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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CHAPTER 3. SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
3.1 System Components
The SAM 945 physically consists of a detector unit, a smartphone (Motorola Moto G or equivalent), AC and vehicle
power adapter/chargers for the detector unit (one AC to 8.4V DC, and one 12V DC vehicle adapter/charger), a USB
to micro USB cable, a tripod adapter, a shoulder strap, and a water- and shock-resistant carrying case (Figure 3.1).
The two software programs used with the SAM 945 are described in section 3.2.
Figure 3.1. SAM 945 components
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.
The pushbutton switch on the handle turns the flashlight and laser pointer on and off. It has three operating modes:
first push, flashlight turns on; second push, laser pointer turns on; third push, flashlight and laser pointer turn on;
fourth push, both turn off.
Figure 3.2. Flashlight and laser pointer

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3.1.2 Smartphone Holder
The smartphone can be attached to the detector unit by using the smartphone holder.
1. Using the curved tab of the smartphone holder arm, swing the arm away from the body of the detector unit
(Figure 3.3, left).
Tip: To prevent damage to the smartphone holder when opening or closing, always handle it by the curved tab.
2. Insert the edge of the smartphone into the lower hook of the holder (Figure 3.3, center and right).
3. Push down on the smartphone until the upper hook of the holder is visible.
4. Insert the top edge of the smartphone into the upper hook.
5. To remove the smartphone, push it down on the lower hook until its top edge is free of the upper hook. Tilt the
top edge toward you and lift the smartphone from the lower hook.
Figure 3.3. Attaching the smartphone to the detector
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.

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3.1.3 Tripod Adapter
The SAM 945 can be mounted on a tripod using the tripod adapter and M6-10 screw provided with the unit.
1. Position the tripod adapter on the bottom of the detector unit as shown in Figure 3.5.
2. Use the M6-10 screw to fasten the tripod adapter securely to the unit.
Figure 3.5. Attaching the tripod adapter to the bottom of the detector unit
A tripod shoe can be fitted to the tripod adapter with a standard 1/4-20 screw. A tripod adapter for a shoe using a
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

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3.2 SAM 945 Software
The SAM 945 includes two dedicated software programs for conducting surveys and analyzing results.
SAM III PeakAbout for the smartphone:
✓PeakAbout is used for configuring and calibrating the system, and for real-time measurement and analysis
of data acquired by the detector unit. It is based on the Android operating system and works with the
Motorola Moto G as well as many other smartphones that run Android.
✓Smartphones shipped from Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation already have the current version of PeakAbout
installed (in addition to the manufacturer’s software). Detailed instructions for operating PeakAbout are in
Chapter 4.
SAM III PeakID for the PC:
✓PeakID supports management of Event Log files, data analysis including integration of data from multiple
units, and data backup. It is compatible with PCs that run Windows 7 or higher.
✓Detailed instructions for installing and operating PeakID are in Chapter 5.
3.3 Power and Battery Charger
The power switch and DC connector are located on the back of the detector unit (Figure 3.7). The LED on the power
switch glows red when the power is on.
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. When necessary, you may disconnect the charger
before reaching full charge.
Figure 3.7. Detector unit (rear view) and AC adapter/charger
The SAM 945 can also be charged from a vehicle electrical system with standard 12V DC (Figure 3.8).

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Figure 3.8. Detector unit (rear view) and vehicle adapter/charger
3.4 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.
c. It can take up to six hours to fully charge the battery. When full charge has been reached, the LED on the
AC adapter/charger glows green. (There is also a battery indicator on the PeakAbout home screen, but it
will not be available if the detector unit’s power is turned off.)
d. After charging, disengage the cable from the detector unit by firmly holding the male connector and gently
twisting a quarter-turn, then pulling straight back.
2. Charge the smartphone battery. Refer to the smartphone manual for instructions.
3. Refer to Chapter 4 for detailed procedures on setup, configuration, background measurement, and calibration.

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CHAPTER 4. PEAKABOUT APPLICATION
4.1 Overview
PeakAbout enables the smartphone to communicate with the detector unit through the Bluetooth network protocol.
The smartphone’s main function is to display dose rate and count rate data for gamma-ray energy in real time.
PeakAbout provides a convenient graphical display and access to analytical tools. It also manages the configuration
and calibration of the detector unit (or units) with which it is paired.
PeakAbout allows Bluetooth networking exclusively between a smartphone and one or more detector units. This
avoids data collision issues with any other Bluetooth devices in the area.
4.2 Navigating the GUI
4.2.1 Home Screen
In addition to displaying dose rate and count rate data on a logarithmic scale gauge, the PeakAbout home screen
gives information on the system’s operating status (Figure 4.1).
Figure 4.1. PeakAbout home screen
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.

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Touching the menu button at the bottom right corner of the home screen toggles the menu bar on and off.
Tip: Wearing polarized lenses such as sunglasses can make the rotated screen appear blank. We recommend that
you do not wear polarized lenses while using PeakAbout.
Figure 4.2. PeakAbout GUI and pop-up menus
1
Home screen
Displays dose rate, count rate, system status, menu button, and battery
indicator
2
Bluetooth pop-up menu
Displays paired devices and manages Bluetooth functions
3
Setup menu
Allows operator to set up alarm threshold and ringtone, background
measurement time, and more
4
Event Log
Displays Event List and summary
5
Background & Calibration
menu
Provides access to background measurement and calibration functions
6
Isotope Identification
Displays spectrum and identified nuclides

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4.2.2 Background Measurement and Manual Calibration
Background and Calibration modes and their associated functions are initiated by rotating the smartphone 90º while
in Setup mode (Figure 4.3).
Figure 4.3 Background and Calibration screen
1
General information
Date, time, acquisition time, and counts per second (CPS)
2
Counts
Y-axis displays counts on a self-adjusting, logarithmic scale
3
Spectrum
Displays spectrum in real time
4
Progress bar
Indicates progress toward completion of backgroundmeasurement or
manual calibration
5
Background button
Selects background measurement function
6
Calibration button
Selects manual calibration function
7
Channel/Energy
X-axis displays channel or energy on a linear scale
8
Menu button and pop-up menu
Touching menu button toggles Background & Calibration menu on/off
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.

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4.2.3 Isotope Identification
When the system is in Identification mode, the Isotope Identification screens (Figure 4.4) can be initiated by rotating
the screen 90º. Spectral data acquired in real time are displayed. If the count rate is greater than the background
level, the system automatically alarms and displays the identified nuclide(s) with corresponding confidence level(s).
The short blue bar at the bottom center of the screen (Figure 4.4) is a swipe bar. Touching it and swiping upward
opens the classification screen, displaying the dose rate of the identified nuclide(s) in a bar graph. Swiping the swipe
bar (now at the top of the screen) downward returns you to the spectrum screen.
Figure 4.4 Isotope Identification screens: spectrum screen at top, classification screen at bottom
1
General information
Date, time, acquisition time, and counts persecond (CPS)
2
Counts
Y-axis displays counts on a self-adjusting, logarithmic scale
3
Spectrum
Displays spectrum in real time
4
Channel/Energy
X-axis displays channel or energy on a linear scale
5
Isotope Identification
Displays nuclide identity and confidence level