PNC-1G

PARA NUCLEAR COUNTER

INSTRUCTION
MANUAL
Para Nuclear Counter Model PNC- 1G -2-

INSTRUCTION MANUAL: PNC-1G

(Para Nuclear Counter for Beta and Gamma radiation)

INDEX
Page No.
1. GENERAL INFORMATION ...................................................................................... 3

1.1 SCOPE............................................................................................................................. 3

1.2 DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................................... 3

2. SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................................................... 7

3. INDICATORS/ CONTROLS / CONNECTORS ....................................................... 8

4. INSTALLATION.......................................................................................................... 9

4.1 UNPACKING AND HANDLING.................................................................................. 9

4.2 POWER REQUIREMENT ............................................................................................. 9

4.3 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ............................................................................................. 9

5. OPERATION .............................................................................................................. 10

5.1 OPERATING PROCEDURE ....................................................................................... 10

5.2 OPERATIONAL DETAILS .......................................................................................... 10

6. MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................................ 15

7. WARRANTY .............................................................................................................. 17
 Para Nuclear Counter Model PNC- 1G -3-

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 SCOPE

Para Nuclear Counter Model PNC-1G is a micro-controller based, economical, stand

alone, portable mains operated instrument for Nuclear Counting application. It is a
versatile instrument designed to cater counting application requirements.

Para Nuclear Counter Model PNC-1G, uses GM tube as nuclear radiation detector.
Required high voltage required for GM detector is generated in Model PNC-1G. The load
resistor for GM tube and the front end electronics for pulse processing are housed in
PNC-1G. Single coaxial cable with BNC connector connects the GM tube to PNC-1G.

Para Nuclear Counter Model PNC-1G can store 1000 counts data in a non-volatile
memory. These readings can be downloaded to PC via RS-232 interface or printed on
printer via parallel interface.

Para Nuclear Counter Model PNC-1G, is ideally suited for Nuclear Experiments
carried out in University and colleges. It is also useful for radiation counting for Health
Physics applications in radioisotope laboratories, nuclear reactors, nuclear power plants,
nuclear medicine centers etc.

1.2 DESCRIPTION
Model PNC-1G has following functional blocks

a) Detector - GM Tube
b) High Voltage Supply & Pulse Processing Circuit
c) Microcontroller with RTC and Memory
d) LCD Menu Display & Keypad
e) Printer Output
f) PC Interface
 Para Nuclear Counter Model PNC- 1G -4-

1.2.1 DETECTOR

Para Nuclear Counter Model PNC-1G can be coupled to any standard, halogen
quenched, GM tube with operating voltage less than 1000V. Normally, Model PNC-1G is
supplied end window GM tube type LND 712 mounted in powder coated Aluminum
housing. The nominal operating voltage for the tube is 550 volts. The GM detector is
connected by a coaxial cable with BNC connector mounted on the front panel.

HV Supply Memory Printer

(0 to 1500V) RTC & PC
(I2C logic) Interface
GM Tube
Detector

Pulse Micro Keyboard &

Processing Controller LCD
Circuit Display

Mains Power
240 V, 50 Hz

Fig. 1 FUNCTIONAL BLOCK DIAGRAM OF PNC-1G

 Para Nuclear Counter Model PNC- 1G -5-

1.2.2 H.V. SUPPLY & PULSE SHAPING CIRCUIT

The High voltage (0 to +1500 Volts) necessary to operate GM Tube is generated in

Model PNC-1G. The voltage is continuously adjustable to +1500 volts using helipot with
graduated dial mounted on the front panel. Adjusted HV is displayed on the LCD.

The H.V. supply is a dc to dc converter using epoxy molded ferrite transformer. High
voltage output up to +1500 Volts is filtered through 100 KΩ / 0.01 Microfarad RC filter
for minimum ripple content.

Current amplifier and ferrite core are the center point of design of H. V. Supply
Ferrite core transformer is designed to work with oscillator and to provide continuously
variable high voltage from 0 to + 1500 Volts at approximately 0.1 mA load current.

High Voltage is connected to the GM Tube through a load resistor. The detector
output pulses due to incident radiation are then shaped to generate TTL pulses. These
TTL pulses are fed as input to the Timer/Counter of the Micro controller.

Warning
Fatal High Voltages are exposed when the front panel of the instrument is
opened. Switch off power and wait for 30 seconds before touching inside
components.
 Para Nuclear Counter Model PNC- 1G -6-

1.2.3 MICRO-CONTROLLER

Model PNC-1G uses Atmel make 8 bit microcontroller type 89C52. Real Time
Clock, a 6 digit Counter and 64KB EEPROM are additional I2C logic devices interfaced
to the microcontroller.

1.2.4 LCD MENU DISPLAY & KEY PAD

The 16 characters x 2 line large display with wide viewing angle LCD display helps
user to communicate with Model PNC-1G and set the parameters by using keypad. LCD
backlit will automatically turn ON when PNC-1G is operated on the mains supply.

Panel embedded 4 keys are used for setting up various parameters and controlling the
acquisition, data recall and other operations. All the 4 keys carry different significance
during the operation. Displayed Character on LCD, just above each key shows the
function of that key. For example > symbol indicates that pressing of this key will advance
the cursor to next position of the displayed number.

1.2.5 PRINTER OUTPUT

Model PNC-1G generates formatted output for printing on centronics parallel printer.
Pinter port 25 pin D male connector on the rear panel is for connecting it to any standard
centronics parallel printer to produce hard copy of result of an experiment.

1.2.6 PC INTERFACE

Model PNC-1G generates formatted serial output for data transfer to PC on COM or
Serial Port. COM port 9 pin D male connector on the rear panel is for connecting it to PC
for transferring the data to PC. Support software for data transfer to PC in Windows
environment, is provided with Model PNC-1G.
 Para Nuclear Counter Model PNC- 1G -7-

2. SPECIFICATIONS

ELECTRONICS : All solid state, Micro-Controller based design

OPERATING MODES : Preset Timer

PRESET TIMER : 9999 Secs *

NUMBER OF RUNS : Settable between 1 to 1000

MENU DISPLAY : Counts : 999999

Time : 9999
Runs : 1000

HV SUPPLY : Adjustable to 1500V by setting the helipot

with graduated dial

DATA STORAGE : Store and recall facility for data up to 1000 readings

USER INTERFACE : 4 keys keypad with 16x2 lines LCD for displaying
Key function

DATA TRANSFER : For PC : RS-232 COM Port

For Printer : Centronics Parallel Port

POWER : Mains Operated 240V (+ 10 V) AC, 50Hz

GENERAL

Mechanical

Dimensions : 200 L x 208 D x 90 H mm

Weight : Approximately 2 kg

*** Optional H:MM:SS format is supplied on specific request.

 Para Nuclear Counter Model PNC- 1G -8-

3. INDICATORS/ CONTROLS / CONNECTORS

Front Panel

Indicators

MENU DISPLAY : 16 x 2 Lines Large Character LCD Display

Controls

4 KEYS PAD : for Multifunction Operation

HV ADJ UST : Helipot with graduated dial to set HV

Connectors

DETECTOR : BNC Female connector for GM Tube

Rear Panel

Controls

ON/OFF SWITCH : Instrument ON/OFF switch

Connectors

MAINS : Mains cable receptacle with built-in fuse holder

RS-232 CONNCTOR : 9 pin D type PC Interface connector

PRINTER OUTPUT : 25 Pin D type Printer interface connector

 Para Nuclear Counter Model PNC- 1G -9-

4. INSTALLATION

4.1 UNPACKING AND HANDLING

Carefully unpack the instrument. Check for any physical damage to the instrument and
the GM detector with planchet Holder. In case any physical damage is noticed, DO NOT
SWITCH ON the instrument and notify the factory or nearest sales office immediately.

4.2 POWER REQUIREMENT

The instrument operates on 240V (+ 10 V) AC, 50 Hz mains supply. Necessary dc low

voltages for the pulse processing electronics as well as for counting are generated in PNC-
1G.

4.3 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Model PNC-1G generates high voltage dc supply, which is fed to the GM tube based
detector. This supply can give electrical shock if an attempt is made to touch the central
live pin of the BNC connector in “ON” condition or central pin of BNC connector.

High Voltages are also present on H.V. Supply PCB inside the instrument enclosure.
Utmost care should be taken while handling this board. Always switch OFF the instrument
before opening the instrument box.

NOTE

It is important to note that PNC-1G will spring back to the same operating
menu where it has been switched off expect HV Read mode. For example,
if PNC- 1G is turned OFF while at Recall Data Mode, it will return to this
mode, whenever power is turned ON again.

This feature enables user to proceed quickly from where he has left the
earlier mode of operation.
 Para Nuclear Counter Model PNC- 1G - 10 -

5. OPERATION

5.1 OPERATING PROCEDURE

Following procedure should be adopted for trouble free operation of PNC-1G.

1. Connect Mains cable to the mains cable receptable mounted on rear panel of the
instrument.
2. Connect the GM Detector cable BNC Connector to BNC female connector on the
front panel.
3. Turn the instrument ON by setting ON/OFF switch to ON position. This will turn
ON the LCD Menu display.
4. Adjust HV supply to the value specified for the GM tube used. For GM tube
model LND 712, the operating voltage is 550 Volts.
5. Press any key and follow the operating instructions as prompted by LCD Menu.
6. Refer the details on Set Up, Modes of operation, Data Recall and Transfer
described in OPERATIONAL DETAILS.
7. At the end of the experiment, set High Voltage to 0 volts by turning the HV
Adjust dial completely counter clockwise to 0.00 setting.
8. Switch the instrument OFF by setting the ON/OFF switch to OFF position.

5.2 OPERATIONAL DETAILS

5.2.1 DEFAULT PARAMETERS

Model PNC-1G is a versatile instrument, including the HV supply and front end
electronics required by the GM Detector. For each of these configurations, it is necessary
to set certain parameters such as Preset Time, Number of Runs (repetitions). These
parameters values will be loaded when the particular mode of operation is activated.

Model PNC-1G has following default values for these parameters. These default
values can be loaded if required.

DEFAULT PARAMETER VALUES

PRESET TIMER

TIME : 30 second (0030)

Number of RUNS : 10 (0010)
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5.2.2 BASIC KEY FUNCTIONS

Following table shows the Basic Keys Symbol and their function. These key symbols are
used for displaying the keys.

Key Symbol Functions

S SKIP KEY for changing Operating Mode or jump to next Mode
B BACK KEY to go back without making any changes
E ENTER KEY to confirm the parameter entry
+ INCREMENT KEY to increment the digit under cursor
> SHIFT KEY to move the cursor to next digit position
II STOP or HALT KEY

Apart from these Basic Key functions, there are many other key symbols used for
displaying the options. These key symbols are indicated while describing the particular
parameter/operation.

5.2.3 SET PARAMETERS

In this mode, user can set the parameters such as Preset Time, Number of Runs etc.
Counts per Run are stored automatically in the memory and can be retrieved in RECALL
MODE.

While the Menu is indicating

Para Electronics
NUCLEAR COUNTER

Para Electronics
* GM Counter *

After few seconds

20 / 10 / 2010
Press Any Key ..

IF HV dial position at 0.0 or 0.1 after few seconds

PLS Rotate HVPOT

In CLK Direction

IF HV dial position greater than 0.2 after few seconds

HV = 0023 Volts
Press Any Key ..
 Para Nuclear Counter Model PNC- 1G - 12 -

Note:- Instrument spring backup to mode where the instrument is switched OFF
expect for HV Read ?

Set Parameters ?
D E S
1. :- Default Mode 2. :- Setup Mode
D Key :- Set Default Parameters D Key :- Set Default Parameters
E Key :- To enter into Setup mode E Key :- To enter into Setup mode
S Key :- Go to Back S Key :- Go to Back

1. :- Default Mode

Load Default
E S Parameters ?

After Press E key instrument will loaded following default values and ready for
Start Counter

Counting Time
30 Secs

Number of Runs
010

Start Counter ?
► B

2. :- Setup Mode

Set CountingTime
TU B RUns?

Press:-
T for Set CountingTime / U for RUns?

T Key :- Set Counting Time.

U Key:- Set Number of Runs
B Key:- Go to Back
 Para Nuclear Counter Model PNC- 1G - 13 -

Note :
1. Blinking underlined digit that can be modified. To increment this digit, press
+ Key, to shift cursor to next digit press > Key E Key to accept the set
parameter and B Key to exit from this Mode.
2. Counting Time can be in H:MM:SS format also

If T Key is pressed, following menu will appear on LCD

Counting Time
+ > E B 0000 Sec

Counting Time can be set between 1 to 9999 Seconds.

Optional :-
H:MM:SS 0:00:00
+ > E B Time

Counting Time can be set between 0:00:01 to 9:59:59.

Pls tick mark the time setting format supplied in instrument

: - Time setting format 9999 secs.

.
:- Time setting format 9:59:59.

If U Key is pressed, following menu will appear on LCD

No. Of Runs 0010

+ > E B
Number of Runs can be set between 1 to 1000.

If Counting Time or Number of Runs are set to 0000, PNC-1G will load Counting
Time as 1 Second and Number of Runs as 1.

5.2.4 RUN MODE

S Key will bring up menu as below

Start Counter?
► B
 Para Nuclear Counter Model PNC- 1G - 14 -

While counting, Counting Time, Number of Runs and counts as shown on LCD display.
All these three values of the current run are stored in EEPROM. The maximum storage
is upto 1000 Runs.

Counts Run Number

000099 0009
Abort Key A II 0001 Sec

Stop Key Elapsed Time

A Key :- Abort key will terminate the current Run and halt counting immediately. The
data of the current Run is ignored by PNC-1G

Start Counter?
C ► B

C Key :- To continue run from where the run was stopped

► Key :- To start run from fresh
B Key :- To change Mode
Counts Run Number

000099 0009
Abort Key A II 0010 Sec

Stop Key Elapsed Time

A Run can be halted / stopped by pressing ll key. However, the stopping will occur only
when current Run is completed. On halt, instrument will prompt user
whether to continue or to start fresh/new run.
Counts Run Number

000099 0009
Abort Key C►B 0010 Sec

Stop Key Elapsed Time

When preset numbers of Runs are completed the menu will change to

000099 0010
► B 0010 Sec

► Key:- To start run from fresh.

B Key:- To change Mode.
 Para Nuclear Counter Model PNC- 1G - 15 -

5.2.5 RECALL DATA MODE

In this mode, the Counts Data (as stored in Preset Timer Run) can be retrieved and
transferred to LCD or COM Port or Printer Port. It also allows user to select the data
range which will be transferred to the set device.
FOR COM PORT:
Run PNC-1G data transfer program on PC. Click on ‘Receive data’ button to receive all
data from the instrument to PC.

Press
S Key to get this mode. Menu will indicate

Recall Data?
E S

Press E :- To recall Counts Data Press S:- To go back to earlier menu

Pressing of E key will prompt the selection of Data Range which can be Entire or Partial.

Data From / To
F T E B Entire

F Key:- To select data “From Run” (beginning of data range)

T Key:- To select data “ To Run” (end of data range)
E Key:- To select Entire data range (all the Runs)
B Key:- Back to Recall Data

It is necessary to enter valid range of data. PNC-1G will not accept invalid range.
Next selection is for the Device where the data is to be transferred, i.e. either on LCD
display or on Printer or on COM port for transfer to PC.

Data ON LCD COM

LC P B Printer

L Key:- To view data on LCD display.

C Key:- To transfer data on PC com port.
P Key :- To transfer data on any standard Printer (Parallel port only).
B Key:- To go back to earlier menu

HV Read Mode :-

HV Read ? HV = 0023 Volts

E S Press Any Key ..

User can Set and Read HV value by varying the front panel HV pot.
To exit this mode press any Key.
 Para Nuclear Counter Model PNC- 1G - 16 -

6. MAINTENANCE

Model PNC-1G does not require any specific maintenance. It is designed with greatest of
care to give trouble free service. Should any problem occur in its functioning, please
contact our nearest sales office for assistance. It is not possible to repair PNC-1G at site,
but is necessary to send the instrument to the factory giving prior intimation.

CONNECT MAINS
CABLE & TURN
ON POWER

POWER ON NO PNC-1G IS NOT REPORT TO FACTORY

MESSAGE ON WORKING PROPERLY OR
MENU DISPLAY ? SALES OFFICE

YES
TURN OFF UNIT &
CONNECT GM DETECTOR
CABLE

SET H.V. TO THE

RECOMMENDED
VALUE

SET UP PRESET
TIMER MODE & START
COUNTING

KEEP SOURCE CHECK DETECTOR

IN FRONT OF CONNECTION
GM DETECTOR

YES
COUNTING IN NO CHECK HV SETTING
PROGRESS

PNC- 1G IS
WORKING NORMAL
 Para Nuclear Counter Model PNC- 1G - 17 -

7. WARRANTY

Customer : ___________________________________

Instrument Sr. No. : ___________________________________

Date of dispatch : ______ / ______ / _______

Para Nuclear Counter Model PNC-1G, has been designed and manufactured with the
greatest of care. It has been carefully adjusted and tested. The components used, are the
finest available, and with proper care, this instrument is capable of continuous service for
many years.

This instrument is guaranteed against defective materials and workmanship for a period
of ONE year from the date of dispatch. The warranty for the GM tube / Detector is as per
the Warranty Terms of the manufacturer.

The software (if) supplied with the instrument has been checked for any virus
with the latest available Anti Virus program. However, we do not assume any
responsibility of any virus if found on the floppies/CD(s) supplied by us. This
warranty does not cover any damage or loss of data/information due to such virus
or viruses.

This warranty does not cover damage in transit, or damage caused by carelessness,
misuse or neglect.

If it is necessary to return the instrument for repairs, it should be carefully packed and
shipped prepaid to us. During the Warranty period, the manufacturer will repair or
replace defective parts promptly, at no charge for parts or labor. All the shipping costs are
to be paid by the customer.

The manufacturer does not assume any other Warranty, express or implied, and will not
be responsible for any damage, injury or loss arising out of the use of or application of
this instrument.

_________________________

For Electronic Enterprises (I) Pvt. Ltd.

Para Electronics- Manufacturing Division
215, Regal Industrial Estate
Sewree, Mumbai 400015
Para Nuclear Counter Model PNC- 1G - 18 -

Para Electronics
* Nuclear Counter *

ANY KEY

S B S
Set Time/Runs? Start Counter? Recall Data? HV Read
S
E
B
B
Measure
B T B U Counting ON Range Select & Display
B
E F HV
Time Runs A
Entire Partial
E D
Stop/Abort
Counting
Device Select
Set Default C
Parameters Restart L P
Counting?

Display Printer

Denotes one level UP

Denotes one level DOWN

OVERVIEW OF PNC-
PNC-1G OPERATIONS