DSPEC
®
Digital Gamma-Ray Spectrometer
10
3.2.2. Multiple Detectors
Each DSPEC processes the output of a single detector. If your lab has more than one detector,
multiple systems can be set up as described above. It is usually far more convenient to control all
the detectors from a single computer. This is easy to do with DSPEC-based systems. Using the
Ethernet data link connection method, it is only necessary to chain all DSPECs together into a
single LAN using BNC T-connectors at each DSPEC. (Don’t forget the 50- terminator
required at the last DSPEC in the chain.) ORTEC software handles all the details of finding the
detectors and allowing them to be named individually.
If the Dual-Port Memory data link has been chosen, it is still convenient to connect up to eight
DSPEC controlled detectors (or many other combinations of ORTEC MCBs) to one computer.
The only requirement is a special cable available from ORTEC, plus the standard software.
When more than one ORTEC MCB is connected to a single computer via the Dual-Port Memory
Interface, each MCB in the system must have a unique MCB address. The MCB address for a
DSPEC is set with a jumper inside the unit. To change the jumper setting do the following:
1. Remove the cover of the DSPEC as outlined above.
2. On the inside of the DSPEC, follow the ribbon cable connected to the Dual-Port Memory
connector to the location at which it plugs into the circuit board. The DPM address jumper is
located just behind the ribbon-cable connection point toward the rear of the DSPEC. The
jumper consists of two parallel rows of eight right-angle pins.
3. Move the jumper to the desired address. Address 1 is represented by the two pins closest to
the outside edge of the DSPEC. Address 8 is represented by the two pins closest to the center
of the DSPEC. Figure ? shows the appropriate jumper location for each address.
4. Replace the DSPEC cover.
3.2.3. Multiple Computers
Adding multiple computers is as easy as adding multiple detectors. Using the LAN described
above, multiple computers can control single or multiple detectors using standard Microsoft
®
operating systems and ORTEC software. Such systems are cost-effective, redundant, reliable,
and easy to use.