Design, Construction and Validation of a Low Cost Resonance “Futamag” Magnetometer

Abstract

The cost of new magnetometers has gone up astronomically and consequently many institutions that need this equipment for teaching and research purposes can hardly afford the price. This predicament compelled the authors to look for electronic components that are available in local markets and shops to fabricate this magnetometer. This magnetometer was designed and constructed using components purchased locally. Construction, Configuration and Standardization of ‘Futamag’ Resonance Magnetometer was done with appropriate validations in the basement complex terrain characterized with crystalline bedrock geologic terrain. ‘Futamag’ Resonance magnetometer and Unimag, as a standard equipment, were used to acquire magnetic data concurrently along the six established traverses at Senior Staff quarters, Federal University of Technology, Akure. Regression analysis was carried out as basis for relative standardization of ‘Futamag’ Resonance Magnetometer by subjecting the data acquired to series of processing and interpretations to test the reliability of the newly constructed magnetometer. The data obtained were interpreted qualitatively by profile correlation using percentage relative trend appraisals and quantitatively, by using half-width method to determine depth to the top of basement. The estimated depths showed a good correlation with little disparity experienced along some traverses.  The difference cannot be completely associated to deficiency from ‘Futamag’ but may be as a result of poor control over environmental noise on the part of the ‘Futamag’. Higher level of correlation between the ‘Futamag’ and Unimag Resonance Magnetometers was achieved from the regression analysis with 99% reliability which  justifies that construction of resonance magnetometer can be done with locally available materials using appropriate standardization.