The X-Ray image thread by Aurora - various electronics via X-Ray imaging

[Fraser]

As some may know, I am fortunate enough to own a high resolution X-Ray machine that I use for reverse engineering and investigative work. After recently using the machine to image an inductive probe for a Toneohm 850A, I realised that such images may be of interest to members of this forum.

I have decided to post interesting X-Ray images in this thread. I already have a few saved and will make a point of saving any future images that may be of general interest.

Not all images will be of the highest quality as I sometimes carry out 'quick and dirty'  X-Rays just to identify case fixing positions etc. The MX-20 is capable of very high quality images but it takes time to select the very best exposure and post process the image etc.

I hope this thread will be of interest to the readership 

Feel free to comment in this thread, it isn't for pictures only.

Aurora

[Fraser]

A standard SD card of 4GB capacity.

Note that only half the card is actually a PCB.

Aurora

[Fraser]

Micro SD Card example 1 - 8GB in size

I was amazed at the track patterns found on these cards

[Fraser]

Micro SD Card example 2 - 8GB in size

[Fraser]

Audio Visual spying device incorporating a camera, microphone, DVR PCB and Lithium battery.

[Fraser]

Micro USB Plug - I was checking which pins were connected inside the moulded plug.

[Fraser]

Micro USB splitter with OTG capability and integrated USB HUB.

[Fraser]

Micro USB female connector. I was checking how it was wired. It is charge only, no data pins connected.

[Fraser]

POLAR Toneohm inductive probe investigation.

It has an SMD bobin inductor at the tip.

[Fraser]

POLAR Toneohm Kelvin probes

[Lightages]

Interesting stuff, thanks.

[Fraser]

Concealed case screws in an Audio Visual spying device.

The screws were sub surface and covered with a hard plastic label. A close up X-Ray of one end shows the additional plastic label covering the screw access holes.

[Fraser]

The SEEK Thermal Camera Dongle

[Fraser]

An Ethernet to RS232 converter (one of my very first images captured with the MX-20)

[Fraser]

Test Cables - Checking the size of the copper conductors as a quality check.

[Fraser]

Small encapsulated RF antenna (aerial)

[xrunner]

Cool pics - do you take requests? 

[Fraser]

Requests would very much depend upon whether I have the requested object to hand. You can ask though 

Aurora

[Fraser]

One of the problems I have posting detailed X-Ray images on this forum is the file size restriction. The MX-20 produces 4MP images that can be quite small or large, depending upon the detail that the JPEG compression has to cope with.

An example is attached. It is a close up image of the Audio Visual spying device that was too large for me to Post. In order to maintain the image resolution I have had to seriously crop it down until it fell below 1000kb

Aurora

[aargee]

Nice stuff, Aurora.

I wish I could use of these when it comes to repairs of devices with weird and wonderful ways of case construction.

[Melt-O-Tronic]

Totally.  Freaking.  Awesome.   

[Psi]

i wonder how bad the joints are in a cheap china 20c usb cable

[HighVoltage]

Very nice thread.
What kind of X-Ray machine do you have?
Can you post a few pictures of your setup?
Thanks

[Fraser]

Picture of my system attached. It is a Faxitron MX-20 digital imaging cabinet type X-Ray.

My discussion on X-Ray machine use in the hobby environment is here:

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/x-ray-machines-technology-and-use-in-hobby-electronics/msg560053/#msg560053

Mike's teardown of an MX-20 machine is here:

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/faxitron-mx-20-x-ray-system-teardown/msg585230/#msg585230

His machine has a different 'camera' (actually these use an array detector but they call it a camera) with a 2"x2" active area. Mine is a 4"x4" active area. Resolution of both is the same....nice and high.

With regard to rseolution. My unit has 2048 pixels x 2048 pixels in the camera and the active surface is 100mm x 100mm. There are ~20 pixels per mm, or to put it another way, each pixel sees 0.05mm 

The MX-20 was designed for electronics and biology imaging and is limited to 35KVp. As such it is only just in the hard X-Ray region and so cannot penetrate dense materials or metals. It uses a Microfocus X-Ray tube though and these provide a very small target spot so are perfect for high resolution imaging.

Aurora

[Fraser]

GAL20 test to show bond wires

Two shelf positions were tries in the cabinet to see how easily the bond wires could be seen at different physical magnifications. As some may know, the closer you move the DUT towards the X-Ray source, the more magnification you get BUT you also loose definition. Its a bit like shadow puppets 

The IC's case is around 12mm x 12mm in size.

Aurora

[Fraser]

Some fun with domestic lamps (bulbs in the UK) follows 

[Fraser]

Lamp filiment

[Fraser]

Compact Energy saving lamp. Note the little filaments can be seen but the electronics package of this particular lamp was too dense to image well. I have found that most of my low energy lamps have failed with broken filaments so this appears to be their weak point, just like conventional l filament lamps.

Aurora

[TopLoser]

Lamp filiment

Wow, incredible resolution - if you look carefully you can see the filament is coiled twice.

[MagicSmoker]

Really cool stuff; thanks for starting this thread.

My favorite application for an x-ray imager is to check for voids in the die-attach solder in power semiconductor modules, but I suspect that will require way more than 35kV for the anode supply on the x-ray tube.

[Fraser]

Guess what this is then ?   

[SeanB]

The filament breaking on a CFL is actually an end result of the emitter material boiling off with cold starts. Eventually the exposed filament under the emitter will overheat in the thinnest spot and burn out, though the lamp will still light from the high voltage imposed on it. the main cause of failure is the electronics dying, generally the capacitors drying out. The lamp also has so little mercury in it that it will all eventually be bound up into the tube phosphors, so the lamp will not have the right vapour pressure inside to get full current so will dim out ( not helped by the phosphors getting degraded by the high heat and ion bombardment) and the voltage across the lamp gets higher and higher till it will not strike but puts the full ballast power into the filament till that burns out. Even when no longer emitting light the lamp draws power.

[SeanB]

Guess what this is then ?   

die cast long wheel base landy......

[Fraser]

Nope, not a Landrover, but it is a Diecast model 

[SeanB]

Wouldn't be a minimoke?

[Fraser]

SeanB,

Spot on

Its a Dinky Toys Diecast model of the MKI Mini Moke 

Aurora

[SeanB]

There are still a few around here, mostly in the military. Used as personnel transport on flight lines.

[Fraser]

As an example of just how useful X-Ray can be when reverse engineering a sealed product......

The Hewlett Packard Logic Dart was a very clever little Logic 'analyzer' with just 3 channels. It was a graphical logic probe really but HP made a nice job of its design. The calculator and test equipment departments joined forces to design the instrument.

The probes that connected to the Logic Dart were a custom HP part and after the production of the Logic Dart ceased the leads became much in demand as they are the most likely part to break. The price of the lead sets has risen steeply in recent years due to rarity. It is not uncommon to see them sold for over £100 set.

When I first bought my Logic Dart, it was new but without the test leads. It was long believed in the HP user fraternity that the Logic Dart leads contained custom electronics and that rendered the Logic Dart useless without them. I am not one to believe such stories until I have proven it to myself. I dismantled the Logic Dart and found the three input channels were pretty much complete. There couldn't be that much in the leads surely ?

To cut a long story short, I got a chap to measure his Logic Dart leads with a multimeter to detect continuity or resistance. The results were not as useful as I had hoped. I did establish that the leads formed a potential divider with the Logic Dart's input resistance at the chassis socket. I designed what I thought was needed and it worked so I was happy. I released my findings to the HP fraternity. People could now make their own leads.

I later managed to buy a set of the Genuine HP leads and immediately placed one in an X-Ray machine  To that point in time, no one was willing to dismantle their precious probe leads as it would likely ruin the them, and they are too rare for that. I managed to get some decent images of the probe head and plug of the lead.

There were indeed components in both, but it was a very simple design and I was pleased to see that my design was correct in all aspects except I had omitted a diode. I had thought of needing a diode but had not been certain it was needed. The diode is in series with an excitation feed for Resistance tests and protects the Logic Dart from reverse voltage feeds. There is already a series protection diode inside the Logic Dart though so this is an HP belt and braces approach.

Anyway, the X-Ray images were good and they were made on an Industrial MicroFocus system.

I have just repeated the imaging using my MX-20. The images wipe the floor with those I made several years ago.

I include my latest images here. you can clearly see the dual diode package.

[Fraser]

More images of the probe head.

By changing the contrast and brightness settings in the Faxitron software I am able to include or exclude low density materials from the image. This can show the plastics or exclude them in order to get a clearer view of the metal elements in the probe.

Aurora

[dexters_lab]

awesome pics!

any chance you making a video about the hardware & setup?

[Fraser]

With regret I am no videographer and have no experience of making web videos.

Aurora

[IconicPCB]

Aurora,

Emma cheese it?

[HighVoltage]

Really impressive pictures.

How did you get such a great machine?

[Fraser]

It's just medical laboratory equipment that was disposed of under the 10 year rule. I bought it via eBay for £1K. It originally cost several tens of thousands. I am now good friends with two dealers in such equipment.

The unit came with the all important computer, interface and software. It had a very low image count so had seen very little use in its life.

I also have a complete spare MX-20 cabinet just in case the X-Ray generator pops its clogs.

Aurora

[Fraser]

It's bug time !

Some mealworms from my wife's bird food supply 

Faxitron X-Ray units were designed to provide great images of biological samples.

Aurora

[IconicPCB]

On the practical side, equipment licensing, operator liensing, premises licensing/certification...

[Fraser]

A deceased butterfly .........  well as much as I could fit into the forums file size limitation

(No animals or insects were harmed in the making of these images    )

[Fraser]

IconicPCB,

This was already discussed in the threads that I referenced earlier. Australia and the USA are very restrictive.

The UK is pretty sensible about such things and I am a qualified Radiographer working alone, so not an issue for me.

I also have all of the equipment and required knowledge to safety survey my X-Ray cabinet (I used to instruct others on how to do it  )

In terms of other users....... safety is very important and I believe I highlighted this in the referenced threads.  But then again, any idiot can modify a microwave oven and damage others with microwave energy so a lot comes down to the equipment and the trustworthiness of the operator. A cabinet X-Ray such as the MX-20 running only 35KVp is one of the safest ways to use X-Ray that I know of.  35KVp cannot produce X-Ray that can penetrate even 0.5mm of steel, which is why the Faxitron cabinet needs no lead shielding in it.

Its kinda the Holy Grail of X-Ray machines 

Aurora

[IconicPCB]

Thanks Aurora,

I had been considering getting a small setup to be able to inspect PCB assemblies.

Many years ago I had seena hand held isotope based unit with a CCD camera and image converter just for such a purpose.

The licensing had always bothered me.

In any case I shall do some research into owning and operating a machine, may be I can arrange everything required to get a unit going.

[Fraser]

I have used the Lixi-scope isotope portable X-Ray handheld units.

GREAT care is needed when operating these especially the ones where you view the DUT via an image intensifier that is on axis with the X-Ray beam. They are safe if used correctly. There was also an electric Lixi-scope that had an X-Ray tube instead of an isotope. The beam confinement was not as I would like however and use of these ceased.

Isotope driven machines are a total nightmare to own. The radioactive Iodine isotopes cost around $5000 each and last only 6 months before the image is too dim to work with. Transporting the Isotopes to and from the USA (the only supplier of such we had) is a nightmare these days.

From previous discussions, it is apparent that X-Ray machines tend to be decommissioned in Australia before disposal. For decommissioning the agent usually removes the controller board and X-Ray generator. If the Generator remains, it is normally drained of oil and cable cut to prevent use.

PCB inspection with X-Ray usually requires a much larger and more expensive machine than the MX-20. To inspect the BGA solder balls you need around 120KVp to 160KVp. Much lead shielding is needed. A new Microfocus cabinet X-Ray for such use is presently around £250,000 in the UK.

Dave was interested in X-Ray as well but I believe he discovered that private ownership is not easy in Oz.

Aurora

[Mr.B]

Really awesome stuff, thanks for sharing.

[Fraser]

Some more mundane stuff ...... a 1N5401 diode

[Fraser]

And a humble LED...

Yes I know you can see the insides visually on a clear one....but that's no fun is it 

[tautech]

Marvelous to think this thread is only a couple of days old and how many images already?    
 

[Fraser]

Thank you Tautech

The MX-20 takes about 30 minutes to warm up, calibrate and flat field the camera. Then it is very simple to make the X-Ray images. Almost as simple as using a digital camera.

The setting of the correct KVp and exposure time does need to be set up carefully, but once set at a particular KVp it does not need much attention.

The dynamic range of the sensor array is quite forgiving.

Aurora

[BravoV]

Thank you for sharing this. 

Any chance of taking shot of modern/current Intel desktop cpu shots ?

[MrWizerd]

I hope you don't mind my saying that these could easily be offered I up as art, I do dabble in photography as one of my many hobbies and some of these shots would make excellent decor for a tech savvy art collector, heck I have seen black and white themed rooms that large prints of some of these would have fit well...  aside from that it is Defenantly interesting to see build quality before we break in, for instance some of the probes had stray wires, I don't know and doubt they would be a problem in most cases is still interesting to see the quality like that.

Edit: Would it be possible to get a transister, something typical like a L337?

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk

[Fraser]

Had a few spares minutes so fired up the MX-20 again 

First a modern Laptop CPU....

Pretty boring really but I was asked to X-Ray one so here it is.

[Fraser]

Now a transistor.... the MPSA14

You will see the bond wires but not much else. The silicon wafer/junction isn't visible when using the MX-20.

[Fraser]

LM7805...

Again, sadly not much to see really.

[Fraser]

A TDK 4GB Flash memory drive.

There is a lot going on in a small space so interpretation is difficult. X-Ray does not really help reverse engineer the schematic in such cases. It might show how to get into the case though 

[Fraser]

Here is an unusual DUT.... a Computar CCTV lens.

I use X-Ray to investigate the number and shape of the lens elements. When experimenting with unknown lenses this can be useful. I have used this method to identify and characterise Germanium thermal camera lenses that are too valuable to dismantle.

This method also identifies the various screw positions within the lens to aid disassembly.

[Fraser]

Pens 

[CrashO]

Awesome thread. I was just lurking at all the pics but couldn't resist from asking you to keep them coming 

[firewalker]

The lenses contains PbO?

Alexander.

[Fraser]

Glass is dense enough to stop a 35KVp generated X-Ray beam.

No idea if the lenses contain lead.

Aurora

[Ysjoelfir]

The same goes for me! Those pictures are absolutely awesome, I love them!
Do you think it would be possible to look inside a vacuum tube? Guess the metal casing around the tube system wouldn't allow any view at all, even though it is quite thin?

[MrWizerd]

LM7805...

Again, sadly not much to see really.

Sweet Thanks!  I was just curious what the inside looked like, I did not expect it to be ultra exciting, but it was informative. I recently watched a video on how the transistors were originally made/invented and was curious how that applied to modern transistors, and that answered the question.  Thanks again!

[Fraser]

A few more images to end the day.

First of all Thermionic Valves (or Tubes for US readers)

The MX-20 cannot penetrate the metal parts but then I did not expect it to.

[Fraser]

Professional GPS Antenna

[Fraser]

AOR LA350 Ferrite Rod antenna. FET Pre-amp PCB is adjacent to output plug.

[Fraser]

Adjustable foot from a Panasonic portable projector. Shows locking mechanism. I went for a close up to see more detail. I was not previously aware that the foot contained a steel rod foe strength.

[Fraser]

Relay DPDT

[Fraser]

HRC Fuse. Still looks serviceable 

[Melt-O-Tronic]

I love this thread.   

[Fraser]

For those interested, a picture of the Faxitron software front end.

The Magnify function is activated in second picture. You can move the magnified square around the image to quickly see more detail or determine if the exposure was OK in intricate areas.

There are menu options down the left hand side. They include tools to adjust the brightness and contrast, sharpness, measurement rulers, Regions of interest, Histograms and all manner of analytical stuff. You can even adjust the contrast in one specific area without changing the rest of the image 

I have barely scratched the surface of the menus as I normally just need a quick image in order to make sense of a situation. I shall have to play with the options sometime.

I have several high resolution Mitsubishi and Sony thermal image printers that I bought for use with this machine. I have yet to hook one up but I have a choice of either 4" or 12" paper width models. The 4" is brand new in the box and just awaits me finding time to plumb it into the rack 

Thats all for tonight. Bed beckons 

Aurora

[tautech]

For those interested........

Who wouldn't be? 

[ez24]

Do these x-rays destroy the DUT ?  Can you take an x-ray of your hand?
Nice toy.

[Ysjoelfir]

A few more images to end the day.

First of all Thermionic Valves (or Tubes for US readers)

The MX-20 cannot penetrate the metal parts but then I did not expect it to.

If you look closely it actualy did penetrate the metal parts quite good! You can clearly see the heater inside the cathode tube, beautiful! thanks!

[sleemanj]

If you look closely it actualy did penetrate the metal parts quite good! You can clearly see the heater inside the cathode tube, beautiful! thanks!

I often find it interesting how much more is actually recorded in an image than we can readily see.  Just some quick fiddling with hue, contrast, brightness and inversion brings out quite a bit more.

[HighVoltage]

This is one of the best "toys" I have ever seen on eevblog.
Pretty cool.

Can you show a picture of where you place the DUT to take the x-Ray?
Is it enclosed or wide open?

[Molenaar]

Very interesting and beautiful as art!

Do these x-rays damage the finer semiconductors, such as the cpu you imaged?

[Fraser]

To answer some of the questions...

The DUT is placed in a large chamber that has the X-Ray tube at the top, firing downwards (the safest direction usually). At the bottom of the chamber there is a 100mm x 100mm carbon fibre window. Below the window there is the imaging array. A photo diode array made up of 8  rectangular panels. You can often see the panels in the pictures as I have yet to optimise the imaging and some fresh camera calibration may be needed. Fortunately I have the service manual.

The chamber is fitted with a door that incorporates safety switch to prevent X-Ray emission with the door open.the door seals the chamber against X-Ray egress.

Whilst it is possible to X-Ray live animals in the MX-20, I am not intending to do so. You will note on the images that It produces the X-Ray radiation dose is details in mAs. This is for keeping a record of a live DUT's exposure to non ionising radiation. In some experiments, live DUTs are deliberately exposed to certain levels of X-Ray to irradiate them. I am not into vivisection though 

I would not x-Ray any part of my body in my unit as it has not been recently calibrated and anyway, the door would prevent such experiments. I advise against experimenting with X-Ray on yourself or anyone else.

I shall post a picture of the X-ray chamber later.

Aurora

[dom0]

No, x-rays, even with much higher energy (~acceleration voltage) don't damage semiconductors.

[Fraser]

With regard to damage to the DUT

There are soft X-Rays and Hard X-Rays. Soft X-Rays are known to potentially corrupt data cells in memory devices if the exposure is long enough. The memory is not physically damaged though and may be re programmed. Hard X-Ray is far less harmful to memory cells, hence why airport X-Ray machines are relatively harmless to laptops and memory sticks etc.

In many X-Ray machines an aluminium filter is fitter to the X-Ray generator to stop emission of the soft X-Ray energy. In medical equipment this is done to reduce the non-ionising radiation exposure of the patient as soft X-Rays add nothing to such imaging yet add to the exposure dose.

My MX-20 can drive the tube with a voltage between 15KVp and 35KVp. This covers the range of soft X-Ray production and enters Hard X-Ray production at its higher voltages. I tend to work at around 30KVp for penetration and harder X-Ray emission. The MX-20 does not contain an aluminium Soft X-Ray filter as soft X-Rays are used for some tissue sample images.

Non memory cell related electronics are not harmed by the levels of X-Ray that most medical and industry QC machines produce. 160kVp produces much hard X-Ray energy yet is harmless to a CPU. You can ruin electret microphones with long durations of X-Ray exposure though. It discharges the charge held within the microphones components rendering it useless.


Aurora

[BravoV]

No, x-rays, even with much higher energy (~acceleration voltage) don't damage semiconductors.

Although not all, but certainly yes for certain unique semiconductors.

 -> X-Ray Effects on Intersil FGA References

PS : Also read the references regarding x-ray vs semiconductor, referred at the last page of above Intersil document.

[Fraser]

@sleemanj

Nice work.

Yes image enhancement certainly brings out the detail. The MX-20 software does have lots of image adjustment capabilities but not false colour. If there is a challenging DUT, I believe that images can be tweaked to reveal otherwise hidden details. This is a laboratory equipment after all. Lots of adjustments, not just a full auto happy snappy machine 

Aurora

[Fraser]

I needed to X-Ray my new FLIR ONE G2 camera to see if the power was connected to the PCB connector (my unit is totally dead) It is going back to FLIR tomorrow so I do not want to open it.

The FLIR ONE G2 provides a good example of the limitation of low energy X-Ray as produced by the MX-20. I can penetrate the case, but not the battery or denser parts of the camera. Whilst I could see the cables from the battery, the connector is hidden under it and cannot be imaged. Such is life. X-Ray is not the panacea to all Reverse Engineering and inspection Challenges.

I include the images here for interest only as they will not win any prizes 

[Fraser]

More

[Fraser]

More

[wkb]

Professional GPS Antenna

Looks like a mini QFH 

[Fraser]

WKB,

That is exactly what it is. A very common antenna type for such systems. I used to use one on 137MHz for the LEO weather satellites such as NOAA etc.

In this case the antenna side elements are likely copper foil wrapped around a foam or polystyrene former. Again common practice for such antennas used at higher frequencies such as GPS and satellite phones.

Aurora

[Fraser]

By readership request, here are some pictures showing the business end of the Faxitron MX-20 

By way of commentary for the pictures....

The top section of the machine (its head) contains the X-Ray generator and the control panel. The MX-20 can produce images using its built in digital camera or using conventional X-Ray photographic plates (film). The latter can be done via the front panel with no need of a PC. Indeed, early MX-20's were film only and had no digital camera fitted.

The X-Ray tube is a high performance 12W Microfocus type with Beryllium window. Its beam is shaped and is conical spreading out from the target spot.

At the bottom of the cabinet there is a BIOPTICS 2048 x 2048 X-Ray imaging array that is connected to the PC as a Camera via a custom PCI interface card.

In order to assist in positioning of the DUT in the field of view, there are two lasers producing a cross target on the cameras face and on any DUT placed in the cabinet.

The shelf on which the DUT is placed is made from perspex and has a >100mm x 100mm hole in it. This is to reduce attenuation of the X-Ray beam after it has passed through the DUT On top of the shelf there is a thin low X-Ray absorption sheet on which the DUT actually rests.

The height at which the shelf is fitted in the cabinet dictates the physical magnification that occurs. With the shelf lying on the bottom of the cabinet, the magnification is X1. Magnification via movement of the DUT towards the X-Ray generator provides a larger DUT image whist maintaining resolution at the camera, unlike when using digital zoom techniques. There is a trade off between the magnification of a DUT and the sharpness of the image produced however. This is just basic physics and not a sign of poor performance on the part of the MX-20.

Hope this is of interest.

Aurora

[free_electron]

As an example of just how useful X-Ray can be when reverse engineering a sealed product......

The Hewlett Packard Logic Dart was a very clever little Logic 'analyzer' with just 3 channels.

I got one of those. use it quite often. They had an ad campaign saying "This is a close as a tricorder as you will ever come"

http://www.pd.infn.it/elettronica/Strumenti/HP%20E2310A.pdf
http://www.keysight.com/en/pd-1000002632%3Aepsg%3Apro-pn-E2310A/advanced-logic-probe?cc=US&lc=eng

[Fraser]

@free Electron,

I am greedy.... I own four of them complete with leads and the IR linked printers 

They were being sold so cheaply without their leads that I could not resist them. A huge haul of leads were sold on eBay and I did a deal with the buyer to buy some lead sets at a very reasonable cost of IIRC $36 per set of 3 leads. I later found a complete Logic Dart lead set with the explorer probe etc. I bought the forth Logic Dart quite recently and at a great price. As new with all leads still in their sealed bags 

I actually like the design and it sits with my multimeter very well. Convenient for quick checks on data lines.

Aurora

[Fraser]

The X-Ray party will have to take a short break now as I am moving kit around in the garage as part of a major sort out. I will have neither the room nor time to play for a while. I also need to do some maintenance on the MX-20 that has been due since I bought her. The camera communications cable has a connector that needs some attention, so that will get done while the machine of down.

Interestingly the cable is marked up as for Universal SCSI. I will check how it is wired as it would be great if its a COTS cable.

A quick check shows that Madison Extreme make standard SCSI cables and my cable is from Madison Extreme.... looking promising.

Back here soon with (hopefully) more interesting images

Aurora

[dom0]

Looks like an IBM-style SCSI-2 cable to me. Should have 60 pins or so.

[Fraser]

Close but not quite close enough.

It is in fact a SCSI 4 VHDCI male to male cable. Its hard to tell without having a scale next to the plugs in my pictures. The D connector part is 32mm wide and contains 68 contacts. SCSI VHD for sure.

I have just ordered a couple of high quality replacements, so I will not need to mess around with the damaged one.

Thanks for your comment though 

I do like it when an OEM uses COTS cables. So much easier when the cable gets damaged.

Aurora

[SeanB]

Mealworms might not have been harmed in the Xray, but I doubt that all are enjoying the visible meal of corn starch they are easting, seeing as some surely went down the beak of a very happy dinosaur relation.

[mikeselectricstuff]

For more info on this machine (mine has the smaller 2" sensor )


The biggest limitation is the low kvp, which has minimal penetration through any significant thickness of metal or ceramic.
Another issue on mine is the small sensor - at some point I plan to make an X/Y stage so it can automatically do multiple tiled shots.

Here are a few random pics

[Fraser]

Nice images Mike 

My unit shows the array panel edges and some noise when you reduce the ADU span to pull out more detail.

Your array looks to be very low noise 

I have yet to experiment with the cameras calibration in the service menu. It may just need the auto camera calibration routine to be run to update the fixed calibration data for the array.

I'll have to check it out but I need to work out what some of the calibration options mean first. The BIOPTICS camera appears to be quite a sophisticated beast when looking at the calibration menu.

Sorry I did not find you a 4" x 4" machine, but you may be interested to know that there have been no better units since I found yours. The source seems to have dried up at the moment. I think we got a great deal on these two units though at around £1K. I hope you can modify your unit to meet your needs.

Aurora

[mikeselectricstuff]

I'll have to check it out but I need to work out what some of the calibration options mean first. The BIOPTICS camera appears to be quite a sophisticated beast when looking at the calibration menu.

"Sophisticated" or maybe "Needs a lot of fettling to work well" perhaps....

[Fraser]

Indeed 

[MK]

The lenses contains PbO?

Alexander.

Some of the internal lenses might be calcium fluoride for dispersion control, that would also hinder x rays better than sodium silicate.

[LaserSteve]

I used to service CT machines. For humans, designers go out of their way to filter the X-ray spectrum from the tungsten anode.  You might try thin filter sheets of copper, nylon, and aluminum at the source to adapt the X-ray spectrum for better high contrast imaging. If HP has not done that already.    I spent more hours then I care to admit shaping and calibrating CT contrast materials

Just an idea.

Steve

[mikeselectricstuff]

…………………...- *" \ - "::*'\
………………„-^*'' : : „'' : : : :: *„
…………..„-* : : :„„--/ : : : : : : : '\
…………./ : : „-* . .| : : : : : : : : '|
……….../ : „-* . . . | : : : : : : : : |

Meaning ?

Batteriser troll I suspect.

[Fraser]

I am a little bemused by the apparent posting by EEVBlog.

If Dave does not like this thread I will delete it but a PENIS picture is not what I would expect from Dave.

If it is a hack of Daves account, that is very worrying.

Aurora

[firewalker]

The user name is eevblag. It's a normal account.

Alexander.

[Simon]

…………………...- *" \ - "::*'\
………………„-^*'' : : „'' : : : :: *„
…………..„-* : : :„„--/ : : : : : : : '\
…………./ : : „-* . .| : : : : : : : : '|
……….../ : „-* . . . | : : : : : : : : |

Meaning ?

Batteriser troll I suspect.

No they would not be this stupid, it's mojo-chang

[Fraser]

Have just read the moderation report thread. The situation is now clear. A banned member making mischief.

I said I would not place a living creature in my MX-20 to cause harm to it. Well it looks like there is some pond life out there for which I will happily review my no harm policy 😆

Why graffiti this fun thread. Not the actions of a nice person at all.

Simon, I hope you can find a way to expunge this pond life from this forum once and for all.

Aurora

[ez24]

I said I would not place a living creature in my MX-20 to cause harm to it.

Good but can you explain why your machine would hurt something?  After all we all get x-rays at the doctors including my dogs.  I assume it has something to do with power?

Does this unit have a safety door that would prevent you from x-raying your foot?

thanks

[Fraser]

X-Ray generators used correctly are not unsafe. That is a fact.

I was not being serious about harming animals 

The issue of damaging living tissue does arise when high levels of X-Rays are use to irradiate the tissue using a long exposure. The scientist who first experimented with X-Rays lost both his hands due to ionising radiation induced cell damage. X-Rays are capable of doing harm if misused.

My MX-20 uses a maximum of 35KVp on the tube and you would have to work very hard to harm yourself with it 

My unit is intrinsically safe and has a door plus safety interlocks to prevent X-Ray leakage.

The MX-20 can be used to irradiate animals such as Rats and Mice to study the effects on their tissues. I would not do such however.

Also be aware that any animal placed in the MX-20 needs to be still so anaesthetic would be used and this always carry risk to the animal. The other way to get the animal to stay still is to kill it first

http://www.faxitron.com/life-sciences-ndt/pre-clinic-imagingirradiation

Aurora

[Fraser]

Yay !, Two nice new SCSI IV VHDCI cables have arrived for the Faxitron (I bought a spare cable)

They are a quality DEC product using Amphenol connectors. Normally around $100 each in the USA but I got the pair in the UK for £12 each    Very pleased as a male to male VHDCI cables are not that common at good prices.

Happy Days 

Fraser

[SeanB]

New in package, bought but never used, so all good for you Fraser. I would guess they came with some expansion box, but the existing unit it replaced already had cables, so they simply unplugged the old and plugged in the new drive.

[Fraser]

The auction said they were used. A very honest seller who obviously takes the view that old stock should not be sold as new. It was a pleasant surprise to receive new and bagged cables 

[Fraser]

For fans of this thread, an update.

I bought replacement camera data cables for my MX-20. Sadly I have yet to have a chance to test the unit with them as we are having a new kitchen. The poor Faxitron is buried behind piles of boxes and new appliances in the garage so access is a nightmare. Hopefully when I can get to it again I can take some more interesting images.

I took delivery of a new (to me) high resolution X-Ray machine yesterday. It uses a superb Hamamatsu X-Ray camera with 120mm x 120mm imaging area, like my Biovision camera in my Faxitron. It will be interesting to compare image quality between the two.

My wife was none too pleased to see a large white van turn up and another X-Ray machine appear from within it. It's the usual 'why do you need another' question....... My answer ..... You can never have too many high resolution X-Ray machines ! The kitchen installers were certainly impressed...... They think I am some sort of mad scientist.

More posts in this thread from me when life returns to normality !

Fraser

[Fraser]

My new high resolution X-Ray Machine 'as received' and sat in my garage awaiting commissioning.

She's a beauty. She may look like my other Faxitron Mx-20 but this is a later MX-20 DC12 digital camera version with the following improvements:

1. High Resolution C9732 Hamamatsu 120mm x 120mm flat plate array camera

2. USB interface between the camera and PC. No need for the bespoke PCI card interface that my other unit uses. The PC can be a laptop as a result.

3. New and improved Faxitron 'SR' control and Imaging software with auto exposure setting so no need to experiment with the KV and exposure times for best image.

4. Complete control of the Faxitron front panel from the PC and SR software.

5. XP Pro operating system rather than 2000 Pro

6. MSi Hetis 915 small footprint PC. I have purchased an MSi Hetis 945 Core 2 Duo as a spare, or possibly in place of the 915. The 945 offers much greater performance.

I also received all the manuals and software CD's for the system so I can install it on another PC Host if needed. An important file that was included on its own CD was the Hamamatsu imaging array defect map. Without this the SR software would not be able to correct for any array dead pixels.

This unit is ex medical lab use and is in excellent condition. It was in use until last month. I have been searching for the updated USB version of the MX-20 since buying the first unit. Fortune smiled on me and as this unit virtually dropped into my lap I could not resist. It will be great to have the auto exposure  capability that the the later SR software offers. Timing could have been better.... the kitchen replacement has filled the garage with kitchen kit so space for the machine was a challenge.

Next steps are:

1. Gentle clean of cabinets, trolley and X-Ray chamber.

2. Removal of any patient data from PC hard disk

3. Back-up of hard disk.

4. Full commissioning tests with radiation leakage survey using several different professional radiation survey meters that are designed for use with X-Ray energies below 30KeV

5. Conditioning cycles for the X-Ray tube to ensure it is ready for use. X-Ray tubes that have not been used for a while benefit from such conditioning.

6. Then......Let the fun begin 

I will post X-Ray images from this new Faxitron MX-20 as soon as I have the opportunity. The kitchen refit is taking precedence over all projects at the moment.

Fraser

[Fraser]

Some more information on the Hamamatsu imaging array used in the new MX-20......

My older MX-20 uses a Biovision imaging array that is made up of 8 separate rectangular panels. These are combined to produce the final image. There are unavoidable dead zones between the panels where edges meet, and the Faxitron 'DR' software has to correct for this. I am still seeing the perimeter dead zones on my images as I am pushing the sensitivity of the array to its limits. Normal exposures do not show such edge artifacts. I likely need to 'tune' the dead zone correction in the camera configuration settings for such challenging exposures, but I have not had time to do so. There are several pixel correction and panel misalignment tuning options offered.

The newer Hamamatsu C9732 imaging array is a single panel offering a resolution of 2400 x 2400 50um pixels over a 120mm x 120mm imaging area. It does not suffer the dead zones of the Biovision array.

The C9732 array is optimised for soft X-Rays at 17KeV, so is nice and sensitive, with excellent data depth of 14 bits per pixel communicated via USB 2.0.

Mike's MX-20 Hamamatsu array from the same series certainly produces excellent imaging so I am hopeful my unit will do similarly.

Looking forward to producing some test images on the new unit 

Fraser

[xrunner]

I like the name "Faxitron". Sounds like it means business. 

[Fraser]

In the context of X-Ray machines and output energy levels, the Faxitron MX-20 is a real pussycat...... a sheep in wolfs clothing    That is why I am happy to use it in a controlled, but domestic, situation.

Fraser

[Artlav]

My MX-20 uses a maximum of 35KVp on the tube and you would have to work very hard to harm yourself with it 

Actually, that might be worse.
Soft x-rays are absorbed by tissues rather than going straight through, depositing more energy inside.
There was a story about a garage tinkerer cooking his fingers by putting them in front of a 40KV tube for a second or two.

[mikeselectricstuff]

I also received all the manuals and software CD's for the system so I can install it on another PC Host if needed. An important file that was included on its own CD was the Hamamatsu imaging array defect map. Without this the SR software would not be able to correct for any array dead pixels.

Judging by mine I think it can generate this file itself by taking images with no subject.
The faxitron software doesn't seem fussy about hardware platform - I got mine running on a laptop with the generator control via a USB-RS232 converter
 

[Fraser]

Thanks Mike.

I found several Defect Maps on the hard disk. It appears each time a new version of the software was installed, a new defect map was created. I am not familiar with the SR software operation yet so will have to study it some more. Sadly the documentation does not include the service menu password. Hopefully such is not needed in normal use of the unit.

The MSi PC is PSU is fried (and possibly the Motherboard as well) so I am currently deciding whether to repair it or just transfer the software to the MSi 945 that is on its way.

Mike, can you remind me where the MAC address resides in the SR software please. 

Cheers

Fraser

[mikeselectricstuff]

Mike, can you remind me where the MAC address resides in the SR software please. 

Not sure I ever knew - it's a while ago but I think I ran it by spoofing the address of the machine it came on - I think the license key is a hash of the MAC.
Many ethernet drivers have a facility to override the hardware MAC in device manager->advanced options, and I'm sure there are utilities for any that don't.  A spoofable USB ethernet or possibly bluetooth dongle may also be a possible solution if the software will work if any MAC in the machine (as opposed to just the primary one) .

[Fraser]

Thanks Mike. I found your email from January 2015 detailing what you did. I will just replicate that process.

Cheers

Fraser

[Fraser]

Good news on the new Faxitron MX-20 USB.

The original PC was toast so I needed to load the Faxitron SR software onto another PC. Mike has already done this so I knew it was possible. I thought the following information might assist any future owners of a Faxitron MX-20 USB version.

I decided to do a bit of experimentation with my little Sony Netbook. I have the installation CD for SR versions 1.0, 1.5 and 1.6. I started with v1.5. The software requests a unique Key file as part of the installation. Without this file the software will not run. The Key file contains a complex hash that uses the MAC address of the licensed PC. You cannot, therefore use the Key file on another PC without tricking the SR software into thinking it is on the original licensed hardware.

To make the Key file valid on another PC you have to spoof the licensed PC's MAC address. This is easy as the required MAC address is detailed in the Key file itself. You can then use the Ethernet adapter advanced properties option to set the MAC address to that contained in the Key file.

This is what I did and, as Mike discovered, the SR software happily accepts the Key file and the installation completes with a fully licensed install. There is no 'calling home' by the software during installation.

If you do not have the original Key file you are not going to be able to complete the installation process. This is worth bearing in mind if you find a Faxitron MX-20 without its PC (a common occurrence with disposal equipment as the PC's contain patient data). The Key file may not be present on any accompanying disks as each customer is issued with their own unique key from Faxitron HQ.

There is also a file on the computer after the installation completes that contains the data from the Key file. Whether this can be renamed to be the Key file is not known. The Key file has an unusual name. I will attach a sanitised version of mine for others information on format etc.

It looks like I will be able to install the SR software on a replacement PC so I will not have to repair the original MSI Hetis 915 motherboard. Testing of the MX-20 with the Sony Netbook to follow.

In the attached Key file I have replaced the licensed company name with 'X' and the MAC address is set to 01.02.03 etc. You will see that there is a long Key contained in the file that I have replaced with '0's. This is a hash but I do not know what variables are used to create it. Possibly, licensed company name, expiry date sequence plus the MAC address of the host PC's Ethernet card. The key appears to be valid across all versions of the SR software so the Hash does not contain version specific variables.

Fraser

[mikeselectricstuff]

If you do find a machine with no PC or no software, it may be possible to drive the Hamamatsu sensor directly - I did find some Hamamatsu utils, don't recall if on the Faxitron install or at Hamamatsu, though didn't look close enough to see exactly what was possible with them.

[jdraughn]

A NFC tag might be interesting to xray, but maybe not, it would probably just show a coil of wire around a little rectangle and that's it.

[Fraser]

Well the Faxitron MX-20 USB lives 

I bought a replacement MSI Hetis 945 Dual Core 2 (2 x 2.4GHz) SFF PC to replace the dead Hetis 915 P4 3GHz that came with the USB Faxitron machine. I had to import it from Germany ! I wanted the MSI Hetis9xx as it is a decent little PC platform for use with the Faxitron and its software. The alternative that I considered was a Dell USFF PC as they are now very cheap on eBay.

I didn't transfer the hard disk from the 915 as the motherboard chip sets are different (Intel 915 Vs 945) and I wanted a clean XP install onto which to place the SR1.6 software. It avoided any issues with HDD transplantation.

All went well with installing both XP SP3 and SR1.6.The original imaging array Defect Map was transplanted into the new SR install easily. The MAC address on the new PC was changed to that contained within the Faxitron Licence Key file using the Ethernet advanced properties page. No problems there.

Once the new PC was refitted on the Faxitron Cart, and all cables connected, I fired the system up and allowed the Imaging array to warm up for 30 miniutes. The Imaging array was then calibrated and a test image taken.

I am pleased to report that all went well with the first test of the 'new' USB Faxitron. I attach the first image that was captured using the automatic exposure system. This tries several different X-Ray exposures to establish which produces the best image of the DUT. The end result looked too dark to me so I used the image 'window' and centre controls to pull out a little more detail. The image is captured as 14 bit depth ADU's and, like many thermal cameras, the user may select the range of ADU's to be displayed on the screen. Very nice and the window function has improved since my earlier DR software (used on my older Faxitron - Bioptics MX-20).

Here are some pics of the new PC internals and the first images captured by the USB Faxitron. The DUT is a Logitech mouse. I have not had to time to experiment with the images or the defect map as its too darned cold in the garage to play at the moment  the images seem nice though so at least this machine is a good one 

Fraser

[Fraser]

Mouse

[Fraser]

More Mouse

[mtdoc]

Cool stuff! 

We have a high quality digital X-ray machine in my office. I wish I new how to operate it so I could go in after hours and play.

[Fraser]

If its correctly managed, it will be disabled with a key lock to prevent unauthorised use. Access is not usually enough 

Mine have their activation keys removed when not in use.

Fraser

[Fraser]

My final challenge on the USB Faxitron is to find the administrator password that unlocks advanced options such as creating a new defect map and changing various exposure defaults etc. No joy finding a likely text string in any of the SR program files yet. I will try the UK Faxitron agent, but not holding out much hope of them helping. The systems administrator is given the password but none of the masses of documentation supplied with my unit has it written down. Pity.

Fraser

[Fraser]

For anyone interested in the USB Faxitron MX-20, I attach some pictures of the rack and the user interface. It is currently roughly assembled for testing and is sat in my garage. It will be installed properly next to my other MX-20 in due course.

The user interface is very different to that of my other MX-20 that is running the earlier DR software. I am not used to it yet but first impressions are that the SR software is less user friendly than the DR version. The SR version is likely more capable when it comes to image manipulation however.

The fact that the SR software fully remote controls the MX-20 settings and carries out auto exposure to achieve the best combination of kV and exposure time for a DUT is a significant improvement though.

The external appearance of the USB Faxitron is very similar to that of the Bioptics based Faxitron but the camera connector is obviously different ion that it is a standard USB connector Vs a dedicated SCSI IV type connector. In use it is clear that the firmware in the MX-20 is different in the USB version. The kV steps are the same but the time is shown in seconds and tenths of seconds as opposed to just seconds on the older unit. This enables the SR software to accurately set the exposure for optimum image.

Sorry the pictures are not more interesting but the unit is actually pretty simple in terms of appearance.

Fraser

[tautech]

For anyone interested in ......

5000+ views 
Please keep entertaining us Fraser. 

Dead hedgehogs, squirrels, birds.....anything.

[Fraser]

Slightly off topic but I have just purchased a Gendex GXS-700 USB digital X-Ray imaging plate. It is not working but may be repairable as the cables are normally the issue with these units. If it has corrupted serial number (another known issue) it may be scrap but I decided to take the risk as it was cheap.

These X-Ray imaging plates are used by Dentists and I have bought the larger No2 size. It is a fully integrated solution that needs no special interface box etc. Basically a CMOS USB camera with some on board processing. The resolution is excellent. These things normally cost $7000 each !  The software to drive the sensor is free from Gendex so it should be possible to use the sensor without any super expensive dental image management software. A TWAIN software interface is also available.

The construction of the unit is very nice. A highly integrated piece of electronics is located inside the thin sensor head. The technology used is not revolutionary. A high resolution scintillator plate produces light when exposed to an X-Ray beam. The light is passed through a fibre optic light channel array and illuminates the pixels of the CMOS imaging chip. The read-out electronics then converts the pixel data to a format that may be sent over USB for processing by the host PC. The sensor electronics also detects when X-Ray is present and triggers a capture event automatically. Auto exposure functionality stops the image capture automatically.

Technical details of the sensor

Sensor size : 31mm x 42mm

Pixels: 19.5um / 1842p x 1324p / 2.4 Megapixels

Resolution : 25.6 lp/mm

Scintillator : Csl

Camera technology : High sensitivity Enhanced CMOS imaging array

Interface to Host : USB 2.0

Power supply : 5V @ 350mA

The anatomy of the sensor may be seen here along with a description of the parts inside the sensor head. Dexis make the GXS-700 for Gendex. The Dexis version is called the Dexis Platinum sensor.

http://www.dexis.com/sensor-anatomy


As can be seen from the attached picture from an ebay auction..... the sensor is usable for imaging PCB's and chips.
If I get the sensor running I will add images to this thread. In case anyone wonders, I already have a working 65kVp Gendex Dental X-Ray generator that may be used with this sensor plate. I also have the non digital Faxitron MX-20 cabinet (spares for my digital camera units) and the Tel-X-ometer X-Ray experimentation platform. These should all provide enough energy to work with the Csl scintillator used in the sensor.

When used with the Gendex 65kVp dental X-Ray generator I will gain a greater penetration capability, but the down side is that it is open site X-Ray so much greater safety precautions are needed, such as an exclusion zone and stand-off to the user (me)

Fraser

[Wolfram]

Excellent thread, lots of nice photos and information.

I have some pictures to add as well. Unlike the other images in this thread, these were taken on photographic film. It's not as convenient as using digital sensors, but it gives good results at a low cost. The X-ray source is a modern dental x-ray head with a 0.7 mm focal spot, driven by a homemade driver with anode voltage regulation. All the following x-rays were taken with an anode voltage of 70 kV, a focal spot to film distance of around half a meter, and an exposure of around 60 mAs.

I had to scale and compress the images a bit to fit within the attachment size limits of the forum. The first image is an ATXMega Xplain card, the second one is a Noritake 2x20 VFD display. I'll post some more images when I get a chance.

[Fraser]

@Wolfram,

Nice pictures 

Had it not been for the availability of the Faxitron units at an affordable price I doubt I would have been able to venture into X-Ray imaging at home.  I used to use imaging plates that contained a scintillator screen that illuminated a monochrome Polaroid instant film. It was much like the old Polaroid instant cameras where the developer is in a sachet at the side of the film and is spread across it as it is ejected from the cartridge. I was considering using one of these units at home but the film became obsolete and had a short shelf life anyway. Resolution wasn't great either.

Dabbling with real X-Ray film or even normal consumer photographic film is not something I was keen to dive into as it can get expensive and messy  I am so pleased to have a digital solution as it makes my life a lot simpler. Your images are great though. Film with a fine grain structure is often superior to digital imaging anyway.

One aspect of the Faxitron Digital imaging system that is worthy of note is its amazing pixel data depth. The MX-20 cameras have an ADU spec of 16000 as they produce 14 bit pixel value data. That is to say, they can capture 16000 different shades (or tones) of grey. The computer monitor and human eye cannot cope with such excellent data depth, but using the software it is possible to view a window of variable width and centring within the captured ADU range.A nominal human eye can only differentiate between 30  720 shades of grey. I normally set it to 8000 ADU's per image as that is plenty of range for most tasks. This is an advantage over film as it is possible to pull out subtle hidden detail that may otherwise be missed.

For those unaware of the term ADU:

ADU -- Analog-to-digital Unit. ADUs are employed as a measurement of pixel value or brightness. Pixel voltages (numbers of electrons) stored during CCD integrations are converted to ADU integers representing the measured voltage compared to maximum (full pixel) voltages in terms of the full Base 2 dynamic range of the CCD system (12 bit = 2^12th, 16 bit = 2^16th, etc.).

There is plenty on CCD ADU's and pixel data bit depths on the internet.

Fraser

[Fraser]

Faxitron and Gendex useful information

For anyone in need of such, I now have the advanced menu password for the Faxitron SR software. This provides access to the Defect Map generator for the Hamamatsu camera array. The utility does everything needed to identify dead pixels etc and create the required map files. Very useful

I also have the firmware serial number reprogramming utility for the Gendex GXS 700 digital dental X-Ray plate. They are known to sometimes forget their serial number, rendering them inoperable.

Fraser

[bktemp]

A nominal human eye can only differentiate between 30 shades of grey !

I doubt that.
Maybe the human eye can identify 30 shades if only a single shade is visible at a time, but if you put the steps next to each other a several 100 steps are necessary to make an even gradient without individual steps beeing distinguishable.
I have no idea how the greyscales in the x-ray images are beeing processed, but normal pictures with 256 greyscales use a non linear scaling: Most displays use a gamma value of 2.2. This means the colour value 1 does not have 1/255 the maximum brightness but (1/255)^2.2=1/196964. So a 8bit greyscale image has a dynamic range of more than 5 orders of magnitude (in an ideal case, most TFT LCD monitors have a dynamic range of around 1000:1). That is why most cameras use a 10, 12, 14 or even 16bit ADC to capture the full dynamic range.

[Fraser]

This was my source for the potentially incorrect 30 shades of grey differentiation comment.........

http://www.popsci.com/humans-can-only-distinguish-between-about-30-shades-gray

Colour is a very different situation as our eyes perform well in that domain as stated in the above reference.

Fraser

[Fraser]

Some Googling on human grey scale abilities lead me to this interesting paper that discusses this very topic of grey scale perception in medical monitor situations........

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3043920/

They detail the complexities of the situation but appear to suggest that a human can detect around 720 shades of grey over a wide luminance range under optimal conditions.

I stand corrected on my previous statement of 30 shades capability of the human eye. The Popular Science posting appears to be inaccurate, unless I misread the article.

Fraser

[Fraser]

My USB Faxitron had a single defective array line that would appear when the higher ADU values were included in an image. I suspected this was an issue with the SR software Defect Map as the file was dated 2007 ! Pretty old as things can change in the array with years of use.

I enabled the advanced menu options this evening and carried out a full warm-up (2 hours), Auto Calibration and then ran the Defect Map generator. The defect mapping utility first carried out a dark field capture, followed by a flat field capture. Defects in the two produced images were identified by the utility and then combined into a single defect map. Out of tolerance pixels or array lines that contain more than 80% defective pixels are captured and dealt with in the image correction algorithms. It is possible for the user to change the acceptable pixel tolerance and percentage of defective pixels in a line that rule the line defective. I used the default settings.

I then took a series of X-Ray images to test the Defect map. I am pleased to see that the one rogue vertical line that used to appear in some wide ADU images is no longer present 

If you own a USB Faxitron that is using an old Defect Map, it may well be worth making a fresh one to capture changes in the imaging array. The old one is saved as a .bak file.

Fraser

[Fraser]

Pictures of the Dark field and Flat field graphs that the Defect Map utility produces. Just for those with an interest in such 

[Fraser]

I am still getting used to the SR software but thought I would upload some of my test images for interest. The SR software seems to provide an image that needs very little tweaking in most cases. It is easy to change the ADU window width and centring to pull out hidden detail as well. It behaves very much like a thermal camera in this respect. Narrow ADU window ranges allow the centre setting to be moved up and down to show only certain material densities on the screen.

I hope the readership enjoy these initial images that I produced tonight. I also include some 'Mystery' devices for you to identify. I know what they are but do you ?

Enjoy 

[Fraser]

More STAMP close ups

[Fraser]

NEC LCD Monitor PCB with 80% JPEG quality setting to fit into this forums file size limit.

[Fraser]

Mystery item No1 

A hint........ I can accurately say that it is old 

The band at the top of the second image is actually PVC insulation tape that is across the front of the item covering some terminals. The material around the central dense item is felt padding.

[Fraser]

And a second Mystery item.

I suspect that this is an easy one for the old boys

[bugs]

I'm just guessing...

Item 1: mercury switch
Item 2: fuse

[kony]

My guess would be that first item is full of cadmium and mercury compounds, thrus should have measured about 1,01V at its terminals, when/if not depleted beyond its usable lifespan.

[Fraser]

@ Bugs,

1. Incorrect 

2. Incorrect 

@Kony

You know what it is  Correct 

Its too old to be usable now.

[eliocor]

item #2, a quartz resonator/oscillator?

[Fraser]

@Eliocor

Correct  Its a very old style Quartz Crystal in a Bakelite case. You can see the Bakelite has differences in its density throughout the material....seen as flecks in the image. The image shows that the large lump of Quartz Crystal is held in place between two sprung arms that act as the two contacts. The crystal has been dropped and has moved within the sprung contact arms.

Mystery item 1 is a Weston Standard Cell that was used as an accurate Voltage reference in a 1970's Solartron Bench Voltmeter. Its chemistry still produces a reasonably accurate voltage but it is no longer a reliable reference source.

https://electronicspani.com/standard-cell/

I attach pictures of the two Mystery items

[Fraser]

A low density DUT now.

I imaged an old used self seal bag.

The MX-20 is good enough to show the difference in density between areas that are just plain polythene and those that have had the writing strips 'painted' on.

The blobs in the bag are detritus contained within and holes in the plastic. Not defects in the imaging array. The noise in the image is due to the small ADU window span that I selected to pull out the detail of the low density bag.

I had to crop this image somewhat as I forgot to reduce its file size before saving it.

[IanB]

One aspect of the Faxitron Digital imaging system that is worthy of note is its amazing pixel data depth. The MX-20 cameras have an ADU spec of 16000 as they produce 14 bit pixel value data. That is to say, they can capture 16000 different shades (or tones) of grey. The computer monitor and human eye cannot cope with such excellent data depth, but using the software it is possible to view a window of variable width and centring within the captured ADU range.A nominal human eye can only differentiate between 30  720 shades of grey. I normally set it to 8000 ADU's per image as that is plenty of range for most tasks. This is an advantage over film as it is possible to pull out subtle hidden detail that may otherwise be missed.

I suspect the situation with film is not quite as hopeless as your last sentence suggests. I am not a photographer, but I understand from reading about photography that darkroom techniques exist to pull out hidden detail, for example by means of higher or lower contrast papers and varying exposure times. Also by shading various parts of the image to adjust the exposure in different places. Techniques widely exploited by B&W photographers in the days when the darkroom was where the magic happened rather than the computer.

[Fraser]

@IanB,

Indeed a photographic picture can be 'pushed' and 'pulled' during transfer from negative to paper print.

I think the situation is a little different with X-Ray film as that is the negative that is used for viewing. It can be duplicated and the duplicate exposure changed. Paper based X-Ray imaging techniques use the image from the fluorescent scintillator plate and the exposure is set by the X-Ray illumination duration that builds the image. It is difficult to extract additional detail out of the final print if the exposure is wrong.

Don't get me wrong, I love analogue film. It wipes the floor with Digital in many cases BUT it does not offer the convenience of post exposure manipulation that Digital captures provide. CR plates are a hybrid that captures the image in the analogue domain and is translated to the digital domain by the laser scanner reader and its ADC circuits. That technology MAY offer the best of both worlds, but sadly the reports that I have received from users in Industry say that Film is still the best media for high resolution quality imaging. An example of such demanding applications is X-Ray imaging of gas turbine engine blades, looking for defects in the metals structure. Sometimes the old methods are still the best, if a little less convenient to the user.

There is also the issue of cost. As Industry knows, X-Ray film is expensive stuff and Digital methods have a high initial cost but the images are almost free after that. I say almost because most companies have an annual support contract cost to consider. This is why Dentists are moving over to the likes of the Gendex digital X-Ray sensors. Such sensors offer inferior performance to the film based images, but they are seen as modern, cost less long term, and convenient.

Fraser

[Fraser]

Some more X-Ray images.

First, my car digital air pressure gauge

Fraser

[Fraser]

SIL DC to DC converter

[Fraser]

FLIR Thermal Camera External battery charger bay.

Note, although expensive as a spare part, it contains no electronics. It is just a plug pack connection socket and battery connectors. Presumably the charge management is either in the plug pack or the battery itself.

Fraser

[Fraser]

Hybrid RF amplifier on Ceramic substrate

[Fraser]

The well known OM345 Hybrid RF amplifier

[Fraser]

MAR8 MMIC in its ESD package

[Fraser]

MC3362P RF IC

I was trying to image the actual Die and the bond wire landing points. The second image got me what I wanted

Image was captures using 31kVp at the tube.

[Fraser]

Plessey SL series RF IC in round plastic encapsulation. Die is visible in the second image.

[Fraser]

RF transistor. BFR90

[Mr.B]

Fascinating stuff Fraser.
Thanks for taking the time to share.

[Fraser]

Geiger Muller radiation probe.

This very nicely made Geiger Muller probe contains the head end electronics and high voltage DC-DC converter.
It requires a 5V supply and outputs TTL level pulses and an audio click in time with the counts.

The unit appears sealed and I wanted to find out how it can be taken apart and the likely identity of the GM tube.

I immediately recognised the GM tube shape and I could also see how the probe is constructed. A hidden grub screw secures the thread of the threaded end cap. Once the grub screw is removed, the rear of the probe is easily unscrewed providing access to the PCB's and GM tube.

The MX-20 is great for unravelling the secrets of case securing systems such as clips and hidden screws.

Fraser

[Fraser]

Inside a plastic cased Power Bank USB emergency charging unit.

Sadly the steel USB connector obscures most of the PCB.

[Fraser]

Another Power Bank. Thsi one made by K.I.T and consists of an aluminium cylinder. The USB end appeared to have a joint but this turns out to be cosmetic only. To access the internal parts, a lower screw fit cap needs to be removed.

The MX-20 coped with the aluminium OK as it is a low density material, unlike steel.

Fraser

[Fraser]

An Apple !

[Fraser]

Audi key

[Fraser]

Audi key Responder - note the small ferrite inductor used to couple with the halo inductor around the key barrel.

The component above the inductor is an LED.

[Fraser]

To help understand teh Audi key X-Ray images, I attach pictures of the dismantled Audi B7 key taken from www.audizine.com.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/199643-B7-Key-Fob-for-B6-DIY

The Responder is located under a small grey cover and resembles an RFID 'chip' commonly used in dogs and cats. This component is independent of the keys main PCB or power supply.

Fraser

[Fraser]

USB to RS232 converter using prolific Technology chipset.

[Fraser]

FLIR PM570 thermal camera EVF

[Fraser]

Panasonic 'Lipstick' Camera

Not much in the way of active electronics within, just the CCD chip ? The cameras controller unit is stuffed with electronics though.

I need to open this camera so wanted to see how best to do so.

Fraser

[Fraser]

I recently bought a cheap PID from China to control my 3D printer build platform heater. I will be taking it apart for inspection but thought you might like to see its X-Rayed.

The X-Ray images show that the electronics are concentrated on the front panel with the bulky components like the relay mounted on a sparsely populated separate PCB. It appears that I could reduce the bulk of this PID significantly as it is all low voltage so isolation distances are not such an issue.

Fraser

[KE5FX]

Very cool shots, Fraser.  Are these all taken with the GXS 700 sensor, or film?

[Fraser]

@KE5FX,

No these are taken with the Faxitron MX-20 cabinet system. The AEC seems to set the voltage to 31kVp in most cases and just adjusts the exposure time. I will be playing with manual setting of the voltage and duration in due course as I found that I could produce better images of challenging DUT's that way. (using my older Bioptics camera MX-20)

The Gendex sensor area is small in comparison to that of the MX-20. The USB DC12 MX-20 has a 120mm x 120mm sensor area and the DUT is moved closer to the X-Ray Generator in some of my images in order to provide magnification. None of my images have been digitally magnified, but that is also an option with these highish resolution 4MP images.

The Gendex sensor is still winging its way to me from the USA. It cost me $100. It is not working but includes the important calibration file. I thought it worth the risk, and I will learn about it whilst carrying out a repair (if such is possible) 

The Gendex sensor is a more limited device in that, even though it is Size 2, it is quite a small imaging area. This is offset by decent resolution. Size is sometimes not so important when dealing with imaging a small PCB, or part of a larger PCB. I personally like having a larger imaging area as it is more versatile. The down side is that the large Hamamatsu digital X-Ray cameras cost a small fortune new, so are less common on the secondary market. For me, this 'new' USB Faxitron with DC12 camera is about as good as I could wish for, and meets my needs perfectly. Its so fast at taking an image (around 30 seconds per image, depending upon DUT) 

Fraser

[Pjotr]

Nice pics  Didn't read the whole tread but can your machine only do gamma-rays or also alpha-rays?

[Fraser]

AFAIK The MX-20 produces only Gamma X-Ray using a voltage of between 15 and 35kVp accelerating electrons into a Tungsten Target. The Alpha sources that I have seen have all been from a Radioactive element, such as Americium 241, and not produced in an electron acceleration tube. Such a tubes output window would have to be very thin indeed to avoid massive Alpha attenuation. Alpha would also be severely attenuated in free air, making its usability in a non vacuum cabinet very limited indeed. I am not a nuclear physicist though so this is outside of my experience.

Fraser

[moya034]

Great thread Fraser!

If one wanted to get a device x-rayed but didn't want to get their own x-ray machine, what kind of business might be willing to help one out for a nominal fee?

[mikeselectricstuff]

Great thread Fraser!

If one wanted to get a device x-rayed but didn't want to get their own x-ray machine, what kind of business might be willing to help one out for a nominal fee?

The most accessible would typically be a local vet, dentist or doctor.

[bookaboo]

Great thread Fraser!

If one wanted to get a device x-rayed but didn't want to get their own x-ray machine, what kind of business might be willing to help one out for a nominal fee?

There's a business model in there somewhere!

[Fraser]

I have considered offering an X-Ray imaging service but there are complications with such a service.

1. The fee...... What is a reasonable price to charge ?
2. Managing Customer expectations regarding what an X-Rar can reveal, especially through metal.
3. The cost of shipping and its effect on offering a reasonable total cost for the customer.
4. Commercial use could potentially attract attention from the national authority for using such equipment. I comply with safety standards but don't fancy paying fees for licensing the kit for commercial use.
5. I was a Civil Servant without the profit mentality.... I am no businessman !

If someone wants something imaged using my MX-20's I feel sure I could help but it would be on a casual basis with a small fee for my hobby account. If anyone wants something imaged, just message me and we can discuss.

Fraser

[Pjotr]

For metal you need more energy up to around 100kV. Your machine is not designed for that. Besides that, radiation safety becomes a real issue. I have worked in that field 30 years ago (pipe and weld monitoring and a lot more) and you need to be a certified operator and a lot more legal issues come around the corner (independent body personal dose level monitoring and so on).

On the other hand for 10kV - 30kV your machine has likely beryllium radiation windows that need to be handled with great care regarding safety.

[Fraser]

@pjotr,

Thanks for comments.

You have not seen my background in this and other threads. Over 25 years operating open site and cabinet X-Ray systems. Fully qualified Radiographer and holder of all required low energy survey equipment Fear not, I am qualified and competent to operate this equipment in line with UK regulations. Other countries are less tolerant of personal ownership of such equipment though.

I also have a 65kVp Dental X-Ray but have not needed it to date. I have a Todd Research Basix 30 mail scanner but I intend to cut that up for scrap as the resolution is not good enough for my needs. The X-Ray generator will be decommissioned to prevent use by those without the required safety knowledge. Oh and no PCB Oils in that unit. Sad to kill it but it is too large and heavy to keep if it is of no use to me. I will sell the lead for scrap and maybe the X-Ray tube on eBay. Mike had the same issue with a conveyor belt X-Ray unit.

Fraser

[Pjotr]

Ok, thanks Fraser for the extra info. No, I didn't know your background. I myself left the X-ray material examination business almost 30 years ago and stepped over to the medical ultrasound area those days as an electronics engineer/developer for Organon (not in business any more )

Nice pictures anyway, keep on posting!

[Fraser]

Just used the MX-20 for a 'real' investigation.

I bought a Mammography Ionisation Chamber probe some time ago. It is a Radcal 2025 series probe designed for low energy X-Ray beam measurement. I only have the probe and not the meter that drives it.

I have searched for the schematics of the probe and associated meter without success but the electronics in the probe do not look too challenging to reverse engineer. Ionisation Chamber meters are not normally very complex. The electronics is usually a pico ammeter that measures the change in current passing through the ionisation chamber. I am currently studying the Radcal Patents for this probe.

Having looked inside the probes electronics enclosure I can see that it contains most of the electronics needed for such an instrument. It uses a current to frequency converter. The sensitive front end operational amplifiers are housed in a lead shielding capsule to avoid illumination by the X-Ray beam as that would cause all manner of problems with accuracy. The rest of the electronics are unshielded.

The really fragile part of the probe is the ionisation chamber. It has a very thin mylar window over one side of the chamber.  This is designed to provide good transmission of low energy X-Ray's into the chambers interior. Dismantling the chamber risks destroying it so I was not keen to delve inside it. This was a perfect subject for NDT X-Ray use.

I used the MX-20 to image both the ionisation chamber and associated electronics unit. The pictures follow. You will see from the pictures that several different angles are needed to fully understand how the various wires in the ionisation chamber are connected. A single view can give a confusing picture whereas rotating the subject creates a better 3D impression of the construction. Modern Microfocus X-Ray systems used in Industry can automate the rotation of the subject item and create 3D rotatable images of them on the screen through multiple image stitching . Sadly the MX-20 is not in that league and has no 3 axis turntable.

Enjoy the pictures   

Fraser

[Fraser]

Pictures

[Fraser]

I have a Racal military Dipole centre piece that has been knocking around for ages. I wondered if it had any impedance matching components inside it. A quick X-Ray showed me all I needed to know in one picture. It was quicker than getting my LCR meter out of the lab for checks and is definitive in what it shows. See for yourself 

[Fraser]

I also had a Bronica camera Pistol Grip that I am having trouble dismantling. I took a couple of quick X-Ray images but sadly they have not revealed any secrets to me. I cannot image the thick alloy areas of the base plate and that is where I am likely to find the hidden handle securing screws. Low powered X-Ray is not suitable for all subjects, especially those containing metal. Thin aluminium is OK. Thin steel is not. Thick aluminium will also cause problems.

Well you can't gave it all I suppose. The MX-20 is a high resolution unit with a Microfocus X-Ray tube having a really small target spot size. The tube is only 12W rated and not oil cooled. A 35kVp limit is not an unreasonable compromise for the units excellent imaging performance. A bigger, beefier tube may have a larger target spot size = lower imaging performance.

Fraser

[Fraser]

I have now moved the 'new' USB Hamamatsu Camera MX-20 to its permanent operating position, next to its sister, the Biovision camera based MX-20.  That may sound a simple task, but the double garage is full at the moment due to a major sort out that I am undertaking. I had to move a lot of kit, including the heavy Security X-Ray scanner, to make a path for the MX-20 trolley to travel to its final location. Not made any easier by my M.E.    Its done now though 

I still need to tidy up the installation but she'll be operational again soon.

Note in the picture that the USB MX-20 is lower than the Biometrics version as the camera pod on the bottom is much slimmer. You can also see my 'spares' MX-20 in the background. The spares unit is fully operational but is film only with no camera. It was built in 1999 but has a newer 2008 Microfocus x-Ray Tube fitted. This is my insurance policy in case one of the Digital MX-20's suffers an X-Ray generator related fault.

Other points of interest within the picture are the two Ionising Radiation Survey meters sat on top of the Biovision MX-20 PC. One is a Mini Monitor 900, fitted with the Type D low energy probe, and the other is a Bicron Micro-Sievert Scintillator based survey meter. I have several other meters, including Ionisation Chamber types, but these two live in the garage near where they are needed most often.

Fraser

[mikeselectricstuff]

Something I must get round to trying is to put the faxitron sensor in the mailroom x-ray - although the resolution will be limited by the tube's spot size, the significantly higher kVp means it should be able to image through stuff that's opaque to the Faxitron's 35kxp tube.

[Fraser]

@Mike,
An interesting idea. I am still considering the fate of my Todd Research Basix 30 Security Mail scanner. It's 50/50 on a restoration or scrapping at the moment.

One thought on using higher energy X-Ray's with the Hamamatsu imaging array, it is designed for peak performance at 17kev. Some sensor arrays can suffer permanent damage if significantly over driven by X-Ray energy. Not sure about the Hamamatsu detectors though. Might be worth checking on this before risking your array.

Fraser

[mikeselectricstuff]

Just checked the datasheet https://www.hamamatsu.com/resources/pdf/ssd/c9730dk-10_kacc1143e.pdf
Says absolute max 35kvp. Bummer. 

What I need is this, just not $2K of "need", though probably a fraction of its original price... http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hamamatsu-C9312SK-MOS-Image-Sensor-for-X-Ray-/161433838760?hash=item259634e4a8:g:HA4AAOSw7NNUJVe8

[Fraser]

Just checked the data sheet Mike.

Absolute maximum incident X-Ray energy is shown as 35kvp. It is interesting that they use kVp instead of the more appropriate kev.

This does suggest a damage level if exposed to higher energy X-Ray.

Remember that the sort of X-Ray energy levels present inside the MX-20 are easily attenuated to protect the camera array and electronics. Such would not be the case inside a higher energy security inspection X-Ray cabinet. Those tend to be pretty brutal and blast the DUT with a single level of energy. I.e. Maximum available from the tube and PSU combination. A somewhat blunter tool than the refined Faxitron units.

Fraser

[Fraser]

Our messages crossed. I did the same as you and checked the DS

[mikeselectricstuff]

Such would not be the case inside a higher energy security inspection X-Ray cabinet. Those tend to be pretty brutal and blast the DUT with a single level of energy. I.e. Maximum available from the tube and PSU combination. A somewhat blunter tool than the refined Faxitron units.

The regulation in the mailroom one is limited to a few relays selecting transformer taps based on the incoming mains voltage. Without smoothing, the kVp will also vary throughout the mains cycle, though the integration time of a panel sensor would probably be long enough to smooth it out. 

[Fraser]

Hmmmm 20kVp to 110kVp spec. Again, this is unusual / meaningless terminology with respect to the energy levels to which the camera is exposed. 110kVp does not produce 110kev as the conversion to X-Ray energy is anything but efficient. Tube specs must surely affect the output energy for a stated excitation voltage and tube current. Oh well, provided you stay under 110kVp I suppose Hamamatsu are confident their array will operate correctly.

As you say, a nice camera, but they are darned expensive. When reading about the Hamamatsu camera, I was impressed to read that the scintillator is a direct deposit on the photo detectors rather than a separate scintillator sheet, as found in the BIOPTICS camera. Direct deposition of scintillator material on the detector element produces the best possible image quality. The Hamamatsu cameras are certainly very nice quality assemblies.

I have considered playing with CR plates but the laser readers are large and expensive, even on the secondary market.

The MX-20 will likely serve my purposes for most scenarios. I have considered whether I could use the Gendex USB digital sensor array with my Gendex 65kVp dental head for more challenging material densities. I will have to get the sensor working first though . I might also be able to use it in my security X-Ray scanner as that produces 85kVp.

So many projects and no time at the moment.

I would love to hear of any experiments that you carry out with your X-Ray equipment. If I can ever be of assistance, please do not hesitate to ask.

Fraser

[mikeselectricstuff]

The only things I'm vaguely contemplating are some sort of X/Y stage to do larger images on the faxitron, and also a rotating CT stage.
And I must get around to realigning the camera in the mailroom unit, and making a DSLR setup for it using the remote-controllable DSLR I upgraded to several years ago for the purpose and still haven't got round to...

[Fraser]

Now that I have my 'dream setup' I will keep my eyes open for more USB Faxitron MX-20 units for you and others. My normal source of these dried up but I suspect we may see some coming up for disposal shortly. Finding a USB unit with a DC12 camera is a challenge though. At least if you get a unit that is without its PC you can use your SR software with it. The retail price on a used MX-20 with PC is currently around £1500. However I would expect to be able to supply one at the price you paid for the DC5 camera unit. You could then sell your DC5 MX-20 ?

This does not solve your need for more powerful X-Ray capability however. A decent Microfocus that would meet your needs costs around £250k and they are rare as hens teeth on the secondary market as they are normally decommissioned by the manufacturers agent and they tend to destroy them. Micro Focus Imaging was bought by Faxitron in 1997 and my experience of their USA customer service suggests that they do not want their machines in anything but industrial, medical, scientific or Government hands.

The UK Faxitron agent is a friendly chap though.

Fraser

[mikeselectricstuff]

Probably the ideal "Find" would be a 4" (or bigger) non-USB sensor that's going cheap because it's lost its PC, but sufficiently documented to build an interface for (Like that Ebay one)

A while ago I spotted a large medical wireless sensor cassette mis-described on Ebay UK, but  someone else obviously also figured out what it was & bid more than I was prepared to punt on it in unknown condition (it did look a bit battered).

[Fraser]

That wasn't me bidding against you 😀 I did see a nice wireless cassette array last week on eBay. IIRC, it was over £4K 🙁

The trouble with such kit is often the bespoke software that is needed to control and access its configuration. Medical equipment is BIG business with crazy prices. As such many manufacturers use proprietary encryption of data, and on-line software registration requiring a support account. Much like I found with my Next Engine 3D scanner. Unless someone is an accomplished hacker, it can be an impossible challenge to make use of high tech medical kit without the required software, licence and support contract. The manufacturer effectively holds the buyer to ransom. If you want to use their already expensive kit, you also have to pay for an expensive support contract. In a medical environment this usage model may make sense, but not so in a hobby scenario.

Some imaging cassettes are just fancy paperweights unless you get the PC and software with them

As a side note..... The activation key required to use the Faxitron SR software is NOT for the control software but is for the DICOM interface that is contained within its code ! A PITA but DICOM was an essential part of the equipments usage and so the licensed interface was needed. Sadly you cannot easily activate the SR software minus the DICOM licensed routine.

Medical equipment can be full of all manner of traps for the unwary. Defies have batteries that expire themselves based upon age, auto syringe actuators shut down when their calibration is due and, as I have said software often requires on line activation costing a small fortune.

Fraser

[mikeselectricstuff]

That wasn't me bidding against you 😀 I did see a nice wireless cassette array last week on eBay. IIRC, it was over £4K 🙁

This one started at peanuts and I got outbid at about £200

4K is probably still a fraction of the original cost, assuming it was a decent size.

[qupte]
The trouble with such kit is often the bespoke software that is needed to control and access its configuration.
[/quote]
I wasn't expecting to be able to talk to it via its native wifi interface, but I figured that there was a good chance that the actual image sensor would be outputting a datastream internally that I could extract. Like I said, it was a gable (on both this and the condition), but someone else was willing to punt more on it!
 

[Fraser]

My Gendex GXS-700 dental imaging sensor arrived today.

I have started a new thread for that imaging array and will update it as and when I have progress on its repair.

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/x-ray-imaging-the-gendex-gxs-700-x-ray-dental-imaging-array/msg817487/#msg817487

It is in very good condition. Just some obvious damage to the USB plug which I will investigate first.

The GXS-700 cost me $100 and is a risk as these units can be beyond repair. The value for me is in the experience I gain working on it and the associated enjoyment of the challenge. If I cannot repair it, so be it 

Fraser

[Gary350z]

X-ray a miniature toggle switch. I've seen it before. It's pretty cool.

[Fraser]

@Gary350Z,

The Faxitron is dormant for the moment as I am involved in other priority tasking. I will wake her up again soon.

Fraser

[Fraser]

WOW! This thread has been read over 10,000 times 

I hadn't realised that people were so interested in X-Ray images.

The Faxitron is dormant at the moment as I am balancing a new kitchen installation with sorting out my lab and garage. These tasks are major time eaters. I will fire up the Faxitron MX-20's again as soon as I get the spare time to play. Hopefully soon.

If anyone has any specific items that they are interested in seeing imaged with X-Ray (and that I also have access to) I will be happy to take requests in this thread. Please do not PM me requests as some requests will be duplicated. Remember that the MX-20 is a 35kVp X-Ray machine so cannot really penetrate metal. If the metal is aluminium, it can cope with limited thickness.

Fraser

[Melt-O-Tronic]

The thread really is just that fascinating!   

Here's an idea for you . . . STEREO PAIRS!!!   

[Fraser]

Some images of the Raspberri Pi 3 using my newer Faxitron MX-20 equipped with a 100mm x 100mm Hamamatsu USB imager array.

These are all taken in auto exposure mode with 35kV and approx 15 seconds exposure.

I tweaked the image produced by auto exposure mode by changing the ADU window size and centre point. This is after image capture and just allows me to increase contrast in areas of interest or reduce contrast to capture a more holistic view. I did some close ups for comparison with another X-Ray machine so have included those as well.

Enjoy 

Fraser

[Fraser]

More images

[Fraser]

Close ups

[Fraser]

More images

[Fraser]

Demonstrating the practical use of my X-Ray machine.

I own several thermal cameras that can be powered by 8 AA Alkaline cells or a sealed Ni-Mh battery pack. The AA Alkalinne battery pack has three connections. +, - and the battery monitoring pin. The monitoring pin is connected to a small resistor that is also connected to the positive end of the pack.

At first glance it appeared that the Ni-Mh battery was just the AA Alkaline battery holder with a different value battery monitoring resistor and Ni-Mh cells fitted.

Well it looks like I was wrong.

If you look at the two attached pictures you will see a reference AA Alkaline cell holder (empty) and the sealed Ni-Mh battery.
The Ni-Mh battery is shrink wrapped and uses a hollow container with no cell holders, plus it has a PCB running the whole length of the cells on one side. The PCB is wrapped in a shrink wrap sleeve as can be seen. I believe this PCB is 'gas gauge' providing state of charge information to the host camera and dedicated smart charger unit.

If I were to cut the battery pack open, I now know that there is a PCB to be avoided on one side. Very important when dismantling a unit.

Fraser

[Mr.B]

Demonstrating the practical use of my X-Ray machine.

Very cool Fraser.
Thanks for the images.

[Fraser]

X-Ray images of the common DALLAS DS1287 Real Time Clock.

For those unaware, this is a module that contains a real time clock IC, a separate crystal and a Lithium coin cell. The IC, crystal and coin cell are potted into a module and the cell is not intended to be replaced at the end of its life (approx 10 Years) Some equipment uses more exotic types of RTC that are no longer available. When the cell is exhausted the only real option is to carefully cut away the module lid and potting to reveal the cell. A new cell may then be grafted to the RTC IC. Without prior knowledge of a particular module or X-Ray images of it, you are working blind with a Dremel tool on an irreplaceable RTC .... not a happy thought !

As you will see in the images, the X-Ray reveals exactly where it is safe to cut. The MX-20 can apply dimensions to the images as well so a precision piece of surgery can be performed on the RTC module to expose just the parts needed. The potting compound is quite dense but by setting a small ADU window I could extract the detail I needed. Note the IC pins bent upwards to connect to the external components within the potted lid section.

The MX-20 was able to penetrate the coin cell and image the IC die through it. I was pleasantly surprised by this as at 31kV (the auto exposure setting chosen by the MX-20) I did not think such would be possible as the coin cell is steel cased.

Fraser

[Fraser]

Quickly fired up the X-Ray machine again to image a motherboard and thought I would image a Broadcom BCM4501KQMEG to see what it looked like inside. The IC is in a plastic package and has had all its legs removed. This IC my form part of my X-Ray performance test kit.

It is pretty enough to hang a picture of it on a wall   

[Fraser]

Another image of the broadcom. I was adjusting the ADU window and center level to bring out different details. On one exposure was taken and the three images are just the result of ADU display tweaking.

[Fraser]

I am working on a Dell 2205 AIO motherboard that has a blown 5V supply rail generator IC and FET. I wanted to image the area of the board where it is located to see whether any pcb traces have also been fried. It was quite a big POP! when the chip blew judging from the soot around the IC 

Some X-Ray images provided the information I needed.

[Fraser]

Dell 2005 AIO motherboard Northbridge and Southbridge IC's

[Fraser]

A weird one this time.

I was curious so I just imaged the last kidney stone that I gave birth to in January 

Not that interesting but it does have variable density so a wider ADU window was chosen, hence the low contrast. You will need to zoom in to see more detail.

[SeanB]

Those do hurt when you pop them out. Almost as bad as when the pretty nurse comes in and removes that Foley Catheter. Says she will remove on three, and whips it out on one. Then explains people always tense up on two..........

[Fraser]

Toggle Switch
Rocker Switch
Multi turn trimpot large
Multi turn trimpot small

[Fraser]

Push button switch

[Fraser]

For those wondering how an X-Ray machines true resolution is tested during servicing procedures, I have taken a couple of images of the tool used. It is a line pair test piece (gauge) that is made from lead and provides a set of ever diminishing width slots through which the X-Rays pass and are imaged by the camera. The resolution of the system may be read off of the image as the point furthest to the right that individual line pairs may be seen (in zoom mode if provided). The line pair test piece used here is designed for the relatively low resolution security X-Ray mail and bag scanners running at 85kV. It is not of  high enough line pair resolution to test the MX-20 capabilities. It does however act as a quick test piece for image distortion or factors that may reduce its resolution capabilities.

It was no surprise to me that the MX-20 could easily resolve the line pairs at the highest resolution end of the gauge.

The price of the gauges is truly scary. GBP 400 is a cheap one. They go up into the thousands of Pounds. I found this one on ebay for GBP20 so snapped it up.

http://www.radiatronics.com/products.asp?rad_id=RT-PNWX-Line-Pair&prod=X-Ray&str=s&id1=36&id2=298

Sadly saving the image as JPEG seems to degrade the image as it is not as clear as when viewing the original image on the MX-20 19" LCD screen.

Fraser

[mikeselectricstuff]

Sadly saving the image as JPEG seems to degrade the image as it is not as clear as when viewing the original image on the MX-20 19" LCD screen.

Save it as .png to avoid this

[Fraser]

Thanks Mike,

I will give it a go. One of the problems I have posting images here though is file size limitations. I end up having to crop the image down a lot if the compression isn't good and sadly compression can damage the image. In this case, I can crop the image to just the right most end of the gauge so no compression is needed. I will give it a go later.

Fraser

[Fraser]

OK, I just saved the image as a PNG file. Still doesn't seem as good as the image on the MX-20 screen though.

Fraser

[Fraser]

Micro power UHF transmitter module.
This module is designed to be integrated into modern wireless building management systems.
What makes it unusual is that it is powered from a single strike Piezo electric generator mounted in a normal looking light switch. The user just clicks the rocker switch, the Piezo crystal is struck by a spring loaded hammer and power is produced. The power is used by the micro power transmitter to tell one of the many receivers in the building that the user wants a particular action taken . The BMS then carries out the instruction over its network.

This system is designed to permit switches anywhere in a building without the need for wiring You can even mount the switch in the middle of a window or glass partition! Transmitter modules are available for solar as a power source as well.

Well that is what this module is, now the X-Ray images.

If you look carefully you can see the spiral formed by the electrolytic capacitor plates inside their cans. The rest of the busy image makes less sense as you really need the transmitter in your hand or good pictures of it to see what the X-Ray is revealing. I believe the almost opaque cylinder on the right is a SAW resonator.I was able to see inside it using a very narrow ADU window but there was nothing exciting visible.

Fraser

[IconicPCB]

Interesting to see component overlay ink is not quite as transparent to Xray as one might imagine

[Fraser]

The MX-20 is designed to image flesh biopsies so is very capable when it comes to showing very small differences in material densities. In the image of the Thermal camera Alkaline cell holder you can clearly see the AA cell orientation symbols, which was a surprise.

Using the ADU window span and centre point I can target certain densities of material and not have any other greater or lower density materials visible. It can be a very powerful investigation tool.

Fraser

[mikeselectricstuff]

The MX-20 is designed to image flesh biopsies so is very capable when it comes to showing very small differences in material densities.

I always wondered if there is something that could image the ink inside lottery scratch-cards... 

[KE5FX]

The MX-20 is designed to image flesh biopsies so is very capable when it comes to showing very small differences in material densities.

I always wondered if there is something that could image the ink inside lottery scratch-cards... 

You know, I'll bet an IR camera could, even if the Faxitron can't.

[Mechatrommer]

OK, I just saved the image as a PNG file. Still doesn't seem as good as the image on the MX-20 screen though.

1) probably you run into resolution problem. use 16 or 32 bit tiff or bmp (or png or 100% quality jpg if supported). avoid 8 bit downconversion in the workflow in any way...
2) probably you run into monitor respond or gamma difference. re edit image using curve and resave...

[mikeselectricstuff]

There might be a third-party DICOM converter that may do a better job

[Fraser]

I need to disassemble a small Philips IR remote control and took the opportunity to use the MX-20 to reveal where the case clips are located and whether any hidden screws were present. This is just a very simple example of how I use X-Ray to make decisions on case disassembly approach. In this case it is cleat that the clips will not break if a spudger tool is used at the right points.

I used a wide ADU window to show both the case plastics and the electronics within. The clips around the edge of the case look almost 3D which is pretty cool   

I also took the opportunity to image the electronics in a little more detail for this thread.

Fraser

[Fraser]

More close ups of the electronics within the remote.....

Electrolytic capacitor plate detail and the IC bond wires are clearly visible

[Fraser]

Photographs of the little remote to add context to the X-Ray images shown above.

[Fraser]

I just took delivery of two different power supply adapters that I will be converting to power a thermal camera at 8.4V. I chose Sony Camcorder adapters as they re likely to be of decent build quality. One is a 12V/24V car adapter and the other is 240V. Both have unusual power connectors at the output and unknown output wiring configuration. Some dedicated power adapters have sense lines included in the output cable and/or Charge/Run connections in the connectors. I was suspicious that the latter may be the case as the adapters are rated at 1.8A to run a camcorder and 1.5A to charge it.

With this in mind I took some quick and dirty X-Ray images of the weird connectors and the power adapters to establish how many conductors are in the output cable and whether the connectors contained any electronics or multiple connections for charge/run modes. The car adapter uses different output power cables to suit different camcorder models so it has a large connector at the power adapter end and a compact bespoke connector at the camcorder end.

The results of the X-Ray images were clear. Only two conductors are used in the output power cable and no electronics are present in any of the connectors. Good news, no complications. These power adapters should work well with my thermal camera project.

The X-Ray images also demonstrate the limitations of the technology in terms of what an X-Ray can show the user. Cables and connectors are easy to interpret. The densely packed internals of the power adapters less so. Power adapters tend to be populated with heat sinks and other dense objects that mask the PCB tracks so it can be difficult to see what is connected to what. It is possible to see input protection and general topology though. Both of the Sony power adapters use a vertical daughter PCB and so this is not imaged in my 'top down' views. The vertical PCB will likely be the switching controller with the heavy duty components mounted on the main PCB. this is similar to what is to be found in quality laptop power adapters.

Fraser

[Fraser]

More images (12V/24V adapter)

[Fraser]

More images (240V adapter)

[Fraser]

More images (240V adapter)

[Fraser]

That will be all the X-Ray images for a little while as other priorities will be taking precedence.

However, as Arnie would say.... I'll be back !

Fraser

[Melt-O-Tronic]

Unmitigated awesomeness.  THANKS!  The regular photos really enhance the experience too.   

[Fraser]

I have returned 

Awaiting my return home were a pair of One for All 'Zapper' mini IR remote controls that I had ordered. These are car key fob sized remote controls that are used to control my ARGUS thermal camera. They are obsolete now and quite hard to find. I bought a couple just in case I ever need them.

Both were described as 'refurbished' with original manual, but their condition is excellent so likely NOS from somewhere. I wanted to see howto disassemble these units so fired up the Faxitron for a quick image. From cold I had to preheat the X-Ray tube for 300 second, activate the self calibration that took around 120 seconds and then I was ready to take an  X-Ray image. That is a lot quicker than my older Faxitron MX-20.

The images are attached. I now know where all the plastic clips are located that hold the case together 
More X-Ray images will follow, as and when I have a need to image something.

Fraser

[Fraser]

A better view of the case clips was needed so I imaged the remote from another angle to capture the clips format. It appears to be an overlap clip type so should release if careful levering at the case join is employed. Warming the case sides with a hair dryer first eases the process.

Fraser

[Fraser]

A set of X-Ray images demonstrating the limitations of the technology at the lower energy levels used in the MX-20.

The Lithium Ion foil pack battery completely obscures details of the PCB sitting beneath it and the screened WiFi module is also opaque in the images.in such situations the screening cans and battery need to be removed in order to image the PCB's. Even without such disassembly, I can see where the WiFi board is located and the thin coaxial cable leading from it to the top panel mounted antenna. The battery leads are also easily identified.

What is the DUT ?  It is a WiFi SSD hard drive for use with my iPad. It sets itself up as a self powered Wi-Fi hot spot with 128GB SSD storage on it as a virtual iCloud  Neat little device and very portable.

Fraser

[Fraser]

USB multi LED light bought for £1 at the Pound Shop.

[Fraser]

Now for something completely different...... an automatic firing inhaler that I was prescribed when very ill a few years ago. I was interested to see what was inside. This type of inhaler senses when you suck on the exhaust piece and automatically fires the cartridge for the required duration. The mechanism is reset when the exhaust cover is closed after use.  A new product to the UK when I was issued with it. It was interesting to see that the MX-20 had no trouble imaging the different material densities within this device. The unit is plastic, nylon and aluminium (the medication cannister)

Fraser

[Fraser]

Non Contact IR thermometer - Testo 830-T1

Note the metal housing around the pyrometer and optical block. Quality construction and an expensive unit.

Fraser

[Fraser]

Cheap Actron branded non contact mini IR thermometer. Metal used around pyrometer. No optical block as the pyrometer is not fitted with a lens.

Fraser

[Fraser]

Thermo Hygrometer Type 'TH Pen 8708

Note that the last picture was aiming to reveal the tiny thermistor. the hygrometer membrane cannot be imaged unless I take an exposure specifically for it alone as it is very low density and the rest of the image would 'blow out' white.

Fraser

[Fraser]

Cheap Chinese 'Hygro Thermo' pen type  Hygrometer and Thermometer.

Fraser

[Fraser]

Security Prox card for proximity access control system.

Fraser

[Fraser]

Psion 3C memory cards.

These are cased in a steel shell that makes them hard to image with low energy X-Ray. This demonstrated the limitation of this type of X-Ray equipment. Always establish your limitations so that you can manage a customers expectations.

I was able to image enough details to see that the card on the left has more memory chips than the one on the right, and that the card on the left needs a lithium coin cell. The card on the left is a SRAM memory pack whilst the card on the right is a program card containing non volatile flash memory.

Fraser

[Fraser]

I wanted to image the interior of a Sony NP series battery car adapter that three of my thermal cameras use. I was interested to see how complex and well designed such a step down converter would be as failure could fry my expensive cameras.

Sadly power supplies are difficult to image with low energy X-Ray as many of the components used are dense and there are often thick aluminium heat sinks around areas you want to see. Such was the case here, but I could see enough to know that, unlike cheap and simple units, this one is a quality switch mode design.

Fraser

[Fraser]

An official Toshiba PDA car adapter that I use to power my TomTom Classic.

It is just a simple Buck converter by the looks of it. Not much heat sinking and no air vents in the case either.

Fraser

[Fraser]

A quality Testo thermocouple thermometer

This demonstrates why it is important to remove any batteries if possible to prevent them masking the PCB. Batteries are very dense and I cannot image through most of them.

Fraser

[xrunner]

Damn that machine is cool. Thanks for the pics. 

[Fraser]

Low energy X-Ray can also be used to check for some forms of liquid contamination on PCB's. Most notably, battery electrolyte.
If a PCB or piece of equipment has suffered a battery leakage event the leaked electrolyte shows up as more dense than plastic or FR4 PCB material. The effect you see is like wisps of smoke across surfaces, concentrated dense areas where the fluid has collected or soaked into a paper label (as in this case). Corrosion can also lead to a ball of 'corroded stuff' that spall's off of the PCB and floats around inside the equipment causing general havoc if it gets across component leads etc as it is conductive.

This capability lead to my discovering that a used mini remote control that i recently purchased had suffered battery leakage that got onto the PCB. I was already aware that a battery had leaked as one spring terminal had some classic corrosion on it. What I could not see was how far the corrosion had traveled and whether it was on the PCB. The remote is a real PITA to dismantle and as it might have to go back to the seller for exchange, I decided to X-Ray it to see what electrolyte was visible and where it was located.

I have ringed areas of electrolyte contamination and possible corrosion spalling on the attached images.

The seller was impressed by the images and is sending me a new remote along with his sincere apology. The unit had been placed in the 'OK' pile rather than the 'bin' pile when sorting through his stock.

UPDATE: I have added a reference image of the other , non corroded, remote control. The paper label in the battery compartment can be seen but none of the corrosion evidence that was seen on the damaged unit is present. Its always useful to have a known good reference unit during an
X-Ray examination for battery leakage.

Fraser

[Fraser]

Hahnel Uniplus (standard model) Universal battery charger.

I reviewed this charger here:

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/thermal-imaging/flir-e4-others-external-battery-charging-hahnel-unipal-plus/

Thought an X-Ray image might prove interesting. This is the model that does not have the LCD display.

I can now see how the thin sprung battery contacts are formed towards the bottom of the picture, and why one contact is less prominent than the other. the thin contact connection wires could be a point of failure due to work hardening over time.

Fraser

[mikeselectricstuff]

Someone has just started an x-ray youtube channel -  they have a Nordson Dage XD7500VR at work they're allowed to play with out of hours!

 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCioDtoW5sryOfpgLpa_gtiw

http://www.nordson.com/en/divisions/dage/products/x-ray-inspection-systems/xd7500vr-jade-fp

[Fraser]

Thanks for the link Mike. Very impressive.

That machine is like the ones I used to work with. The ability to make real time videos is excellent as the servo X-Ray video demonstrates. The greater X-Ray energy levels makes real time imaging possible, as opposed to our timed exposures lasting several seconds each.

The down side of the machine is its size, weight and running costs. I doubt such a machine will appear on an auction site, but if it did, transportation and assembly by the service agent is very expensive.  I suspect there could also be issues of whether the OEM will provide parts or support to the non original owner. They can be very funny about such things in the X-Ray equipment industry. It is great that the chap has access to such a machine and can use it out of working hours. That is unusual and generous of his employer as the tube cathode/heater has a finite life and is not a cheap part.

Fraser

[Fraser]

There is a DAGE XD7500 for sale on ebay at the moment ..... a bargain at $74K 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dage-Xray-XD7500-Inspection-Machine-X-ray-7500-7600-PCB-SMT-PC-Board-BGA-XiDat-/141979343564?hash=item210ea0dacc:g:aeAAAOSwr7ZW44dC

Fraser

[Fraser]

A Raytek / Fluke Ti30 thermal camera arrived in the post this morning. It had two declared issues, a worn out battery and damaged USB plug on the charger/communications dock. It is my intention to rebuild the battery and fit a new USB cable to the dock.

There is evidence that someone has already tried to open the dock so I thought I would X-Ray it to see if there are any hidden screws or clips. The results appear below. It looks straight forward as the screws are where expected, under the rubber feet ! No hidden clips visible.

Fraser

[Fraser]

More iamges.

These images are all pretty rough as they are just for my use in opening the dock. There appears to be a misplaced spring in the central docking port that I will investigate. I could also hear something knocking around inside the unit....I can see that it is the RFI suppression ferrite on the USB cable. 

[Fraser]

Sure enough, one of the docking port retractable cover springs is misplaced and not correctly seated between the fixed an moving parts of the docking port. No major issue but it demonstrates how X-Ray imaging can reveal otherwise hidden issues.

Fraser

[Fraser]

Now some visible light pictures of the internal parts that you may compare to the X-Ray images. As you can see, the MX-20 can clearly display the positions of the capton tape and foil attached to the units base.

Fraser

[Fraser]

I also wanted to X-Ray image the small status and USB link PCB. I could have drawn the interconnectivity by had using my eyes and a continuity tester but taking an X-Ray image is far quicker and easier  The push switch on the PCB has a metal shroud so I could not image that quickly and cannot be faffed to fine tune the settings to see through the shield at the moment.

Fraser

[Fraser]

A mechanical item being inspected this time.

My Audi A4 1.8 Turbo has been suffering a misfire on cylinder 1 when idling and i decided it was time to investigate. I will not bore you all with details of the investigation except to say, after a lot of work I proved the problem was in the pollution control/vacuum system that sits under the intake manifold.

A known culprit of a misfire at idle id the PCV valve located in the crankcase re-breather circuit that also connects to the intake manifold so it can cause issues with mixture etc.

I spent the day dismantling and inspecting the mass of hoses and one way valves that sit under the manifold. I removed the PCV and stuck it in the Faxitron to see what condition it is in. They have a high failure rate.

Interestingly it appears to be OK but these things are so cheap that it isn't worth taking the risk as it protects the crankcase atmosphere from the turbo charge that enters the inlet manifold. I have ordered an uprated Billet Aluminium PCV designed for the Audi TT as that uses a ball valve and is much better built than this plastic flappy valve design !

Fraser

[Fraser]

I then went on to X-Ray image various hoses and valves to check internal condition etc.

There was one item I really wanted to see inside as it is described as a suction pump and I wanted to see its internal construction.
Its a weird looking thing 


Update: I have added  cutaway view of a suction pump.

If anyone wonders how it works, it is a venturi pump. The main large diameter input and output pipes have air passing through them and this generated a venturi effect with the side mounted jet that sits in the air stream. A vacuum is generated via the jet and the side pipe connector sees a decrease in air pressure (vacuum) that acts upon a PCV valve. Simple enough when you know what lives inside the thing 

Fraser

[Fraser]

Now some hoses and check valves.......

[Fraser]

Replacement parts for my Audi A4 pollution control system started arriving today 

They went int the X-Ray machine to check the quality and presence of the vital parts. The Pancake PCV is very hard to check visually as it is not a simple one way valve like others in the system. A quick look inside with the Faxitron showed me all i needed to see. It is identical to the OEM part.
In fact I would hazard a guess it is the OEM part as the VW Audi symbol and part number have been abraded away ! It is a Metzger part from Germany so likely the supplier to VAG for such parts.

Pics follow

[Fraser]

The Aluminium Billet PCV valve also arrived today. It is a quality part that far exceeds the engineering of the OEM plastic part. X-Ray imaging s difficult due to the thickness of the Aluminium. I took an image anyway just for fun. The stainless steel ball is only just visible. I am including the images of the plastic PCV first and then the new upgraded Aluminium ball valve second.

Fraser

[SeanB]

Nice images Fraser, though often you find the OEM and the aftermarket part are indeed made by the same manufacturer, often in the same mould just with a blanking slug fitted in place of the manufacturers marking. You often can see identical sprue marks, and identical ejection pin mismatches in the original part and the aftermarket one. Making a copy you cannot get those to match.

I have often found VAG will use the aftermarket parts as well, just repackaging them in a VAG branded box before selling them, and after doubling the price and adding a little more just in case there is an issue under warranty.

Just how many of the mouldings in your Audi are marked SEAT on the back side, with my VW it is a lot of plastic, though the engine is original VW Golf along with the gearbox.

[Fraser]

I had to buy two short hoses that have deteriorated due to heat and age (2005 car). Audi charged me £43 for the pair and that is a total rip-off but sadly I could not find decent quality alternatives. Sometimes I use ETKA to find the VW Passat 1.8T part number as that part is often the same, yet cheaper, from the VW dealership. Audi do like to pile on the profit ! Sadly in this case, these particular hoses on the Passat 1.8T are very different, so no dice.  Thank goodness only two of the hoses needed replacement !

The new Billet PCV is a lovely bit of engineering but sadly the X-Ray does not do it justice. So much better than the OEM part. No wonder owners of upgraded 1.8T engines fit these as standard.

In the UK German, Swedish & French Car parts provide VAG parts much cheaper than the dealers. They often offer the choice of OEM supplier or 3rd party copy parts. My father bought a CAT as 'OEM supplier' and it was made by Germany's biggest CAT manufacturer and even had Audi warranty paperwork in the box !

I can see a lot of spare parts coming out of China but I am not convinced these parts are of equivalent quality to the OEM part.

Fraser

[Fraser]

For anyone confused by what they are seeing in the Pancake valve images her is a diagram tat may help. I also attach a picture of the parts internal design. Hopefully readers will now see just how much detail the X-Ray image has captured.

Fraser

[NivagSwerdna]

Do you do requests?  Please can I have a Contactless debit card.   

[Fraser]

I thought of doing that already but the X-Ray will show my card number etc so I have not done it yet.
I could place some lead over the required areas but will need to look into this. Watch this space.

Fraser

[Fraser]

OK, X-Ray images of a contact-less Credit Card. It has a large lump of lead across the bottom half to protect my data but there is nothing to be seen in that section of the card. I have moved the card closer to the top of the MX-20's chamber to achieve true (not digital) magnification of the IC etc.

The chip area actually looks quite pretty 

Enjoy 

Fraser

[Fraser]

Not sure if the following images are of interest but I thought I would make some  images of a weird ceramic IC with a ROM socket on its top, and some lamps of various types.

I hope you enjoy 

Fraser

[Fraser]

Lamp

[Fraser]

Lamp filament

[Fraser]

Fluoro - 2 types

[Fraser]

Fluoro2

[Fraser]

Fluoro starter

[SeanB]

Nice pictures Fraser, the Tornado and the Ambiance are nice to see the internal construction, and the S10 starter as well. Too bad the starter cap does not show up well at all.

Debit card is interesting in how they use a spring to get the NFC coil connections, and then the flip over board to hold the chip on the back of the contact pads while bonding them on.

[Fraser]

Hi SeanB,

I suspect I can do better on the starter to capture the cap in more detail. Watch this space

Fraser

[Fraser]

Hmmm the capacitor in that starter is very low density. It makes it challenging to image , especially through the glass envelope of the gas filled bi-metallic switch.

Here are some quick attempts to get a better image. No real improvement. You can easily see the capacitor leads but the foil is very hard to capture as three quarters are behind the glass.

I want to build a rotation servo so that items like this may be rotated in a jig to make multi angle images. Possible then animating the many images together ?

Fraser

[Fraser]

Another deviation from the electronics theme 

This time a sea shell. If anyone ever doubted that nature contains beautiful shapes, the common sea shell proves that it does.

Sea shells are actually quite hard to image due to their often dense construction. Very hard and often quite thick in shells like Sea Cowrie's etc.

A land snail shell would be easier but I did not have one to hand and a live one will likely go walkies on the imaging shelf !

Fraser

[firewalker]

Is there any chance you could find an EPP module to X-ray it?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encrypting_PIN_Pad

Alexander.

[Fraser]

I do not have access to such a keypad and an X-Ray could reveal the countermeasures that I know are present in the design. Likely not a good idea to publish such images on the internet eh ? 

I do not think my MX-20 would penetrate the stainless steel faceplate anyway.

Fraser
 

[firewalker]

The EPP module is easily removed by stainless still keypad. By doing so it gets erased. I have seen discarded ATMs in recycle center with the module still attached.

There is also a teardown.



Alexander.

[Fraser]

Yeah fair enough but I tend to avoid anything connected with credit unions, banks or other financial institutions. I do not need the grief if they take exception to something I post 

The potted encryption module appears a pretty decent countermeasure. I would not be at all surprised to find X and Y matrix anti drill membranes inside it. If they have done their job properly it will also include anti-X-Ray screening of specific areas within it. Much depends on the perceived vulnerabilities that are being protected in the design.

Fraser

[Fraser]

PicKit 2

[Fraser]

Winstar LCD panel 2X16

[Fraser]

Winstar LCD close ups

[Fraser]

Winstar LCD very close up. Still no sign of any bond wires under the black epoxy blob.

[Fraser]

New PT100 'patch' sensor for my ultrasonic cleaner.

If you download the last two images and zoom in you can clearly see the platinum film resistor 

[tszaboo]

Can we get images of items that people usually take on an airplane? Phone, power bank, passport, electric razer, pens, headphones and such? Awesome thread btw. thank you.

[Fraser]

NANDBlog,

Can I ask why you would want to see such please ?

I have worked in the technical security arena all my working life and I get a little nervous when people want to see what an airport X-Ray scanner can, or more importantly, cannot see. Call me paranoid, but we live in a pretty evil world these days.

As for an X-Ray of my passport..... Hmmmm I will see what my machine shows before deciding to upload it. UK passports may contain some security features that I would not want to publish (beyond the Biometric Prox)

Fraser

[CatalinaWOW]

While I am fairly confident that Nandblogs questions reflect curiosity, I share and support your concerns about posting such things on a public forum.  No reason to make the path easier for the dark hearts out there.

[Fraser]

It is so sad that we have to think like this but recent events with the mysterious loss of the Air Egypt flight does make me very careful when asked about airline security systems and what they can detect or see.

Such a sad state of affairs and sadly we must live with such until the threat is dealt with.

Fraser

[tszaboo]

NANDBlog,

Can I ask why you would want to see such please ?

I have worked in the technical security arena all my working life and I get a little nervous when people want to see what an airport X-Ray scanner can, or more importantly, cannot see. Call me paranoid, but we live in a pretty evil world these days.

As for an X-Ray of my passport..... Hmmmm I will see what my machine shows before deciding to upload it. UK passports may contain some security features that I would not want to publish (beyond the Biometric Prox)

Fraser

Curiosity. I am almost sure there must be some metal in a passport. I am just wondering how much do they actually see. I also wonder how much data NSA might have about me. Must be something, since I left my fingerprint on the US border.
I dont have any nefarious reasons. Ignore my request if you dont feel comfortable with it.

[Fraser]

Nandblog,

I do not tend to ignore people's requests but some areas of curiosity are also of interest to people without your innocent motives.

UK Biometric passports contain counter copying technology and a proximity chip that contains certain biometric data. More than that I am not willing to say.

Fingerprints are taken at borders and run through a 'persons of interest' database. The fingerprint may be saved by some Countries depending upon the local laws on Data Protection. Your finger print is a non invasive way to make you unique in a database. It helps to prevent people travelling on false papers, no matter how convincing the forgeries.

Alternative biometric data sources are DNA testing and Retina scanning but both are unpopular with the public. Facial mapping is also an option. Fingerprints are quick and easy. Even my iPad AIR2 reads my fingerprint as part of its security system.

There is a saying and it honestly applies in this case..... If you have done nothing illegal or harmful to the country you reside in or are entering, you have nothing to fear. Some will disagree with that statement but thankfully that is their prerogative

Fraser

[SeanB]

Fraser, you will almost likely never image that capacitor easily, as it is a very thin polycarbonate film, almost totally transparent to Xray, and the metallised film is so thin it might as well almost not be there.

With your thin film sensor, you can see the 2 trims done to it to get it up to the correct resistance, there are 3 adjustment points where they shunted out the foil in sections, and the laser trims do show up on the bottom. They must make them with etching after sputtering, and control the thickness carefully.

[mikeselectricstuff]

UK Biometric passports contain counter copying technology and a proximity chip that contains certain biometric data. More than that I am not willing to say.

If there are features that rely on their secrecy for security, that is very worrying. Security by obscurity doesn't have much of a track record....

[Fraser]

The latest addition to my X-Ray equipment inventory is a new or 'as new' Trophy (now Kodak Carestream) high resolution Digipan X-Ray camera array.

The Digipan camera array is a cartridge that is used in place of the film cassette in panoramic Dental X-Ray machines. Thankfully the version I bought is flat and not the curved version. The array has an active surface of approximately 120mm x 240mm which is twice the width of my MX-20 array 

From what I can discover, the Digipan contains two 120mm x 120mm X-Ray imaging arrays, most probably Hamamatsu panels, but I have yet to discover what resides inside the cassette so this is all supposition. 

There is the problem of driving the camera array but if the modules are, as I expect, COTS products, I may be able to find enough data to drive them with a PC. Some of what I have discovered about the unit suggests that it is USB communications to the Host PC, but again, I need to confirm this myself.

These cost around £10K so it was a decent buy for me for just £100 

Once I have the unit in my hands, the investigation will begin. I have a working Gendex dental X-Ray generator to illuminate the Digipan if the MX-20 beam is too confined.

Fraser

[mikeselectricstuff]

I also have another x-ray system on the way later this week.... stay tuned!

[Fraser]

Excellent 

I love my X-Ray capability and would not be without it now.

I have been watching a couple of Todd Research BASIX-30 bag scanners as their prices dropped over the weeks that they have been listed. I stripped mine down and scrapped it. They are now selling for around £800 which is pretty good for a £15k machine. Sadly the image capture system is quite old fashioned and uses a small CCTV camera feeding a frame grabber. That limits the resolution. The best recent ebay offering was the unit that Toploser gave a home to. Very nice indeed, but sadly I had to pass on financial grounds and my wife would have gone nuts if another X-Ray machine arrived   

Glad you found another X-Ray machine to use as I know you wanted one with a larger array.

Fraser

[mikeselectricstuff]

I'm still on the lookout for a decent size panel detector.
The unit I'm getting is a dental CT scanner which is being scrapped as the tube is nearly dead and they were quoted 20K to replace. Sensor looks similar to a slice of the one in my Faxitron.
http://www.scanco.ch/en/systems-solutions/specimen/microct40.html

[Fraser]

Mike,

I have a working X-Ray tube from the Todd Research Basix-30. It is a Toshiba product but no idea whether it could be adapted to fit your machine.

Fraser

[Fraser]

Just thought, the TR Basix-30 did not use a micro focus tube so likely is not good enough for your CT unit 

Fraser

[Fraser]

SeanB

Thanks for the comments.

I will X-Ray just a mylar capacitor and see how the MX-20 copes. It is pretty sensitive to even low density materials but when there are both high and low density materials mixed, it makes life a bit harder 

Fraser

[Fraser]

OK, here is the film capacitor that I have removed from the Fluoro starter unit. It is far easier to image when away from the starter casing and glass thermo switch.

First some visible pictures to provide context.

The X-Ray images show the film section of the capacitor and even the air pockets in the resin encapsulation.

Fraser

[Fraser]

I removed the controller PCB from my Ultrawave Hydrea ultrasonic cleaner so that I could identify all I/O port circuits.

As can be seen, X-Ray makes it reasonably easy to trace the PCB tracks around I/O ports and other parts of the pcb.

Fraser

[Fraser]

More....

[Fraser]

More......

[Fraser]

Last two of the Ultrasonic controller PCB.

[NivagSwerdna]

Thanks for the Chip & Pin images 

[Fraser]

A couple of non electronic samples now.

I found some corn and a tree branch today so thought I would X-Ray them to see what shows on the images.

The MX-20 is designed to image animal and vegetable matter so this is not that unusual a sample for it. Farmers and production companies look at the corn to see if there are infestations or issues with grain quality.

Fraser

[Fraser]

More corn

[Fraser]

More corn

[Fraser]

More corn

[Fraser]

Tree Sample - It has spines rather than leaves.

[Fraser]

More Tree

[Fraser]

Last tree image.

[Fraser]

X-Ray images of my newly acquired laser power meter probe type Advantest TQ82017.

This very nice probe is used with my laser power meters to measure teh energy output of CD and DVD laser diodes as well as many IR emitters.

I expected a calibration memory chip in the probe but no sign of such. The probe is calibrated against a dark background on each power cycle, so that must be all that is required.

Fraser

[Fraser]

More detail

[SeanB]

Wheat did you expect Fraser, to find a mealworm inside.

[Fraser]

😆

[Fraser]

Poundshop 3W LED 240V lamp

Correction..... The lamp came from Poundland.

[Fraser]

Failed Philips low energy candle lamp.

One heater can be seen to be open circuit. The Lamp lasted about 8 months before failing.

Fraser

[Gyro]

Poundshop 3W LED 240V lamp

Nice to see that even a Poundshop one has a reasonable looking fusible resistor and sleeving. 

[Fraser]

oooops, just checked the receipt, the lamps came from Poundland. Sorry.
I will correct my original post.

The LED lamps are branded as Electrek. I went for the 3W versions as the 5W ones apparently run very hot and the LED's can desolder themselves ! The 3W is said to be fine though.

[Gyro]

the 5W ones apparently run very hot and the LED's can desolder themselves !

That would make an interesting image! 

Off to Poundland it is then.

[Fraser]

Time for some new activity in this thread me thinks 

I have just completed a repair and configuration job on a Faxitron DX-50 mini Digital X-Ray system.
The DX-50 normally comes with a small Digital camera array but this unit came equipped with the largest one i have ever seen in this chassis....the DC12 option USB Hamamatsu 120mm x 120mm digital plate.

As I needed to carry out some test images on the unit before declaring it fit for service, I thought I would upload them here. Many will have been seen before in his thread but these are taken using a different Faxitrom machine type. The DX-50 can produce up to 35KVp so is in the same class as the MX-20, just with a smaller chamber size and slightly lower tube current. I can actually lift this whole machine off of the desk without difficulty.. Picture attached.

This particular DX-50 is special because of its large imaging area and the owner who deals in used medical equipment will be selling it for around £2500. Prices on Faxitron machines are rising fast.

Enjoy 

Fraser

[Fraser]

DX-50 images begin......

[Fraser]

Continued

[Fraser]

Continued

[Fraser]

Continued

[Fraser]

Continued

[Fraser]

Continued

[Fraser]

Last images from the DX-50 

I think its new owner will be very please with it 

Fraser

[KE5FX]

Newly "restored" Faxitron MX-20 with two Radicon RadEye 2 CMOS image sensors (2048 x 1024 total) and homebrew USB digitizer (4x AD9240 ADCs recycled from original Bioptics PCB, plus Spartan3E FPGA and Cypress FX2LP):





Lesson learned: don't buy one of these things without the original PC. 

BeagleBone Black, 37KV / 325 uA, 30 second exposure, X1 magnification at bottom of cabinet, downscaled 2.5:1 for posting:



Closeup of BGA in center of board, 5x magnification at top shelf:



The above were processed with a median filter to remove a few dead pixels and lines/columns, followed by minor contrast correction and sharpening in Photoshop.  Not too bad for what are basically raw images, with no dark-field calibration or other corrections that the original Faxitron software would have applied.

[Fraser]

For anyone in the UK interested in owning one of these wonderful MX-20 X-Ray systems, I am selling one of mine. It has produced many of the images shown in this thread and is in great condition with low hours on the tube.

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/faxitron-mx-20-high-resolution-x-ray-machine-from-fraser-120mmx120mm-model/

Fraser

[Fraser]

I fired up the Faxitron for an important task this week.

I bought a faulty FLIR DUO R thermal camera and needed to find out how its case was secured. I could find no obvious fixings and suspected hidden screw under the front label plastic trim label. That label is VERY fragile and brittle so I wanted to be sure I had a reason to remove it before proceeding.

The X-Ray images were taken only for identification of screws and not for detail of the electronics within. The DUO R camera uses a metal rear casing so I was uncertain how well I could image the unit. Thankfully the casing is a low density metal and 35kVp was adequate for the task. I could easily identify the two screws that hold the case together and could even see the front panel label and the screw head recesses beneath. The threads on screws are very easily seem using X-Ray. I removed the front panel label using a combination of heat and razor blades. Thankfully it came off intact  The screws are M1.6 x 18mm.

Here are the X-Ray images to demonstrate one use of my Faxitron in electronics equipment disassembly.

Fraser

[Fraser]

More pics of DUO R......

[Fraser]

Visible light pictures of the DUO R camera as a reference for the above X-Ray images......

[KE5FX]

Out of curiosity, Fraser, what do you do for tube warmup on your MX-20?  The manual that came with mine advises an initial 300-second exposure at 20 kVp before running at higher voltages.  But it doesn't say how often this should be done, such as after every X hours of idle time. 

If the idea is to reduce thermal shock to the anode, then I would think it would need to be repeated frequently.  But if the goal is to maintain vacuum integrity then I'd expect it would only be needed at much longer intervals (days or weeks).  Do you know anything about that, beyond what little the manual says?

[BD1QMP]

Hi KE5FX
   
   I am a designer of Medical X-ray system, from my experience, some tube manufactures suggest the user to conduct seasoning (warm up)process when not used for 3 months.  The goal is to maintain vacuum integrity. The warmup shot will be from lowest kV to higher kV step by step.( we use 5kV step).

[KE5FX]

Thanks, that does agree with what I've read elsewhere.  It's strange that the documentation says to do it every time the machine is powered up... or at least, that what it seems to imply.

[mikeselectricstuff]

Hi KE5FX
   
   I am a designer of Medical X-ray system, from my experience, some tube manufactures suggest the user to conduct seasoning (warm up)process when not used for 3 months.  The goal is to maintain vacuum integrity. The warmup shot will be from lowest kV to higher kV step by step.( we use 5kV step).

Presumably this is to avoid flashover, but is this likely to be an issue on a tube like the one in the  MX20 that only runs at 35kv?

[Psi]

I can confirm that Rapiscan x-rays also have this incremental warm-up procedure if the generator has not been run for some time. However it's a manual process you choose to do by running through service manual steps and tweaking the pots on the x-ray driver PCB. The warm-up is not enforced by the system at all.

L3 x-ray machines also have this incremental warm-up, but the control PC does it automatically at startup if it detects the machine has been off for too long. You just have to wait for it to finish before it will let you do anything.

[Fraser]

Just in case anyone is interested here, I am selling a digital X-Ray imaging plate here:

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/fs-digital-x-ray-imaging-plate-plus-information-on-how-to-connect-to-pc-and-use/

Fraser

[Treehouseman]

I guess I'll try this again, I think I tried putting too many pictures in one post and it just failed out... But I recently picked up a Siemens Heliodent MD (60-70kV 7mA) and some 400 speed cassettes and I've been messing around trying to learn how to get the most out of it until I can afford to get a digital sensor. I'll start with the first pictues and go from there. My initial setup was shooting off an an angle with the sheet facing the object at a distance so I could get a view of it, but now I'm using a mirror shooting from behind with some macro filters. The camera I'm using is a Nikon D7000. I'm going to see about getting the raw files hosted somewhere.

Starting off with the angled shots:

Fluke 179
Hitachi 6GB Microdrive

[Treehouseman]

That filesize limit is killer, I'll just have to get these elsewhere in full resolution.

2.5" HDD 640GB
55-200mm Nikon DX kit lens
Fluke 179
Sony Watchman FD-10A

[Treehouseman]

Continued

Zelda Oracle of Ages for GameBoy Color
EL34 Tube
Sony PS One display (The one at attached to the back of the later model slim ps one)
Benchmarq 64k NVRAM bq4010MA-85

[Treehouseman]

Continued

Philips XP2072/B Photomultiplier tube
GL-2C44 Lighthouse Triode
Cosel ZUS60515 5v in 15v out isolated DC-DC converter
6GB Hitachi Microdrive

I suppose I'll make this the last photos uploaded for now, that's probably enough bumping of an old thread, but I'll probably make one more post with a link to the full size/raw images later.

[Ultrapurple]

At the risk of resurrecting a zombie thread, I thought it may be of interest to see inside a couple of high-capacity microSD cards.

On the left is a 512GB card of indeterminate brand - it may look like a dodgy fake but it genuinely is 512GB. On the right is a SanDisk 1TB microSD - again, genuine.

I took the 'easy' X-Rays first, with the cards flat on the imaging plane, then the much harder transverse view with the cards stood on end or on edge. Due to the way the bond wires are placed, the 512GB card X-Rayed better when stood on its long edge, while the 1TB card was better viewed when standing on its short edge. If you look really carefully at the 1TB transverse view you can just see the gold contacts (at the bottom) as an undulation of about 1 pixel thickness.

Those who know more than me are welcome to correct me, but looking at the side-on view of the 512GB card, it appears to have four layers (dies) stacked on top of each other and wire-bonded at the 'pins' end of the card. The 1TB card, on the other hand, appears to have three separate stacks of dies - two of five and the bottom one of six, I think. It's hard to see clearly on the X-Ray, but do bear in mind that the cards are only about 900µm thick except at the 'bottom', so being able to resolve any detail is good going!

Both of the cards have a much smaller driver die in the bottom right. In the 1TB card it's actually tucked under the overhang of the bottom stack of memory dies!

I think the reason we see the individual dies in the stacks as thin lines separated by voids is that the lines may be the metallisation layer(s) on the dies, which are more opaque to the 35kV X-Rays than bulk silicon. But on the 1TB card the dies have been thinned to such an extent that there's precious little silicon left under the metallisation. Assuming the stack of 16 dies is 800µm high then each die can only be 50µm thick. I think it's amazing that I can (just) resolve details that fine - but not as amazing as the engineering that has gone into making it possible to store a terabyte of data in an overall package of 15 x 11 x 1mm (165 cubic mm, according to Wikipedia). Put is another way, the overall storage density is something like 6GB per cubic millimetre.

Wow.

Please note: I wish to retain the copyright of this image but you can use it under the terms of CC BY-SA, credited to Ultrapurple.

[Gyro]

It's a zombie thread that needs resurrecting. 

[Ultrapurple]

It's a zombie thread that needs resurrecting. 

In that case...

SIM card

Raspberry Pi Pico

Leadframe, bond wires & chip

Bluetooth earbuds

[Ultrapurple]

18-pin DIP (probably a plastic packaged PIC)

128GB microSD

Automatic lancet (finger-pricker)

Main board, battery protection board & sundries in a cheap tablet

[Ultrapurple]

Not exactly 'engineering' as we know it, but a proof-of-concept fusion of an X-Ray and colour photo of the same item.

[Ultrapurple]

Finally, for now, a fusion of LWIR, visible and X-Ray.

[_Wim_]

Finally, for now, a fusion of LWIR, visible and X-Ray.

That's my favorite combination! Should invest in an X-Ray machine also, but to damn expensive just to play around with the technology...

[CatalinaWOW]

Interesting photos.  I have long been fascinated by the possibilities of using false color sub-bands of various spectral regions.  Regions which behave more or less uniformly over the total band covered so that the process is analogous to our color vision in the visible.  I haven't done much with it, and to be honest the few attempts I have made have not generally proved very exciting. 

The three spectral bands you are using have very different qualities (one dominated by self emission, one dominated by reflected light and one dominated by optical density).  Have you found these composites of spectral regions with widely different properties useful, or is it purely an artistic endeavor?

[KE5FX]

At the risk of resurrecting a zombie thread, I thought it may be of interest to see inside a couple of high-capacity microSD cards.

Great shots.  What machine are you running? 

[Ultrapurple]

@CatalinaWOW - Thank you for your kind words.

I presently own equipment to image in LWIR, MWIR, SWIR, NIR, visible (duh!), near-UV and X-Ray and have done many experiments over the years. Most has been LWIR, NIR, visible and near-UV, simply because my capabilities have only extended to X-Ray, MWIR & SWIR relatively recently.

It can be a challenge to get (subjectively) 'good' results, especially when dealing with imaging systems of vastly different types. Mostly I use the decades-old stalwart Paint Shop Pro X for image combination and editing, though other software comes in handy too (eg Microsoft Image Composite Editor to make hi-res thermal images). It really is a matter of 'suck it and see', though with experience comes a better feel for what may, or may not work. Thermal, visible and X-Ray do work reasonably well together, for example




but of course there is a physical limitation on the size of things that can be X-Rayed. It would be difficult for an amateur experimenter to X-Ray the Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza, though I have made visible and high resolution thermal images of them.



I can't help thinking that X-Raying (or, more likely, gamma-raying) the Pyramids might reveal some interesting information.

[Ultrapurple]

@KE5FX - I am fortunate to have two cabinet-type X-Ray systems. The first was a ScanMax 20 mail scanner, which was very low resolution when it came to me but I modified it with a higher resolution imaging system (without, I hasten to add, affecting the cabinet's X-Ray containment). This is the sort of resolution I got from the original setup (the subject is a Nexus 10, 10" Android tablet, and I am aware there's an aspect ratio error):



and once I'd 'breathed' on it, I was able to get images like this (a Nexus 5 phone, very roughly the size of one of the batteries in the tablet):



More recently I have acquired a Faxitron MX-20 (rather like the one Fraser / Aurora describes earlier in this thread) with a 100mm square 4Mpix imaging sensor, which lets me produce much higher resolution images - not least because the MX-20 has a microfocus tube with a very small spot size, far smaller than that of the Scanmax. Spot size is a limiting factor on image sharpness and resolution - if you look closely at a shadow in sunlight you'll notice that the edges are never actually sharp because the sun appears about half a degree across. If we were on (say) Pluto, much further away, shadows would be very much sharper because the sun would approximate a point source. 

Why keep two X-Ray machines? Well, the Faxitron MX-20 is incredibly convenient to use and has exquisite resolution, but tops out at 35kV and can't penetrate metals very well. The older ScanMax 20 produces higher energy X-Rays (55kV I think, though possibly higher) and thus offers better penetration.

[Ultrapurple]

One last point whilst I'm feeling garrulous. I don't claim to be anything like an expert on X-Ray imaging, technology, or - most importantly - safety. The machines I have were designed for safe use by relatively untrained personnel in what amounted to an open office environment. There are many new and used X-Ray machines on sale here and there that don't have shielding (sometimes by design, like hospital X-Ray machines) and/or require significant training in order to use them safely. Don't forget, too, that X-Ray machines necessarily involve high voltages - sometimes above 100kV and rarely below 10kV - from power supplies designed to produce current.

If you don't know what you're doing, stay away from X-Rays. Like other forms of ionising radiation you can't hear, see, smell or taste X-Rays but they are harmful and the damage they do to you is cumulative. By all means get yourself some training (or at least read around the subject, from authoritative sources), but don't just rely on an internet forum for safety advice!

[Mecanix]

The Unofficial Where-to-Conceal Enthusiast Terrorist thread!!!

In all seriousness, great and fascinating pics 

[KE5FX]

I can't help thinking that X-Raying (or, more likely, gamma-raying) the Pyramids might reveal some interesting information.

That was Luis Alvarez's thinking as well.  His early work with muon imaging didn't reveal anything too interesting, but it looks like they've continued to pursue the idea.

Are you running the Bioptics or Hamamatsu sensor in your MX-20?  Those images are sharper and cleaner than I tend to get from my Bioptics-based unit.

[Wolfram]

@KE5FX - I am fortunate to have two cabinet-type X-Ray systems. The first was a ScanMax 20 mail scanner, which was very low resolution when it came to me but I modified it with a higher resolution imaging system (without, I hasten to add, affecting the cabinet's X-Ray containment). This is the sort of resolution I got from the original setup (the subject is a Nexus 10, 10" Android tablet, and I am aware there's an aspect ratio error):

That's a quite dramatic improvement. Did you replace the detector with a digital flat panel detector, or is it still based on a screen-camera system?

Edit: Added a film X-ray of a couple of small lightbulbs still in the box, in the spirit of the thread.

[Ultrapurple]

I will check which sensor the machine uses the next time I fire it up. If it's a clue, the panel has a single USB connection to the host PC.

@Wolfram: In the Scanmax, I replaced the original high-brightness phosphor sheet with a Kodak Lanex Fine extracted from a used hospital X-Ray dry imaging cartridge got from eBay. (They were/are plentiful as hospitals replaced dry imagers with digital panels). The original imaging system comprised a 45° rear-surface mirror and a TV camera. I replaced the camera with a DSLR (tethered to a PC) and, later, replaced the mirror (which was a bathroom mirror tile!) with a first-surface mirror (front silver).

[Ultrapurple]

Here's something I did with the Faxitron recently. It started life as a daffodil.

Interestingly, getting the right X-Ray voltage was important for this image. There was about 2kV between peak image quality and blowing right through the petals.

[nfmax]

It's a zombie thread that needs resurrecting. 

In that case...

Zombie thread? It's barely out of short pants! Take a look at The Wireless World issue of April 2nd 1921 https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Wireless-World/20s/Wireless-World-1921-04.pdf on page 7, to see how much the art of Geek has progressed in almost exactly 100 years 

[Ultrapurple]

I doff my hat to nfmax.

There are also some relevant visible images of the subject discussed in the Wireless World piece; I love the 'jigger switch'! (And yes, I am almost old enough to remember what a jigger coil did).

[nfmax]

I doff my hat to nfmax.

There are also some relevant visible images of the subject discussed in the Wireless World piece; I love the 'jigger switch'! (And yes, I am almost old enough to remember what a jigger coil did).

And WTF is a Billi-condenser?

[Ultrapurple]

And WTF is a Billi-condenser?

Very useful - even essential - when you're distilling Billi.

Although the Science Museum says it's an early form of adjustable capacitor.

[Ultrapurple]

Now for a bit of fun.

I fired up my older ScanMax ex-mailroom scanner that manages >55kV, meaning it's rather better than the Faxitron at penetrating the sort of metal shields you find in, for example, phones. So I submitted my Samsung S20 5G to the X-Ray Torture Test. The ScanMax hadn't been fired up for a year or more and various bits of the optical system had drifted out of alignment and/or got a bit dusty, so I didn't get quite the same sort of image quality I'd achieved in, for example, the Nexus 5 shown earlier in this thread.

But then I had an idea. I noticed the geometry of the X-Ray image was pretty-much spot-on, so I displayed it full-screen on the phone itself, then photographed that.

I rather like the result.

[Mr.B]

^ Great lock screen image...

[harerod]

@Ultrapurple: Would you consider turning this into a service? 
There must be millions, maybe even dozens, who want that for their own cellphone...

[Ultrapurple]

@Ultrapurple: Would you consider turning this into a service? 
There must be millions, maybe even dozens, who want that for their own cellphone...

Well... yes... but...

"Send your highly valuable cell phone to a stranger, along with its unlock codes, so that I can X-Ray it and add the image to your sexting folder"

Actually, I'm beginning to like the idea, provided I can be selective!

[Ultrapurple]

Here are a couple of better versions of the S-20 X-Ray.

[Ultrapurple]

... And a slightly less heavily processed version.

The X-Rays were made on my modified Scanmax S20 mailroom scanner using a Nikon D700 as the image capture device. This image is an Autostakkert!-stacked version of about 10 images at ISO 2000. Ultimate resolution is in the region of 5 to 7 line pairs/mm, not as good as my Faxitron but the higher energy X-Rays penetrate better.

Resolution is ultimately limited by the fact that the Scanmax tube is not of the microfocus type, so its spot size is relatively large. I mitigate this as best I can by having the subject sitting right on the phosphor, but even 1 or 2 mm of device thickness has a noticeable effect on sharpness.

[Gyro]

Nice image of the wireless charging coil. Something inside me keeps saying 'drill here'.

[Ultrapurple]

Anyone fancy guessing exactly what this piece of 1970s tech is?



(Full-size image below, 2113 x 1057 pixels)

[Gyro]

Easy (unless I've got it wrong!). It's a calculator.

Based on the 7 segment LED bubble display and the mains adaptor socket. The ceramic flatpack IC I'm not sure about,  I'd guess at a CBM, but possibly TI or HP?.

[KE5FX]

Was thinking maybe TI-1200, but the power switch is too close to the center.

[Gyro]

Damn, you mean you don't know the answer? 

Edit: Trying to remember which ones used 9V batteries.

[Ultrapurple]

@Gyro - you're right about a calculator. But which one?

@KE5FX Big clue: it's not a TI.

I do know this is going to be something of a guessing game but I will throw out the odd clue.

Although the IC looks like it's an ancient round-with-square-leads it is actually a rectangular ceramic-bodied device. You can just see the outline of the package if you look hard enough.

[harerod]

Something like
https://www.calculator.org/calculators/Commodore_886D.html

My father had one. Sadly, one of the first victims of my growing interest in electronics.

[Ultrapurple]

@Harerod - unfortunately, no. This calculator had a slide power switch on the left side of the case. But thanks for linking to calculator.org - they do have a photo of this not-rare calculator.

I love their standard fix-it advice:

If you have a <calculator name> that is no longer working, you can first try replacing the PP3 9V battery. If that doesn't solve the problem, then you can consider replacing the calculator with a modern equivalent.

[nfmax]

Anyone fancy guessing exactly what this piece of 1970s tech is?

It looks like a Sinclair Scientific - which does actually use a TI IC

[Ultrapurple]

@nfmax - Afraid not.

I think the Sinclair Scientific had the battery between the keys and display. And the X-Ray shows the power switch on the left of the PCB (actually actuated by a plastic assembly on the left flank of the case) rather than the upper right of the keypad on the Sinclair Scientific.

It's not a Sinclair of any description.

[Gyro]

Yes, there must have been very few calculators that had the power switch operating vertically on the top left of the keyboard. Most I know of were horizontally actuated and top right, or on the side (Casio).

The Sinclairs had rather more logic and discretes inside.

[Ed.Kloonk]

Q: Have you at all managed to baulk any of the target devices as a result of being under the beam? Any noticeable ill-effects on your subjects?

[Ultrapurple]

@Ed.Kloonk - No, no borkage to date.

My X-Ray machines are relatively low power, low energy. I can't remember precisely the spec of the one I used for this image but it is something like 55kV, 0.5mA and exposures are limited to five or six seconds. I wouldn't put my hand inside (even if I decided to defeat the safety interlocks) but I've not seen any permanent damage to anything.

If I put a running video camera in the path of the 55kV beam then, as expected, there is a veritable snowstorm of noise.

A DSLR at high ISO in the lower power machine (microfocus tube, 35kV max, c 50µA) will also show a lot of noise, but I have no need to do that as the machine is equipped with a roughly 100mm square solid state imager.

I have yet to try putting anything close to the higher power tube aperture. I imagine that the (very much) higher intensity might give some semiconductors something to think about, but I don't know enough about the effects of X-Rays on silicon or germanium devices to make any meaningful guesses about what might happen. (The limited experience I have with bulk material seems to suggest silicon is largely transparent and germanium largely opaque, but there are relatively few germanium ICs available these days...)

Flash memory devices, which I'd intuitively expect to be more susceptible than, say, a power transistor, don't seem to show any problems after casual X-Raying.




Most of the memory card manufacturers warranty their cards as invulnerable to airport-type X-Ray machines, some of which use rather higher energies and powers than my little toys.

[Alex Eisenhut]

P6042 transformer. Did I already post this? 

[Fraser]

Ed.Klondike,

Care is required when exposing Electret Microphones to X-Ray. The exposure reduces the charge on the microphone diaphragm and the result is permanently reduced performance or complete failure. This damage is irreversible by the end user. The damage is relative to the total exposure however so quick tests in a MX-20 may not create noticeable change but is still best avoided if the electret microphone is valuable. For those wondering why this effect occurs, research the old Pen type radiation dosimeters that used a charged filament to detect radiation. The radiation discharges the pre-charge on the filament within the ion chamber.

Some care is also recommended when exposing sensitive memory cells to X-Ray radiation. Corruptions can occur with the memory cells. If in doubt, protect the memory chips with lead foil. Better still, do not X-Ray important memory chips that contain unique, non backed up, data ! X-Rays at sensible levels do not normally harm semiconductor junctions.

Fraser

[jmh]

CV56 magnetron (https://valvecollector.uk/cv56.htm)

CV64 magnetron (https://valvecollector.uk/cv64.htm)

Some packaged triode oscillator, forgot what!

These were rather fun to take though many years ago now. Someone in the local hospital did these in an x-ray suite when the place was empty. A nurse walking through was rather surprised at the devices laying on an x-ray bed!

[Ultrapurple]

I thought the LED display of the 'mystery calculator' warranted closer examination so I put it in my microfocus tube-equipped Faxitron MX20. Orienting the calculator at an oblique angle and giving it 19.9 seconds at 35kV resulted in this fine image. Click to embiggen.



I really like how clearly we can see the vias and the bonding wires from the LED chips to the PCB substrate. And if you look closely at the via to the right of the rightmost digit you can see the ghostly outline of the bubble magnifier. I was also interested to see that the substrate is clearly made to accept nine digits (there are even nine bubble magnifiers) but this calculator and its brethren only used eight. The ninth digit place was unpopulated - not surprisingly, as early LED digits were still quite expensive. (Looking at the substrate layout I guess it's possible the extra position was intended for a different type of LED, for example +).

(added in edit) The subject of this little fun competition used the digit to the left of its most significant digit to indicate "-" for negative values, thus reducing the display precision from 8 digits to 7 for all negative numbers. I believe a later version in the same family used a very similar LED display but with with a "-" in the 'empty' position, thus making the display accuracy the same for positive and negative values alike.

Full res original below.

<edit> I wound an amazing gallery of macro photos of the internals (and externals) of all sorts of semiconductors on Wikipedia by 'Mister RF' - well worth a look. In amongst it was this fine shot of an early 7-segment LED not unlike the ones in this calculator. Click image for full size (2800 x 2640).

[Ultrapurple]

I did my utmost with the Faxitron but this is the best I could achieve in terms of seeing through the metal-lidded chip. Unfortunately, its 35kV isn't enough to see clearly through the (presumably copper or steel) lid. But at least we get a hint of the bond wires and die size.



I suppose I could de-cap the IC, but somehow I can't really bring myself to vandalise a perfectly good vintage calculator that has survived for nigh-on 50 years.

(added in edit) I did try using my 55kV machine but that was also unable to penetrate the IC cap. I think the only non-destructive way I have of seeing anything inside would be to take an image at a very steep slant angle, using the small space between the die and cap. But at a guess the space is only going to be 1mm or so, meaning I'd really be looking at more or less glazing incidence.

Full res image below.

[Ultrapurple]

And another clue, perhaps. This particular copy of the calculator was made in Great Britain. It's a relatively late version, with the keyboard joined to the main PCB by soldered wires. Earlier ones - particularly  those made in the USA - used a plug and socket arrangement, though the connections were in the same places. Other manufacturing sites included Mexico and (I think) Hong Kong.

This version has a SRBP board; many earlier ones were fibreglass.

[Ultrapurple]

I think the excitement has died down so I'll reveal the answer: the calculator is a Rockwell 18R.

In 1973 Rockwell purchased the British company Sumlock Anita Electronics (who designed and, in 1961, launched the world's first all-electronic desktop calculator) and, among other things, used Sumlock Anita's factory in Portsmouth in the south of England to manufacture a number of their calculators for the British and (presumably) European market. The Rockwell 18R seen here was made in Great Britain.

There is a really good simulator of the Rockwell 18R on anita-simulators.org.uk (and many other calculators too).

[Ultrapurple]

<snip> Pen type radiation dosimeters that used a charged filament to detect radiation. The radiation discharges the pre-charge on the filament within the ion chamber.

Hmmm - I have one of those sitting on the desk beside me (I also have the necessary charger). Perhaps I'll put it in the Faxitron for a while and see if it clocks up the exposure.

I did try it in my higher-energy machine a while ago and after a total of about a couple of minutes' irradiation across multiple exposures it did begin to register something. Unfortunately I didn't keep appropriate records so I don't know how many exposures (=total time) it received.

[Ultrapurple]

I have been doing some experiments with trying to extract 'colour' from X-Rays by examining the same subject at a range of different energies (10kV to 35kV in 5kV steps) and then combining the results in various ways.

My basic theory is that if something is transparent at (say) 35kV but opaque at (say) 20kV, subtracting one image from the other will reveal those differences, which can then be highlighted with colours.

So far all I've done is produce a series of more-or-less pretty pictures, but the fact that I am able to get some kind of colour is interesting (at least to me).

Here are some results. The subject was a one-chip USB hub with wired connections, encased in a plastic box.

[Ultrapurple]

Here are some of the source images (alas, not at full resolution due to size constraints, but at least they're a reasonable size and uncompressed PNG). The numbers in the top left are the kV figures.

[Ultrapurple]

I am happy to make the original DICOM files available to anyone who wants them, but as they're a little over 10MB each it won't be possible to post them here (they don't ZIP by any significant amount). Send me a PM and we'll work something out.

[Ultrapurple]

And one more for luck. The 'graph paper' effect is caused by me being too lazy to go through the X-Ray sensor calibration routine before making the images.

[harerod]

I like these! I wish I knew someone like you in central Germany.
Back in the old days it was helpful to be friends with a dentist or any other kind of practitioner who did x-rays. Several of my manufacturers have x-ray, but I doubt that their operators have your level of experience in those matters.

[Ultrapurple]

Several of my manufacturers have x-ray, but I doubt that their operators have your level of experience in those matters.

I expect they are A LOT better than me, particularly in their own specialist professional realms. I like to tinker - something that is rather frowned-upon in most jobs, especially where parts of people are being exposed to ionizing radiation.

I have had a few interesting conversations with hospital radiographers on the occasions I've been in for X-Ray imaging, but of course one has to be a little bit careful. Seen from the viewpoint of someone used to dealing with big, potentially very dangerous, largely unshielded, high-power, medical-diagnostic imaging X-Ray equipment, the idea of someone having an X-Ray machine in their kitchen sounds really scary. And of course it would be extremely foolish for anyone to have an unshielded machine of that type in an uncontrolled, domestic area. Operator training is an essential part of making sire that the equipment can be operated safely. My X-Ray devices, fortunately, are fully shielded cabinet-type machines that are designed for use in a general office or lab environment with no special additional precautions. But I expect the original operators had to have some training - though at a guess this would mainly be on general principles and saying it's a really bad idea to try to defeat the safety interlocks.

[harerod]

...making sire that... <- that is a Freudian, if I ever saw one. *lol*

I was under the impression that working on that kind of equipment is/was your profession?I am pretty sure that access to those devices, even components, is regulated?

I have been designing medical devices (among other things) for decades. The fun stops if you are connected to the business end of one of your machines and the graphs don't look so good. In that particular case it was neuro and cardio diagnostics stuff.

[Ultrapurple]

I was under the impression that working on that kind of equipment is/was your profession?

No. Although I work in technology, my work does not (and never has) directly involved ionizing radiation.

Regulations vary by jurisdiction. I believe for example there is extremely tight control on X-Ray equipment in Australia, whereas here in the UK things are a little more relaxed. That doesn't mean one can go out and irradiate one's neighbours (or oneself) with impunity, just that there are fewer legal impediments to obtaining the equipment, if you can find it. (It may be that there are specific rules for more powerful systems, I don't know).

Some while ago I do recall a former professional radiographer who, after retiring, started making fine art works using X-Ray equipment. I think he got a little too well-known and the regulatory authorities had a little word with him - certainly, the website became a lot more circumspect about the equipment and techniques, and many sample images disappeared. I don't think the authority had any particular problems with this individual's actions - I don't recall any suggestion of him doing anything illegal - but I do think the idea may have been to discourage less well-informed copycats.

I suspect most of us have seen people (usually young men - women are too sensible) taking the magnetrons out of microwave ovens, mounting them on a stick and seeing what happens when they shine the 'magic moonbeams' on things. I have also seen similar things done with X-Ray tubes (though usually in darkened rooms). I wouldn't want to go near an operating magnetron and that goes more than doubly so for X-Ray sources. So mine stay firmly in their shielded containers with all the safety interlocks intact, just as the designers intended. I know more than enough to defeat the interlocks - but I also have a pretty good notion that this would be a Really Bad Idea.

[KalleMp]

Your multi spectral/energy images are beautiful.  If you manage to automate the workflow you would indeed have a powerful analytical tool.

I have been doing some experiments with trying to extract 'colour' from X-Rays by examining the same subject at a range of different energies (10kV to 35kV in 5kV steps) and then combining the results in various ways.

My basic theory is that if something is transparent at (say) 35kV but opaque at (say) 20kV, subtracting one image from the other will reveal those differences, which can then be highlighted with colours.

In very similar ways the airport/security scanners do the same to detect 'organics' in your bags so the border controls can target you for contraband or the security can quiz you about lumps that look like they might be energetic materials.

I expect that many of the latest generation machines may incorporate some forms of backscatter detection as well to further discriminate the material composition as much as possible.

One problem with 100% screening is that there will always be false readings, positives waste time, negatives increase risk due to ignorance and the whole process breeds complacence in the hands of the security apparatus.

I recall pulling some elements of the sensor arrays from an airport scanner (two actually) at a scrap yard 30 years ago and they were small DIL hybrids with a row of  8 or 10 square 0.1" pitch photocells covered with a scintillator so pretty low resolution but one of the units had two detectors stacked with different energy sensitivities I suppose to achieve basic energy discrimination.  So to use the same method you could have a system that slides a shutter with very thin foils of various materials either after the tube or before the sensor to modify the energy spectrum.  Given the low energies the filters would have to be pretty thin but might give interesting results.  Lots of work to dial it in though.

[rickells]

Hi,

 Can you send me any HD image for the Faxitron ?
   Or know who could provide any disk images for these units  ...
Or if they are archived anywhere available for Download ?

thank you