| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| StevenL |
Posted - 05/07/2023 : 06:11:40
Hello Geiger peeps,
Has anyone had experience with measuring radiation from consumer scale smoke detectors?
I am trying to measure something I have access to, that is above background.
I have tried plantain chips (no obvious readings above background), will try some K salts when I can get some. Have not tried measuring with case removed to direct expose tube to beta from K emissions, but will try eventually.
It occurred to me that maybe my home smoke detectors might be a measurable source of rad. Does anyone have any experience with this? Thanks, Steven Lightfoot
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| 6 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| StevenL |
Posted - 05/09/2023 : 14:14:10
Thanks, I will consider that.
Steven Lightfoot |
| GBG12 |
Posted - 05/08/2023 : 18:34:41
Another good check source is Uranium glass beads, available on Ebay, etc. |
| StevenL |
Posted - 05/08/2023 : 12:03:45
Cool. My next step will now be to buy some small amount of KCl. |
| StevenL |
Posted - 05/08/2023 : 12:03:00
Thx, that post was helpful. I didnt realize the radiation type emits alpha, which my GMC 500+ wont detect ( in any case I'd have to mod the unit to remove shielding, which I would not do - I dont want to cannibalize the unit)/ I was just looking for something around the house. |
| ullix |
Posted - 05/07/2023 : 23:21:57
I got this little module:
and without(!) disassembling it, and in direct contact with a M4011 tube, I get about CPM=110.
That is, about on-par as what you can get with KaCl.
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| Bobakman |
Posted - 05/07/2023 : 16:23:38
First your smoke detector would need to be one of the ionization detector types using Americium 241, see here: https://www.epa.gov/radtown/americium-ionization-smoke-detectors#:~:text=Ionization%20smoke%20detectors%20have%20a,when%20they%20are%20properly%20handled.
I would rather recommend that you visit a few antique shops and pick up a Fiesta ware or equivalent glazed ceramic piece they work very well in checking most geiger counters that can detect Alpha and Beta radiation. I use my 600+ for this purpose as an antique collector.
See here: https://www.orau.org/health-physics-museum/collection/consumer/ceramics/fiestaware.html
Bob |
