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BNC 940 Instruction Manual

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Instruction Manual
Model 940
Model 940 SAM Eagle ™
Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 2955 Kerner Blvd., San Rafael, CA 94901
Phone: 415-453-9955, Fax: 415-453-9956, Email: info@berkeleynucleonics.com, Web: www.berkeleynucleonics.com

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  • Page 1 Instruction Manual Model 940 Model 940 SAM Eagle ™ Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 2955 Kerner Blvd., San Rafael, CA 94901 Phone: 415-453-9955, Fax: 415-453-9956, Email: info@berkeleynucleonics.com, Web: www.berkeleynucleonics.com...

  • Page 2: Warranty

    Firmware Release 03.08.05 Manual Version 7.0 U. S. Patent No. 5608222 © 2007 All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A. 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

    Table of Contents Table of Contents ..........................i Introduction ........................ 1 About Your SAM 940 ....................1 How to Use This Manual.................... 2 Quick Start ......................... 2 Description of Keypad and Softkeys................3 SAM 940 Display Conventions .................. 4 Connections ....................... 6 Connecting AC Power or Car Adapter...............
  • Page 4 Installing Quantum Patch for .N42 Files ..............52 7.2.3 Live Acquisition of SAM 940 Spectra............... 52 7.2.4 Using Stored SAM 940 Spectra Files ..............55 7.2.5 Calibrating Quantum for SAM 940 Spectra Files............. 56 Other Software for Advanced Users ................ 57 Specifications......................

  • Page 5: Introduction

    Spectral analysis in 256 QCC or linear, 512 QCC or linear, and 1024 linear modes. Note that if you are using the SAM 940 as a stand-alone device, the resolution is limited to 256 and 512 QCC (depending on detector type), including the saving of spectra.

  • Page 6: How To Use This Manual

    1.3 Quick Start Getting Started Before turning on the SAM 940, make sure that the detector is connected to the SAM via a detector cable. Turn on the SAM 940 by holding down the B key for one full second until the BNC Eagle screen appears.

  • Page 7: Description Of Keypad And Softkeys

    1.4 Description of Keypad and Softkeys Figure 1 shows a rendering of the SAM 940 keypad. The keypad has been designed so that it may be operated with the thumb of the same hand holding the instrument, and is accessible to people wearing protective gear as well as to both left and right-handed users.

  • Page 8: Sam 940 Display Conventions

    Figure 2 - Example of Softkeys 1.5 SAM 940 Display Conventions In order to make the SAM 940 more friendly and easy-to-use, BNC has defined several color and layout conventions for the user interface. Gamma and neutron radiation are distinguished by colored numbers, dials, and graphs. Gamma elements are black, and neutron elements are blue, as shown here: Four different nuclide “classes”...
  • Page 9 This helps you remember that if you exit this menu with the B key, it will only take you back to the higher level menu. SAM 940™ Instruction Manual...

  • Page 10: Connections

    A universal (110-240V, 50/60Hz) AC power supply is available for your SAM 940 unit. Depending on your SAM 940 model, there may be two different power supplies available. One supply is only used with SAM units that have an internal battery charger, and connects directly to the multi-port connector.

  • Page 11: Compactflash Card

    The battery pack may only be charged while installed in the SAM 940. The battery pack may only be charged using the external AC power adapter that is supplied with the SAM 940.
  • Page 12 15 to 30 minutes before turning on the SAM Depending on usage, the SAM 940 will generally run 6 to 8 hours on a single charge when the recommended batteries are used. There are several things you can do to improve your battery...

  • Page 13: Ethernet Connection For Data Output

    2.4 Ethernet Connection for Data Output The Ethernet connector (also shown in Figure 3 above) can be used to connect your SAM 940 unit to a network or to your PC. By making this connection, you will be able to stream live gamma counts from the SAM 940 to Quantum™...

  • Page 14: Rs-232 Connection For Data Output

    IP Default Gateway in this instance would be 192.168.1.1 11. To save these SAM 940 IP values, turn off the power for the SAM 940, then turn on the power again. Once again log in as the Administrator.

  • Page 15: Gps Connection

    SAM 940 Spectra. 2.6 GPS Connection If your SAM 940 unit is equipped with the GPS Option, the multi-port connector (also shown in Figure 3 above) can be used to connect your SAM 940 to an RS-232 compatible GPS receiver.

  • Page 16: Detector Connection

    2.8 Detector Connection The detector is mechanically attached to the SAM 940 with a single ¼ -turn thumbscrew located in the handle, as shown in Figure 5. Although this operation configuration makes one-handed use easy, for certain special applications the detector may be detached from the electronics unit (in older models this is necessary to access the battery compartment).

  • Page 17: Neutrondetectorconnection

    2.9 Neutron Detector Connection If your SAM 940 includes an externally mounted He3 Neutron Detector Option, then your detector cable will be a bi-furcated cable with a single, black, water-tight connector attached to the handset that splits into two separate detector connectors. The standard water-tight LEMO...

  • Page 18: General Operation

    When the power of the SAM 940 is first turned on, you will see a screen that shows the results of an initial power-on self-test, or “POST.” A properly functioning unit will have a display similar to that shown in Figure 6.

  • Page 19: Choosing User Or Administrator Option

    To ensure secrecy, enter the password while no one else can see the screen. These modes are designed to comply with ANSI N42.34 Routine and Restricted modes and IAEA Pub 1240 Easy and Expert modes. SAM 940™ Instruction Manual...

  • Page 20: Search Modes

    Sodium iodide detectors normally stabilize about 10 minutes after the power is turned on, assuming a stable temperature environment. However, the SAM 940 has a built-in stabilization feature that will generally complete a recalibration within three minutes. During this time, it will display an informational message at the bottom of the screen indicating that AutoCalibration is in progress.
  • Page 21 Geiger counter, showing the amount of radioactivity being measured. When the dial pointer is in the gray area, there is little radioactivity present – most of the counts are coming from either cosmic rays or naturally occurring sources such as potassium-40. SAM 940™ Instruction Manual...
  • Page 22 Back” from the source of activity (shown in Figure 12) to achieve an optimal distance for statistical sampling. Figure 11 - Count Rate Alert - Move Closer Figure 12 - Count Rate Alert - Move Back SAM 940™ Instruction Manual...
  • Page 23 Figure 13 - Count Rate Alert - Begin ID Beginning with firmware version 3.8.2 for SAM 940 systems employing 3x3 NaI detectors, BNC has modified the 3x3 Dial Search to range from 100 gCPS to 1,000,000 gCPS (shown in Figure 14).
  • Page 24 Each bar shows an estimated dose rate attributable to that particular isotope. This screen is used by advanced users as the most sensitive indication of radioactive material. Bars that indicate a dose rate far below background may represent a false ID, but an advanced user SAM 940™ Instruction Manual...

  • Page 25: Audible Search Setting

    The ambient background spectrum is stored and then subtracted from all other collected spectra on a channel-by-channel basis during analysis. SAM 940™ Instruction Manual...
  • Page 26 It is easy to take a new background reference on the SAM 940. Use the L or R buttons to IGHT simply select the Background softkey and press E . First, the system will remind you to NTER ensure that any known sources of radioactivity are properly stored or shielded, as shown in Figure 18.

  • Page 27: Identifying Sources Of Radiation

    Less likely causes include high cosmic radiation at high altitudes. 3.5 Identifying Sources of Radiation Once the SAM 940 has helped you locate radioactive material, it can help you determine the specific material that is present. The system has an internal library of 39 nuclides. However, at any given time, only the subset defined by the current Trigger List is enabled.

  • Page 28: Analysis Report

    The SAM 940 can store up to 4090 spectra in its “catalog.” Each stored spectra file consists of a spectrum and all the information necessary to analyze it. They are stored in a standard format designed to comply with ANSI N42.42.

  • Page 29: Manual Calibration

    By pressing the U or D arrow keys, move the selection so that Coarse Calibrate with Cs137 is highlighted. Press E to begin the calibration. NTER Figure 22 - Field Settings Menu with Coarse Calibrate Selected SAM 940™ Instruction Manual...
  • Page 30 Please be aware that resetting all the parameters will make the calibration take a much longer time than normal. If the calibration does not look right or is taking too long, you can always Cancel and go back to the previously stored calibration. SAM 940™ Instruction Manual...

  • Page 31: Dose Rate And Fine Energy Calibration

    If for some reason you believe these calibrations are no longer correct, or if your regulations require periodic recalibration of the instruments with NIST-traceable sources, please contact the factory for more information. SAM 940™ Instruction Manual...

  • Page 32: System Menus

    To perform the listed task, simply move the highlighted area (darker background) onto this menu item, and press E . In the case of a procedure like calibration, the first step of the procedure NTER will then be displayed. For a Help menu item, the associated help text is displayed. SAM 940™ Instruction Manual...

  • Page 33: Check Option On Or Off

    Once in this mode, L and R move to a different digit, and U and D change the IGHT currently highlighted digit. In order to accept your changes, or in order to use U and D SAM 940™ Instruction Manual...

  • Page 34: Edit Date For Filter

    Figure 26 shows the Spectral Data menu. The items on this menu allow you to navigate through the stored spectra, search for particular spectra, review, and delete those spectra. This menu is the same for both User and Administrator. Figure 26 - Spectral Data Menu SAM 940™ Instruction Manual...
  • Page 35 Report associated with that spectrum. If you highlight the Erase softkey and press the E NTER key, you will erase the file from the SAM 940 memory. Do this only if you are certain that you wish to erase the file.
  • Page 36 If you are erasing spectra, the SAM 940 will return to the Spectral Data menu when the process is complete. However, if you are reviewing spectra, the SAM will display a screen similar to the one shown in Figure 29.
  • Page 37 Erase All Spectra. Figure 30 – Erase All Spectra Press the E key. The SAM will ask if you are certain that you want to erase all spectra. NTER Figure 31 – Ask for Permission SAM 940™ Instruction Manual...
  • Page 38 For instance, if you have filled your spectra memory with 4090 files, it may take 11 to 12 hours to erase all of the files. Please wait until searching has completed Figure 33 – Erasing Spectra Files SAM 940™ Instruction Manual...

  • Page 39: Field Settings

    Search screen. 5.2.2 Field Settings Figure 35 shows the User Field Settings menu. This menu is intended to put all the most frequently used items at the user’s fingertips. Figure 35 - User's Field Settings Menu SAM 940™ Instruction Manual...
  • Page 40 Generally, you should hear the clicks as soon as you check the check-box. Mute Speaker This option turns on and off the internal SAM 940 speaker – when the box is checked, the speaker is off. No matter how this option is set, the headphone will continue to operate, allowing inconspicuous audio monitoring.
  • Page 41 Co60 Ba133 Ra226 Pu239 Ga67 Cs134 Th232 Am241 SAM 940 systems with firmware version 3.7.2 and earlier, contain a Select Trigger List menu with the following selections: ANSI – standard nuclides from ANSI N42.34. I125 Tl201 U238 Co57 I131 Ra226...
  • Page 42 MED – medical isotopes, normally a subset of ANSI list Sr89 In111 Xe133 Cr51 Mo99 I123 Sm153 Ga67 Tc99m I125 Tl201 Se75 Pd103 I131 BNC – common check sources and “laboratory” isotopes Na22 Co60 Eu152 Cd109 Pu238 Mn54 Ba133 Am241 Co57 Cs137 SAM 940™ Instruction Manual...

  • Page 43: Configuration

    Beginning with firmware version 3.8.2, Set Date/Time is in the Configuration menu rather than the Admin menu. Because the SAM 940 records the date and time of every spectrum collected in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), it must not only know the date and time, but also the current time zone.
  • Page 44 NTER shown date and time. For SAM 940 systems at firmware version 3.7.2 and lower, Set Date/Time is in the Admin menu. Language This allows you to select among different user interface languages. Full support for languages other than English may require an upgrade package –...

  • Page 45: Help Menu

    Configuration (Extra Items) The Administrator Configuration menu is shown in Figure 39. The last four items are identical in function to those found for the User, as documented in Section 5.2.3. The additional items are described below. SAM 940™ Instruction Manual...
  • Page 46 Dose Rate Scale further down in the menu. The display background will change from white to red, “TURNBACK, DANGEROUS RAD LEVEL!” will be displayed, and the word, “Warning” will audibly sound. SAM 940™ Instruction Manual...

  • Page 47: Admin

    Comm 19.2k for live spectrum acquisitions via RS-232 and Ethernet with Quantum™ software; Strm 115k for live data streaming with SAM 940 Analysis Viewer version 1.4; and GPS NMEA for live GPS data streaming (this choice is only available if your SAM 940 has the GPS option installed).
  • Page 48 Setting items are features that appear in the Configuration menu, so that additional items may be added or removed for User access. As of the current firmware version, the Isotope Editor function is not yet supported in the SAM 940 product, and presently has no effect. SAM 940™ Instruction Manual...
  • Page 49 Additional information can be found in the GPS Log Files section of Appendix A. Logging Mode If your SAM 940 unit is equipped with the GPS Option, this operation enables you to select how gamma counts are displayed for each GPS coordinate in the GPS Log Files. The choices are Basic, Isotopes, and Spectrum.
  • Page 50 The password used for the Administrator login (Section 3.2) may be changed by the Administrator. To do this, you must enter the old password first, and then enter the new password, as shown in Figure 45. SAM 940™ Instruction Manual...
  • Page 51 Figure 45 - Changing Password Network Setup The SAM 940 supports Ethernet connection to a network or to your PC in order to stream live gamma counts from the SAM 940 to Quantum™ software for remote data collection. In order to establish communications between the PC and the SAM 940, the network information for the SAM 940 must be configured in the Network Setup, and then entered into the “Hardware Search”...

  • Page 52: Support Programs

    6 Support Programs Several levels of technical support are available for users of the SAM 940. 6.1 Factory Technical Support Berkeley Nucleonics offers fast and efficient support from our headquarters in California, as well as several satellite offices domestically and abroad. Visit our website at http://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/...

  • Page 53: Software Support

    7 Software Support The SAM 940 RIID utilizes standard ANSI N42.42 files. A number of PC software programs are available for viewing spectra, running remote applications and performing quantitative analysis. SAM 940 Analysis Viewer -- Included with SAM 940 •...

  • Page 54: Using Sam 940 Analysis Viewer

    7.1.3 Using SAM 940 Analysis Viewer 1. Launch SAM 940 Analysis Viewer. Figure 47 – Open Spectrum File 2. From the “File” menu, select Open File, then browse to the E:\spectra folder. Figure 48 – Select Spectrum File Click on any of the SPECnnnn.N42 files.

  • Page 55: Quantum Nai/D

    Spectrum Graph will automatically display the channel number, corresponding energy line, and corresponding gamma count specific to the cursor location on the graph. The File menu in SAM 940 Analysis Viewer also allows you to save the spectrum file as a printable document in Rich Text Format (.rtf).

  • Page 56: Installing Quantum Nai/D

    7.2.3 Live Acquisition of SAM 940 Spectra If you are using Ethernet with the SAM 940, refer to the instructions in Section 2.4 Ethernet Connection for Data Output on page 9 to establish connection. To check if your connection is successful 1.
  • Page 57 5. Set the Baud Rate value to match the Serial Mode/Speed setting from your SAM 940 (either 115200 or 19200 as noted in your connection procedure). 6. Click the Update button. If the connection is successful, the SAM version number and serial number will display on the MCA Devices Auto Configuration screen.
  • Page 58 13. Click on the Erase Spectrum icon (Pencil Eraser) to clear the graph display. 14. Select Draw Lines instead of dots (4 icon from the top-left). 15. Put a check in the box labeled Auto. Figure 52 – Hardware Controls SAM 940™ Instruction Manual...

  • Page 59: Using Stored Sam 940 Spectra Files

    7.2.4 Using Stored SAM 940 Spectra Files If you wish to open a stored spectrum file from the SAM 940, proceed as follows. 1. Open the Quantum program on your PC or laptop. 2. Click on the Erase Spectrum icon (Pencil Eraser) to clear the graph display of all previous spectra.

  • Page 60: Calibrating Quantum For Sam 940 Spectra Files

    In order to calibrate Quantum for the non-linearity, it is essential to use a SAM 940 spectrum that contains Am241, Cs137 & Co60 or Co57, Cs137 & Co60 to cover the breadth of the SAM 940’s effective energy range.

  • Page 61: Other Software For Advanced Users

    Calibration will remain in force as long as the Quantum window remains open, and as long as you are transferring data from the same SAM 940. Now you can calculate resolution and do peak integration.

  • Page 62: Specifications

    The operable Dose Rate range is the range within the SAM's statistical reliability. The upper range is somewhat dependent on energy and whether or not there is high background. The high end is 5-10 mrem/hr dependent upon the count rate distribution within a particular energy. SAM 940™ Instruction Manual...

  • Page 63: Appendix A - Gps Option

    WAAS-enabled GPS devices like the Garmin eTrex H (typical accuracy is 15 feet if there are sufficient satellites in view), and the Trimble ProXT (typical accuracy up to 1 foot with external antenna). If ordered from BNC for the SAM 940, these GPS receivers ship fully configured for plug-and-play readiness.

  • Page 64: Gps Log Files

    Remove the CompactFlash (CF) card from the CompactFlash slot behind the rubber port cover on the front of your SAM 940 (refer to Figure 6 in Chapter 2). Insert the CF card in the media bay or the CF/USB Interface device for your PC / laptop. In either case, the device will be assigned a drive letter (often D:, E:, or F: –...
  • Page 65 Logging Interval is not selected but is instead changed back to the original interval, there will be an empty file noted by “0 K” bytes. On following days, a new dated folder will appear in the LOGFILES folder containing new logging files. This sequence will keep all logging files organized. SAM 940™ Instruction Manual...
  • Page 66 Logging Interval to OFF and then re-enabling the Logging Interval. The log file will begin recording gamma counts according to the selected mode. This comma separated value (.csv) data can be exported into spreadsheet software such as Excel as shown. SAM 940™ Instruction Manual...

  • Page 67: Appendix B - Food Measurements

    NTER Background The first process is to observe and store a reference background spectrum with the SAM 940 before continuing through the calibration process. You will be asked to select the amount of time for your reference background acquisition. Use...

  • Page 68: Calibration

    When the background time has been selected, press E NTER The SAM 940 will count down the remaining time until the completion of the reference background spectrum. Calibration Most food inspection is directed toward identifying isotopes that are likely to be in the soil and water as the aftermath of a fission event.

  • Page 69: Efficiency Calibration Of Cs137

    D arrow keys to scroll onto the appropriate amount of time for your acquisition. Press E NTER You will be prompted to place the certified isotope standard appropriately for calibration. After proper placement, press E NTER SAM 940™ Instruction Manual...

  • Page 70: Quantitative Calibration Report

    You will observe a spectrum that is dedicated to the primary energy line of the particular isotope. When the calibration acquisition is complete, the SAM will display the Quant(itative) Calibration Report. SAM 940™ Instruction Manual...

  • Page 71: Make Food Measurements

    A copy of the Quant Calibration Report will also be stored as a text file (SPECnnnn.txt) in the Spectra folder on the SAM 940 CF card for later reference. It is important to note that the Calibration Reports cannot be recalled when reviewing spectra files from the SAM 940’s Spectral Data menu.

  • Page 72: Background

    You may also scroll to the Technician ID selection to enter an additional identifier to the sample acquisition for easier reference when reviewing your data. Select and press Continue , for further directions, or press Exit to begin again. SAM 940™ Instruction Manual...
  • Page 73 You will observe the spectrum as the data is acquired. Note that the spectrum peaks are not colored and named, as in a typical ID spectrum. Food Measurement is dedicated to only the three isotopes Cs137, Cs134, and Ba133. SAM 940™ Instruction Manual...

  • Page 74: Quantitative Analysis Report

    A copy of the Quant Analysis Report will also be stored as a text file (SAMPnnnn.txt) in the Spectra folder on the SAM 940 CF card for later reference. It is important to note that the Quant Calibration Reports cannot be recalled when reviewing spectra files from the SAM 940’s Spectral Data menu.

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