Thermo Scientific TruDefender FT User manual

Thermo Scientific
TruDefender FT
TruDefender FTi
User Guide
110-00055-02

© 2011 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. All rights reserved.
TruDefender and GRAMS are registered trademarks of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. in the United States.
SureFire is a registered trademark of SureFire, LLC.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. provides this document to its customers with a product purchase to use in the product
operation. This document is copyright protected and any reproduction of the whole or any part of this document is strictly
prohibited, except with the written authorization of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
The contents of this document are subject to change without notice. All technical information in this document is for
reference purposes only. System configurations and specifications in this document supersede all previous information
received by the purchaser.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. makes no representations that this document is complete, accurate or error-free and
assumes no responsibility and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, damage or loss that might result from any
use of this document, even if the information in the document is followed properly.
This document is not part of any sales contract between Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. and a purchaser. This document shall
in no way govern or modify any Terms and Conditions of Sale, which Terms and Conditions of Sale shall govern all
conflicting information between the two documents.

P
Thermo Scientific TruDefender FT and TruDefender FTi User Guide 1
Preface
The Thermo Scientific TruDefender FT instrument is
an FTIR spectrometer designed for use by first
responders, homeland security, military, law
enforcement, and forensic chemistry personnel.
Compact and lightweight, this instrument is intended
for rapid field identification of unknown solid and
liquid samples.
This guide describes how to perform a scan with the
TruDefender®FT instrument, interpret scan results,
save and export results, and maintain the instrument. If
you own a TruDefender FTi model, you can also
wirelessly send a scan as an email or an SMS message.
Contacting Us
Contact Thermo Fisher Scientific any time for
information or assistance.
Telephone (USA) 1-800-374-1992
(International) [phone]
Email [email protected]
Website www.thermoscientific.com/chemID-support
Mail 46 Jonspin Road, Wilmington, MA 01887

2TruDefender FT and TruDefender FTi User Guide Thermo Scientific
Preface
Safety Notices
The TruDefender FT instrument is specifically
designed to be used in an everyday environment in the
field and is therefore considerably more rugged than a
laboratory instrument.
However, the user should recognize that this is a
precision scientific instrument that should be treated
with care. Abuse and mistreatment may lead to a
degradation of performance or premature failure.
CAUTION
Do not use the TruDefender FT instrument unless you have been trained in its use.
CAUTION
There are no user-adjustable components inside the instrument. The TruDefender FT battery
compartment door may be opened, but do not open the device or modify the electronics within. All
service operations must be performed by Thermo Fisher Scientific or an authorized service agent of
Thermo Fisher Scientific. Any attempt by the user to open the instrument will render the warranty
null and void.
CAUTION
Use of controls, adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein or
those specified by Thermo Fisher Scientific personnel may result in a hazardous condition.
CAUTION
Follow your organization's procedure and regulations for the handling of unknown substances.
CAUTION
The TruDefender FT instrument is not certified to be intrinsically safe, and the user should take the
necessary precautions when using the unit.
CAUTION
When wireless transmission is enabled, maintain a distance of 7.9 inches (20 cm) between the
instrument and your head and body.
CAUTION
If there is a possibility that you may be sending messages wirelessly with the instrument, do not attach
the instrument to your belt clip or hang it on a shoulder strap.

Thermo Scientific TruDefender FT and TruDefender FTi User Guide 3
Start
1
Getting Started
4Instrument Front Diagram
4 Sample Crusher Diagram
5Instrument Bottom Diagram
5 Carrying Case Contents
6Powering the Instrument
6Opening and Closing the Access Door
7Changing the Rechargeable Battery
7 Inserting the Disposable Batteries
7Using the Wall Plug Adapters
8 Using the Memory Card
8Changing System Date or Time
8 Changing the System Language

4TruDefender FT and TruDefender FTi User Guide Thermo Scientific
1Getting Started
Instrument Front Diagram
Sampling tip
Display
Quick scan key
Displays the scan screen or
initiates a scan
Enter key
Enacts a menu selection or
accepts changes made to a screen
Wake/Sleep key
Turns instrument on or off
or puts it into sleep mode
Cancels a screen without
accepting any changes
made to it. Returns to the
previously displayed
screen. Press and hold to
return to the Main menu.
Escape key
Flips the display screen
Flip screen key
Arrow keys
Select menu items
Nose
Sample Crusher Diagram
Boot
Latch
Sampling platform

Thermo Scientific TruDefender FT and TruDefender FTi User Guide 5
1Getting Started
Instrument Bottom Diagram
Battery compartment
door
Open access door
Memory card slot
Slide door in direction of arrow to open
Power cable connector
Carrying Case Contents
Memory card reader
Memory card
Sample crusher
Spare rechargeable battery
Sampling sticks, pipettes,
spatulas, swabs, alcohol
wipes
Battery
charger
Disposable
batteries
Power cable
and adapters

6TruDefender FT and TruDefender FTi User Guide Thermo Scientific
1Getting Started
Powering the Instrument
The TruDefender FT instrument can be powered by:
• A rechargeable battery (provides about 4 hours in
normal use)
• Connection to an electrical outlet (plug the AC
power cable into the power cable connector,
which is behind the access door)
• Three disposable SureFire®batteries (provide
about 5 hours in normal use)
When the display illuminates, the instrument is fully
powered and ready for operation.
The instrument has three power states: On, off, and a
power-saving mode (“sleep mode”).
NOTE
The instrument enters sleep mode if it remains
idle for several minutes while on battery power.
NOTE
Use the SureFire disposable batteries when
operating below 32°F (0°C).
To turn on the instrument
Press and hold the Wake/Sleep key until the display
backlight turns on, then release the key.
To put the instrument into sleep mode
Briefly press the Wake/Sleep key.
To turn off the instrument
Press the Wake/Sleep key for several seconds.
Opening and Closing the Access Door
The access door is designed to securely seal the battery
compartment, to protect it from contaminants.
CAUTION
When the access door on the bottom of the
instrument is open, the environmental seal is
broken, and the system is no longer water-
and dust-resistant.
To open the access door
Place your thumbs on each side of the door bar and
push in the direction of the arrows on the bar. The tabs
on both ends of the bar will disengage from the slots on
either side of the door.
To close the access door
Press the door into the opening to completely seat the
door gasket into the bottom of the instrument. Push
the door bar into the horizontal position. Make sure
that both of the bar tabs are seated in their slots.

Thermo Scientific TruDefender FT and TruDefender FTi User Guide 7
1Getting Started
Changing the Rechargeable Battery
Be sure to turn the instrument off before removing the
rechargeable battery or the disposable batteries.
CAUTION
If you remove the rechargeable battery or the
disposable batteries when the instrument is
turned on, the instrument software is very
likely to be damaged. This damage can cause
the instrument to behave unpredictably or
even to fail to turn on. If the software is
damaged, you will need to return the
instrument for servicing.
1Turn off the instrument by pressing and holding the
Wake/Sleep key for several seconds.
2Open the access door.
3Slide the battery compartment door to the right.
The door will spring open, and the battery will
slightly eject.
4Remove the battery and insert a charged one. Make
sure that “This side up” is on top and the arrow on
the battery label is pointing toward the instrument.
5Close the battery compartment door and slide it to
the left to latch it in place.
6Close the access door.
Inserting the Disposable Batteries
Be sure to turn the instrument off before removing any
batteries. See the caution notice above.
Follow the procedure for changing the rechargeable
battery, but remove the rechargeable battery and insert
three disposable batteries.
Orient the battery poles in this order: positive,
negative, positive. See the figure inside of the battery
compartment door, which shows the correct
orientation.
Using the Wall Plug Adapters
Your instrument comes with a set of international wall
plug adapters. To install an adapter, press it into the
recess in the power cord until the adapter clicks into
place. To remove an adapter, slide the release latch
down and pull the adapter out.

8TruDefender FT and TruDefender FTi User Guide Thermo Scientific
1Getting Started
Using the Memory Card
When you export data, the instrument stores the data
on a memory card, which may be placed in a memory
card reader and connected to a computer.
TIP
When not in use, keep the memory card in the
carrying case.
To insert the memory card
Hold the card with the arrow pointing toward the
instrument and the notched edge at the left (see the
figure at the left) and insert it into the memory card
slot. Press the card in until it catches in place.
To remove the memory card
Push the card in, then release. The card will eject
slightly from the slot. Remove the card, using the
fingernail groove on the top edge of the card to catch
the card’s edge.
Changing System Date or Time
You can change system date and time to synchronize
with your local time.
By default, your instrument uses the mm/dd/yyyy date
format. You can switch to the dd/mm/yyyy format.
1In the Main menu, select Tools > press the Enter
key.
2Select Date/Time > press the Enter key.
3Select Month, Day, Year, Hour, Minutes, Zone, or
Format, then press the right or left arrow key until
the value that you want to set appears. (Zone is the
time zone, in hours before or after Greenwich Mean
Time, GMT.)
4Press the Escape key.
Changing the System Language
You can change the system language at any time.
NOTE
To change to a translated library, you must install
the translated version of the software.
1In the Main menu, select Tools > press the Enter
key.
2Select Language > press the Enter key.
3Select a language > press the Enter key.

Thermo Scientific TruDefender FT and TruDefender FTi User Guide 9
Scan
2
Scanning
9Follow Safe Scanning Practices
10 The Keys to Getting a Good Scan
10 Cleaning the Sampling Tip
11 Best Practices for Scanning
13 Performing a Scan
15 Reading the Activity Indicator Light
15 Speeding Scan Time by Restricting the Library Search
16 Using the Sample Crusher
17 Scanning a Volatile Liquid
17 Using the Keyboard
Follow Safe Scanning Practices
CAUTION
If you own a TruDefender FTi model, keep
the instrument at least 7.9 inches (20 cm)
from your head and body when the wireless
radio is enabled. For information on how to
determine if the radio is enabled, see
page 30.
CAUTION
Use caution when scanning shock- or friction-
sensitive materials.
Shock- or friction-sensitive materials can pose a hazard
of explosion if mishandled during the scanning process.
Examples of materials known to be shock- and friction-
sensitive include (but are not limited to) TATP,
gunpowder, nitroglycerine, and match tips.
Follow these safety precautions when performing a scan
of a material that may be shock- or friction-sensitive:
1Scan the smallest possible amount of material
(<300 µL, 1 drop, or less than 300 mg).
2Wear all necessary personal protective gear.

10 TruDefender FT and TruDefender FTi User Guide Thermo Scientific
2Scanning
The Keys to Getting a Good Scan
The FTIR light beam emerges from the center of the
sampling tip. Because the beam can only penetrate a
few microns into a sample, to get a good scan you must
ensure that sample materials are in very close contact
with the sampling tip.
The keys to getting a good scan are:
1When scanning powders or solids, use the sample
crusher or firmly press the instrument into the
material.
2Center the sample material on the sampling tip. The
Best Practices table (see page 11) shows proper
positioning for the most common scanning
situations.
3When possible, grind powders to a fine and even
consistency.
Whenever possible, use the sample crusher to scan
powders. The sample crusher exerts the firm and
constant pressure that is necessary to ensure good
contact.
TruDefender FT generally displays results in less than
30 seconds. Scans may be prolonged or may not
finish if:
• The sample material is not in close contact with
the sampling tip.
• The sample material interacts little or not at all
with infrared light (for example, pure elements).
TIP
Dilute solutions will return a positive match for
water because water strongly interacts with
infrared light.
Cleaning the Sampling Tip
Before every background check, clean the sampling tip
thoroughly.
To clean the tip, scrub it with an alcohol wipe, then
allow it to air dry, or wipe it with a clean paper towel or
cloth. If the tip is visibly dirty, wipe off as much of the
material as possible before scrubbing the tip with an
alcohol wipe.
If the sampling tip is contaminated with an oily
substance, scrub it with mineral spirits or paint thinner.
TIP
In very cold weather, liquid from the alcohol
wipe may freeze on the sampling tip and cause
inaccurate scan results. To prevent this, remove
any frozen residue by scrubbing the sampling tip
with a paper towel or cloth.

Thermo Scientific TruDefender FT and TruDefender FTi User Guide 11
2Scanning
Best Practices for Scanning
For this situation Do these things
Puddled liquid
At least 1/4 inch (6 mm) deep
Immerse the sampling tip in the
puddle. The instrument may touch the
underlying surface.
Non-volatile liquid in a
container
Stand the instrument on its bottom.
Place a drop of liquid on the sampling
tip.
Volatile liquid See “Scanning a Volatile Liquid” on
page 17.
Thinly spread film or
droplets of liquid
Saturate a swab with the liquid.
Press the swab firmly on the center of
the sampling tip.
Thinly spread paste Collect some of the paste on a swab.
Press the swab firmly on the center of
the sampling tip.

12 TruDefender FT and TruDefender FTi User Guide Thermo Scientific
2Scanning
Powders If the powder is coarse, grind it to a
fine and even texture.
For best results, use the sample crusher
(see page 16).
If you cannot use the sample crusher,
firmly press the sampling tip in
contact with the powder.
TIP
If possible, grind a powder until
the granules are no larger than
grains of table salt.
Solids If the material can be ground, grind it
to a fine powder and scan it with the
sample crusher (see page 16).
If the material cannot be ground, press
the sampling tip firmly into the
material.
NOTE
To scan the inside of a coated
tablet, scrape off the coating,
finely grind the remaining
material, and scan it with the
sample crusher.
To scan the coating, scrape it off
and scan separately.
For this situation Do these things

Thermo Scientific TruDefender FT and TruDefender FTi User Guide 13
2Scanning
Performing a Scan
NOTE
If you own a TruDefender FTi model, you can
send scan results wirelessly via a cellular
connection to an email or SMS address. For
details, see page 29.
Step 1
Choose a scanning technique (see the Best Practices
table on page 11). See page 16 for guidelines on using
the sample crusher.
Press the Wake/Sleep key if the instrument is not
powered up. The Main menu appears.
TIP
If you are using the sample crusher or holding
the instrument upside down, press the Flip
Screen key.
Step 2
Press the Quick Scan key. The Background Check
screen appears. Clean the sampling tip now (see
page 10).
Step 3
(Optional) Create a new session for the scan. Select
Session > Create new session > press the Enter key.
The New Session Name keyboard appears.
Enter a new name or accept the default name. (For help
with the keyboard, see page 17.)

14 TruDefender FT and TruDefender FTi User Guide Thermo Scientific
2Scanning
Step 4
Select Go > press the Enter key. The instrument
performs a background check. If the background has
changed since the last scan, the instrument
automatically performs a new background scan.
NOTE
Do not put the instrument in the sample
crusher for the background check. During a
background scan, the sampling tip must not be
in contact with any sample material.
Step 5
When the background check or the background scan
finishes, the Position Unit screen appears.
Place the sampling tip in contact with the sample (see
the Best Practices table on page 11). If you are using
the sample crusher, place a small amount of the test
substance on the sampling platform, then insert the
instrument (see page 16).
Step 6
To start the scan, select Scan > press the Enter key. The
Scan in progress screen appears. Hold the instrument
steady during the scan.
To monitor the progress of the scan, observe the
progress bar on the bottom of the scan screen and the
signal strength meter. The progress bar displays the
estimated time to scan completion.
When the scan finishes, the instrument displays a result
(see page 19).
TIP
If the scan time is lengthy and the signal
strength meter shows only a few or no bars, the
sampling tip may not be in good contact with the
sample, or the sample may not be scannable by
FTIR.

Thermo Scientific TruDefender FT and TruDefender FTi User Guide 15
2Scanning
Reading the Activity Indicator Light
The activity indicator light on the bottom of the
instrument also indicates scan status:
•Blinking yellow: The scan has just begun or the
instrument is receiving adequate signal from the
sample.
•Blinking green: The instrument is receiving
strong signal from the sample.
•Blinking red: The instrument is not receiving any
signal.
•Solid green: The scan has successfully completed.
•Solid red: The scan has stopped because of some
error, or you pushed the Escape key to halt the
scan.
Speeding Scan Time by Restricting the Library Search
During the analysis phase of a scan, the instrument
normally searches the entire library to find the best
match for the scan data.
You can constrain this search to only factory-added
library items or only user-added library items.
Constraining the library search reduces scan time and is
most useful when you are only interested in detecting
the presence of particular user-added items.
For information on creating user-added library items,
see page 35.
1In the Main menu, select Tools > press the Enter
key.
2Select Libraries > press the Enter key.
3Select a display option > press the Enter key.

16 TruDefender FT and TruDefender FTi User Guide Thermo Scientific
2Scanning
Using the Sample Crusher
CAUTION
DO NOT scan pressure-sensitive materials
with the sample crusher (see page 9).
Whenever possible, use the sample crusher to scan
powders, because it is difficult to manually apply
enough pressure to get a good scan. The sample crusher
holds a powdered sample in firm and close contact with
the sampling tip during the scan.
1Place the sample crusher on a level surface.
2Clean the sampling platform with an alcohol wipe.
3Place a small amount of sample material in the
center of the sample platform. Use only enough
material to completely cover the center of the
platform.
4Perform steps 1 through 5 of the scanning procedure
(see page 13). Do not put the instrument into the
sample crusher until the instrument has finished
the background scan.
5Press the instrument into the sample crusher (see the
figure at the left) until the side latches snap into
place. If you have trouble inserting the instrument,
you may need to clean the sample crusher (see
page 42).
TIP
To minimize the risk of dislodging the sample
during insertion, hold the instrument at a
slight angle on the front-to-back axis and
insert the nose into the crusher, then
straighten the instrument and push it down
to complete the insertion.
6Initiate the scan (see step 6 on page 14).
7When finished, press the latches to release them, and
remove the instrument.
NOTE
If the scan progresses slowly, remove the
instrument and reinsert it into the sample
crusher. If scan time does not improve, stop the
scan, remove the instrument, and make sure
that the sample is centered on the sample
platform.

Thermo Scientific TruDefender FT and TruDefender FTi User Guide 17
2Scanning
Scanning a Volatile Liquid
Use the sample crusher to scan a volatile liquid. This
will help prevent the liquid from evaporating before the
scan is complete.
1Clean the sampling platform with an alcohol wipe,
and place the sample crusher on a flat surface.
2Perform steps 1 through 4 of the procedure for
performing a scan (see page 13).
3When the Position Unit screen appears, use a pipette
to place drops of the liquid on the center of the
sample platform. The liquid must completely cover
the crystal tip in the center of the sample platform.
4Immediately place the instrument into the sample
crusher (see page 16). It is not necessary to latch the
sample crusher into place.
5Complete the scan (see step 6 on page 14).
6Remove the instrument from the sample crusher.
Using the Keyboard
The instrument displays a keyboard when you need to
enter data into the system, such as a session name.
To enter data into the keyboard
• Enter data one character at a time. When finished,
select Done > press the Enter key.
• To enter a character, use the arrow keys to select
the character > press the Enter key.
• To enter a space, select the space bar > press the
Enter key.
• To backspace delete characters, select Delete >
press the Enter key.
• To enter a capital letter or a symbol, select Caps >
press the Enter key, then select the character >
press the Enter key.

18 TruDefender FT and TruDefender FTi User Guide Thermo Scientific
2Scanning