Abstract A matrix of twenty 2 × 12 mm 2 surface barrier counters has been constructed for use in the image plane of a magnetic spectrometer. The outputs of individual crystals are displayed in predetermined channels of a 400 -channel pulse height analyzer. This is done by connecting separate crystals to successive sections of a delay line and converting the time difference between signals arriving at the ends of the line into pulse heights. Simple procedures for producing reliable GeAu surface barriers and contacts and certain properties of such counters are discussed. Samples of data decoded by this unit are presented.