Radiation Alert MONITOR 4, MONITOR 4EC, MC1K Instruction Manual

44

Monitor 4 & 4EC

Same Monitor 4. New ergonomic
design. The M4 and M4EC are
compact, general purpose survey
meters capable of detecting alpha,
beta, gamma, and x-rays over 3
selectable ranges. A red count light
flashes and a beep sounds with each
event detected. The Monitor 4EC
offers a more linear reading for
gamma and x-rays (above 40 keV).

OPERATION MANUAL

RoHS

& MC1K

OPERATION MANUAL FOR THE

MONITOR 4, MONITOR 4EC, AND MC1K

Before using this instrument the user must determine the suitability of the product for his or her intended use.

The user assumes all risk and liability connected with such use.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

DESCRIPTION 2
OPERATION 2
PRECAUTIONS 2
MAKING MEASUREMENTS 2
CALIBRATION 3
CALIBRATION SERVICE 3
TECHNICAL SERVICE 4
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR THE NEWCOMER TO RADIATION PROTECTION 4
MEASURING RADIATION 5
BRIEF OVERVIEW 5
POSSIBLE HOUSEHOLD SOURCES OF RADIATION 5
GLOSSARY 6
SPECIFICATIONS
MONITOR 4 & 4EC 6
MC1K 7
LIMITED WARRANTY 8
CALIBRATION DATABASE APPLICATION 9

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
ILLUSTRATION 1 2
ILLUSTRATION 2 and 3 3
GRAPH 1 6
GRAPH 2 7

DESCRIPTION

The monitor senses ionizing radiation by means of a GM (Geiger Mueller) tube with a thin mica window. (Note: There is
no window on the MC1K). The tube is enclosed inside the instrument. When a ray or particle of ionizing radiation enters
or passes through the tube, it is sensed electronically and displayed by a red count light. When the switch is in the
AUDIO position, the instrument will also beep with each radiation event. About 5 to 25 counts at random intervals
(depending on your location and altitude) can be expected every minute from naturally occurring background radiation.

Illustration 1

OPERATION

1. Before turning on your instrument, install a 9 volt alkaline battery. If a battery is already installed, turn the instrument
on and switch the range switch to the battery position indicated by the battery icon on the on/off switch. Battery
condition will be indicated on the meter.

2. Set the range switch in the X1 position. If the meter goes off scale, move the range switch to the next higher setting,

X10, X100 or (X1000 MC1K only). (Note: Refer to specifications for operating ranges.)

3. For an audible signal, position the OFF/ON/AUDIO switch to the audio position indicated by the speaker icon. (Note:

The flashes from the count light and the audible beeps are progressively shorter in X10, X100 or (X1000, MC1K only).

4. To use with Observer Software, plug in the serial cable to the 3.5MM mono jack located near the battery door or a
mini USB cable to the USB port located on the side of the instrument to connect to a Windows based computer.

PRECAUTIONS

• Handle your instrument carefully as you would a camera.

• Avoid exposing the instrument to liquids, moisture, and corrosive gases; also avoid extreme temperatures or direct
sunlight (i.e., car dashboards) for extended periods.

• Remove battery to prevent leakage if you do not plan to use the instrument for an indefinite period.

• The mica window of the GM tube can be easily damaged if struck directly. DO NOT INSERT ANYTHING

THROUGH THE SCREEN.

• To avoid contamination, do not touch the instrument to the surface being tested.

• This instrument may be sensitive to, and may not operate in, radio frequency, microwave, electrostatic, and
magnetic fields.

• Since the instrument has semiconductors in its circuitry, it is susceptible to EMP (electromagnetic pulse) and may
be rendered inoperable by an atomic detonation. It has not been determined what distance from an atomic blast
would be considered safe for semiconductor circuitry.

GM END WINDOW
(MC1K- no window)

DETECTOR
(sidewall)

METER

RANGE SWITCH (MC1K- X1,
X10, X100, X1000)

COUNT LIGHT

OFF-ON-AUDIO SWITCH

BEEPER

HEADPHONE
AND PULSE
OUTPUT

Optional USB

BATTERY DOOR

2