A lpha

Beta

Gamma

Detects Alpha (α) Beta (β) Gamma (γ) and X-Ray (χ)

Alpha Alpha – radioactive particles. – radioactive particles. Stopped with paperStopped with paper

BetaBeta – particles and low energy – particles and low energy waves. Stopped with aluminum waves. Stopped with aluminum foil.foil.

GammaGamma – rays that travel at the – rays that travel at the speed of light. Stopped by thick speed of light. Stopped by thick lead or concrete.lead or concrete.

X-RaysX-Rays – man-made rays. – man-made rays. Stopped by thick lead or Stopped by thick lead or concrete.concrete.

Alpha

Beta

Gamma

PRECAUTIONSPRECAUTIONS

Do not contaminate by touching to Do not contaminate by touching to Radioactive Sources (Replacement Radioactive Sources (Replacement Strips are available in the manual).Strips are available in the manual).

Do not leave in tempratures overDo not leave in tempratures over100 degrees F (38 C) or in direct 100 degrees F (38 C) or in direct sunlight for extended periodssunlight for extended periods

Do not get the unit wet. Water can Do not get the unit wet. Water can damage the electronics or the mica damage the electronics or the mica window on the tube.window on the tube.

Do not put in a microwave oven. It Do not put in a microwave oven. It cannot measure microwaves and cannot measure microwaves and you may damage to the unit or ovenyou may damage to the unit or oven

The GM Tube End WindowThe GM Tube End Window

MICA END WINDOWMICA END WINDOW

The end window on the The end window on the tube, under the protective tube, under the protective metal screen, is made of a metal screen, is made of a light weight, very thin mica light weight, very thin mica to allow the penetration of to allow the penetration of alpha particles into the tube alpha particles into the tube for alpha detection. Be for alpha detection. Be careful of objects careful of objects puncturing the end window, puncturing the end window, as will require tube as will require tube replacement to repair.replacement to repair.

Buttons and SwitchesButtons and Switches

LCD Panel

Count Light

Tube Center Indicator

Mode Switch

On/Off/Audio Switch

CAL Input

Output

Buttons and SwitchesButtons and Switches

Meter Face DefinitionsMeter Face Definitions

Accessing the Utility MenuAccessing the Utility Menu

Menu Item # 1Menu Item # 1

Menu Item # 1 allows the user to turn on and off the auto averagingfeature. When auto averaging is turned off, The Inspector uses a fast3 second averaging for its reading. When auto averaging is turned on, The Inspector averages the reading using the following rules:

> 6000 CPM (1.75 mR/hr) averaging is done using previous 30 secs.

< 6000 > 12000 CPM averaging is done using the previous 6 secs.

< 12000 CPM (3.6 mR/hr) unit enters fast response mode.

Menu Item # 2Menu Item # 2

Select Menu Item #2 to switch between Select Menu Item #2 to switch between different units of measurement. You can different units of measurement. You can

choose between CPS and µSv choose between CPS and µSv or CPM and mR/hr.or CPM and mR/hr.

Menu Item # 3Menu Item # 3Menu Item # 3 enables to user to reset the CAL factor to the original setting of 100.

Menu Item # 7Menu Item # 7Menu Item # 7 enables to user to set the CAL factor manually.

Menu Items 4,5 and 6 are reserved for future functions

Menu Item # 8Menu Item # 8

Menu Item # 9Menu Item # 9

Menu Item # 8 factory reset.

Menu Item # 9 shows the software version of the instrument.

Setting the AlertSetting the Alert1. To set the Alert, press the “SET” button on the end panel. The

“ALERT” icon (radiation symbol) and the “SET” icon are displayed.

2. Use the “+” and “-” buttons to adjust the display to the desired level. 3. Press the “Set” button once to retain the setting memory. Then press

it again to turn the alert mode on. The “ALERT” icon is now displayed to indicate the instrument is operating in the Alert mode. To use the previous alert setting, press the set button twice. Now the alert mode is on.

4. To deactivate the Alert mode, press the “Set” button again. The “ALERT” icon is no longer displayed.

The closer to the source,The closer to the source,the higher the readingthe higher the reading

The more shielding,The more shielding,the lower the readingthe lower the reading

AutorangingAutoranging

Mode Ranges Displayed

CPM 0 to 2,999 CPM 0 to 2,999 CPM X1000 (<9,999 CPM) 3.00 to 350 (3,000 to

350,000)Total/Timer 0-9,999 counts 0 to 9,999Total/Timer X1000 (<9,999) 10.00 to 9005 (10,000

to 9,999,000) counts

When radiation levels increase over certain preset display levels, The Inspector uses autoranging, changing to the X1000 scale.

Whenever X1000 is shown above the numeric display, multiply the displayed reading by 1000 to determine the radiation level.

Interfacing with an External DeviceInterfacing with an External Device

The output can be used to drive a CMOS or TTL device to record the counts on a computer, data logger, or accumulating counter,

such as the Observer Software.

Taking a Timed CountTaking a Timed Count Use a timed count to determineUse a timed count to determine:: The average normal background The average normal background

count rate (10 minutes is usually count rate (10 minutes is usually adequate).adequate).

Normal background radiation Normal background radiation levels vary at different locations, levels vary at different locations, time, even at different areas of time, even at different areas of the same room.the same room.

It is usually necessary to It is usually necessary to determine background radiation determine background radiation counts for each area to be counts for each area to be monitored.monitored.

If an object is mildly radioactive.If an object is mildly radioactive. Counts for wipe tests or planchet Counts for wipe tests or planchet

tests (optional accessory the Wipe tests (optional accessory the Wipe Test Plate required).Test Plate required).

Variations in ambient radiation Variations in ambient radiation levels.levels.

• A timed count is used to obtain A timed count is used to obtain more accurate average count more accurate average count per minute values. The longer per minute values. The longer the count time, the more the count time, the more accurate the CPM average. accurate the CPM average.

• The Inspector + can provide The Inspector + can provide total counts for timed periods of total counts for timed periods of 1 minute to 24 hours.1 minute to 24 hours.

How to Take a Timed CountHow to Take a Timed CountTo take a timed count:To take a timed count: Turn the Inspector + on and switch to the Turn the Inspector + on and switch to the Total/TimerTotal/Timer mode. mode. Set the timer switch on the end panel to Set the timer switch on the end panel to SetSet.. Use the + and – buttons to set the timing period.Use the + and – buttons to set the timing period.

1 minute to 9 minutes in 1 minute increments.1 minute to 9 minutes in 1 minute increments. 10 minutes to 50 minutes in 10 minute increments.10 minutes to 50 minutes in 10 minute increments. 1 hour to 24 hours in 1 hour increments. 1 hour to 24 hours in 1 hour increments.

Set the timer switch to Set the timer switch to OnOn.. The Inspector + beeps three times and begins countingThe Inspector + beeps three times and begins counting The hourglass icon flashes during the timed period.The hourglass icon flashes during the timed period. To see how much time remains, switch the timer switch to To see how much time remains, switch the timer switch to SetSet. The display . The display

will show the time remaining. will show the time remaining. To use dose rate modes while the timer is on, switch to the desired mode. To use dose rate modes while the timer is on, switch to the desired mode.

The hourglass icon will continue to flash while the Inspector is timing. At The hourglass icon will continue to flash while the Inspector is timing. At the end of the timed period the hourglass icon will stop flashing and the the end of the timed period the hourglass icon will stop flashing and the total counts for the timed period is retained in the Total/Timer mode.total counts for the timed period is retained in the Total/Timer mode.

At the end of the timed period the Inspector + beeps three times.At the end of the timed period the Inspector + beeps three times. The number displayed is the total count.The number displayed is the total count. To determine the average CPM for the timed period, divide by the total To determine the average CPM for the timed period, divide by the total

number of minutes.number of minutes.

Timed Count < 24 HoursTimed Count < 24 HoursTimed counts longer than 24 hours:Timed counts longer than 24 hours: a clock is requireda clock is required Turn the Inspector + on and switch to the Total/Timer mode.Turn the Inspector + on and switch to the Total/Timer mode. Set the timer switch to Off.Set the timer switch to Off. Record the time immediately when the timer switch is set to Off.Record the time immediately when the timer switch is set to Off. At the end of the timed period, record the number of counts and the At the end of the timed period, record the number of counts and the

time.time. Find the time period by subtracting the end time from the start time.Find the time period by subtracting the end time from the start time. Divide the number of counts by the number of minutes to obtain the Divide the number of counts by the number of minutes to obtain the

average CPM for the timed period.average CPM for the timed period.

General Survey TechniquesGeneral Survey Techniques Surface contamination / Leak detection:Surface contamination / Leak detection: With the Inspector + in either exposure rate modes, Position the Inspector With the Inspector + in either exposure rate modes, Position the Inspector

such that the window is roughly 1 cm (0.4”) from the surface.such that the window is roughly 1 cm (0.4”) from the surface. Wait 30 seconds or until the reading is stabilized.Wait 30 seconds or until the reading is stabilized. To determine whether the object is slightly radioactive, a timed count of at To determine whether the object is slightly radioactive, a timed count of at

least 10 minutes is necessaryleast 10 minutes is necessary. . Compare the 10 minute average count with the Compare the 10 minute average count with the 10 minute average background.10 minute average background.

If surface to be checked is large, then an area scan may be necessary.If surface to be checked is large, then an area scan may be necessary. Position the Inspector + with the window approximately 1 cm (0.4”) from the object Position the Inspector + with the window approximately 1 cm (0.4”) from the object

in question.in question. Move the Inspector + along the object at a speed of 5 cm (2”) per second to scan Move the Inspector + along the object at a speed of 5 cm (2”) per second to scan

the object for radioactivity.the object for radioactivity. If the object is a seal, seam, crack or joint then, only one pass is necessaryIf the object is a seal, seam, crack or joint then, only one pass is necessary

If the object is wide than the detector (such as a portion of a floor or If the object is wide than the detector (such as a portion of a floor or workspace) then it is necessary to do several passes in order to effectively workspace) then it is necessary to do several passes in order to effectively scan the entire surface. Start scanning along one edge then make each scan the entire surface. Start scanning along one edge then make each successive pass approximately 5 cm (2”) from the previous until all area is successive pass approximately 5 cm (2”) from the previous until all area is scanned. scanned.

Locating radioactive articles in freight Locating radioactive articles in freight

containers or general areascontainers or general areas If a portal monitor goes into alarm for excess radioactivity, or if a source If a portal monitor goes into alarm for excess radioactivity, or if a source

is known to be lost in a building, scrap yard, landfill, etc., the is known to be lost in a building, scrap yard, landfill, etc., the Inspector +Inspector + may be used to locate and confirm the presence of may be used to locate and confirm the presence of radioactive items.radioactive items.

All accessible exterior surfaces should be scanned holding the All accessible exterior surfaces should be scanned holding the Inspector Inspector ++ at a distance of 1 cm (0.4”) from container walls and moving the at a distance of 1 cm (0.4”) from container walls and moving the detector at a speed of 5 cm (2”) per second. The complete exterior of the detector at a speed of 5 cm (2”) per second. The complete exterior of the container should be scanned methodically using a 30 cm (12”) grid.container should be scanned methodically using a 30 cm (12”) grid.

It is often necessary to unpack shipping containers, truck containers, etc., It is often necessary to unpack shipping containers, truck containers, etc., and scan the items individually to locate the radioactive materials.and scan the items individually to locate the radioactive materials.

The Inspector + may be used to “sniff out” radiation:With the unit in exposure rate mode, an operator will do a wide general survey of the area in question to look for elevated activity. The surveyor will divide the area into quadrants and try to identify quadrants with elevated activity. It may be necessary to divide the quadrants into sub areas in order adequately survey the area.If elevated activity is detected in a quadrant, then the quadrant is scanned more carefully, possibly item by item.

Wipe test, filter, or planchet testWipe test, filter, or planchet test• Wipe test Wipe test ((Wipe Test PlateWipe Test Plate accessory required) accessory required)::• A wipe test may be conducted using a cotton swab or filter paper.A wipe test may be conducted using a cotton swab or filter paper.• Similar procedures can be conducted using a planchet with a liquid, evaporated liquid, or Similar procedures can be conducted using a planchet with a liquid, evaporated liquid, or

powder.powder.• Perform a 10 minute average background count with the Perform a 10 minute average background count with the Wipe Test PlateWipe Test Plate and a clean wipe and a clean wipe

in position. The Inspector + should rest display up, on the surface where the counting will be in position. The Inspector + should rest display up, on the surface where the counting will be performed. performed.

• The area to be tested is usually 10 cm x 10 cm.The area to be tested is usually 10 cm x 10 cm.• The wipe is taken using an S – shaped swipe that almost completely fills the 100 square cm The wipe is taken using an S – shaped swipe that almost completely fills the 100 square cm

test area.test area.• The wipe is then placed on the The wipe is then placed on the Wipe Test PlateWipe Test Plate assembly with the swiped side up. The assembly with the swiped side up. The

wipe test assembly is then slid under the detector and a timed count of 10 minutes is taken. wipe test assembly is then slid under the detector and a timed count of 10 minutes is taken. Care must be taken to ensure that the wipe does not come in contact with the Care must be taken to ensure that the wipe does not come in contact with the Inspector + to ensure the unit is not contaminated.Inspector + to ensure the unit is not contaminated.

• The 10 minute wipe count is then compared with existing wipe data or with the 10 minute The 10 minute wipe count is then compared with existing wipe data or with the 10 minute average background to determine the level of contamination.average background to determine the level of contamination.

• A control sample is often used to validate results. A control sample is often used to validate results. A control sample (calibrated source) is an example prepared such that the geometry of the control A control sample (calibrated source) is an example prepared such that the geometry of the control

is identical to that of the samples in question. This can be a filter paper, cotton swab or planchet is identical to that of the samples in question. This can be a filter paper, cotton swab or planchet with a know isotope of know quantity.with a know isotope of know quantity.

A control sample can be used to determine efficiency for specific isotopes.A control sample can be used to determine efficiency for specific isotopes. A control sample can be used in comparison with wipe test in question.A control sample can be used in comparison with wipe test in question.

• Rule of Thumb: Wipe tests that yield results 2-4 times normal background indicate Rule of Thumb: Wipe tests that yield results 2-4 times normal background indicate contamination.contamination.

Using the Wipe Test Plate for an Using the Wipe Test Plate for an alpha / beta shieldalpha / beta shield

The The Wipe Test PlateWipe Test Plate can can be used to shield out be used to shield out alphas and betas in order alphas and betas in order to determine the true to determine the true gamma and x-ray count gamma and x-ray count rate.rate.

In addition, the normal In addition, the normal average background average background count rate (gamma and x-count rate (gamma and x-ray only) in high alpha ray only) in high alpha and, or beta environments and, or beta environments can be obtained using the can be obtained using the Wipe Test PlateWipe Test Plate as a as a shield. shield.

AccessoriesAccessories Ruggedized Inspector CaseRuggedized Inspector Case

Ideal for military and 1st response, this is the ultimate case for protection from severe weather, drops, and more. Made from a nearly indestructible material, it has been designed to house your Inspector+ in a dustproof, air proof, and watertight case while still providing you with access to your Inspector+ for data, regardless of the conditions (Gamma detection only).

Crushproof, Waterproof, Dustproof & Airtight Inches L 8.5 - W 1.37 min (W 5.25 max) - D 2.4 MM L 216 - W 111 min (W 133 max) - D 61Easily use The Inspector+ through recessed, clear plastic screen

Also works with the Digilert 100, Digilert 50, RadAlert 50, RadAlert 100 and Geiger

Observer SoftwareObserver Software

The Observer software runs on a The Observer software runs on a Windows platform and can be Windows platform and can be used with the Inspector, Digilert used with the Inspector, Digilert 50, and Geiger Radiation 50, and Geiger Radiation Monitors. As an option, any of our Monitors. As an option, any of our Radiation Alert® instruments can Radiation Alert® instruments can be modified to interface with the be modified to interface with the Observer.Observer.The Observer reads in Counts, The Observer reads in Counts, CPM, and CPS and has the ability CPM, and CPS and has the ability to collect, log, and perform to collect, log, and perform statistical analysis on the data statistical analysis on the data received. received.

The data is displayed on a graph as well as digital and analog on-screen meters and can be saved or printed in various ways including a spreadsheet format. The dwell/count time can be adjusted for each point on the graph. You can also set the length of time for the count. The on-screen meters in the software have adjustable settings as well as a settable alarm in CPM. There are both visual and audio indicators, and you can play the meter click through your PC speakers.

Radiation BasicsRadiation BasicsIonizing RadiationIonizing Radiation

Ionizing radiation is radiation that changes the structure of individual atoms by ionizing them. The ions produced Ionizing radiation is radiation that changes the structure of individual atoms by ionizing them. The ions produced in turn ionize more atoms. Substances that produce ionizing radiation are called radioactive.in turn ionize more atoms. Substances that produce ionizing radiation are called radioactive.

Radioactivity is a natural phenomenon. Nuclear reactions take place continuously on the sun and all other stars. Radioactivity is a natural phenomenon. Nuclear reactions take place continuously on the sun and all other stars. The emitted radiation travels through space, and a small fraction reaches the Earth. Natural sources of ionizing The emitted radiation travels through space, and a small fraction reaches the Earth. Natural sources of ionizing radiation also exist in people and in the ground. The most common of these are uranium and its decay products.radiation also exist in people and in the ground. The most common of these are uranium and its decay products.

Ionizing radiation is categorized into four types:Ionizing radiation is categorized into four types: X-rays are manmade radiation produced by bombarding a metallic target with electrons at a high speed in a X-rays are manmade radiation produced by bombarding a metallic target with electrons at a high speed in a

vacuum. X-rays are electromagnetic radiation of the same nature as light waves and radio waves, but at vacuum. X-rays are electromagnetic radiation of the same nature as light waves and radio waves, but at extremely short wavelength, less than 0.1 billionth of a centimeter. They are also called photons. The energy of extremely short wavelength, less than 0.1 billionth of a centimeter. They are also called photons. The energy of X-rays is millions of times greater than that of light and radio waves. Because of this high energy level, X-rays X-rays is millions of times greater than that of light and radio waves. Because of this high energy level, X-rays penetrate a variety of materials, including body tissue.penetrate a variety of materials, including body tissue.

Gamma rays are almost identical to X-rays. Gamma rays generally have a shorter wavelength than X-rays. Gamma rays are almost identical to X-rays. Gamma rays generally have a shorter wavelength than X-rays. Gamma rays are very penetrating; thick lead shielding is generally required to stop them.Gamma rays are very penetrating; thick lead shielding is generally required to stop them.

Beta radiation A beta particle consists of an electron emitted from an atom. It has more mass and less energy Beta radiation A beta particle consists of an electron emitted from an atom. It has more mass and less energy than a gamma ray, so it doesn’t penetrate matter as deeply as gamma and X-rays.than a gamma ray, so it doesn’t penetrate matter as deeply as gamma and X-rays.

Alpha radiation An alpha particle consists of two protons and two neutrons, the same as the nucleus of a helium Alpha radiation An alpha particle consists of two protons and two neutrons, the same as the nucleus of a helium atom. It generally can travel no more than 1 to 3 inches in air before stopping, and can be stopped by a piece of atom. It generally can travel no more than 1 to 3 inches in air before stopping, and can be stopped by a piece of paper.paper.

Decay: When an atom emits an alpha or beta particle or a gamma ray, it becomes a different type of atom. Decay: When an atom emits an alpha or beta particle or a gamma ray, it becomes a different type of atom. Radioactive substances may go through several stages of decay before they change into a stable, or non-Radioactive substances may go through several stages of decay before they change into a stable, or non-ionizing, form. For example; U-238 has 14 different stages of decay before it stablizes.ionizing, form. For example; U-238 has 14 different stages of decay before it stablizes.

An element may have several forms, or isotopes. A radioactive isotope of an element may be called An element may have several forms, or isotopes. A radioactive isotope of an element may be called “radioisotope”. However, the more correct term is radionuclide. “radioisotope”. However, the more correct term is radionuclide.

Half-life: Each radionuclide has a characteristic half-life, which is the time required for half of a quantity of the Half-life: Each radionuclide has a characteristic half-life, which is the time required for half of a quantity of the material to decay.material to decay.

Radiation Measurement UnitsRadiation Measurement Units Several different units are used to measure radiation, exposure to it and Several different units are used to measure radiation, exposure to it and

dosage.dosage. A A ROENTGENROENTGEN is the amount of X-radiation or gamma radiation that is the amount of X-radiation or gamma radiation that

produces one electrostatic unit of charge in one cc of dry air at 0° C and 760 produces one electrostatic unit of charge in one cc of dry air at 0° C and 760 mm of mercury atmospheric pressure. The Inspector displays in mm of mercury atmospheric pressure. The Inspector displays in milliroentgens per hour (mR/hr).milliroentgens per hour (mR/hr).

A A RADRAD is the unit of exposure to ionizing radiation equal to an energy of 100 is the unit of exposure to ionizing radiation equal to an energy of 100 ergs per gram of irradiated material. This is approximately equal to 1.07 ergs per gram of irradiated material. This is approximately equal to 1.07 roentgen.roentgen.

A A REMREM is the dosage received from exposure to a rad. It is the number of is the dosage received from exposure to a rad. It is the number of rads multiplied by the quality factor of the particular source of radiation. The rads multiplied by the quality factor of the particular source of radiation. The rem and millirem are the most commonly-used measurement units of rem and millirem are the most commonly-used measurement units of radiation dose in the U.S. 1 rem= 1rad.radiation dose in the U.S. 1 rem= 1rad.

A SIEVERT is the standard international measurement of dose. One sievert A SIEVERT is the standard international measurement of dose. One sievert is equivalent to one hundred rems. A microsievert (µSv) is one millionth of a is equivalent to one hundred rems. A microsievert (µSv) is one millionth of a sievert.sievert.

A CURIE is the amount of radioactive material that decays at the rate of 37 A CURIE is the amount of radioactive material that decays at the rate of 37 billion disintegrations per second, approximately the decay rate of one gram billion disintegrations per second, approximately the decay rate of one gram of radium. Microcuries (millionths of a curie) and picocuries (trillionths of a of radium. Microcuries (millionths of a curie) and picocuries (trillionths of a curie) are also often used as units of measurement.curie) are also often used as units of measurement.

A BECQUEREL (Bq) is equivalent to one disintegration per second.A BECQUEREL (Bq) is equivalent to one disintegration per second.

Common Rule of Thumb for demonstrating regulatory compliance: 1 REM = 1 RAD = 1 Roentgen