Tracerco PEDs Overview Tracerco’s Personal Electronic Dosimeters (PEDs) measure and record both accumulated dose and dose rate. PEDs measure the radiation equivalent dose Hp(10), accumulated in X-ray and gamma ray radiation, which is the equivalent dose at 10 mm below surface of the upper body. Therefore, PEDs must be worn on the upper body.
Interface The key interface features are as follows: System check: Flashes green periodically while the PED is functioning correctly. The LED flashes red if the instrument is in a critical status. Dose rate alarm: Flashes amber while the amber dose rate alarm is exceeded. Flashes red while the red dose rate alarm is exceeded.
Functional Description Readings screen PEDs have the following display modes: • Combined dose and dose rate (this is the default screen layout) • Dose rate only (includes peak dose rate) • Dose only (includes stay time). PEDs also have an option to flip the screen. The display modes show as follows: Combined Dose rate only Dose only...
Status bar Displays time, date and battery capacity. Alternates with PED status and warning messages, if any are current. Attention: For the PED+ and PED-ER+, the status icons for Bluetooth or GPS features are shown alternating with the battery symbol if enabled. Dose and dose rate measurement PEDs measure and record the following: Dose equivalent...
Long red flash 2.4.3 Default alarm levels It is possible to have specific alarm levels set by Tracerco when purchasing a new PED. If this is not requested, alarms will be set at the following default levels: • Amber Dose Alarm at 100μSv •...
The memory of PEDs can store up to 125,000 data points. Therefore, the memory stores around 2000 hours of operation with a 60s interval and 167 hours with a 5s interval. Tracerco recommends using periodic logging if PEDs are deployed in areas where dose rates are consistently above background or rapid dose rate fluctuations are not anticipated.
If the memory is completely full, PEDs continue to measure and display the true current accumulated dose. However, new date and time information is not recorded. Data should be regularly downloaded from PEDs to the Tracerco DoseVision™ software. After downloading the data, the memory is cleared.
The discrete mode must be enabled using DoseVision™. Once enabled, the discrete mode icon is shown in the main menu. When the discrete mode is switched on, a cross is added to the icon. Handheld mode (PED+ and PED-ER+) When set in handheld mode, the PED+ and PED-ER+ can be used as a survey meters. The PED is effectively measuring H*(10) dose rate and therefore cannot be considered to be measuring personal dose.
The ability to log location data is subject to a number of environmental factors, meaning Tracerco cannot guarantee that location data will be logged in all scenarios. The accuracy of the location logs is also affected by the quality of the satellite signal received and the number of satellites which can be detected.
2.11 Battery life Tracerco PEDs contain high capacity batteries which allow for long periods of use between charges. However, the battery life is affected by how PEDs are used. The key factors that can reduce battery life are as are as follows: •...
Operation Attention: The PED-IS is certified for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (hazardous areas). Therefore, the PED-IS must be operated in accordance with the information contained in the document MN1004 Essential Safety Information. Setting up the PEDs Before using your PED, set the alarm levels, logging options, units and assign users using the DoseVision™...
Screen saver By default, the screensaver activates after 30 seconds. You can set the period before the screensaver activates. Tracerco recommends that the time for screensaver activation is as short as practical. Long periods of screen activity reduce the life of the screen and deplete the battery quickly.
Monitor details The monitor details screen shows various useful pieces of information about the Tracerco PED and its status. Calibration contact details can also be found here. Time zone Sets the local time zone on the display to show the local current time.
If required, you can flip the screen on the Main menu Attention: The PED+ variants may also be used as a handheld survey meter. Caution Tracerco PEDs have undergone rigorous EMC testing. However, care must be taken when using PEDs near medical devices such as pacemakers. Working with tasks Start a task on the Main menu >...
Using a PED+ or PED-ER+ in handheld mode Use a PED+ or PED-ER+ in the handheld mode as follows: 1. On the Main menu > Handheld mode Attention: If the menu item is not available, enable the feature in DoseVision™. 2.
Pop-up messages The PED+ and PED-ER+ can display pop-up messages for specific alarms. Messages can contain instructions to help you make decisions based on your measured radiation exposure. To clear the sounder, press the PED button once. To clear the message, press and hold the PED button.
Non-critical Description Action warning Calibration due More than one year has elapsed since the last Return the PED to calibration. Tracerco recommends yearly Tracerco. calibration. Default Cal data The default calibration values (factory setting) Return the PED to are set.
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DoseVision™. Detector If no counts are recorded over 2 minutes Return the PED to Tracerco if failure (standard range) or 8 minutes (extended normal levels of background range), the PED assumes that the GM tube radiation were expected.
PEDs are charged using a charger dock or directly using a micro USB connection. The charger dock has a micro USB connection that allows charging from a mains supply, 12Vdc car supply, or a computer through a USB port. Tracerco recommends that only charger accessories supplied by Tracerco are used.
Due to the technology used, when charging wirelessly the device may become warm. 4.2.3 Tips to maintain good battery health Tracerco PEDs utilise Li-ion battery technology. This provides many benefits, such as excellent charge efficiency and unparalleled energy density. Following these recommendations will, in general, give the best product experience: •...
This recommendation includes performance checks and where appropriate, recalibration of the PEDs. Tracerco PEDs must be calibrated with the display screen facing the radiation beam. The position of the GM-tube detector is clearly marked by the detector window near the bottom of the front face.
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