BNC SAM 950 User manual

User Manual SAM 950
Ruggedized Radiation Isotope Identifier

SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 2 of 62
USER MANUAL
™SAM 950
Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Introduction ..............................................................................................................3
Important safety information..........................................................................................................................4
Product warrantee.............................................................................................................................................4
Chapter 2. Safety.........................................................................................................................5
Cautions and notes ...........................................................................................................................................5
Classification......................................................................................................................................................6
Labels..................................................................................................................................................................6
Chapter 3. System Description................................................................................................... 7
System components..........................................................................................................................................7
Specifications .....................................................................................................................................................8
Power and battery charge guide....................................................................................................................10
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 .......................................................................................................................18
Primary GUI....................................................................................................................................................21
Calibration and background measurement .................................................................................................22
Isotope identification .....................................................................................................................................24
Manual ID result.............................................................................................................................................27
Attach media files ...........................................................................................................................................32
Sequential mode operation............................................................................................................................34
Favorite event..................................................................................................................................................35
Spectrum manipulation..................................................................................................................................36

SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 3 of 62
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
Manual ID........................................................................................................................................................44
Event log list....................................................................................................................................................44
Event ID and info ..........................................................................................................................................45
Note and photo...............................................................................................................................................47
Auto calibration and stabilization.................................................................................................................48
Chapter 6. Command Center SW ............................................................................................. 50
Connection between PDA and PC..............................................................................................................50
Installation instruction ...................................................................................................................................51
Primary GUI....................................................................................................................................................53
Spectrum display scale....................................................................................................................................54
Nuclide library management .........................................................................................................................55
XML file format conversion .........................................................................................................................57
Step by Step operational instruction............................................................................................................58
Chapter 7. Reminder and useful tips.........................................................................................61

SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 4 of 62
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. Our solution replaces traditional designs with a unique
solution that seamlessly integrates a powerful PDA or Smartphone with the Nuclear Radiation measuring
detectors.
The SAM 950 unit is designed to accommodate various type and size of radiation detectors, available
detectors are: 2x2 or 3x3 inch NaI(Tl), 1.5x1.5 or 2x2 inch high resolution detectors such as LaBr3 or CeBr3.
The unit also equips a supplementary GM tube which takes over measurement of high dose radiation when it
exceeds 10 mR/h. A solid state neutron detector, ‘Domino’, which has small form factor with superior
gamma rejection than He-3 detector can be added optionally.
One of the most distinctive features compared to the conventional hand-held RIIDs are attaching photo,
video and/or voice/text comments to the event file. In addition, measured events can be sent via WiFi
network to a reach-back center and/or RadResponder site in real time. These feature are enabled by the
powerful smartphone application SW, PeakAbout II.
Data acquisition is securely conducted via wired connection to the Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) unit. The
standard PDA unit is the Samsung J5 or equivalent. The PDA display provides the user with easy to read
information providing assessment of current radiological levels including personal safety and radionuclide
identification. Upon completion of a survey the data may be downloaded from the PDA unit to the PC. The
optional GPS unit provides the data necessary for mapping of the radiation levels.
Figure 1.1 SAM 950

SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 5 of 62
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. Therefore, prior to using this equipment you
should:
✓Read and understand this manual thoroughly.
✓Store all provided documents in a safe place for future reference.
✓Especially be sure to read the “SAFETY” chapter of this manual and thoroughly understand all
warning and caution labels.
PRODUCT WARRANTY
Description of the BNC warranty for the SAM 950 handheld RIID systems:
✓The unit is warranted to be free of defects in material and workmanship, including: parts, labor and
all unit elements.
✓Unless otherwise indicated, the warranty is good for 12 months after delivery to the original buyer
only.

SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 6 of 62
SAM 950 CONTAINS FCC ID : U8D-FB155BC
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
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.
Handling Instructions:
✓The maintenance service of the unit should only be handled by qualified/trained personnel
✓Cleaning the Camera and Flash lamp Windows: clean the windows with a soft, moist cloth to keep
them clean and clear. Turn off the power before cleaning.
Safety Hazard Warnings:
✓It can be very hazardous to open the unit on account of high voltage inside the unit (high voltage in
the detector is up to 1000 Volts). Be sure to refer all servicing to qualified/trained personnel.
Disposal Instructions:
✓If/when disposing the unit: observe local and national regulations for the disposal of units containing
a lithium battery.
✓Do not use household of municipal waste collection services for disposal of electrical and electronic
equipment. EU countries require the use of separate recycling collection services.
WARNING:
✓External equipment intended for connection to signal input, signal output or other connectors, shall
comply with relevant EN Standard (e.g., EN 61326-1:2013, EN 301 489-1 V1.9.2 and EN 301 489-
17 V2.2.1).
✓If, in doubt, contact qualified technician or your local representative.

SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 7 of 62
CALSSIFICATION
✓EMC: Comply with EN 61326-1: 2013, 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 (Max. output: < 1mW, 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.
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 8 of 62
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
①SAM 950 detector unit
②DC power adaptor for SAM 950 (DC 12V)
③Vehicle charging adaptor
④Shoulder strap
⑤Water and shock proof carrying case

SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 9 of 62
SPECIFICATIONS
✓Specifications
INPUT / OUTPUT
USB
Micro USB 2.0, IP65
AC Adapter
12v, 3A
Camera
CMOS 13.0 MP
Speaker
84dB(1W/0.5m), Water
Proof
GPS
Built-in GPS in Smartphone
Display
5 inch touch screen
PHYSICAL
Dimensions (W x D x H)
192 x 356 x 214 (mm)
Weight
4.3kg (9.5lb) w/ 3x3 inch NaI(Tl),
3.2kg (7 lb) w/ 2x2 inch NaI(Tl),
3kg (6.6lb) w/1.5x1.5 inch LaBr3. CeBr3
ENVIRONMENTAL
Operating Temperature
-20℃(-4℉) ~ 50℃(122℉)
Relative Humidity
10 to 80%, non condensing
PERFORMANCE
Energy Resolution
(Gamma)
NaI(Tl) 2x2, 3x3 inch :< 8%@662Kev,
LaBr3 2x2 inch :< 3.5%@662Kev,
CeBr3 2x2 inch :< 5%@662Kev
Energy Range (Gamma)
20 Kev –3 Mev
MCA channel
10bit, 1024 channel
Dose rate range
0 –10 mR/h (NaI), 10 mR/h –10 R/h (GM)
Stabilization
Automatic real-time stabilization using K-40
Nuclide Identification
According to ANSI N42.34, isotope/category/confidence report
Battery
>8hours, Lithium Ion
DETECTORS
Gamma Detector
NaI(Tl) –2x2, 3x3 inch,
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 10 of 62
Neutron (Optional)
Solid-state Neutron detector : 4cm2 active area, 20% thermal neutron eff.
Gamma rejection: 1: 107
SOFTWARE
Reach-back Feature
ANSI N42.42 or CSV event data via a Smartphone (Wi-Fi)
Application SW
Android based application SW for Smartphone,
Windows based application SW for Command Center
Detectable Idotope List
NORM
K40, Ra226 and daughters, Th232 and daughters
Medical
F18, Cr51, Ga67, Mo99, Tc99m, Pd103, In111, I123, I125, I131, Xe133, Sm153, Tl201
Industrial
Na22, Co57, Co60, Se75, Rh106, I132, I133, Ba133, Cs134, Cs137, Eu152, Ir192, Am241
SNM
U233, U235, U238, Pu239, Pu241, Np237

SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 11 of 62
POWER AND BATTERY CHARGE GUIDE
Figure 1.4 shows the location of the power switch and the DC connector for charging the internal battery.
The LED turns red when the power is ON.
The battery charger (figure 3.2 below) has a built-in overcharging protection circuit. Once the battery
is fully charged the LED turns green and auto charging is terminated.
The power system of PDA is directly connected and controlled by the SAM 950’s internal battery.
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. The battery has a built-in power protection
circuit (PCM) which prevents the battery from both overcharging and over-discharging.
Hazard: Internal high voltage (up to 1,000 volts)! Do not disassemble the unit.
Servicing of the unit should be performed by BNC qualified personnel.

SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 12 of 62
CAMERA AND FLASH LIGHT
SAM 950 is equipped with built-in camera and a LED flash light for recording media information and
operation in dark environment.
✓Push and hold (2 seconds) the ‘up-arrow’ button with a lamp icon (refer to the figure 3.4), the LED
flash light is turned ON. With same manner, the flash light is turned OFF.
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.

SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 13 of 62
Figure 3.5. Tripod adaptor holes and SAM 950 mounted on a tripod.
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.
Figure 3.6. Shoulder strap assemble examples

SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 14 of 62
SAM 950 SOFTWARE
SAM 950 software consists of two programs.
1. “SAM III PeakAbount II”: application software for the PDA
2. “SAM III PeakID”: command center software for a PC running the Windows Operating system.
The PDA application software is preinstalled in the imbedded PDA.
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.
For detailed installation instructions please refer to the appropriate sections in this manual.
Command center software is compatible with Windows based PCs. The OS must be Windows 7 or
higher.
PREREQUISITES FOR THE OPERATION OF THE SAM 950
✓Charge the SAM 950 battery
1. Turn off the system (recommended for fastest time to full charge)
2. Plug-in the DC adaptor to the DC connector
3. The LED on the DC power adaptor changes to green when the unit is charging.
4. Full charge may take up to 6 hours.
5. The LED on the DC power adaptor OFF when the unit is fully charged.
6. The charging cable is securely locked to the female connector on the unit. Disengage the spring
loaded connector by firmly holding the male connector and gently twisting ¼ turn, then pulling
straight back on the connector.
For detailed setup, configuration, background measurement and calibration procedures please refer to
the appropriate sections in this manual.

SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 15 of 62
CHAPTER 4. PDA APPLICATION SOFTWARE
INTRODUCTION
The built-in PDA communicates with the SAM 950 unit through wired USB network protocol. Its main
function is to provide dose (and count) rate data for the gamma-ray. In addition it provides the operator with
a convenient graphic status display and access to the analytical tools. It also manages the configuration and
calibration of the paired SAM 950 unit.
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.
Figure 4.1. Main screen

SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 16 of 62
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.
The button key provide different functions based on menu hierarchy status. Details are described in
each operation mode sessions.
Figure 4.1. Function buttons on the handle.
Table 4.1. Basic function of function key buttons
Left / Right Move
Up / Down Move
Click
Selection/execute
Click & Hold (2 sec)
Manual Source ID Start
Click
Back to previous menu
Click & hold (2 sec.)
Return to main Menu
Click & hold (2 sec.)
Light on / off

SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 17 of 62
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.
1. SW upgrade notification message is appeared on the low bottom of the main screen as shown in
figure 4.1. only if the currently installed version is lower than the latest one.
2. To upgrade, go to the Device Information by following path: Pop up menu (by press and hold )
→Setup →Device Information
3. Touch and select ‘Download latest SAM III SW’.
4. Type in ‘BSN” number and select ‘PeakAbout II’ PDA application SW.
BSN (BNC Serial Number) is located on the label.
Figure 4.2. SAM III SW upgrade procedure
5. Installation screen is opened as shown in figure 4.3. Follow 4 steps below.

SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 18 of 62
Figure 4.3. SAM III SW upgrade procedure

SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 19 of 62
MAIN AND SUB- MENU STRUCTURE
Measurement status display, configuration, event log management, reach-back service, media file generation,
spectrum analysis, background measurement and calibration are all managed by the PDA and its application
software.
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.
Figure 4.4. shows menu structure for event generation, manual ID and media file attachment procedure. And
Figure 4.5. covers structure for setup and event log management related tasks.
✓Menu structure of manual ID and media file attachment
The main ‘Gauge’ ①and ‘Finder’ ② screen can be toggled by pressing up/down function
button or swiping up/down with a finger on the touch screen.
‘Manual ID’ screen ③is access by press and hold key or touch ‘Manual ID’ menu on the
screen from the ‘Gage’ menu any time.
The ‘Spectrum’ ③and ‘Classification’ ④screen can be toggled by pressing left/right
function button or swiping left/right with a finger on the touch screen.
Stop ID and return to main screen by press button from either ‘Spectrum’ ③or
‘Classification’ ④ screen. In this case, the event is deleted.
When manual ID is completed, ‘Event summary’ ⑤ screen is automatically popped-up. In this
screen, user can send the event to Reach-back ⑥ and/or RadResponder server ⑦ or attach media
files such as text/audio comment ⑨, photo(s) and video(s) ⑧.
Pressing button from the ‘Event summary’ ⑤ screen saves event data and returns to main
‘Gauge screen ①.

SAM 950 Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 20 of 62
Figure 4.4. Menu structure of manual ID and media file generation.
1
Main GUI screen
Dose rate, Count rate, System status, menu and battery indicator
2
Finder screen
Display real-time radiation activity by time
3
Manual ID screen
Manual ID screen with spectrum, ID result display.
4
ID classification screen
ID analysis and classification, dose rate information
5
ID summary screen
Manual ID condition, ID summary, media management
6
Reach-back screen
Reach back service screen
7
RadResponder screen
RadResponder service screen
8
Photo/video
Attach photo(s) and video(s) to the event
9
Voice msg.
Record voice comment to the event