An efficient electronic clicker-buzzer makes the classic Geiger click sound as well as a pulsing alarm sound. The alarm feature can also power up external devices.
The internal flash memory can record an unlimited number of radiation data files and will store up to 110,000 data points allowing for even years of continues data logging along with the date-time of each point. Data can be downloaded to a PC by-way-of a serial port, USB port or wireless connections. The LCD-90 will also act as a real-time data source for the PC software.
Shown below is a Class 1 Bluetooth wireless adapter plugged into the LCD-90's serial port (300 feet range) allowing wireless control and downloading both stored data and real-time data from the LCD-90 to a PC. Also available are wireless network adapters. Alternatively the LCD-90 can be plugged directly into the PC’s serial and/or USB port. (For Bluetooth wireless with extended range up to 19 miles (30 km) see links at bottom of page)
The LCD-90 includes one of TI's more advanced and newer MSP430 microprocessor platforms featuring an ultra-low power 16-bit RISC mixed-signal microcontroller with 120K byte flash storage.
ABOUT THE DISPLAY:
As indicated above, the LCD-90’s custom-made liquid crystal display includes a seven-character starburst main display along with a real-time clock display. The starburst characters allow display of both text and numbers as-well-as scrolling text. Radiation units display from zero to 9,999,999 directly. Above 9,999,999 the display uses scientific notation to beyond 4 billion radiation units. The display is extremely efficient and uses next to zero power.
The display includes operational mode icons that activate with each display mode as follows:
The LCD-90 includes five high-quality control button switches as follows:
“MENU” - “Up Arrow(MORE)” - “Down Arrow(LESS)” - “ENTER” - “ON-OFF”
The following describe the actions of these buttons and the menu system:
More about the “Up Arrow(MORE)” “Down Arrow(LESS)” “ENTER” Buttons:
While in MENU mode, the "MORE" and "LESS" buttons allow changing of the menu item variables and the "ENTER" button causes the LCD-90 to accept the new menu variables and store them to flash memory such that even if the power source for the LCD-90 is removed, when power is restored all the menu item variables are maintained.
When not in Menu Mode, pressing the "MORE" "(BYTES LEFT)" button causes the LCD-90 to scroll out on the display the remaining unused memory for radiation data file storage.
When not in Menu Mode, pressing the "LESS" "(RESET AVE.)" button causes the LCD-90 to reset the running average buffer for the display and alarm. This is handy in that if one enters an area with higher radiation levels, one can hit the RESET AVE. button such that the display begins displaying the higher radiation levels without the influence of the previous lower radiation values residing in the running average buffer.
A typical alkaline AA battery with a very low power draw will supply ~2500 ma hr. down to ~1.3 VDC. The ultra-low power requirements of the LCD-90 allow very long battery life and are as follows:
Sleep Mode (with real-time clock running and RAM retention): 1.5 micro-amps (~190 years with 2500 ma hr power source)
Active Mode: ~20 micro-amps (~14 years with 2500 ma hr power source)
Active Mode with RM-60, RM-70, RM-80, RM-G90, or any of our other RMs drawing power from the LCD-90 with background radiation levels: ~0.1 ma (~1000 days with 2500 ma hr power source).
Active Mode with RM powered as above and UART on feeding data to the PC: ~0.11ma.
The LCD-90 includes a sophisticated internal regulated power circuit, which can accept voltages from less than 3 VDC to more than 12 VDC. It will automatically draw power from the standard DC power plug, the serial port, the USB port or the internal battery pack, whichever has the higher voltage. Included is an internal CMOS regulator for the microcontroller and circuits and a power MOSFET under microcontroller control that powers up the attached RM or PMI-30 directly from the power source. This is handy in that if one uses say a nine-volt battery, the full nine volts is sent to the RM or PMI-30 for greatest cable noise rejection but the internal microcontroller and circuits will run with the internal regulated voltage. Note our RMs will run with voltages anywhere between 2.7 and 20 VDC. The PMI-30 needs at least eight VDC.
The power jack on the LCD-90 is a standard 2.1mm barrel jack and, as indicated above, will accept voltages anywhere between 3 VDC to above 12 VDC. The polarity of the supply is automatically sensed by the LCD-90 such that either polarity power supply can be used (i.e. positive internal negative external barrel plug or negative internal positive external barrel plug).
Battery options include two AA batteries, three AAA batteries or one nine-volt battery, any of which fit inside the LCD-90. A standard MOLEX plug inside the LCD-90 allows plugging in any of these battery packs, or other battery packs. We include a nine-volt battery clip, a two cell AA battery holder and a three cell AAA battery holder.
With each detection of a radiation event from the attached RM or PMI-30 the LCD-90 will flash the "EVENT" LED and click the internal Geiger "Clicker" as per the menu items described above. The display is updated once per second. The detection pulse can be a fraction of a microsecond.
The human ear is a truly remarkable instrument. It can distinguish between some 400,000 different sounds and can hear frequencies ranging from about 20 cps. to about 20,000 cps. In recognition of this, the LCD-90 contains a very high performance electronic circuit devoted entirely to creating the Geiger click sound from the built-in speaker, rather than relying on the micro-controller to generate the clicks.
This allows the ear to distinguishing between various changing radiation levels from very low to very high levels, just by the sound emitted by the LCD-90. As indicated above, the menu system includes four Geiger click modes, namely "No Click", "Short Click", "Medium Click" and "Long Click". The “Short Click” mode is handy for discriminating, by ear, changes in radiation level in a high radiation field whereas the “Long Click” mode is handy for background radiation levels where a louder “click” is desired.
When the LCD-90's running average moves to or above the alarm set point as per the menu item described above, the "ALARM" LED will flash on and off twice per second, the "ALARM" icon will light on the LCD display, and the internal alarm buzzer will pulse on and off twice per second.
The LCD-90 also includes an internal standard MOLEX connector for a cellphone type vibrator, powered-up with alarm by-way-of an internal power MOSFET. In addition, one of the unused pins in the six-conductor RJ-11 jack (which accepts the four-conductor RM or PMI-30 cable) is supplied with voltage when the alarm is triggered. (The other unused pin in the RJ-11 jack is connected to ground). In addition, a jumper inside the LCD-90 allows voltage to be applied to one of the unused pins in the RS-232 jack with alarm condition. Either of these alarm signals can be used to activate with alarm, external devices for example fans, strobes, sirens, etc.
The LCD-90 can record counts from 0 to over 4 billion counts per TBU. It stores radiation data to its internal flash memory without continuously erasing and writing the flash. Its FAT (file allocation table) is embedded within the data so there is no need to erase then update a FAT with each write. This allows very long flash life i.e. it is very easy on the flash.
When storing the data to flash, the LCD-90 compresses the data such that at normal radiation levels, with say a 60-second TBU, the LCD-90 can record ~110,000 data points equal to an 83-day long file. With a ten minute TBU this would approach 830 days of data. If set to store the average radiation level four times a day (a TBU of 6 hours) it has room to store ~15,000 days (41 years) of continues background radiation data. Note that even with a long TBU such as 6 hours, each radiation detection event is included within the data average.
To start storing one selects the "Store" option. To stop storing one selects the "Stop Store" option. To start another file just select the "Store" option again. One can create as many separate radiation data files as one desires, up to the limit of storage capacity. Each data point created includes the time as per the LCD-90's real time clock.
When downloading these files to the PC, Aw-Radw presents a file selection menu allowing the user to create a name and location for the file on the PC. Both a binary file and an ASCII file can be generated. With each file to download from the LCD-90, this menu pops up in turn until there are no more files left to download. Note the act of downloading the files does not erase the files from the LCD-90’s memory. The stored files can be downloaded an unlimited number of times. In fact one can download the same data file the LCD-90 is actively storing to i.e. while the LCD-90 is storing data to a file, the PC can download the same file. Only issuing the Erase Flash command (by-way-of Aw-Radw menu item or LCD-90’s menu system) is the flash memory erased making room for more data files.
As indicated previously, since the user settable menu variables and any radiation data files are stored within the LCD-90’s flash memory, even if all power is removed from the LCD-90, a later restoration of power will allow downloading of the preexisting files.
While the LCD-90 is storing radiation data to its internal memory, it also continues with all the normal display features i.e. while storing, one can change any of the features that effect the LCD-90’s display of radiation data for example the conversion to other radiation units, the alarm levels and/or any of the other features without affecting the storing. The same is true while the LCD-90 is acting as a real time data source for the PC software i.e. the process of storing data to the internal memory, downloading data to the PC and acting as a real time data source for the Aw-Radw software are completely separate processes from all the other functions of the LCD-90, which continue to run as normal while the interaction with the PC continues.
The LCD-90 can connect to a PC by-way-of the LCD-90's 9 pin RS-232 jack, the built-in USB 2.0 Micro B port or by-way-of any of a number of readily available wireless connections. When so connected, Aware's Aw-Radw software can communicate with the LCD-90. Aw-Radw includes menu items allowing one to set the LCD-90 menu items described above from the PC i.e. without using the LCD-90's menu buttons.
The software will also download any radiation data files stored inside the LCD-90, saving the data to the PC in the form of Aware's standard binary radiation file format and/or an ASCII file with all the features available for ASCII file generation by the Aw-Radw software.
The LCD-90 will also act as a real time radiation data source for the Aw-Radw PC software. In this mode the Aw-Radw software first automatically sets the LCD-90'c clock to the same time as the PC's clock. Next it tells the LCD-90 the TBU (Time Base Unit) and then begins displaying the radiation data to the PC's display and storing the data with all the features of the Aw-Radw software, including auto alarms, triggers, real time graphs, binary and/or ASCII file generation etc.
In this real time mode, with each TBU the LCD-90 sends a variable size packet of data to Aw-Radw using no loss data compression and includes a time code and the count. Each packet includes 16 bit CRC (cyclic redundancy check) error detection. If Aw-Radw detects an error in transmission due to a bad CRC, an uncoordinated time code or a Windows communication error, it will request a repeat of the packet from the LCD-90. This insures that if the data is accepted, it is accurate. Aw-Radw will also optionally click the computer sound system with each radiation detection event by-way-of a secondary signal (separate from the packetized data).
Since this sophisticated real time communication uses standard baud rates and format (2400, 4800 or 9600 BAUD, 8 bits, 1 or 2 stop bits, no parity) it allows the use of wireless serial connections, wireless modems, serial to WiFi and serial to network servers between the radiation sensing equipment (LCD-90 with RM or PMI-30) and the recording/controlling PC.
A serial to network server makes it possible for one PC to monitor and control an unlimited number of remote LCD-90s located anywhere on the network (even through the internet). With the built-in CRC error detection and correction, one can be confident that the date received is correct even with wireless connections. (Note most serial servers, USB communications, wireless modems and wireless serial ports include error detection and correction. The LCD-90 to Aw-Radw CRC error correction is on top of and in addition to any such error correction).
There are hundreds of devices that can be used to wirelessly extend the LCD-90’s serial port or seamlessly connect the LCD-90 to a network. For a few examples of available wireless serial ports and serial network servers, see links at bottom of page.
The Aw-Radw software will also automatically set the LCD-90's real time clock i.e. it will set the LCD-90's clock to the same time as the PC's clock. It also allows even finer tuning of the LCD-90's clock beyond the Real Time Clock Tick Adjustment described above by allowing the selection of the LCD-90’s internal crystal load capacitance (10pf, 14pf or 18pf).
The LCD-90 has a user settable unique identification string which can be up to 80 characters long and is stored in its flash memory. Aw-Radw.Exe allows setting this identification string and also reading it by-way-of menu items “Edit MicroController ID” and “Get MicroController ID so for example one could set a LCD-90 ID string to “My Location #1”. If one forgets which COM port is associated with a particular LCD-90 one can issue command by-way-of Aw-Radw “Get MicroController Info”, the information is displayed and one will know one is connected to “My Location #1”. When one issues Aw-Radw menu item “Edit MicroController ID” first Aw-Radw queries the LCD-90 to find out the current ID string then it displays it as default in the edit box.
The LCD-90’s embedded software allows, for example, the following scenario:
Display radiation data on its display in MicroSV format with a 120 second running average with once per second updates and with an alarm set point of 100 MicroSVs. At the same time store radiation data to the LCD-90's internal memory with a TBU of one minute. At the same time act as a real time data source for Aw-Radw PC software displaying radiation data on the PC with microR/hr. format and a TBU of 1 second with Aw-Radw’s auto-alarm feature activated, or any variation of the above. In addition, as indicated above, while the LCD-90 is storing radiation data to an internal memory data file the PC can simultaneously download the same data file.
When communicating to and from Aware Electronics Aw-Radw software, the LCD-90 uses variable size packets including time code, data compression and CRC checks, in binary format. For use with other software, for example a terminal program, the LCD-90 will respond to certain standard ASCII characters sent to it through the serial port or USB port such that the user can by-way-of a terminal program, set all of the various menu items as described above, start and stop storing of radiation data to the flash memory, download stored radiation data and command the LCD-90 to send real time radiation data to the PC in ASCII format. When downloading stored data or acting as a real time ASCII data source, the LCD-90 sends both a time code and the radiation count for each ASCII data line. A control Z is sent after all data files have been sent. Sending a XOFF and XON character will temporally stop and then start the data flow. Sending the ESC character aborts the sending of data.
LCD-90’s embedded code is interrupt driven. About 99% of the time the LCD-90’s microcontroller is held in sleep mode which draws on the order of 1 micro amp. Meanwhile counting is performed by an internal high-speed CMOS counter circuit. Only when needed (by-way-of the real time clock or other interrupt) does the microcontroller awaken from its sleep for a few milliseconds, updating the display, performing communication tasks, checking for button pushes, alarm conditions, etc. The liquid crystal display is driven directly by the microcontroller and is extremely power efficient drawing next to zero current.
In addition, the LCD-90 automatically senses when the USB port is plugged in or is unplugged. When first plugged in the LCD-90 scrolls out on its display “USB ON” and it turns on its microcontroller’s USB chip drive pins. When the USB port is unplugged, the LCD-90 scrolls out “USB OFF” and it turns off the microcontroller’s USB chip drive pins, preventing any current leakage from the microcontroller to the powered down USB chip, thereby saving power.
The LCD-90 includes an internal programming port such that Aware Electronics can update or install modified or custom embedded software for customers anytime after they have purchased the LCD-90.
One can plug the RM into the LCD-90 with the 7-foot telephone cable included with the RM. As with the RM to PC connection one can extend the cable to the LCD-90 with telephone extension cord up to 1000 feet. Both the RM and LCD-90 are palm sized (about the size of a bar of soap) and one can connect the two together with Velcro to form one unit which one can then easily separate. This is a handy feature in that one will find it very useful to have the ability of separating the readout from the sensor with snap in telephone wire. For example the sensor can be mounted inside a room with the LCD-90 mounted outside the room by the door.
Aware Electronics line of RMs use an open collector output therefore one can plug more than one RM unit into the LCD-90 using a standard telephone line splitter. In such a case, the LCD-90 tallies counts from all RMs. An example: A work station hood area with three RMs (one at either side of the hood area and one at the back), plugged into the same LCD-90, would be better equipped to detect a radioactive spill, as compared to a single more sensitive detector, in that flux levels drop by the square of the distance.
LCD-90 including Serial and USB interface, nine volt battery clip, two cell AA and three cell AAA battery holders: $395.50
Options include internal cell phone type vibrator and earphone jack with earphone. Contact Aware Electronics for more information about these options.
The LCD-90 is covered by a limited 5-year warranty. If you are displeased for any reason, you may return the unit within 45 days for a full refund.
Given the urgent need and sudden high demand for radiation monitors, we want to ensure that orders are based on need and not on a short-lived sense of panic. For this reason, we have imposed an ALL SALES ARE FINAL policy during this emergency situation resulting from the nuclear events in Japan. We will honor our warranty, of course, but we will not accept instruments for return unless the instrument fails to perform as indicated.
Typical Order:
LCD-90 $395.50
(Note: If you have already purchased Aw-Radw you are eligible for free lifetime updates)
(Also Note: The LCD-90 works with any of our past RMs so if one already has purchased an RM or PMI-30 there is no need to purchase another one)
For information about updates to the LCD-90's firmware:
AWMSP.DLL contains functions that find a com port (serial port)or USB port (USB virtual COM port) into which an Aware Electronics LCD-90 or USB-MSP has been plugged, open a com or USB port, power-up and start operation of an RM by-way-of the LCD-90 or USB-MSP, buffer and return counts per unit time using CRC error detection and correction, convert a count per unit time to a standard measuring unit, apply a dead-time correction factor, provide system Unix time that is year 2038 compliant, convert a value and time into an ASCII string, provide advanced Windows DirectX-DirectSound Geiger 'click' support, and close com or USB ports after desired operations are complete.
AWMSP.DLL is written in Microsoft C, assembly and machine code.
The cost of this package is
$290. To order include AWMSP.DLL on order form.
Hi Bryan,
Here is the set up I use to test small samples (minerals, food, etc.). The RM-80 rests on a piece of plywood drilled to accommodate the window. Height is adjustable using a machinists accessory made for drill presses. I am also working on an ergonomic handle to use in the field for mineral prospecting...The more I dig into this software the more impressed I am with its sophistication. It seems that you thought of everything.
Bill DiPuccio is a science teacher and has an excellent blog spot. Be sure to check it out: Bill's Science Et Cetera
To return to the previous page, use your browser's BACK button.
Return to index page? Click here for an example of using Aw-Radw to download stored data from a LCD-90
(Example uses RM-G90 to LCD-90 flash memory, downloaded through LCD-90's USB port by Aw-Radw to a binary file and an ASCII file for spreadsheet. Video starts with LCD-90 acting as real-time source for Aw-Radw with a TBU (Time Base Unit) of 2 seconds, through its USB port. Meanwhile LCD-90 is also storing data to its internal Flash memory with a TBU of 60 seconds. Aw-Radw's real time collection is stopped and then the stored data from the LCD-90 is downloaded. The ASCII data is then loaded into a spreadsheet. Some Aw-Radw's graphing features are also displayed. Meanwhile the LCD-90 continues to add more data to its Flash memory. Note the PC that generated the demo is also simultaneously running two additional copies of Aw-Radw, in minimized windows, which are collecting data from two additional RMs and generating all the real-time graphs seen throughout Aware’s website)
Emissions: EN 55011:98 + A2 (Class B emissions limits);
EN 61326: 98 (Class B)RF Emissions Immunity: EN 61326: 98 (Annex C) Portable Test and Measurement Equipment;
EN 61000-4-2: 95 (ESD);
EN 61000-4-3: 97 (EM);
ENV 50204: 95
RM-60 $179.95
Optional Aw-Radw Software (includes free lifetime updates): $129.00
For additional information see LCD-90's Manual-Help File link:
Note: We now have available for programmers Aware's AWMSP.DLL
package. It includes a DLL which makes it easy for programmers to
interface their 32-64 bit WIN 98, ME, NT, 2000-08, XP, Vista and Windows 7 programs to MSP microcontroller used in Aware's LCD-90 and/or USB-MSP Microcontroller.
For additional information see AWMSP.DLL Help File link:
Bill DiPuccio has been experimenting with his RM-80, LCD-90 and Thorium lantern mantels:
(Note if one uses Roving Network's RN-USB-T BluePlug Bluetooth USB Adapter on the PC side, one can connect up to seven Bluetooth serial adapters simultaneously)
(Note with Roving Networks WiFi Serial adapters one would use the following free software to present each remote adapter as a COM port on the PC:
(Note Quatech WiFi serial adapters includes all neccesary software to present each remote adapter as a COM port on the PC)
(RS-232 Serial Device Servers for plugging LCD-90 directly into wired ethernet. Prices from distributor ~ 50% of that shown on Quatech website):
As regards Aircable Bluetooth, on the PC side one would plug their new Aircable Host XR and into each LCD-90 their Aircable Serial 3 or Serial 3X or AIRcable Industrial XR which gives maximum range. One can add their Aircable High Gain Antenna to both sides. Their Aircable Host XR3 can simultaneously connect with seven remotes. Their Aircable Industrial XR can also act as a relay placed on top of, for example, a mountain so their Bluetooth connection will reach over the mountain.
E-mail 
Phone:(800)729-5397 or Phone/Fax: (302)655-3800
