S.E. International Radiation Alert GammaView User manual

1
S.E. Internaonal, Inc. P.O. Box 39, 436 Farm Rd. Summertown, TN 38483 USA
1.800.293.5759 | 1.931.964.3561 | Fax: [phone]
www.seintl.com | radia[email protected]om
®
Made in
the USA
Vrs. 1
2021
OPERATION MANUALOPERATION MANUAL
®
G
amma

2
Addional Calibraon Panel Sengs 20
Funcons 20
Retrieve Memory 20
Synchronize GammaView to PC Clock 20
Chapter 8: Radiaon Alert Observer Bluetooth BLE 21
To connect via Bluetooth 21
Readings Screen 21
Timed Count Screen 22
Sengs Screen 22
Graphic Screen 22
File Manager Screen 23
Rad Responder Screen 23
About 23
Chapter 9: Troubleshoong 24
Accessories 25
Xtreme Boot (Included) 25
Detector Cover (Included) 25
Stand (Included) 25
Lanyard (Included) 25
Free Observer USB Soware (Download) 25
Appendix A: Technical Specicaons 26
Appendix B: Limited Warranty 27
Calibraon Database Applicaon 28
Contents
Chapter 1: Introducon 3
Quick Start 3
Precauons 4
Chapter 2: Features 5
The LCD Display 5
The Buons 6
Power (Enter) Buon 6
ALARM 6
COUNT 6
Audio (Minus) 6
MENU 6
Backlight (Plus) 6
MODE 7
Detector 7
USB Port 7
Chapter 3: Operaon 8
Starng the GammaView 8
Units of Measurement 8
Display Update 8
Maximum Level 8
Response Time (Auto Averaging) 8
Auto Ranging 9
Operang in Dose/Rate Modes 9
Using The Alarm 9
Using the Data Logging Feature 9
Operang in Count Mode 10
How to Take a Timed Count 10
Using Dose/Rate Modes While The Timer is On 10
Menu 10
Menu Items 11
Seng the Internal Clock 11
Interfacing with an External Device 11
GammaView Defaults 11
Chapter 4: Common Procedures 12
Establishing the Background Count 12
Environmental Area Monitoring 12
Checking for Surface Contaminaon 12
Chapter 5: Maintenance 13
Calibraon 13
General Maintenance Tips 13
Chapter 6: Instrucons for Changing Probes 14
Starng High Voltage 15
Verifying Sensivity to I-129 16
Chapter 7: Observer USB Soware 17
Installing the Observer USB Soware 17
Connect to the GammaView 17
Observer USB Chart Screen 17
Observer USB Meter Screen 18
Show Grid 18
File 18
View 19
Preferences 19
Chart Sengs 19
Grid Sengs 19
Cal Panel (Calibraon Panel) 19
Calibraon Informaon 19

3
Chapter 1: Introducon
Introducon
The GammaView is intended for performing surveys and measurements of gamma radiaon elds from the
environmental level, a few µR/h, up to 5 mR/h. The standard GammaView uses a 1x1 NaI detector for the most
sensivity in a light and easy to carry package. Calibrated against Cs-137 (662 keV), the GammaView with the
1x1 NaI detector is sensive to low-energy gamma down to around 30 keV (I-129). The GammaView can also
be used as a single-channel analyzer (SCA). This funcon allows a “window” to be set to focus on a specic
energy region of the gamma spectrum. This seng can be changed by using the Observer USB soware.
Quick Start
Before starng the GammaView, install 2 AA alkaline baeries in the baery compartment located on the back
of the enclosure. Connect the detector using the provided MHV-to-C cable.
NOTE: THE DETECTOR SHOULD NEVER BE CONNECTED OR DISCONNECTED WHILE INSTRUMENT IS ON.
The power buon is located in the center of the circular buons on the front of the GammaView. Press and
hold the Power buon unl the instrument beeps once. Aer the inial splash screen, a screen showing serial
number, rmware version, and calibraon date is briey displayed. Next, all icons are briey displayed along
the top of the display.
Once this bootup cycle is complete, you can press the MODE buon to go between all of the available units
of measurement. The GammaView will boot up with Audio muted. You can turn on the audio by pressing the
Audio/ Minus buon. To turn o the GammaView, press and hold the POWER buon unl the instrument
beeps twice and displays “RELEASE BUTTON TO POWER OFF.”
Figure 1 (1)

4
Precauons
To keep the GammaView in good condion, handle it with care and observe the following precauons:
• Never touch the GammaView to a surface that may be contaminated. You may contaminate it.
• The Detector should never be connected or disconnected while the instrument is on.
• Do not leave the GammaView in temperatures over 100° F (38° C) or in direct sunlight for extended periods
of me.
• Do not get the GammaView wet. Water can damage the circuitry.
• Do not put the GammaView in a microwave oven. It cannot measure microwaves, and you may damage it
or the oven.
• The GammaView may be sensive to and may not operate properly in radio frequency, microwave,
electrostac, and electromagnec elds.
• The soware may disconnect in high stac condions and may need to be restarted by the user.
• If you do not expect to use the GammaView for longer than one month, remove the baeries to avoid
damage from baery corrosion. A baery indicator appears on the display to show remaining power.
• This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant
to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protecon against harmful
interference in a residenal installaon. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the instrucons, may cause harmful interference
to radio communicaons. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a parcular
installaon. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television recepon, which can be
determined by turning the equipment o and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by
one or more of the following measures:
1. Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
2. Increase the separaon between the equipment and receiver
3. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit dierent from that to which the receiver is connected
4. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help

5
Chapter 2: Features
The GammaView measures gamma and x-ray radiaon. It is opmized to detect small changes in radiaon
levels and to have high sensivity to many common radionuclides. The GammaView counts ionizing events and
displays the results on the liquid crystal display (LCD). The unit of measurement is located on the lower right,
below the numerical value. The unit of measurement is selected by using the mode switch. Whenever the
instrument is operang, the red LED indicator ashes each me a count (an ionizing event) is detected. [Figure
2 (2)]
NOTE: At higher count rates (say, over a couple of thousand counts per minute) the LED may appear to be
solidly on.
The LCD Display
The LCD (liquid crystal display, Figure 2(1)) shows various indicators according to the mode seng, funcon(s)
being performed, and baery condion as shown below.
BATTERY ICON - Indicates that the GammaView is
powered by the AA baeries and shows the remaining
baery life. The baery icon (not shown) will not
appear if it is plugged into USB power.
USB ICON - Indicates that the GammaView is plugged
into the USB jack and is running on USB power. The USB
icon will not appear if it is running on baery power.
NOTE: USB does not charge the baeries.
BLUETOOTH ICON - Indicates that Bluetooth connecon
has been selected and is acve.
ALARM ICON - Indicates that the alarm has been set and is acve.
HOURGLASS ICON - Indicates that a med count is being taken.
RADIATION ICON - The ashing radiaon icon indicates that an alarm has been triggered and will
remain unl the radiaon levels drop below the set alarm threshold. The radiaon icon will connue to
ash at the top of the display even if the alarm has been muted.
BACKLIGHT ICON - Indicates that the backlight has been turned on.
AUDIO ICON - Indicates that the audio clicks will sound with each count collected.
QUIET MODE ICON - Indicates the audio has been turned o and the GammaView is operang in quiet
mode. While in quiet mode, you will not hear the beeps that indicate turning on or o the alarm,
turning on or o the mer or making changes in the menu. You can sll acvate the clicks by pressing
the Audio buon. The quiet feature does not turn o the beeps from the Alarm or the Over Range
feature. If you turn the instrument o, you will have to turn the quiet feature back on if you wish to use
it.
RECORD ICON - Indicates that the readings are being recorded into the internal memory, which can
be downloaded with the free Observer USB Soware. The record icon will ash when the on board
memory is full. See page 9 for addional informaon on data logging.
Figure 2(1)

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The Front Panel Buons
The GammaView has a circular membrane switch on the
face of the instrument, which consists of: Power/Enter,
ALARM, COUNT, Audio/Minus, MENU, Backlight/Plus, and
MODE.
Power/Enter Buon
The Power/Enter buon is located in the center of the
membrane switch. It turns the GammaView on and o
and acts as the “Enter” buon when in the menu. To turn
the GammaView on, hold down the power buon unl
you hear a beep. To turn the instrument o, press and
hold the power buon unl prompted to release.
ALARM
The ALARM buon is used to acvate the alarm aer
seng the desired alarm levels. The Alarm buon can
also be used to Mute the alarm audio.
COUNT
The COUNT buon is used to take a med count. To enter
the me set screen, press the count buon.
The default count me is 10 Minutes
See Page 10: How To Take A Timed Count.
Audio/Minus
When not in the menu, the Audio buon will funcon to silence the audio clicks and switch between Silent
and Audio operaon. To switch between audio clicks and no audio clicks with each count collected, press the
Audio buon. To switch between Quiet and Audio operaon, which mutes everything except the ALARM and
OVER RANGE, press and hold the Audio buon for 3 seconds.
NOTE: When in the menu, the Audio Buon will funcon as the “scroll down,” or “Minus” buon, for numbers
and sengs in the menu.
MENU
Pressing the MENU buon will enter into the menu. See Page 10: Menu.
Backlight/Plus
The LCD has a backlight that can be acvated for the default 7 seconds by pressing the backlight buon.
Pressing and holding the backlight buon for 3 seconds will turn the backlight on permanently. Once the
backlight has been permanently acvated, pressing and holding the backlight buon for 3 seconds will turn o
the backlight.
NOTE: The Baery life is shortened if back light is on permanently. The Backlight returns to default when the
instrument is powered o.
NOTE: When in the menu, the Backlight Buon will funcon as the “scroll up,” or “Plus” buon, for numbers
and sengs in the menu.
Figure 2(2

7
MODE
The MODE buon (Figure 2 (2)) is used to select from the available units of measurement.
• mR/hr (milliroentgen)
• µR/hr (microroentgen)
• µSv/hr (microseivert)
• CPM (Counts per Minute)
• CPS (Counts per Second)
• Counts
NOTE: In CPM and Count modes, when numeric values exceed 9999, the unit of measurement will change
from COUNTS to kCOUNTS (1000 Counts). In µR/h mode, the unit of measurement will change to mR/r at
1000 µR/h
Detector
The GammaView uses a 1x1 NaI scinllaon detector.
USB Port
The USB Port [Figure 2 (2)] allows you to interface with a PC for use with the Observer USB Soware.
See Chapter 7: Observer USB Soware.
NOTE: The USB does not charge the baeries.

8
Chapter 3: Operaon
Starng the GammaView
Before starng the GammaView, install 2 AA alkaline baeries in the baery compartment located in the lower
rear of the enclosure.
The power buon is located in the center of the circular buons on the front of the GammaView. To turn
the instrument on, press and hold the power buon unl you hear a beep. The GammaView then begins a
system check, displaying the serial number of the instrument and rmware version. Aer the system check,
the radiaon level is displayed in the previously selected mode. Approximately 30 seconds aer you start the
GammaView, a short beep indicates that enough informaon has been collected to ensure stascal accuracy.
If you plan on using the datalogging feature, please be sure to set the correct local me and date with the
Observer USB Soware prior to acvang the datalogging.
See Chapter 7: Observer USB Soware.
Units of Measurement
The GammaView is designed for the use of convenonal measurement units; counts per minute (CPM),
milliroentgens per hour (mR/hr), microroentgens per hour (μR/hr), counts per second (CPS), microsieverts
per hour (μSv/hr), and counts, which are used when taking a med count. To switch between units, press the
mode buon.
Display Update
In the dose, rate, and count modes, the numeric display is updated every second.
Maximum Level
When the maximum level for the current mode is reached, the GammaView beeps for 3 seconds, pauses for 3
seconds, and repeats. The numerical values displayed will show OVER instead of the specic rate. The beeping
paern and the ashing display connue unl the level decreases or the instrument is turned o.
Response Time/Auto Averaging
When the radiaon level is less than 540 CPM, the reading is based on the radiaon detected in the previous
30 seconds. When the radiaon level exceeds 1560 CPM, the averaging me is 18 seconds, at 3480 CPM the
averaging me is 12 seconds, at 13,560 CPM the averaging me is 6 seconds and when the radiaon level
exceeds 53,160 CPM, the averaging me is 3 seconds.
NOTE: Though Auto Averaging is on by default, you can disable it to get the fastest response me of 3 seconds.
In background condions, the instrument may show zero counts as there were no counts within the last 3
second me period. This is normal when auto average is disabled.

9
Auto Ranging
When radiaon levels increase in some modes over certain preset levels, the GammaView uses auto ranging,
automacally changing from CPM to KCPM or from µR/hr to mR/hr.
Operang in Dose/Rate Modes
At low count rates, signicant changes in the radiaon level displayed can take up to 30 seconds to stabilize
when set to Auto Averaging. µR/hr, mR/hr and µSv/hr are calculated using a conversion factor opmized for
Cesium-137. This mode is less accurate for radionuclides other than Cs-137, unless you have calibrated the
GammaView for the specic radionuclide you are surveying. CPM, CPS, and Total counts are the most direct
methods of measurement. The most immediate indicators of the radiaon level are the audio indicator and
count light.
Using The Alarm
The alarm can be set in dose or rate modes using the currently selected unit of measurement. Once the alarm
threshold is reached, the beeper will sound and the alert icon (radiaon symbol) will ash unl the radiaon
level drops below the set alarm threshold, or the alarm is deacvated. The Alarm seng is transposed to all
modes of measurement. ie. If the alarm is set for 1mR/hr it will reect as 1000 µR/h.
1. To set the alarm, press the ALARM buon. The SET ALARM screen will be displayed.
2. Use the + or - buons to increase or decrease the desired alarm level.
3. Once you have set the alarm to the desired level, press the enter buon to retain the seng into
memory and acvate the alarm. The alarm icon (bell icon) is now displayed to indicate the alarm is acve.
4. Once the alarm is triggered, press the ALARM buon to mute the alarm. The alert icon (radiaon symbol)
will remain ashing unl the radiaon levels fall below the set alarm level.
5. To deacvate the alarm mode, press the ALARM buon, then the enter buon. The alarm icon is no
longer shown at the top of the display.
6. Any changes made to the Alarm Sengs will remain unl changed again.
Using the Data Logging Feature
We recommend the clock be set prior to collecng data to append the correct me and date in your collected
data. The internal clock of the GammaView can be set to the me and date on a PC running the Observer USB
Soware by clicking Funcons > Synchronize GammaView to PC Clock. The instrument will beep twice once
synchronizaon has completed.
Once the me has been set, you can acvate the datalogging via the Observer USB Soware or via the menu
buon on the instrument. To acvate it on the instrument, simply press Menu > Data Logging, then enter and
follow the onscreen prompts. The default data logging frequency is 1 minute. With the instrument set to 1
minute intervals, you will have approximately 3.7 days of stored memory if the instrument is on for a 24 hour
period. In a 24 hour day, that would be approximately 1440 data points. with the next me interval set to 10
minutes, you will have approximately 37 days of data.
The data that is collected includes the me, date, raw counts (total counts), and the Highest/Lowest CPM for
each me period. The saved data can be put into a spread sheet for analysis. You can change the me period in
the Cal Panel window of the Observer USB Soware. Any changes made to the me period will remain unl it
is changed again. For more informaon, See Chapter 7: Observer USB Soware.

10
Operang in Count Mode
A med count is useful for determining the average counts per minute over a longer period of me. The
number of counts detected varies from minute to minute due to the random nature of radioacvity. Taking an
average allows you to detect low-level contaminaon or dierence in background radiaon due to altude or
soil mineral content.
When a count is taken over a longer period of me, the average count per minute is more accurate. For
example, if one 10-minute average is a few counts per minute higher than another 10-minute average, the
increase is likely due to normal variaon. But over a 12 hour count, a few counts per minute increase may be
stascally signicant.
How to Take a Timed Count
1. Press the COUNT buon.
2. Using the MENU buon to switch between seconds, minutes, and hours, set the me using the + and -
buons, to increase and decrease the me.
3. Once you set the count me, press the enter buon to begin the med count.
4. On the count screen, once the count has begun, a ashing hourglass will appear at the top of the display
and a star will appear next to the count down me unl the count is completed. Once the count is
completed the hour glass and star will disappear.
5. From the count screen, press the MODE buon to cycle through the various units of measure. If you want
to see the remaining me in the count, connue cycling through the units of measure unl you return to
the count screen.
6. To stop the current count, press the COUNT buon, and press enter.
7. The accumulated counts will remain displayed unl a new count is started or the instrument is powered
o.
8. If you have pressed the COUNT buon accidentally and do not wish to start a new med count, press the
COUNT buon again to exit the set count me screen and return to the units of measure.
9. Any changes made to the Count Time will remain unl it is changed again.
Using Dose/Rate Modes While The Timer is On
Dose/rate modes can be used while the mer is on. In any dose/rate mode, the hour glass indicator will
connue to ash during a med count. Once the count is completed the hour glass and star will disappear.
Menu
The Menu allows the user to change the default sengs for several operang parameters. Once a seng is
changed, it remains in eect unless it is changed through the Menu or the USB Observer Soware.
1. To acvate the Menu, press the menu buon. The display will show the menu opons.
2. Scroll through the menu by pushing the + or - buons.
3. To select an opon, push the enter buon.
4. Use the + or - buons to toggle between choices and press the enter buon to select the new value. To
adjust another menu opon, repeat the above steps.
5. To exit the Menu at any me, press the menu buon again. Normal operaon will connue.

11
Menu Items
Auto Averaging
Turns auto averaging on or o. On by default.
Data Logging
Turns the internal memory on or o to record readings. O by default.
Window
The GammaView can be used as a single-channel analyzer (SCA) by liming the recorded counts to a
specic window of energies within the gamma spectrum. The setup for the SCA must be performed
using the Observer USB soware.
Audio Div by 10
When this funcon is used, a single “click” will sound for each 10 counts detected.
Bluetooth LE
In order to preserve baery life, Bluetooth LE (BLE) funconality is not enabled unless specically
directed using this menu item.
When the Bluetooth LE funcon is selected, the current state of the BLE is displayed. If the Plus (+)
buon is selected, BLE will be enabled. The Minus (-) buon will disable BLE. The Menu buon will exit
the funcon without making changes. Following any of these cases, the Main Screen will be displayed.
The serial number and calibraon date are also displayed in this window.
Seng the Internal Clock
It is not necessary to set the internal clock to start collecng data to memory, but it is recommended to
properly me stamp the data collecon on your device to ensure the correct me and date in your collected
readings. You will need a copy of the Observer USB Soware to set the internal clock. The latest version is
available at seintl.com/soware. See Chapter 7: Observer USB Soware.
Interfacing with an External Device
The USB jack on the right side provides an interface for use with the USB Observer Soware. See Chapter 7
Observer Soware.
NOTE: The USB connecon will not charge the baeries but it will power the instrument when plugged in.
GammaView Factory Defaults
• Audio - Muted
• Timed Count - 10 minutes
• Auto Averaging - Enabled
• Data Logging - 1 minute
• Window - Unenabled
• Bluetooth - Disabled
NOTE: Timed count, data logging, and alarm values do not revert to the defaults if changed.

12
Chapter 4: Common Procedures
The following secons give instrucons for several commonly-used procedures. With any procedure, the user
must determine the suitability of the instrument or procedure for that applicaon.
Establishing the Background Count
Normal background radiaon levels vary at dierent locaons, dierent mes, even in dierent areas of
the same room. To accurately interpret the readings you get, it is good to establish the normal background
radiaon count rate for each area you plan to monitor. You can do this by taking a med count. See Page 10:
How To Take A Timed Count.
A 10-minute average is moderately accurate. You can repeat it several mes and compare the results to
establish accuracy. To establish a more accurate average, take a 1 hour med count. If you need to determine
whether there is prior contaminaon, take averages in several locaons, and compare the averages.
Environmental Area Monitoring
You can keep the GammaView in dose/rate mode whenever you want to monitor the ambient radiaon, and
look at it from me to me to check for elevated readings.
If you suspect an increase in ambient radiaon, use the count mode and take a 5 or 10 minute count, and
compare the average to your average background count. If you suspect an increase that is too small to detect
with a short med reading, you can take a longer count (for example 6, 12, or 24 hours).
Checking for Surface Contaminaon
To check a surface, hold the detector close to the surface, and read the count rate (wait 30 seconds or unl the
reading has stabilized). Do not touch the detector to whatever you are checking to avoid contaminang the
detector.

13
The GammaView requires regular calibraon and careful handling to assure accurate measurements. Use the
following guidelines to properly maintain the instrument.
Calibraon
We recommend that the GammaView be calibrated annually, or as oen as your regulaons require. The best
way to calibrate is using a calibrated source at a calibraon lab.
The standard by which the GammaView is calibrated is Cesium-137. A cered calibraon source should be
used. To calibrate the GammaView for another radionuclide, use a calibrated source for that radionuclide or
the appropriate conversion factor referenced to Cs-137.
CAUTION: Errors can occur when using low level sources or background for calibrang. In the Calibraon
mode, the smallest increment which can be adjusted is .010.
If you would like more informaon about source calibraons, please contact us at 1.800.293.5759 or go to
seintl.com/calibraon.
General Maintenance Tips
1. Do not operate without probe. Always power the GammaView o to aach or change the probe.
2. Never touch the GammaView to a surface that may be contaminated. You may contaminate it.
3. Do not get the GammaView wet.
4. Be sure to store the instrument in a locaon without direct sunlight, as sunlight can damage the
detector over me.
5. Be sure to store the GammaView inside the carrying case when not in use.
6. If you are planning to store the GammaView for longer than one month, remove the baeries to avoid
baery corrosion inside the baery compartment.
7. Do not place the GammaView inside a microwave oven as it can damage the GammaView and/or the
microwave. This instrument is for detecng ionizing gamma radiaon. It will not detect non-ionizing
radiaon such as microwave and radio emissions.
8. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protecon
against harmful interference in a residenal installaon. This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the instrucons, may
cause harmful interference to radio communicaons. However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a parcular installaon. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio
or television recepon, which can be determined by turning the equipment o and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Increase the separaon between the equipment and receiver
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit dierent from that to which the receiver is connected
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
Chapter 5: Maintenance

14
Chapter 6: Instrucons for Changing Probes
Inial Setup of Radiaon Alert ™ Gamma View with a Gamma Scinllaon probe (e.g.,
NaI(Tl), CsI(Na), CsI(Tl), etc.)
Preliminary Setup
The Gamma View comes opmized for Cs-137 using the supplied NaI probe. If you wish to use a dierent
probe, you will have to follow these steps to opmize the probe you are changing to.
All the tests below are done with the GammaView connected to the Observer Soware (See Chapter 7). You
will need to use the CAL Panel throughout the tesng process. You may want to write down the sengs your
original probe is set to. This will aid in changing back to it if the need arises.
Aer connecng the instrument to the Observer soware, open the CAL panel and check the Edit Calibraon
Values box. When prompted click YES. Set the HV (volts) to 400 and Thresh (mv) to 2.5. On the main screen of
Observer, you will see a box marked Count. Click it open and put 6 into Preset Time.
See diagram below.
Figure 6(1)
Figure 6(2)

15
Starng High Voltage
Materials
Cs-137 source, approximately 1 µCi. The instrument should be in the CPM mode.
1. Place the source in a xed, repeatable locaon with respect to the detector. The source should be placed
in contact with the probe, centered with respect to the crystal.
2. Start the 6 second count by clicking the Start buon on Count box.
3. Increase the voltage by 20 volts, unl the count rate becomes substanal (at least a few hundred counts)
and note the HV value. You will have to click Clear before starng another med count.
[In the sample GammaView used in documenng this procedure, the starng voltage was 480 Volts. The 6
second count at this voltage was 1441.]
Determine the Approximate HV
The primary gamma energy for Cs-137 is 662 keV. It is reasonable to expect the majority of the counts from
this energy to fall within ±50 keV of the primary energy. Since the GammaView will be set up such that 10 keV
gamma energy is approximately equal to 1 mV of pulse height, the primary energy will be centered around 66
mV ± 5 mV.
Enter the Win LL value to 61 mV and the Win UL to 71 mV in the Cal Panel, check the box for Window Enabled
and set the Window Name to CS-137. Note that immediately aer the window is enabled, the count rate drops
nearly to zero. This is because the HV is set lower than opmal. The correct HV will be determined next.
1. Place the source in a xed, repeatable locaon with respect to the detector.
2. In the Cal Panel, the High Voltage should be set to the starng voltage (480 Volts for the instrument used in
documenng this procedure), Win LL to 61 mV, Win UL to 71 mV, and Window Enabled should be checked.
(The Thresh seng is irrelevant at this moment since the window is enabled.) There should be no counts
(or very few) coming from the GammaView.
3. Increase the HV by 10 Volts. Check if the count rate has become substanal (e.g., at least 100 counts).
4. Repeat step 3 unl the count rate becomes substanal and note the HV value. [In the sample GammaView
used in documenng this procedure, at 640 Volts the 6 second count rate increased to 330]. We are using a
spreadsheet to track and record values.
5. Beginning with the HV determined in step 4 above, take and record a 6 second acquision
6. Increase the HV by 5 Volts and take and record a 6 second acquision.
7. Repeat step 6 unl a clear downward trend is observed.
8. Determine the range that has the highest number of counts. [In the sample GammaView used in
documenng this procedure, the 6 second count was 1178 at 650 Volts.]
9. Set the HV to the value determined in step
8 and take and record a 30-second
acquision.
10. Increase the HV by 1V and take
and record a 30-second acquision.
11. Repeat step 10 unl a clear
downward trend is observed. The HV
value with the highest number of
counts is the nal value, and the
GammaView HV should be set to this.
[In the sample GammaView used in
documenng this procedure,the
maximum counts are seen at 651 Volts.]

16
Verify Sensivity to I-129/Determine Opmum Threshold
The nal necessary step is to conrm that I-129 (energy roughly 30 keV) can be detected when the window
is disabled. This is to demonstrate that the instrument is sensive down to the lowest intended energy. The
Thresh may need to be adjusted from the approximate value set earlier. This MUST be completed before
performing exposure rate calibraon or determining the eciency for any isotopes.
Electronic noise will occur near the same vicinity as the lowest energies that can be detected. This procedure
looks at the response of the instrument to I-129 as well as to background radiaon as a funcon of threshold.
It is presumed that the I-129 source can be in a xed, repeatable geometry to the detector, that the
GammaView is connected to Observer USB as in the earlier steps, and that the HV is set to the determined
value from the proceeding procedure. The Window must be disabled for this procedure. (The Threshold value
has no eect when the Window is enabled—the Window Lower Level supersedes the Threshold seng.)
If no I-129 is available, it may be safe to assume that a Threshold of 1 or 2 will be acceptable
Materials
I-129 source, approximately 0.1 µCi
1. Set the Threshold to 6 mV. (Window MUST be disabled!)
2. With no source near the detector, observe the background count rate. It will likely be in the vicinity of 500
to 1000 CPM.
3. Place the I-129 source on the detector and observe the count rate.
4. Take and record a 30 second acquision.
5. Decrease the Threshold by 1 mV and take and record a 30 second acquision.
6. Repeat step 5 unl the Threshold is 0 mV.
7. Remove the source and repeat steps 5 and 6 (starng at 6 mV) for Background.
8. Determine the operang point as the highest threshold value that has the about the maximum count for
I-129, while making sure the background is not too high. [In the sample GammaView used in documenng
this procedure, this is seen at 1.0 mV.]
As a point of reference, I-129 eciency
should be roughly 7% with the source
in contact with the detector face.
This could potenally be as low as
4 or 5%, but a value in excess of 8%
for a standard 1”x1” NaI (Tl) detector
potenally indicates a problem.
Figure 6(4)

17
Chapter 7: Observer USB Soware
The Observer USB reads in Total Counts, CPM, µR/hr, mR/hr, CPS, µSv/hr, and has the ability to collect, log
the data received, set the calibraon parameters and echo the readings from your GammaView while it is
operang. The data is displayed on a graph, as well as a digital on-screen meter. Saved data can be downloaded
and put into a spreadsheet for analysis.
Installing the Observer USB Soware
The Observer USB is a free soware you can download at seintl.com/soware. Install the soware prior to
connecng your GammaView to the computer. Aer the soware has completed downloading, double click on
the installer, and follow the on-screen prompts.
Connect to the GammaView
Ensure that you have installed the Observer USB Soware
before connecng the instrument. The USB port is a microUSB
type jack located on the side of the instrument. Figure 2 (2). To
connect the GammaView, power on your instrument, plug the
cable into the USB jack, and connect the other end to the USB
port on your computer.
Once the instrument is connected, the Observer Soware will
launch and open a window for the instrument with a serial
number displayed in the upper le corner of the tle bar.
A new window will open for each instrument connected.See
Figure 7(1)
Observer USB Chart Screen
The Observer USB Chart Screen (Figure 7(2)) displays a chart of
the data currently collected by the aached instrument.
The X Axis
The X axis consists of the me and date stamp of the
reading collected and will adjust automacally to
display all of the data collected unless the Scroll check
box is selected. If the Scroll check box is selected, the
X axis will display the latest readings collected in the
minute(s) me frame selected next to the Scroll check
box. For example, if 2 minutes is selected in the Scroll
me, then the chart will display the latest 2 minutes of
data collected. The most recent data collected will be
shown on the right side of the graph.
The Y Axis
The Y axis displays the unit of measurement for the reading displayed and will automacally
adjust to display the highest reading collected.
Figure 7(1)
Figure 7(2)

18
Observer USB Meter Screen
The Observer USB Meter Screen (Figure 7(3)) simulates a digital
meter to display the readings collected by the detector.
Zero
When the Zero is clicked, the averaging of the collected
counts starts over.
Averaging Time
The Averaging Time selects the amount of me in which
the previous readings are averaged. The longer the
averaging me, the more accurate your reading. Shorter
averaging mes allow signicant changes to be seen more
quickly.
Units
To switch between units of measurement, use the Units drop down menu. The Units drop down box
selects the unit of measurement displayed on the y axis of the chart screen. You can select Averaging
Time and the Units of measurement of the chart screen and the meter screen.
Echo GammaView Display
When Echo Display is checked, the meter screen will mirror the display of your GammaView. When Echo
Display is not checked, the meter screen will not mirror the display of your GammaView. You can select
the unit of measurement from the drop down box.
Enable Alarm at and Latch Alarm
This will enable the alarm that is built into the soware. Once the radiaon levels go back below the
set level of the alarm, the alarm will stop unless you have checked Latch Alarm. When the Latch Alarm
is checked, the alarm will connue to sound unl the reset buon is pressed. This is a USB Observer
Soware alarm only, not the alarm on the instrument itself.
Show Grid
The Show Grid check box displays the data
collected in the grid. The grid displays an
ongoing collecon of data based on the user
selectable sengs in the View > Preferences
> Grid Sengs dialog box. For example, if the
grid seng is 60 seconds, a new data point
will appear on the grid every minute.
File
Save Chart
A text le of the Chart data is saved.
Save Grid
A text le of the Grid data is saved.
Exit
Closes the program.
Figure 7(3)
Figure 7(4)

19
View
Preferences
The alarm sengs, auto-save chart feature,
the grid sengs for datalogging frequency and
units of measurement can be adjusted in View
> Preferences menu. Auto Save les are saved
to the Observer USB Files folder, located in the
Observer program le on your computer.
Chart Sengs
Autosave and Clear Chart Every
Will automacally save and clear the chart at
the number of minutes selected. Autosave
les are saved to the Observer USB Files folder
located in the Observer program le on your
computer.
Use Audible Alarm
Will sound an alarm on the computer’s sound system.
Grid Sengs
Write to Grid Every
Will set how oen a new data point will appear on the grid.
Autosave and Clear Grid Every
Will automacally save and clear the grid at the number of data points selected.
Addional Grid Data
Allows the seng of the units of measurement shown in the grid for Value 1 and Value 2.
Cal Panel (Calibraon Panel)
Located under View > Cal Panel, the Cal Panel Window
can be used to change a number of sengs on your
instrument. The instrument should be in the mode or
count screen when Updang the Sengs, as some changes
to the menu items via the Cal Panel will not refresh if the
instrument is displaying a menu screen.
Calibraon Informaon
Calibraons, such as an NIST Source Calibraon, contain
informaon including the Serial Number, Calibraon Date,
Deadme (sec), and Sensivity (cpm per µR/hr).
CAUTION: Please note that changes to the Calibraon Date,
Deadme (sec), and Sensivity (cpm per µR/hr) may void
any calibraon of the instrument on record.
Figure 7(6)
Figure 7(5)

20
Addional Calibraon Panel Sengs Refer to Figure 7(6)
Alarm Sengs
The Alarm cpm and Alarm Enabled elds set the alarm. To acvate the alarm, enter the desired alarm
threshold in the Alarm cpm eld and check Alarm Enabled. To disable the alarm, uncheck Alarm Enabled.
Preset Counng Time (sec)
Enter the number of seconds to set the default me for taking a med count. The default is 600 seconds
Data Logging Sengs
Use Datalogging, Datalogging Interval (min), Circular Buer, and Clear Memory handle the data logging
sengs in the Cal Panel. Note: Be sure to set the me and date on your instrument before acvang the
datalogging feature.
Use Datalogging
Check the box to enable wring the collected data to the internal memory.
Datalogging Interval (min)
Sets the interval for data logging. The default is 1 minute. This can only be changed through the soware.
Circular Buer
When this box is checked, the oldest collected data will be overwrien with the most recent data
collected.
Clear Memory
Clears the data stored in the internal memory on the instrument.
Backlight On Time
Sets how many seconds the backlight will be on when pressing the backlight buon.
Contrast
Sets the contrast of the LCD display numbers and icons.
Auto Averaging
This acvates the auto averaging feature. When unchecked, the GammaView is in fast response mode.
Fast response mode is only recommended for use in high radiaon elds.
Clicks Enabled - enable/disable the clicks only with the Clicks Enabled checkbox.
Clicks Divided by 10 - a single ‘click’ will sound for each 10 counts detected.
Quiet Mode - enable/disable all sounds, except Alarm and OVER range (See page 6: Audio/minus).
Funcons Refer to Figure 7(1)
Retrieve Memory
If the recording feature is acvated and the internal clock is set, then the collected data can be retrieved from
the internal memory by selecng Funcons > Retrieve Memory. Data is stored in a delimited text le, which
can be opened in your preferred spreadsheet soware.
Synchronize GammaView to PC Clock
Sets the date and me on a PC running the Observer USB. The instrument will beep twice when
synchronizaon has completed.