Geiger Counters

[DMac]

I don't know much. Help me get up to speed, please.

I've always wanted one for my preps but was lazy and didn't get one. I want to fix that.

Product model suggestions, average prices?

Big thanks in advance.

[osoab]

I bet the prices are higher now. :D

[sirgonzo420]

I bet the prices are higher now. :D


Yeah, but they'll just get higher after the next nuclear disaster.


Personally, I am not prepping for a nuclear apocalypse. If things turn out like the did in the movie/book "The Road", or other depictions of post-nuclear-apocalyptic-wastelands, then I don't really think I'd care to live and "tough it out".

I am not afraid to die, and there are some situations that call for a high dose of "aww fuck it".

http://synthesis.informe.com/gallery/198-1/fukitol.jpg

[DMac]

I bet the prices are higher now. :D


Yeah, but they'll just get higher after the next nuclear disaster.


Personally, I am not prepping for a nuclear apocalypse. If things turn out like the did in the movie/book "The Road", or other depictions of post-nuclear-apocalyptic-wastelands, then I don't really think I'd care to live and "tough it out".

I am not afraid to die, and there are some situations that call for a high dose of "aww fuck it".



I live less than 20 miles from a plant and it is not one of new design. Power related issues could cause problems.

I'm not one to give in and take the fukitol :)

[sirgonzo420]

I bet the prices are higher now. :D


Yeah, but they'll just get higher after the next nuclear disaster.


Personally, I am not prepping for a nuclear apocalypse. If things turn out like the did in the movie/book "The Road", or other depictions of post-nuclear-apocalyptic-wastelands, then I don't really think I'd care to live and "tough it out".

I am not afraid to die, and there are some situations that call for a high dose of "aww fuck it".



I live less than 20 miles from a plant and it is not one of new design. Power related issues could cause problems.

I'm not one to give in and take the fukitol :)


I feel for your close proximity to a potential disaster... fortunately, there aren't any nuclear reactors in my state.

I reckon I'd stay around as long as I could in a nuclear-wasteland-type-environment, but there are better ways to die than death by radiation.

[Silver Moon Rising]

Here is one source of Geiger counters:

www.geigercounters.com (http://www.geigercounters.com) - $259 to $1,159 - Currently not accepting new orders

More information about radiation detection and protection:

www.ki4u.com (http://www.ki4u.com)
www.radmeters4u.com (http://www.radmeters4u.com)

[DMac]

Know anything about those keychain models?

I knew I should have done this last summer...damn my optimism sometimes!

[Silver Moon Rising]

Here's a USA map with local radiation reports:

www.radiationnetwork.com (http://www.radiationnetwork.com)

http://www.radiationnetwork.com/GGFTPMap.jpg

[DMac]

Here's a USA map with local radiation reports:

www.radiationnetwork.com (http://www.radiationnetwork.com)

http://www.radiationnetwork.com/GGFTPMap.jpg


Thanks Silver Moon Rising, something in my gut tells me that the day I need a geiger counter, the internet as we are used to it, will not be available.

[JohnQPublic]

Be careful about these ones on ebay (like $100-200 each). This guy bought one before the rush for $20:

http://www.covingtoninnovations.com/michael/blog/0501/index.html#GEIGER

[JohnQPublic]

For the civil defense models, you want the CDV-700 only (or a more modern one).

They were going for $49

http://store.colemans.com/cart/geiger-counter-radiation-monitor-cdv700-display-model-p-894.html?currency=USD

But on ebay are costing $250-350 right now.

I would just wait. There are online readings available.

[DMac]

I hear you on the wait, JohnQPublic, 99.9% sure I will. However, this is as good a time as any to get the required information.

[platinumdude]

Too late now to get a good price on those. You don't want to be too late when it comes to food.

[G2Rad]

I don't know much. Help me get up to speed, please.

I've always wanted one for my preps but was lazy and didn't get one. I want to fix that.

Product model suggestions, average prices?

Big thanks in advance.


I am a proud owner of this kind of machine:

http://www.polimaster.com/files/product/image/1200585062439

love it

own it for about 6-7 yearso. still works fine. calculates accumulated dose.
gives alerts. sensitive to 0.01 µSv/h. small (relatively). it is always with me.

pricy

[G2Rad]

Detector
GM tube
Dose Rate display
0.01 - 9999.99 μSv/h
(1 μR/h - 999.999 mR/h), H*(10)
Dose Rate Accuracy
(H – dose rate, μSv/h)
±20% (in range 0.1 - 9999 μSv/h
(10 μR/h - 999.9 mR/h))
Dose measurement
0.001 - 9999 mSv
(0.1 μR - 999.9 R)
Dose Accuracy
±20% (in range from 0.01 mSv to 9999 mSv
(1 mR - 999.9 R))
Energy range
0.06-1.5MeV
Energy response relative to 0.662 MeV
(Cs-137)

Survive after momentary influence of maximum
permissible gamma radiation within 5 min:

Standards compliance

Alarm type:
visual, audio
Physical Parameters

Dimensions
52 x 48 x 18 mm
(2'' x 2'' x ¾'')
Weight
100 g (3.5 oz)
Environmental Characteristics

Temperature
0 up to +45 °C
(from +32 up to +113 °F)
Humidity
up to 95% at 40°C (104°F)
Environmental protection
IP68
Drop test

Water resistant
100 m ( up to 330’)
Power

Batteries
One CR 2032 Lithium battery
Battery lifetime
18 months
Battery discharge control
LCD indication
Additional

Countdown timer

Display of time to critical exposure

Functions
Quartz clock movement Ronda 763 (Switzerland)
Calendar mode
alarm clock
PC Communication IRDA

[Horn]

I am a proud owner of this kind of machine:


People must call you G2Rad. outside of here, as well.

[G2Rad]

I am a proud owner of this kind of machine:


People must call you G2Rad. outside of here, as well.


lol

Gamma (rays) to (2) Rad (per hour)

[JohnQPublic]

I just ordered one of these for $39.95 (plus shipping). A little low on sensitivity, but at minimum range it should start registering by 5x background (lower range is 0-10 mR/hr):

http://radiation.fallout.cz/htm/im.htm

http://radiation.fallout.cz/Images/im-1.jpg

[DMac]

My concern with the military (especially foreign) is that I read they need to be calibrated by a lab. I hope you find yours in working condition JQP.

[JohnQPublic]

My concern with the military (especially foreign) is that I read they need to be calibrated by a lab. I hope you find yours in working condition JQP.


I know it is taking a risk, but for $40, and under the circumstances, I'll risk it. Next step is to find a source to test it. I don't think lantern mantles will do much.

[Low Pan]

Get one if you're in NY and keep it hush, hush:

http://www.villagevoice.com/2008-01-08/news/nypd-seeks-an-air-monitor-crackdown-for-new-yorkers/


But Falkenrath pressed on, saying that unless the police can determine who gets to look for nasty stuff floating in the air, the city would be paralyzed by fear.

Question:
Vallone nodded his head, duly moved by Falkenrath's presentation. Nevertheless, he had a few concerns. When the Environmental Protection Agency promised that the air surrounding Ground Zero was safe, Vallone said, independent testers proved that such assurances were utterly false. Would these groups really have to get a permit before they started working?

Answer: Deflect
"It's a good question, and it has come up prior to this hearing," Falkenrath replied. "What I can assure you is that we will look extremely carefully at this issue of the independent groups, and get the opinion of the other city agencies on how to handle that, and craft an appropriate response."

Absurd:
And if people use these detectors without a permit, Vallone asked, do we really have to put them in jail? Afraid so, Falkenrath answered.


Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer said the bill aims to fix a problem that doesn't even exist. "I cannot think of evidence or events in our recent past involving false alarms that would create any urgency for this sweeping legislation," he said. "If Manhattanites have any anxiety related to this bill, it is the very marked anxiety that residents have about their air quality."



Dave Kotelchuck, deputy director of the New York/New Jersey Education and Research Center, pointed out the absurdity of having police regulate and permit research science. "Think about industrial-hygiene folks who are going from Boston to Atlanta to measure, and have atmospheric detectors," he said. "They land in LaGuardia and JFK. As soon as they land, because possession is a misdemeanor, they've committed a misdemeanor. They're not going to test in New York City; they're just travelling through. But possession, which is the way the law has stated it, alone is a misdemeanor—not use. Not attempting to make measurements—just possession. That is just unwarranted."
Wonder if they would even notice the watch geiger counter....


After an hour of this, poor Peter Vallone looked shell-shocked. He had planned to fast-track this legislation—in fact, the law was supposed to have been voted on last week—but that was before the critics had heard about it. As the opposition mounted, Vallone pulled the proposed legislation just before the meeting's end and agreed to give it a second look. rightfully so. Don' count your chickens before they hatch. I hate how a politician thinks just becasue THEY drafted the legislation that it should be passed. Egotistical effers.

but you know they won't stop there:


But don't think Vallone has given up or anything. He and his colleagues will try to accommodate all the concerns when they redraft the bill, he said, but one way or another, the cops are going to have this new power. "No one's going to be completely happy in the end," Vallone said, "but I think the police department gave some very impressive testimony on the stand, and also expressed a willingness to listen to concerns."

[Low Pan]

My concern with the military (especially foreign) is that I read they need to be calibrated by a lab. I hope you find yours in working condition JQP.


I know it is taking a risk, but for $40, and under the circumstances, I'll risk it. Next step is to find a source to test it. I don't think lantern mantles will do much.


yoy can pay to have them calibrated and certified.

[JohnQPublic]

Here is an FDA guide to potassium iodide. (http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/Guidances/ucm080542.pdf)

These guys (http://www.alertsusa.com/prod-KI.htm) are selling 200 dose vials for $30.

A month ago it was probaly a few bucks.

Not sure about that. Here (http://www.sciencelab.com/page/S/PVAR/23042/SLP1042) 25 mg = $45.95
Cole Plamer was similar.

[G2Rad]

I just ordered one of these for $39.95 (plus shipping). A little low on sensitivity, but at minimum range it should start registering by 5x background (lower range is 0-10 mR/hr):

http://radiation.fallout.cz/htm/im.htm

http://radiation.fallout.cz/Images/im-1.jpg


typical background is 10 µRad/h, or 0.01 mRad/h
So, yours will start registering at 50x background, not at 5x

[G2Rad]

at this very moment my watch is registering 7 µRad/hour

[mick silver]

For the civil defense models, you want the CDV-700 only (or a more modern one).

They were going for $49

http://store.colemans.com/cart/geiger-counter-radiation-monitor-cdv700-display-model-p-894.html?currency=USD

But on ebay are costing $250-350 right now.

I would just wait. There are online readings available.
display purposes only

[Low Pan]

Here is a DIY for calibrating:
http://www.ehow.com/how_6786889_calibrate-geiger-counter.html



and here is a company that is a NAGC member (National Assoc of Gov't Contractors), to give you an idea of the price of calibrating to Gov standards:

http://seintl.com/services/calibration_and_repair.html


NIST Calibration Service - We perform calibrations of survey meters to a N.I.S.T. certified 200 mCi Cesium-137 source. All calibrations are entered into our Calibration Database. Typical cost: $82.13 plus shipping within the U.S.

notice how they say the enter you meter into a databse. They say it is to remind you, like your family dentist, of your next meter "check up". But I'm sure we can guess that being tied to the Gov this most likely is not the databases only use. I'm thinking more like keeping tabs on everyone that has a meter.

[G2Rad]

if the counter is sensitive enough to read ambient, then one way to check that its working is to take it with you unto airplane

while in the air the reading must go up approx. 30 times, to 300 µRad/hour (or 3 µSv/h)

[JohnQPublic]

I just ordered one of these for $39.95 (plus shipping). A little low on sensitivity, but at minimum range it should start registering by 5x background (lower range is 0-10 mR/hr):

http://radiation.fallout.cz/htm/im.htm

http://radiation.fallout.cz/Images/im-1.jpg


typical background is 10 µRad/h, or 0.01 mRad/h
So, yours will start registering at 50x background, not at 5x


I figured .02 mR/hr for background, 5x.02 = 0.1, or the needle starts moving (1% of scale). If G2Rad is correct, then on an airplane it should be 3-6% of scale. People may freak out if you pulled a WWII / Korean era geiger counter out during an airplane flight, so this test method is not likely.

[DMac]

Low Pan,

I know about the status of the devices in NY. I think it's a crime against humanity they made it illegal to possess one in NY - as if there were anything wrong with the air post 911! :sarc:

Maybe they did nuke the WTC...???

That's what's keeping me from buying one that needs calibration.

[G2Rad]

I just ordered one of these for $39.95 (plus shipping). A little low on sensitivity, but at minimum range it should start registering by 5x background (lower range is 0-10 mR/hr):

http://radiation.fallout.cz/htm/im.htm

http://radiation.fallout.cz/Images/im-1.jpg


typical background is 10 µRad/h, or 0.01 mRad/h
So, yours will start registering at 50x background, not at 5x


I figured .02 mR/hr for background, 5x.02 = 0.1, or the needle starts moving (1% of scale). If G2Rad is correct, then on an airplane it should be 3-6% of scale. People may freak out if you pulled a WWII / Korean era geiger counter out during an airplane flight, so this test method is not likely.


OK, I got it. I did not realise that the needle starts moving at 1% of scale. level of ambient depends on where you live. 20 µRad/h is twice the normal level where I live (sea level), but it could be normal somewhere else

[G2Rad]

I bought my "watch" for $400.
that was 6-7 years ago.
I was flying with it, going through security with no problems so far

I am not affiliated with the company by any means,
do your own diligence

[Low Pan]

List of Geiger Watches and Manufacturers, man they are pricey. Base line watch is around $400 FRN :(

http://www.alibaba.com/showroom/geiger-watch.html

[JohnQPublic]

Radiogardese (http://www.heyltex.com/pdf/RadiogardaseFlyer.pdf) (prussian blue or ferro ferrocyanide for Cesium 137 and thallium removal from the body).

By prescription only. I see warnings NOT to use prussian blue pigment.

[Ponce]

I have five of them with one ultra sensitive to check the food that you eat.......five of them from Canada and a yellow one that Agnut gave me......about 25 docimeters with 4 chargers to set them at 0.

Out in the open twice with the super sensitive one and nothing registers.......that's the one that I test once in a while with my old Coleman mantels that gives out radiation, the new ones does not.

[JohnQPublic]

A couple of days ago I wen to Frys Electronics (an electronics super store) to see if they might have a geiger counter or even a kit. I ask the first sales guy and he said 'a what?'. I thought maybe he did not hear me so I repeated 'a geiger counter'. he did not know what it was! I said, don't worry about it, I'll go ask someone else. So I went to the instrument section. The guy had no idea what a geiger counter is. In the end they did not carry one.

[Low Pan]

Images SI Inc.
109 Woods of Arden Road,
Staten Island NY 10312

interesting that they are HQ'd in NY.

[slvrbugjim]

OHhhh and by the way this will not give you an accurate accounting of the readings of the air around you, only a specific target or the area around you at the time, .... please tell me the difference as I know there must be... please.....