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What Geiger counter??
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unknownparticle:
Thanks, I've looked at that and many similar, much lower priced options but I want Alpha particle capability as well as Beta and Gamma.  I also want reliability and dependability of readings, and this is where the lower price units fall down.
bborisov567:
KB6011 is another chineese device that is well worth but still it doesn't have alpha capability.
KaneTW:
Cost of shipping will probably be in the $50-100 range, plus VAT and customs. You'll be fine just importing it, especially if you can get the VAT back somehow.
jonpaul:
Rebonjour à tous

I have worked at LLBL, LLNL in 1960s.

I have a collection of dosimètres and scintillantors. geiger counters, most working

The old Cold War units are not sensitive and may be éd extensif repair. Many use unavailable batteries.

So, Radiation détection and dosimètre is generally a huge subject.

"counter" counts number of particles in the detector volume as they occur.
A meter can integrate to give "counts per sec" or "counts per minute"
Thus one can survey an area, machine, plant to fund max radiation filed and leakage of nuclear material.
Typically an Alpha sensitive scintillator can detect Pu leaks on a nuc sub.

A dosimeter is a material or device that integrates the particles that pass thru in a time period, thus relating total body exposure in a day, for example.

In WWII and Cold War, these were pen sized   electrometers with quartz needles and telescopes, charge to a few 100 V and discharged by the particles passing.
"Lauritsen Dosimeters"

In the Rad labs and nuclear test series since  1940s we wore film badges with special foils to calibrate the film sensitivity.

Each day or week these were turned in and developed to see the radiation dose experienced.

 Particles List  in order of detection and danger

Alpha is a He nucleus at high speed, HARD to detect!
bêta particle is a high energy electron MEDIUM
gamma is high energy electromagnetic eg like x-rays. EASY

Many nuclear events and devices emit only alphas till triggered, eg U235 or Pu
Geiger counter détection is Gamma, due to the enclosure thickness.
Some cold war models of geiger tubes had super thin mica end windows that could pass some beta

Alpha cannot penetrate even a fraction of an mm of paper.
The detection required direct exposure of the sensitive material.
Commonly a ZnS or other sensitive screen and a light détection like PM tube.

Finally crystal or plastic scintillators can be for specific energy ranges of Gamma.

Suggest to read a text on radiation detectors to learn before you buy

Jon
unknownparticle:
Thanks Jonpaul.
I am reviewing material on youtube to build my knowledge base, two things have become evident, there is no single solution to my requirement and compromise must be made with anything costing less than £1000!!  I have found one instrument that is almost perfect for what I want but it is £1500!!!  Superb device but I cannot justify that expense.  One really good solution is a now out of production product called Radalert 50, difficult to find though and mainly in the US, shame because at the price it would have been just what I want.
I'm not willing to trust anything Chinese for this application, particularly long term.
So far, that Mazur PMR-9000 is the ideal choice, not surprising as the maker designed it for my market segment, a little pricey but a serious, quality device and designed and made in the US.  Shame the pound is so weak against the dollar ATM!!
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