Electronic Control Concepts 890 Instruction Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

MODEL 890

X-RAY DOSE METER

EXPOSURE TIME

METER

/

Electronic Control Concepts

PO Box 182, 1160 US Route 50

Milford, Ohio 45150-9705 USA
Phone: 800-VIP-XRAY

Fax: [phone]
[e-mail] | www.eccxray.com
A Division of US Nuclear Corp
www.usnuclearcorp.com

2

Rev: October 28, 2014

MODEL 890

X-RAY Dose Meter / Exposure Time Meter

INSTRUCTION

TABLE OF

DESCRIPTION 3
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS 4

SWITCH SETTINGS 4
DISPLAY 4

OPERATION 5
REMOTE SENSOR CONNECTION 6
STATUS MESSAGES 6
BATTERY REPLACEMENT 7
WARRANTY 7
SERVICE INFORMATION 7
MEASURING HALF VALUE LAYER 8
TECHNICAL INFORMATION 9
MEASURING X-RAY QUALITY 11
SPECIFICATIONS 13

CONTENTS

MANUAL

Page

3

DESCRIPTION

The ECC Model 890 X-ray Dose Meter / Exposure Time Meter is used to measure
the effective dose produced by diagnostic x-ray generators. The ECC Model 890
is a solid-state, digital instrument designed specifically for service personnel in
assessing the performance of radiation generators and the effective dose delivered
by the x-ray generator under specific test conditions. This instrument measures
the amount of x-ray radiation delivered to a specific area and measures the length
of an exposure. The Model 890 can be used for dental x-ray units, radiographic
and fluoroscopic x-rays.

The Model 890 is a small hand held battery operated unit. Each x-ray exposure is
displayed on a 2x12 digit liquid crystal display (LCD). The operator can select
between English (mR) and SI (uGy) units.

Radiation is detected by a solid state detector and electronic circuit. The
instrument works for half-wave, full-wave, multiphase or DC (constant potential) x­ray generators. When a measurement is being made, the Model 890 has the
capability of automatically determining the type of x-ray that is being measured. It
is not necessary for the user to program correction factors for different types of x­ray waveforms.

The Model 890 automatically resets at the beginning of each exposure, holding the
reading until the next exposure.

The most convenient way of using the 890 is to place it under the x-ray head. With
the target positioned at the point of interest. The unit can be used with an
appropriate phantom or metal filter. Step back, take the exposure and then
observe the reading. Refer to the section on Operation for information on how to
obtain the most accurate measurements.

It is important that the user be thoroughly familiar with the contents of this
manual before performing any tests on radiation generating equipment. It is
also imperative that the user be thoroughly qualified, and familiar with safety
precautions and other practices relating to radiation generators.

4

GENERAL

INSTRUCTIONS

SWITCH SETTINGS

In order to keep operation easy and straightforward there is only one switch on the
front panel of the instrument. The switch is immediately below the display. The
switch serves as an ON/OFF Switch and measurement selection. The three
positions are as follows:

 Left – ON, English units (measurement in mRem)
 Center – OFF
 Right – ON, SI units (measurement in uGy)

Remember to turn the instrument off when not in use to conserve the batteries. Be
careful when storing the instrument in order to ensure that the switch is not
accidentally switched on. We recommend ordering an optional carry case to avoid
accidental switch activation.

Whenever the instrument is powered on, there will be information displayed on the
LCD screen.

DISPLAY
After a measurement, the dose value, exposure time and dose rate will be
displayed. If the battery is low, a “Low Battery” message will also be shown.
The display is a 2 line by 12 character display.