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GT200
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For Nvidia's GT200 graphic processing unit (GPU), see GeForce 200 Series.
The GT200 is a fraudulent[1] "remote substance detector" that is claimed by its manufacturer, UK-based Global Technical Ltd, to be able to detect from a distance various substances including explosives and drugs. The GT200 and its many iterations(Sniffex, ADE651, HEDD1) have been sold to a number of countries for a cost of up to £22,000 ($36,000) per unit, but the devices have been criticised as little more than a "divining rod" which lack any scientific explanation for why it should work.[2] [3]
The device has come under scrutiny following revelations about the virtually identical ADE 651, another "substance detector" that has become thefocus of a fraud investigation[4] in the United Kingdom.[2] The UK Government has banned the export of such devices to Iraq and Afghanistan in an order brought into force in January 2010 under the Export Control Act 2002[5] and has warned foreign governments that the GT200 and ADE 651 are "wholly ineffective" at detecting bombs and explosives.[6]
The Thai press has condemned the GT200 for having"given wrong readings on several occasions and even failed to detect explosive materials, resulting in the loss of life."[7] Although Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva originally defended the devices, he later recanted when tests showed that they were completely ineffective at detecting explosives. However, they would still be used in the field at the discretion of the Army, which procuredthe devices and continue to use them.[8][9][10]
Contents[hide] * 1 Description and background * 1.1 Export ban and police investigation * 2 Users * 3 Controversy over use * 3.1 Thailand * 3.1.1 Government response * 3.1.2 Review * 3.1.3 Alpha 6 controversy * 3.2 Kenya * 3.3 Mexico * 4 See also * 5 References * 6 External links |
[edit]Description and background
The GT200 consists of three main components—a swivelling antenna mounted via a hinge to a plastic handgrip, into which sensor cards can be inserted.[11] It requires no battery or other power source and is said to be powered solely by the user's static electricity. The device becomes active when the operator starts moving and detects various substances via "DIA/PARAmagnetism".[12] It is made by Global Technical Ltd of Ashford, Kent. The company (registered number 03300333) was established as a private limited company on 9 January 1997 with Gary Bolton as director.[13] A number of overseas partners including Segtec, Napco, Nikunj Eximp Enterprises, Electronic K9 Singapore, Aviasatcom and Concord Consulting have distributed its products in Central America, theMiddle East, India, Southeast Asia and Thailand respectively.[14][15] Global Technical also had a sister company, Global Technical Training Services Ltd (registered company 03793910), which was established on 23 June 1999 but is now dissolved.
Promotional material issued about the GT200 claims that it can detect a wide variety of items including ammunition, explosives, drugs, gold, ivory, currency,tobacco and "human bodies" at ranges of up to 700 metres (2,300 ft) on the surface, depths of up to 60 metres (200 ft) underground or under 800 metres (2,600 ft) of water, or even from aircraft at an altitude of up to 4 kilometres (2.5 mi). A "Substance Sensor Card" inserted into the device is said to create an "attracting field" utilising "dia/para magnetism" between the device and the substancethat is to be detected. The field is claimed to make the antenna of the GT200 lock onto a signal, indicating the direction in which the substance can be located.[12] According to the promotional material, if the device is used correctly, it "can detect substance(s) through walls, (even lead-lined and metal ones), water, (fresh and salted), fresh and frozen food, (fish, fruit, tea, coffee, ice),...