Calibration: Technical Publication CA-1044RA

Technical Publication
CA-1044RA
Calibration
Mobile X-Ray Unit
Mobile X-Ray Unit
Calibration
REVISION HISTORY
REVISION DATE REASON FOR CHANGE
0 OCT 7, 2004 Preliminary edition
This Document is the english original version, edited and supplied by the manufacturer.
The Revision state of this Document is indicated in the code number shown at the bottom of this page.
ADVISORY SYMBOLS
The following advisory symbols will be used throughout this manual. Their
application and meaning are described below.
DANGERS ADVISE OF CONDITIONS OR SITUATIONS THAT

IF NOT HEEDED OR AVOIDED WILL CAUSE SERIOUS
PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
ADVISE OF CONDITIONS OR SITUATIONS THAT IF NOT

HEEDED OR AVOIDED COULD CAUSE SERIOUS PERSONAL
INJURY, OR CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE OF EQUIPMENT OR
DATA.
Advise of conditions or situations that if not heeded or

avoided could cause personal injury or damage to equipment
or data.
Note . Alert readers to pertinent facts and conditions. Notes represent

information that is important to know but which do not necessarily
relate to possible injury or damage to equipment.
CA-1004R2
Mobile X-Ray Unit
Calibration
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
1 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.1 Generator Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

1.1.1 Minimum Current Time Product (mAs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.1.2 Accuracy of Radiographic and Fluoroscopic Parameters . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.1.3 Duty Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2 CALIBRATION PROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.1 Filament Stand-by Current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.2 Exposure Time Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.3 Calibration with the Pushbutton Control Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2.3.1 Digital kV Loop Open . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.3.2 Digital mA Loop Closed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.3.3 Digital mA Loop Open . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.3.3.1 Autocalibration of Digital mA Loop Open . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.3.3.2 Manual Calibration of Digital mA Loop Open . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2.4 Calibration with the Touch Screen Control Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

2.4.1 Digital kV Loop Open . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
2.4.2 Digital mA Loop Closed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
2.4.3 Digital mA Loop Open . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
2.4.3.1 Autocalibration of Digital mA Loop Open . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
2.4.3.2 Manual Calibration of Digital mA Loop Open . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
2.5 AEC Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
2.5.1 Previous Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
2.5.2 Balance Adjustment for Three Field Detectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
2.5.3 Density Gain Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
2.5.4 kV Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
2.5.5 AEC Density Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
2.6 Final Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
CA-1044RA i
Mobile X-Ray Unit
Calibration
ii CA-1044RA
Mobile X-Ray Unit
Calibration
SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION
This Calibration document provides information and procedures to perform all

the adjustments required to establish an optimal performance of this Generator.
Calibrate the Generator immediately after Configuration is

completed.
THE MAIN STORAGE CAPACITORS RETAIN A LARGE

PORTION OF THEIR CHARGE FOR APPROXIMATELY 3 MIN.
AFTER THE UNIT IS TURNED OFF.
Calibration data is entered in digital form and stored in a non-volatile memory

chip (U3-EEPROM) located on the HT Controller Board, thus no battery
back-up is required.
Note . Calibration procedures must be performed in the order listed in this

document. Perform only the sections required to calibrate this
unit.
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Calibration
1.1 GENERATOR SPECIFICATIONS
1.1.1 MINIMUM CURRENT TIME PRODUCT (mAs)
• Minimum Current Time Product obtained at 0.1 s is 1 mAs.
• Minimum Current Time Product within the specified ranges of

compliance for linearity and constancy is 0.2 mAs.
1.1.2 ACCURACY OF RADIOGRAPHIC PARAMETERS
Note . Specified accuracy does not include test equipment accuracy.
ACCURACY
PARAMETERS
(with 12 BITS HT Controller)
kV ± (3% + 1 kV)
RAD mA ± (4% + 1 mA)
Exposure Time ± (2% + 0.1 ms)
1.1.3 DUTY CYCLE
The Generator duty cycle is continuous, but limits should be set during
installation depending on the capacity of the X-ray tube.
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SECTION 2 CALIBRATION PROCEDURES
Note . Enter and store calibration data in the Extended Memory

Locations as described in Section 2.2 of the “Configuration”
document.
Record all the calibration data in the Data Book.
Before calibration, bear in mind that:
• For calibration and measure the kVp it is needed a Non-Invasive kVp

Meter.
• For calibration and measure mA or mAs it is needed a mAs Meter

plugged to the banana connections on the HV Transformer (connect the
mAs Meter for Digital mA Loops calibration).
Note . Test points on the HT Controller Board can also be used to monitor
the kV and mA readings but should not be used to calibrate the
unit. These test points must be checked with scope:
- mA test point is TP-5 and the scale factor is:

- from 1 to 8 mA, 1 volt = 1 mA
- from 10 to 80 mA, 1 volt = 10 mA
- from 100 mA, 1 volt = 100 mA
- kV test point is TP-7 and the scale factor is 1 volt = 33.3 kV

(0.3 volt = 10 kV)
• Verify that dip switch 3024SW2-3 on the ATP Console CPU Board is in
“On” position to permit the service mode.
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Calibration
• Verify position of dip switches on the HT Controller Board during every

calibration procedure:
DIP SWITCH OPEN (OFF) CLOSED (ON)
Disables Filament and Rotor Interlocks

Position during operation -- Enables Filament and
3000SW2-2 (this turns off the filament so no radiation will
Rotor Interlocks
be produced during the exposure).
3000SW2-4 Position during operation -- Digital mA Loop Closed Digital mA Loop Open
Note . Only for Generators with Low Speed Starter (LF-RAC) (it does not
apply to Generators with High Speed Starter LV-DRAC):
-- When the Digital mA Loop is open (dip switch 3000SW2-4 in

“On”), the rotor runs for two minutes after releasing the handswitch
button from “Preparation” position. After this time the rotor will
brake (unless DC Brake is removed).
-- When the Digital mA Loop is closed (dip switch 3000SW2-4 in

“Off”), the rotor will brake after releasing the handswitch button
from “Preparation” position (unless DC Brake is removed).
• Be sure that X-ray Tubes configured in E02 Memory Location correspond

to X-ray Tubes installed (refer to Configuration document).
2.1 FILAMENT STAND-BY CURRENT
Note . The Filament Stand-by value is auto-calibrated by the Generator

and automatically stored into the respective Memory Location
(E01). Filament Stand-by values is not field changeable.
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2.2 EXPOSURE TIME ADJUSTMENT
The values stored in these Extended Memory Locations only affect to Exposure
Times for techniques below 20 ms. The Memory Locations which affect short
exposure times are:
MEMORY LOCATION
FUNCTION
TUBE-1
EXPOSURE TIME ADJUSTMENT - DELAY E13
EXPOSURE TIME ADJUSTMENT - Ceq kV E15
The Generator has been optimized at the factory to produce correct exposures
at the lower times (<20 ms.) Therefore do not change the value factory set for
E13 and E29 Memory Locations and only adjust the value for E15 Memory
Location according to the HV Cables length.
The Exposure Time adjustment is calibrated by performing the following steps:
1. Enter calibration mode.
2. Select the E13 Memory Location. Value in this Memory Location adjusts
the time delay of the exposure. It is factory set for a value of 17, 18 or 19
(default value is “18”). Only read this value, do not change it.
3. Select the E15 Memory Location. Value in this Memory Location is set
in relation to the length in meters of one of the HV Cables
(1 ft = 0.3048 m). Verify the HV Cable length in meters and set the
following value:
HV CABLE LENGTH VALUE TO SET IN MEMORY
4m 27
6m 31
9m 38
12 m 45
14 m 49
16 m 54
For another HV Cable length value = (2.2711 x cable length) + 17.744
4. Store the new value of each Memory Location.
5. Exit from calibration mode and record the new values in the Data Book.
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2.3 CALIBRATION WITH THE PUSHBUTTON CONTROL CONSOLE
Follow this procedure only for Pushbutton Console.
2.3.1 DIGITAL KV LOOP OPEN
Extended Memory Location E06 contains the calibration factor for Digital kV
Loop Open. Each number above or below of the indicated in the E06 memory
location increases or decreases respectively the kV gain value.
Note . Value in E06 Memory Location is only related to the Generator

performance (it is not related to the X-ray Tube(s) or another
components installed), so value in this Memory Location is
factory adjusted. Only perform this procedure if the HT Controller
Board and/or HV Transformer have been replaced in the unit.
The kV Gain for Digital kV Loop Open can be manually calibrated with a
Non-Invasive kV Meter (recommended procedure) or Auto-calibrated with HV
Bleeder.
Manual Calibration of E06 Memory Location
1. With the Generator power OFF:
G Set Dip switch 3000SW2-2 on the HT Controller Board in “Off”

position (enables Filament and Rotor Interlocks).
G Set Dip switch 3000SW2-4 on the HT Controller Board in “On”

position (Digital mA Loop Open).
G Remove the link between the banana plug connections on the HV

Transformer. Connect the mAs Meter to the banana plug
connections to measure mA or mAs.
G Place and center a Non-Invasive kVp Meter on the X-ray Tube

output at the required SID (refer to the Non-Invasive kVp Meter
documentation).
2. Enter in calibration mode.
3. Select the E06 Memory Location and read the calibration value by
pressing the “AEC Reset” push-button. Enter the value “200” and store
it by pressing the “AEC Reset” push-button.
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4. Calibrate manually the Filament Current Number for 80 kV / 200 mA

combination, as indicated in the following steps.
In calibration mode, Filament Current Numbers are shown on the kV

Display by pressing the “AEC Reset” push-button after selecting the
respective kV / mA combination. They can be changed by pressing the
“Increment” and “Decrement” density push-buttons and stored by
pressing the “AEC Reset” push-button.
Select 80 kV, 200 mA and make an exposure. The mAs read on the mAs
Meter must be the same mAs displayed on the calibration screen with a
tolerance of ±0.1 mAs (tolerance of the parameter and mAs Meter).
If the mAs is low, increase the filament number. If the mA is high (or
“Generator Overload” Error is shown), decrease the filament number.
Press the “AEC Reset” push-button before making a new exposure.
Repeat until the mAs read is correct and the mA station is calibrated.
5. Exit from Calibration mode.
6. Select: 80 kV, 200 mA, 100 ms. Make an exposure and note the kV value
at the end of the exposure.
7. If calibration of the Digital kV Loop Open is correct (80 ±1 kV), record

value “200” in the Data Book.
8. If calibration of the Digital kV Loop Open is not correct:
a. Enter in Calibration mode and select the E06 Memory Location.

Press the “AEC Reset” push-button to read the value stored.
b. Increase or decrease the value to increase or decrease the kV

respectively. Enter the new value and store it by pressing the “AEC
Reset” push-button.
c. Exit calibration mode and repeat the exposure (step-6.) to

determine if the new value has had the proper effect, if not repeat
step-8.
d. When it is correct, record the new value for E06 Memory Location
in the Data Book.
9. After calibration of E06 Memory Location, remove the Non-Invasive kVp

Meter.
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Calibration
Auto-Calibration of E06 Memory Location

position (disables Filament and Rotor Interlocks).
G Remove the HV Cables from the X-ray Tube and connect them to
the HV Bleeder, then connect a short couple of HV Cables from the
HV Bleeder to the X-ray Tube.
2. Enter in Calibration mode and select the E06 Memory Location.
EACH TIME THAT AUTO-CALIBRATION IS ACTIVATED IN

THIS MEMORY LOCATION, CALIBRATION DATA STORED IS
DELETED AND A NEW CALIBRATION FOR IT WILL BE
REQUIRED.
3. Enter in Auto-calibration mode pressing the “Power On” and

“kV Increment” push-buttons. After releasing both push-buttons, code
“222” is flashing on the Console accompanied of an alarm waiting
confirmation for entering in Auto-calibration mode.
Keep pressed the “kV increment” and “Power On” push-buttons again
until code “222” disappears on the Console to confirm Auto-calibration
mode or press only the “Power On” push-button to leave Auto-calibration
mode and return to manual calibration.
4. Make an exposure (technique parameters are pre-programmed at

100 kV, 200 mA and 32 ms and they can be shown when pressing the
“Prep” button).
5. Read the kVp measured with the HV Bleeder and enter this value on the
kV Display by pressing the “kV Increment” or “kV Decrement” buttons.
6. Exit from Auto-calibration mode pressing the “Power ON” and

“kV Decrement” push-buttons. At this moment, the Generator will
calculate and store the new value in E06 Memory Location.
Auto-calibration is deactivated and the process is finished when “E06” is
indicated on the Console again.
7. Read the new value stored in E06 Memory Location pressing the “AEC
Reset” push-button. Record this value in the Data Book.
8. Exit calibration mode.
9. After calibration of E06 Memory Location:
G Switch the Generator power OFF.
G Remove the HV Bleeder and connect the HV Cables from the

Generator directly to the X-ray Tube.
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Calibration
2.3.2 DIGITAL mA LOOP CLOSED
Extended Memory Locations E21, E03 and E05 contain the calibration factor
for Digital mA Loop Closed. Each number above or below the indicated in the
memory locations increases or decreases respectively the mA gain value.
Note . Values in E21, E03 and E05 Memory Locations are only related to
the Generator performance (they are not related to the X-ray
Tube(s) installed), so values in these Memory Locations are
factory adjusted. Only perform this procedure if the HT
Controller Board and/or HV Transformer have been replaced in
the unit.
The mA Gain for Digital mA Loop Closed is calibrated by performing the

following steps:
1. With the Generator power OFF, set:
G Dip switch 3000SW2-2 on the HT Controller Board in “Off” position

(enables Filament and Rotor Interlocks).
G Dip switch 3000SW2-4 on the HT Controller Board in “On” position

(Digital mA Loop Open).

2. Select one available workstation (eg. “No Bucky”).
3. Calibrate E03 and E05 Memory Locations as described in the following

pages.

ONE OF THESE MEMORY LOCATIONS, CALIBRATION DATA
STORED FOR THAT MEMORY LOCATION IS DELETED AND
A NEW CALIBRATION FOR IT WILL BE REQUIRED.
4. After calibration of E03 and E05 Memory Locations:
G Disconnect the mAs Meter to the banana plug connections.
G Re-install the link between the banana plug connections on the HV

Transformer.
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For Low mA stations (from 10 mA to 80 mA) (E03 Memory Location):
1. Enter calibration mode and select the E03 memory location.
2. Enter Auto-calibration mode pressing the “Power On” and “kV increment”
push-buttons. After releasing both push-buttons, code “222” is flashing
on the Console accompanied of an alarm waiting confirmation for
entering in Auto-calibration mode.
Auto-calibration is activated when the Console shows the value

“3.5 mAs”.
3. Perform the following steps:
a. Make an exposure (technique parameters are pre-programmed at

80 kV, 32 mA and 100 ms and they can be shown when pressing
the “Prep” push-button).
b. Read the mAs measured on the mAs Meter.
c. Read the Filament Current Number shown on the kV Display by

pressing the “Increment” and “Decrement” (or “+1” and “--1”)
density push-buttons. Since these push-buttons are also used to
increase or decrease the values one number should be added or
subtracted from the reading to obtain the correct value.
d. Increase or decrease the Filament Current Number to determine

the correction needed to obtain a value between 3.00 and 4.00
mAs in the mAs Meter after making a new exposure.
e. Repeat the above steps until a proper mAs value is obtained in the
mAs Meter.
4. Enter the mAs value read in the mAs Meter (it must be a value between
3.00 and 4.00 mAs) in the mAs Display pressing the “mAs increment” or
“mAs decrement” push-buttons.
5. Exit from Auto-calibration mode pressing the “Power On” and

“kV decrement” push-buttons. At this moment, the Generator will
calculate and store the new value in E03 memory location.
6. Read the new value stored in E03 memory location pressing the
“AEC Reset” push-button. Record this value in the Data Book.
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Calibration
For High mA stations (from 100 mA) (E05 Memory Location):
1. Enter calibration mode and select the E05 memory location.
Auto-calibration is activated when the Console shows the value

“7.75 mAs”.

the “Prep” push-button).
c. Read the Filament Current Number shown on the kV Display by

pressing the “Increment” and “Decrement” (or “+1” and “--1”)
density push-buttons. Since these push-buttons are also used to
increase or decrease the values one number should be added or
subtracted from the reading to obtain the correct value.
d. Increase or decrease the Filament Current Number to determine

the correction needed to obtain a value between 7.00 and 8.50
mAs in the mAs Meter after making a new exposure.
mAs Meter.
7.00 and 8.50 mAs) in the mAs Display pressing the “mAs increment” or
“mAs decrement” push-buttons.
5. Exit from Auto-calibration mode pressing the “Power On” and

“kV decrement” push-buttons. At this moment, the Generator will
calculate and store the new value in E05 memory location.
6. Read the new value stored in E05 memory location pressing the
“AEC Reset” push-button. Record this value in the Data Book.
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2.3.3 DIGITAL mA LOOP OPEN
To achieve the most accurate calibration, this procedure has to be

automatically performed by the Generator (Auto-calibration). Calibration
procedure will be manually performed by the field engineer only if
Auto-calibration is not possible.
Two different methods are described in this section: Auto-calibration and

Manual Calibration.
Digital mA Loop Open is calibrated by performing the following steps:


2. Turn the Generator ON.
3. Perform the Auto-calibration procedure as described in Section 2.3.3.1

for each X-ray Tube in the system.
2.3.3.1 AUTO-CALIBRATION OF DIGITAL mA LOOP OPEN
Auto-calibration of the Filament Current Numbers is divided in two separated

procedures related to the mA stations configured for the Small or Large Focal
Spots.
It is recommended to start with the Small Focal Spot (first group) and continue
with the Large Focal Spot (second group).
EACH TIME THAT AUTO-CALIBRATION IS ACTIVATED IN A

mA STATION (OR IN “E01” MEMORY LOCATION), ALL THE
FILAMENT CURRENT NUMBERS OF THE SELECTED FOCAL
SPOT ARE AUTOMATICALLY SET TO “344”. SO A NEW
COMPLETE CALIBRATION OF THE FILAMENT CURRENT
NUMBERS FOR THIS FOCAL SPOT WILL BE REQUIRED.
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Auto-calibration starts with the minimum available mA station for the selected
Focal Spot at 50 kV and follows with the other combinations of mA stations for
the Focal Spot at the kV break points as indicated in the next table.
FILAMENT CURRENT NUMBERS AT kV BREAK POINT

mA STATIONS
40 50 80 120
minimum available mA station

SMALL
FOCAL other mA stations
SPOT
maximum available mA station

LARGE
S O
SPOT
1. Select one available workstation for the X-ray Tube selected. This
workstation has to be one of the previously configured as “Direct”.
2. Enter calibration mode and select one of the configured mA stations for
the Small Focal Spot.
Auto-calibration is activated after releasing both push-buttons. At this

moment, the Generator will check the mA stations available for the Small
Focal Spot. A “double-beep” will sound when the verification is
completed.
4. Check that the Heat Units available for the X-ray Tube are 100%
(kV Display shows “H -- --” on the Console).
BEFORE MAKING ANY EXPOSURE IN AUTO-CALIBRATION,

VERIFY THAT THE LINK BETWEEN THE BANANA PLUG
CONNECTIONS ON THE HV TRANSFORMER IS INSTALLED.
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5. Keep fully pressed the Handswitch push-button or use the Exposure

Controls on the Console to perform continuous exposures.
Note . In Auto-calibration mode, all technique parameters are factory

pre-programmed and they can not be changed.
Auto-calibration can be stopped momentarily releasing the
Handswitch push-button or the Exposure Controls. Do not
exit from Auto-calibration before the procedure has been
completed.
Note . Auto-calibration can be cancelled by pressing the “Power On” and

“kV decrement” push-buttons. A double “double-beep” sound and
new values displayed on the Console indicates Auto-calibration is
deactivated.
If during Auto-calibration process, any error indication is shown

momentarily on the Console (such as “Tube Overload”, etc.), it means
that Generator can not calibrate in this moment the selected kV / mA
combination (because anode overheated, space charge, Generator
power limit, etc.). In this case, the Generator will continue with
Auto-calibration of the following available kV / mA combinations for the
selected Focal Spot. At the end of the process it will try to calibrate or
calculate the combinations previously uncalibrated.
If the Heat Units available for the X-ray Tube are less than 40%,
exposures are inhibited momentarily and code “111” will be flashed on the
Console accompanied of an alarm. The alarm will stop when the X-ray
Tube begins to cool and recovers the Heat Units capacity, exposures can
be performed again even though code “111” is shown on the Console.
At this point, it is recommended to wait until the Heat Units available are
closed to the 80% of the X-ray Tube capacity without making any
exposure.
Generator tries to calibrate each kV / mA combination for ten (10)

attempts (maximum). If calibration is aborted (after ten attempts), code
“888” will be flashing on the Console until press the “Power On”
push-button. Calibration can be also aborted due to space charge during
calibration of the lowest kV at the highest mA stations for the Focal Spot
selected, so code “777” will be flashing on the Console until press the
“Power On” push-button.
IF AUTO-CALIBRATION IS ABORTED (CODE “888” OR

“777”), CONTINUE THE AUTO-CALIBRATION PROCEDURE
FOR THE OTHER FOCAL SPOT. CHECK AT THE END OF THE
AUTO-CALIBRATION PROCEDURE WHICH kV / mA
COMBINATIONS HAVE NOT BEEN AUTO-CALIBRATED FOR
EACH FOCAL SPOT (THESE COMBINATIONS HAVE THE
FILAMENT CURRENT NUMBER SET TO “344”). MANUALLY
CALIBRATE THESE kV / mA COMBINATIONS AS EXPLAIN IN
SECTION 2.3.3.2.
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When Auto-calibration is successfully performed, code “999” will be

flashing on the Console until press the “Power On” push-button to exit
from Auto-calibration mode. A double “double-beep” sound and new
values displayed on the Console indicates Auto-calibration is
deactivated.
6. Repeat the same procedure for the Large Focal Spot selecting one of
the configured mA stations for the Large Focal Spot previous to enter in
Auto-calibration mode.
Before starting the exposures, it is recommended to wait until the Heat

Units available are closed to the 80% of the X-ray Tube capacity.
7. After performing both procedures (for Small and Large Focal Spots),
select in calibration mode each combination of the available mA stations
at the kV break points (40, 50, 80 and 120 kV). Press the “AEC Reset”
push-button to read on the kV Display the new value of the Filament
Current Number stored for each combination and record the new values
in the Data Book.
Note that the highest mA station for Small Focal Spot may have numbers
larger than the lowest mA station for Large Focal Spot. This is normal.
9. Turn the Generator power OFF and set Dip Switch 3000SW2-4 on the
HT Controller Board in “Off” position (Digital mA Loop Closed).
2.3.3.2 MANUAL CALIBRATION OF DIGITAL mA LOOP OPEN
This procedure describes the Manual calibration of all the Filament Current
Numbers. It has to be also used to calibrate the kV / mA combinations not
performed during Auto-calibration procedure because it has not been
completed. These combinations have the Filament Current Number set to
“344”, so only these combinations have to be manually calibrated as described
in this procedure.
Manual Calibration is initiated at the 80 kV break point by entering the

appropriate Filament Current Number for the proper tube current at each
selectable mA. Calibration at the other kV break points (40, 50, 80 and 120 kV)
are obtained by adding or subtracting values as indicated in Table 2-1.
Although the suggested values (Table 2-1) could change depending on the
X-ray tube used, entering those values will approximate accurate calibration
without making excessive exposures.
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Table 2-1
mA Calibration Numbers Change

mA STATION
40 50 80 120
10 A11+7 A11+6 A11 A11 --5
12.5 A12+7 A12+6 A12 A12 --5
16 A13+7 A13+6 A13 A13 --5
20 A14+7 A14+6 A14 A14 --5
25 A15+7 A15+6 A15 A15 --5
32 A16+7 A16+6 A16 A16 --5
40 A17+7 A17+6 A17 A17 --5
50 A18+7 A18+6 A18 A18 --5
64 A19+7 A19+6 A19 A19 --5
80 A20+7 A20+6 A20 A20 --5
100 A21+10 A21+8 A21 A21 --7
125 A22+10 A22+8 A22 A22 --7
160 A23+10 A23+8 A23 A23 --7
200 A24+10 A24+8 A24 A24 --7
250 A25+10 A25+8 A25 A25 --7
320 A26+14 A26+11 A26 A26 --9
400 A27+14 A27+11 A27 A27 --9
500 A28+14 A28+11 A28 A28 --9
Note.-- Some Generator models do not contain all the mA stations listed above.
16 CA-1044RA
Mobile X-Ray Unit
Calibration
In calibration mode, Filament Current Numbers are shown on the kV Display by

pressing the “AEC Reset” push-button after selecting the respective kV / mA
combination. They can be changed by pressing the “Increment” and
“Decrement” density push-buttons and stored by pressing the “AEC Reset”
push-button.
The kV Display shows again the kV when the “AEC Reset” push-button is
released. Note that in calibration mode, only the mA stations and kV (at the
break points) can be selected.
Note . If an exposure is made while displaying a Filament Current

Number, the kV of the exposure is the previously displayed kV.



2. Turn the Generator ON and select one available workstation for the X-ray
Tube selected. This workstation has to be one of the previously
configured as “Direct”.
3. Check that the Heat Units available for the X-ray Tube are 100%
(kV Display shows “H -- --” on the Console).
4. Enter calibration mode and according to X-ray Tube ratings or maximum

Generator power, check which kV / mA combinations in Table 2-1 are
allowed.
If error “Tube Overload” is shown on the Console after selection of a kV

/ mA combination, it means this combination is not allowed for the
selected X-ray Tube. In calibration mode, if Generator power is
exceeded by a kV / mA combination selection, error “E-16” is shown on
the Console after “Preparation”. To reset this error, press “AEC Reset”
push-button.
Note which combinations in Table 2-1 can not be calibrated by making

exposures (combinations not allowed due to Tube rating, maximum
Generator power, space charge, etc.) and the Exposure Time assigned
to these combinations in calibration mode.
Exit calibration mode and select the mA station and Exposure Time of
each kV / mA combination not allowed. Increase or decrease the kV
value as required to determine the kV value allowed nearest to the kV
value of the combination. Note the kV value allowed in the respective cell
of Table 2-1.
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Mobile X-Ray Unit
Calibration
5. Enter calibration mode and select 80 kV and the lowest mA station

available (first combination available). Enter a filament number of “344”
for this combination.
6. Make an exposure. The mAs read on the mAs Meter must be the mAs
displayed on the Console ± 0.2 mAs (tolerance of the parameter and
mAs Meter). If the mAs read is close to zero, increase the filament
number in big steps (a.e. increase values in 40). As the mAs read is close
to the mAs displayed on the Console, increase (or reduce) the filament
number in smaller steps (a.e. increase value in 30, 20, 10, ...).
If the mAs is low, increase the filament number. If the mA is high,

decrease the filament number. Press the “AEC Reset” push-button
before making a new exposure. Repeat until the mA station is calibrated.
Note . Press the “AEC Reset” push-button to store the new data (filament
number) before selecting the next kV or mA stations.
Calibration data (presently in memory) may or may not be

close to your requirements. If it is not close, the potential
exists to damage the X-ray tube (i.e. too much mA). Thus, as
you start the mA calibration procedure note how close or how
far off the mA break points are. If a large adjustment (more
than 10 points) is required at the low mA stations, make
estimated adjustments to the high mA stations before those
exposures are made.
7. Select the next mA station at 80 kV. Before making any exposure, enter
as filament number the value calibrated for the previous mA station
increased in 10.

decrease the filament number. Press the “AEC Reset” push-button
before making a new exposure. Repeat until the mA station is calibrated.
8. Complete the calibration process for all mA stations at 80 kV as

described before. When select the first mA station for the Large Focal
Spot, enter as a filament number the value calibrated for the first mA
station for the Small Focal Spot. Note that the highest mA station for
Small Focal Spot may have numbers larger than the lowest mA station
for Large Focal Spot. This is normal.
Press the “AEC Reset” push-button to read on the kV Display the new
value of the Filament Current Number stored for each mA station at
80 kV. Record the new values in the Data Book.
18 CA-1044RA
Mobile X-Ray Unit
Calibration
Note . When highest mA stations of the Generator can not be calibrated

at 80 kV due to insufficient filament current or voltage, perform the
following modifications in the equipment:
Insufficient filament current: If the filament current number has

reached the maximum number (999), replace on the Filament
Board (A3004--05) the Resistor R26 for another resistor with
1.5 Ω / 5 W, and place Jumper JP1 in position “A”. Then rename
the Filament Board as A3004--06.
ATTENTION: After doing the above modifications reduce the

value of all the filament current numbers (column for 80 kV)
at the 25% and perform the calibration procedure again (from
step-4).
9. Complete the calibration process for the remaining kV / mA combinations

using Table 2-1 as a guide. It is not necessary to make exposures to do
this. Compute the value for all the kV break points of each available mA
station although the Generator power can not reach all the kV / mA
combinations. Select the corresponding kV / mA combination and enter
the computed value.
10. Check calibration at all allowed kV / mA combinations by making

exposures and correct any calibration points as needed.
Note . If “Tube Overload” error is shown directly on the Console after

selection of an allowed combination (refer to step-4.), wait until the
X-ray tube anode cools down to permit the calibration of the mA
station.
11. Recalculate the values of the non-allowed combinations in accordance

to the new values obtained by the previous exposures. (Refer to
Table 2-1).
CA-1044RA 19
Mobile X-Ray Unit
Calibration
13. Select the mA station, Exposure Time and kV value noted for each
kV / mA combination not allowed (refer to step-4.). Check calibration at
these kV / mA combinations by making exposures. If needed, enter in
calibration mode and correct the Filament Current Number of the
respective kV / mA combination not allowed.
14. In calibration mode, select each combination of the available mA stations

at the kV break points (40, 50, 80 and 120 kV). Press the “AEC Reset”
push-button to read on the kV Display the new value of the Filament
Current Number stored for each combination. Record the new values in
the Data Book.
16. After calibration of Filament Current Numbers:

Transformer.
G Set Dip Switch 3000SW2-4 on the HT Controller Board in “Off”

position (Digital mA Loop Closed).
Note . Go to Section 2.5 AEC Calibration if applicable.
20 CA-1044RA
Mobile X-Ray Unit
Calibration
2.4 CALIBRATION WITH THE TOUCH SCREEN CONTROL CONSOLE
Follow this procedure for Touch Screen Console.
2.4.1 DIGITAL KV LOOP OPEN
Extended Memory Location E06 contains the calibration factor for Digital kV
Loop Open. Each number above or below of the indicated in the E06 Memory
Location increases or decreases respectively the kV gain value.
Note . Value in E06 Memory Location is only related to the Generator

performance (it is not related to the X-ray Tube(s) or another
components installed), so value in this Memory Location is
factory adjusted. Only perform this procedure if the HT Controller
Board and/or HV Transformer have been replaced in the unit.
The kV Gain for Digital kV Loop Open can be manually calibrated with a
Non-Invasive kV Meter (recommended procedure) or Auto-calibrated with HV
Bleeder.
Manual Calibration of E06 Memory Location
G Set Dip switch 3000SW2-2 on the HT Controller Board in “Off”

position (enables Filament and Rotor Interlocks).

position (Digital mA Loop Open).

G Place and center a Non-Invasive kVp Meter on the X-ray Tube

output at the required SID (refer to the Non-Invasive kVp Meter
documentation).
2. Enter in calibration mode by pressing the “Manual Calibration” button on

the GSC Program. Select an available workstation (WS) and press the
“OK” button.
3. Select the E06 Memory Location and read the calibration value by
pressing the “Read” button. Enter the value “200” and store it by pressing
the “Store” button.
CA-1044RA 21
Mobile X-Ray Unit
Calibration
4. Calibrate manually the Filament Current Number for 80 kV / 200 mA

combination, as indicated in the following steps.
In calibration mode, Filament Current Numbers are shown on the

calibration panel by pressing the “Read” button after selecting the
respective kV / mA combination. They can be changed by pressing the
“Increase” and “Decrease” buttons and stored by pressing the “Store”
button of the calibration panel.
Select 80 kV, 200 mA, Large Focus and make an exposure. The mAs
read on the mAs Meter must be the same mAs displayed on the
calibration screen with a tolerance of ±0.1 mAs (tolerance of the
parameter and mAs Meter).
If the mAs is low, increase the filament number. If the mA is high (or
“Generator Overload” Error is shown), decrease the filament number.
Press the “Store” button before making a new exposure. Repeat until the
mAs read is correct and the mA station is calibrated.
22 CA-1044RA
Mobile X-Ray Unit
Calibration
5. Exit from Calibration screen, GSC Program and Service Mode.
6. Enter in Manual Mode of the Application and select: 80 kV, 200 mA,
100 ms. Make an exposure and note the kV value at the end of the
exposure.
7. If calibration of the Digital kV Loop Open is correct (80 ±1 kV), record

value “200” in the Data Book.
8. If calibration of the Digital kV Loop Open is not correct:
a. Enter in “Manual Calibration” mode and select the E06 Memory

Location. Press the “Read” button to read the value stored.
b. Increase or decrease the value to increase or decrease the kV

respectively. Enter the new value and store it by pressing the
“Store” button.
c. Exit calibration mode and repeat the exposure (steps 5 and 6) to

determine if the new value has had the proper effect, if not repeat
step-8.
d. When it is correct, record the new value for E06 Memory Location
in the Data Book.
9. After calibration of E06 Memory Location, remove the Non-Invasive kVp

Meter.
CA-1044RA 23
Mobile X-Ray Unit
Calibration
Auto-calibration of E06 Memory Location

position (disables Filament and Rotor Interlocks).
G Remove the HV Cables from the X-ray Tube and connect them to
the HV Bleeder, then connect a short couple of HV Cables from the
HV Bleeder to the X-ray Tube.
2. Enter in Auto-calibration mode by pressing the “Auto Calibration” button

on the GSC menu. Select an available workstation (WS) and press the
“OK” button. Then, select the E06 Memory Location and press the “OK”
button.
Confirm or leave the Auto-calibration by pressing the respective button

(“Yes” or “No”) on the new screen.
24 CA-1044RA
Mobile X-Ray Unit
Calibration
Confirm or leave the Auto-calibration (second confirmation) by pressing

the respective button (“Confirm” or “Dismiss”) on the calibration screen.
Auto-calibration is activated when the “Auto Calibration” button is lighted

and the “Press Prep and Expose” message appears on the screen.
3. Make an exposure (technique parameters are pre-programmed at

100 kV, 200 mA and 32 ms and they can be shown when pressing the
“Prep” button).
4. Read the kVp measured with the HV Bleeder and enter this value on the
kV Display by pressing the “kV Increase” or “kV Decrease” buttons.
5. Exit from Auto-calibration mode pressing the “Auto Calibration” button.

At this moment, the Generator will calculate and store the new value in
E06 Memory Location. Auto-calibration is deactivated and the process
is finished when the screen shows the GSC menu.
6. Press the “Manual Calibration” button. Select an available workstation

(WS) and press the “OK” button. Then, select the E06 Memory Location
and read its new value on the Calibration Display. Record this value in
the Data Book.
8. After calibration of E06 Memory Location:
G Remove the HV Bleeder and connect the HV Cables from the

Generator directly to the X-ray Tube.
CA-1044RA 25
Mobile X-Ray Unit
Calibration
2.4.2 DIGITAL mA LOOP CLOSED
Extended Memory Locations E03 and E05 contain the calibration factor for
Digital mA Loop Closed. Each number above or below the indicated in the
Memory Locations increases or decreases respectively the mA gain value.
Note . Values in E03 and E05 Memory Locations are only related to the
Generator performance (they are not related to the X-ray Tube(s)
installed), so values in these Memory Locations are factory
adjusted. Only perform this procedure if the HT Controller Board
and/or HV Transformer have been replaced in the unit.
The mA Gain for Digital mA Loop Closed is calibrated by performing the

following steps:



2. Calibration of E03 and E05 Memory Locations is performed by means of

the “Auto Calibration” menu.

ONE OF THESE MEMORY LOCATIONS, CALIBRATION DATA
STORED FOR THIS MEMORY LOCATION IS DELETED AND A
NEW CALIBRATION FOR IT WILL BE REQUIRED.
26 CA-1044RA
Mobile X-Ray Unit
Calibration

on the GSC menu. Select an available workstation (WS) and press the
“OK” button. Then, select the respective Memory Location (E03 or E05)
and press the “OK” button.

Confirm or leave the Auto-calibration (second confirmation) by pressing

CA-1044RA 27
Mobile X-Ray Unit
Calibration
Auto-calibration is activated when the “Auto Calibration” button is lighted

and the “Press Prep and Expose” message appears on the screen.
4. Calibrate E03 and E05 Memory Locations as described in the following

pages.
28 CA-1044RA
Mobile X-Ray Unit
Calibration
For Low mA stations (from 10 mA to 80 mA) (E03 Memory Location):

on the GSC menu and select the E03 Memory Location. Confirm all the
following screens.
2. When Auto-calibration is activated, “Auto Calibration” button is lighted

and the “3.5 mAs” value is shown on the screen.

the “Prep” button).
c. Read the Filament Current Number shown on the calibration

panel.
d. Increase or decrease the Filament Current Number (by pressing
the “Increase” or “Decrease” buttons) to determine the correction
needed to obtain a value between 3.00 and 4.00 mAs in the mAs
Meter after making a new exposure.
mAs Meter.
3.00 and 4.00 mAs) in the mAs Display pressing the “mAs increase” or
“mAs decrease” buttons.


the Data Book.
CA-1044RA 29
Mobile X-Ray Unit
Calibration
For High mA stations (from 100 mA) (E05 Memory Location):

on the GSC menu and select the E05 Memory Location. Confirm all the
following screens.
2. When Auto-calibration is activated, “Auto Calibration” button is lighted

and the “7.75 mAs” value is shown on the screen.

the “Prep” button).
c. Read the Filament Current Number shown on the calibration

panel.
d. Increase or decrease the Filament Current Number (by pressing
the “Increase” or “Decrease” buttons) to determine the correction
needed to obtain a value between 7.00 and 8.50 mAs in the mAs
Meter after making a new exposure.
mAs Meter.
7.00 and 8.50 mAs) in the mAs Display pressing the “mAs increase” or
“mAs decrease” buttons.


the Data Book.
8. After calibration of E03 and E05 Memory Locations:

Transformer.
30 CA-1044RA
Mobile X-Ray Unit
Calibration
2.4.3 DIGITAL mA LOOP OPEN
To achieve the most accurate calibration, this procedure has to be

automatically performed by the Generator (Auto-calibration). Calibration
procedure will be manually performed by the field engineer only if
Auto-calibration is not possible.
Two different methods are described in this section: Auto-calibration and

Manual Calibration.
Digital mA Loop Open is calibrated by performing the following steps:


2. Turn the Generator ON.
3. Perform the Auto-calibration procedure as described in Section 2.3.3.1

for each X-ray Tube in the system.
2.4.3.1 AUTO-CALIBRATION OF DIGITAL mA LOOP OPEN
Auto-calibration of the Filament Current Numbers is divided in two procedures

related to the mA stations available for the Small or Large Focal Spots.
It is recommended to start with the Small Focal Spot (first group) and continue
with the Large Focal Spot (second group).
EACH TIME THAT AUTO-CALIBRATION IS STARTED FOR

THE SMALL OR LARGE FOCAL SPOT, ALL CALIBRATION
DATA STORED FOR THE FILAMENT CURRENT NUMBERS OF
THE SELECTED FOCAL SPOT ARE AUTOMATICALLY SET
TO “344”. SO A NEW COMPLETE CALIBRATION OF THE
FILAMENT CURRENT NUMBERS FOR THIS FOCAL SPOT
WILL BE REQUIRED.
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Mobile X-Ray Unit
Calibration
Auto-calibration starts with the minimum available mA station for the selected
Focal Spot at 50 kV and follows with the other combinations of mA stations for
the Focal Spot at the kV break points as indicated in the next table.

mA STATIONS
40 50 80 120

SMALL
SPOT

LARGE
S O
SPOT

on the GSC menu.
2. Select an available workstation (WS) of the X-ray Tube to be calibrated

and press the “OK” button. This workstation has to be one of the
previously configured as “Direct”, “Bucky-1”, “Bucky-2” or “STD Tomo”.
3. Select the Small Focal Spot by pressing the “Small” button and then
press the “OK” button.

32 CA-1044RA
Mobile X-Ray Unit
Calibration
4. Confirm or leave the Auto-calibration (second confirmation) by pressing

5. Auto-calibration is activated when the “Auto Calibration” button is lighted

and the “Press Prep and Expose” message appears on the screen. At
this moment, the Generator has checked the mA stations available for
the Small Focal Spot.
CA-1044RA 33
Mobile X-Ray Unit
Calibration
6. Check that the Heat Units capacity available for the X-ray Tube is 100%
or nearly (HU 0% displayed on the screen).
BEFORE MAKING ANY EXPOSURE IN AUTO-CALIBRATION,

VERIFY THAT THE LINK BETWEEN THE BANANA PLUG
CONNECTIONS ON THE HV TRANSFORMER IS INSTALLED.
7. Keep fully pressed the Handswitch button to perform continuous

exposures.
Note . In Auto-calibration mode, all technique parameters are factory

pre-programmed and they can not be changed.
Auto-calibration can be stopped momentarily releasing the

Handswitch button, whenever there is not an exposure in
process. Do not exit from Auto-calibration before the
procedure has been completed.
Note . Auto-calibration can be cancelled by pressing the “Auto

Calibration” button. A message on the screen informs that
Auto-calibration has been cancelled and after a while the screen
shows the GSC menu.
If during Auto-calibration process, any error indication is shown

momentarily (such as “Tube Overload”, etc.), it means that Generator
can not calibrate in this moment the selected kV / mA combination
(because anode overheated, space charge, Generator power limit, etc.).
In this case, the Generator will continue with Auto-calibration of the
following available kV / mA combinations for the selected Focal Spot. At
the end of the process it will try to calibrate or calculate the combinations
previously uncalibrated.
If the Heat Units value displayed is more than 60%, exposures are
inhibited momentarily and message “Tube too hot” is shown on the
screen. This message will disappear and exposures can be made again
when the X-ray Tube begins to cool and recovers the Heat Units capacity.
At this point, it is recommended to wait until the Heat Units value

displayed are closed to the 20% before making any exposure.
34 CA-1044RA
Mobile X-Ray Unit
Calibration
Generator tries to calibrate each kV / mA combination for ten (10)

attempts (maximum). If calibration is cancelled (after ten attempts),
message “Auto calibration failure” is shown on the screen until press the
“Auto Calibration” button to exit from Auto-calibration mode and go back
to the GSC menu. Calibration can be also cancelled due to space charge
during calibration of the lowest kV at the highest mA stations for the Focal
Spot selected, so message“Auto calibration failure” is also shown on the
screen until press the “Auto Calibration” button to exit from
Auto-calibration mode and go back to the GSC menu.
ONLY IF AUTO-CALIBRATION IS CANCELLED DUE TO

“AUTO CALIBRATION FAILURE”, CONTINUE THE
AUTO-CALIBRATION PROCEDURE FOR THE OTHER FOCAL
SPOT. CHECK AT THE END OF THE AUTO-CALIBRATION
PROCEDURE WHICH kV / mA COMBINATIONS HAVE NOT
BEEN AUTO-CALIBRATED FOR EACH FOCAL SPOT (THESE
COMBINATIONS HAVE THE FILAMENT CURRENT NUMBER
SET TO “344”). MANUALLY CALIBRATE THESE kV / mA
COMBINATIONS AS EXPLAIN IN SECTION 2.3.3.2.
When Auto-calibration is successfully performed, message “Auto

Calibration OK” is shown on the screen until press the “Auto Calibration”
button to exit from Auto-calibration mode and go back to the GSC menu.
8. Repeat the same procedure for the Large Focal Spot.
Enter in Auto-calibration mode by pressing the “Auto Calibration” button

on the GSC menu.
Select an available workstation (WS) of the X-ray Tube to be calibrated

previously configured as “Direct”.
Select the Large Focal Spot by pressing the “Large” button and then
press the “OK” button.

on each screen.
Auto-calibration is activated when the “Auto Calibration” button is lighted.

At this moment, the Generator has checked the mA stations available for
the Large Focal Spot.
Before starting the exposures, it is recommended to wait until the Heat

Units value displayed are closed to the 20%.
CA-1044RA 35
Mobile X-Ray Unit
Calibration
9. After performing both procedures (for Small and Large Focal Spots),
enter in “Manual Calibration” mode and select each combination of the
available mA stations for each Focal Spot at the kV break points (40, 50,
80 and 120 kV). Press the “Read” button to read on the calibration panel
the new value of the Filament Current Number stored for each
combination and record the new values in the Data Book.
10. Exit from calibration mode.
11. Perform the Auto-calibration procedure for the second X-ray Tube.
12. Turn the Generator power OFF and set Dip Switch 3000SW2-4 on the
HT Controller Board in “Off” position (Digital mA Loop Closed).
2.4.3.2 MANUAL CALIBRATION OF DIGITAL mA LOOP OPEN
This procedure describes the Manual calibration of all the Filament Current
Numbers. It has to be also used to calibrate the kV / mA combinations not
performed during Auto-calibration procedure because it has not been
completed. These combinations have the Filament Current Number set to
“344”, so only these combinations have to be manually calibrated as described
in this procedure. If Auto-calibration for one of the Focal Spots has been
successful, it is only required to perform the manual calibration of the mA station
do not calibrate for the other Focal Spot.
Calibration is initiated at the 80 kV break point by entering the appropriate

Filament Current Number for the proper tube current at each selectable mA.
Calibration at the other kV break points (40, 50, 80 and 120 kV) are obtained
by adding or subtracting values as indicated in Table 2-1.
Although the suggested values (Table 2-1) could change depending on the
X-ray tube used, entering those values will approximate accurate calibration
without making excessive exposures.
In “Manual Calibration” mode, the Filament Current Numbers are shown on the
calibration panel by pressing the “Read” button after selecting the respective
kV / mA combination. The value can be changed by pressing the “Increase” or
“Decrease” buttons of the calibration panel and stored by pressing the “Store”
button.
Note that in calibration mode, only the mA stations and kV (at the break points)
can be selected.
36 CA-1044RA
Mobile X-Ray Unit
Calibration
Table 2-2
mA Calibration Numbers Change

mA STATION
40 50 80 120
10 A11+7 A11+6 A11 A11 --5
12.5 A12+7 A12+6 A12 A12 --5
16 A13+7 A13+6 A13 A13 --5
20 A14+7 A14+6 A14 A14 --5
25 A15+7 A15+6 A15 A15 --5
32 A16+7 A16+6 A16 A16 --5
40 A17+7 A17+6 A17 A17 --5
50 A18+7 A18+6 A18 A18 --5
64 A19+7 A19+6 A19 A19 --5
80 A20+7 A20+6 A20 A20 --5
100 A21+10 A21+8 A21 A21 --7
125 A22+10 A22+8 A22 A22 --7
160 A23+10 A23+8 A23 A23 --7
200 A24+10 A24+8 A24 A24 --7
250 A25+10 A25+8 A25 A25 --7
320 A26+14 A26+11 A26 A26 --9
400 A27+14 A27+11 A27 A27 --9
500 A28+14 A28+11 A28 A28 --9
Note.-- The mA station values depends on the Generator model. Some models do not contain all the mA stations listed above.
CA-1044RA 37
Mobile X-Ray Unit
Calibration



2. Turn the Generator ON and enter in calibration mode by pressing the

“Manual Calibration” button on the GSC menu.
3. Select an available workstation (WS) of the X-ray Tube to be calibrated

previously configured as “Direct”.
4. Check that the Heat Units available for the X-ray Tube is 100% or nearly
(HU 0% displayed on the screen).
5. Accordingly to X-ray tube ratings or maximum Generator power, check

which kV / mA combinations in Table 2-1 are allowed.
If error “Tube Overload” is shown after selection of a kV / mA combination,

it means this combination is not allowed for the selected X-ray Tube.
In calibration mode, if Generator power is exceeded by a kV / mA

combination selection, error “E-16” is shown after “Preparation”. Reset
this error by pressing the “Reset Error” button.
Note which combinations in Table 2-1 can not be calibrated by making

exposures (combinations not allowed due to Tube rating, maximum
Generator power, space charge, etc.) and the Exposure Time assigned
to these combinations in calibration mode.
6. Exit calibration mode. Select the mA station and Exposure Time of each
kV / mA combination not allowed. Increase or decrease the kV value as
required to determine the kV value allowed nearest to the kV value of the
combination. Note the kV value allowed in the respective cell of
Table 2-1.
38 CA-1044RA
Mobile X-Ray Unit
Calibration
7. Enter in calibration mode by pressing the “Manual Calibration” button on

the GSC menu. Select 80 kV and lowest mA station available (first
combination available). Enter a Filament Number of “344” for this
combination.
8. Make an exposure. The mAs read on the mAs Meter must be the same
mAs displayed on the calibration screen with a tolerance of ± 0.1 mAs
(tolerance of the parameter and mAs Meter). If the mAs read is close to
cero, increase the filament number in big steps (a.e. increase values in
40). As the mAs read is close to the mAs displayed on the Console,
increase (or reduce) the filament number in smaller steps (a.e. increase
value in 30, 20, 10, ...).

decrease the filament number. Press the “Store” button before making
a new exposure. Repeat until the mA station is calibrated.
Note . Press the “Store” button to store the new data (filament number)
before selecting the next kV or mA stations.
Calibration data (presently in memory) may or may not be

close to your requirements. If it is not close, the potential
exists to damage the X-ray tube (i.e. too much mA). Thus, as
you start the mA calibration procedure note how close or how
far off the mA break points are. If a large adjustment (more
than 40 points) is required at the low mA stations, make
estimated adjustments to the high mA stations before those
exposures are made.
9. Select the next mA station at 80 kV. Before making any exposure, enter
as filament number the value calibrated for the previous mA station
increased in 10.

decrease the filament number. Press the “Store” button before making
a new exposure. Repeat until the mA station is calibrated.
CA-1044RA 39
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10. Complete the calibration process for all mA stations at 80 kV as

described before. When select the first mA station for the Large Focal
Spot, enter as a filament number the value calibrated for the first mA
station for the Small Focal Spot. Note that the highest mA station for
Small Focal Spot may have numbers larger than the lowest mA station
for Large Focal Spot. This is normal.
Press the “Read” button to read on the calibration panel the new value
of the Filament Current Number stored for each mA station at 80 kV.
Record the new values in the Data Book.
Note . When highest mA stations of the Generator can not be calibrated

at 80 kV due to insufficient filament current or voltage, perform the
following modifications in the equipment:
Insufficient filament current: If the filament current number has

reached the maximum number (999), replace on the Filament
Board (A3004--05) the Resistor R26 for another resistor with
1.5 Ω / 5 W, and place Jumper JP1 in position “A”. Then rename
the Filament Board as A3004--06.
ATTENTION: After doing the above modifications reduce the

value of all the filament current numbers (column for 80 kV)
at the 25% and perform the calibration procedure again (from
step-5).
11. Complete the calibration process for the remaining kV / mA combinations

using Table 2-1 as a guide. It is not necessary to make exposures to do
this. Compute the value for all the kV break points of each available mA
station although the Generator power can not reach all the kV / mA
combinations. Select the corresponding kV / mA combination and enter
the computed value.
40 CA-1044RA
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Calibration
12. Check calibration at all break points (making exposures) and correct any
calibration points as needed.
Note . If “Tube Overload” error is shown directly after selection of an

allowed combination (refer to step-5.), wait until the X-ray tube
anode cools down to permit the calibration of the mA station.
13. Recalculate the values of the non-allowed combinations in accordance

to the new values obtained by exposures. (Refer to Table 2-1).
14. Exit calibration mode. Select the mA station, Exposure Time and kV
value noted for each kV / mA combination not allowed (refer to step-6.).
Check calibration at these kV / mA combinations by making exposures.
If needed, enter in calibration mode and correct the Filament Current
Number of the respective kV / mA combination not allowed.
15. Enter in calibration mode by pressing the “Manual Calibration” button.

In calibration mode, select each combination of the available mA stations
at the kV break points (40, 50, 80 and 120 kV). Press the “Read” button
to read on the kV Display the new value of the Filament Current Number
stored for each combination. Record the new values in the Data Book.
17. If required, perform the calibration procedure for the second X-ray Tube.
18. After calibration of Filament Current Numbers:

Transformer.
G Set Dip Switch 3000SW2-4 on the HT Controller Board in “Off”

position (Digital mA Loop Closed).
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Calibration
2.5 AEC CALIBRATION
This section describes the adjustments needed to calibrate the AEC according
to the customer input. Therefore, AEC exposures should be made during the
calibration process in order to insure AEC functionality.
AEC Film Density is controlled by the values stored in the respective memory
locations. These values are influenced by film speed, screen speed, dark room
procedures and customer requirements.
Using a homogeneous Phantom with enough density to produce an exposure

of 100 ms, the AEC should be calibrated to produce a density of one (1) at 70 kV,
and AEC tracking should be adjusted to produce the same density (1) at 55 kV
and 110 kV.
Note . For AEC calibration, use the same Film and Cassettes used by the
customer.
The following table indicates the Memory Locations for AEC.
FUNCTION MEMORY LOCATION
AEC-1 CALIBRATION E04
AEC-1 TRACKING E08
AEC DENSITY SCALE E12
Illustration 2-1
AEC Function Waveform
EXP ORDER
STRT DR
Voltage Reference
( calibration data setting )
IC1
EXP Start
AEC STOP
(AEC CONTROL PCB)
EXP Stop
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Calibration
2.5.1 PREVIOUS CHECKS
Make sure the automatic processor works correctly, and the concentration and
temperature of the solutions comply with manufacturer specifications.
Obtain a sensitometric curve to determine gamma (γ) of the film and the solution
quality. The procedure normally requires a sensitometer, but if it is not available
proceed as follows:
1. Make two exposures using the same kV and Screen-Film combination

(medium is recommended) but with different mAs settings, mAs(f1) and
mAs(f2).
2. Develop and measure the Density (d) of each, d(f1) and d(f2).
3. Determine gamma (γ) by the formula:
d(f2) − d(f1)
γ= mAs(f2)
log 10 mAs(f1)
Gamma (γ) must be between 2 and 3, if not change or renew solutions.
2.5.2 BALANCE ADJUSTMENT FOR THREE FIELD DETECTORS
1. Set the detector gain potentiometer of the Ion Chamber to mid range
(refer to Ion Chamber documentation).
Note . Some Ion Chambers are not provided with detector gain and
balance potentiometers. Continue calibration process in Section
2.5.3 “Density Gain Adjustment”.
2. Set the following jumper on the AEC Control Board in position A: JP3 for
Board A3012--05.
3. Set SID at 100 cm for a Table Bucky or Vertical Bucky Stand.
4. Collimate the X-ray beam so that it completely covers all three fields but
does not extend beyond limits of the phantom.
5. Place 1.5 mm of Copper (or equivalent homogeneous phantom) in the

Collimator Filter Holder. (1 mm Copper = 10 cm Plexiglass).
6. Enter in calibration mode and verify that AEC Calibration number in E04,
Memory Location is 70. The useful range for AEC calibration numbers
is from 20 to 120. Then exit from calibration mode.
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7. Select on the Console:
G RAD: 70 kV, 250 mA, 1 second back-up time.
G AEC: “Central Area” , “Density 0” and “Medium Film Screen”.
8. Make an exposure without film in the cassette and note the Exposure
Time displayed on the Console, it should be approximately 100 ms. If
necessary for that, change the Copper thickness or mA station and make
the exposure again.
9. Deselect “Center Area” and select “Left Area”. Make an exposure

without film in the cassette and record the Exposure Time. If this time is
not equal to the “Center Area” time (± 7%), adjust “Left Area” balance
potentiometer by increasing or decreasing Exposure Time. Repeat this
process until both Exposure Times for “Center Area” and “Left Area” are
equal.
10. Deselect “Left Area” and select “Right Area”. Make an exposure without
film in the cassette and record the Exposure Time. If this time is not equal
to the “Center Area” time (± 7%), adjust “Right Area” balance
potentiometer by increasing or decreasing Exposure Time. Repeat
process until both Exposure Times for “Center Area” and “Right Area” are
equal.
11. Check that the three scan Areas have equal Exposure Time (± 7%):
G “Center Area” with “Left Area”, “Center Area” with “Right Area”,
and “Left Area” with “Right Area”.
G All three Areas.
2.5.3 DENSITY GAIN ADJUSTMENT
ION CHAMBERS WITH DETECTOR GAIN POTENTIOMETER
1. Set the detector gain potentiometer (or switches) of the Ion Chamber to
mid range (refer to Ion Chamber documentation).
2. Set the following jumper on the AEC Control Board in position A: JP3 for
Board A3012--05 or JP2 for Board A3012--06.

Memory Locations is 70. The useful range for AEC calibration numbers
44 CA-1044RA
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Calibration
the exposure again.
9. Insert a cassette with the Film-Screen combination used by the

customer. Make an exposure, develop the film and check the density, it
should be approximately 0.8 to 1.2 (or the density customer preference).
10. To change the density, adjust the Master Gain (potentiometer) of the Ion
Chamber by increasing or decreasing Exposure Time. Repeat this
process until obtain the desired density (or customer preference).
When it is not possible to get a proper film density adjustment or for a fine
film density adjustment, change the AEC calibration number within a
range from 20 to 120. For that, enter in calibration mode set the new AEC
calibration number for the respecetive Memory Location (E04). The Film
Density increases when the calibration number is increased, and
decreases when the number is decreased. Then exit calibration mode.
Note . The AEC accuracy is worse as lower is the AEC calibration

number or the value of the Ion Chamber gain potentiometers are
decreased. Balance both factors.
11. Repeat the above steps for all the Ion Chambers installed with the
Generator.
12. Record these values in the Data Book.
ION CHAMBERS WITHOUT DETECTOR GAIN POTENTIOMETER
1. Set the following jumper on the AEC Control Board in position B: JP3 for
Board A3012--05; to allow Density adjustment with the potentiometer
R10 for Board A3012--05 or R22 for Board A3012--06. Set potentiometer
to mid range.
Note . The density adjustment of the Ion Chamber is affected by changes

on potentiometer R10 for Board A3012--05.
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Calibration

Memory Locations is 70. The useful range for AEC calibration numbers
the exposure again. Repeat the above steps for all the Ion Chambers.
8. Insert a cassette with the Film-Screen combination used by the

customer. Make an exposure with each Ion Chamber, develop the film
and check the density, it should be approximately 0.8 to 1.2 (or the
density customer preference).
9. Calculate the average value of the Ion Chamber densities. Adjust the
potentiometer R10 for Board A3012--05 in order to get a value of 1 for the
density of the Ion Chamber closest to the average value.
10. Repeat step-7 for each Ion Chamber and re-adjust the potentiometer
R10 for Board A3012--05 until all the Ion Chamber densities should be
approximately 0.8 to 1.2 (or the density customer preference).
11. Obtain the desired density by changing the respective AEC calibration
number within a range from 20 to 120. For that, enter in calibration mode
set the new AEC calibration number for the respecetive Memory Location
(E04). The Film Density increases when the calibration number is
increased, and decreases when the number is decreased. Repeat this
step for all the Ion Chambers. Then exit calibration mode.
Note . The AEC accuracy is worse as lower is the AEC calibration

number or the value of potentiometer R10 for Board A3012--05 is
decreased. Balance both factors.
12. Record these values in the Data Book.
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Calibration
2.5.4 kV COMPENSATION
To maintain constant AEC film density regardless of the kV at which a film is

exposed, the Generator provides kV compensation. (Refer to Illustration 2-2)
Perform the following steps to determine whether or not AEC Tracking of film
density must be adjusted.
1. Enter in calibration mode and verify that AEC Tracking number in E08,
Memory Locations is “0”. Then exit from calibration mode and Service
mode.
2. Once film density is correct for an exposure at 70 kV (according to

Section 2.5.3 “Density Gain Adjustment”), make a series of exposures
taken films at 55 kV, 90 kV and 110 kV identifying each film from each
other.
3. Measure the film density obtained with those exposures and check that
the film variation range is the same ±0.2 of the optical density obtained
at 70 kV.
4. If the variation value is not ±0.2 calculate the new value for the AEC
Tracking number in each Memory Location in the following manner:
G If the film density below 70 kV has to be decreased and the film

density above 70 kV has to be increased then increment the
Tracking value.
G If the film density below 70 kV has to be increased and the film

density above 70 kV has to be decreased then decrement the
Tracking value.
Note . A tracking value of 10 will have no effect on AEC density (used in

solid state detectors).
a. Enter in calibration mode and select the respective Memory

Location (E08).
b. Values for AEC Tracking range is from --10 to +10. Determine the
correct value for the needed AEC Tracking change.
AEC-kV
TRACKING +10 +9 +8 +7 +6 +5 +4 +3 +2 +1 0 --1 --2 --3 --4 --5 --6 --7 --8 --9 --10
CURVE
VALUE TO ENTER
IN THE MEMORY 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 255 254 253 252 251 250 249 248 247 246
LOCATION
c. Enter the new value and store it by pressing the “AEC Reset”
push-button. Exit calibration mode and repeat this process until
the desired density compensation is obtained.
d. Record this value in the Data Book.
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Illustration 2-2
AEC kV Tracking Curve
250
200
DAC OUTPUT in byte (8 Bit) (U3-2 of AEC Control Board)
150
100
70 10
8
50 6
4
2
0
--2
--4
0
--6
--8
--10
--50
40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
kV
48 CA-1044RA
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Calibration
2.5.5 AEC DENSITY SCALE
AEC is calibrated with “Density 0” selected (normal film density). Density can
be increased or decreased by selecting “ --2, --1, 0, +1, +2”.
The variation percentage of the density scale is factory set at 25%. This
variation can be set according to the customer preferences by changing the
value stored in E12 Memory Location.
The following table shows some examples for the variation percentage of the
density scale with reference to the value stored in E12 Memory Location.
DENSITY SCALE / VARIATION OVER NORMAL FILM DENSITY (N)

E12 VALUE
--2 --1 0 +1 +2
5 --10% --5% 0 +5% +10%
10 --20% --10% 0 +10% +20%
25 (0 or 255) --50% --25% 0 +25% +50%
50 --100% --50% 0 +50% +100%
Note . If the value stored in E12 Memory Location is 0, 25 or 255, the

variation percentage is 25%.
Record this value in the Data Book.
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2.6 FINAL CHECKS
Verify that all Configuration and Calibration data have been properly stored in
memory.
1. Enter in calibration mode and check that the values noted for the
“Filament Current Numbers” and “Extended Memory Locations” tables
of the Data Book are the same that the values displayed and stored in
memory.
Press the “Read” button to read the stored values.
2. Exit from calibration mode and Service mode.
3. Turn the Generator OFF and verify position of dip switches on the HT
Controller Board are:
G Dip switch 3000SW2-2 in “Off” position (enables Filament and

Rotor Interlocks).
G Dip switch 3000SW2-4 in “Off” position (Digital mA Loop Closed).
4. Set the Test dip switch 3024SW2-3 on the ATP Console CPU Board in
“Off” position to place the Generator in normal operating mode.
50 CA-1044RA

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Technical Publication

REVISION DATE REASON FOR CHANGE

0 OCT 7, 2004 Preliminary edition

DANGERS ADVISE OF CONDITIONS OR SITUATIONS THAT

ADVISE OF CONDITIONS OR SITUATIONS THAT IF NOT

Advise of conditions or situations that if not heeded or

Note . Alert readers to pertinent facts and conditions. Notes represent

1.1 Generator Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

2.1 Filament Stand-by Current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

2.2 Exposure Time Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2.3 Calibration with the Pushbutton Control Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2.4 Calibration with the Touch Screen Control Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

This Calibration document provides information and procedures to perform all

Calibrate the Generator immediately after Configuration is

THE MAIN STORAGE CAPACITORS RETAIN A LARGE

Calibration data is entered in digital form and stored in a non-volatile memory

Note . Calibration procedures must be performed in the order listed in this

1.1 GENERATOR SPECIFICATIONS

1.1.1 MINIMUM CURRENT TIME PRODUCT (mAs)

• Minimum Current Time Product obtained at 0.1 s is 1 mAs.

• Minimum Current Time Product within the specified ranges of

1.1.2 ACCURACY OF RADIOGRAPHIC PARAMETERS

Note . Specified accuracy does not include test equipment accuracy.

RAD mA ± (4% + 1 mA)

Exposure Time ± (2% + 0.1 ms)

1.1.3 DUTY CYCLE

SECTION 2 CALIBRATION PROCEDURES

Note . Enter and store calibration data in the Extended Memory

Record all the calibration data in the Data Book.

Before calibration, bear in mind that:

• For calibration and measure the kVp it is needed a Non-Invasive kVp

• For calibration and measure mA or mAs it is needed a mAs Meter

- mA test point is TP-5 and the scale factor is:

- kV test point is TP-7 and the scale factor is 1 volt = 33.3 kV

• Verify position of dip switches on the HT Controller Board during every

DIP SWITCH OPEN (OFF) CLOSED (ON)

Disables Filament and Rotor Interlocks

-- When the Digital mA Loop is open (dip switch 3000SW2-4 in

-- When the Digital mA Loop is closed (dip switch 3000SW2-4 in

• Be sure that X-ray Tubes configured in E02 Memory Location correspond

2.1 FILAMENT STAND-BY CURRENT

Note . The Filament Stand-by value is auto-calibrated by the Generator

2.2 EXPOSURE TIME ADJUSTMENT

EXPOSURE TIME ADJUSTMENT - DELAY E13

EXPOSURE TIME ADJUSTMENT - Ceq kV E15

The Exposure Time adjustment is calibrated by performing the following steps:

1. Enter calibration mode.

HV CABLE LENGTH VALUE TO SET IN MEMORY

For another HV Cable length value = (2.2711 x cable length) + 17.744

4. Store the new value of each Memory Location.

2.3 CALIBRATION WITH THE PUSHBUTTON CONTROL CONSOLE

Follow this procedure only for Pushbutton Console.

2.3.1 DIGITAL KV LOOP OPEN

Note . Value in E06 Memory Location is only related to the Generator

Manual Calibration of E06 Memory Location

1. With the Generator power OFF:

G Set Dip switch 3000SW2-2 on the HT Controller Board in “Off”

G Set Dip switch 3000SW2-4 on the HT Controller Board in “On”

G Remove the link between the banana plug connections on the HV