PackEye
PackEye by Thermo Scientific is a compact, covert backpack radiation detector for identifying orphaned, contaminated, or malicious gamma and neutron sources over large areas.
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Overview
PackEye is built to rapidly detect orphaned, contaminated, or malicious radioactive sources across large areas without drawing attention.
Its gamma and neutron detection capability is housed in a compact, covert backpack form factor suited to discreet screening operations.
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Natural background rejection in plain terms
The FHT 1377 GN-2 PackEye uses Thermo Fisher’s Natural Background Rejection (NBR) method. NBR does not need to resolve gamma spectral peaks; it separates artificial gamma radiation from changing natural background, so NORM and background swings do not set off false alarms. A flashing green LED means natural radiation, even at an elevated level. A red LED with an audible alarm means an artificial source. Outdoors, alarm levels on the order of 1 µR/h are achieved for special nuclear material or heavily shielded industrial sources.
Neutron detection without He-3
Two flat Li-6 doped scintillation detectors replace the He-3 tubes used in the earlier FHT 1377. Thermo states the GN-2 exceeds its predecessor’s neutron sensitivity, and a 20,000 n/s source can typically be detected at 3 m (10 ft).
Numbers survey teams compare
- Gamma energy range: 20 keV to 3 MeV
- Signal update: 100 ms
- Power: rechargeable 7.2 V NiMH pack, approx. 30 h operation
- Weight: approx. 7.5 kg
- Source search: acoustic search mode and LED bar, with an earphone for quiet or noisy settings
- Optional Bluetooth PDA with GPS for dose-rate display, data storage and remote monitoring
FarrWest’s Service Program covers on-site maintenance of radiation detection equipment on a 30 to 180 day cycle.
Frequently asked questions
What is the PackEye used for?
PackEye is a backpack radiation detector for finding gamma and neutron sources while walking an area. Survey teams use it to locate orphaned sources, radiological contamination and sources placed with malicious intent, such as material for a radiological dispersal device. The backpack format lets operators search discreetly in crowds, at events or along borders.
What comes with the PackEye?
The datasheet lists an aluminum accessory case with a user manual, USB cable with driver software, RS 232 serial cable, rain cover for the backpack, earphone, two rechargeable battery packs, a charger for 120/240 V AC and 12 V DC, and black bands to secure the backpack's cables and belts.
Is there a gamma-only PackEye?
Yes. Thermo lists the FHT 1377 G (order number 4255056) as a gamma-only version without the neutron detectors. It weighs approximately 5 kg and runs approximately 60 to 70 hours, compared with approximately 7.5 kg and 30 hours for the gamma and neutron FHT 1377 GN-2 (order number 4255061).
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Description
Radiation Detection Backpack
The Thermo Scientific PackEye Radiation Detection Backpack is a portable, high-sensitivity solution designed to support survey teams, first responders, and security personnel in locating gamma-emitting and neutron radioactive sources in real-world environments—quickly and discreetly.
Engineered to address orphaned sources, radiological contamination, and maliciously introduced radiation threats, the PackEye ensures wide-area coverage without drawing attention. It’s built for ease-of-use in high-stress or populated environments where covert radiation monitoring is critical. The Thermo Scientific PackEye combines advanced radiation detection with a rugged, ergonomic backpack design, making it the ideal tool for border security, emergency response, event protection, and critical infrastructure monitoring.
Calibration & repair from FarrWest
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