1Overview
The palmRAD 907 is an easy-to-use, portable radiation meter designed to accurately detect and measure levels of radioactivity for a multitude of health and safety applications. Lightweight and compact in design, it detects and measures alpha, beta, gamma, and X-ray radiation using a 2-inch pancake GM detector with high sensitivity to beta and alpha sources.
The palmRAD 907 is an economical radiation detection solution for non-technical personnel in government, law enforcement, or the private sector. A slide switch on the front panel turns the unit on or off and toggles between audible and silent chirp modes. Another slide switch lets the user reset total counts or display the radiation activity in mR/hr, CPM, CPS, or mSv/hr. The instrument comes with a protective pouch that secures to a user's belt for convenience in operation or transportation. The palmRAD 907 meets CE certification requirements for Europe.
2Key Features
- Detects alpha, beta, gamma, and X-ray radiation with a 2-inch pancake GM detector
- Display modes: mR/hr, CPM, CPS, mSv/hr, and Total Counts
- 4-digit liquid crystal display with mode indicators
- User-adjustable alarm threshold
- Acquisition timer for timed readings from one minute to 24 hours
- Loud audible chirp, one chirp per radiation event; can be muted
- Red LED flashes with each radiation event
- "Safety first" calibration feature that can eliminate radiation exposure to the calibration technician
- Economical solution for non-technical personnel; includes a belt-mounted protective pouch
- Meets CE certification requirements for Europe
3Detector & Performance
The Model 907 is built around a halogen-quenched Geiger-Mueller tube with a 1.75 inch (45 mm) effective diameter. A thin mica window at 1.5 to 2.0 mg/cm² density admits alpha and beta particles alongside gamma and X-ray photons, so a single 2-inch pancake GM detector covers four radiation types with high sensitivity to beta and alpha sources.
The 4-digit LCD switches between mR/hr, CPM, CPS, mSv/hr, and Total Counts. Display updates every 3 seconds, showing the average for the past 30-second time period at normal levels; the averaging period shortens as the radiation level increases, and the user can select a fast 3-second averaging period. An anti-saturation circuit holds the readout at full scale in fields up to 100 times the maximum reading, so the instrument stays usable when it enters a strong field.
Detection efficiency by isotope
| Isotope | Efficiency |
|---|---|
| Sr-90 (546 keV, 2.3 MeV max) | approx. 75% |
| Bi-210 (1.2 MeV max) | approx. 64% |
| Am-241 (5.5 MeV) | approx. 36% |
| C-14 (156 keV max) | approx. 11% |
Efficiency figures are referenced as follows: Sr-90 (546 keV, 2.3 MeV max), C-14 (156 keV max), Bi-210 (1.2 MeV max), and Am-241 (5.5 MeV). Sensitivity is 3,500 CPM per mR/hr referenced to Cs-137, with accuracy of ± 15%.
4Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Detector type | Halogen-quenched Geiger-Mueller tube |
| Detection types | Alpha, beta, gamma, X-ray |
| Detector effective diameter | 1.75 in (45 mm) |
| Mica window density | 1.5 to 2.0 mg/cm² |
| Display | 4-digit liquid crystal display with mode indicators |
| Averaging periods | Display updates every 3 seconds, showing the average for the past 30-second time period at normal levels; averaging period decreases as the radiation level increases; user-selectable fast 3-second averaging period |
| Operating range – mR/hr | 0.001 to 100.0 |
| Operating range – mSv/hr | 0.01 to 1,000 |
| Operating range – CPM | 0 to 300,000 |
| Operating range – CPS | 0 to 5,000 |
| Operating range – Total Counts | 1 to 9,999,000 counts |
| Sensitivity | 3,500 CPM per mR/hr (referenced to Cs-137) |
| Accuracy | ± 15% |
| Timer options | 1 to 10 minutes in 1-minute steps; 10 to 50 minutes in 10-minute steps; 1 to 24 hours in 1-hour steps |
| Count light | Red LED flashes with each radiation event |
| Audio | Beeper sounds with each event; can be muted |
| Outputs | Dual miniature jack drives CMOS or TTL devices, sending counts to computer or data logger; submini jack allows for electronic calibration |
| Anti-saturation | Readout holds at full scale in fields up to 100 times the maximum reading |
| Temperature range | -10 to +50 C (14 to 122 F) |
| Power source | One 9-volt alkaline battery |
| Battery life | Minimum 200 hours at normal background; minimum 24 hours at 1 mR/hr |
| Dimensions | 150 x 80 x 30 mm (5.9 x 3.2 x 1.2 in) |
| Weight | 350 g (12.5 oz) with battery |
| Certification | Meets CE certification requirements for Europe |
| Options | Wipe Test Plate |
| Neutron detection | Not detected (alpha, beta, gamma, and X-ray only) |
| Energy range | (verify) |
| IP rating | (verify) |
5Applications
- Compliance and inspection
- Emergency response
- Quality control
- HAZMAT
- Industrial, medical, and emergency-response surveying
- Precise measurement of low-level contamination using the Total/Timer feature
6Options & Accessories
The optional stainless steel Wipe Test Plate slides easily onto the 907, positioning the depression and wipe directly in front of the GM tube at a fixed distance of 1 centimeter. The Wipe Test Plate is removable for general surveying or decontamination. It can also be used to protect the GM tube from damage and to keep the instrument from being contaminated while the 907 is not in use.
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Wipe Test Plate | Stainless steel plate that positions a wipe 1 cm in front of the GM tube; removable; also protects the detector when the unit is not in use |
7Ordering / In the Box
The standard Model 907 ships as a complete handheld survey meter with the integrated 2-inch pancake Geiger-Mueller detector, the mica-window assembly, one 9-volt alkaline battery, and a protective pouch that secures to a user's belt. The Total/Timer feature takes timed readings for periods from one minute to 24 hours for precise measurement of low-level contamination. Add the optional Wipe Test Plate for swipe surveys.
To configure a Model 907, request a quote, or arrange a demonstration, contact Berkeley Nucleonics at info@berkeleynucleonics.com or 800-234-7858.