Product Data Sheet

SAM 940+ Hand-Held Radioisotope Identifier

A re-engineered handheld RIID built for fast, accurate isotope identification with less operator burden and stronger reach-back communication. Internal detector, solid-state neutron channel, onboard camera, one-click reach-back.

Document rev. dc-91104202 · Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation
SAM 940+ Hand-Held Radioisotope Identifier

1Introduction

The new SAM 940+ is a re-engineered RIID (Radio Isotope Identification Device) that features an internal detector and is designed to address a growing demand for fast, accurate isotope identification. The new instrument reduces the burden on the operator by leveraging state of the art communication protocols to quickly relay information to a management team. The lightweight design also limits fatigue in long operational scenarios and enables easy transport of your identifier in a belt holster or lanyard. In addition to ANSI compliant spectroscopic results and alarming, the user has quick access to the on-board camera for appending video or images to the spectroscopic reports.

The new design includes some of the most exciting technologies available in a handheld instrument. The internal GPS system includes 66 Tracking Channels (1–10 Hz) to ensure high accuracy in the reported location data. A rechargeable Li-Ion battery allows for 7 hours of continuous use while a AA battery pack clips on for continued use when the internal battery is low. A gyro-sensor embedded in the SAM 940+ gives users immediate directional data to quickly locate and isolate alarming sources. Stand-off detection and ALARA standards are also met using the Smartphone Mirror application, allowing you to operate the unit from a distance. Existing SAM users will appreciate the add-on port, allowing the use of larger detectors, long detector cables or other needed peripherals.

While the front end of the SAM 940+ has been totally reworked for the first responder and inspection agents, the underlying spectroscopy and analysis ensure the health physicists and program management team reliable information. Disposition of non-threat alarms or naturally occurring radiation can be accomplished timely and with high levels of confidence. The exciting new design marries the demanding requests of the Police, Hazmat, Responder and Inspection communities with the performance expectations of the DOE and spectroscopic community.

SAM 940+ Evolution

The 3rd generation SAM is the most compact, lightest hand-held RIID in the world. Compared to its predecessors, the volume and weight is reduced by about 1/3, while retaining all the advanced features from previous generations.

Features

  • One Click Reachback
  • Built in Camera: Multi-Media Support
  • Sourceless Automatic Real-time Stabilization
  • Remote Operation and Mirroring Display
  • Directional Radiation Detection
  • RadResponder Enabled
  • Internal Detector

2Detectors & Performance

The SAM 940+ supports a range of gamma scintillator crystals plus a GM pancake probe, with neutron detection available as an internal or external option. Energy resolution is specified at 662 keV.

SAM 940+ on-screen gamma spectrum with isotope identification
On-screen gamma spectrum with automatic isotope identification (Cs-137, K-40).
ParameterSpecification
Gamma detector2x2 inch NaI(Tl), CeBr3, LaBr3; 2x1 inch CeBr3 or LaBr3
Neutron detector1.5x1.5 or 2x2 CLLBC, CLYC
External probeNaI, CeBr3, LaBr3, 3He and GM Detector (Pancake Probe)
Energy range20 keV – 10 MeV (Gamma)
LinearizationReal-time linearization by firmware
Dose rate range10 nSv/h – 250 µSv/h (0–10 mR/h)
Dose rate range10 nSv/h – 100 mSv/h (10 mR/h – 100 R/h)
Stabilization“K-40 Finder”: sourceless automatic real-time stabilization
IdentificationANSI N42.34 compatible | ANSI 2015
Library categoriesSNM, IND, MED, NORM
Typical resolutionNaI(Tl) < 7%, CeBr3 < 5%, LaBr3 < 4% @ 662 keV; CLLBC < 3.5%, CLYC < 5%
MCA channel11 bit 2048 ch.

3Specifications

Physical

ParameterSpecification
Dimension102 x 243 x 97 (mm)
Weight1.2 kg

Environmental

ParameterSpecification
Operating temp-20° (-4°) – 50° (122°)
Relative humidity10 to 80%, non condensing
Protective ratingIP65
Testing conditionsIEC 62706, EN 61326

Battery

ParameterSpecification
BatteryReplaceable Li-ion (2 ea.)
Operation time>7 h in dose rate mode with display back light off, maximum run time: > 7x2 h

Display

ParameterSpecification
DisplayLCD
Size3.5inch
Resolution480 x 320, configurable up to 1920x1080

Input/output

ParameterSpecification
USBMicro USB 3.0
BluetoothClass 4.0
WLAN802.11n Wireless LAN

Miscellaneous

ParameterSpecification
GPS22 tracking, 66 channels, 1–10 Hz
CCD cameraCMOS 8MP
GYRO sensorLinearity 0.1 ±% FS

4Key Features

The SAM 940+ instrument and its accessories are made up of the following labeled components:

SAM 940+ labeled components: gamma detector, LCD display, neutron detector, battery pack, AA holder, universal adaptor, belt holster, camera
SAM 940+ labeled components (see numbered table).
No.Component
1Gamma detector
2LCD display
3Neutron detector (optional)
4Replaceable battery pack
5AA battery holder
6Universal adaptor
7Belt holster
8Camera

Alarm Status

SAM 940+ alarm status screen showing dose rate, neutron count and directional move-forward guidance
Alarm status screen with dose rate, neutron count and directional guidance.

SAM 940+ provides four levels of alarm with intuitive graphical icons. Depending on dose rate and threshold settings, it informs the user ‘move forward’, ‘move back’, ‘in range’ and ‘danger’ based on alarm level.

5One-Click Reachback

SAM 940+ provides a “one-click reachback” solution for data transfer to the RadResponder Network or a command center. The multi-media support, GPS and communication capabilities enable the operator to rapidly deliver a complete, informative and actionable report to reach-back centers.

RadResponder

Integration with FEMA’s free network for logging, transmitting, storing, analyzing, and presenting environmental radiation monitoring data.

Command Center

Event data can be transferred to a command center via Wi-Fi network protocol. Peak ID application SW provides full analysis capability of event data.

6Application Software

Event Log

SAM 940+ event log screen with dose rate, neutron readings and attached media photos
Event log entry with dose rate, neutron readings and attached media photos.

The EVENT is stored in the instrument and can be quickly emailed to Reachback. The EVENT file includes spectroscopic data as well as general details such as GPS location and time/date.

Finder

SAM 940+ Finder mode screen with directional dial pointing toward the radiation source
Finder mode points the responder toward the radiation source.

The FINDER mode uses a built-in Gyro-Sensor to assist the responder in quickly locating the source of radiation.

High Resolution Camera

The user has quick access to the built in high resolution camera for adding video or images to the spectroscopic report.

Event Playback & Library Editing

SAM 940+ PC software showing event log spectrum, identification result and GPS map
PC software event playback: spectrum, ID result and GPS-tagged location.

An included software package for the PC or APP can analyze the EVENT logs in more detail as well as offer EVENT PLAYBACK. Management teams may wish to modify library data as well. This is possible with the APP or using a PC.

SAM 940+ PC library setting screen for editing isotope library entries
Library setting screen for editing isotope, class and energy data.

7External Probes & Connectivity

External Probes

The SAM 940+ accepts a range of external probes to extend its capability:

  • Finder probe
  • External siren for area monitor applications
  • Increased sensitivity large volume NaI / plastics
  • Special function / X-ray detection
  • Internal or external neutron detection options

Connectivity

SAM 940+ connecting via front USB port to external detector, SIM card and GPS
Front USB port connects to external detectors, SIM card and GPS.

One of the most advanced features of SAM 940+ is its high connectivity to external devices. It can easily connect to external detectors from BNC only, SIM card for 4G/LTE network and others with the USB port. Connect to external detectors from BNC, SIM cards, GPS and others easily with the front-facing USB port.

8Optional Accessories

AccessoryDescription
CasePelican Carrying Case
HolsterBelt holster
LanyardCarrying Strap
ChargerUSB Charger, Vehicle Charger
ConnectionMini USB Cable
Battery backup4 AA alkaline batteries (> 4h backup)

9Applications

  • Homeland Security
  • Emergency Response
  • Safeguard and Nuclear Security
  • Radiological Area Mapping
  • Geological Radiation Survey