Mazur Instruments PRM-9000 Geiger Counter
Nuclear Radiation Contamination Detector and Monitor / Case Included
Measures Alpha, Beta, Gamma and X-Ray Radiation

Look no further, the PRM-9000 has the best reviews all over the internet, is used by many governments and organization, and is one of the best geiger counters you can own!

- Mazur Instruments PRM-9000
- Dual Language: English and Japanese
- Measures alpha, beta, gamma and x-radiation
- Internal Data Logging
- Visual and Audible Indicators
- Audible Clicking Sound Adjustable: Low, Medium, High
- Display Units - uR/hr, mR/hr, uSv/hr, CPS and CPM
- Over 4-Year Battery Life with user-installable standard-sized 9-Volt Battery
- Always-on Monitoring of Present, Average, Maximum and Minimum Radiation Levels
- Backlit, Two-Line LCD Display
- Carrying/Protective Case Included
- Supports headphones and external speakers
- External Data logging output in industry standard CSV format with optional USB cable.

The detection sensitivity combined with the feature-set outlined below results in one of the most compelling price/performance values in the industry.

Accurate, reliable, made in the USA, the PRM-9000 Geiger counter is an ideal solution for individuals, health physics professionals, educators, researchers, outdoor enthusiasts and rock collectors.

Unique Monitoring Capability

The instrument is designed to continuously collect measurements and statistics enabling complete environment assessment. This vital capability is not available on similarly priced products.

Using only one key, users can scroll through several screens that display present, average, maximum and minimum measurements in uR/hr, mR/hr, uSv/hr, Counts per Second (CPS) or Counts per Minute (CPM).

This nuclear detector not only records the maximum radiation measured, but also displays the time and date at which the maximum reading occurred. Conventional Geiger counters require the user to be looking at the radiation meter to capture such events.

Supports English and Japanese

The two-line, alphanumeric display supports both English and Japanese languages promoting ease-of-use and concise measurement. The display is backlit to support low-light conditions.

Industry Leading Battery Life

The battery life of this radiation detector and monitor is over 4 1/2 years under normal conditions from a single, readily available, 9-volt lithium battery that is user-installable without soldering.

Standard alkaline 9-volt batteries, available virtually everywhere, provide over 2-years of life under normal conditions.

Data Logging and USB Connectivity

With over 100K bytes of internal data logging memory included, this Geiger counter can autonomously (without the need for a PC) store up to 91,466 minutes or hours of time-stamped measurements. These measurements can then be uploaded later to a PC in CSV format for analysis.

A user-settable dose rate alarm sounds an audible alert when the measured radiation level exceeds that of the alarm level setting.

Designed by Mazur Instruments and manufactured in the USA, the PRM-9000 Geiger counter and nuclear radiation monitor includes abundant I/O options including support for headphones, external speakers, external power and USB data exchange (Requires Optional 3.5mm to USB Adapter Cable).

Return Policy
We will accept customer’s instrument back for exchange or refund if all of the following conditions are met:

1) The instrument is received in pristine (new and unused) condition, and 2) the instrument is accompanied by the manual and any related calibration documentation, and 3) the instrument is accompanied by the original sales receipt or invoice, and 4) the instrument is received at within 30 days of the date of purchase. Returned instruments must be packaged in accordance with proper shipping practices to assure that the instrument is protected during shipment.

Restrictions & Limitations

1) We will not, under any circumstances, accept an instrument that has been contaminated by radioactive materials.
2) All instruments returned for a refund are subject to a 15% restocking fee.
3) The customer is responsible for all shipping costs and handling fees associated with the return of an instrument to Mazur Instruments for an exchange or refund.

PRM-9000 Specifications

Battery Life1
Standard 9V Lithium	42,850 Hours / 4.89 Years
Standard 9V Alkaline	20,150 Hours / 2.30 Years (included)
Measurement Front End
Detector	LND 7317 Pancake Geiger-Muller tube, Halogen-quenched with mica window and 45mm (1.75 inch) effective diameter
Radiation Detected	alpha, beta, gamma and x-radiation
Energy Sensitivity	alpha: minimum 2.0 MeV beta: minimum 0.16 MeV with 25% efficiency at 1 MeV gamma/X rays: min 10 keV (window) gamma sensitivity: 3,500 CPM/mR/hr calibrated to Cesium-137 (Cs137)
Accuracy	±10% Typical, ±15% Maximum
Measurement Ranges	0.001 to 125 mR/hr 0.01 to 1,250 uSv/hr 1 to 125,000 uR/hr 1 to 437,500 CPM (3,500 CPM/mR/hr) 0 to 7,291 CPS (58.33 CPS/mR/hr) Total Count: 0 to 4,294,967,295 (32 Bit Integer)
Measurement Statistics	Continuous availability of Elapsed Time, Average, Minimum and Maximum dose rate in either uR/hr, mR/hr, uSv/hr, CPS or CPM Time stamp on new maximum
Timed Measurement	Selectable 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 60 and 90 minute interval
Dose Rate Alarm	Alarm can be set in mR/hr or uSv/hr to any value within the measurement range
Internal Data Logging
Storage	100,000 Bytes non-volatile memory
Logging Intervals	Every Minute or Every Hour
Maximum Capacity	91,466 Minutes or Hours (90% Normal Background, 10% Full-Scale)
Minimum Capacity	32,656 Minutes or Hours (100% Full-Scale Measurement Levels)
Logging Output Format	Standard Comma Separated Value (CSV) with time stamp and CPM Data (3,500 CPM/mR/hr)
User Interface
Languages Supported	English and Japanese
Display	Two-Line, 14 character transflective LCD with back light for low light conditions
Keypad	Weather resistant commercial-grade membrane keypad
Visual Indicator	LED pulses on and off when a radiation detection event occurs. LED can be disabled.
Audio Indicator	Tone beeps when a radiation detection event occurs. Audio three volume levels and can be muted.
Input / Output
Audio Output / Digital Interface	Standard 3.5mm jack with three selectable volume levels for output to audio systems, computer speakers or media player headphones. Jack can also be provisioned by the user for pulse output or as a USB Interface for logging data by PC or transferring internal data logging memory (requires optional cable)
External Power	9 VDC at a minimum current rating of 100mA
Environmental / Physical
Temperature Range	-20° to 51° C (-4° to 125° F)
Size	143 x 83 x 35 mm (5.63" x 3.25" x 1.37")
Weight	368 grams (13 oz.) including battery
Compliance	CE, Lead-Free Independently tested and found to be substantially compliant with FCC requirements for home use. Approval to display FCC logo pending.
Warranty
	One Year (120 Days on GM Tube)

Why Own a Geiger Counter?

The links in the text below provide independent background information on the topicAs Heard on National Radio:

“Mazur said he developed handheld Geiger counters so consumers and hobbyists could be aware of radiation levels in the things around them. If you don't have some sort of instrument... you're completely a hundred percent certain that you have no idea what's in your environment," he cautioned. Mazur shared a report about elevator buttons in France that were made from recycled metal containing nuclear waste, as well as a story about radioactive metal tissue boxes sold by a major home goods chain. A week spent near one of these 'hot' tissue boxes was equivalent to getting a chest x-ray, he revealed.”

With a Mazur Instruments PRM-8000 or PRM-9000 You Can:

- Check granite countertops, water filters, air filters, building materials and other items in your home for radioactive contamination
- Check for radioactivity inantiques, watch and clock dials, antique pottery, smoke detector, lantern mantels, etc.
- Monitor and maintain awareness amidst a nuclear accident or emergency
- Test for radioactive contamination of food
- Check for radioactivity in metal objects in your home or office that could be made of recycled radioactive materials
- Check for leaks or possible exposure if you work in or near an X-ray lab in a medical facility or medical office suite
- Check for environmental levels of radioactivity near a nuclear power facility
- Test the soil and environment for dangerous levels of radioactivity, if are in close proximity to uranium mines
- Monitor personal levels of radiation due to radiation therapy, brachytherapy or other medical procedures that rely
on radioactive substances

About Geiger Counters

Nuclear radiation is a normal part of our planet and the cosmos. It is also a by-product of man-made actions and activities. The unfortunate catastrophe in Japan has created a new sense of urgency for personal radiation measurement to an entirely new generation of post-Cold War individuals.

Against this backdrop we will provide a fundamental description of how a Geiger counter detects nuclear radiation. First a few words on radiation, and a particular type called ionizing radiation.

Radiation is all around us. The sun radiates energy, radio stations radiate electromagnetic waves and radiators in apartment buildings radiate heat to keep residents warm in cold weather. However, nuclear radiation is a different type of radiation known as ionizing radiation.

Ionizing radiation alters the structure and, by association, the electric charge of individual atoms by a process known as ionization. The substances that produce ionizing radiation are said to be radioactive.

There are four types of ionizing radiation – alpha, beta and gamma radiation as well as x-radiation
(x-rays).

Generally, an alpha particle can travel no more than one to three inches in the air before stopping, and can be stopped by a piece of paper. However, they can pass through a thin mica window. As we will see later, this property of mica is very important in radiation measurement.

Beta radiation can pass through a sheet of paper and some clothing, but not through thin metal or glass. Beta particles can damage skin, however, both alpha and beta radiation are most harmful when inhaled or ingested.

Gamma radiation occurs naturally in nature and is almost identical to x-rays. Generally, they can travel into and often times through anything. Gamma particles can be shielded with several feet of water or concrete, several inches of steel, or a smaller amount of lead.

X-radiation is man-made radiation with a number of valuable uses in medicine and dentistry. X-rays are electromagnetic radiation of the same nature as light and radio waves, but they are also ionizing. They can penetrate a variety of materials, including body tissue. The shielding techniques for x-rays are similar to those for gamma radiation. This is why the x-ray technician will wear a lead apron when taking x-rays.

Having discussed the nature of radiation and the four primary types of ionizing radiation, we will now move to discussing how a Geiger counter operates. Please the figure below for the following discussion.

The key element within a Geiger counter is a Geiger tube that consists of two electrodes separated by a mixture of gases. High voltage is applied to the electrodes which creates an electrical field within the chamber.

When radiation passes through the chamber and ionizes the gas, a pulse of electrical current is generated. This detection will typically result in a flashing of an LED and sounding of a “beep” on most Geiger counters. The pulses are electronically processed by the instrument and the radiation level measurement is displayed. The mica window on the tube allows alpha particles to pass so that they can be detected.

Some Geiger tubes only detect beta and gamma radiation leaving users blind to the presence of alpha particles.

Detecting alpha radiation is very critical because as radioactive substances decay they oftentimes decay into elements that produce alpha radiation. If these elements find their way into the food supply, individuals risk consuming food that contain alpha particles.

This is one of the key reasons that, at present, demand for high-quality, US-made, alpha-detecting Geiger counters is at record levels in Japan.