Proof of lunacy... a geiger counter!

Stainz

Stainz

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I had some moola put back... saving for an undisclosed new S&W. I couldn't stand it. I repaired and calibrated radiac gear in the USN - four decades ago! Somehow, I got the hankering for a geiger counter. I lost a bid on evil-bay on one - that did it. I searched - and found - a US designed and built digital unit, Mazur Instruments PRM-8000, with a beta window which would detect energetic alpha particles as well. What the heck - $19 s/h for one day delivery - I ordered it from an 'amaz-on' place. It arrived at 7 PM last night. Works pretty well - all kinds of up controlled operations - date stamped data - bells & whistles. Runs for 3-6 yr on a 9V (alk-lithium) battery. It came with a case - and I sprung for the USB cable. Another use for a computer...

Okay, now what? My background level seems to run ~8 microREM - pretty low. I could program it for Japaneese readout... in case their failed reactor fallout makes it to Alabama. Such readings will look neater in Japaneese symbols...

Yeah, I know - a fool and his money. I guess the recent metal detector thread got to me. This was a fraction of what a mediocre metal detector would cost. Unlike the metal detector, I almost hope I don't find anything with this radiation monitor! Anyone else have one?? Maybe I am a 'prepper wannabe'?

Stainz
 
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I've been tempted to pick one up at the gun shows before, never did. Wish I had one when our cat had radio-iodine treatment a few years ago. Would of been fun to see just how much she glowed! :eek: :D
 
When I was a kid, our neighbor threw away a Civilian Defense "radiological Defense operation Kit" and I snagged it out of his trash. It was a cardboard crate containing two geiger counters, headphones, two dose meters, a dose meter zeroing unit and instruction manuals. At one time I was offered a Ruger Number 1 in trade, but like an idiot I turned it down. I finally sold it several years ago for $100. I played with it a few times, but never had a need for it.

Lately I've seen a guy at the local gun shows selling CD geiger counters for around $30, so I guess I didn't do too bad. I still wish I would have taken that #1... thanks for reminding me! :rolleyes:
 
John, go down into your basement(if you have one) and check the lowest levels for radon,you might get a hit!
 
If you detect too many milli-sieverts on any of your Smith's, please pack them in a lead-lined box and UPS them to me overnight -- I have a secure long-term storage facility I can put them in, free of charge.

You can probably make a little "gun fund" money on weekends --
put up a stand outside the local Wal-Mart, $2 for a radiation screen of kids, pooches, etc, $10 for the whole family -- "Screen for ***ushima
dust" sign and you're good to go -- that registered magnum you want will be paid for in a couple of weekends.
 
Moderators, I was not using a scatological term -- ***ushima is the actual name of the city/location of the Japanese reactors that went into meltdown -- (maybe there is an automatic program that screens out certain subsets of letters) -- I am always respectful and considerate of the langauge I use on this site. All the best, COL JD
 
I like the Colonel's idea. For a few extra bucks, you might also offer "Decontamination Services" should someone set off the counter. A simple spray bottle filled with tap water would do fine, although I'd advertise it as something more "official".
 
What you have,,

Is a dose rate meter, a cut above a Geiger counter. Geiger counters do that.. count a radiation interaction with the detector tube, They have some severe limitations, like getting too much radiation and then giving a lower than actual count rate. Your meter is giving you the dosage, which is a lot more useful. You will know when it is time to bend over and kiss the derrière goodbye!!

I would also not count on it to detect Radon.

Have fun with your new toy. I like the idea of standing outside of Wally World and scanning and scamming the patrons of that establishment. :)
 
About 6 years ago my wife had thyroid problems and was treated with the radioactive iodine to kill the the thyroid. he is now on medication.
A couple of weeks after the treatment she was in New Orleans at a mardi gras parade in a huge crowd of people waiting for it to start. Anyway this van drove by and screeched to a halt and about 4 guys jumped out and began going through the crowd. Soon they were all around my wife with these machines. They looked at her and asked her if she had had any medical procedures lately and she told him about the thyroid. He looked at his machine, turned a button and told her the dose and the exact isotope of iodine she had received :eek: They thanked her and gave her a card to show in she got checked again. She said they were very polite and even called in a second truck so they could use their instruments-They told her that they picked up the reading two blocks away!!!!!! Them government boys gots some neat toys!!
 
Time to prospect for some Uranium? Also a good time to see if any random Mosin Nagants were used for guard duty near Chernobyl...
 
I was at an estate sale today. The guy that passed was a gun guy. Everyone was buying up his reloading equipment. He was also one of these guys that liked medieval weapons, had a lot of axes, swords, spears. Toss in some throwing stars nunchucks, switchblades. You name it he had it. In the midst of all of this was a big yellow box that had six or eight counters in it. They went for about $10 a piece, one new in the box.

If I had only known.
 
I could use one out here on the coast. Our beach starting to get the debris from the Japanese tsunami. The State has sent out a couple of guys with counters but they didn't find anything (yet) and they have left..............
 
I've got a CD-V777 kit, a CD-V715, a V717, and a Bendix "Family Radiation Measurement" kit. I'd be happy to swap 'em all for a nice Ruger No 1 or a 2" M19... :-)
 
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