System Installation
General Installation:
Physically mount the detectors in accordance with the guidelines discussed below for each type of
detector. A detector can be up to 50 feet away from the Alarm Display Panel. Connect the cable from
each detector into any one of four detector ports on the Alarm Display Panel. The rad-D will automatically
know which type of detector has been connected to the Alarm Display Panel. Connect the power cable to
the Alarm Display Panel. When all cables are connected, plug the power cable into a wall plug.
When power is applied, the rad-D begins a 90 second warm-up sequence. During this time the rad-D is
performing self-tests and calibrating to the natural radiation background environment. At the end of this
phase, the Alarm Display Panel will begin showing radiation counts from the gamma and/or neutron
detectors.
60 Hz and 50 Hz power
The rad-D can operate on both 60 Hz/110 VAC (United States) and 50 Hz/208 VAC power. The rad-D
comes with a plug configured for U.S. power sockets. To use in a 50 Hz environment, attach a wall plug
converter to convert the rad-D U.S. wall plug to the local country plug standard. The rad-D will
automatically adjust to the power supplied.
Alarm Display Panel:
Locate the Alarm Display Panel near the operator or where it can be read easily, unless your rad-D is
going to be read remotely via PC. The Alarm Display Panel must be within reach of a power plug and
within 50 feet of all detectors.
If the rad-D is integrated as part of a computer network via its wireless Bluetooth interface, the receiving
computer must be within 100 meters or less (depending on intervening walls) of the Alarm Display Panel.
If the rad-D is integrated as part of a computer network via its Serial Port interface, the receiving computer
must be connected using a single serial cable. The PC network displays rad-D information using the
provided rad-D software. The data format and structure of the interface is also available on request,
allowing the user to use create their own monitoring software.
Detector Installation Guidelines:
All detectors are mounted using two ½” screws separated by 4”. The detectors can be mounted in any
orientation. Each detector has unique placement requirements for maximum efficiency.
•
Gamma Detector
, Omni-directional: Place this detector as close to the traffic area as possible to
maximize its sensitivity. It can be oriented in any direction. This detector weighs approximately 8
pounds.
•
Gamma Detector
, Narrow Field-of-View: Aim the front of the detector at the target inspection area.
The front is the end opposite the cable interface. The front is very thin aluminum, so care must be
used to prevent dents or puncturing (neither, however, will degrade the operation of the unit. It just
won’t look as nice). The field-of-view is +/- 45º from the front. Ensure that the unit is as close as
possible to the inspection area while still getting good coverage of the field-of-view. This detector
weighs 30 lbs. Please take care when handling and mounting it to avoid injury to yourself or others.
Always use safe lifting practices when moving heavy objects.
•
Neutron Detector
: To maximize neutron detection, place the detector as close as possible to the
traffic area. It can be oriented in any direction. This detector weighs approximately 8 pounds.
