ADE 651 - Frequently asked questions

Q: What is the ADE?
A: The ADE (Advanced Detection Equipment), is a revolutionary tool in the effective detection and location of substances. These can include: Narcotics (drugs), Explosives, and specific substances at long-range distances. In the first tests conducted, the ADE showed an 'indicative' detection range of approximately 650 metres and hence, the first version was called, the ADE650. However, over the years, the ADE has developed and its current model, (ADE651, 680) has more features making it a more useable and effective device.

Q: How was the ADE developed into the product as it exists today?
A: The ADE was developed to meet the requirement of being able to detect specific substances remotely and from a safe distance. Most detection devices in existence today are limited to the detection of substances from close range. Technologies like X-Ray, Gamma Ray, Computer Tomography, Ion Mobile Spectroscopy, Ramman spectroscopy, Electro-Optical, Laser are used for cargo screening or for proximity detection. Although these equipments serve a good purpose, their limitation makes them such that actual physical contact analysis of a substance or group of substances must be made at vapour or substance level. The ADE is designed to detect these same substances without having any physical contact with the actual substance.

Building upon several years of field testing and trials, the ADE went through various hardware revisions into the unit that exists today. Its target market include Law Enforcement, Military Agencies and Corporate entities that need the ability to safely identify the possible existence of a substance and identify the parameters of the area where that substance exists. Building searches, Road blocks, Airport Cargo Containers, building entry points, car parks, etc. are all areas for which the ADE was designed.

Q: How does the ADE work?
A: The ADE works on the principal we call Electro-Magnetic Attraction, EMA. The principle for long range detection is based on substance excitation that needs to be detected, with an electromagnetic field that propagates on a long distance and is not disturbed by the " electromagnetic noise" from the environment generated by such things like RF transmitters and other electronic equipments that use electric current or electromagnetic waves.

Explosive and drug substances contain in their structure the Nitrogen atom. The positive charge of the Nitrogen Core is not uniformly distributed on the surface of the core ( nucleus ) and this determines that every chemical component that has the Nitrogen in composition to be in an instable equilibrium. At card-excitation, with a low-level intensity wave modulated with a frequency equal to the resonance frequency of the compound that has the Nitrogen atom, the substance changes its energetic level to a superior / inferior energetic level with a frequency equal to the resonance frequency of the compound that has the Nitrogen atom. As a result an electromagnetic field is generated with the propagation direction of the excitation field. This creates an electromagnetic field that is working on the devices antenna. Lab measurements on each type of substance, provides the "electromagnetic signature " for each type of substance with a specific resonating frequency and signal pattern.

All substances have an Electro-Magnetic Signature that carries an electromagnetic charge that, when stimulated by an electromagnetic impulse creates an 'attraction' between the substance being detected and the unit itself. The simple way to explain this technology is to take an inflated balloon and rub it on your hair. A static electric 'charge' is created, making the balloon 'attract' it to say, a wall or other flat surface. Provided there is enough 'charge', the balloon will remain 'attracted' to the wall for an indefinite amount of time. However, once the 'charge' has dissipated, the balloon will then 'unattached' itself and fall to the ground. What the ADE does is create an 'attraction' between itself and the substance it wants to detect. With, (the substance recognition cards), the movement of an operator, an attracting field is created in the card reader that, in turn, causes the Direction Indicator of the ADE, (the antenna) to "lock onto" a signal, indicating the direction in which the substance can be located.

When the electromagnetic signal of the substance that the ADE is searching for is located within its detection range, the ADE's receiving direction indicator, (the antenna), will move towards the direction of the existing substance. Essentially, the ADE functions like a hyper sensitive receiver. ATSC has incorporated EMA technology into its proprietary Substance Recognition Cards to specifically target either a specific substance, or group, or family of substances. For example, particularly in the case of Explosives, the Substance Recognition Card for "Plastic" can detect the family of Plastic Explosives including C4, C3, Semtex, etc. The ADE is able to penetrate all known substances which may be used to "camouflage " the target substance because it will "lock" onto the programmed target substance only and will "bypass" any substance(s) that may be in between the target substance and the programmed ADE card. Nother example could be home-made explosives such as Ammonium Nitrate whereby the ADE could not distringuish the difference between this (as an explosive) and the same as used in farm fertiliser.

In essence, the ADE functions like a hyper sensitive receiver. As the ADE receives an attraction signal from the target substance, its Indicator moves across the Operators' body to form a 90 degree angle toward the direction of the substance.

Q: Can the ADE "pin-point" the exact location of the target substance?
A: NO, the ADE was NOT designed as a "pin-point" detection device. It is designed to:
1. identify the existence of the target substance(s) and
2. define the search area to approximately 4 cubic meters and much less with the technical and comprehensive training package.
After the ADE identifies the existence of the substance, it is up to the trained operator to use other search techniques to identify the exact location of the target substance. These may be dogs or other proximity detection equipment or devices.

Q: Can the ADE detect all types of narcotics and explosives?
A: Yes. ATSC has produced a wide variety of Substance Recognition Cards for the detection of narcotics and explosives. This list continues to grow as more and more different types of narcotics and explosives are manufactured and distributed. In our standard ADE kit, we can include substance recognition cards to detect up to 10 substances, (to the clients choice). These 10 substances generally meet most requirements of our clients. However, there are times when specific clients either require more detection cards, or, have identified other substances not generally used in normal day to day operation. Therefore, please speak with your local ADE representative, or contact us direct at: sales@atscltd.com [Mark your enquiry, "Substance Card Requirement"]

Q: Is there anything that will stop or block the ADE from detecting substances?
A: To date, we have not found anything that will totally block or stop the substance signal being detected. As with any equipment, there are limitations as to its use and during training, the ADE provides some guidelines for its use. Provided these guidelines, (together with your operators training), are followed, you will have an effective tool enabling you to effectively & efficiently 'narrow' down the area of search allowing other search methods to be deployed in the successful detection of the searched substance. Used correctly, the ADE can detect substance(s) through walls, (even lead-lined and metal ones), water, (fresh and salted), fresh & frozen foods, (fish, fruit, tea, coffee, ice), vacuum flasks, containers, petrol & diesel fuel and even buried in earth (underground).

Q: Can anyone operate the ADE?
A: Yes. It is imperative that our training program be attended with this unit as it will take, (on average), approximately 2-4 days to fully train an operative in the effective use of the ADE. This does not mean that you will not be able to use the ADE for 2 days, but, in our comprehensive training program, we aim to make you competent, not only in the use of the product but also we train you to understand the readings you will obtain during a normal day-to-day operational use. EVERYBODY will produce the necessary staticelectricity necessary to power the ADE. What is important to note is that, you can produce TOO much power and 'over-attenuate' the signals received. Some advanced knowledge of 'search-techniques would be very useful as would any associated knowledge you may have with respect to 'cross-contamination'

Q: Why is the Training Program required?
A: The ADE is no different than any other instrument that requires a human to operate. For example, just because you have all the equipment to go Fly-Fishing does not mean that you can go out to a river and fish. You can try and fish with the equipment you have and you may have some degree of success or failure, but the reality is that, without proper training in the use of the Fly Fishing equipment, you may find that it does not produce the results that you anticipated and therefore you incorrectly judge the effectiveness of the equipment.

In the same manner, anyone can read the Operators Manual and try to use the ADE and you may, or may not, achieve some level of success. However, with proper and concise training, the trained Operator will reduce significantly the chances of incorrectly using the equipment and increase their ability to identify the target substance (or substances) as well as the location.

Q: What happens when you get very close to the Target Substance(s)?
A: It is very possible to totally miss the Target Substance if you are too close. Remember that the ADE is a long-range detector and operates by triangulating "locks" (or readings) obtained from the perimeter scan of the defined search area. In other words, the scan of the area should allow for a minimum of 4-8 meters outside of the search area. (See "Can anyone operate the ADE" above)

Q: How is the ADE used for searches of vehicles or high traffic areas?
A: Since the ADE has the ability to detect substances from a very far distance, proper operational techniques must be used in conducting a vehicle road block search or when scanning an area where people are walking along a passageway. By sweeping a defined area in the path of travel (approximately 20-25 meters) and establishing a "clean area", it is very simple and effective to scan the "clean area" as vehicles or persons enter that area. The ADE will "lock" onto the first vehicle or person and the Indicator will stay and follow the target through the area for quick identification of any suspect substance being targeted.

Q: How does the ADE handle contamination?
A: Contamination is an important issue with regard to using the ADE. It must be remembered that the ADE unit has the ability to detect at below trace level and therefore, even 'shaking-hands' can result in a person being detected using the ADE. However, with our intensive training program, we are able to show you how to avoid contamination issues and effectively eliminate any 'unwanted' signals.

Q: Does the ADE emit any harmful rays or hazardous emissions?
A: No. There are no harmful rays or emissions from the ADE. The electromagnetic waves which work with ADE are very low intensity and low frequency. This, therefore, would be no different than operating say, a 2-way radio.

Q: Will the ADE detect substances, like drugs or narcotics that have been carried in the body?
A: Yes. The ADE has the ability to detect substance either taken into, or hidden on, the body itself. Even regular users of narcotic drugs will be detected by the ADE. For example, a smoker of marijuana, who has recently smoked a marijuana cigarette, will be detected by the ADE. Users of Cocaine and / or Heroin will also be detected, and depending on the quantity, a regular user, could be detected for up to 1 or 2 weeks or even more! However, again, with our intensive training program, we will show you how to deal with such scenarios.

Q: What is the maximum distance that the ADE can detect?
A: The name ADE was devised by taking the full name of the product, (Advanced Detection Equipment), with its initial 'test' distance, which was 650 meters. Hence, ADE650! However the best operational distance for detection in a optimum time is between 10-100m.

Q: Does weather affect the operation of the ADE?
A: Yes. Weather can affect the ADE's performance but not its operation. In a heavy downpour of rain, the ADE will still operate but at a 'reduced' operational distance. However, (and again with training), we can demonstrate how best to operate the ADE and how to avoid unnecessary environmental operating scenarios.

Q: How can the ADE operate without any external power source?
A: Electrostatic electricity is very much misunderstood. The ADE does require power in order to operate. It requires a very high level of electric current but without amperage. This is why it cannot currently be mounted in a stationary position to operate. The production of power is generated by the movement of the Operator and, as the Operator walks the perimeter of the defined search area, he (or she) generates electrostatic electricity. As one moves, you generate power which, at times, can be in excess of 2,000-3,000 or more Volts. This in turn, powers the ADE. The ADE becomes active and starts to receive signals from the electromagnetic c signature code of the targeted substance.

Q: What is the possibility of obtaining "false Positives" with the ADE?
A: False Positives are problems in all known detection equipment in service today. A "manageable" amount of these False Positives are generally incorporated into the continuing operation of detection equipment and can range from <1% to as high as 20% or more. The key to understanding "False Positives" is to understand what causes detection equipment to "detect" a programmed substance that is not the actual found. It is a known fact that, certain chocolates and perfumes will cause IMS equipment to "detect" such items as explosives.

Due to the nature of the technology upon which the ADE is built, it would be impossible for it to detect a substance that it is not programmed to detect. In other words, if the ADE obtains a "lock" (signal) on an area for a substance that the ADE is searching for, and a 'close-in' search using Canines or IMS portable equipment turns up nothing, it does not mean that the ADE produced a "False Positive". Why? Explanation: The ADE can detect to below the average <30 picograms that most IMS equipment can detect. Therefore, even though the actual substance cannot be seen or detected by conventional equipment, it does not mean that the targeted substance does not exist in that area, at some level. This level may be as small as "contamination", (see above).

This level can easily be demonstrated by removing items from the detection area and placing them in an area where air movement is active and allowing the physical area of detection to be exposed to air movement for a short period of time (usually 15~20 minutes.). A re-scan of the area with the ADE will possibly show that the contamination, no longer exists.

Remember also that the ADE is a 'substance detector' and therefore, items containing elements of the substance being searched, can also be detected. For example; Medicines containing a morphine or codine based substance will be detected by the ADE as the substance within these medicines are generally 'controlled' substances and form the same basis of more harder type controlled "A" and "B" class drugs.

IMPORTANT: One important feature of the ADE is that, by detecting a contaminated area of a programmed substance, (for example, say, C4 explosive), one is alerted to the fact that, at some point in time, (whether recently or some time ago), the items or area detected came in contact with that explosive. This could be extremely beneficial in scanning trucks and cargo containers. Since these containers are normally closed when empty, they remain contaminated for some time and can be noted for tracing the origin of its cargo and routes.

In the case of Narcotics, ATSC will train the operator to understand situations that may seem like an actual detection of a substance when, in fact, the detection may be produced by a substance that may contain a small portion of the programmed target substance. For example, many medicines today contain derivatives of Cocaine. When conducting a search of a passenger or baggage area at an airport, care must be taken to first:
1. Determine the cause of the detection to determine whether it is from medications or the actual substance.
2. Question the person, in the same manner as would be normally expected.
Please note that receiving a signal is no different that a signal being received by say, a walk-thru metal detector at an airport; the fact that an indication has been made by the metal detector does not automatically mean that the person is carrying a gun or knife, it means that it requires further investigation and the same should be considered when using the ADE, it is another tool to help you simply identify specifc areas in which to further investigate.


Q: Is the ADE Approved by any Transportation Agency?
A: ATSC is currently preparing the new version of ADE for submission to the European Agencies for approvals.

Q: Where is the ADE currently in use?
A: The ADE is currently in use by Government, Military, and Corporate agencies around the world. A confidential list of references can be requested by contacting ATSC.

Q: Is it possible to charge batteries using static electricity?
A: Yes, static electricity has energy associated with it and that energy can be used to charge batteries, at least in principle. Static electricity is literally stationary separated electric charges-essentially separated charges stored on capacitor-like surfaces. As you suggest, it may be easiest to transfer these separated charges into a real capacitor and then to use this charged capacitor to recharge an electrochemical cell. Whether such a procedure can be carried out efficiently and in a cost-effective manner isn't clear. The charges involved in lightning have so much energy per charge - so much voltage - that they're hard to use for anything. Even the charges that you accumulate when you rub your feet on a wool carpet on a cold, dry winter day acquire an enormous amount of energy per charge. To charge most batteries, you need lots of low energy charges, not the small numbers of high-energy charges that are typical of static electricity. Using this tiny current of high-energy charges to charge a battery is equivalent to trying to fill a swimming pool with water from a high-pressure car-washing nozzle--too little water under too much pressure. You can do it, but there are better ways.

Q: Where can I find out more information about the ADE (Advanced Detection Equipment)?
A: You can find out more by either visiting our website at: www.atscltd.co.uk , or contacting your local (in-Country) ATSC representative, or send us an enquiry at: enquiries@atscltd.com