ORTEC Detective-EX-100T User manual

ORTEC
®
Detective-EX/DX ®-100T
Portable Neutron and Gamma Nuclide Identifier
User’s Manual
Printed in U.S.A. ORTEC Part No. 931040 1014
Manual Revision P

Advanced Measurement Technology, Inc.
(“AMT”)
WARRANTY
AMT warrants that the items will be delivered free from defects in material or workmanship. AMT makes no other warranties,
express or implied, and specifically NO WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE.
AMT’s exclusive liability is limited to repairing or replacing at AMT’s option, items found by AMT to be defective in
workmanship or materials within one year from the date of delivery. AMT’s liability on any claim of any kind, including
negligence, loss, or damages arising out of, connected with, or from the performance or breach thereof, or from the
manufacture, sale, delivery, resale, repair, or use of any item or services covered by this agreement or purchase order, shall in
no case exceed the price allocable to the item or service furnished or any part thereof that gives rise to the claim. In the event
AMTfailstomanufactureordeliveritemscalledforinthisagreementorpurchaseorder,AMT’sexclusiveliabilityandbuyer’s
exclusive remedy shall be release of the buyer from the obligation to pay the purchase price. In no event shall AMT be liable
for special or consequential damages.
Quality Control
Beforebeingapprovedfor shipment,each AMTinstrumentmust pass astringent set of qualitycontrol tests designed toexpose
any flaws in materials or workmanship. Permanent records of these tests are maintained for use in warranty repair and as a
source of statistical information for design improvements.
Repair Service
If it becomes necessary to return this instrument for repair, it is essential that Customer Services be contacted in advance of
its return so that a Return Authorization Number can be assigned to the unit. Also, AMT must be informed, either in writing,
by telephone [[phone]] or byfacsimile transmission [[phone]], of the nature of the fault of the instrument being
returned and of the model, serial, and revision (“Rev” on rear panel) numbers. Failure to do so may cause unnecessary delays
in getting the unit repaired. The AMT standard procedure requires that instruments returned for repair pass the same quality
control tests that are used for new-production instruments. Instruments that are returned should be packed so that they will
withstandnormaltransithandlingandmustbeshippedPREPAIDvia AirParcelPostorUnitedParcelServicetothedesignated
AMT repair center. The address label and the package should include the Return AuthorizationNumber assigned. Instruments
being returned that are damaged in transit due to inadequate packingwill be repaired at the sender’s expense, and it will be the
sender’sresponsibilitytomakeclaimwiththeshipper.InstrumentsnotinwarrantyshouldfollowthesameprocedureandAMT
will provide a quotation.
Damage in Transit
Shipments should be examined immediately upon receipt for evidence of external or concealed damage. The carrier making
delivery should be notified immediately of any such damage, since the carrier is normally liable for damage in shipment.
Packing materials, waybills, and other such documentation should be preserved in order to establish claims. After such
notification to the carrier, please notify AMTof the circumstances so thatassistance can be provided in making damage claims
and in providing replacement equipment, if necessary.
Copyright © 2014, Advanced Measurement Technology, Inc. All rights reserved.
ORTEC®is a registered trademark of Advanced Measurement Technology, Inc. All other trademarks used herein are the property of their
respective owners.
NOTICE OF PROPRIETARY PROPERTY — This document and the information contained in it are the proprietary property of
AMETEK Inc. It may not be copied or used in any manner nor may any ofthe information in or upon it be used for any purpose without the
express written consent of an authorized agent of AMETEK Inc.

iii
ADDITIONAL WARRANTY STATEMENT
Please notethat thecomputer that controlstheDetective-EX/DX-100Tis
intended exclusively for the tasks detailed in this manual. Using this
computer for any other purpose could void your warranty.
In addition, the Detective-EX/DX-100T contains no user-serviceable
parts. Except for the battery hatch on the left side panel, which can be
opened when the battery requires replacement, breaking the seal on the
casevoidsyourwarranty.TheDetective-EX/DX-100Tshouldbeopened
only by ORTEC-authorized service personnel.
Ifyouhaveanyquestionsabouttheuseormaintenanceofthisinstrument,
please contact your ORTEC representative or our Global Service Center
first.
IMPORTANT
The Detective-EX/DX-100T is designed to function with the Regional
Settings in Microsoft®Windows®Mobile™ set to the English (United
States) region and all of its default settings, as discussed in Section 7.12.
Using other than the factory default settings can cause operational
problems.

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v
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WARRANTY ................................................................ ii
ADDITIONAL WARRANTY STATEMENT ...................................... iii
SafetyInstructionsandSymbols..................................................ix
CleaningInstructions...........................................................ix
1. INTRODUCTION .......................................................... 1
1.1. MonitoringModes ...................................................... 1
1.2. HardwareFeatures ...................................................... 3
1.3. HowThisManualIsOrganized............................................ 4
1.4. SpectrumandSearchFileStorage,Transfer,andViewing ...................... 5
1.4.1. SavingSpectraandSearches ........................................ 6
1.4.2. File Formats and Filenaming Conventions ............................. 6
1.4.2.1. IdentificationModeSpectra ................................. 6
1.4.2.2. SearchMode“StripCharts” ................................. 7
1.4.2.3. The Background File ....................................... 7
1.5. A Note About the DX and DX-100 User Interface ............................. 7
1.6. The “Launcher” Interface for Multiple Identifier Applications ................... 8
2. THE DETECTIVE-EX/DX-100T .............................................. 9
2.1. UnpackingandSetup.................................................... 9
2.2. The Detective-EX/DX-100T ............................................. 10
2.2.1. FrontPanel ..................................................... 10
2.2.2. Rear-PanelConnectors............................................ 12
2.2.3. TheTouchscreen ................................................ 12
2.2.4. AttachingtheCarryingStrap ....................................... 13
2.3. TheDockingStation ................................................... 14
2.3.1. ConnectorsandIndicators ......................................... 14
2.3.2. StrappingtheDetective-EXtotheDockingStation ..................... 15
2.4. The PAC-II Charger .................................................... 15
2.5. TheAutomobileAccessoryAdapter ....................................... 16
2.6. InternalandExternalPower ............................................. 16
2.6.1. ANoteonInternalvsExternalBatteryPower ......................... 17
2.6.2. ReplacingtheInternalBattery ...................................... 18
2.7. OperatingCautionsandNotes............................................ 18
2.8. StartupandCooldown .................................................. 19
2.8.1. ConnectingtheDetective-EXtotheChargerBaseandPoweringItOn...... 20
2.8.2. TurningOntheMechanicalCooler .................................. 21

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2.9. TheUserInterface ..................................................... 22
2.9.1. InstrumentStatusIndicators........................................ 22
2.9.2. Moving Through the Menus ........................................ 22
2.10. SelectingtheDataStorageLocationandFileFormats........................ 23
2.11. CheckingtheCalibration............................................... 23
2.12. Running A New Background After Calibration ............................. 25
2.13. Optional: RestrictingAccesstotheAdvancedSettings....................... 27
3. RADIATIONMONITORING ................................................ 29
3.1. Survey (Count-Rate/Dose-Rate) Mode ..................................... 29
3.2. IdentificationMode .................................................... 31
3.2.1. StarttheIdentification ............................................ 32
3.2.2. Extending the Count-to-Preset ...................................... 33
3.2.3. Save........................................................... 33
3.2.4. View Found Nuclides List for Classify ID Display Mode ................ 33
3.2.5. Intense(ViewHighest-IntensitySpectrumLines)....................... 34
3.2.6. DisplaySpectrum ................................................ 35
3.2.6.1. DisplayControls ......................................... 35
3.3. SearchMode.......................................................... 36
3.4. MonitorMode ........................................................ 37
3.5. SNMSearchMode..................................................... 38
4. IDENTIFICATION MESSAGES AND RADIONUCLIDE LIBRARY ................ 41
4.1. CommentsonClassifyModeMessages .................................... 45
4.1.1. Comments on “Found Nuclide” Screen Messages ...................... 46
5. ADVANCED SETUP ....................................................... 47
5.1. AdvancedSetup—Page1 .............................................. 47
5.1.1. Status ......................................................... 47
5.1.2. TurnCoolerOff/On .............................................. 49
5.1.3. Calibrate(Manual) ............................................... 49
5.1.3.1. StarttheCalibration....................................... 49
5.1.3.2. ApplytheImprovedCalibration ............................. 50
5.1.3.3. Perform a Background Measurement ......................... 51
5.1.3.4. RestoreDefault .......................................... 51
5.1.3.5. Back ................................................... 52
5.1.4. Background ..................................................... 52
5.1.5. ListNuclides(ViewAnalysisLibrary) ............................... 52
5.1.6. RecallSpectra................................................... 52
5.1.6.1. ViewingStoredSpectra.................................... 53
5.1.6.2. ViewingStoredSpectrumReports ........................... 53

931040P / 1014 TABLE OF CONTENTS
vii
5.1.7. About ......................................................... 56
5.2. AdvancedSetup—Page2 .............................................. 56
5.2.1. CalibrationSettingsandAuto-Calibration ............................ 57
5.2.1.1. SetupRequirementsforSuccessfulAuto-Calibration ............ 58
5.2.1.2. Auto-Calibration ......................................... 59
5.2.2. Background Settings ............................................. 59
5.2.3. Identify(IdentificationMode)Settings ............................... 60
5.2.3.1. RealTimePreset ......................................... 60
5.2.3.2. IDDisplayMode ......................................... 60
5.2.3.3. LCX(Low-ConfidenceExpert)IDMode...................... 60
5.2.3.4. ColorCodedIDs ......................................... 61
5.2.4. Settings ........................................................ 61
5.2.4.1. Password ............................................... 61
5.2.4.2. AllowDisplayofSpectrum................................. 62
5.2.4.3. GPSPort................................................ 62
5.2.5. SearchModeSettings............................................. 63
5.2.6. SNMModeSettings.............................................. 63
5.2.7. Dose-RateUnitsandAlarms ....................................... 64
5.2.8. AudioSettings .................................................. 65
5.3. AdvancedSetup—Page3 .............................................. 66
5.3.1. Remote ........................................................ 66
5.3.2. Exit ........................................................... 66
5.3.3. Spectra ........................................................ 66
5.3.3.1. AskforSampleDescription ................................ 66
5.3.3.2. DefaultDescription ....................................... 67
5.3.3.3. DataLocation............................................ 67
5.3.3.4. FileSaveFormat ......................................... 67
5.3.3.5. DeleteStoredSpectra ..................................... 67
6. FILETRANSFERTOCOMPUTER ........................................... 69
6.1. Windows 8 and 7 ...................................................... 69
6.2. Windows XP ......................................................... 71
6.3. WhenFileTransferIsComplete .......................................... 73
7. TROUBLESHOOTING ..................................................... 75
7.1. “ErrorSaving.SPCFile”Message ........................................ 75
7.2. IftheDetectiveEXProgramStops......................................... 75
7.3. IfYouDroptheDetective-EX............................................ 75
7.4. If the Detective-EX Will Not Turn On ..................................... 76
7.5. If the Docking Station Spontaneously Shuts Down and Restarts ................. 76
7.6. IftheDisplayisLostorPostsa“DisplayDisabled”Message ................... 76

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7.7. IfYouForgotthePassword.............................................. 77
7.8. CalibrationIssues...................................................... 77
7.8.1. Calibration Takes Very Long to Complete or Does Not Finish at All ....... 77
7.8.2. The Centroid, FWHM, or Calibration Adjustment Value Has Changed
DramaticallySincetheLastCalibration .............................. 77
7.9. GPSIssues ........................................................... 78
7.9.1. DelayedDisplayofLocationCoordinates............................. 78
7.9.2. “GPSNotCommunicating” ........................................ 78
7.10. Windows Connectivity Problems ........................................ 78
7.11. Troubleshooting MAESTRO-Related Problems ............................. 79
7.11.1. MAESTRODoesNotConnectwiththeDetective-EX.................. 79
7.12. OtherProblemswiththeDetective-EX.................................... 79
8. USING THE DETECTIVE-EX WITH ORTEC SPECTRUM ANALYSIS PROGRAMS . 81
8.1. ConnectingtheDetective-EXtoaComputer ................................ 81
8.2. Quantitative Analysis of Detective-EX Spectra in GammaVision and ISOTOPIC . . . 82
8.3. Detective-EXMCBPropertiesinMAESTRO ............................... 83
8.3.1. Amplifier....................................................... 84
8.3.2. Amplifier2 ..................................................... 85
8.3.3. AmplifierPRO .................................................. 85
8.3.4. ADC .......................................................... 86
8.3.5. HighVoltage ................................................... 86
8.3.6. Reports ........................................................ 87
8.3.7. About ......................................................... 87
8.3.8. Status ......................................................... 88
8.3.9. Presets......................................................... 89
9. SPECIFICATIONS......................................................... 91
9.1. ElectricalandMechanical ............................................... 94
9.2. Connectors ........................................................... 95
9.3. DockingStation ....................................................... 95
9.4. PAC-II Power Adapter/Charger ........................................... 96
9.5. ComputerPrerequisites ................................................. 96
9.6. ShippingtheDetective-EX .............................................. 96
9.7. Long-Term Shutdown/Storage ........................................... 96
10. CHANGING THE INTERNAL BATTERY .................................... 99
11. CALIBRATIONSOURCESTATEMENT .................................... 101
INDEX.................................................................... 103

ix
CAUTION To prevent moisture inside of the instrument during external cleaning, use only
enough liquid to dampen the cloth or applicator.
Safety Instructions and Symbols
This manual contains up to three levels of safety instructions that must be observed in order to avoid
personal injury and/or damage to equipment or other property. These are:
DANGER Indicates a hazard that could result in death or serious bodily harm if the safety instruction
is not observed.
WARNING Indicates a hazard that could result in bodily harm if the safety instruction is not observed.
CAUTION Indicates a hazard that could result in property damage if the safety instruction is not
observed.
In addition, the following symbols may appear on the product:
DANGER – Hazardous voltage
ATTENTION – Consult the manual in all cases where this symbol is
marked in order to determine the nature of the potential hazards and any
actions that must be taken to avoid them
Protective earth (ground) terminal
Please read all safety instructions carefully and make sure you understand them fully before attempting to
use this product.
Cleaning Instructions
To clean the instrument exterior:
!Disconnect the instrument from the power source.
!Remove loose dust on the outside of the instrument with a lint-free cloth.
!Remove remaining dirt with a lint-free cloth dampened in a general-purpose detergent and water
solution. Do not use abrasive cleaners.
!Allow the instrument to dry completely before reconnecting it to the power source.

x

1In this manual, the term Detective-EX refers to all members of this instrument family, exceptions noted. See also
Section 1.5.
2Other lists of nuclides can be supplied on special order.
3Measurements with a portable identifiers cannot take into account the counting geometry and source shielding,
so the Detective-EX-100T does not determine the quantity of the detected nuclides.
1
1. INTRODUCTION
The ORTEC Detective-EX®-100T portable nuclide identifier uses both a high-purity germanium
(HPGe) detector for identification using gamma-ray emissions and a moderated neutron detector
for detection of the neutron emissions. The Detective-DX-100T is identical to the -EX-100T but
has no neutron detector.1The HPGe detector is cooled by a miniature, high-reliability mechani-
cal cooler — no liquid nitrogen is required. The user interface is a high-resolution color touch-
screen. The result is a lightweight and rugged instrument that delivers unmatched identification
and detection for the needs of nuclear security.
The Detective-EX identifies and classifies radionuclides according to the requirements of ANSI
N42.34 and other standards. The radionuclide library for this release of the Detective-EX is
detailed in Chapter 4.2
The Detective-EX can make an accurate and fast determination without the need for expert
human intervention. Nuclide identifications are based on the gamma-ray peaks in the spectrum
and on other aspects of the total spectrum.
1.1. Monitoring Modes
The Detective-EX has five radioactivity-monitoring modes; see also the diagram in Fig. 1.
!Survey Mode — In this “home screen” mode, the Detective-EX displays gamma count-
rate, gamma dose-rate meter (and neutron dose-rate meter, where applicable), a battery-
life indicator, and an icon indicating the current power source (e.g., internal battery,
power adapter/charger), detector dead (busy) time, and available disk storage.
!Identification Mode — This mode is used to identify radionuclides from a stationary
object of interest. Data can be collected for an arbitrarily long period to ensure very low
false-positive rates. You can optionally view the spectrum and the 10 most intense
gamma-ray lines in real-time. The data used for the analysis and the identification results
can be quickly saved in the
.N42 and/or ORTEC .SPC file formats, providing backup for
the displayed result and later analysis.3

ORTEC®Detective-EX/DX ®-100T Portable HPGe Spectrometer — User’s Manual 931040P / 1014
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2
!Monitor Mode — Monitor Mode is used to identify radionuclides while moving relative
to object(s) of interest. In this mode, the Detective-EX collects and analyzes data in rol-
ling 8-second windows, making it particularly suited to situations where a completely
different set of objects may be presented to the instrument in that time period. An exam-
ple application is an ad hoc portal monitor where packages or people pass by the instru-
ment. This mode is also useful as a search tool where the instrument is carried by the user
in an effort to locate and identify a radioactive source. IDs persist until you tap to
acknowledge them; this ensures none go unnoticed.
!Search Mode — Search Mode makes it easy to find the areas of highest radionuclide
activity, that is, places where Identification Mode should be used. The display shows the
total gamma-ray count rate and total neutron count rate in each time period of the last 221
time periods in a rolling “strip chart” display. The time period is selectable. The neutron
count rates and gamma dose rate are also displayed. These strip-chart data can be saved
on disk in the ORTEC
.CHN file format.
!SNM Search Mode4— This mode lets you quickly sense the possible presence of
special nuclear materials 235U and 239Pu, even if other radioactive materials are present. It
Figure 1. Detective-EX Monitoring Modes.

931040P / 1014 1. INTRODUCTION
3
is designed for rapid area searches as well as fast scanning of containers or vehicles. Use
it to locate possible SNM, then test more rigorously using Identification Mode. SNM
Search Mode also takes advantage of the fact that the comparatively innocuous 133Ba can
be used as a plutonium surrogate. Advanced users can choose to enable a “search for
133Ba” feature within SNM Search Mode both for training purposes and for developing a
site’s concept of operations.
Before using SNM Search Mode in the field, you must develop your concept of opera-
tions for most effective use. The Detective-EX allows you to adjust the length of the
SNM data sampling (“dwell”) time. ORTEC specialists are available to help you optimize
the instrument settings; contact your ORTEC representative or our Global Service
Center.
In all modes, when the gamma dose rate exceeds 10,000 µSv/hr (1 rem/hr) or the neutron count
rate exceeds 500 cps, both audible and visual alarms warn you immediately of the high radiation
field. You can optionally set the alarm threshold(s) to lower settings.
Search and identification data can be viewed on the display for further analysis. For work in
sensitive areas, the spectrum display can be disabled.
1.2. Hardware Features
!The Detective-EX’s integrated Computer runs under Microsoft®Windows®Mobile™,
with the Detective-EX software as the only program running. The operation of the soft-
ware is controlled by soft buttons in much the same way as any other Windows program.
A soft keyboard is automatically displayed when any alphanumeric input is needed. The
color touchscreen has large soft keys for easy use with bulky gloves, and an audible
gamma count-rate signal with adjustable volume. Instrument setup can be viewed and
changed to ensure correct operation. Access to all the setup parameters is password pro-
tected as set in the Advanced Setup dialog, accessed by tapping the Advanced button.
!The unit comes with either a docking station or the more compact PAC-II power adapter/
charger (collectively referred to as charger bases). Both types of charger base contain the
charger for the internal battery. The docking station’s fans both cool the charger unit and
dissipate heat from the Detective-EX when the unit is docked. The docking station can
also hold a weak (~37 kBq) 137Cs source used to verify the energy calibration.
The Detective-EX can operate for about 3 hours on its internal lithium-ion battery. The
car accessory connector (included) allows you to use 12-V power from an automobile
battery. In addition, ORTEC offers optional battery belts to extend the remote operation
time.

ORTEC®Detective-EX/DX ®-100T Portable HPGe Spectrometer — User’s Manual 931040P / 1014
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!Checking the Detective-EX’s calibration is easy, whether you have a docking station
with its built-in 137Cs source; a PAC-II charger, which does not include a calibration
source; or are working in the field under battery power. The Detective-EX allows you to
choose the calibration source that best suits your needs — even the 40K naturally present
in concrete or low-sodium salt substitute.
!The Detective-EX includes global positioning (GPS) hardware, and where GPS signals
can be detected, the upper right corner of the screen includes the current latitude and
longitude, as shown in Fig. 14 on page 22. The GPS coordinates are captured and stored
at the start of each identification acquisition, saved as part of
.SPC or .N42 spectrum files,
and available as one of reports discussed in Section 5.1.6.2.
!The Detective-EX is equipped with IEEE 802.11b wireless connectivity. Third-party
software can be used to implement wireless communication. See the Detective-EX
Wireless Remote Operation note, P/N 932735).
Before using the Detective-EX, it must be set up and cooled; and the calibration should be
checked according to the instructions in Chapter 2.8. The instrument is shipped fully calibrated
and is likely to still be correctly calibrated, but checking the calibration is considered good
practice.
1.3. How This Manual Is Organized
This release of the Detective-EX combines the “operator” and “administrator” functions into one
manual. Chapters 2 and 3 cover topics germane to everyday radiation monitoring tasks. The
remaining chapters are aimed more at administrator-level users and expert spectroscopists.
“Operator-oriented” chapters:
!Chapter 1 — System features, spectrum storage, file formats, and filename conventions.
!Chapter 2 — Unpacking, startup, operating limits, initial configuration, and user-
interface overview.
!Chapter 3 — Using the Detective-EX to monitor and identify radiation sources.
!Chapter 4 — Radionuclide library.
“Administrator-oriented” chapters:
!Chapter 5 — Administrator-level setup features.
!Chapter 6 — Transferring survey files to a computer.
!Chapter 7 — Troubleshooting and error messages.
!Chapter 8 — Using the Detective-EX with a computer and ORTEC spectroscopy
software.

931040P / 1014 1. INTRODUCTION
5Note that the computer also has a CF type II CompactFlash slot. However, the dust cover — which must be in
place to prevent contaminating the card slots — blocks full insertion of the CF card.
5
!Chapter 9 — Specifications.
!Chapter 10 — Changing the internal battery.
!Chapter 11 — Calibration source statement.
1.4. Spectrum and Search File Storage, Transfer, and Viewing
The Detective-EX can store a nearly unlimited number of Identification Mode spectra in the
ORTEC
.SPC file format, ANSI N42.42 format, or both. Search Mode count-rate “strip charts”
can be saved in the ORTEC
.CHN format. The background file is in the .CHN format. See
Section 1.4.2 for more information on file types and filenaming conventions. For details on
saving and viewing Identification Mode spectra and the associated reports, see Section 5.1.6.
The files can be stored on user-supplied, removable Secure-Digital (SD) memory cards,5or in
the computer’s
My Documents folder. The number of spectra stored on an SD card depends on
the card’s capacity. For SD cards, the
DetectiveEX program automatically creates a Data folder
in which spectrum and search files will be stored. If the card fills to capacity, the Detective will
automatically begin storing spectra in its computer’s
My Documents folder.
The
background.chn file is stored on the computer in the \Program Files\DetectiveEX folder. If
it is moved or deleted, you must perform a new background measurement before using the
instrument for radionuclide identification.
If you store the spectrum files on SD cards, they can be transferred directly to your computer
with an SD card reader and Windows Explorer. Alternatively, files stored on SD card or in the
computer’s
My Documents folder can be downloaded via the USB port to any computer running
under Windows 8 or 7 via the Windows Mobile Device Center, or Windows XP Professional
SP3 via Active-Sync®. See Chapter 6 for detailed instructions.
IMPORTANT Before connecting the Detective-EX to a computer for the first time, install
ActiveSync or Windows Mobile Device Center first.Otherwise, the Detec-
tive-EX may not be able to communicate properly with the computer. Be sure
to read Chapter 6.
The accompanying MAESTRO®MCA Emulator Software (A65-BW) can be used to view the
search and identification spectrum files from the Detective-EX. MAESTRO can also be used to
operate the Detective-EX as a standard multichannel buffer (MCB) and store the resulting spec-
tra to disk as ORTEC spectrum files. For more information on these operations, see Chapter 8.

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1.4.1. Saving Spectra and Searches
The current Identification Mode spectrum or Search Mode “strip chart” is stored in the unit’s
spectrum memory. If you do not save this spectrum or search, it will be lost when you begin the
next data acquisition.
To save the current gamma-ray spectrum or search strip chart in stored-spectrum memory, tap
the Save button.
The Spectra dialog allows you to select the sample description options, and file formats and
storage location; and view the contents of the stored-spectrum memory. See also Section 5.3.3.
1.4.2. File Formats and Filenaming Conventions
1.4.2.1. Identification Mode Spectra
These can be saved on the ID Mode and (spectrum) Display screens. You can choose to store
them in either the ORTEC
.SPC file format; in ANSI N42.42 format, which is compatible with
the ANSI N42.42-2006 standard; or both.
The
.SPC file contains three parameters in addition to the contents specified in the ORTEC
Software File Structure Manual for DOS and Windows Systems (Part No. 753800; hereinafter
called the File Structure Manual):
!Total neutron counts for each acquisition (zero for Detective-DX/DX-100®).
!The neutron count rate at the time the spectrum file is saved (zero for Detective-
DX/DX-100).
!A “normal” or “100" entry that indicates whether the spectrum was collected using a
standard Detective-EX/DX or a Detective-EX/DX-100.
The ANSI
.N42 file is formatted for an InstrumentType of RadionuclideIdentifier. It includes
the spectrum, calibration, sample description, and identification results; neutron count rate (if the
unit is so equipped); and GPS location log (if so equipped).
The filename format of the identification spectrum is:
YYYY_MM_DD_hh_mm_sss

931040P / 1014 1. INTRODUCTION
7
1.4.2.2. Search Mode “Strip Charts”
Search Mode data are “strip charts” of count rate vs. elapsed time. These can be stored in the
ORTEC
.CHN format; or in ANSI N42.42 format, formatted for an InstrumentType of
PersonalRadiationDetector.
The
.CHN format is simpler than the .SPC format, and is described in the File Structure Manual.
The
.N42 file includes the sample description and a count rate log for the gamma strip chart; the
count rate log for the neutron strip chart (if the unit is so equipped); and GPS location log (if so
equipped).
The format filename of the search files is:
YYYY_MM_DD_HH_MM_SSStype
When saving in the ORTEC .CHN format, two files are saved for each search, one for the gamma
count and one for the neutron count; type is either Gfor the gamma-ray chart or Nfor the
neutron chart.
When saving in ANSI
.N42 format, only one file is generated; type is Bindicating that it
contains both the gamma-ray chart and (for units so equipped) the neutron chart.
1.4.2.3. The Background File
The background file is saved in the Computer’s
\Program Files\DetectiveEX folder as
background.chn , and is overwritten each time the background is updated.
1.5. A Note About the DX and DX-100 User Interface
The illustrations and text in this manual reflect the user interface for the Detective-EX and
EX-100T models, which have neutron detectors. Note that because the DX/DX-100 do not have
neutron detectors, the user interface does not display neutron count-rate meters, dose alarm
controls, search controls, property pages, etc.

ORTEC®Detective-EX/DX ®-100T Portable HPGe Spectrometer — User’s Manual 931040P / 1014
6If, on reboot, the Microsoft®Windows®Mobile desktop is displayed instead of the Launcher or a spectroscopy
application, tap Start then Launcher. Alternatively, you can bypass the Launcher and start either program by
tapping Start, Programs, and the application name.
8
Figure 2. The Launcher Screen.
1.6. The “Launcher” Interface for Multiple Identifier
Applications
ORTEC supports our versatile Detective/trans-SPEC
platform with a wide range of nuclide identification
applications. When only one identifier application is
installed on your instrument, it automatically starts up
that application each time the unit is rebooted. If sub-
sequent ORTEC applications are added to your instru-
ment, our “Launcher” interface (Fig. 2) runs first,
making it easy to switch between ORTEC identifier
programs and exit to Windows Mobile. Simply tap
the desired program.6
If you wish to specify one of the applications to auto-
start when the Detective-EX is rebooted, just mark
the checkbox beside the desired application.
Figure 2 illustrates the Launcher screen for a Detec-
tive-EX on which the trans-SPEC program is also
installed. Note that neither application is marked for auto-start. In this configuration, the
Launcher screen is displayed after each reboot. If more than four applications are installed, the
Launcher displays multiple pages; tap the scroll/paging indicator as needed.
IMPORTANT If you use the trans-SPEC program to change any of the hardware settings,
restarting the Detective program will return the identifier to all Detective
factory calibration, gain, and rise-time settings, ensuring the instrument will
operate as described in the rest of this manual.

7Subject to change without notice.
8The identifier is factory pre-calibrated using a multi-nuclide source. The calibration can be updated using a only
small 137Cs source. The instrument is usually supplied with an exempt-quantity 137Cs source, with a nominal
activity of 1.0 µCi (37 kBq), built into the docking station source tower. If your unit was not supplied with a 137Cs
source, you can use naturally occurring 40K or else define other calibration sources, as described in Section 5.2.1.
9
2. THE DETECTIVE-EX/DX-100T
This chapter covers the steps you will need to prepare the Detective-EX for use:
!Unpacking, setup, and hardware overview (Sections 2.1 through 2.6)
!Operating cautions (Section 2.7)
!Startup and cooldown (Section 2.8)
!User-interface basics (Section 2.9)
!Choosing the spectrum file format(s) and file storage location (see Sections 5.3.3.3 and
5.3.3.4 on page 67)
!Initial calibration check (Section 2.11) and background measurement (Section 2.12)
Note also that where the spectrum should not be viewed by the operator, the spectrum display
can be disabled (see Section 5.2.4.2).
2.1. Unpacking and Setup
When you receive the Detective-EX/DX-100T, the shipping box contains the following:7
!The Detective-EX/DX-100T portable identifier and USB cable
!The User’s Manual (P/N 931040)
!Padded carrying strap
!Docking station or ac power adapter/charger with optional built-in 137Cs source8
!Disposable plastic instrument covers (P/N 932725)
!An automobile accessory adapter to power the docking station or PAC-II charger from a
12 V battery
!An automobile accessory adapter to power the trans-SPEC-DX-100 directly from a 12 V
battery
Any options will be packaged separately, and will include instructions for that option.
NOTE If your Detective-EX was shipped in a foam-lined box, instead of a high-impact
plastic case, be sure to keep the box and foam and use it for shipping the identifier.

ORTEC®Detective-EX/DX ®-100T Portable HPGe Spectrometer — User’s Manual 931040P / 1014
10
Figure 3. Detective-EX/DX-100T Features.
2.2. The Detective-EX/DX-100T
Figure 3 shows the Detective-EX/DX-100T’s features.
2.2.1. Front Panel
!ON/OFF Button Located below the touchscreen, on the base of the bezel. To reboot the
computer, press the power button. The computer will restart, then automatically launch
the unit’s software application (the cooler will stay on throughout).
!SD Card Slot This is located on the front panel under the protective dust cover. To
release the cover, press and rotate by a quarter turn the two captured, bayonet-mount
screws. The SD slot is keyed so the memory card can only be inserted in one orientation.
Insert the card and close the protective cover.