UGM-03 Autonomous Wireless Area Radiation Monitor

The new Micasensor model UGM-03 is an autonomous environmental gamma-radiation probe designed for unattended operation as a stand-alone or networked sensor in a wireless radiation-monitoring system. It carries a dual Geiger-Muller detector for background and high-range measurements, and optional spectroscopic detectors for automatic spectra collection and radionuclide identification when an elevated gamma background is detected.

Very low power consumption enables unattended operation for up to ten years. Combined with duplex RF transmission, this keeps maintenance costs low across the service lifetime. The monitor uses a modular architecture that allows connecting additional meteorological sensors (wind speed, direction, humidity, etc.), a large digital display, and a back-up battery or solar power supply. An integrated GPS provides location awareness and triggers an alarm in case of tampering.

UGM-03 supports several communication options, including proprietary UHF with up to 100 km line-of-sight range, GSM/LTE, or satellite. Two or more channels can operate in parallel, providing redundancy in emergencies. Data communication is compliant with IAEA *.spe and ANSI N42.42 formats. The probe is housed in a waterproof aluminium case and is designed for harsh environmental conditions, with stable spectra and certified accuracy.

In its basic configuration the UGM-03 carries two Geiger-Muller detectors: a large-volume tube for background measurement and a high-range tube up to 10 Sv/h. The monitor can additionally be equipped with spectroscopic sensors: basic CsI(Tl); a directional CsI(Tl) array (eight CsI detectors that determine the irradiation direction — N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW); and high-resolution SrI₂(Eu) or LaBr₃. When spectroscopic sensors are used, mounting may carry additional requirements, for example avoidance of direct sunlight. These shall be determined at the site-inspection stage.

UGM-03 may be deployed as a stand-alone unit powered by its built-in battery, or in combination with optional add-ons. In the latter case it may include:

• Weather station (wind speed and direction, air pressure, temperature, humidity)
• Safety alarm
• Power-backup system (solar panel, wind generator, etc.)
• Additional data-transmission channels, including Tetra
• Lightning protection
• Local information display
• External alarm unit

Data from the add-ons is collected by the Control Unit and transmitted over wired or wireless channels to the central database. UGM-03 can also operate in a one-to-one UHF link to a PC running the Micasensor data-management software.