In this course, we will make extensive use of [[http://www.spectrumtechniques.com |SpecTech]] Universal Computer Spectrometers (models UCS-20 and UCS-30) and the associated USX software. These spectrometers are a combination high voltage supply (low current only) and pulse height analyzer that accept input via BNC signal cable from a detector (broadly defined) and provide output via USB to a computer. To look at and analyze the output, we use the associated software application USX. USX is installed on all lab computers and can be downloaded for home use from the [[http://www.spectrumtechniques.com/products/components/ |SpecTech website]].

====== 1 Universal Computer Spectrometer ======


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===== 1.1 UCS-20 =====

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| {{:phylabs:lab_courses:supplemental-material:software-and-equipment:ucs-20_composite.jpg?600|}} |
| **Figure 1**: UCS-20 front (top) and back (bottom). |
</div>

The UCS-20 spectrometer (shown in Fig. 1) is an older model. The device has single positive high voltage output and separate inputs for direct, pre-amp, amplified, and multichannel scaling (MCS) signals. The value of the high voltage (0-2500 V) is set in software.

The inputs we will predominantly use in this course are as follows:

  * **PREAMP IN**: The input signal is negative and small. The input is processed by an amplifier inside the UCS with a gain set by software ("Coarse Gain" and "Fine Gain") before being digitized and binned. 
  * **DIRECT IN**: The input signal is positive and between 0-8 V. No additional amplification occurs and the signal goes directly to digitization and binning.

The full UCS-20 operating and software manual is available 
{{:phylabs:lab_courses:supplemental-material:software-and-equipment:ucs20manual.pdf|here}} (for Windows) and {{:phylabs:lab_courses:supplemental-material:software-and-equipment:ucs20macmanual.pdf|here}} (for Mac). 

===== 1.2 UCS-30 =====
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| {{:phylabs:lab_courses:supplemental-material:software-and-equipment:ucs-30_composite.jpg?600|}} |
| **Figure 2**: UCS-30 front (top) and back (bottom). |
</div>

The UCS-30 spectrometer (shown in Fig. 2) has one or two high voltage outputs (positive and/or negative) and a single BNC signal input. High voltage value is set in software (under "High Voltage/Amp/ADC) and the mode (direct, preamp in, amp in, or multichannel scaling (MCS)) is set from a drop-down menu.

The input modes we will predominantly use in this course are as follows:

  * **Preamp In**: The input signal is negative and small. The input is processed by an amplifier inside the UCS with a gain set by software (Coarse gain and Fine gain) before being digitized and binned. 
  * **Direct Input**: The input signal is positive and between 0-8 V. No additional amplification occurs and the signal goes directly to digitization and binning.

The full UCS-30 operating and software manual is available below, use the button on the top right to download it.
{{pdfjs 600px >:phylabs:lab_courses:supplemental-material:software-and-equipment:ucs30_manual.pdf}}

====== USX software ======


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The software which runs the UCS-30 modules and which opens/manipulates the *.spu files is called USX and is available for free for download at the [[https://www.spectrumtechniques.com/software-downloads/ |Spectrum Techniques website]]. Select the appropriate Windows 32-bit, Windows 64-bit, or Mac OS file listed for the UCS30 product. Note that only Pre Catalina (10.15) versions of Mac OS are supported now; this seems unlikely to change.

This download is useful if you want to view your *.spu files at home after you've left the lab, or want to manipulate ROIs.