Radiation detectors and dosimeter generate an electrical pulse when ionizing particles pass through the Geiger -Muller tube. Some will make an audible click while others flash a light. Usually the closer or the higher the levels of ionizing radiation the clicks will be more frequent and the flashes will be more.
One of the best radiation detectors is the Radiation Alert MONITOR4 Analog-Based Ionizing Radiation Detector.
Product Features
Radiation detector used to check levels of potentially harmful ionizing particles and rays in the environment and in objects such as particle accelerators, x-ray shielding, and industrial gauges
Detects ionizing radiation types such as alpha and beta particles, and gamma rays and x-rays
Dual-scale analog meter with needle-point display of counts per minute (CPM) and milliRoentgen (mR) per hour
Three selectable operation ranges of X1, X10, and X100 for adjustment when peak mR levels are met
Red, flashing counter and a beeping noise indicate each ionizing radiation increase event
Basically when you acquire one you will get to know how it reacts to regular background radiation and you will clearly tell when it detects any unusual activity. By walking around with the device in your hand- you should be able to tell which areas have more ionizing radiation – by the activity on the device.
One of the things we advise people who are buying new house is to carry the smaller Nuka alert – which can be put in your regular key holder- especially when going into warehouses . It will alert you if there are higher levels of radiation.
The more sophisticated the device you have the more it will be able to analyze the information and provide you with greater specifics. Devices with digital readouts will convert readings into counters per minutes(CPM) and provide you with the numbers.
However please do not place the detectors inside a metal or plastic device or even in a zip bag. These can stop alpha particles and so will not give you a proper reading. Luckily may of the detectors have removable cover which can be closed when transporting the device.
As for charging the device- many of them use batteries. It is best to make sure that the type of batteries that they use are regular and that they can be found at short notice. Some of the devices that come from out of country may have batteries that are unavailable locally. Also avoid those that come with rechargeable batteries. Over time rechargeable batteries loose their power retaining capacity. And if you think of an emergency when there may not be electricity then those are not the ideal sets of batteries that you need. We suggest any major brand alkaline batteries which have at least six months shelf life. You can also buy an extra set and place them in a zip lock bag next to your radiation detectors and dosimeter. They may last for many years.
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