Student Radiation Monitor Troubleshooting and FAQs

This sensor is no longer available. Information is presented for reference only.

Primary Test: Is the 9 V battery good? Are the correct settings chosen on the sensor? Are the monitor and source positioned properly for the type of radiation to be detected? Note that this monitor does not read alpha radiation. When monitoring weaker radiation, the transparent window on the back of the detector should be oriented toward the source of radiation.
Secondary Test: Some types of radiation are very difficult or impossible for this GM tube to detect. Beta emissions from tritium are too weak to detect using the Radiation Monitor. Americium-241, used in some smoke detectors, can overexcite the GM tube and give an indication of a higher level of radiation than is actually there.

Sensor: Halogen quenched glass Geiger-Mueller (GM) tube.
⚬ Wall density: 50 mg/cm²
Power: One 9-volt alkaline battery provides a battery life of 500 hours. Low battery condition is indicated when count light is dimmed.
Sound: An audio beeper indicates radiation events. This feature can be muted
Visual: The red LED count light indicates radiation events.
Dimensions: 30 X 80 X 150 mm (1.2 X 3.2 X 5.9 in)
Weight: 200 g (7 oz) with battery installed
Audio Output: The 2.5 mm mono jack produces 8-volt AC coupled output suitable for amplifier input, tape recorder input, or RS232-compatible interface to personal computers

It is not necessary to calibrate this sensor.