Mirion Technologies RDS-32 User manual

USER MANUAL
RDS-32™ SURVEY METER
USER MANUAL
RDS-32™ SURVEY METER

NOTE
This document and the information herewith are copyrighted material as mentioned in the
Copyrights Act. No part of this document may be copied without a written authorization from
the manufacturer. The manufacturer withholds the right to make changes in the contents of
this document without prior notice. If you have any comments or suggestions for additions
concerning either the products or this document, please submit your feedback as instructed
at the end of the manual.
ATTENTION
The RDS-32 Radiation Survey Meter does not contain any hazardous or
dangerous substances and can be recycled accordingly. The batteries of the
device must be recycled separately as instructed by the manufacturer of the batteries.
Copyright © Mirion Technologies (RADOS) Oy 2020
Document No. 2093 10097
Version 1.1
Issue date 14.4.2021

USER MANUAL –RDS-32 SURVEY METER
1INTRODUCTION .............................................................................1
1.1 RDS-32 SURVEY METER FAMILY...................................................................1
1.2 RDS-32 VARIANTS...........................................................................................2
2GETTING STARTED.......................................................................3
2.1 OVERVIEW OF THE METER............................................................................3
2.2 INSERTING BATTERIES ..................................................................................4
2.3 POWER ON/OFF...............................................................................................5
2.4 OPERATING DISPLAY AND SYMBOLS...........................................................6
2.5 NAVIGATION AND SHORTCUTS.....................................................................9
2.6 CONNECTING EXTERNAL PROBE................................................................10
3RDS-32 MENU ITEMS................................................................... 10
3.1 POWER OFF...................................................................................................11
3.2 DOSE..............................................................................................................12
3.3 DOSE RATE....................................................................................................12
3.4 CHIRP.............................................................................................................13
3.5 ALARMS..........................................................................................................14
3.5.1 DOSE RATE ALARM (DRATE) ....................................................................14
3.5.2 DOSE ALARM..............................................................................................15
3.5.3 EXTERNAL DOSE RATE / COUNT RATE ALARM ......................................16
3.6 HISTOGRAM...................................................................................................16
3.6.1 CLEAR .........................................................................................................17
3.6.2 STATE..........................................................................................................17
3.6.3 INTERVAL (I)................................................................................................18
3.6.4 LOCATION (L)..............................................................................................18
3.6.5 MANUAL.......................................................................................................18
3.7 CONNECTIONS..............................................................................................18
3.7.1 WRM ............................................................................................................19
3.7.2 BLE...............................................................................................................19
3.7.3 NFC..............................................................................................................19
3.8 DIAGNOSTICS................................................................................................20
3.9 PROBES..........................................................................................................20
4ERROR CODES AND OTHER DISPLAY MESSAGES................. 21
4.1 LOW BATTERY WARNING.............................................................................21
4.2 LOW BATTERY ALARM..................................................................................21
4.3 DOSE RATE / DOSE ALARM (BLINKING DISPLAY)......................................21

4.4 DOSE RATE OVERFLOW ALARM (OFL) .......................................................22
4.5 DEFECT ERRORS..........................................................................................22
5MAINTENANCE AND DECONTAMINATION................................ 23
5.1 FIRMWARE UPDATE......................................................................................23
5.2 BATTERY COVER AND SEAL CHANGE........................................................23
5.3 CALIBRATION.................................................................................................23
5.4 MECHANICAL DECONTAMINATION..............................................................23
5.5 CHEMICAL DECONTAMINATION...................................................................24
6SPECIFICATIONS......................................................................... 24
7ACCESSORIES AND PROBES .................................................... 31
7.1 ACCESSORIES...............................................................................................31
7.2 COMPATIBLE PROBES..................................................................................32
FEEDBACK......................................................................................... 36

INTRODUCTION
1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 RDS-32 SURVEY METER FAMILY
The RDS-32 Survey Meter continues the survey meter line of Mirion Technologies by offering
modern design and versatile functionalities for radiation measuring applications.
RDS-32 is a small handheld, battery-operated radiation survey instrument. Models RDS-32
and RDS-32iTx utilize anenergy-compensated GM-tube as primary detector. RDS-32WR and
RDS-32iTxWR offer an extended measurement range by addition of a silicon diode detector.
RDS-32iTx and RDS-32iTxWR models are equipped with an internal radio module enabling
the dose/dose rate data transmission to any WRM compatible system. Additionally, but not
featured in this manual, the product family includes RDS-32iTxSD variant for specialized long-
term monitoring applications.
RDS-32 is suited for a wide range of applications in civil defense, industrial use, nuclear
power plants, laboratories etc. CSW-32 Configuration Software can be used to easily
optimize the behavior of the instrument to meet various working conditions and needs. With
the CSW-32 user can define menu functions available on the meter itself from the bare
essentials to a full functioning menu including alarm limit setting.
RDS-32 features excellent ergonomics; it is lightweight and easy to handle with visual and
audible alarms and a built-in vibrating alarm. The instrument canbe handled firmly even under
difficult conditions thanks to the rubber grip around the instrument. The large graphic display
can be easily read both in total darkness and in direct sunlight. The display additionally
includes a tilt sensor enabling display rotation in menu mode.
RDS-32 can be operated with a single key (on/off) or taking advantage of the 4-way menu
navigation. To facilitate easy operation of the instrument, shortcut functions have been
configured to the arrow keys and marked with corresponding symbol. The predefined
shortcuts include backlight activation, accumulated dose display and a mute function. With
configuration software users can also customize the shortcut keys.
RDS-32 features both Bluetooth and NFC connectivity. A dedicated smart phone application
is provided for changing meter settings and accessing measurement data.
RDS-32 offers versatile possibilities to measure other types of radiation by using external
probes. Thesedetectors include an extensiverange of CSP™(Canberra Smart Probe) probes
for gamma, alpha, beta and neutron measurements in various applications. The compatible
probes also include GMP-12 series external gamma probes andGMP-25, ABP-150 and GMP-
11-3/15-3 probes for alpha/beta contamination measurements. The various detectors can be
added to the instrument using a connecting cable or an adapter cable. This provides users an
easy and cost-effective way to extend their measuring capabilities.
The meter provides an additional protective function to the user: while using external probes,
the meter simultaneously measures and displays the dose rate from the internal detector of
the instrument. This allows the alarm to be triggered in case a too high dose rate or an
accumulated dose is measured.

INTRODUCTION
2
1.2 RDS-32 VARIANTS
The RDS-32 variants are available either in Sv-units or in rem-units.
For more information see the back label of the meter and the detailed specifications in
Chapter 6 SPECIFICATIONS.
RDS-32 for max dose rate 100mSv/h
RDS-32WR for max dose rate 10Sv/h
WR is marked on the upper right corner of
front frame
YELLOW for max dose rate 100mSv/h
BLUE for max dose rate 10Sv/h
WR is marked on the upper right corner of
front frame
2
1
1
2
4
3
3
4
iTx variants have a distinctive frame color.
These variants include an internal radio
and can be used in WRM compatible systems.
iTx is marked on the upper right corner of front
frame.
RDS-32 with BLACK front frame includes two
variants for different dose rate areas

GETTING STARTE
3
GETTING STARTED
1.3 OVERVIEW OF THE METER
The RDS-32 is lightweight and is ergonomically designed for handheld use. Navigation keys
are placed above the large display, and the rubber grip around the meter enables handling
in all conditions. In menu mode the display tilts to ensure easy navigation. Enclosure class is
IP67, including battery compartment. For performance characteristics, check the RDS-32
variant specification.
A. Navigation keys with shortcuts,
Menu/Select key (ON/OFF) in the middle
B. Visual alarm
C. Binder connector with protective cap for
external probes, cable connections and
external alarming devices
D. Charging contacts
E. Fixing lug for the wrist strap
F. Additional information if the meter is WR
or iTx variant.
A.
C.
C.
D.
RDS-32 bottom view
E.
F.
RDS-32 front view
B.
Dimensions L x H x W
116 x 72 x 32 mm
(4.57 x 2.83 x 1.26 in)

GETTING STARTE
4
Detector positions for GM-tube or both detectors depending on the variant. Observe the
markings on the meter, which show the position of the detector(s).
1.4 INSERTING BATTERIES
The instrument uses two IEC (LR6/ HR6) AA-size batteries. The use of alkaline batteries is
recommended, but rechargeable NiMH batteries can also be used.
Open the battery compartment using a Pozidriv #1 screwdriver. Observe the correct polarity
of the batteries.

GETTING STARTE
5
1.5 POWER ON/OFF
POWER ON the device by pressing the Menu/Select key for two seconds.
The firmware version, time and calibration status are first shown on the display. In case the
time of meter’s Real Time Clock is not set, the flashing ‘TIME NOT SET’ message is displayed.
The Real Time Clock can be set with configuration software.
After the initialization phase is complete the operating screen with dose rate is displayed.
When switched on the meter performs a self-test function:
▪All the display pixels are turned on
▪The buzzer is activated
▪The vibration is activated
▪The display backlight is switched on
▪The battery condition is tested
▪The HV-generator is tested

GETTING STARTE
6
POWER OFF the device by pressing the Menu/Select key so that the PWR OFF selection is
activated. Press the Menu/Select key again for 3 seconds to POWER OFF the device.
Pressing the Menu/Select key, a counter will emerge to guide the user.
If the user releases Menu/Select key before the counter is completed the device will return
to menu selection screen.
1.6 OPERATING DISPLAY AND SYMBOLS
After initialization phase the operating screen with dose rate is displayed. The symbols
visible on the operating display depend on the status of meter.
The basic instrument RDS-32 has two units: Sv-based and rem-based units. A suitable sub-
multiplier ‘µ’ or ‘m’ is set to extend the display range. In addition, ‘/h’ is applied to indicate the
dose rate. With external probes, additional units can be provided in the display, depending on
the external detector.