This is the erector set under the christmas tree for nuclear metrologists. Many of you might never have heard of this, but since so many seem interested in rolling their own counters, etc. A bit of background is in order.
A NIM bin or "crate" is the first step. This is a 19" rack frame or box which contains, usually, 12 NIM slots with back plane power plugs of a standard nature. Part of every NIM bin is a complete power supply, usually hung on the rear of the bin. This supplies the standard NIM voltages of 120vac, +24vdc, -24vdc, +12 vdc, -12vdc. All DC voltages are highly regulated to fractions of a percent. More modern bins also now include +6vdc and -6vdc.
Armed with this base unit, you can obtain a plethora of small plug and play nuclear measurment related modules which can then be patched together to make an instrument de jour of your own design and fine tuned to any whacked out situation that comes down th' pike.
Modules available include... ultra stable, variable HV supplies for PMTs and the like, single and multichaneel analyzers, pre-amps, main pulse amps, box car integrators, pulse discrimenators, counters, timers, coincidence detectors, and many more toys for nuclear boys.
All of these used with intelligence and knowledge can be assembled to make really specialized instruments.
The problem is cost. New, this stuff runs into many thousands of dollars for just the bare minimum.
Surplus, from O.E. tech and others can have the costs sink to maybe a kilobuck for a full setup of nice stuff with guarantee.
On the internet, the prices can be halved or quartered in cost, but with no warranty given or implied.
I did just secure 3 super nice Harshaw NA-23 single channel analyzer/amplifiers on E-bay and all are brand new in original packaging with manuals. Such a wonderful deal.
I also locally obtained a full NIM bin with two standard pulse amps already in the cage. NICE too. I have ordered a couple of supplies from Don Orie at O.E. and will soon be off to th' races in this area as well.
Those who have no kids or a good job might consider this option.
Richard Hull
Created on Wednesday, May 09, 2001 11:56 AM EDT by Richard Hull Last Modified on Thursday, May 24, 2001 4:17 PM EDT by Richard Hull