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LUDLUM MODEL 177-56 RATEMETER January 2019 Serial Number 322945 and Succeeding Serial Numbers...
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LUDLUM MODEL 177-56 RATEMETER January 2019 Serial Number 322945 and Succeeding Serial Numbers...
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RETURN OF GOODS TO MANUFACTURER If equipment needs to be returned to Ludlum Measurements, Inc. for repair or calibration, please send to the address below. All shipments should include documentation containing return shipping address, customer name, telephone number, description of service requested, and all other necessary information.
Model 177-56 Technical Manual Table of Contents Introduction Getting Started Unpacking and Repacking Preparing the Instrument for Use Operating the Instrument Specifications Description of Controls and Functions Front Panel Back Panel CAL Control - Alpha Internal Controls (Overhaul Only) CAL Control – Beta...
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High Voltage (HV) Low Voltage Battery Charge High Voltage Test Battery Test Voltage Recycling Parts List Model 177-56 Ratemeter 10-1 Main Board, Drawing 347 × 603 10-1 Calibration Board, Drawing 347 × 132 10-4 Power/Data Board, Drawing 347 x 489...
Model 177-56 Technical Manual Section 1 Section Introduction he Ludlum Model 177-56 is a dual-detector (scintillator/GM) system, allowing selection of either alpha or beta readings, functioning as an alpha/beta frisking station. Note: There is no ALARM audio on this system.
Check individual item serial numbers and ensure calibration certificates match between instruments and detectors (if applicable). The Model 177-56 serial number is located on the back panel of the instrument. To return an instrument for repair or calibration, provide sufficient packing material to prevent damage during shipment.
Model 177-56 Technical Manual Section 2 single operating point). Expose the detector to a source and increase the voltage until a stable reading is obtained from the source. Connect the instrument to line power, and then turn the power switch to ON.
Model 177-56 Technical Manual Section 3 Section Specifications 95-250 VAC wall transformer and 6-volt gel-cell (sealed lead-acid) Power: battery; typical battery life of approximately 50 hours with a fully charged battery. 1 amp 3AG fuse Fuse: toggle switch control selects FAST (2.2 seconds) or...
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Model 177-56 Technical Manual Section 3 may be used to externally add to or subtract from the Unbuffered Output: meter reading powder coat paint Finish: 16 x 20.3 x 17.5 cm (6.3 x 8 x 6.9 in.) (H x W x D), excluding handle Size: 1.9 kg (4.2 lb) with battery...
Model 177-56 Technical Manual Section 4 Section Description of Controls and Functions Front Panel provides 9 VDC through a wall transformer to Power ON-OFF Switch: the instrument and trickle-charges the standby battery. In case of line power failure, the battery automatically comes online to power the instrument.
Model 177-56 Technical Manual Section 4 The beta/GM detector is a series C connector. The alpha/ Connectors: scintillator is an MHV connector. This button, when depressed, provides a rapid means of RESET Button: driving the meter needle to zero. When in the...
Discrimination control. Alpha scintillator side, adjust the DISCR: discriminator to 10 ± 2 millivolts. This control has an adjustable range of 10 to 100 millivolts. A Ludlum Model 500 Pulser may be used to determine the discrimination level. X1000 through X1 calibration controls used to Calibration Controls: calibrate each of the ranges.
The discrimination level on the pancake board (-595) is Pancake DISC: fixed at around 10 mV and can be checked with a Ludlum m500 pulser. Apply an -80mV signal to the C connector on the front panel to test. Note: Approaching -10 mV, the trip point can cause oscillation and will yield count errors.
Cleaning Instructions and Precautions The Model 177-56 Ratemeter may be cleaned externally with a damp cloth, using only water as the wetting agent. Do not immerse the instrument in any liquid. Observe the following precautions when cleaning: 1.
Caution! The operator or responsible body is cautioned that the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired if the equipment is used in a manner not specified by Ludlum Measurements, Inc. Caution! Verify instrument voltage input rating before connecting to a power converter.
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Doing so may result in the unit falling down and causing personal injury and/or property damage. The Model 177-56 Ratemeter is marked with the following symbols: CAUTION (per ISO 3864, No. B.3.1) – designates hazardous live voltage and risk of electric shock.
Note: Local procedures may supersede the following. In order to calibrate both the ratemeter and HV, the user will need a Ludlum Model 500 pulser or equivalent and a high–impedance voltmeter with at least 1000 Megohm meter input resistance to adjust the detector voltage.
Model 177-56 Technical Manual Section 6 Establishing a Detector Operating Point: The operating point for the instrument and detectors is established by setting the detector voltage and instrument sensitivity ( ). The proper selection of this point is the key to instrument performance.
Recalibration should be accomplished after any maintenance or adjustment has been performed on the instrument. Ludlum Measurements recommends recalibration at intervals no greater than one year. Local regulations may have precedence over this recommendation.
Note that the first troubleshooting tip is for determining whether the problem is with the electronics or with the detector. A Ludlum Model 500 Pulser is invaluable at this point because of its ability to simultaneously check high voltage, input sensitivity or threshold, and the electronics for proper counting.
Model 177-56 Technical Manual Section 7 SYMPTOM POSSIBLE SOLUTION Non-linear Readings Check the high voltage (HV) by pressing the button. If a HV TEST multimeter is used to check the HV, ensure that one with high impedance is used; as a standard multimeter could be damaged in this process.
Technical Manual Section 7 2. Check the HV. For most GM tubes, the voltage is normally 900 VDC, or 460-550 VDC for “peanut” tubes (Ludlum Model 133 series). 3. If the input sensitivity is too low, the user could see some double-pulsing.
Model 177-56 Technical Manual Section 8 Section Technical Theory of Operation Amplifier Negative detector pulses are coupled through C124 to emitter follower Pin U121. R127 protects the input from inadvertent high-voltage shorts. R129 couples the detector to the high-voltage supply.
Model 177-56 Technical Manual Section 8 discharged by R124. The average voltage on C122 is coupled through switch to voltage-follower Pin 5 of U311. Pin 7 of U311 drives the meter and recorder output. Time Constant The meter time constant is determined by R124 and C122. For a slower time constant, C122 is paralleled by C101.
Model 177-56 Technical Manual Section 8 Battery Charge Battery charge is provided by voltage regulator U201 and power transistor Q301. R402 limits charge current for discharged battery. A negative voltage coefficient of -0.0063 volts per degree F is provided by ratio of R013/R201.
To this end, Ludlum Measurements, Inc. strives to supply the consumer of its goods with information regarding reuse and recycling of the many different types of materials used in its products. With many different agencies –...
Model 177-56 Technical Manual Section 10 Section Parts List Reference Description Part Number Model 177-56 UNIT Completely Assembled Ratemeter Model 177 Ratemeter 48-1323 Main Board, Drawing BOARD Completely Assembled 347 × 603 Circuit Board 5347-603 CAPACITORS C001 10µF, 25V, 04-5655...
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