the Azimuth and Dip or Orientation Parameters
  4. Select Save
  • There is a typo in the sample name.
  1. Open the .ams file in Anisoft5.
  2. Select Edit:Edit Orientation Data
  3. Edit the Sample name column
  4. Select Save
  • Purple question marks appear in MUT during upload
  1. Check that all 4 files for AMS measurements are in the correct folder
  2. Ensure the file names are identical for the 4 files
  3. Make sure the .csv file has been exported to the correct file location