1Overview
The SAM 940 is a handheld radiation detection and isotope identification system that earned DHS recognition by being genuinely easy to operate. It powers up fast, runs an automatic self-test, then stabilizes and calibrates itself with temperature. There is no warm-up and no waiting period, so the operator gets a reliable answer at the moment it matters.
This instrument was designed for a wide range of users. Health physicists, food and drug inspectors, law enforcement, and first responders in HAZMAT suits all use the same tool. One-hand, one-glove operation and a seven-key keypad keep control simple under pressure. Dose rate characterization, GPS-tagged data, and ANSI N42.42 network transmission make the SAM 940 a search instrument and a confirmation instrument at once.
2Key Features
- Simple, rapid operation: quick power-up with automatic self-test, temperature stabilization, and calibration.
- Industry-leading spectral resolution with no warm-up or waiting period.
- One-hand, one-glove operation through a seven-key keypad.
- Network ready with ANSI N42.42 data transmission.
- Search and confirm with a single instrument.
- COTS AA batteries for rapid deployment.
- Operates accurately in high background, with auto calibration and stabilization using NORM.
- Cambio and Peak Easy compatible; ships with ANSI-Viewer software.
- DOE reachback ready and JAC ready.
- Patented Quadratic Compression Conversion (QCC) identifies mixed isotopes in one second.
3Detector & Performance
The SAM 940 pairs a scintillation detector with a digital signal-processing MCA. The standard configuration is a 2 x 2 inch NaI detector, with a 3 x 3 inch NaI option for higher sensitivity and an optional 1.5 x 1.5 inch CeBr detector for sharper resolution. Detachable detectors carry an integral HV bias supply, and gamma-plus-neutron versions add 3He neutron detection.
Identification speed comes from patented Quadratic Compression Conversion (QCC, U.S. Patent 5,608,222), which identifies mixed isotopes in one second. Hysteresis processing reaches a 97 percent identification confidence level in two seconds. The energy range spans 18 keV to 3 MeV, and automatic stabilization with temperature holds calibration in the field.
| Performance Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Energy range | 18 keV to 3 MeV |
| Mixed-isotope ID | QCC identifies mixed isotopes in one second (U.S. Patent 5,608,222) |
| Confidence | Hysteresis provides 97% ID confidence level in 2 seconds |
| Calibration | Automatic stabilization with temperature |
4Specifications
Detector and Electronics
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Detector | NaI, LiI, or optional CeBr |
| Detachable detectors | 2 x 2 in or 3 x 3 in NaI options, with or without neutron detector; integral HV bias supply; optional CeBr |
| Integrated electronics | Digital signal-processing MCA |
| ADC | Base converter 14-bit pipelined-flash; modes Linear 256, 512, 1024; QCC 256, 512 |
| Channels | Linear 256 / 512 / 1024; QCC 256 / 512 (per ADC modes) |
| Energy range | 18 keV to 3 MeV |
Functions, Controls, and Alarms
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Functions | Nuclide identification, spectrum analysis, dose rate calculation (rem/Sv), total dose, audible search tool |
| Controls | 7-key custom keypad with one-thumb operation |
| Alarm | Visual (on-screen) and audio (internal speaker or optional headphones) |
| Customization | Isotopes and energy lines editable in field or via Microsoft Excel; essentially no limit to number of isotopes or lines; customizable sound preference |
| Display | (verify) |
Physical, Environmental, and Power
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Weight | 4.5 lbs with 2 x 2 in NaI detector and batteries |
| Dimensions | 12 in L x 4 in H x 5 in W (excluding detector) |
| Water / dust resistance | IP56 |
| Operating temperature | -20 to 50 °C |
| Power | 8 standard AA batteries |
| Battery life (runtime) | (verify) |
| Shipping dimensions | 23 x 17 x 9 in |
| Shipping weight | 25 lbs |
Connectivity and Standards
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Controller I/O | 10/100 Ethernet port and CompactFlash reader with USB adaptor |
| Data transmission | ANSI N42.42 compliant; removable CompactFlash for storage and transfer |
| Standards | ANSI N42.34 compliance; ANSI N42.42 data format; DOE reachback support; DHS-recognized; JAC ready |
5Isotope Library
The SAM 940 ships with the standard N42.34 ANSI isotope set and several reference lists, then lets the operator edit or extend them without practical limit. Libraries load and update through the CompactFlash card, and custom lists can be built for a specific mission.
| Library | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Standard | N42.34 ANSI isotopes |
| Reference lists | ITRAP list, IAEA list |
| Categories | Medical, industrial, SNM (special nuclear material), NORM |
| Custom | User-defined isotopes and energy lines, no practical limit |
6Options & Configurations
The SAM 940 is ordered as a configured system. Choose detector size, the neutron channel, and the operating system, then add service and software as needed.
| Model | Description |
|---|---|
| Model 940-C | SAM 940 without detector, with CF card and accessories |
| Model 940-2-G | SAM 940 with external 2.0 x 2.0 in detector, Eagle OS, Quantum NaI, ANSIview |
| Model 940-2-GN | SAM 940 with neutron, external 2.0 x 2.0 in, Eagle OS |
| Model 940-2-GH | SAM 940 with 3He neutron, external 2.0 x 2.0 in, Eagle OS |
| Model 940-3-G | SAM 940 with external 3.0 x 3.0 in detector, Eagle OS |
| Model 940-3-GN | SAM 940 with neutron, external 3.0 x 3.0 in, Eagle OS |
| Model 940-3-GH | SAM 940 with 3He neutron, external 3.0 x 3.0 in, Eagle OS |
| Model 940-2GN-1 | SAM 940 with custom GUI, gamma/neutron detector, Eagle OS |
| Model 940-2C | SAM 940 with CeBr detector, 1.5 x 1.5 in, Eagle OS |
Software and Operating Systems
- EAGLE OS: latest OS upgrade with GUI improvements, customized audible alarms, and a move-closer / move-back indicator.
- EAGLE-L OS: advanced upgrade integrating third-party devices, high-performance GPS, law enforcement radio interoperability, unmanned data logging, and user-defined ROI logging.
- SAM 940 Viewer: ANSI-compliant spectral report generation for DOD, DOE, and DHS reachback.
- Quantum NaI/D: quantitative post-process analysis with peak deconvolution, geometry modeling, and multi-source comparisons.
- Cambio and Peak Easy: industry-standard data format support.
Service Agreements
| Part Number | Description |
|---|---|
| P/N 8000-SA3-940-XX | 3-year service agreement: Eagle OS / Eagle-L data logging support, isotope library modifications, hardware and accessory replacement, 3-day repair or replace, regional seminar pass, six web-based training registrations, trainer-on-a-flash course, software upgrades, online and event support, loaner program, prepaid domestic shipping, DOE/DNDO reachback support |
| P/N 8000-SI-9401D-ON | 3-custom-class onsite training voucher: one instructor, 8-hour lesson, accredited CEU program, equipment rental, travel and materials, 6 to 10 students per voucher (domestic only) |
7Applications
- Homeland security and emergency response.
- Law enforcement and undercover surveillance.
- HAZMAT response.
- Radiation safety and health physics.
- Passenger and freight monitoring; non-proliferation enforcement.
- Food, water, and public health monitoring.
- Environmental waste monitoring and radiological area mapping.
- Safeguards, nuclear security, and unattended or remote monitoring.
8Ordering & In the Box
Each SAM 940 ships with a removable CompactFlash card for data storage and ANSI-Viewer software. Operators run in two modes: Basic Isotope ID for simple identification, and Advanced Reporting for nuclide-specific dose calculations, GPS-tagged data, historical logs, and statistical confidence levels.
Optional packages include the Quantum NaI/D quantitative analysis tool, the SAM 940 Viewer spectral report utility, GPS functionality, and custom libraries or user profiles. The SAM 940 qualifies for CST, UASI, and MMRS funding requests. For a configured quote, current lead time, and pricing, contact Berkeley Nucleonics at info@berkeleynucleonics.com or 800-234-7858.