Model MetRad1 | How do you know if the alarm is radiation or metal?
The MetRad1 has 2 different LED indicators and 2 different alarm tones to notify the operator which type of alarm is present.
Model 951 | Why does the nukeALERT “recalibrate” as I travel around?
When the nukeALERT is turned on, it calibrates itself to the natural radiation background. When the nukeALERT notices the background has reduced, it will recalibrate itself to improve the sensitivity. When you are traveling, your device may detect a lower natural background environment and recalibrates itself to ensure maximum detector sensitivity. You often see a…
Model 951 | Is there any way to permanently set the sensitivity higher or lower to adjust for constant changes in background levels (around an X-Ray machine, etc)?
The nukeALERT contains an Adjustment Switch that allows you to manually adjust the lowest level sensitivity of the detector. This should not be casually adjusted since it reduces the highest sensitivity of the detector. Usually, this switch is adjusted at the factory or by our tech support team. It is important to track your minimum…
Model 951 | Are there any ongoing maintenance procedures or parts need for the nukeALERT 951?
No. The nukeALERT 951 recalibrates itself on power up and can be operated for many years simply by changing the battery.
What are the similarities between Cerium Bromide and Sodium Iodide detectors?
See this article for details – https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/july-27th-2022-cerium-bromide-and-sodium-iodide-detectors
Can the SAM 940+ detect and identify special nuclear material?
Yes. The SAM 940+ is capable of detecting and identifying special nuclear material (SNM), including HEU and plutonium, using its high-resolution NaI(Tl) or optional CsI detector and on-board isotope library. It meets ANSI N42.34 Type C performance requirements. [Detailed application note →] https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/march-24th-2022-identifying-nuclear-and-special-nuclear-material-sam-940
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…
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…
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 | 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…
