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
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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 2021
Document No. 2093 10097
Version 1.1
Issue date 22.6.2021

USER MANUAL –RDS-32 SURVEY METER
1INTRODUCTION .............................................................................1
1.1 RDS-32 SURVEY METER FAMILY...................................................................1
1.2 RDS-32 VERSIONS ..........................................................................................2
2GETTING STARTED.......................................................................3
2.1 OVERVIEW OF THE METER............................................................................3
2.2 INSERTING BATTERIES ..................................................................................4
2.3 POWER ON.......................................................................................................5
2.4 POWER OFF.....................................................................................................5
2.5 MAIN DISPLAY..................................................................................................6
2.6 DISPLAY SYMBOLS .........................................................................................7
2.7 KEYPAD USE....................................................................................................9
2.8 KEYPAD DIRECT FUNCTIONS........................................................................9
2.9 PARAMETER SETTINGS................................................................................10
2.10 CONNECTING EXTERNAL PROBES.............................................................11
3RDS-32 FUNCTIONALITY............................................................. 12
3.1 POWER OFF...................................................................................................13
3.2 CUMULATIVE DOSE.......................................................................................13
3.3 MAXIMUM DOSE RATE RECORD..................................................................14
3.4 CHIRP FUNCTION..........................................................................................15
3.5 ALARM FUNCTIONS.......................................................................................17
3.5.1 DOSE RATE ALARM....................................................................................17
3.5.2 DOSE ALARM..............................................................................................20
3.5.3 EXTERNAL ALARM .....................................................................................21
3.6 TIME TO DOSE...............................................................................................23
3.7 DIAGNOSTICS................................................................................................24
3.8 COMMUNICATION..........................................................................................25
3.8.1 WRM ............................................................................................................25
3.8.2 BLE...............................................................................................................26
3.9 HISTOGRAM...................................................................................................26
3.9.1 STATE..........................................................................................................27
3.9.2 CLEAR .........................................................................................................28
3.9.3 PERIOD........................................................................................................28
3.9.4 LOCATION...................................................................................................28
3.9.5 MANUAL SAVE............................................................................................29
3.10 SCALER..........................................................................................................30
3.10.1 SCALER FUNCTION INTERNAL DETECTOR/DOSE RATE PROBE.........30

3.10.2 SCALER FUNCTION WITH OTHER EXTERNAL PROBES........................31
3.11 EXTERNAL PROBES......................................................................................34
3.11.1 CSP (CANBERRA SMART PROBE) SERIES.............................................34
3.11.2 OTHER PROBES WITH INTERNAL MEMORY..........................................35
3.11.3 PROBES WITHOUT INTERNAL MEMORY................................................37
4ERROR CODES AND OTHER DISPLAY MESSAGES................. 38
4.1 LOW BATTERY WARNING.............................................................................38
4.2 LOW BATTERY ALARM..................................................................................38
4.3 DOSE RATE / DOSE WARNING (BLINKING DISPLAY).................................38
4.4 DOSE RATE / DOSE ALARM (BLINKING DISPLAY)......................................39
4.5 DOSE RATE OVERFLOW ALARM (OFL) .......................................................39
4.6 DEFECT ERRORS..........................................................................................39
5MAINTENANCE AND DECONTAMINATION................................ 40
5.1 FIRMWARE UPDATE......................................................................................40
5.2 BATTERY COVER AND SEAL CHANGE........................................................41
5.3 CALIBRATION.................................................................................................41
5.4 MECHANICAL DECONTAMINATION..............................................................41
5.5 CHEMICAL DECONTAMINATION...................................................................41
6SPECIFICATIONS......................................................................... 42
7ACCESSORIES AND PROBES .................................................... 48
7.1 ACCESSORIES...............................................................................................48
7.2 COMPATIBLE PROBES..................................................................................49
8FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT................................................ 51
9ICC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT................................................. 52
FEEDBACK......................................................................................... 53

INTRODUCTION
1
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/RDS-32iTx utilize an energy-compensated GM-tube as primary detector. RDS-
32WR/RDS-32iTxWR offer an extended measurement range by addition of a silicon diode
detector. RDS-32iTx/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 version for
specialized long-term monitoring applications.
RDS-32 is suited for a wide range of applicationsin 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, for example by
customizing the alarm methods in use. With the software the user can also limit the menu
functions available on the meter, for example by removing the possibility to adjust alarm
settings.
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 versatile keypad, with 4-way navigation keys and practical
preprogrammed keypad direct functions. The functions include backlight activation,
accumulated dose display and a mute function. One of the keys can be set as a custom
shortcut with the CSW-32 configuration software.
RDS-32 features dual alarm functionality offering a warning level setting in addition to an alarm
setting for both dose rate and dose. The user can select between single alarm mode, dual
mode or switch the alarms off.
RDS-32 features a Scaler function for integration over time and acquiring the current
background, to enable net measurements and improve MDA.
RDS-32 is compatible with a wide array of external probes, including CSP™(Canberra Smart
Probe) probes for gamma, alpha, beta and neutron measurements. The compatible probes
also include GMP-12 series external gamma dose rate probes and GMP-25, ABP-150 and
GMP-11-3/15-3 probes for alpha/beta contamination measurements. When using an external
probe, the meter provides an additional protective function to the user by simultaneously
measuring and displaying the dose rate from the internal detector. In case a too high dose
rate or an accumulated dose is measured, the alarms will be triggered.

INTRODUCTION
2
1.2 RDS-32 VERSIONS
RDS-32 features two versions for different dose rate ranges: RDS-32 and RDS-32WR (Wide
Range). All the RDS-32 versions are available with or without internal radio (iTx models
marked with yellow/blue color) and either in Sv-units or in rem-units.
PRODUCT NO / DESCRIPTION
•1233-321 RDS-32S SURVEY METER
•1233-322 RDS-32R SURVEY METER
•1233-323 RDS-32S WR SURVEY METER
•1233-324 RDS-32R WR SURVEY METER
•1233-325 RDS-32iTxS SURVEY METER (2.4GHz)
•1233-326 RDS-32iTxR SURVEY METER (900MHz)
•1233-327 RDS-32iTxS WR SURVEY METER (2.4GHz)
•1233-328 RDS-32iTxR WR SURVEY METER (900MHz)
The version with Sievert-units is marked with ‘S’ and the version with rem-units with ‘R’.
•GM-tube + Si Diode
•Dose rate up to 10 Sv/h
(1000 rem/h)
•iTx version with internal
radio
STANDARD RANGE
RDS-32
RDS-32iTx
•GM-tube
•Dose rate up to 100 mSv/h
(10 rem/h)
•iTx version with internal
radio
RDS-32WR
RDS-32iTxWR
WIDE RANGE

GETTING STARTED
3
2 GETTING STARTED
2.1 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
version specification from Chapter 6.
A. Navigation keys with direct functions,
Select key (ON/OFF) in the middle
B. Flashing light for alarm and pulse rate
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 version.
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 STARTED
4
Detector positions for GM-tube or both detectors, depending on the meter version, are
illustrated in the picture below. The detector positions are also indicated with markings on
the meter itself. The triangles on the meter sides indicate the reference line and the dot on
the back of the meter indicates the GM-tube center point. On the WR models there is an
additional dot to indicate the center point of the Si diode.
2.2 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. When using NiMH
batteries, the CSW-32 Configuration software is required to select the correct battery type.
Open the battery compartment using a Pozidriv #1 screwdriver. Observe the correct polarity
of the batteries.
RDS-32 is delivered with two battery covers. One of the covers has belt clip attached to it.

GETTING STARTED
5
2.3 POWER ON
POWER ON the device by pressing the Select key for two seconds.
The firmware version, time and calibration status are first shown on the display. If the time of
meter’s Real Time Clock is not set, the flashing ‘TIME NOT SET’ message is displayed. If
necessary, the Real Time Clock can be reset with the CSW-32 Configuration Software.
When switched on the meter performs the following self-test functions:
•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
After the initialization phase is complete, the Main display with dose rate will be shown.
2.4 POWER OFF
POWER OFF the device by first pressing the Select key so that the OFF selection is activated.
Press the Select key again and hold for four seconds while the counter counts down.
If the select key is released before the countdown is complete, and the device powers off,
the device will return to the menu display.

GETTING STARTED
6
2.5 MAIN DISPLAY
After initialization phase the Main display with dose rate will be shown. The symbols visible
on the Main display depend on the status of meter. The display symbols are presented in
the following chapter.
The two example Main displays above show the measured dose rate, Sv unit with multiplier,
battery capacity, analogdose rate indicator and different states of audio setting: chirp enabled
(left), chirp disabled and key sounds disabled (right).
The basic instrument RDS-32 has two units: Sv-based and rem-based. 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 gamma dose rate probes, the same basic units can be used (Sv/h, Sv, rem/h
and rem). With other external probes, the display can be configured to units cps, cpm, dpm,
Bq or Bq/cm2. Which units are available will vary by probe type. The external probe unit in use
is indicated above the reading.
When using external probes, the RDS-32 also displays the dose rate from the internal detector
of the instrument and integrates accumulated dose. The RDS-32 internal detector dose rate
is displayed on the bottom left corner of the Main display. The dose rate and dose
alarms/warnings set for the RDS-32 detector are operational.
Example of the Main display with
external dose rate probe connected.
Example of the Main display with
alpha/beta probe connected.

GETTING STARTED
7
2.6 DISPLAY SYMBOLS
The RDS-32 Main display features a host of symbols relating to the current status or active
setting of the meter.
DISPLAY SYMBOLS AND THE RELATED FUNCTIONS:
Display symbols for audio and alarming functions
Key and alarm buzzer
enabled
Audible chirp enabled
Key buzzer disabled,
alarm buzzer enabled
All audible muted except
alarm/warning
Key buzzer enabled,
alarm buzzer
disabled
Vibration alarm is enabled
Button and alarm
buzzer disabled
AL
Alarm condition exists
W
Warning condition exists
NOTE: If speaker and chirp symbols are not visible, the device is muted. Some of
the above settings are only available in the CSW-32 Configuration Software.

GETTING STARTED
8
Display symbols for external detectors
CSP.INIT
Waiting for external
detector connection
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 most accurate for alkaline batteries. Configuration
software is needed to setup use of NiMH batteries
Display symbols for communication
Bluetooth
WRM transmission
active
The analog bar is shown at the bottom of the Main display.

GETTING STARTED
9
2.7 KEYPAD USE
The RDS-32 features a Select key in the middle of the keypad and four surrounding arrow
keys for navigation in the RDS-32 menu:
•ENTER THE MENU by pressing the Select key.
•SCROLL IN THE MENU using the up and down arrow keys.
•MOVE INTO A MENU SECTION by pressing the Select key or the right arrow key.
•SAVE A VALUE, SELECT A FUNCTION, RESETA COUNTER by pressing the Select
key.
•RETURN TO A HIGHER LEVEL in the menu by pressing the left arrow key or wait 15
seconds timeout to return to the Main display.
2.8 KEYPAD DIRECT FUNCTIONS
Keypad direct functions are preprogrammed intothe arrow keys. The functions are operational
in the Main display. Inside the menu the keys are reserved for navigation.
Activate a direct function in the Main display by pressing the corresponding arrow key. The
factory set direct functions of the RDS-32 are shown in the below table.
Switch backlight on or off
Mute/Unmute chirp and key buzzer. In warning condition, acknowledges
Audio, vibration and LED signal.
DOSE
Check accumulated dose, press again to check time to dose alarm
User settable function key (with CSW-32 software) Not factory set.

GETTING STARTED
10
2.9 PARAMETER SETTINGS
The parameters of the device can be changed using the menu functions described later in this
manual. The CSW-32 Configuration software can be used to simplify the operation or limit
access to some parameter settings, like alarm levels. By default all the menu functions
available are visible in the RDS-32 meter.
The CSW-32 Configuration Software offers some additional settings to functions available on
the meter itself. For example, the backlight can be set as continuously on in the software.
Also, the alarm methods (LED, audio and vibration) in use can be selected in the software.
See the CSW-32 configuration software manual for details.
The menu configuration window of the CSW-32 software.

GETTING STARTED
11
2.10 CONNECTING EXTERNAL PROBES
External probes can be quickly and easily connected to the RDS-32, there is no need to switch
off the meter first.
To connect the external probe to the meter, first remove the rubber protection cap of the
connector by pulling the cap out. Before making the connection to RDS-32, make sure the
cable is well connected to the probe. Then observe the correct orientation by matching the
internal ledge of the connector to the groove on the meter connector. This step is very
important to avoid bending the connector pins. Finally, turn the fixing sleeve clockwise until it
is firmly fastened.
Most probes are detected automatically. The display will show CSP.INIT or the symbol
while the connection is being established. For probes with an internal memory, the radiation
detection starts without any need for additional input. For the few probes without internal
memory, the meter will prompt to select a detector type before measurement begins. For
detailed probe settings by probe type, see Chapter 3.11 External Probes.

RDS-32 FUNCTIONALITY
12
3 RDS-32 FUNCTIONALITY
A quick guide to the menu items is provided below. For detailed operation, see the individual
chapters for each item.
MENU ITEM
FUNCTION
OFF
Switch off the meter.
DOSE
Check and reset the current accumulated dose value.
MaxDR
Check and reset the current maximum recorded dose rate since last
reset.
CHIRP
Adjust the sensitivity of the visual and audible pulse indication or
switch them ON/OFF.
ALARM
Set dose and dose rate alarm levels and choose the alarm mode:
single, dual or off
EXT.AL
Shown only if an external probe is connected:
Check and change the external probe alarm levels.
TM.2.AL
Time left to reach the dose alarm in the current dose rate field.
DIAG
Activate the internal diagnostics, check software revision and
battery capacity
COMM
WRM connection settings, BLE*
HISTO
Make the histogram data collection settings or clear saved data,
save the current results and status manually.
SCALER
Set an integration time/count, acquire current background and start
net or gross acquisition over time.
PROBE
Shown only if an external probe is connected:
Check and change the probe settings such as probe type or
measurement unit.
*The WRM settings are in use in iTx radio models or when the RDS-32 data is being sent over local area
network or as serial communication. The device has additionally BLE readiness.
The RDS-32 has a tilt sensor so that in the menu, the display can be rotated by tilting the device. This feature is
not operational when an external probe is connected.
The lightbulb symbol will appear from time to time in the coming chapters to indicate a
helpful tip for the user.

RDS-32 FUNCTIONALITY
13
3.1 POWER OFF
The meter is powered off by first pressing the Select key so that the OFF selection is activated,
then pressing the Select key again and holding for four seconds while the counter counts
down.
If the Select key is released before the four second countdown and following beep, the meter
will not power off. Instead, it will return to the menu display OFF.
When powered off, the instrument does not completely shut down all the internal circuitries.
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 removed for
more than 3 hours. The time can be reset using the CSW-32 Configuration Software.
3.2 CUMULATIVE DOSE
The meter integrates the cumulative dose continuously when switched on. The cumulative
dose can be viewed by pressing the DOSE key in the Main display or by entering the menu
and navigating to DOSE.
In case the instrument is to be stored for a prolonged period, it is advisable to remove
alkaline batteries to prevent any leakage to the battery compartment.
Example of the Cumulative dose display
accessible via the DOSE key in the Main display.
The display features a percentage scale which
indicates the accumulated dose percentage with
respect to the dose alarm level setting.

RDS-32 FUNCTIONALITY
14
To reset the accumulated dose, navigate to DOSE in the menu, press the Select key once so
that the RESET function starts to blink. Press the Select key a second time to see the
confirmation phase SURE? Then press the Select key a second time to perform the reset.
Cancel the dose reset process by pressing the left arrow key.
3.3 MAXIMUM DOSE RATE RECORD
The meter monitors maximum dose rate while measuring. The maximum recorded dose rate
can be viewed by entering the menu.
To reset the maximum recorded dose rate, navigate to MaxDR in the menu, press the Select
key once so that the RESET function starts to blink. Press the Select key a second time to
see the confirmation phase SURE? Then press the Select key a second time to perform the
reset.
Use the DOSE key to quickly check accumulated dose from the Main display. Press the
key a second time to see time remaining until dose alarm.
The RDS-32 collects dose continuously while switched on and saves that value in the
meter memory even if the meter is switched off/on. To follow accumulated dose by task
or mission,reset the dose as indicated above. Alternatively, set a suitable histogram data
save period so that the dose accumulation can be discerned from the histogram data.
See Chapter 3.9 Histogram for more details. Note that the CSW-32 configuration
software is required to access the histogram data.

RDS-32 FUNCTIONALITY
15
Cancel the maximum recorded dose reset process by pressing the left arrow key.
3.4 CHIRP FUNCTION
The chirp function can be used to activate or deactivate the audible or visual chirp and to
select the chirp divisor. The audible/visual chirp is an indication of the number of pulses
received by the detector. The possible chirp 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 to CHIRP in the RDS-32 menu.
The menu shows AUD:ON or AUD:OFF depending on the current state of the audible chirp.
Change the setting by navigating into the Audio menu.
The RDS-32 records the measured maximum dose rate while switched on and saves that
measured value even when the meter is switched off/on. To follow the maximum dose rate
by task or mission, reset the record as indicated above. Alternatively, set a suitable
histogram data save period so that the maximum dose rate can be discerned from the
histogram data. The maximum dose rate is recorded with the same time interval as is set
in the histogram settings. See Chapter 3.9 Histogram for more details. Note that the CSW-
32 configuration software is required to access the histogram data.

RDS-32 FUNCTIONALITY
16
The menu shows LED:ON or LED:OFF depending on the current state of the visual chirp.
Change the setting by navigating into the LED menu.
The menu shows the chirp divisor which is in currently use as R:/x, where x is 1, 2, 5, 10, 20
or 50. Change the divisor by navigating into the Ratio menu.
Use the right arrow key in the Main display to mute or unmute the audible chirp and key
sounds.
Use the chirp function to follow the number of pulses that the detector receives, for
example to help search for a radiation source. Adjust the divisor to a suitable level
depending on the number of pulses, so that the audible and visual signals can be
interpreted.