SE Radiation Alert Frisker User manual

S.E. Internaonal, Inc. P.O. Box 39, 436 Farm Rd. Summertown, TN 38483 USA
1.800.293.5759 | 931.964.3561 | Fax: [phone]
www.seintl.com | radia[email protected]om
INTERNATIONAL
®
Radiation Alert®
Frisker

2
Contents
Chapter 1: Introducon 3
How The Radiaon Alert® Frisker Detects Radiaon 3
Precauons 3
The Radiaon Alert® Frisker 4
Chapter 2: General Operaon 5
Starng the Radiaon Alert® Frisker 5
Units of Measurement 5
Maximum Level 5
Response Time (Auto-Averaging) 5
The Alarm 5
Triggering the Alarm 5
Chapter 3: Calibraon 6
Calibrang The Radiaon Alert® Frisker 6
Seng the Dead Time 6
Seng the Gamma Sensivity 6
Chapter 4: Using the Radiaon Alert® Frisker 7
Checking for Surface Contaminaon 7
Chapter 5: Maintenance 8
Calibraon 8
General Maintenance Tips 8
Chapter 6: Troubleshoong 9
Chapter 7: Taking Basic Measurements 10
How to Detect Background Radiaon 10
How to Survey a Surface 10
How to perform a General Survey 10
How to determine Alpha, Beta, or Gamma Source 11
Chapter 8: Unit Conversions 12
Chapter 9: Glossary of Terms 13
Appendix A: Technical Specicaons 14
Appendix B: Limited Warranty 15

3
Chapter 1: Introducon
The Radiaon Alert® Frisker is a radiaon contaminaon instrument that has been designed and developed
to meet the demands of today’s radiaon responder. By integrang the latest electronics with a proven and
dependable Geiger-Mueller detector, the result is an ergonomic tool that addresses any number of radiological
applicaons.
How The Radiaon Alert® Frisker Detects Radiaon
The Radiaon Alert® Frisker uses a Geiger-Mueller tube to detect radiaon. The Geiger tube generates a
pulse of electrical current each me radiaon passes through the halogen quenched tube. Each pulse is
electronically detected and registers as a count. The Radiaon Alert® Frisker displays the counts in the mode
you choose.
The number of counts detected by the Radiaon Alert® Frisker varies from moment to moment due to the
random nature of radioacvity. A reading is expressed more accurately as an average over me, and the
average is more accurate over a longer me period.
Precauons
To keep the Radiaon Alert® Frisker in good condion, handle it with care, and observe the following
precauons:
• CAUTION: Never touch the Radiaon Alert® Frisker to a surface that may be contaminated. You may
contaminate the instrument.
• Do not leave the Radiaon Alert® Frisker in temperatures over 100° F (38° C) or in direct sunlight for
extended periods of me.
• Do not get the Radiaon Alert® Frisker wet. Water can damage the circuitry and the mica surface of the
Geiger tube.
• Do not put the Radiaon Alert® Frisker in a microwave oven. It cannot measure microwaves, and you may
damage it or the oven.
• This instrument may be sensive to and may not operate properly in radio frequency, microwave,
electrostac, and electromagnec elds.
• If you do not expect to use the Radiaon Alert® Frisker for longer than one month, remove the baeries
to avoid damage from baery corrosion.
• CAUTION: When using the unit at altudes higher than 8000 feet (2438.4 meters), it is possible that the
tube window can rupture.

4
The Radiaon Alert® Frisker
CAUTION: The mica surface of the Geiger tube is fragile and should be handled with care. Be careful not to let
anything penetrate the screen.
The Radiaon Alert® Frisker uses a 2-inch, thin window Geiger tube, commonly called a “pancake tube.” The
screen on the back of the Radiaon Alert® Frisker is called the GM Window Figure 1(1). It allows alpha and
low-energy beta and gamma radiaon, which cannot get through the plasc case, to penetrate the mica
surface of the tube. The small radiaon symbol on the side of the enclosure indicates the center of the Geiger
tube
GM Window
Power Switch
LCD Display
Mode
Buon
Baery
Compartment
Backlight
Buon
Baery
Compartment
Figure 1 (1).
Radiaon
Symbol

5
Starng the Radiaon Alert® Frisker
Before starng the Radiaon Alert® Frisker, install 2 standard AA alkaline baeries in the baery compartment
located in the lower rear of the handle (Figure 1(1)).
To start the Radiaon Alert® Frisker, set the power switch to On (I) or Audio (A). The Radiaon Alert® Frisker
will then beep and begins a 6-second system check. SEI Frisker, the serial number of the unit, and the
rmware version are displayed. Aer the system check, the radiaon level is displayed in the selected mode.
Approximately 30 seconds aer you start the Radiaon Alert® Frisker, a short beep indicates that enough
informaon has been collected to ensure stascal validity.
Units of Measurement
The Radiaon Alert® Frisker is designed for use of convenonal units; microroentgens per hour (µR/hr),
milliroentgens per hour (mR/h), counts per minute (CPM), nanosieverts per hour (nSv/h), microsieverts per
hour (µSv/h), and counts per second (CPS). To switch between units of measure, push the MODE buon,
located to the right under the LCD display. (Figure 1(1))
Maximum level
Though the Frisker is only calibrated to 50mR/hr, it will detect levels much higher than that. The maximum
value to make it over range is related to the dead me and the sensivity. Typically, the dead me is about
40 µseconds (1/4E-5) and the sensivity is around 3600 cpm/mR/hr (60cps/mR/hr). With these sengs, the
Frisker will over range at (1/4E-5)/60 = 417 mR/h.
When the maximum level for the current mode is reached, the Radiaon Alert® Frisker beeps for 3 seconds,
pauses for 3 seconds, and repeats that paern. Also, the ALARM icon is displayed and the numerical values
displayed will show 0000 instead of the specic rate. The beeping paern will connue unl the level
decreases or the Radiaon Alert® Frisker is turned o.
Response Time (Autoaveraging)
When the radiaon level is less than 6,000 CPM, the reading in any of the dose rate modes is based on the
radiaon detected in the previous 30 seconds. In order to give a quicker response to changes, when the
radiaon level exceeds 6,000 CPM in any 30 second period, the reading is based on the previous 6 seconds.
Chapter 2: General Operaon
Aer 30 second start-up The reading will be based
if instrument is detecng on an average of the previous
(<100 CPS) 30 seconds
<6000 CPM or <1.75 mR/hr
(100 -200 CPS) 6 seconds
6000-12,000 CPM or 1.75-3.6 mR/hr

6
Calibrang the Radiaon Alert® Frisker
Before calibrang the Radiaon Alert® Frisker, install 2 fresh standard AA alkaline baeries in the baery
compartment located in the lower rear of the handle (Figure 1(1)).
Seng the Dead Time
To enter the menu to set the dead me of your detector, hold down the mode buon while powering on the
instrument. Hold down the mode buon unl the “Set Recip DT” screen appears.
Use the backlight buon as a “+” buon to increase the set dead me level. Use the mode buon as a “-”
buon to lower the set dead me level. Once you have selected your desired dead me level, press both the
backlight and mode buons at the same me to exit the dead me set menu and resume normal operaon of
the Radiaon Alert® Frisker.
Seng the Gamma Sensivity
To enter the menu to set the gamma sensivity of your detector, hold down the mode buon while powering
on the instrument. Hold down the mode buon unl the set gamma sensivity screen appears.
Use the backlight buon as a “+” buon to increase the set gamma sensivity level. Use the mode buon as
a “-” buon to lower the set gamma sensivity level. Once you have selected your desired gamma sensivity
level, press both the backlight and mode buons at the same me to exit the gamma sensivity set menu and
resume normal operaon of the Radiaon Alert® Frisker.
Chapter 3: Calibraon
Seng the Alarm Level
To set the alarm level on the Radiaon Alert® Frisker, hold down the backlight buon for 3 seconds to enter
into the alarm set screen. The units of measure for the alarm will be displayed as the same unit of measure
you have chosen for the operaon of the unit. Use the backlight buon as a “+” buon to increase the set
alarm level. Use the mode buon as a “-” buon to lower the set alarm level. Once you have selected your
desired alarm level, press both the backlight and mode buons at the same me to exit the alarm set menu
and resume normal operaon of the Radiaon Alert® Frisker.
Triggering the Alarm
When the set alarm level is reached, the unit will alarm and the display will show the word “ALARM” at the
boom.

7
Chapter 4: Using the Radiaon Alert® Frisker
Checking for Surface Contaminaon
To check a surface, hold the detector window close to the surface (1 cm - 1 in), and read the count rate. Be
careful not to touch the Frisker to any potenally contaminated surfaces to prevent contaminang the unit.
Move the Frisker over the surface in a grid formaon at a speed of about 1 inch every 1-2 seconds.

8
The Radiaon Alert® Frisker requires regular calibraon and careful handling to assure good measurements.
Use the following guidelines to maintain the instrument properly.
Calibraon
We recommend that the Radiaon Alert® Frisker be calibrated annually, or as oen as your regulaons require.
The best way to calibrate is using a calibrated source at a calibraon lab.
The Radiaon Alert® Frisker is calibrated to Cs-137 by default. A cered calibraon source should be used.
To calibrate the Radiaon Alert® Frisker for another radionuclide, use a calibrated source for that radionuclide
or the appropriate conversion factor referenced to Cs-137. CAUTION: Errors can occur when using low level
sources or background for calibraon.
If you would like more informaon about source calibraons, please contact us at 1.800.293.5759 or go to
seintl.com/services.
General Maintenance Tips
1. Do not get the instrument wet.
2. Be sure to store the meter in a locaon without direct sunlight, as sunlight can damage the end window
of the detector over me.
3. Be sure to store the unit inside the carrying case when not in use.
4. If you are planning to store the unit for a long me, remove the baeries to avoid damage from baery
corrosion.
5. Do not place the unit inside a microwave oven as it can damage the unit and/or the microwave. This
instrument is for detecng ionizing radiaon such as alpha, beta, gamma, and x-rays. It will not detect
non-ionizing radiaon such as microwave and radio emissions.
6. Do not place any objects that may puncture the mica end window of the detector near the detector.
Chapter 5: Maintenance

9
The Radiaon Alert® Frisker is a highly reliable instrument. If it does not seem to be working properly, look
through the following chart to see if you can idenfy the problem.
Chapter 6: Troubleshoong
Problem Possible Cause Acon
Display works, but no counts
are registered
defecve Geiger tube Look through the window to check the
mica surface of the tube; if it is wrin-
kled or a break is visible, replace it
Reading is high, but another
instrument has a normal read-
ing in the same locaon
possible contaminaon Scan the Frisker with another
instrument.
Instrument has false high
reading
moisture The circuit board may be wet. Dry the
instrument in a warm dry place; if it
sll has a problem, it requires service
Instrument has false high
reading
photosensivity Remove from direct sunlight and
ultraviolet sources. If the high count
drops, the mica window coang may
have washed o the Geiger tube due
to geng wet. The tube will need to be
replaced
connuous discharge Replace the Geiger tube
electromagnec eld Move the instrument away from pos-
sible sources of electromagnec or
radio frequency radiaon.
Display is blank no baery, dead baery, poor
baery connecon, defecve
LCD
install a new AA Baterries If count light
and audio work, the LCD may need to
be replaced.

10
Chapter 7: Taking Measurements
The Radiaon Alert® Frisker will not detect neutron, microwave, RF (radio frequency), laser, infrared,
or ultraviolet radiaon. All of our instruments are most accurate for Cesium-137 and isotopes of similar
energies. Some isotopes detected relavely well by most Geiger counters are Cobalt-60, Technicium-99M,
Phosphorous-32, Stronum-90, and many forms of Radium, Plutonium, Uranium, and Thorium.
Some forms of radiaon are very dicult or impossible for a Geiger tube to detect. Trium, for example, is
a by-product of a nuclear reactor and is used in research. The beta emissions from Trium are so weak that
there are very few instruments that are capable of detecng it. More sophiscated equipment is needed for
the measurement of environmental samples, such as radioacvity in milk, produce, soil, etc., unless you are
looking for gross contaminaon.
The radiaon from some isotopes can cause a Geiger tube to overexcite and indicate a higher level of radiaon
than is actually present. Americium 241 is an example of this phenomenon. Americium 241 is used in some
smoke detectors and many dierent types of industrial density and ow meters.
Unless you know exactly what you are measuring and understand the limitaons of detecon instruments,
it is possible to draw misleading conclusions from your readings. We design our instruments to detect the
broadest range of ionizing radiaon possible and sll be aordable. The full spectrum of ionizing radiaon
cannot be measured by one single instrument. Everyone agrees that radioacve materials can be dangerous.
We encourage you to seek out other sources of informaon.
How to Detect Background Radiaon
To see what the background radiaon is in your area, simply turn the instrument on and, aer the 30 second
start up beep, the general background radiaon will be displayed.
How To Survey a Surface
When surveying a surface, such as a counter top, you will need to hold the Radiaon Alert® Frisker about 1-2
cenmeters from the surface while moving the unit horizontally across the survey area at a rate of 50 cm per
second.
How to Perform a General Survey
A general survey may be used to nd a potenal source. For example, if you are looking for a potenal source
in a pile of scrap, the Radiaon Alert® Frisker will typically detect about 2 feet into a pile. To nd the source,
slowly move the Radiaon Alert® Frisker in the direcon of the higher readings or clicks unl the potenal
source is found.6

11
Geiger counters can detect the four main types of ionizing radiaon: alpha, beta, gamma, and x-rays. Some
detect only gamma and x-rays. Our instruments are calibrated to Cesium 137, but also serve as excellent
indicators for many other sources of ionizing radiaon. Gamma and x-rays are measured in milliroentgens per
hour (mR/hr), microsieverts (µSv/hr), or millisieverts (mSv/hr). Alpha and beta are measured in counts per
minute (CPM) or counts per second (CPS).
The window of the GM tube is very thin mica. This mica window is protected by a screen. Some levels of alpha,
low energy beta, gamma, and x-rays that cannot penetrate the plasc case or the side of the tube can be
sensed through the window.
Try not to touch the instrument to any suspected radioacve substance.
Although some beta and most gamma radiaon can go through protecve gear, try to avoid skin contaminaon
and ingeson. When you leave a radioacve area, remove any protecve outerwear and dispose of it properly.
If you think you have been contaminated, as an addional precauon, shower and consult a physician.
How to Determine Alpha, Beta, or Gamma source.
To determine whether the radiaon detected is alpha, beta, or gamma, hold the instrument toward the source.
Alpha: If there is no indicaon through the back of the case (the side of the tube), posion the window close
to but not touching the source. If there is an indicaon, it is alpha, beta, or low energy gamma. If a sheet of
paper placed between the window and the source stops the indicaon, it is most likely alpha. To avoid parcles
falling into the instrument, do not hold the source above the window.
Beta: Place a piece of aluminum about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick between the instrument and the source. If the
indicaon stops, decreases, or changes, it is most likely beta radiaon. Most common isotopes emit both beta
and gamma radiaon. This is why the indicaon would decrease or change but not stop.
The non-occupaonal dose limits set by the government is 100 mR above background annually.
It is up to the individual to decide what a safe radiaon level is. It will be dierent depending on the
individual and their knowledge of radiaon and its aects. Radiaon levels will vary according to locaon and
circumstances. As an example; if your background level is 25 CPM (counts per minute) where you live, when
you y in an airplane at 30,000 feet your rate meter may measure 200 CPM (.2 mR) for 2 to 5 hours. That is 8
mes your normal background radiaon on the ground, but it is only for a limited amount of me.
When measuring radiaon in an emergency response situaon, it is good to have something to compare your
readings to. Taking a background radiaon level reading in your area before a radiaon event will help you
determine if you have an elevated level of radiaon and whether or not to stay in that locaon. Background
radiaon is naturally occurring radiaon that is always present. It includes high energy gamma rays from the
sun and outer space and alpha, beta, gamma radiaon emied from elements in the earth. Using a rate meter,
you can determine your normal background radiaon levels.
Gamma and X-Rays: If there is an indicaon of radioacvity, it is most likely gamma or high energy beta. Low
energy gamma and x-rays (10-40 keV) cannot penetrate the side of the GM tube, but may be detected through
the window.
If you perform the alpha/beta test above and there is no change or only a very slight change in the indicaon,
the source is eming primarily gamma radiaon.

12
Radiaon Measurement Units
Several dierent units are used to measure radiaon, exposure and dosage.
Roentgen is the amount of X-radiaon or gamma radiaon that produces one electrostac unit of charge in
one cc of dry air at 0° C and 760 mm of mercury atmospheric pressure. One thousand milliroentgen (1,000
mR)= 1R. The Radiaon Alert® Frisker displays in milliroentgens per hour (mR/hr).
Rad is the unit of exposure to ionizing radiaon equal to an energy of 100 ergs per gram of irradiated material.
This is approximately equal to 1.07 roentgen.
Rem is the dosage received from exposure to a rad. It is the number of rads mulplied by the quality factor of
the parcular source of radiaon. The rem and millirem are the most commonly-used measurement units of
radiaon dose in the U.S. 1 rem= 1 rad.
Sievert is the standard internaonal measurement of dose. One sievert is equivalent to one hundred rems. A
microsievert (μSv) is one millionth of a sievert. A unit of dose equivalent. 1 Sv= 100 roentgens, 10 µSv/hr = 1
milliroentgen/hr.
Curie is the amount of radioacve material that decays at the rate of 37 billion disintegraons per second,
approximately the decay rate of one gram of radium. Microcuries (millionths of a curie) and picocuries
(trillionths of a curie) are also oen used as units of measurement.
Becquerel (Bq) is dened as the acvity of a quanty of radioacve material in which one nucleus decays per
second. 1 dps (one disintegraon per second).
Converng CPM to mR/hr
mR/hr = cpm
sensivity
Sensivity is expressed in cpm per mR/hr (Counts Per Minute for every milliroentgen the GM tube can detect)
referenced to Cs-137. Mathemacally the cpm units cancel each other out leaving mR/hr, as shown below.
For example, if you have collected 200 CPM with the Radiaon Alert Radiaon Alert® Frisker, which has a
typical gamma sensivity of 3600 cpm per mR/hr, you would divide the 200 cpm by the 3600 cpm per mR/hr
sensivity. The cpm cancels out and you are le with 200/3600 mR/hr = 0.056 mR/hr
=
cpm
cpm
mR/hr
cpm
1
X
mR/hr
cpm = mR/hr
200 cpm
cpm
mR/hr
= 0.056 mR/hr
3600
Chapter 8: Unit Conversions

13
Background Radiaon
Naturally occurring radiaon is always present. It includes high energy gamma rays and parcles from the sun
and outer space and alpha, beta, and gamma radiaon emied from elements in the earth.
CPM (counts per minute)
The unit of measurement usually used to measure alpha and beta radiaon.
Ion
An atomic parcle, atom, or molecule that has acquired an electrical charge, either posive or negave, by
gaining or losing electrons.
Ionizaon
The process by which neutral atoms of molecules are divided into pairs of oppositely charged parcles known
as ions.
Ionizing Radiaon
Radiaon capable of producing ionizaon by breaking up atoms or molecules into charged parcles called ions.
Radiaon
The emission and propagaon of energy through space or through maer in the form of parcles or waves.
Radionuclide
The naturally occurring or arcially produced radioacve form of an element.
Decay
When an atom emits an alpha or beta parcle or a gamma ray, it becomes a dierent type of atom. Radioacve
substances may go through several stages of decay before they change into a stable, or non-ionizing, form. For
example; U-238 has 14 dierent stages of decay before it stabilizes. An element may have several forms, or
isotopes. A radioacve isotope of an element may be called a radioisotope. However, the more correct term is
radionuclide.
Half-life
Each radionuclide has a characterisc half-life, which is the me required for half of a quanty of the material
to decay.
Chapter 9: Glossary of Common Terms

14
Calibratable Operating Range
µR/hr - 1 to 50,000 CPM - 0.0 to 175,000
nSv/hr - 1 to 500,000 CPS - 0.0 to 2500
Accuracy (Cs137)
µR/hr ±10% typical (NIST), ±15% max - 0 to 50,000
nSv/hr ±10% typical (NIST), ±15% max - 1 - 500,000
CPM ±10% typical (NIST), ±15% max - 0 to 175,000
(Referenced to Cs137)
Energy Sensitivity
Detects Alpha down to 2 MeV. Detects Beta down to 0.16 MeV; typical detection e󰀩ciency at 1 MeV
is approximately 25%.
Detects Gamma down to 10 KeV through the detector window. 3600 CPM/mR/hr (Cs137). Smallest
detectable level for I125 is .02 µCi at contact.
Anti-Saturation
Readout will OVERRANGE in radiation elds as high as 100 times the maximum reading.
Alert
Pulsating beeper sounds the alert. Adjustable alert levels are used for µR/hr, CPM, µSv/hr, and CPS.
Display
Backlit liquid crystal display with mode indicators.
Count Light
Red LED ashes with each count.
Audio Indicator
Internally mounted beeper
(can be switched o󰀨 for silent operation)
Power Requirements
Two (2) AA alkaline batteries. Battery life is approx. 500 hours at normal background radiation levels
w/o backlight (based on 1000m/Ah batteries).
Temperature Range
-10° to +50°C (14° to 122°F)
Weight
217 g (7.7 oz.)
Size
276 x 44 x 64 mm (10.875 x 1.75 x 2.5 in.)
Includes
Carrying Case
Limited Warranty
1 year limited warranty
Appendix A: Technical Specicaons
5
4
3
2
1
0
10
1
10
2
10
3
10
4
ENERGY RESPONSE
RELATIVE
PHOTON ENERGY (keV)
COUNTRATE
End Window
Side Wall

15
WARRANTOR: S.E. Internaonal, Inc., P.O. Box 39, 436 Farm Road, Summertown, TN 38483-0039, USA, (931)
964-3561
ELEMENTS OF WARRANTY: S.E. Internaonal, Inc., warrants for 90 days the included detector and for one year
all materials and crasmanship in this product to be free from all defects with only the limitaons set out
below.
WARRANTY DURATION: The warranty shall terminate and be of no further eect one year (90 days on the
detector) aer the original date of purchase of the product or at the me the product is: a) damaged or not
maintained as is reasonable or necessary, b) modied, c) repaired by someone other than the warrantor for
a defect or malfuncon covered by this Warranty, d) contaminated with radioacve materials, or e) used in a
manner or purpose for which the instrument was not intended or contrary to S.E. Internaonal, Inc.’s wrien
instrucons. This warranty does not apply to any product subjected to corrosive elements, misuse, abuse, or
neglect.
STATEMENT OF REMEDY: In the event that the product does not conform to the warranty at any me while this
warranty is eecve, the Warrantor will repair the defect and return the instrument to you prepaid, without
charge for parts or labor.
NOTE: While the product will be remedied under this warranty without charge, this warranty does not cover
or provide for the reimbursement or payment of incidental or consequenal damages arising from the use of
or the inability to use this product. The liability of the company arising out of the supplying of this instrument,
or its use, whether on warranes or otherwise, shall not in any case exceed the cost of correcng defects in
the instrument, and aer the said one year (90 days on the tube) period all such liability shall terminate. Any
implied warranty is limited to the duraon of the wrien warranty.
PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING PERFORMANCE OF WARRANTY: In the event that the product does not conform
to this warranty, please write or call to the address above. S.E. Internaonal, Inc. will not accept contaminated
instruments for calibraon or repair under warranty or otherwise.
NOTE: Before using this instrument, the user must determine the suitability of the product for his or her
intended use.
Appendix B: Limited Warranty

16
Or ll out the form online at
http://seintl.com/calibrations/
NAME MODEL NAME
COMPANY SERIAL NUMBER
ADDRESS
CITY
STATE, ZIP, & COUNTRY PHONE NUMBER
Please ll out this form and send it back to us if you would like to be
noed of the NIST calibraon renewal for your instrument to:
S.E. International, Inc.
P.O. Box 39, 436 Farm Rd. Summertown, TN 38483
1.800.293.5759 | 931.964.3561 | Fax: [phone]
www.seintl.com | radia[email protected]om
EMAIL
DATE PLACED IN SERVICE
Calibraon Database Applicaon