Dumb question, but... regardless of the type of XRF scanner that you are using, you need to change the settings when testing different coins for expected metal content, right?
This thread from another forum is very interested reading on low cost Raman spectrometers that are surplus from the airline and shipping industries and converted to minerals and gemstones. It might be interesting to someone with computer and electronic instrumentation. Jim https://www.gemologyonline.com/Forum/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=23727
Yes!! I knew you couldn't resist!! He was selling one once he converted for around $4000, and I fought myself for a week and luckily someone else bought it Jim you could pay it off with just a few bullion tests...... Jim
I have used this model once before and as I remember it leaked a little almost new But check to see if a repair manual comes with it. https://www.ebay.com/itm/JEOL-T300-...963002?hash=item44380a1cfa:g:Yl4AAOSwJiBcVELK
...and now back to our regularly scheduled programming... There's a reason I'm asking this question, as basic as it sounds.
Sorry, back to your question. There should not need to be according to manufacturer's literature. It is not like the problems with ultrasonic types where dimensions may have to be furnished. This company has a lot of literature on their ability. I hope it or other subsections do.. Jim https://www.bruker.com/products/x-r...eld-xrf/applications/xrf-precious-metals.html
Ok, thanks, Jim. I had a LCS test two different coins for me (U.S. half eagle and a $1 Princess) and the Princess came back as fake. Some information I had read implied that he should have changed the settings on the machine before touching the 2nd coin through the plastic cover of the flip.
I don't know if it is or not, but that may or may not be a critical issue. I mean if I understand what you are saying correctly, you are reporting that the coin was tested through the plastic flip. The accuracy of XRF machines has been tested extensively with assays of the metal being tested, and they are accurate. But through a flip, or any other material ? That I do not know.
I do not think the dealer was using a XRF machine as they do not require touching and are usually out of the flip as a beam is used to stimulate the metal. Many dealers have ultrasonic testers which requires the probe contact on the coin surface ( I do not know if some models have an adjustment for type of flip/holder), but the ultrasonic may require adjustment for the thickness of the coin, etc. So like Doug, I don't know, but my suspicions are quite high that it was not a XRF machine. Here is a review of the Sigma and it mentions it doesn't have to be taken our of the flip. Jim http://about.ag/SigmaMetalytics.htm
My coin dealer friend has a Sigma and will test every piece of bullion or PM coin he suspects. and for his usual customers do them for free also as the machine is passive except for producing an ultrasonic beam and the reading part does require changes to be made to the machine depending on the type and such of the coin but seems to only adjust the reading range. I didn't work it myself, so not sure of all of the steps. Jim
