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.

GETTING STARTE
7
With external gamma detectors, the same basic units can be used (Sv/h, Sv, rem/h and rem).
With external contamination detectors, the display can be configured to units (cps, cpm, dpm,
Bq or Bq/cm2). The selected unit is indicated above the reading.
While using external probes, RDS-32 simultaneously measures and displays the dose rate
from the internal detector of the instrument (bottom left corner of the display). The external
readings are marked according to the type of radiation measured.
Display with alpha/beta probe: Display with gamma probe:
DISPLAY SYMBOLS AND THE RELATED FUNCTIONS:
Display symbols for audio and alarming functions
Button and alarm
buzzer enabled
Audible chirp enabled
Button buzzer
disabled, alarm
buzzer enabled
Audible chirp disabled
Button buzzer
enabled, alarm
buzzer disabled
Vibration alarm is
enabled
Button and alarm
buzzer disabled
AL
Alarm condition exists
NOTE: If speaker and chirp symbols are not visible, device is muted.

GETTING STARTE
8
Display symbols for external detectors
Waiting for external
detector detection
EXT
External detector is
connected
α
Alpha detector
measuring
β
Beta detector
measuring
γ
Gamma detector
measuring (and
internal detector
measurement)
n
Neutron detector
measuring
Display symbols for battery status
Battery full
50% capacity (changes
showed in steps of
10%)
Powered from USB
or cradle. Alternates
with battery capacity
symbol in two second
intervals.
Battery life indicator
blinks on the left side of
battery symbol
NOTE: Battery monitoring is for alkaline batteries.
Display symbols for communication
Bluetooth
WRM transmission
active
NFC
Analog bar is shown at the bottom of the display:
The graph indicates very short integration time pulse rates and helps in searching.

GETTING STARTE
9
1.7 NAVIGATION AND SHORTCUTS
Navigation in the RDS-32 menu:
▪ENTER the menu by pressing the MENU/SELECT key.
▪SCROLL DOWN in the menu using the UP and DOWN arrow keys.
▪MOVE into a menu section by pressing the RIGHT arrow key.
▪SELECT an item by pressing the MENU/SELECT key.
▪RETURN to a higher level in the menu by pressing the LEFT arrow key
▪SET a value, SELECT a function, or RESET a counter by pressing the
MENU/SELECT key.
The parameters of the instrument can be changed using the menu functions described later
in this manual. The configuration software is required to change those parameters that are
either disabled from the Instrument Menu or are included only in the software. Almost all the
menu functions can be disabled with the software. Display automatically returns to the
operating display if keys are not pressed for 14 seconds.
Predefined shortcut functions of the RDS-32:
The top arrow key does not have a predefined shortcut. The user can define a shortcut for
this key with configuration software. The user can also change the predefined shortcut
functions with configuration software.
Backlight on for 15 seconds
Mute/Unmute active alarm and chirp
DOSE
Checking accumulated dose
…
No predefined shortcut

RDS-32 MENU IT
10
1.8 CONNECTING EXTERNAL PROBE
To connect the external probe to the meter, first remove the rubber protection cap of the
connector by pulling the cap out. Connect the external probe by carefully inserting the probe
connector and then turn the fixing sleeve clockwise until firmly fastened.
The probe can be attached to or removed from the meter without any need to switch off the
meter first.
Most probes are detected automatically, and the radiation detection starts immediately
without any need for input. Probe menu opens when detector with no memory is connected
to the meter. For detailed probe settings see Chapter 3.9 Probes.
RDS-32 MENU ITEMS
Quick guide to menu items is provided below. For detailed operation, see the individual
chapters for each item.
MENU ITEM
FUNCTION
PWR OFF
Switching off the meter
DOSE
Check and reset the current accumulated dose value
DRATE
Check and reset the current maximum recorded dose rate since last
reset
CHIRP
Adjust the sensitivity of the visual and audible pulse indication
ALARM
Dose and dose rate alarm settings
HISTO
Operate the Histogram functions and/or pick manually the current
data values into the memory
CONN
NFC, Bluetooth and WRM connection settings
DIAG
Activate the internal diagnostics, check software revision and
battery capacity
PROBE
Settings for external probes

RDS-32 MENU IT
11
1.9 POWER OFF
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.
The instrument does not completely shut down all the internal circuitry. The RTC-circuit
remains active maintaining the time signal. The energy is supplied with the batteries. The time
setting of the instrument RTC is lost in case the batteries are removedfor more than 1 minute.
In case the instrument is to be stored for a prolonged period, it is advisable to remove the
batteries to prevent any leakage to the battery compartment.

RDS-32 MENU IT
12
1.10DOSE
The instrument integrates the cumulative dose continuously when switched on.
The cumulative dose can be viewed by pressing the DOSE shortcut key or by entering the
menu.
To reset accumulated dose, navigate to DOSE in the main menu and select RESET by
pressing the Menu/Select key.
The date/time of the dose reset is recorded and shown in the menu.
1.11DOSE RATE
The instrument monitors maximum dose rate while measuring.
The maximum recorded dose rate can be viewed by entering the menu.
To reset maximum recorded dose rate, navigate to DRATE in the main menu and select
RESET by pressing the Menu/Select key.
The date/time of the maximum dose rate reset is recorded and shown in the menu.

RDS-32 MENU IT
13
1.12CHIRP
The chirp function can be used to activate or deactivate the audible or visual chirp and to
select the Chirp divisor. The possible divisors are: 1/1, 1/2, 1/5, 1/10, 1/20 and 1/50.
The audible and visual Chirp can be disabled individually, but they share the common dividing
ratio when enabled.
To see or change the chirp state navigate CHIRP in the RDS-32 menu.
The menu shows A:ON or A:OFF depending on the current state of the Audible Chirp.
The menu shows LED:ON or LED:OFF depending on the current state of the Visual Chirp.
To change the divisor of the chirp function navigate to SCALE.

RDS-32 MENU IT
14
1.13ALARMS
ALARM menu selection includes the following items:
▪Dose rate
▪Dose
▪TimeToDose: the remaining time is visible
▪Mode
Selection structure and logic to set the dose rate or dose levels are similar for both and
described in below chapters.
Alarm mode (fixed or dual, fixed is default) can be changed with configuration software.
1.13.1 DOSE RATE ALARM (DRATE)
Dose rate alarm can operate in two different modes
•Fixed alarm
•Dual alarm (different level is set for WARNING and ALARM)
Default mode is fixed alarm. The mode can be changed only with configuration software.
User can choose the fixed alarm threshold level from the 8 preset levels for dose rate alarm:
▪DISABLED, 10, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 5000, 10000, 50000 µSv/h or mrem/h
The preset levels can be changed with configuration software.
To see the current dose alarm level or change it, navigate to ALARM in the menu.

RDS-32 MENU IT
15
On Dose Rate press the right arrow key and navigate further to right to modify alarm level.
The alarm level is modified using the top and bottom arrow keys and moving to right / next
figure once ready. The measuring unit is modified the same way. The alarm level can be
defined in format 000.0 and units can be selected from µSv/h, mSv/h or Sv/h (µrem/h,
mrem/h, rem/h).
Alarm level is updated only if ‘Save´ is selected using the Menu/Select key. To ignore the
change, select ‘Undo’ or press the left arrow key until returned to previous menu level. Also
waiting 5 seconds will switch the display back to operating mode with no change to the
alarm level.
1.13.2 DOSE ALARM
Dose alarm can operate in two different modes
•Fixed alarm
•Dual alarm (different level is set for WARNING and ALARM)
Default mode is fixed alarm. The mode can be changed only with configuration software.
User can choose the fixed alarm threshold level from the 8 preset levels for dose rate alarm:
•DISABLED, 100, 500, 1000, 5000, 10 000, 50 000, 100 000 or 500 000 µSv or
mrem.
The preset levels can be changed with configuration software.
To see the current dose alarm level or change it, navigate to ALARM in the menu.
Press right arrow key, navigate to Dose and navigate further to right to modify dose alarm
level.
The alarm level is modified using the top and bottom arrow keys and moving to right / next
figure once ready. The measuring unit is modified the same way. The alarm level can be
defined in format 000.0 and units can be selected from µSv, mSv or Sv (µrem, mrem, rem).
Alarm level is updated only if ‘Save´ is selected using the Menu/Select key. To ignore the
change, select ‘Undo’ or press the left arrow key until returned to previous menu level. Also
waiting 5 seconds will switch the display back to operating mode with no change to the
alarm level.

RDS-32 MENU IT
16
1.13.3 EXTERNAL DOSE RATE / COUNT RATE ALARM
The external alarm is dependent of the connected probe. For dose rate detectors the alarm
is dose rate alarm and for count rate detectors the alarm is count rate alarm.
User can choose any of the preset 8 alarm levels listed below.
Preset levels for dose rate alarm:
•Disabled, 10, 50, 100, 500, 1 000, 5 000, 10 000 or 50 000 µSv/h or mrem/h.
Preset levels for count rate alarm:
•Disabled, 10, 15, 20, 60, 100, 600, 1000 or 6000 cps.
1.14HISTOGRAM
The default setting in the RDS-32 is that the histogram is ON and collecting data at a 5 minute
interval.
The meter memory is able to store approximately 60000 data sets. The information stored is
the immediate value in the display, the average and maximum dose rate from the previous
storing, the location and time. When an external detector is connected to the instrument, the
histogram stores data from both internal and external detector.
The final number of stored data sets depends on the amount of diagnostics information that
is also stored into the same memory area.
The histogram memory is downloaded using the configuration software and communication
link.
It will take approximately 80 hours to fill the RDS-32 histogram memory when sampling at 10
second intervals. If the histogram memory becomes full the older data sets will be overwritten
by new data sets.
In addition to the type of data sets mentioned above there are automatic records that are
stored into histogram memory:
▪Diagnostics (Automatic, manual or error found)
▪The user has reset the dose or the max dose rate
▪The instrument has been calibrated (New and old Coefficients are stored)
These data records also consume the histogram memory.
Calibration memory: The results of the 64 newest calibrations are stored in the memory. The
oldest are overwritten in case more than 64 calibrations are performed.
Diagnostics memory: The first start-up of the day is stored here. In case the instrument
operates continuously without going to the OFF state, automatic diagnosticsis run at 00:00:00
and the results are stored into a specific diagnostics memory. This memory can store the data