Heathkit® Manual

for the

RADIATION MONITOR
Model RM-4
595-3475-04

Copyright© 1985
HEATH COMPANY Heath Company
Alf Rights Reserved
BENTON HARBOR, MICHIGAN 49022 Printed in the United States of America
Page2 I
Heathkit®

Table of Contents

Introduction ............................... 3 In Case of Difficulty ..............� ....... 26

Troubleshooting Chart .........../........ 2 7
Assembly Notes ........................... 4
Specifications ................... -1· ......• 28
Parts List ................................. 7
C rcu t Description •••••••••••••••• ·•••••• · 29
Step-by-Step Assembly ..................... 9 � � 1
.
C1rcmt Board X-Ray View ........ T ....... 30
Tests and Adjustments .................... 18
Initial Tests ............................ 18 Semiconductor Identification Chart . ........ 31
Alignment Without Instruments ........... 19
Instrument Alignment ................... 20 J
Glossary ................................. 32

Final Assembly ........................... 22 Schematic Diagram . Illustration Boo et, Page 10.

Operation ................................ 23 Warranty .................. Insidifront cover.

Theory of Operation ...................... 25 Customer Service ............ Insid. rear cover.

 Page 3

Heathkit

INTRODUCTION

Your Heathkit Model RM-4 Radiation Monitor is a

small, convenient, hand-held Geiger counter with NOTE: T lis Radiation Monitor will not measure any
which you can check suspected radioactive ele­ sort of emissions other than those originating from
ments. These elements include the well-known an atomic source. It will not measure microwave en­
alpha, beta, and gamma rays, and other isotopes not ergy, for example, as it is electromagnetic in nature.
as well known. For example, radium-dial watches
can cause this instrument to react, as well as the Your Radiation Monitor comes with a convenient
small amounts of the materials used in some smoke­ zippered carrying case that has a belt clip, and also
detection devices. with a convenient hand-held carrying strap.

Your Radiation Monitor is of sufficient accuracy to If you want to be sure that the radiation in the sur­
warn you that low levels of radiation do exist, even rounding atmosphere or in any products or devices
at the "harmless" levels; and it can warn you when is within a safe level, your Radiation Monitor can
these levels exceed recognized thresholds. provide you with these assurances.

Levels of radiation up to 50 millirems of energy are

indicated on an easily-read meter which is accurate BATTERY
to within ±20% of full-scale reading (without in­
strument alignment), or ±10% of full-scale reading You will need to purchase a 9-volt NEDA Type 1604
(if instrument aligned). You can also become aware (or 1604A) alkaline transistor battery to power your
of the presence of radioactive materials by a flashing Radiation Monitor. We suggest that you make this
red LED (light-emitting diode) and, if you desire, an purchase now to have it on hand when you need
audio tone from a transducer ("beeper") which is it. Representative manufacturers and their type
easily turned on or off with a front panel control numbers are:
switch.
 I
I
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Herthkit

ASSEMBLY NOTES

TOOLS
You will need these tools to assemble your kit.

LONG-NOSE DIAGONAL WIRE PHILLIPS

PLIERS CUTTERS STRIPPERS SCREWDRIVER

-oTiiERiiiLPFU�-----------------------
Toots �

/
DESOLDERING
BULB•
i

NUT STARTER
DESOLDERING
BRAID•
PENCIL
SOLDERING IR�N
I
(May Be Supplied (22to25WATTf3)

---------------------------------------------
With Kit)
•ro Remove Solder From Circuit Connections.
••••

ASSEMBLY 3. Pictorials show the overall o�eration for a

group of assembly steps; Details �nerally illus­
trate a single step. When you ate directed to
1. Follow the instructions carefully. Read the en­ refer to a certain Pictorial "for •the following
tire step before you perform each operation. steps," continue using that Pictorial until you
are referred to another Pictori11 for another
2. Refer to the separate "Illustration Booklet" for group of steps.
I
the Pictorials and Details. Keep the "Illustra­ I
tion Booklet" with the Assembly Manual. The 4. Position all parts as shown in the !Pictorials.
I

illustrations in it are arranged in the proper se­

quence, as called for in the steps. 5. Solder instructions are generall)'l given only at
the end of a series of similar s�eps. You may
solder more often if you desire. i
I
 Pages

Heathkit*
6. Each circuit part in an electronic kit has its own SOLDERING
component number (R2, C4, etc.). Use these
numbers when you want to identify the same Soldering is one of the most important operations
part in the various sections of the Manual. you will perform while assembling your kit. A good
These numbers, which are especially useful if solder connection will form an electrical connection
a part has to be replaced, appear: between two parts, such as a component lead and
a circuit board foil. A bad solder connection could
— In the Parts List, prevent an otherwise well-assembled kit from
operating properly.
— At the beginning of each step where a com­
ponent is installed, It is easy to make a good solder connection if you
follow a few simple rules:
—In some illustrations,
1. Use the right type of soldering iron. A 22 to
— In Troubleshooting Charts, 25-watt pencil soldering iron with a 1/8" or
3/16" chisel or pyramid tip works best.
— In the Schematic,
2. Keep the soldering iron tip clean. Wipe it often
— In the sections at the rear of the Manual. on a wet sponge or cloth; then apply solder
to the tip to give the entire tip a wet look. This
process is called tinning, and it will protect the
7. When you are instructed to cut something to tip and enable you to make good connections.
a particular length, use the scales (rulers) pro­ When solder tends to “ball” or does not stick
vided at the bottom of the Manual pages. to the tip, the tip needs to be cleaned and retin­
ned.

SAFETY WARNING: Avoid eye injury when NOTE: Always use rosin core, radio-type solder
you cut off excessive lead lengths. Hold the (60:40 tin-lead content) for all of the soldering in
leads so they cannot fly toward your eyes. this kit. This is the type we have supplied with the
parts. The Warranty will be void and we will not
service any kit in which acid core solder or paste
has been used.
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Heathkit*
RESISTORS RESISTOR COLOR CODE CHApT
Bandl Band 2 Band 3 Multiplier
Resistors are identified in Parts Lists and steps by (if used)
their resistance value in fl (ohms), kfl (kilohms), or
Color 1st Digit 2nd Digit 3rd Digit
Mil (megohms). They are usually identified by a
color code of four or five color bands, where each Black 0 0 0 1
color represents a number. See the “Resistor Color Brown 1 1 1 10
Red 2 2 2 100
Code” chart. These colors are given in the steps in 1,000
Orange 3 3 3
their proper order (except for the last band, which Yellow 4 4 4 10,000
indicates a resistor’s “tolerance”; see the “Resistor Green 5 5 5 100,000
Tolerance Chart”). You do not need to memorize the Blue 6 6 6 1,000,000
Violet 7 7 7 10,000,000
color codes. Gray 8 8 S 100,000,000
White 9 '9- 9 j —
Silver — — I .01
Gold — — ---- I .1

5-BANO RESISTORS I
(±1%) RESISTOR TOLERANCE CHA|RT
COLOR OR LEpTER
4-BAND RESISTORS ±10% SILVER j
± 5% GOLD j J
’ G
± 2% RED
± 1% BROWN i f
±0.5% GREEN D
Occasionally, a “precision” or “power” resistor may
±0.25% BLUE C
have the value stamped on it. The letter R, K, or
±0.1% VIOLET B
M may also be used at times to signify a decimal
point, as in: 2R2 = 2.2 ft ±0.05% GRAY
2K2 = 2.2 kft, or 2200 ft
2M2 = 2.2 Mft
MULTIPLIER CHART
FOR THE MULTIPLY FOR THE i MULTIPLY
Precision resistors may also be marked as shown in NUMBER: I
NUMBER: BY: BY:
the following examples. The values of the multi­ 4 ;
0 1 10,000
pliers are shown in the “Multiplier Chart,” and the
1 10 5 100,000
tolerance values are shown in the “Resistor Toler­
ance” chart. 2 100 8 0.01
3 1000 9 0.1
t
Resistor Multiplier
Value Tolerance CAPACITOR TOLERANCE CFjART
I ,
10 pF OR | OVER
LETTER
EXAMPLES: 1009C = 100 x 0.1 = 10 O, ± 0.25% LESS I 10 pF
1001 D = 100x 10 = 1000 0, ±0.5% B ±0.1 pF
C 1
±0.25 pF
CAPACITORS D ±0.5 pF
F ±1.0 pF ±1%
Capacitors will be called out by their capacitance G ±2.0 pF ±2%
value in jiF (microfarads) or pF (picofarads) and H ±3%
type: ceramic, Mylar®, electrolytic, etc. Some J- J ±5%
capacitors may have their value printed in the fol­ K ! ±io%
lowing manner:
M ! ±20%
i
First and second digits of
capacitor’s value: 15 EXAMPLES: 151K = 15 x 10 = 150 pF I
759 = 75 x 0.1 = 7.5 pF \
Multiplier: Multiply the I
first & second digits by NOTE: The letter “R” may be used at times ch) signify a decimal
the proper value from the point, as in: 2R2 = 2.2 (pF or p,F). |
“Multiplier Chart.”
To find the tolerance of
the capacitor, look up
this letter in the capacitor Tolerance chart.
 Page 7

Heathkit

PARTS LIST

Open the Parts Pack and check each part against the To order a replacement part, always include the
following list. The key numbers correspond to the PART NUMBER. Use the Parts Order Form fur­
numbers on the Parts Pictorial (Illustration Booklet, nished with this kit. If a Parts Order Form is not
Page 1). Do not remove any parts that are supplied available, refer to “Replacement Parts” inside the
on the tape strips until they are called for in an rear cover of this Manual.
assembly step. If a part is packed in an individual
envelope, with a part number on it, identify the part;
then place it back into its envelope until that part
is called for in a step. Do not throw any packing
materials away until you have accounted for all the
parts.

KEY HEATH QTY. DESCRIPTION CIRCUIT KEY HEATH QTY. DESCRIPTION CIRCUIT
No. Part No.Comp. No. No. Part No. Comp. No.

CAPACITORS TRANSISTORS-INTEGRATED CIRCUITS (ICs)

Ceramic NOTE: Transistors and integrated circuits may be marked for iden­
tification in any of the following four ways:
Al 230-5473 2 390 pF (391) C1A, C19A
Al 230-5477 2 .001 jlF(102) C7.C8 1. Part number.
Al 230-5478 1 .0027 p.F (272) C10 2. Type number (on integrated circuits, this refers only
Al 230-5474 6 .0047 jiF (472), Y5P* LI 2-017 to the numbers and letters printed in bold type; the
Al 230-5472 2 .01 |iF (103) C2, C5 remaining letters or numbers may be different or mis­
sing).
3. Part number and type number.
Other Capacitors 4. Part number with a type number other than the one
listed.
A2 230-5476 1 .01 p^F Mylar C4
A3 230-5518 1 .01 pF polypropylene (103J) 03 C1 230-5489 1 2N2222 (PN2222) transistor Q2
A2 230-5479 1 .022 p,F Mylar C9 01 230-5490 1 2N3906 transistor Q1
A4 230-5480 1 10 jjlF tantalum Oil
A5 230-5481 1 47 jlF electrolytic 018 NOTE: If any of the following ICs were shipped on foam strips,
A5 230-5482 1 220 jiF electrolytic 06 do not remove them from these strips until you are directed to do
so in an assembly step.

DIODES 02 230-5491 1 IOM755510 U1

03 230-5492 1 CD406910 U3
81 230-5483 4 1N4937 diode D3-D6 03 230-5493 1 LM3086 IC U2
81 230-5486 3 1N5278 diode CR4-CR6
81 230-5487 1 1N5226 diode (K5226B) CR2
81 230-5517 1 1N4001 diode DI GENERAL
D1 230-5471 1 1000(1 K)(102) ft control VR1A
D2 230-5488 1 Red LED (light-emitting CR3
diode)
D3 230-5494 1 Transducer SP1
D4 230-5495 1 3-position slide switch SW1
D5 230-5496 1 4-position slide switch SW2
D6 230-5497 1 Meter Ml
D7 230-5506 1 Geiger tube (LND712) VI
♦May be substituted with .005 |iF, Y5P.
D8 230-5507 1 Transformer T1
Page 8
Heiathkit*
KEY HEATH QTY. DESCRIPTION CIRCUIT KEY HEATH QTY. DESCRIPTION
No. Part No. Comp. No. No. Part No.

HARDWARE MISCELLANEOUS (Cont’d.)

E1 230-5511 4 2-56 x 1/4" screw 64 230-5505 Metal screen

E2 230-5513 2 #4 x 5/16" flat head self-tapping screw 65 230-5508 Plastic knob
E3 230-5512 2 4-40 x 3/4" alien or flat head screw 66 230-5515 Anode dip
E4 254-26 2 #2 lockwasher 67 260-53 Alligator clip
E5 230-5510 2 2-56 spacer 344-90 Black wire
E6 230-5509 1 LED spacer 68 350-17 Tube, conformal coatirg
69 434-230 8-pin IC socket
69 434-298 14-pin IC socket
CASE COMPONENTS

230-5519 Consists of the next two parts: PRINTED MATERIALS

Fl 230-5500 1 Case top
F2 230-5501 1 Case bottom H1 230-5503 1 “Monitor 4" label
F3 230-5502 1 Battery cover H2 230-5504 1 Specification label
F4 230-5514 1 Carrying case with separate strap H3 1 Blue and white label [
597-260 1 Parts Order Form *
1 Assembly Manual (Se^ title page for
MISCELLANEOUS part number.)
solder
61 6-395-12 2 3.9 Mft (org-wht-grn) R16, R17
resistor
62 73-169 1-1/4" Foam tape
63 230-5498 1 Battery clip
230-5499 1 Printed circuit board

TAPED COMPONENTS

The remaining parts are supplied on taped strips.

It is not necessary to check them against the fol­
lowing list.

CIRCUIT HEATH QTY. DESCRIPTION CIRCUIT

HEATH QTY. DESCRIPTION
Comp. No. Part No. Comp. No.
Part No.__________________

RESISTORS
6-152-12 1 1500 n (brn-gm-red) - R12
1/4-Watt 6-472-12 1 4700 ft (yel-viol-red) R22
6-103-12 2 10kft(bm-blk-org) R1S, R19
NOTE: The following resistors are rated at 1/4-watt and have a 6-223-12 3 22 kfl (red-red-org) R3A, R9,
tolerance of 5% unless otherwise noted. The 5% tolerance is indi- R10
cated by a fourth color band of gold. 6-333-12 1 33 kft (org-org-org) , R2A
6-473-12 1 47 kN (yel-viol-org) RIA
6-109-12 2 1 ft (brn-blk-gold) R27, R28 6-224-12 1 220 kN (red-red-yel) i R7
6-101-12 1 100 ft (brn-blk-brn) R23 6-474-12 2 470 kN (yel-viol-yel) R18, R24
6-151-12 1 150 ft (brn-grn-brn) R13 6-185-12 1 1.8 Mft (bm-gry-grn) R4
6-471 -12 1 4700 (yel-viol-brn) R14 6-435 1 4.3 IVIN, 1 /2-watt (yel- R25A
6-122-12 1 1200 ft (brn-red-red) R11A org-gm)

i
s ©|
0 % % % 1 (INCHES) 2 3 4 7
I 1/8 . 3/8 I 5/8 , 7/8 I
i| 1 J—»| 1
,
|
I .
* ta ■ l| *
|
J—h—t
,
i‘ L‘ ‘i 1 i‘ 1
11 I1 ‘1* 1 l.l I, I ±. 1, I 4 l.,l \ U , 1
O 5 1 (CM) 2 3 4 s 6 7 S s 10 11 12 13 14 IS i
 Page 9

Heathkit*
HEATH QTY. DESCRIPTION CIRCUIT HEATH QTY. DESCRIPTION CIRCUIT
Part No.__________________ Comp. No. Part No. Comp. No.

Precision DIODES
NOTE: The following resistors are rated at 1/4-watt, and have a 56-16 1 1N5231B CR1
tolerance of 1%, unless otherwise noted. A1% tolerance is indicated 56-64 2 1N4148 D2, D7
by a fifth color-band of brown.

6-1212-12 1 12.1 kft (brn-red-brn-red) R21 NOTE: We suggest that you purchase a 9-volt NEVA Type 1604
6-1242-12 1 12.4 kO (brn-red-yel-red) R8 (1604A) alkaline battery for your kit at this time so it will be readily
6-2052-12 1 20.5 kO (red-blk-grn-red) R6 available when you complete your assembly and need it for the
6-4122-12 1 41.2 kO (yel-brn-red-red) R20 Initial Tests.
6-2153-12 1 215 kfl (red-brn-gm-org) R5

STEP-BY-STEP ASSEMBLY

Refer to Pictorial 1-1 in the Illustration Booklet as 4. In general, solder instructions are given only
you read the following notes and perform the follow­ at the end of a series of similar steps; you may
ing steps. solder more often if you wish.

NOTES: ( ) Cut the “Taped Component Chart” from the

last page in the Illustration Booklet. Make sure
1. Many circuit board drawings, such as the one you read the instructions at the top of the
shown in Pictorial 1-1, are divided into two Chart before you use it. Note that it is divided
or more sections. You will be working on each into numbered sections which correspond to
of these sections in a specific series of steps. the numbered sections on the circuit board
Pictorial. The components are listed in the
2. In each series of steps, corresponding to a cir­ order of assembly. NOTE: Two resistors and
cuit board section, you will install parts in some diodes will not be on the tape strips.
a top-to-bottom, left-to- right sequence. Occa­
sionally, you may be directed to install a part In the following steps, you will be given detailed
out of sequence. Each part is identified in the instructions on how to install and solder the first
step and on the Pictorial with a special callout part on the circuit board. Read and perform each
(R101,0103, or D102, for example). step carefully. Then use the same procedure as you
install the remaining parts on the board.
3. As you perform each step, check it off in the
box provided. You may also wish to place a Note that the circuit board has foil patterns on one
check mark near each component on the Pic­ side and the other side has outlines of components
torial as you install the part. (parts) shown on it. The foil side of the board will
be referred to as such, and the side with the outlines
will be called the “component side” of the board.
Page 10
Heathkit*
Section 1 ) Solder the resistor leads to the circuit board
as follows: ■
( ) Position the circuit board on your work area
in front of you with the component side up Push the soldering iron tip against both
1.
as shown in Pictorial 1-1. NOTE: Always in­ the lead and the circuit board ijoil. Heat
stall parts on the component side of a circuit
both for two or three seconds. I
board and solder the leads or wires to the cir­
cuit board foils. SOLDERING

( ) If necessary, cut any small protrusions from COMPONENT

the edges of the circuit board; all edges should LEAD.

be smooth and even.

CIRCUI
( ) Cut the first part, a 220 kfl (red-red-yel) resis­
BO ARI
tor, from the Taped Component Chart as out­
lined in the Chart instructions. Bend the resis­
tor leads as shown to fit the hole spacing on 2. Then apply solder to the other side of the
the circuit board. connection. IMPORTANT: Let the heated
lead and the circuit board foij melt the
solder.

I
3. As the solder begins to melt, sallow it to
flow around the connection. Then remove
the solder and the iron and let $ie connec-
( ) R7: Start the leads into the holes at the resis­
tor’s location near the top of Section 1 of the
circuit board. The end with the color bands
may be positioned either way. NOTE; Resis­
tors are identified by the following outline:

OUTLINE

I
VALUE OR
COMPONENT ( ) Cut off the excess lead lengths cljose to the con­
NUMBER nection. WARNING: Clip the leads so the ends
will not fly toward your eyes, j
( ) Press the resistor down against the top of the i
circuit board. Then bend the leads outward ( ) Check each connection. Compare it to Figure
slightly to hold it in place. 1 in the Illustration Booklet. After you have
checked the solder connections^ proceed with
the assembly on this and on the following
pages. Use the same soldering] technique for
each connection. (
I
 Page 11
®
Heathkit ----------------
Start at the top of Section 1 and install the following Section 2
parts. The sequence of the steps matches the location
of the components on the circuit board. NOTE: Make NOTE: Disregard any letters included with part call­
sure you installed resistor R7 in an earlier step. outs on the circuit board; for example, disregard the
"A" in R2A if it is shown on the board.

l
In order to make the assembly easier, you may wish
to cut the parts from a section of the Taped Compo­ ( R2: 33 kf! (org-org-org) resistor.
nents Chart and, as you do this, prebend the leads
and lay the parts on your work area in the exact ( ) R3: 22 kf! (red-red-org) resistor.
order of assembly. Then you can hold the circuit
board while you install the parts in sequence with­ ( ) R21: 12.1 kf!, 1% (brn-red-brn-red) precision
out interruption. resistor.

( ) RB: 12.4 kf!, 1% (brn-red-yel-red) precision re­ R13: 150 f! (brn-grn-brn) resistor.
sistor.
CR2: 1N5226 diode (#230-5487) (not on taped
NOTE: Whenever you install a diode, be sure to al­ strips).
ways match the banded end of the diode with the
outline of the banded end on the circuit board. If R15: 10 kf! (brn-blk-org) resistor.
a diode is incorrectly installed, the circuit will not
operate properly. R11A: 12000 (1.2 k) (brn-red-red) resistor.

RlO: 22 kf! (red-red-org) resistor.

BAND i /
�
� (v) R9: 22 kf! (red-red-org) resistor.
;;/;,$) ND

�
( ) Solder the leads to the foil and cut off the ex­
GLASS COLORED cess lead lengths.
BAND
BODY END
INSIDE
CAUTION:ALWAYS POSITION THE
BANDED END OF A DIODE AS Section 3
SHOWN ON THE CIRCUIT BOARD.

( ) R20: 41.2 kf!, 1% (yel-brn-red-red) precision

resistor. Your board may be screened 36.5K
( ) Dl: 1N4001 diode (#230-5517) (not on the at this location.
taped strips).
R28: 1 f! (brn-blk-gld) resistor.
R4: 1.8 M_f! (brn-gry-grn) resistor.
R12: 1500fl (1.5 k) (brn-grn-red) resistor.
R5: 215 kf!, 1% (red-brn-grn-org) precision re­
sistor. R14: 470 fl (yel-viol-brn) resistor.
( ) R6: 20.5 kf!, 1% (red-blk-grn-red) precision re­ Solder the leads to the foil and cut off the ex­
sistor. cess lead lengths.

R19: 10 kf! (brn-blk-org) resistor.

Section 4
R27: 1 f! (brn-blk-gld) resistor.
( ) R25: 4.3 MO, 1/2-watt (yel-org-grn) resistor.
Solder the leads to the foil and cut off the ex­
cess lead lengths. Be sure to correctly position each diode over its out­
line on the circuit board in the following steps.

( /cR4: 1N5278 diode (#230-5486) (not on taped

strips).
 i
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He4thkit" I

( ) CR5: 1N5278 diode (#230-5486) (not on taped ( ) (Section 1). Install a 14-pin IC �ocket at U3
strips). as outlined in Figure 2. Position ithe indexed
end of the socket toward the right. i
( ) CR6: 1N5278 diode (#230-5486) (not on taped
strips). ( ) (Section 1). In the same mann install an
8-pin IC socket at U1. Position th:ndexed end
I,
CR1: 1N5231B diode (#56-16). of the socket toward the right. I
( ) R17: 3.9 MO (org-wht-grn) resistor (not on ( ) (Section 2). In the same mannet, install the
taped strips). remaining 14-pin IC socket at U2� Position the
indexed end toward the bottomj edge of the
( ) R16: 3.9 MO (org-wht-grn) resistor (not •On circuit board. i
taped strips).
NOTE: Be sure to read the informatio� on handling
( ) D2: 1N4148 diode (#56-84). Position the CMOS ICs as outlined in Figure 2 be�re you pro-
banded end toward the bottom of the board. ceed.
i
( R23: 100 n (bm-blk-bm) resistor.
I

( ) U3: (Section 1). CD4069 IC (#23q-5492) at U3.

Be sure to position the indexed �nd of the IC
R18: 470 kn (yel-viol-yel) resistor. toward the right.
I
R22: 47000 (4.7 k) (yel-viol-red) resistor. ( ) U1: (Section 1). ICM7555 IC (�230-5491) at
U1. Be sure to position the inde,cled end of the
Solder the leads to the foil and cut off the ex­ IC toward the right. :
cess lead lengths.
( ) U2: (Section 2). LM3086 IC (#23�-5493) at U2.
Be sure to position the indexed 1end of the IC
Section 5 toward the bottom edge of the circuit board.
I
( ) R24: 470 kn (yel-viol-yel) resistor. I
Section 1 I
NOTE: The next four parts are not on the taped I
NOTES:
strips.
In the following steps, when y�u mount ce-
I

1.
D3: 1N4937 diode (#230-5483).
ramic capacitors, do not push :the leads all
the way down through the circui� board holes.
D4: 1N4937 diode (#230-5483).
These leads may have a thin coaµng of insula­
) D5: 1N4937 diode (#230-5483). tion that will prevent making $ good solder
connection. :
D6: 1N4937 diode (#230-5483).
2. Some of the circuit board outliJes have more
Solder the leads to the foil and cut off the ex­ than two holes in which to momi,.t the ceramic
cess lead lengths. capacitors. Select the two holies that best
match the lead spacing of the d,apacitors you
Refer to Pictorial 1-2 for the following steps. received with your kit. i

NOTE: You will install some of the components in I

I

this Pictorial out of sequence. Each of these excep­ INSULAIION

tions will be noted at the beginning of the step.
=���!!!!!l!lillll:
Refer to Figure 2 in the Illustration Booklet for com­
plete information on how to install IC sockets and
integrated circuits in the following steps.
 Page 13
Heathkit*____________
r ) Cl: 390 pF (391) ceramic capacitor. ( ) 012: .0047 (472) Y5P ceramic capacitor.

( ) 02: .01 jiF (103) ceramic capacitor. ( ) Solder the leads to the foil and cut off the ex­
cess lead lengths. NOTE: Save a cut-off
( ) C5: .01 |xF (103) ceramic capacitor. capacitor lead for use in a following step.

( ) Solder the leads to the foil and cut off the ex­ NOTE: In the next step, when you install the transis­
cess lead lengths. tor, be sure to position the flat on the transistor over
the outline of the flat on the circuit board as shown.
Then insert the leads into the circuit board holes
Section 2 and solder them to the foil. Cut off the excess lead
lengths.
( ) C19: 390 pF (391) ceramic capacitor.

NOTE: You may have received .005 jjlF, Y5P

capacitors instead of .0047 p,F, Y5P capacitors to in­
stall in the steps below for capacitors 017, C16, C15,
C14, C13, and 012.

( ) 017: .0047 |iF (472), Y5P ceramic capacitor.

There are three holes in the circuit board; use
the left hole and either right hole - the one
that fits best.

( ) 07: .001 p,F (102) ceramic capacitor. ( ) Q2: (Section 1). 2N2222 transistor (#230-
5489).
( ) OS: .001 jxF (102) ceramic capacitor.
( ) Ql: (Section 3). 2N3906 transistor (#230-
( ) CIO: .0027 jiF (272) ceramic capacitor. 5490). NOTE: Bend the center lead forward as
shown. Solder the leads to the foil and cut off
( ) Solder the leads to the foil and cut off the ex­ the excess lead lengths.
cess lead lengths.

Section 3

( ) CIS: .0047 piF (472) Y5P ceramic capacitor.

NOTE: In the the next four steps, there are three

holes in the circuit board at each location. Use the
upper hole and either of the lower holes - the hole
that fits best.

( ) 015: .0047 (472) Y5P ceramic capacitor.

( ) 014: .0047 (472) Y5P ceramic capacitor.

( ) 013: .0047 (472) Y5P ceramic capacitor.

Page 14

Heathkif
Refer to Pictorial 1-3 for the following steps. i
I

Section 1

( ) Locate the small hole just in front of transistor

Q2. Push the piece of the cut-off capacitor lead
(saved from a previous step) down through
this hole as shown. Solder the wire to the foil;
cut off the excess end on the foil side of the
board. Then, on the component side of the
board, cut the wire end even with the top of
Q2.
( ) SW1: 3-position slide switch. NOTE: This
switch can be correctly installed, in only one
direction.

Section 2

NOTE: In the following step, be sure ypu insert the

( ) C4: .01 jxF Mylar capacitor. resistor leads in the two indicated holes^

( ) C3: .01 jiF (103)) polypropylene capacitor. ( ) Rl. Bend one lead of a 47 kft | yel-viol-org)
resistor sharply downward as shown. Then
( ) Solder the leads to the foil and cut off the ex­ vertically mount the resistor at Rl
cess lead lengths.

NOTE: To prepare wires and leads, as in the next

step, cut them to the lengths indicated. Then remove
1/4" of insulation from each end, twist the fine
strands together, and add a small amount of solder
to hold the fine strands in place.

( ) If necessary, cut the battery clip leads to 3"

and prepare each lead end.

( ) At the lower left corner of the circuit board,

connect the red battery clip lead to the hole USE THESE
marked "REV + " and the black lead to the hole HOLES

marked "BLK-.” Solder the leads to the foil

and cut off the excess lead lengths.

NOTE: When you install the switches in the follow­ ) SW2: As in a previous step (aboye), install the
ing steps, first make sure all the switch leads are 4-position slide switch at SW£. Solder the
straight; then push the switch firmly down onto the leads to the foil. NOTE: One sjvitch lug has
top of the circuit board. Solder the two end tabs to no foil pad. ,
the foil. Then carefully check and make sure the
switch is all the way down on the surface of the
board. If it is not, reheat the end tabs as you press
down on the top of the switch. Then solder the re­
maining leads to the foil.
o yA i/2 % 1 (inches) 2 3

I.M'/l "'8i|7'8.l >,i i 11' ,1.^.1 t V-H J ‘i ' ■■

O 5 1 (CM) 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
 Page 15

Heathkit
NOTE: Before you install an electrolytic capacitor, Section 3
look at it and identify the leads. One lead will have
either a negative ( —) mark or a positive ( + ) mark ( ) Cll: 10 |xF tantalum capacitor. NOTE: Care­
near it on the side of the capacitor. (The marking fully check for the positive ( + ) lead of this
for a negative lead may look like an oblong bar, capacitor. This lead may be indicated by a
sometimes with a circle around it, inside an arrow.) positive ( + ) mark, a dot (.), or a bar. Be sure
... Be sure to install the negative lead in the nega­ to position this lead in the positive (+)
tive-marked hole, and the positive lead in the posi­ marked hole on the circuit board as shown.
tive-marked hole.
POSITIVE (+),DOT(•), OR BARG)
s'] MARK

( ) 09: .022 p,F Mylar capacitor.

NEGATIVE POSITIVE ( ) Solder the leads to the foil and cut off the ex­
(-) MARK ( + ) MARK
cess lead lengths.
( ) 06: 220 |1F electrolytic capacitor.
Turn the transformer (#230-5507) so the leads are
( ) 016:47 |xF electrolytic capacitor. facing upward. Then locate pin 1 - where the corner
is beveled and one of the corner protrusions has a
( ) Solder the leads to the foil and cut off the ex­ small hole in it. When you mount the transformer
cess lead lengths. in the next step, be sure to match this corner of the
transformer with the small black square in the corner
NOTE: When you mount the control in the next step, of the outline on the circuit board.
you may find that you have received a circuit board
with the center control lead hole behind the two
outer leads. If necessary, refer to the alternate draw­
ing and bend the center lead rearward under the con­
trol as shown. Mount the control facing the edge
of the circuit board. In either case, be sure the con­
trol is all the way down onto the surface of the board
and fits into the outlined area.

( ) VR1: Mount the 1000 (1K) control (#230-

5471) at VR1. Solder the leads to the foil and
cut off the excess lead lengths.

( ) Tl: Transformer. Solder two of the opposite

corner leads to the foil. Then make sure the
transformer is all the way down onto the board
before you solder the remaining leads.
Page 16 I ®
Heathkit
Refer to Detail 1-3B for the next three stebs.

( ) CR3: Push the leads of the red LED (#230- Locate the two holes in the circuit bolrd, one just
Section 2
I

5488) all the way through the center of the to the upper left of switch SWl, and the other just
LED spacer as shown. Then mount the LED to the upper left of switch SW2. Install spacers at
and spacer on the board at CR3, so the short those locations in the next step.
lead is nearest to 10 kn resistor R15. Hold the
spacer and LED tight against the top of the
I
( ) Mount two 2-56 spacers at the in�icated loca­
board and solder the leads to the foil. Cut off tions in the manner shown. Useiwo 2-56 x
the excess lead lengths. 1/4" screws and two #2 lockwash s.
T

NOTE: In the following step, bend th� Mylar and

polyester capacitors over slightly to abcommodate
the underside of the transducer.

Install the two transducer wire� at the two

holes labeled "beep." Solder the:wires to the
( )

foil and cut off the excess ends.

Coil the excess transducer wire! on the top

I

of the components between the �wo spacers;

( )

then secure the transducer to the !spacers with

two 2-56 x 1/4" screws.
Refer to Detail 1-3A for the next three steps.
( ) Refer to Detail 1-3C and set swit es SWl and
I

Bend the tip of the anode clip as shown. SW2 to their #1 positions as sho n.
Then push the clip onto the anode of the i
Carefully install your Type 160 battery onto
( ) 1.

Geiger tube so the end of the clip is down,

away from the glass element on the top of the battery clip.
!
( )

the tube.
( ) Set switch SW2 to its #2 positipn. Then set
( ) 2. Making sure the anode end of the Geiger switch SWl to its #3 position. I You should
tube is just clear of the edge of the circuit hear an occasional "beep" tone frllm the trans­
board as shown, push the tip of the anode ducer and, at the same time, you may see the
clip into the "anode" hole in the circuit red LED flicker. This condition i normal; you
board. Solder the clip to the foil. may proceed with the following lteps. NOTE:
If you do not hear the tone and o not notice
( ) 3. Push the end of the wire coming from the the red LED flicker (at some ran om rate from
top of the tube through the hole in the 5 to 25 beats a minute), removi the battery
upper right corner of the board as shown. from its clip, and refer to the "In Case of Diffi­
Solder the wire to the foil and cut off the culty" section of the Manual. Dq not proceed
excess wire end. until you have found and correc(ed this prob-
lem. I
NOTE: From this point on, handle the circuit board
assembly carefully to avoid damage to the LED and Reset both switches to their #1 positions and
i

spacer, as well as to the Geiger tube. remove the battery from the battezy clip.
I
( )

I
 Page 17
Heathkit____________
Refer to Pictorial 1-4 for the following steps. ( ) D7: Position the meter face up as shown. Bend
the leads of a 1N4148 diode to fit the spacing
( ) Refer to “Circuit Board Checkout” on this Page on the meter lugs. Push the diode leads
and, before you apply the conformal coating through the meter lug holes, making sure the
to the circuit board (below), carefully check banded end of the diode is toward the left.
the board as directed. Recheck once again after Solder the leads to the meter lugs. Do not cut
you have made all the final connections. off the diode leads.
CAUTION: The Dow Corning conformal coating in­ ( ) Ml: Position the meter diode lead ends down
cluded with this kit contains toluene and xylene. through the “meter” holes in the board. Push
Keep it away from heat and open flame. Use only the meter lugs down onto the top of the two
with adequate ventilation. pieces of foam tape. Then solder the diode
leads to the foil and cut off the excess ends.
NOTE: Following each of the next two steps, after
applying conformal coating to the circuit board, lay
the circuit board down horizontally to keep the coat­
ing from running off the board. You may proceed CIRCUIT BOARD CHECKOUT
after the coating has set for at least one hour for
each side of the board. Carefully inspect the foil side of the circuit
board for the following most-commonly-made
( ) Open the tube of conformal coating. NOTE: errors.
This coating has the consistency of thin syrup;
avoid squeezing the tube too hard and getting ( ) Unsoldered connections.
more of the coating than you need for each
application. ( ) Poor solder connections.
( ) Locate the area on the end of the circuit board ( ) Solder bridges between foil patterns.
labeled “coated area.” Turn the board foil side
up, and carefully squeeze about 1/4 of the coat­ ( ) Protruding leads which could touch to­
ing onto the area indicated. With a cotton gether.
swab, or a similar “spreader,” smooth the coat­
ing over the indicated area. Refer to the illustrations where parts are in­
stalled as you make the following checks:
( ) Set the circuit board aside, foil side up, on
a surface where it will remain level for at least
( ) Transistors for the proper type and instal­
one hour.
lation.
( ) Turn the circuit board component side up and,
( ) Electrolytic capacitors for the correct po­
in a similar manner, coat all of the surface of
sition of the positive (4-) and negative (—)
the board, around the bottoms of the
marks.
capacitors and the transformer, in the areas in­
dicated. Temporarily bend the capacitors side­
ways as necessary to spread the coating.
( ) Diodes for the correct type and correct po­
sition of the banded ends.
( ) Set the board aside in a horizontal position
for at least one hour.
( ) ICs for the proper type and installation.
Refer to Detail 1-4A for the next three steps.
NOTE: There are some unused holes in the circuit
( ) Cut two 3/8" pieces of foam tape. Remove the
backing from both pieces, and press them in board.
place on the top of the board on each side of
resistor R28 in the manner shown.

0 % Vi 3A 1 (INCHES) 2
I 1/8 . 3/8 I 8/8 . 7/8 I , | , I
1 I' h ■ 4 »| I I I ■ ,1
O 5 1 (CM) 2 3 4 5
Page 18

____________________________________ Heathkit

TESTS AND ADJUSTMENTS

INITIAL TESTS ( ) Set the ohmmeter range to XI Meg. With the

positive probe, measure TP1. You should read
Refer to Pictorial 2-1 for the following steps. greater than 50 Mft.

( ) Position the circuit board assembly on your Disconnect the ohmmeter leads. Set the multi­
work area as shown. If necessary, disconnect meter to read 500 volts DC.
the battery from the battery clip. Handle the
assembly carefully.
Voltage Checks
NOTE: If you have a high input impedance VTVM
or digital multimeter, you may perform the follow­ NOTE: If you do not obtain the correct voltage read­
ing tests. If you do not have a VTVM or this equip­ ings, refer to the “In Case of Difficulty” section of
ment, proceed to “Alignment Without Instruments.” the Manual. Voltages may vary ± 10%.

( ) Remove one screw from the transducer and

Resistance Checks move it out of the way temporarily, as shown
in the inset drawing.
NOTE: If you do not get the proper resistance read­
ings in the following steps, check for solder bridges ( ) Install a 9-volt NEDA Type 1604 (1604A) al­
and for the correct installation of diode DI. kaline transistor battery on the battery clip.

l ) Set “OFF, ON, AUDIO” switch SW1 to posi­ Connect the negative (common) voltmeter lead
tion 1 as shown in the Pictorial. This is its to the foil pad at the lower right corner of the
“off” position. circuit board where the black battery lead is
connected.
( ) Connect your ohmmeter negative (common)
lead to the negative battery clip terminal (you Set “OFF, ON, AUDIO” switch SW1 to posi-
may wish to check which terminal this is by tion 2. Very carefully, using the positive meter
the marking on your 9-volt battery). probe, measure the voltage at TP1. Check for
450 to 530 volts DC.
( ) Set the ohmmeter to read X1000.
( ) Set the voltmeter to the +15 volt DC range.
( ) Connect the ohmmeter positive probe to the
positive ( + ) battery clip terminal. You should ( ) Measure at TP4 for a reading of approximately
measure infinity (open circuit). 7- 10 VDC.
( ) Set “OFF, ON, AUDIO” switch SW1 to posi­ ( ) Measure at TP2 for a reading of Approximately
tion 2 (on). You should measure greater than 8- 10 VDC.
7000 ft.
( ) Set “OFF, ON, AUDIO” switch SW1 to posi­
( ) Reverse the ohmmeter leads. You should mea­ tion 1 (off). Disconnect the voltmeter leads and
sure greater than 3000 ft. set the meter aside temporarily.
( ) Set “OFF, ON, AUDIO” switch SW1 to posi­ This completes the “Voltage Checks.” If you are not
tion 1 (off). You should measure greater than going to perform an instrument alignment (Page 20),
4000 ft. reinstall the screw in the transducer.
]
( ) Connect the common ohmmeter lead to the i

negative battery clip terminal. With the posi­

tive probe, measure IC U2 pin 4. You should
obtain a reading greater than 8000 ft.
 Page 19
Heathkit*
ALIGNMENT WITHOUT INSTRUMENTS ( ) Set switch SW1 to position 2.

When you perform the following tests, you will mea­ ( ) Check the meter; it should swing toward the
sure normal background radiation, which can occur upper end of the dial, and should come to rest
at random intervals of from approximately 5 to 25 in the "BATT” position. This indicates that
counts per minute, depending on your location and your battery is in good condition. If it does
altitude. This is a good indication that your instru­ not come to rest in this area, try another bat­
ment is operating correctly. tery.

To further determine if your unit is functioning ( ) At the same time, you may notice the red LED
properly, you may find some sources of ionizing blinking slowly at a random rate; this is nor­
radiation around your home. These may include mal.
radium-dial watches, certain types of stoneware,
cloisonne jewelry, some gold jewelry, rock collec­ NOTE: If you have a known radioactive substance
tions, lantern mantles, smoke alarms, and antistatic to enhance the reaction of your Monitor, place this
devices. substance approximately 1" away from the face of
the Geiger tube before you proceed.
Caution: Always carefully approach and handle
any substances you suspect may contain radioac­ ( ) Set switch SW1 to position 3 and SW2 to its
tive elements with extreme care. position 1. You should now hear a "beep”
from the transducer each time the red LED
If you are unable to find any substance or item that blinks. The meter needle should also jump
will provide the desired response from your Radia­ slightly with each beep of the transducer.
tion Monitor, some local health departments, offices NOTE: This reaction will be proportionally
of emergency preparedness, or schools may be able higher if you do have a radioactive source.
to assist you with low-grade radioactive materials
for test purposes. ( ) Set switch SW2 to its position 2. The trans­
ducer sounds will be less noticeable and short­
Refer to Pictorial 2-2 for the following steps. er in duration and the LED will turn on and
go out more abruptly.
( ) Position the circuit board assembly as shown.
Handle the assembly carefully. ( ) Set SW2 to position 3. The sound will again
diminish and you may be unable to see the
NOTE: If you do not get the correct results in the flash of the LED.
following steps, turn off the Radiation Monitor, dis­
connect the battery, and check for any sign of a prob­ ( ) Set SW1 and SW2 to their #1 positions.
lem. If you are unable to determine the cause a prob­
lem, refer to the "In Case of Difficulty” section of ( ) Remove the battery from the battery clip and
this Manual. set it aside temporarily.

( ) With a small screwdriver, turn control VR1A NOTE: You can perform a more accurate alignment
to the center of its rotation. Try to get this as of your Radiation Monitor if you have the following
close as possible. instruments. If you do not, however, skip the "In­
strument Alignment” steps that follow and proceed
( ) Push the toggle of switch SW2 to position 4. directly to "Final Assembly.”
Page20 I ®
Heathkit
Connect your voltmeter negatit,e (common)
lead to the battery clip negative ontact. Con-
INSTRUMENT ALIGNMENT ( )

For this "Instrument Alignment," you will need: nect the positive lead to TP1 as hown in the
I

Pictorial. Set the voltmeter to re f at least 500

• A calibrated digital voltmeter, 11-megohm volts DC.
(or greater) input impedance. i
Set "OFF, ON, AUDIO" switch W1 to posi-
I

• A 0-9 volt DC power supply. tion 2 (on, no audio). i

( )

• A current meter (0-1 and 0-30 mA). At TP1 you should read betweeq 450 and 530
volts DC, 490 volts being typicalj This reading
( )

• A 10 MHz (or greater) oscilloscope. should be stable within 1 volt. er· rrent should
read between 140 and 350 µ.A, 90 JJ,A being
• A Pulse generator, capable of producing a typical.
510 Hz signal with a bandwidth of 15.84 µ.s.
Reduce the power supply to 6 . olts DC. The
Refer back to Pictorial 2-1 for the following steps. high voltage reading at TP1 shoU/1d not change
( )

more than 3 volts.

Locate the black wire supplied with your kit. Refer I
to Detail 2- 1A and prepare this wire and the al­ Reset the power supply to 9 voltsjDC.
ligator clips as follows.
Set your pulse generator to 510.�Hz, with 43.6
I

( ) Remove 1/4" of insulation frqm each end of µs, negative-going pulses, TTL; level. Check
the wire. Then tightly twist the bare wire ends this frequency and pulse width fith the oscil-
and add a small amount of solder to hold the loscope.
fine strands together. i
Set "RANGE" switch SW2 to po*tion 3.
( ) Crimp and solder an alligator clip to each end
of the black wire in the manner shown. Apply the pulse generator signal to TP2 on the
i

Monitor. The meter needle should rise.

NOTE: You will not use your 9-volt battery for the
following tests and adjustments. Adjust control VRtA to produc� a meter read-
ing of exactly 30 mR/hr (.3 on th� scale).
( )

( ) Set "OFF, ON, AUDIO" switch SW1 to posi­

tion 1 (off).

i
Set "OFF, ON, AUDIO" switchl SW1 to posi-
tion 3 and check the operation 9f the red LED
( )

( ) Connect your 9-volt DC ( ± .1 volt) source, and the transducer.

through a current meter set to measure 0-1 mA
to the battery clip contacts. Make sure you ob­ Turn off and removed the pulse enerator from
the Monitor.
( )
serve the correct polarity. I
I

( ) Set your current meter to read 2q-3o mA.

!
( ) Set "RANGE" switch SW2 to position 2 (X10).

I
 Page 21

Heathkit____________
( ) Set “RANGE” switch SW2 to position 4. This completes the “Instrument Alignment” of your
Radiation Monitor. This alignment will produce an
( ) Connect one alligator clip of the jumper wire instrument accuracy of ± 10% of full-scale reading.
you prepared to TP2. Then, as you observe the For a more accurate calibration of your Radiation
current meter, momentarily touch the battery Monitor, a registered radiation standard must be
negative ( —) contact with the other alligator used, a service which can be offered only by an au­
clip. You should observe a current of about thorized calibration service agency. One such
25 mA. agency providing this service for a fee of approxi­
mately $35.00 (at the time of this printing) is:
( ) Turn off the “Monitor 4" power (SW1 to posi­
tion 1). Disconnect and turn off the instru­ Radiation Service Organization
ments. Remove the jumper wire from the Mon­ 5204 Minnick Rd.
itor. Laurel, MD 20707

( ) Reinstall the transducer with the screw you Proceed to “Final Assembly.” Handle the assembly
removed during the “Voltage Checks.” carefully.
Page22
H+�hkit'
I
FINAL ASSEMBLY
Refer to Pictorial 3-1 for the following steps. ( ) If necessary, slightly adjust th� case bottom
and case top so they mate wel� all the way
( ) If necessary, remove the battery from the bat­ around. I
tery clip.
( ) Install two 4-40 x 3/4" allen I or flat head
( ) Remove the paper backing from the blue and screws into holes A and B at the top of the
white label. Then press the label in place in­ case. i
side the case bottom as shown in the inset I
drawing. NOTE: Be sure to refer to the Model ( ) In the battery compartment, s ure the case
and Series numbers on the blue and white halves together as shown, usiig two #4 x
label in any correspondence you have with the 5/16" flat head self-tapping sc ews. Do not
Heath Company about your kit. overtighten these screws anJ strip their
threading in the case top.
( ) Position the metal screen down into the slots '
at the upper end of the case top as shown. ( ) Remove the paper backing from:the specifica-
tion label and carefully press th label in place
( ) Carefully lower the circuit board assembly on the case back, within the la el ?utline in
into the case top, component side down, mak­ the case, as shown.
!
f
ing sure the two switch toggles and the red
LED emerge through their respective front ( ) Refer to Detail 3- lA and reinst 11 the battery
panel holes. clip on the battery as shown. P ition the bat­
tery down into its compartment; then slide the
( ) As you hold the circuit board firmly in place, battery cover in place over the fop of the bat­
make sure the meter is centered in its front tery. Make sure this cover is latcb.ed in place.
panel opening. If necessary, you may carefully
push the side of the meter with a small screw­ Refer to Pictorial 3-2 for the following �teps.
driver to correctly position it in place. Then
Position your kit as shown in thejPictorial.
I

make sure the end of the Geiger tube is in posi­

I

tion, just behind the metal screen as shown.

Remove the paper backing froJ the "Monitor
NOTE: It may be helpful if you obtain assistance 4" label and carefully press the label in place
with the following step, as it is necessary to keep on the lower front of the case as !fuown.
the circuit board and meter in position while you
I

push the battery clip into the case bottom.

I
( ) Push one of the small knobs onto the toggle
of each of the two switches as ;shown. Make
( ) Using a bit of force, push the battery clip sure the bottom edge of each khob fits down
through the long slot in the lower end of the into its case slot. Refer to the [nset drawing
case bottom in the manner shown. Lower the on the Pictorial and make surd the bevel on
case bottom down onto the back of the circuit both knobs is parallel with the �op of the case
board assembly, making sure the stud in the as shown.
center of the case goes through the large circuit
board hole. ( ) Make sure the "OFF, ON, AU9IO" switch is
in its OFF position.
/
 Page 23

Heathkit*
( ) Unzip the carrying case and remove the carry­ NOTE: You can slip the carrying strap metal loop
ing strap. over the belt clip on the back of the carrying case
to provide hand-held convenience if you desire.
( ) Slide the Radiation Monitor down into the car­ Otherwise, store the carrying strap in some conve­
rying case and zip the zipper closed. nient location.

This completes the “Step-by-Step Assembly” of your

Radiation Monitor.

OPERATION

PRECAUTIONS OPERATING THE RADIATION MONITOR

A. Handle your Radiation Monitor carefully, just Refer to Pictorials 4-1 and 4-2, (Illustration Booklet,
as you would a camera, for example. Page 9) as you read the following information.

B. Avoid exposing your instrument to liquids, NOTE: It may be helpful if your read the information
moisture, and corrosive gases; avoid extreme in the “Theory of Operation” section of the Manual
temperatures and direct sunlight, such as on before you start to use your Radiation Monitor.
your automobile dashboard, for long periods.
Always approach a suspected substance slowly and
C. If you are not going to use your Radiation carefully, and take all necessary precautions to avoid
Monitor for a long period of time (a month becoming contaminated.
or more), remove the battery and store it in
a cool, dry place. Always check the battery Turn on the Radiation Monitor. You may prefer to
to make sure it has a sufficient charge before keep the speaker off. If so, push the Off-On-Audio
you take any measurements. switch to its center (ON) position. If you also wish
to hear the instrument, push the switch to its AUDIO
D. The mica window of the Geiger tube can be position.
easily damaged if it is struck directly. Do not
push any sharp objects through the protective Check the battery condition; push the range switch
screen. to the BATT position. If the needle swings all the
way to the right into the BATT area on the meter,
E. To avoid contamination, do not touch the you may proceed. If it does not, replace the battery
Monitor to any of the test substances. with a new one.

F. This Radiation Monitor may be sensitive to Set the RANGE Switch to its XI position. In this
radio frequency, micro wave, electrostatic, or position, the meter will indicate from zero to
magnetic fields and may not operate effi­ .5 mR/hr as indicated on the scale. This is the instru­
ciently in such areas. ments most sensitive range and you will use it for
the lowest levels of radiation detection. When you
Page24

Hea\hkit'
approach a suspected substance, if the needle goes
all the way to the top (right) of the meter, set the Beta Radiation
RANGE switch to the X10 position. In this position
the Monitor will measure from zero to 5 mR/hr. Once Point the Geiger tube toward the source of adiation.
again, if the meter still goes all the way to the right, You do not need to be as close to the sour as with
set the RANGE Switch to the X100 position. In this alpha radiation. To determine if the sour is emit­
position, the meter will indicate up to 50 mR/hr. ting beta rays, place a 1/16" thick piece of l
a uminum
It is the least sensitive of the meter ranges, and will between the source and the Monitor. If indica­
indicate approximately 2500 times the normal back­ tions cease, the source is probably emitting eta par­
ground radiation. ticles.

As we said earlier, approach a suspected substance Gamma Radiation

slowly and carefully. Never touch the Radiation
Monitor to a radioactive source; it may become con­ Hold the back of the Radiation Monitor dire tly over
taminated. the specimen; do not point the tube towar it. Hold
a piece of aluminum between the Monitor and the
i
specimen; if the indications cease, this spe imen is
DETERMINING TYPES OF RADIATION probably emitting high-energy beta radiati n. If the
indications persist, the specimen is most lik ly emit­
When you have found a source of radiation, you ting gamma particles. It is important to r ember
should try to learn more about its specific type. Is that most isotopes give off both beta an
is alpha, beta, gamma, or X-ray? radiation.

Alpha Radiation Low Level Gamma and X-Rays

Position the Monitor close to the suspected source Hold the back of the Radiation Monitor to ard the
of radiation (within 1/4"). Place a piece of paper be­ source material. Low level gamma parti es and
tween the source and the end of the Geiger tube. X-rays will show no meter indication in t is posi­
If the instrument indication stops, the source is tion. Reposition the instrument so the tub points
probably emitting alpha particles. Be careful han­ toward the source. Apply the paper and al minum
dling any alpha emitters; they are especially danger­ tests for alpha and beta radiation (pa er and
ous when inhaled because they may persist in the aluminum). If you get an indication and it !Persists
lungs for months or years. through these tests, the source is probably t¼mitting
I
gamma or X-rays.

IMPORTANT: Keep in mind that although speci­

men may indicate that it is emitting gamm radia­
tion, it may also contain alpha and beta-pr,1· ducing
materials at the same time, even though the !lPPlied
paper and aluminum tests indicate little or n� reduc­
tion in the meter indication.
 Page 25

Heathkit*

THEORY OF OPERATION
Geiger counters are designed to detect the kind of Although you may have the best of intentions, it is
radiation associated with radioactive materials. This possible to draw misleading conclusions unless you
does not include microwave, RF (radio frequency), know exactly what you are measuring.
laser, infra-red, or ultra-violet radiation. Do not at­
tempt to measure microwave radiation inside the Your Radiation Monitor was designed with the abil­
microwave oven; you will damage your Radiation ity to detect the broadest possible range of ionizing
Monitor! radiation in a simple instrument. To accurately mea­
sure the entire spectrum of ionizing radiation, how­
The Heathkit Radiation Monitor senses ionization ever, you would need a room full of very expensive
by means of a Geiger-Mueller tube with a thin mica equipment.
window (1.5 to 2 mg/cm2 thick). The tube is fully
enclosed inside the instrument. When a ray or parti­ If you detect radioactivity with your instrument,
cle of ionizing radiation strikes the tube, it is sensed exercise extreme caution to avoid unnecessary expo­
electronically and displayed by a flashing count on sure. Notify the proper authorities. Depending on
the red LED, and you can hear a "beep" from the your location, you may wish to contact your state
speaker. You can expect to see and hear from 5 to emergency management agency, your state health
25 random counts each minute from naturally occur­ department, or the NRG regional office. If you have
ring background radiation, depending on your loca­ an emergency situation, you may want to call your
tion and altitude. state or local police department during non-office
hours when the other offices may be closed.
Your Radiation Monitor will detect four main types
of ionizing radiation: Alpha, beta, gamma, and
X-ray. It is calibrated for Cesium 137, but also serves HOUSEHOLD SOURCES OF RADIATION
as an excellent indicator of relative intensities for
many other isotopes of similar energies. Some of Smoke Detectors:
these isotopes that the Monitor will detect are Cobolt
60, Technetium 99M, Phosphorous 32, Strontium Many smoke detectors contain a radioactive isotope
90, and many forms of radium, plutonium, uranium, as part of the sensing mechanism. These detectors
and thorium. are relatively safe when handled properly.

Some forms of radiation are difficult or impossible

for a Geiger tube to detect. Tritium, for example,
might barely be recorded through the thin mica win­ Lantern Mantles
dow. Tritium has industrial and military uses, and
is also a by-product of nuclear reactors. Some lantern mantles may be made with thorium.
If you use them, we recommend that you do not
On the other hand, the radiation from some isotopes use them in enclosed areas that have poor ventila­
can over-excite a Geiger tube and cause the meter tion. Be careful that you do not inhale or ingest the
to indicate a higher level of radiation than is actually fine powder that is left when the mantle is burned
there. Americium 241 is an example of this. You out; dispose of the ashes in a safe manner so the
may find Americium 241 in smoke detectors and dust cannot be inhaled by others.
in a number of types of industrial density and flow
meters.
Page 26

Heathkit
Clocks, Watches, Timers There also have been reports of some imported
cloisonne being glazed with uranium oxidtz exceed­
Many old timepieces have dials and hands high­ ing U.S. limits. Some types of gemstones ipan be ir­
lighted with radium that makes them glow in the radiated by an electron beam or in an accelerator
dark. Tritium is most commonly used now. Al­ to enhance their color. Such treatment (does not
though tritium is also radioactive, it emits a low-en­ make the gems radioactive. However, in a different
ergy radiation that cannot penetrate the lens of the process, some gems have been irradiated iln a neut­
timepiece. ron flux in reactors, which caused them to be
radioactive later.

Static Eliminators
Rock Collections
Static eliminators, used to remove static from film
and records, commonly use radioactive polonium, Many natural formations contain radioactive mate­
a strong alpha emitter. rials. Hobbyists who collect such substance s should
vent the rooms in which they are stored and to take
precautions not to inhale any dust which can rub
Jewelry off of these specimens.

Some gold that had been used to encapsulate radium

and radon for medical purposes was improperly re­ Pottery
processed and entered the market in the form of
rings and other types of gold jewelry. Some pottery has a glazing compound containing
uranium oxide.

IN CASE OF DIFFICULTY

The following “Visual Checks” tell you what to do troubles by reheating all connections o make
about any difficulties that occur right after your unit sure they are soldered as described! in the
is assembled. If these “Visual Checks” fail to clear “Soldering” instructions in Figure 1 in the
up the problems, or if difficulties occur after your Illustration Booklet. I
unit has been in use for some time, refer to the
“Troubleshooting Chart.” The other paragraphs in 2. Closely examine the circuit board foil in a
this section will assist you in the procedures to use good light to see that no solder bridges exist
in checking for problems in your unit. between adjacent connections. Remove any
solder bridges by holding a clean, hot solder-
NOTE: Refer to the “Circuit Board X-Ray Views” for ing iron tip between the two points that are
the physical location of parts. bridged until the excess solder flow; down
onto the tip. Compare your foil patterns with
the “Circuit Board X-Ray Views.”
VISUAL CHECKS
3. Check to be sure each transistor is in thb prop­
1. About 90% of the kits that are returned to the er location (correct part number and/cpr type
Heath Company for service do not function number). Make sure each transistor lead is
properly due to poor connections and solder­ connected to the proper point.
ing. Therefore, you can eliminate many
 Page 27

Heathkit*____________________________________
the circuit boards have been trimmed as close
4. Check to be sure the correct diode is installed
as possible to the circuit board foils.
at each diode location. Make sure each diode
band is positioned above the diode band
printed on the circuit board. 8. Check for bits of solder, wire ends, or other
foreign matter which may be lodged among
5. Check each capacitor value. Make sure that the component leads.
a capacitor of the correct value is installed
at each capacitor location. Check electrolytic If you still have not located the trouble after the
capacitors to be sure their positive ( + ) and "Visual Checks” are completed, and if a voltmeter
negative leads are at the correct positions. is available, check the voltage readings at the loca­
tions indicated on the Schematic diagram. Read the
6. Check each resistor value carefully. Be sure "Precautions for Troubleshooting” before you make
in each step that the proper part has been any measurements. NOTE: All voltage readings were
wired into the circuit as shown in the Picto­ taken with a high input impedance voltmeter. Volt­
rial diagrams. It would be easy, for example, ages may vary slightly, up to ± 10%.
to install a 1200 ft (brn-red-red) resistor where
a 220 ft (red-red-brown) resistor should have NOTE: In an extreme case where you are unable to
been installed. resolve a difficulty, refer to the "Customer Service”
information inside the rear cover of this Manual.
7. Be sure all the wires and leads connected to Your Warranty is located inside the front cover.

Troubleshooting Chart
The following chart lists the condition and the possible causes of several malfunctions. If a particular part is
mentioned as a possible cause, check that part to see if it was correctly installed. Also check the parts connected
to it for poor connections. It is also possible, on rare occasions, for a part to be faulty and require replacement.

CONDIITON POSSIBLE CAUSE

Radiation Monitor completely inoperative. 1. Dead battery.

2. Poor solder connections on circuit board.
3. ICs U1 or U2.
4. Transistor Q1.
5. Diodes D3-D6.

LED does not light; meter inoperative; battery O.K. 1. ICU2.

2. Geiger tube defective.
3. Transistor 02 incorrectly installed.
4. LED.

No sound from transducer. LED blinks, meter movement O.K. 1. IC U3 incorrectly installed or defective.
2. Check transducer wire connections.

No meter movement; instrument otherwise O.K. 1. Meter.

2. Diode D7 shorted.
3. IC U2 incorrectly installed.

No 500 volts. 1. Diodes CR4, CR5, or CR6, D3-D6.

2. ICU2.
3. Transistor Q1.

Wrong voltage readings at TP4. 1. Meter M1 or IC U2.

2. Diode D7.
3. Resistors R11, R21, VR1.

Wrong voltage reading atTP2. 1. Resistor R1.

2. Transistor Q2.
3. ICU1.
Page 28

SPECIFICATIONS

Accuracy Noninstrument aligned, approximately ± z :o% of full

scale. Instrument aligned, approximately ±10% of
full scale.

Calibration Capable of being calibrated to ANSI standards by

certified lab to meet government regulatioiis.

Sensor LND 712 halogen-quenched GM tube w/mica win­

dow 1.5 to 2 mg/cm2 thick.

Sensor Rating Rated at 1000 cpm using a Cesium 137 laboratory

standard.

Audio Audible indication of each count in Aud|o switch

position, approximately 3000 Hz.

Energy Sensitivity:

Alpha Down to 2.5 MeV; typical detection efficiency at 3.6

MeV is greater than 80%.

Beta 50 KeV, typical 35% detection efficiency.

Gamma and X-Rays Down to 10 KeV typical through end window, 40

KeV through case.

Current Drain Idling, 190 jjlA typical; at 50 mR/hr, 5.5 mA typical.

Operating Voltage Range 7-11 volts DC.

Voltage Regulation High voltage fully regulated; less than 3 volt change
in output for a 9.0 V to 6.0 V drop in supply Voltage.

Power One NEDA type 1604 (1604A) alkaline battery.

Battery Life 2000 hours at normal background radiation levels.

Temperature Range 0 to +50 degrees C.

New Weight (including battery) 8.8 oz. (245 gm).

Dimensions 5.7" X 2.8" X 1.5" (145 X 62 X 38 mm).

The Heath Company reserves the right to descon­

tinue products and change specifications at any time
without incurring any obligation to incorporate new
features in products previously sold.
 Page 29

Heathkit---------------------------------------

CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION
Refer to the Schematic Diagram as you read the fol­ PULSE COUNT
lowing Circuit Description.
The output from IC Ul pin 3 is a series of pulses
either wider or narrower than those found at input
POWER SUPPLY pin 2. The pulse width is governed by an RC time
constant consisting of capacitor C3 and resistors R4
Power from the 9-volt battery is applied through through R6. The pulses are narrow when the Range
switch SW1 and resistor R28 to transistor Ql. The switch, SW2, is in the X100 position. These pulses
circuit of Ql, consisting of capacitor C9, resistor are routed through switch SW1 and resistor R10 to
R23, and transformer Tl, form an oscillator circuit IC U2E, causing it to conduct and to turn on the
which produces an approximate 120 volts AC on sounder circuit consisting of IC U3 and transducer
the secondary of Tl. This voltage is rectified and SP1. These same pulses are also routed to U2C
quadrupled by the action of capacitors Cl2 through which enables the red LED, CR3.
C15 and diodes D3 through D6. A regulated 500 volts
DC is filtered by capacitor Cl 6 and applied to Geiger Pulses coming from the emitter of IC U2C are routed
tube VI through resistors R24 and R25. A portion to U2D. The actions of diodes CR1 and CR2, with
of the 500 volts is also routed back and held constant reisistors R12 and R15, set the operating points of
by the action of diodes CR4 through CR6. these IC transistors high enough that there is good
noise immunity. Current flows through IC U2D and
Diode D2 with resistors R16 and R17 form a voltage variable control VR1A. Control VR1A sets the
divider which biases voltage regulator IC U2B and amount of current flowing through the circuit when
U2A. U2A supplies a correction voltage which is U2D is turned on by a pulse. Diode D7 and capacitor
filtered by capacitors C10 and Cll and controls the C6 form a meter protection circuit.
conduction of Ql.
AUDIO
RADIATION DETECTION
Sections A and F of IC U3 form an oscillator circuit
When atomic particles enter Geiger tube VI, the gas which is coupled to sections B, E, D, and C of the
inside the tube ionizes, causing the tube to draw IC to drive transducer SP1.
current. The output consists of negative-going pulses
which are routed through resistor R3A to turn on BATTERY CHECK
transistor Q2, triggering one-shot monostable multi­
vibrator IC Ul. Capacitor Cl and resistor R3A shape When switch SW2 is in the BATT position, the
the output pulses. Resistors R1A and R3A form a meter is connected between the battery and ground
voltage divider to set the operating level. through R21 and R20. In this position, the meter cir­
cuit simulates a circuit load and most accurately
shows the battery condition, as if the unit were
operating under normal loading conditions.
Page 30

Heathkit*

CIRCUIT BOARD X-RAY VIEW

To find the PART NUMBER of a component for the B. Locate the same number in the “Circuit Com­
purpose of ordering a replacement part: ponent Number” column of the “Parts List”
in the front of the Manual.
A. Find the circuit component part number (R9,
C4, D2, etc.) on the X-Ray view. C. Adjacent to the circuit component number,
you will find the PART NUMBER and
DESCRIPTION which must be supplied when
you order a replacement part.

(Shown from the component side.)

 Page 31

Heathkit

SEMICONDUCTOR IDENTIFICATION CHARTS

HEATH MAY BE
COMPONENT PART REPLACED KEY
NUMBER NUMBER WITH NUMBER

important: the banded end of

DIODES DIODES CAN BE MARKED IN A
NUMBER OF WAYS.

D1 230-5517 1N4001 A1
D2 56-84 1N4148 A1
D3-D6 230-5483 1N4937 Al
D7 56-84 1N4148 Al
CR1 56-16 1N5231B Al BANDED END (CATHODE)
CR2 230-5487 1N5226 Al
CR3 230-5488 MV57640 A2
CR4-CR6 230-5486 1N5278 Al

TRANSISTORS

Q1 230-5490 2N3906 B1
Q2 230-5489 2N2222 B1

INTEGRATED CIRCUITS

U1 230-5491 ICM7555 C1
U2 230-5493 LM3086 C2
U3 230-5492 CD4069 C3
Page32
Heathkit®

GLOSSARY
Alpha Particles-Positively charged particles emit­ Ion - An atomic particle, atom, or molecule that
ted from the nucleus of an atom. Alpha particles has acquired an electrical charge, either positive or
are relatively large and very heavy. Due to its strong negative, by gaining or losing electrons.
positive ionic charge, and large mass, an alpha parti­
cle cannot penetrate far into any material. A sheet Ionization - The process by which neutral atoms
of paper or an inch of air is usually sufficient to or molecules are divided into pairs of oppositely
stop most alpha particles. However, the alpha parti­ charged particles known as ions.
cle's charge produces a high level of ionization along
its path, and that can be very damaging to living Ionizing Radiation - Radiation capable of produc­
tissue. Inhalation or ingestion can be very danger­ ing ionization by breaking up atoms or molecules
ous. into oppositely charged particles called io s.

Background Radiation - Naturally occurring radia­ Radiation - The emission and propagation of ener­
tion that is always present. Sources of background gy through space or through matter in the form of
radiation include (1) high energy gamma rays from particles or waves.
the sun and outer space, and (2) alpha, beta, and
gamma radiation emitted from radioactive elements Radioactive - A term commonly used to refer to
in the earth. a source of ionizing radiation.

Beta Particles - Negatively charged particles emit­ Roentgen (ren-ken) - The basic unit of measure­
ted from an atom. Beta particles have a mass and ment of the ionization produced in air by gamma
charge equal to that of an electron. They are very or X-rays. One Roentgen (R) is the exposure to these
light particles, having a mass about 1/2000 of a pro­ rays that will produce one electrostatic unit of
ton and have a charge of - 1. Because of their light charge in one cubic centimeter of dr air. One
mass and single charge, beta particles can penetrate thousand milliRoentgens (1000 mR) = 1R. This unit
more deeply into matter than the alpha particles. is not defined for alpha or beta radiation.
A few millimeters of aluminum will stop most beta
particles. Radioisotope - A naturally occurring or artificially
produced radioactive form of an element.
Gamma Rays - Short-wavelength electromagnetic
radiation higher in frequency and energy than visi­ X-Rays - Electromagnetic radiation (photons) of
ble and ultraviolet light. Gamma rays are emitted higher frequency and energy than visible and ul­
from the nucleus of an atom. These high energy traviolet light, usually produced by bormbarding a
photons are much more penetrating than alpha and metallic target with high-speed electrons in a vac­
beta particles. uum. X-rays refer to photons emitted by interactions
involving orbital electrons rather than atomic nuclei,
as with gamma rays. X-rays and gamma rays have
the same basic characteristics. The only difference
between them is their sources.