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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 the gun or can be made using an 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
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Figure 1. XRF Software IconConnect 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).
Figure 1. XRF Software Icon
Figure 2. Initial Startup Window. The 'Import Data Only' Button is outlined in red. 
You will see this initial startup window (Figure 2). Click on the 'Import Data Only' Button. This allows data storage on the computer. Do NOT click 'Import to PC' as this removes all configurations from the gun.
Then Click the 'Start' button. This brings up a login screen where you will enter the following information and then click 'Login' (Figure 3):
User Name: innovx
Password: 1776
Figure 3. The Login Screen. Login Button is outlined in red 
This takes you into the main software page.
Setting Parameters
You are now in the main measurement window. First set the Mode to measure in. The gun has a Geochemical and Soil Mode. Each mode has different scanning parameters which preferentially pick up some elements better than others. The gun will remember the chosen mode and does not have to be chosen each time a new measurement is taken or the Gun is turned off/on.
To access the Modes click on 'Mode' at the top of the screen (Figure 4). This directs you to the 'Mode' Screen and in the left panel you can choose between the Geochemistry and Soil modes. Click on each to see the features of each Mode and select the one best for your analysis.
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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
Making a Measurement
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.
Figure 7. Cal Check Indications. A. Cal Check Measurement Button. B. Message to perform Cal Check. C. Disabled Start Button 
This measurement is taken when the gun is turned on and every 10 hours. When a Cal Check is needed the white bar will say 'Perform a Cal Check' and the 'Start' button will gray out and be disabled until the Cal Check is completed (Figure 7).
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