Harbor Freight Tools 92573 User manual

RADIATION DETECTOR
Model 92573
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93011
Visit our Web site at: http://www.harborfreight.com
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY,
READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL WARNINGS
AND INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USE.
Copyright 2005 by Harbor Freight Tools®. All rights reserved. No portion of this
manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in any shape or form
without the express written consent of Harbor Freight Tools.
For technical questions or replacement parts, please call 1-800-444-3353.
®
©

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
UNPACKING
When unpacking, check to make sure all the parts shown in this manual are included. If
any parts are missing or broken, please call Harbor FreightTools at the number shown on
the cover of this manual as soon as possible.
SAVE THIS MANUAL
You will need this manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly, operating,
inspection, maintenance and cleaning procedures, parts list and assembly diagram.
Keep your invoice with this manual. Write the invoice number on the inside of the front
cover. Keep this manual and invoice in a safe and dry place for future reference.
GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING!
READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS
Failure to follow all instructions listed in the following
pages may result in serious injury.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
SKU 92573 For technical questions please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 2
Item Description
Electrical Requirements Power Input: 2 “AAA”, 1.5VDC Batteries (Not Included).
Product Applications Designed for evaluation of ambient dosage of gamma-radiation in
domestic environment (food products, building materials, soil, etc.).
Can detect objects polluted by Beta-active radioactive nuclides.
Display Type LCD Digital Read-Out.
Measurement Time 40 Seconds.
Measurement Range 5 ~ 999 mcR/h.
Gamma Energy Range 0.1 ~ 1.25 MeV.
Accuracy 15 + 6/P or 0.95% Repeatable Reading.
Temperature Range -4°~ +155°Fahrenheit.
Dimensions 2-3/8” W x 4” L x 1” Thick.
Weight 0.10 Pounds (w/Batteries).

GENERAL SAFETY RULES
1. Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered work areas invite accidents.
2. Maintain labels and nameplates on the Radiation Detector. These carry
important information. If unreadable or missing, contact Harbor Freight Tools for
a replacement.
3. Do not immerse the Radiation Detector in any liquid. Keep the Detector dry
at all times.
4. Do not allow chemicals, such as acids, alkali, solvents, etc., to come in
contact with the LED Display of the Radiation Detector. Do not store the
Detector where these substances are present.
5. Do not leave the Radiation Detector for long periods in the presence of
direct solar and fluorescent light.
6. Always keep the Radiation Detector clean of dust, dirt, and debris.
7. Remove the Batteries in the Radiation Detector prior to storing the unit for
a long period of time. Remember that the strength of the batteries will affect
the accurancy of this instrument.
8. Industrial applications must follow OSHA requirements.
9. Use the correct Radiation Detector for your application. The correct Detector
will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it is designed.
10. Maintain the Radiation Detector with care. Do not use the unit if it is
damaged. Tag damaged equipment “Do not use” until repaired.
11. If damaged, have the Radiation Detector serviced before using. Check for
cracked or broken parts, low or leaking batteries, and any other condition that
may affect its safe operation. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained
equipment.
12. Equipment service must be performed only by qualified repair personnel.
Service or maintenance performed by unqualified personnel could result in a risk
of injury.
13. When servicing equipment, use only identical replacement parts. Follow
instructions in the “Inspection, Maintenance, And Cleaning” section of this
manual. Use of unauthorized parts or failure to follow maintenance instructions
may create a risk of injury.
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SKU 92573 For technical questions please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 4
15. WARNING! The warnings, precautions, and instructions discussed in this
manual cannot cover all possible conditions and situations that may occur. The
operator must understand that common sense and caution are factors, which
cannot be built into this product, but must be supplied by the operator.
16. Neither the manufacturer or distributor can guarantee the overall and consistant
accuracy of this product; and shall not be responsible for any personal injury and/
or property damage that should occur through use of this product.
14. WARNING! People with pacemakers should consult their physician(s)
before using this product. Operation of electrical equipment in close proximity to
a heart pacemaker could cause interference or failure of the pacemaker.
To Install Batteries:
1. Remove the Battery Compartment Lid on the back of the Radiation Detector to
expose the Battery Comparment. Install two “AAA” size batteries (not included)
in the Compartment, making sure to match the polarity of contacts as indicated in
the Compartment. Then, re-attach the Battery Compartment Lid.
(See Figure A.)
PRODUCT FEATURES
1. LCD Display (1). (See Figure B, next page.)
2. “MENU” Button (2). The “MENU” Button has three functions: “MENU”,
“SELECT”, and “CHANGE”. (See Figure B.)
3. “CURSER” Button (3). The “CURSER” Button may be used in the “MENU”
function. (See Figure B.)
“AAA”
BATTERY
(NOT INCLUDED)
“AAA”
BATTERY
(NOT INCLUDED)
FIGURE A
RADIATION DETECTOR
(BACK SIDE)
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

SKU 92573 For technical questions please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 5
6. “UNITS” (6). (See Figure B.)
4. “OFF” Button (4). The “OFF” Button has four functions: turn on the Radiation
Detector, turn on the background light of the LCD Display, return to the “MENU”
function, and turn off the Radiation Detector. (See Figure B.)
5. “BATTERY CONDITION” Icon (5). The “BATTERY CONDITION” Icon indicator.
(See Figure B.)
Batteries are completely charged.
Batteries are discharging.
Batteries are discharged below the proper level. Replace Batteries.
=
=
=
micro Sievert per hour.
micro Roentgen per hour.
7. “AUDIBLE SIGNAL” Icon (7) for unit of uSv/h. (See Figure B.)
=
=
= 0.30 uSv/h
= 0.60 uSv/h
= 1.20 uSv/h
FIGURE B
5 6 7 & 7A
8
9
10
1112
13
14
15
4
3
2
1

SKU 92573 For technical questions please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 6
7A. “AUDIBLE SIGNAL” Icon (7A) for unit of uRem/h. (See Figure B.)
= 30 uRem/h
= 60 uRem/h
= 120 uRem/h
or = At the turned off mode.
8. “AUDIO” Icon (8). (See Figure B.)
The sound is set “UP” or “DOWN”.
The sound is turned off.
9. “BACKGROUND LIGHT” Icon (9). (See Figure B.)
=
=
= The Background Light is turned on.
= The Background Light is turned off.
10. “OFF INDICATOR” (10). (See Figure B.)
11. “uSv/h or uRem/h RESULTS” (11). (See Figure B.)
12. “CURSER INDICATOR” (12). (See Figure B.)
13. “MENU INDICATOR” (13). (See Figure B.)
14. “EXECUTED CYCLES OF OBSERVATION” Icon (14). (See Figure B.)
= First short cycle of observation.
= Four or more cycles of observation.
= Three cycles of observation.
= Two cycles of observation.
= One cycle of observation.
= Third short cycle of observation.
= Second short cycle of observation.
15. “REGISTERED PARTICLE INDICATOR” (15). (See Figure B.)

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
To Properly Position The Radiation Detector:
1. When examining food products, household items, etc., position the left side of the
Radiation Detector 1/4” to 1/2” from the object being examined. Then, turn on
the Detector to take a reading.
2. When examining liquids, position the left side of the Radiation Detector 1/4” to
1/2” above the surface of the liquid being examined. Then, turn on the Detector
to take a reading. NOTE: Do not allow any liquid from contacting the surface or
interior of the Detector. If necessary, place the Detector in a thin polyethlene bag
to protect the device while taking the reading.
3. To locate an ionizing radiation source on an object being examined, turn on the
“AUDIO” function of the Radiation Detector and move the left side of the Detector
1/4” to 1/2” above the surface of the object being examined. As the ionizing
radiation source is approached, the frequency of audio signals will increase.
When moving the Detector away from the ionizing radiation source, the fre-
quency of audio signals will decrease.
To Turn On The Radiation Detector:
1. Press the “OFF” Button (4) to turn on the Radiation Detector. The LCD Display
(1) will read “RD1503”. (See Figure B.)
To Enter The Menu:
1. To enter the Menu and change the functions of the Radiation Detector, press the
“MENU” Button (2). The contents of the menu will appear. By default, the follow-
ing functions are set: (See Figure B.)
“UNITS” (6) -- uSv/h.
“AUDIBLE SIGNAL” (7) -- 0.30 uSv/h.
“AUDIO” (8) -- Down.
“BACKGROUND LIGHT” (9) -- On.
To Move Through The Menu:
1. Press the “CURSER” Button (3) repeatedly to move through the various functions
of the Radiation Detector. To select a specific function, press the “MENU” Button
(2) once, then “SELECT”. To change the value of the function selected, use the
“CHANGE” option in the menu. (See Figure B.)
SKU 92573 For technical questions please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 7

The Order Of Examination:
1. After selecting a function of the Radiation Detector and positioning the Detector
next to the object being examined, the radioactive examination automatically
begins.
2. While observing the LCD Display (1), each registered quantum of radiation is
accompanied by a presentation of the “REGISTERED PARTICLE INDICATOR”
(15) icon “ “ and a short audible signal (if the “AUDIO” (8) is turned on). The
frequency of the icon on the LCD Display is proportionate to the dose rate.
(See Figure B.)
3. Ionizing radiation has a static/random character. Therefore, the results shown in
the LCD Display (1) in identical conditions will not remain stationary values. For
a more precise reading of a dose level it is necessary to conduct from 3to 5
cycles of observation with the Radiation Detector continuously on.
4. Ten seconds after the function of the Radiation Detector is turned on, the results
of the first short cycle of observation, and its “EXECUTED CYCLES OF OBSER-
VATION” (14) icon are displayed on the LCD Display (1). The second and third
short cycles of observation automatically average out. (See Figure C.)
5. The short cycle of observation is equal to 10 seconds, and intended for a fast
calculation of the preliminary results. (See Figure C.)
Corresponds to the First short cycle of observation.
Corresponds to the Second short cycle of observation.
Corresponds to the Third short cycle of observation.
FIGURE C
6. The most reliable calculation of results is displayed on the “EXECUTED CYCLES
OF OBSERVATION” (14) icon after the first 40 seconds cycle of observation and
is designated by the icon “ “. (See Figure D, next page.)
7. The first result of observation is displayed as an average value of four previous
short cycles of observation. The second result of observation is displayed as an
average value of two previous cycles of observation. The third result of observa-
tion is displayed as an average value of three previous cycles of observation.
The fourth result of observation is displayed as an average value of four or more
previous cycles of observation. (See Figure D.)
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SKU 92573 For technical questions please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 9
Corresponds to one cycle of observation.
Corresponds to two cycles of observation.
Corresponds to three cycles of observation.
Corresponds to four or more cycles of observation.
FIGURE D
8. As the “EXECUTED CYCLES OF OBSERVATION” (14) averages, it analyzes the
current value taken and compares it to the values of the previous observations.
If the values exceed a defined value, the current result is displayed instead of the
average. For example, if the average of three previous observations is
0.20 uSv/h, and the current value of 0.80 uSv/h is registered, the result of the
fourth observation will not be averaged and the LCD Display (1) will read
0.80 uSv/h with the icon “ “. This allows the Radiation Detector to detect sharp
changes of dose rate.
To Turn Off The Radiation Detector:
1. To exit the menu, press the “OFF” Button (4). Then, press the “OFF” Button (4)
repeatedly until all messages on the LCD Display (1) disappear. (See Figure B.)
INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND CLEANING
1. Before each use: Inspect the general condition of the Radiation Detector.
Check for broken or cracked parts, and any condition that may affect the proper
operation of the product. If a problem occurs, have the problem corrected before
further use. Do not use damaged equipment.
2. When changing Batteries: Refer to page 4for complete instructions.
CAUTION! Never burn batteries, as they can explode in a fire. Contact your
local solid waste authorities for instructions on correct disposal or recycling of
batteries.
3. When cleaning: Use a clean cloth with a mild detergent. Then, dry. Do not
immerse the Radiation Detector in any liquid. Do not use chemical substances
such as acids, alkali, solvents, etc. to clean.
4. When storing: Always remove the Batteries prior to storing the Radiation Detec-
tor for long periods of time. Make sure to store the unit in a safe, clean, dry
location out of reach of children and other non-authorized people.

SKU 92573 For technical questions please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 10
6. CAUTION! All maintenance, service, or repairs not listed in this manual are
only to be attempted by a qualified service technician.
PLEASE READTHE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY
THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR HAS PROVIDEDTHE PARTS LIST AND ASSEMBLY
DIAGRAM IN THIS MANUAL AS A REFERENCE TOOL ONLY. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER OR
DISTRIBUTOR MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND TO THE BUYER
THAT HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIEDTO MAKE ANY REPAIRSTOTHE PRODUCT, ORTHAT HE OR SHE
IS QUALIFIED TO REPLACE ANY PARTS OFTHE PRODUCT. IN FACT,THE MANUFACTURER AND/
ORDISTRIBUTOREXPRESSLYSTATESTHATALL REPAIRSANDPARTSREPLACEMENTSSHOULD
BE UNDERTAKEN BY CERTIFIED AND LICENSEDTECHNICIANS, AND NOT BY THE BUYER. THE
BUYER ASSUMES ALL RISK AND LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER REPAIRS TO THE
ORIGINAL PRODUCT OR REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO, OR ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER
INSTALLATION OF REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO.
5. NOTE: Other than “AAA” Batteries, no replacement parts are available for this
product.