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BNC SAM 950 User Manual

Ruggedized radiation isotope identifier
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User Manual
SAM 950
Ruggedized Radiation Isotope Identifier

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Summary of Contents for BNC SAM 950

  • Page 1 User Manual SAM 950 Ruggedized Radiation Isotope Identifier...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Camera and flash light ............................11 Tripod assemble guide ...........................11 Shoulder strap assemble guide ........................12 SAM 950 software ............................13 Prerequisites for the operation of the SAM 950 ..................13 Chapter 4. PDA application software ..................14 Introduction ..............................14 Function buttons ............................15 Software upgrade guide ..........................16 Main and sub menu structure ........................
  • Page 3 Chapter 5. Operational instruction ................... 37 Prepare the SAM 950 for operation ......................37 Login ................................37 Agent and search place information ......................38 Alarm threshold .............................. 39 Alarm ringtone ............................... 39 Background measurement ..........................40 Energy calibration ............................41 Radiation monitoring .............................42 Alarm and isotope identification ........................43...

  • Page 4: Chapter 1. Introduction

    CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION The SAM 950 is designed to meet the requirements of ANSI 42.34 criteria for hand-held instruments for the detection and identification of radionuclides. This instrument provides a superb solution for the demanding requirements of emergency responder and Homeland Security in the USA and other countries.

  • Page 5: Important Safety Information

    Figure 1.2 Application examples IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION The SAM 950 has been meticulously engineered to provide safe, dependable, high performance to it’s user for years to come. But, as with any kind of electrical equipment, following instructions and taking basic precautions will prevent injury to yourself or to the equipment.

  • Page 6: Chapter 2. Safety

    CHAPTER 2. SAFETY CAUTIONS AND NOTES The following warnings and instructions are vital to the optimal operation of the SAM 950 unit and should be made readily accessible for reference. Follow these warnings and instructions thoroughly to use the unit correctly and to protect the safety of the users.

  • Page 7: Classification

    ✓ Equipment not suitable for use in the presence of a flammable anesthetic mixture with air or with oxygen or nitrous oxide. LABELS The label providing the system power requirements and serial number of the system is located at the back- side of the unit. Figure 2-1. Label SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 7 of 62...

  • Page 8: Chapter 3. System Description

    CHAPTER 3. SYSTEM DESCRIPTION SYSTEM COMPONENTS SAM 950 components, its accessories and carrying case are shown in figure 3.1. Figure 3.1. SAM 950 Components, its accessories and carrying case ① SAM 950 detector unit ② DC power adaptor for SAM 950 (DC 12V) ③...

  • Page 9: Specifications

    According to ANSI N42.34, isotope/category/confidence report Battery >8hours, Lithium Ion DETECTORS NaI(Tl) – 2x2, 3x3 inch, Gamma Detector CeBr3 – 1.5x1.5, 2x2 inch, LaBr3 – 1.5x1.5, 2x2 inch Gamma (High Dose Rate) Gain Compensation Geiger-Muller detector SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 9 of 62...
  • Page 10 , Xe , Sm , Tl Industrial , Co , Co , Se , Rh , Ba , Cs , Cs , Eu , Ir , Am , Pu , Pu , Np SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 10 of 62...

  • Page 11: Power And Battery Charge Guide

    Therefore, PDA’s operation time is same as the SAM 950 unit and it’s On/Off is synchronized with the SAM 950 unit. Figure 3.2. Power switch and battery charger SAM 950 also can be charged by vehicle electric system with standard 12 V DC. Figure 3.3. shows a vehicle charging unit. Figure 3.3. Vehicle charger The SAM 950 is equipped with a Lithium Ion battery.

  • Page 12: Camera And Flash Light

    Figure 3.4. Camera and flash light TRIPOD ASSEMBLE GUIDE SAM 950 can be mounted on a tripod. A tripod adaptor hole is located on the bottom of SAM 950 as shown in figure 3.5. Standard tripod screw shoe size is 3/8-16. Front and back hole are designed for 3x3 inch and 2x2 inch (1.5x1.5 inch) detectors, respectively by considering weight balance.

  • Page 13: Shoulder Strap Assemble Guide

    SHOULDER STRAP ASSEMBLE GUIDE To minimize fatigue of an operator, SAM 950 can be wearing on shoulder using a shoulder strap. ✓ There are two strap hocks at front and back of the SAM 950 body. Assemble example is shown in figure 3.6.

  • Page 14: Sam 950 Software

    The PDA application SW is used in the configuration and calibration procedures as well as for the real-time measurement and analysis of spectral data acquired by the SAM 950. The command center software supports event-log file management, integration of data from multiple units, and data backup.

  • Page 15: Chapter 4. Pda Application Software

    The SW is Android (Google) OS based and compatible with any Android based PDA or Smart Phone. The standard unit imbedded with the SAM 950 is the Samsung Galaxy J5 or equivalent. In addition to touch screen in handling the imbedded smartphone, it can be also controlled by hardware button keys on the handle of the SAM 950 unit.

  • Page 16: Function Buttons

    FUNCTION BUTTONS The function buttons of SAM 950 on its handle provides convenient control and operation of the unit in addition to the touch screen capability. A user can operate the buttons with wearing a glove. The basic function of each button is summarized in table 4.1.

  • Page 17: Software Upgrade Guide

    SW update notification message is automatically sent and displayed when the latest SW version is available and the currently installed version is lower than the latest one. The SAM 950 unit has to be connected WiFi network to download/upgrade to the latest SW. ✓ Following is software upgrade procedure. Refer to the figure 4.2 below.
  • Page 18 Figure 4.3. SAM III SW upgrade procedure SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 18 of 62...

  • Page 19: Main And Sub Menu Structure

    Intuitive, simple and hierarchical structure design of the new PeakAbout II software make the operation of SAM 950 easy and flawless. In addition, function buttons on handle provides extra convenience in handling the unit with wearing gloves. Figure 4.4. and 4.5. graphically summarizes hierarchical structure of menus and describes how to use touch screen or function buttons in order to surf between menus.
  • Page 20 Manual ID condition, ID summary, media management Reach-back screen Reach back service screen RadResponder screen RadResponder service screen Photo/video Attach photo(s) and video(s) to the event Voice msg. Record voice comment to the event SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 20 of 62...
  • Page 21 ‘Setup’ ④ allows user to configure various parameters such as calibration ⑥, sequential mode  programming, alarm threshold ⑦, ringtone selection ⑧, account setup and more. Figure 4.5. Menu structure of setup and event log management. SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 21 of 62...

  • Page 22: Primary Gui

    To access ‘Setup’ and ‘Event log’ list, press and hold the button on the handle or touch icon on the screen. The pop-up menu is appeared as shown in figure 4.7. Figure 4.7. Pop-up menu for setup and event log management SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 22 of 62...

  • Page 23: Calibration And Background Measurement

    Figure 4.9. Energy calibration screen 4. Background measurent: For background measurement, make sure no sources are present during the background measurement procedure. Reguiared background counts to terminate the background measurement procedure is defined in ‘Setup’ menu. SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 23 of 62...
  • Page 24 SAM 950 during the background measurement. In calibration mode, place a Cs-137 source front the SAM 950. When the slected number of counts have been acquired, the screen will display “Success”. Remove the Cs-137 source when calibration is completed.

  • Page 25: Isotope Identification

    Unlike the SAM 945 which triggers isotope identification automatically whenever the count exceed alarm threshold, the SAM 950 can perform isotope identification by manually despite of alarm status. There are three ways to execute ‘Manual ID’; 1. Press and hold the ‘Enter’...
  • Page 26 ) will stop ‘manual ID’ and switch to the main screen. In this case, the event data is discarded. Figure 4.12. Manual ID screen Battery Status Battery status of SAM 950 unit and time information Library and Alarm Library and alarm type information ID duration and progress. Up/down arrow: increment/decrement ID...
  • Page 27 4.13. Figure 4.13. Isotope identification screen Battery Status Battery status of SAM 950 unit and time information Library and Alarm Library and alarm type information Classification of individual isotope(s) identified Class of identified isotope SNM: Special Nuclear Material –...

  • Page 28: Manual Id Result

    ‘RadResponder’. Refer to the session below for setting up ‘Reach-back’ and ‘RadResponder’ account(s). In order to have ‘Reach-back’ or ‘Third party server’ service, the unit has to be in WiFi network connection. SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 28 of 62...
  • Page 29 Figure 4.14. Source Identification Result Screen Battery Status Battery status of SAM 950 unit and time information Library and Alarm Library and alarm type information General information of event Event: event serial number Information Date/Time: date and time of event...
  • Page 30 The email account setup menu can be accessed by: Press menu button select ‘Setup’ menu → Administrator → E-mail account. Figure 4.16. Reach-Back account features ✓ Send event(s) from Event Log to Reach-Back SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 30 of 62...
  • Page 31 1. Select event from the Event log list and hold for about 2 seconds. 2. Pop up screen appears as shown in figure xx. Select ‘RadResponder’ as destination to send. 3. Sign in with RadResponder account. 4. Click ‘Grant’ SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 31 of 62...
  • Page 32 Validation of file transfer to RadResponder server: User can validate file transfer by examining ‘success’ tag on the event or visiting RadResponder site (www.radresponder.net: /data/spectra). Figure 4.19 shows examples of successful file transfer. Figure 4.19. Successful transfer validation example. SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 32 of 62...

  • Page 33: Attach Media Files

    1. Touch ‘Photo’, ‘Video’, or ‘Audio’ icon. Selected application is now opened. 2. Take audio comment, photo or video and save. User can save as many photo/video as needed. The total number of photo/video saved is displayed on the screen. SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 33 of 62...
  • Page 34 Figure 4.21. Attaching audio comment, photo and video procedure SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 34 of 62...

  • Page 35: Sequential Mode Operation

    SEQUENTIAL MODE OPERATION SAM 950 provides automatic and programed event log generation. This feature is quite useful when sequential event(s) has to be monitored with long period of time. The 200 unit can be mounted on a tripod for convenience and steady monitoring over long measurement time.

  • Page 36: Favorite Event

    User can attach a ‘FAVORITE’ tag to a desired event by check the ‘Favorite’ box on the ‘Event log’ screen as shown in figure 4.24. The ‘FAVORITE’ tag is appeared on the bottom of event number in the event log list as shown in figure 4.24. Figure 4.24. Favorite Screen SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 36 of 62...

  • Page 37: Spectrum Manipulation

    Action Initiate a moveable swipe bar to display Real Time and Effect Sequential mede at the touched position Y-axis maximum value is automatically adjusted based on the channel with the maximum counts. SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 37 of 62...

  • Page 38: Chapter 5. Operational Instruction

    1. Fully charge the SAM 950 unit 2. Turn power ON. The red LED lamp is turn on. Both the SAM 950 unit and imbedded PDA are charged and powered simultaneously. Figure 5.1. SAM 950 charge and power up example STEP 2.

  • Page 39: Agent And Search Place Information

    ) on the handle or Touch ( )icon on the touch screen Select a ‘Setup’. Type in information on the “User Name” and “Search Location” fields Figure 5.3. Example of access to setup menu SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 39 of 62...

  • Page 40: Alarm Threshold

    Select a standard deviation (sigma) value from the “Variable alarm mode” Figure 5.4. Example of Alarm threshold configuration STEP 5. ALARM RINGTONE The SAM 950 provides five alarm ringtone options as shown in Figure 5.5. below. Select ‘Alarm ringtone’ (figure 5.5) Select desired alarm ringtone.

  • Page 41: Background Measurement

    “NORM Rejection Algorithm” to reduce false alarms due to the fluctuations in the naturally occurring background. Appropriate background measurement and system calibration of the SAM 950 will ensure that the best possible results are obtained. Select ‘Setup’ menu.

  • Page 42: Energy Calibration

    Ensure that no radiation sources are in the vicinity of the SAM 950 during the background measurement. The background spectrum (displayed in blue) is automatically updated during the measurement. The criteria to determine the background acquisition time are defined in the ‘Setup’ menu.

  • Page 43: Radiation Monitoring

    The default gamma activity unit is uSv/h or mrem/h. It can select a ‘Set up’ menu. Several methods have been proposed for the calculation of dose rate using spectral data provided by a NaI(Tl) detector. The SAM 950 employs a method defined by Kwon et.al. [1] SAM 950...

  • Page 44: Alarm And Isotope Identification

    STEP 9. ALARM & ISOTOPE IDENTIFICATION When the SAM 950 alarms the display changes to red (as shown in figure 5.9) and the alarm audible warning is activated. Figure 5.9. Alarm Screen The required nuclides must be in the selected radionuclide library. Refer to ‘Nuclide Library Management’...

  • Page 45: Manual Id

    PDA. Complete analysis of the spectra for the stored events can be performed with either the PDA or the Command Center SW installed on the Command Center PC. SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 45 of 62...

  • Page 46: Event Id And Info

    2.41). The Event Log screen appears as shown in figure 5.12 below. The Event Log screen consists of 3 tabs, i.e., EVENT ID, EVENT INFO and PHOTO/VIDEO. Figure 5.12 and 5.13 shows EVENT ID and EVENT INFO screen, respectively. Figure 5.12. Event ID screen SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 46 of 62...
  • Page 47 Figure 5.13. Event info screen General information of any detected nuclide can be displayed by touching a nuclide from the list. A popup “Help screen” is appreaed as shown above figure 5.13. SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 47 of 62...

  • Page 48: Note And Photo

    ). Then, Photo/Video /Recorder bar is showed up. 5. Touch “Photo” or “Video” or “Recorder” bar. Photo or Video or Recorder application is now opened. 6. Take photo or video or recorder and touch “Save” button. SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 48 of 62...

  • Page 49: Auto Calibration And Stabilization

    (generally ambient temperature). Auto calibration is automatically executed when the SAM 950 is powered up (refer to figure 2.45). If user determines to cancel the auto calibration, it can be stop by touch ‘Cancel’ button. The auto stabilization is executed every 3 minutes unless the unit is in alarm status.
  • Page 50 Auto Calibration to complete (100%) in order to proceed further, but if your device has been manually calibrated recently, then you may cancel if you wish. Figure 2.45. Auto Calibration Screen SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 50 of 62...

  • Page 51: Chapter 6. Command Center Sw

    PC with the provided USB cable. The procedure is detailed below: 1. Exit the PeakAbout software 2. Connect SAM 950 to the PC using a USB cable. The USB port is located on the back of the SAM 950 unit.

  • Page 52: Installation Instruction

    INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS Figure 6.2 (a) through (d) describe the installation of the Command Center software. Figure 6.2 (a) Figure 6.2 (b) SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 52 of 62...
  • Page 53 Figure 6.2 (c) Figure 6.2 (d) SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 53 of 62...

  • Page 54: Primary Gui

    Nuclide identification information of selected event Comments Attached comments are displayed Nuclide Library Link to the nuclide library management tool Photos Attached photos are displayed XML save Save the file spectrum and report as XML file format SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 54 of 62...

  • Page 55: Spectrum Display Scale

    The spectrum can be displayed as either a linear or a logarithmic scale. To switch simply click mouse button in the spectral area. Figure 6.4 spectrum display change between linear and logarithm scale SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 55 of 62...

  • Page 56: Nuclide Library Management

    Open the nuclide library by clicking the “Isotope Library” button. 2. Enter Administrator password and login (figure 6.5) 3. Select library from the list (figure 6.6 left) 4. Click “Upload to PDA” Figure 6.5 Administrator login for uploading library SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 56 of 62...
  • Page 57 , Xe , Sm , Tl Industrial , Co , Co , Se , Rh , Ba , Cs , Cs , Eu , Ir , Am , Pu , Pu , Np SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 57 of 62...

  • Page 58: Xml File Format Conversion

    ) in the lower left corner of the screen. The destination directory screen will appear (figure 6.6 below). Browse to, then select the desired directory and click “Save”. Figure 6.6. Save as XML file format example SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 58 of 62...

  • Page 59: Step By Step Operational Instruction

    Figure 6.7. Event log download from PDA to PC The command center software automatically downloads the event log information to the event log database and deletes the event log from the PDA. SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 59 of 62...
  • Page 60 1. Click “Load from DB”. The database folder information popup appears (figure 5.9 below). 2. Click on the folder of interest. Sub-folders are sorted according to connected SAM 950 devices. 3. Select the sub-folder for the desired SAM 950 unit.

  • Page 61: Chapter 7. Reminder And Useful Tips

    Do not open the cover. The servicing of the unit should only be handled by BNC qualified/trained personnel. ✓ Do not connect the PDA to the PC (USB cable) while the PDA-SAM 950 is in operating status ✓ Turn off unnecessary PDA applications to optimize the performance of PDA-SAM 950 communication and operation.
  • Page 62 Contact Us Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation Phone: (415) 453-9955 2955 Kerner Blvd. Email: info@berkeleynucleonics.com San Rafael, CA 94901 Web: www.berkeleynucleonics.com SAM 950 User Manual Document Version 1.32 Print Code: 61027001 SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 62 of 62...

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