July 14th, 2018 - SAMPack 120-D includes Radiation Compass, giving First Responders Directionality in Isotope Location

Berkeley Nucleonics (BNC) has released its latest in Backpack Radiation Detectors, the Model SAMPack 120-D. The new design includes dual scintillation detectors which deliver unmatched directionality functions.

The user has easy-to-follow guidance on the whereabouts of nuclear radiation and shortly after the sources are detected, identification can begin.  Location and suggested movement are presented in a Radiation Compass, a graphical and universal representation of which direction to move. Directionality support for the operator is one of several included developments in the new backpack RIID, stemming from recent requirements at DNDO, DHS and other industry thought leaders.

Through BNC’s onsite training program, the application team has developed a working knowledge of the ConOps challenges with field measurements of nuclear isotopes. Typical applications include detection of sources while the operator and perhaps the target source are moving. Isotopes may be shielded or mixed to confuse detection systems. The ‘SAM-D’ meets or exceeds ANSI requirements N42.53 and has improvements in power management, wifi support, xml data management and audio/video capture.

A growing library, now supporting 57 primary isotopes of concern, is continuously updated via the BNC App.  The convenient app which runs on a smartphone gives users real-time information and mitigation options without physically connecting the backpack. Non-technical users can automatically stream compliant data sets to the FEMA / RadResponder network. Users with spectroscopic training will appreciate our adaptive filter, which aids to smoothen peaks for better spectral clarity. Isotope and Isotope class are prominently identified for manifest confirmations. For sensitive environments, a hard-wired option is available as well.

“Although hardwired units are ideal when data security is paramount”, comments Allan Gonzalez, VP of Sales, “the majority of end users appreciate wireless access to the detection system and at times will position the backpack at a checkpoint or source and then monitor from a short distance.”

The ability to remove the backpack set it on location, and make stand-off measurements allows ALARA compliance as well, ensuring worker safety is prioritized. The rugged design (IP65) withstands extreme climate and humidity condition and can provide uninterrupted monitoring for many days. A range of application-specific accessories such as tripod mounting or hands-free display straps allow the operator to tailor the design for each application. Learn more at www.berkeleynucleoncs.com

About Berkeley Nucleonics

Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation is a leading manufacturer of precision electronic instrumentation for test, measurement and nuclear research. BNC has its corporate headquarters in San Rafael, California with several additional manufacturing facilities and sales offices located throughout the United States. Founded in 1963, BNC has been a recognized leader in the field of isotope identification and conducts hundreds of short courses on radiation detection and isotope identification for Federal and State agencies.

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