Radcal ACCU-GOLD2 User manual

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ACCU-GOLD2
USER GUIDE
(for use with all Accu-Gold digitizers)

Accu-Gold USER GUIDE
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Radcal Corporation
426 West Duarte Road
Monrovia, CA 91016-4591 USA
USA [phone]
Fax USA [phone]
email [email protected]
www.radcal.com
Radcal Part # MNL/AG2
4094300 Rev: D
Software V2.40 & ON
Printed: August, 2017
Copyright © 2015, 2016, 2017

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Index
Introduction............................................................................................................................................................ 6
Computer System Minimum Requirements......................................................................................................... 6
Getting Started....................................................................................................................................................... 6
Hardware Overview ............................................................................................................................................. 6
Differences between the ‘legacy’ hardware and the ‘plus’ hardware .................................................................. 7
Digitizers .............................................................................................................................................................. 7
What is Accu-Gold2?............................................................................................................................................. 7
Starting Accu-Gold ................................................................................................................................................ 9
Starting Accu-Gold via Wi-Fi .............................................................................................................................. 10
Nomenclature (Accu-Gold or Accu-Gold+) ....................................................................................................... 11
Main Screen Overview....................................................................................................................................... 12
Device Settings Menu........................................................................................................................................ 13
Trigger Source............................................................................................................................................... 13
Trigger Level ................................................................................................................................................. 13
IC Wave Mode – ON – OFF .......................................................................................................................... 14
Dynamic Stop Trigger.................................................................................................................................... 14
AGMS Pre-Pulse Mode ................................................................................................................................. 15
End Delay...................................................................................................................................................... 16
Setting up the Hardware.................................................................................................................................... 16
Making a Measurement ..................................................................................................................................... 17
Comments ..................................................................................................................................................... 20
Measurements...................................................................................................................................................... 21
License Files...................................................................................................................................................... 21
Using the AGMS-DM+ sensor ........................................................................................................................... 21
Taking a Measurement for Mammographic Sensors ........................................................................................ 21
Making a Measurement with multiple sensors connected................................................................................. 22
Long exposures ................................................................................................................................................. 24
Selecting a Display Profile................................................................................................................................. 24
Automatic Profile................................................................................................................................................ 25
Custom Profile ................................................................................................................................................... 25
Data in List View................................................................................................................................................... 28
Exporting Data in List View................................................................................................................................ 28
Copying Data in List View.................................................................................................................................. 30
Deleting Data in List View.................................................................................................................................. 30

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Data in Wave View ............................................................................................................................................... 30
Hide individual waveforms in Wave View.......................................................................................................... 32
Waveform filters................................................................................................................................................. 32
“Region of Interest” (ROI) .................................................................................................................................. 34
Copy “Region of Interest” to Clipboard.......................................................................................................... 36
Extraction of Region of Interest..................................................................................................................... 36
AGMS DM+, D+, M+ will display dose information when filter is out of range .................................................. 37
Sessions ............................................................................................................................................................... 39
Starting a Session.............................................................................................................................................. 39
Opening a Session ............................................................................................................................................ 40
Importing a Session ........................................................................................................................................... 40
Saving a Session ............................................................................................................................................... 40
Exporting a Session........................................................................................................................................... 41
Exporting a Session to Excel ........................................................................................................................ 41
Exporting a Measurement to Excel ............................................................................................................... 41
Drag & Drop to Excel ......................................................................................................................................... 43
Excel Companion Mode ...................................................................................................................................... 44
Excel Companion Mode Navigation .................................................................................................................. 44
Exporting to Excel in Companion Mode ............................................................................................................ 45
Copy & Past or Drag & Drop ......................................................................................................................... 45
Wave export .................................................................................................................................................. 45
Direct Link...................................................................................................................................................... 45
Auto Configuration of Direct Link .................................................................................................................. 45
Edit Columns ................................................................................................................................................. 46
Nugget................................................................................................................................................................... 46
Using the Wi-Fi Nugget...................................................................................................................................... 46
Appendix A........................................................................................................................................................... 49
Installing Accu-Gold........................................................................................................................................... 49
Installing the Calibration File ............................................................................................................................. 50
Uninstalling Accu-Gold ...................................................................................................................................... 51
Appendix B........................................................................................................................................................... 52
Sensor specifications......................................................................................................................................... 52
AGMS - Multisensors .................................................................................................................................... 52
ICH – Ion Chambers...................................................................................................................................... 54
mA/mAs ......................................................................................................................................................... 64
DD - Solid State Dose Sensors..................................................................................................................... 67

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AUX sensors ................................................................................................................................................. 69
Legacy Sensors ................................................................................................................................................. 70
Compatibility.................................................................................................................................................. 70
AGMS – Solid State Multi Sensors ............................................................................................................... 71
AGMS – D ..................................................................................................................................................... 72
Appendix C........................................................................................................................................................... 73
Nugget - Accu-Gold wireless adapter................................................................................................................ 73
Overview........................................................................................................................................................ 73
Package contents.......................................................................................................................................... 73
System Requirements ................................................................................................................................... 73
LED blinking .................................................................................................................................................. 74
Operation....................................................................................................................................................... 75
Battery ........................................................................................................................................................... 77
Power Saving features .................................................................................................................................. 77
Battery Charger ............................................................................................................................................. 77
Maximum Measurement Duration ................................................................................................................. 77
Physical description....................................................................................................................................... 78
Environmental Conditions ............................................................................................................................. 78
Wi-Fi specs.................................................................................................................................................... 78
Nugget Measurement Feature Comparison.................................................................................................. 79
Firmware update ........................................................................................................................................... 80
Regulatory ..................................................................................................................................................... 82
Appendix D........................................................................................................................................................... 83
Accu-Gold measurements and Feature comparison......................................................................................... 83
Appendix E ........................................................................................................................................................... 86
Making low-level measurements ....................................................................................................................... 86
Appendix F............................................................................................................................................................ 87
Carrying cases................................................................................................................................................... 87
Appendix G........................................................................................................................................................... 90
Accessories ....................................................................................................................................................... 90
Appendix H - Warranties and Disclosures ........................................................................................................ 92
Warranty for the Accu-Gold Measurement System........................................................................................... 92
Non-Warranty Repairs....................................................................................................................................... 92
Data Loss........................................................................................................................................................... 92
WEEE and RoHS............................................................................................................................................... 92
Declaration of Conformity .................................................................................................................................. 93

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Introduction
Accu-Gold is the next generation X-ray measurement system at the heart of which is a compact multi-
function digitizer module and powerful, intuitive software. Accu-Gold transforms your computer into a
compact, cost effective, and multi-function X-ray analyzer and uses the latest technology in solid state
sensors, gold standard ion chambers, mA, and light sensors.
Accu-Gold has features to increase your productivity such as: quick setup, ease of use, automatic
settings and multiple-parameter data capture, unique remote operation, easy data analysis, and instant
data recall. With an Auxiliary sensor input and customizable software, you have the capability to expand
to meet future needs.
Please comment on this software and report any bugs that you may find. Accu-Gold software provides
the ability to save all of your measurements as session files1. You should save session files because
they are extremely valuable when solving application issues.2
Computer System Minimum Requirements
The specified performance requires a computer with the following minimum specifications:
Operating system:
•Windows 7
•Windows 8
•Windows 10
Processor: 800 MHz (Intel, AMD or VIA)
Screen Resolution of 1024 x 600
RAM: 150 MB free system memory to run application
Program storage: 10 MB for application and 50 MB for Framework.
Additional storage, greater than 50 MB, is recommended for storing measurement session files.
USB 2.0 Full-speed port for connection to the Accu-Gold Digitizer Module.
Excel 2007 or later is recommended for Excel data reports.3
Getting Started
This section includes an overview of the Accu-Gold hardware and the main screen for the software. It
also includes instructions to quickly set up and begin making measurements.
Hardware Overview
1see Saving a Session
2For more in-depth information or troubleshooting, contact Customer Support at [phone]
extension 123 or send an email to Cu[email protected]
3see Appendix A for software installation.

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The Accu-Gold system consists of a digitizer module, sensor(s) and a display. The Accu-Gold digitizer is
available in different models that are suited for specific applications, the differences being which sensors
can be used. The Accu-Gold software is the same for all models but the measurement data that is
available will depend on the model digitizer used and connected sensor(s).
Differences between the ‘legacy’ hardware and the ‘plus’ hardware
The original digitizers of the Accu-Gold system were the AGDM and the RGDM. The RGDM was
available in several versions depending on the sensors they could be used with.
A desire for product enhancements brought us the Accu-Gold plus system. A new line of sensors were
designed with a smaller footprint as well as a combination sensor that eliminates the need to carry
multiple sensors – the DM+ sensor. While still being compatible with legacy hardware, the AGDM+
digitizers also provide improved performance for legacy sensors.4
Digitizers
Models* Available sensor inputs: Ion
Chamber Dose Diode AGMS (Multisensors) Aux (Light Sensor)
GDM+ Accu-Gold Digitizer Module X X X X X
RGDM+ Rapid-Gold Digitizer Module X X X
ADDM+ Accu-Dose Digitizer Module X X
*The legacy digitizers are not compatible with the “+” series Multisensors.
What is Accu-Gold2?
Radcal’s Accu-Gold software has been redesigned from the ground up with a modernized user interface
and under-the-hood capabilities that will ensure continuing compatibility with Microsoft products (e.g.
Windows & Office) as well as expanded capabilities for the Accu-Gold family of measurement systems.
4see Appendix D

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Important information regarding Accu-Gold2 (AG2) software:
1. Accu-Gold 2 is required to interface with the Accu-Gold Nugget Wi-Fi solution.
2. All existing Accu-Gold1 legacy capabilities are available in AG2. Some have been moved or may
have different icons. Hover-helpers are provided to explain user interface selections.
3. AG2 session files have a new icon and file extension.
4. AG1 legacy session files can be opened and viewed with AG2. Use the Open Session option
from the Start screen when launching AG2 or select “Open” from the Main Menu.
5. AG1 software will continue to be supported for bug fixes.

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Starting Accu-Gold
When launched, the Accu-Gold2 brings up a screen that lets you choose the appropriate connection
method to the Accu-Gold digitizer.
Connect via Wi-Fi – The Accu-Gold Nugget lets you connect to the digitizer wirelessly.
Connect via USB - When the USB cable is the connection method to the digitizer.
Open Session – Goes straight to the Open Session dialog without connecting to the digitizer
Continue – Bypasses the opening screen without connecting to the digitizer. The connection method
can be chosen later by choosing the appropriate icon in the bottom left corner:
Clicking the icon will bring up options for connecting to the digitizer. Click on the USB or Wi-Fi icon as
appropriate

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Starting Accu-Gold via Wi-Fi
For detail Nugget information, see Appendix C.
Snap the Nugget onto the digitizer module. Power on the Nugget and wait for the connection light to
indicate being ready for connections (flashing green).
Start Accu-Gold2 and choose Connect via Wi-Fi:
The software will look for “Nugget…” on the wireless networks list, and establish a connection to it
sending it the password it requires.
After a successful connection, you will see on the bottom:
The battery icon displays the charge level of the Nugget’s battery. It will initialize communication with the
digitizer and power on the sensors. The measurement process is the same as using the USB cable
directly. See Appendix C for the measurement feature comparison.

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Nomenclature (Accu-Gold or Accu-Gold+)
AGDM – Accu-Gold Digitizer Module
ADDM - Accu-Dose Digitizer Module
RGDM – Rapid-Gold Digitizer Module
AGMS – Accu-Gold Multi-sensor
ICH – Ion Chamber
DD - Dose Diode
AGLS – Accu-Gold Light Sensor
DAPCKP - DAP Check Plus (use with Accu-Gold Excel
only)
The AGDM+ digitizer is compatible with the AGMS
sensors (models AGMS-D and AGMS-M) but the
AGMS+ sensors (models AGMS-D+, AGMS-M+, and
AGMS-DM+) are not compatible with the AGDM
digitizers.

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13) Delete the active measurement.
14) Undo deleted measurement.
15) The Comments pane can be used to copy, cut and paste comments. Comments can be saved in
the session along with any measurements and can optionally be carried over to the next
measurement. The comments pane can be accessed from all views.
16) Displays the calibration modality. Diagnostic or mammographic with anode/filter type.
17) Allows you to change settings. The available settings are:
Note: Settings available will depend on the sensor attached and therefore will not show up until a sensor
is attached and enabled by pressing Connect.
Device Settings Menu
Trigger Source
The upper row of the Settings area is populated by the sensors that are connected (AGMS, DD and/or
ICH). When multiple sensors are connected, the user can choose the trigger source.
Trigger Level
Std - The default setting. Std” trigger sensitivity is recommended.
Low - Select if Std is not low enough. “Low” may allow smaller signals to be captured, but may also
result in false triggers5. If noise or false triggers prevent reliable ion chamber measurements and
•5NOTE: Do not make sensitive measurements when the computer is hooked up to a charger
unless the charger has a 3-wire AC cord (and the AC outlet is properly grounded). See AG-GND
in appendix.

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grounding the system has not improved the experience, connect a Multi-sensor or Dose Diode and
locate it somewhere in the radiation beam so that it can serve as a trigger source.
High – Select if Std causes false triggering.
Free - Disables the trigger. The Free mode provides a manual trigger with the Play/Pause button. A
measurement will begin after you select Free and the sensor(s) are initialized. The measurement will
continue until you select Disconnect. This can be useful to check for grounding issues since you can
record and document the noise levels.
HINT: Use Free for very low dose rate measurements with the 180CC or 1800CC ion chambers.
IC Wave Mode – ON – OFF
This function is only available when an ion chamber is connected and the system has been started and
is ready to measure. Selecting IC ON will give a warning about grounding and provides frequency
corrected IC waveforms. IC triggering with Wave mode set to Off will work with all settings (Low, Std &
High) because it suppresses noise. This of course makes the waveforms very distorted, but much lower
IC dose and dose rates can be measured.
Dynamic Stop Trigger
This setting becomes available when an Ion Chamber or a Dose Diode is connected and is the trigger
source. (Not with the Nugget) There are occasions when using an IC or DD, that the automatic dynamic
stop trigger ends an exposure inappropriately. This may happen with long slowly changing or undulating
waveforms such as CT scans or fluoro exposures. One method to avoid this is to use a second sensor
as a trigger (e.g. Dose Diode) or to use Free Run as a trigger. NOTE: The default value for Dynamic
Stop trigger is On. Important: Only change the Dynamic Stop Trigger to Off if you experience a faulty
ending triggers with ion chambers or dose diodes.
Ion Chamber Exposure with incorrect stop trigger:

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Select Dynamic Stop Trigger Off:
New exposure with Dynamic stop trigger Off:
AGMS Pre-Pulse Mode
The “AGMS Pre-Pulse Mode” algorithm is designed to accommodate the initial pre-heat kV pulses
commonly found with some dental generators such as the Gendex 770. Pre-Pulse ON should not be
selected for other pulsed waveforms such as pulsed fluoroscopy or tomography.
Note: The dose remains integrated over the entire exposure regardless of the setting (On or Off), only
the kV and time calculations are affected. Advice: The Accu-Gold default setting is AGMS Pre-Pulse
Mode “Off”. If the correct number of pulses is not being reported, select “Settings” and then turn On
“AGMS Pre Pulse Mode” and repeat the exposure.

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The Accu-Gold Pre-Pulse algorithm automatically detects the correct trigger threshold and eliminates
pre-heat pulse counting. The duration and pulse count are reported excluding the pre-pulse region. KVp
is calculated over the last 60% of main exposure. Dose is calculated for the entire exposure, including
the pre-pulse region.
End Delay
Many modern x-ray generators now feature scout exposures which may introduce gaps of several
seconds or more in the radiation output. The default end of exposure timing for Accu-Gold is 1 second
for Diagnostic sensors and 3 seconds for Mammographic sensors. In some instances, this is not long
enough and Accu-Gold may attempt to display the exposure results while the generator is finishing the
exposure. If this situation is encountered, you may select an end of exposure delay of up to 8 seconds.
Setting up the Hardware
To set up the Accu-Gold hardware
1. Connect the sensor(s) to the digitizer. Connect the USB cable to the digitizer and then the
computer.
2. Position the sensor to make a measurement.
Note: Position the sensor before clicking the Connect button; moving the sensor or cable after

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clicking the Connect button may trigger a false measurement.
Making a Measurement
Note: You can make a measurement from any tab, Measure, Wave, List or Sensors.
To make a measurement:
1. Plug the sensor(s) into the digitizer module.
2. Plug the digitizer module into the USB port of the computer where you installed the Accu-Gold
software and device driver.
3. Place the sensor in the path of the X-ray beam.
4. Launch the Accu-Gold software. Select Connect via USB from the Start screen. Accu-Gold will
automatically connect and initialize the sensors. If the software is already open, click on
Connect. NOTE: Make sure the temperature of the ion chamber (if used) has stabilized before
making a measurement.
The software begins to connect to the digitizer, as indicated by the status at the bottom of the screen:
The software then begins to initialize the digitizer.
If an ion chamber is connected, the bias supply needs to start and stabilize.

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5. Check the detector status to make sure the detector is online. As soon as the “Ready” message
is displayed at the bottom of the screen, you can make a measurement.
Note: All measurements are automatic (except for Free Trigger Level) until you press the Disconnect
button.
6. Activate the X-ray machine to capture the exposure data.
Accu-Gold automatically displays the data for the measurement when the exposure is complete:

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7. Make additional exposures as necessary. No data will be lost and you can review the previous
measurements by clicking the Up and Down arrow buttons on the left side of the Measure
screen.
8. Click the Main Menu drop-down and choose Save (Ctrl+S) to save your new session. This will
save all of the data, including full wave forms, for later review and editing. Note: If you attempt to
quit Accu-Gold without saving or have made additional measurements since saving, Accu-Gold
will prompt you with a “Save Session?” dialog box. Radcal strongly recommends that you always
save sessions. Session files can be sent to Radcal as email attachments for rapid responses to
any questions or difficulties you may have.