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The Handheld XRF gun makes contact elemental measurements on section halves and prepared powder mounts. The XRF emits a primary X-Ray beam that bombards the material and excites electrons. The movement of electrons emits secondary fluorescent radiation that is measured in the gun. These energy patterns are characteristic to elements and determine what is present.
The Handheld XRF can be run either independently or through an attached computer monitor. The Innov-x-Delta Advanced PC Software is available on both the gun and computer, and functions the exact same. However, layout and presentation of the software is different. For this reason, two quick start guides exist. This is the guide for XRF analysis using the attached computer system.
Point of Interest
The Handheld XRF can run independently. Meaning that measurements can be made using solely either the gun or can be made using an the attached computer system. The two systems or methods are independent, and do not communicate to each other when connected. Thus it is important to stay consistent in method choice. Either you use the gun or the computer system solely, without switching back and forth.
The reason being is that the gun writes one file per day containing all the measurements taken in that 24-hour period. For example: if measurements are taken using the computer system, the gun is then detached, and measurements are then taken using only the gun, if you re-attach the gun to the computer system (to export data) you will only be able to retrieve the data attached to the gun. Measurements taken earlier that day while attached to the computer system will have been overwritten and lost.
Only use one method of data analysis per day (either the gun independent or the attached computer system). If using the computer system method, : do not un-plug the gun, turn off or exit the program, or turn off the gun prior to exporting data. If you do so, there is a possibility you will lose data.
Getting Started
Connect Connect the Gun to the computer through the USB cable.
Click on the "Innov-x Delta Advanced PC Software" icon on the desktop (Figure 1).
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Figure 5. Test Condition Window. A. 'Setup' Button on the top right of the screen. B. 'Test Condition' Option in the Left Panel. C. Minimum and Maximum Time Settings for each beam. D. 'Save Button
Note: If the minimum time is set to 1 and the maximum to 30, if the gun determines it has a good profile in less than 30 seconds it will stop actively measuring. If you want to ensure it measures for the full time, set the minimum and maximum time to the same number. Ex: Minimum 30s and Maximum 30s
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When you turn on the gun for the first time you need to make a 'Cal Check' Measurement before any other measurements are taken. Place the gun in its stand as shown in Figure 6.
Figure 6. Handheld XRF Gun resting in stand.
Then click on the blue 'Cal Check' button on the bottom left of the screen (Figure 7). This tells the gun to measure the stainless steel disk located in the stand. This is an internal calibration which ensures the gun is measuring properly.
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Example: Data File: 03-17-2020.csv
Spectra File: 03-17-2020.spm
Note: If you would like a different data file-type let the technician know
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