Answer: The definition of Smart Probes are those probes equipped with a memory device storing all calibration detail as well as application specific criteria. Connection of a Smart Probe to a compatible Eberline Smart instrument, like the E-600 or RM-24, automatically configures the instrument for immediate operation.

Can Smart Probes be used on Thermo Scientific's other Smart Portables like the ASP-1, ASP-2, ESP-1, ESP-2, SRM-100, SRM-200 OR SRM-300?

Answer: In principle the correct response is no, however, these probes will work with the above instruments in a non-smart manner. These early 1980 smart series instruments (excepting the ASP-2 model introduced in 1997) coined the phrase "Smart" from their relative capability as compared to other instruments of its generation. These instrument's smarts were derived from their ability to switch probes by allowing users to switch probe and operating parameters relatively easily when compared to the traditional potentiometer adjustments commonly utilized previously.

Back when these earlier instruments were designed, the "Smarts" were contained in the memory of the instrument. Todays "Smart Probes" utilize dedicated memory devices located at the probe which automatically download all their data a compatible "Smart Instrument." At the time of this writing only  Model E-600 and RM-24 accept these smart type probes.

The older series instruments may still work with today's smart probes, but do not accept any of the smart probe parameters. Thus all calibration and operational criteria are still maintained by the instrument as originally designed.

Does the E-600 only work with Smart Probes?

Answer: No, the E-600 operates with all Eberline traditional or Smart probes. The E-600 may also operate probes from other manufacturers. Existing probes from Eberline or others may be upgraded to Smart, by simply adding an external SMARTPAC ( Smart Programmable Adaptor Cable).

To learn more read Eberline's Application Note: Smart Probes

Can the E-600 scaler count data in more than one channel without having to recount in every channel?

Answer: Yes, if all channels are balanced. Balanced channels are those where the following parameters are identical in all channels. They are:

High Voltage
Upper and Lower Thresholds
Cross-Over Factors
Scaler Counting Time

If any one of these parameters are inconsistent with the channel currently active while performing the scaler count function, the scaler function will not be initiated in those incompatible channels.

Can the E-600 log data in multiple channels simultaneously?

Answer: No. Each channel needs to be logged separately. Once the measurement is ready (whether in ratemeter, scaler, peak trap modes etc.,) press the log data button once to freeze the display and a second time to log the data. A double beep confirms the data has been successfully logged. Press the channel button to sequence to the desired channel and press the log button sequence again as previously stated. This procedure is repeated for each desired channel.

When should the E-600 batteries be changed out?

Answer: The E-600 manual explains that the batteries rapidly loose their voltage when the remaining battery life goes below 60%. The manual also notes that the low battery icon activates whenever the voltage is at 3.15 volts.

Many E-600 users have mistakenly interpreted this to mean that when the E-600 display reaches 60% (as indicated by the LCD in the Check Mode) that it is advisable to replace their batteries.

The E-600 is programmed to activate the low battery icon when the battery check analog meter is reading at 10% of full scale.

The E-600 doesn't retrieve larger numbers of logged data in one pull. How can this be overcome?

Answer: The E-600 is often very busy doing other things while in the various operating modes. Pulling larger volumes of logged data (several hundred data points) may result in an preliminary aborted extraction of all data points. Efforts to subsequently make additional attempts to pull out remaining data will often lead to missing data points where the pulls were aborted.

The best solution to overcome this completely is to place the E-600 in the Check Mode anytime logged data are pulled from the instrument to the PC. This works very reliably.

The speaker output maximizes at about 800 CPM. What can be done to overcome this?

Answer: Eberline revised the programming in version 3.10 of the firmware. The audible click rate now tops out at over 4500 cpm.

Survey Technicians wearing gloves sometimes inadvertently switch the Mode Selector switch knob without realizing it. Is there a way to overcome this?

Answer: Yes. Eberline offers an optional knob which requires a very deliberate effort to switch between modes. The Eberline part number is HDKN6. Contact Eberline for pricing and availability.

Survey Technicians wearing gloves sometimes inadvertently switch the response time selector switch without realizing it. Is there a way to overcome this?

Answer: No alternate switches are proposed by Eberline at this time. Users can easily get around this by programming identical response times for all three positions.

How can one determine what the stored background values are for each channel?

Answer: While in the Check Mode go to the channel of interest and then press the GROSS/NET button on the E-600 front panel. This LCD display will present the channel type, Net icon, currently stored background value, unit of measurement and a "b9nd" (bgnd) criptic message in the lower right hand message center.

Pressing the NET/GROSS switch again does not toggle the display back to the previous display point. The display may only be advanced by pressing the CHNL button to advance to the next available display.

Is there a way to store backgrounds in multiple channels simultaneously?

Answer: Yes. In the case of dual alpha/beta probes channel 1 is typically set up for alpha, channel 2 the beta channel and channel 3 alpha/beta. If users store a background while in either the alpha or beta channel it will result in a new value for the selected channel only. If the background is stored while in the alpha/beta channel all three channels receive new channel specific stored values simultaneously.

Can the E-600 speaker volume be increased to better accommodate noisier areas?

Answer: Not directly, no. The speaker utilized in the E-600 design cannot be manipulated to increase speaker volume. Eberline's first solution is to utilize the Lightweight Headset option (Part Number E-600 OPT 16).

Another possible simple and low cost solution for users who require greater volume without using a headset may be to purchase a Mini Amplifier - Speaker (Catalog Number 277-1008C) and cable (Catalog Number 42-2420) from Radio Shack. This device measures 2.6" wide x 3.5" high x 1.4" deep and weighs about xxx ounces. The unit operates off of a standard 9 Vdc battery housed inside the unit and may be connected via the cable noted above to the headphone set output located at the rear of the handle.

The amplifier/speaker has a volume adjust wheel that works very well at a very low setting, thereby minimizing the draw on the 9 Vdc battery, yet increases the audible volume considerably. The amplifier, cable and battery were purchased at a local Radio Shack for a total of $18.14.

One possible drawback of this unit is that it is not stereo so only the first channel is ever amplified by this external device. All probes programmed for a single channel, as is the case in most instances, will not be affected. Probe types like the dual alpha/beta probes will only have the alpha channel amplified by this external device.

What is required to interface a custom developed PC program to the E-600?

Answer: We offer a E600 Communications Dynamic Link Library (Part Number E-600 OPT30 ) for Windows applications. This DLL supports all parameters of the E-600.

Also we offer an Application Note that describes the code (for either Windows or DOS based programs) necessary to simply retrieve the current reading from the E-600. 

What are the communication specifications for the E-600?

Answer: The E-600 utilizes an RS-232 serial port with the following setup:

Baud Rate: 19.2 K
Data Bits: 8
Parity: 0
Stop bits: 1

What is the best way to set up a NaI probe for pulse height channel analysis?

Answer: See Application Note entitled Configuring NaI Scintillation Probes for Pulse Height Analysis Applications

What is the best way to determine Alpha/Beta crossover factors?

Answer: See  Application Note entitled Using Crossover Correction with the E-600.

How to handle any incompatibility between E-600 firmware and Smart detectors.

Answer: See Application Note entitled Upgrading the E-600 and its Probes to V2.xx. Although this note only details the conversion from V1.xx to V2.xx it applies equally to any versions where incompatibilities may result.

Can the E-600 interface to a Global Positioning System device?

Answer: Potentially yes. This would require specific programming (not yet implemented) to accommodate latitude, longitude, altitude data etc,. Users interested in interfacing GPS are encouraged to contact the E-600 Product Manager at (505) 471-3232.

Does the E-600 need to be recalibrated when upgrading the firmware?

Answer: No, if a simple procedure is followed, Thermo Scientific has demonstrated by experience that recalibration of the instrument is not necessary.

The procedure is straight forward and simple. Before removing the E-600's EPROM, capture the instrument settings to disk for later downloading. After changing out the EPROM, re-initialize the E-600 by downloading the defaults from the Utility menu of the WINE600 PC program and then finally reload the captured settings..

What is wrong with the E-600 instrument when the calibration date and or serial number are not as originally programmed into the instrument?

Answer: This phenomena is the result of not properly changing EPROM's whenever upgrading program versions. The step which is often overlooked is to reinitialize the E-600 by downloading defaults first before reloading the originally captured settings. (See explanation of procedure in question 20 above).

What is the maximum count rate of the E-600?

Answer:   65,536 cps