Best Geiger Counters for Radiation Detection
It's Better to Know for Sure
The following Geiger counters and web links will help with a decision to purchase a Geiger counter. There are many on the market but the best known ones are presented below. There will also be a link to a site for those that would like to build their own Geiger counter.
Monitor 4 Pocket Geiger Counter
The Monitor 4 pocket counter is an amazing device. It can detect all three forms of radiation, alpha, beta, gamma. In addition it is able to detect X - radiation.
It has a data output port, switchable range, runs on one 9 volt battery for three months and can be carried in a pocket. Made in the USA with a one year warranty. Purchase at geigercounters.com.
Victoreen 715 Radiation Detector
Civil defense produced Geiger counters from the 60s are still available. It is a good idea to have them routinely calibrated. Using a Geiger-Müller tube for radiation sensing the sensitivity is set low for more top end (higher radiation) reading.
The 715 is an outstanding radiation detection and monitoring solution. Accuracy is plus or minus 30 percent. A great thing is easy web access availability to the instrument manual. The Victoreen Instrument Company is located in Columbus, Ohio, and owns the Victoreen 1B85 Geiger-Müller probe patent.
Digital Geiger Counter
The Digital Geiger Counter made by Images. This $399.95 precision instrument can detect alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. Can detect lower level radiation level in objects such as food and other close up samples.
The Digital has RS-232 output that can be connected to computer serial ports (DB-9) or lab equipment. Visual output is a LCD 16 x 2 display with back lighting. GCA-04 output is used as a serial PC connection that interfaces with Windows software for charting and monitoring.
Conclusion
Buying Geiger counters on ebay and amazon can save a lot of money. Some may prefer to build their own Geiger counter. It is important for any Geiger counter to be certified as calibrated, especially if used for alpha and beta. A Gamma radiation detector will seldom show a reading, and if it does, the exact level will not be as important as running.
Published by Dave Bryan
Born without consent. View profile
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4 Comments
Post a CommentReally interesting!
Good report.
Interesting and timely! I had to have idodine radiation therapy once. I was hospitaized in a lead-lined room and they checked my radiation levels four times a day. Nurses had to rotate taking my vitals; each was only allowed to be exposed to me X seconds per day. Scary stuff.
The closest I came to using anything radioactive in work was soil testing devices utilized by the concrete firm I once worked for. In fact, I even forget the brand name.