Ultra-trace explosives detector
Characteristics
Fido X4 is a new and significantly enhanced version of the widely deployed Fido NXT and Fido X3. The Fido X3 has been widely used by the U.S. military for checkpoint screening and the protection of critical facilities, particularly in Afghanistan. Several hundred units are also used at U.S. airports for baggage and passenger screening. Fido NXT and Fido X3 are also deployed by police forces and military units, protective services, and special forces in a number of other European countries. In recent years, Fido X3 has also been used by HAZMAT teams and drug enforcement units entering illicit and clandestine laboratories where explosives may be present. Production of Fido X3 has now been discontinued and fully replaced by the new and improved Fido X4.
Fido X3, and now Fido X4, are among the most sensitive explosives detectors available on the global market, while also featuring a highly rugged design and simple operation. They also provide an elegant solution to the saturation problem typical of other trace explosives detectors, particularly those based on IMS spectrometry. With Fido X3/X4, the so-called “sensor element” can simply be replaced, and the instrument is ready for operation again within 3 minutes. The procedure is very straightforward. The instrument provides very rapid results and can operate for extended periods on battery power. Fido X4 also features a hot-swap function, allowing batteries to be replaced while the instrument is operating. The system includes two batteries providing up to 8 hours of operation. The hot-swap function is not available on Fido X2 and was not available on Fido X3.
The most significant difference, however, is that the sensor elements are no longer four-channel, as in Fido X3, but five-channel.
This means that Fido X4 provides the same detection capabilities as Fido X3 for military explosives, nitrate-based explosives, peroxide-based explosives, and nitro explosives (including the liquid explosives nitromethane, nitrotoluene, and nitrobenzene). In addition, its fifth channel provides expanded threat detection and improved sensitivity to nitramines (HMX, RDX), nitrate esters (nitroglycerin, EGDN), and smokeless powders. In practice, this means that in some cases Fido X4 can identify the specific type of explosive, which Fido X2 and Fido X3 cannot do.
Fido X4 can also be connected to a robot. It additionally features Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. Fido X3 provided Wi-Fi connectivity only, while Fido X2 could be connected only via a USB cable.
Fido X4 also features an improved instrument design and redesigned user interface.
Fido X4 is a new and significantly enhanced version of the widely deployed Fido NXT and Fido X3. The Fido X3 has been widely used by the U.S. military for checkpoint screening and the protection of critical facilities, particularly in Afghanistan. Several hundred units are also used at U.S. airports for baggage and passenger screening. Fido NXT and Fido X3 are also deployed by police forces and military units, protective services, and special forces in a number of other European countries. In recent years, Fido X3 has also been used by HAZMAT teams and drug enforcement units entering illicit and clandestine laboratories where explosives may be present. Production of Fido X3 has now been discontinued and fully replaced by the new and improved Fido X4.
Fido X3, and now Fido X4, are among the most sensitive explosives detectors available on the global market, while also featuring a highly rugged design and simple operation. They also provide an elegant solution to the saturation problem typical of other trace explosives detectors, particularly those based on IMS spectrometry. With Fido X3/X4, the so-called “sensor element” can simply be replaced, and the instrument is ready for operation again within 3 minutes. The procedure is very straightforward. The instrument provides very rapid results and can operate for extended periods on battery power. Fido X4 also features a hot-swap function, allowing batteries to be replaced while the instrument is operating. The system includes two batteries providing up to 8 hours of operation. The hot-swap function is not available on Fido X2 and was not available on Fido X3.
The most significant difference, however, is that the sensor elements are no longer four-channel, as in Fido X3, but five-channel.
This means that Fido X4 provides the same detection capabilities as Fido X3 for military explosives, nitrate-based explosives, peroxide-based explosives, and nitro explosives (including the liquid explosives nitromethane, nitrotoluene, and nitrobenzene). In addition, its fifth channel provides expanded threat detection and improved sensitivity to nitramines (HMX, RDX), nitrate esters (nitroglycerin, EGDN), and smokeless powders. In practice, this means that in some cases Fido X4 can identify the specific type of explosive, which Fido X2 and Fido X3 cannot do.
Fido X4 can also be connected to a robot. It additionally features Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. Fido X3 provided Wi-Fi connectivity only, while Fido X2 could be connected only via a USB cable.
Fido X4 also features an improved instrument design and redesigned user interface.
The instrument can also operate in continuous air monitoring mode, in which a sample is drawn in by the internal pump and analyzed immediately. The software also includes integrated video help in the form of pre-recorded video sequences, giving the operator access to assistance for all key functions by simply pressing a single button.
Video available HERE
