Digital Radiation Monitor Troubleshooting and FAQs

Digital Radiation Monitor, order code DRM-BTD, $299
Specifications and User Guide
Extended User Manual: http://www2.vernier.com/booklets/drm-btd_2.pdf

TROUBLESHOOTING
- Primary Test (can only be completed with LabQuest or LabQuest mini):
Turn on the DRM to audio position, and upper switch to CPM. Does the screen settle to a fluctuating small number (~0-20 cpm). It should not be always zero, but might sometimes read zero.

Connect cable to DRM and LabQuest/LabQuest Mini. Does software recognize the DRM? Does meter count increment?

- Secondary Test:
Set LabQuest for time based data collection, 60 s count interval, 6000 seconds. Collect. Time series should be random, neither increasing nor decreasing. FFT should be Gaussian.

RELATED TIL ENTRIES
Product Overview
- TIL 779: What are the output signals of the Radiation Monitors?

Data Collection
- TIL 793: Can I monitor the radioactivity of red Fiestaware with your Radiation Monitor?
- TIL 2435: My Digital Radiation Monitor occasionally reads counts that are unreasonably high.
- TIL 2576: Why doesn't the meter on the front of the Digital Radiation Monitor more closely match the software?
- TIL 2672: Can I use my Radiation Montior with TI calculators?

Hardware Compatibility
- TIL 1908: What sensors are not compatible with Go! Link?
- TIL 2529: Does the Digital Radiation Monitor work with the TI-Nspire Lab Cradle?

Legacy Products
- TIL 1423: Radiation Monitor Troubleshooting and FAQs
- TIL 1438: Student Radiation Monitor Troubleshooting and FAQs

SPECIFICATIONS
- order code: DRM-BTD
- Sensor: LND 712 (or equivalent) halogen-quenched GM tube with a mica end window, 1.5 to 2.0 mg/cm² thick. Rated at 1000 counts per minute using a Cesium-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

CALIBRATION
- Calibrate? No.
It is calibrated for Cesium-137, but also serves as an excellent indicator of relative intensities for other sources of ionizing radiation. The Radiation Monitor does not detect neutron, microwave, radio frequency (RF), laser, infrared, or ultraviolet radiation.