Last year, an article was published about the BhangmeterV2, a nuclear war monitor connected to the internet. This device featured the HSN-1000 nuclear event detector from the Cold War era at its core. Its primary function was to alert all devices on the network about an imminent EMP attack, giving them time to power down electronic equipment.

It was surprising to discover that the HSN-1000 detector was still accessible back then, but it is no longer the case. Thankfully, [Bigcrimping] has taken on the task of replicating this essential component in his [BHG-2000 Nuclear Event Detector](https://github.com/bigcrimping/bhg-2000_nuclear_event_detector/tree/main). However, he requires assistance to complete this endeavor.

The HSN-1000 operated by detecting the initial prompt gamma ray pulse that signals a nuclear explosion, similar to what Vela Satellites used to identify Gamma Ray Bursts. [Bigcrimping] chose to create his gamma ray detector using four BPW34S PIN diodes coated with black paint. This paint blocks visible light that might activate photocurrent in the diode but allows Gamma Rays through. Additionally, utilizing four diodes increases the surface area and could unintentionally function as a coincident detector.

To ensure that accidental triggers do not occur due to cosmic rays, [Bigcrimping] amplified the minimal photocurrent using a transimpedance amplifier based on the LTC6244 op-amp. This signal then passes through a second-stage amplifier based on an LT1797 op amp, which generates a LOW pulse when an event is detected.

All these components were integrated into a four-layer PCB designed by [Bigcrimping], serving as a direct replacement for the HSN-1000L event detector specified in his BhangmeterV2 project.

Equipped with a Pico 2 W, the BHG-2000 is prepared to safeguard your devices until facing an EMP or blast wave.

One challenge remains: without exposing the device to gamma rays, its functionality cannot be confirmed. [Bigcrimping] is seeking assistance from anyone in Europe possessing a Cs-137 or Co-60 source for testing purposes.

For further details and contact information, visit the [GitHub page](https://github.com/bigcrimping/bhg-2000_nuclear_event_detector/tree/main), where the entire project is publicly available.

While a nuclear detonation could serve as calibration, it is advocated by Hackaday that such events are best avoided entirely.

In case the Bhangmeter or a comparable device issues an alert about an explosion, have you determined [where to seek shelter](https://hackaday.com/2023/01/19/new-study-tells-us-where-to-hide-when-the-nukes-are-coming/)?