When I calibrate (i.e. turn on) my
M
ini and then go on patrol, there are several spots where it always
goes off, even though there is no radiation source visible. Is there a problem and can the
M
ini be
adjusted to stop doing this?
If you turn the
M
ini on in a quiet radiation area and then walk by higher-levels of natural radiation, the mini will
detect the increase in natural radiation background. High level natural radiation can be found near some large
rocks, or in some building that use stone (like granite), or near some ceramics that use powdered stone.
Increased elevation also increases natural radiation (large increases such as mountains). The mini is functioning
normally in detecting this increase in natural levels of radiation. The
M
ini can be adjusted to raise the
background sensitivity level so that it does not alarm on natural levels of radiation. See “Adjusting my
M
ini’s
sensitivity” below.
Why does the
M
ini "recalibrate" as I travel to and from work?
When the
M
ini is turned on, it calibrates itself to the natural radiation background. When the
M
ini notices the
background has reduced, it will recalibrate itself to improve the sensitivity. When you are going to work, at some
point the
M
ini detects that it’s in a lower natural background environment and recalibrates itself to ensure
maximum detector sensitivity. You often see a reduced background count and a recalibration if you take the
M
ini
into a car or truck.
Should I "recalibrate" the
M
ini as I travel around the country and experience "1's & 2's" in some
locations?
You can detect some 1’s and 2’s from natural sources as you roam with the
M
ini. The
M
ini is performing
normally and does not need recalibrating. See “Adjusting my
M
ini’s sensitivity” below.
Will the
M
ini still be sensitive if I travel from an area of high natural radiation to an area of low radiation?
Do I need to recalibrate? What about the other way around, low to high?
The
M
ini will still be sensitive if you travel from an area of high natural radiation to low. If the change in levels is
significant, the
M
ini will automatically recalibrate itself to maintain maximum sensitivity. If you travel from a low
radiation area to a high, the
M
ini will probably give you “1”s and “2” periodically. Simply turn the
M
ini off and on
again to recalibrate, and the “1”s and “2” due to natural background will go away.
Is there any way to permanently set the sensitivity higher to adjust for constant high background levels,
(around an X-Ray machine, etc).
The
M
ini contains an Adjustment Switch that allows you to manually adjust the lowest level sensitivity of the
detector. This should not be casually adjusted, since it reduces the highest sensitivity of the detector. Usually,
this switch is adjusted at the factory or by your tech support. And you want to keep track of which
M
ini’s have
what settings. Otherwise you could have 50
M
ini’s, each with different sensitivity settings.
LAURUS Systems, Inc. - Ph: 410-465-5558 - Fax: 410-465-5257 - www.LaurusSystems.com
Is there any ongoing maintenance procedures or parts need for the
M
ini?
No.
Will changing the internal background switch affect all levels of sensitivity of the
M
ini?
No, it only changes the lower levels of detection. Significant amounts of radioactive material will still be detected
at the same level.
LAURUS Systems, Inc. - Ph: 410-465-5558 - Fax: 410-465-5257 - www.LaurusSystems.com
Mini Rad
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D
Frequently Asked Questions
