Armadillo Detector
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- Armadillo series of detectors are highly compact and versatile radiation detection equipment for amateur gamma spectrometry, employing CsI(Tl) crystal of various sizes and photo diode.
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- Despite their small size, Armadillo detectors allow us to see Gamma spectrum of natural and man made radio isotopes, by simply plugging into the USB port of your PC and starting one of several Free (and/or Open Source) software such as ThereminoMCA, BeqMoni, PRA, and so on.
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- It's a truly cost effective way of knowing radiation around you, radiation contained in soil, or even radiation contained in foods, IF used with proper knowledge, caution, and supplemental equipments and methodologies like lead castle.
- Although reliable quantitative analysis isn't easy at all, visual detection of Cesium (137, 134) contamination is reasonably straight forward. You just watch for the typical spectrum pattern of these Cesium isotopes, and you can learn it through thousands of examples already measured in Japan and other places.
- Armadillo detectors are developed by Mr. Ohisa and sold at http://www.superoceanlight.com/index.html
- He can send Armadillo detectors to oversee with only slight increase of shipping charge (400 Yen more compared to domestic shipping).
- Mr. Ohisa does read and write English and thus he can answer your questions about the product. He may be able to make a special model if you request.
His e-mail: sales@superoceanlight.com
- He is capable of supplying 100s and 1000s of Armadillo per months at the starting price of under $150 (rough guesstimate by me) for 1cc model. Please contact and ask him.
- Current pricing for analog models (Please check the real price with Mr. Ohisa as they can change):
16000 Yen (about $160) + SH for Type-1 = 1cc CsI crystal
26000 Yen (about $260) + SH for Type-2 = 3cc CsI crystal
50000 Yen (about $500) + SH for Type-3 = 1 cubic inch CsI crystal
55000 Yen (about $550) + SH for Type-3 = 1 cubic inch CsI crystal with Audio Codec on board
Another version with 8 cubic inch CsI crystal is available on request.
Shipping and handling is 600 Yen for Japan and 1000 Yen for oversea.
Payment via Payapl!
- The digital models that includes USB audio codec is available via e-mail order.
- "Super Armadillo" with big 2 inch cubic crystal is available, too (with e-mail order).
- Armadillo detectors are ideal teaching equipment for demonstrating gamma spectrometry.
- Armadillo detectors can be easily employed for Gamma spectrum monitoring, using ThereminoMCA and it's AutoSave featur (or any other software of your choice).
Note: Armadillo is a sensitive equipment. You should keep it calm and cool during measurement, or it will bite you with noisy spetrum.
Armadillo will revolutionize amateur gamma spectrometry !
Examples of people using Armadillo
He measured a piece of cloth used for cleaning windows, after washing it, inside small home made lead shield.
Using small size Armadillo detector （Type-2 with 3cc CsI(Tl) crystal, about $160 at the time of purchase), he could easily see the presence of Cesium 137 and Cesium 134.
http://twitter.com/higanokenji/status/416875603350941697
Spectrum example of TYpe-1d (1cc crystal with digital interface), showing the ability (of new model) to see down to Am241 peak at 59.5KeV. (courtesy of Mr. S.B)
New model with larger CsI(Tl) Crystal and builtin Audio codec (sound card) has been announed!
The new model (Type-4d) has 2 cubic inch crystal (1" x 1" x 2"), and it has internal battery
so that it can be used with smart phones. The pricing is 140,000Yen
(roughly $1,400, depending on the exchange rate)
Mr. Ohisa does ship to oversea with additional shipping fee (just several dollars more).
He can also answer your question in English, make special version, and mass produce
thousands of unit per month, as well.
http://www.superoceanlight.com/
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- I have no ties to Mr. Ohisa, other than he is one of posters of my Japanese BBS, and I would like to support everyone who is providing accessible Radiation detection and gamma spectrometry equipments.