Ludlum Measurements 3003 User manual

LUDLUM MODEL 3003 AND 3003i
MULTI-DETECTOR SURVEY METER / SCA
USER’S MANUAL
September 2020
Firmware: F.2.0.1263 and Higher

LUDLUM MODEL 3003 AND 3003i
MULTI-DETECTOR SURVEY METER / SCA
USER’S MANUAL
September 2020
Firmware: F.2.0.1263 and Higher

Model3003and3003iMulti-DetectorSurveyMeter/SCA User’s Manual

Model3003and3003iMulti-DetectorSurveyMeter/SCA User’s Manual
STATEMENT OF WARRANTY
Ludlum Measurements, Inc. warrants the products covered in this manual to be free of
defects due to workmanship, material, and design for a period of twelve months from
the date of delivery. The calibration of a product is warranted to be within its
specified accuracy limits at the time of shipment. In the event of instrument failure,
notify Ludlum Measurements to determine if repair, recalibration, or replacement is
required.
This warranty excludes the replacement of photomultiplier tubes, G-M and
proportional tubes, and scintillation crystals which are broken due to excessive
physical abuse or used for purposes other than intended.
There are no warranties, express or implied, including without limitation any implied
warranty of merchantability or fitness, which extend beyond the description of the
face there of. If the product does not perform as warranted herein, purchaser’s sole
remedy shall be repair or replacement, at the option of Ludlum Measurements. In no
event will Ludlum Measurements be liable for damages, lost revenue, lost wages, or
any other incidental or consequential damages, arising from the purchase, use, or
inability to use product.
RETURN OF GOODS TO MANUFACTURER
If equipment needs to be returned to Ludlum Measurements, Inc. for repair or calibration, please
send to the address below. All shipments should include documentation containing return shipping
address, customer name, telephone number, description of service requested, and all other necessary
information. Your cooperation will expedite the return of your equipment.
LUDLUM MEASUREMENTS, INC.
ATTN: REPAIR DEPARTMENT
501 OAK STREET
SWEETWATER, TX 79556
800-622-0828 325-235-5494
FAX [phone]

Model3003and3003iMulti-DetectorSurveyMeter/SCA User’s Manual
Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Getting Started 2
Unpacking and Repacking 2-1
Battery Installation 2-1
Instrument Operational Test 2-2
Sigma Audio 2-5
Detector Failure Diagnostic 2-5
Instrument Use and Controls 2-7
RATE Mode Operation 2-12
MAX Mode Operation 2-13
COUNT Mode Operation 2-14
DOSE Mode Operation 2-18
Specifications 3
Setup Mode 4
Setup Overview 4-1
Setup Parameters 4-2
Entering Setup Mode 4-6
Setup Mode Operation 4-8
Model 3003 List of Parameters (in order) 4-10
Page 1 –Device 4-12
Page 2 –Datalogging 4-14
Page 3 –Configuration 4-15
Page 4 –Calibration 4-17
Page 5 –Channel 1 4-20
Page 6 –Channel 2 4-21
Page 7 –Unit 1 4-23
Page 8 –Unit 2 4-27
Page 9 –Unit 3 (if supported) 4-31
Page 10 –Reset (WARNING!!!) 4-35
Datalogging 5
Datalogging Operation –Mode 1 5-2

Model3003and3003iMulti-DetectorSurveyMeter/SCA User’s Manual
Datalogging Operation –Mode 2 5-3
Datalogging Operation –Mode 3 5-3
Format 5-4
Software 6
Connecting to Software 6-1
Advanced Features 7
Dead Time Correction 7-1
Units 7-2
Software Calibration Tools 7-3
Other Device Data 7-3
Battery Life 7-3
Real-Time Streaming 7-4
Safety Considerations 8
Environmental Conditions for Normal Use 8-1
Warning Markings and Symbols 8-1
Cleaning and Maintenance Precautions 8-2
Revision History 9
Recycling 10
Options 11
Standard Parts List 12
Auxiliary Communications A
AuxComm Overview A-1
Requirements A-1
Usage A-1
Settings A-4

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Introduction
The Model 3003 and 3003i are ergonomic, lightweight instruments
which can be used for radiation survey purposes. The Model 3003i
version has all the features of the Model 3003 plus the addition of an
internal detector for tracking user exposure rate or dose, but both
instruments will hereafter be referred to as “3003.” The Model 3003
features the ability to measure radiation in count rate, exposure
rate/dose, activity rate, integrated exposure/dose, time-averaged rates,
and scaler counts. The Model 3003 supports up to four external
radiation detectors to detect alpha, beta, gamma, or neutron radiation.
Each detector may have its own set of calibration and user parameters.
The DETECTOR button is used to select the active detector.
The instrument features a large backlit LCD (liquid crystal display), an
audio warning, and easy, intuitive use. The unit body is made of
lightweight but durable plastic. It is intended for outdoor use and can
resist splashing water. The foam grip provides a comfortable,
ergonomic grip but may be removed for ease of decontamination.
Four modes of operation are available for the Model 3003 –RATE,
MAX, COUNT, and DOSE.
RATE mode operation will display the current count, exposure, or
activity rate.
MAX mode is used to capture the highest count, activity, or exposure
rate detected –useful for finding a peak rate, or frisking when the
display is not visible. Two sets of units (primary and secondary) for
RATE and MAX modes can be chosen from among cps, cpm, Bq,
Bq/cm², dpm, R/h, Sv/h, or Rem/h. The user can switch between these
two units by simply pressing the UNITS button.
COUNT mode allows the user to perform a count for a predetermined
time. Depending on the count units chosen, the result can be a scaler
count (in counts or disintegrations), a time-averaged rate (cpm, dpm,
Section
1

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Bq, Bq/cm², cps), a time-averaged exposure or dose (R/h, Sv/h,
Rem/h), or an integrated exposure or dose (R or Sv).
DOSE mode allows the user to view a real time integrated dose (R or
Sv) with the possibility of continually monitoring the integrated dose
during other modes of operation.
The standard handle includes three pushbuttons: the LOG button that
allows the instrument to log up to 1000 data points when activated with
the optional Lumic Datalogging Kit, an ACK/Reset button for
acknowledging alarms and resetting readings, and a PRG button for
entering setup mode and activating additional features.
The display will be automatically backlit if light levels are low or can be
set to a user-defined light level. The display backlight can also be
configured for “Continuous On”operation. RATE, MAX, COUNT,
and DOSE modes can be silent or utilize a “click” audio; the “click”
audio is always silent during COUNT mode by default. A "sigma" audio
mode can be enabled (disabling the "click" audio) in RATE and MAX
modes when scintillator detectors are used, and this mode makes it easy
for the user to find small increases above the background radiation
level. In this mode, the instrument measures background for 8 seconds
after power-up, and then beeps whenever the rate increases by a small
amount. Users are freed from watching the numeric value to "find"
something. They can simply listen for multiple beeps.
Setup of the instrument is accomplished through the front-panel
buttons, or through Lumic software available from Ludlum
Measurements.
Front-panel setup can be disabled via the internal switch on the Model
3003 in order to protect settings from inadvertent changes. When the
settings are protected, the user can view the settings or modify a limited
number of settings as defined with the Lumic software. Using the
Lumic software, the Model 3003 can be configured to allow changes to
the alarms and/or count time even when in protect mode.
The unit is operated with four alkaline AA batteries for operation from
-20 to 50 °C (-5 to 122 °F). Battery life is approximately 200 hours
under normal usage. A low-battery indicator on the LCD warns when
less than 16 hours of battery life remain.
The Model 3003 may optionally be provided with a 1/8-inch stereo
headphone jack that would allow for headphone use for audio output. It
is located to the left of the detector connector.

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If a headphone jack is not in use, the Model 3003 may optionally be
provided with an RS-232 serial output for connection to PC or other
electronic devices.
For more advanced use: See Appendix A for information on our
Auxiliary Communications features, which allow the instrument to
expand its capabilities with a variety of external devices through a
standard serial interface.

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1. Turn the instrument over so that the bottom of
the instrument is facing up.
2. Use a straight, medium-sized screwdriver to turn
the single screw on the battery cover one-quarter
turn counter-clockwise.
3. Release and remove the battery cover.
4. Replace all four AA batteries.
5. Replace the cover and turn screw one quarter of
a turn clockwise to secure.
Getting Started
Unpacking and Repacking
Remove the calibration certificate and place it in a secure location. Remove
the instrument and ensure that all of the items listed on the packing list are
in the carton. Check individual item serial numbers and ensure calibration
certificates match between instruments and detectors (if applicable). The
Model 3003 serial number is located on a label on the front side of the unit.
To return an instrument for repair or calibration, provide sufficient packing
material to prevent damage during shipment.
Every returned instrument must be accompanied by an Instrument
Return Form, which can be downloaded from the Ludlum website at
www.ludlums.com. Find the form by clicking the “Support” tab and
selecting “Repair and Calibration” from the drop-down menu. Then choose
the appropriate Repair and Calibration division where you will find a link to
the form.
Battery Installation
A low-battery indicator appears at the top of the LCD when less than 16
hours of battery life remain. When this indicator is present, follow these
steps to replace the four standard AA batteries:
Section
2

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Instrument Operational Test
Turn the instrument ON by pressing the ON/ACK button for about a
second, and then releasing.
The instrument should activate all the LCD segments and the audio.
Observe the device during this time. If any LCD segments are missing, or
audio fails to work, the device is in need of repair. Please refer to Figure 1
below.
Figure 1: Startup Display for Model 3003 (All Segments Shown)
The instrument then displays the current revision level of each board
installed in the system: main board, internal detector high voltage board, and
auxiliary communications board.
Figure 2: Hardware Revision Levels
A revision level of 0 indicates that the board is not installed or detected.

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Next, the instrument displays the firmware version.
Figure 3: Firmware Version Display
The first character defines the firmware type, the second character defines
the major version level, and the third character defines the revision level.
The build version is not displayed.
The instrument then displays the battery voltage. The low battery indicator
is only displayed to indicate that the value displayed is related to the battery
voltage and not that the battery voltage is low.
Should the instrument detect a battery voltage that is high enough to power
on, but too low to safely operate, the display will go blank and the low-
battery icon will flash. Normal operation will not be available until the
batteries have been replaced. Under extreme low-battery conditions, be
aware that the unit may not even turn on or may turn itself off abruptly.
Figure 4: Battery Voltage Display

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The instrument then displays the number of stored records if datalogging is
enabled.
Figure 5: Startup Display Showing 189 Stored Data Records
If the Sigma Audio option is selected, the unit will display a countdown
from :08 to :01 (in seconds) as the unit measures background radiation
levels.
The instrument will then move to normal operation, displaying the current
rate for the Primary units (factory default: mR/h). This boot-up process
takes about 12 seconds, plus another 8 seconds if Sigma Audio is enabled.
Ensure that the low-battery indicator is not present. If the low-battery
indicator is present, replace the batteries as soon as possible. Should the
instrument detect a battery voltage that is high enough to power on, but too
low to safely operate, the display will blank and the low-battery icon will
flash. Normal operation will not be available until the batteries have been
replaced. Under extreme low-battery conditions, be aware that the unit may
not even turn on or may turn itself off abruptly.
To assure proper operation of the instrument and detectors(s) between
calibrations, an instrument operational check including battery test and
instrument test should be performed at least daily or prior to use,
whichever is less frequent. A reference reading (or readings) with a
dedicated check source should be obtained with the detector(s) in a
constant and reproducible manner at the time of calibration or at the
time the instrument is received in the field.
If at any time the instrument fails to read within 20% of the reference
reading when using the dedicated check source, it should be removed
from service and sent to a calibration facility for recalibration and/or
repair. If desired, multiple readings may be taken at different distances
and/or with different sources so that other scales are checked.

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Example of a Check Source reading:
Check Source #_________ Rate__________ Units________
Once this procedure has been completed, the instrument is ready for use
Sigma Audio
The Ludlum Model 3003 has the standard "click" audio that is widely used
by radiation instruments; however, it also has a Sigma Audio mode that can
be enabled to change the audio sound. This mode is useful for scintillation
detectors because their high count rate makes the "click" audio less useful.
In the sigma audio mode, the instrument measures the background
radiation for eight seconds on power-up, and then automatically sets a low
threshold alarm rate above the background rate. Then the instrument will
produce a beep any time that the instrument "sees" more than this
threshold value. The user doesn't need to watch the display to find a small
increase over background; the user may just listen for multiple beeps. Thus,
the unit has an audio alarm that, on power-up, adjusts to just above the
current background level and provides a sensitive audio indication to the
user.
Note that this audio alarm can also work in conjunction with the fixed
alarm, i.e. the user can have both a floating audio alarm (resulting in audio
beeps) based on the background level, and a fixed tone audio and a steady
ALARM icon when a predetermined fixed alarm level is exceeded.
Detector Failure Diagnostic
Note that the Model 3003 has its own diagnostic tests to ensure that the
detector is functioning correctly. The Model 3003 can detect when the
radiation detector is malfunctioning and will flash the display to indicate a
fault.
Detector Loss Of Count
If the detector stops detecting radiation for a settable number of seconds,
the Model 3003 will flash a zero reading for the currently selected units.
This indication is common if the unit is powered up without a detector
connected. If this indication is observed with a connected detector, remove
the unit from service and have it evaluated by a qualified repair and
calibration technician.

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Figure 6: Detector Loss of Count Display (Display Will Also Flash)
Detector Over Max
If the detector exceeds the programmed maximum value for the given unit,
the instrument flashes the maximum value for the currently selected units
and the MAX icon as a warning. Additionally, the ALARM icon is displayed
at the top of the screen and an audio alarm sounds. The user should be
aware that the alarm, including the audio, can only be cleared by removing
the instrument from the radiation field.
Figure 7: Example of Detector Over Max (Display Will Also Flash)
Detector Over Range
If the detector is exposed to high levels of radiation or has an internal
malfunction that causes it to count high or excessively, the unit flashes all 8’s
for the currently selected units as a warning. Additionally, the ALARM icon
is displayed at the top of the screen, an audio alarm sounds (which can be
silenced by the ACK/RST button), and the OVERRANGE icon is
displayed. The user should ensure whether this condition is being caused by
a high radiation field, by a shorted cable, or by internal malfunction.

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Figure 8: Detector Over Range (Display Will Also Flash)
Detector Overload
As another diagnostic test, the Model 3003 monitors the HV supply's
detector current. A current overload threshold can be set via Setup Mode.
(A setting of 0 disables this alarm.) In general, this alarm setting can be used
to detect when there is some detector failure, a cable failure, or a possible
high level of radiation. When this alarm is triggered, the LCD will display
the OVERLOAD and ALARM icons, three dashes will be displayed in
place of the numerical values and an alarm tone will sound. Once the
detector current goes below the threshold, the Model 3003 will return to
normal operation.
Figure 9: Detector Overload Alarm (Display Will Also Flash)
Instrument Use and Controls
With four front-panel buttons and three handle buttons (as seen in front-
panel drawing in front of manual), the Ludlum Model 3003 offers many
features in a small package. Each button may be pressed and held for a
predetermined length of time, signified by instrument beeps, to access
unique instrument features.
As the button is pressed, the instrument will beep to indicate the user has
reached a new level of button access.
A short press and release, or one beep, indicates the instrument
button is at the first level of operation.

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A long press and release, or two beeps, indicates the instrument
button is at the second level of operation.
An extra-long press and release, or three beeps, indicates the
instrument button is at the highest level of operation.
By default, the majority of functions are assigned to short presses of the
buttons.
ON/AUD button:
Used to power the Model 3003 ON and OFF and adjust the audio level
(mute, low, medium, or high).
Power On: Press for approximately one second and release (all
LCD segments will activate, and firmware version will be shown).
Power Off: Press and hold for approximately five seconds. The
display will show a 3, 2, 1 countdown after the third beep. Releasing
the ON/AUD button during shutdown will return the device to the
previous state of operation. At completion of the shutdown count,
the LCD will go blank (unless a USB cable is connected in which
case the USB icon will flash).
Short Press (press and release the button after one beep):
Normal Operation: Will increment the audio through four volume
levels including mute, low, medium, and high.
Long Press (press and release the button after two beeps):
Currently has no effect.
Extra-Long Press (press and release the button after three beeps)
See Power Off.
UNITS button:
Default operation, the display shows the current count rate using the
Primary units. A short press of the UNITS button (1 beep) will switch
between Primary and Secondary units (or Tertiary units in the case of
alpha/beta configuration).
Short Press (press and release the button after one beep)
Used to switch between Primary and Secondary units (or Tertiary
units in the case of alpha/beta configuration) in all available modes.
Long Press (press and release the button after two beeps)
Currently has no effect.
Extra-Long Press (press and release the button after three beeps)

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Currently has no effect.
DETECTOR button:
The Detector button’s primary function is to switch between available
enabled detectors.
Short Press (press and release the button after one beep)
Used to select the active detector, as evidenced by the
corresponding DET1, DET2, DET3, or DET4 LED. The
instrument saves this setting prior to shutting down, so it will power
up with the same detector setting.
Long Press (press and release the button after two beeps)
Currently has no effect.
Extra-Long Press (press and release the button after three beeps)
Normal operation: If the instrument is equipped with an internal
detector, an extra-long press is used to switch between internal and
external detector. This is indicated by the detector LED or the INT
icon on the LCD.
Device menu: While viewing the Detector Overload parameter, an
extra-long press will allow the user to view the actual current level.
Another extra-long press will return user to overload settings.
MODE button:
A short press of the MODE button (1 beep) will switch the instrument to
the next available mode. After the RATE mode, the default is MAX mode,
which will display the highest count rate detected. Another short press of
the MODE button will switch the instrument to COUNT (scaler) mode,
which will display the COUNT timer. One more short press of the MODE
button will display the DOSE (INTG) mode. Note that any combination of
the MAX, COUNT, and DOSE modes can be locked out in the setup
process.
Short Press (press and release the button after one beep)
Used to advance between the four operating modes: RATE, MAX,
COUNT, and DOSE. Note that any combination of MAX,
COUNT, and DOSE modes may be disabled from use.
Long Press (press and release the button after two beeps)
Currently has no effect.
Extra-Long Press (press and release the button after three beeps)
Currently has no effect.

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ACK/RST button:
Short Press (press and release the button after one beep)
In all modes, the button is used to acknowledge (silence) alarms.
In COUNT mode, if the count is initialized, the button will initiate
the count without logging the results upon completion.
If datalogging in Mode 2 and a log event has been initiated, the
button is used to decrement the location ID.
Long Press (press and release the button after two beeps)
Currently has no effect.
Extra-Long Press (press and release the button after three beeps)
In RATE mode, it will reset the currently displayed rate if the user
has permission (permission set from Lumic software).
In MAX mode, it will reset the current MAX value if the user has
permission to also reset the RATE mode.
In COUNT mode, it will reset the current count and reinitialize the
instrument to begin the next count. If a count was in progress, it
will not log the results.
In DOSE mode, it will reset the displayed integrated dose if the
user has permission (permission set from Lumic software).
LOG button:
Short Press (press and release the button after one beep)
In RATE mode, it will log the current rate reading if datalogging is
enabled.
In MAX mode, it will log the current MAX value if datalogging is
enabled.
In COUNT mode, it will:
oIf COUNT mode is ready: Initiate a count. Upon
completion, the result will be logged if datalogging is
enabled.
oIf COUNT mode is in progress: Button has no effect.
oIf COUNT mode is complete: Button will log the current
result.
In DOSE mode, it will log the current DOSE value if datalogging is
enabled.
If datalogging in Mode 2 and a log event has been initiated, the
button is used to accept the current location ID.
Long Press (press and release the button after two beeps)