Falcon 5000 User's Manual

Falcon 5000®
Portable HPGE
Spectrometer
9240461B V1.0.2 User's Manual
Body: 9240852B
Copyright 2011, Canberra Industries, Inc. All rights reserved.

The material in this document, including all information, pictures,
graphics and text, is the property of Canberra Industries, Inc. and is
protected by U.S. copyright laws and international copyright
conventions.
Canberra expressly grants the purchaser of this product the right to
copy any material in this document for the purchaser’s own use,
including as part of a submission to regulatory or legal authorities
pursuant to the purchaser’s legitimate business needs.
No material in this document may be copied by any third party, or used
for any commercial purpose or for any use other than that granted to
the purchaser without the written permission of Canberra Industries,
Inc.
Canberra Industries, 800 Research Parkway, Meriden, CT 06450
Tel: 203-238-2351 FAX: 203-235-1347 http://www.canberra.com/
Canberra is an AREVA company.
The information in this document describes the product as accurately
as possible, but is subject to change without notice.
Printed in the United States of America.
For technical assistance, call our Customer Service Hotline at 1-800-

255-6370 or email techsupport@canberra.com.
Falcon® is a registered trademark and Genie is a trademark of

Canberra Industries, Inc.
Other product names, trademarks or service marks mentioned herein are held by their
respective owners.
Table of Contents
Preface .................................................................................................. xi
1. Introduction ..................................................................................... 1
What You Need to Know............................................................................................................... 2
About this Manual ......................................................................................................................... 2
Abbreviations and Acronyms ........................................................................................................ 4
2. Hardware Setup and Configuration ............................................... 5

The Falcon 5000 Unit .................................................................................................................... 5
Connectors................................................................................................................................. 5
Status Indicator.......................................................................................................................... 7
Fault....................................................................................................................................... 7
Temp ..................................................................................................................................... 7
Comm.................................................................................................................................... 7
Battery ................................................................................................................................... 8
Hardware Operating Status ................................................................................................... 8
Unpacking the Falcon 5000 ........................................................................................................... 8
Connecting the Falcon ................................................................................................................... 9
Mounting the Falcon .................................................................................................................... 11
3. MCA Input Definition..................................................................... 12

Falcon and Mid Files ................................................................................................................... 12
MCA Input Definition (MID) Editor ........................................................................................... 12
Basic Concepts ........................................................................................................................ 13
Starting the MID Editor........................................................................................................... 14
Adding an MCA ...................................................................................................................... 14
Deleting an MCA .................................................................................................................... 15
Defining an MCA ........................................................................................................................ 16
Interpreting the Definition Entry ............................................................................................. 17
Device Setup............................................................................................................................ 17
MCA.................................................................................................................................... 18
Parameters Settings ................................................................................................................. 19
MCA Settings...................................................................................................................... 19
i
Stabilizer Settings................................................................................................................ 19
High Voltage Settings ......................................................................................................... 20
DSP Gain Settings............................................................................................................... 22
DSP Filter Settings .............................................................................................................. 24
MCS Settings ...................................................................................................................... 25
Input Settings ...................................................................................................................... 25
Saving and Loading the Input Definition..................................................................................... 27
The MID Wizard.......................................................................................................................... 27
Using the Wizard..................................................................................................................... 27
Step 1................................................................................................................................... 28
Step 2................................................................................................................................... 28
Step 3................................................................................................................................... 29
Step 4 and 5 ......................................................................................................................... 30
Step 6................................................................................................................................... 30
Step 7................................................................................................................................... 31
Ending the Definition .......................................................................................................... 31
Acquisition Windows Adjust Dialogs with Genie 2000.............................................................. 32
Stabilizer Parameters ............................................................................................................... 33
High Voltage Parameters......................................................................................................... 34
MCS Parameters...................................................................................................................... 35
PwrMgr Parameters ................................................................................................................. 35
DSP Gain Parameters .............................................................................................................. 36
DSP Filter Parameters ............................................................................................................. 37
4. Basic Operation............................................................................. 40
Quick Start ................................................................................................................................... 41
Data Acquisition and Analysis ................................................................................................ 41
Starting Data Acquisition .................................................................................................... 42
Stopping Data Acquisition .................................................................................................. 43
Navigating the Menus ............................................................................................................. 43
Exiting the Menu ..................................................................................................................... 44
The Title Bar ........................................................................................................................... 45
Message Bar ............................................................................................................................ 45
The Status Line........................................................................................................................ 45
Status Message .................................................................................................................... 46
ii Falcon 5000 Portable HPGe Spectrometer

Detector Temperature.......................................................................................................... 46
Audio Alert Indicators......................................................................................................... 46
Power Indicators.................................................................................................................. 46
Help Icon ............................................................................................................................. 47
Device Indicators..................................................................................................................... 47
Communication Indicator.................................................................................................... 47
Hardware Indicator.............................................................................................................. 47
Available Disk Space .............................................................................................................. 48
E-Mail...................................................................................................................................... 48
System Health.......................................................................................................................... 48
Genie 2000 .............................................................................................................................. 49
Calibration Check.................................................................................................................... 49
Background ............................................................................................................................. 49
Setup........................................................................................................................................ 49
Operate/Standby ...................................................................................................................... 50
Easy Mode of Operation .............................................................................................................. 50
Locate View................................................................................................................................. 52
How Information is Displayed ................................................................................................ 52
The Locator's Bargraph ........................................................................................................... 53
Locator Alerts.......................................................................................................................... 54
Warning Indicators.............................................................................................................. 54
Alarm Indicators.................................................................................................................. 55
Resetting the Warning or Alarm ......................................................................................... 55
Turning Off the Audio Alerts.............................................................................................. 55
Save Spectrum on Alarm..................................................................................................... 55
NID View..................................................................................................................................... 55
Acquiring NID Data ................................................................................................................ 55
Discrete Analysis................................................................................................................. 56
Standard Analysis................................................................................................................ 56
SNM Identification.................................................................................................................. 56
How Nuclide Information is Displayed................................................................................... 57
Sorting the NID Data........................................................................................................... 58
Next/Previous Pages............................................................................................................ 59
NID Alerts ............................................................................................................................... 59
Resetting the NID's Warning or Alarms.................................................................................. 60
User's Manual - 9240461B iii

Disabling Discrete Analysis .................................................................................................... 60
Dose Rate View ........................................................................................................................... 60
Dose Rate Equivalent .............................................................................................................. 60
How Dose Information is Displayed ....................................................................................... 60
Changing to the NID Mode ..................................................................................................... 62
Dose Alerts .............................................................................................................................. 62
The Dose Rate Audio .............................................................................................................. 63
Spectroscopy View ...................................................................................................................... 63
Region of Interest .................................................................................................................... 64
Moving the Spectrum's Cursor ................................................................................................ 64
Expanding the Spectrum ......................................................................................................... 65
Zoom In ............................................................................................................................... 65
Zoom Out ............................................................................................................................ 65
The Spectroscopy Display....................................................................................................... 65
The Title Bar ....................................................................................................................... 65
The Data Line...................................................................................................................... 65
The Spectrum ...................................................................................................................... 65
The Information Page.......................................................................................................... 66
The Message Bar................................................................................................................. 68
The Status Line ................................................................................................................... 68
Peak Labeling...................................................................................................................... 68
Alarms ..................................................................................................................................... 69
Saving Spectral Data ............................................................................................................... 69
Neutron Probe .............................................................................................................................. 69
Neutron Count Rate Alerts ...................................................................................................... 70
Saving Spectrum on Alarm ................................................................................................. 70
iv Falcon 5000 Portable HPGe Spectrometer

Background.................................................................................................................................. 71
Using Genie 2000 ........................................................................................................................ 72
Creating the Report in Genie 2000.......................................................................................... 72
Example Report....................................................................................................................... 74
5. Setup Mode .................................................................................... 76

Navigating the Setup Dialogs ...................................................................................................... 76
General Setup............................................................................................................................... 77
Modes ...................................................................................................................................... 77
Application .............................................................................................................................. 77
EMO ........................................................................................................................................ 78
E-Mail...................................................................................................................................... 78
Password Setup ............................................................................................................................ 78
Falcon 5000 Setup ................................................................................................................... 79
Genie 2000 .............................................................................................................................. 79
Acknowledge Alarm................................................................................................................ 79
Enable Password Protection .................................................................................................... 79
Instrument Setup .......................................................................................................................... 80
MCA........................................................................................................................................ 80
Calibration Files ...................................................................................................................... 80
GM Tube ................................................................................................................................. 82
Neutron.................................................................................................................................... 83
Cooler ...................................................................................................................................... 83
GPS.......................................................................................................................................... 83
Charging .................................................................................................................................. 85
Mode Configure Setup................................................................................................................. 85
Locate ...................................................................................................................................... 85
Display Settings .................................................................................................................. 85
Scaling................................................................................................................................. 86
NID.......................................................................................................................................... 86
NID Calculation .................................................................................................................. 86
NID Table............................................................................................................................ 87
Unknown Peak .................................................................................................................... 87
Quality Category ................................................................................................................. 88
User's Manual - 9240461B v

NID Update Rate................................................................................................................. 88
SNM Identification.............................................................................................................. 88
Background ......................................................................................................................... 89
Discrete Analysis................................................................................................................. 89
Max NID Dose Rate............................................................................................................ 89
Spec ......................................................................................................................................... 89
X-Axis Information ............................................................................................................. 89
Y-Axis Information ............................................................................................................. 90
Plot Type ............................................................................................................................. 90
Peak Labeling...................................................................................................................... 90
Dose......................................................................................................................................... 91
Scale .................................................................................................................................... 91
Dose Units ........................................................................................................................... 91
Display Range ..................................................................................................................... 91
Dose Rate Audio ................................................................................................................. 91
Neutron.................................................................................................................................... 92
Display Range ..................................................................................................................... 92
Alarm Setup ................................................................................................................................. 92
Locator..................................................................................................................................... 92
Enable Alarm ...................................................................................................................... 92
Alarm Setting ...................................................................................................................... 93
External Executable............................................................................................................. 93
Dose......................................................................................................................................... 93
Alarm Settings..................................................................................................................... 93
Neutron.................................................................................................................................... 93
Enable Alarm ...................................................................................................................... 94
Alarm Settings..................................................................................................................... 94
General .................................................................................................................................... 94
vi Falcon 5000 Portable HPGe Spectrometer

6. Using the Falcon 5000 .................................................................. 95
Before You Begin ........................................................................................................................ 95
Battery Check .......................................................................................................................... 95
Adjusting Audio Alarm Settings ............................................................................................. 96
Choosing the Dose Rate Units................................................................................................. 96
Setting the Passwords .............................................................................................................. 96
Choosing the Operation Mode................................................................................................. 96
Verifying the Detector Temperature ....................................................................................... 97
Collecting Data ............................................................................................................................ 98
Locating Radioactive Material ................................................................................................ 98
Identifying the Individual Isotopes.......................................................................................... 98
Displaying List of Isotopes ................................................................................................. 98
NID Confidence Grading .................................................................................................... 98
Unknown Peak Analysis ..................................................................................................... 99
SNM Identification.............................................................................................................. 99
Viewing Spectra ...................................................................................................................... 99
How to Verify Spectroscopy Parameters .......................................................................... 100
How to Collect a Spectrum ............................................................................................... 100
How to Save a Spectrum ................................................................................................... 100
How to Load a Calibration File......................................................................................... 100
The GPS Device......................................................................................................................... 101
Saving GPS Coordinates ....................................................................................................... 101
Spectrum Files....................................................................................................................... 101
GPS Satellite Signal .............................................................................................................. 102
Expert Review............................................................................................................................ 102
Customer Support Access .......................................................................................................... 102
Wireless/Wired Communications .............................................................................................. 102
A. Installing the PC Software .......................................................... 104

Programs for Your PC ............................................................................................................... 104
Installing Genie Software .......................................................................................................... 105
Installing Falcon 5000 Software ................................................................................................ 105
User's Manual - 9240461B vii

B. Updating the Firmware ............................................................... 107
Using the Utility......................................................................................................................... 109
C. Communication Setup ................................................................ 115

IP Addressing and Configuration............................................................................................... 115
Falcon Communications ............................................................................................................ 116
Using Telnet............................................................................................................................... 116
Changing the Network Configuration of the Falcon 5000......................................................... 122
Updating the Falcon’s Communication Firmware..................................................................... 124
D. Power System.............................................................................. 125

Instrument Power....................................................................................................................... 125
Power On............................................................................................................................... 125
Input Power Requirements .................................................................................................... 125
The Internal Batteries ............................................................................................................ 125
Battery Charge Status........................................................................................................ 126
Charging Time .................................................................................................................. 127
Charging the Battery ......................................................................................................... 127
Changing the Battery............................................................................................................. 128
Using the Power Converter ................................................................................................... 129
E. Technical Reference ................................................................... 130

Default Falcon Calibration Files................................................................................................ 130
Default Falcon Configuration Settings ...................................................................................... 131
System Health Report ................................................................................................................ 135
Sample Report............................................................................................................................ 138
F. Specifications .............................................................................. 141

Nuclear....................................................................................................................................... 141
Ergonomic.................................................................................................................................. 142
Communication.......................................................................................................................... 143
Software ..................................................................................................................................... 143
Electrical .................................................................................................................................... 144
Mechanical................................................................................................................................. 145
Environmental............................................................................................................................ 145
Norm .......................................................................................................................................... 145
viii Falcon 5000 Portable HPGe Spectrometer

Ordering References .................................................................................................................. 146
Optional Accessories ................................................................................................................. 147
G. Installation Considerations ........................................................ 148
H. Disposing of This Equipment..................................................... 149
Index ................................................................................................... 151
User's Manual - 9240461B ix

Important Safety Considerations
Read Carefully
General Safety
Indicates warning of mains or high voltage present at output labeled HV.

Risk of electrical shock if covers are removed.
Caution – risk of danger. Refer to documentation for detailed explanation of caution

symbol wherever marked.
Product complies with appropriate current EU directives.
Example of “Cue” mark. Product complies with appropriate current FCC (UL)/CSA
61010-1 directives.
Mechanical Safety: Caution – risk of injury due to moving parts.
Personal Safety: Protective gear is required.
Environmental Safety: Caution surfaces hot/cold.
Manufacturer's Address
Canberra Industries, Inc
800 Research Parkway
Meriden, CT. 06450
x Falcon 5000 Portable HPGe Spectrometer

Preface
The Falcon 5000 is a portable electrically-cooled HPGe Spectrometer which provides
radiation monitoring and nuclide identification and quantification.
Four modes of operation providing:

• Dose and count rate measurements.
• Locating radioactive material or a
radiation hotspot.
• Nuclide Identification (NID) with
activity measurements.
• Spectrum acquisition and analysis.
Dose Alarm (Continuously monitored with

configurable set point, audio alert and visual
indication).
Genie 2000 Basic Spectroscopy and Gamma
Analysis packages included. Figure 1 The Falcon 500
Radionuclide Identification algorithms are user configurable.

Algorithm, measurement geometry, and other adjustable parameters are predefined in Genie
2000 .ASF file.
Nuclide Library: Configurable Library with Full Nuclide Editor (Default Library based on
ANSI N42.34 specification).
Secondary Analysis for SNM identifications to specify isotopic classification (RGPu, WGPu,
HEU, DU…)
Comprehensive online help is provided by the Falcon system through its user interface by
selecting the Help icon. A help screen for the current View is displayed.
User's Manual - 9240461B xi

Note
xii Falcon 5000 Portable HPGe Spectrometer

1. Introduction
What is the Falcon?
The Falcon 5000 combines high purity Germanium detector, ultra-low noise pulse
tube cooling and sophisticated world class spectroscopy algorithms to deliver the
highest accuracy isotope indentification available today.
State of the art technologies in the Falcon 5000 supports today’s most challenging
applications. These include GPS and optional neutron detection. The detachable
wireless handheld control unit makes data collection a snap. Transferring data to an
expert or command center can be accomplished using WiFi® technology.
The Falcon’s HPGe high-resolution detection capabilities combined with built-in

communications and GPS readily distinguishes threat from innocent sources and lets
you take action quickly.
Why Use the Falcon?

The Falcon 5000 is used for the identification of illicit radioactive material. The
sources of radiation could come from any geometry. It could be heavily shielded
and/or in a very low activity. Also, the presence of multiple isotopes could exist. In
general once a radiation field is located, the need to clearly identify all contributing
isotopes and their relative activity is key to identifying illicit material from other
radioisotopes.
How Does the Falcon Work?

The process of identifying illicit material starts with a large area portal detector. Then
a technician responding with a small handheld device will try to locate the source of
radiation by finding the area with the maximum radiation field. Then, the Nuclide
Identification will take place and all contributing isotopes are listed in a report. The
Falcon 5000 is targeted at this last step of NID. It can also perform the location step,
however, smaller, less expensive, scintillator detectors may be employed for this
purpose.
Genie 2000 Software Support

The Falcon 5000 is supported by Canberra’s industry standard Genie 2000
spectroscopy software suite. Genie 2000 offers unsurpassed capability of the gamma
spectroscopist - intuitive user interface, time proven data reduction algorithms,
extensive quality assurance capabilities, and flexible report generation. These features
are documented extensively in Genie 2000 documentation.
Additionally, there are a number of Genie 2000 based layered application software
products that are specifically designed for field portable applications. These provide
dedicated user interface environments and analysis facilities for those applications -
allowing operation by technicians with application specific procedural training rather
than highly trained spectroscopists.
User's Manual - 9240461B 1

Chapter 1 Introduction
A brief description of these application packages follows:
In Situ Object Counting Software (ISOCS)

One of the larger challenges in many field applications is generating an accurate
efficiency calibration for large objects - waste containers, large pieces of
equipment, walls, floors, pipes, fume hoods, planes of soil, etc. Calibrating for
such geometries with radioactive sources is generally impractical. The ISOCS
software is designed to develop such calibrations using mathematical modeling
instead of sources - resulting in accurate calibrations at minimal cost.
What You Need to Know

Users of this product should have knowledge of the Genie 2000 Spectroscopy
Software (Model S500/S502/S504) and the Genie 2000 Gamma Analysis Software
(Model S501) packages.
Before you can use your Falcon, you must create at least one MCA Input Definition
(MID) so the system knows what kind of MCA is being used with your system. For
information on how to use the MID Editor refer to chapter MCA Input Definition on
page 12, of this manual.
You should also be familiar with the Genie 2000 Nuclide Library Editor. The Nuclide
Library Editor is used for creating and maintaining the nuclide libraries that are used
for both qualitative and quantitative radionuclide analysis. For more information refer
to the chapter, Using the Nuclide Library Editor, in the Genie 2000 Operations
Manual.
About this Manual

The Falcon 5000 User’s Manual is designed for users of all levels of sophistication.
An overview of the Falcon 5000’s hardware is covered in the chapter Hardware Setup
and Configuration on page 5. An overview of the Falcon’s software is provided in the
Quick Start section of the chapter Basic Operation on page 40.
Chapters
Chapter 2, Hardware Setup and Configuration, this chapter provides instructions
on how to setup and configure the Falcon 5000.
Chapter 3, MCA Input Definition, covers the MID Wizard and the MID Editor,
which helps you quickly set up the Falcon’s Multichannel Analyzer (MCA). It also
covers the Gamma Acquisition and Analysis (GAA) application.
Chapter 4, Basic Operation, addresses the Locator, NID (Nuclide Identification),

Dose rate, and Spec (Spectroscopy) operating views.
2 Falcon 5000 Portable HPGe Spectrometer

About this Manual
Chapter 5, Setup Mode, lets you set the system-wide parameters and the parameters
for each of the four operating views.
Chapter 6, Using the Falcon 5000, describes how the hardware and software work
together.
Appendices
The Appendices offer useful information not usually needed in day-to-day operation.
Appendix A, Installing the PC Software, gives you step-by-step instruction on

how to install the Falcon’s software.
Appendix B, Updating the Firmware, gives you step-by-step instruction on how

to update the Falcon’s management board and cooler board firmware.
Appendix C, Communication Setup, gives you instructions on how to setup

your Falcon for wireless/wired communication.
Product Manuals
The Falcon 5000 User’s Manual and the Genie 2000 Operations Manual are supplied
as PDF files on the Falcon and Genie CDs, respectively.
You can read and print the PDFs with the Adobe® Acrobat® Reader. If you don’t
already have the Reader on your computer, you can install it with the Genie 2000
software. It can also be downloaded at no cost from Adobe’s web site
www.adobe.com.

Chapter 1 Introduction
Abbreviations and Acronyms

The following abbreviations and acronyms used throughout the manual are listed
below:
ASF Analysis Sequence File

CAL Energy and Efficiency Calibration files
CAM Configuration Access Method (used to store spectroscopy
data)
CNF Spectral data file
CTF Certificate file
GPS Global Positioning System
MCA MultiChannel Analyzer
MID MCA Input Definition
NID Nuclide IDentification
NLB Nuclide LiBrary file
ROI Regions of Interest
SNM Special Nuclear Materials
TPL Report template file

The Falcon 5000 Unit
2. Hardware Setup and Configuration

This chapter is a guide to unpacking and connecting the Falcon 5000. Software
installation is covered in the appendix Installing the PC Software on page 104.

The Falcon 5000 components are housed in a single unit and consists of the
following.
• HPGe Detector
• GM Tube Detector
• Cryostat Cooler and Controller
• InSpector 2000 MCA
• WLAN/LAN module
• Internal Battery Charger
• Global Positioning System
• Neutron Probe (optional)
Connectors
This is a brief description of the Falcon 5000 rear panel connectors. For more detailed
information, refer to the appendix Specifications on page 141. The Falcon 5000 can
operate by using either a lithium-ion battery or an ac adapter. Refer to the appendix
Power System on page 125 for more information.
RS-232 Connector
The RS-232 connector is now located under the Status Indicators front panel and is
used to update the firmware and configure the WiPort. You will need to remove the
panel to gain access to the connector. This is done by removing the four Stainless M3
Socket Head Cap screws securing the bezel (black plastic cover on top of the Falcon
where the interface panel is located). The bezel will be restrained by a green ribbon
cable, this cable cannot be removed, so the bezel will not completely be detached. In
the void under the bezel, the serial interface cable will be wrapped in a bundle. This
cable is a 10-conductor ribbon cable roughly ½ in. wide. Unwrap this cable and pull it
out to access the serial connector. Reverse these instructions when completed.

Chapter 2 Hardware Setup and Configuration
External Power Connector

Connect to an external power source. Power input of 24 ± 0.5 V dc at 10 A maximum
supplied by external power supply (included as part of the Falcon).
Power Push button

The Falcon’s power push button controls power to the instrument. Power is enabled
when the push button is pressed. Press the push button a second time to disable the
power.
Note: This push button must also be held for three seconds to toggle the unit power
On or Off.
Ethernet Connector
10/100 wired Ethernet port for connecting to a Tablet PC or LAN.
Batteries
Up to two Li-ion batteries can be installed.
Figure 2 The Falcon 5000 Rear Panel

CAUTION: Use of non-rechargeable batteries or rechargeable batteries

other than those supplied or recommended by Canberra may
cause an explosion or other fire hazard resulting in personal
injury. Canberra is not liable for personal injury or damage
resulting from the use of incompatible batteries.
Status Indicator
Located on the top of the Falcon 5000 are five indicators showing the status of the
system diagnostics, temperature, communication with host computer, battery charge
status, and system operating status. See Figure 3.
Figure 3 Falcon 5000 Status Indicators
Fault
Red LED, indicates a fault has occurred 1.
Temp
The temperature of Cryostat: high (above the operating limit) or normal (ready for
use).
Comm
The two LEDs indicate if the Falcon is configured for wireless/wired
communications. Refer to the appendix Communication Setup for more information.
WLAN
Indicates a connection to a wireless network. The WLAN LED will blink while it is
searching for a wireless network, will then blink at a faster rate while it “associates”
with that network and then remain illuminated while connected to the network.
1
A fault condition is any voltage that is outside of its normal operational range. A Power Fault can indicate that the memory
Backup Battery is nearing the end of its life or that one or more of the Management Board power supplies are outside of
its normal range.

LAN
Indicates a connection to a wired network. The LAN LED will illuminate whenever
the unit is connected to another device (computer) through a “wired” connection,
otherwise it will not be illuminated.
Battery
LED bargraph indicates status of the battery from 100% to 0% in 25% decrements.
Refer to the appendix Power System on page 125 for more information.
Hardware Operating Status

The Falcon offers two modes of operation:
• Operate where the unit is fully functional.
• Standby where in the unit is in a power saving mode; the HVPS is off and the
Falcon 5000 is powered down. Keeps the unit cool and batteries charged.
Refer to Choosing the Operation Mode on page 96 for details on how the different
operation modes function.
Note: To ensure that the Operate/Standby push button hasn’t been accidentally
pressed, the push button must be pressed and held for three seconds in order
to toggle the operational mode.
Unpacking the Falcon 5000

When you receive your Falcon 5000 hardware, examine it carefully for evidence of
damage caused in transit. If damage is found, notify Canberra and the carrier
immediately.
Use the following checklist to verify that you have received all of the system
components. The Falcon 5000 system contains the following items:
• Transport Case
• Falcon 5000 Unit
• Collimator (optional)
• Calibration Source (optional)
• Two high capacity Lithium-ion batteries. Note: The Falcon 5000’s Lithium-
ion batteries are shipped uncharged; you must charge the batteries before
using them. Refer to Charging the Battery on page 127.
• External DC Power Package

Connecting the Falcon
X AC/DC Power Converter/Supply
X Cable
• Tablet PC
X Xplore (model F5000COMP/RUG)
or
X Sony handheld device (model F5000COMP/UM)
• One 1 m (3 ft) 10/100 Base-T Ethernet cable
• This manual
Connecting the Falcon

Before using the Falcon 5000, you must:
1. Press and hold the main power push button for three seconds to turn the
Falcon 5000 unit on.
2. Verify that the Tablet PC is communicating with the Falcon 5000 through a
wireless/wire connection. Refer to the appendix Communication Setup for
more information.
3. Check the battery indicator; charge if necessary. Refer to the appendix Power
System on page 125 for more information.
4. Check the Cryostat temperature.
If the temperature is –160 °C or colder (as shown on the Tablet PC’s status
line) or the Normal temperature indicator is Green on the Falcon top panel,
the detector is ready for operation. Refer to Verifying the Detector
Temperature on page 97 for more details.
5. Toggle the Falcon unit from Standby mode to Operate mode by:
− Pressing the Operate/Standby push button from the Falcon’s top panel.
− Pressing the Operate/Standby menu button from the Tablet PC.
The Operate light should illuminate.

6. Check the detector calibration. Perform an energy and/or efficiency

calibration if necessary using Genie 2000. Launch Gamma Acquisition &
Analysis from the Genie 2000 menu button. When calibration is complete,
exit GAA. Refer to Using Genie 2000 on page 72 for more details.
7. Set current calibration files located in the Calibration Files Instrument Setup
on page 80.
8. Check the background file. Perform a background count if necessary. Refer to

Background on page 71 for details.

Mounting the Falcon
Mounting the Falcon

Located on the bottom of the Falcon 5000 are four mounting holes (Figure 4) used to
attach another object (car, wall, robot, etc.) to the Falcon.
Figure 4 Falcon Mounting Holes

Chapter 3 MCA Input Definition
3. MCA Input Definition

This chapter provides basic information on the user interface and functional operation
of the setup controls for the 5000 when used with Genie™ 2000.
Unless noted otherwise, all controls are programmable through the host computer
software. For specific details on using the host computer software, please refer to the
Genie 2000 Operations Manual.
Falcon and Mid Files

The first step in using your Falcon with the Genie 2000 is to let it know the number
and types of MCAs that are installed in or connected to your system, by way of an
MCA Input Definition (MID).
Your Falcon' MCA information can be saved as a file or files that you can save and
exchange with Genie 2000. This 'file' is referred to as a MID file. Genie 2000 includes
tools to create and modify MID files - specifically, the MID Wizard and the MID
Editor. These tools and MID files are discussed in depth in the Genie 2000 manuals,
and are covered in the following sections as they relate to the Falcon, including:
• Using the MID Editor to Set Up your Falcon MCA
• Using the MID Wizard
• Using the Acquisition and Analysis Window
MCA Input Definition (MID) Editor

The following sections tells you how to use the MCA Input Definition (MID) Editor.
The MID Editor is used to set the parameters of your MCA as desired and then save
those settings as a MID file. In addition to using the MID Editor to create a new input
definition, it may be used to edit an existing MID file. You may choose to use the
MID Editor to change the default settings for any of the Falcon's programmable
components such as:

Digital Stabilizer
Gain Rate Divider (Default = 1)
Correction Range (Default = Ge)
DSP Gain
Gain Attenuator (Default = OFF)
Reset Preamp Inhibit Polarity (Default = Positive)
DSP Filter
Preamp Type (Default = RC)FDisc Shaping (Default = Normal)
Basic Concepts
We’ll review some basic concepts that are important to understand before actually
getting into the details of how you define your system’s MCAs.
Multiple MCA Configurations

Since MCA definitions are saved in individual disk files called MID files, you can
have as many definitions as you like. For example, you might have one MCA defined
as a 1K Sodium Iodide Spectroscopy MCA in one file and another as a 2K Sodium
Iodide Spectroscopy MCA in another file.
Before you start an experiment you simply pick the configuration you want to use by
selecting the appropriate MID file and loading it.
Because an MCA definition file can include any or all of the MCAs that are available
to your system, you can use more than one MCA at a time. However, each MCA can
be included only once in a given definition file and each MCA in that file must have a
unique name.
Building an MCA Definition

Building an MCA Definition means:
• Selecting the MCA and front end hardware to be used for each input through
the Device Menu. To do so, you Add the MCA to the MID Editor.
• Defining the operating characteristics and modes for each MCA and its front-
end hardware through the Settings Menu.
• After your desired settings for this MCA Definition have been achieved,
Saving the MCA Input Definition as a MID file.
We'll discuss how to add (and delete) the MID editor's MCA entries and will explain
what the definition entry consists of, and how to build an MCA Definition list.

Using the MCA Definition Files

To use an MCA Definition, load that MID file into the VDM’s internal MCA
Runtime Configuration Database. From that point on, all MCA operations will use the
configuration information that was stored in the Definition File. To change to a new
configuration, all you have to do is replace the database’s contents with a new file.
Starting the MID Editor

You will use the MID Editor to work with at least one definition file for your set.
Start the MID Editor by double clicking on its icon ( ) in the Genie-2000
Program Group (or by selecting the desktop icon, if provided) or from the Start menu
select Programs | GENIE-2000 | MCA Input Definition Editor.
The result will be the application window shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5 The MID Editor Window
To use the MID Editor, you build the MCA Definition list and you may then add to or
delete the desired MID files from the list.
Note: The phrase “local:Untitled” in the title bar, means that the MID Editor is
connected to the local VDM and that no file is currently open; this is the
default condition in a non-networked environment.
Adding an MCA
The Edit menu, at the top of the MCA Input Definition Editor's main window, is used
to add MCA hardware to or delete MCA hardware from an MCA Input Definition.

To add an MCA:
1. From the Edit menu, select Add MCA.
2. The “Add MCAs to Definition Table” dialog box opens. This dialog contains
all available MCAs.
3. Select “Falcon 5000 using I2K-F5K” from the list of available MCAs by
clicking on the ‘+’ symbol next to Network MCAs (Figure 6).
Figure 6 Adding a Falcon MCA
4. Click on Add to add a Falcon 5000 MCA to the MCA Input Definition
Editor list.
5. You can add as many MCAs to the definition as are necessary for your
system, highlight each MCA and then click the Add button to add them to
the MCA Input Definition Editor list.
6. When you’ve finished adding MCAs, click on the Done button.
Deleting an MCA
If you want to remove an MCA that you have added to the definition, you can do it
easily by:
1. Selecting the table entry you want to delete.
2. From the Edit menu, select Delete MCA.

3. The “Delete MCA” dialog box opens. Click on OK to remove the entry as
shown in Figure 7.
Figure 7 The Delete MCA Dialog
Defining an MCA
This section discusses setting up a Falcon 5000 MCA, which has a fully
programmable front end. That is, its DSP Gain, DSP Filter, Digital Stabilizer, MCS
and High Voltage Power Supply are all controlled from the host computer rather
using the other Falcon controls or features.
To begin, click on the Falcon MCA entry in the Definition Table (Figure 8) that you
want to set up.
Figure 8 Selecting the MCA to Set Up

Defining an MCA
Interpreting the Definition Entry

As you can see in Figure 8, adding the entry put more than just the name of the MCA
in the definition table. We’ll take a brief look at the other items in the entry now. As
we get further into the definition process we’ll cover them in greater detail. Note the
letter following the unit number in each Definition Table item available: an M
indicates a manually controlled unit and a P indicates a programmable unit.
MCA
This is the type of MCA device being used for this particular entry in the table.
Input
This is the name that will be used to refer to this specific hardware entry in the table.
The MID Editor automatically assigns these names sequentially as DETnn, starting
with nn=01. You can easily change these names to something you find more
meaningful as shown in Input Settings on page 25.
Size
This shows the number of data channels assigned to this input.
Stab
This column describes the Stabilizer associated with the Falcon 5000.
HV
This column describes the High Voltage Power Supply associated with the Falcon
5000.
Gain
This column describes the DSP Gain associated with the Falcon 5000.
Other Entries
All of the other entries - ADC, MXR, and Amp. are not used by the Falcon 5000
Device Setup
The Device menu sets the parameters for the Falcon 5000’s MCA and associated
devices. Some Devices options are disabled (grayed out) because they do not have
any adjustable parameters. Of the enabled Devices, only the MCA and Sample
Changer have user-selectable parameters.

MCA
From the Device menu, select the MCA command to display the dialog box shown
in Figure 9. Enter the IP address for the Falcon 5000 and select the type of input.
Click on OK to accept the changes.
Figure 9 The MCA Device Setup Dialog
Full Memory Address

Select the Falcon 5000’s full memory size.
No. of ADC’s
The number of ADC’s is fixed at 1.
Acq. Mode
The Falcon 5000’s input type normally is PHA.
IP Address
The Falcon 5000 is connected to the system through a LAN or WLAN connection. To
specify your fixed network IP address that will be used to communicate with the
module, enter the Falcon 5000’s static IP address in the text box.
Subnet Mask
Not applicable for this version.

Defining an MCA
Parameters Settings
This section discusses the specific settings for the Falcon 5000 in the MCA
Definition. You can change any of them from the MID Editor via the Settings menu.
Note: MCS will be available only if the MCA Acq. Mode under Devices was
previously configured for MCS, otherwise is grayed out.
MCA Settings
This device has no adjustable controls.
Stabilizer Settings
The Stabilizer maintains the stability of high resolution spectroscopy in applications
involving long count times or high count rates. It accomplishes this by using a
reference peak in the spectrum and correcting the system gain to keep the peak from
drifting. The count rates in the reference peak should be high enough to be
significantly more than the background in the chosen stabilizer window.
Selecting the Stabilizer command displays the Digital Stabilizer dialog box (Figure
10).
Note: This window’s initial focus is on the Cancel button; pressing the keyboard’s
ENTER key after making changes in this dialog box will cancel the changes.
Be sure to click on the OK key to accept the changes.
Figure 10 Stabilizer Settings Dialog
Gain Centroid
Sets the centroid (in channels) of the reference peak at the high end of the spectrum
for gain stabilization.

Gain Window
Sets the width (in channels) of the upper and lower sampling windows on either side
of the gain reference peak.
Gain Spacing
Sets the spacing (in channels) between the upper and lower sampling windows. The
windows should be placed so that a shift in the reference peak reflects a significant
change in count rate through the window. For broad peaks, the spacing should be set
so that the windows’ edges are not on the flat part of the peak.
Gain Rate Div

The Gain Rate Divisor sets the count rate dividers at the input to the correction
register for Gain. For high count rate reference peaks, increasing the Divider value
will smooth out the correction applied to the system and minimize any peak
broadening. This control can only be set via the MID Editor.
Gain Ratio
The Gain ratio value is interpreted by the stabilizer as the ratio to maintain between
the two gain windows (ratio = upper window / lower window). For instance, a value
of 1 would be appropriate for a pure Gaussian peak.
Correction Rng
Correction range: (Ge) 1% or (NaI) 10%. This control selects the Gain Correction
range that can be provided to correct for drift. Select Ge for a germanium detector or
NaI for a sodium iodide detector. This control can only be set via the MID Editor.
High Voltage Settings

The High Voltage command opens a dialog box (Figure 11) that allows you to adjust
the settings for High Voltage Power Supply (HVPS).
Be sure to click on the OK button to accept the changes.
Figure 11 High Voltage Settings Dialog

Defining an MCA
Range
From the Range drop down list select the desired voltage range. The Falcon 5000
currently supports one voltage range: –5000 V dc.
The Range control, must be set before the Voltage Limit or Voltage Control is
adjusted; this automatically changes the upper value for the Voltage Limit and
Voltage controls. This control can be set only in this dialog box; it cannot be changed
in the Acquisition and Analysis application.
Voltage Limit
The Voltage limit control establishes the HVPS’s maximum output voltage within
the selected range. It must be set before the Voltage control is adjusted. This control
can be set only in this dialog box; it cannot be changed in the Acquisition and
Analysis application.
Voltage
After setting the Voltage Limit, the Voltage scroll bar sets the output voltage of the
HVPS between the Voltage Limit’s minimum and maximum settings. The voltage
can also be typed in from the keyboard, then accepted with the Ok button within the
control. The MCA Adjust HVPS dialog in the Acquisition and Analysis application
allows you to adjust the output voltage, as well as turn the HVPS on and off and reset
it.
Inh. Signal
Sets the polarity of the H.V. Inhibit input. All Canberra detectors and preamps use the
Positive setting.

DSP Gain Settings

The DSP Gain settings screen (Figure 12) for the Falcon 5000 contains the following
controls.
Figure 12 DSP Gain Setting Dialog
The combination of Coarse, Fine and Super Fine Gain (SFG) sets the overall system
gain to match the requirements of the detector and energy application; overall gain is
continuously variable from x2.24 to x2438.
Gain Attenuator
ON enables a divide by four input attenuator to minimize overload due to preamp
signals with large dc offsets and Reset preamps with large output dynamic range;
overall gain settings reduce by a factor of four. When OFF is selected the signal
attenuator is removed.
Coarse Gain
Sets the device’s coarse gain. It’s best to choose the lowest Coarse Gain which,
combined with the Fine and Super-Fine Gains, will produce the total desired gain.
The Coarse gain allows selections of x2.5 through x1280.
Fine Gain
Sets the device’s Fine Gain multiplier; the adjustment range is x0.900 to x1.900.
S-Fine Gain
Sets the device’s Super-Fine Gain multiplier; the adjustment range is x0.9975 to
x1.0025.

Defining an MCA
FDisc Mode
Sets the device’s Fast Discriminator threshold mode. AUTO allows the threshold to
be optimized automatically above the system noise level; MANUAL allows the
threshold to be manually adjusted.
FDisc Setting
Sets the device’s Fast Discriminator threshold level (when MANUAL Fdisc Mode is
selected). The range is 0 to 100%.
Inp. Polarity
Sets the device’s Input signal polarity to either Positive or Negative. The device’s
input polarity must match the preamplifier’s output polarity. This control can only be
set via the MID Editor.
Inh. Polarity
Sets the device’s Reset Inhibit signal polarity to either Positive or Negative. If you are
using a TRP preamplifier, set the Reset Inhibit polarity of the device to match the
polarity of the preamp’s Inhibit output. Canberra Reset preamps use a positive Inhibit
polarity.
LLD Mode
Selects Automatic and Manual LLD modes; the digital Lower Level Discriminator
selects minimum input acceptance level. With Auto select the LLD cutoff is
automatically optimized just above the spectral noise threshold. Manual allows the
LLD cutoff to be set manually using the LLD slider bar as a percentage of the full-
scale spectral size or range. The LLD slider bar does not function when Auto is
selected.
LLD
Active when the Manual LLD Mode is selected, sets the minimum input acceptance
level, range is 0 to 100%.

DSP Filter Settings

The DSP Filter settings screen (Figure 13) for the Falcon 5000 contains the following
controls.
Figure 13 DSP Filter Settings Dialog
Rise Time
Symmetrically sets the rise time and fall time of the digital filter time response. As
with conventional Gaussian shaping, the degree of noise filtering is proportional to
the rise time selection. There are 40 rise/fall times, ranging from 0.4 to 38 μs. The rise
time can also be set in the Acquisition and Analysis application; for more information
please refer to section on “Rise Time and Flat Top Adjustments” in the InSpector
2000 Hardware Manual.
BLR Mode
Sets the baseline restorer mode. When set to AUTO, the baseline restorer is
automatically optimized as a function of trapezoid shaping time and count rate. With
settings, of SOFT, MEDIUM and HARD, the baseline restorer is set to fixed rates as
selected.
Preamp Type
Selects the Preamplifier type as either TRP (Transistor Reset Preamp type) or RC
(resistor capacitor feedback type). RC enables the Pole/Zero Assistant function and
Pole/Zero setting slider bar in the MCA | Adjust | Filter Device screen. Selecting
TRP disables the Pole/Zero Assistant function (the Adjust Screen becomes hidden)
and enables the TRP Inhibit settings in the MCA | Adjust | Filter Device screen.
This control can only be set via the MID Editor.
Flat Top
Sets the flat top portion of the digital filter time response. The flat top matches the
filter to the detector charge collection characteristics to minimize the effects of
ballistic deficit. There are 21 flat top time selections, ranging from 0 to 3 μs.

Defining an MCA
FDisc Shaping
Selects Normal or Low-energy to optimize the fast discriminator shaping for the
detector type. Selecting NORMAL optimizes the fast discriminator shaping for use
with Ge detectors and general gamma spectroscopy; the fast discriminator filter rise
time is set to 0.04 ms. Selecting Low-energy the fast discriminator rise time is set
proportional to the slow shaper rise time selection. For this selection the fast
discriminator shaping time increases proportionally with the slow shaper which
optimizes the signal to noise ratio for improved pile-up detection at low energies
when using low noise, low energy detectors.
MCS Settings
If you choose the MCS mode in the Device | MCA setup, you’ll also have to select
the MCS Disc Mode.
Be sure to click on OK to accept the changes.
Disc. Mode
The Disc Mode control establishes the MCS mode to be used. Selecting Integral
enables the MCS’s “Integral mode”: all valid gamma events processed by the DSP
that would otherwise be stored in PHA spectral memory are counted. Selecting TTL
enables the MCS’s “TTL mode” causes all TTL events to be counted. Selecting ROI
enables the “ROI discrimination mode”, meaning that all incoming events processed
by the DSP that fall within the selected discrimination window are counted.
Input Settings
The Input command is used to change the name of the Input and set up the structure
of its memory via the Define Input dialog box (Figure 14). These commands are not
available in the Acquisition and Analysis application.
Be sure to click on the OK key to accept the changes.

Figure 14 Define Input Dialog
Input Name
The default DETnn name is the name displayed here, allowing you to easily change it
to a more meaningful name, such as “H2OSampl”, up to a total of eight characters.
Detector Type
Use this drop down list to select the type of detector to be used with this MCA; this
also assigns appropriate default values to the spectrum display and analysis
parameters. Five choices are available: Gamma or X Ray - Ge, Gamma or X Ray -
NaI, Gamma or X Ray - Si, Alpha or Beta Particle - Si, or Other. For additional
information please refer to Genie 2000 Operations Manual.
Input Size
This parameter defaults to 8K, the number of channels assigned during Device setup
for the MCA, on the assumption that you’ll be using “Full Memory” for your data
acquisition. To use less than the maximum available memory size, use this control to
select the size you want to use. For instance, for NaI spectra, you wouldn’t want to
use more than 1024 channels.
Out of Service
This check box allows you to place this Input temporarily “out of service”. That is, it
will remain as an entry in your MCA Definition File but will not be available for data
acquisition. It is meant to be used when the MCA or its front end electronics are
temporarily disconnected.
Memory Groups
This check box allows you to define up to two memory groups.

Saving and Loading the Input Definition
Saving and Loading the Input Definition

Having completed a definition, the next step is to save the file using the Mid Editor's
File Save as or Save command.
• Save As saves the definition to a user defined MID file.
• Save saves the settings to an existing MID file.
To remind you to save a changed definition, you’ll see an asterisk (*) next to the
name of the current definition in the Title Bar.
CAUTION: If you change an existing Input Definition, saving it will

clear the Acquisition Start time. You will be asked to
retain the existing energy calibration information.
After having saved the definition, the next step is to load it into the run-time database
so that it can be used by the Genie 2000 applications. To load the definition, from the
Database menu select the Load To menu option.
Refer to the MCA Input Definition chapter of the Genie 2000 Operations Manual for
additional information regarding saving and loading definition files, as well as editing
existing files.
By loading this configuration into the VDM runtime database, then exiting the MID
Editor, you will be able access this detector in the MCA View and Control (MVC)
window utilizing your Genie 2000 software.
The MID Wizard

The MID Wizard helps you set up simple Input Definitions quickly and easily. It
allows you to create a MID definition in a few simple steps.
If your Input Definition is more complex than the MID Wizard was designed to
handle, you’ll have to use the MID Editor to create your definition. It is covered in
detail starting in the MCA Input Definition (MID) Editor on page 12.
Using the Wizard

To use the MID Wizard, open the Genie 2000 folder and select the MID Wizard
executable file (MidWiz.exe) or from the Start menu select Programs | GENIE-
2000 | MID Setup Wizard to start the definition process.

Note: At any time you can click Next to proceed to the next screen, click Back to
return to the previous screen or click Cancel to exit the wizard. You can also
access the help topic for each screen by clicking on the Help button.
Step 1
The Select MCA screen (Figure 15) lets you select the MCA you want to create a
definition for. Select “Falcon 5000 using I2K-F5K” from the list of available MCAs
by clicking on the ‘+’ symbol next to Network MCAs, then click the Next button.
Figure 15 Selecting the MCA
Step 2
The Configure MCA screen lets you define the MCA’s Full Memory number of
inputs and IP address, as shown Figure 16. In addition, you can specify whether the
input is PHA or MCS.

The MID Wizard
Figure 16 Configuring the MCA
Step 3
The Configure MCA screen (Figure 17) lets you enter an Input Name, Memory
Groups, Number of Channels and Detector Type (this parameter is described in detail
in Input Settings on page 25).
Figure 17 Assigning the Detector Type

You can change the default Input Name if you like, but if the field is empty, you
won’t be able to go to the next screen.
With the Memory Groups box selected, the full memory can be divided into two
memory groups.
Step 4 and 5
You won’t see the screens for Steps 4 and 5; these steps are not used when setting up
a Falcon 5000.
Step 6
The Configure High Voltage Power Supply in Figure 18 asks you to define the high
voltage power supply’s Range, Voltage Limit, and Voltage.
Note: The Falcon 5000 currently supports one voltage range: –5000 V dc.
Figure 18 Defining the High Voltage Parameters

The MID Wizard
Step 7
The Summary screen in Figure 19 displays a summary of the current MCA’s
configuration for review and lets you enter the name of the MID file that the
configuration is to be saved to.
Figure 19 Summary of the Configuration
Ending the Definition

To complete your Input Definition, select Finish. The input that you just defined will
be stored as an MID file named inputname.MID and automatically loaded into the
MCA Runtime Configuration Database. When you select Finish, you will be asked if
you would like to define another input. Answering Yes will start the Wizard again
and No will close the Wizard.
Note that if you didn’t enter an Input Name, you won’t be allowed to exit the Step 3
screen. If the name you entered is the same as the name of an existing MID file, the
system informs you and goes back to Step 3 to let you enter another name.
The Step 7 Mid FileName defaults to UNTITLED, which you’ll probably want to
change to something more meaningful. If the name you enter is the same as that of an
existing MID file, the system will ask if you want to overwrite the existing file.

Acquisition Windows Adjust Dialogs with Genie 2000

The Adjust dialogs are found under the MCA menu in the Gamma Acquisition and
Analysis (GAA) application. The datasource for the specific instrument must be
opened. To open a datasource, select File | Open Datasource, then select the
“Detector” option in the Source box. Next, select the datasource file and then Open.
In the following Adjust Screen discussion, the MCS Adjust Screen and the associated
selection button are available only if MCS was selected as the Acquisition Mode
when setting up the MCA controls in the Devices | MCA screen of the MID Editor.
If MCS was not selected the selection button and adjust screen are hidden from view.
Notes: If you get a “Required Hardware Unavailable” error, likely causes are you
may have selected the wrong data source for the instrument; there is a
problem with the communication interface (check the cables); the instrument
power is off; or, the instrument IP address was incorrectly entered when
configuring the device. For this case the problem must be corrected before the
data source can be opened.
If you get a “Hardware Verification Error” there is a mismatch between the

MID Definition setup and the hardware configuration. Likely causes are the
High Voltage Power Supply configuration or the hardware settings have been
changed.
You can choose to accept or not accept the verification error in the associated dialog
box. If you select NO, a RED error box will appear in the top left corner of the
Acquisition and Analysis window. You can determine the source of the verification
error by looking at the Status Page, which you can access by clicking MCA | Status.
The problematic item will be marked with an asterisk (*).
The following section describes those parameters for the Falcon 5000 that can be
accessed from the acquisition windows’ Adjust dialog screen; click on
MCA | Adjust. Note that the Adjust screen for a given device may actually be
composed of several screens, which are accessed by using the Next/Prev buttons.

Stabilizer Parameters
The Stabilizer settings screen (Figure 20) for the Falcon 5000 contains the following
controls.
Figure 20 Adjust Screen’s Stabilizer Settings
Figure 21 shows the relationship between the Stabilizer’s Centroid, Window and
window Spacing on a typical peak.
Figure 21 Relationship Between Stabilizer Functions
Gain Centroid
Sets the centroid (in channels) of the reference peak at the high end of the spectrum
for gain stabilization.
Gain Window
Sets the width (in channels) of the upper and lower sampling windows on either side
of the gain reference peak.

Gain Spacing
Sets the spacing (in channels) between the upper and lower sampling windows. The
windows should be placed so that a shift in the reference peak reflects a significant
change in count rate through the window. For broad peaks, the spacing should be set
so that the windows’ edges are not on the flat part of the peak.
Gain Mode
Sets the Gain Stabilization mode to Off, On or Hold.
Off disables gain stabilization and sets the correction adjustment to 0.
On enables gain stabilization, allowing the Stabilizer to compare the incoming data to
the gain Centroid and Window settings, then compensate for data below (or above)
the Centroid.
Hold disables gain stabilization, but maintains the current correction adjustment at the
Stabilizer’s output.
Gain Ratio
The Gain ratio value is interpreted by the stabilizer as the ratio to maintain between
the two gain windows (ratio = upper window / lower window). For instance, a value
of 1 would be appropriate for a pure Gaussian peak.
High Voltage Parameters

The High Voltage settings screen (Figure 22) adjusts the High Voltage Power Supply
(HVPS).
Figure 22 Adjust Screen’s HVPS Settings
Status
This control allows you to turn the HVPS on/off.
Voltage
The Voltage scroll bar sets the output voltage of the HVPS between the Voltage
Limit’s minimum and maximum settings. The voltage setting can also be typed in
from the keyboard, then accepted with the OK button within the control.

Note: The maximum setting may be limited by the Voltage Limit setting in the MID
Editor.
HVPS Reset
This control resets any HVPS fault condition (for example, inhibit or overload).
MCS Parameters
The MCS settings screen for the Falcon 5000 contains the following controls.
Note: The MCS Adjust Screen and the associated selection button are available only
if MCS was selected as the Acquisition Mode when setting up the MCA
controls in the Devices | MCA screen of the MID Editor. If MCS was not
selected the selection button and adjust screen are hidden form view.
Disc. Mode
The Disc Mode control establishes the MCS mode to be used. Selecting Integral
enables the MCS’s “Integral mode”: all valid gamma events processed by the DSP
that would otherwise be stored in PHA spectral memory are counted. Selecting TTL
enables the MCS’s “TTL mode” causes all TTL events to be counted. Selecting ROI
enables the “ROI discrimination mode”, meaning that all incoming events processed
by the DSP that fall within the selected discrimination window are counted.
PwrMgr Parameters
The Power manager setting screen (Figure 23) for the Falcon 5000 contains the
following control.
Figure 23 Adjust Screen’s Power Management Settings
The Falcon 5000 can be programmed to automatically shut down after a

programmable delay when no acquisition and communication with the host computer
is detected.

Standby Delay
Allows adjustment of the shut down delay when the automatic mode is selected. The
adjustment range is 1 minute to 250 minutes. Off or disabled for a setting value of 0.
ON for an adjustment setting value of 1 to 250. The default setting is 10 minutes.
DSP Gain Parameters

The DSP Gain settings screen (Figure 24) for the Falcon 5000 contains the following
controls.
Figure 24 Adjust Screen’s Gain Settings
The combination of Coarse, Fine Gain and Super Fine Gain (SFG) sets the overall
system gain to match the requirements of the detector and energy application; overall
gain is continuously variable from x2.24 to x2438.
Coarse Gain
Sets the device’s coarse gain. It’s best to choose the lowest Coarse Gain which,
combined with the Fine and Super-Fine Gains, will produce the total desired gain.
The Coarse Gain allows selection of x2.5 through x1280.
Fine Gain
Sets the device’s Fine Gain multiplier; the adjustment range is x0.900 to x1.900.
S-Fine Gain
Sets the device’s Super-Fine Gain multiplier; the adjustment range is x0.9975 to
x1.0025.
PUR Guard
Sets the device’s Guard Time (GT) multiplier to reject trailing edge pileup in the
event of detector/preamp anomalies. The PUR guard sets the pileup reject interval,
which is defined by GT x TRisetime + Tflattop. For additional information on using the
PUR Guard feature please refer to “PUR Guard” in the InSpector 2000 Hardware
Manual.

FDisc Setting
Sets the device’s Fast Discriminator threshold level (when MANUAL Fdisc Mode is
selected). The range is 0 to 100%.
FDisc Mode
Sets the device’s Fast Discriminator threshold mode. AUTO allows the threshold to
be optimized automatically above the system noise level; MANUAL allows the
threshold to be manually adjusted.
LT Trim
Allows adjustment of the trapezoid pulse evolution time or dead time to optimize
LTC performance. The adjustment range is 0 to 1000; the default value of 500
provides good LTC performance for a wide range of applications. For additional
information on using the LT Trim function please refer to “Live Time Correction with
a Live Source” in the InSpector 2000 Hardware Manual.
LTC Mode
Sets the amplifier’s Pulse Pileup Rejector and Live Time Corrector. When PUR is
On, the pileup rejector and live time corrector (LTC) are enabled. Off disables the
pileup rejector and LTC.
LLD
Sets the minimum input acceptance level; active only when Manual LLD mode is
selected; adjustment range is 0.0% to 100% of the spectrum full scale range.
LLD Mode
Selects Automatic or Manual LLD modes. With Automatic selected the LLD cutoff is
automatically set just above the spectral noise threshold. Manual allows the LLD
cutoff to be set manually as a percentage of the full-scale spectral size.
DSP Filter Parameters

The DSP Filter settings screen (Figure 25) for the Falcon 5000 contains the following
controls.
Figure 25 Adjust Screen DSP Filter Settings

Rise Time
Symmetrically sets the rise time and fall time of the digital filter time response. As
with conventional Gaussian shaping, the degree of noise filtering is proportional to
the rise time selection. The rise time can be selected from 40 rise/fall times ranging
from 0.4 to 38 μs.
Flat Top
Sets the flat top portion of the digital filter time response. The flat top matches the
filter to the detector charge collection characteristics to minimize the effects of
ballistic deficit. The flat top time can be selected from 21 flat top selections ranging
from 0 to 3 μs.
BLR mode
Sets the baseline restorer mode. With a setting of AUTO, the baseline restorer is
automatically optimized as a function of trapezoid shaping time and count rate. With
settings, of SOFT, MEDIUM and HARD, the baseline restorer is set to fixed rates as
selected.
Pole Zero Assistant

The Pole Zero Assistant Adjust screen (Figure 26) is on the second page of the DSP
Filter parameters; select Next after opening the Adjust Screen to get to the second
page.
Figure 26 Pole Zero Assistant Adjust Screen
Note: The Pole Zero Assistant screen is available only if RC is selected as the
Preamp Type in the Settings | DSP Filter Device of the MID Definition. If
TRP Preamp type is selected the Pole/Zero setting is set to Infinity and the
Pole Zero Assistant Adjust Screen is hidden from view.
The Pole/Zero is manually adjusted using the P/Z slider bar. The Pole Zero Assistant
and Digital Oscilloscope are provided as user aids when optimizing the pole/zero
setting.
The Pole Zero Assistant provides visual feedback of the Pole/Zero convergence
quality via the Quality Indicator. The Pole Zero Assistant measures and analyzes the
tail of the trapezoid signal and provides visual feedback showing the quality of the
pole zero adjustment via a simulated Null Meter or Pole/Zero Quality Indicator. For

additional information on adjusting the pole/zero using the Pole Zero Assistant please
refer to “Detector Matching” in the InSpector 2000 Hardware Manual.
The digital oscilloscope can be opened by clicking on the Oscilloscope icon in the
right top corner of the Pole Zero Assistant box. When using the Oscilloscope function
stop any MCA acquisitions in process to maximize the scope update rate. For
additional information on using the digital Oscilloscope please reference the chapter
Using the Digital Oscilloscope Function and the section “Pole/Zero Matching Using
the Digital Oscilloscope” in the InSpector 2000 Hardware Manual.

Chapter 4 Basic Operation
4. Basic Operation
With one or two touches on the screen, the 5000 User Interface lets you:
• START/STOP data acquisition.
• SAVE the data for future analysis.
• LOCATE the source of the radiation with the Locate Mode.
• Identify and quantify the nuclides emitting the radiation with the NID Mode.
• Display the DOSE rate in one of two forms: Linear or Log Dial.
• Display the acquired data as a full SPECtrum with ROIs, and with optional
nuclide labels and peak identifying data.
• E-MAIL, if enabled, the current spectrum.
• Display the SYSTEM HEALTH.
• Activate GENIE 2000 for immediate access to Genie 2000 and the full Genie
suite of analysis options.
• CHECK the Falcon 5000’s CALibration.
• Collect a BACKGROUND spectrum.

Quick Start
Quick Start
This section provides a quick overview of how the Falcon 5000 User Interface works.
Refer to the remaining chapter for detail information on the Locate, Nuclide ID
(NID), Dose rate, and Spectroscopy (Spec) Views. Figure 27 shows the dose rate on a
logarithmic scale.
Figure 27 The Falcon 5000 User Interface
Data Acquisition and Analysis

You can start and stop data acquisition:
• When the START button is selected, acquisition starts using the HPGe
detector; data is temporarily saved and then analyzed.
• When the STOP button is selected gamma acquisition and analysis will stop.
Dose, Neutron (optionally), and GPS will continue data collection and display
and the Locate mode will continue updating but contain no new data.

Starting Data Acquisition

The Falcon 5000’s START button starts and stops data acquisition. Select the
START button to begin acquisition and analysis; if the HVPS is Off, you’ll be
prompted to turn it On, and the following dialog (Figure 28) will appear:
Figure 28 Start Acquisition Dialog
Note: HV will not be turned on if the operating temperature is not reached.
• Once the HVPS has turned on and ramped up, you’ll see the Starting
Acquisition dialog (see Figure 29) which lets you:
Figure 29 Starting Data Acquisition
X Clear existing data and restart acquisition.
X Resume data acquisition without clearing existing data.
• The START button’s legend will change to STOP and the button will begin
to blink green.

Quick Start
Stopping Data Acquisition

Select the STOP button to terminate acquisition and analysis; you’ll see Figure 30,
which lets you:
Figure 30 Stopping Data Acquisition
• Clear existing data without stopping data acquisition.
• Stop data acquisition without clearing existing data.
Navigating the Menus

The Falcon 5000, designed to be used with the tablet’s touchscreen (display), uses the
display’s soft keys and touchscreen keyboard to navigate its menus and functions.
In addition, the Falcon 5000 can support the use of an external hardware keyboard
and a mouse.
There are two ways to navigate menus:
• Use a stylus or a finger on the touchscreen or the soft keyboard.
• Use a hard keyboard and a mouse.

To move through the menus, select one of the menu’s soft buttons (Figure 31).
Figure 31 The Menus
• Both the Locate and Dose menu buttons show a legend in italics. Each time
you select a button like this, the button’s legend and the function’s display
will change.
X For example, each time you select the DOSE button, the Dose View’s
display will change, displaying the data in a different way. The button’s
legend will also change, describing that display.
• The seventh button, NEXT, shows a right-pointing triangle. Selecting this

button displays the next level of the menu.
• To return to previous level, select the PREVIOUS button (shows a left-

pointing triangle).
The upward-pointing triangle on the SETUP menu button indicates that there is
another menu level associated with the button. Select the SETUP button to see its
next menu level.
Exiting the Menu

To temporarily remove the menu from the display:
• Enable the tablet computer’s keyboard.
• Select the keyboard’s down arrow to remove the menu from the display.
• Select the keyboard’s up arrow to return the menu to the display.

Quick Start
The Title Bar

The window’s Title Bar at the top of the screen shows Falcon 5000 and the name
assigned to the detector specified in MCA Instrument Setup on page 80. When
operating in the Easy Mode the title bar will display “Easy Mode of Operation”.
Message Bar
Located above the status line, it displays all messages and alarms.
• Use the Up and Down arrow button to scroll through all messages.
• Select the check icon to acknowledge each alarm (red) or warning

(yellow) message.
• Unacknowledged messages are a higher priority than any acknowledged

message and will always appear before acknowledged messages.
• If a message requiring acknowledgment is not currently displayed in the

message box, then the up or down arrow button will flash red indicating the
direction where the message is located.
• All error messages are shown here.
The Status Line

The Status Line at the bottom of the screen (Figure 32) provides system references
and icons. Each of which is described in the following pages.
Figure 32 The Status Line
• Instrument status (Acquiring in the figure).
• Analysis status (Analyzing in the figure).
• Detector temperature in °C.
• The two audio indicators.
• An icon showing the tablet’s power source.
• An icon showing the Falcon’s current power source.
• A help icon for the current screen.

Status Message
These messages report:
• The instrument status (includes HPGe detector and MCA): Idle or Acquiring,
or Closed.
• The analysis status, Analyzing, is displayed only when an analysis routine is

executing.
• If Closed appears in the instrument status, then the detector is not available.
Detector Temperature
Displays the current Cryostat temperature in °C.
Audio Alert Indicators

The Falcon 5000 has two audio indicators, keypress annunciator and alarm alert.
• If an alarm has been Enabled in Alarm Setup and its Alarm Level setting is
exceeded, an audio alert will sound.
• Each time you press a menu button or a keyboard key, an annunciator tone
will sound.
Turning Off the Audio Alerts

The audio icons at the bottom of the screen enable or disable the audio outputs for the
Annunciator (keypress tone) and the Alarm.
• Select the audio icons to turn off the Alarm audio; a red X will
appear on Alarm icon .
• Selecting the audio icons a second time will turn the Annunciator audio off
and put a red X through the Annunciator icon .
• Select the icons again to re-enable the Alarm .
Select the icons once more to re-enable the Annunciator .
Power Indicators
There are several power icons, one for the tablet pc and one for Falcon using the
mains (line) power, and another for battery power to the Falcon and tablet pc.

Quick Start
• The icon shows the tablet pc is connected to a power source. If the tablet
is powered by an internal battery the blue battery icon is
shown and depicts the battery charge remaining.
• The icon shows that the Falcon is using mains power. If the Falcon is
powered by an internal battery the green battery icon is shown
and depicts the battery charge remaining.
Help Icon
• Select the icon to display the help screen for the current View.
Device Indicators
Located to the right of the message bar are several icons which show the
Communication and Hardware status.
Communication Indicator
The Falcon 5000’s tablet pc is connected to the instrument via wireless (or wired)
Ethernet connection as shown by the yellow icon (in the Standby mode).
When the Falcon is switched to the Operate mode the icon changes to (green).
When the connection is not made the icon becomes . The red appearing next
to the Communication icon indicates the connection is broken.
Hardware Indicator
The icons in Figure 33 show the status of the Neutron probe, GM tube, GPS device,
detector Cooler controller, and HPGe detector. If the device is enabled via the
Instrument Setup screen but fails to respond to requests or returns an error code, the
corresponding icon with a red is displayed in the lower right corner.
Figure 33 Hardware Icons

Available Disk Space

The number of spectrum files are managed so that the auto-generation of spectrums
does not cause a “disk full error”. A warning message is displayed in the message bar
if the disk space becomes low (reaches 10% free disk space). The oldest files will
replaced by the current files. In addition to the warning message, the following icon
will appear.
E-Mail
Select E-Mail to open a plain text e-mail editor if enabled in General Setup on page
77.
System Health
Select SYSTEM HEALTH to display the System Health dialog (Figure 34) showing
the current status of the available hardware devices including the Management board,
Neutron Probe, GM tube, Cooler Controller and power management, GPS device, and
MCA (InSpector 2000).
Figure 34 System Health Dialog
Update Button
Retrieves the current status from the Falcon 5000.

Quick Start
Report Button
Print a report of the system’s status or save as a pdf file. An example report is given
in Using Genie 2000 on page 72.
Genie 2000
This feature lets you use standard Genie operations and Genie 2000’s full suite of
software applications for analyzing your data. Refer to Using Genie 2000 on page 72
for more details.
Selecting GENIE 2000 will launch Genie 2000 with the Falcon 5000’s datasource
loaded. Other detector or file datasources can be loaded via Genie 2000’s File |
Open menu command.
Note: If data acquisition is in progress, you’ll be asked to continue or terminate the

acquisition before launching Genie 2000.
Calibration Check
The Calibration Check function (Auto Gain Adjust utility in Genie 2000)
automatically corrects computer-controlled gain/zero to match the current energy
calibration. This is implemented by iteratively acquiring a spectrum, matching peaks
found by peak search analysis to input certificate file energies, and changing
hardware settings based on this peak matching analysis. The Certificate and ASF files
are located in the Calibration Files tab in Instrument Setup.
The Certificate and ASF files are located in the Calibration Files tab in Instrument
Setup (see Calibration Files on page 80). Select CAL CHECK to start the Automatic
Gain Adjustment Routine, using the parameters chosen in Cal Check Instrument
Setup.
Background
Select BACKGROUND to control the collection of the current background file. See
Background on page 71 for details.
Setup
Select SETUP to enter the Falcon 5000’s Setup Mode. From the Setup Mode you can
customize which views (LOCATE, DOSE, NID, SPEC, CAL CHECK, or
GENIE2000) and functions (START, SAVE or EXIT) are present in the Main menu,
set parameters for each view, set alarm/warning levels for each view, etc. Refer to the
chapter Setup Mode on page 76 for more information.

Operate/Standby
Select this menu button to toggle between the Operate and Standby modes. This will
also change the Operate/Standby LED located on the Falcon’s top panel. Refer to
Choosing the Operation Mode on page 96 for details on how the different operation
modes function.
To start Data Acquisition refer to the figures/tables in Quick Start on page 41.
Easy Mode of Operation

The Easy Mode of Operation allows the novice user the ability to locate and identify
source of radiation. The Falcon 5000 is normally set for this mode of operation. To
turn off the Easy Mode refer to General Setup on page 77. Disabling the Easy Mode
option returns the Falcon to its standard mode of operation allowing access to all
functions.
The Easy Mode of Operation allows only two views: Locate View and NID view.
Most menu buttons are disabled in Easy Mode only the Start, Save, Locate, NID, and
Setup menu buttons are available.
• The Locate View on page 52, which lets you locate the source of
radioactivity, making it easy to find lost, hidden or contraband sources of
radiation. Data is shown as a Histogram (Line or Bar) with the vertical axis
automatically set for full scale. Figure Figure 35 shows the data displayed as
a histogram bar.
• The Nuclide Identifier (NID) View on page 55 which identifies individual

isotopes (long name) and their type as shown in (Figure 36).

Figure 35 Locate View in Easy Mode
Figure 36 NID View in Easy Mode
Bargraph
When in the Locate view, the bar at the bottom of the screen shows the current
Gamma Count Rate (gamma radiation events detected per second). You might also
see the current Gamma Dose Rate or Neutron Count Rate, depending on how your
Falcon has been set up.

Overflow Indicator
If the bargraph’s data is greater than the selected scale, a right-pointing triangle
appears at the right end of the bargraph.
General Alerts
The Falcon can be set to alert you if the detected radiation exceeds the low level
Warning or high level Alarm threshold. In addition to the alert for specific isotopes 2,
the Falcon can alert you to any of excessive Dose Rate and/or Neutron Count Rate.
Their Warning and Alarm thresholds are defined in the Alarm Setup on page 92.
Locate View
The Locate View is a search ratemeter which lets you quickly locate radioactive
material or a radiation hotspot. As you scan an area with the detector, the increase in
intensity of the radiation lets you locate the source of the radioactivity, making it easy
to find lost, hidden or contraband sources. Audible and visible alarms can be triggered
when a significant change occurs.
How Information is Displayed

When you select the Locate View, you can choose to display either a bar histogram
(Figure 37) or a line histogram (Figure 38) showing the instantaneous radiation
intensity.
Figure 37 The Locate Bar View
2
An alert for specific isotope can be defined through the Genie 2000’s Nuclide Library Editor (see Unknown Peak.)

Locate View
Figure 38 The Locate Line View
• The most current data (i.e., time now) is at the right end of the display. As
time advances, data will move to the left.
• The display’s horizontal axis is calibrated in time. The width of the graph, in
time, is the figure below the right end of the graph (300 seconds in the figures
above).
• The vertical axis is calibrated in counts per second (CPS). Its range can be
changed or Autoscale can be enabled in the Locate Mode Setup on page 85.
The vertical axis scale’s maximum value is shown in the upper left corner
(500 cps in the figures above).
• The bar graph’s scale is shown below the bar (0.0 and 500 in the figures
above).
• In either Locator display, the counts per second value is the difference
between the current count and the average of preceding counts.
• The bar histogram or line histogram will turn red if the detected radiation
exceeds the value set for the max Y scale.
The Locator's Bargraph

The bargraph at the bottom of the screen shows the detected radiation rate in counts
per second. The number shown on the bar is the current count rate. The bargraph’s

scale is shown below the bar. Warning and alarm levels, if enabled, are also shown on
the bargraph.
Overflow Indicator
If the bargraph’s data is greater than the selected scale, a right-pointing triangle
appears at the right end of the bargraph (circled in Figure 39).
Figure 39 Overflow Bargraph Indicator
You might also see the Gamma Dose Rate and/or Neutron Count Rate, depending on
how your Falcon has been set up.
GM Tube
If the GM tube (detector) is enabled, the display will automatically show the
Gamma Dose Rate in units selected in the Dose Mode Setup on page 91. The
Gamma Dose rate will be displaying the total dose rate as calculated by the GM
tube.
Neutron Probe
If a neutron probe is enabled, the display will automatically show the average
Neutron Count Rate in (cps).
Locator Alerts
The Locate alarms are configured in the Locator Alarm Setup on page 92. If the
Enable Alarm check box is selected and the low-level warning and/or high-level
alarm thresholds are exceeded, you will be alerted to the condition in several ways.
Configuration of the Dose rate and Neutron count rate alarms are discussed in the
Dose Rate View on page 60 and Neutron Probe on page 69.
Warning Indicators
If the low-level Warning threshold is exceeded, the following will occur:
• The color of the bar will change to yellow and the warning level marked by a
vertical yellow line changes to brown in the bar.
• The audio alert for that warning will sound.

NID View
• The display’s message bar background will alternate between black and
yellow.
Alarm Indicators
If the high-level Alarm threshold is exceeded, the following will occur:
• The color of the bar will change to red and the alarm level marked by a
vertical red line changes to brown in the bar.
• The audio alert for that alarm will sound
• The display’s message bar background will alternate between black and red.
Resetting the Warning or Alarm

If any of the mode's (Locate, Dose, or Neutron) warning and alarm thresholds are
exceeded, you can select the check icon next to the message bar to acknowledge the
warning or alarm.
When a mode's alert has been acknowledged, another alert for that mode will not
occur until:
• The monitored parameter for that has dropped below the alert level and
• The monitored parameter for that has exceeded the alert level again.

See Turn Off the Audio Alerts on page 46.
Save Spectrum on Alarm

If enabled in the Locator Alarm Setup on page 92. You can automatically save the
current spectrum if the Locator’s alarm is triggered.
NID View
The NID (Nuclide Identification) View provides real-time identification of individual
isotopes and their calculated activity, with the results displayed in a table.
Acquiring NID Data

When data has been acquired and analyzed, the NID View will use the results of the
current analysis to display a chart of identified isotopes. The NID Mode Setup on page

86 offers a choice of ways to analyze the data, Discrete Analysis and Standard
Analysis.
• In Discrete Analysis, the data is analyzed only once, when data acquisition is
complete.
• In Standard Analysis, the data acquisition and analysis cycle repeats

continuously.
Note: To use Standard Analysis, you must disable Discrete Analysis (see Disabling
Discrete Analysis on page 60).
Discrete Analysis
• During acquisition, the NID screen will show the preset time and the elapsed
time until acquisition is complete. An “Analysis after data collection or on the
stop” message can be seen in the lower left corner of the table during
acquisition.
• When analysis is complete, the NID table will display the analysis.
Standard Analysis
• During the first acquisition and analysis cycle, the NID screen will show the
message “Preliminary Results” in the lower left corner of the table during
acquisition.
• At the end of the first acquisition and analysis cycle, the NID screen will
either list the nuclides found, or display the phrase “No Nuclides Found” in
the message bar.
• With each acquisition and analysis cycle after the first, the NID table will list
the results of each analysis as it is completed.
SNM Identification
Upon completion of the primary (and secondary) analysis if any SNM type Uranium
(U) and/or Plutonium (Pu) nuclide is identified, SNM analysis is performed.
SNM analysis utilizes the Library Correlation NID engine to perform a correlation
analysis between the measured spectrum and the composite nuclides defined in the
SNM nuclide library. The composite nuclide with the highest correlation to the
measured spectrum that exceeds the minimum threshold value is declared the
candidate SNM material. The corresponding message is displayed in the message bar.
For example, “Weapons Grade Plutonium has been identified”.
For a complete list of messages, please see the chapter Using the Falcon 5000 on
page 95.

NID View
How Nuclide Information is Displayed

The table in the NID View (Figure 40) lists the Nuclide, its Type (fission, activation,
etc.), its %Conf (Confidence), its Activity, and its %Error (the 1 sigma uncertainty of
the activity). In the case where the LibCorNID engine is used in place of the standard
Genie2k NID engine, %Corr (Correlation) replaces the heading %Conf.
Figure 40 NID (Nuclide Identification) View
• The rows of table data can be sorted. See Sorting the NID Data on page 58.
• The current page and total number of pages are shown in the lower right
corner.
• The NID Mode Setup on page 86 contains two parameters to define the
confidence level threshold to transition between the graded steps. The NID
table will display the confidence value for each nuclide found and will list
“Suspected” if the NID confidence is above the lower threshold, and will list
the actual confidence if it is above the upper threshold.
If one or more nuclides appear in the ID table with a ‘Suspected’ rating, the
message bar displays “Some nuclides have a weak signal, counting longer
may improve results”.
• When two or more nuclides, such as 85Kr and 85Sr, produce their single peak
at the same energy level, the Falcon is not able to determine which nuclide to
assign to that peak. If this happens, the Falcon will display a ‘?’ before the
nuclide name.

• If the Unknown Peak analysis is enabled in the NID Mode Setup on page 86,
the following message appears. Click on Yes or No to continue. If Yes is
selected, then the message bar will show the location where the primary
analysis results are stored.
• When the Max NID Dose Rate is exceeded (as set in the NID Mode Setup)
the message “Maximum NID Dose Rate Alarm: exceeded threshold 100
μSv/h, current value ….” is displayed in the message bar.
• You can display the nuclide’s long name, if enabled, from the NID Mode
Setup.
You might also see the Gamma Dose Rate and/or Neutron Count Rate, depending on
how your Falcon has been set up.
GM Tube
If the GM tube (detector) is enabled, the display will automatically show the
Gamma Dose Rate in units selected in the Dose Mode Setup on page 91. The
Gamma Dose rate will be displaying the total dose rate as calculated by the GM
tube.
Neutron Probe
If a neutron probe is enabled, the display will automatically show the average
Neutron Count Rate in (cps).
Sorting the NID Data

You can sort the rows of data by selecting one of the table’s column headings.
• The title of the column that has been used for sorting will have an arrow to
the right of its title. The default column heading to sort by is selected in the
NID Mode Setup on page 86.
• The title of the sorted column will have a small triangle next to it. A
downward pointing triangle sorts the column in an ascending order while an
upward pointing triangle sorts the column in a descending order.

NID View
• Click on Nuclide to sort the rows in increasing/decreasing order of atomic

mass.
• Click on Type to sort the rows in alphabetical order from a to z.
• Click on %Conf to sort the rows in increasing/decreasing order of

confidence.
• Click on Activity unit (Bq or μCi) to sort the rows in increasing/decreasing

order of activity.
• Selecting % Error will sort the rows in increasing/decreasing order of

uncertainty.
Next/Previous Pages
The table can have more than one page of data, depending on how many nuclides
have been identified. To view the additional pages click on the Up ( ) or the Down
( ) buttons to the right of the NID table.
NID Alerts
Using Genie 2000’s Nuclide Library Editor, you can set alerts for specific nuclides in
a Nuclide Library (NLB) file.
To set an alert for a nuclide, open the NID library identified in NID Mode Setup on
page 86 and set its Action Level values, as described in the Nuclide Library Editor
chapter in the Genie 2000 Operations Manual.
• If the Nuclide’s ‘Action Level 1’ level is exceeded:
X Its line will highlight in yellow. (Entry in table will be in yellow.)
X A nuclide Warning-level message will be sent to the message bar.
• If the Nuclide’s ‘Action Level 2’ level is exceeded:
X Its line will highlight in red. (Entry in table will be in red.)
X A nuclide Alarm-level message will be sent to the message bar.
Configuration of the Dose rate and Neutron count rate alarms are discussed in the
Dose Rate View on page 60 and Neutron Probe on page 69.

Resetting the NID's Warning or Alarms

If the NID’s warning and alarm thresholds are exceeded, you can select the check
icon next to the message bar to acknowledge the warning or alarm.
When the alert for a specific nuclide has been acknowledged, another alert for that
nuclide will not occur until:
• The activity for all nuclides drops below the alert level.
• The activity for the nuclide that triggered the alert exceeds the alert threshold
again.
Disabling Discrete Analysis

To use Standard Analysis go to the NID Mode Setup on page 86 then clear the Enable
Discrete Analysis check box. Click OK.
Next from the Instrument Setup on page 80 select the MCA tabbed page. Verify or
enter an Acquisition type, Real or Live, and the time.
Note: Changing the MCA Preset settings will clear the current data and analysis
results to avoid timing discrepancies when new presets are entered.
Dose Rate View

The Dose View, which is always running in the background, measures and displays
the instantaneous Dose Rate, the amount of radiation being measured at this moment.
You can choose from one of two displays: Linear or Log Dial.
Dose Rate Equivalent

The Falcon 5000 reports the dose rate equivalent on 10 mm of human tissue [H*(10)].
It does not report surface tissue dose. Therefore, the values reported by the Falcon
will not be the same as those reported by instruments using surface methods.
How Dose Information is Displayed

All Dose displays include a digital readout and visual indicators for both the warning
threshold and the alarm threshold. The thresholds are selected in Dose Alarm Setup
on page 93 and the display units are selected in Dose Mode Setup on page 91.
You can display the dose rate in one of two ways:
• Log Dial – Displays the current Gamma Dose Rate on a logarithmic scale
(Figure 41).

Dose Rate View
• Linear Dial – Displays the current Gamma Dose Rate on a linear scale
(Figure 42).
Figure 41 Log Dial Dose View
Figure 42 Linear Dial Dose View
You can choose either a linear or logarithmic dial display of the data by selecting the
DOSE button. The button’s legend will also change, describing that display.

Dose Rate Overrange Indicator

The Falcon’s Geiger-Mueller detector, which is used for dose rate, has an upper limit
of effectiveness 3. When the dose rate exceeds that limit, the message bar will flash an
alert.
You might also see the Neutron Count Rate if the neutron probe is enabled. The
Neutron bargraph will automatically show the average Neutron Count Rate in (cps).
Changing to the NID Mode

If NID results are available (see NID View on page 55), you’ll see an isotope icon
( ) in the upper right corner of the Dial displays. You can change from a Dial
display to the NID display by selecting this icon.
Dose Alerts
The Dose alarms are configured in the Dose Alarm Setup on page 93. If the Enable
Alarm check box is selected and the low-level warning and/or high-level alarm
thresholds are exceeded, you will be alerted to the condition in several ways.
Configuration of the Neutron count rate alarms is discussed in the Neutron Probe on
page 69.
Warning Indicators
• Log and Linear displays:
X A yellow triangle is shown on dial display.
X The count rate, scale, and needle will turn yellow.
• A dose warning message will appear in the message bar.
Alarm Indicators
If high-level Alarm threshold is exceeded, the following will occur:
• Log and Linear displays:
X A red triangle is shown on dial display.

3
The upper limit of the GM tube’s effectiveness is 300 x 103 µSv/h (30 x 106 mrem/h).

Spectroscopy View
X The count rate, scale, and needle will turn red.
• The audio alert for that alarm will sound.
A dose alarm message will appear in the message bar.

exceeded, you can select the check icon next to the message bar to acknowledge the
warning or alarm.
occur until:


If enabled you can automatically save the current spectrum if the Dose alarm is
triggered.
The Dose Rate Audio

If the Dose Rate Audio is enabled (see Dose Rate Audio on page 91), the Falcon can
be used to locate an isolated source. When the Falcon detects radioactivity, an audio
alert will sound. As the unit approaches the source, the radiation intensity (incoming
count rate) increases, causing the audio output’s rate or pitch to change with the rate
of detected radiation.
Spectroscopy View
The Spectroscopy (SPEC) View acquires and displays spectral data. If discrete
analysis is not enabled, periodic analysis will detect peaks as acquisition continues
which will be displayed and updated in real time.

If enabled (see Spec Setup on page 89), peak labeling and, when a specific peak is
selected, peak information are displayed (Figure 43).
Figure 43 The Spectroscopy View
Region of Interest
An analyzed spectrum will contain Regions of Interest (ROIs), areas of the spectrum
containing energy data for one or more radionuclides.
• If the ROI contains a single peak, well separated from other peaks (a singlet),
it will be marked in red.
• If the ROI contains multiple peaks overlapping each other (a multiplet), it

will be marked in blue.
Moving the Spectrum's Cursor

The cursor can be moved to a general location in the spectrum by tapping the display
with a stylus. For finer control of the cursor:
• Enable the computer’s keyboard.
• Select the keyboard’s down arrow to minimize the menu bar.
• Select the keyboard’s left/right arrows to move the cursor to the left/right.
• If desired, select the keyboard’s up arrow to restore the menu bar.

Spectroscopy View
Expanding the Spectrum

You can zoom in on a selected region of the spectrum by using the vertical scroll bar
located to the right of the spectrum display.
Zoom In
Move the scroll box down or click on the down scroll arrow to increase the selected
spectrum, showing a smaller amount of the spectrum in greater detail.
Zoom Out
Move the scroll box up or click on the up scroll arrow to decrease the selected
spectrum, showing a greater amount of the spectrum in less detail.
The Spectroscopy Display

The Spectroscopy View’s display consists of six parts: the Title Bar, the Data Line,
the Spectrum, the Information Pages, the Message Bar and the Status Line.
The Title Bar

The window’s Title Bar at the top of the screen (Figure 43) shows Falcon 5000 and
the name assigned to the detector specified in MCA Instrument Setup on page 80.
The Data Line

The Data Line (Figure 44) shows:
• The position of the cursor, in terms of both Channel location (1427) and its
energy (661.9 keV).
• The total Counts at that location (1073).
• The Preset setting (Inf) and the elapsed preset (1858.5), in seconds.
Figure 44 The Data Line
The Spectrum
The main part of the screen displays the current spectral data with nuclide
identification and peak information, if enabled (Figure 43).

The Information Page

User selectable data about the current spectrum can be displayed below the spectrum
in an information page. Information pages include Marker (ROI) Info, Calibration
Info, Time Info, Display Info, Nuclide Info, and Sample Info. Click within the
Information Page area to toggle through the pages, one by one.
ROI Info
The ROI page (Figure 45) provides data about the current ROI (the one with the
cursor in it): left and right marker channel and energy, centroid channel and energy,
area and percent error, the ROI’s integral, and FWHM and FWTM.
Figure 45 The ROI Info Page
Calibration Info
The Calibration page (Figure 46) includes the current calibration’s Energy equation,
FWHM (full width at half max) equation, and the Efficiency at the cursor’s position
and its curve model.
Figure 46 The Calibration Info Page
Time Info
The Time page (Figure 47) includes the Start time for the current data Acquisition,
the percent Dead Time, and the Elapsed and Preset values for both Live Time and
Real Time.
Figure 47 The Time Info Page

Spectroscopy View
Display Info
The Display page (Figure 48) includes the display window’s Start and End Channels
by number and energy, the display’s current VFS (vertical full scale) and, if the cursor
is in an ROI, its Net and Total CPS (counts per second).
Figure 48 The Display Info Page
Nuclide Info
The Nuclide page (Figure 49) includes the Analysis Sequence description, the
Identified nuclide at the cursor’s position and any other potential nuclides found In
Library.
Figure 49 The Nuclide Info Page
Sample Info
The Sample page (Figure 50) describes the current sample’s descriptive information
that will be saved with spectral data. This data is used in reports when saved spectra
are uploaded to a host PC. None of these values have any significance in analysis
except the quantity.
Figure 50 The Sample Info Page
• ID, an identifier for the sample being measured, Quantity, the amount of
sample being measured, Quantity Units if specified, and Type are taken from
data entered from Sample Information dialog in the Genie 2000’s
Edit | Sample Info menu.
• Geometry displays the data entered in the “Eff. Geom. ID” field in Genie
2000’s Calibrate | Store menu.

• Time is the time the sample was taken.
• Efficiency is the name of the file used to efficiency calibrate the sample.
The Message Bar

The Message Bar located above the status line is covered in detail in the Message Bar
on page 45.
The Status Line

The Status Line at the bottom of the screen is covered in detail in The Status Line on
page 45.
Peak Labeling
If enabled in Spectroscopy Mode Setup on page 89, the Nuclide Identification Labels
and a Peak Information Bubble are added to the spectral display.
Figure 51 shows Nuclide ID labels on many peaks and Peak Information data for the
given 137Cs peak in the spectrum.
Figure 51 A Typical Spectrum with Labels
Nuclide Identification Labels

If enabled, a Nuclide ID label will appear above every identified peak. Multiple
labels will be attached to a peak if more than one nuclide can be associated with that
peak.
The labels for identified ROIs are derived from the chosen Nuclide Identification
Source.
Note: When data acquisition is active, the label will appear only at the location of
the cursor.

Neutron Probe
Peak Information Bubble

If enabled, moving the mouse cursor over an identified peak will display a Peak
Information bubble listing the peak’s Nuclide ID, Energy, and Net Area with
percent error. Activity can be displayed in either μCi or Bq.
Note: The bubble can be seen only when the spectrum cursor is in an indentified
ROI. If the peak was not identified, the bubble will not be seen.
Alarms
All modes (Locate, Dose, or Neutron) will automatically save the current spectrum if
enabled and the mode’s alarm is triggered. In Dose and Neutron mode, auto save will
occur whether spectral data is available or not.
Saving Spectral Data

Select the SAVE menu button to save the current spectrum to Genie 2000’s
C:\Genie2K\Camfiles directory.
Note: This is the directory created by a Standard Genie 2000 installation. If you
chose to do a Custom installation, your path for storing spectrum files may be
different.
Using Falcon 5000’s GENIE 2000 menu button, these files can be opened in Genie
2000 for analysis.
Spectrum File Name

If Auto Save is enabled, the filename is created from the file’s date/time stamp:
MMDDYYYYHHMMSS.CNF (Month, Day, Year, Hour, Minute, Second).
Note: All times and dates will be obtained from the current setting of the system
clock.
Neutron Probe
If a neutron probe is enabled in the Neutron Instrument Setup on page 83, the
bargraph will automatically show the average Neutron Count Rate in (cps).
Neutron Overrange Indicator

If the overrange limit for neutron detector is exceeded, the message bar will flash an
alert.

Neutron Count Rate Alerts

If the Enable Alarm check box is selected and the low-level warning and/or high-
level alarm thresholds for any of Neutron Count Rate are exceeded, you will be
alerted to the condition in several ways.
Warning Indicators
• The color of the bar will change to yellow and the alarm level marked by a
vertical yellow line changes to brown in the bar.
• A warning message will appear in the message bar.
Alarm Indicators
If the high-level Alarm threshold is exceeded, the following will occur:
• The color of the bar will change to red and the alarm level marked by a
vertical red line changes to brown in the bar.
• The audio alert for that alarm will sound.
• An alarm message will appear in the message bar.

exceeded, you can select the check icon next to the message bar to acknowledge any
warning or alarm.
occur until:

Saving Spectrum on Alarm

If enabled you can automatically save the current spectrum if the Neutron Alarm is
triggered.

Background
Background
Background Subtraction (BKD) uses a background spectrum file to subtract the
environment’s background radiation from the current spectrum. This ensures that the
current spectrum represents only the radiation being emitted by the suspect source.
The Background Subtraction file is used only if the currently loaded Analysis
Sequence File (ASF) includes a background subtraction area correction step. You’ll
have to use NID Mode Setup on page 86 to load an appropriate ASF file.
To Collect a Background Spectrum

To collect a background spectrum, select the BACKGROUND menu button. Enter
the Background Preset Time in seconds and then click on Collect to start the
Background Measurement as shown in Figure 52.
Figure 52 Collecting a Background Spectrum
During the background count, a dialog will appear with the text “Press abort to
terminate collect” allowing the user to terminate the background count.
The background spectrum will be acquired, then analyzed. When the background
measurement is complete, press Ok to save the file under the supplied file name, and
set the background file in Setup to the supplied file name.
Note: The Background file name, BMMDDYYYYHHMMSS, specifies the Month,

Day, Year, Hour, Minute, and Second the file was created.
To Select a Background File

From the NID Mode Setup on page 86 you can select the background file to be
subtracted from the current spectrum by clicking on the Browse… ( ) button.

Using Genie 2000

To launch Genie 2000 with the current spectral data loaded, go to the second level of
the Main menu and select the GENIE 2000 menu button.
From the Genie 2000’s Gamma Acquisition and Analysis window, you can perform
many operations including:
• Change the MCA settings
• Perform an Energy calibration
• Perform an Efficiency calibration
• Analyze a spectrum
Entering Genie 2000 while acquiring a spectrum will display a message (Figure 53)
giving the user a choice to either continue or terminate the acquisition before Genie is
launched.
Figure 53 Genie Error Message
Dose, Neutron, and GPS data collection and Cooler and System status will remain
active and any warning or alarms produced will be displayed in the message bar of
the Falcon 5000 user interface.
Creating the Report in Genie 2000

To create the Example Report on page 74 from the transferred spectrum file:
• In Genie 2000, select File | Open Datasource, then select filename.cnf to

open the file you transferred.
• Now select Analyze | Reporting | Standard to open the Standard Report

Setup dialog (Figure 54) and select the parameters for generating the report.

Using Genie 2000
Figure 54 Selecting the Report’s Parameters
Template Name
Scroll down the Template Name list to find and select the analysis.tpl report
template.
Section Name
Scroll down the Section Name list to find and select the NID_Intf report section.
The Activity Units

• Activity is reported in microcuries by default. (The Activity Units field is μCi
and the Multiplier is 1).
• If you want to use another Activity Unit, you’ll have to supply a Multiplier to
convert the activity from microcuries to your unit.
• For instance, if you want the activity to be reported in bequerels:
X Type Bq in the Activity Units field.
X Type 37000 in the Multiplier field.
The “Output to” Checkboxes

Genie 2000 provides two outputs for a report. You can select either or both of their
check boxes.
• Check Screen to display the report in Genie 2000's Report window and file
as C:\Genie2k\Repfiles\filename.rpt where filename is the name of the
currently open spectrum file.

• Check Printer to send the report to your computer's default printer.
Create the Report

Click the Execute button to generate the report. An example of a report created by
the analyis.tpl template you chose in the Standard Report Setup dialog (Figure 54) is
shown below.
Example Report
Interference Corrected Activity Report 3/08/2007 11:44:47 AM Page 1
********************************************************************
***** N U C L I D E I D E N T I F I C A T I O N R E P O R T *****
********************************************************************
Sample Title: Falcon
Nuclide Library Used: C:\GENIE2K\CAMFILES\STDLIB.NLB
...................... IDENTIFIED NUCLIDES ...........................
Nuclide ID Energy Yield Activity Activity

Name Confidence (keV) (%) (uCi/Unit) Uncertainty
K-40 0.985 1460.81* 10.67 4.52346E-002 5.58651E-003

CO-57 1.000 122.06* 85.51 1.98107E-002 6.72366E-004
136.48* 10.60 1.32657E-002 2.25151E-003
CO-60 0.999 1173.22* 100.00 2.10905E-001 5.26987E-003
1332.49* 100.00 2.17110E-001 6.32916E-003
CD-109 1.000 88.03* 3.72 1.92539E+000 8.74014E-002
SN-113 0.927 255.12 1.93
391.69* 64.90 2.70958E-003 7.80444E-004
CS-137 0.973 661.65* 85.12 1.96410E-001 5.75037E-003
CE-139 1.000 165.85* 80.35 4.05548E-003 3.67408E-004
TH-231 0.688 26.64* 18.70
84.21* 8.00 2.25658E-002 2.91711E-003
89.95 1.25
* = Energy line found in the spectrum.

@ = Energy line not used in weighted Mean Activity
Energy Tolerance : 1000 keV
Nuclide confidence index threshold = 0.30
Errors quoted at 1.000 sigma

Using Genie 2000
Interference Corrected Activity Report 3/08/2007 11:44:47 AM Page 2

********************************************************************
***** I N T E R F E R E N C E C O R R E C T E D R E P O R T *****
********************************************************************
Nuclide Wt mean Wt mean

Nuclide Id Activity Activity
Name Confidence (uCi/Unit) Uncertainty
K-40 0.985 4.523459E-002 5.586514E-003

CO-57 1.000 1.927484E-002 6.442541E-004
CO-60 0.999 2.134454E-002 4.049820E-003
CD-109 1.000 1.925392E+000 8.740143E-002
SN-113 0.927 2.709579E-003 7.804439E-004
CS-137 0.973 1.964103E-001 5.750367E-003
CE-139 1.000 4.055483E-003 3.674079E-004
TH-231 0.688 2.256580E-002 2.917114E-004
? = nuclide is part of an undetermined solution

X = nuclide rejected by the interference analysis
@ = nuclide contains energy lines not used in weighted Mean Activity
Uncertainty quoted at 1.000 sigma
********** U N I D E N T I F I E D P E A K S **********
Peak Energy Peak Size in Peak CPS Peak Tol.

No. (keV) Counts per Second % Uncertainty Type Nuclide
6 234.46 2.7508E-002 282.99

9 1004.98 1.4075E-002 468.79
10 1148.94 -5.2851E-002 -721.67
12 1182.90 2.6133E-002 199.14
M = First peak in a multiplet region

m = Other peak in a multiplet region
F = Fitted singlet
Errors quoted at 1.000 sigma

Chapter 5 Setup Mode
5. Setup Mode
Setup Mode lets you set both the system parameters for the Falcon 5000 and the
parameters for each data mode. To access the Setup Mode, select the NEXT button
from the Main menu, then the SETUP button.
Figure 55 Accessing the Setup Menu
Navigating the Setup Dialogs

This section covers the navigation tools available in the Setup Mode.
Figure 56 The First-Level Setup Menu
OK
Select OK to save your changes and exit the current dialog page.
Cancel
Select Cancel to exit the current dialog page without saving your changes.
Apply
Select Apply to save the changed parameters in memory without leaving the current
dialog page.

General Setup
Help
Select Help to access the help topic for the current dialog page.
General Setup
General Setup lets you enable the system’s operations, functions, energy saving
settings, E-mail setup, and Easy Operating mode.
Modes
There are three sections on the Modes page: Modes of Operation and Modes of
Function and the Automatically Launch Falcon 5000 Application on Startup.
Modes of Operation / Function

The check boxes in the two Mode sections let you turn any of the Falcon 5000’s
modes off or on. If a box is checked, that mode will be available in the Main menu.
To disable a mode, clear the check from its box; its menu button will not be seen.
Automatically Launch Falcon 5000 Application on Startup

Selecting this check box causes Falcon 5000 to automatically load and run when you
turn on your computer.
Note: This parameter will not take effect until the computer has been restarted.
Application
There are four sections on the Application page: Application Settings, Energy Saving
Settings, Setup Parameters and Factory Defaults.
Application Settings
You can select the operating Language* for the Falcon 5000 and specify the Home
Mode, the one which appears when the application is first launched.
Energy Saving Settings

When Enable Sleep Mode is checked, the unit’s display will turn off at the end of
the Timeout period. All other processes will continue.
Setup Parameters
You can view each parameter/value pair by selecting the View button.

View
Select the View button to display all setup parameters in the Report View. You
can choose to print the report or save as a pdf file.
Factory Defaults
Select the Restore button to reset the Falcon’s operating parameters to their factory
default settings. See Default Falcon Configuration Settings on page 131 for a
complete list of the default parameters.
*Note: As of this date the Falcon supports English only.
EMO
The EMO page lets you enable the Easy Mode of Operation feature.

Enable EMO enables the Easy Mode of Operation when selected. Deselect to enable
the Standard Mode of Operation.
E-Mail
The E-Mail page lets you enable the e-mail option and set its parameters. When you
select the E-mail button, the current spectrum (and critical parameters) is saved to
disk and the current mail transport (for example, Outlook Express) is activated.
Enable Email
Select this checkbox to enable the E-mail button.
Email Setup
Enter the recipient e-mail address and subject header.
File Format
Select the e-mail’s file format as a CAM file or IEC1455 file.
Password Setup
Password Setup lets you enable or change the system’s passwords. To set the
password, refer to Enable Password Protection, below.
Note: At a minimum, you should enable password protection for the Falcon 5000
Setup mode, otherwise passwords can be assigned or changed by anyone.

Password Setup
Falcon 5000 Setup

You can password protect the system’s Setup Mode to prevent unauthorized changes
to the Falcon 5000’s system parameters. When enabled, a user selecting the Setup
Mode button in the Main menu will be asked to enter the password.
To set the password, refer to Enable Password Protection, below.
Genie 2000
You can limit access to the Genie 2000 application by assigning a password here.
When enabled, a user selecting the Genie 2000 button in the Main menu will be asked
to enter the password.
Acknowledge Alarm
You can limit access to the Message bar function by assigning a password here. When
enabled, a user selecting the Alarm Check icon ( ) next to the message bar will be
asked to enter the password.
Enable Password Protection

To set a password, follow these instructions:
1. Check the Enable Password Protection check box to prevent unauthorized

access to the function.
2. The Current Password is displayed.
3. You can change the current password by typing the current password in the
Current Password field, and then entering your new password in the New
Password box.
4. Verify your entry by typing it in the Repeat New box.
5. Select OK to store the new password.

Instrument Setup
The Instrument Setup lets you set parameters that apply to the entire instrument.
MCA
The MCA page lets you choose a detector and its input size, and set the acquisition
type.
Detector Name
The Detector Name (datasource name) you select here applies only to the current
detector. This name will appear on the Falcon 5000’s Title Bar and in all reports.
Note: A change to this parameter will be implemented after the program has been
closed then relaunched.
Input Size
This parameter selects the Input Size, in number of channels, for the current
detector.
Note: A change to this parameter will be implemented after the program has been
closed then relaunched.
Falcon IP
The network address that will be used to communicate with the Falcon.
Acquisition Type
You can select a Preset Live or Preset Real data acquisition preset in Seconds
or you can choose Continuous acquisition.
• Real time preset – Counts to the specified elapsed real time.
• Live time preset – Counts to the specified elapsed live time.
• Continuous preset – Counts until the Stop button is pressed.
Calibration Files
The Calibration Setup page (Figure 57) lets you select which Genie 2000 energy and
efficiency calibration files you want to use with the Falcon 5000. The certificate and
ASF files are used with the Cal Check function.

Instrument Setup
The browse button for each file type lets you look for the file in the appropriate Genie
2000 folder.
Note: The Falcon must be restarted if any of the calibration files are changed.
Figure 57 Calibration Setup Files for the Falcon
Calibration Check
The Cal Check setting page lets you set the parameters for the CAL CHECK menu
function.
Preset Live Time

Set the live time in seconds for each iteration’s data acquisition. The preset should be
long enough to provide adequate statistics for a successful peak search analysis.
The acquisition time typically ranges from 10 seconds to several minutes, depending
on the source intensity and desired Percent Gain Shift Tolerance. A typical button
source in the 37 000 Bq (1 μCi) range placed at the detector will probably provide
enough counts in about 30 seconds. Optimizing the Preset Live Time may require
some experimentation.

Percent Gain Shift Tolerance

The Percent Gain Shift Tolerance is how much the average gain correction factor can
deviate from unity, in percent, after a successful gain adjustment.
Given enough acquisition time to adequately determine peak centroids, a Percent

Gain Shift Tolerance of 1% or less for high resolution (HPGe) detectors is usually a
good starting point. Optimizing the Percent Gain Shift Tolerance with the Preset Live
Time may require some experimentation.
Adjust Zero
The Adjust Zero is disabled and not used with the Falcon.
Convergence
Select either Single or Double convergence to specify whether the routine should run
successfully once or twice after the average gain correction factor satisfies the
specified Percent Gain Shift Tolerance. Double convergence may minimize any
possible overshoot or undershoot bias, but requires more iterations.
In order for the Automatic Calibration Check routine to run successfully, the number
of peaks found in the spectrum must be within a factor of 2 from the number of peaks
listed in the certificate file. The certificate file can be edited using the Genie 2000
certificate file editor included with the installed software. For details please refer to
the Genie 2000 user documentation. If convergence is still not reached, more
convergence details can be obtained by running the Auto Gain Adjust algorithm
directly from the Genie 2000 calibration menu (Auto Gain Adjust is the same
function as the Falcon 5000 Cal Check function).
Iteration Limit
Specify the maximum number of iterations that can be performed. If convergence is
not achieved before the specified limit is reached, the algorithm will stop with an
error. The typical number of iterations required to reach convergence depends on the
Preset Live Time as compared to the source intensity and the Percent Gain Shift
Tolerance. Reasonable settings usually result in convergence within 3 iterations, so 5
might be a typical Iteration Limit setting.
GM Tube
The GM Tube page lets you enable configuration and data collection for the GM tube.
Enable
Select this checkbox to enable the GM tube.
Uncertainty Multiplier
This value is entered in number of sigmas. The recommended range is 2.5 - 3.5.

Instrument Setup
Dose Rate Conversion Factor

The value 0.9 produces a default dose rate of 1 μSv/hr.
Overrange Limit
This is the maximum dose rate for the GM tube.
This value is set at the factory and cannot be changed. Maximum value is 300 000 in
units of μSv/h.
Neutron
The Neutron page lets you enable configuration and data collection for the Neutron
probe.
Enable
Select this check box to enable the Neutron probe.
Overrange Limit
This is the maximum count rate for the Neutron probe.
This value is set at the factory and cannot be changed. Maximum value is 300 in units
of cps.
Cooler
The Cooler page lets you enable the cooler controller.
Enable
Select this check box to enable data collection for the cooler.
GPS
The GPS page lets you enable the GPS device and set its parameters.
Enable
Selecting the Enable checkbox causes Falcon to enable the saving of coordinate
information to either a spectrum file, a spectrum file's filename, or both.
Save Mode
You can select how a spectrum file is saved by choosing one of the following options:

Write coordinates to spectrum file

This option will insert any the last Fix Time, the Latitude and the Longitude data
fields into specific GPS CAM parameters upon saving the spectrum file. (See
field descriptions below.)
Encode coordinates to spectrum file

This option will insert the last Fix Time, the Latitude and the Longitude into the
filename along with the time/date stamp. (See field descriptions below.) This
parameter value will only be written to the filename if the check box is selected.
Both
This option will attempt to write both the selected GPS data to the spectrum file,
and selected GPS data to the spectrum file's filename. (See field descriptions
below.)
Default storage of:
Latitude – The latitudinal position in positive north decimal degrees (WGS-84

datum).
Longitude – The longitudinal position in positive east decimal degrees (WGS-84

datum).
Optional selectable storage of:
Fix Time – Time since last successful GPS fix.
Not supported in this release:
Altitude – Number of feet above mean sea level.
Speed – Horizontal ground speed in miles per hour.
Fix Mode – No fix, 2D fix, or 3D fix. GPS Quality (0 = no fix, 1 = GPS fix, 2 =
Diff. GPS fix)
Num. Sats. – Number of satellites used in the last fix.
Data Age – Time since last successful GPS fix.
Current Device Readings

When the GPS device is enabled, the device’s current readings are displayed. Note
that this information is displayed regardless of the Save Mode settings.
Note: A few seconds may elapse before this information is presented.
Google Maps button displays the current aerial position using Google™ Maps IRL.

Mode Configure Setup
Charging
The Charging page lets you choose the discharge priority for the batteries.
• Internal discharges two internal batteries in parallel.
• External discharges the external battery first, then automatically switches to

the internal battery.
Note: The Falcon must be restarted when the Internal/External (discharge

preferences) setting is changed.

The Mode Configure Setup lets you set parameters that apply to each view: Locate,
NID, Dose, and Spec as well as those for the Neutron probe.
Locate
The Locate page lets you set several display parameters.
Display Settings
The Display Settings section sets the graphing parameters for displaying the Locator
data.
Curve Type
Sets the default type of curve displayed, Bar or Line; the user can change the default
setting via the Main menu’s Locate button.
• Bar displays a histogram (bar chart) with one bar for each measurement.
• Line displays a single connected line.
Enable Smoothing
Select the check box to enable data smoothing, which decreases the visibility of
random changes in the data. To disable smoothing, clear the check box.
Averaging Width
Averaging Width controls the number of dwell time intervals used to weight the
smoothing. The larger the value, the more the data will be smoothed.

Scaling
You can set the vertical and horizontal scaling parameters for displaying the Locator
data.
Enable Autoscale
Enables/disables the automatic vertical full scale for the Locator’s display so that all
data is displayed.
• Selecting the check box turns autoscaling on for the Locator’s display; the
values set for Max Y are unavailable.
• Clearing the check box turns the Locator’s display autoscaling off; the Max Y
drop down list is available.
Max X is the maximum value of the Locator’s display x-axis in seconds.
Max Y is the maximum value of the Locator display’s y-axis in cps. If Enable
Autoscale is selected, the value in this field is not used.
NID
There are two pages of parameters for NID Setup.
Notes: If an analysis sequence file is loaded, the current settings for these parameters
will be overwritten; the loaded parameters will become the current
parameters. If you change any of these parameters after loading a sequence
file, your changes will become the current parameters.
Parameter changes made here have an effect only if the specified analysis step
is present in the analysis file.
When you Save an analyzed spectrum, the changed parameters will be written
to the spectrum file.
NID Calculation
The NID Calculation section lets you select which Genie 2000 files you want to use
for NID calculation. The browse button for each file type lets you look for the file in
the appropriate Genie 2000 folder.
NID Library
Selects the Nuclide Library (NLB) file to be used for nuclide identification. All
library files listed by this control are stored in \GENIE2K\CAMFILES.

ASF File
Choose the Analysis Sequence File (ASF) file to be used by the NID mode. All files
listed by this control are stored in \GENIE2K\CTLFILES.
Preview Library
Click on the Show button to launch the Genie 2000 Nuclide Library Editor for the
selected NID Library file.
NID Table
Controls how the NID table is displayed in the NID view.
Activity Units
Select either μCi or Bq.
Use Long Name

Select the checkbox to display the full name of the nuclide, up to 16 alpha-numeric
character nuclide name. This option requires user updates to the library to enter these
extended nuclide names.
Note: Existing libraries delivered with Genie 2000 do not contain long names. Long
library names must be entered with the Nuclide Library Editor.
Default Table Sorting

Select which column heading the NID table’s data will be sorted by.
Unknown Peak
Library and ASF file used to perform NID analysis when unknown peaks are found in
the spectrum. This analysis is performed when Gamma data collection is terminated.
2000 folder.
Note: Background files used during Unknown Peak analysis supersedes the
background file in the ASF if present.
Enable
Selecting this check box will display a message prior to performing the NID analysis
for unknown peaks.
NID Library
The Nuclide Library (NLB) file to be used for the unknown peak locate. All library
files listed by this control are stored in \GENIE2K\CAMFILES.

ASF File
Choose the Analysis Sequence File (ASF) file to be used by the unknown peak
locate. All files listed by this control are stored in \GENIE2K\CTLFILES.
Preview Library
selected NID Library file.
Quality Category
This is the confidence level in percent to distinguish between the levels of detection
accuracy on the NID view.
Identified threshold
The NID table will list the actual confidence if it is at or above the Indentified
threshold. Default value is 0.5.
Suspected threshold
The NID table will display “Suspected” if the NID confidence is between the
Suspected threshold and Identified threshold.
The nuclide will not display in the table if the NID confidence is below the Suspected
threshold.
Default value is 0.15.
NID Update Rate

Minimum period of time in seconds the NID table results are updated.
SNM Identification
After the NID is completed, a post NID step can be executed for potential SNM
identification. The browse button for each file type lets you look for the file in the
appropriate Genie 2000 folder.
U and Pu Library
The Nuclide Library (NLB) file to be used for the SNM Analysis. All library files
listed by this control are stored in \GENIE2K\CAMFILES.
ASF File
Choose the Analysis Sequence File (ASF) file to be used for the SNM identification.
All files listed by this control are stored in \GENIE2K\CTLFILES.

Preview Library
selected U and Pu file.
Background
The Background file to be used for the unknown peak analysis. All Background files
listed by this control are stored in \GENIE2K\CAMFILES. You can use the browse
button to load the background file.
Discrete Analysis
The NID analysis will be setup with a continuous mode to either start immediately
after the collection begins, or a discrete mode which starts directly after the
completion of the spectrum preset.
When the Enable check box is selected, the analysis will not start until data
acquisition is complete.
Max NID Dose Rate

The maximum dose count rate for radionuclide identification.
This value is set at the factory and cannot be changed. Maximum value is 100 μS/hr.
Spec
The Spectroscopy Setup parameters configure the system’s spectral display.
X-Axis Information
This section lets you set the X-axis units and scale.
X Units
Select Channels or Energy as the label for the X-axis.
X Scale
The X Scale buttons let you select Linear or Log as the scale for the display’s X-axis.

Y-Axis Information
Y Scale
The Y Scale buttons let you select Linear, Log or Sqrt (square root) as the scale for
the display’s Y-axis.
Auto Y Scale
If the Auto Y Scale box is selected, the display’s Y axis will automatically change to
accommodate changes in the displayed data.
Y Max
If Auto Y Scale is not selected, you can specify the maximum value of the display’s
Y-axis scale.
Plot Type
There are three ways to display the spectral data plot:
• Choosing Points displays the spectrum as points on a plot.
• Choosing Line displays the spectrum as a solid line.
• Choosing Fill displays the spectrum with the area filled in.
Peak Labeling
Two kinds of peak information can be added to the spectral display:
• Nuclide ID labels for identified ROIs are derived from the chosen Nuclide
Identification Source (below).
• The Peak Information Bubble, which can be seen only when the spectrum
cursor is in an ROI.
Display Nuclide ID on Spectrum

Select the Display Nuclide ID on Spectrum check box to add a Nuclide ID label
above every identified peak. Multiple labels will be attached to a peak if more than
one nuclide can be associated with that peak.
Show Peak Information Bubble

When the check box is selected, moving the mouse cursor over an identified peak in
the spectrum will display the peak’s Nuclide ID, Energy and Net Area with percent
error in a bubble.

Show Activity
Select Show Activity to add activity data with percent error to the Peak
Information. This check box is enabled only if Show Peak Information Bubble is
checked.
Note: The unit used in reporting activity is chosen in NID Setup (see NID on page
86).
The two Nuclide Identification Source radio buttons are enabled if at least one of
the above Peak labeling options is selected.
Library Lines – Choose the Library Lines button to display peak information
from the Nuclide Library chosen in NID setup (see NID on page 86). When you
use Library Lines, the bubble’s Activity values will be estimated.
Analysis Results - Choose the Analysis Results button to display the Activity
from the current NID results for this datasource.
Dose
The Dose page lets you set several display parameters.
Scale
The Scale section allows you to choose either a logarithmic analog scale or a linear
analog scale.
Dose Units
Dose Units are the units in which the Dose Rate will be displayed. The Dose Units are
used in all views which display the Dose Rate units.
Display Range
The Full Scale Indication sets the value of the upper limit of the gamma dose display
in the selected Dose Units. The Dose Range are used in all views which display the
Dose Rate’s range.
For example, if you select mSv/h as the Dose Units, and 10 as the Range, the upper
limit of the Dose Rate display will be 10 mSv/h.
Dose Rate Audio

Enables the function and sets the sound generated by detected radiation.

Enable
Select the check box to enable the Annunciator or clear the check box to disable it.
Beep Scaling Factor

Is the rate, beeps/unit, which will be emitted by the Falcon.
Beep Threshold
The dose rate below which no sound will be made.
Neutron
The Neutron page lets you set several display parameters.
Display Range
The Display Range sets the range of the neutron dose display in unit of cps and the
value of the dwell time in seconds.
Full Scale Indication

The Full Scale Indication sets the value of the lower and upper limits of the counts
per second histogram bar in the Dose Neutron display.
Dwell Time
The Dwell Time can be set to integer value (1 to 60) over a time period (seconds).
Neutron count data is read from the probe at approximately one second intervals.
Alarm Setup
The Alarm Setup page lets you set parameters that apply to each mode’s low-level
warning and/or high-level alarm. The Alarm sound is selected in the General page
(see General on page 94).
Locator
The parameters on the Locator page let you enable/disable the Locator alarm and
specify the action to be taken when a Locator alarm occurs.
Enable Alarm
Select the Enable Alarm check box to use the Locator’s alarm function.

Alarm Setup
Alarm Setting
Enter the Warning and Alarm activation threshold in cps. When the Display
Warning and Alarm Level Indicator check box is selected the vertical alert
indicators will be displayed in the bargraph.

Select the Enable Auto Save box to save the current spectrum when the Locator’s
alarm is triggered.
External Executable
Select the Enable Auto Start check box to launch the specified Application, using
the optional Arguments, when an alarm is triggered.
Dose
The parameters on the Dose page let you enable/disable the Dose rate alarm and
specify the action to be taken when a Dose rate alarm occurs.
Alarm Settings
Enter the Dose Rate Warning and Alarm activation threshold. The Dose Units you
chose on the Dose Setup on page 91 are used here for the threshold setting.
When the Display Warning and Alarm Level Indicator check box is selected
the vertical alert indicators will be displayed in the bargraph and the alert triangles
will be displayed in the Log and Linear dials.

Select the Enable Auto Save check box to save the current spectrum when the
Dose’s alarm is triggered.
External Executable
Neutron
The parameters on the Neutron page let you enable/disable the Neutron alarm and
specify the action to be taken when a Neutron alarm occurs.

Enable Alarm
Select the Enable Alarm check box to use the Neutron’s alarm function.
Alarm Settings
Enter the Neutron Warning and Alarm activation threshold. When the Display
Warning and Alarm Level Indicator check box is selected the vertical alert
indicators will be displayed in the bargraph.

Select the Enable Auto Save box to save the current spectrum when the Neutron’s
alarm is triggered.
External Executable
General
The General page lets you select the type of sound made when a Warning or Alarm is
triggered. The parameters chosen here apply to all modes.
Audio Alarm Indication

Select from the drop down list the warning and alarm tones.
Test
Select the Test button to hear the currently selected sound.

Before You Begin
6. Using the Falcon 5000

How the hardware and software work together. What to do to perform daily
operations.
Before You Begin

This sections covers the preparations needed to use your Falcon 5000 in day-to-day
operations.
Battery Check
Falcon Unit
The Falcon 5000 can be powered by an internal rechargeable Li-ion battery for up to
three hours of operation or by two internal batteries for up to six hours of operation.
When powering the Falcon by an internal battery, the Status line will display the
green battery icon ( ) showing the remaining charge. You can also
check the battery charge by the Battery LED bargraph located on the top of the
Falcon. The bargraph indicates the charge status of the internal battery from 100% to
0%.
Should the Falcon’s battery become low, 10% or less of capacity remains, the Status
line will show the green battery icon as and the bottom red indicator
on the Battery LED bargraph will blink at a slow rate.
When the Falcon’s battery is charging the Status line will show the green battery icon
as .
When communications is lost the green battery icon becomes .
If the Falcon is powered by an external power source, the Status line will display the
mains power icon .
Refer to the appendix Power System on page 125 for more information.
Tablet PC
The tablet pc can be powered by a rechargeable Li-ion battery for up to three hours of
operation. When powering the tablet by an internal battery, the Status line will display
the blue battery icon showing the remaining charge.

Chapter 6 Using the Falcon 5000
Should the tablet’s battery become low, 10% or less of capacity remains, the Status
line will show the blue battery icon as .
When the tablet’s battery is charging the Status line will show the blue battery icon as
.
If the tablet is powered by an external power source, the Status line will display the
mains power .
Calibration Check
Perform a calibration check before using the unit. Refer to step 6 of Connecting to the
Falcon 5000 on page 9 for instructions.
Adjusting Audio Alarm Settings

When a warning or alarm threshold level has been exceeded, the Falcon will sound an
alarm. Select the audio warning/alarm tone from the General Alarms Setup on page
94.
If the Dose Rate Audio is enabled (see Dose Rate Audio on page 91), the Falcon can
be used to locate an isolated source. When the Falcon detects radioactivity, an audible
alert will sound if the beep threshold is reached. As the unit approaches the source,
the radiation intensity (incoming count rate) increases, causing the audio output’s rate
or pitch to change with the rate of detected radiation changes.
Choosing the Dose Rate Units

The Falcon 5000 gives you several choices for displaying the Dose Rate units (see
Dose Mode Setup on page 91). The current dose rate unit is shown in all views except
for Spectroscopy (SPEC).
Setting the Passwords

The Falcon 5000 lets the System Administrator limit access to the system’s Setup
Mode or to the Genie 2000 application. When enabled (see Enable Password
Protection on page 79), a user selecting the Setup or Genie 2000 menu buttons will be
asked to enter the password.
Choosing the Operation Mode

The Operate/Standby push button control toggles the unit between the fully-
operational mode and a reduced power consumption standby mode where the cooling

Before You Begin
and basic management board functions are active, but the MCA and other functions
are powered down.
To make certain that the Operate/Standby push button hasn’t been accidentally
pressed, the push button must be pressed and held for three seconds in order to toggle
the operational mode.
Operate
When in the Operate mode the unit is fully functioning.
Operate mode can be enabled by either pressing the Operate/Standby button on the
top panel of the Falcon or by selecting the OPERATE/STANDBY button on the
Main menu.
Standby
The “Standby” mode minimizes power consumption during periods of inactivity. The
Standby mode maintains operation of the detector cooler and the management board,
but disables subsystems that are not required to maintain the instrument in a “ready”
condition.
Standby mode can be enabled by either pressing the Operate/Standby button on

the top panel of the Falcon or by selecting the OPERATE/STANDBY button on the
Main menu. When either of these two methods enable standby, the system will
perform the following.
• The High Voltage to the Falcon 5000 detector will be ramped down to zero
volts.
• The power to the MCA (InSpector 2000) will be shut down by the Falcon’s
management board.
• The Dose, Neutron, and GPS will continue to be operational.
If the application was actively collecting Gamma data at the time the system was
placed into standby, a message dialog box is displayed asking you to stop acquisition
and go to standby. The message bar will indicate the unit has been placed into
Standby and the Falcon will continue to collect Neutron, Dose, and GPS data.
When Standby is pressed while in standby mode, the Falcon 5000 will be powered on
and gamma collection can be enabled once the high voltage has stabilized. Once out
of Standby, a message indicating Standby mode has been disabled will be displayed
in the message bar.
Verifying the Detector Temperature

Verify that the cryostat temperature is –160 °C or colder. The status line in the Falcon
user interface will show the temperature or the Normal Temp indicator will turn green

on the Falcon’s top panel. The detector is ready for operation. If the cryostat
temperature becomes warmer than –160 °C, the High temperature indicator will
become red.
Collecting Data
You are now ready to use your Falcon 5000. The Falcon 5000 is for the identification
of illicit radioactive material. The sources of radiation could come from any
geometry. It could be heavily shielded and/or in a very low activity. Also, the
presence of multiple isotopes could exist. In general once a radiation field is located,
the need to clearly identify all contributing isotopes and their relative activity is key to
identifying illicit material from other radioisotopes.
Locating Radioactive Material

The Locator Mode will display a histogram when acquisition is started. The Dose
Rate is continuously evaluated and the warning and alarm levels are constantly
tracked by the Falcon.
As you scan an area with the Falcon, the change in intensity lets you locate the source
of the radioactivity, making it easy to find lost, hidden or contraband sources.
The Locator Mode lets you display either a bar histogram or a line histogram showing
the instantaneous radiation intensity.
Identifying the Individual Isotopes

When data has been acquired and analyzed, the NID (nuclide identification) view will
use the results of the current analysis to display a chart of identified isotopes.
Displaying List of Isotopes

The current list of Isotopes in the active library can be accessed by launching the
Genie 2000 Nuclide Library Editor from the NID Mode Setup on page 86.
NID Confidence Grading

If one or more nuclides appear in the ID table with a Suspected rating, the Message
bar displays “Some nuclides have a weak signal, counting longer may improve
results”.

Collecting Data
Unknown Peak Analysis

When some identified peaks don’t belong to any nuclides in the current nuclide
library, the message “Not all peaks identified” is displayed in the message bar.
Second Analysis Step
If unknown peaks ( ) are present, you will be prompted to re-analyze the

spectrum with a more robust library. If you choose to do this, then a predefined large
NID library will be loaded and executed automatically. After the analysis, the
software will reset to the original conditions.
The message “Unknown Peak(s). Performing Secondary Analysis” will appear in the
message bar if a unknown peak analysis is being performed. Results of the secondary
analysis for example “All peaks identified in secondary analysis” or “Unknown
Peak(s) still present” will appear in the message bar.
SNM Identification
Upon completion of the primary (and secondary) analysis, if any SNM type Uranium
(U) and/or Plutonium (Pu) nuclide is identified, SNM analysis is performed. The
following distinctions will be made and corresponding message (one of several listed
below) is displayed in the message bar.
Note: The actual message shown in the message bar may be slightly different from
the ones listed below.
“Reactor Grade Plutonium has been identified”
“Weapons Grade Plutonium has been identified”
“Depleted Uranium has been identified”
“Highly enriched Uranium has been identified”
“Low enriched Uranium has been identified”
“Natural Uranium has been identified”
“SNM: Natural Uranium, Low enriched Uranium identified”
“SNM: Natural Uranium identified”
Viewing Spectra
The Spectroscopy View lets you acquire and display data and analyze the current
spectrum.

How to Verify Spectroscopy Parameters

Before you start acquiring data, you might want to check the Preset Time parameter
located in the Instrument Setup (see Instrument Setup on page 80). To access this
setup mode, select the SETUP button from the Main menu, then the INSTRUMENT
button. Next, click on the MCA page.
Preset Values
From the MCA page you can verify or modify the Acquisition type. Select
Acquisition type then enter the time in seconds.
• Acquisition Type – Live time, Real time, or Continuous acquisition.
• Time – The amount of time in the selected Units to pass before acquisition
ends.
How to Collect a Spectrum

To acquire a spectrum, select the START menu button. Data acquisition will start,
using the parameters entered via the Spectroscopy Mode Setup on page 89. You will
then have the options to:
• Clear existing data and restart acquisition.
• Resume data acquisition without clearing existing data.
The START button’s legend will change to STOP and the button will begin to blink
green. Select the STOP button to terminate acquisition and analysis, where you can:
• Clear existing data without stopping data acquisition.
• Stop data acquisition without clearing existing data.
How to Save a Spectrum

Select the SAVE menu button to save the current spectrum to Genie 2000’s
C:\Genie2K\Camfiles directory. See Saving Spectral Data on page 69.
How to Load a Calibration File

The Falcon lets you load a Certificate File (CTF), Analysis Sequence File (ASF),
Energy and Efficiency Calibration (CAL) files for current use located in the
Instrument Setup. To access this setup mode, select the SETUP button from the Main
menu, then the INSTRUMENT button. Next, click on the Calibration Files tab page.
2000 folder. When you click Open, the file’s directory path and name will appear in
the text box to the left of the browse button.

The GPS Device
The Calibration Files page offers the following calibration files:
Energy Calibration establishes a relationship between the spectrum’s channels

and their energy levels. By calibrating at least three peaks over the entire range of
the spectrum, the energy of any other peak can be reliably estimated. The
calibration itself must be done within Genie 2000.
Efficiency Calibration establishes a relationship between measured count rate

and source activity as a function of energy. The efficiency calibration allows us to
convert count rates to activities for various source nuclide energies. The
calibration itself must be done within Genie 2000.
The GPS Device

The GPS device is used to report the location of a measurement. GPS data is collected
in three second intervals and saved whenever an automatic or manual spectrum file
save occurs.
Saving GPS Coordinates

From the GPS setup mode, there are three ways to save the GPS coordinates:
• By stamping the spectrum file name with the GPS coordinates (latitude,
longitude, etc.); auto GPS stamping on spectrum.
• By saving the GPS coordinates in the CAM file.
• By doing both (GPS spectrum stamping and CAM parameters).
The geographical coordinate format is selected in GPS Instrument Setup on page 83.
Spectrum Files
If the GPS configuration is configured to encode coordinates to the spectrum
filename, the following naming convention will be used which overrides any other
predefined naming format.
[date]-GT[last GPS UTC time]-GA[latitude]-GO[longitude].cnf
For example, for the following parameters:
Time: 8/2/2006 12:22:01 PM
GPS Acq. time: 8/2/2006 12:21:53 PM
Lat: 41.507582N

Lon: 72.767028W
The filename would be encoded as follows:
08022006122201-GT08022006122153-GA41.507582N-GO72.767028W.cnf
GPS Satellite Signal

Communication loss between the satellites can happen and will not interfere with the
operation of the Falcon. When a spectrum is saved, the GPS readings are checked to
see the last time they were updated. If an update has occurred within a specified time,
then the last coordinates are used.
Expert Review
During the normal use of the instrument by a technician, the requirement may arise
for the technician to have the spectrum data reviewed by an Expert. Passing the
appropriate data to an advanced user to review the spectrum is critical, even if the
expert is off site. Consider either:
• Allowing the Expert to connect to the instrument via VDM and operate the
device remotely.
• Use a remote desktop product to control the instrument.
X Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Connection
X Third party application such as pcAnywhere™
Customer Support Access

Customer Service and Support will require remote connection via Remote Desktop.
Wireless/Wired Communications
The Falcon 5000 can be configured for Wireless/Wired communication. The Falcon
implements Ethernet and WiFi interfaces that utilize TCP for communications
between the host PC application program and the slave instrument. The hardwired
Ethernet connection provides secure communications for usage of the instrument in
areas that restrict wireless data transmission, while the WiFi interface provides a
convenient cable-free communications that unburdens the user from “cable clutter”
and allows the Falcon to be located remotely from the user.

Wireless/Wired Communications
The Falcon uses a 10/100 wired Ethernet port and 10/100 Base-T cable for connecting
to a Tablet PC or LAN.
Communication Loss
The Falcon will continuously track the communications and if it determines that the
communications have been lost within five seconds it will indicate the loss. Refer to
the appendix Communication Setup for more details.
The following situations may result in a loss of communications:
• If the device lost power or has been off for an extended period a device time-
out error message will occur and the Falcon software must be restarted to
recover.
• Brief interruption of wireless signal will be indicated by the Communication
icon changing to on the Falcon’s user interface.
• The WLAN or LAN indicator, located on the Falcon’s top panel, will turn
“off”.
• A hardware failure. This is fatal and will require System Manager

intervention.
If a communication loss occurs single dropped packets of data will be recovered by

the Falcon software.

Appendix A Installing the PC Software
A. Installing the PC Software
NOTE: This appendix, Installing the Falcon’s PC Software, shows

you how to make your personal computer (PC) and your
Falcon 5000 work together.
The Falcon 5000 starts working for you right out of the box (see Easy Mode of
Operation on page 50) or if you want to use Canberra’s Genie 2000 Analysis
Software to work with the Falcon’s data files, you’ll have to install some software on
your computer. This appendix tells you how.
For Technical Assistance

For technical assistance, call our Customer Service Hotline at 1-800-255-6370 or
email techsupport@canberra.com.
Programs for Your PC

To install the programs for your PC, you must have Microsoft® Windows® XP
operating system installed on your PC. Other versions of Windows are not supported.
These are the programs you’ll need on your PC; please install them in this order.
Note: If you already have Genie 2000 Basic Spectroscopy V3.1 and Genie 2000
Gamma Analysis Software installed, skip to step 3. You must have version
3.1 installed on your computer, if not start with the first step.
1. The Genie 2000 Basic Spectroscopy Software (Model S500/S502 or S504

InSpector/I2K) V3.1 (or later).
2. Genie 2000 Gamma Analysis Software (Model S501) V3.1 (or later).
3. Genie 2000 Basic Spec Software Update V3.1a (or later)..
4. Falcon 5000 Software (Model S513) V1.0 (or later).

Installing Genie Software
Installing Genie Software

For detailed installation instructions, please refer to “Installing Genie Software” in
Appendix, “Software Installation”, in the Genie 2000 Operations Manual, which is
supplied in PDF format on your Genie 2000 CD.
If you already have Genie 2000 Basic Spectroscopy V3.1 and Genie 2000 Gamma
Analysis Software, then just install the update.
Installing Falcon 5000 Software

This section describes installing the Falcon 5000 software from the distribution CD.
1. Place the Falcon Installation CD in your CDROM drive. If you have

“Autorun” enabled, the installation process will start automatically. If you
choose to run the installation manually, you can explore the contents of your
CD using Windows Explorer and select the Setup icon (Setup.exe) in that
folder.
2. When the Installation Screen appears, select the “Install Falcon 5000” button
(Figure 58).
Figure 58 Installing the Falcon 5000 Software

Appendix A Installing the PC Software
3. Follow the on-screen prompts until you get to the dialog box shown in Figure
59. This message appears when the setup is completed.
Figure 59 Setup is Completed
4. Click OK.
5. On the main installation screen (Figure 58), click Exit.

Installing Falcon 5000 Software
B. Updating the Firmware

This section provides the steps necessary to update the Falcon’s management board
and cooler controller firmware. Details for updating the Falcon 5000’s
communication firmware can be found in the appendix Communication Setup.
The 5000 Flash Loader Utility is a resident program in the protected boot blocks of
the flash memory, and allows the user application program to be loaded into the flash
memory using a standard PC based communications program (such as
HyperTerminal™). The firmware files will have the extension .hex.
The Falcon 5000 Cooler Board Utility is a resident program that resides in the
7E0000-7EFFFF region of the Management Board's flash memory and allows the
Cooler Board firmware to be loaded into its flash memory, using a standard PC based
communications program (such as HyperTerminal). The firmware files will have the
extension .txt.
This feature greatly enhances the ability to upgrade the Falcon units in the field.
This section contains the instructions to set up HyperTerminal.
1. HyperTerminal is normally found under the Start | Programs |

Accessories | Communications menu as shown in Figure 60.
Figure 60 Starting HyperTerminal

Appendix B Updating the Firmware
2. Define the new connection as “FALCON 5000” as shown in Figure 61.
Figure 61 Entering a Connection Name
3. Choose to connect using COM1 (or COM2 as necessary) as shown in Figure

62.
Figure 62 Choosing the Communication Port

Using the Utility
4. Select the following communication properties (Figure 63):
X 57600 bits per second
X 8 data bits
X No parity
X 2 stop bits
X No flow control
Figure 63 Entering the Communication Properties
Using the Utility

This section contains the instructions to use the Flash Loader / Cooler Board Utility.
Note: You will need to remove the battery cover to access the RS-232 connector. To
turn the Falcon on press and hold the main power push button for three
seconds.
1. Connect an RS-232 cable between the rear panel RS-232 connector of the
Falcon 5000 and the COM1 (or COM2) connector of the PC.
2. Open the “FALCON 5000” HyperTerminal connection.

3. The instructions for this step will depend if the firmware update is for the
Management board or Cooler board.
a. For the Management board:
While holding down the spacebar on the PC keyboard, apply power to the
Falcon 5000 instrument by pressing and holding the main power push
button for three seconds. The following message in the HyperTerminal
window indicates that the instrument entered the Falcon 5000 Flash
Loader Utility program and identified the flash memory:
b. For the Cooler board:
While holding down the ‘C’ key on the PC keyboard, apply power to the
Falcon 5000 instrument by pressing and holding the main power push
button for three seconds. The following message in the HyperTerminal
window indicates that the instrument entered the Falcon 5000 Flash
Loader Utility program and identified the flash memory:
4. Entering an “H” will bring up the Help menu.
a. For the Management board you'll see:

Using the Utility
b. For the Cooler board you'll see:
5. Entering an “L” starts the flash memory programming process.
6. Start the transfer by selecting Transfer | Send File… from the

HyperTerminal menu as shown in Figure 64.
Figure 64 Transferring Files

7. Select the file to be sent and Xmodem Protocol as shown in Figure 65 for the
Management board and Figure 66 for the Cooler board.
Figure 65 Selecting the File to Transfer (Management Board)
Figure 66 Selecting the File to Transfer (Cooler Board)

Using the Utility
8. HyperTerminal will then transfer the firmware file to the unit. Figure 67
shows the Management board’s firmware file and Figure 68 shows the Cooler
board’s firmware file.
Figure 67 File Transfer in Process
Figure 68 Transfer in Process
9. Completion of the transfer is indicated by the “Done” message.

10. Turn off power to the Falcon 5000 instrument by pressing and holding the
main power push button for three seconds.
The Falcon 5000 will boot into the application program when power is reapplied.

IP Addressing and Configuration
C. Communication Setup
This appendix discusses:
• Communication Setup on the Tablet and Falcon 5000 unit.
• Configuration of the communications module (WiPort) in the Falcon 5000

unit.
• Update of the firmware in the Falcon 5000’s WiPort module.
Notes
If the user determines that the Falcon 5000 Communication settings are incorrect or
would like to restore factory defaults, the user should not select option 7: “defaults”
through Telnet (or RS-232 interface) from the Falcon 5000 Communications Setup
Utility. Selecting option 7: “defaults” will restore the Lantronics WiPort factory
settings which are not compatible with the Falcon 5000 Management Board high
speed serial port settings. Doing this can cause complete loss of communications with
the Falcon. If this occurs and you can no longer communicate through Telnet, you
must use the RS-232 interface to continue restoring the proper settings.
Refer to Using Telnet on page 116 for the proper factory settings. Select the setting
category (e.g., 0 - Server) and then step through each setting and change either the
current setting or selecting “Enter” to accept the current setting. These settings must
be manually entered. When manual entry of the settings is complete, remember to
select option 9: “Save and exit” before cycling the power on the Falcon 5000. Finally,
the user must re-start the Falcon 5000 Gateway service from the Windows Service
Manager. Once re-started, the Falcon 5000 Gateway will re-establish connections
between the Falcon 5000 software application, the gateway itself, and the Falcon
5000 unit.
TELNET and TFTP Windows features may not be installed on your system. Use
Windows Add/Remove programs “Turn On-Off Windows Features” to enable these
capabilities.
IP Addressing and Configuration

The Falcon 5000 NIC cards are pre-programmed at the factory using the industry
standard 192.0.0.1-x 255.255.0.0 IP addressing scheme. Any PC that accompanies the
Falcon unit will contain the 192.0.0.5 IP address. This will allow both units to be
operational out of the box in the field. DHCP is supported, but not utilized in this
release.
Use standard Windows network adapter configuration steps to change the Tablet PC’s
IP address.

Appendix C Communication Setup
If changing the Falcon 5000’s IP address is required, there are two methods available:
• Telnet method
You can access the Communication Setup Utility by using Telnet. Follow
the instructions in Using Telnet on page 116.
• Serial method
You can also access the Setup Utility by using HyperTerminal™. Follow
the instructions in the appendix Updating the Firmware on page 107.
You will need to hold down the W key on the PC keyboard while
applying power to the Falcon 5000 instrument (see Using the Utility on
page 109, refer to step 3 ). Once the “setup mode” prompt appears,
continue to the next section titled “Setup Utility”.
Falcon Communications
The Falcon 5000 uses the Lantronix WiPort™ device server in a wired or wireless
mode to communicate with the Falcon tablet PC. The WiPort can be configured in the
field from the Falcon’s Tablet PC. The WiPort contains a setup utility accessible via
Telnet or through the serial port (as mentioned in the previous section).
Using Telnet
Using Telnet
This section contains the instructions on how to use Telnet.
1. Shut down the Falcon application.
2. Stop the Falcon Gateway from the Windows Service Manager.
3. Open a Command Prompt.
4. Enter the following command:
> telnet -a 192.0.0.100 9999
where:
- a indicates automatically logging in to the WiPort server,
- 192.0.0.100 is the IP address of the WiPort,
- 9999 indicates the port to be opened on the WiPort server.

Using Telnet
5. Continue to the Setup Utility section.
Setup Utility
Whether Telnet or HyperTerminal was used, the following response should appear.
Note that the version of the WiPort firmware (Software) is displayed (for example,
V6.5.0.0)
MAC address 00204A892F09
Software version V6.5.0.0 (060111)
Press Enter for Setup Mode
1. Press Enter.
The following text should appear:
*** basic parameters
Hardware: Ethernet TPI, WLAN 802.11b, g
IP addr 192.0.0.100, gateway 192.0.0.100,netmask

255.255.255.0
*** Server
Network mode: 0=Wired Only, 1=Wirless Only,

2=Bridging (One Host) (1) ?
IP Address : (192) .(000) .(000) .(100)
Set Gateway IP Address (Y) ?
Gateway IP addr (255) .(255) .(255) .(000)
Netmask: Number of Bits for Host Part (0=default)

(0)
Change telnet config password (N)) ?
*** Security
SNMP is enabled
SNMP Community Name: public
Telnet Setup is enabled

TFTP Download is enabled
Port 77FEh is enabled
Web Server is enabled
Web Setup is enabled
ECHO is disabled
Enhanced Password is disabled
Port 77F0h is enabled
*** Channel 1
Baudrate 921600, I/F Mode 4C, Flow 02
Port 10001
Connect Mode : C0
Send ‘+++’ in Modem Mode enabled
Auto increment source port disabled
Remote IP Adr: --- none ---, Port 00000
Disconn Mode : 00
Flush Mode : F7
Pack Cntrl : 00
*** Channel 2
Baudrate 9600, I/F Mode 4C, Flow 00
Port 10002
Connect Mode : C0
Send ‘+++’ in Modem Mode enabled
Auto increment source port disabled
Remote IP Adr: --- none ---, Port 00000
Disconn Mode : 00
Flush Mode : 00

Using Telnet
*** Expert
TCP Keepalive : 45s
ARP cache timeout: 600s
CPU performance: High
Monitor Mode @ bootup : disabled
HTTP Port Number : 80
SMTP Port Number : 25
MTU Size: 1400
Alternate MAC: disabled
Ethernet connection type: auto-negotiate
*** E-mail
Mail server: 0.0.0.0
Unit :
Domain :
Recipient 1:
Recipient 2:
- Trigger 1
Serial trigger input: disabled
Channel: 1
Match: 00,00
Trigger input1: X
Trigger input2: X
Trigger input3: X
Message :
Priority: L

Min. notification interval: 1 s
Re-notification interval : 0 s
- Trigger 2
Channel: 1
Match: 00,00
Trigger input1: X
Trigger input2: X
Trigger input3: X
Message :
Priority: L
- Trigger 3
Channel: 1
Match: 00,00
Trigger input1: X
Trigger input2: X
Trigger input3: X
Message :
Priority: L

Using Telnet
*** WLAN
WLAN: enabled
Network name: FALCON
Topology: AdHoc
Country: US
Channel: 5
Security: none
Data rate: 11 Mbps auto
Power management: not supported in adhoc mode
Change Setup:
0 Server
1 Channel 1
2 Channel 2
3 E-mail
4 WLAN
5 Expert
6 Security
7 Defaults
8 Exit without save
9 Save and exit Your choice ?
2. Select the appropriate Change Setup menu item and enter the required
settings (or take the defaults). For example:
0 Server – To change the IP and Gateway address

To switch between wireless and wired communication
4 WLAN – To change wireless settings
3. Select 8 to exit without saving your changes or select 9 to

save your settings and exit.

You must save your changes and restart the Falcon 5000 for your changes to take
effect.
Changing the Network Configuration of the Falcon 5000

You can change the network configuration from Wireless to Wired or vica-versa by
utilizing the Lantronix WiPort Device Server as discussed earlier in this section.
To change the configured network port, telnet to the Falcon 5000's WiPort Server
using the following command:
telnet -a <IP Address> <Port>
where:
<IP Address> is the currently configured IP Address of the Falcon 5000 (192.0.0.100)
is the default wireless IP address. If changing from a wired to wireless configuration
Ping or contact your system administrator to determine the configured IP address.
<port> is the TCPIP Port being used. The default is 9999.
Enter "0" to the configuration menu shown below to configure the WiPort Server.
WLAN: enabled
Topology: Ad-Hoc
Network name: 13000045
Country: US
Channel: 11
Security suite: none
TX Data rate: 54 Mbps auto fallback
Power management: not supported in adhoc mode

Changing the Network Configuration of the Falcon 5000
Change Setup:
0 Server
1 Channel 1
2 Channel 2
3 E-mail
4 WLAN
5 Expert
6 Security
7 Defaults
8 Exit without save
9 Save and exit Your choice ? 0
The following is an example of the Wireless configuration.
*** Server
Network mode: 0=Wired Only, 1=Wireless Only,

2=Bridging(One Host) (1) ?
IP Address : (192) .(000) .(000) .(100)
Set Gateway IP Address (Y) ?
Gateway IP addr (255) .(255) .(255) .(000)
Netmask: Number of Bits for Host Part (0=default) (0)
Change telnet config password (N) ?
You must save your changes and restart the Falcon 5000 for your changes to take
effect.

Updating the Falcon’s Communication Firmware

The Falcon’s communication firmware can be upgraded in the field from the Falcon
Tablet PC using the command line utility tftp (file transfer utility).
Requirements: The firmware file *.ROM must be available from the Falcon tablet.
1. Shut down the Falcon application.
2. Stop the Falcon Gateway from the Windows Service Manager.
3. Open a Command Prompt.
4. Navigate to the folder where the firmware file is located and enter the
following command:
> tftp -I 192.0.0.100 put wptB6500.rom W6
where
- I indicates binary image mode,
- 192.0.0.100 is the ip address of the WiPort,
- put indicates the file is written to the server,
- wptB6500.rom is the firmware file name,
- W6 is the destination of the firmware.
The message “Transfer successful” should appear when complete.
Configuration of the Falcon’s wired/wireless device may be required following

download of new firmware. Refer to Falcon Communications on page 116 for
instructions.

Instrument Power
D. Power System
• The Falcon 5000 instrument power.
• How to replace the Li-ion batteries.
• How to connect the Falcon to an external power source.
Instrument Power
Power is provided by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery(ies) or an ac adapter. If using
external power from an ac power adapter connect the power connector to the DC
Power jack located on the Falcon 5000 rear panel.
Battery Configuration:
• One internal battery – type Li-ion.
• Optional second battery can be internal or external.
Power On
The Falcon 5000 continuously monitors critical system parameters such as voltages,
currents, temperature, and so forth.
Input Power Requirements

The Falcon operates from a dc power source between 24 ± 0.5 V. The power can be
supplied by a universal ac/dc converter with a minimum output capability of 10 A.
The dc power connector is an Conxall connector.
The Internal Batteries

The Falcon 5000 will accept and operate with either a single or paralleled dual
batteries for extended operational time. With dual batteries, the batteries can be
individually “hot swapped” with fresh batteries without effecting operation of the
unit. With single battery operation, the battery can be “hot swapped” by first
connecting the unit to the external power supply. Whenever there is a change in
available power sources (batteries and/or external), detector cooling will be
momentarily interrupted as the power management subsystem assesses the available
power sources and then normal detector cooling automatically resumes. The

Appendix D Power System
momentary interruption of detector cooling does not effect the overall operation of the
unit.
The Falcon’s long operating times are obtained through the use of state-of-the-art
lithium ion battery technology, using an internal five-cell lithium ion battery with
built-in protection circuits to prevent over-temperature, over-current and over-voltage
conditions.
The Falcon 5000 features a constant current/constant voltage (CCCV) battery charger.
The batteries are charged at approximately 3 A for a single battery or 4 A total for
parallel operation until the voltage reaches 21.0 V which terminates the constant
current portion of the charge cycle. Constant voltage charging continues until the
charging current drops to 10% of the CC charging current. The batteries are then
considered “Fully Charged”. The charging cycle reinitiates whenever the battery
voltage drops below 97% of the “Fully Charged” voltage.
Battery Charge Status

The Battery LED bargraph (Figure 69) monitors the charge status of the internal
battery(ies).
Figure 69 Charging the Batteries
During discharge – A single battery charge level indicator illuminates solid

showing the approximate operational time remaining. The bottom red indicator
will blink at a slow rate when 10% or less of capacity remains. The Status line
will display the green battery icon .
During charging – A single battery charge level indicator blinks to indicate that
the battery is charging and shows the approximate time remaining for “Full
Charge”. The battery(ies) are not fully charged until the “100%” indicator
illuminates solid. When the battery is charging the Status line will display the
battery icon.

Instrument Power
Charge Temperature Range

The lithium ion technology allows for the highest capacity per unit volume of the
available battery technologies at the time of design but there are some limitations to
charging the lithium ion battery. The instrument will operate off the battery over the
temperature range of –10 to 50 °C. The battery should be charge in an ambient
temperature range of 0 to 40 °C.
Charging Time
The smart battery charger circuit will also charge the battery at different rates,
depending on the operating state of the instrument. This allows faster charging when
the unit is not in operation.
• It will take about 3 hours to charge a single battery.
• It will take about 3 ½ hours to charge both batteries in parallel.
Charging the Battery

Before the Lithium-ion batteries shipped with the Falcon 5000 can be used, they must
be charged with the supplied battery charger. The battery will be automatically
charged by by pressing and holding the the main power push button for three seconds.

Appendix D Power System
Changing the Battery

Though the Falcon uses a highly reliable long life Li-ion battery, it will eventually
come to the end of its useful life. This section explains how to replace the internal
battery. Figure 70 shows two batteries installed. Note that the Falcon can operate with
one battery in either the top or bottom battery holder.
Figure 70 Removing the Li-ion Batteries
CAUTION: Before you install the new battery make

sure the Falcon is turned off by pressing
and holding the main power pushbutton
for three seconds.
1. Remove battery cover by unscrewing four thumb screws.
2. Remove the foam block from the battery holder.
3. Unplug battery connector. Note the orientation of the battery connector.
4. Pull battery out of holder.
5. Replace with new, fully charged 4AH Li-ion battery.
6. Reconnect battery connector.
7. Reinsert the foam block.

Instrument Power
8. Replace the battery cover and retighten the four thumb screws.
9. Turn the Falcon on by pressing and holding the main power push button for
three seconds again.
Using the Power Converter

You can use the ac/dc converter (Figure 71) to provide power to the Falcon and
simultaneously charge its battery. Plug the supplied power cord into the receptacle on
the converter, then plug the converter’s connecting cable into the Falcon’s DC power
receptacle located on the rear panel.
Figure 71 Connecting the Falcon to a AC/DC Converter

Appendix E Technical Reference
E. Technical Reference
• The calibration files used by the Falcon.
• Default configuration settings for the Falcon.
• The System Health report.
Default Falcon Calibration Files

The Falcon uses several types of operational files. For most of these, the default file
for each of these types, the one used when the unit is first turned on, can be changed
by the user.
Nuclide Library Files

The Falcon includes several Nuclide Library files, defaulting to the Library
Correlation NID library, FALCON_LIB.NLB. A different library file can be selected
in the NID Mode Setup on page 86.
Analysis Sequence File

The Falcon includes several Analysis Sequence Files, defaulting to
FALCON_ASF.ASF. A different sequence file can be selected in the NID Mode
Setup on page 86.
Energy Calibration File

The Falcon includes an Energy Calibration File located in GENIE2K\CALFILES\. A
different energy calibration file can be selected in the Calibration Files Instrument
Setup on page 80.
Efficiency Calibration File

The Falcon includes three Efficiency Calibration Files located in
GENIE2K\CALFILES\. A different efficiency calibration file can be selected in the
Calibration Files Instrument Setup on page 80.
• A point source at 25 cm with no shielding (default).
• A point source at 25 cm with 2 mm of Fe shielding.
• A point source at 25 cm with 5 mm of Fe shielding.

Default Falcon Configuration Settings
And the primary library:
• A library that includes all the nuclides referenced in ANSI N42.34.

The following default parameters are restored to the Falcon when the Restore Factory
Defaults button is invoked in General Setup on page 77.
Note: If the Easy Mode of Operation parameter, under General Settings, is set to
Disabled, the Home Mode parameter above it is initially set to SPEC.
Falcon 5000 General Setup

Application Settings
Language: English
Timeout: 10
Home Mode: SPEC
Enable Sleep Mode: No
Modes of Operation
CAL CHECK: Yes
GENIE 2000: Yes
START: Yes
SAVE: Yes
ACKNOWLEDGE ALARM: Yes
EXIT: Yes
Launch Falcon 5000 on Startup: No
Dose: Yes
SPEC: Yes
LOCATE: Yes
NID: Yes
Easy Mode Of Operation

Enable EMO: No
E-MAIL
Enable Email: No
Recipient Address:
Subject:
File Format: CAM FILE

Falcon 5000 Password Setup

Enable Password Protection for FALCON 5000: No
Enable Password Protection for Genie 2000: No
Enable Password Protection for Acknowledge alarm: No
Falcon 5000 Instrument Setup

Detector Settings
Input Size: 4096
Acquisition Type: Continuous
Secs: 120
Detector Name: DET01
Falcon IP: 192.84.35.18
Cooler Settings
Enable: Yes
GM Tube
Enable: Yes
Overrange limit in µSv/h: 300000
Uncertainty Multiplier: 3
Dose Rate Conversion Factor: 0.9
Neutron
Enable: No
Overrange limit: 300
Charging
Preferred Power Source List: Internal
GPS Settings
Enable: No
Save Mode: Both
Latitude: No
Longitude: No
Altitude: No
Speed: No
Fix time: No
Fix Mode: No
Num sat: No
Data age: No

Cal Check Settings

Preset live time: 30
Percent Gain Shift Tolerance: 1
Adjust Zero: No
Convergence: Single
Iteration Limit: 3
Calibration Setup
Certificate File: C:\GENIE2K\CAMFILES\
Nbsstd.ctf
ASF File: C:\GENIE2K\CTLFILES\
FALCON_ASF.ASF
Energy Cal File:
Efficiency Cal File: C:\GENIE2k\CALFILES\
BARE_POINT.CAL
Falcon 5000 Mode Setup

Locator
Curve Type: Bar
Max X: 10
Max Y: 0-1000 cps
Enable Smoothing: Yes
Enable Auto scale: Yes
Averaging Width: 4
NID
Use Long Name: Yes
Default Table Sorting: Uncertainty
Unknown Peak Library: C:\GENIE2K\CAMFILES\
FALCON_LIB.NLB
Unknown Peak ASF File: C:\GENIE2K\CTLFILES\
FALCON_ASF.ASF
Secondary analysis enable: No
Discrete Analysis: No
ASF File: C:\GENIE2K\CTLFILES\
FALCON_ASF.ASF
NID Library: C:\GENIE2K\CAMFILES\
FALCON_LIB.NLB
Background File:
Activity Units: µCi
Identified threshold: 0.5
Suspected threshold: 0.15

NID update rate: 0

SNM Library: C:\GENIE2K\CAMFILES\
SNM Classification.NLB
SNM ASF File: C:\GENIE2K\CTLFILES\
SNM_CLASSIFY.ASF
Max NID Dose Rate (mSv/h) 100
SPEC
PLOT TYPE: Fill
Auto Y Scale: Yes
Y Scale: Linear
X Scale: Linear
X Units: Energy
Y Max: 100000
Show Activity: Yes
Nuclide Identification Source: Analysis Results
Display Nuclide ID on Spectrum: Yes
Show Peak Information Bubble Yes
DOSE
Dose Rate Scale: Log
Enable Audible: No
Beep Threshold in µSv/h: 0
Beep Scaling Factor: 0
Unit: µSv/h
Full Scale Indication in µSv/h: 10
Neutron
Full Scale Indication: 100
Dwell time (secs): 1
Falcon 5000 Alarm Setup

Locator
Enable Alarm: No
Display Warning and Alarm Level indicator: Yes
Enable Auto Save: No
Enable Auto Start: No
Alarm Level: 10000
Warning Level: 2000
Application:
Arguments:

System Health Report
Dose
Enable Alarm: Yes
Display Warning and Alarm Level indicator: No
Enable Auto Start: No
Warning Level in µSv/h: 20
Alarm Level: 1000
Application:
Arguments:
Neutron
Enable Alarm: No
Display Warning and Alarm Level indicator: No
Enable Auto Start: Yes
Warning Level: 5
Alarm Level: 10
Application:
Arguments:
General
Alarm Tone: Chimes
Warning Tone: Ding

The Falcon provides the user with a System Health Report showing the results of an
internal diagnostics. The report includes the status of the Management board, Neutron
Probe, GM detector, Cooler Controller, GPS device, and MCA (InSpector 2000).
Management Board
The Falcon’s Management Board serves as the communication hub for the system.
The Management Board accepts external communications from the software over
either a wireless (WLAN) or wired (LAN) connection, distributes the
communications message to the appropriate internal subsystem, and returns any
necessary response. The Management Board also monitors the overall system health
and controls the power management functions.
Firmware Version: Current firmware version.
Power Fault: True/False – True indicates a power fault has occurred; Fault
indicator on top panel will illuminate.

Hi Temp: True/False – True indicates the temperature of cryostat is above the

operating limit; High Temp indicator on top panel will illuminate.
In Standby Mode: True/False – True indicates the Falcon is in the Standby mode.
USB Not Enumerated: True/False – Indicates that the InSpector2000 (MCA) is

not powered (Falcon is in Standby) or that there is a true fault.
Battery Voltage Fault: True/False – Not used.
+18V Fault: True/False – True indicates the +18V source is operating outside its
limit of 15 to 24.5 V.
+3.3V Fault: True/False – True indicates the +3.3V source is operating outside its
limit of 3.3 ± 0.2 V.
limit of 5.0 ± 0.3 V.
limit of 6.5 ± 0.4 V.
RAM BBU Voltage: Current RAM voltage in Volts.
+18V Powersource: Current +18V power source in Volts.
+3.3V Powersource: Current +3.3V power source in Volts.
Neutron Probe
Internal 3He tube. The neutron probe is optional.
Enable: True/False – True indicates that the neutron probe is connected.
GM Tube
Internal Geiger-Muller tube for high dose/ count rate measurements.
Enable: True/False – True indicates that the GM tube is connected.
Status: GM tube OK status.
Uncertainty Multiplier: Value entered in Setup | Instrument | GM Tube.

Dose Rate Conversion Factor: Value entered in Setup | Instrument | GM Tube.
Cooler
The purpose of the Cooler controller is to monitor the temperature and power
consumption of the cryostat cooler.
Enable: True/False – True indicates the Cooler is connected.
Status: Fault and Temperature OK status.
Cooler firmware version: Current firmware version of the cooler controller.
RTD Temperature: Current Cryostat temperature in °C.
Compressor Temperature: Current Compressor temperature in °C.
Pulse Tube Temperature: Current Pulse Tube temperature in °C.
Compressor Voltage: Current Compressor drive voltage in Volts (rms).
Charging Current: Current Battery charging current in Amps.
Charge Termination Voltage: Current Battery charge termination voltage in

Volts.
Detector Operation Set-Point Temperature: Current detector operating

temperature in °C.
Battery 1 Voltage: Voltage of first internal Li-ion battery.
Battery 2 Voltage: Voltage of second internal Li-ion battery.
Power Voltage: Current PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) Supply voltage in

Volts.
Current Power Source: BAT1/ BAT2/DC or BAT1 & BAT2.
Battery 1 Present - Internal battery is in use.
Battery 2 Present - Second internal battery is in use.
DC Present - Unit plugged into mains power.
Detector Operating Temperature Reached / Detector Operating Temperature Not

Reached – Cooler is operating at normal temperature / Cooler is operating above
normal temperature (-160 °C).

GPS
Global Positioning System device provides a precise position and time reference.
Enable: True/False – True indicates that the GPS device is connected.
MCA
These entries are direct reflection of the MCA Input Definition Editor settings or
Analysis and Acquisition application’s Adjust settings.
Detector Name: Current detector name entered in the MID Editor.
IP Address: IP address of the current detector.
Status: MCA OK status
Type: Type of MCA
HVPS Status: ON/OFF
HVPS Voltage: Output voltage of the HVPS.
Sample Report
The following is an example of a system health report showing the current status of
the available hardware devices for a given Falcon unit.
Version: 1.0
Build: 0.32
Mgmt Board:
Firmware Version: 1.00p Build Time: Mon Mar 05 15:17:06 2007
Power Fault: False
Hi Temp: False
In Standby Mode: False
USB Not Enumerated: False
Battery Voltage Fault: False
+18V Fault: False
+3.3V Fault: False
+5.0V Fault: False
+6.5V Fault: False
RAM BBU Voltage: 3.095 V
+18V Power Source: 23.96 V
+3.3V Power Source: 3.28 V

Sample Report

Neutron:
Enable: False
GM Tube:
Enable: True
Status: Ok
Uncertainty Multiplier: 2.5
Dose Rate Conversion Factor: 0.9
Cooler:
Enable: True
Status: Ok
Cooler firmware version: 2.0
RTD Temperature: -169.8 °C
Compressor Temperature: 0.2 °C
Pulse Tube Temperature: 0.3 °C
Compressor Voltage: 5.29 V
Charging Current: 5.799999E-02
Charge Termination Voltage: 21 V
Detector Operation Set-Point Temperature: -170 °C
Battery 1 Voltage: 20.88 V
Battery 2 Voltage: 20.79 V
Power Voltage: 23.86 V
Current Power Source: DC
Battery 1 Present
Battery 2 Present
DC Present
Detector Operating Temperature Reached
GPS:
Enable: False

MCA:
Detector Name: QAFALCON
IP Address: 160.84.49.17
Status: Ok
Type: I2K
HVPS Status: ON
HVPS Voltage: -3000 V

Nuclear
F. Specifications
Nuclear
UNIT TO DISPLAY
– Sv, Sv/h, rem and rem/h for γ dose equivalent.
– Ci and Bq for activity.
DETECTORS
– Geiger Mueller energy compensated for dose-rate equivalent.
– HPGe BE2830 ∅60 x 30 mm with relative efficiency of approximately 18% for

spectrometry.
– Optional 3He tube with moderation for neutron detection. Active volume ∅24.4
x 80 mm.
– Sensitivity for 252Cf emitting 20 000 n/s at 25 cm: detects in two seconds.
ENERGY RANGE
For HPGe – 20 keV to 3.0 MeV.
For GM tube – 30 keV to 1.4 MeV.
FWHM for BE2830 Detector

– ≤ 2.0 keV at 1332 keV.
– ≤1.0 keV at 122 keV.
ELECTRICAL COOLER
TYPE – Pulse Tube Cooler.
TIME TO COOL – 3 to 4 hours at 25 °C (77 °F).
WARRANTY – 5 years; prorated.

Appendix F Specifications
MCA
CHANNELS – 256 - 8192 channels.
LIVE TIME CORRECTION – Live Time Correction (LTC) of spectral data.
INPUT COUNT RATE – > 500 kcps.
PRESETS – Live time (or real time) preset 1 – 106 seconds.
HIGH VOLTAGE INHIBIT – High voltage is automatically inhibited until the

detector has reached operating temperature.
SPECTRUM UPDATE
– Two seconds per 8k spectra between Falcon 5000 and PC.
ALARM THRESHOLD
– Warning and Alarm editable set-points for gamma dose-rate, neutron count-rate
and locator.
Ergonomic
DISPLAY – Via tablet PC running Windows XP, 10.4 in. XGA TFT color display
1024 x 768.
ALARM – Audible and visible on tablet PC.
KEYBOARD – Easy to access dynamic seven buttons menu on the bottom of the
display on the tablet PC in addition to Windows traditional operations.
DATA STORAGE – Spectra with GPS coordinates.
OPERATING CONTROLS
– Control panel on top of Falcon that includes detector temperature,
communication and battery level indicator with Operating/stand-by selector.
– All parameters are accessible through tablet PC setup screen (password

protected).
CARRYING
– Handle on top of instrument.
– Removable shoulder strap.

Communication
Communication
Between Falcon and Tablet PC
– Wireless – Wi-Fi 802.11g with security by WEP or WAP 32 bit encryption.
– Wired – RJ-45 (Ethernet cable).
GPS
– Accuracy – Horizontal <5 meters (50%), <8 meters (90%).
– Acquisition – Reacquisition <2 s (90%), Hot Start <13 s (90%),

Cold Start <86 s (90%).
Software
FUNCTIONS
• Dose
• Locate
• Spectrum
• Identification Functions
• Dose Alarm (Continuously monitored with configurable set point, audio alert
and visual indication).
• Genie 2000 Basic Spectroscopy and Gamma Analysis packages included.
• Radionuclide Identification algorithms are user configurable. Nuclide

Library, Identification Algorithm, measurement geometry and other
adjustable parameters are predefined in Genie 2000 Analysis Sequence File
(.ASF file).
• Nuclide library – Configurable Library with Full Nuclide Editor (Default

Library based on ANSI N42.34 specification).
• Secondary Analysis for non identified peaks and SNM identifications to

specify isotopic classification (RGPu, WGPu, HEU, DU...).
• ISOCS detector characterization available for numerical calibration and

activity quantification of unique measurement geometries.

Electrical
• Instrument
− Universal AC adapter with 100 – 240 V ac, 50 - 60 Hz input.
− STANDARD BATTERIES . Two rechargeable Li-ion 6.4 Ah, hot

swappable, providing up to eight hours operation*. Charging time inside
Falcon 5000 <4 hours.
− TRAVEL BATTERIES (option) . Rechargeable Li-ion 4 Ah, providing

five hours operation* with two batteries. Charging time inside Falcon
5000 <2.5 hours.
• Optional 12 V dc power supply for Falcon 5000 (does not charge batteries
inside Falcon 5000).
• Optional battery chargers outside of Falcon 5000:
− 12 V dc charger for two batteries simultaneously.
− Universal 100 – 240 V ac, 50 - 60 Hz charger for one battery at a time.
• Tablet PC
− Universal AC adapter with 100 – 240 V, 50 - 60 Hz input.
− BATTERY – One internal rechargeable Li-ion providing up to three

hours operation*.
*Nominal value only. Actual run time depends on application specifics.

Mechanical
Mechanical
HOUSING – Painted aluminium easy to decontaminate.
DIMENSIONS – 439.4 x 430 x 173.7 mm (17.3 x 16.9 x 6.8 in.) (L x H x W) with

handle.
WEIGHT
– 15.5 kg (34.1 lb) with two standard batteries not including neutron option.
– 16.8 kg (37.1 lb) with two standard batteries and neutron option.
RUGGEDIZED TABLET – Subject to change depending on tablet manufacturer.

– Dimensions – 284.5 x 209.6 x 40.6 mm (11.2 x 8.25 x 1.6 in.).
– Weight – 2.5 kg (4.95 lb).
Environmental
OPERATING TEMPERATURE – Range: –20 to 50 °C (-4 to 122 °F).
OPERATING HUMIDITY - 0 to 80% relative, non-condensing.
Meets the environmental conditions specified by EN 61010, Installation Category I,

Pollution Degree 2. Subject to change depending on tablet manufacturer.
Norm
EMC – Conform.
CE – Meets CE requirements.

Ordering References
F5000-20 – Falcon 5000 with BE2830 BEGe detector, S513 software and hard case.
– BE2830 BEGe type HPGe detector.
– Two internal Li-ion 6.4 Ah batteries for eight hours of instrument operation
(Falcon accepts up to two batteries).
– S504 and S501 Basic Spectroscopy package and Gamma Analysis.
– Generic ISOCS characterization.
– Falcon accessories such as cables, carrying case, shoulder strap, AC adapter

and user manuals.
– Hard carrying case.
– (Requires computer below).
F5000N-20 – Falcon 5000 with BE2830 BEGe detector, moderated neutron detector,
S513 software and hard case.
– BE2830 BEGe type HPGe detector.
– Moderated neutron 3He detector.
– Two internal Li-ion 6.4 Ah batteries for eight hours of instrument operation
(Falcon accepts up to two batteries).
– S504 and S501 Basic Spectroscopy package and Gamma Analysis.
– Generic ISOCS characterization.
– Falcon accessories such as cables, carrying case, shoulder strap, AC adapter

and user manuals.
– Hard carrying case.
– (Requires computer below).
F5000COMP/RUG – Falcon 5000 Control Computer – Rugged xPlore iX104

equivalent.

Optional Accessories
Optional Accessories
F5000COL – Falcon 5000 screw-on tungsten collimator.
ISXCLF5000 – ISOCS/LabSOCS™ Characterization for the Falcon 5000. Requires

S573 ISOCS or S574 LabSOCS calibration software.
F5000ACPS – Spare external 100 – 240 AC power supply for Falcon (one unit is
delivered standard).
F5000POWERCABLE – Spare cable for Falcon 5000 compatible with F5000ACPS

and F5000DCPS.
F5000INTBAT – Falcon 5000 spare internal rechargeable Li-ion battery.
F5000TRAVELBAT – Falcon 5000 internal travel rechargeable Li-ion battery:

complies with airplane transportation regulation on lithium carried.
F5000ACBATCHARG – 100 – 240 V ac charger for one spare Li-ion battery outside
Falcon 5000.
F5000DCPS – 12 V dc external power supply for Falcon 5000 (does not recharge
internal Falcon batteries).
F5000DCBATCHARG – 12 V dc charger for two spare Li-ion batteries outside

Falcon 5000.

Appendix G Installation Considerations
G. Installation Considerations
This unit complies with all applicable European Union requirements. Compliance
testing was performed with application configurations commonly used for this device.
Preventive Maintenance
This unit does not require any periodic cleaning maintenance.
Any cleaning or maintenance should be performed by a qualified Canberra service

representative.
As with all portable equipment, the mains connections to the system should be
checked at regular intervals, and the mains cable should be inspected for damage.
Operating Protection Impairment

Canberra is not liable for any operational malfunctions or personal injuries due to
mishandling or unauthorized repair and maintenance not detailed in this manual.
Cleaning/Decontamination
When needed, the unit may be cleaned. Remove power from the unit
before cleaning. Use only a soft cloth dampened with warm water and
do not allow water to enter the unit. Make sure unit is fully dry before
restoring power.

H. Disposing of This Equipment
Electrical and electronic equipment contain hazardous substances that, if disposed of
improperly, can have a negative effect on the environment and on human health.
Users / owners of this equipment have the responsibility to ensure that this equipment
does not pose a threat to the environment or to humans when it becomes obsolete and
requires disposal.
The symbol below, also found on your CANBERRA equipment, indicates that this
equipment should not be disposed of in unsorted municipal waste.
Therefore, following the provisions of COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 2002/96/EC on waste

electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), we ask that you contact your nearest
CANBERRA office for instructions on the proper disposal of this equipment.

Note

Index
Cooler controller.................................................. 83
A enabling.......................................................... 83
About this manual ..................................................2 updating the firmware .................................. 107
Activate Genie 2000 function...............................49
D
Adding an MCA ...................................................14
Alarm setup ..........................................................92 Data acquisition
Alert starting ........................................................... 42
audio, silencing ...............................................46 stopping.......................................................... 43
dose.................................................................62 Data clearing........................................................ 42
locator .............................................................54 Data plot curve, selecting .................................... 90
Analysis sequence ................................................80 Default files ....................................................... 130
files included.................................................130 Defaults, system, restoring .................................. 77
starting an........................................................86 Defining
Analysis Sequence File (ASF)..............................80 an MCA.................................................... 13, 16
Audio alerts, silencing ..........................................46 an MID file..................................................... 31
Audio indicators Deleting an MCA................................................. 15
selecting the sound..........................................94 Detector name, assigning..................................... 80
turning off .......................................................46 Detector standby .............................................. 8, 97
turning on........................................................46 Device setup ........................................................ 17
types of ...........................................................46 Discrete analysis ............................................ 56, 89
Auto Cal setup ......................................................81 disabling......................................................... 60
Auto launch, enabling...........................................77 Displaying
Available disk space .............................................48 dose rate data.................................................. 60
NID data......................................................... 57
B spectra data .................................................... 63
Background subtraction............................49, 71, 89 the Locator's histogram .................................. 52
Battery dose rate............................................................... 60
changing........................................................128 Dose rate view ..................................................... 60
charge time....................................................127 alerts............................................................... 62
charging ........................................................127 audio annunicator........................................... 63
Led bargraph.............................................8, 126 display types .................................................. 60
Bubble, peak information .....................................69 equivalent....................................................... 60
Dose setup ........................................................... 91
C audio annunicator........................................... 91
range............................................................... 91
Calibration (Cal) check...................................49, 81
units................................................................ 91
Calibration files ....................................................80
warning/alarm threshold ................................ 93
files included.................................................130
loading ..........................................................100 E
Certificate File (CTF) .......................................4, 80
Changing the battery...........................................128 Easy Mode ........................................................... 78
Charging the battery ...........................................127 turning on....................................................... 78
Clearing, acquired data.........................................42 Efficiency calibration ........................................ 100
Collecting a spectrum .........................................100 files included................................................ 130
Colors of ROIs defined.........................................64 Enabling
Communications an operating mode or function ....................... 77
configuring the communication module .......116 cooler controller ............................................. 83
IP address......................................................115 Easy Mode of Operation ................................ 78
loss of............................................................102 E-mail............................................................. 78
status indicators ..........................................7, 47 GM tube ......................................................... 82
updating the communication firmware .........124 GPS device................................................... 101
wireless/wired ...............................................102 neutron detector ............................................. 83

sleep mode ......................................................77 a calibration file ........................................... 100
Energy calibration ..............................................100 A MID file ..................................................... 27
files included.................................................130 Locate setup......................................................... 85
display settings............................................... 85
F scaling ............................................................ 86
Factory defaults, resetting ....................................77 warning/alarm threshold ................................ 92
Falcon Locate view ......................................................... 52
connecting to an external power source........129 alerts............................................................... 54
mounting to another object .............................11 bargraph ......................................................... 53
software installation......................................104 display types .................................................. 52
unit components................................................5 Loss of communications .................................... 103
unpacking..........................................................8
M
Fault conditions ......................................................7
Flash Loader Utility............................................109 Management board
updating the firmware .................................. 107
G MCA setup........................................................... 80
Gamma Acquisition & Analysis...........................32 Menu
Genie 2000 how to navigate .............................................. 43
activating.........................................................49 remove from display ...................................... 44
creating Example Report ................................72 Message bar ......................................................... 45
launching Genie ..............................................72 MID editor ........................................................... 12
password protection ........................................79 adding an MCA.............................................. 14
software installation......................................105 basic concepts of ............................................ 13
GM tube defining an MCA ........................................... 16
enabling ..........................................................82 deleting an MCA............................................ 15
overrange limit................................................82 saving the definition....................................... 27
GPS device .........................................................101 starting the...................................................... 14
enabling ..........................................................83 using an MCA definition................................ 13
satellite signal ...............................................102 MID wizard ......................................................... 27
saving coordinates.........................................101 configuring the detector ................................. 29
configuring the HVPS.................................... 30
H configuring the MCA ..................................... 28
entering the MID file name ............................ 31
How to
selecting the MCA ......................................... 28
collect a spectrum .........................................100
Monitoring disk space ......................................... 48
load a calibration file ....................................100
Mounting the Falcon............................................ 11
save a spectrum.............................................100
Moving the spectrum's cursor.............................. 64
verify spectroscopy parameters.....................100
HyperTerminal, installing...................................107 N
I Neutron probe
enabling.......................................................... 83
Input .....................................................................25
overrange limit ............................................... 83
Installing
Neutron setup
Falcon 5000 software....................................105
display range .................................................. 92
Genie 2000 software .....................................105
warning/alarm threshold ................................ 93
HyperTerminal..............................................107
NID setup............................................................. 86
Instrument setup ...................................................80
NID view ............................................................. 55
IP address
acquiring data................................................. 55
changing........................................................115
alerts............................................................... 59
entering ...........................................................17
display types .................................................. 57
L sorting the columns ........................................ 58
Nuclide ID
Labels displaying....................................................... 68
information buble............................................69 enabling.......................................................... 90
nuclide indentification ....................................68 Nuclide Library Editor
Loading files included................................................ 130

opening ...........................................................86 Standard analysis ................................................. 56
Starting data acquisition ...................................... 42
O Status line ............................................................ 45
Operation Mode......................................................8 Stopping data acquisition..................................... 43
operate ............................................................97 System health....................................................... 48
standby............................................................97
U
Overrange indicator ..............................................53
Updating
P communication firmware ............................. 124
Password, enabling ...............................................79 cooler controller firmware ........................... 107
Peak information buble.........................................69 management board firmware ....................... 107
enabling ..........................................................90
V
show activity...................................................90
Peak labeling ..................................................68, 90 Verifying detector temperature........................ 7, 97
Pole Zero Assistant...............................................24 Viewing the spectra ....................................... 63, 99
Power indicators ...................................................46 Views
Power requirements ............................................125 dose rate ......................................................... 60
locate.............................................................. 52
R NID ................................................................ 55
range .........................................................20, 30, 34 spectroscopy................................................... 63
Region of Interest (ROI).........................................4
W
colors ..............................................................64
Resetting the alarm function...............55, 60, 63, 70 Wireless/Wired Communications ...........7, 102, 116
Restore system defaults ........................................77 icon indictors.................................................. 47
RS-232 connector ...................................................5
Z
S
Zoom
Saving in 65
spectral data ....................................................69 out 65
the MID file ....................................................27
Selecting the Home Mode ....................................77
Settings
DSP filter ..................................................24, 37
DSP gain ...................................................22, 36
high voltage ..............................................20, 34
input ................................................................25
MCS..........................................................19, 35
stabilizer....................................................19, 33
Setup Mode...........................................................76
alarm settings for each view ...........................92
general settings ...............................................77
instrument settings ..........................................80
parameters for each view ................................85
password settings ............................................78
Silencing the audio alert .......................................46
Sleep mode, enabling............................................77
Sorting the NID data columns ..............................58
Special Nuclear Materials (SNM) ..........................4
SNM identification .............................56, 88, 99
Spectroscopy View...............................................63
Spectrum
collecting a....................................................100
expanding the..................................................65
moving the cursor ...........................................64
Stabilizer settings ...........................................25, 33

Note
154
__________________________________________________________________________
Warranty
Canberra (we, us, our) warrants to the customer (you, your) that for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of
shipment, software provided by us in connection with equipment manufactured by us shall operate in accordance
with applicable specifications when used with equipment manufactured by us and that the media on which the
software is provided shall be free from defects. We also warrant that (A) equipment manufactured by us shall be
free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of shipment of such
equipment, and (B) services performed by us in connection with such equipment, such as site supervision and
installation services relating to the equipment, shall be free from defects for a period of one (1) year from the date
of performance of such services.
If defects in materials or workmanship are discovered within the applicable warranty period as set forth above, we
shall, at our option and cost, (A) in the case of defective software or equipment, either repair or replace the
software or equipment, or (B) in the case of defective services, reperform such services.
LIMITATIONS
EXCEPT AS SET FORTH HEREIN, NO OTHER WARRANTIES OR REMEDIES, WHETHER STATUTORY,
WRITTEN, ORAL, EXPRESSED, IMPLIED (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE) OR OTHERWISE, SHALL APPLY. IN NO
EVENT SHALL CANBERRA HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT OR
CONSEQUENTIAL LOSSES OR DAMAGES OF ANY NATURE WHATSOEVER, WHETHER AS A RESULT OF
BREACH OF CONTRACT, TORT LIABILITY (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE.
REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE SOFTWARE OR EQUIPMENT DURING THE APPLICABLE WARRANTY
PERIOD AT CANBERRA'S COST, OR, IN THE CASE OF DEFECTIVE SERVICES, REPERFORMANCE AT
CANBERRA'S COST, IS YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY UNDER THIS WARRANTY.
EXCLUSIONS
Our warranty does not cover damage to equipment which has been altered or modified without our written
permission or damage which has been caused by abuse, misuse, accident, neglect or unusual physical or electrical
stress, as determined by our Service Personnel.
We are under no obligation to provide warranty service if adjustment or repair is required because of damage
caused by other than ordinary use or if the equipment is serviced or repaired, or if an attempt is made to service or
repair the equipment, by other than our Service Personnel without our prior approval.
Our warranty does not cover detector damage due to neutrons or heavy charged particles. Failure of beryllium,
carbon composite, or polymer windows, or of windowless detectors caused by physical or chemical damage from
the environment is not covered by warranty.
We are not responsible for damage sustained in transit. You should examine shipments upon receipt for evidence
of damage caused in transit. If damage is found, notify us and the carrier immediately. Keep all packages, materials
and documents, including the freight bill, invoice and packing list.
Software License
When purchasing our software, you have purchased a license to use the software, not the software itself. Because
title to the software remains with us, you may not sell, distribute or otherwise transfer the software. This license
allows you to use the software on only one computer at a time. You must get our written permission for any
exception to this limited license.
BACKUP COPIES
Our software is protected by United States Copyright Law and by International Copyright Treaties. You have our
express permission to make one archival copy of the software for backup protection. You may not copy our
software or any part of it for any other purpose.
Revised 1 Apr 03

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Falcon 5000®

Copyright 2011, Canberra Industries, Inc. All rights reserved.

For technical assistance, call our Customer Service Hotline at 1-800-

Falcon® is a registered trademark and Genie is a trademark of

2. Hardware Setup and Configuration ............................................... 5

3. MCA Input Definition..................................................................... 12

ii Falcon 5000 Portable HPGe Spectrometer

User's Manual - 9240461B iii

iv Falcon 5000 Portable HPGe Spectrometer

5. Setup Mode .................................................................................... 76

User's Manual - 9240461B v

vi Falcon 5000 Portable HPGe Spectrometer

A. Installing the PC Software .......................................................... 104

User's Manual - 9240461B vii

C. Communication Setup ................................................................ 115

D. Power System.............................................................................. 125

E. Technical Reference ................................................................... 130

F. Specifications .............................................................................. 141

viii Falcon 5000 Portable HPGe Spectrometer

G. Installation Considerations ........................................................ 148

H. Disposing of This Equipment..................................................... 149

Index ................................................................................................... 151

User's Manual - 9240461B ix

Indicates warning of mains or high voltage present at output labeled HV.

Caution – risk of danger. Refer to documentation for detailed explanation of caution

Product complies with appropriate current EU directives.

Mechanical Safety: Caution – risk of injury due to moving parts.

Personal Safety: Protective gear is required.

Environmental Safety: Caution surfaces hot/cold.

x Falcon 5000 Portable HPGe Spectrometer

Four modes of operation providing:

Dose Alarm (Continuously monitored with

Radionuclide Identification algorithms are user configurable.

User's Manual - 9240461B xi

xii Falcon 5000 Portable HPGe Spectrometer

The Falcon’s HPGe high-resolution detection capabilities combined with built-in

Why Use the Falcon?

How Does the Falcon Work?

Genie 2000 Software Support

User's Manual - 9240461B 1

A brief description of these application packages follows:

In Situ Object Counting Software (ISOCS)

What You Need to Know

About this Manual

Chapter 4, Basic Operation, addresses the Locator, NID (Nuclide Identification),

2 Falcon 5000 Portable HPGe Spectrometer

Appendix A, Installing the PC Software, gives you step-by-step instruction on

Appendix B, Updating the Firmware, gives you step-by-step instruction on how

Appendix C, Communication Setup, gives you instructions on how to setup

User's Manual - 9240461B 3

Abbreviations and Acronyms

ASF Analysis Sequence File

4 Falcon 5000 Portable HPGe Spectrometer

2. Hardware Setup and Configuration

The Falcon 5000 Unit

• Cryostat Cooler and Controller

• InSpector 2000 MCA

• Internal Battery Charger

• Global Positioning System

• Neutron Probe (optional)

User's Manual - 9240461B 5

External Power Connector

Power Push button

Figure 2 The Falcon 5000 Rear Panel

Falcon 5000 User's Manual

Falcon 5000 User's Manual