Radiation Alert Ranger® – Handheld Multi-Radiation Survey Meter

Specfications

Detector

Internal Halogen-quenched, uncompensated GM tube with thin mica window, 1.4-2.0 mg/cm2 areal density. Effective diameter of window is 45 mm (1.77 in.).

Operating Range
mR/hr – .001 (1µR) to 100
CPM – 0 to 350,000
µSv/hr – .01 to 1000
CPS – 0 to 5000
Total Counts- 1 to 9,999,000 counts

Energy Sensitivity
Detects Alpha down to 2 MeV. Detects Beta down to .16 MeV; typical detection efficiency at 1 MeV is approx. 25%. Detects Gamma and X-rays down to 10 KeV through the detector window. 3340 CPM/mR/hr (137Cs). Smallest detectable level for 125I is .02 µCi at contact.

Built-in Efficiencies
Sulfur (35S), Strontium (90Sr/y), Cesium (137Cs), Phosphorus (32P), Carbon (14C), Iodine (131I), Cobalt (60Co), and Alpha

Display
Graphic LCD with Backlight

Anti Saturation
Meter will hold at OVER RANGE in fields as high as 100 times the maximum reading.

Averaging Periods
This radiation detector display updates every 3 seconds. At low background levels, the update is the average for the past 30-second time period. The timed period for the average decreases as the radiation level increases.

Frequently Asked Questions About Radiation Alert Ranger®

What does the Radiation Alert Ranger detect®?

The Radiation Alert Ranger® is a handheld radiation survey meter that detects alpha, beta, gamma, and X-ray radiation using an internal GM tube. It measures results in mR/hr, µSv/hr, CPM, and CPS, and calculates activity in Bq and DPM for common isotopes like Cs-137, Co-60, and I-131.

Is the Radiation Alert Ranger® a Geiger counter?

Yes. The Radiation Alert Ranger® is a digital Geiger counter and radiation survey meter built around an internal Geiger-Müller (GM) tube. It goes beyond a basic Geiger counter by adding data logging, USB connectivity, optional Bluetooth, and adjustable alarm thresholds for professional field use.

Outputs

USB for use with Free Observer USB Software for PCs. Bluetooth Wirelessly connects the instrument with an Android mobile device for use with Free Observer BLE App and optional Bluetooth module available for use with Observer BLE APP and CBRN Responder.

Count Light
Red LED flashes with each radiation event.

Power Indicator
Internally mounted beeper (can be switched off for silent operation)

Power Requirements
USB Power or Two (2) AA alkaline batteries (included). Approx. 800 hrs @ background.

Accuracy
Reference to Cs137
Typically ±15% from factory, ±10% with NIST Source Calibration NIST Calibration Additional

Selectable Alert Settings
mR/hr .001 – 100 and CPM 1 – 350,000. Pulsating beeper sounds the alert. Adjustable alert levels are used for mR/hr / CPM, and µSv/hr / CPS. 70db @ 1m. Alarm will sound when in Timer Mode when set alarm threshold is reached.

Temperature Range
-10° to +50°C (14° to 122°F)

Humidity
10% to 70% Non-Condensing.

Size
140 X 68 X 33 mm (5.5 X 2.7 X 1.3 in.)

Weight
291g (0.64 lbs.)

Includes
Carrying Case, Rubber Boot, Lanyard, Stand, Batteries, Mini-USB Cable, Observer USB Software, Observer BLE Software to be used with optional Bluetooth module available,  Certificate of Conformance

Options
Wipe Test Plate, Swipes, Water Resistance Case, NIST Calibration,
Bluetooth module available for use with Observer BLE APP and CBRN Responder

Limited Warranty
1 year limited warranty

How accurate is the Radiation Alert Ranger® radiation detector?

The Radiation Alert Ranger® is accurate to within ±15% of true value from the factory when referenced to Cesium-137, improving to ±10% with an optional NIST-traceable calibration. Its GM tube detects gamma and X-rays down to 10 keV and beta particles down to 0.16 MeV.

Can the Radiation Alert Ranger® be used for NORM and scrap metal screening?

Yes. The Radiation Alert Ranger® is commonly used for NORM (Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material) surveys, scrap metal screening, wipe testing, and surface contamination checks. Its adjustable alarm thresholds and wipe test plate accessory make it well-suited for regulatory inspections and gross contamination counting.

What is included with the Radiation Alert Ranger®, and how is data logged?

Each Radiation Alert Ranger® ships with a carrying case, rubber boot, stand, batteries, USB cable, and free Observer USB software for Windows. An optional Bluetooth module pairs with the free Observer BLE Android app for real-time readings, GPS tagging, and data sharing.