Hello, I am working for some time with the measurement of radioactivity and perhaps I can shed some light on this discussion. First, I want to say that to me are available for various devices. These are different Geiger counters, scintillation detectors (also alpha), a Spark detector Ionisationskammerdetektoren, semiconductor detectors (some semiconductor / photodetectors which itself built; here I would like to recommend this site for information: [...]) The stated there Elector radiation meter displays, well understood the detection capabilities of various photodiodes such as those used in the wheel rate. Since today I also have a basic wheel rate radiometer. The main concern of many people is to test foods for radioactive emissions. At the latest after the events at Chernobyl and Fukushima also I consider that to be necessary. However, it is not easy to carry out these investigations. Take the example of a fish, which we want to check for radioactivity. More than a Geiger counter or a semiconductor radiation meter (zb.RadRate) have the fewest people. The radiometer is now held on the fish and if no increase of the displayed values takes place, the fish seems to be unloaded. So far so good. But what is my alpha-beta or gamma emitters, incorporating the fish, dh.gegessen, drunk, has added to the body? The gamma emitters are not a problem that any radiation penetrates the fish and can be measured when the meter is sensitive enough. It should be remembered that you are running so no large-area detector and a possibly measured radiation is too small a value. But no matter, measured an increased radiation and the fish flies in the waste. When beta radiation it is already problematic. These kinds of emitters in the stomach or in the flesh / skeleton of the fish so can not be measured and is in the alpha radiation of this, because of the even lower range, particularly. You should dry the fish, pulverize and could only perform reliable measurements. However you like the fish powder then probably no longer eat :) What can you do? Astronomically expensive instruments and procedures I could recommend, but who can pay something already and who has the time constantly carry out these studies? Although I have more options available, I avoid this huge effort and do not eat more fish. Nevertheless, I recommend rapid tests with your Geiger counter or your radiometer based on semiconductors (zb.RadRate) perform. I do this just as well as a vegetarian is a quick investigation of vegetables, fruit, salad and other things (zb.grüner tea!) Useful. (The wheel rate measures quickly, no waiting time, which is especially important when shopping) You will notice occasional elevated levels and can thus do something for your protection. Incidentally, you have to rely on the official measurements / import controls. Please know not crazy. This thread is the detection capability of the wheel rate, with respect to beta and gamma / x-ray radiation, not questioned. It is claimed that the wheel rate can not detect alpha radiation. The manufacturer is probably a sensitivity from 6 MeV. There are above alpha emitters and below this limit. As I have just received the wheel rate, I first went to my collection of minerals, have kept the wheel rate to a piece of pitchblende and a value of 1900 on the four-digit display is read. So is a value just below the display limit, which converted about 112 microsieverts. This value is consistent with the measured values of my calibrated equipment. A good first impression. Then easily executed for each test came with the paper reproached that I once folded, and which serves to shield alpha rays. The display value fell by about 200th What does that mean? The statement that the wheel rate can measure any alpha radiation is not correct. Beyond a certain limit, here indicated by the manufacturer with 6 MeV, the device detects this radiation. I just leave and access to standardized alpha emitters I have only to work again. Then I could determine the sensitivity accurately. Incidentally, no one can, the measure offered in this price range Geiger-Müller counter, alpha radiation. Mir is certainly not known. For twice the price of a wheel rate I know I have a device (with however small detection window) which can measure from 4 MeV alpha radiation and thus zb.Thorium 232 (major isotope which occurs in nature) can not detect. For another 100 euros more, but there is a Geiger counter which from 2.5 MeV can detect alpha radiation. It's all a matter of price. Of course, the customer would like to have a low-priced device, highly sensitive to all types of radiation. That does not exist but. In my view, the wheel rate is a good robust and effective device and should not be so criticized. The device will be my companion in everyday life, while shopping and I will also be used for long-term measurements (even though I have very sensitive, very expensive equipment). Contact with logos Tr @ de is exemplary, so I could get on request a device without automatic shut-off and a proposal for an external counter. Anyone can inform yourself about the specifications prior to purchase and it is also useful to previously incorporate something in the matter. For the event of a disaster of this device is due to the EMP strength recommended anyway. From me there is a strong buy recommendation! The enclosed Uranglas may incidentally be shipped legally by mail. Finally, I would like to still assure you that I did not at Logos Tr @ de Work or other connections to the company.
I hope my post is helpful for the one or other interested parties.
