“Script Happens”: Using VBScript with Genie 2000

1 Day Seminar

Prerequisites: Students should have some experience with the Basic programming language and Genie 2000.

Seminar Description: This seminar describes the use of the Microsoft VBScript language in performing common Genie 2000 tasks. VBScript is an interpreted programming language included with Windows and does not require the purchase of a compiler or development environment. As such it is very useful for the creation of quick, ad-hoc software utilities.

Topics covered include:

• Introduction to VBScript
• Introduction to Genie 2000 programming facilities
• Accessing Genie 2000 data from VBScript
• Controlling spectrum data acquisition from VBScript
• Creating Genie analysis engines in VBScript
• Other useful tasks to be done with scripts:
  • Database access
  • Periodic data archiving

Instructor: Frank Liptak
Price $500.00
Date: June 23rd, 2008

QA/QC Implementation In Real World Gamma Spectroscopy Systems

1 Day Seminar

Seminar Description: During recent years, quality control and quality assurance have gained increased attention from the operators of analytical equipment. The gamma spectrometer systems of today are not significantly different from those that have been employed for a number of years. However, the increased emphasis on quality assurance record keeping by regulators and radioanalysis laboratory customers and the improved database technology for storing large amounts of data that is available today have made it necessary and possible for effective QA software to be a key part of any count room. Electronic storage of the data is the easy part. Knowing what parameters to track, what types of QA tests to use and how interpret the QA results is more difficult and is critical to having a good QA/QC program. Since most operators of analytical instruments are audited on regular basis, a good QA record keeping package must make data readily-accessible and easily defensible.

What we present here is additional parameters that should be monitored in order to maintain a gamma spectroscopy system at peak performance over the equipment’s lifetime. Data from these parameters give early warnings as to possible problems with the system as well as information for troubleshooting the problems.

The information presented is based on years of intensive cooperation between many users of electronic QA packages and consultancy work performed by CANBERRA to help customers successfully pass their audits and achieve accreditations for their counting laboratories. The goal is to provide advice as to how to create an accurate and balanced QA program which can alert the user to any situation that may cause the system to report erroneous results.

Topics covered include:

• Overview of Quality Assurance Requirements
• Use of QA Files for Monitoring System Performance
• Frequency of Quality Control measurements
• Recommended QA Parameter Definitions
• Using the Genie-2000 Quality Assurance Editor
• Performing Routine QA Counts
• Transferring QA Parameter Results to a QA File
• Reviewing QA File Results
• Additional Methods for Evaluating Data Quality
• Recommended Responses to QA Test Failures
• Implementing QA counts in basic Genie-2000
• Automation of QA counts in basic Genie-2000

Instructor: Warren Western
Price: $500.00
Date: June 23rd, 2008

Apex-Alpha Operations and Routine Use

1 Day Seminar - NEW!

Seminar Description: Please join us for an overview and open discussion of the new Apex-Alpha system. Apex-Alpha is the latest generation software suite for the radiochemical laboratory use in counting and managing alpha spectrometry.

This session will focus on the unique features of Apex and its database capabilities, including the following:

• Multiple detector sample counting, data analysis and report generation
• Multiple operators with defined levels of security
• Multiple PC stations accessing the Apex operations
• Multiple shared detectors accessible by facility and workstation
• Multiple facilities with multiple locations sharing Apex resources
• Automated sample counting and analysis
• Pre-logging of samples, specifying analyses to be performed
• Batch counting
• Easy retrieval of sample spectrum
• Sample data approval steps
• Reanalysis of data and spectra at any time with predefined approval steps
• Integrated Quality Control (QC) with automated management of detector calibrations and Quality Assurance.

Attendees are encouraged to attend the NEW “Alpha Spectroscopy QA / QC Considerations” workshop.

Instructor: Cathey Sharp - Training Faculty, Support Engineer
Price: $500.00
Date: June 23rd 2008

Crystal Reports and the Eclipse Database

1 Day Seminar

Seminar Description: This one-day seminar familiarizes attendees with the Eclipse database and the creation of custom reports using Seagate Crystal Reports. Validation of Eclipse calculations in Crystal Reports using discreet steps is emphasized. Multiple versions of Crystal reports will be presented. Crystal reports syntax, formula editing, and advanced features will be discussed. Attendees are encouraged to bring copies of their custom reports to be modified and discussed in class.

Topics covered include:

• In-depth familiarization with structure of Eclipse Database
• Comparison of database versions
• Comparison of Crystal Reports versions
• Custom Report Generation
• Eclipse Database Utilities

Instructor: Lee Reagan
Price: $500.00
Date: June 23rd 2008

Introduction to ISOCS & LabSOCS

1 Day Seminar

Seminar Description: This seminar is intended to provide a general introduction to the ISOCS and LabSOCS mathematical efficiency calibration software. Attendees are strongly advised to satisfy both of the following prerequisites: familiarity with basic concepts of gamma spectroscopy, and some previous training/experience with the Genie-2000 software. [Note: completion of this seminar will provide adequate preparation for the “ISOCS and LabSOCS – Advanced Topics” seminar to be presented on the following day.]

Lecture and discussion topics will include: use of the Geometry Composer window, features of the standard ISOCS and LabSOCS sample geometry templates, tips for proper template parameter entry, the Materials Library editor, changing the default efficiency calculation parameters, detector field-of-view, and detector positioning conventions. Several common container shapes (e.g., B-25 box, 55-gallon drum, Marinelli beaker, 20-cc vial) will be selected as practical examples to demonstrate the complete ISOCS/LabSOCS efficiency calibration process, including: selecting an ISOCS or LabSOCS geometry template, entering all required geometry parameters, viewing the Geometry Composer report, generating the efficiency data points, creating an efficiency calibration file, and proper use of the calibration file during spectral analyses in Genie-2000.

Instructor: Dave Groff - Training Facility, Support Engineer
Price: $500.00
Date: June 23rd 2008

Alpha Spectroscopy QA / QC Considerations

1 Day Seminar - NEW!

Seminar Description: In this workshop we will present good laboratory practices for alpha spectroscopy quality control and quality assurance. Measurements and subsequent tracking, trending, and documentation of performance will also be discussed. We will examine how to manage and interpret QA/QC measurements and apply them to improve laboratory processes. Typical algorithms and evaluation tools may be presented. Audience input will be encouraged.

Time will be available for user feedback and open discussions.

The expected duration of this seminar is 1 day. No previous experience is required. There will be copies of the presentation material available for handout.

Instructor: Cathey Sharp - Training Faculty, Support Engineer
Price: $500.00
Date: June 24th 2008

Concepts of Radiological Response from a Planning Perspective

1 Day Seminar - NEW!

Seminar Description: This one day seminar will discuss a practical approach to planning for a radiological incident. In addition, specific procedures will be provided which can be utilized in the event of various types of radiological incidents. Attendees should be familiar with basic concepts of hazardous materials response. It is recommended that participants have previous training to the level of Hazmat Operations or Hazmat Technician. Lecture and discussion topics will include: planning for rapid risk assessment of potentially hazardous atmospheres, action guidelines to determine a radiological incident, common units of radiation measurement utilized for rapid establishment of zones and determination of entry times, radiation dose and effect as it applies to response guidelines, PPE selection, radiation exposure and control of contamination, decontamination guidelines, radiation attenuation and shielding as it applies to evacuation and sheltering during a radiological incident, civilian preparedness and management of victims and civilians during a radiological incident.

Instructor: Cheryl E. Weaver
Price: $500.00
Date: June 24th 2008

Whole Body Object Contamination Monitor Operation Course

1 Day Seminar

Prerequisite: Basic understanding of radiation and radiation detection principles, and basic knowledge of the Microsoft® Windows® environment.  

Seminar Description: This contamination monitor basic operation course is designed as an introductory level course for current users and potential future users of the GEM-5™ Gamma Exit Monitor, the Argos Whole Body Contamination Monitor as well as the recently released Cronos Tool Monitor family.

The CREMOTE Centralized Management Software package interfaces with each of these monitors to provide health status and results data plus the ability to remotely control the monitors. This package will be demonstrated and discussed.

The GEM-5™ is the newest instrument in the CANBERRA line of Gamma Exit Monitors. It provides for excellent gamma detection capability when monitoring personnel leaving areas of potential gamma contamination.

The Argos of Whole Body Contamination Monitors provides a wide variety of solutions for alpha, beta and/or gamma contamination monitoring of personnel. The various members of the Argos family provide an unparalleled counting geometry, combined with industry leading release times, for the efficient management of personnel exitingradiologically controlled areas.

CANBERRA's gamma contamination monitoring capability is extended to tools and medium to small sized objects with the introduction of the Cronos Tool Monitor product family.

The same base software is employed for operation of all the above monitors whether they are for personnel or tools. This commonality provides for consistency and ease of operation. It also allows one training course to provide basic operational information for all the monitors regardless of which models are actually installed (or planned to be installed) at a customer’s site.

The following is an outline of the various topics that will be covered in this class. Some topics are general in nature, and others will be specific to the various monitors.

• Proper placement of the monitors in a range of radiological and environmental conditions and a review of some application issues that have been encountered in previous plant set-ups
• Description of the physical make-up of the monitors including major hardware components and their design functions
• Overview of the base instrument software including initial and possible alternate parameter settings
• Demonstration of CREMOTE software as a centralized interface to the various monitors
• Discussion of calibration and troubleshooting techniques
• Question and answer session and open discussion as time permits

Instructor: Skip Danielson / Gregory Bogorodzki
Price: $500.00
Date: June 24th, 2008

Alpha/Beta Fundamentals

1 Day Seminar

Purpose: This course provides alpha/beta training that is applicable to a wide range of CANBERRA instruments.

Seminar Description: This one-day course covers the basics of how alpha/beta counters operate. In addition to theory and design, implementation of different methodologies will be discussed.

Topics covered include:

• History of Canberra, Tennelec, and Eurisys Systems
• Physics of Alpha/Beta
• Types of Detectors
• Calibrations
• Sample Counting
• Quality Control
• Software Examples
• Implementing ANSI N42.25

Instructor: Lee Reagan
Price: $500.00
Date: June 24th 2008

ISOCS and LabSOCS – Advanced Topics

1 Day Seminar

Seminar Description: This seminar will address a variety of topics of potential interest to advanced users of the ISOCS and LabSOCS software. Attendees are strongly advised to satisfy all of the following prerequisites: familiarity with basic concepts of gamma spectroscopy, previous training/experience with the Genie-2000 software, and some familiarity with basic ISOCS and/or LabSOCS software operations.

Lecture and discussion topics will include: proper use of the more complex ISOCS geometry templates, “infinite” source distributions, “massimetric” efficiency calculations, tips for proper spectral analysis data review, cascade summing effects, and propagation of ISOCS/LabSOCS uncertainty factors. Use of ISOCS and LabSOCS for various advanced measurement applications will be discussed, including: surface soil, subsurface soil, surface contamination, composite source materials, and high-Z materials. A variety of practical geometry template examples will be presented and discussed, including some specific measurement applications suggested by attendees. (Attendees are encouraged to bring their own laptop computers with Genie-2000 and ISOCS/LabSOCS software, if available.)

Instructor: Dave Groff - Training Facility, Support Engineer
Price: $500.00
Date: June 24th 2008

Crystal Reports for Apex-Gamma

2 Day Seminar - NEW!

Seminar Description: This two day seminar covers the customization of Apex-gamma reports using Crystal Reports.  Included in the seminar is the creation of customized database views to support the creation of new Apex reports and the editing of existing Apex reports and the creation of completely new reports for Apex-gamma.  Basic aspects of the Apex-gamma database will be touched upon and integration of new reports and sub-reports into Apex-gamma will be covered as well.  

Instructor : Bill Pyle
Price: $1,000.00
Date : June 23rd – 24th, 2008

Gamma Spectroscopy Using Hand-held Instruments (Inspector 1000 & Falcon)

2 Day Seminar

Seminar Description: This two day seminar will explore instrument setup, calibration, operation, and data analysis, utilizing the CANBERRA Inspector 1000 and Falcon hand-held spectroscopy instruments. A variety of probes will be compared and contrasted such as the efficient, energy stabilized NaI probe and the improved resolution of the LaBr probe with the Inspector 1000 as well as the electrically cooled, high resolution HPGe of the new CANBERRA Falcon. The course will focus on application, calibration, and analysis differences among the probes and spectra in order to maximize use of respective attributes. Genie 2000 and basic gamma spectroscopy experience is helpful but not required.

Instructor : Richard Machado
Price: $1,000.00
Date : June 23rd – 24th, 2008

APEX Software Update & Operations

2 Day Seminar

Seminar Description: This seminar focuses on the APEX "Lab Productivity Suite" software. Subjects discussed will include new APEX release and update information, counting setups, database interaction and automated sample processing operations. This seminar is intended for count room managers and technicians responsible for setup, processing and data review of Gamma Samples.

Product discussions will cover the; architecture of the APEX environment, interactions with Genie2K utilities, user security, operational setups, sample counting procedures, QA, reports, data review, event logging, sample archiving and the NPP reports option. General information about the database and report template will also be presented during this seminar.

Familiarity with CANBERRA's Genie2K spectroscopy application software is recommended but not required.

Instructor Greg Landry
Price: $1,000.00
Date : June 23rd – 24th, 2008