Date: Sat, 8 Jun 2002 17:05:35 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Keith F. Lynch" <kfl at keithlynch.net>
To: WSFAlist at keithlynch.net
Subject: [WSFA] Re: Radiation meter
Reply-To: WSFA members <WSFAlist at keithlynch.net>

ronkean at juno.com wrote:

> You say the detector is designed to detect gamma rays, or any
> ionizing radiation which is penetrating enough to enter the
> ionization chamber.  Was the intended use of the detector to
> measure radioactive fallout?

Yes.  It has a big CD symbol on the side.  And no, this doesn't
mean Compact Disc or Certificate of Deposit.

> There were a large number of such detectors made and distributed to
> public fallout shelters in the 1950s and 1960s.

It was made by Lionel in 1962.  It's sensitive from 0.01 R/HR to 500
R/HR.  (I'm not sure whether R is Roentgen, Rads, or REM, not that it
matters much.)  The manual says that radiation above 500 R/HR will
not damage the meter, but will simply cause it to read off scale.
(It neglects to mention that that amount of radiation WILL harm
whoever is holding the meter at the time.)

Its spectral response is flat from 0.08 MEV to 1.2 MEV, which, the
manual points out, includes the ever-unpopular cobalt 60 and cesium
137 isotopes.

> Does the detector have a cumulative event counter which will work
> unattended?

No.  It only tells you the current amount.

Anyone who wants to see the meter in operation is invited to third
Friday.  Please bring gamma ray or x-ray sources, so that we...

We interrupt this program for a test of the emergency de-MIME system.
This is only a test.  If it works, "£8.50" should contain a pound
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If this were an actual MIME posting, you would see equal signs on the
end of many of the lines.  This is only a test.  Please remain calm.
Thank you.
--
Keith F. Lynch - kfl at keithlynch.net - http://keithlynch.net/
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