Better Geiger S-1 User manual
User Manual
Better Geiger
Radiation Detector
Model S-1
Read entire manual and all
warnings before use
www.bettergeiger.com
Table of contents
1. Warnings
2. General Information
3. Technical Specifications
4. Basic Operation
5. Display Modes
6. Understanding Display Numbers
7. General Tips
8. Troubleshooting
9. Raw Signal Access
10. FCC User Guide Statement
11. Declarations of Conformity
1. Warnings
This device is intended to be used only for
educational purposes. There is no guarantee of
performance specifications, accuracy, or reliability.
The detector should not be used for activities or
decision-making related to health and/or safety.
Any use of the device not in accordance with this
user guide voids any applicable warranty.
The detector should never be dropped or
otherwise mechanically shocked, nor subjected to
moisture, vibration, or dust. Operating
environment should be between -10°C and 40°C
(14°F to 104°F) and relative humidity <80%. Long
periods of direct sun exposure should be avoided.
Battery terminals and compartment should be kept
clean, dry, and free of debris. Batteries should be
removed for long-term storage of the detector due
to risk of leakage and contamination.
Unless authorized by the manufacturer, enclosure
screws should not be removed, and internal
components should not be modified or accessed.
2. General Information
More details about the detector technology,
capabilities, and limitations are available at:
www.bettergeiger.com
The Better Geiger Model S-1 is designed to
measure X-ray, gamma, and to a limited extent
beta ionizing radiation. It is not sensitive to alpha
radiation, including elevated radon concentrations
in air. The sensitive element inside the S-1 is a
solid scintillator. X-ray/gamma radiation tends to
easily penetrate the plastic enclosure of the S-1
and reach the scintillator. Beta radiation may or
may not reach the scintillator and be detected
depending on the energy and incoming direction of
the beta particles. Compared to a radiation
detector with a traditional Geiger-Mueller (GM)
tube, the Better Geiger will typically exhibit higher
sensitivity to X-Ray/gamma and lower sensitivity
to beta particles. When the detector is inside the
rubber shock protector and/or the waterproof
enclosure, beta sensitivity is further reduced.
“Dosimetry” means measuring radiation levels
specifically in the context of human health effects.
Except for very specialized applications, dosimetry
only involves X-ray/gamma measurement and not
alpha/beta measurement. If a detector is reacting
to alpha or beta in significant quantities, then this
will almost always result in an extremely over-
estimated and invalid dose rate indication. Due to
the Better Geiger having relatively low sensitivity
to beta, it is unlikely to exhibit this over-estimation.
Typical GM detectors, however, do have a high
sensitivity to beta radiation, therefore they are at
high risk for extreme over-estimation of dose rate
in environments where beta particles are present
in significant quantities. Examples of objects which
might be primarily beta emitters where this
behavior can be be seen include some
“Fiestaware” style antique ceramics, some antique
“uranium glass” items, and some naturally
occurring radioactive minerals such as uranium
ore.
The preferred direction for measuring a localized
beta emitter with the Better Geiger is towards the
bottom of the detector, exactly opposite the printed
symbol indicating the scintillator position.
3. Technical Specifications
Values are approximate and subject to change.
(10 µSv/hr = 1 mrem/hr)
•Dimensions without rubber protector:
73 x 26 x 118 mm3
(2.9 x 1.0 x 4.6 in3)
•Weight, detector only without batteries:
120 g (4 oz)
•Allowed range of operating conditions:
-10°C to 40°C (14°F to 104°F)
<80% relative humidity
•OLED display 27x19 mm2(1”x0.75”)
•Power supply: 2x standard AA batteries,
typical life >40 hours for alkaline type
•Sensitive to X-ray/gamma and beta
•Minimum sensitive energy: 50 keV
•Maximum CPM (counts/min): 750,000
•Approximate maximum dose rate
@ 1250 keV (Co-60 average energy):
7,000 µSv/hr (= 700 mrem/hr)
@ 662 keV (Cs-137 energy):
4,000 µSv/hr (= 400 mrem/hr)
•Estimated dose rate uncertainty ±30%
•Qualitative dose rate indications
NORMAL: 0-1 µSv/hr
HIGH: 1-10 µSv/hr
DANGER: >10 µSv/hr
•Screen update interval 1-4 s
•Cumulative measured values (time,
average CPM, average µSv/hr, total
µSv) are calculated over the entire time
period since the device was last
powered on, and those values are reset
to zero when the device is powered off
4. Basic Operation
The detector is powered
by two AA batteries. The
battery holder is on the
back side of the device,
accessible by a slide-away
cover as shown here →
Care should be taken to orient the “+” and “-” ends
of the batteries so that they match the “+” and “-”
marked positions on the case.
Alkaline or lithium batteries are preferred but the
device will also work with most standard
rechargeable AA batteries. When approaching the
end of battery life, the first indication will be a
reduced volume coming from the speaker (less
loud clicking noise). After that, the device will
eventually shut down. When in doubt test with
fresh batteries.
The display mode button cycles between the six
display modes (described in the following section).
When the device powers on it begins in the first
display mode. From the first mode, each button
press changes to the next mode unless the device
is in the 6th mode. After the 6th mode, another
button press will either return the device back to
the first mode or to a device information display
mode, depending on when the detector was
manufactured. When in device information display
mode, another button press will return to the first
display mode.
5. Display Modes
Mode 1: Bar graph displays dose across the top of
the screen scaled logarithmically from 0.01 to
10 µSv/hr. Main number displays current dose rate
in µSv/hr. Lower left word indicates qualitative
range (“NORMAL”, “HIGH”, or “DANGER”).
Bottom right indicates display number unit
(indicated as “uS/h” on screen)
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