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BNC SAM 945 User Manual

Portable isotope identifier
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User Manual
SAM 945
Portable Isotope Identifier

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  • Page 1 User Manual SAM 945 Portable Isotope Identifier...
  • Page 2 WARRANTY Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation warrants all instruments, including component parts, to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of one year. If repairs are required during the warranty period, contact the factory for component replacement or shipping instructions.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Tripod Adapter ........................... 9 3.1.4 Shoulder Strap ........................... 9 SAM 945 Software ........................10 Power and Battery Charger......................10 Before Operating the SAM 945 ....................11 CHAPTER 4. P APPLICATION ....................13 BOUT Overview ............................13 Navigating the GUI ........................13 4.2.1...
  • Page 4 4.3.6 Perform Manual Calibration ..................... 25 4.3.7 Monitor Radiation ........................26 4.3.8 Identify Isotopes When the SAM 945 Has Alarmed ..............28 4.3.9 Identify Isotopes Manually ......................29 Operating Instructions: Additional Features.................. 30 4.4.1 Health Safety Alarm ......................... 30 4.4.2 View the Event Log List ......................

  • Page 5: Chapter 1. Introduction

    SAM 945 is the Motorola Moto G. The SAM 945 is designed to include, at a minimum, a 3 x 3 inch sodium iodide (NaI(Tl)) scintillation detector in order to provide the highest sensitivity, general purpose isotope identification. High resolution detector options are available.

  • Page 6: Important Safety Information

    Important Safety Information The SAM 945 has been meticulously engineered to provide safe, dependable, high performance for years. As with any kind of electrical equipment, following instructions and taking basic precautions will prevent harm to the operator and to the equipment.

  • Page 7: Chapter 2. Safety

    CHAPTER 2. SAFETY Safety Warnings and Instructions Following the warnings and instructions on this page is crucial to the safe and optimal operation of the SAM 945. Maintenance and Service: ✓ If service is required while the unit is under warranty, contact the factory. Any repairs or alterations should only be performed by technicians who are authorized by Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation.

  • Page 8: Classification

    The label showing the system power requirements and serial number (BSN, lower right corner) is located on the back of the unit (Figure 2.1). Figure 2.1. SAM 945 label The aperture label (Figure 2.2, left) indicates the location of the laser aperture. The laser warning and certification label is located on the bottom of the unit (Figure 2.2, right).
  • Page 9 WARNING Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. SAM 945 Berkeley Nucleonics Corp. 5 of 59...
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  • Page 11: Chapter 3. System Description

    3.1.1 Flashlight and Laser Pointer The SAM 945 is equipped with a flashlight for operation in dark environments and a laser pointer for source targeting (Figure 3.2). Avoid looking into the laser beam or directing the laser pointer into another person’s eyes.

  • Page 12: Smartphone Holder

    The smartphone holder can be tilted and/or rotated for optimal viewing (Figure 3.4). Figure 3.4. Tilting and rotating the smartphone holder Tip: To prevent damage to the smartphone holder when tilting and/or rotating, always grasp both the upper and lower hooks. SAM 945 Berkeley Nucleonics Corp. 8 of 59...

  • Page 13: Tripod Adapter

    3/8-16 screw is also available. 3.1.4 Shoulder Strap To minimize operator fatigue, the SAM 945 can be fitted with a shoulder strap. There are four attachment tabs on the detector unit for this purpose (Figure 3.6). Figure 3.6. Shoulder strap attachment example SAM 945 Berkeley Nucleonics Corp.

  • Page 14: Sam 945 Software

    The SAM 945 is equipped with a lithium-ion battery including a built-in power protection circuit module (PCM) to prevent the battery from overcharging or over-discharging. It is best to regularly charge the battery until the LED on the charger glows green, indicating full charge has been reached.

  • Page 15: Before Operating The Sam 945

    Figure 3.8. Detector unit (rear view) and vehicle adapter/charger Before Operating the SAM 945 1. Charge the SAM 945 battery. a. For faster results, we recommend turning off the power switch (Figure 3.7) before charging. b. Plug in the AC adapter/charger to the detector unit’s DC connector (Figure 3.7) and to a power outlet. The spring-loaded connector locks the cable securely to the detector unit.
  • Page 16 This page intentionally left blank SAM 945 Berkeley Nucleonics Corp. 12 of 59...

  • Page 17: Chapter 4. Peak About Application

    Screens and pop-up menus typically accessed from the home screen are shown in Figure 4.2 and listed in the table that follows. Rotating the screen 90º switches between two tasks, depending on which mode is active. SAM 945 Berkeley Nucleonics Corp.
  • Page 18 Setup menu measurement time, and more Event Log Displays Event List and summary Background & Calibration Provides access to background measurement and calibration functions menu Isotope Identification Displays spectrum and identified nuclides SAM 945 Berkeley Nucleonics Corp. 14 of 59...

  • Page 19: Background Measurement And Manual Calibration

    Measuring background radiation and determining a reference are important for accurate nuclide identification. Manual calibration with a Cs-137 source is also important for ensuring optimal results. See sections 4.3.5 and 4.3.6 below for instructions. SAM 945 Berkeley Nucleonics Corp. 15 of 59...

  • Page 20: Isotope Identification

    Y-axis displays counts on a self-adjusting, logarithmic scale Spectrum Displays spectrum in real time Channel/Energy X-axis displays channel or energy on a linear scale Isotope Identification Displays nuclide identity and confidence level SAM 945 Berkeley Nucleonics Corp. 16 of 59...
  • Page 21 Each bar will be named and displayed with the corresponding classification color. Tip: Touching an identified isotope peak or bar will pop up a help screen with additional information about that particular isotope. SAM 945 Berkeley Nucleonics Corp. 17 of 59...

  • Page 22: Spectrum Manipulation

    Effect Shift spectrum along the x-axis (when zoomed in) Action Touch x-axis, hold, and move left or right Effect Display energy and count value on a moveable line at the touched position SAM 945 Berkeley Nucleonics Corp. 18 of 59...

  • Page 23: Basic Operating Instructions

    Basic Operating Instructions 4.3.1 Prepare Equipment for Operation 1. Turn on the SAM 945 (Figure 3.7) and the smartphone. 2. Open PeakAbout by touching the PeakAbout icon on the smartphone’s Applications menu (Figure 4.6, left). Figure 4.6. PeakAbout icon and login screen SAM 945 Berkeley Nucleonics Corp.

  • Page 24: Log In And Establish Bluetooth Connection

    Devices list. If a unit is not listed, touch Scan for devices to initiate a search for all units within range. PeakAbout can only pair with SAM 945 or SAMpack 120 units, although it may display other nearby Bluetooth devices.

  • Page 25: Select Alarm Threshold And Ringtone

    (and eliminates the need to perform new background measurements). Instead, alarms are triggered when real gamma peaks exceed the standard deviation of the threshold value. We SAM 945 Berkeley Nucleonics Corp. 21 of 59...
  • Page 26 Either accept the default or enter a threshold count rate value in CPS, then touch OK. A typical background environment produces around 200 CPS for the SAM 945’s standard 3 x 3 inch NaI detector (lower if a high resolution detector option was chosen). A threshold value lower than 1000 is usually unnecessary, and is more likely to generate false alarms.
  • Page 27 This can be a useful audio cue during a search operation. For the user’s protection, PeakAbout also features a separate alarm which is triggered when the safety threshold is exceeded. See section 4.4.1, Health Safety Alarm. SAM 945 Berkeley Nucleonics Corp. 23 of 59...

  • Page 28: Perform Background Measurement

    NORM rejection algorithm to minimize false alarms due to fluctuations of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material in the background. 1. Make sure there are no unshielded radiation sources near the SAM 945. 2. With PeakAbout in Setup mode, rotate the smartphone 90º to initiate Background & Calibration mode.

  • Page 29: Perform Manual Calibration

    We recommend that total integrated counts in the manual calibration spectrum be no less than 100,000. The number of counts is defined in the Setup menu. To change this setting, select Device Information / Calibration Count. Figure 4.13. Manual calibration example SAM 945 Berkeley Nucleonics Corp. 25 of 59...

  • Page 30: Monitor Radiation

    Select Mode area Toggles between Identification mode and Setup mode Bluetooth and alarm SAM 945 icon blinks during monitoring and turns red when the system alarms. status Bluetooth symbol displays when paired to one or more detector units. Gamma activity...
  • Page 31 Several methods have been proposed for calculating dose rate from spectral data acquired with a NaI(Tl) detector. The SAM 945 employs a method defined by Kwon et. al. 3. Rotate the smartphone 90º to initiate the Isotope Identification screen and enable manipulation of the spectrum as described in Figure 4.5.

  • Page 32: Identify Isotopes When The Sam 945 Has Alarmed

    When the unit detects gamma activity above the alarm threshold, the readout on the gauge changes from white to red (Figure 4.15), the SAM 945 icon turns red, and the audible alarm sounds. PeakAbout automatically identifies the detected nuclide(s) and saves relevant data in an Event Log file.

  • Page 33: Identify Isotopes Manually

    4.3.9 Identify Isotopes Manually You may also choose to perform identification manually. Manual Identification cannot be started when the SAM 945 is already in an alarm condition. 1. With PeakAbout in Identification mode, rotate the smartphone 90º to display the Isotope Identification screen.

  • Page 34: Operating Instructions: Additional Features

    For the user’s safety, PeakAbout features a separate Health Safety Alarm (Figure 4.17) with a distinctively different ringtone and visual signal. When the safety threshold is exceeded, the Health Safety ringtone sounds, the SAM 945 icon changes to a red and white radiation hazard symbol, and the background of the gauge turns red. The Health Safety Alarm takes precedence over all other alarms.

  • Page 35: View The Event Log List

    4.4.2 View the Event Log List When the SAM 945 s or you manually identify an isotope, PeakAbout automatically generates an Event Log and alarm saves it on the smartphone. A summary of each alarm event or Manual Identification event appears in the Event Log list (Figure 4.19).

  • Page 36: Analyze An Event

    Event information is displayed on the right-hand side of the screen. The spectrum manipulation techniques described in Figure 4.5 can also be used on the Event Analysis screen. Figure 4.20. Event Analysis screen SAM 945 Berkeley Nucleonics Corp. 32 of 59...

  • Page 37: Attach Comments And Photos/Videos To An Event

    When the photo or video is captured, touch the checkmark to save it or touch the X to reject it. You will automatically be returned to the Photo/Video page. The image is now displayed as part of the event (Figure 4.23, right). Repeat steps 3.a through 3.c to add more images. SAM 945 Berkeley Nucleonics Corp. 33 of 59...
  • Page 38 4. Touch the return key on the lower right side of the screen (Figure 4.23, right) to return to the Event Log. Figure 4.23. Attach Photo example SAM 945 Berkeley Nucleonics Corp. 34 of 59...

  • Page 39: Auto Calibration And Auto Stabilization

    Auto Calibration and Auto Stabilization The Auto Calibration and Auto Stabilization features adjust the calibration parameters of the SAM 945 to correct for any drift caused by environmental changes (generally ambient temperature). If drift of more than ±6% between the stabilized peak and the original peak (Cs-137 calibration peak) occurs, then you must perform manual calibration using a Cs-137 source.

  • Page 40: Sequential Mode

    The sequence continues for a specified number of events or until the user interrupts and cancels the sequence. Sequential mode is useful for plotting a series of events while the SAM 945 moves along a continuous path.
  • Page 41 PeakAbout displays the sequence count and the measurement time (Figure 4.27). Increasing or decreasing the measurement time is not allowed while a sequence is in progress. Figure 4.27. Sequential mode event capture example SAM 945 Berkeley Nucleonics Corp. 37 of 59...
  • Page 42 (count 3/10 in Figure 4.28). Figure 4.28. Sequential mode example showing pause between event captures 7. During the pause, the SAM 945 may be moved to a different location. When the pause time has elapsed, another event spectrum will automatically begin.
  • Page 43 10. You may view saved sequences in the same way you view events (touch the menu button and select Setup & Event, then select Event Log). Events captured in Sequential mode are labeled with the additional designation “SM#” (Figure 4.29). Figure 4.29. Sequential mode Event Log list example SAM 945 Berkeley Nucleonics Corp. 39 of 59...

  • Page 44: Gauge Mode And Finder Mode

    The system will alarm (including the Health Safety Alarm) regardless of which mode it is in when the alarm threshold is exceeded. SAM 945 Berkeley Nucleonics Corp. 40 of 59...

  • Page 45: Move Closer/Move Back

    “MOVE CLOSER” will appear above the Select Mode area (Figure 4.31). If the count rate is too high (more than 40,000 CPS), PeakAbout will likewise display the message “MOVE BACK.” The Move Closer/Move Back feature applies only in Gauge mode. Figure 4.31. Move Closer example SAM 945 Berkeley Nucleonics Corp. 41 of 59...

  • Page 46: Wireless Data Transmission (Reach-Back)

    Enter the SMTP server and port settings for the smartphone’s email account. This information can usually be found on the smartphone at Settings | Accounts | Email | Account settings | Email account | Outgoing settings. SAM 945 Berkeley Nucleonics Corp. 42 of 59...
  • Page 47 Figure 4.32. Email setup example for wireless data transmission SAM 945 Berkeley Nucleonics Corp. 43 of 59...
  • Page 48 To select an Event Log from the list, touch and hold it for two seconds (Figure 4.33, lower left and center) c. At the “Transmit N42 file” prompt, touch Transmit (Figure 4.33, lower right) Figure 4.33. Wireless data transmission example SAM 945 Berkeley Nucleonics Corp. 44 of 59...
  • Page 49 See step 1 above incorrect email setup information. Please complete email account of Reach-Back center in Setup menu. Transmission failed due to lack Internet not available Wait until coverage is available of network connection SAM 945 Berkeley Nucleonics Corp. 45 of 59...

  • Page 50: 4.4.10 Neutron Option

    4.4.10 Neutron Option If your SAM 945 unit includes the neutron detector option, solid-state sensor arrays on Li substrate (Domino) are integrated with moderator packaging inside the detector unit. PeakAbout will display neutron activity on the Identification screen in counts per second (CPS) (Figure 4.35, left).
  • Page 51 2. In the pop-up window (Figure 4.37), enter the BSN number from the label on the detector unit (Figure 2.1), then touch the PeakAbout button. Figure 4.37. PeakAbout software upgrade, step 2 SAM 945 Berkeley Nucleonics Corp. 47 of 59...
  • Page 52 5. If you are upgrading from a version earlier than 3.6.0: a. Open a web browser from the smartphone. b. Go to www.bncsam.com. c. Go to step 2 above and follow the instructions through step 4. SAM 945 Berkeley Nucleonics Corp. 48 of 59...

  • Page 53: Chapter 5. Peak Id Application

    It is important to exit PeakAbout before connecting to a PC. Once the smartphone is connected to the PC via the cable, pull down the notification screen and confirm that the smartphone is connected as a media device (Figure 5.1). Figure 5.1. Notification screen showing smartphone connection to PC (typical) SAM 945 Berkeley Nucleonics Corp. 49 of 59...

  • Page 54: Installing Peakid

    Installing PeakID is a simple process that makes use of an automated installer. Connect the smartphone to a PC and follow the prompts in the InstallShield Wizard (Figure 5.2). Figure 5.2. InstallShield Wizard for PeakID (initial screen) SAM 945 Berkeley Nucleonics Corp. 50 of 59...

  • Page 55: Navigating The Gui

    Displays photos if any were attached Allows user to select active library from available isotope Isotope Library button libraries XML save button Allows user to save spectrum and report data in XML format SAM 945 Berkeley Nucleonics Corp. 51 of 59...

  • Page 56: Spectrum Display Options

    The spectrum can be displayed as either a linear or a logarithmic scale (Figure 5.4). To switch between the two scales, right-click while the cursor is in the spectral area. Figure 5.4 Spectrum display as linear or logarithmic scale SAM 945 Berkeley Nucleonics Corp. 52 of 59...

  • Page 57: Loading And Analyzing Event Data

    Time and duration of the selected event are displayed in the Real-Time Activity window (Figure 5.5, top right) Isotope information for the selected event is displayed in the Detected Nuclide window (Figure 5.5, upper right) Figure 5.5. Event Log download from smartphone to PC SAM 945 Berkeley Nucleonics Corp. 53 of 59...

  • Page 58: Load An Event Log From The Pc Database

    Load an Event Log from the PC Database All the events collected from multiple SAM 945 units (and/or SAMpack 120 units) may be stored in a single database and managed using PeakID. It is not necessary to connect the smartphone to the PC in order to manage or analyze events loaded from the PC database.

  • Page 59: Managing The Isotope Library

    2. Enter the Administrator password. The Isotope Library List will appear. Figure 5.7. Isotope Library login 3. Select a library name from the list 4. Click the Upload to PDA button below the list SAM 945 Berkeley Nucleonics Corp. 55 of 59...

  • Page 60: Saving Event Data In Xml Format (Ansi 42.42)

    2. Click the disk icon in the lower left corner of the screen (Figure 5.8) The destination directory screen will appear. 3. Browse to the desired directory and click Save Figure 5.8. Saving event data in XML format SAM 945 Berkeley Nucleonics Corp. 56 of 59...

  • Page 61: Upgrading Peakid

    (Figure 2.1), then click the PeakID button. Download the file SAM III PeakID (v3.x.x).exe to your PC. Go to the folder you downloaded it to, and open SAM III PeakID (v3.x.x).exe. The upgrade will install automatically. SAM 945 Berkeley Nucleonics Corp. 57 of 59...
  • Page 62 ✓ recommend that you do not wear polarized lenses while using PeakAbout. To optimize the performance of the SAM 945, turn off unnecessary smartphone applications. ✓ Refer to the smartphone manual to become familiar with how to operate the smartphone.
  • Page 63 Contact Us Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation Phone: (415) 453-9955 Email: info@berkeleynucleonics.com 2955 Kerner Blvd. San Rafael, CA 94901 Web: www.berkeleynucleonics.com SAM 945 User Manual PeakAbout software version: 3.9.0 Print Code: 32025280 SAM 945 Berkeley Nucleonics Corp. 59 of 59...

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