The Best Geiger Counters

Ionizing radiation can be very harm to humans and other living creatures such that there are usually warning signs whenever there is some type of source nearby that a person needs to be cautious around. Since this type of radiation is also invisible and not readily picked up by human senses there has to be a device used to measure the vicinity and alert someone when this type of energy is being emitted. Twenty years after the initial discover concerning the method of detection was when the Geiger-Müller counter (its full name) became a reality. That year was 1928, but now there are a myriad of available options such that they are even affordable enough to keep in a home or office when necessary.

How Does It Work?
The Geiger-Müller tube is the magic behind the contraption, and it is basically a tube filled with an inert gas which then has high voltage applied to it. Radiation passing through the tube will make the gas conductive and this is amplified by a physics principle called the Townsend Avalanche which allows the electronics to pick up the signal and emit a readout or a sound or both. But, none of this technical complication has to really be understood if a person is just wanting to know if they are at risk. The following devices will all help with that measurement.

What Is Measured And Units
Geiger counters are usually sold to be used for measurements on environment, soil and non-consumable products with the ability to detect and measure β (Beta), γ (Gamma) and X-ray Radiation. Radioactive contamination will generally be the result of beta particles, and so it is important that the Geiger counter handle these properly. The penetration power of such rays increases so that Alpha has the least followed by Beta and then Gamma (X-ray) as the highest. It is safest to be able to measure all of these types as this RADEX model can.
The amount of radiation can be seen as a dosage and this is generally measure in Sieverts, but a smaller increment is used due to one of those being really high for humans. So, a microSievert (µSv) is a millionth of a Sievert and that is a useful when charted per hour. There is also a microRem/h which is another type of readout that might be seen. Conversion may be necessary depending on what is being worked on.

Best Geiger Counter For Beginners

1. RADEX RD1503+ w/o dosimeter
Quarta-Rad Inc is a well known manufacturer of these geiger meter and other radiation detection equipment. They are based in Delaware and this particular model is an upgrade that was released in 2017 and has since received some of the best feedback on Amazon for such a product. At around $155 it is reasonably priced and is simple enough that even a novice should have no problem taking accurate measurements.
This device has two measurement units corresponding to those seen above: the µSv/h and µRem/h. It is precise to within plus or minus 15% and runs on two simple AAA batteries. The LCD screen is excellent and easy to read even under low light conditions with clear explanations. This is probably going to be the best option for a first Geiger counter and in particular for novices.

Advanced Model With Dosimeter

2. RADEX RD1212-BT Advanced Radiation Detector
This RD121-BT is another great product from the trusted name Quarta-Rad, but for a slightly higher price tag at around $228 there are a lot of advanced features incorporated into this model. It is targeted more for the advanced user or someone who needs to use it for a job. The primary difference is the incorporation of a dosimeter which measures the total exposure over a certain period of time. So, for example, say the user sees a readout on the display which says 30 µRem/h an hour this is only useful for the instantaneous indication. In order to protect against harm to the body the dosimeter will also keep track of total exposure so that if someone stays in that same area for 2 hours then the dosimeter will read something like 60µRem. Radiation exposure is cumulative and so severe risk is considered 83 mSv/hr while extreme risk is 333 mSv/hr where 100% death is expected.
The BT in this model's name mean that it is seamlessly integrated to a Bluetooth cell phone for sharing and graphing results. There are a number of smart apps which can take things to the next level. It can also read temperature and air pressure and store many of these measurements in its internal memory.
Geiger Meter For A Budget
3. GQ GMC-300E-Plus Digital Geiger Counter Nuclear Radiation Detector
Amazon's top choice for a Geiger meter is going to be this model from GQ Electronics. It has the dosimeter mentioned above so that it can also safely help to limit total exposure while providing all of the audio and visual signals that should be expected from a top grade device. At only about $99 it can be seen as a bargain by in this space and has much of the functionality such as usb connections and an audio port which can be connected to an ipad. While it certainly does not have all of the fancy stuff that the Bluetooth model above has, it can provide all of the same measurements and keep the user out of harm's way. It is a top choice because it is great for the budget-minded consumer who wants to own a device without splurging for all of the unnecessary features.

Professional Grade Counter

4. IMI Inspector Alert V2 Geiger Counter
IMI (International Medcom Inc) is a company that is known for their products being used by the professionals and as such the price is significantly higher than the other choice on this list at $589. However, if the longevity, accuracy and durability of the counter is of significant importance then this is the one brand that can be trusted and relied on in all of those areas. These are ideal when looking to equip a team of technicians with the equipment that can be trusted not to fail them when it matters the most.
It has the "Pancake" GM sensor with mica window which allows for differentiation between the various type of sources as well as having expert phone support which surpasses all of the other brands and warranty coverage that make it a must-have for the toolbox of a technician on any serious job.
Best Option For Certification Tests

5. GCA-03W Geiger Counter
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is the body which uses US government licensed laboratories in order to certify these Geiger counters. This is the highest level of certification that lets it be known that this model is accurate beyond comparison and can be used in even the most stringent conditions and environments. The counting resolution and range as well as the radiation resolution and range is superior to most other models out there once everything is certified and calibrated appropriately. At a price of about $320 it is still within the mid-range of these devices and can be used by expert hobbyists just as easily. If you want the US Government stamp of approval then this is the definite way to go.
6. Geiger Counter Gamma-Scout Online
It is important to round out this list with a version of the Geiger counter which may be seen throughout the industry as well. This can be an excellent professional's device while its $619 price tag may put it out of the reach of many who are not intending on using it as part of their daily routine. There are a great deal of resources out there regarding this one which will help with training.

Conclusion
Geiger counters are excellent devices that everyone should own if they have the chance. It is fun just to realize what type of environment exposure particular locations are presenting as well as being great for everyone from hobbyists to professionals to the self-declared survivalist who wants to be ready for anything. Choose one off of this list and you cannot go wrong with the selection.

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This page about Geiger Counter was composed by V. Tobies and published by Alternative.me.
It was last updated on 2024-10-15 08:10:54 and has been viewed 8816 times.