Rotem RAM ION Installation and operation manual

RAM ION DigiLog Meters
For Wide Range Gamma, X-Ray
and Beta Radiation Measurement
RAM ION
RAM ION-X
Operating & Maintenance Manual
Version 2.5 –November 2021
Document # PRIR43O9-2.5.DOC

RAM ION DigiLog Meters / Operating & Maintenance Manual Page 2
Version / Revision Log: RAM ION / Operating & Maintenance Manual
Ver./Rev.#
Date
Revised Pages
Comments
1.0
March 2000
Operating & Maintenance Manual,
Document # PRIR43O9.DOC
2.1
Oct 2009
2.2
2.3
Jan 2012
July 2017
Updated Table of contents
Corrected Paragraph 3.8 Push Button
Function Table
2.4
Dec 2020
Changes in firmware and as a derivative
additional mode of operation was added
2.5
Nov 2021
Silica gel status
ROTEM Industries Ltd. reserves the right to change specifications without advance notice.
Ref. PRIR43O9-2.5.DOC

RAM ION DigiLog Meters / Operating & Maintenance Manual Page 3
Table of Contents
1. THE RAM ION METER.....................................................................................................................................5
1.1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................................5
1.2. FEATURES.......................................................................................................................................................5
1.3. ORDERING INFORMATION................................................................................................................................5
2. SPECIFICATIONS..............................................................................................................................................6
3. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS........................................................................................................................7
3.1. PREPARATION FOR USE...................................................................................................................................7
3.2. STARTING-UP..................................................................................................................................................7
3.3. GENERAL FUNCTIONS .....................................................................................................................................7
3.4. THRESHOLD SELECTION..................................................................................................................................9
3.5. ALARMS..........................................................................................................................................................9
3.6. GAMMA AND BETA RADIATION MEASUREMENT...........................................................................................10
3.7. DATA STORAGE IN THE INTERNAL MEMORY ................................................................................................11
3.8. PUSH-BUTTONS FUNCTION............................................................................................................................12
3.9. BATTERIES REPLACEMENT ...........................................................................................................................14
3.10. SILICA GEL CARTRIDGE............................................................................................................................14
4. COMMUNICATION.........................................................................................................................................15
4.1. GENERAL ......................................................................................................................................................15
5. RAM ION-X.......................................................................................................................................................16
5.1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................................................16
5.2. BASIC MODES...............................................................................................................................................16
6. ICRP-51 ..............................................................................................................................................................18
7. CALIBRATION INSTRUCTIONS..................................................................................................................19
7.1. ELECTRONIC CALIBRATION (PERFORM IN AN ELECTRONIC LAB BY AUTHORIZED ENGINEER) .......................19
7.2. MANUAL RADIATION CALIBRATION .............................................................................................................19
7.3. COMPUTERIZED CALIBRATION ROTEM METER CALIBRATION –RMC........................................................20
7.4. STARTING UP CALIBRATION &LINEARITY PROCESS.....................................................................................23
7.5. CALIBRATION ...............................................................................................................................................24
7.6. LINEARITY ....................................................................................................................................................26
7.7. SAVE,LOAD AND PRINT CALIBRATION AND LINEARITY CERTIFICATE .........................................................27
8. ELECTRONIC BLOCK DIAGRAMS DESCRIPTION................................................................................29
8.1. OVERALL BLOCK DIAGRAM OF RAM ION METER.......................................................................................29
8.2. ELECTROMETER BOARD................................................................................................................................29
8.3. METER..........................................................................................................................................................32
9. ELECTROMETERBOARDTESTINGWITHSTANDARDMEASUREMENTDEVICES...........................................36
9.1. POWER SUPPLIES TEST..................................................................................................................................36
9.2. LOW BATTERY CIRCUIT TEST.......................................................................................................................36
9.3. RANGE CHANGE CHECK ...............................................................................................................................36
9.4. V/F TEST ......................................................................................................................................................36
9.5. OFFSET TEST.................................................................................................................................................37
9.6. ELECTROMETER INSTALLATION AND CALIBRATION (U1).............................................................................37
10. ELECTROMETER BOARD TESTING WITH ELECTROMETER TESTER......................................38
10.1. PREPARATION FOR TESTING......................................................................................................................39
10.2. POWER SUPPLIES TEST..............................................................................................................................39
10.3. LOW BATTERY CIRCUIT TEST...................................................................................................................39

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10.4. OFFSET TEST.............................................................................................................................................39
10.5. RANGE CHANGE CHECK ...........................................................................................................................39
10.6. V/F TEST ..................................................................................................................................................40
11. ASSEMBLY & DISASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS...................................................................................40
11.1. OPENING THE DISPLAY COMPARTMENT....................................................................................................40
11.2. CPU BOARD REMOVAL (PC #1942) .........................................................................................................40
11.3. DISPLAY COMPARTMENT ASSEMBLY........................................................................................................40
11.4. ION CHAMBER COVER DISASSEMBLY .......................................................................................................41
11.5. ION CHAMBER DISASSEMBLY (INCLUDING ELECTROMETER BOARD) .......................................................41
11.6. ELECTROMETER BOARD REMOVAL...........................................................................................................41
11.7. ELECTROMETER BOARD ASSEMBLY .........................................................................................................42
11.8. ION CHAMBER ASSEMBLY ........................................................................................................................42

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1. The RAM ION Meter
1.1. General Description
The RAM ION Meter is a portable ion chamber survey meter, designed for highly stable and
accurate measurement of dose rates and integrated dose of gamma, x-ray and beta radiation. The
meter covers a measuring range of 0.1 mR/h up to 50 R/h (1 Sv/h to 500 mSv/h) in the dose-
rate mode and 1 R up to 1000 R (0.01 Sv up to 10 Sv) in the integrated dose mode.
The RAM ION survey meter combines an ionization chamber vented to atmospheric pressure,
electrometer card and a microcontroller, to offer optimal performances and special features. Two
communication ports provide a very simple and reliable method to collect and store monitored
data on site for later use, in addition to the RAM ION regular functions.
The RAM ION is a compact, battery operated, auto ranging, one hand held, lightweight and
ruggedized meter, easy to use and maintain. It is ideal for use in facilities of: Nuclear power
plants, nuclear medicine, radiography, radiotherapy, life science laboratories, nuclear research
centers and for other industrial applications.
1.2. Features
X-ray, Beta and Beta + Gamma radiation measurement.
Auto ranging digital and analog display.
Freeze mode to record the highest dose rate.
Provision of dose rate and dose alarms.
Sievert or Roentgen units.
Display illumination for use in low light areas.
Hot spot detection.
Low battery, overflow, over threshold and detector fail alarms.
Two communication ports.
NV SRAM built-in memory to store measurements data.
E²EPROM to save the meter parameters.
ICRP-51 standard.
RMV compatible.
Computerized and/or manual calibration.
X-Ray 50 nano Sec pulses dose measuring
1.3. Ordering information
RAM ION DIGILOG HR- BAK 1940
RAM ION DIGILOG LR -BAK 1950
RAM ION DIGILOG X LR - BAK 2010
RAM ION DIGILOG X HR - BAK 2000

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2. Specifications
Measuring range 0.1 mR/h to 50 R/h (1 Sv/h to 500 mSv/h)
Accuracy 10% of reading, within the measuring range
Gamma energy dependence (Cs-137) Better than 20 % at 20 keV to 1.3 MeV
Angular dependence (Cs-137) Less than 5 % (for 120of front direction)
Ion chamber volume 500 cc
Chamber wall & cover thickness 300 mg/cm2
End window thickness 7 mg/cm2
Response time 2 sec. for readings above 1 mR/h, 5 sec. for auto-
ranging change, from Low Range to High Range (2
sec. + 3 additional seconds for auto-ranging delay).
Data logging 380 data records (1415 with extended memory)
Display DigiLog
(3 digits & 2 decades of analog bar-graph)
Power source Two 1.5 Volt C-type cells
100 hours of continuous operation
Automatic battery check
Temperature range Operation: -10C to +50C (15F to 122F)
Storage: -20C to + 60C (-5F to 140F)
Humidity range Up to 95% RH (non condensing)
Casing Material Splash proof plastic case
Dimensions Width: 10 cm (3.9”)
Length: 25 cm (9.8”)
Height: 19 cm (7.5”)
Weight 850 g (1.9 lb)

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3. Operating Instructions
3.1. Preparation for Use
Remove the instrument from the shipping container and check for any physical damage. In the
case of damage, report it immediately to the carrier.
Do not attempt to install or operate damaged equipment since safety and performance may be
affected
3.2. Starting-up
Press the ON/OFF push-button. When the meter is turned on, it carries out a short self-test
procedure indicated by displaying all the segments on the display, and emitting two beeps for
a short period. After the self-test the meter enters to offset routine.
When the offset adjustment routine is active the SET LCDs and the 0.0mR/h reading blink on
the display. The offset adjustment is carried out for 40 seconds. When offset adjustment is
completed, the meter beeps twice. The meter is ready for use.
To turn the meter off press the ON/OFF push-button continuously for at least one second and
then release. The actual turning off will be performed after the push-button is released.
3.3. General Functions
3.3.1. Recent Modifications
The RAM ION was modified to provide an instantaneous measurement of dose rate when
subjected to pulsed radiation. When measuring pulsed radiation, the exposure duration is very
short and the firmware of the instrument was adjusted to display the average dose rate during the
pulsed X-ray exposure since the most recent timer reset. The displayed dose rate is based on
accumulated dose divided by the integration time (since instrument’s turn-on or since the timer
reset).
The internal timer is reset either by pressing the “RESET” push button twice on the instruments
panel or by a command transmitted to the instrument from the dedicated SW (RMVC), when the
instrument is connected to the PC via the USB connector.
3.3.2. Measuring Modes
The meter has two measuring modes:
1. Auto-Range - 0.1 mR/h to 250 mR/h and 0.25R/h to 50R/h
2. High Range Only - 0.01 R/h to 50 R/h
Auto Range Mode
In this mode the meter’s total measuring range is from 0.1 mR/h to 50 R/h.
For efficient measuring purposes, the total range is divided in two narrower ranges that are
automatically switched:
Low Range: 0.1 mR/h to 250 mR/h
High Range: 0.25 R/h to 50 R/h
Switching from low range to high range is performed in a field of 250 mR/h.
Switching from high range to low range is performed in a field of 170 mR/h.
Response time in a field higher than 1 mR/h is 2 seconds

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At the switching point from low range to high range there is a delay of 3 seconds.
When the meter is turned on, the default measuring mode is Auto Range. Switching to High
Range Only is performed by a long press on the MODE push-button.
High Range Only
In this mode the meter’s measuring range is from 0.01 R/h to 50 R/h. The meter resolution is
10 mR/h and there is neither switching between the range modes nor delay time. The meter’s
response time at any measuring range is 2 seconds.
Switching to Auto Range mode is performed by a long press on the MODE push-button.
3.3.3. Measuring Units
When the meter is turned on, the Dose Rate reading is displayed in mR/h or Sv/h units.
A short press on the MODE push-button switches between Dose reading, Dose Rate Pulsed and
then Dose Rate and Dose reading display.
DOSE DOSE RATE pulsed DOSE RATE continuous DOSE
R, Sv mR/h, Sv/h mR/h, Sv/h R, Sv
Measuring range in Dose Rate mode:
Auto Range: 0.1 mR/h to 250 mR/h
0.25 R/h to 50 R/h
High Range Only: 0.01 R/h to 50 R/h
Measuring range in Dose mode:
0.01 Sv/h to 9.99 Sv
1 R to 999 R
To reset the Dose reading, press two long successive pressings on the RESET push-button.
While the Dose reading is displayed, the digital display shows the Dose reading and the analog
display shows the field tendency (Rate reading).
3.3.4. Dose Rate Display
Readings are displayed in digital and analog modes. The bar graph ranges are automatically
changed and the displayed units correspond to both, the digital and analog display. The bar graph
measuring response is quicker than the digital display response since the latter averages the
readings.
3.3.5. Freeze & Reset Functions
Dose Rate mode - A short press on the RESET push-button enters the meter into the FREEZE
mode for peak measuring. In the Freeze mode the measuring units (mR/h, Sv/h) blink on the
display. An additional short press cancels the Freeze mode and performs a momentary reset of
the Dose Rate reading.
The reset function provides a rapid means of discharging the Display reading and enables accurate
measurement of low level Dose Rate.
Dose mode - The first short press on the RESET push-button causes the blinking of the measuring
units, the second short press within 4 seconds resets the dose.

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3.3.6. Audible announcements
Each push-button press is accompanied by an audible beep.
In case of threshold alarm or failure alarm, the audible alarm is activated and the SPK icon blinks
on the display. To mute the audible alarms press the RESET push-button.
When no threshold exceeding or failure conditions are present the SPK icon is not displayed.
3.3.7. Display Illumination
A long press on the LIGHT push-button turns the display illumination on/off. If the light is on, it
will turn off automatically after two minutes (option).
3.3.8. Hot Spot Function
When a rapid change in the radiation field is detected, the hot spot function is activated and a
short beep is sounded. The meter’s response time is shorter than one second and the display is
immediately updated.
3.4. Threshold Selection
Note: The threshold value setting process is similar for Dose Rate and for Dose.
A threshold value can be selected from a series of 7 threshold values. The selected one is kept in
the E²EPROM’s memory. If the meter is turned off the selected threshold value does not change.
Dose Rate threshold values:
0.75 mR/h, 2.50 mR/h, 10.0 mR/h, 100 mR/h, 200 mR/h, 0.50 R/h, 50.0 R/h
7.5 Sv/h, 25.0 Sv/h, 100 Sv/h, 1.00 mSv/h, 2.00 mSv/h, 5.00 mSv/h, 500 mSv/h
Dose threshold values:
750 R, 2.50 mR, 10.0 mR, 100 mR, 200 mR, 500 mR, 999 R
7.50 Sv, 25.0 Sv, 100 Sv, 1.00 mSv, 2.00 mSv, 5.00 mSv, 9.99 Sv
To choose the required threshold value, proceed with the following steps:
3.4.1. Enter threshold mode by pressing the MODE and RESET push-buttons simultaneously. The
threshold readings, SET LCDs, RATE LCDs and SPK icon will be displayed.
3.4.2. Each short press on the RESET push-button advances the display to the next threshold
value, according to the order described above.
3.4.3. To exit Set Threshold mode, save and set the new threshold value, press the MODE &
RESET push-buttons simultaneously. Saving will be verified by an audible beep.
3.4.4. The MODE push-button is used to switch between SET DOSE ALARM and SET DOSE
RATE ALARM.
3.5. Alarms
a. Detector alarm
The Err. LCDs and SPK icon will blink on the display in three cases:
1. Electrometer circuit is defective.
2. High voltage power supply is defective.

RAM ION DigiLog Meters / Operating & Maintenance Manual Page 10
3. Ion chamber is defective.
To mute the audible alarm, press the RESET push-button.
b. Battery alarm
If battery voltage decreases below 2.2V, the battery and SPK icons will blink on the display,
and an interrupted audible alarm will be activated.
To mute the audible alarm, press the RESET push-button.
If a low battery alarm is activated while the meter is on, it will continue the operation during at
least eight additional hours.
c. Overflow alarm
If the displayed DOSE RATE is over 50 R/h, the O.F. LCDs and SPK icon will blink on the
display and an interrupted audible alarm will be activated. To mute the audible alarm, press
RESET push-button.
d. Threshold alarm for Dose Rate and Dose
If the Dose Rate reading exceeds threshold value, the DOSE RATE LCDs and SPK icon will blink
on the display, and an audible alarm will be activated.
Pressing the RESET push-button mutes the audible alarm, but the RATE LCDs and the SPK icon
continue blinking, until the reading decreases to 75% of threshold value. In case the reading
exceeds threshold value and then decreases to below 75% of the threshold value, the RATE LCDs,
the SPK icon and the beep sound will automatically cancel, even though the RESET push-button
has not been pressed.
If the DOSE reading exceeds dose threshold value, the DOSE LCDs and SPK icon will blink on
the display, accompanied by an audible alarm.
Pressing the RESET push-button mutes the audible alarm but the DOSE LCDs and SPK icon
continue blinking on the display.
The exceeding threshold message in the dose mode will be cancelled only after dose reading
reset.
The meter alarms dose threshold exceeding also in the rate measuring mode.
The meter alarms rate threshold exceeding also in the dose measuring mode.
3.6. Gamma and Beta Radiation Measurement
The meter can measure gamma and beta & gamma radiation fields.
In case of the beta cover is on the Ion chamber, the meter measures gamma radiation.
When the beta cover is off the Ion chamber, the meter measures beta & gamma radiation.
Decreasing the gamma reading from the beta & gamma reading gives the beta radiation reading.