ECC X-RAY 870 User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
MODEL 870
mA / mAs Meter
Rev: June 24, 2013
Electronic Control Concepts
PO Box 182,1160 US Route 50
Milford,Ohio 45150-9705 USA
Phone:800-VIP-XRAY
Fax:[phone]
[e-mail] | www.eccxray.com
ADivision of US Nuclear Corp
www.usnuclearcorp.com

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MODEL 870
mA / mAs Meter
INSTRUCTION
MANUAL
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Page
DESCRIPTION 3
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
SWITCH SETTINGS 4
mA / mAs OPERATION 4
STATUS MESSAGES 5
BATTERY REPLACEMENT 5
WARRANTY 6
SERVICE INFORMATION 6
SPECIFICATIONS 7

3
DESCRIPTION
The ECC Model 870 mA Meter / mAs/ exposure time meter is specifically designed
to measure x-ray tube current. The ECC Model 870 is a solid-state, digital
instrument designed specifically for service personnel in assessing the performance
of radiation generators. This instrument measures and displays mA, mAs and
exposure time for each x-ray exposure. The instrument is used for dental x-ray
units, radiographic and fluoroscopic x-rays. The operator switches from 2A to 200
mA amp operation simply by switching the switch from left to right.
mA / mAs Measurment Overview
Connect the leads in series with the
ground side of the tube current
Switch the switch to which range
you wish to obtain.
Take an exposure
870 will display and hold mA, mAs,
and exposure time reading
870 is ready for next reading, no
reset is required
When a measurement is being made, the Model 870 has the capability of
automatically determining the type of x-ray that is being measured. It is not
necessary for the user to program correction factors for different types of x-ray
waveforms.
The Model 870 automatically resets at the beginning of each exposure, holding the
reading until the next exposure. There is no need to reset the meter before each
measurement.
This is a new state of the art instrument with many advanced features. For example,
when taking ma / mAs readings, the mA reading is stored and displayed. It is not
necessary to have exposure times long enough to display a reading. This minimizes
unnecessary exposure to test personnel and minimizes heating as well as wear and
tear on the x-ray tube. The Model 870 will display mA, mAs and exposure time for
each x-ray exposure further minimizing the number of x-ray exposures.
The most convenient way of using the 870 for mA, mAs and exposure time
measurements is to plug leads into front of unit and attach the other end, which is
designed to be connected in the ground return line of the high voltage transformer
and must be in the actual current path of the x-ray tube. Step back, take the
exposure and then observe the reading. Refer to the section on Operation for
information on how to obtain the most accurate measurements.

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It is important that the user be thoroughly familiar with the contents of this
manual before performing any tests on radiation generating equipment. It is
also imperative that the user be thoroughly qualified, and familiar with safety
precautions and other practices relating to radiation generators.
GENERAL
INSTRUCTIONS
SWITCH SETTINGS
In order to keep operation easy and straightforward there is only one switch on the
unit.
ON / OFF / RANGE switch
The switch is used to turn on the instrument and switch between the 2 ranges.
To first power on as an mA / mAs meter, choose which range you wish to use.
OPERATION
mA / mAs Measurements:
1. Before making any connections to the x-ray generator, MAKE CERTAIN THAT
THE GENERATOR’S POWER TURNED OFF.
2. Connect the Model 870 mA leads to the x-ray generator under test (see
below).
3. Plug leads into front of Model 870.
4. Set the range (200 mA or 2 Amp) by turning the switch.
5. Step back from x-ray and take exposure.
6. Observe the reading.
CAUTION: Do Not Plug Or Unplug mA Cable While Unit is ON. Line
up the pins in the cable and chassis connecter before inserting.
When taking mA or mAs measurements there is no minimum exposure time
requirement. For AC x-rays we suggest that the x-ray be at least 2 AC cycles to get
a representative sample. This time is 33 mS or .033 second. The instrument will
work with shorter x-rays, but may have some inaccuracy because of the start up
characteristics. For DC x-rays we suggest that the x-ray be long enough to minimize
the initial turn on current change. An x-ray of 40 mS is long enough.
The ECC Model 870 performs a true RMS measurement of the x-ray current, and
then converts that value to average current to conform to industry standards. The
proprietary circuit samples the current for representative amount of time, and then
extrapolates that value for the entire exposure time.
If the instrument is set for 200mA range and any portion of the current reaches 200
mA, the unit will indicate that the reading is Overscale. Turn the unit off and on and
set the range for 2 Amp to get the proper reading. This can happen with AC x-rays
measuring between 150 and 200 mA as well as DC and multiphase x-rays that have
an overshoot.

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Exposure Time Measurements:
The exposure time will be displayed in milliseconds (ms).
mA Lead Connection
The mAs meter was designed to be connected in the ground return line of the high
voltage transformer and must be in the actual current path of the x-ray tube. The
meter can be connected in series with the rectified tube current (DC Path), via the
DC input jacks or it can be connected using the AC input jack in series with the
transformer downstream of the rectifier (AC Path). However, all tube current must go
through the mAs Meter to have an accurate reading. If an alternate or parallel
current pathway of the x-ray generator is present, it could bypass the meter and
invalidate the reading. Do not use resistors, varistors, bypass, or distributed
capacitors in parallel with the meter. This will affect calibration. Before using the mAs
meter, examine the circuit of the x-ray generator and be certain that the mAs meter
is connected so that such components will not affect the readings. Varistors, which
have limiting voltage above 10V, will probably not affect the reading.
STATUS
MESSAGES
Applies to kVp and mA Measurements
The alphanumeric display on the Model 870 is capable of displaying messages
along with the output readings that give the user additional information. Each
message is described below:
Rdy 2A- Unit is ready for a reading in the 2 Amp range.
Rdy 200mA- Unit is ready for a reading in 200mA Range
Over Range - Over Range. The x-ray output is too high. Switch to 2 Amp range.
Low Battery - Battery is low. The unit may still be operated for several hours, but
accuracy may suffer. Replace the batteries as soon as possible.
BATTERY
REPLACEMENT
The Model 870 is supplied with one 9V battery. Replace the battery when the "Low
Battery" indication shows in the display. Any standard 9V batteries can be used in
the 870. We recommend Duracell MN1604 9 Volt Alkaline Battery To prolong
battery life, turn the instrument off when not in use.
To replace the battery, open the battery compartment on the bottom of the case
using a small screwdriver or thumbnail. Remove the old batteries, and install the
new batteries. Observe the correct polarity of the battery as shown on the bottom of
the battery compartment.

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WARRANTY
Electronic Control Concepts warrants the Model 870 X-ray mA / mAs / Exposure
Time Meter from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 2 years.
There is no warranty on the battery. ECC will replace or repair any Model 870
during the first year after shipment that does not show obvious signs of abuse.
Contact the factory as described below.
SERVICE
INFORMATION
If a unit should need calibration or service, please contact the factory by phone or
fax to obtain a Return Materials Repair authorization.
(800)VIP-XRAY or [phone] Phone
[phone] Fax
After obtaining an RMR number, ship the unit to:
Electronic Control Concepts
160 Partition Street
Saugerties, NY 12477

SPECIFICATIONS FOR MODEL 870 mA / mAs METER
RANGE
200 mA Full Scale
0.1 mA Resolution (mA or mAs)
10 Ohms Input impedance
Measures 5 to 200 mA
RECALIBRATION
Annually
OPERATING CONDITIONS
+10o to 40o C
2A Full Scale
1 mA Resolution (mA or mAs)
1 Ohm Input impedance
50o
OPTIONS
to 104o F
Meter automatically selects AC/DC
Select range via On / Off Switch
mA / mAs ACCURACY
1% +/- 2 mA on all ranges
CONNECTION
Tip Jacks
Test leads with two alligator clips
DISPLAY
0.22" (5.5mm) Liquid Crystal
2 line, 12 Character Alphanumeric
CONTROLS/INDICATORS
ON / OFF / Range Switch
24 Character Liquid Crystal Display
Displays mA, mAs and Exposure time
for each exposure.
POWER
9 Volt battery accessible from bottom
of case
Low battery indicator
BATTERY LIFE
100 hours continuous
Typically over one year of normal use
WARRANTY
2 years from ship date
PHYSICAL SIZE
80 X 147 X 40 mm
3.15 X 5.8 X 1.6 inches
WEIGHT
250 g, (0.55 lb)
Model 8700CC –Tailored cordura
Carrying Case specifically designed for
instrument.
Model 8700HC –Custom made hard
case with space for leads.
ABOUT ECC
Electronic Control Concepts is
recognized throughout the world, having
sold to over forty countries, as well as
military installations. ECC has been in
business since 1994, and hasbecome
known for quality, reliability, and price.
Electronic Control Concepts
PO Box 182,1160 US Route 50
Milford,Ohio 45150-9705 USA
Phone:800-VIP-XRAY
Fax:[phone]
[e-mail] | www.eccxray.com
ADivision of US Nuclear Corp
www.usnuclearcorp.com