Polimaster PM1710A User manual

1
HAND-HELD RADIATION MONITORS
PM1710A
PM1710C
PM1710GNA
PM1710GNC
OPERATION MANUAL

2
CONTENTS
1 GENERAL INFORMATION.............................................................................................................. 3
2 DELIVERY OPTIONS ....................................................................................................................... 4
3 SPECIFICATIONS.............................................................................................................................. 5
4 GENERAL DESCRIPTION................................................................................................................ 7
4.1 DISPLAY AND CONTROL BUTTONS ........................................................................... 7
4.2 BATTERY INSTALLATION.............................................................................................. 7
4.3 CLIP INSTALLATION/REMOVAL.................................................................................. 9
4.4 TELESCOPIC TUBE. REMOTE VIBRATION ALARM................................................... 9
5 OPERATION........................................................................................................................................ 11
5.1 TURNING MONITOR ON/OFF ........................................................................................ 11
5.2 OPERATION MODES ........................................................................................................ 11
5.2.1 TEST MODE.............................................................................................................. 12
5.2.2 BACKGROUND CALIBRATION MODE ........................................................... 12
5.2.3 SEARCH MODE. DETECTION AND LOCALIZATION
OF GAMMA AND NEUTRON RADIATION SOURCES............................................. 13
5.2.4 DER INDICATION MODE...................................................................................... 15
5.2.5 NEUTRONS REGISTRATION MODE.................................................................. 15
5.2.6 DISPLAYING THE AVERAGE COUNT RATE
OF NEUTRON REGISTRATION ................................................................................... 15
5.2.7 SET MODE ................................................................................................................ 16
5.2.8 PC COMMUNICATION MODE. MONITOR PARAMETERS .......................... 18
6 MAINTENANCE.................................................................................................................................. 19
7 TROUBLESHOOTING ...................................................................................................................... 19
8 STORAGE AND SHIPPING .............................................................................................................. 20
9 LIMITED WARRANTY ..................................................................................................................... 21
Appendix АMonitor operation modes and functions order chart...............................................22

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Thank you for purchasing a Polimaster Hand-held radiation monitor.
Before operating this unit, please review this guide thoroughly and retain it for future
reference.
PRECAUTIONS
1 Monitor is not a dosimeter. It is designed for detection of radiation sources and cannot be
used as a personal safety device;
2 Keep the instrument at least 4 inches from radio emitting sources to avoid false positives;
3 Monitor is optimized for detection of special nuclear materials (SNM) and is more sensitive
at low energies 33-300 keV;
4 Only operate this instrument according to the instructions contained in the operation
manual. Manufacturer is not responsible for operation not within the scope of this operation
manual;
5 Do not store the instrument with battery installed. The battery will leak once depleted and
will cause severe damage and void the warranty.
!After the localizing of a radiation source observe the rules and regulations of working with
radiation sources, and take all the necessary radiation precaution measures.
1 GENERAL INFORMATION
Hand-held radiation monitor
PM1710А,
PM1710С,
PM1710GNA,
PM1710GNC
Further referred to as “monitor” is designed for the search and localization of radioactive
(PM1710Аand PM1710С) and nuclear (PM1710GNA and PM1710GNC) materials using the method
of impulse count analysis when registering gamma and neutron radiation with the visualization on the
built-in LCD of the following information:
- gamma radiation ambient Dose Equivalent Rate
•
Η
*(10) for 137Cs (further referred to as
“DER”);
- average gamma radiation count rate;
- average neutron radiation count rate (only for PM1710GNA and PM1710GNC).
The monitors can be used both indoors and outdoors by a wide range of users who in their
everyday work deal with the search and localization of radiation sources.
PM1710Сand PM1710GNC monitors can be powered from an external energy source and have a
PC connection interface, whereas PM1710Аand PM1710GNA do not possess these features. Using the
PC connection it is possible to create radiation control systems on the basis of PM1710C and
PM1710GNC monitors.
All operations history is stored in the monitor’s permanent memory, protecting the data even when
the battery is removed. The stored data can also be transferred from the monitor to a personal computer
via its infrared interface.

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2 Delivery options
Consult the table 2.1 to find out which modes and features are enabled in your particular Gamma
or Gamma-Neutron Radiation Monitor.
Enabled features are marked by ”1”.
Monitor serial number: ___________________
Table 2.1
Description, type
Quantity per model
PM1710А
PM1710C
PM1710GNA
PM1710GNC
Hand-held radiation monitor PM1710А
1
-
-
-
Hand-held radiation monitor PM1710C
-
1
-
-
Hand-held radiation monitor PM1710GNA
-
-
1
-
Hand-held radiation monitor PM1710GNC
-
-
-
1
Battery cell Panasonic XTREME POWER
LINE AA (LR6)
1)
1 1 1 1
Remote vibration alarm
1
-
1
-
Wrist band
1
-
1
-
IR communication adapter (ACT-IR220L or
IR210B)
2)
1 1 1 1
Moderator chamber 2)
-
-
1
1
Telescopic tube2)
1
-
1
-
Software on CD
1
1
1
1
In/ Out module
-
1
-
1
Switch 3)
-
1/10
-
1/10
Operation manual
1
1
1
1
User packing box
1
1
1
1
1) Other similar batteries can be used, but not smaller than 2700 mA/h;
2) Is ordered separately;
3)
Is ordered separately (1 for 10 monitors) to build a radiation control system

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3 Specifications
Table 3.1
3.1 Detectors:
- gamma
- neutron
CsI(Tl) scintillator
3
He
3.2 Gamma Sensitivity:
- for PM1710A, PM1710C
- for PM1710GNA, PM1710GNC
5 cps/(µR/h) (500 cps/(µSv/h)) – for 241Am;
5 cps/(µR/h) (500 cps/(µSv/h)) – for 137Cs;
2 cps/(µR/h) (200 cps/(µSv/h)) – for 60Co;
3 cps/(µR/h) (300 cps/(µSv/h)) – for 241Am;
3 cps/(µR/h) (300 cps/(µSv/h)) – for 137Cs;
2 cps/(µR/h) (200 cps/(µSv/h)) – for
60
Co
3.3 Neutron Sensitivity(only for PM1710GNA, PM1710GNC)
0.1 (counts⋅cm2)/neutron – for Pu-α-Be;
7.0 (counts⋅cm2)/neutron – for thermal neutrons;
1.0 (counts⋅cm2)/neutron – for Pu-α-Be on
a
phantom or in the moderator chamber
3.4 Energy Range of gamma radiation:
- for PM1710A, PM1710C
- for PM1710GNA, PM1710GNC
from 0.045 to 3.0 МeV;
from 0.06 to 3.0 МeV
3.5 Energy Range of neutron radiation
(only for PM1710GNA, PM1710GNC)
from thermal to 14.0 МeV
3.6 Mean neutron count rate indication range
(only for PM1710GNA, PM1710GNC)
from 001 to 999 s-1
3.7 Photon radiation indication range
from 1 to 3000 µR/h (from 0.01 to 30 µSv/h)
3.8 Accuracy of DER indication (at 137Cs) in the range
of 0.1 – 20 µSv/h (10 – 2000 µR/h), no less than ±(20 + К/
Н
•
) %; where
Н
•
– is
the indicated DER,
К– a coefficient of 1 µSv/h
3.9 At preset coefficient n = 4.5 of gamma channel
(number of mean-square deviation of current
radiation background) and gamma-radiation
background level is no more than 0.25 µSv/h, the
monitor should detect gamma radiation sources and
samples from nuclear materials according to Table 3.2
below with the probability more than 0.5
According to the Russian standard P 51635
II HY20
3.10 At preset coefficient nof neutron channel (number
of mean-square deviation of current radiation
background) at which the false alarms rate is no more
than 1 per 10 min, the monitor in the chamber-
moderator should detect neutron radiation sources 252Cf
with flux density 1.5⋅104s-1 and moving speed 0.5 m/s
at the distance 1 m from the monitor effective center
with the probability more than 0.5
(only for PM1710GNA, PM1710GNC)
According to the Russian standard P 51635
IY Hn100
3.11 False alarms rate in the gamma radiation
detection mode at the level of radiation background
not more than 25 µR/h (0.25 µSv/h) with gamma
channel coefficient
n=5.3
n=4.5
no more than 1 per 10 hours of continuous
operation;
no more than 1 per 10 minutes of continuous
operation
3.12 False alarms rate in the neutron radiation
detection mode with neutron channel coefficient
n=5.0
n=4.0
(only for PM1710GNA and PM1710GNC)
no more than 1 per 10 hours of continuous
operation;
no more than 1 per 10 minutes of continuous
operation

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Table 3.1 continued
3.13 Background calibration:
- automatic
– after the monitor is turned ON or an
coefficient n change;
- autocalibration on background level change;
- user initiated
3.14 Alarm Types:
- audio tone;
- remote vibration (only PM1710A and
PM1710GNA);
- visual
3.15 PC Communications through IR channel at an up
to 0.3 meter distance - reading of the history from monitor memory;
- setting the monitor parameters
3.16 Data Collection
1000 data points
3.17 Environmental:
Temperature range
Humidity
-22 to +122 °F (-30 to +50 °C)
LCD: -15 to +50 °C
up to 95 % at +95 °F (+35 °C)
3.18 Constant and alternating magnetic fields
resistible, field strength
up to 400 A/m
3.19 Electrostatic discharge resistible
8 kV (air discharge),
6 kV (contact discharge)
3.20 Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields
resistible:
- for PM1710A, PM1710C
- for PM1710GNA, PM1710GNC
30 V/m in the range of frequencies from 20 to
1000 МHz and in the frequencies range from 800
to 960 MHz and from 1.4 to 2.5 GHz;
30 V/m in the range of frequencies from 80 to
1000 МHz and in the frequencies range from 800
to 960 MHz and from 1.4 to 2.5 GHz
3.21 Power Requirements
one AA battery 1.5( + 0.1; -0.4) V
3.22 Battery Lifetime
up to 700 hours*
3.23 Environmental protection
IP65
3.24 Drop Test
0.7 m onto concrete surface
3.25 Dimensions:
- PM1710А, PM1710С
- PM1710GNA, PM1710GNC
172 x 57 x 32 mm
195 x 82 x 32 mm
3.26 Weight, no more:
- PM1710А, PM1710С
- PM1710GNA, PM1710GNC
420 g
640 g
*
It is also possible to use a rechargeable battery to power the monitor. It is only important to make sure that the
battery size is the same and its voltage is in the 1.1 – 1.6 V range. In this case, however, battery lifetime and
working temperatures may differ from the specified above.
Table 3.2
Parameter
Source type
133Ba 137Cs 60Co
Sample
(from Plutonium)
Sample
(from Uranium)
Gamma source activity, kBq
(µCi) ±30 %
24.0 (0.65)
43.0 (1.16)
21.0 (0.57)
-
-
Sample weight, g
-
-
-
0.1
3.0
Moving speed (source/monitor),
m/s
0.5±0.05
0.5±0.05
0.5±0.05
0.5±0.05
0.5±0.05
Distance between the source and
the monitor sensor, m
0.2±
0.005
0.2±0.005 0.2±0.005 0.2±0.005 0.2±0.005

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4 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
PM1710 monitors belong to Polimaster’s new generation of extremely sensitive, small and power-
saving, gamma and gamma-neutron radiation monitors. When ON, the monitor continuously monitors the
environment for radiation and alerts the user with audio, visual, and/or vibrating alarms if a radiation
source is detected.
The present section contains the information about the monitor design necessary for a user.
4.1 Display and Control buttons
Two control buttons for the monitor operation MODE and LIGHT, a liquid crystal display (LCD),
IR interface window (figure 1) are located on the monitor top panel.
4.2 Battery Installation
The monitor is packaged without the battery installed.
To install the battery open the cover (12 in the figure 1) located on the right end of the unit with a
coin or screwdriver. Once opened, insert a single AA alkaline battery (11 in the figure 1) loading the
positive (+) end first. Reinstall the cover and tighten it. If the battery is properly installed, the LCD screen
will display all segments.
When the battery voltage drops below 1.1 V, the Low Battery warning sign will be displayed
and the monitor will provide periodical audio tone indicating the need to replace the battery.
You have 8 hours (at normal background level) before the battery is completely discharged.
The user can turn off the low battery warning for 30 min by pressing the MODE button. Turn OFF
the monitor and follow the previous instructions to replace the battery.

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1 – MODE button:
- Turns the monitor on;
- Selects a operation mode;
- Performs background recalibration;
- Changes parameters in the Set mode.
2–LIGHT button:
- Switches on LCD light;
- Enables the PC communication mode;
- Changes parameters in the Set mode;
- Turns the monitor off.
3 – IR window
4 – PM1710А, PM1710GNA – remote vibration alarm connector;
PM1710С, PM1710GNC – connection cable connector.
5 – The upper LCD line is used to display the following information:
- count rate, s-1 (in the Search mode);
- gamma DER values, μSv/h (μR/h) (in the DER indication mode);
- messages "test", "CAL", "OL", "OFF", "P-1.3" etc.;
- alarm type (sound or vibration).
6– The analogue scale of 19 segments is used for:
- indicating of time left of the internal processor tests – decrease of the segments number up to their disappearance;
- indicating of time left of calibration by the background level – increase of the segments number up to the scale filling;
- indication of threshold level exceeding for gamma channel (in the Search mode).
7 – Critical battery discharge is displayed when the battery voltage drops below 1.1 V.
8– Pictograms are used for indicating the parameters of gamma and neutron radiation.
9– Dimension of the indicated value: - «s-1» – in the gamma radiation Search mode;
- «s-1» – in the neutron radiation Search mode;
- «μSv/h» – in the DER indication mode (option "μR/h").
10 – The lower LCD line is used for: - indication of the mean square error of the count indication, %;
-indication of count rate of the neutron radiation, s-1 (only for PM1710GNA, PM1710GNC).
11 – Battery.
12 – Battery cover.
13 – Sound alarm.
14 – Markers of the monitor geometrical centers.
15 – External vibration alarm.Figure 1

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4.3 Clip Installation/Removal
The PM1710 monitors come with a clip which may be used to fasten the monitor to a waist belt or
pocket.
The clip may be easily removed from the monitor by using a screwdriver or similar tool according
to instructions depicted in the figure 2.
Figure 2 – Clip installation/removal
4.4 Telescopic tube. Remote vibration alarm
Apart from the built in light and vibration alarms, PM1710Аand PМ1710GNA monitors are
equipped with a remote vibration alarm (figures 1, 3, and 4), which activated when the radiation
threshold levels are exceeded. In the Search mode as the monitor approaches a radiation source, the
frequency of vibrations becomes higher so that the user could guess the direction in which the radiation
source is located. This is very useful when working covertly or in a noisy environment.
The vibration alarm can be hidden in a pocket or fastened to user’s wrist using a special wrist band
(figure 3).
Figure 3
A special telescopic tube is supplied for the search of radiation sources in places which are
difficult to access.
To work with the telescopic tube (figure 4):
Insert the connector (3), and then fix the monitor (PM1710A or PM1710GNA) on the telescopic
tube with the help of a clip. If you want to use the remote vibration alarm (6), connect it to the connector
(8). The length of the telescopic tube can be adjusted using two latches (5).

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1– PM1710A or PM1710GNA monitor;
2– Battery cover;
3– Telescopic tube cable with a monitor connector;
4– Telescopic tube clutch used to attach a monitor using its clip;
5– Telescopic tube latch;
6– Remote vibration alarm;
7– Handles;
8– Telescopic tube connector of the remote vibration alarm.
Figure 4
For higher sensitivity of the instrument to neutron radiation an optional moderator chamber may
be supplied on requires. The moderator chamber is shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5

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5 OPERATION
Attention! When using the monitor in ambient temperatures below minus 15
°
Сthe normal
operation of the monitor LCD is not guaranteed. In this case you can still use it by monitoring
sound and vibration alarms. The LCD functioning will be restored after its returning to normal
operation temperature.
5.1 Turning the monitor on/off
5.1.1 To turn monitor, press the MODE button
Immediately after that the LCD backlighting will be switched on and all
LCD segments will be activated at the same time approximately for 1 s, alarm
(audio and/or vibration) will be switched on, and the monitor will enter the Test
mode.
5.1.2 To turn monitor off, press and hold the LIGHT button for 5 seconds until the LCD screen
displays the “OFF” message.
Attention! The monitor is automatically turned off (“OFF” is displayed on the
LCD) after reading the monitor operation history in the PC communication
mode.
5.2 Operation modes
Operation modes included by the manufacturer in your particular monitor comply with the
order chart (see Appendix А).
The monitor has the following operation modes:
- the Test mode;
- the Background calibration mode;
- the Search mode (indication of an average count rate, s-1);
- the DER indication mode;
- the Set mode:
- set the coefficient n of gamma channel;
- set the coefficient n of neutron channel;
- selection of the audio and/or vibration alarms.
- PC communication mode through IR channel;
- Neutron registration mode (by order);
- mode of displaying the average count rate of neutron registration for the accumulation time (by
order).
Selection of the operation modes is performed by the MODE button.

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5.2.1 Test mode
The monitor enters this mode just after turned on.
Before the beginning of the testing process the alarms (audio and/or vibration) are
activated approximately for 1 s. All marks, segments will be indicated on the LCD.
Then the LCD shows the firmware version (P-X.X) for several seconds.
In the Test mode all the required tests are fulfilled. Initially, the battery discharge
level is tested. The “bAtt” message is indicated on the LCD, remaining battery
power in relative units on the analogue scale.
Then the “test” message is indicated and the decreasing analogue scale. The tests
are performed. The time to test completion is displayed in relative units in the form
of the decreasing analogues scale.
Upon the test completion the monitor enters the Background calibration mode. The
analogue scale is indicated on the LCD with the number of segments increasing in
time, as well as the “САL” message.
5.2.2 Background calibration mode
5.2.2.1 The monitor enters this mode automatically after completion of the Test mode, at this the
“CAL” message is indicated on the LCD.
In the Calibration mode the monitor performs the analysis of the gamma and neutron
background level.
Attention! Below you will find the principles of work of the monitor gamma
channel. Functioning of the neutron channel is much more complicated and is not
described in this manual.
The processor counts the number of pulses coming from the detection block during the preset
calibration time, while analogue scale on the LCD shows time elapsed from the beginning of the
calibration process in relative units. 100 % filling of the analogue scale means that calibration has been
completed. When the monitor is calibrated on user demand, the calibration time depends on the
background radiation level - the higher is the background level, the less time is required for monitor
calibration.
The processor calculates the gamma channel threshold value by the following formula
Alarm threshold = 2N + n·
N2
,
where N - is the average count rate during the time of calibration, s-1;
n– the number of mean square error (gamma channel coefficient n).
Coefficient n changes the alarm threshold value (minimal detection level). The less the
coefficient n, the less the threshold value is and the higher the monitor sensitivity is. However decreasing
the coefficient nalso increases the probability of false alarms. Coefficient nis specified in the Set mode if
it is allowed by the administrator when he/she adjusts the global settings after connecting the monitor to a
PC (factory-preset value of the coefficient n accordance with the Appendix A). The coefficient can be
specified in the range between 1 and 9.9 with step 0.1.
To recalibrate a monitor according to a changed background it is necessary to press the MODE
button and hold it for 2 seconds until “CAL” is displayed on the LCD, where an analogue scale is also
displayed showing the calibration progress.
The Autocalibration function can be enabled in the PC communication mode. This function makes
it possible to retain the high sensitivity of the monitor in the conditions of lowering background radiation
level and avoid false alarms at its gradual rising.
When background calibration is finished the monitor is ready for operation.
5.2.2.2 Getting a new background
The user may run background calibration to adjust the alarm threshold for the new background
during the normal operation of the monitor. It is recommended to run the background calibration any time

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the radiation background significantly changes, e.g. upon entry or exit from the building, changing
locations, etc.
If the monitor’s background radiation level is not updated, the alarm may be set off more
frequently in the Search even without the presence of any radioactive sources. Or conversely, the
monitor’s ability to alarm to the presence of a radiation source may become worse. Under these
circumstances it is necessary to run the background calibration so that the monitor recalculates the alarm
thresholds based on the new environment.
To update the background radiation levels and recalculate the thresholds, press and hold down on
the MODE button until the message “CAL” appears on the display. The unit is now acquiring new
background. In total, this process requires 36 seconds. When the LCD screen display returns to the normal
numeric display, the unit has modified its background radiation levels to the new environment and is
ready for normal operation.
The monitor is able to perform calibration automatically. It provides more convenient monitor
usage and decreases false alarm probability when radiation background is changed. To use the
autocalibration function, a user should activate this function by using Polimaster Software.
5.2.2.3 Alarms
Alarm levels in the Search are derived from the ambient background. When the monitor runs
through background calibration, it acquires a background reading and calculates the alarm levels
automatically based on the value of coefficient n set by the user.
The value of coefficient n may be set in the range of 1.0 to 9.9 through every 0.1. The smaller is
the value of coefficient n, the more sensitive is the monitor to changes in background radiation, however
this also increases the rate of false alarms (false positives). The larger is the value of coefficient n, the less
sensitive unit becomes to minor changes in radiation background and responds only to large radiation
field variations (intensive radiation sources nearby) and probability of false alarms decreases.
5.2.2.4 False Alarms
All radiation detection systems experience false alarms. The number of false alarms depends on
many factors including changes in the ambient background radiation level as well as changes to the
system setup. Under normal conditions and using the manufacturer’s settings, the user should expect a
maximum of two false alarms per every eight hours of operation.
Occasionally, the monitor will “chirp” signaling to the user that the unit is still functioning. Such
alarms are irregular and can, therefore, be easily distinguished from true alarm signals produced by the
gamma and neutron radiation sources.
5.2.3 Search mode. Detection and localization of gamma and neutron radiations sources
5.2.3.1 Being in the Search mode the monitor shows the gamma channel count rate in the LCD
upper line, s-1.
The following is indicated in the LCD lower line:
Mean square error of gamma channel count rate in percents.
(only for PM1710А, PM1710С)
Mean neutron channel count rate in s-1
(only for PM1710GNA, PM1710GNC)

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Overload indication:
If the mean gamma channel count rate exceeds the upper limit of the indication
range you will see "OL" message on the LCD
If the mean neutron channel count rate exceeds the upper limit of the indication
range you will see a blinking "999" message on the LCD (only for PM1710GNA and
PM1710GNC)
In this mode the monitor automatically compares the average count rate with the following
threshold values:
1) The Fixed DER threshold (safety threshold) specified during the PC communication mode.
When this preset threshold is exceeded, the monitor will produce the light single-tone audio and/or
vibration periodic signals with constant 1 second interval, which allows the user to distinguish between
situations of exceeding the DER threshold and Alarm threshold.
2) Gamma channel alarm threshold (minimum detection level) is calculated in the Calibration
mode and takes into account the changes in the background level. When this threshold is exceeded, the
monitor produces audio, light and/or vibration signals, the frequency of which is increased as the monitor
is moved closer to the gamma radiation source. The whole detectable energy range of gamma radiation is
divided into four energy channels. Three channels correspond to the zones of low, average, and high
energies, whereas the forth one – to the whole energy range of gamma radiation. The alarm threshold is
calculated separately for each channel.
Every quarter of a second the processor counts impulses for each of the channels coming from the
detection block and retains this number in its memory. Each quarter of a second the number of impulses
for the latest (newest) interval is added to the current sum, while the number of impulses for the oldest
(first) interval is subtracted from the sum of impulses (the current average). Thus the number of impulses
stored in the processor for each channel is updated each quarter of a second.
The current average number of impulses is compared each quarter of a second with the alarm
thresholds calculated during the Calibration mode. If the current average number of impulses for any of
the channels exceeds the threshold value, a light, audio, and/or vibration alarms are activated.
3) Neutron channel alarm threshold (only for PM1710GNA and PM1710GNC), minimum
detection level is calculated in the Calibration mode and takes into account the changes in the background
level. When this threshold is exceeded, the monitor produces audio, light and/or vibration double signals
with a constant interval between them which allows the user to distinguish between situations of
exceeding of the Gamma and Neutron channel thresholds.
In the Search mode the monitor resolves problems of detection and localization of gamma and
neutron radiations sources.
5.2.3.2 Detection of gamma and neutron radiation sources
To detect a radiation source the monitor should be held so that its back side (with clip) is always
directed at the inspected object (luggage, person, car, container, etc.). The closer is the monitor to the
inspected object and the slower it is moved along it, the higher will be the detection effectiveness.
Use vibration and light alarms in situations when audio alarms cannot be heard (noisy
environment).
You have to remember that monitor sensitivity and the frequency of false alarms depend on:
- the current preset gamma channel coefficient n;
- the current preset neutron channel coefficient n;
- the background level calculated by the monitor in Calibration mode by the background level.
If autocalibration is enabled in PC communication mode, the monitor automatically considers slow
background changes and recalibrates each 10 minutes if the background level is decreasing, or in a little
longer periods of time when the background radiation level is increasing. However, the automatic

15
recalibration is performed only if there were no alarms or rapid radiation level change during algorithm-
defined periods of time.
You can encounter false alarms during the detection process, but they can be easily distinguished
because they appear very seldom and irregularly, whereas real alarms are regular and their frequency
increases as the monitor is moved closed to a radiation source.
After a radiation source has been detected you can proceed to its localization.
5.2.3.3 Localization of gamma and neutron radiation sources
For the localization of radiation sources it is necessary to hold the monitor not farther than 10 cm
from the inspected object and move it along the object not faster than 10 cm/s. As the monitor moves
closer to the radiation source, the frequency of audio, light and/or vibrating signals increases, thus
enabling the user to determine the direction toward the source location.
When the alarm signals frequency reaches the maximum value, it is necessary to run the
background calibration procedure. During the recalibration it is important to keep the monitor in the same
place if possible. Once the background calibration is completed, the user may then continue to localize the
radiation source. This procedure may be repeated as many times as necessary until the gamma radiation
source is located.
To locate a neutron radiation source or a mixed gamma and neutron radiation source, it is
recommended to turn OFF the audio and vibration alarms and visually monitor the numerical values of
gamma and neutron count rates on the display. The closer the monitor is to the radiation source, the larger
is the count rate value. In this scenario it is not necessary to run background calibration while approaching
the source.
If the value of the dose rate exceeds the monitor’s upper indication range, the overload message on
the LCD screen will display “-OL-” for gamma radiation or “-999-” for neutron radiation.
5.2.4 DER indication Mode
When in the DER indication mode, the upper line of the LCD screen indicates the
dose equivalent rate in µSv/h (µR/h), while the lower line indicates the mean square
error of DER indication in percents (PM1710A, PM1710C).
PM1710GNA and PM1710GNC monitors indicate an mean neutron count rate in
the lower LCD line in this mode.
If DER value exceeds the upper limit of the indication range, the LCD will display
an overload message (OL).
Attention! The monitor may perform the searching and localizing functions in this mode. This is
stipulated in the monitor, if the searching function is additionally included in the DER measuring mode (see the
order chart – Appendix A).
5.2.5 Neutrons registration mode (only for PM1710GNA and PM1710GNC by order)
In this mode the monitor registers all neutrons moving through its sensor. The
number of registered neutrons is displayed in the upper line of the LCD. In case
more than 9999 impulses are registered, the indication format changes to X.XEX,
where Хis any figure from 0 to 9, and ЕХ is 10х.
In the lower line of the LCD nmark is blinking and the total time of impulses
accumulation is indicated in hours.
5.2.6 Displaying the average count rate of neutron registration for the accumulation time
(only for PM1710GNA and PM1710GNC by order)
Press the MODE button when in the Neutrons registration mode to display information about the
average count rate of neutron registration since last reset. The average count rate of neutrons registration
is displayed in the upper line of the monitor LCD (s-1), the lower line indicates the average error of the
measured value in percents:

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To reset the accumulated neutrons count press and hold the MODE button until the LCD looks as
follows:
5.2.7 Set mode
To enter Set mode press and hold the MODE button. The “CAL” message will be displayed first.
Continue to hold the MODE button until the screen displays the first setting that can be adjusted.
The number and combination of settings enabled for editing in your particular monitor depends on
factory pre-sets and may vary in each monitor. See below the complete list of settings that may be enabled
for editing in the monitor:
- coefficient n, gamma may be setup in the range of 1.0 to 9.9 with increment of 0.1. The
manufacturer’s recommended value is 5.3;
- coefficient n, neutron may be setup in the range of 1.0 to 9.9 with increment of 0.1. The
manufacturer’s recommended value is 5.0 (only for PM1710GNA and PM1710GNC monitors);
- enable or disable the Audio alarm on reaching the alarm threshold;
- enable or disable the Vibration alarm on reaching the alarm threshold.
5.2.7.1 Setting the coefficient n of gamma channel
If adjusting of this setting is allowed during the connection with the Polimaster PRD Software, you
will be able to find it in the settings menu. To adjust it, make sure the monitor is in any of the operation
modes, then press the MODE button and hold it for more than 5 seconds, “CAL” message will be
displayed first. Continue to hold the MODE button down until the monitor enters the settings adjustment
menu and you will immediately be able to adjust the coefficient n of the gamma channel:
To change the coefficient n value you have to press the LIGHT button within four seconds after
entering the menu, and then press LIGHT button to increase the coefficient value, or MODE button to
decrease it. If you don’t press the LIGHT button within four seconds after entering this menu, the monitor
will automatically return to the last operation mode. Six seconds after the last adjustment of the
coefficient value the monitor calibration will be performed automatically.

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5.2.7.2 Setting the coefficient n of neutron channel (only for PM1710GNA and PM1710GNC)
If adjusting of this setting is allowed during the connection with the Polimaster PRD Software, you
will be able to find it in the settings menu. To adjust it, make sure the monitor is in any of the operation
modes, then press the MODE button and hold it for more than 5 seconds, “CAL” message will be
displayed first. Continue to hold the MODE button down until the monitor enters the settings adjustment
menu, the coefficient n of the gamma channel setting will be displayed. Press the MODE button once
again to switch to the coefficient n of the neutron channel setting:
To change the coefficient n value you have to press the LIGHT button within four seconds after
entering the menu, and then press LIGHT button to increase the coefficient n value, or MODE button to
decrease it. If you don’t press the LIGHT button within four seconds after entering this menu, the monitor
will automatically return to the last operation mode. Six seconds after the last adjustment of the
coefficient value the monitor calibration will be performed automatically.
5.2.7.3 Setting the alarms
If adjusting of this setting is allowed during the connection with the Polimaster PRD Software, you
will be able to find it in the settings menu. To enable or disable sound and vibration alerts, make sure the
monitor is in any of the operation modes, then press the MODE button and hold it for more than 5
seconds, “CAL” message will be displayed first. Continue to hold the MODE button down until the
monitor enters the settings adjustment menu. Press the MODE button twice, and you will see the Audio
On/Off setting:
When the LCD displays Aud On (or Off) you can use the Light button to change the setting, i.e.
switch on or off the sound signal. Then press the MODE button to do the same for the vibration signal:
when the LCD displays Vibr On (or Off) you can use the Light button to change this setting as well.

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5.2.8 PC communication mode. Monitor parameters
ATTENTION! Operation in the PC communication mode is intended for the administrator.
Access to the PC communication mode is protected with the password.
The instrument has an internal clock which is responsible for keeping track of date and
time. If the battery is removed or allowed to go dead; the clock will no longer function. To verify
the clock, the instrument can be synchronized with PC using Polimaster Software. The following
instructions will walk through setting of the clock:
To synchronize the time between the instrument and PC, simply connect the instrument to
the PC via IrDA. Start the Polimaster software for the instrument. Read the history of the
instrument and the time will automatically be synchronized after reading the history or reading the
settings. After that the event history will be saved with data stamps referred to local PC time. If it
is impossible to sync time after a battery replacement, for example there is no access to the PC,
change the battery and resume operation without issue. However the internal clock will be lagging
behind approximately the duration of time there is no battery power to the instrument.
5.2.8.1 PC communication mode through IR communication channel
The monitor is equipped with infrared data exchange capabilities. Polimaster Software must be
installed on your personal computer in order to be able to communicate with the monitor.
Minimum computer requirements:
-Intel Pentium;
-128 Mb RAM;
-Windows;
-20 Mb free on the hard disk and an adequate space available to install the database;
-800X600 resolution of a monitor;
-IrDA.
If your computer is not equipped with an internal IR adapter, it is recommended to use the IR
adapter that is supplied by Polimaster by a separate order.
This communication allows the user to set advanced monitor parameters, download event data
stored in the instrument memory to the database and perform other operations. To install the Polimaster
Software on your computer insert the installation disk and run setup.exe from the root directory.
See Polimaster Software Guide for more information.
To initialize the infrared communication, place the monitor 3 to 4 inches away from the infrared
adapter and press the LIGHT button. When the PM1710 enters the PC Communication mode the message
“-IR-” is displayed on the LCD screen.
As soon as the monitor’s operation history is transferred it is deleted from the
monitor memory and the monitor is turned off automatically. All monitors are
delivered with the factory-preset settings according to the customer order chart (see
Appendix A).
5.2.8.2 Monitor parameters
Monitor parameters are set up in the PC communication mode by a user-administrator (the access is
protected with a password).
The manufacturer preset default password is “1”.
In the PC communication mode the user-administrator can perform the following actions:
In the information system
- to register a monitor for a specific user;
- to remember the times of giving out the monitor and its return;

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- to read following information from the monitor memory including its work history:
1) monitor serial number;
2) times of monitor turn on and off;
3) current gamma channel DER value in a user defined time period;
4) times and monitor readings in case of exceeding the gamma channel alarm threshold ;
5) times and monitor readings in case of exceeding the neutron channel alarm threshold
(only for PM1710GNA and PM1710GNC).
In settings of monitor/program
- to check and/or set up monitor working parameters;
- to switch on the audio and/or vibration alarms;
- to synchronize the monitor time and date with the current PC time and date – automatically at
each communication between monitor and PC;
- to set up the consecutive time intervals for storing the current DER values in the non-volatile
monitor memory;
- to change the administrative password (default password is “1”);
- to check and set up the fixed threshold by DER (safety alarm threshold);
- to check the preset or set up new values of the coefficient n for each channel determining the
alarm thresholds;
- to enable/disable the autocalibration.
6 MAINTENANCE
Monitor maintenance involves:
- performance of preventive works (external inspection, dust removal and deactivation, check of
monitor workability (see monitor on/off). Deactivation is performed by wiping with clothes moisten in
ethyl spirit;
- battery replacement.
In case of visible mechanical damages of the casing and protection glass of the LCD monitor
(dents, burrs, cracks) operation of the monitor is prohibited.
7 TROUBLESHOOTING
In the field, troubleshooting is limited to replacing the battery. Most of the yet encountered
problems have been reported to be because of low battery or poor battery quality. To operate this monitor,
use only fresh, high-quality alkaline batteries. The PM1710 requires very little energy which means that
while troubleshooting the unit should be allowed to stand without the battery for 1-2 minutes to allow the
internal circuits to discharge. Discharging the remaining battery power is especially important if the user
is experiencing problems with the unit.

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8 STORAGE AND SHIPPING
8.1 Storage
When stored in a storage area the monitors must be in the manufacturer packing without batteries
at ambient temperatures from minus15 to 50 °Сand humidity up to 95 % at 35 °С. Storage duration
should not exceed average monitor life time, 8 years.
When out of the packing, the monitors can be stored at ambient temperatures from 10 to 35 °Сand
humidity of up to 80 % at 25 °С, without batteries.
The storage area must be clean of dust, acid and alkali vapors, aggressive gases and other agents
that may cause the appearance of rust.
8.2 Shipping
Packed and turned off monitors can be transported by any closed transport at ambient temperatures
from minus 50 to 50 оC.
Packed monitors must be firmly fixed during the transportation to avoid collisions with each other
and walls of the transport.
When transporting in the sea the monitors must be packet to a hermetic polyethylene case with a
silica gel dehumidifier.
When transported by plane the monitors must be placed to hermetic compartments.