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  Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I change the name of my detector?
A: Close the application (MAESTRO, GammaVision, ScintiVision, AlphaVision, etc.) Run the configuration program. When the list of detectors appears double click on the name you want to change. A ‘Change Description or ID’ window will appear allowing you to enter the name you prefer. When finished click on Close. When all changes are complete click on Close in the Configure Instruments window. The detectors will now have the new name assigned.

Q: How can I save my MCB data in ASCII format?
A: Use the program TRANSLT.EXE located in C:\Program Files. The program will be under the directory of the software you have installed (Maestro, GammaVision, etc.) Instructions for use of the program are in the software manual for the installed software. There is also a Read.Me file in the same location as the TRANSLT program.

Q: Why are some menu items grayed out?
A: Certain menu items will be grayed out at different times depending on the current status of the hardware. For example, if the MCB is counting then the Start menu item will be grayed out but Stop will be enabled. Once the MCB is no longer counting then Start will be enabled and Stop will be grayed out. Other menu items will be grayed out if the hardware does not support the function. For example, ‘View Stored SPC’ would only be available for an MCB that has Field Mode operation and data was available for viewing. Another possibility is when optional software is not installed as in the Report Writer option.

Q: How can I change my detector number?
A: Close the application (MAESTRO, GammaVision, ScintiVision, AlphaVision, etc.) Run the configuration program. When the list of detectors appears double click on the detector you want to change. A ‘Change Description or ID" window will appear allowing you to enter the number you prefer. When finished click on Close. When all changes are complete click on Close in the Configure Instruments window. The detectors will now have the new number assigned. Keep in mind that each detector MUST have its own unique number.

Q: Why can’t see my data on the screen.
A: The foreground and background colors may be set to the same color. Select the Display menu and then select Preferences/Spectrum Colors. Click on default and then OK. The colors should be reset to the factory defaults.

Q: What is the current level of Extended Warranties offered?
A: We offer Gold, Silver, and Platinum Extended Warranties. A complete explanation of each level is on this web site. You may also contact the Global Service Center at 865-482-4411 or email us.

Q: I can’t see my ROIs. Why?
A: This is probably because the ROI color and foreground colors are the same. Select Display/Preferences/Spectrum Colors and click on Defaults and then OK. This will reset the colors to factory defaults.

Q: Data disappears or is incomplete on the screen. Why?
A: This is probably due to the color settings. A general rule-of-thumb is not to use composite colors. Select the Display/Preferences/Spectrum Colors/Defaults. This should allow all of the data to bee seen.

Q: Will the Fastflight work on Windows 2000?
A: We have customers who are successfully using the Fastflight on the Windows 2000 operating system. No problems have been reported.

Q: Does the Trump-PCI use the dual port memory?
A: No. The Trump-PCI does not use Page D of memory.

Q: How do I set up my network to communicate with a DSPec?
A: You must install IPS/SPX compatible protocol and enable NetBIOS support for IPX/SPX compatible protocol. The frame type must be set for 802.3. This must be set as the default protocol. See your software manual (Maestro, GammaVision, etc.) for further details.

Q: I have my Network set up with all of the correct settings but I still can’t communicate with my DSPec. What could be the problem?
A: Make sure the 51 ohm terminators are on both ends of the coax cable. One terminator will usually be on the BNC Tee on the network interface card and the other one will be on the BNC Tee connected to the DSPec. Verify that the terminators are 51 ohms and that the connections are good.

Q: I have just received a new version of my software. Should I remove my old version before I install the new version?
A: It is recommended that the older version be removed before installing the new version. You may do this in the Control Panel under Add/Remove Programs. You should then re-boot your computer before installing the new software according to the instructions in the manual.

Q: I want to remove my old software before installing my new software but I don’t see it listed in the Add/Remove Programs section of the Control Panel. Why is it not listed?
A: Only 32-bit programs are listed in the Add/Remove Programs section. If your older version is a 16-bit program it will not be shown on the list. Leaving the 16-bit software on your system will not effect the operation of your 32-bit software. Removing the 16-bit software must be done manually, file-by-file, and can get very involved. It is recommended that you not attempt this. Just load your 32-bit software and it will function properly. However, you may wish to remove any icons that point to the 16-bit software.

Q: I can recall a spectrum to the buffer without difficulty. Is there any way that I can recall a spectrum back into my MCB?
A: No. The data cannot be restored to the MCB once it has been cleared. None of the ORTEC software products support this function.

Q: I have an ISA Trump card installed in my computer. I want to add a PCI Trump card to the same computer. Can I do this? What do I have to do?
A: Yes, you can have both the ISA and PCI Trump in the same computer. Install the PCI Trump following the instructions in the Maestro manual. You should use the Maestro version that came with the PCI Trump since your older version may not support PCI cards. Therefore, you should remove the old version first. Install the newest Maestro that came with the PCI Trump. The configuration program will find both Trump cards and you can select both in the Edit Detectors List.

Q: I have a 92X and an ISA Trump on my system. I also want to install a PCI Trump but I don’t see any address jumpers or switches on the PCI Trump. How do I select the MCB address for the PCI Trump?
A: The PCI Trump does not have address jumpers or switches like the ISA cards did. The PCI driver for the PCI Trump will automatically select the address. The 92X and ISA Trump use the Dual Port Memory and must have a unique MCB address. However, the PCI Trump does not use the Dual Port Memory and addressing for it is done in a different manner. Just make sure that when the configuration program is run that each Detector is assigned a different number. You may use the Renumber All or Renumber New in the Configuration window. The detector number does not have to be the MCB number. They can be different.

Q: I would like to get a hard copy of my spectrum. Is there an easy way to do it?
A: Use the program WINPLT32.EXE to print a picture of the spectrum. The item WinPLOTS is selectable from the Start Menu/Programs/Maestro/WinPLOTS (or the software loaded; GammaVision, ScintiVision, etc.). Instructions are in the software manual but the program is pretty much self explanatory.

Q: I received a package called FullShot with my ORTEC software. What is it used for?
A: FullShot is an application from INBIT. It is a screen capture program. You can capture a screen, window, region, etc. and send the image to a printer or a disk file. The format is selectable and several are provided. The image can be edited and colors changed. There is multitude of options for the application. The application was included at no additional charge to help you send screen images to virtually any printer. The application is very useful and supported by INBIT. A very good use of the program would be to capture the graph of the efficiency in the analysis packages and send it to a printer to include with the print out of the energy/efficiency pairs.

Q: Do I need Crystal Reports to be able to use the Report Writers?
A: No, you do not need to have Crystal Reports the use any of the Report Writers that we offer. There are example report templates on the distribution for A44-B32 (GammaVision Report Writer), A46-B32 (ScintiVision Report Writer), and A47-B32 (AlphaVision Report Writer). These templates are fully functional and may be used. However, if these templates need modification for your purposes or a new template is required then Crystal Reports will be required to edit any existing template or to create a new one.

Q: Does ORTEC offer custom report templates?
A: Yes. We can create Custom templates. The service is available through the ORTEC Global Service Center in Oak Ridge. Contact Customer Service at 800-251-9750 for details.

Q: Does ORTEC offer on-site training?
A: Yes. We offer custom training at your site based on your needs. We also offer training at the factory in Oak Ridge, TN. Contact the Global Service Center for details at 865-482-4411 or visit other areas of this web site for a list of training classes offered at the factory.

Q: When I’m logged on to my Windows NT computer as the administrator I have access to my AlphaVision (A36-B32) data bases. But when I log on using a user account I can no longer have access to the databases. How can I correct this?
A: Log on to the Windows NT system with Administrator Account. Turn the "User DSN" for AlphaVision into a "System DSN" . WinNT uses System DSNs so that whoever logs onto the computer gets access to the data sources. A User DSN is specific to a logon name. Windows 95 and Windows 98 do not have this relationship. Everything should work for User level logons in the future. Here’s how to do it:

    1. Log on to the Windows NT system with the Admin Account.
    2. Open Control Panel
    3. Double-click "ODBC Data Sources" icon.
    4. On the User DSN tab you will see "AVDB" and "AVQA" data sources. Open each one up and write down their settings.
    5. Go to the System DSN and click on "Add".
    6. Select "Microsoft Access Driver (*.MDB)" and click "Finish".
    7. For Data Source Name, type in AVDB or AVQA (depending on which one you are setting up).
    8. Type in the description as it appears in the User DSN box.
    9. Click on "Select" database and choose the AV32.MDB or AVQA32.MDB file and click OK.
    10. Click OK on the configuration dialog box.
Q: What are the Service Contract options available?
A: We offer Gold, Silver, and Platinum Service Contacts. A complete explanation of each level is explained in other areas of this web site. You may also contact the Global Service Center at 865-482-4411 or email us.

Q: What is the difference between a Service Contact and an Extended Warranty?
A: Generally speaking, an Extended Warranty is a return-to-factory warranty. A Service Contract is an On-Site service support agreement. We will be there when you need us. There are three levels of support within each category, Gold, Silver, Platinum, plus additional options. Each of the plans is based on your needs. Contact us and we will be happy to discuss your particular needs. Call us at 865-482-4411 or email us.