DIY PocketLab Based Seismograph

There are a few parts of the world where earthquake are a regular thing. In case, it is a small one you come to know only when you switch on the news channel, however, if you wish to measure these low level earthquakes you can always make yourself a highly sensitive Seismometer. The project is a simple one and involved little carpentry, a PocketLab sensor, and a magnetometer. You can always collect the data with an iPad.

The basic materials required for this job include a wooden frame with measurements worth 8’1X4 and a 8’2X6, some 12-13 assorted screws and a few metal strap, medium size magnet, a PocketLab sensor, an iPad or a smartphone for connecting the sensor. At first you will have to make the pendulum, for this purpose, you can always Google the best designs. The one you see here is a very basic pendulum with simplest design. The screws and wood straps will be used here.

Next, you will need to make a detector, it is the most funny and interesting part of this project. It will be preferable to get a heavy magnet that comes with a handle for attachment. As for detector, you can always use magnetometer function from PocketLab which is etched with other sensors. The other prime candidate is an accelerometer, but you may have to learn a few extra tips to use it as a recording device. The magnetometer is, by far, the best choice in this regard.

The pendulum that is showcased here has magnet as mass along with a 70cm long string. The equation for the pendulum period is ‘T=2(L/g) where T represents time in seconds, L is string’s length in meters, and g is the acceleration caused because of gravity. The detector will work only when the magnet moves from one point to another, the flux will always move along with it. The magnetometer will be fastened tight with the pendulum base, so now whenever the mass moves from one point to another, change in flux will be measured.

The last part includes collection and analysis of data. For this purpose, you will have to place the seismometer over the concrete ground floor. The base needs to be very stable one like the garage floor.