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 2.GQ Geiger Muller Counter
 Experience with measuring rad from smoke detector?		  New Topic  Reply to Topic
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StevenL

Canada
75 Posts
Posted - 05/07/2023 :  06:11:40  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
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
Steven Lightfoot, Eng.
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Reply #1

Bobakman

USA
97 Posts
Posted - 05/07/2023 :  16:23:38  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
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
“If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.”
Nikola Tesla
Edited by - Bobakman on 05/07/2023 16:30:29
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Reply #2

ullix

Germany
1171 Posts
Posted - 05/07/2023 :  23:21:57  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
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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Reply #3

StevenL

Canada
75 Posts
Posted - 05/08/2023 :  12:03:00  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
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.
Steven Lightfoot, Eng.
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Reply #4

StevenL

Canada
75 Posts
Posted - 05/08/2023 :  12:03:45  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Cool. My next step will now be to buy some small amount of KCl.
Steven Lightfoot, Eng.
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Reply #5

GBG12

Canada
101 Posts
Posted - 05/08/2023 :  18:34:41  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Another good check source is Uranium glass beads, available on Ebay, etc.
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Reply #6

StevenL

Canada
75 Posts
Posted - 05/09/2023 :  14:14:10  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Thanks, I will consider that.

Steven Lightfoot
Steven Lightfoot, Eng.
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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