Aloka ProSound Alpha 6
Aloka · Model ProSound Alpha 6
Compound Pulse Wave Generator (CPWG)- The most advanced broadband beam-forming technology combined with high speed image processing that allows for higher definition ultrasound imaging than ever before. Broadband Harmonics (BbH)- Provides high quality imaging using an expanded range of harmonic signals. This technology results in excellent image resolution and sensitivity and improved penetration. Adaptive Image Processing (AIP)- Clearly displays differences in tissues, reducing speckle noise while maintaining the frame rate. It can also display outlines more clearly by selectively emphasizing boundaries. Spatial Compound Imaging (SCI)- The ultrasound beam is transmitted and received in real time and in the multiple directions resulting in a reduction of speckle noise, suppression of artifacts, and improvement of contrast resolution allowing lesions to be clearly observed. Image Optimizer- At the touch of a button the B-mode image is instantly optimized to the user’s preference. This technology continually monitors the user’s typical settings to optimally adjust the image when pressed resulting in less manual adjustments and more efficient examinations. SmartProbes- The new high-efficiency probes are very lightweight and designed to be high in energy conversion to transmit high-quality ultrasound beams without raising the temperature on the probe surface.
Key tips
- ·Never bypass a radiation interlock to "just get the image" - this is one of the few true zero-tolerance rules in BMET work.
- ·Trend image-quality phantom results over time - drift shows up before an outright failure does.
- ·Portable/mobile units take real physical abuse from transport - check wheel locks and cable strain reliefs more often than fixed units.
Typical Failure Modes
Compiled for this model from its own documentation and established engineering knowledge for this equipment class - not from a verified service record. Confirm against the manufacturer's service manual.
Poor 2D image quality across multiple probes
HighSymptoms: Noisy, low-contrast or non-uniform image, missing sector, drop-out that follows the system not the probe.
Root cause: Front-end / beamformer board fault, a probe-port (connector) board fault, or a system-board fault.
Transducer not recognised / probe-port fault
MediumSymptoms: A probe works on one port but not another, or is not detected at all.
Root cause: Worn probe-port connector or a scan-connector board fault.
Will not boot / intermittent shutdown
HighSymptoms: Dead system, hangs at boot, or powers off under load.
Root cause: Power supply / DC converter, the system battery, or a system-board fault.
Control panel / touchscreen or monitor fault
MediumSymptoms: Unresponsive TGC sliders or keys, distorted or blank display.
Root cause: Control-panel board, touchscreen, or the monitor.
Overheating / loud cooling fan
LowSymptoms: Thermal-shutdown warning, fan roar, hot exhaust.
Root cause: Failed or dust-clogged cooling fan or blocked air path.
DICOM / network / storage fault
LowSymptoms: Studies will not send to PACS, images will not archive, worklist empty.
Root cause: Network configuration or a storage-drive fault.
Serviceable Parts & Consumables
Serviceable items for this model, compiled from its documentation and engineering knowledge for this equipment class. Service class and relative cost are estimates, not manufacturer figures; no part numbers are given. Confirm intervals and pricing against the manufacturer.
Front-end / beamformer board
Class Major service partRel. cost $$$$R&R Difficult
Probe-port / scan-connector board
Class Major service partRel. cost $$$R&R Difficult
Power supply / DC converter
Class Major service partRel. cost $$$R&R Difficult
Control-panel / touchscreen assembly
Class Major service partRel. cost $$$R&R Moderate
Cooling fan
Class Major service partRel. cost $R&R Moderate
System hard drive
Class Major service partRel. cost $$R&R Moderate
| Part | Service class | Relative cost | R&R difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front-end / beamformer board | Major service part | $$$$ | Difficult |
| Probe-port / scan-connector board | Major service part | $$$ | Difficult |
| Power supply / DC converter | Major service part | $$$ | Difficult |
| Control-panel / touchscreen assembly | Major service part | $$$ | Moderate |
| Cooling fan | Major service part | $ | Moderate |
| System hard drive | Major service part | $$ | Moderate |
Relative cost: $ lowest · $$$$ highest service-part cost for this equipment class. Not a price.
PM Checklist
Preventive-maintenance tasks typical of this equipment class. Perform to the manufacturer's procedure and your facility's policy - this is general reference, not a schedule for this specific unit.
- ·Daily QC per modality: image-quality phantom test
- ·Tube and detector inspection
- ·Annual state-required radiation safety survey
- ·Vendor-scheduled preventive maintenance
Troubleshooting Approach
A starting sequence for this model, compiled from its documentation and engineering knowledge for this equipment class. Follow the manufacturer's service documentation for the actual procedure.
Symptom: Poor 2D image quality across multiple probes / channel dropout
- Confirm the fault is present on more than one probe and on a phantom, not just one transducer.
- Inspect the probe-port connectors for bent pins or debris; reseat.
- Run the built-in front-end / channel diagnostics.
- Check cooling - a thermally throttled front end degrades the image.
- Escalate a confirmed beamformer / front-end board fault to the OEM.
Symptom: A transducer is not recognised on one port
- Try that probe on a second port and a known-good probe on the suspect port.
- Clean the port and the probe connector; check for a bent pin.
- Confirm the probe is a supported model for this system software.
- Reboot the system after reseating.
- Replace the probe-port / scan-connector board if the fault stays with the port.
Symptom: Will not boot / intermittent shutdown
- Note any boot / POST beep or on-screen code.
- Check the mains supply and the power-on sequence per the manual.
- Check the power-supply / DC-converter outputs and the system battery.
- Reseat the system boards and drives.
- Refer the power supply or the system board as isolated.
Symptom: Unresponsive control panel / TGC sliders / touchscreen or distorted monitor
- Power-cycle the system.
- Clean around the sliders / trackball; check the control-panel ribbon cable.
- Recalibrate the touchscreen.
- Check the monitor cable and, for a distorted image, the monitor itself.
- Replace the control-panel board or monitor as isolated.
Symptom: Studies will not send to PACS / archive
- Confirm the network cable / Wi-Fi and the DICOM store settings (AE title, IP, port).
- Send a test image and read the DICOM error.
- Check free space on the system drive.
- Verify the PACS accepts from this AE title.
- Restart the DICOM service / system.
Typical Location
Where this class of equipment is typically deployed - general reference, not this unit's own placement record.
- Radiology / Imaging department
- Emergency Department (portable units)
- Operating Room (C-arms)
- Cath lab
- Bedside ICU (portable X-ray)
Documents & Manuals
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