Mirion Technologies RDS-30

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Summary

Getting Started: First Use

Inserting Batteries

Step-by-step guide on how to properly insert and replace the instrument's batteries.

Instrument Operation: Basic Controls

Display Unit Indications

Explanation of the different units and indicators shown on the RDS-30 display.

Powering On the Instrument

Procedure for switching on the RDS-30 and its self-test sequence.

Instrument Operation: Display and Menus

Display Illumination

How to activate and control the display backlight.

Menu Navigation Overview

Guide to accessing and navigating through the instrument's menu items.

Switch Off Procedure

Steps to safely power down the RDS-30 instrument.

Managing Dose Measurements

Viewing and resetting cumulative dose, and controlling chirp function.

Instrument Operation: Alarms and Advanced Features

Chirp Function Control

Enabling/disabling the audible chirp and setting its sensitivity.

Dose Rate and Dose Alarm Settings

Configuring single and multilevel dose rate and dose alarms.

Instrument Diagnostics and Error Codes

Performing diagnostics and understanding instrument error messages.

Data Communication and Logging

Using IrDA for PC communication and histogram data logging.

Interpreting Display Messages

Understanding various messages and warnings displayed by the instrument.

Configurable Parameters

Display, Chirp, and Test Settings

Configuration options for display backlight, chirp, and battery/display tests.

Alarm and Histogram Configuration

Configuration of alarm levels, modes, and histogram settings.

Indication Unit Selection

Choosing between µSv/h and mrem/h for dose rate indication.

Maintenance and Specifications

Maintenance Procedures

Guidance on instrument maintenance and battery replacement.

Technical Specifications

Detailed specifications for physical, electrical, environmental, and connection.

Accessories

Configuration Software

Information on the CSW software for instrument setup.

The Mirion RDS-30 Survey Meter is a digital handheld dose rate meter designed for personnel who may be exposed to gamma and/or X-ray radiation. It is microprocessor-controlled and features a user-friendly interface with a single push button and an LCD display. The device provides sequential alarms for fixed dose rate values and can store dose rate events in its histogram memory.

Function Description:

The RDS-30 measures gamma and X-ray radiation within a range of 48 keV to 1.3 MeV. It utilizes an energy-compensated GM tube, with energy response according to ambient dose equivalent H*(10). The measurement range for dose rate is 0.01 – 100,000 µSv/h or 0.001 – 10,000 mrem/h, and for cumulative dose, it's 0.01 – 1,000,000 µSv or 0.001 – 100,000 mrem. The device offers adjustable alarm levels for both dose rate and accumulated dose. Different alarm situations are indicated by a combination of audio-visual effects on the LCD and a buzzer, covering dose rate alarms, low battery warnings, device defects, and dose rate overflow. The histogram function records 480 dose rate values with a configurable time interval (10 to 14,400 seconds) and operates on a FIFO principle, replacing the oldest value with the newest once full. A ring counter tracks memory overflows.

Important Technical Specifications:

Radiation Detected: Gamma and X-rays, 48 keV to 1.3 MeV.
Detector: Energy-compensated GM tube, with energy response according to ambient dose equivalent H*(10).
Measurement Range:
- Dose Rate: 0.01 – 100,000 µSv/h or 0.001 – 10,000 mrem/h.
- Dose: 0.01 – 1,000,000 µSv or 0.001 – 100,000 mrem.
Calibration Accuracy: ± 5% of the reading in 137Cs exposure, at 3 mSv/h (300 mrem), +20°C (68°F).
Dose Rate Linearity: ±10% ± 1 digit in the range of 0.0001 - 100 mSv/h.
Response to Radiation Energy: ±30% over the range of 48 keV - 1.3 MeV.
Response to Angle of Radiation Incidence: ±25% within ± 45° from the calibration direction with 48 keV energy.
Power Supply: 2 x alkaline cell IEC LR6/AA.
Battery Life: At least 2000 hours at normal background with alkaline cells.
Battery Alarm: Two-step alarm for low battery voltage.
Case: Rugged plastic case.
Dimensions: 78 x 126 x 32 mm.
Weight: 170 g without batteries, 220 g with batteries.
Temperature Range:
- Operational: -25°C to +55°C (-13°F to 131°F).
- Storage: -40°C to +70°C (-40°F to 158°F).
Connection: IrDA link to PC.
Document Number: 2096 5600, Version 1.13, Issue Date 24.4.2014.
Order Numbers: RDS-30 µSv/h: 1233-244, RDS-30 mrem/h: 1233-250.
Configuration Software Order Number: 1233-246.

Usage Features:

The RDS-30 is operated via a single push button. A short press produces a beep, while a long press (until a second beep) completes an action. The six-digit display shows dose rate and various messages.

Switch On: Press the push button briefly. The meter performs a self-test (all segments lit, buzzer activated, backlight on, battery test, HV-generator test, IrDA-link activated for 3 seconds). The dose rate is displayed within 10 seconds.
Display Illumination: A single short press activates the backlight for 10 seconds. Configurable options allow for timeout mode (10 seconds), user-defined mode (on until pressed again), or permanently on.
Menu Navigation: A long press (approx. 3 seconds) activates the menu, displaying "oFF". Short presses scroll through menu items. A long press on a desired menu item activates it. If no button is pressed for 7 seconds, the display returns to dose rate.
Switch Off: From the menu, select "oFF" and long-press the button.
Cumulative Dose (doSE): Displays and can be reset (configurable).
Chirp Function (cHirP): Can be activated/deactivated and set to high or low sensitivity (configurable). High sensitivity chirps for every GM-tube pulse; low sensitivity divides the pulse rate by 16.
Dose Rate Alarm Level (drAL): Configurable for single or multilevel alarm. Users can select from 8 predefined levels (disabled, 10, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 5000, 10000, 50000 µSv/h or mrem/h), which can be customized via CSW. Multilevel alarm activates sequentially.
Dose Alarm Level (doSEAL/doAL.ti): Configurable for single or multilevel alarm. Similar to dose rate alarm, with 8 predefined levels (disabled, 100, 500, 1000, 5000, 10000, 50000, 100000, 500000 µSv or mrem), customizable via CSW.
Time to Dose Display: Double-click the push button to show the time required to reach the current dose alarm level (hhHmm format, max 99H59). This feature is configurable.
Diagnostics (diAG): Shows battery capacity (e.g., cAP67), firmware version, and performs a battery/display test. "LobAt" indicates weak batteries.
IrDA Communication (irdA): Activates the infrared port for 7 seconds for communication with CSW software to change configuration or download histogram data. No dose rate measurement is performed when IrDA is active.
Histogram Interval (HiSto): Displays the current logging interval (in seconds) or "diSAbL" if disabled. Configurable to store instant, average, or maximum dose rate values.
Indication Unit: Selectable between µSv/h and mrem/h.

Maintenance Features:

General Maintenance: No specific maintenance is required apart from periodic calibration checks.
Cleaning and Decontamination: Can be performed using solutions suitable for ABS polymer and polycarbonate materials.
Battery Replacement: Open the battery compartment cover, remove old batteries, and insert two new IEC LR6/AA alkaline batteries, observing correct polarity. After replacement, it is recommended to perform the functional test (diAG). If "LobAt" appears, refit the batteries.
Error Handling: The device displays "dEF" (defective) and "Err+number" (e.g., Err3 for detector error) with a continuous audible alarm if a critical error occurs. Non-critical errors may show "Err+number" alternating with dose rate, providing a visual alarm without an audible one. Users should note the error number and contact the manufacturer for servicing.
Configuration Software (CSW): Used for advanced configuration, including disabling menu items, customizing alarm levels, and managing histogram settings. The CSW allows downloading histogram data and setting a time stamp for accurate time scale.