Seismic data acquisition and processing equipment for Edinburgh Royal Observatory

The paper deals with two main subjects: a set of portable recorders for field work, and a data-processing centre for collecting and analysing seismic recordings. The portable field recorders use frequency modulated recording on magnetic tape to handle the wide range of frequencies and amplitudes involved in seismic signals. Advantages and problems of mobile array stations are outlined, and the system design considerations for the recording equipment are discussed in detail, with a brief description of e units and their performance. The equipment and operation of the data laboratory are discussed, covering the following functions: (i) Playback of analogue tapes, (ii) Building of a library of events, (iii) Preparation of data for computer input, (iv) Playback of computer output, (v) Simplified processing of data. Proposals are put forward for a special-purpose digital processor, using the existing core-store memory system in conjunction with additional addressing and read-out facilities to perform processing with lags.