If you have any reason to measure the radiation level from a specific object, a lab Geiger counter will be the best device to use. Different kinds of radiations, including alpha, beta, and gamma particles are given off by different items around us. If you are concerned about the type of radiation in any given area, the lab Geiger counter is an affordable device that you can use to check it and also determine the level.
Buyer’s Guide
The number of people who are curious about radiation has increased over the years. This has translated to increased popularity of the device. With more people looking for it, many companies are producing different models to satisfy the market. While this is a good thing to some extent, it has made it a little more difficult to get top quality lab Geiger counters. You will have to sift through several inferior option before finding a top quality product.
It is our tradition to help people get the best gadgets on the market and that is the reason for this. We have extensively researched the available lab Geiger counters on the market to find the very best ones.
Factors to consider before choosing a lab Geiger counter
Though we have done the bulk of the work for you, there is still need for you to understand how to pick the best lab Geiger counter for yourself. You need the information here if you want to pick the perfect device that will give you exactly what you need.
Here are the most important factors to consider before settling for a particular lab Geiger counter:
Specific Need
The most important factor to consider is the very reason you need the lab Geiger counter. This will determine how useful or useless a particular device will be to you. Are you a hobbyist or someone that is just curious about radiation around you? Do you work in an environment that gives you concerns about radiations? Do you need the lag Geiger counter for educational purposes? What exactly are you going to use the device for? After answering these important questions, you will be in a better position to choose the right one for your specific need.
Detection Method
The detection methods employed by lab Geiger counters differ. There are basically two detection methods used by these devices including the standard Geiger-Muller tube and the pancake tube. While the pancake tube is better at detecting beta and gamma radiation, it is not too great with alpha radiation. The standard Geiger-Muller tube is very versatile.
Accuracy
You need a Geiger counter that has high accuracy level. There is no point spending your money to buy a device that will not give you accurate reading when it comes to something as important as the radiation coming out from an item or the level of radiation in an area you live or work. The accuracy level specified by some vendors may not be very true but the products here are of the best quality and have been highly rated by confirmed users, which means they are mostly accurate.
User friendliness
You need a device that is easy to use. It is important that you consider the type of Geiger counter and the display. The two basic types are analog and digital Geiger counters. While the analog meters average out readings obtained, the digital ones will give you the exact count of radioactive particles detected at a time. You also need to consider the type and size of display offered by a particular Geiger counter. A bright and clear screen is essential for you to read the data easily.
Other important features
There are some additional features in a Geiger counter that can make you consider it ahead of other available options. Such features as internal data logging, time measurement, dose rate alarm, support for headphone and external speakers, as well as compatibility with other devices are highly desirable.
Below are the top ten Lab Geiger counters on the market right now.
Top 10 Best Lab Geiger Counters
1. Mazur Instruments PRM-9000
This is a valuable instrument with two-inch pancake Geiger detector that is the gold standard for monitoring areas for potentially harmful ionizing radiation levels. It is perfect for detecting radioactive contamination of packages, items, equipment, and people. This device is highly efficient in detecting alpha, beta, gamma, and x-radiation. It is a professional grade instrument that can be used for regulatory inspection, as well as for detecting naturally occurring radioactive minerals (NORM).
The Mazur Instruments PRM-9000 Geiger Counter guarantees concise measurement and ease of use. It has a two-line alphanumeric display which is backlit to support low-light conditions. It offers 100k bytes of data logging memory and time stamped measurements. It is also compatible with PCs, where measurements can be uploaded in CSV format. There is also an audible alarm setting for measurements that exceed safety levels. Battery-life is over 4 years when used under normal conditions.
2. Imagesco GCA-07W
This is a handheld personal nuclear radiator detector that is great by all standards. With its digital meter and external wand probe, it is a handy device for use in such places as hospitals, medical research centers, transport containers and other such places where radiation can be an issue. This personal Geiger counter is highly accurate. It will detect a broad spectrum of nuclear radiation including radiation emitted from NORM and low energy background radiation.
The GCA-07W has an easy to read two-line by sixteen character LCD that provides current count and radiation level readout. Together with the instrument control, the magnificent display makes the device very easy to use. Other interesting features include Window PC and microcontroller interface, external speaker, audio clicks and visual LED, and an external wall transformer power supply included in the package.
3. Ecotest MKS-05 Terra-P
This is an affordable yet highly efficient device with built in gamma and beta sensitive Geiger-Muller counter. It is a personal version of the professional MKS-05 TERRA, which is in operational service with the Ukrainian army. The device has become a household product and works efficiently in checking the radiation safety of homes, commercial spaces, cars, and regular items with any risk of radioactive contamination.
With just two control buttons, this Geiger counter is easy to use. It has three independent measuring channels with alternate indication of data on the single liquid crystal display. It is also a well-built device with shock-resistant body.
4. SOEKS EcoVisor F4
This is an all-in-one device that can be your perfect modern handheld Geiger counter, radiation detector, dosimeter, nitrate food tester, and TDS water quality meter. It boasts of a patented technology that you can trust to deliver accurate results for protection of humans from radioactive materials, food, and water. It is the perfect Geiger counter for personal use.
With the SOEKS EcoVisor F4 Geiger counter, you will able to accurately measure radiation background, identify radioactive objects and keep track of the radiation dose. It will keep you and your household safe from potentially harmful radiation levels. It is an easy to use device with a touchscreen and button control mechanism. It also features sound, visual and numerical preset or custom alarms to alert you when measurements exceed safe level.
5. RADEX RD1706
This is a cutting-edge device with two Geiger-Muller radiation sensors for double sensitivity. Though it is a new addition to the RADEX family of radiation detectors, it is already becoming one of the most popular models in the mix. It is known for several good qualities including high accuracy level for detection of beta, gamma, and x-rays. It is also capable of faster refresh rate, thanks to the double sensitivity feature that guarantee faster data accumulation.
There are so many improvements made on this new RADEX device. The range of indication, for instance, was expanded about 100 times compared to RADEX 1503. It can cover 0.05 to 999.0 uSv/hr. It has all the other positive features found in RADEX radiation detectors like the large LCD screen with backlighting, three operational buttons, and personal settings like threshold alarm activation.
6. GQ GMC-500Plus
This is a beautifully designed Geiger counter that is portable and efficient in detecting beta, gamma, and x-ray radiation. The sleek device is perfect as a personal dosimeter to track the radiation level at home and potentially hazardous work environment. It is more than capable of detecting and visualizing radiation in real time and recording data for future analysis.
One of the most remarkable things about this Geiger counter is its thoughtful design. In addition to that, it comes with a feature-set that makes using it fun and enjoyable. You can even use it with a PC to continuously monitor the radiation level anywhere. It has large text and graphic display as well as LED visual and audio alert.
7. RADEX ONE
This is one of the most beautifully made Geiger counter on the market. Asides from the awesome design, there are several other reasons why this device ranks among the best options out there. It is a great personal dosimeter that is adept at measuring ambient ionized radiation and radioactivity of materials and packages. It can detect beta, gamma, and x-ray radiations and help you stay safer. It is specifically calibrated to alert users about dangerous levels of radiation.
With so many impressive features, there is no way this personal dosimeter will not make the list of all-time best Geiger counters. The accumulative dose mode is a unique feature that will show you how much radiation has been detected over time. It is a fast and accurate device that will give you reliable results in just about 10 seconds.
8. Mazur Instruments PRM-7000
This is an affordable device that will provide essential nuclear radiation awareness during emergency situations. It is a handy device for such professionals as firefighters, paramedics, and other responders. Though it is considered as the ideal Geiger counter for emergency operations, it is also a great option for individuals that are just curious about radiation around them.
The Mazur Instruments PRM-7000 Handheld Geiger Counter is capable of detecting beta gamma, and x-radiations with high degree of accuracy. It also offers wide measurement range (0.01 – 5,000 uSv/hr) with ±10% accuracy. Some other features that make it fun to use include LED, Beeper and handheld Jack, timed measurements, dose rate alarm, and internal logging of up to 91,466 minutes of timed stamped measurement. It is also compatible with PC where the measurement can be uploaded in CSV format for analysis. It comes with a standard alkaline 9-volt battery.
9. Imagesco GCA-06W
This is a professional-grade digital Geiger counter that is ideal for use in all kinds of situations and environment. It is a perfect device for detecting radiation and measuring radioactivity on a professional level. It is widely applicable in such areas as demonstration and nuclear experiments; emergency services and domestic preparedness for nuclear accidents; as well as compliance screening for radiation in wastes and other materials.
The GCA-06W Professional Geiger Counter detects all major types of radiations including alpha radiation above 3 MeV, beta radiation above 50 KeV, gamma and X-radiation above 7 KeV. It has an LCD screen of 2-line 16 character display. It also features audio (clicks) and visual (LED) alarms. There is a headphone jack, as well as a power jack for external power.
10. GQ GMC-600 Plus
Yet another modern Geiger counter from GQ electronics, this device deserves a place on this list for so many reasons. It is a complete device with everything you need for real time evaluation of radioactivity in areas you consider potentially harmful and for scientific testing on samples like building materials, hospital radiation, food and water monitoring and more.
The GQ GMC-600 Plus Geiger Dosimeter is an accurate device. It is also easy to use with several enviable key features. It has a built-in Wi-Fi that lets you stay connected with Geiger Counter World Map. You will also get unlimited data storage and free online history. The real-time graphic mode will let you observe radiation changes in real time. Some other features that may interest you include text mode, timed count with scheduler, three point calibration, data saving mode selection, and backlight control.
Conclusion
There are so many lab Geiger counters on the market that it can be difficult to choose the best one for your specific need. Here, however, we have discussed some of the most important factors you must consider in order to get the right device that will satisfy your need. We have gone a step further to find the best products and provide links to get them at the best deal. These are top quality Geiger counters with the right features to measure radioactivity and stay safer. They are products that have received favorable ratings from people who are already using them. You can buy with confidence, knowing that they are carefully sorted products.