Can you say that you are truly prepared for every possible outcome? Do you consider yourself a true boy scout? If so, then you already know the importance of a good radiation detector.
Radiation is a very serious chemical and while one takes things for granted, there are plenty of potential situations where you and your family could be exposed to radiation. Just look at those natural disasters in Japan that hit the local power plant and caused radiation to disperse everywhere. Would you have been prepared? Not if you didn’t have a good detector. That aside, how does one go about finding a good detector? What qualities and features are essential? That is exactly what you are going to learn below along with in-depth reviews of some of today’s most popular models.
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1. GQ GM300EPlus Fulfill Digital Nuclear Radiation Detector
The GC GMC300E is without a doubt one a radiation reader that is gaining a lot of attention and notoriety. And, when you see everything that it has to offer, you will completely understand why. The first thing that you need to know is that the model is designed by the GQ Company, which are highly known for their innovative and quality products.
- Newer GMC300EPlus Fulfill of gmc-300 series geiger counter for nuclear radiation
- Text, graphic and large font mode provide visualized radiation changes
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Extremely Portable And Convenient
Two things that really make this product stand out are its portability and convenience. Of course, most products include all of the essential features, but what good are they going to do if you can’t get the device in place to measure readings? It wouldn’t do any good, but luckily that is something that you don’t have to worry about when you invest in the GC GMC300E. This model is not only lightweight and portable, but everything about it is convenient. The buttons are located in convenient places and the display is in a convenient place.
Other Notable Features
Some other things that have to be mentioned are that this device can also continually monitor radiation as well as log the data every second. It will then store this data in an internal memory, where it can be accessed later for reviewing purposes. The device also comes with the free software that will give you the ability to later go back and check your stored readings.
2. RADEX RD1503 Safety Pro
Many have said that the RADEX RD1503 has features that could easily make it the best Geiger counter out there. There is one thing that is for certain, it not only has the essential features that a Geiger counter should have, but it is extremely accurate and up to date. One of the first things that you need to know is that this is a 2017 model, so it is still fairly new to the market. Even though it is two years old, it is still up to industry standards and regulations.
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Accumulative Dose Mode
When most people think about measuring radiation they only think about measuring radiation at the time of the incident. They simply don’t think about measuring radiation over a period of time. This is important because the more something is exposed to radiation, the more damaged it is going to be or the longer it emits harmful gases. And, this is where this model excels because it offers an accumulative dose mode that will actually measure the exposure over a given period of time.
Other Notable Features
There are some other things that make this Geiger counter stand out. The added animation of the command button really helps because it makes the icon start blinking on the display. In addition to this, the monitor comes along with two alarms. If you set the vibration alarm if you are looking for discretion or you can leave the sounding alarm active if you are going remote. Whatever the situation is, the RADEX RD1503 will ensure that you are always aware of radiation exposure.
3. Mazur Instruments PRM-9000
The Mazur Instruments PRM-9000 is an American made Geiger counter that is more than capable of properly measuring radiation levels. At first glance, this counter might seem rudimentary, but it is anything but. In fact, this very detector is capable of not only detecting radiation, but it can tell you is that radiation is alpha, beta, gamma, or x-radiation. There are a number of situations where this information will come in handy.
- American made LND 7317, Two-Inch Pancake GM Tube; detects alpha, beta, gamma and x-radiation
- Scan items for radiation and detect Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM)
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LED, Beeper, And Headphone Jack
This device comes along with a number of warning features to help keep you aware in the event that there is radiation in the area. The bright, LED screen will not only show the radiation levels, but it will display that radiation is present in the area. Not only this, but there is an active beeping mode as well as a headphone jack that you can hook in to.
Other Notable Features
One of the most notable features with this counter is the package Geiger detector tube. In fact, this model includes two, which is the gold-standard for surveying areas with potentially harmful radiation. Simply put, this device is designed just like the ones the pros use. The device also has features that make it suitable for regulatory inspections as well as the detection and measurement of broad-spectrum gases.
4. GQ GMC-320Plus Radiation Detector
After reading everything that the other GQ offered, you can probably easily see why another is on the list. That being said, the GQ GMC-320Plus and 300EPlus model should not be mistaken for the same. They do have similar features that make them stand out, but the GQ GMC-320Plus is a ready to go portable nuclear radiation detector and monitoring instrument that you can use on the go.
- Newly designed digital geiger counter/data recorder, record the radiation data. Play it back later
- Automatic data recording and play back from pc later
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High Sensitivity
One of the things that the GQ GMC-320Plus boasts is its high sensitivity. That’s right, the GQ GMC-320Plus model comes equipped with an M4011 tube that is capable of reading even the slightest scent of radiation. It should also be noted that the tube can be changed in the event that you want to switch.
Other Notable Features
Some of the other more notable features are the built-in battery charging circuits, on-board temperature sensors and gyroscopes, one-megabyte on-board flash memory, and the LED indicator alarms along with essential audio outputs.
5. RADEX RD1503 High Accuracy Geiger Counter
There is no denying that when you compare the RADEX RD1503 model side by side to the other models on this list that it is going to look plain and outdated. However, that would be the wrong assumption to make. Sure, it looks plain and simple, but this handy little device includes every feature and more that you would ever need in the event of a radiation spill or leak. This outdoor model can specifically target beta, gamma, and even x-ray waves.
- UPGRADE Outdoor Edition - better protected
- Combined Beta, Gamma and X-Ray radiation detection.
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Backlight LCD Screen
You never know what kinds of conditions you are going to have to use your Geiger counter in. You may be in the total dark or you might have tons of lights available. Whatever the situation is, it won’t really matter with the RADEX RD1503. This model not only features an impressive LCD that will accurately display readings, but it features a backlight in the event that you need to read in the dark.
Other Notable Features
Some other things that really make this model stand out are the audio and vibration alarms. The accuracy of this model is also off the charts. Each and every model is hand-tested for complete accuracy before leaving the factory. Not only this, but the model comes along with a handy dosimeter that will be useful in a number of situations.
A Buying Guide For The Best Radiation Detector
Radiation is a serious business and when there is potential exposure, you need to be prepared. Not only do you need to be prepared, but you need equipment that can help you safely and securely handle what you are facing. Luckily, the right Geiger counter can help you do just that and more, but how do you know what the right Geiger counter is? What features should you look for when choosing a model? That is exactly what you are going to learn below.
Accuracy Is A Must
It probably goes without saying, but it is important enough to mention it over and over again. Any time you are shopping for a Geiger counter, you want to make sure that you choose one with complete accuracy. Of course, you really won’t know how accurate the unit is until you test it yourself, but as long as you go with a company backed with a stellar reputation, you shouldn’t have a problem getting the results that you desire.
Versatility
Did you know that radiation comes in a number of rays? That’s right, just because you are dealing with radiation it doesn’t necessarily mean that you are dealing with the same type of exposure. Some exposures can be more harmful than others, while some exposures will require different cleanup procedures. Whatever the situation is, you always need to know what you are dealing with. And, this is why it is imperative to choose a model that read alpha, delta, gamma, as well as x-rays.
LCD Or Analog Screen
When you are out there searching, you will find that most models come available with two types of screens. This would be the analog screen and the digital screen. Most modern individuals are going to opt for the LCD screens, while the old-school counters out there will probably still go with the analog. Whatever the situation is, you want to make sure that you are choosing a model that offers a clear and accurate view. Backlights and other lighting features can also come in handy in different situations.
FAQs
Are There Waves That Geiger Counters Don’t Detect?
Yes, there are radiation waves that are not detected by Geiger counters. These waves are so small that they are nearly harmless and could cause false readings. Some of the waves that are not detected by their devices are cell phone radiation waves, radiofrequency waves, microwaves, neutrons, and electromagnetic field radiation waves.
How Can You Check Your Detector?
Checking the accuracy of your counter will be imperative. However, it might not always be the easiest thing due to a lack of access to radiation. Radiation is potentially harmful to the environment and is not just readily available to everyone. If you want to check the accuracy of your detector before a big event goes down, you will need access to uranium ore, which can be purchased legally in some areas.
Understanding The True Dangers Of Radiation
When most people think about a natural disaster or the end of the world they don’t tend to think of radiation. They might think about hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes, but radiation is the farthest thing from the equation. Well, just look at what tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes can do if they hit the right places. If one hits a power plant or nuclear waste center it could spread radiation throughout your entire region. Would this be something that you are ready for? Would you even know if you were exposed to radiation? Do you even know how radiation can affect you and your loved ones? This is why it is always important to understand the true potential dangers.
What Radiation Exposure Means
The first thing that you need to know is that radiation exposure and radioactive contamination are different. They are oftentimes mistaken for the same thing, but this is not actually the case at all. For instance, did you know that radioactive materials like Uranium and Caesium emit high energy particles? That’s right, they do, and when they enter the body they are going to do the exact same thing. This kind of damage would be known as radiation exposure. This is somewhat similar to how a microwave imparts energy on a hot dog or bowl of water.
What Radioactive Contamination Means
Radioactive contamination, on the other hand, is something entirely different. Radioactive contamination is a term that is used when radioactive material actually gets into the body. And, it can do this by entering in either through the skin or lungs.
Human Cell Damage
One of the biggest risks associated with radiation exposure is cell damage. Unfortunately, too many medical tools rely on radiation to kill cancer cells and determine a diagnosis. With updated government regulations, hospitals, medical clinics, and primary care offices are able to protect their patients better. With that said, there is still the risk of mild exposure when undergoing diagnostic testing and treatments utilizing radiation.
Cell damage can lead to cancer and other diseases. Scientists have determined that some diagnostic tools that utilize radiation are not as dangerous as others. For example, it is believed that the x-ray machine is less likely to expose patients to radiation than Computed Tomography (CT) machines.
Birth Defects
Women who are pregnant should not undergo any type of diagnostic testing or treatment that utilizes radiation without a physician’s consent. Pregnant women exposed to increased radiation are at a high risk of birth defects. It is the physician’s responsibility to alert their patients on the dangers and risks of birth defects.
A study released by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed that increased radiation exposure can cause birth defects. These risks are much higher for pregnant women undergoing CT scans of the chest and stomach.
Medical experts recommend other forms of testing for pregnant women. However, many of the current testing procedures fail in comparison to x-ray and CT imaging.
How Much Danger Could You Be In?
When it comes to radiation, there are three things that are going to determine how much danger you are in. These three things are going to be the strength of the radiation, the distance that you are from the source of the radiation, and how long you have been exposed to the source. It is also important to remember that different types of radiation have different strengths and are capable of traveling different distances. There are also some forms of radiation that are potentially more harmful. For instance, Uranium and Caesium have strengths of 137 and 131. These are considered extremely high and dangerous.
As far as time and distance go, it probably goes without saying that the closer you are to the substance and the longer that you have been exposed to it, the more danger you are in. At the end of the day, the most important thing to remember is that there really is no safe dose of radiation, regardless of what some individuals might have you believe.
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