The Vista EMS uses an IBM PC-compatible microprocessor to collect data from the sensors electronically. It also includes a radio telemetry modem, a radio transceiver, an antenna, and a backup battery that is used during power failures.

The Vista 240EC (left) uses an energy compensated gamma detector.

The Vista 1600 (below) is optimized for measuring radiation from beta emitters, including the radioisotopes of the noble gases. During the accident at Three Mile Island, main radionuclide released was Xenon 133, a beta emitter.