Modern living conditions dictate the need to purchase certain devices that can timely determine the presence of harmful effects on the human body. Such devices include a dosimeter - a special device that allows you to measure the level of radiation in a particular place or object.
On sale today there are a large number of such equipment, people often seek to purchase them. These units are capable of taking measurements both outdoors and indoors. With their help, you can determine whether the products purchased on the market or other items are sources of radiation. Despite the fact that products of this type have been known for a long time, not all people know how to choose them correctly. It was for them that we decided to write our today's review of the best household radiation dosimeters of 2019. Here we will analyze in detail the useful qualities of specific devices, and also consider what dosimeters are and what points should be paid special attention to when buying them.
Summary of the rating:
How to choose a home dosimeter?
The key element of the dosimeter is a special sensor, with which you can determine the degree of radioactive contamination, and do it in real time. From the performance of this part directly depends on how quickly the result and its error will be obtained. The sensors are of two types - cylindrical and end. The former looks like an elongated tube made in the form of a cylinder. The end ones are equipped with a special ionization chamber, and the working surface here is much larger.
Most modern instruments are capable of measuring alpha, beta and gamma radiation. They allow you to determine the dose rate received in a predetermined period of time, and in this case it should be borne in mind that radiation has the property to accumulate in organic tissues. There is also a natural background radiation coming directly from the ground, so measurements taken at ground level will be slightly higher than those taken at some height.
In general, household appliances are characterized by compact overall dimensions and reasonable cost. Be sure to pay attention to the limits of measurement. Typically, in devices designed for use at home, this parameter is in the range from 0.05 to 10 μZ / h. There are models that are equipped with both end and cylindrical sensors, which allows for the highest accuracy in measuring the level of radiation. A similar approach increases the sensitivity of the equipment.
The manufacturer also needs to pay attention - Chinese companies have not yet learned how to make dosimeters of acceptable quality with rare exceptions, but domestic companies produce reliable, durable high-precision devices. It is advisable to give preference to the most compact models, so that you can put them in your pocket if necessary. If the dosimeter is capable of operating on batteries or batteries, this will be an additional plus.Most users prefer designs equipped with a liquid crystal monochrome display, from which it is convenient to read data. As a rule, it is equipped with a backlight, so the necessary information can be found even in conditions of lack of natural light.
When choosing models for inclusion in our rating of the best household dosimeters, we mainly based on these indicators. However, user feedback and value for money were also taken into account. We tried to select not very expensive devices, so that each of our readers could choose the best model for themselves, both in cost and in functional content.
10 best dosimeters
10. RADEX RD1008
Domestic products can be used not only in domestic but also in industrial conditions. With it, you can calculate the level of radiation, find out how dense the flow of radioactive particles is, calculate the doses of gamma and beta radiation. The device can work even with the heaviest alpha particles, which are usually found in luminous paint, some types of crystal and so on. The principle of operation of this equipment is based on the use of two Geiger-Muller counters. The first of these is aimed at determining alpha and beta particles. The second responds exclusively to gamma radiation. The data that comes from these sensors to the central processor is processed using the most advanced mathematical algorithms, and the data is displayed on a liquid crystal display.
The device responds to radiation quite quickly - it will take 1 to 21 seconds to get the result, depending on how strong the dose comes to the sensor. Two people can use the device at once, and each of them can set the most convenient settings for themselves. The sensitivity of the equipment is significantly higher compared to devices of the previous generation. The product runs on ordinary finger batteries, the energy consumption is negligible, so the power sources will have to be changed about once a year.
Benefits:
- Designed and manufactured taking into account current Russian and international standards;
- Can be used by two people;
- High response speed;
- Approved for use in industrial production;
- It works in all radiation ranges.
Disadvantages:
- For a household appliance is quite expensive.
9. RadiaScan-701 A
The unit is able to determine in the shortest time how clean the food products are in terms of radiation. This device is distinguished by ease of operation, in addition, it has an original and elegant appearance. Inside the device there is a special camera where you need to place the product. If there is still harmful radiation, then the user will know about it in less than a minute. And to get more accurate data, you will need to wait about 3-6 minutes - this factor depends on the mass, density of the product and some other points. The housing has an intuitive LED display, which is displayed in three versions: “Clean”, “Attention” and “Danger”. As the main element here are supersensitive sensors made on the basis of silicon. With their help, it is possible to reliably determine the presence of dangerous and potentially dangerous radionuclides, the concentration of which is above the maximum permissible values.
Due to the presence of products in a sealed isolated chamber, it is possible to get rid of such a factor as the natural radiation background. The device optimally works with products at risk: mushrooms, meat, fish, nuts, berries and mushrooms.
Benefits:
- High accuracy of measurements;
- Good speed computing;
- The convenience of use;
- Security;
- Insignificant mass;
- Many operating modes;
- It is possible to connect to a personal computer.
Disadvantages:
- Also a little expensive;
- The liquid crystal display does not consume battery power economically.
8. SOEKS-01M
The first in our review a full-fledged dosimeter, which is able not only to calculate the available radiation background, but also to determine the accumulated dose. An original search function is provided, with its help it will be possible to instantly calculate the location of sources of hazardous radiation. The body of the device is made of special rubberized plastic, resistant to scratches and other damage. The interface here is very clear, so using the device is easy and simple. The latest generation processor is installed in this dosimeter, so it loads quickly, and calculations are also performed almost instantly. Immediately after the dosimeter is turned on, the measurement mode is activated. If it is possible to establish an increased dose of radiation, the corresponding text message will be displayed.
Two rechargeable batteries are included, on a single charge the device can work up to 50 hours. You can charge them either through the USB port, or using the bundled adapter. The interface is completely Russified, so the user can quickly understand the state of food or the environment.
Benefits:
- Reasonable cost;
- Compact overall dimensions - you can always carry this device with you;
- Outwardly resembles an outdated button mobile phone model;
- Insignificant mass;
- Quickly performs all necessary calculations;
- Comes with two rechargeable batteries;
- The rubberized case is resistant to any physical influences.
Disadvantages:
- It discharges quite quickly if kept constantly on.
7. Sniip-Aunis MKS-01SA1
Another model in our review that can be used for both domestic and professional use. It is characterized by ease of use and low cost. This device determines all types of radiation, calculates the source of radioactivity, the directivity of the particle flow. It can even be used to control the contamination of banknotes, quickly assess the situation regarding ionizing radiation. The device is very convenient to use largely due to its compact size. The developers were able to create an optimal algorithm for calculating the background radiation, which takes a minimum of time. The product is equipped with an easy-to-read alphanumeric liquid crystal display, which is equipped with LED backlight, in addition, the device is very easy to control.
There is one original function here - voice notification of the results obtained during the measurement. There is also a non-volatile memory in which up to 2 thousand measurement results can be stored; they are identified by the date and time of the test. Extra data can be saved to a personal computer via a USB port. There are only two buttons on the case, but they are quite enough. The device itself is characterized by excellent build quality and a long battery life, especially if you install high-quality batteries.
Benefits:
- Reasonable cost;
- Insignificant mass;
- High accuracy of measurements;
- Long battery life;
- The presence of voice alerts;
- Informative display.
Disadvantages:
- It is not very easy to understand the menu;
- The backlight is dim.
6. The dosimeter of radiation household Mobile
With the help of this indicator of radioactivity, it is possible to quickly evaluate the surrounding radiation situation, to determine the presence of radiation from food, clothing, construction and decoration materials. The device calculates the equivalent dose rate, displays the received information on a liquid crystal digital display.If there is an excess of the threshold of intensity and radiation power, then the user is additionally notified by a sound signal. There are three buttons on the surface of the case: one to turn on / off the device and reset the measurement results, the second allows you to display the dose and select the safe power threshold, the third is responsible for illuminating the indicator. The first key can also turn off the sound alert.
Using this dosimeter, you can calculate the natural radiation background, and take it as an error in the results of basic measurements. The range of dose indications in this apparatus is in the range from 0.1 to 999 mR / h. The calculations are carried out within about one and a half minutes. The device itself is quite light - without batteries, it will weigh only 80 g, so you can carry it with you all the time and take measurements in any convenient place.
Benefits:
- A wide range of operating temperatures - from -10 to +40 degrees;
- Low weight of the dosimeter;
- On one set of batteries without interruption, this device can work from 180 hours or more;
- Reasonable cost;
- Extended dose range;
- Compact overall dimensions;
- Sound alarm for overdose.
Disadvantages:
- The case is made of weak plastic.
5. Radeks RD1212-VT
One more model was released in our review, released by a domestic company specializing in the manufacture of household and industrial dosimeters. This unit differs from other models in the ability to periodically store the results. If necessary, the user can transfer all this data to a personal computer using a connection via a USB port. Up to 180 measurement results can be stored in memory, and the recording frequency can be from 1 minute to 24 hours. The device is placed in a special case made of durable plastic, which does not allow alpha and beta particles to penetrate under it. The product also has a flashlight, so it is very convenient to use it in the dark. It should be noted that the battery compartment is combined with the electronic filling of the unit, so it is advisable to buy only the highest quality batteries. The dosimeter has a high-definition liquid crystal display, it has an anti-reflective coating, so all measurement results will be clearly visible even in direct sunlight.
For a full connection to the computer you will have to download the special RadexRead application, through which the data will be saved in a file with the extension .txt or .csv. The program itself is Russified and quite understandable to users. You will have to register it by entering the original serial number of the dosimeter itself. The radiation threshold can be changed if desired, the same applies to setting the date and time.
Benefits:
- Small overall dimensions;
- Ergonomic body fits comfortably in the hand;
- Easy to use;
- High accuracy of measurements;
- You can store the entire measurement history in a separate file on a personal computer or laptop.
Disadvantages:
- If the batteries run down, the measurement error increases significantly;
- The battery compartment fits directly to the device’s circuit board, which means that only the highest quality batteries will have to be used.
4. SOEKS “QUANTUM”
Inexpensive, but quite effective device for professional use, which has an acceptable cost and is equipped with two Geiger counters like SBM 20-1 at once. Using the equipment is very easy, so it will be suitable for both an unprepared user and a professional who works with ionizing radiation sources all the time. The product is delivered with a special verification certificate, if necessary, in any metrological center it will be possible to make a new one when the old one ends.This device is equipped with a sufficiently large liquid crystal display with a resolution of 128x160 pixels, and its main background will inform the user about the presence of hazardous radiation - green (safe), yellow (increased background) and red (significant excess).
As mentioned above, two Geiger-Muller counters are located here, due to which the measurement accuracy is higher, and the time to receive data is significantly reduced. The device is able to determine not only the current level of environmental pollution, but also to determine the accumulated dose over a given period of time. The latter parameter is considered to be the most effective and informative. Data can also be displayed on the screen as a diagram, which is also very convenient - a person receives visual information and is able to determine at what point the radiation background began to increase significantly. If desired, the device can be connected to a computer or laptop. Naturally, there is a sound alert system.
Benefits:
- It looks pretty stylish;
- An informative liquid crystal display on which information can be displayed in different ways, depending on the requirements and preferences of the user;
- Reasonable cost;
- Small overall dimensions.
Disadvantages:
- It's hard to figure out the interface.
3. Ecovisor F3
So we got to the three of the best household radiation dosimeters of our today's review. Closing the leader lines is a special environmental control device, with which you can not only determine the level of radiation background, but also calculate the amount of nitrates contained in vegetables, as well as some properties of water. The case is made of matte plastic, the side elements are rubberized, so during use the device will not slip out of hands. The products are equipped with an original full-color touch-screen LCD. Menu navigation is very simple, so absolutely anyone can use the device. You can control the functions of the device with the help of special buttons, they are also designed to adjust the display - brightness level, changes in time and date. The kit has everything you need for the full use of the device.
There is a special probe that allows you to calculate the degree of radiation pollution not only on the surface of food products, but also in depth. The same can be said for nitrates in vegetables. The color of the backlight changes depending on the degree of pollution. Using the device, you can quickly calculate the radiation background in rooms where a large number of household appliances are installed.
Benefits:
- Extended functionality of the device;
- Small overall dimensions;
- You can make calculations even in food products by immersing the special probe included in the kit.
Disadvantages:
- Some users note that for them the device turned out to be somewhat expensive.
2. SOEKS-112
One of the newest dosimeters in our review, moreover, it is characterized by small overall dimensions. This is a domestic product, it can be used both indoors and outdoors. In size, the device is comparable to the most ordinary stationery marker, without batteries, it weighs about 30 grams, so you can always carry it with you. The case has good strength indicators, made of reliable plastic. All measurement data is displayed on a monochrome digital display. Here, the SBM 201 Geiger-Muller counter acts as the main working element. The sensor is highly susceptible to beta and gamma radiation, picks up x-rays of a very different nature.
For continuous operation for a hundred hours, two small batteries, which are popularly called “tablets,” are alkaline-type feeding elements labeled LR44.The device’s interface is simple, it’s very easy to understand. There is a sound indicator that will inform the user about exceeding the maximum permissible concentration of radiation background. There are only two buttons on the case. To obtain an accurate measurement result, it is enough to wait only 20 seconds after turning on the device.
Benefits:
- High work efficiency;
- Simplicity of operation;
- Compact overall dimensions;
- Insignificant mass;
- The result is displayed quite quickly.
Disadvantages:
- Measures only radiation.
1. Soex Ecovisor F4
The leaders of our review of the best household radiation dosimeters were a real full-fledged home laboratory, which combined four useful functions at once. The case is made of velvety plastic, rubberized side elements, there is a touch screen that makes product management easier, and the interface makes it clear. Even a user who has not previously encountered similar equipment can handle this device. If necessary, the device can be connected to a personal computer and not only transfer the saved data, but also update the firmware. Batteries and a cord for charging are supplied with the product. Using the apparatus, you can measure the background radiation in a room, on the ground, emanating from food, find out how much nitrate is contained in vegetables or fruits, determine the quality of water, and also detect areas where there is increased electromagnetic radiation.
The menu list has a very large list of food products, each of which has its own maximum permissible concentration of nitrates and other chemicals. The unit instantly calculates the presence of excess in any of the parameters. The composite probe acts as the main element, thanks to which measurements are taken at several points of the product at once, which positively affects the accuracy of the final result. The dosimeter allows you to determine both the radiation background and the accumulated dose.
Benefits:
- Excellent workmanship;
- The presence of a large number of diverse functions;
- Attractive appearance;
- Insignificant mass;
- Ability to connect to a personal computer.
Disadvantages:
- A bit pricey;
- Short power cord.
In conclusion, a useful video
So we analyzed the useful performance characteristics of all the models in our rating. We tried to provide our readers with the maximum amount of information for each position. If you still have any questions, then you can well ask them to us in the comments to this article. We will promptly respond to them and collect additional data on the model you are interested in.