{"id":3901,"date":"2018-05-25T16:15:42","date_gmt":"2018-05-25T23:15:42","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2025-07-21T11:30:09","modified_gmt":"2025-07-21T18:30:09","slug":"3901","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/3901","title":{"rendered":"Go Direct Radiation Monitor Troubleshooting and FAQs"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"\/product\/go-direct-radiation-monitor\/\">Go Direct<sup>&reg;<\/sup> Radiation Monitor<\/a> (<nobr>GDX-RAD<\/nobr>)<\/h3>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"\/manuals\/GDX-RAD\">Specifications and User Guide<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/product.gdx-rad.revised._hero._001.jpg\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Troubleshooting<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>General: <\/strong>Connect your sensor as described in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/get-started\/go-direct\">Getting Started instructions for your device<\/a>. Verify that the Radiation Monitor is automatically identified.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Primary Test:<\/strong> Place the Radiation Monitor near a radioactive source and collect data. Look at the LED, labeled \u03b1\u03b2\u03b3, on the body of the Radiation Monitor &#8211; it will flash with each count; optionally turn on the audio signal to listen for counts. The total counts will accumulate in the data-collection software.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-very-light-gray-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\">For free experiments using this sensor, see <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/product\/nuclear-radiation-with-vernier\/\">Nuclear Radiation with Vernier<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Usage Tips<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Tip 1:<\/strong> The Radiation Monitor measures total counts during the data-collection period, including any background radiation. A simple way to estimate the background radiation in your location is to run the Radiation Monitor without any radioactive source nearby for the same duration as your experimental trials. The total counts during that time interval will give you an idea of how much background radiation you can expect during each of your experimental trials.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tip 2:<\/strong> Alpha particles interact easily with other matter and may be intercepted by the air between the source and the Radiation Monitor. If you are using an alpha source, be sure to place the Radiation Monitor within 1\/4&#8243; of the source. Likewise, alpha particles (and low energy beta particles and gamma radiation) do not have the energy to penetrate the plastic body of the Radiation Monitor. Place your source close to the wire screen at the end of the tube for the best reading.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Additional Troubleshooting<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/3206\/\">What are the similarities and differences between radiation monitors?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/2941\/\">How can you tell whether you have alpha, beta, or gamma radiation?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/793\/\">Can I monitor the radioactivity of red Fiestaware with your Radiation Monitor?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/1019\/\">Where can I buy sources for nuclear radiation activities?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/21188\/\">Why do I get lower than expected counts with Go Direct Radiation Monitor (GDX-RAD)?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/23711\/\">What is the dead time of the radiation monitor?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Specifications<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sensor <br \/>\u26ac LND 712 (or equivalent) halogen-quenched GM tube with a mica end window<br \/>\u26ac mica end thickness: 1.5 to 2.0 mg\/cm\u00b2<br \/>\u26ac Sensitive to alpha, beta, gamma, and X-ray radiation<\/li>\n<li>Gamma sensitivity: 18 cps\/mR\/hr referenced to Co-60<\/li>\n<li>Temperature range: \u201320 to 50\u02daC<\/li>\n<li>Operating range: 0 to 3,500 CPS<\/li>\n<li>Shortest count interval: 20 milliseconds<\/li>\n<li>Count indicators (connection to software not required)<br \/>\u26ac Red LED blinks on radiation detection<br \/>\u26ac Optional audio signal on radiation detection<\/li>\n<li>Connections:<br \/>\u26ac Wireless: Bluetooth<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> v4.2 (wireless range 30 m unobstructed) <br \/>\u26ac Wired: USB 2.0 full speed<\/li>\n<li>Battery: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.vernier.com\/gdx-bat-300\">300 mA Li-Poly<\/a><br \/>\u26ac Battery Life (single, full charge): ~24 hours continuous data collection<br \/>\u26ac Battery Life (lifetime): 2 \u2013 5 years (typical)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"has-very-light-gray-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>WARRANTY<\/strong><br \/>The GDX-RAD has a 5 year overall warranty, with a 1 year warranty on the GM tube. The GM tube has a finite life span, and it is normal that it must be replaced after a few years (although some tubes last much longer).<br \/>\u26ac Tubes that fail within a year of purchase will be replaced under warranty.<br \/>\u26ac Tubes that fail after a year will be replaced for a fixed fee of $89.<br \/>\u26ac Tubes that are punctured will not be replaced under warranty.<\/p>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Calibration<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Calibrate? No. This sensor cannot be calibrated.<\/p>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Battery Troubleshooting<\/h3>\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the sensor can be turned on when connected by USB but not when disconnected from USB, the battery either needs charging or has reached its end of life and can no longer hold a charge. <\/span><br \/>\u26ac <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First, try charging the sensor for several hours. <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the sensor still won\u2019t turn on when disconnected from USB, try swapping the battery with a working sensor to see if the problem follows the battery or stays with the sensor.<\/span><br \/>\u26ac If the problem stays with the sensor, the battery is probably not the issue.<br \/>\u26ac If the problem follows the battery, <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the battery has likely reached its end of life.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you intend to use this sensor wirelessly, its battery will need replacing<\/span>.<br \/><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"\/product\/go-direct-300-mah-replacement-battery\/\">Go Direct<sup>&reg;<\/sup> 300 mAh Replacement Battery<\/a> (<nobr>GDX-BAT-300<\/nobr>)<\/span><\/li>\n<li>See <a href=\"\/til\/4014\/\">How do I remove or replace a Go Direct battery?<\/a> for more information (including a <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/Lv2yCaL0ruU\">video<\/a>).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-very-light-gray-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Rechargeable batteries are covered by a one-year warranty.<\/strong><\/span><br \/>Batteries <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">should last two to five years in typical use. <\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related Products<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/micro-usb-to-usb-c-cable\/\">Micro USB to USB-C Cable<\/a> (<nobr>CB-USB-C-MICRO<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/go-direct-charge-station\/\">Go Direct<sup>&reg;<\/sup> Charge Station<\/a> (<nobr>GDX-CRG<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/sensor-bracket-for-go-direct\/\">Sensor Bracket for Go Direct\u00ae<\/a> (<nobr>GDX-MOUNT<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/vernier-radiation-monitor\/\">Vernier Radiation Monitor<\/a> (<nobr>VRM-BTD<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Replacement Parts<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/go-direct-300-mah-replacement-battery\/\">Go Direct<sup>&reg;<\/sup> 300 mAh Replacement Battery<\/a> (<nobr>GDX-BAT-300<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/micro-usb-cable\/\">Micro USB Cable<\/a> (<nobr>CB-USB-MICRO<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Specifications and User Guide Troubleshooting General: Connect your sensor as described in the Getting Started instructions for your device. Verify that the Radiation Monitor is&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":100811,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[6566,5413,720,38,6567],"class_list":["post-3901","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","tag-alpha-beta-gamma","tag-gdx-rad","tag-maintil","tag-radiation-monitor","tag-radmain"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3901","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/100811"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3901"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3901\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3901"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3901"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3901"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}