Very well done! I’m a old Uranium miner and have worked in or operated over 17 Uranium mines in Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico. I have enjoyed your mine explorations as I have operated a few of them. Keep up the good work!
I read a worrying piece recently about effects on groundwater (etc) contamination from old U mine tailings ponds in USA. Seems a lot of sites become "nobody's baby". Do most mining companies take decommissioning responsibilities sufficiently seriously?
Take chaga mushroom and cannabis tinctures high cbd and low thc cannabis tinctures and research cbd patent aswell, you'll be fine and fuck the pharmaceutical companies they know about many cures, organic or inorganic cures but they won't allow them to be public because those corrupt people will have 0 income.
I would have LOVED my own Geiger counter when I was a kid. I was fascinated by radiation from a young age from the first time my grandpa showed me his old Geiger counter and explained what radiation was.
I'll answer some of your questions and make some remarks: 5:44 Cesium-137 is the only gamma emitting radionuclide that remains after a decade of a nuclear accident or nuclear bomb detonation. In the early days of such event Cesium-137 only contributes to 5% or less of your external radiation dose. However, because it has a gamma energy right in the middle of all the fission product's gamma spectrum, we use it to calibrate our detectors with great results. 8:07 The sticker on the smoke detector reads 20 microcuries not 40. 10:25 I think you meant "High range" tube instead of high limit. 13:41 Don't confuse "low level" gammas with "low energy" gammas. I think you meant low energy and low level usually means a small amount. Americium-241 emits high amounts of low energy gamma radiation. That kind of low energy gammas are easier to detect because in comparison, high energy gammas go right through your detector without any interaction. 14:39 If you hold the rock to your chest, you are not receiving 100 microsieverts per hour whole body dose. Only the outter inch of your chest. A chest X-ray gives your chest a dose of 1000 micrograys which are equivalent to 100 microsieverts whole body dose. The rock would give you at least 100 times less dose. 18:30 Both are probably correct. The radiacode-101 allows you to get the source closer to the center of its detector, that's all. And I think you should test someday if the B20 filter blocks beta radiation. 31:16 Energy compensation, by definition, means it responds to the rated gamma energy range just as good as the gamma energy that was used to calibrate it. In this and most cases Cesium-137. So yes "it is compensating for all the different sources of radiation" you can't just compensate for Cesium-137. That is not compensating, that is a non energy compensated detector *calibrated* against/for cesium-137. Hope that makes sense. THANKS FOR COMING TO MY TED TALK! SEE YOU NEXT TIME, BYE.
Could you possibly clear up a concern I have regarding the collecting of Uranium glass pieces & their contribution to RADON & its daughters within the home living space? As you know, some people particularly in the US, collect large amounts of these pieces. Can you point to any studies done specifically into RADON & its progeny contamination within the home living space? Thanks in advance...
you can get a cheap piece of junk from china for about $20. It's not very sensitive, won't pick up bananas but will notice your smoke detectorrs rad source.
Nice work buddy. One thing Ive learned from Wyatt (my five year old son interested in radiation) is that kids have an almost infinite spongelike ability to learn seemingly complex ideas as long as they have the right tools and methods to teach them (like your videos). Thank you and keep up the great work!
Some of the "sneakiest" sources of radiation you might actually have in your home and not know about are not only vintage glazed dishes and pottery (trust me, it's NOT just Fiestaware) but military watches and instruments for vehicles and aircraft that don't glow any more, because the phosphor has worn out but the radium is *still there* and also, cloisonne' jewelry, pins, and military pins - those are often "hot". So having a rad detector is a good idea if you're into things like this.
Well, an upside is, for the dining ware, if the glaze remains intact, it's still safe to eat off of. As for military sources, there was a changeover to tritium for self-illuminated devices. It shares the failure of phosphor with the old radium types though, the phosphor will fail before the tritium has decayed away. Had to replace one compass that I served with for my entire career for that reason. In theory, I could've had it serviced, but given some internal improvements in the current model and minimal cost difference, I just replaced it. Had a laugh and gave a lesson in a different forum, where people were freaking out over Florida authorizing phosphogypsum usage in highway construction. It was used in construction and roofing tiles for decades, but "it's radioactive" freak-outs got it restricted. It's around as radioactive as an average granite kitchen counter - for much the same reason. So apparently, phosphogypsum is evil, but granite is cool or something. Complete with a promise of driving down a Florida highway and contracting acute radiation syndrome, talk about overreaction and failed risk analysis. I guess they should've stayed on the battlestar, as earth's way too hostile for them. Actually examining the risk would be to look for dust liberated for potential exposure for sensitive individuals, form the isotope is in chemically, as in bioavailability or ability to become lodged in tissues such as lungs, etc. Nope, anything radioactive is evil, so excuse me while I go turn off the sun and all of the stars and put all the black holes into shoeboxes.
I have a WW2 wristwatch that no longer glows. My Radiacode 102 says 16.9 cps 320nSv/h. But when illuminated with a LED UV torch marked 395nm, the phosphor fluoresces. So maybe, a UV torch might be a useful additional piece of kit.
It was cool to see your comparison of several geiger counters! I currently have a radiacode 101, and have been actually quite surprised at how many features beyond what a standard geiger counter has and general polish. The app is actually quite good, and I think deserves a video exploring all of the settings and logging things you can do with it. I have brought it in the car on road trips and overlayed the maps created by the radiacode with rock type maps from USGS, and they generally line up which I think is a cool experiment to do. The battery life and local logging abilities are good enough that I leave mine on 24/7 and charge it maybe once per few days to week. This means I can open up the app every few days and see if I previously was near any interesting sources (it auto connects over bluetooth and downloads the most recent data). Extra note: I actually have two of them due to a shipping glitch, and they both always agree within the specified tolerance shown on the display next to the measurement, and came with a calibration certificate. That has made me feel more confident in their repeatability and made this comparison to other geiger counters interesting to see how accurate they actually are.
Great video. I got the RadioCode 101 and BetterGeiger units and m learning a lot in the process of figuring them out and comparing readings. Great to see Better Geiger’s creator commenting on this video. It’s a complicated subject with a large number of factors to consider.
I'd trust Better Geiger to focus on accurate dosage readings, since that's basically the only purpose of the unit. I went with the RadiaCode for its extensive features and size. Might get the Better Geiger in the future, except it doesn't seem they have firmware updates. That's a bummer.
@@RadioactiveDrew especially with different types of detector. Just with G-M tubes, one gets into quenching, dead time on saturation, fold-back during recovery after saturation and each other type of detector has its own complications. I've had quite a few enjoyable conversations with our base health physicist. :) Not sure all that he had to monitor, as it's not my circus, not my monkey. I already had enough classified crap to keep me occupied without trying to cross the street to find trouble.
G-M tubes can burn out like vacuum tubes or tungsten light bulbs. Scintillator sensors have the chance to be more durable and longer-lasting.@@spvillano
@@jackieow there's nothing in a G-M tube to burn out. A tungsten light bulb can have enough filament evaporate to fail, which is its normal failure mode. Vacuum tubes can have cathode to heater leakage or heater failure, but typically die from cathode poisoning from residual oxygen or even envelope leak of air poisoning the cathode. The G-M tube failure would likely be similar, although more from leakage of air than poisoning, as they're not a hard vacuum. Upside of G-M, they're cheap and plentiful. Downside, a bit less sensitive than scintillators and less long lived. Like everything in engineering, it's all a tradeoff on price, function and capabilities. Specifically, what one can afford and the purpose one is putting the device to.
All of your videos are very interesting!! I know nothing about radiation. I'm finding myself googling it trying to learn more. However as a truck driver I used to haul crushed cars. Sometimes the Receiver of these loads would find hot items in the load. Most times it would be a short piece of oil field pipe. They would put it inside a 50 gallon barrel with a lid on it, and make me return it to the shipper. The shipper would show me how he could remove the radiation by putting the hot pipe in a fire. Later he would test it with his Geiger counter and it would not detect anything. Anyhow this is all very interesting and keep the videos coming!
Regarding the GQ GMC 320 (and 300e+): They unfortunately only used 16 bit or 2 byte to show the current CPM value. That means it rolls over to 0 after reaching 65535, and you have to remember to add that to the shown value. Furthermore, this obviously invalidates the µS/h reading. I once made it roll over to 0 three times, that was fun. (185kCPM or so) You could try updating the firmware via USB. I think I remember that they fixed the 16 bit overflow bug a long time ago. (Not for the 300e+ though) Apart from that, the device has a 3.5mm audio-jack. It's outputting the clicks as audio there. With a aux cable you can connect it to your smartphone and use the app "Radmeter" to get a more accurate, much faster measurement of high doses. The 320 is also highly modifiable. I added a SBT11a pancake tube to mine and now it can detect alpha radiation, for example.
@@DEtchells I presume you can add a sbt11a to any GMC that has the same default voltage range as the tube used in the GQ 300/320. Fortunately, the default tube of the 300/320 has almost the same voltage requirements as the SBT11A. But you need to change the conversions factor of CPM to µSv/h (there are some available online via google.) you can find that either in the GQ GMC forum somewhere, or google :P
You can set the sample period on the GMC 320 to 10 seconds, through the User Options. I'm not sure if the 16 bit overflow would be reduced by 6x, but I supsect it would.
Great demos of some counters, very well done and explained. Thank you. The gamma spectroscopy aspect of the Radiacode sounds like it would be fascinating to use and explore with to see what could be found/identified out there. To be able to identify the source type sounds very very interesting (if there is anything to be found).
I'm impressed with the apparent accuracy of the Radiacode-101. I got one in January and unexpectedly found a small particle of radium in a tunnel system from the elevated count some distance away. It was fairly spicy as the dose rate topped out at 212μSv/h. It can scare you a little if you're standing around and the high alarm suddenly goes off as happened to me one day. It dropped back down after a second so my best guess it that the crystal was hit by a single cosmic ray which made the dose rate go through the roof briefly. It didn't help my nerves that this happened on the weekend after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
@cho tam Some features are not available without companion software on a computer or mobile device and some of that requires an internet connection. Without the app you still get basic dosimeter functions but cannot do mapping or get detailed information about the spectrum. You need an internet connection to view details about the decay events indicated from the spectrum.
Good question. No it isn’t dependent on the app to work. Certain features won’t happen without using the app. The Radiacode 101 needs to be connected to a phone to log radiation activity on a map. But the phone I use only has Wi-Fi data. So it only connects when I’m home and works fine with no internet out and about.
@@MagicGhost47 The RadiaCode app does not require internet access. I was even able to do a map log without it. It logged the proper GPS coordinates etc. in the exported log file.
@Magic_Ghost Radio Code-101 is produced in Russia, not the EU or China. Scan Electronics LLC IQ Park Business Park 109089, Russia, Moscow, Ugreshskaya str., 2, p.36, office 41, they have sub-brands abroad, for example in Cyprus, but these are just distributors. This is just one of their products. I bought mine on pre-order directly for about $ 150, after it cost about 200. Now it is about twice as expensive, about 300 at retail, due to increased overhead costs of the manufacturer. In my opinion, the device is very overloaded with functionality and is more suitable for developers than for household use. Although, its functionality redeems any of its shortcomings. Yes, the basic functionality of the device works without connecting to a smartphone. As far as I know, the iPhone, unlike Android, does not give the necessary access and permissions for the application to work, so the application for iOS exists only in a test form. There are some problems with false positives from microwave interference or loss of connection, for example in a crowd where there are a lot of Bluetooth devices, but it depends more on your smartphone. There are also some connection stability bugs when working with Samsung smartphones and some Chinese brands.
Interesting and expensive channel - now I needed to buy another radiation counter :D. Thanks for sharing the RadiaCode 102. Always was looking for an alternative to Geiger-Müller tubes in a portable, but home use scenario. Gamma-spectroscopy is an interesting field and the 102 will even fit in the pocket.
I had no clue uranium glazed tiles would be that active. Great video. No one should be afraid of learning about the world around us. I bought and built a counter from a kit years ago. Was much cheaper that way.
I got at PRM-7000 for measuring radiation at different altitudes on weather balloons, which it did well. It's more expensive than the GMC-320, but it has logging and doesn't seem to have the measurement latencies that other cheaper counters have. I think it's a much better option for those that want a counter that does logging.
There's lots of great options out there. I need to do a second video about some of the other options. But I do feel like this first video has some solid choices.
Nice video, cool to see them all side by side! Your radeye is calibrated to Cs-137 (662 keV), so when you are measuring LOWER gamma energies like the source you compared, it is giving TOO HIGH of a dose number! This is a well-known problem with ordinary Geiger counters. You get a lot of features with the radeye that the others don't have, and a lot of expensive product certifications, that's why it's more expensive and the government uses it, not because it's more accurate across a wide range of energies. The fact that the radiacode-101 is matching the radeye is 100% proof that IT is giving the WRONG overestimated number also! That's one of the reasons I created the Better Geiger ;) ... it is much more accurate. The Better Geiger can also, importantly, handle about 20x HIGHER does rate than the cheap amazon Geiger counters on amazon (GMC-320), important for an emergency scenario! The downside is that, as you showed, it is not as reactive to betas. That makes it worse for searching for antiques which are mainly beta emitters (uranium glass, fiestaware) but it makes it better for every other application. You can also consider it an advantage, because Geiger counters will dramatically OVER respond to beta emitters giving wrong numbers that can confuse you in an emergency. Hey by the way, with the Better Geiger you can get a waterproof case and test source! :) ...otherwise, the radiacode-101 is definitely cool if you want to measure gamma spectra, but that's why the price is over double, although maybe there will be a future Better Geiger to measure spectra too. :)
Also was found that the Radiacode does not do spectral compensation of isotopes like originally speculated. Does the BetterGeiger do spectroscopic compensation? I cant recall from the many discussions about your product in the server.
@@jamesluck2969 Yes it does take the incoming energy into account in order to correct for dose rate. Doing that effectively was one of the biggest challenges of developing the product, and the aspect I'm most proud of.
First of all, please look at H(10) filter for B20. This one is used to measure dose and dose rate with this detector. Also I have H(0.07) filter to measure x-ray dose (not higher than 160 keV) rate. Then, choose B20-ER instead of B20 to raise upper level limit from 10 kcps to 500 kcps (or 30 Mcpm) and 2 mSv/h to 100 mSv/h. I use this device more often than other of my devices if I don't know what is in front of me. It rather small to be placed on extention adapter to measure in holes or on high places. The next unique feature of B20 is the direct activity measurement of given isotope, alpha or beta emitting one.
@@SerpiphEven with the H(10) filter used in the video there is a variation in response vs. energy. This variation is much stronger when the radiation is not coming at a straight angle towards the front of the detector, and in the measurements in this video the angles were mixed between straight and very sharply angled because the source was placed very close to the surface! Another factor is that in those "contact" measurements the measurement is very sensitive to the position of the source, a tiny bit closer or further can cause really dramatic changes in response, and with the B20 it is probably possible to get the source a little bit closer to the sensitive element. All of these things combined can explain the difference between what the B20 read, what the cheap detectors read, and what the Better Geiger read. I designed the Better Geiger and I know how it responds to different energies, and I trust the number it gives.
@@BetterGeiger, first of all, I just speak about the device overload and the existence of B20-ER to extend the limits. Also, I say about H(10) filter to measure the dose rate but nothing was spoken here about the measurement quality and the measurement conditions.
Great video! Thanks for testing all those devices and giving some advice... Wanted to share some info for german/european watchers. At first (before I watched any videos) I just ordered a quite cheap device from Amazon and later found out, that it is only able to measure beta-, gamma- and röntgen radiation. Just ordered an additional one (VOLTCRAFT RM-400 - roughly 350€), that can also measure alpha radiation, which was important for me. All in all for both dosimeters I payed around 550€. Depending on the devices, the prices do in general range between 200€ - XXXX€ for useful devices. Another important fact for me was, that it is run with batteries.
Excellent video, I mentioned I wanted to see something like this on another of your videos.. There is so little reference for this kind of information.. Have been trying to understand what is safe and how to make comparisons.. I had hoped to see some of these detectors, but one more is the Dosimeter-Radiometer MKS-05 Terra-P+.. Cheap is good, but to be reasonable and have calibration items available is very important.. Thanks, keep sharing your knowledge.. You have so much response it seems you are doing a great service..!
The Better Geiger S-1 is a scintillator type detector and compensates for the energy level of all gamma radiation, because it can directly measure the kev of any given gamma ray event. Any standard GM detector, especially pancake tubes, even with an energy-compensating gamma filter, will always over-report the dose rate when measuring gamma energies lower than what they're calibrated for, typically Cs-137 at ~662 kev. Conversely, they will also under-report dose rates when measuring gamma energies HIGHER than what they're calibrated for, too. The only dose rate numbers you can trust are when you're measuring Cesium 137 (if that's what it's been calibrated for. some meters are calibrated for Cobalt 60).
On the GQ one, you can reduce the time for a fast count estimate so it won't take so long to plateau. It will fluctuate more but not take so long to build up counts
20:23 - Drew, speaking about correct dose rate measurement, the source should be placed not in touch with the detector to drop down bremsstrahlung effects in the filter and to reduce the effects of gamma flux changes from point to point. Try your detectors at a distance of 10 cm or more from the source to compare
I did. Thanks Drew. I'm in the market for one of these and while i know this isn't a thorough review and not even scratching the surface of the number of counters that are made(theres 100s), i was able to eliminate quite a few and know what i can test whatever i buy with.
I own a total of 4 geiger counters/dosimeters, but my favorite is the Mazur PRM-9000. Simple, yet elegant device with super accurate measures and a multitude of options. I always carry a Soeks 01M on me since it's super small, but the Mazur is still my number one. I'm glad your channel exploded Drew! I've been a subscriber for a while and was hoping it would get bigger, never thought it would go that fast though! Congrats! Keep it up!!
I have a Soeks 01M as well. That was my first Geiger counter. I use to carry it around with me everywhere and have it constantly running in the truck on road trips. It was a great little detector. Yeah, the channel has been taking off.
I also always have my Soeks with me. I have it in my front pocket on when I go into Goodwill. A quick move of a suspected piece of Vaseline glass or pottery by my pocket tells me if it’s hot or not.
You are very generous towards the cheaper counters saying there kinda slow and not very good I have a lot of good units but a few cheaper ones and you were cracking me up with the cheaper units I also agree with you alot of people should have atleast one geiger counter
Well I don’t want to talk bad about something that someone might want to buy because that’s all they can afford. I try and present it as level as I can.
If I only had a cheap meter on me for measurement. And it started to go crazy showing high levels of radiation. It's still giving me the same message as a more expensive meter. To GTFO of there ASAP!
I don't know about the GMC 320+ but on the GMC 500+ model under user option it has a setting called fast estimate time. I find that changing that setting to 15 seconds gives the best performance and dramatically improves the response time. On the init setup menu I adjusted the tube voltage up to 48% this increases sensitivity and also extends the upper limit range a little bit.
@@RadioactiveDrew Yeah found it used from a company in Oak Ridge TN, they’re calibrating it for me too. Came with the pelican case and check source, should be a sweet setup. I liked the analog nature of the 14C
@@RadioactiveDrew glad to hear I'm looking forward to receiving it. I am really intrigued by the idea of "nuclear tourism" and am looking to take a trip and fly out west (I'm in OH) to combine it with some backpacking. Aside from the spots you've covered (I'm in the process of watching all your videos), any suggestions for good places to visit on a week long vacation that has some good "hot" spots? Do you plan on doing any meetups or anything like that this year?
Meetups are something other people have asked me about and it sounds like it might be fun. Not sure yet if I’ll get into that this year. As far as places to visit that aren’t too far away from each other and offer something more than just “nuclear tourism”. I think Utah is a great place to go. The Moab area has a lot of old mining areas. Kind of depends on what you want to see. If you want to look for hot rocks or hot areas, uranium mining sites can offer that.
Thanks for the video... I was already wondering if I would buy one, where to get one. Just for "fun". Sure turns out the RadEye is the best... but also the most expensive. I get your note on "government spending" :)
Hello, I've been watching your videos for some time and find them very interesting. As soon as you start to think about radioactivity, you immediately think of the Geiger counter. But if you dig a little deeper, you'll realize that there are several types of device. The video isn't bad, but it's important to distinguish between ictometers, radiameters, dosimeters and contaminameters. In fact, everything changes depending on the intended use, but the most interesting are: on the one hand, Geiger-Muller tube counters can detect beta, gamma and, in certain specific cases, alpha rays. And on the other hand, radiation meters, also known as flow meters, which can use a Geiger-Muller tube or another type of sensor, as on the radiacode-102. Unlike the simple counter, the radiation meter is energy-compensated, enabling it to give a more or less reliable estimate of dose rates, whatever the radio-element under consideration. But the disadvantage is that only gamma rays are generally taken into account by the survey meter. I emphasize that my comments are synthetic, since I have omitted neutron radiation... I'm looking for an easy-to-use but effective ictometer: like the radiascan 701A, capable of counting alpha, beta and gamma radiation. Unfortunately, my search is in vain, given that since the sanctions against Russia, there are none on the market, and that most equivalent meters cost over $1000 for specialized corporate use, or that those on sale are only for gamma and beta radiation! Can you advise me on this? What choice should I make for a good meter without spending $1000?
It depends on what you’re going to be using the detector for. A good all around would be a used Ludlum Model 3 with a 44-9 probe. Then you could change out probes based on your use. Those can be found in good condition for well under $1000.
@@RadioactiveDrew Thank you for replying individually to each comment! I'll take note of your advice, in any case I'll continue my research and continue your passion because your videos are great. I thank you for the attention you've given me! Have a nice day :)
Everyone should have as many meters as possible! It's so awesome to be able to detect all the invisible things around us! I got a GMC for the affordability and take it with me whenever I go on the road. Lots of fun to see how the background levels change in different cities. But yeah, also wish it was a bit more bench-worthy.
Very expensive though & not necessary. With all these radiation "watchers" out there hopefully we'll be able to PREVENT the worst of the criminal shenanigans (contamination, dumping etc) the nuclear industry carried out in the 40's 50's 60's 70's & 80's...whilst still being pro nuclear power. The worst of that was connected to nuclear weapons production it seems...with bad practices, fraud & corruption.
@@RadioactiveDrew Where in my comment did I say that you shouldn't? Nowhere...all I suggested was that lots of them aren't necessary...when a few that covers most of the bases is fine. A bit of intelligence in the selection of those few & the knowledge to use them correctly can save a lot of money.
That's why when there is fallout and hundreds of roentgens per hour, little toy meters don't save your life. But higher range meters do, in the hundreds of roentgens per hour. And they need to be small and discrete and portable so you can have it with you at all times. Ivan isn't going to announce when or where his nuclear rocket launches will happen.@@RadioactiveDrew
Hiii! Ive been a fan of yours since i watched your video of visiting the decomissioning plant. I just want to say you really helped me discover my love for radioactive and nuclear stuff and my choice of geoger counter. Im 15 and have been into this stuff since i was like 8 lol.
@kaylus9859 the detector didn’t break. The programming for the device had a fault when getting to that high count rate. Some people have told me a firmware update fixed this issue but I don’t know if that’s true because I haven’t verified it.
@@RadioactiveDrewyay ty!!! I just ordered a GMC 320s for a starter detector. The cheapest i could find that i had seen reviews on. I appreciate the tips!! ❤
An excellent video. I think the underlying problem with the GMC-320 with the Ra-226 sample on contact was that not only is it slow to pick up the dose, it wasn't designed to show or calculate CPM values exceeding 65535. As such, an overflow happened, causing the counter to roll over and start from zero.
Great video. I have a cheapie Russian GM detector, same as a the white one you demonstrated. I also got a bargain on a Canberra AN/VDR2 kit with all 4 probes. That unit is a bit larger than the fisher, but the probe set is incredible. I use it when I want to “get serious”, but use the cheapie when hiking or going to gem shows.
Nice video! I think part of the dose discrepancy is due to the S-1 having the detector much further from the wall of the case than the Radiacode. Inverse square law strikes again! Would have been nice if the distance from center volume of detector was noted in the manual somewhere.
12:57 If you haven’t heard, the Radicode has been upgraded to the 102. I just got one a few days ago! I ordered a 101 over a month ago, and got notified I would get a 102. It’s so small and nicely made! Seems like background around my place is ~0.07 uSv/h or ~7 CPS. That seem higher than I was expecting…
That dose rate is a little higher than normal after the energy compensation update that happened. Before that the background was around .08 uSv/hr, which is pretty normal.
@@RadioactiveDrew i recently noticed when you use your radeye, you see background around 38 CPM? When I put the 102 in CPM, it shows ~385, but uSv/hr is still ~0.07 - 0.06. that's just a difference in the kind of detector and how fast it reacts? (can't compare directly)
@@Revvek the dose rate between the 2 detectors is very close because that's done using a conversion. The scintillation is going to be far more sensitive to background and gamma radiation than the pancake detector.
Very well done! I bought a GMC320 when I got atarted. I agree it is slow to respond. I added a Soviet alpha detector to mine & got rid of the GM tube, for better sensitivity. It looks kinda funky now, with my shade tree enclosure, but it's OK. P.S. Were you the Andrew that I read about in a 2018 BBC story: The man who hunts 'hidden' radioactive objects ?
Yeah, that BBC story was about me. I wish I had started making videos about the stuff I was finding when I started out. But I’m happy with how the channel is shaping up.
This puts into perspective how much radiation x-ray tubes can emit. If holding that radium source almost at contact for 1h equals to about 4 chest x-rays while an x-ray lasts about one tent to one third of a second and the focal spot is about 1m away from the patient after it passed thorough filters and collimators. Its an absolutely insane dose rate what x-ray machines put out, not surprising there have been mishaps during fluoroscopy procedures.
Holding the radium source to the chest for one hour is not equivalent to 4 chest x rays. And yes, x ray tubes are crazy. A small tube can produce dose rates of 1Sv/h at 1 metres distance continuously. For intermittent operation, much higher dose rates are possible.
X-ray tubes can emit enough energy to kill you in a second if they are large enough and have enough watts of power running through them. All x-ray tubes are not made for medical x-rays. Some are made for industrial uses and emanate a lot more power because they are built to consume a lot more power.
Ludlum 14c are our meter of choice with pancake probe in our Nuclear Medicine department. Per NRC refs/our materials license all of our meters are calibrated annually. We have a couple older Bicrons and an Inspector.
I got it off of eBay from a seller I buy from. Hers the link to the listing. www.ebay.com/itm/295395705380?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=s-DlLdAZRGa&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=phvzq5xqrby&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
For prepping you need a survey meter that can handle hundreds of roentgens per hour, since that is what fallout can deliver. The meters shown today overload or "saturate" at maybe 2 roentgens per hour and then go to zero. So you think you are in a zero radiation field but are actually getting killed by hundreds of roentgens per hour (unless it alerts you it is overloaded = saturated). If you are in a fallout zone at 600 r/hr and head one way to get 800 r/hr but another way to get 100 r/hr, you can't tell the difference unless you can measure it. You don't always have a nice fallout shelter to jump into, so until you get to one you have to measure which path leads to danger and which path leads to lesser doses of radiation. A Sievert like $ is a hundred times more than Roentgen like cent. Three Sieverts kills half the people, equal to 300 Roentgens if accumulated dose within a few days. One Sievert or 100 Roentgens within a few days gives radiation sickness. Five Sieverts or 500 Roentgens within a few days would kill most anybody.
My wife got me a Terra-P by EcoTest a while back. Detects Beta and Gamma. I like it a lot...but not sure how easy it is to get now since the company that makes them is from the Ukraine.
The Radiacode101 actually have a built-in spectra function to tell which radioisotope is present, but due to the resolution of the screen ( and crystal ), better view is obtained when connected to a phone with its app.
I bought a really cheap Geiger Muller tube one from Banggood (£40) and it seems quite good if slow to settle. I have an Aladdin lamp with a new old stock mantle and it is splendidly active. 20-30 CPM background and the mantle reads 300-400 CPM with the glass removed so I assume that it is an alpha emitter. Genuinely interesting stuff to mess with.
It's a fun hobby with so many facets to it, that can be done safely with some basic knowledge & precautions. I think the real hazard with mantles only comes about after they're lit, when they can disintegrate so easily & literally blow away & become airborne. If I may ask, which PRC GM counter model is it? Not many that do cps/cpm, as most are dose rate only in uSv/h.
@@ajacks1349 it’s a Pudibei! It has a nice Geiger muller tube but it’s not directional obviously. It does cpm and cumulative dose with user set limits. I was genuinely surprised. I think that I saw it on a channel called survival Lilly.
@@robinwells8879 Ah yes, I watch the lady from Vienna, Austria too now & again...🤣 I recently bought an unbranded HFS-10 from amazon but had to return as the battery drained completely within a few days, when switched off. Apparently a known major fault. which the seller must have known about. I think the vast majority of PRC counters/detectors use a variant of the glass tubed GM's, often an m4011, which even the claimed US company GQ electronics with its GMC 300 & 500 series... uses. All mine are from the UK, Russia, US, Poland & Israel, so mainly SBM-20 variants & LND mica pancakes.
I have watched this channel for 10 years. It has been amazing to see them go from a well dressed, middle aged woman, to a man, to a man with red hair, to a 12 foot tall man with eleven ears and antlers. Seriously, this person has suffered greatly to bring us content about radiation. #respect
I build my own gm counters. I use a lot the sbt10a tube, is very sensitive and gives a background of 180 to 240 cpm. I wantef to get a Cs137 source but could never locate one. I have a small collection of radioactive minerals and items. Thorite is relatively easy to find online. The gamma spectrometer you showed uses a very small crystal and a solid state sensor so is sortbof limited. Planning to build a scintillation detector using a photomultiplier and a good size Nal(TI) crystal
I am reminded of a use for a GM tube and Beta source you might not think of. In the USAF I worked on the F-106 interceptor. In order to measure the engine oil quantity at any flight attitude, Conair, the maker, wrapped a tube of radioactive gas (DNR what type) around the oil tank. The GM tube sat on the other side of the tank. It's integrated count indicated the oil quantity. A reliable system as I recall. Considering that one of the squadron's birds carried a missile with a 1.5KT war head nobody worried about a little radon gas.
Radon gas in that situation would be the lest of my concern in that situation. To measure a liquid like jet fuel you would need a gamma or neutron emitter of some kind. Interesting way to do it.
@@RadioactiveDrew The engine oil was measured with a radioactive source gas. The fuel, JP4, was measured by the capacitance of probes in the several tanks. The geometry of the plates on the cylindrical probes was a compensation for the tank dimensions. But yes, it is a unique feeling standing next to a nuke, even a small one.
Have you ever seen a Project Farm video? I highly recommend them. If you ever do another video like this one a PF video might give you some ideas on how to do it.
Just did some comparisons with my new Mazur PRM-9000 / very similar refresh and features as a radeye and a good alternative to a B20 at a descent price (about $700) . Compared it to the Better Geiger and the GQ GMC-300 plus . Overall yes you do get what you pay for , the Mazur is def higher level enthusiast / professional level in terms of giving more accurate rates ( also reads Alpha , Beta, Gamma and X-ray )and is able to be easily recalibrated and serviced by Mazur and other companies , the Better Geiger is def fast and is good for letting you know proximity to radiation sources well and is very sensitive ( maybe too sensitive being a scintillator style sensor ?) , and the GMC is good enough for occasional antique hunters or beginners but is very cheaply built .
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The Better Counter supposedly compensates for the energy according to their website.
Radioactive Drew ? If Im correct those cheap Geiger Counters are designed to detect enough radiation to kill and set, to detect less radiation that won't. you have some Geiger Counters with no display at all, but with a LED and piezo speaker. like if there's a high radiation up ahead it buzz and light solid letting you know not to walk that way.
Very helpful! I would love love love to see a part 2 or follow-up video. I would like to see some more standard sources tested at a controlled distance and controlled amount of time. I'm interested in how far away from common sources like fiesta or uranium glassware or thorium mantles different detectors are able to notably register. Making a time/distance chart could be cool. I like when you talk about how you use different detectors, like scintillation detectors for honing in. Does having an alpha detector make antiquing easier?
I think having a detector that can detect alpha radiation makes it a bit easier. Usually the detectors are a bit larger so they can detect the beta radiation from further away.
I searched the exact video title. You read my mind. Anyone who reviews this type of equipment has to know a thing or two! There was a German researcher who used to make videos inside the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone and they had several devices that I dont fully understand the purpose of. For example: 3 different devices? One for high energy gamma? I think they were looking for small sources that contained radionuclides from the reactor itself. When they started getting into mSv/hr it was scary. She handled them with minimal PPE, I was more concerned about chemotoxic effects of the metals themselves. Especially anything calcium seeking like Strontium-90. I think she said most of the remaining contamination outside the containment structure is Cs-137. Some plants pick up this, but many do not. She proved that the apples were not substantially above background/a control. She ate this apple right off the tree. I wouldn't eat a potato grown there, but I think there's understatement of chemotoxicity in these radionuclides. The radiation may be OK, but what about other contamination. Chemicals used in the Liquidation. Heavy metals like lead... I'm kinda ranting here. What should I buy for a general purpose device and where do you get them serviced if they're full of IC and digital signals? Analog is ok. I want to test granite slabs before and after the sealant, also finding Hotspot on them. Great video by the way.
She found a pea sized source that was reading 20 mSv/hr with her gamma device and a tube covered in plastic. So that was just gamma? She was holding it in her bare hand. I guess it's not THAT radioactive but she can't run NMR or mass spec to find what's actually in that little piece of graphite. Could be Pu in that lmao. I loved her videos so much.
I remember watching Bionerd. She made some interesting videos. As far as what detector to get...it kind of depends on your budget. The digital ones can work great and I have seen zero drift in the calibration on my Radeye B20. The analog Ludlums do in re-calibration from time to time. I have a small pulse generator that I use for calibrating those.
Its nice to have something that can detect alpha, beta and gamma radiation. But for an emergency situation I think having something that can detect beta and gamma is pretty good. I think response time is also a very key thing to look for in a radiation detector. If something is dangerous you want the detector to get that that level quickly or to the overload warning.
I have a GMC-500, always wanted a rad-eye but kind of expensive for a hobbyist. I live near the rocky flats and wondered if there was anything radioactive near me
I'd imagine that the GMC-500 would be BLIND to most of the radioactive contamination that took place at RF's, because the Chinese glass GM tube can only detect high energy beta particles, gamma & X rays...not the mainly alpha particles that are emitted from significant Plutonium contamination at that site & farther afield. Minimum you'd need is a mica pancake sensor equipped meter.
35:24 About the Cesium Calibration Do you leave it to Cesium everytime when you go somewhere or when looking for radioactive antiques in antique store?
@Elizebazz doesn’t really affect sensitivity. It’s more about how dose rates are calculated. Usually lower energy gamma radiation will make a detector over respond. Whereas a higher gamma radiation source would under respond, showing a lower dose rate. This can vary depending on the detector type.
@BrandonsTravelsMarch I emailed Thermo Fisher requesting a quote. They gave that email to another supplier. This was what happened recently…a couple months ago when I bought a Radeye B20ER model. When I bought the first one back in 2017 I believe I went through Fisher Scientific.
Very interesting. Really curious where and how you store your radioactive sources. I have a couple of them and 3D printed containers with lead shielding in the walls. I am building my own geigers.
This video is interesting, but close in 'contact' measurements are not the best for comparison measurements. It may seem reasonable that to get a good look at something accurately, we want to get in close, and it DOES insure really high readings, but it is not very good for checking calibration, or for sensitivity comparison purposes, because the inverse square law dictates that there will be HUGE variations in both beta and gamma intensity in the first few mm of distance from a small high intensity source, which renders ANY 'contact' type comparisons between different tube layout Geiger counters almost totally meaningless. To get a valid comparisons, you need to check each instruments calibration against something like a Cs-137 check source, that has been properly gamma filtered (for example by blocking beta with a few mm of aluminum), at a MEASURED consistent distance of 10cm of more ( precisely measured between the source and tube ). With this larger 10cm distance, a mm or two of Geiger tube positional error will only effect the test source gamma field intensity level a few percent or so, which should allow much more consistent repeatable measurements... Edit2 - I do 100% agree with Drew though that the RadiaCode 102/103 mini scintillation gamma spectrometer based counters are really neat. Bought mine 10 minutes after watching his review video, and am incredibly happy with it. I also wish their onboard interface and graphics were a bit more sophisticated, but the smartphone integration with its gamma spectroscopy capability is unbelievably cool. If I could only keep one radiation monitoring instrument, it would definitely be my RadiaCode 103. But not everyone can afford over 350 USD (much less the $2k plus of your RADEye B20) - So I must respectfully disagree about the GQ GMC 300 series counters, which I consider *excellent* entry level Geiger counters. My GMC-300S counter was only about $50 with a coupon, is very sensitive (for a compact non-pancake tube) *AND REASONABLY ACCURATE* ( when the calibration is *properly tested* ) and if necessary, unlike most others, can be user calibrated by entry of custom multi-point CPM to uSv calibration data in the settings menu. I also like that the GMC-300S uses a standard low cost 14500 lithium rechargeable battery and J305 Geiger tube, both of which are easily easily user replaceable. The long CPM integration time that you complained about in the video is easily changeable in the settings -- and the count-rate decrease issue you saw after an extended time at high CPM ( and noted in the video at 24:02 ), is quite common for small Geiger tubes due to temporary exhaustion of the halogen quenching mechanism. The tube self recovers after a few minutes of returning to background, so no big deal.
I like my Gamma Scout. Would add the Radiacode-101 for spectrum analysis if the political/supply situation would abate. Also, isn't your B20 calibration-traceable to a standard? I would believe that one!
Well the B20 is calibrated for Cs-137, and while it does exhibit a fairly flat energy response with the dose filter, looking at the curve it does tend to over respond a bit to higher energy gamma. I don't think this is the cause of the reported higher dose however. The better Geiger's detector is not right against the case like in the Radiacode, it is actually in a little cup of epoxy, which puts it a distance from any of the case walls. This extra distance is likely the cause of why the dose readings are lower, I'm sure if you moved the source an equivalent distance away from the radiacode they would be more likely to agree.
Question out of pure curiosity about your strongest source. Why wear thin nitrile gloves? Is it to not get any contamination on your hands for when you're done? Or am I missing some other protection that they offer?
Very informative! I always wanted a Geiger counter, but the good ones are so pricey! Also, any chance you could lower the volume when the beeping ramps up? Every time that RadEye gets going, my cats freak out! 😉
very cool video, thankyou for sharing. have a collection of commercial and home built (kitset) ones myself. My main interest is radioactive minerals that are part of my rock and mineral collection. it's just a sideline to those that are fluorescent cheers, Dave
Could you do a video on radiation measurement? You often talk about counts per minute and show Kcpm or Cpm on the Radeye, but I have no idea how these counts or the Radeye’s measurement relate to real life(I.e. a chest x-Ray, or a CT scan, etc.
The meters he showed overload (saturate) at about 2 Roentgens or less, and be worthless in a nuclear fallout zone because they would decay to zero after being overloaded or saturated. A dental x-ray would be about 15 milliRoentgens (15 milliRems) and a chest x-ray about 30 milliRems. With modern x-ray film, even less. 100 Roentgens in a few days produces radiation sickness in most people. 300 R in a short time kills half the humans. 500 and certainly 600 Roentgens in a few days kills almost everybody. You can absorb 7 R per day and not get radiation sickness, but any radiation increases the risk of cancer and weakening of your white blood cells in the direction of body weakness and infections. One Sievert (like $) is a hundred times more than one Roentgen (like cent). A Becquerel is one decay or one ray of radiation per second, without regard to energy level. A Curie is millions of decays, without regard to energy level. A Roentgen is enough radiation to ionize about a billion air molecules into positive and negative fragments. A Sievert is 100x what a Roentgen is. Tissue damage is measured as Rems or Grays, since gamma rays are a low risk to certain tissues like muscle but a high risk for cancer to tissues like bone marrow and the lining of the intestines. Rem = roentgen equivalent mammalian, as opposed to cancer induction risk to fish or birds. Some of these measurements can only be done in a lab with a lot of taking angles and overlaps into account, so only cancer therapy labs worry about them.
00:00 🛍 Introduction to Geiger Counters Overview of Geiger counters, their importance in detecting ionizing radiation. Mention of the diverse price range and features of Geiger counters. Emphasis on the educational aspect of Geiger counters beyond potential nuclear war scenarios. 02:32 🌐 Introduction to the RadEye B20 Overview of the RadEye B20 Geiger counter. Acknowledgment of its reliability despite being expensive and primarily geared towards government agencies. Discussion on calibration systems and the challenges of obtaining the RadEye B20. 08:49 📟 Ludlum Model 14c Geiger Counter Introduction and positive remarks about the Ludlum Model 14c Geiger counter. Features, including the ability to use different probes and its analog build. Demonstration of its response to various radioactive sources. 12:49 🎆 Introduction to the RadEcode 101 Presentation of the RadEcode 101 as a scintillation detector with a cesium iodide crystal. Highlighting its sensitivity to lower-level gamma radiation. Mention of its additional capability to connect to smartphones for gamma spectroscopy. 16:18 🤔 Testing the Better Geiger Radiation Detector Introduction to the Better Geiger radiation detector, emphasizing its sensitivity to gamma radiation. Demonstration of its response to different sources, noting its limitations with beta and alpha radiation. Comparative analysis with other Geiger counters, raising questions about accuracy. 20:26 🔍 Comparison with Gamma Filter on RadEye B20 Experiment with the gamma filter on the RadEye B20 to assess its impact on readings. Comparative analysis of readings with and without the gamma filter. Observations regarding the similarity of readings with the RadEcode 101. 21:07 📉 Evaluation of the GMC 320 Geiger Counter Introduction and evaluation of the GMC 320 Geiger counter. Expressing reservations about its response time and overall performance. Comparison with other detectors, highlighting its shortcomings. 24:52 🖋 Review of the Mira Pen-Like Geiger Counter Introduction to the Mira pen-like Geiger counter. Expression of reluctance towards reviewing it due to perceived quality. Testing and criticism of the device, especially concerning response time and alarms. 29:03 ⏳ Critique of the Handheld Geiger Counter (Brand not specified) Assessment of a handheld Geiger counter with logging capabilities. Critique of the extended time taken for the device to calculate final dose readings. Evaluation of the device's performance and comparison with other counters. 31:14 🤷♂ Reflecting on Geiger Counter Accuracy Reflection on the uncertainty of which Geiger counter is accurate. Speculation on the calibration standards, especially regarding cesium-137. Acknowledgment of the difficulty in determining the most accurate Geiger counter. 34:33 📋 Final Thoughts and Preferences Recap of the diverse Geiger counters tested, from expensive to affordable. Expression of preference for simpler devices with ease of use. Closing remarks on the informative nature of the test and potential future reviews.
Great comments, especially at the start about getting kids involved and people educated. Way to much Fear Uncertainty and Doubt spread by special interest groups. Great reviews. Small market and expensive here in Australia to get one of these devices, but are keeping an eye out. Thanks for the great channel.
I thought the window in the front of the Better Geiger unit was where it detected. At least, that seems to be what I've been getting, but I'll check again.
NGL, besides sensetivity, the sound of the click is the most important to me. None of that beep beep nonsense. It should sound like a micrometiorite just hit a mylar sheet. GQ-GCM 500 or 600 are both good for that.
Interesting video. Actually since I've discovered your channel I've though about purchasing a Geiger counter. Not only are radioactive antiques interesting to me but they have a radioactive waste dump site in St. Louis MO and I'm curious how bad it is. Thanks for the vid Drew. Merry Christmas and happy New Year.
@@RadioactiveDrew I've collect antiques here and there. After watching one of your videos I noticed the orange Fiesta wear in one of my cabinets and showed my wife. She was like, "Should we get rid of it?"🙂. I have various other things as well, just curious.
kcpm = kilo counts per minute. So 100 kcpm = 100,000 cpm. Need to be very careful with Ra-226 because it decays into Radon gas (222) via alpha particle emission. Radon-222 also decays via a similar alpha particle emission reaction pathway into Polonium-218 (then to Lead-214). There are further readioactive decays via beta particle emissions (ie electrons) as well as side reactions involving more alpha decays. Handle that Ra-226 very carefully and ensure it's well ventilated and shielded. Remember, this material is in decay mode ALL THE TIME. And with Ra-226 having a half life of about 1600 Years it's practically a permanent hazard as far a human life or a community is concerned.
thanks for doing this. too many to choose from. i currently only have an SMG2 which isnt much... definitely want a radeye AB100 (alpha and beta) and a radeye G to cover everything
My first GC was one of the best gifts I ever received. It was a build your own kit from Adafruit, but wasn't to hard to put together. No displays but there is a way to connect it to a computer to get counts off it. I have had many hours spent at antique malls looking for hot items, and always feel joy upon finding them.
@@Simonjose7258 i dont have that exact kit but one similar that i bought off walmart's website of all places and it was like 100 bucksno case or anything just a board with a Arduino and LCD on it and a tube from china it seemed to do pretty good with my thoriated lantern mantles
@@GeigerCounterVirtualMuseum sadly there are not many places here that sell antiques but when i demonstrated to a few people how some smoke alarms are radioactive they were genuinely shocked and i explained how its such a small amount and shielded that its safe
I own a Ludlum model 3 with a 44-38 probe, a Ludlum 2241 with a 44-9 pancake probe, and custom BC408 plastic scintillator probe for X-Rays, and a 44-10 sodium iodide scintillator. I also have a Radiascan 701, and a Radiacode 101. Don't ask me for financial advise. Would absolutely recommend the Radiacode 101 for a first buy because all the features in a small package the built in gamma spec is awesome. my first buy was a GQ300E they are dreadfull. When hiking around scouting for goodies the smaller detectors are way less cumbersome.
Kinda surprised you didnt mention how the different counters use different tubes and something else worth mentioning is alot of the ones from china actually under drive the tubes like the one i had the tube start and working voltages were 400 to 500 volts and the hv supply in it was only giving the tube 320 now my gmc500+ i like cause i can put in other tubes and adjust voltage as needed on the fly in the menu which i have done to allow me to use an lnd712 alpha beta gamma tube and my readings seem to match what my check sources say they should be
Unless you're using a high-impedance volt meter, the very act of measuring the voltage in a geiger counter will cause it to drop significantly and give you a false low reading. You need to use a meter with 1 GOhm input impedance. Standards DMMs won't work to get an accurate reading.
@@Orcinus24x5 i was not using a dvom rather an analog i also had the same reading on a dvom and scope i was also measuring before the current limiting resistor right on the output of the simple diode and cap voltage multiplier it also seemed to not be completely stable it is very possible that mine was just defective which if so is no biggie since i have a much better one now
About two years ago I got my hands on a Soeks 112 because I wanted something small and portable that I could use for testing rock samples and minerals. I bought it for about 100 Euros or about 120 USD and now it's pretty much impossible to get.
Interesting video. I picked up a Radiascan 701A a couple years ago based off another YT channel's (Brainiac75) review and have been happy with it. For the price ~$350 USD iirc it works quite well. I see now it's over double that at $875. They also have a gamma spectrometer for a reasonable price. Looks like they ship from various places around the world but seeing as they're based out of and made in Russia good luck getting one right now.
I think it’s a good first time radiation detector if your looking for something that doesn’t cost a lot and is easy to use. The Radiacode 102 is about double the price with double the functionality. So I guess it all depends on your budget.
The worst thing about it is that they (manufacturers, health bodies & governments) knew about the health hazard implications of these materials long before they restricted their manufacture & use. Homer Laughlin made Fiestaware with Uranium oxide (actually DU) coatings/glazes up & including 1972 !!!
Personally I think you get what you pay for, but for just a warning the cheap ones will do. For radiological surveys I’d personally use the Ludlum with probe, and I would pay for calibration if it was used for serious use. It’s nice because it also has a high dose tube in the event of really bad things.
Very well done! I’m a old Uranium miner and have worked in or operated over 17 Uranium mines in Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico. I have enjoyed your mine explorations as I have operated a few of them. Keep up the good work!
That's awesome! Do you have any radiation related illnesses and how safe is it being inside a mine like that for a long period of time?
@@SkrixFox are you kidding? Of course he does! Don’t remind him
I read a worrying piece recently about effects on groundwater (etc) contamination from old U mine tailings ponds in USA. Seems a lot of sites become "nobody's baby". Do most mining companies take decommissioning responsibilities sufficiently seriously?
wow hope you dont have lung cancer
Take chaga mushroom and cannabis tinctures high cbd and low thc cannabis tinctures and research cbd patent aswell, you'll be fine and fuck the pharmaceutical companies they know about many cures, organic or inorganic cures but they won't allow them to be public because those corrupt people will have 0 income.
I would have LOVED my own Geiger counter when I was a kid. I was fascinated by radiation from a young age from the first time my grandpa showed me his old Geiger counter and explained what radiation was.
Believe it or not. I learned about radiation from roblox. The PBCC game.
I'm getting a CD V-700 for my birthday in 5 weeks
About how old were you when that conversation took place?
@@thehammurabichode7994 about seven or eight.
@@bowen3963 that’s actually amaizng
I'll answer some of your questions and make some remarks:
5:44 Cesium-137 is the only gamma emitting radionuclide that remains after a decade of a nuclear accident or nuclear bomb detonation. In the early days of such event Cesium-137 only contributes to 5% or less of your external radiation dose. However, because it has a gamma energy right in the middle of all the fission product's gamma spectrum, we use it to calibrate our detectors with great results.
8:07 The sticker on the smoke detector reads 20 microcuries not 40.
10:25 I think you meant "High range" tube instead of high limit.
13:41 Don't confuse "low level" gammas with "low energy" gammas. I think you meant low energy and low level usually means a small amount. Americium-241 emits high amounts of low energy gamma radiation. That kind of low energy gammas are easier to detect because in comparison, high energy gammas go right through your detector without any interaction.
14:39 If you hold the rock to your chest, you are not receiving 100 microsieverts per hour whole body dose. Only the outter inch of your chest. A chest X-ray gives your chest a dose of 1000 micrograys which are equivalent to 100 microsieverts whole body dose. The rock would give you at least 100 times less dose.
18:30 Both are probably correct. The radiacode-101 allows you to get the source closer to the center of its detector, that's all. And I think you should test someday if the B20 filter blocks beta radiation.
31:16 Energy compensation, by definition, means it responds to the rated gamma energy range just as good as the gamma energy that was used to calibrate it. In this and most cases Cesium-137. So yes "it is compensating for all the different sources of radiation" you can't just compensate for Cesium-137. That is not compensating, that is a non energy compensated detector *calibrated* against/for cesium-137. Hope that makes sense.
THANKS FOR COMING TO MY TED TALK! SEE YOU NEXT TIME, BYE.
Hello fellow health physics nerd 😤😤😤💕
Yeah, I misspoke about the micro Curies...it is 20.
Very detailed reply thank you
Could you possibly clear up a concern I have regarding the collecting of Uranium glass pieces & their contribution to RADON & its daughters within the home living space? As you know, some people particularly in the US, collect large amounts of these pieces. Can you point to any studies done specifically into RADON & its progeny contamination within the home living space? Thanks in advance...
@@ajacks1349 I have a collection of uranium glass and a radon detector and it doesn't raise the levels of radon at all.
I'd give ANYTHING to have ANY Geiger counter. Your channel fascinates me. Thank you, Drew!
Glad you find it interesting.
you can get a cheap piece of junk from china for about $20. It's not very sensitive, won't pick up bananas but will notice your smoke detectorrs rad source.
Current prices (as of 08/27/23):
Radeye B20: $2225.25
MIRA Geiger-2: $295.75 [new model, G-1 no longer made]
Radiacode-102: $279.85 ["newer" non-Russian model]
Better Geiger: $149.00
GMC-320 Plus: $118.98
Why no Ludlum prices? Dumdum
@@kishascape Could you add the Ludlum prices in your own comment? That would be more useful to us than calling names.
@@kishascape what's Ludlum? Pardon my ignorance
Nice work buddy. One thing Ive learned from Wyatt (my five year old son interested in radiation) is that kids have an almost infinite spongelike ability to learn seemingly complex ideas as long as they have the right tools and methods to teach them (like your videos). Thank you and keep up the great work!
Thanks man.
Some of the "sneakiest" sources of radiation you might actually have in your home and not know about are not only vintage glazed dishes and pottery (trust me, it's NOT just Fiestaware) but military watches and instruments for vehicles and aircraft that don't glow any more, because the phosphor has worn out but the radium is *still there* and also, cloisonne' jewelry, pins, and military pins - those are often "hot". So having a rad detector is a good idea if you're into things like this.
www.youtube.com/@jirisatelitakxy7718
I used to repair clocks years ago and still have the “hands” drawer… yes I’m getting one!
Well, an upside is, for the dining ware, if the glaze remains intact, it's still safe to eat off of.
As for military sources, there was a changeover to tritium for self-illuminated devices. It shares the failure of phosphor with the old radium types though, the phosphor will fail before the tritium has decayed away. Had to replace one compass that I served with for my entire career for that reason. In theory, I could've had it serviced, but given some internal improvements in the current model and minimal cost difference, I just replaced it.
Had a laugh and gave a lesson in a different forum, where people were freaking out over Florida authorizing phosphogypsum usage in highway construction. It was used in construction and roofing tiles for decades, but "it's radioactive" freak-outs got it restricted. It's around as radioactive as an average granite kitchen counter - for much the same reason.
So apparently, phosphogypsum is evil, but granite is cool or something. Complete with a promise of driving down a Florida highway and contracting acute radiation syndrome, talk about overreaction and failed risk analysis.
I guess they should've stayed on the battlestar, as earth's way too hostile for them.
Actually examining the risk would be to look for dust liberated for potential exposure for sensitive individuals, form the isotope is in chemically, as in bioavailability or ability to become lodged in tissues such as lungs, etc. Nope, anything radioactive is evil, so excuse me while I go turn off the sun and all of the stars and put all the black holes into shoeboxes.
I have a WW2 wristwatch that no longer glows. My Radiacode 102 says 16.9 cps 320nSv/h. But when illuminated with a LED UV torch marked 395nm, the phosphor fluoresces. So maybe, a UV torch might be a useful additional piece of kit.
Thanks for my enquiry about my search for detectors & your excellent advices
Thanks so much for the support. Glad you found the video to be helpful.
It was cool to see your comparison of several geiger counters! I currently have a radiacode 101, and have been actually quite surprised at how many features beyond what a standard geiger counter has and general polish. The app is actually quite good, and I think deserves a video exploring all of the settings and logging things you can do with it. I have brought it in the car on road trips and overlayed the maps created by the radiacode with rock type maps from USGS, and they generally line up which I think is a cool experiment to do. The battery life and local logging abilities are good enough that I leave mine on 24/7 and charge it maybe once per few days to week. This means I can open up the app every few days and see if I previously was near any interesting sources (it auto connects over bluetooth and downloads the most recent data).
Extra note: I actually have two of them due to a shipping glitch, and they both always agree within the specified tolerance shown on the display next to the measurement, and came with a calibration certificate. That has made me feel more confident in their repeatability and made this comparison to other geiger counters interesting to see how accurate they actually are.
Hi Erik, there is a U.K. based TH-camr who has a few videos on the Radiacode 101 th-cam.com/video/X3ZwpG8r4cU/w-d-xo.html
I love my Radiacode-101. The quick response makes it easy to home in on sources.
I wonder what russians do with all those user made radiation maps.
Great video. I got the RadioCode 101 and BetterGeiger units and m learning a lot in the process of figuring them out and comparing readings. Great to see Better Geiger’s creator commenting on this video. It’s a complicated subject with a large number of factors to consider.
It is complicated...that's why its hard for people to understand all the details. There's a lot to learn about the subject.
I'd trust Better Geiger to focus on accurate dosage readings, since that's basically the only purpose of the unit. I went with the RadiaCode for its extensive features and size. Might get the Better Geiger in the future, except it doesn't seem they have firmware updates. That's a bummer.
@@RadioactiveDrew especially with different types of detector. Just with G-M tubes, one gets into quenching, dead time on saturation, fold-back during recovery after saturation and each other type of detector has its own complications.
I've had quite a few enjoyable conversations with our base health physicist. :)
Not sure all that he had to monitor, as it's not my circus, not my monkey. I already had enough classified crap to keep me occupied without trying to cross the street to find trouble.
G-M tubes can burn out like vacuum tubes or tungsten light bulbs. Scintillator sensors have the chance to be more durable and longer-lasting.@@spvillano
@@jackieow there's nothing in a G-M tube to burn out. A tungsten light bulb can have enough filament evaporate to fail, which is its normal failure mode. Vacuum tubes can have cathode to heater leakage or heater failure, but typically die from cathode poisoning from residual oxygen or even envelope leak of air poisoning the cathode. The G-M tube failure would likely be similar, although more from leakage of air than poisoning, as they're not a hard vacuum.
Upside of G-M, they're cheap and plentiful. Downside, a bit less sensitive than scintillators and less long lived.
Like everything in engineering, it's all a tradeoff on price, function and capabilities. Specifically, what one can afford and the purpose one is putting the device to.
I bought the better gieger sc-1 about a month ago. It was around $160 after tax and shipping. I'm happy with it
Love your videos. I just bought a radiacode 102 and I can't wait for it to arrive. Thank you so much for the inspiration, keep it up!
That's awesome...I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Glad you're getting something out of the videos.
All of your videos are very interesting!! I know nothing about radiation. I'm finding myself googling it trying to learn more. However as a truck driver I used to haul crushed cars. Sometimes the Receiver of these loads would find hot items in the load. Most times it would be a short piece of oil field pipe. They would put it inside a 50 gallon barrel with a lid on it, and make me return it to the shipper. The shipper would show me how he could remove the radiation by putting the hot pipe in a fire. Later he would test it with his Geiger counter and it would not detect anything. Anyhow this is all very interesting and keep the videos coming!
That is interesting. Makes me wonder what was going on with those pipes.
Regarding the GQ GMC 320 (and 300e+): They unfortunately only used 16 bit or 2 byte to show the current CPM value. That means it rolls over to 0 after reaching 65535, and you have to remember to add that to the shown value. Furthermore, this obviously invalidates the µS/h reading. I once made it roll over to 0 three times, that was fun. (185kCPM or so)
You could try updating the firmware via USB. I think I remember that they fixed the 16 bit overflow bug a long time ago. (Not for the 300e+ though)
Apart from that, the device has a 3.5mm audio-jack. It's outputting the clicks as audio there. With a aux cable you can connect it to your smartphone and use the app "Radmeter" to get a more accurate, much faster measurement of high doses.
The 320 is also highly modifiable. I added a SBT11a pancake tube to mine and now it can detect alpha radiation, for example.
Thanks for that info, especially about being able to add an alpha detector. It looks like a nice little unit and good deal, for the price.
@@DEtchells
I presume you can add a sbt11a to any GMC that has the same default voltage range as the tube used in the GQ 300/320. Fortunately, the default tube of the 300/320 has almost the same voltage requirements as the SBT11A.
But you need to change the conversions factor of CPM to µSv/h (there are some available online via google.) you can find that either in the GQ GMC forum somewhere, or google :P
You can set the sample period on the GMC 320 to 10 seconds, through the User Options. I'm not sure if the 16 bit overflow would be reduced by 6x, but I supsect it would.
@@jboy55 that sounds more it is for the average calculation
Great demos of some counters, very well done and explained. Thank you. The gamma spectroscopy aspect of the Radiacode sounds like it would be fascinating to use and explore with to see what could be found/identified out there. To be able to identify the source type sounds very very interesting (if there is anything to be found).
You would be surprised how much can be found.
After watching some of your videos I was thinking of getting one. After searching it was pretty overwhelming. Glad you made this video.
I plan to make more. I think it’s good for people to see how these detectors work.
I'm impressed with the apparent accuracy of the Radiacode-101. I got one in January and unexpectedly found a small particle of radium in a tunnel system from the elevated count some distance away. It was fairly spicy as the dose rate topped out at 212μSv/h.
It can scare you a little if you're standing around and the high alarm suddenly goes off as happened to me one day. It dropped back down after a second so my best guess it that the crystal was hit by a single cosmic ray which made the dose rate go through the roof briefly. It didn't help my nerves that this happened on the weekend after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
@cho tam Some features are not available without companion software on a computer or mobile device and some of that requires an internet connection.
Without the app you still get basic dosimeter functions but cannot do mapping or get detailed information about the spectrum.
You need an internet connection to view details about the decay events indicated from the spectrum.
Good question. No it isn’t dependent on the app to work. Certain features won’t happen without using the app. The Radiacode 101 needs to be connected to a phone to log radiation activity on a map. But the phone I use only has Wi-Fi data. So it only connects when I’m home and works fine with no internet out and about.
@@MagicGhost47 The RadiaCode app does not require internet access. I was even able to do a map log without it. It logged the proper GPS coordinates etc. in the exported log file.
@Magic_Ghost Radio Code-101 is produced in Russia, not the EU or China. Scan Electronics LLC
IQ Park Business Park 109089, Russia, Moscow, Ugreshskaya str., 2, p.36, office 41, they have sub-brands abroad, for example in Cyprus, but these are just distributors. This is just one of their products.
I bought mine on pre-order directly for about $ 150, after it cost about 200. Now it is about twice as expensive, about 300 at retail, due to increased overhead costs of the manufacturer.
In my opinion, the device is very overloaded with functionality and is more suitable for developers than for household use. Although, its functionality redeems any of its shortcomings.
Yes, the basic functionality of the device works without connecting to a smartphone. As far as I know, the iPhone, unlike Android, does not give the necessary access and permissions for the application to work, so the application for iOS exists only in a test form.
There are some problems with false positives from microwave interference or loss of connection, for example in a crowd where there are a lot of Bluetooth devices, but it depends more on your smartphone. There are also some connection stability bugs when working with Samsung smartphones and some Chinese brands.
@Adrian Nature's own fire drill.
Interesting and expensive channel - now I needed to buy another radiation counter :D. Thanks for sharing the RadiaCode 102. Always was looking for an alternative to Geiger-Müller tubes in a portable, but home use scenario. Gamma-spectroscopy is an interesting field and the 102 will even fit in the pocket.
I had no clue uranium glazed tiles would be that active. Great video. No one should be afraid of learning about the world around us. I bought and built a counter from a kit years ago. Was much cheaper that way.
It was surprisingly hot compared to the uranium glass.
Wow ‼️so glad to see your subscribers are finally starting to grow ‼️🤩
You and me both.
Thanks!
Again, thank you for the support. I'm glad you like this content enough to help out the channel like this. Really means a lot to me.
I got at PRM-7000 for measuring radiation at different altitudes on weather balloons, which it did well. It's more expensive than the GMC-320, but it has logging and doesn't seem to have the measurement latencies that other cheaper counters have. I think it's a much better option for those that want a counter that does logging.
Did you ever find significant levels at higher altitudes? What's the gist?
Thanks for that seat of the pants review - I have been considering a Radiocode for some time and it was interesting to see it compared this way.
There's lots of great options out there. I need to do a second video about some of the other options. But I do feel like this first video has some solid choices.
Nice video, cool to see them all side by side! Your radeye is calibrated to Cs-137 (662 keV), so when you are measuring LOWER gamma energies like the source you compared, it is giving TOO HIGH of a dose number! This is a well-known problem with ordinary Geiger counters. You get a lot of features with the radeye that the others don't have, and a lot of expensive product certifications, that's why it's more expensive and the government uses it, not because it's more accurate across a wide range of energies. The fact that the radiacode-101 is matching the radeye is 100% proof that IT is giving the WRONG overestimated number also! That's one of the reasons I created the Better Geiger ;) ... it is much more accurate. The Better Geiger can also, importantly, handle about 20x HIGHER does rate than the cheap amazon Geiger counters on amazon (GMC-320), important for an emergency scenario! The downside is that, as you showed, it is not as reactive to betas. That makes it worse for searching for antiques which are mainly beta emitters (uranium glass, fiestaware) but it makes it better for every other application. You can also consider it an advantage, because Geiger counters will dramatically OVER respond to beta emitters giving wrong numbers that can confuse you in an emergency. Hey by the way, with the Better Geiger you can get a waterproof case and test source! :) ...otherwise, the radiacode-101 is definitely cool if you want to measure gamma spectra, but that's why the price is over double, although maybe there will be a future Better Geiger to measure spectra too. :)
Also was found that the Radiacode does not do spectral compensation of isotopes like originally speculated.
Does the BetterGeiger do spectroscopic compensation? I cant recall from the many discussions about your product in the server.
@@jamesluck2969 Yes it does take the incoming energy into account in order to correct for dose rate. Doing that effectively was one of the biggest challenges of developing the product, and the aspect I'm most proud of.
First of all, please look at H(10) filter for B20. This one is used to measure dose and dose rate with this detector. Also I have H(0.07) filter to measure x-ray dose (not higher than 160 keV) rate. Then, choose B20-ER instead of B20 to raise upper level limit from 10 kcps to 500 kcps (or 30 Mcpm) and 2 mSv/h to 100 mSv/h. I use this device more often than other of my devices if I don't know what is in front of me. It rather small to be placed on extention adapter to measure in holes or on high places. The next unique feature of B20 is the direct activity measurement of given isotope, alpha or beta emitting one.
@@SerpiphEven with the H(10) filter used in the video there is a variation in response vs. energy. This variation is much stronger when the radiation is not coming at a straight angle towards the front of the detector, and in the measurements in this video the angles were mixed between straight and very sharply angled because the source was placed very close to the surface! Another factor is that in those "contact" measurements the measurement is very sensitive to the position of the source, a tiny bit closer or further can cause really dramatic changes in response, and with the B20 it is probably possible to get the source a little bit closer to the sensitive element. All of these things combined can explain the difference between what the B20 read, what the cheap detectors read, and what the Better Geiger read. I designed the Better Geiger and I know how it responds to different energies, and I trust the number it gives.
@@BetterGeiger, first of all, I just speak about the device overload and the existence of B20-ER to extend the limits. Also, I say about H(10) filter to measure the dose rate but nothing was spoken here about the measurement quality and the measurement conditions.
Great video! Thanks for testing all those devices and giving some advice...
Wanted to share some info for german/european watchers. At first (before I watched any videos) I just ordered a quite cheap device from Amazon and later found out, that it is only able to measure beta-, gamma- and röntgen radiation. Just ordered an additional one (VOLTCRAFT RM-400 - roughly 350€), that can also measure alpha radiation, which was important for me. All in all for both dosimeters I payed around 550€. Depending on the devices, the prices do in general range between 200€ - XXXX€ for useful devices. Another important fact for me was, that it is run with batteries.
Excellent video, I mentioned I wanted to see something like this on another of your videos.. There is so little reference for this kind of information.. Have been trying to understand what is safe and how to make comparisons.. I had hoped to see some of these detectors, but one more is the Dosimeter-Radiometer MKS-05 Terra-P+.. Cheap is good, but to be reasonable and have calibration items available is very important.. Thanks, keep sharing your knowledge.. You have so much response it seems you are doing a great service..!
The Better Geiger S-1 is a scintillator type detector and compensates for the energy level of all gamma radiation, because it can directly measure the kev of any given gamma ray event.
Any standard GM detector, especially pancake tubes, even with an energy-compensating gamma filter, will always over-report the dose rate when measuring gamma energies lower than what they're calibrated for, typically Cs-137 at ~662 kev. Conversely, they will also under-report dose rates when measuring gamma energies HIGHER than what they're calibrated for, too. The only dose rate numbers you can trust are when you're measuring Cesium 137 (if that's what it's been calibrated for. some meters are calibrated for Cobalt 60).
Good information there
That was an excellent product review and summary. I learned a lot. Thank you and greetings from Arizona.
Glad you got some info out of it. I’m working on another one with different detectors.
I want one for myself! I keep saying I want a geiger counter for my birthday and no one believes me :(
Ask people to give you money for your birthday and buy one yourself.
Awesome video Drew, I was curious in another video about your detectors and didn't see this video. Your channel is great
Thanks. I’m trying to educate people on this topic while I learn more along the way. Radiation and radioactivity are such exciting subjects to tackle.
On the GQ one, you can reduce the time for a fast count estimate so it won't take so long to plateau. It will fluctuate more but not take so long to build up counts
I need to do another video testing out other detectors.
How do you do that?
Ahhh thanks Drew, was waiting for a video like this :) Cheers!
Yay 30k subs
I know...I'm excited about that sub count.
20:23 - Drew, speaking about correct dose rate measurement, the source should be placed not in touch with the detector to drop down bremsstrahlung effects in the filter and to reduce the effects of gamma flux changes from point to point. Try your detectors at a distance of 10 cm or more from the source to compare
I did. Thanks Drew. I'm in the market for one of these and while i know this isn't a thorough review and not even scratching the surface of the number of counters that are made(theres 100s), i was able to eliminate quite a few and know what i can test whatever i buy with.
I own a total of 4 geiger counters/dosimeters, but my favorite is the Mazur PRM-9000. Simple, yet elegant device with super accurate measures and a multitude of options. I always carry a Soeks 01M on me since it's super small, but the Mazur is still my number one.
I'm glad your channel exploded Drew! I've been a subscriber for a while and was hoping it would get bigger, never thought it would go that fast though! Congrats! Keep it up!!
I have a Soeks 01M as well. That was my first Geiger counter. I use to carry it around with me everywhere and have it constantly running in the truck on road trips. It was a great little detector.
Yeah, the channel has been taking off.
@@RadioactiveDrew Super happy for you. You deserve it. Cheers!
Thanks.
I love my Mazur prm 9000 too. I let it run 24/7 logging and sometimes I hook it up to the radiation network.
I also always have my Soeks with me. I have it in my front pocket on when I go into Goodwill. A quick move of a suspected piece of Vaseline glass or pottery by my pocket tells me if it’s hot or not.
You are very generous towards the cheaper counters saying there kinda slow and not very good I have a lot of good units but a few cheaper ones and you were cracking me up with the cheaper units I also agree with you alot of people should have atleast one geiger counter
Well I don’t want to talk bad about something that someone might want to buy because that’s all they can afford. I try and present it as level as I can.
If I only had a cheap meter on me for measurement. And it started to go crazy showing high levels of radiation. It's still giving me the same message as a more expensive meter. To GTFO of there ASAP!
I don't know about the GMC 320+ but on the GMC 500+ model under user option it has a setting called fast estimate time. I find that changing that setting to 15 seconds gives the best performance and dramatically improves the response time. On the init setup menu I adjusted the tube voltage up to 48% this increases sensitivity and also extends the upper limit range a little bit.
Good to know. I didn’t get to mess with it too much.
Drew thank you for these great videos. Just bought a 14C-RK and can’t wait to go on the hunt for some more sources :)
Nice...did you get the whole kit?
@@RadioactiveDrew Yeah found it used from a company in Oak Ridge TN, they’re calibrating it for me too. Came with the pelican case and check source, should be a sweet setup. I liked the analog nature of the 14C
@@Hookmodo the 14C is one of my favorite analog detectors I have. Not like I have a bunch of them. The only other one I have is a Ludlum Model 12.
@@RadioactiveDrew glad to hear I'm looking forward to receiving it. I am really intrigued by the idea of "nuclear tourism" and am looking to take a trip and fly out west (I'm in OH) to combine it with some backpacking. Aside from the spots you've covered (I'm in the process of watching all your videos), any suggestions for good places to visit on a week long vacation that has some good "hot" spots? Do you plan on doing any meetups or anything like that this year?
Meetups are something other people have asked me about and it sounds like it might be fun. Not sure yet if I’ll get into that this year.
As far as places to visit that aren’t too far away from each other and offer something more than just “nuclear tourism”. I think Utah is a great place to go. The Moab area has a lot of old mining areas. Kind of depends on what you want to see. If you want to look for hot rocks or hot areas, uranium mining sites can offer that.
Thanks for the video... I was already wondering if I would buy one, where to get one. Just for "fun". Sure turns out the RadEye is the best... but also the most expensive. I get your note on "government spending" :)
Hello, I've been watching your videos for some time and find them very interesting. As soon as you start to think about radioactivity, you immediately think of the Geiger counter. But if you dig a little deeper, you'll realize that there are several types of device. The video isn't bad, but it's important to distinguish between ictometers, radiameters, dosimeters and contaminameters. In fact, everything changes depending on the intended use, but the most interesting are: on the one hand, Geiger-Muller tube counters can detect beta, gamma and, in certain specific cases, alpha rays. And on the other hand, radiation meters, also known as flow meters, which can use a Geiger-Muller tube or another type of sensor, as on the radiacode-102. Unlike the simple counter, the radiation meter is energy-compensated, enabling it to give a more or less reliable estimate of dose rates, whatever the radio-element under consideration. But the disadvantage is that only gamma rays are generally taken into account by the survey meter. I emphasize that my comments are synthetic, since I have omitted neutron radiation...
I'm looking for an easy-to-use but effective ictometer: like the radiascan 701A, capable of counting alpha, beta and gamma radiation. Unfortunately, my search is in vain, given that since the sanctions against Russia, there are none on the market, and that most equivalent meters cost over $1000 for specialized corporate use, or that those on sale are only for gamma and beta radiation! Can you advise me on this? What choice should I make for a good meter without spending $1000?
It depends on what you’re going to be using the detector for. A good all around would be a used Ludlum Model 3 with a 44-9 probe. Then you could change out probes based on your use. Those can be found in good condition for well under $1000.
@@RadioactiveDrew Thank you for replying individually to each comment! I'll take note of your advice, in any case I'll continue my research and continue your passion because your videos are great. I thank you for the attention you've given me! Have a nice day :)
@Jofjcrj glad you appreciate the work. I try and answer as many comments as I can.
You should make a video where you explain how to read and operate and how to understand and compare the readings
I’ll work that into the next review video.
My son is going to need a detector for his Nuclear Science merit badge. Thank you for posting about this.
Everyone should have as many meters as possible! It's so awesome to be able to detect all the invisible things around us! I got a GMC for the affordability and take it with me whenever I go on the road. Lots of fun to see how the background levels change in different cities. But yeah, also wish it was a bit more bench-worthy.
Very expensive though & not necessary.
With all these radiation "watchers" out there hopefully we'll be able to PREVENT the worst of the criminal shenanigans (contamination, dumping etc) the nuclear industry carried out in the 40's 50's 60's 70's & 80's...whilst still being pro nuclear power. The worst of that was connected to nuclear weapons production it seems...with bad practices, fraud & corruption.
I would much rather have a radiation detector and know how to use it then rely on someone else to do it for me.
@@RadioactiveDrew Where in my comment did I say that you shouldn't? Nowhere...all I suggested was that lots of them aren't necessary...when a few that covers most of the bases is fine. A bit of intelligence in the selection of those few & the knowledge to use them correctly can save a lot of money.
That's why when there is fallout and hundreds of roentgens per hour, little toy meters don't save your life. But higher range meters do, in the hundreds of roentgens per hour. And they need to be small and discrete and portable so you can have it with you at all times. Ivan isn't going to announce when or where his nuclear rocket launches will happen.@@RadioactiveDrew
Hiii! Ive been a fan of yours since i watched your video of visiting the decomissioning plant. I just want to say you really helped me discover my love for radioactive and nuclear stuff and my choice of geoger counter. Im 15 and have been into this stuff since i was like 8 lol.
I’m glad you took up the interest. It’s a subject with endless things to discover.
@@RadioactiveDrew Yass! 💗💕☢️
@@RadioactiveDrewhey i had a question.
At 24:01 the detector dropped to a much lower number. What could this mean? Does it mean the detector broke?
@kaylus9859 the detector didn’t break. The programming for the device had a fault when getting to that high count rate. Some people have told me a firmware update fixed this issue but I don’t know if that’s true because I haven’t verified it.
@@RadioactiveDrewyay ty!!! I just ordered a GMC 320s for a starter detector. The cheapest i could find that i had seen reviews on. I appreciate the tips!! ❤
An excellent video. I think the underlying problem with the GMC-320 with the Ra-226 sample on contact was that not only is it slow to pick up the dose, it wasn't designed to show or calculate CPM values exceeding 65535. As such, an overflow happened, causing the counter to roll over and start from zero.
Great video. I have a cheapie Russian GM detector, same as a the white one you demonstrated. I also got a bargain on a Canberra AN/VDR2 kit with all 4 probes. That unit is a bit larger than the fisher, but the probe set is incredible. I use it when I want to “get serious”, but use the cheapie when hiking or going to gem shows.
The VDR2 it is a great kit to have!
Nice video! I think part of the dose discrepancy is due to the S-1 having the detector much further from the wall of the case than the Radiacode. Inverse square law strikes again! Would have been nice if the distance from center volume of detector was noted in the manual somewhere.
That would be nice to know.
12:57
If you haven’t heard, the Radicode has been upgraded to the 102.
I just got one a few days ago! I ordered a 101 over a month ago, and got notified I would get a 102. It’s so small and nicely made!
Seems like background around my place is ~0.07 uSv/h or ~7 CPS. That seem higher than I was expecting…
That dose rate is a little higher than normal after the energy compensation update that happened. Before that the background was around .08 uSv/hr, which is pretty normal.
@@RadioactiveDrew i recently noticed when you use your radeye, you see background around 38 CPM?
When I put the 102 in CPM, it shows ~385, but uSv/hr is still ~0.07 - 0.06.
that's just a difference in the kind of detector and how fast it reacts? (can't compare directly)
@@Revvek the dose rate between the 2 detectors is very close because that's done using a conversion. The scintillation is going to be far more sensitive to background and gamma radiation than the pancake detector.
@@RadioactiveDrew you can almost tell how cloudy it is outside with it. 😃
Very well done! I bought a GMC320 when I got atarted. I agree it is slow to respond. I added a Soviet alpha detector to mine & got rid of the GM tube, for better sensitivity. It looks kinda funky now, with my shade tree enclosure, but it's OK.
P.S. Were you the Andrew that I read about in a 2018 BBC story: The man who hunts 'hidden' radioactive objects ?
Yeah, that BBC story was about me. I wish I had started making videos about the stuff I was finding when I started out. But I’m happy with how the channel is shaping up.
I bought the GQ GMC-500Plus. You can adjust the read down to 5 seconds for faster response. 👍
@@markw.4679 You can for the GMC320 as well.
Thank you for the review- helped with choosing a detector! ;)
This puts into perspective how much radiation x-ray tubes can emit. If holding that radium source almost at contact for 1h equals to about 4 chest x-rays while an x-ray lasts about one tent to one third of a second and the focal spot is about 1m away from the patient after it passed thorough filters and collimators. Its an absolutely insane dose rate what x-ray machines put out, not surprising there have been mishaps during fluoroscopy procedures.
Yes, x-ray tubes can put out a lot of radiation very quickly.
Holding the radium source to the chest for one hour is not equivalent to 4 chest x rays. And yes, x ray tubes are crazy. A small tube can produce dose rates of 1Sv/h at 1 metres distance continuously. For intermittent operation, much higher dose rates are possible.
X-ray tubes can emit enough energy to kill you in a second if they are large enough and have enough watts of power running through them. All x-ray tubes are not made for medical x-rays. Some are made for industrial uses and emanate a lot more power because they are built to consume a lot more power.
Ludlum 14c are our meter of choice with pancake probe in our Nuclear Medicine department. Per NRC refs/our materials license all of our meters are calibrated annually. We have a couple older Bicrons and an Inspector.
I just picked up a pulse generator to calibrate my Ludlum Model 14C and Model 12.
@@RadioactiveDrew may I ask which pulse unit you got?
I got it off of eBay from a seller I buy from. Hers the link to the listing. www.ebay.com/itm/295395705380?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=s-DlLdAZRGa&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=phvzq5xqrby&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
@@RadioactiveDrew awesome thanx
Great video Drew. It would be interesting to see what you would recommend for a prepping situation for a SHF situation.
"Shit hits the Fan"?
I’m working on a couple videos about this subject.
@cyphermunk7258 that would be correct. Just tried to put it nicer if any kids saw the comment. Lol
@@RadioactiveDrewlooking forward to that
For prepping you need a survey meter that can handle hundreds of roentgens per hour, since that is what fallout can deliver. The meters shown today overload or "saturate" at maybe 2 roentgens per hour and then go to zero. So you think you are in a zero radiation field but are actually getting killed by hundreds of roentgens per hour (unless it alerts you it is overloaded = saturated). If you are in a fallout zone at 600 r/hr and head one way to get 800 r/hr but another way to get 100 r/hr, you can't tell the difference unless you can measure it. You don't always have a nice fallout shelter to jump into, so until you get to one you have to measure which path leads to danger and which path leads to lesser doses of radiation. A Sievert like $ is a hundred times more than Roentgen like cent. Three Sieverts kills half the people, equal to 300 Roentgens if accumulated dose within a few days. One Sievert or 100 Roentgens within a few days gives radiation sickness. Five Sieverts or 500 Roentgens within a few days would kill most anybody.
My wife got me a Terra-P by EcoTest a while back. Detects Beta and Gamma. I like it a lot...but not sure how easy it is to get now since the company that makes them is from the Ukraine.
Yes...they're still available from a Ukrainian con-merchant on ebay with huge price gouging evident.
The Radiacode101 actually have a built-in spectra function to tell which radioisotope is present, but due to the resolution of the screen ( and crystal ), better view is obtained when connected to a phone with its app.
Works with android tablets too...
@@ajacks1349 It do, can also function when connected to laptop with a USB cable. However I am unable to know if it supports apple devices yet.
That’s good to know information
I bought a really cheap Geiger Muller tube one from Banggood (£40) and it seems quite good if slow to settle. I have an Aladdin lamp with a new old stock mantle and it is splendidly active. 20-30 CPM background and the mantle reads 300-400 CPM with the glass removed so I assume that it is an alpha emitter. Genuinely interesting stuff to mess with.
It's a fun hobby with so many facets to it, that can be done safely with some basic knowledge & precautions. I think the real hazard with mantles only comes about after they're lit, when they can disintegrate so easily & literally blow away & become airborne.
If I may ask, which PRC GM counter model is it? Not many that do cps/cpm, as most are dose rate only in uSv/h.
@@ajacks1349 it’s a Pudibei! It has a nice Geiger muller tube but it’s not directional obviously. It does cpm and cumulative dose with user set limits. I was genuinely surprised. I think that I saw it on a channel called survival Lilly.
@@robinwells8879 Ah yes, I watch the lady from Vienna, Austria too now & again...🤣
I recently bought an unbranded HFS-10 from amazon but had to return as the battery drained completely within a few days, when switched off. Apparently a known major fault. which the seller must have known about.
I think the vast majority of PRC counters/detectors use a variant of the glass tubed GM's, often an m4011, which even the claimed US company GQ electronics with its GMC 300 & 500 series... uses.
All mine are from the UK, Russia, US, Poland & Israel, so mainly SBM-20 variants & LND mica pancakes.
It is a fun hobby
I have watched this channel for 10 years. It has been amazing to see them go from a well dressed, middle aged woman, to a man, to a man with red hair, to a 12 foot tall man with eleven ears and antlers. Seriously, this person has suffered greatly to bring us content about radiation. #respect
😂
This sound is just so haunting and fascinating :)
I build my own gm counters. I use a lot the sbt10a tube, is very sensitive and gives a background of 180 to 240 cpm.
I wantef to get a Cs137 source but could never locate one. I have a small collection of radioactive minerals and items. Thorite is relatively easy to find online. The gamma spectrometer you showed uses a very small crystal and a solid state sensor so is sortbof limited. Planning to build a scintillation detector using a photomultiplier and a good size Nal(TI) crystal
You can order a Cs-137 source (in the U.S.) from Spectrum Techniques. Only around $100.
It would be nice to see some of the detectors you’ve made.
@@GeigerCounterVirtualMuseum will do something when im back from vacations
I am reminded of a use for a GM tube and Beta source you might not think of. In the USAF I worked on the F-106 interceptor. In order to measure the engine oil quantity at any flight attitude, Conair, the maker, wrapped a tube of radioactive gas (DNR what type) around the oil tank. The GM tube sat on the other side of the tank. It's integrated count indicated the oil quantity. A reliable system as I recall. Considering that one of the squadron's birds carried a missile with a 1.5KT war head nobody worried about a little radon gas.
Radon gas in that situation would be the lest of my concern in that situation. To measure a liquid like jet fuel you would need a gamma or neutron emitter of some kind. Interesting way to do it.
@@RadioactiveDrew The engine oil was measured with a radioactive source gas. The fuel, JP4, was measured by the capacitance of probes in the several tanks. The geometry of the plates on the cylindrical probes was a compensation for the tank dimensions. But yes, it is a unique feeling standing next to a nuke, even a small one.
That sounds really interesting. Would be cool to see that setup.
@@glenbirbeck4098 I recently read Eric Schlosser's very interesting "Command and Control" , where he talks about "the Genie" :) Thanks for sharing.
Have you ever seen a Project Farm video? I highly recommend them. If you ever do another video like this one a PF video might give you some ideas on how to do it.
I have the better s-1 gieger and the radiacode 102 !!! Love both of them. Great video thanks .
Glad you enjoyed it.
Just did some comparisons with my new Mazur PRM-9000 / very similar refresh and features as a radeye and a good alternative to a B20 at a descent price (about $700) . Compared it to the Better Geiger and the GQ GMC-300 plus . Overall yes you do get what you pay for , the Mazur is def higher level enthusiast / professional level in terms of giving more accurate rates ( also reads Alpha , Beta, Gamma and X-ray )and is able to be easily recalibrated and serviced by Mazur and other companies , the Better Geiger is def fast and is good for letting you know proximity to radiation sources well and is very sensitive ( maybe too sensitive being a scintillator style sensor ?) , and the GMC is good enough for occasional antique hunters or beginners but is very cheaply built .
The Better Counter supposedly compensates for the energy according to their website.
Radioactive Drew ? If Im correct those cheap Geiger Counters are designed to detect enough radiation to kill and set, to detect less radiation that won't. you have some Geiger Counters with no display at all, but with a LED and piezo speaker. like if there's a high radiation up ahead it buzz and light solid letting you know not to walk that way.
Very helpful! I would love love love to see a part 2 or follow-up video. I would like to see some more standard sources tested at a controlled distance and controlled amount of time. I'm interested in how far away from common sources like fiesta or uranium glassware or thorium mantles different detectors are able to notably register. Making a time/distance chart could be cool. I like when you talk about how you use different detectors, like scintillation detectors for honing in. Does having an alpha detector make antiquing easier?
I think having a detector that can detect alpha radiation makes it a bit easier. Usually the detectors are a bit larger so they can detect the beta radiation from further away.
I searched the exact video title. You read my mind. Anyone who reviews this type of equipment has to know a thing or two!
There was a German researcher who used to make videos inside the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone and they had several devices that I dont fully understand the purpose of.
For example: 3 different devices? One for high energy gamma? I think they were looking for small sources that contained radionuclides from the reactor itself.
When they started getting into mSv/hr it was scary. She handled them with minimal PPE, I was more concerned about chemotoxic effects of the metals themselves. Especially anything calcium seeking like Strontium-90. I think she said most of the remaining contamination outside the containment structure is Cs-137.
Some plants pick up this, but many do not. She proved that the apples were not substantially above background/a control. She ate this apple right off the tree. I wouldn't eat a potato grown there, but I think there's understatement of chemotoxicity in these radionuclides. The radiation may be OK, but what about other contamination. Chemicals used in the Liquidation. Heavy metals like lead... I'm kinda ranting here.
What should I buy for a general purpose device and where do you get them serviced if they're full of IC and digital signals? Analog is ok. I want to test granite slabs before and after the sealant, also finding Hotspot on them.
Great video by the way.
She found a pea sized source that was reading 20 mSv/hr with her gamma device and a tube covered in plastic. So that was just gamma? She was holding it in her bare hand. I guess it's not THAT radioactive but she can't run NMR or mass spec to find what's actually in that little piece of graphite. Could be Pu in that lmao. I loved her videos so much.
I remember watching Bionerd. She made some interesting videos.
As far as what detector to get...it kind of depends on your budget. The digital ones can work great and I have seen zero drift in the calibration on my Radeye B20. The analog Ludlums do in re-calibration from time to time. I have a small pulse generator that I use for calibrating those.
Hello. I like everything about radioactivity.
What qualities should I look for when buying a household Geiger counter? Do I need it to measure all three types of radiation (alpha/beta/gamma)?
Its nice to have something that can detect alpha, beta and gamma radiation. But for an emergency situation I think having something that can detect beta and gamma is pretty good. I think response time is also a very key thing to look for in a radiation detector. If something is dangerous you want the detector to get that that level quickly or to the overload warning.
I have a GMC-500, always wanted a rad-eye but kind of expensive for a hobbyist. I live near the rocky flats and wondered if there was anything radioactive near me
I'd imagine that the GMC-500 would be BLIND to most of the radioactive contamination that took place at RF's, because the Chinese glass GM tube can only detect high energy beta particles, gamma & X rays...not the mainly alpha particles that are emitted from significant Plutonium contamination at that site & farther afield. Minimum you'd need is a mica pancake sensor equipped meter.
That Ludlum brings back memories. We had the probe that had a shield over it so you could tell if it was gamma vs particulate radiation.
In Soviet Russia, geiger counter counts YOU!
35:24 About the Cesium Calibration
Do you leave it to Cesium everytime when you go somewhere or when looking for radioactive antiques in antique store?
Yes, cesium-137 is in the middle of the energy spectrum. So it’s a great calibration source.
@@RadioactiveDrew Does other calibrations affect sensitivity or Just the same?
@Elizebazz doesn’t really affect sensitivity. It’s more about how dose rates are calculated. Usually lower energy gamma radiation will make a detector over respond. Whereas a higher gamma radiation source would under respond, showing a lower dose rate. This can vary depending on the detector type.
Where did you buy Radeye? Did you buy from thermo fisher sci or the other website
@BrandonsTravelsMarch I emailed Thermo Fisher requesting a quote. They gave that email to another supplier. This was what happened recently…a couple months ago when I bought a Radeye B20ER model. When I bought the first one back in 2017 I believe I went through Fisher Scientific.
Very interesting. Really curious where and how you store your radioactive sources. I have a couple of them and 3D printed containers with lead shielding in the walls. I am building my own geigers.
I keep all the spicy sources in an old safe.
This video is interesting, but close in 'contact' measurements are not the best for comparison measurements. It may seem reasonable that to get a good look at something accurately, we want to get in close, and it DOES insure really high readings, but it is not very good for checking calibration, or for sensitivity comparison purposes, because the inverse square law dictates that there will be HUGE variations in both beta and gamma intensity in the first few mm of distance from a small high intensity source, which renders ANY 'contact' type comparisons between different tube layout Geiger counters almost totally meaningless.
To get a valid comparisons, you need to check each instruments calibration against something like a Cs-137 check source, that has been properly gamma filtered (for example by blocking beta with a few mm of aluminum), at a MEASURED consistent distance of 10cm of more ( precisely measured between the source and tube ). With this larger 10cm distance, a mm or two of Geiger tube positional error will only effect the test source gamma field intensity level a few percent or so, which should allow much more consistent repeatable measurements...
Edit2 - I do 100% agree with Drew though that the RadiaCode 102/103 mini scintillation gamma spectrometer based counters are really neat. Bought mine 10 minutes after watching his review video, and am incredibly happy with it. I also wish their onboard interface and graphics were a bit more sophisticated, but the smartphone integration with its gamma spectroscopy capability is unbelievably cool. If I could only keep one radiation monitoring instrument, it would definitely be my RadiaCode 103.
But not everyone can afford over 350 USD (much less the $2k plus of your RADEye B20) - So I must respectfully disagree about the GQ GMC 300 series counters, which I consider *excellent* entry level Geiger counters. My GMC-300S counter was only about $50 with a coupon, is very sensitive (for a compact non-pancake tube) *AND REASONABLY ACCURATE* ( when the calibration is *properly tested* ) and if necessary, unlike most others, can be user calibrated by entry of custom multi-point CPM to uSv calibration data in the settings menu. I also like that the GMC-300S uses a standard low cost 14500 lithium rechargeable battery and J305 Geiger tube, both of which are easily easily user replaceable. The long CPM integration time that you complained about in the video is easily changeable in the settings -- and the count-rate decrease issue you saw after an extended time at high CPM ( and noted in the video at 24:02 ), is quite common for small Geiger tubes due to temporary exhaustion of the halogen quenching mechanism. The tube self recovers after a few minutes of returning to background, so no big deal.
I like my Gamma Scout. Would add the Radiacode-101 for spectrum analysis if the political/supply situation would abate. Also, isn't your B20 calibration-traceable to a standard? I would believe that one!
Well the B20 is calibrated for Cs-137, and while it does exhibit a fairly flat energy response with the dose filter, looking at the curve it does tend to over respond a bit to higher energy gamma. I don't think this is the cause of the reported higher dose however. The better Geiger's detector is not right against the case like in the Radiacode, it is actually in a little cup of epoxy, which puts it a distance from any of the case walls. This extra distance is likely the cause of why the dose readings are lower, I'm sure if you moved the source an equivalent distance away from the radiacode they would be more likely to agree.
Question out of pure curiosity about your strongest source. Why wear thin nitrile gloves? Is it to not get any contamination on your hands for when you're done? Or am I missing some other protection that they offer?
So I don’t get any oils from my fingers on it that would speed it’s corrosion…and so I can decontaminate my hands a little easier.
@@RadioactiveDrew Gotcha makes sense! Great video you've definitely got my subscription.
Thanks for the sub.
Very informative! I always wanted a Geiger counter, but the good ones are so pricey!
Also, any chance you could lower the volume when the beeping ramps up? Every time that RadEye gets going, my cats freak out! 😉
I usually lower it now in my videos. It use to be louder…what it sounds like in real life.
very cool video, thankyou for sharing. have a collection of commercial and home built (kitset) ones myself. My main interest is radioactive minerals that are part of my rock and mineral collection. it's just a sideline to those that are fluorescent cheers, Dave
Could you do a video on radiation measurement? You often talk about counts per minute and show Kcpm or Cpm on the Radeye, but I have no idea how these counts or the Radeye’s measurement relate to real life(I.e. a chest x-Ray, or a CT scan, etc.
I’ll do a video about the different units of measurement I use and how they relate to each other.
@@RadioactiveDrew Thank you! You’re content is excellent! 👍
The meters he showed overload (saturate) at about 2 Roentgens or less, and be worthless in a nuclear fallout zone because they would decay to zero after being overloaded or saturated. A dental x-ray would be about 15 milliRoentgens (15 milliRems) and a chest x-ray about 30 milliRems. With modern x-ray film, even less. 100 Roentgens in a few days produces radiation sickness in most people. 300 R in a short time kills half the humans. 500 and certainly 600 Roentgens in a few days kills almost everybody. You can absorb 7 R per day and not get radiation sickness, but any radiation increases the risk of cancer and weakening of your white blood cells in the direction of body weakness and infections. One Sievert (like $) is a hundred times more than one Roentgen (like cent). A Becquerel is one decay or one ray of radiation per second, without regard to energy level. A Curie is millions of decays, without regard to energy level. A Roentgen is enough radiation to ionize about a billion air molecules into positive and negative fragments. A Sievert is 100x what a Roentgen is. Tissue damage is measured as Rems or Grays, since gamma rays are a low risk to certain tissues like muscle but a high risk for cancer to tissues like bone marrow and the lining of the intestines. Rem = roentgen equivalent mammalian, as opposed to cancer induction risk to fish or birds. Some of these measurements can only be done in a lab with a lot of taking angles and overlaps into account, so only cancer therapy labs worry about them.
00:00 🛍 Introduction to Geiger Counters
Overview of Geiger counters, their importance in detecting ionizing radiation.
Mention of the diverse price range and features of Geiger counters.
Emphasis on the educational aspect of Geiger counters beyond potential nuclear war scenarios.
02:32 🌐 Introduction to the RadEye B20
Overview of the RadEye B20 Geiger counter.
Acknowledgment of its reliability despite being expensive and primarily geared towards government agencies.
Discussion on calibration systems and the challenges of obtaining the RadEye B20.
08:49 📟 Ludlum Model 14c Geiger Counter
Introduction and positive remarks about the Ludlum Model 14c Geiger counter.
Features, including the ability to use different probes and its analog build.
Demonstration of its response to various radioactive sources.
12:49 🎆 Introduction to the RadEcode 101
Presentation of the RadEcode 101 as a scintillation detector with a cesium iodide crystal.
Highlighting its sensitivity to lower-level gamma radiation.
Mention of its additional capability to connect to smartphones for gamma spectroscopy.
16:18 🤔 Testing the Better Geiger Radiation Detector
Introduction to the Better Geiger radiation detector, emphasizing its sensitivity to gamma radiation.
Demonstration of its response to different sources, noting its limitations with beta and alpha radiation.
Comparative analysis with other Geiger counters, raising questions about accuracy.
20:26 🔍 Comparison with Gamma Filter on RadEye B20
Experiment with the gamma filter on the RadEye B20 to assess its impact on readings.
Comparative analysis of readings with and without the gamma filter.
Observations regarding the similarity of readings with the RadEcode 101.
21:07 📉 Evaluation of the GMC 320 Geiger Counter
Introduction and evaluation of the GMC 320 Geiger counter.
Expressing reservations about its response time and overall performance.
Comparison with other detectors, highlighting its shortcomings.
24:52 🖋 Review of the Mira Pen-Like Geiger Counter
Introduction to the Mira pen-like Geiger counter.
Expression of reluctance towards reviewing it due to perceived quality.
Testing and criticism of the device, especially concerning response time and alarms.
29:03 ⏳ Critique of the Handheld Geiger Counter (Brand not specified)
Assessment of a handheld Geiger counter with logging capabilities.
Critique of the extended time taken for the device to calculate final dose readings.
Evaluation of the device's performance and comparison with other counters.
31:14 🤷♂ Reflecting on Geiger Counter Accuracy
Reflection on the uncertainty of which Geiger counter is accurate.
Speculation on the calibration standards, especially regarding cesium-137.
Acknowledgment of the difficulty in determining the most accurate Geiger counter.
34:33 📋 Final Thoughts and Preferences
Recap of the diverse Geiger counters tested, from expensive to affordable.
Expression of preference for simpler devices with ease of use.
Closing remarks on the informative nature of the test and potential future reviews.
Great comments, especially at the start about getting kids involved and people educated. Way to much Fear Uncertainty and Doubt spread by special interest groups. Great reviews. Small market and expensive here in Australia to get one of these devices, but are keeping an eye out. Thanks for the great channel.
Glad you enjoyed it.
I thought the window in the front of the Better Geiger unit was where it detected. At least, that seems to be what I've been getting, but I'll check again.
NGL, besides sensetivity, the sound of the click is the most important to me. None of that beep beep nonsense. It should sound like a micrometiorite just hit a mylar sheet. GQ-GCM 500 or 600 are both good for that.
That’s one of the reasons I like old vacuum tube detectors. They have great sounds
I use a Mazur Instruments PRM-8000 for work on vintage watches to see if I'm dealing with radium or tritium.
Interesting video. Actually since I've discovered your channel I've though about purchasing a Geiger counter. Not only are radioactive antiques interesting to me but they have a radioactive waste dump site in St. Louis MO and I'm curious how bad it is. Thanks for the vid Drew. Merry Christmas and happy New Year.
Having a Geiger counter around is good. So many things around us are radioactive. I would like to check out that site in Missouri one day as well.
@@RadioactiveDrew I've collect antiques here and there. After watching one of your videos I noticed the orange Fiesta wear in one of my cabinets and showed my wife. She was like, "Should we get rid of it?"🙂. I have various other things as well, just curious.
It would be interesting to get some readings at that dump
@@The5As7you shouldn’t have any worries about the Fiesta in your cabinet.
@@GeigerCounterVirtualMuseum Why do you say that?
Thank you for the content, enjoy it very much. My question is about the Ecotest Terra P dosimeter and how it stacks up vs. these other units.
Not sure, I haven't tested that one yet.
Ok, thanks again.
kcpm = kilo counts per minute. So 100 kcpm = 100,000 cpm.
Need to be very careful with Ra-226 because it decays into Radon gas (222) via alpha particle emission. Radon-222 also decays via a similar alpha particle emission reaction pathway into Polonium-218 (then to Lead-214). There are further readioactive decays via beta particle emissions (ie electrons) as well as side reactions involving more alpha decays.
Handle that Ra-226 very carefully and ensure it's well ventilated and shielded. Remember, this material is in decay mode ALL THE TIME. And with Ra-226 having a half life of about 1600 Years it's practically a permanent hazard as far a human life or a community is concerned.
thanks for doing this. too many to choose from. i currently only have an SMG2 which isnt much... definitely want a radeye AB100 (alpha and beta) and a radeye G to cover everything
My first GC was one of the best gifts I ever received. It was a build your own kit from Adafruit, but wasn't to hard to put together. No displays but there is a way to connect it to a computer to get counts off it. I have had many hours spent at antique malls looking for hot items, and always feel joy upon finding them.
That sounds so cool. Is it expensive?
@@Simonjose7258 i dont have that exact kit but one similar that i bought off walmart's website of all places and it was like 100 bucksno case or anything just a board with a Arduino and LCD on it and a tube from china it seemed to do pretty good with my thoriated lantern mantles
It fun exploring an antique mall with them. Always get some funny looks. Most people want to know about it and are fascinated when I show them.
@@GeigerCounterVirtualMuseum sadly there are not many places here that sell antiques but when i demonstrated to a few people how some smoke alarms are radioactive they were genuinely shocked and i explained how its such a small amount and shielded that its safe
I own a Ludlum model 3 with a 44-38 probe, a Ludlum 2241 with a 44-9 pancake probe, and custom BC408 plastic scintillator probe for X-Rays, and a 44-10 sodium iodide scintillator. I also have a Radiascan 701, and a Radiacode 101. Don't ask me for financial advise. Would absolutely recommend the Radiacode 101 for a first buy because all the features in a small package the built in gamma spec is awesome. my first buy was a GQ300E they are dreadfull. When hiking around scouting for goodies the smaller detectors are way less cumbersome.
Yeah, smaller is usually better.
Those are some really nice instruments and probes
What's best for surveying for radium you think?
Kinda surprised you didnt mention how the different counters use different tubes and something else worth mentioning is alot of the ones from china actually under drive the tubes like the one i had the tube start and working voltages were 400 to 500 volts and the hv supply in it was only giving the tube 320 now my gmc500+ i like cause i can put in other tubes and adjust voltage as needed on the fly in the menu which i have done to allow me to use an lnd712 alpha beta gamma tube and my readings seem to match what my check sources say they should be
Unless you're using a high-impedance volt meter, the very act of measuring the voltage in a geiger counter will cause it to drop significantly and give you a false low reading. You need to use a meter with 1 GOhm input impedance. Standards DMMs won't work to get an accurate reading.
@@Orcinus24x5 i was not using a dvom rather an analog i also had the same reading on a dvom and scope i was also measuring before the current limiting resistor right on the output of the simple diode and cap voltage multiplier it also seemed to not be completely stable it is very possible that mine was just defective which if so is no biggie since i have a much better one now
@@Orcinus24x5 Or use a 1GΩ resistor in series...
As a mineral collector, I think I only need a gamma detector?
For the most part…yes. Uranium ore can be quite active with gamma radiation. It all depends on the grade of the ore.
About two years ago I got my hands on a Soeks 112 because I wanted something small and portable that I could use for testing rock samples and minerals. I bought it for about 100 Euros or about 120 USD and now it's pretty much impossible to get.
Yeah those are good ones. Easy to keep on you.
I like this video information.
I am going to buy the Ludlum 14c model ☢
Interesting video. I picked up a Radiascan 701A a couple years ago based off another YT channel's (Brainiac75) review and have been happy with it. For the price ~$350 USD iirc it works quite well. I see now it's over double that at $875. They also have a gamma spectrometer for a reasonable price. Looks like they ship from various places around the world but seeing as they're based out of and made in Russia good luck getting one right now.
Yes, the Radiascan 701A is one of the best consumer grade/semi pro devices available.
By the way, produced by the same company as Radio Code-101. Scan Electronics LLC
Radiascan-701A costs $365 now, Radio Code-101 is about 260 in Russia.
You can get a radiacode 102 now from Cyprus..not Russia.
So do you think the Better Geiger S-1 is worth it?
I think it’s a good first time radiation detector if your looking for something that doesn’t cost a lot and is easy to use. The Radiacode 102 is about double the price with double the functionality. So I guess it all depends on your budget.
It's amazing how careless they used to be with radium.
It is pretty amazing.
The worst thing about it is that they (manufacturers, health bodies & governments) knew about the health hazard implications of these materials long before they restricted their manufacture & use. Homer Laughlin made Fiestaware with Uranium oxide (actually DU) coatings/glazes up & including 1972 !!!
Yeah that’s true
Good info! Although I have no immediate need for a GC, it's good to know what to look for.
Personally I think you get what you pay for, but for just a warning the cheap ones will do. For radiological surveys I’d personally use the Ludlum with probe, and I would pay for calibration if it was used for serious use. It’s nice because it also has a high dose tube in the event of really bad things.
The Ludlum is a very solid detector. I always have one with me as a backup in the truck.