GF Instruments GAMMA Surveyor User manual

User Guide v 1.2

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GAMMA Surveyor

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GAMMA Surveyor
Introduction...................................................................................................5
Control Unit ..................................................................................................6
Power Supply ............................................................................................ 7
Battery Charging ................................................................................... 7
Connections...............................................................................................8
Probe Connection..................................................................................8
GPS Receiver Connection.....................................................................8
Connection to PC ..................................................................................8
Basic Operation of the Instrument ............................................................9
Menu Handling .....................................................................................9
Choice from List of Items .....................................................................9
Input of Numerical Values .................................................................. 10
Text Input............................................................................................10
Display Backlight................................................................................11
Display Contrast..................................................................................11
Full Spectra & Assay Mode ........................................................................ 12
Measurement...........................................................................................14
Setting .....................................................................................................20
Calibration...............................................................................................22
Dose Rate Mode..........................................................................................24
Measurement...........................................................................................25
Setting .....................................................................................................30
Calibration...............................................................................................31
Search Mode ...............................................................................................33
Measurement...........................................................................................34
Setting .....................................................................................................35
File manager................................................................................................36
Measured Data Displaying......................................................................36
Deletion of the File .................................................................................36
Erasing of the Whole Memory................................................................ 36
Measuring Probes........................................................................................37
Small Handheld probe............................................................................. 38
2" and 3" Combined Probes ....................................................................40
Borehole Accessories..............................................................................42
Gamma Surveyor Software.........................................................................44
Installation of the Software .....................................................................44
Measured Data Download....................................................................... 44
Connection of the Instrument to PC....................................................44
Start of the Software ...........................................................................45
File Rename ........................................................................................45

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GAMMA Surveyor
Data Download and Export of the Files ..............................................45
File Deleting........................................................................................46
Finishing of the Work .........................................................................46
Output File Format..................................................................................46
Dose Rate Measurement .....................................................................46
Spectrum & Assay .............................................................................. 46
Technical Specifications .............................................................................48

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GAMMA Surveyor
Introduction
Gamma Surveyor is a new group of multi-channel gamma-ray
spectrometers designed for measurements of natural and artificial
radioisotopes in ground, boreholes and laboratories. This group of
instruments covers a wide range of devices from radiameters and compact
handheld instruments to general purpose sets for field, borehole and
carborne surveys using various probes and types of detectors.
Gamma Surveyor is a useful tool for searching for radiation sources,
dose rate and gamma-ray spectra measurements, determination of
concentrations of elements (especially K, eU, eTh) and for other
applications in radiation monitoring, geophysical mapping, geological
studies, surveys for mining, laboratory analyses of samples etc.
Gamma Surveyor offers three basic measuring modes:
•quick and selective searching for gamma-ray sources
•precise radiometric measurements
•spectral measurements with determination of K, eU, eTh
concentrations
The measuring system supports point, profile and continuous
measurements with the use of external GPS data.
The methodology is based on the recommendation of IAEA
(International Atomic Energy Agency). The factory calibration is done on
high-volume standards. (For more detailed information see IAEA:
Guidelines for radioelement mapping using gamma ray spectrometry data,
IAEA-1363, 2003.)
Warning:
The instrument is equipped with a scintillation detector.
Avoid strong mechanical and temperature shocks!

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GAMMA Surveyor
Control Unit
Probes
External power
USB (PC)
GPS receive
r
Power / backlight key
Yes keyNo key
Left/Right keys
F-key
Numeric keys
Minus / decimal
point key
Battery charger
status
LCD display
Battery cover
Up/Down keys

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GAMMA Surveyor
Power Supply
The instrument can be supplied from internal lithium batteries, using
AC adapter or from the 12 V car socket or other external 12 V/2 A source.
For external power supply the connector „External power“ is to be used.
If the instrument is supplied from the internal batteries, their
condition is indicated in the upper right corner of the display.
Battery Charging
The battery charging is activated automatically when an external
power source is connected to the instrument. Thus a user can charge the
batteries either from a mains source or e.g. in a car.
The status of the battery charging is signalized by the control light
next to the display:
•Green colour – charging
•The light is off – charging has been finished
If there is a red or orange control light, the battery is defective and it
is necessary to disconnect the external power source immediately and to
exchange the battery (To do this press the sides of the battery cover and pull
it downwards, exchange the battery pack and return the cover on its original
place.)

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GAMMA Surveyor
Connections
Probe Connection
For the measurement with one probe connect the probe and the
instrument using the simple connection cable – one (either) end to the
connector on the probe, the other one to the right side connector „Probes“
on the instrument.
For measurement with more probes use the connection cable with
more connectors according to the figure below.
GPS Receiver Connection
Connect the GPS receiver using its serial port to the connector „GPS
receiver“. Set the GPS receiver to the mode for transmitting of the NMEA
type data, speed 4800 Bd without parity and activate GGA sentence
transmitting.
If the GPS receiver is set correctly, the spectrometer detects the GPS
data automatically and displays them in the window for setting of the
position.
Connection to PC
To connect the spectrometer and PC use the USB cable and connect
it to the „USB“ socket of the instrument and to the related socket of the PC.
See chapter Gamma Surveyor software for details.
Gamma Surveyor
Probe 1 Probe 2

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GAMMA Surveyor
Basic Operation of the Instrument
The basic instructions for the operation of the instrument are given
in this chapter.
Menu Handling
There are two possibilities how to choose the item from the
displayed menu (see fig. below):
1) Choose the item using “Up/Down“ keys and then press “Yes“ key.
2) Press the key with the number of the chosen item line. E.g. if you
would like to choose the item on the second line, press the key “2“.
For leaving the menu and return press “No“ key.
Main menu
1. Full Spectra & Assay
2. Dose Rate
3. Search
4. File Manager
5. Setting
Choice from List of Items
If a list of items (options) is displayed, it is possible to choose one
of them using “Left/Right“ keys.
E.g. it is possible to choose one from the available options (“Point /
Profile / Borehole / Continuous“) at the line “Meas. type“ in the screen -see
picture below.

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GAMMA Surveyor
New measurement
File name:
Locality:
Meas. type:
Note:
Laboratory
0 m 10 sMeas. time:
My test file 1
Point
Input of Numerical Values
Numerical values can be entered using keys “0“ to “9“ and
“Minus/Decimal point“ key. If the “Minus/Decimal point“ key is pressed at
first (before entering the number), it is displayed as a sign “minus”,
otherwise as a decimal point.
New measurement
File name:
Locality:
Meas. type:
Note:
Laboratory
0 m 10 sMeas. time:
My test file 1
Point
Text Input
Text can be entered using numerical keys in a way similar to mobile
phones. One of the signs available at the key can be chosen by its repeated
pressing (within 1 s). The cursor is moved to another sign after approx. 1s
(this time is signalized by a change of cursor) or when the “Right” key or
some other one is pressed. The “Left“ key can be used for erasing of the text
- backwards from the last sign.
The type of the signs - capital letters / small letters / numbers – can
be chosen using “F-key“. The actual choice is signalized in the upper right
corner of the display as follows: “Abc“ – initial letter capital, other ones

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GAMMA Surveyor
small, “abc“ – small letters and numbers, “ABC“ – capital letters and
numbers, “123“ – numbers only.
New measurement
File name:
Locality:
Meas. type:
Note:
Laboratory
0 m 10 sMeas. time:
My test file 1
Point
Abc
Example _
Display Backlight
Backlight of the display can be switched on / off using the „Power /
Backlight key“. It improves the visibility of the display in worse light
conditions, but causes a quicker discharging of the batteries – so it is
recommended to use the backlight only if necessary.
Display Contrast
Contrast of the display can be set by „9“ / „-.“ keys.
Charset
Edit cursor

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GAMMA Surveyor
Full Spectra & Assay Mode
This mode serves for measurement of the whole spectrum,
determination of concentrations of elements K, eU, eTh and measurement
of cps in 10 ROIs (regions of interest) - 4 of them preset for K, U, Th, TOT
and 6 of them settable by a user.
The instrument always measures the complete spectrum, from which
it evaluates the cps values in ROIs and calculates the concentrations of
elements K [%], eU [ppm], eTh [ppm]. The concentration of K is
determined directly. The eU and eTh concentrations are based on detection
of radioisotopes 214Bi and 208Tl that are parts of the related disintegration
series. The natural dose rate value (in nGy/h) is calculated from these
concentrations according to the IAEA recommendations.
The measurement can be performed as point, profile, borehole or
continuous. The position of the measured place can be set manually, using
GPS data or as a combination of both.
The measured data are displayed using three windows – in the
spectrum window there is a complete measured spectrum with the
possibility of its viewing and monitoring of the measured cps values in all
512 channels of spectrum. The isotope library is a part of it and allows
matching of the measured peak with the isotope. This function is useful for
quick distinguishing of the radiation source type right in situ. In the second
window the values of calculated concentrations of K, eU, eTh including cps
values in the related ROIs, natural dose rate and total count are displayed.
The third window contains the information about the cps values in the user
defined ROIs.
All measured data including complete spectra, measurement position
and settings are currently stored in a file. A user can stop the measurement
at any time and continue in any of the measurements later.
Basic features:
•Measures and stores always the complete 512-channel spectrum
•Direct determination of concentrations of K[%], eU [ppm],
eTh [ppm]
•Dose rate measurement

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GAMMA Surveyor
•cps measurement in 10 ROIs – 4 preset (K, U, Th, TOT), 6 user
defined
•Built-in isotope library
•Possibility of going through spectrum and matching of the
measured peak with the isotope
•Support of point, profile and borehole measurements
•GPS support
•Possibility of later continuation of the interrupted measurement
•All primary measured data and settings stored in a file
•Factory and two user calibrations
•Very easy operation

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GAMMA Surveyor
Measurement
Connect the probe (probes) to the control unit. Then switch the
instrument on by pressing and holding the yellow “Power“ key. Choose the
item “Full Spectra & Assay“ from the displayed main menu (or press the
key “3”).
New measurement
File name:
Locality:
Meas. type:
Note:
msMeas. time:
To continue in one of the previous measurements do not enter the
file name, but press “Yes” key. The list of saved files will appear. From the
list you can choose the measurement you would like to continue in.
Main menu
Breclav 01-20
Breclav 01-21
Breclav 02-21
Brno - Lab 01
To start a new measurement it is necessary to enter the name of the
file, where the measured data will be stored.

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GAMMA Surveyor
New measurement
File name:
Locality:
Meas. type:
Note:
Laboratory
0 m 10 sMeas. time:
My test file 1
Point
Meanings of the fields are as follows:
File name – fill in the name of the file.
Locality – name of the measured locality (non compulsory).
Meas. type – type of the measurement. It is possible to choose one
of the possibilities: point , profile, borehole or continuous.
Meas. time – time of the measurement on one point. The measuring
time should be set with regards to the intensity of the measured radiation
and required accuracy of the measurement. A convenient measuring time
for specific conditions should be chosen experimentally, so that a required
accuracy of the results is kept. If the measuring time is set correctly, the
measured value is stable at the end of the measurement.
Note – any note
When the required information is entered, one of the following
windows (according to the chosen measuring type) for setting of the
position will be displayed. If the continuous measurement was chosen, the
setting of the position is not required. If the GPS data are available, they
will be displayed and saved automatically.

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GAMMA Surveyor
Position for point measurement:
Position
Latitude:
Longitude:
Point:
Note:
N 54° 23.102'
E 12° 12.567'
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Position for profile measurement – first, other points:
Position
Latitude:
Longitude:
Profile:
Note:
N 54° 23.102'
E 12° 12.567'
2
Step: 5.0 m
Station: 125.0 m
Position for borehole measurement:
Position
Latitude:
Longitude:
Borehole:
Note:
N 54° 23.102'
E 12° 12.567'
2
Step: 2.0 m
Depth: 42.0 m

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GAMMA Surveyor
Meanings of the fields are as follows:
Latitude, Longitude – GPS position data
Point – number of the measured point
Profile no. – number of the measured profile
Step – distance between the measured points on the profile
Station – position on the measured profile in meters
Borehole – borehole number
Depth – position (depth) of the probe in the borehole (in meters)
Note – note to the measured point
After entering of the position (non compulsory) the measurement
will be started automatically. To stop the measurement leave this window
by repeated pressing of the “No” key.
If the internal Cs reference source is used the stabilization will be
done automatically (without user’s operation) and as soon as it is finished,
the measurement will start automatically. In this case skip the following
paragraph.
If the internal Cs reference source is not used and the validity of the
last stabilization has expired already, a user will be asked to place an
external source on the vertical rear side of the instrument under the handle
and hold it there. When the stabilization is finished you will be asked to
take the source off and place it out of range of the probe.
During the measurement the window with the measured spectrum
and information about the remaining measuring time are displayed.

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GAMMA Surveyor
Spectrum
MEASURE - wait please.
Remaining time: 1m 10s
Graph 100 cps
By pressing the “No” key the whole measurement is terminated.
When the measurement is finished, the following window with the
measured cps values in ROIs and calculated concentrations of K, eU, eTh
is displayed. The natural dose rate values calculated from the related
concentrations are displayed as well. It is possible to switch to this window
by pressing “2” key.
Spectrum
0.8
1.66
Dose rate:
Total:
nGy/h
1411.6
cps
40.1
cps
28.7
cps
46.9
%
ppm
cps
K:
U:
Th:
3542.3
64.2
cps
Using the key “3“ it is possible to switch to the window with the cps
values in six user defined ROIs.

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ROI
ROI 1: 1163.1 cps
ROI 2: 120.6 cps
ROI 3: 40.2 cps
ROI 4: 11.6 cps
ROI 5: 6.0 cps
ROI 6: 3.2 cps
The spectrum view window can be opened using “1” key.
Spectrum
Cs137 661.2 29.79 keV cps
Cursor:
In this window you can move the cursor using “Left“ and “Right“
keys. In the bottom part of the window the energy, related cps value and
information about the isotope matching the peak are given. The displayed
scale of the graph can be changed using “Up“ and “Down“ keys.
By pressing the “Yes” key in any of the three windows above you
can save the measured data and move to measurement of the next point. If
you press “No” key, the measurement will not be saved. The result windows
can be switched using the keys : “1“ – spectrum, “2“ – concentrations and
“3“ – cps in user defined ROIs.

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GAMMA Surveyor
Setting
Choose “Setting“ from the main menu and then “Spectrum &
Assay“. The following window will appear:
Setting
Stab. source.: Internal
Graph max.: 2000 cps
Calibration: Factory
Graph max. – scale (maximum value) in cps for a basic display of
spectrum graph.
Stab. source – setting of the stabilization type. There is a choice
from the following options:
•Internal – built-in Cs source. The source must be either
built inside the instrument or a user must insert it before the
measurement. Stabilization will be done automatically
without user’s operation.
•Cs-emmiter – external Cs source. Before the start of the
stabilization procedure a user will be asked to place the
reference source on the probe and to take it off when the
stabilization is finished.
•K-natural – the natural K peak is used for stabilization.
This option can be used only if this peak is present on the
place of measurement.
•K-emitter – external K source. Before the start of the
stabilization procedure a user will be asked to place the
reference source on the probe and to take it off when the
stabilization is finished.
Calibration – serves for setting of the calibration that should be
used for the calculation of concentrations. One of the following options can