VRM-5

Description

TSA’s vehicle roadway monitor system, model VRM-5, was developed to meet a requirement to survey roadways for contamination from beta particles. The system consists of a four wheel electric utility vehicle, a towed detector array, a Trimble GPS receiver, and a PC based controller.

The Trimble GPS receiver can accept real time differential correction from several sources. When the system is shipped from the factory, it is set up to receive subscription satellite differential correction from OmniSTAR service in Houston, TX. This service provides sub-meter accuracy for an annual subscription fee.

Due to the requirement for beta sensitivity, the faces of the detectors are covered in very thin mylar. This necessarily restricts the system to use only on clean, paved areas. The system may be driven to the work area with the detector shields in place, and the detector height set to the transit position.

When the survey is begun, the computer takes control of the vehicle speed, and will survey the area at the fastest possible speed that provides the required sensitivity.

Applications

The vehicle roadway monitor system, model VRM-5, was developed to meet a requirement to survey roadways for contamination from beta particles.

Specifications