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1.
GETTING STARTED
The ORTEC® Fission Meter® is an easy-to-use, portable neutron detection system designed to locate illicitly
trafficked special nuclear materials (SNM), particularly shielded sources. It combines software developed by
the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory with two panels of moderated
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He neutron detectors, enabling
you to collect and communicate crucial data about suspicious neutron sources to the U.S. Department of
Energy’s Emergency Operations Center.
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The Fission Meter is controlled by a rugged, water- and dust-
resistant Trimble® Ranger™
3L computer
running under the Microsoft® Windows® Embedded Handheld 6.5 Professional operating system.
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The Ranger has a 34-hour rechargeable battery. It is also supplied with a power adapter that operates
from a 120 V ac power source.
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The highly water- and dust-resistant Fission Meter panel assembly operates up to 14 hours on 16
disposable D-cell batteries. The panel assembly automatically switches to standby mode after 8 hours
if no commands are received from the Ranger. Batteries can be replaced, one panel at a time, without
interrupting data collection.
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Each Fission Meter panel has a heavy-duty nylon carrying case that protects it from scuffs and dents,
and clearly indicates the thin (detector) and thick (polyethylene shielding) sides of each detector
panel for foolproof deployment during measurements.
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The only routine maintenance required is charging the Ranger battery and changing the D-cell
batteries that power the panel assembly. From time to time, two desiccant plugs in the panel
assembly and the O-rings on the battery tube caps must also be changed.
Hardware setup and startup are discussed in Section 1.3, software operation is discussed in Chapter 3, and
the maintenance schedule is in Section A.1. The firmware command set is described in APPENDIX C.
1.1 Inspecting for Shipping Damage
If the shipping carton(s) arrives with externally visible damage,
do not unpack it
. Notify the carrier and make
arrangements to file a damage claim.
In all cases of shipping damage, it is the customer's responsibility to file
a damage claim.
If, during unpacking, you find concealed damage,
notify the carrier and file a claim.
Be sure to save all packing
materials, waybills, and other such documentation to establish claims.
Contact our Global Service Center or your ORTEC representative for further instructions.
1.2 Unpacking the Fission Meter
Figure 1 shows the Fission Meter in its padded, waterproof travel case.
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We strongly recommend
transporting and shipping the Fission Meter in this case.
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When properly sealed, the travel case and contents will float.
