Technical Details

Tracer 5i

The instrument was purchased through U.S. Analytical Solutions in September 2019 with funds provided by SMU-in-Taos, the Quest Archaeological Research Program, the Institute for the Study of Earth and Man (ISEM), and faculty in the departments of anthropology (Dr. K. Hollenback) and engineering (Dr. A. Quicksall).

Repair Events

  1. The instrument failed in September 2020.  Failure was attributed to an electrical arc emanating from the motherboard and the RxBx board.  Instrument was repaired under warranty.
  2. The instrument failed in January 2021.  Failure was attributed to an electrical arc emanating from the RxBx board.  Instrument was repaired under warranty.
  3. The instrument failed in June 2021.  Failure was attributed to an electrical arc emanating from the motherboard.  Instrument was repaired under warranty.

Tracer 5g

The instrument was purchased through U.S. Analytical Solutions in April 2022 with funds provided by the Quest Archaeological Research Program.

Instrument Accessories

Both spectrometers may be operated in standalone mode, or via USB or WiFi connection to an IBM-compatible PC.  The laboratory maintains an HP laptop and a Surface Pro tablet for exclusive use in laboratory and field environments.

Our laboratory has five 7.2v batteries for the Tracer 5 line of spectrometers (p/n 160.0009), with battery life during average operation lasting a full day.  We also have three lithium ion battery chargers (p/n 160.0010), allowing use of the instrument while recharging batteries.

A portable WiFi router (p/n 160.0199) is available to allow fully wireless use of the instrument.

A vacuum kit with pump (p/n 200.0090) is available for measuring low-Z elements, and a helium-flush setup is also possible.

Technical Details

Detector window: 8 μm beryllium (5i), 8 μm graphene (5g)

Detector: Proprietary 20mm2 silicon drift detector with < 140 eV @ 250,000 cps (5i); Proprietary 20mm2 silicon drift detector with < 140 eV @ 450,000 cps

Analysis range: Detects from Na to U in air, and from F to U under helium purge

Size: 27.3 cm x 9.4 cm x 29.5 cm (10.75 in x 3.7 in x 11.6 in)

Weight: 1.9 kg (4.1 lbs) with battery; 1.6 kg (3.6 lbs) without battery

Power: Li-Ion battery and charger; AC adapter

Excitation source: Rhodium (Rh) thin window X-ray tube; X-ray generator 6-50 kV with 4.5-200 µA, maximum 4 Watt output. Operator adjustable current and voltage for optimum excitation

Collimation: User changeable collimator; 3 mm and 8 mm collimators supplied

Filters: Operator controlled, motorized 5 position primary beam filter wheel. Manual insertion filter/secondary target slot for factory or user made filters.

Geometry: Features patented SharpBeam™ beam path for best performance at low power.

Beam path: Capable of selectable beam path of vacuum, helium or air to detect elements as light as Fluorine (F) to as heavy as uranium (U).

Internal camera: Internal VGA CMOS camera with ability to store up to 5 photos per assay.

Interactive touchscreen: High performance and contrast daylight visible TFT LCD 9.4 cm (3.7”) color touchscreen display.

Convenience features: TrueTouch trigger switch, relaxed ambidextrous hand grip strap and EasyAccess rail mount for accessories.

Control software: Full control OS on analyzer and on PC software.

Analysis software: Control of all excitation parameters and live spectra displayed on analyzer. Live spectra and qualitative, semi-quantitative and quantitative analysis on Windows® 7 or 10 PC.

Data storage & data transfer: Internal and direct storage on USB drive. Data transfer to PC via USB or Wi-Fi. Bluetooth connectivity for accessories.

System safety: Password protection; Sample proximity sensor; Low count rate (backscatter) shutoff

Operating environment: -10°C to +50°C (+14°F to 122°F); IP54 dust and splash resistant; Altitude: 2,500 m (8,200 ft)