MINI RAD-D
Generation 3 Updates
The Mini Rad-D Generation 3 builds upon the solid foundation of the Mini Rad-D product
incorporating key improvements around product reliability and ruggedness in harsh
environments. These improvements include:
•
Improved Sensor System provides improved operation in higher temperature and
humidity environments
•
Improved Saturation Detector maintains the ability of identifying high radiation fields
while expanding operation conditions
•
Improved mechanical protection of the sensor provides extreme survivability to shock
including drop shock*
•
Marker indicating the location of the detector
•
Modern style design and color scheme
•
New message indicators, levels “H” and “O”
* In laboratory testing, units exhibited average survivability of 100 drops at 3’ height onto
concrete. Actual results may vary.
General Description of Operation
The Mini Rad-D is a highly portable, rugged, all-weather radiation detector that’s small
enough to wear on a belt, yet powerful enough to quickly locate low-level radioactive
sources, even in a warehouse full of boxes. Designed to discreetly monitor any environment
without intrusion or disruption of civilian activities, the Mini Rad-D can be set to notify the
user by vibration or audible alarm whenever gamma radiation exceeds natural background
levels. The Mini’s simple operation and highly readable display provide an automatically
updated strength indicator in less than 1 second, allowing a rapid area sweep to identify the
exact location of any radiation source.
When activated, the Mini Rad-D measures the background radiation count for 30 seconds
and then uses that value to establish background radiation levels. Any radiological isotope
that comes within range of the Mini Rad-D will activate the audio or vibration alarm and the
display will show a value from “1” to “9” to indicate the radiation detected. The audio and
vibration alarms increase in repetition rate the closer the Mini Rad-D is brought to the
radiation source.
The source of the radiation (package, vehicle, etc.) can be quickly found by waving the Mini
Rad-D around and using the alarm as a hot/cold indicator.
OPERATOR INSTRUCTIONS
The Mini Rad-D is shipped with batteries ready to be installed for immediate use (see battery
management section). Operating instructions can be found on the back of the unit. To begin
operation, move the Mini Rad-D power switch from the “Off” position to SPK or (the ‘’on ‘’
position) and the unit will begin a power-up and calibration sequence.
During the 30 second calibration interval, the unit will measure naturally occurring
background radiation and will calculate a threshold above which a radiological alert will be
indicated to the operator. The LED display will flash during the sequence. Following
completion of calibration, a beep is sounded, indicating the threshold level has been successfully
calculated for that particular environment. Every 15 seconds thereafter, a small LED in the lower
right-hand corner of the main display window will flash, indicating the unit is operating properly and
is in detection mode. Because the Mini Rad-D auto-calibrates to the ambient radiation level,
maximum sensitivity will be obtained if you turn the Mini Rad-D on at the location where you are
planning to inspect.
If the Mini Rad-D stops detecting normal background radiation levels for a period of time (such as
if it is taken into a concrete building), the mini rad-D will recalibrate itself. The device will beep and
the LED will show a “racetrack” pattern for 30 seconds. When complete, the Mini Rad-D will beep
once more and go into detection mode. This keeps the Mini Rad-D at maximum sensitivity levels
in all environments.
Alarm
The Mini Rad-D will alarm (either audibly in SPK mode or by vibration in VIB mode) when
the presence of gamma radiation exceeds normal background levels. Alarms are visually
displayed (LED window on top left of unit) in levels from 1 to 9. The intensity of the audible
alarm (in SPK mode) or vibration alarm (in VIB mode) will increase proportionately as the
level of gamma presence increases.
In the event the operator changes work location during the course of his/her duties, it is
recommended that the Mini Rad-D be turned off and turned back on. This allows the unit to
automatically re-calibrate to the natural background radiation in the new location which can
vary significantly from place to place. This insures the unit will be the most effective
detecting unusual levels of gamma radiation.
Battery Management
The Mini Rad-D is powered by two AA alkaline batteries (installed at the factory) which under
a normal duty cycle (on 8 hours a day in detection mode, off 16 hours) will operate in
detection mode for up to two years without replacement. This time decreases with frequent
alarm indications. A low battery indicator (LED will display ‘’L’’) will inform the operator that
batteries should be replaced. While a certain reserve is designed into the Mini Rad-D once a
low battery alert is displayed, batteries should be replaced as soon as possible. Use a small
Phillips head screwdriver to release battery door on the back of unit.
The Mini Rad-D is designed to Mil Spec environmental standards for rain, shock, and
vibration. The unit is sealed to reduce intrusion from dust, humidity, and salt fog. The unit,
including top display, may be cleaned safely with mild soap and water using a warm, wet
cloth.
Failure Mode
If the unit is unable to achieve detection mode for any reason, a FAIL indicator will be
displayed. The Mini Rad-D will continually display each character in sequence - ‘’F’’, then
‘’A’’, then ‘’ I’’, and then ‘’ L’’. lf failure mode occurs (most likely due to a significant change in
location of operation), turn power off to the mini rad-D and then turn unit back on and allow it
to re-calibrate (in new location). If the Mini Rad-D continues to go into failure mode, contact
D-tect Systems for assistance.
High Radiation Mode
If the unit is exposed to radiation levels high enough to overload the radiation detector and
cause it to “saturate”, then the LED display will display an “H”.
Outside of Environmental Conditions Mode
A level “o” mode (shown as a lower case o) indicates the Mini Rad-D is exposed to
environmental conditions greater than 40°C and 92% humidity.
Detector location
On the back side of the unit there is a small “+” sign to indicate the location of the detector.
