Pledge:X-ray machine

There has been some interest whenever X-ray machines are mentioned. I've just seen rather a nice one, and I think it would be an impressive asset to the hackspace.

It's second-hand, ex-medical (possibly dental) and fairly modern : electronic camera, so no need for film processing and all the naughty bits are hidden in a lead-lined cabinet so we're not going to get too much involuntary sterilisation happening. I understand the sensor is large, which is A Good Thing. But I'm not very well-informed about this sort of kit so I'm interested in more experienced opinion.

I would also appreciate informed advice (not speculation please) on what we'd need to do to conform to appropriate safety regulations.

X-Ray

Sensor

In discussing this, Mike Harrison has kindly offered the machine used for this teardown for £200. We can afford this already with the pledges offered (if we want to accept that, I'd ask for half of all the pledged amounts). It's a pretty cool machine : simpler to hack and able to examine quite large packages. It's possibly got less magnification than the Faxitron : I'll get some more details so we can consider the choices.

What for?

Coolness, obviously. But also :

• taking things apart without breaking them as much
• reverse-engineering potted electronics
• checking hidden solder joints such as BGAs
• finding sixpences in christmas puddings before you break your teeth on them
• <-your application here->

But not for:

• broken arms (it's not big enough, and needs the door to close, so your limb would be sacrificial)
• small animals or children (that's just cruel. be nice, people. Although I think this model is actually sold to vets, and I found a procedure for x-raying live mice. At that point, safety regulations start to head over towards animal handling procedures).

Cost

The cost of this machine is aproximately £1000. It's made by Faxitron. I can get more details (or find them online). I have found other examples online, but often missing the image processing part. There is also an earlier (but similar) model that uses film.The vendor is likely to have more, so if we don't raise the money in time a different one may be offered, the price may differ, or there may be some delay. I'd prefer to take advantage of the offer rather than mess the vendor about though, so I will close this pledge at the end of january if it's not filled. I may close it earlier if there's no interest, or a substantial (and logical) objection.

Links

• Safety FAQ
• Vendor
• Possible model details - MX-20 with DC-5 camera pdf(unconfirmed)
• Teardown of similar device

Pledges

• £100 - Artag
• £1 - Paul2
• £20 tolland
• £20 Billy_Smith
• £40 tomw
• £100 jonty
• £100 sde
• £1.01 Muz
• £1.02 Solexious (talk)
• £3.14 Jonath4n
• £50.00 Dean

Running total: £426.17

Approximate target: £1000

Paid Total: £0