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INFORMATION
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THE INSTRUMENT KIT
MADAR Level II & Skywatch PLL (Prescribed Load List)
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Updated
20230605 Eylar case This instruction sheet is specifically for training MADAR Level II Rapid Response Teams and Skywatch Teams, but is also an aid to MADAR Level I Ops. The basic kit for skywatches turns out to be perfect for MADAR operators to use onsite as part of their Rapid Response System. The basic kit should include these items. 1) geiger counter (GMC-300E, 500) [$150] 2) night vision camera (similar in price to Creative Pro XP) [$150] 3) spectrum analyzer (EMF-390) [$100]  GMC-500 The geiger counter (GQ GMC-500) logs data on its own internal flash memory. The GMC-500 can do the following: 1) On skywatch this hand-carried geiger counter shows variations in background radiation. You not only hear the "clicks" as they increase and decrease but the counts per minute are recorded. On skywatch the data documents ambient readings before an anomaly occurs. 2) When a DAS-equipped (alarm) MADAR goes into alert mode the response team (Level II) takes this unit outside with other equipment to further document the event. It can also include readings before an event. 3) If a Level I MADAR op wishes to document the background radiation while no one is present on the facility, the 500 can be storing data on the GMC website and data viewed later.  Creative Pro XP or Syonyx Aurora
During skywatch or MADAR alerts an op/observer can operate a night vision camera, imaging regular and night vision targets while gathering data with two other pieces of equipment. If that person has the time (or is aided by another team member) he/she should have the EMF-390 spectrum analyzer turned on and readings being recorded as well. The 390 can be used in several ways.  EMF-390 2) During MADAR alerts (Level II), carried outside by response team member(s) to measure and record data. 3) During unaccompanied MADAR alert (Level I) the 390 can be set to record in a loop (circular mode) and data extracted after the event. HOW TO "JUGGLE" THIS EQUIPMENT To be able to accomplish this feat the geiger counter and spectrum analyzers need to be set up right after they are purchased from Amazon, the date and time, as close in seconds as you can get. Then when taken into the field all one has to do is turn then on and set to record. TWO WAYS TO SET-UP RECORDINGS 1) Keep the devices on USB powered chargers, running 24/7 under "circular" mode. Remove upon alert, take with you, and plug back in after an event. Data to be extracted ASAP. 2) Have device set up to record circular or "Stop At 100%", but turned OFF until needed. This is OK for scheduled skywatches, but alerts would require some time-consuming actions. Easy instructions are on the 390's manual on page 21 here: http://www.nicap.org/match/ AUXILIARY KIT One of my teams has an auxilliary kit where possible with conventional cameras or camcorders because many times (and this is another part of our study) cell phone cameras fail to record anything!!!! Another piece of equipment is a strobelight. This is something we have used as a possible "lure" during skywatches. When it comes to routine skywatches, all pieces should be activated at the beginning of the patrol, then turned off at the end of the exercise, whether they are on chargers 24/7 or not.. In all cases, though, data from the counter and spectrum analyzer should be removed from the device to a computer as soon as possible. Any Windows-operated computer will download the data and then the data needs to be stored on the pc or a thumb drive. These files then need to be attached to an email and sent to us here at the Command Center. The procedure for the night vision data is similar, except the observer may not have gotten any interesting night vision targets recorded. However, if they did, the data would need to be obtained by removing the SD card and replacing it with a blank card for the next event. The used card can be placed in a card reader and downloaded to a laptop or tower as described for the other data. Skywatches are usually conducted near a MADAR site. Our array of sites across southern Illinois and southern Indiana presently contain 7 nodes. All three items can be purchased from Amazon for under $400, but the spectrum analyzer could be bought later and save you $100 up front. Funding could come from a yard sale, garage sale, or used dog sale! Anyone interested in direct participation in the MADAR Project, or wishes to donate to the effort, is certainly welcome. Fran Ridge MADAR Operations Director skyking42@gmx.com madar.site/ |