DR Detector Calibration

Key User Manual

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ii | DR Detector Calibration | Contents

Contents
Legal Notice ...........................................................................3
Introduction to this Manual ................................................... 4
Scope .........................................................................5
Disclaimer ................................................................. 6
Calibrating the DR Detector ................................................... 7
About Gain Calibration .............................................. 8
Calibration Frequency ................................................9
Calibration Workflow .............................................. 12
Required material ........................................ 13
Preconditions ...............................................14
Procedure .................................................... 15
DR 10s and DR 14s Exposure Sequence ........ 18
DR 10e C, DR 14e C and DR 17e C Exposure
Sequence ..................................................... 20
DR 18M and DR 24M Exposure Sequence .... 22
DX-D 10C, DX-D 10G, DX-D 20C, DX-D 20G
Exposure Sequence ...................................... 23
DX-D 25C Exposure Sequence ...................... 25
DX-D 30C and DX-D 35C Exposure Sequence ...
27
DX-D 40C and DX-D 40G Exposure Sequence ...
29
DX-D 45C, DX-D 45G, DX-D 60C and DX-D 60G
Exposure Sequence ...................................... 31
Fixed DR Detector (4343R, Pixium RAD 4343)
Exposure Sequence ...................................... 33
Fixed DR Detector (Pixium RF4343 FL) Exposure
Sequence ..................................................... 35
Problem solving ................................................................... 37
DR Calibration Tool Stalls ........................................ 37

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 DR Detector Calibration | Legal Notice | 3

Legal Notice

0413

Agfa NV, Septestraat 27, B-2640 Mortsel - Belgium

For more information on Agfa products, please visit www.agfa.com.
Agfa and the Agfa rhombus are trademarks of Agfa-Gevaert N.V., Belgium or
its affiliates. DX-D is a trademark of Agfa NV, Belgium or one of its affiliates.
All other trademarks are held by their respective owners and are used in an
editorial fashion with no intention of infringement.
Agfa NV makes no warranties or representation, expressed or implied, with
respect to the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of the information
contained in this document and specifically disclaims warranties of suitability
for any particular purpose. Products and services may not be available for
your local area. Please contact your local sales representative for availability
information. Agfa NV diligently strives to provide as accurate information as
possible, but shall not be responsible for any typographical error. Agfa NV
shall under no circumstances be liable for any damage arising from the use or
inability to use any information, apparatus, method or process disclosed in
this document. Agfa NV reserves the right to make changes to this document
without prior notice. The original version of this document is in English.

Copyright 2018 Agfa NV

All rights reserved.

Published by Agfa NV

B-2640 Mortsel - Belgium.

No part of this document may be reproduced, copied, adapted or transmitted

in any form or by any means without the written permission of Agfa NV

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4 | DR Detector Calibration | Introduction to this Manual

Introduction to this Manual

Topics:

• Scope
• Disclaimer

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 DR Detector Calibration | Introduction to this Manual | 5

Scope
This manual contains information for the calibration and maintenance of the
following DR Detectors:
• DR 10e C
• DR 10s
• DR 14e C
• DR 14e G
• DR 14s
• DR 17e C
• DR 17e G
• DR 18M
• DR 24M
• DX-D 10C
• DX-D 10G
• DX-D 20C
• DX-D 20G
• DX-D 25C
• DX-D 30C
• DX-D 35C
• DX-D 40C
• DX-D 40G
• DX-D 45C
• DX-D 45G
• DX-D 60C
• DX-D 60G
• Fixed DR Detector (4343R, Pixium RAD 4343)
• Fixed DR Detector (Pixium RF4343 FL)

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6 | DR Detector Calibration | Introduction to this Manual

Disclaimer
Agfa assumes no liability for use of this document if any unauthorized
changes to the content or format have been made.
Every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information in this
document. However, Agfa assumes no responsibility or liability for errors,
inaccuracies or omissions that may appear in this document. To improve
reliability, function or design Agfa reserves the right to change the product
without further notice. This manual is provided without warranty of any kind,
implied or expressed, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
Note: In the United States, Federal law restricts this device to sale
by or on the order of a physician.

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 DR Detector Calibration | Calibrating the DR Detector | 7

Calibrating the DR Detector

Topics:

• About Gain Calibration

• Calibration Frequency
• Calibration Workflow

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8 | DR Detector Calibration | Calibrating the DR Detector

About Gain Calibration

Regular calibration of the DR Detector assures constant image quality. This
calibration eliminates the effect of sensitivity deviations over the panel and/or
corrects non-unifomity in the X-ray beam. The sensitivity deviations of pixels
across the DR Detector are affected by the quantity and pattern of the effective
X-ray dose on the detector. Depending on the the panel type it will also correct
dead pixels in the acquired images.

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 DR Detector Calibration | Calibrating the DR Detector | 9

Calibration Frequency
The DR Detector must be recalibrated at regular intervals. Messages will be
displayed on the NX workstation when recalibration is required.
Perform calibration when exposure conditions have changed significantly and
after a major change to the hardware or software configuration of the X-ray
system.

Table 1: Calibration interval

DX-D 10C 3 months

DX-D 10G
DX-D 20C
DX-D 20G

DR 18M 6 months
DR 24M
DX-D 40C
DX-D 40G
DX-D 45C
DX-D 45G
DX-D 60C
DX-D 60G

DR 10e C 12 months
DR 10s
DR 14e C
DR 14s
DR 17e C
DX-D 25C
DX-D 30C
DX-D 35C
Fixed DR Detector (Pixium RF4343 FL)

Fixed DR Detector (4343R, Pixium RAD 4343) 3 months or 12 months, de-

pending on the DR Detector
model.

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10 | DR Detector Calibration | Calibrating the DR Detector

A timely reminder is dis-

played on the NX worksta-
tion.

DR 14e G no calibration required

DR 17e G

Table 2: Using the DR Detector on multiple NX workstations

DR 10s Each NX workstation has its own set of calibration data.

The regular calibration must be performed on each of
DR 14s the workstations.
DX-D 10C
DX-D 10G
DX-D 20C
DX-D 20G
DX-D 25C
DX-D 30C
DX-D 35C
DX-D 40C
DX-D 40G
DX-D 45C
DX-D 45G
DX-D 60C
DX-D 60G

DR 10e C A single set of calibration data is used for all NX worksta-

tions on which the DR Detector is used. Choose one NX
DR 14e C
workstation that will be used for calibration and per-
DR 17e C form the regular calibration each time on the same NX
workstation.
Do not calibrate the DR Detector on another NX work-
station.

DR 18M The DR Detector can only be used on a single NX work-

station.
DR 24M
Fixed DR Detector

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 DR Detector Calibration | Calibrating the DR Detector | 11

Note: If the system has multiple DR Detectors, make a note of the ID

that is mentioned in the message on the NX workstation indicating
which of the DR Detectors must be calibrated. The ID is required to
identify the right detector during calibration.

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12 | DR Detector Calibration | Calibrating the DR Detector

Calibration Workflow
Topics:

• Required material
• Preconditions
• Procedure
• DR 10s and DR 14s Exposure Sequence
• DR 10e C, DR 14e C and DR 17e C Exposure Sequence
• DR 18M and DR 24M Exposure Sequence
• DX-D 10C, DX-D 10G, DX-D 20C, DX-D 20G Exposure Sequence
• DX-D 25C Exposure Sequence
• DX-D 30C and DX-D 35C Exposure Sequence
• DX-D 40C and DX-D 40G Exposure Sequence
• DX-D 45C, DX-D 45G, DX-D 60C and DX-D 60G Exposure Sequence
• Fixed DR Detector (4343R, Pixium RAD 4343) Exposure Sequence
• Fixed DR Detector (Pixium RF4343 FL) Exposure Sequence

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 DR Detector Calibration | Calibrating the DR Detector | 13

Required material
For calibration of all DR Detectors, apart from DR 18M, DR 24M and DX-D
25C, an Agfa calibration filter (Cu 1.5 mm) is required.
For calibration of DR 18M and DR 24M, a calibration PMMA block is required.

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14 | DR Detector Calibration | Calibrating the DR Detector

Preconditions
• Clean the DR Detector (see the DR Detector user manual for instructions).
• Make sure that all parts of the X-Ray system that may affect imaging (e.g.
the DAP meter) are in their normal position and clean.
• Make sure the battery is fully charged before starting the calibration
(battery powered DR Detectors only).
• The DR Detector must be powered on before starting the NX workstation.
• Allow the DR Detector to warm up before performing the calibration.
During warm-up no exposures should be made. Warm-up time is one hour,
unless specified otherwise.
• The ID of the DR Detector must be known.
• The X-ray generator is operational.
• Make sure that there are no foreign objects in the exposed area (e.g.
stitching grid).
• Move the floating tabletop to its normal position to avoid that the tabletop
borders become visible on the DR Detector image.

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 DR Detector Calibration | Calibrating the DR Detector | 15

Procedure
To calibrate the DR Detector:

1. Log in to NX.
To calibrate DR 10e C, DR 14e C or DR 17e C, you have to log in to a user
account with administrator rights.
2. Stop the NX software completely.
In the Start menu, select All programs > Agfa >NX > Service > Stop
NX.
3. Start the DR Calibration Tool.
In the Start menu, select All programs > Agfa > DR Calibration Tools >
Calibration Tool.
The software console is started.
The splash screen is displayed. Click the splash screen to make it
disappear.

4. Check the DR Detector staus in the software console or on the generator

console (if applicable).
If the DR Detector can be used on different NX workstations, make sure
that it is registered to the NX workstation where calibration is performed.
Note: If the DR Detector status is displayed, it may stay red or
undefined.

5. Use the DR Detector drop-down to select the detector that will be

calibrated.

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16 | DR Detector Calibration | Calibrating the DR Detector

DR Detector:

A portable DR Detector is identified by its nickname. A fixed DR Detector

is identified by its serial number.
Connection to the detector is set up.
6. Click Start Calibration.
A message may be displayed to remind you of using the correct modality
settings.
7. The DR Calibration Tool will request to perform a series of exposures.
Refer to the Exposure Sequences further in this manual.
Before making each next exposure, make sure that the X-ray system is
ready for making the exposure and that the DR Calibration Tool is ready
for receiving the exposure.
8. After the last exposure, the calibration is finished.
• Make a flat field exposure and check that there are no abnormal
inhomogeneities in the image.
• If the calibration was successful, the new calibration values are stored
and used for all new exposures on the DR Detector. Proceed with step
10.
• If the calibration was not successful, the old calibration values are
restored and the DR Detector remains operational.
In that case, it is advised to check collimation and modality setup (tube
position) and retry the calibration procedure as soon as possible.
9. Try out the following remedy (problem solving):
• If the calibration fails this may be due to magnetic or electromagnetic
interference or power supply interference. Check the environment,
reposition the DR Detector and restart the calibration procedure.
• If the calibration fails this may be due to uneven exposure. Check the
X-ray beam path for presence of X-ray opaque objects or particles, e.g.
on the upper surface of the DAP meter.

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 DR Detector Calibration | Calibrating the DR Detector | 17

Note: If calibration fails again contact your local service

representative.

10. Exit the Calibration Tool.

11. Start the NX software.
In the Start menu, select All programs > Agfa > NX > Restart NX
completely.

Related Links
DR 10s and DR 14s Exposure Sequence on page 18
DR 10e C, DR 14e C and DR 17e C Exposure Sequence on page 20
DR 18M and DR 24M Exposure Sequence on page 22
DX-D 10C, DX-D 10G, DX-D 20C, DX-D 20G Exposure Sequence on page 23
DX-D 25C Exposure Sequence on page 25
DX-D 30C and DX-D 35C Exposure Sequence on page 27
DX-D 40C and DX-D 40G Exposure Sequence on page 29
DX-D 45C, DX-D 45G, DX-D 60C and DX-D 60G Exposure Sequence on page 31
Fixed DR Detector (4343R, Pixium RAD 4343) Exposure Sequence on page 33

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18 | DR Detector Calibration | Calibrating the DR Detector

DR 10s and DR 14s Exposure Sequence

Topics:

• Modality Settings
• Exposure Sequence
• Calibrating DR 10s and DR 14s on DX-D 100

Modality Settings
The indicative exposure levels for each exposure are specified by the DR
Calibration Tool.

Table 3: Modality settings

Focus large focus

SID Use the (average) SID for normal operation.

Position If the DR Detector is used in a fixed position, use

the same position for calibration.
If the DR Detector is used in different positions,
perform the calibration with the short side of the
DR Detector parallel to the axis of the X-ray tube.

Grid Remove the grid.

Filtration Mount the Agfa calibration filter (Cu 1.5 mm).

Check that there is no additional filtration.

Collimation The collimation area should extend at least 1.5

cm on each side of the DR Detector.

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 DR Detector Calibration | Calibrating the DR Detector | 19

Note: If the exposure settings used for a previous calibration are

known, use these settings.

On modalities that support automatic collimation, the collimation settings are

applied automatically and must be checked by the user.
Ralco collimators may limit the X-ray field. To overrule the limitation, the
collimator must be unlocked using a key and the collimation must be applied
manually.

Exposure Sequence
Procedure:

1. Set the mAs value to the indicative value for the exposure level.
2. Make exposures as instructed by the DR Calibration Tool.
To avoid overheating of the X-ray tube, limit the rate of exposures to two
per minute.

Calibrating DR 10s and DR 14s on DX-D 100

On a DX-D 100 mobile X-ray unit that is upgraded to support DR 10s or DR
14s, an extra step is needed to activate the DR Detector during calibration.

In the modality position drop-down list on the software console, push the
icon for free exposure with ETHERNET written on top.

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20 | DR Detector Calibration | Calibrating the DR Detector

DR 10e C, DR 14e C and DR 17e C Exposure Sequence

Topics:

• Using DR 10e C, DR 14e C and DR 17e C on multiple NX workstations

• Modality Settings
• Exposure Sequence

Using DR 10e C, DR 14e C and DR 17e C on multiple NX

workstations
If the DR Detector is used on multiple NX workstations, choose one NX
workstation that will be used for calibration and perform the regular
calibration each time on the same NX workstation. Do not calibrate the DR
Detector on another NX workstation.
Performing the calibration on multiple NX workstations leads to an
inconsistent situation, because the DR Detector is not able to store calibration
data for multiple NX workstations and each calibration completely discards
the calibration data of any previous calibration. Nevertheless each NX
workstation will independently request recalibration of the DR Detector every
12 months.

Modality Settings
Note: To calibrate DR 10e C, DR 14e C or DR 17e C, you have to
log in to a user account with administrator rights.

The indicative exposure levels for each exposure are specified by the DR
Calibration Tool.

Table 4: Modality settings

Focus large focus

SID Use the (average) SID for normal operation.

Position If the DR Detector is used in a fixed position, use

the same position for calibration.
If the DR Detector is used in different positions,
perform the calibration with the short side of the
DR Detector parallel to the axis of the X-ray tube.

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 DR Detector Calibration | Calibrating the DR Detector | 21

Grid Remove the grid.

Filtration Mount the Agfa calibration filter (Cu 1.5 mm).

Check that there is no additional filtration.

Collimation The collimation area should extend at least 1.5

cm on each side of the DR Detector.

Note: If the exposure settings used for a previous calibration are

known, use these settings.

On modalities that support automatic collimation, the collimation settings are

applied automatically and must be checked by the user.
Ralco collimators may limit the X-ray field. To overrule the limitation, the
collimator must be unlocked using a key and the collimation must be applied
manually.

Exposure Sequence
Procedure:

1. Set the exposure parameters to the indicative value for the exposure level.
2. Make exposures as instructed by the DR Calibration Tool.
Do not initiate a next exposure before the DR Calibration Tool displays the
instruction.
To avoid overheating of the X-ray tube, limit the rate of exposures to two
per minute.
WARNING:
Check if the exposure time of the exposures is less or equal
to 200 ms. If you notice longer exposure times, contact your
local service organization.

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22 | DR Detector Calibration | Calibrating the DR Detector

DR 18M and DR 24M Exposure Sequence

Topics:

• Modality Settings
• Exposure Sequence

Modality Settings
The indicative exposure levels for each exposure are specified by the DR
Calibration Tool.

Table 5: Modality settings

kV 28 kV

mAs (indicative value for 160 mAs

first exposure level)

Filtration MoMo

Note: If the exposure settings used for a previous calibration are

known, use these settings.

Exposure Sequence
Procedure:

1. Allow the DR Detector to warm up for 30 minutes before performing the

calibration.
2. Remove the compression paddle.
3. Position the calibration PMMA block on the bucky.
4. Set the mAs value to the indicative value for the exposure level.
5. Make exposures as instructed by the DR Calibration Tool.
The rate of exposures is limited to one per minute.

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 DR Detector Calibration | Calibrating the DR Detector | 23

DX-D 10C, DX-D 10G, DX-D 20C, DX-D 20G Exposure

Sequence
Topics:

• Modality Settings
• Exposure Sequence

Modality Settings
Apply these modality settings:

Table 6: Modality settings

kV 75 kV

mAs (indicative value for 28 mAs

first exposure level)

Focus large focus

SID Use the (average) SID for normal operation.

Position If the DR Detector is used in a fixed position, use

the same position for calibration.
If the DR Detector is used in different positions,
perform the calibration with the short side of the
DR Detector parallel to the axis of the X-ray tube.

Grid Remove the grid. If the grid is fixed, use 32 mAs

as indicative mAs-value.

Filtration Mount the Agfa calibration filter (Cu 1.5 mm).

Check that there is no additional filtration.

Collimation Collimation area should extend at least 1.5 cm

on each side if the detector.

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24 | DR Detector Calibration | Calibrating the DR Detector

Note: If the exposure settings used for a previous calibration are

known, use these settings.

On modalities that support automatic collimation, the collimation settings are

applied automatically and must be checked by the user.
Ralco collimators may limit the X-ray field. To overrule the limitation, the
collimator must be unlocked using a key and the collimation must be applied
manually.

Exposure Sequence
Procedure:

1. Set the mAs value to the indicative value for the exposure level.
2. Make exposures as instructed by the DR Calibration Tool.

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 DR Detector Calibration | Calibrating the DR Detector | 25

DX-D 25C Exposure Sequence

Topics:

• Modality Settings
• Exposure Sequence

Modality Settings
Apply these modality settings:

Table 7: Modality settings

kV 75 kV

mAs (indicative value for 12.5 mAs

first exposure level)

mAs (indicative value for 8 mAs

second exposure level)

mAs (indicative value for 4 mAs

third exposure level)

Focus large focus

SID Use the (average) SID for normal operation.

Position If the DR Detector is used in a fixed position, use

the same position for calibration.
If the DR Detector is used in different positions,
perform the calibration with the short side of the
DR Detector parallel to the axis of the X-ray tube.

Grid Remove the grid.

Filtration No filtration.

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26 | DR Detector Calibration | Calibrating the DR Detector

Collimation The collimation area should extend at least 1.5

cm on each side of the DR Detector.

Note: If the exposure settings used for a previous calibration are

known, use these settings.

On modalities that support automatic collimation, the collimation settings are

applied automatically and must be checked by the user.
Ralco collimators may limit the X-ray field. To overrule the limitation, the
collimator must be unlocked using a key and the collimation must be applied
manually.

Exposure Sequence
Procedure:

1. Set the mAs value to the indicative value for the first exposure level.
2. Make three exposures.
The DR Calibration Tool may instruct to increase or decrease the mAs
setting to reach the required exposure level.
3. Adjust the mAs value for the second exposure level. The second exposure
level is approximately at 2/3 of the first exposure level.
4. Make three exposures.
5. Adjust the mAs value for the third exposure level. The third exposure level
is approximately at 1/3 of the first exposure level.
6. Make three exposures.

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 DR Detector Calibration | Calibrating the DR Detector | 27

DX-D 30C and DX-D 35C Exposure Sequence

Topics:

• Modality Settings
• Exposure Sequence

Modality Settings
Apply these modality settings:

Table 8: Modality settings

kV 75 kV

mAs (indicative value for 50 mAs

uniformity check)

mAs (indicative value for 20 mAs

calibration)

Focus large focus

SID Use the (average) SID for normal operation.

Position If the DR Detector is used in a fixed position, use

the same position for calibration.
If the DR Detector is used in different positions,
perform the calibration with the short side of the
DR Detector parallel to the axis of the X-ray tube.

Grid Remove the grid.

Filtration Mount the Agfa calibration filter (Cu 1.5 mm).

Check that there is no additional filtration.

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28 | DR Detector Calibration | Calibrating the DR Detector

Collimation The collimation area should extend at least 1.5

cm on each side of the DR Detector.

Note: If the exposure settings used for a previous calibration are

known, use these settings.

On modalities that support automatic collimation, the collimation settings are

applied automatically and must be checked by the user.
Ralco collimators may limit the X-ray field. To overrule the limitation, the
collimator must be unlocked using a key and the collimation must be applied
manually.

Exposure Sequence
Procedure:

1. Set the mAs value to the indicative value for the uniformity check.
2. Make the exposure.
The DR Calibration Tool may instruct to increase or decrease the mAs
setting to reach the required exposure level.
3. Set the mAs value to the indicative value for the calibration.
4. Make exposures as instructed by the DR Calibration Tool.

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 DR Detector Calibration | Calibrating the DR Detector | 29

DX-D 40C and DX-D 40G Exposure Sequence

Topics:

• Modality Settings
• Exposure Sequence

Modality Settings
Apply these modality settings:

Table 9: Modality settings

kV 75 kV

mAs (indicative value for 25 mAs

first exposure level)

mAs (indicative value for 12.5 mAs

second exposure level)

Focus large focus

SID Use the (average) SID for normal operation.

Position If the DR Detector is used in a fixed position, use

the same position for calibration.
If the DR Detector is used in different positions,
perform the calibration with the short side of the
DR Detector parallel to the axis of the X-ray tube.

Grid Remove the grid.

Filtration Mount the Agfa calibration filter (Cu 1.5 mm).

Check that there is no additional filtration.

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30 | DR Detector Calibration | Calibrating the DR Detector

Collimation The collimation area should extend at least 1.5

cm on each side of the DR Detector.

Note: If the exposure settings used for a previous calibration are

known, use these settings.

On modalities that support automatic collimation, the collimation settings are

applied automatically and must be checked by the user.
Ralco collimators may limit the X-ray field. To overrule the limitation, the
collimator must be unlocked using a key and the collimation must be applied
manually.

Exposure Sequence
Procedure:

1. Set the mAs value to the indicative value for the first exposure level.
2. Make two exposures.
The DR Calibration Tool may instruct to increase or decrease the mAs
setting to reach the required exposure level.
3. Make 10 exposures.
4. Set the mAs value to the indicative value for the second exposure level.
5. Make two exposures.
The DR Calibration Tool may instruct to increase or decrease the mAs
setting to reach the required exposure level.
6. Make one exposure.

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DX-D 45C, DX-D 45G, DX-D 60C and DX-D 60G Exposure
Sequence
Topics:

• Modality Settings
• Exposure Sequence

Modality Settings
Apply these modality settings:

Table 10: Modality settings

kV 75 kV

mAs (indicative value for 32 mAs

first exposure level)

mAs (indicative value for 4 mAs

second exposure level)

Focus large focus

SID Use the (average) SID for normal operation.

Position If the DR Detector is used in a fixed position, use

the same position for calibration.
If the DR Detector is used in different positions,
perform the calibration with the short side of the
DR Detector parallel to the axis of the X-ray tube.
S

Grid Remove the grid.

Filtration Mount the Agfa calibration filter (Cu 1.5 mm).

Check that there is no additional filtration.

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32 | DR Detector Calibration | Calibrating the DR Detector

Collimation The collimation area should extend at least 1.5

cm on each side of the DR Detector.

Note: If the exposure settings used for a previous calibration are

known, use these settings.

On modalities that support automatic collimation, the collimation settings are

applied automatically and must be checked by the user.
Ralco collimators may limit the X-ray field. To overrule the limitation, the
collimator must be unlocked using a key and the collimation must be applied
manually.

Exposure Sequence
Procedure:

1. Set the mAs value to the indicative value for the first exposure level.
2. Make two exposures.
The DR Calibration Tool may instruct to increase or decrease the mAs
setting to reach the required exposure level.
3. Make 10 exposures.
4. Set the mAs value to the indicative value for the second exposure level.
5. Make two exposures.
The DR Calibration Tool may instruct to increase or decrease the mAs
setting to reach the required exposure level.
6. Make one exposure.

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 DR Detector Calibration | Calibrating the DR Detector | 33

Fixed DR Detector (4343R, Pixium RAD 4343) Exposure

Sequence
For using the fixed DR Detector, the temperature difference between
calibration and usage must be within the recommended range of +/-6°C (for
a DR Detector with CsI conversion screen) or +/-10°C (for a DR Detector with
GOS conversion screen). Check the environmental conditions and observe the
warming-up time of the DR Detector.
Topics:

• Modality Settings
• Exposure Sequence

Modality Settings
Depending on the DR Detector model, modality settings may be specified by
the DR Calibration Tool.
If the DR Calibration Tool does not specify modality settings, refer to following
table.

Table 11: Modality settings

DR Table DR Wall Stand DX-D 300 U-arm

kV 75 kV 75 kV 75 kV

mAs (in- 28 mAs 32 mAs 32 mAs

dicative
value for
first ex-
posure
level)

Focus large focus large focus large focus

SID Use the (average) SID for normal operation.

Position - - arm angle 0°

detector angle 0°

Grid Remove the grid.

If the grid is fixed, use 32 mAs as indicative mAs-value.

Filtration Mount the Agfa calibration filter (Cu 1.5 mm).

Check that there is no additional filtration.

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34 | DR Detector Calibration | Calibrating the DR Detector

Collima- 46 cm x 46 cm
tion
(collimation area should extend at least 1.5 cm on each side of
the detector)

Note: If the exposure settings used for a previous calibration are

known, use these settings.

On modalities that support automatic collimation, the collimation settings are

applied automatically and must be checked by the user.
Ralco collimators may limit the X-ray field. To overrule the limitation, the
collimator must be unlocked using a key and the collimation must be applied
manually.

Exposure Sequence
Procedure:

1. Set the mAs value to the indicative value for the exposure level.
2. Make exposures as instructed by the DR Calibration Tool.

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 DR Detector Calibration | Calibrating the DR Detector | 35

Fixed DR Detector (Pixium RF4343 FL) Exposure Sequence

For using the fixed DR Detector, the temperature difference between
calibration and usage must be within the recommended range of +/-6°C.
Check the environmental conditions and observe the warming-up time of the
DR Detector.
Topics:
• Modality Settings
• Exposure Sequence

Modality Settings
The indicative exposure levels for each exposure are specified by the DR
Calibration Tool.

Table 12: Modality settings

Focus large focus

SID 130 cm

Grid No grid is used.

Position The X-ray tube must be centered on the DR detector. Check the
position using the collimator light, before the filter is mounted.

Filtration Mount the Agfa calibration filter (Cu 1.5 mm). Check that
there is no additional filtration.

Collimation Maximum collimation area

Note: If the exposure settings used for a previous calibration are

known, use these settings.

On modalities that support automatic collimation, the collimation settings are

applied automatically and must be checked by the user.
The collimator may limit the X-ray field. To overrule the limitation, the
collimator must be set to manual collimation using the positioning controls in
the software console and the collimation must be applied manually.

Exposure Sequence
Procedure:

1. Allow the DR Detector to warm up for 4 hours before performing the

calibration. During warm-up no exposures should be made.

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36 | DR Detector Calibration | Calibrating the DR Detector

2. Set the exposure parameters to the indicative value for the exposure level.
3. Make exposures as instructed by the DR Calibration Tool.
Calibration steps are performed for each mode (continuous fluo, pulsed
fluo, rad, rapid sequence) and different dose settings (kV, mAs or mA and
ms). Use the software console to set the values that are displayed on the
Calibration Tool and then press exposure button or pedal.
For each mode, exposures with 4 different doses settings are requested.
The images made at the first dose setting will be used to calculate the gain
calibration map.
The images made at the other dose settings will be combined to calculate
the defect calibration map. This calculation can take a long time, up to
several minutes!
The requested dose setting is specified in µGy and a suggestion is provided
on how to accomplish this by setting kV and mAs (or mA and ms). Note
that the suggested settings may not effectuate the requested dose: some
panels have a higher sensitivity, there may be temperature effects etc. The
DR Calibration Tool may instruct to increase or decrease the dose settings
to reach the required exposure level. After adjusting the dose setting, it
may be necessary to repeat previous exposures as well.
During calibration for static image mode, the DR Calibration Tool may
request to perform a rapid sequence exposure.
Do not initiate a next exposure before the DR Calibration Tool displays the
instruction. Initiating the exposure while the DR detector is not ready,
invalidates the calibration.
Do not wait longer than 3 minutes before initiating a next exposure when
the DR Calibration Tool instructs to do so. Delaying the exposure may
cause the DR Calibration Tool to require to be restarted.
The calibration may take up to two hours.
If there's not enough time to complete the whole calibration, after
finishing a mode the remaining modes can be skipped. Push the Skip
button for the remaining modes and finalize the calibration. Later on the
calibration can be started again. The initial uniformity check has to be
repeated, but the modes for which calibration was already performed, can
be skipped.
If the ECV check fails, repeat the calibration for that mode to make sure
that the result is not caused by an error made during the exposure
sequence. If the ECV check fails again, contact your local service
representative.
The calibration remain valid for 13 months.

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 DR Detector Calibration | Problem solving | 37

Problem solving

DR Calibration Tool Stalls

Problem The DR Calibration Tool stalls.

Cause A virus scanner interferes with the DR Cali-

bration Tool.

Workaround Disable the virus scanners on the workstation

and restart the calibration procedure.

Problem The DR Calibration Tool stalls for a short

time.

Cause Information must be retrieved from the DR

Detector.

Workaround Wait until the communication to the DR De-

tector has finished and the DR Calibration
Tool reacts again. This may take a number of
seconds.

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