PinPointer™ The “Point, Click, Done” Handheld Solution for Substance Identification OPERATOR”S MANUAL CLASS IIIb LASER PRODUCT AVOID DIRECT EXPOSURE TO BEAM Multispectral Image, an Agiltron fully owned business unit 15 Cabot Rd, Woburn, MA 01801 • Tel 781-935-1200 • www.ramansystems.
CONTENTS Laser Safety ........................................................................... 2 PinPointer Specifications ..................................................... 2 Power Controls ...................................................................... 3 Sample Measurements – Solids Without Containers......... 4 Sample Measurements – Liquids in the Vial Holder........... 5 ID-find™ Software GUI .......................................................... 8 RSIQ™ Spectroscopy Software ..........
Laser Safety All systems supplied by Agiltron-MII under the Raman Systems brand contain a laser light source, which emits visible and/or invisible laser radiation. Depending on the model, the output power of this laser at the sample as emitted from the sample measurement probe can be up to 500 mW. The user must be aware of the dangers associated with the equipment of this type and must be experienced in practices and processes associated with handling such products.
Power Controls The rocker switch, as shown below, controls power to the main body of the PinPointer. It illuminates when the battery is charged or the battery charger is attached to an AC power source. The battery charger and touch screen paddle tool are also shown. The mini computer has a separate power switch on the side near the sample measurement probe.
Sample Measurements – Solids Without Containers 1. Set the focus of the Sample Measurement Probe. a. Rotate the inner Focal Distance Spacer until aligned along the scribe mark on the Lens Tube as shown. b. Rotate the outer Focal Distance Spacer to contact the inner spacer. 2. Place the Sample Measurement Probe against the surface of the solid sample under test. 3. Perform sample scan using RSIQ software.
Sample Measurements – Liquids in the Vial Holder 1. Set the focus of the Sample Measurement Probe. a. Rotate the inner Focal Distance Spacer clockwise until it comes to a full stop b.
2. Place the vial holder body onto the Sample measurement Probe. a. Place the sample filled clear glass vial into the holder. b. Slide the holder until the probe end contacts the vial.
3. Cover the vial to block ambient light from affecting the sample scan. 4. Perform sample scan using RSIQ software.
ID-find™ Software GUI Start RSIQ software from the desktop icon The ID-find™ Graphical User Interface (GUI) will appear on the touch screen LCD. The initial screen will require entry of a 4-digit PIN to unlock the PinPointer device. This virtual software key lock is a requirement of Class III b laser products. DEFAULT PIN IS 1234 (beta version of software) Press the UNLOCK key icon after entering the PIN.
The ID-find™ Graphical User Interface (GUI) will automatically perform a SELF-CHECK of the PinPointer hardware. ID-find is a user-friendly interface that can be used to scan and identify materials by searching a database of Raman spectra.
After SELF-CHECK is complete, the system is ready to perform a scan Touch the Advance arrow icon if you prefer to use the more advanced RSIQ spectroscopy software. A separate User’s Manual for RSIQ has been provided.
The Scan Time setting determines the quality of the measurement signal received from any sample under test. An optimum signal from any sample improves the chance that a match will be found in the database and the material can be identified by the PinPointer It is recommended that the Tune function be utilized for most samples. This may result in a longer measurement cycle.
During a sample scan, the following screen indicates that the system laser is on and sample data is being collected. The instrument and sample should not be disturbed before the data collection is complete. The necessary laser safety precautions should be understood and followed.
Upon completion of the data collection, the database is searched to identify the sample material. If a match is found, the chemical name will be displayed. If no match is found, it is recommended to use the Tune function with the same sample which may improve the result and find a match. All sample scans are saved automatically and can be viewed for further analysis by using the Advance function and RSIQ spectroscopy software.
A small database of materials is provided with the PinPointer for demonstration purposes only. A list follows. A database of over 8000 substances is available for purchase from Agiltron-MII as either a complete or partial collections. Please email sales@ramansystems.com for more information.
RSIQ™ Spectroscopy Software Please refer to the separate User’s Manual for RSIQ spectroscopy software to learn about its many features. RSIQ is accessed from the ID-find™ GUI by touching the Advance icon The version of RSIQ loaded on the PinPointer has been slightly modified. The PinPointer GUI is designed for portrait orientation on the LCD screen, rather than the landscape orientation as normal for desktop LCD monitors.
