QSA Global, Inc.
40 North Avenue Burlington, MA 01803
888.272.2242
781.272.2000
qsa-global.com
Operations Manual
MAN-038 March 2019
Page 33 of 100
a foot. Radiographers can count the number of rotations of the crank handle when using control cranks
that are not equipped with odometers to obtain an approximation of the travel distance. One full
revolution of the crank handle is equal to approximately 10 in (25.4 cm) of travel on Model 692, 693 and
664 control cranks. One full revolution of the Model 882 and 885 control cranks is equal to approximately
12 inches (30.5 cm) of travel.
Two remote control conduits (sheaths, housings) are attached to the control crank. One conduit contains
the working side (also called “live side”) of the control cable that drives the source assembly out of the
gamma-ray source projector and through the source guide tubes. The second conduit is the reserve
(storage side) conduit containing the length of the control cable necessary for projection of the source
assembly. The remote control conduits provide a degree of protection of the control cable against the
elements common to the working environments that industrial radiography is performed.
Attached to the opposite end of the remote control conduits is a connecting plug assembly that is used for
attachment of the remote controls to the locking mechanism of the gamma-ray source projector. The
connecting plug assembly and the control cable connector are designed with minimal tolerances for
safety. A connection of the source assembly connector to the control cable connector must be completed
before the remote control connecting plug assembly can be attached to the locking mechanism of the
gamma-ray source projector. A protective end-cover must be installed after use of the remote controls.
The protective cover provides protection to the connecting plug assembly and the control cable connector
and prevents the ingress of water, mud, sand or other foreign matter.
IMPORTANT WARNING
The control cable connector is a made from hardened steel and should never be left
unprotected or forced into connection with the source assembly as this could damage the
connector over time leading to possible breakage during use. Always use the protective end-
cover when remote controls are not connected to the gamma-ray source projector and always
manually move the sleeve of the female connector of the source assembly to the OPEN
position when connecting and disconnecting the control cable from the source assembly
.
The control cable (drive cable) is a flexible, steel cable with an outer helical winding. The length of control
cable is approximately twice the length of the remote controls. Attached to one end of the control cable is
a male connector. The control cable when used in conjunction with the remote control as a system
provides a positive mechanical control of the source assembly at a distance. The control cable is a critical
link for safe operation and is the radiographer's only means of control over the source assembly.
Therefore, the control cable's storage, use, daily inspection and quarterly maintenance are critical
elements to the prevention of a control cable failure. In almost all cases, repairs for a control cable are
not possible, with the exception of replacing the control cable’s Model 550 male connector every five
years. Damaged, defective or control cables with unknown origin (non-traceable) must not be used and
must be removed from service.