DURRIDGE RAD8 User manual

User Manual
USER MANUAL
PRELIMINARY
SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Safety Warning
Opening the cover of this instrument is likely to expose dangerous voltages.
Disconnect the instrument from all voltage sources while it is being opened. Due to
battery power, the instrument may still be dangerous.
Using this instrument in a manner not specified by the manufacturer may impair the
protection provided by the instrument.
Service Records
It is recommended that the RAD8 be returned to Durridge Company annually for recalibration.
Owner: ________________________________ Serial #: _________________
Shipping and Contact Information
Date:
Service:
Durridge U.S. Office
900 Technology Park Drive
Billerica, MA 01821 USA
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Durridge UK Office
Sheffield Technology Park
Cooper Buildings, Arundel Street
Sheffield S1 2NS, UK
Phone: [phone]
Email
[email protected]
Web
http://durridge.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety Warning 2
Service Records 2
Shipping and Contact Information 2
INTRODUCTION 8
1 GETTING STARTED: YOUR FIRST DAY WITH THE RAD8 9
1.1 Unpacking 9
1.2 General Safety Instructions 10
1.2.1 Air Travel 11
1.3 Taking a Look 11
1.4 Starting a Two-Day Test 12
1.4.1 Connecting the RAD8 Hardware 12
1.4.2 Setting Up the RAD8 13
1.4.3 Purging the RAD8 14
1.4.4 Starting the 2-Day Test 14
1.4.5 Completing the Test 15
1.5 Starting a SniffTest 16
2 BASICS OF RAD8 OPERATION 18
2.1 Input Controls 18
2.2 Main Menu Organization 19
2.3 Starting a Radon Test 20
2.3.1 Overview 20
2.3.2 Setting the testing protocol 20
2.3.3 Con!guring individual test parameters 20
2.3.4 Test Parameters 22
2.3.5 Analysis Modes 22
2.3.6 Pump Modes 23
2.3.7 Stopping a test 23
2.3.8 Purging the RAD8 24
2.4 Monitoring the Test Status 25
2.5 Browsing Stored Radon Data 27
2.5.1 Viewing Stored Data 27
2.6 Configuring System Settings 28
2.6.1 Measurement Unit Settings 28
2.6.2 Clock Settings 29
2.6.3 Audio Settings 30
2.6.4 Printing Settings 30
2.6.5 Display Settings 33
2.6.6 Locking and unlocking the RAD8 33
2.6.7 Graph View Settings 34
Table of Contents
3

2.6.8 Spectrum View Settings 34
2.6.9 Managing Custom Test Protocols 34
2.6.10 Managing Storage Space 34
2.6.11 Wi-Fi Settings 34
2.6.12 Capture Cloud Settings 34
2.6.13 Firmware Update Settings 35
2.7 Viewing RAD8 Device Information 35
3 COMPUTER CONNECTIVITY 36
3.1 Computer Connection Basics 36
3.1.1 Connecting the RAD8 to a Computer via USB 36
3.2 Capture Software 37
3.2.1 Introduction to Capture 37
3.2.2 Capture Installation 37
3.2.3 Feature Summary 38
3.2.4 Downloading RAD8 Data 38
3.2.5 Graphing and Analysis 38
3.2.6 Real-Time RAD8 Monitoring 38
3.2.7 Capture Cloud 39
4 BASICS OF RAD8 TECHNOLOGY: HOW IT WORKS 40
4.1 Radon and Thoron Decay Chains 40
4.1.1 Radon-222 (Radon) 42
4.1.2 Radon-220 (Thoron) 42
4.2 Continuous Monitors 43
4.3 Radon Sniffers 44
4.4 Working Level 44
4.5 RAD8 Solid-State Detector 45
4.5.1 RAD8 Calibration and Data Correction 45
4.6 RAD8 Spectrum 46
4.7 Windows 47
4.8 Isotope Equilibrium 47
4.9 Analysis Modes: Rapid, Precise, and Automatic 49
4.10 Background 50
4.10.1 Short-lived Radon and Thoron Progeny 50
4.10.2 Adsorbed Radon Gas 50
4.10.3 Intrinsic Background 51
4.10.4 Long-lived Radon Daughters 51
4.10.5 Contamination by Radon, or Thoron, Producing Solids 51
4.10.6 Other Alpha Emitters 51
4.10.7 Beta and Gamma Emitters 51
4.11 Precision and Accuracy 52
4.11.1 Dry operation 52
4.11.2 Humidity Correction 53
Table of Contents
4

4.11.3 Concentration Uncertainties 53
4.12 Spectrum Examples 54
4.12.1 Operational Radon Spectra 54
4.12.2 Thoron Spectra 55
4.12.3 Combination Spectra 56
4.12.4 Pathological Spectra 58
5 USING THE RAD8: MEASURING RADON AND THORON IN AIR 60
5.1 Introduction 60
5.2 Continuous Monitoring 60
5.2.1 Preparation 60
5.2.2 Purging 61
5.2.3 Test Location 61
5.2.4 Test Protocol 61
5.2.5 To Print Or Not To Print 63
5.2.6 Running the Test 63
5.2.8 Finishing the Test 63
5.2.9 Examining the Data 64
5.3 Sniffing 64
5.3.1 Why Sniff? 64
5.3.2 Locating Radon Entry Points 64
5.3.3 Preparation 64
5.3.4 Purging 64
5.3.5 Running the Test 65
5.3.6 Drilled Sampling Points 66
5.3.7 Spot Readings 66
5.4 Grab Sampling 67
5.4.1 Applicability 67
5.4.2 Preparation and Protocol 67
5.4.3 Taking the Sample 67
5.4.4 Analysis 67
5.5 Thoron Measurement 68
5.5.1 Thoron and Radon 68
5.5.2 Thoron Measurement Issues 68
5.5.3 Calculation and Interference Correction 69
5.5.4 Avoiding Longer-Lived Decay Products 69
5.5.5 Standard Thoron Setup, Thoron Calibration and Flow Rate 70
5.5.6 Calculating Sample Decay 70
5.5.7 Calculating Internal Measurement Chamber Concentration 70
5.5.8 Measurement Chamber Thoron Sensitivity Calibration 71
5.5.9 Setting up a Thoron Measurement 71
5.5.10 SniffProtocol for Thoron Measurement 72
5.5.11 Thoron Measurements in Standard Pump Mode 73
5.6 Managing Background 73
5.7 Airflow Rate Limits 74
Table of Contents
5

5.7.1 Maximum Air#ow Rate 74
5.7.2 Minimum Air#ow Rate 74
5.8 Harsh and Hazardous Environments 75
5.8.1 Dusty Environment 75
5.8.2 Radiation Hazard 75
6 USING RAD8 ACCESSORIES: TESTING SOIL AND WATER 76
6.1 Introduction 76
6.2 Radon in Water 76
6.2.1 The RAD H2O and Big Bottle Systems 76
6.2.2 The RAD AQUA Accessory 77
6.2.3 The Water Probe Accessory 77
6.3 Soil Gas Sampling 78
6.3.1 Application 78
6.3.2 The Soil Gas Probe Accessory 78
6.3.3 Soil Gas Probe Preparation 78
6.3.4 Running the Test 79
6.3.5 Interpreting the Data 79
6.4 Emission Measurements 79
6.4.1 Application 79
6.4.2 Open-Loop Con!guration 79
6.4.3 Closed-Loop Con!guration 80
6.4.4 Very Low Emission Rates 80
6.4.5 Bulk Emissions 80
6.4.6 Surface Emission 81
6.5 The DRYSTIK 82
7 MAINTENANCE 83
7.1 Accessories - Usage and Care 83
7.1.1 Desiccant 83
7.1.2 Laboratory Drying Unit 83
7.1.3 Small Drying Tube 84
7.1.4 Cascading Drying Tubes 84
7.1.5 Filters 85
7.1.6 Batteries 86
7.2 RAD8 Operating Ranges 86
7.3 Service and Repair 87
7.3.1 Calibration 87
7.3.2 Repair 87
7.3.3 Shipping 87
7.4 RAD8 Quality Assurance 90
7.4.1 Spectrum 90
7.4.2 Spill Factor (C Window to B Window) 90
8 TROUBLESHOOTING 91
Table of Contents
6

8.1 Readings 91
8.1.1 No Counts 91
8.1.2 Excessive Uncertainty In Reading 91
8.2 Relative Humidity High 91
8.3 Water Ingress 92
8.4 Capture RAD8 Detection Failure 93
Appendix 1: THERMAL PRINTER 94
A1.1 Thermal Printer Description 94
A1.1.1 General Printer Information 94
A1.1.2 Printer Features 94
A1.1.3 Power Switch 94
A1.1.4 Indicator LEDs 94
A1.1.5 Push Buttons 95
A1.1.6 Sensors 95
A1.2 Thermal Printer Operation 97
A1.2.1 Precautions 97
A1.2.2 Self-Test 97
A1.2.3 Setup Mode 97
A1.2.4 Using the Printer 99
A1.3 Thermal Printer Maintenance 99
A1.3.1 Battery Installation 99
A1.3.2 Paper Installation 99
A1.3.3 Cleaning the Printer 100
A1.3.4 Cleaning the Print Head 100
A1.4 Thermal Printer Specifications 101
Appendix 2: RAD8 Specifications 102
Appendix 3: Glossary of Terms 104
Table of Contents
7

INTRODUCTION
e RAD8 is a highly versatile instrument that can form the basis of a comprehensive
radon measurement system. It may be used in many different modes for different
purposes. is manual adopts a progressive approach, starting with a step-by-step
description of how to get readings for a) real-time monitoring, and b) sniffing. Next
comes a more detailed description of the many features of the instrument and how to
access them. e rest of the manual covers a whole range of topics, in somewhat arbitrary
order. We recommend that, as soon as possible, you read the entire text, just so that you
will have an idea of what there is. While you can start to make good measurements on the
first day of ownership of the RAD8, it can take months to master the subtleties of radon
and thoron behavior, and to appreciate the full capabilities of the instrument.
We have tried to make the RAD8 manual easy to use, with a useful table of contents.
Please let us know how well we have succeeded. If there are some topics inadequately
covered, please tell us. We will issue updates from time to time.
Introduction
8

1 GETTING STARTED: YOUR FIRST DAY WITH THE RAD8
is section will cover unpacking the RAD8, reviewing the package contents, safety
fundamentals, examining the controls and ports on the RAD8 front panel, and setting up
the instrument to perform basic radon tests.
1.1 Unpacking
First make sure you have everything. Take the materials out of the packing boxes and
check that you have all the items shown in the illustrations below, or on the packing list
enclosed with the shipment. If anything is missing, please email Durridge immediately at
ser[email protected], or call us at ([phone].
RAD8 Packing List
RAD8 and Case Accessories!
• RAD8 electronic radon detector
• 12V adaptor with 4 plugs
• USB-A to Mini-B cable
Drying Tubes and Desiccant!
• Laboratory Drying Unit
• Opener tool for drying unit
• 5 lbs desiccant
• 4 Small Drying Tubes
RAD8 Filters!
• 5 RAD8 air sample filter assemblies
• 1 Dust filter
Section 1 Getting Started
9
Packing List continued on next page.

1.2 General Safety Instructions
e RAD8 measures radon and thoron activity concentration in air. For your own safety
and the proper operation of the RAD8, do not allow liquid to be pulled into the inlet. If
you intend to measure radon in water using one of Durridge’s water-air exchange
accessories, please consider also using the Durridge Water Switch accessory to prevent
water ingress. Although the entire RAD8 enclosure is sealed for water resistance, it is
important to prevent liquids from entering any of the ports on the front panel, because
once inside the RAD8, liquids may damage the RAD8’s detector. e front panel's
electrical connectors are water resistant, but are best protected when they have their
rubber caps inserted or their mating cables installed. Always replace caps when the
connectors are not in use.
If liquid does get into the air sample path, please disconnect the power cord, turn offthe
RAD8, and follow the instructions in Section 8.4, Water Ingress. It will be necessary to
return the RAD8 to Durridge for repair.
Do not use your RAD8 if the instrument is damaged or malfunctioning. Please call or
email the Durridge service department to receive instructions on what to do about the
problem.
Replace a frayed or damaged power cord immediately. Electrical equipment may be
hazardous if misused. Do not open or attempt to repair the RAD8. e detector has an
internal high voltage supply that can generate more than 2,500V. e battery module in
the RAD8 contains lithium ion cells. is battery module is not user replaceable. Keep the
RAD8 away from children.
Vinyl Tubing Set (3ft x 3)!
• From Drying Unit to Sample In port
• From air sample to Lab Drying Unit
• From Sample Out port to exhaust
Removable Tubing Bridge!
• From Pump Out port to Detector In port
(Comes pre-inserted in correct position)
RAD8 Documentation Bundle!
• RAD8 User’s Manual
• Additional documentation
• Durridge Product Information
Section 1 Getting Started
10

1.2.1 Air Travel
e U.S. Federal Aviation Administration advises that devices containing lithium ion
batteries should be kept in carry-on baggage. If such devices are packed in checked
baggage, they must be turned completely off, protected from accidental activation, and
packed so they are protected from damage. Since the RAD8 contains lithium ion batteries,
it should be in carry-on baggage whenever possible. DURRIDGE IS NOT LIABLE FOR
ANY DAMAGES RESULTING FROM IMPROPER PROCEDURES RELATING TO AIR
TRAVEL. THIS IS ENTIRELY THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE USER.
An MSDS sheet, issued by the battery manufacturer, is enclosed with this manual. A copy
of this sheet should be carried and presented to airport security as necessary when
traveling by air with a RAD8.
1.3 Taking a Look
Section 1 Getting Started
11
The RAD8 Professional Electronic Radon Detector

1.4 Starting a Two-Day Test
e radon testing guidelines published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
stipulate that home radon tests should be taken for a minimum of 48 hours. e RAD8
can provide dependable results more rapidly, but for the purpose of learning to use the
instrument, we will initiate a standard 48-hour test.
1.4.1 Connecting the RAD8 Hardware
You will need the RAD8 and power cord, the Laboratory Drying Unit (the large tube of
desiccant, with a screw cap at the top), one of the six included air inlet filter assemblies,
and the piece of tubing with a 5/16” ID segment at one end and a ⅛” ID segment at the
other end. A thermal printer may be connected to one of the RAD8’s two USB-A ports
using the included printer cable as described on the next page, but it is optional.
Carefully remove both plastic caps from the Laboratory Drying Unit (you will need them
later, to reseal the unit). Next connect the tubing containing the inlet filter assembly. e
sleeved end of the tubing should be connected to the end of the Laboratory Drying Unit
farthest from the screw cap, and the end with the inlet filter assembly should click in to
the Sample In port on the RAD8. Finally, click the Tubing Bridge into place between the
Pump Out and Detector In ports. e air sampling system is now set up for the
measurement.
Section 1 Getting Started
12
RAD8 Standard Configuration
Tubing Port Connections Required
The RAD8’s Sample In, Pump Out, Detector In,
and Sample Out ports are sealed off except
when tubes are connected to them. It is
important to insert a tube into each connector
whenever the RAD8 pump is providing airflow,
or else too much pressure will build up inside
the instrument. The end of each tube contains
a connector that clicks into the port.
The Sample In and Sample Out ports can be
opened by clicking standard tubing connectors
into each of them. To open the Pump Out and
Detector In ports, snap the Tubing Bridge
accessory into place. It should span the gap
between the two ports. The Tubing Bridge
accessory comes pre-installed in the correct
position by default.
In the illustration at left, tubes are properly
connected to all four tubing ports, and the
RAD8 is ready for use. Under normal
operating conditions, the RAD8 must be
operated with all four ports populated to
avoid damaging the instrument.

1.4.2 Setting Up the RAD8
Connect the RAD8 power supply to the DC Power In Port at the top right corner of the
RAD8 front panel, and turn on the RAD8 using the nearby power button. As the
instrument starts up, the touchscreen will display the Main Menu as shown below.
On first starting up, the RAD8’s clock should be set. e RAD8 can be configured to set
the date and time automatically when a Wi-Fi connection is available. Using either the
touchscreen controls or the front panel buttons to the right of the display, enter the
System Settings menu and select the Wi-Fi option. Next select the desired wireless
network and enter the Wi-Fi password as necessary. Use the back arrow button at the
top lecorner of the screen or the corresponding physical back arrow button to return to
the System Settings menu.
Next choose Date/Time, and specify the Date, Time, and Time Zone, using the and
arrows to increment values as needed. Use the Auto menu to set the clock to the
correct time by default whenever the Wi-Fi connection is available. Note however that the
time zone and daylight savings time must be set manually, even when a Wi-Fi connection
is available. e time zone is set to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) by default. When
finished, use the back arrow to return to the Main Menu.
Section 1 Getting Started
13
Main Menu Screen
System Settings Screen
Wi-Fi Settings Screen
Date/Time Settings Screen

1.4.3 Purging the RAD8
Next the air inside the RAD8 should be purged. is practice removes any radon that may
be leover from an earlier test, to prevent it from influencing the measurement. Using the
touchscreen controls or the front panel buttons, choose Start Test. e Select
Protocol screen will appear. Choose Purge. Finally, press the Start Purge button.
e RAD8 pump will start. Let the purging operation continue for five minutes, then press
the Stop Purging button on the touchscreen, or press thebutton at the center of
the directional pad.
1.4.4 Starting the 2-Day Test
Aer five minutes have passed, use the RAD8 touchscreen or front panel buttons to return
to the first page of the Start Test menu. en choose Preset Protocols and
select the 2-Day Test protocol. Next press the Run button. e RAD8 will begin
Section 1 Getting Started
14
Test Status Screen showing the Summary Panel
The Test Status screen contains three panels:
Summary, Graph and Spectrum. Use the buttons at
the bottom of the screen to toggle between the
panels.
The Gear button at the bottom right connects to the
Live Test Options screen, which is used to change
test parameters in real time, as explained in Section
2.4.
Select Protocol Screen
The Select Protocol screen contains numerous
preset protocols, in addition to a Manual Config
option at the top of the list, plus a Purge RAD8
command on the third page. The scroll bar is used
to move between pages.
When a protocol is selected its details appear on
the right side of the screen. Use the red button at
the bottom right to confirm the selection.
The RAD8’s waterproof front panel buttons include a four-way directional pad for selecting
menu items, a checkmark button for confirming the selection, and a back button for
returning to the previous menu. Any function that can be performed using the controls on the
RAD8’s interactive touchscreen can also be performed using the front panel buttons. The
resistive touchscreen can be operated with a stylus or gloved fingers, but the front panel
buttons may be easier to use with bulky gloves or by feel.

measuring radon, and the Test Status Screen will display the progress of the measurement,
as shown below.
You are now monitoring the radon level right where you are. Use the buttons at the
bottom of the Test Status Screen to switch between the real-time Summary, Graph, and
Spectrum panels. Every hour, the Graph Panel will be updated, with a new data point
appearing on the graph.
1.4.5 Completing the Test
If you allow the RAD8 to complete the entire 2-Day test, the graph will expand to a total
of 48 data points. (e stored test data will be saved for later viewing, as described in
Section 2.5.) Additionally, if the RAD8 printer is connected and enabled a test summary
will be printed, containing the average radon concentration for the test, a bar chart of the
individual readings, and a cumulative alpha energy spectrum.
To end the radon test before the 48-hour test is completed, return to the main menu using
the button, and choose Stop Test. e data that has been collected will be stored in
the RAD8 memory, and it will remain available for viewing, printing, or saving to a
computer or to Capture Cloud. ese operations will be covered later in this manual.
You may turn offthe RAD8 by pressing the power button on the front panel. A Shut
Down Confirmation screen will appear. Use the touchscreen or front panel buttons to
confirm. Pressing the power button a second time will also shut down the RAD8. If you
shut down the RAD8 while it is still actively measuring radon, the radon test will stop and
the data will be saved to the RAD8’s memory before the instrument turns off.
Section 1 Getting Started
15
The terms Test and Cycle appear often in this manual. A RAD8 Test contains all the radon and
thoron data that is recorded between the time the RAD8 starts and when it stops. A Test
consists of multiple Cycles, which are typically between 5 minutes and 2 hours in duration.
Each Cycle produces an individual radon reading which appears as a data point on a graph.
The 2-Day Test described in this section involves recording 48 1-hour Cycles. The Sniff Test
described in the next section has no predetermined length, so it consists of an ongoing
sequence of 5-minute Cycles, ending only when the Test is manually stopped.
Test Status Screen showing the Graph Panel
The Test Status Graph panel displays a real-time graph of
the RAD8 data that has been recorded during the current
test. For more information, see Section 2.4, Monitoring the
Test Status.

1.5 Starting a SniffTest
Sniffing lets you make quick, qualitative surveys of radon and thoron levels. It may be
used to search for radon entry points. ere are some advantages in sniffing for both
thoron and radon at the same time, (see Section 4.13.3), so that is the procedure described
here.
You will need the same equipment as for the 2-day test, above, except that a Small Drying
Tube should be used, instead of the Laboratory Drying Unit. Also, for portability, you may
remove the external power from the RAD8, and run the RAD8 on battery power. If you
have not already done so, set the RAD8 clock, as described above.
Section 1 Getting Started
16
RAD8 SniffConfiguration
Tubing Port Connections Required: As with the Normal Configuration described in Section
1.4.1, the RAD8 Sniff Configuration shown above requires tubing connections in each of the
RAD8’s four air ports. The Tubing Bridge accessory should snap into place, spanning the gap
between the Pump Out and Detector In ports.

Next perform the following series of steps:
1. Make sure the inlet filter assembly is connected to the tubing. e end of the filter
should be pushed into the the ⅛” inner diameter (ID) segment of tubing.
2. Carefully remove both plastic caps from the Small Drying Tube (you will need them
later, to reseal the Small Drying Tube). Attach the wider 5/16” ID end of the tubing to
one end of the Small Drying Tube.
3. Click the inlet filter assembly into the Sample In port of the RAD8, and click an
exhaust tube into the Sample Out port. e air sampling system is now set up for the
measurement. While testing, you can use the Small Drying Tube as a wand, to collect
your air sample from the location of interest.
4. Plug in the RAD8 and power it on.
5. If the thermal printer accessory is used, set up the printer as described earlier in
Section 1.4.3.
6. Purge the RAD8 for approximately five minutes, as explained in Section 1.4.4.
7. From the Main Menu, choose Start Test and select the Sniff Test Protocol,
which is found on the third page of the list of Protocols. e RAD8 will begin
operating, sniffing for both radon and thoron.
As the test proceeds, the RAD8 will display thoron readings in addition to radon readings.
Instrument and environmental parameters are shown on the Test Status Summary screen.
If the optional thermal printer is connected, it will print out a reading every five minutes,
Note that the radon daughter, polonium-218, has a 3-minute half-life. Aer moving the
RAD8 to a new location, it will take about 12 minutes for the count rate in Window A to
reach equilibrium with the new radon concentration. So not until aer the third 5-minute
Cycle will the reading indicate the new level. However, the thoron daughter,
polonium-216, has a very short half-life (150 ms), so the response of the RAD8 to thoron
is virtually instantaneous. For thoron, the first 5-minute Cycle is as good as any other.
oron will only be found very close to radon entry points. at, together with its fast
response, makes thoron sniffing an excellent sleuth for radon entry points. For more
information, see the Sniffing For oron article at https://durridge.com/support/
technical-resources/application-notes/.
As with the two-day test described earlier, the Snifftest can be terminated by choosing
Stop Test from the Main Menu.
Section 1 Getting Started
17
Unless otherwise stated, all uncertainties in this manual are 2-sigma (k=2) statistical
uncertainties (as distinguished from systematic uncertainties). This is based on a 95%
confidence interval, meaning the true concentration value will fall within the specified uncertainty
range 95% of the time. Large uncertainty values may be reported when attempting to measure
low radon concentrations quickly. Sometimes the uncertainty figure may approach or even
exceed the base concentration value, for example “1.6 ±2.3 pCi/L”) This can be avoided by
increasing the Cycle Time to extend the test duration.

2 BASICS OF RAD8 OPERATION
is section will explain how to navigate the RAD8’s user interface to perform operations
including starting a radon test, viewing the test status, modifying test settings, configuring
custom test protocols, and changing system settings. For instructions on choosing the
appropriate test protocols and techniques based on particular goals and conditions, please
see Section 5.
2.1 Input Controls
e RAD8 user interface consists of the touchscreen and the accompanying physical front
panel buttons, which may be used interchangeably with the touchscreen controls. e
front panel buttons include a directional pad with four arrows plus a central
checkmark button and a back button .
When navigating menus, the button is used to choose the selected menu item. To
return to the previous menu, press the button at the top lecorner of the touchscreen,
or press the corresponding physical button. When you return all the way to the top
level Main Menu, the button is replaced with a lock icon , which leads to the Lock
Screen, securing the RAD8 with an optional passcode.
Section 2 Basics of RAD8 Operation
18
RAD8 Input Control Functionality

2.2 Main Menu Organization
e five buttons on the Main Menu screen lead to submenus used for starting a test,
monitoring the current test status, browsing stored radon data, configuring system
settings, and viewing information about the RAD8. ese options will be explored in this
section.
Section 2 Basics of RAD8 Operation
19
Start Test
Test Status
Browse Radon Data
System Settings
About This RAD8
RAD8 Main Menu Options
The colors of the buttons on the
RAD8 touchscreen indicate their
function.
Red buttons always connect to
another screen. For example the red
Start Test button advances to the
Select Test Protocol Screen. A red
button can be triggered simply by
touching it, or by selecting it with the
Directional Pad and pressing the
button on the front panel.
Gray buttons do not connect to
another screen. They are used to
increment or decrement adjustable
values, such as a time duration or a
cycle count. They are also used for
scroll bar arrows that let you browse
through lists, and to toggle between
panels within a screen, as seen on
the Test Status screen, which
consists of three selectable panels.

2.3 Starting a Radon Test
2.3.1 Overview
A RAD8 Test includes a particular number of Cycles, each of a specific duration, plus a
specified air pumping behavior, as well as several other testing parameters. e test may
use a preset collection of these parameters, called a Protocol, or it may use a series of
manually specified parameters. A collection of commonly used testing Protocols is built
into the RAD8, and it is also possible to add custom User Protocols. is section will
explain how to start a Test by choosing an existing Protocol, and by specifying a series of
individual parameters.
To begin, go to the Main Menu and choose Start Test. e Select Test Protocol
screen will appear.
2.3.2 Setting the testing protocol
e Select Test Protocol screen offers several options, including a list of Preset Protocols as
shown on the rolling page. Select Preset Protocols, and use the scroll bar to navigate up
and down through the pages, and choose the desired Protocol. e table below shows the
parameters of each built-in Protocol. e meaning of each parameter is explained in
Section 2.3.4, Test Parameters.
Table 2.3.2 Built-In RAD8 Testing Protocols
1The pump switches from On to Off after the pre-test purge is complete.
2The Analysis Mode switches from Rapid to Precise after 3 hours.
3The sensitivity is scaled with respect to the water volume and the air-water partition coefficient.
Once a protocol has been selected, the RAD8 will begin the radon test, and the Test Status
Screen will appear. is screen consists of multiple status panels, and it will be explained
in detail in Section 2.4, Monitoring the Test Status.
2.3.3 Configuring individual test parameters
If none of the RAD8’s built-in testing protocols are suitable for a particular radon test,
choose the Manual Config option in the Select Protocol menu. is will allow you to set
each test parameter, including the Cycle Count, Cycle Time, Pump Mode, Pre-Test Purge
Protocol
Name
Cycle
Count
Cycle
Time
Total Test
Duration
Pump
Mode
Pre-Test
Purge
Pre-Test"
Delay
Analysis"
Mode
Sample
Source
Thoron
Display
Sniff
—
5 min.
Indefinite
On
—
—
Rapid
Standard
Visible
1-Day
48
30 min.
24 hrs.
Standard
—
—
Auto 2
Standard
Visible
2-Day
48
1 hr.
48 hrs.
Standard
—
—
Auto 2
Standard
Visible
Continuous
—
2 hrs.
Indefinite
Standard
—
—
Auto 2
Standard
Visible
Grab
4
5 min.
20 min.
Off1
5 min.
5 min.
Rapid
Standard
Hidden
H2O 40 ml
4
5 min.
20 min.
Off1
5 min.
5 min.
Rapid 3
H2O 40 ml
Hidden
H2O 250 ml
4
5 min.
20 min.
Off1
10 min.
5 min.
Rapid 3
H2O 250 ml
Hidden
Section 2 Basics of RAD8 Operation
20