sam945

The new, all-in-one, RIID from Berkeley Nucleonics (BNC) offers customers a rugged alternative to detachable detectors with a full suite of new features leveraging modern cell phone technology. The renaissance in handheld electronics (Smartphone, PDA, etc.) has led to tremendous advancements in processing power and allows statistical calculations to be processed at a remarkable speed. In parallel, the processors managing the spectral collection and isotope identification can easily handle a myriad of exciting additional user requirements. The long list of much-awaited features ensures new users and experienced health physicists alike will enjoy an unmatched user experience when performing mission-critical tasks. PeakAbout, a free app that manages the data and reporting of the SAM 945, boasts a comprehensive library of 115 isotopes with expansion possibility to 393 isotopes. BNC is a world leader in the manufacturing and development of radionuclide identification devices. 

Overview

Overview 
Unique features
  • Auto Calibration (-20°C to 50°C )
  • Real-Time Background Correction — New Feature
  • Built-in Energy Stabilization
  • Append Alarms with Notes, Images, Videos, Voice Memo
  • ALARA-Remotely Monitor & Control the 945 — New Feature
  • PeekAbout, The Free SmartPhone App Included
  • Industry Largest Internal Detector
  • Improve User Safety with Detachable Interface
  • Full Analysis via Wireless Communication
  • Network using N42.42 Data Transmission
  • IP65 Drop/Water Spray Enclosure
  • Charge Your Battery from DC (Vehicle, etc)
  • >8 Hours with Bluetooth Earpiece
  • Cambio, Peak Easy or SAM-Viewer Compatible
  • PeekAbout, The Free SmartPhone App Included
Identifier applications
  • Emergency Response (Fire, etc.)
  • Homeland Security (Ports, Customs)
  • Clandestine Surveillance (Public Venues)
  • HAZMAT (Spills, Site Perimeters)
  • Industrial (Uranium Mining, Shale)
  • Medical (Radiopharmacy, Laundry, Waste)
  • Radiation Safety (Nuclear Power, HEU)
  • Passenger and Freight Monitoring
  • Non-proliferation Enforcement (Inspections)
  • Health Physics (HLW/LLW Monitoring, Recycling)
  • Food, Water & Public Health
  • Unattended/Remote Monitoring
Worker safety with the SAM 945

In Radiation Safety the government uses the acronym ALARA meaning, “as low as reasonably achievable.”

The SAM 945 is designed to meet ALARA standards by use of its smartphone technology. It is always important to be close enough to the source of radiation to achieve good statistical data for measurements. However, you can now have the best of both worlds. With the SAM 945, the operator can be 20 feet away from the SAM and the radioactive source. This goal is easily met when using the SAM because the smartphone device is easily removed from the instrument giving the user complete control at a very safe distance. Since the smart device is connected via Bluetooth to the SAM, measurements and spectrum manipulation can be performed well within the ALARA standard.

Measured source intensity or exposure to radiation can be analytically described as the “Inverse Square Law.” This means that moving away from the source will lower your exposure rate by one over the distance squared. Therefore, if a radioactive source measures a certain high level at one foot then at 10 feet away the exposure rate will be down a factor of one over ten squared (a factor of 100 lower) assuring a safer distance during measurements.
 

Auto calibration (-20° to 50° C)

The auto-calibration features of the SAM 945 run continuously with no user interruptions. The system performs a health check at regular intervals or during shifts in temperature and then automatically addresses possible detector drift with recalibration routines. The user benefits from simplicity and accuracy, but can manually run calibrations as well.
 

Real-time background correction

The auto-calibration features of the SAM 945 run continuously with no user interruptions. The system performs a health check on regular intervals or during shifts in temperature and then automatically addresses possible detector drift with recalibration routines. The user benefits from simplicity and accuracy, but can manually run calibrations as well.

Real Time Background

Background Stabilization and Auto-Calibration without User Engagement

Energy stabilization

Sharp changes in climate, like moving from a vehicle into the outdoors, can cause some instruments to shift. We have added functionality to offset these energy shifts so users can move freely from cold to hot or vice versa.

ALARA-compliant with smartphone

Why take any chances when sources are unknown? For packages, cargo, drum scanning, or other materials control, the detachable Smartphone allows users to make measurements at a greater distance, decreasing the exposure to radiation exponentially. Fixed applications, such as a guard tower or weigh station, can utilize our tripod mount system and fix their detector permanently while monitoring from 20-30 feet away.

Free app included

PeakAbout is exciting. In addition to quality spectroscopy, data storage, peak examinations, and reporting, the new app is evolving all the time with features you have asked for. See our video tagging functionality and look for more tutorial videos soon.

Free App

PeekAbout is loaded with features

Industry largest volume internal detector

Statistics are vital when performing measurements, and the larger the detector volume, the faster you can achieve those statistics. If you are moving, you can move faster. If you are searching, you will identify from further away. If you are inspecting, shielding will have a smaller impact. The size of your detector is an important decision and each application may have different considerations. We have provided a wide range of detectors for many years, but we have selected the best fit for a RIID in the SAM 945.

IndustryIndustry leading sensitvity

Append alarms with notes, images, videos, voice memos

After you have collected data and generated a spectroscopic report, situational data may be desirable. PeakAbout, the Smartphone App, allows you to quickly add images and video. For reachback support, having photos or video may enable faster disposition of false alarms. The user can also add notes manually which become part of the report. This could be as simple as their badge or post number, or more complex details about the alarming object or person.
 

IP65 drop / water spray enclosure

The SAM 945 was designed from the onset as a field unit. We selected ruggedized detector manufacturing techniques, PMTs with shock absorption, electronics designed to withstand heat, humidity, and climate. We added rubberized bumpers and multi-point bracket absorbers. The unit can fall on any side from 4 feet with only cosmetic damage. Whether your unit rolls around in your trunk or falls from the tailgate, we know your work must move ahead.

IP 65 DropHardened packaging

Charge your battery from DC (vehicle, etc)

For true portability, the SAM 945 allows users to charge the battery from a DC supply. You may wish to have multiple units and re-charge them at your vehicle station for around the clock monitoring. Also, applications on water will benefit as you do not need to worry about extended marine-based monitoring activities.

Cambio, peak easy or SAM-viewer compatible

The SAM 945 is compatible with all the industry-standard analysis packages. We offer a PC based analysis package that compliments PeakAbout. For US DOE or other requirements, the above-mentioned packages are easily obtainable. Contact the factory for details at 800-234-7858.

Wavelet spectroscopy

The SAM 945 delivers a host of features previously not available in an Isotope Identifier. However, without reliable spectroscopy, the SAM III would not meet the underlying goals of a RIID…to quickly and accurately identify unknown sources of nuclear radiation! While our mechanical engineers worked on a state-of-the-art package, our team of spectroscopists leveraged many years of data and field experience to deliver the SAM III Wavelet Algorithms. Our fast and accurate ID capability address shielding, masking and daughter products also. Ask the factory for test results or evaluate your own unit today!

Wavelet Spect

World Class Spectroscopy

Demo Japan

Optimized electronics and detector matching techniques allow separation of Cs134 and Cs137 using a conventional NaI detector system in the SAM 945. Ideal for contamination monitoring of food products.

Accessory

Tripod Adapter - Convenient tool for mounting the SAM 945 to a tripod of fixed location during short screening activities. Examples include monitoring bags on a conveyor, packages on a sorting mechanism or pedestrians passing a check point.

Specifications 

Specifications

Detectors
Nal General purpose isotope identification
CeBr SNM enhanced, high resolution spectroscopy
3He Neutron detection, optional
GM-tube High does rates, standard
Electronics
Digital signal processing 250,000 to 400,000 CPS (Cs 137)
Data output
Format XML, ANSI N42.42 compliant
Reports ID, confidence level, dose rate, etc. with over 10,000 reviewable events
Identifications Isotope, category, confidence
Range 20 keV - 3.0 MeV
Battery Details
Identifier >8 hours, lithium ion
Smartphone >8 hours normal use, broadband dependent
Communication Bluetooth, USB
Enclosure
Dust/moisture IP65
Droppable 1M drop test
Dimensions 10" x 5" x 6"
Weight 6 lbs (with standard detector)
Operating temp -20°C to 50°C
Calibration Auto-calibration and auto-stabilization
Library ANSI with color coded classifiations, expandable USER library (optional) ANSI 43.34 compatible
Function Background, dose and dose rate, isotope ID, search
Memory <10,000 events with user notes
Smartphone functions Operational modes (user/administrator), GPS, data communication camera, voice recorder
Options 
SAM 945 Systems Product description
Model 945-G SAM III Radiation Isotope Identifier, Gamma Detector
Model 945-GN SAM III Radiation Isotope Identifier, Gamma and Neutron Detector
Model 945-LG SAM III Radiation Isotope Identifier, Lanthanum
Model 945-LGN SAM III Radiation Isotope Identifier, Lanthanum, Neutron Detector
Model 945-CG SAM III Radiation Isotope Identifier, Cerium
Model 945-CGN SAM III Radiation Isotope Identifier, Cerium, Neutron Detector
Model 945-C2G SAM III Radiation Isotope Identifier, Large Volume Cerium
Model 945-C2GN SAM III Radiation Isotope Identifier, Large Volume Cerium, Neutron
Accessories  
Accessory DESCRIPTION
P/N7100 Spare AC Adaptor/Charger, SAM 945 / RD-120
P/N7101 Vehicle Adaptor/Charger, SAM 945 / RD-120
P/N7102 Tripod Adaptor, SAM 945 (includes 5mm wrench & M6 Wrench Bolt). Standard: 1/4-20, Optional: 3/8-16
P/N7103 Spare Shoulder Strap. SAM 945
P/N7104 Tripod with ¼-20 shoe, SAM 945
P/N7105 Smartphone / PDA – LG E960 Nexus4 or similar unlocked, Smartphone Charger, USB to microUSB cable or similar
P/N7106 Earbuds (generic)
P/N7107 Spare Smartphone Charger (brand specific)
P/N7108 USB to microUSB cable
P/N7109 Spare Backpack, RD-120
P/N7110 Additional Instruction Manual (print), SAM 945
P/N7111 Additional Instruction Manual (print), RD-120
P/N7112 Thumbdrive, SAM 945 / RD120 (SAM III PeakAbout Smartphone app, User Manual, SAM 945, User Manual, RD-120 )
P/N7113 Accessory Kit for SAM 945 (Spare AC Adaptor/Charger, SAM 945, Spare 12 Vdc Vehicle Adaptor/Charger, SAM 945, Spare Tripod Adaptor, SAM 945, Spare Shoulder Strap. SAM 945
P/N7114 Padded Travel Bag, SAM 945
P/N7115 Hard Case, SAM 945
P/N7117 Hard Case, RD-120
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

Is your isotope identification equipment compatible with RadResponder? 

Is your isotope identification equipment compatible with RadResponder? 

Our SAM III series of equipment (SAM 950, SAMpack and SAMmobile 150) is compatible with FEMA's RadResponder network at no additional cost to the end user. 

Model RD-150 SAMMobile | How can I determine if I need a 2x4x16 or a 4x4x16 inch NaI detector?

Model RD-150 SAMMobile | How can I determine if I need a 2x4x16 or a 4x4x16 inch NaI detector?

BNC generally recommends a 2x4x16 inch detector unless greater efficiency is needed at high photon energies.  For energies that include photons from U-235 and Pu-239 there is negligible difference between the two sizes.  This means that the photons from both U-235 and Pu-239 are fully absorbed in either size detector.  For isotopes like Cs-137 and U-238 some differences begin to show.  The photon energy at 2615 keV (which is an indication of highly enriched material) is still easily detected in the 2x4x16 inch detector because the background is quite low in this region.  Contact the factory for application specific support. The data for several common isotopes is shown below:
 

2x4x16

4x4x16

100% absorption (abs) at 186 keV (includes all energies of U-235)

87% abs at 414 keV (includes Pu-239 at 332, 375 and 414 keV)

75% abs at 662 keV (Cs-137)

67% abs at 1000 keV (U-238)

52% abs at 2615 keV

100% abs at 186 keV (includes all energies of U-235)

98% abs at 414 keV (includes all energies of Pu-239)

95% abs at 662 keV (Cs-137)

89% abs at 1000 keV (U-238)

76% abs at 2615 keV

Model SAM 950 | What is the battery life of the SAM 950 RIID ?

Model SAM 950 | What is the battery life of the SAM 950 RIID ?

The Model SAM 950 has a highly upgraded power source with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.  These batteries give reliable operation for over 8 hours before requiring recharge.

SAM III Series | What are the advantages of smart phone technology ?

SAM III Series | What are the advantages of smart phone technology ?

The smart phone technology lends itself to spectroscopy with a simplified and intuitive operation.  The advantages are many fold:

  1.  Smart phone operation is wide spread allowing the user to quickly adapt to touch screen use and utilizing many cell phone features.
  2. The device (PDA) is a quality product which gives the SAM III products reliable operation with many first-ever capabilities.  The display has excellent linearity and resolution with color coded spectra and one-finger operation of the cursor.  Many features are automated, for example, auto calibration and stabilization which are clearly displayed.
  3. Detaching the PDA (SAM 945, RD120) allows convenient control of the instrument from a distance (bluetooth control).  With the RD120 SAMpack monitoring can be clandestine with or without earphones.  
  4. When monitoring waste or highly active material the user can be at a safe distance (20 feet or more) and have complete control of the spectrometer which includes making measurements, taking multiple acquisitions, manipulating the spectrum, etc.  Therefore, the ALARA safety practices are easily accomplished.
  5. General cell phone features are incorporated into the operation of the SAM.  For example, taking a picture and adding text or video describing details of the source being measured.  This added information is included with the report and spectrum.

SAM III Series | What is the maximum count rate for the SAM III instruments?

SAM III Series | What is the maximum count rate for the SAM III instruments?

The SAM III instruments have a maximum count rate of 100,000 CPS and 150,000 CPS depending on the amount of background and the number of energy peaks being processed. 

SAM III Series | What is the sigma trigger setting for?

SAM III Series | What is the sigma trigger setting for?

The sigma trigger allows a low threshold for sensing a radioactive source while being unaffected by false triggering due to changes in background (sigma indicates standard deviations over background).  This provision automatically updates the current background which yields higher sensitivity while eliminating false triggers due to changing ambient background.  This feature allows the user to survey a large area without needing to continuously stop and store a new and different background.  A sigma setting of 4 is recommended.

SAM III Series | What isotope libraries are supplied with the RIIDs and Backpack Systems ?

SAM III Series | What isotope libraries are supplied with the RIIDs and Backpack Systems ?

Berkeley Nucleonics provides the standard ANSI N42 compliant libraries for SNM, Medical, Industrial and NORM. Also a user defined library is provided. Finally, an expanded ANSI compliant library is available for CeBr and LaBr detector upgrades. New medical libraries and isotopes are updated through the product's free apps, PeakGo and PeakAbout.

SAM III Series | Why are some isotopes harder to identify at low dose rates/count rates?

SAM III Series | Why are some isotopes harder to identify at low dose rates/count rates?

The example given here is for a typical background of 7 urem/hr (70 nSv/hr) which corresponds to about 250 gamma counts per second (cps).    When a Ra-226 source is detected there will be an alarm at background levels but a firm ID will not occur until the cps reaches about twice the background level (500 – 600 cps for this example).  This higher cps level for ID is expected since Ra-226 has many peaks and many are very low in abundance (sometimes referred to as Branching Ratio, Branching intensity or intensity of peaks.) 

In addition Ba-133 has similar peaks with much higher branching intensities (about 20 times higher) which add to the complexity of identifying Ra-226 especially at low cps.  The library is carefully designed to take this into account but moving closer to the source or waiting a little longer for a solid ID is always important (Ba-133 ID may be seen momentarily but will cease as statistics improve).  Identifying two or more isotopes each with low abundant lines (peaks) may also require moving closer to the source and possibly waiting longer to obtain good performance. 

U-238 is another example of a source with low abundant lines and may take up to 30 seconds or more to identify at minimum count rate (<500 cps).  Users must realize that the basic specifications which are given for the Cs-137 standard is the result of a very high branching intensity (>85%) - whereas the branching intensity of U-238 lines are less than 1% of Cs-137.  It is therefore expected that acquisitions on some sources will take a little longer but it is common practice to use acquisitions of at least 1 minute and to move closer to the source if possible.

SAM III Series | Why is operation in the “Variable Alarm Mode” preferred and why is Auto Variable Trigger employed?

SAM III Series | Why is operation in the “Variable Alarm Mode” preferred and why is Auto Variable Trigger employed?

When using the Variable Alarm Mode (as opposed to Fixed Alarm Mode) a low threshold can be set to start the acquisition during a search for radionuclides.  A low threshold which triggers the start of an acquisition is important for achieving high sensitivity.  However, changes in the background during surveillance can cause false triggers that may result in false identification of isotopes.  To prevent false triggers from happening BNC uses a scheme called “Auto Variable Trigger”. This is a threshold adjustment that continuously optimizes the threshold setting automatically.  Those performing environmental surveillance will find this mode especially valuable as it allows identification of NORM isotopes with the highest sensitivity possible during changes in NORM.

Downloadable Resources 

Downloadable resources such as datasheets, firmware, software, drivers and products manuals. Alternatively, you can browse resources directly by visiting our downloads page.

Product Datasheets
• Product Firmware
• Product Software and Drivers
• Product Manuals

Media

Media 
Video URL 
Video title 
Model 945 - Built in Flashlight
Video URL 
Video title 
Model 945 - PeakAbout Smartphone App
Video URL 
Video title 
Model 945 Modifying Ringtones on the Nexus
Video URL 
Video title 
Model 945 Examine a Spectrum Without a PC
Video URL 
Video title 
Model 945 Sneak Peak
Video URL 
Video title 
Model RD-120 - Backpack Identifier

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