BNC SAM 945 User manual

User Manual SAM 945
Portable Isotope Identifier

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. Include the serial number of the instrument. This warranty is void if the unit is repaired or
altered by others than those authorized by Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation.
IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
NOTIFICATION OF COPYRIGHT
THE SOFTWARE IN THIS DEVICE IS PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT LAWS AND INTERNATIONAL
TREATY. YOU MUST TREAT THE SOFTWARE LIKE ANY OTHER COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL.
COPYRIGHT LAWS PROHIBIT MAKING ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THE SOFTWARE FOR ANY
REASON OTHER THAN SPECIFICALLY DESCRIBED BELOW. YOU MAY NOT COPY THE WRITTEN
MATERIALS ACCOMPANYING THE PRODUCT.

Instruction Manual
SAM 945
Portable Isotope Identifier
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Functional Description.................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Important Safety Information.......................................................................................................... 2
CHAPTER 2. SAFETY................................................................................................................................... 3
2.1 Safety Warnings and Instructions................................................................................................... 3
2.2 Classification.................................................................................................................................. 4
2.3 Labels............................................................................................................................................ 4
CHAPTER 3. SYSTEM DESCRIPTION......................................................................................................... 7
3.1 System Components...................................................................................................................... 7
3.1.1 Flashlight and Laser Pointer ...................................................................................................... 7
3.1.2 Smartphone Holder.................................................................................................................... 8
3.1.3 Tripod Adapter........................................................................................................................... 9
3.1.4 Shoulder Strap........................................................................................................................... 9
3.2 SAM 945 Software.......................................................................................................................10
3.3 Power and Battery Charger..........................................................................................................10
3.4 Before Operating the SAM 945....................................................................................................11
CHAPTER 4. PEAKABOUT APPLICATION....................................................................................................13
4.1 Overview......................................................................................................................................13
4.2 Navigating the GUI.......................................................................................................................13
4.2.1 Home Screen...........................................................................................................................13
4.2.2 Background Measurement and Manual Calibration .................................................................15
4.2.3 Isotope Identification................................................................................................................16
4.2.4 Spectrum Manipulation............................................................................................................18
4.3 Basic Operating Instructions ........................................................................................................19
4.3.1 Prepare Equipment for Operation ............................................................................................19
4.3.2 Log In and Establish Bluetooth Connection..............................................................................20
4.3.3 Enter User Name and Location of Search................................................................................20
4.3.4 Select Alarm Threshold and Ringtone......................................................................................21
4.3.5 Perform Background Measurement.........................................................................................24

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
4.4 Operating Instructions: Additional Features..................................................................................30
4.4.1 Health Safety Alarm.................................................................................................................30
4.4.2 View the Event Log List............................................................................................................31
4.4.3 Analyze an Event.....................................................................................................................32
4.4.4 Attach Comments and Photos/Videos to anEvent...................................................................33
4.4.5 Auto Calibration and Auto Stabilization....................................................................................35
4.4.6 Sequential Mode......................................................................................................................36
4.4.7 Gauge Mode and Finder Mode ................................................................................................40
4.4.8 Move Closer/Move Back..........................................................................................................41
4.4.9 Wireless Data Transmission (Reach-Back)..............................................................................42
4.4.10 Neutron Option.....................................................................................................................46
4.5 Upgrading PeakAbout..................................................................................................................46
CHAPTER 5. PEAKIDAPPLICATION ..........................................................................................................49
5.1 Connecting the Smartphone to a PC............................................................................................49
5.2 Installing PeakID..........................................................................................................................50
5.3 Navigating the GUI.......................................................................................................................51
5.3.1 Spectrum Display Options........................................................................................................52
5.4 Loading and Analyzing Event Data ..............................................................................................53
5.4.1 Download an Event Log from the Smartphone to the PC.........................................................53
5.4.2 Load an Event Log from the PC Database...............................................................................54
5.5 Managing the Isotope Library.......................................................................................................55
5.6 Saving Event Data in XML Format (ANSI 42.42) .........................................................................56
5.7 Upgrading PeakID........................................................................................................................58

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CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Functional Description
The SAM 945 Portable Isotope Identifier is engineered to meet ANSI 42.34 performance criteria for handheld
instruments for the detection and identification of radionuclides. Its lightweight, portable design makes it ideal for
many types of radiological surveys, including the most demanding applications, such as evaluation of radiation
hazards by Homeland Security, first responders, and health physicists.
The SAM 945 replaces traditional instruments with a patented solution that seamlessly integrates smartphone or
PDA (personal digital assistant) technology with nuclear radiation detectors. The standard smartphone included with
the 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. The system can also include a GM tube and/or a neutron detector.
The detector forwards data to the smartphone via Bluetooth. The smartphone provides an easy-to-read display,
informing the user of the identity and levels of radionuclides present (and helping to ensure personal safety). The
SAM 945 can also use the smartphone’s locator services to continuously transmit GPS locations for mapping of
radiation data. Upon completion of a survey, data may be downloaded from the smartphone to a PC.
Figure 1.1. SAM 945 Portable Isotope Identifier (tripod not included)
Figure 1.2. SAM 945 application examples

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1.2 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.
Prior to using this equipment you should:
✓ Read and understand this manual thoroughly, especially the chapter on safety (Chapter 2).
✓ Read and understand thoroughly all warning labels on the equipment.
✓ Store all documents provided with the equipment in a safe place for future reference.

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SAM945CONTAINS FCC ID: U8D-FB155BC-F
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operations.
CHAPTER 2. SAFETY
2.1 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.
✓ Do not attempt to open the unit. Opening the unit may void your warranty (see inside front cover).
Safety Hazard:
✓ High voltage inside the unit (up to 1000 volts) presents a safety hazard. Do not attempt to open the unit.
Refer to the maintenance and service instructions immediately above.
✓ The unit includes a laser pointer. Avoid direct eye exposure to the laser beam.
Cleaning the Laser and Flashlight Windows:
✓ Turn off the power switch before cleaning. Wipe the laser and flashlight windows with a soft, moistened
cloth.
Disposal:
✓ It is the responsibility of the operator to be familiar with local, regional, and national regulations for
handling, shipping, and disposal of electronic equipment and lithium-ion batteries.
Compatibility:
✓ It is the responsibility of the operator to ensure that external equipment intended for connection to signal
input, signal output, or other connectors shall comply with the relevant European Standards (e.g.,
EN 61326-1:2006, EN 301 489-1 V1.9.2, and EN 301 489-17 V2.2.1).
✓ If in doubt about the compatibility of a device, contact a technician authorized by Berkeley Nucleonics
Corporation.

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2.2 Classification
✓ EMC: Complies with EN 61326-1:2006, EN 301 489-1 V1.9.2, and EN 301 489-17 V2.2.1)
✓ FCC Class: Class B Equipment (FCC CFR 47 part 15 subpart B, Section 15.101)
✓ Laser: Class II Equipment (maximum output < 1 mW, wavelength 650-660 nm)
✓ Degree of protection against electric shock: Type BF Applied Part
✓ Degree of protection against the ingress of water: IP65
✓ Equipment not suitable for use in the presence of a flammable anesthetic mixture with air or with oxygen or
nitrous oxide
2.3 Labels
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).
Figure 2.2. Aperture label (left), warning and certification label (right)

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INFORMATION TO THE USER
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant
to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at own expense.
WARNING
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority
to operate the equipment.

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