Vernier DRM-BTD Manual

Digital Radiation Monitor
(Order Code DRM-BTD)
The Digital Radiation Monitor is used to monitor alpha, beta,
and gamma radiation. It can be used with a number of
interfaces to measure the total number of counts per specified
timing interval. Since it has its own display, it can also be used
independent of interfaces in the field to measure radiation
levels. The Radiation Monitor allows students to
•
Detect the presence of a source of radiation.
•
Monitor counts/interval (rate) as different thicknesses of a particular type of
shielding are placed between the Geiger-Mueller tube of the Radiation Monitor
and a beta or gamma source.
•
Compare the effect of different types of materials to shield beta or gamma
radiation.
•
Set up a histogram with a very long run time to show students how initial
randomness of data develops into a Gaussian distribution curve.
•
Measure radiation of common radioactive materials, such as lantern mantels or
old Fiestaware.
•
Monitor variation in background radiation at different elevations.
•
Monitor radioactivity in the environment over long periods of time.
•
Monitor counts per interval (rate) from a beta or gamma radiation source as a
function of the distance between the source and the Radiation Monitor.
The Digital Radiation Monitor includes a cable (RCD-BTD) that allows the monitor
to be connected to a data-collection interface.
The cable that accompanies the DRM-BTD Radiation Monitor has a small 3.5 mm
(micro-miniature) stereo jack on one end and a white rectangular digital British
Telecom (BT) plug on the other end. This cable is used to directly connect the
DRM-BTD to the Vernier LabQuest ®
TM
or to the Texas Instruments CBL 2 .
Extended User Manual
A more extensive user manual can be viewed from the Digital Radiation Monitor
page of the Vernier web site, www.vernier.com/probes/drm-btd.html.
NOTE: This product is to be used for educational purposes only. It is not appropriate
for industrial, medical, research, or commercial applications.
® ®
, LabQuest Mini, LabPro , or SensorDAQ

Using the Radiation Monitor

Here is the general procedure to follow when using the Digital Radiation Monitor:
1. Connect the Digital Radiation Monitor to the interface.
2. Start the data-collection software.
3. The software will identify the Digital Radiation Monitor and load a default data-
1
collection setup
The Digital Radiation Monitor is compatible with the following data-collection
interfaces:
•
Vernier LabPro
•
Vernier LabQuest
•
Vernier LabQuest
•
Texas Instruments CBL 2
•
Vernier SensorDAQ

Specifications

Sensor: LND 712 (or equivalent) halogen-quenched GM tube with a mica end
window, 1.5 to 2.0 mg/cm
137 laboratory standard.
Power: One 9-volt alkaline battery provides a battery life of 2000 hours at normal
Background Radiation levels.
Accuracy: ±10% typical, ±15% max. (mR/hr and µSv/hr modes)
Dimensions: 150 x 80 x 30 mm (5.9" x 3.2" x 1.2")
Weight: 225 g (8 oz) with battery installed
Energy Sensitivity: 1000 CPM/mR/hr referenced to Cs-137
Audio Output: Chirps for each count (operational in audio mode only–can be muted)
Temperature Range: –20°C to 50°C
Operating Range:
mR/hr: 0.001 to 110
CPM: 0 to 350,000
® ,
Total: 1 to 9,999,000 counts
µSv/hr: 0.01 to 1100
CPS: 1 to 3,500

How the Radiation Monitor Works

The Radiation Monitor senses ionizing radiation by means of a Geiger-Mueller
(GM) tube. The tube is fully enclosed inside the instrument. When ionizing radiation
or a particle strikes the tube, it is sensed electronically and monitored by its own
display, a computer, or by a flashing count light. When the switch is in the AUDIO
position, the instrument will also beep with each ionizing event. It is calibrated for
1
If you are using a LabPro or CBL 2 for data collection, the sensor will not auto-ID.
Open an experiment file in Logger Pro or manually set up the sensor.
. You are now ready to collect data.
®
®
Mini
®
™
®
2
thick. Rated at 1000 counts per minute using a Cesium-
2