11:51 "If you want a convenient, portable product, that will help you find the answers you are looking for." Now this is a product nobody wouldn't want.
Another excellent review sir! Funny you should mention this now! I am working on a somewhat similar video and I think the peak you mentioned (7:02) are likely from the gold XRF inside the source.. depending how old your source is and where it was made, it could have some different trace element as well. The resolution is not great so it could be some external XRF too...Keep it up man! great stuff!
Interesting ideas, I really appreciate your input. For XRF within the source, the data-points that I have are: 1) The Am-241 buttons are likely to be fairly new, well, new with respect to the 432 year half life of the isotope, so any significant impurities are going to be either things that have been deliberately added or things it was not easy to take out. 2) These kind of Am-241 buttons have a foil at their heart that is manufactured by only a very few companies so there is a lot of consistency in the raw materials. In my alpha spectroscopy video, I looked into the construction of these buttons, I might have missed some stuff, but I thunk that the big picture was probably about right. 3) The gold that is added, both as a foil and as a component of the alloy, and also any impurities in the original Am-241 are going to be high z-number elements with very high binding energies on the k-shell electrons. 4) I think this means that we are looking for z {26..30}, would you agree? Perhaps it is from copper on the PCB of radiacode itself? Unfortunately, I don't have any 'serious' measurement equipment, I'm trying to get what I can from consumer grade devices and simple experiments. I like the concept of keeping it simple so that other curious people can reproduce the experiments themselves. That said, perhaps having some better equipment would allow me to identify what things like this peak actually are and viewers can still repeat the experiments with their own equipment...
@@project-326 understandable! I'll mention your channel and your experiment on my channel (if you don't mind) so people can do just that! Thanks for your time!
Is that lower peak coming from compton scattering within the crystal? A larger crystal would be able to capture more of the full energy, while a smaller crystal would be more likely to capture a smaller amount
Thank you for the very forthright review. I carry my radiacode 103 with me all the time; wonderful learning/puzzling tool -- tripping over a hot spot and trying to figure out what/why.
Great technical review with high production value! Does the device screen on the KC761-B always display channel numbers instead of energy, or is that user selectable? That detracts from its usability in the field.
In the PC app and in the cell phone app you can display channel number or energy in eV but for some reason (bug) when I select energy as the scale on the device, nothing changes. The isotope identification correctly uses eV, so I think that this is just a big and not a 'feature'. Downloaded data is always in eV...
It seems like you as a blogger were sent one of the best k761b samples. I was unfortunately not so lucky. The resolution of mine is 7,9%. My Radiacode 103 shows 8,3%
great review and great difference in the upgraded model. But to alfa peak, what can they do if it is caused by circuit interference as they moved parts? They can only delete it. But it also means that is left without detection in that energy range. The biggest loss is they did not move the window from alfa/beta diode, or at least removed the warranty loss if obstacle is removed. The great question how does the radiacode 103 compare? As from the review is appears you tested 102 only and measurement of real resolution would be worth. Certainly it lacks the window for pure alfa/beta emitters like Radon. Maybe that would be a worth question to manufacturers if they are willing to add window for energy for background discrimination for free update? Interesting is also to mention if radiacode shows the full decay chain in detection i.e. Ra-226 as recognized or the U-238 chain? By the other models KC761 and Raysid with 5 cm3 detector only the spectral analysis is available,but not the automatic isotope identification. Interesting Raysid sounds lower count rate then radiacode despite the sensor is 5 times the size.
Normally, such major product changes (ie requiring the plastic injection tools to be replaced) would not be considered. I am hoping that the Measall team gets enough commercial success with the KC761A/B that they decide to carry on with their spectrometer range and create a new product.
@@project-326 by the way this is where it stuck at radon monitors, they use diode as a sensor or a ion chamber, not found any that use ZnS(Ag) scintillator. Ion chamber has shown to be more efficient then diode, detects much faster and more accurate at about the same price. But what if there is a contamination source, like Cs-137, Am-241, K-40 and specially Sr-90, how much it effects the measurement? In case of diode, it could be filtered only the energy of Radon, but ion chamber measures just a total value, like a GM tube so how they know that it measures Radon? specially if counted that radon can not be directly and instantly be detected in the air, where these others can, which means they could significantly effect the count rate.
I also noticed a very low energy peak on my radiacode 102, but I couldn't find any answers about it, but alpha fluorescence sounds plausible, but I don't have polonium to test that theory yet but possibly using paper to block the alpha particles would work as a way to remove what could be doing it (if it's still there then it can't be the alpha) Also, the battery goes bad THAT fast? I had my radiacode for about 2 or 3 months, so after my current experiment finishes, I will check to see how many days the charge lasts Also, it would be nice if the kc761 and kc761b came in different colors because if I get the money to get one, I want it to match my lab ascetic (either black like the radiacode, white like my microscope or gray like my lead)
They are slightly different colors, the older one is bright yellow and the new one is a dark beige. But you are right, not too much difference when you look at them separately. Also, my camera/post-production is probably over saturating the images.
@studio326- possibly, but the old one is too bright, and the new ones color just looks off, and hopefully, the next one, kc761c, looks and feels good with a better UI
@@The-One-and-Only100 I hope so too but I'm not betting on them completely revamping the UI. Perhaps if they get enough sales, they will try for a new product with a more consumer focus.
I received my KC761B today, did a few first tests and i have to say, I really like it as a smaller Portable alternative to my bulky setup on my workbench, the only thing i havent figured out yet is how to enable the automatic isotope identification, the manual says to press the 'enter' button in the main screen in spectroscopy priority mode, that does nothing for me, is it working for you?
@@project-326 the app makes it a lot easier that's true! I currently have the firmware version 1.58, a newer version (1.59) is out, I will install it soon.
Another excellent video! I'm still reeling at how you were treated by those condescending asshats in that forum. If there ever was a case to promote a "fucking robot" over sneering academics it was this one. AI would never look down at any "silly" question and simply answer with diligence.
Thank you for the feedback and pleased that you enjoyed this video, more coming soon but my time is a little constrained by a busy day job and 3 young kids. Currently there are 4 videos in production...
I think it is the other way around, they disable the BT RF during the operation of the PIN diode, they probably forgot to include that on the initial release of the firmware. It does explain why the original KC761 cannot access the app during PIN diode mode...
Radiacode 103 is much better than my KC761. Only thing I would change is the size. Its very small and I always think I am going to loose it one day. Software is FAR better too. Andriod app and the windows software are far more refined. The map function is super useful too.
what also surprises me is that for both the RC10x and KC761x, they do not supply a free case - these things are so low cost to add to the BoM. I'm currently making a review video about the HFS-10 device, it is a really low cost product but still manages to come with a nice carry case...
@@project-326 it has the largest size of detector, but it would be interesting to see how it compares to KC761B in low energy gamma detection as it may also have a higher background noise from higher energy gamma as to thicker scintillator.
I think these devices need a scintillator upgrade. CeBr3 or CZT would really improve the resolution! They're still great devices, but NaI:Tl and CsI:Tl have been used for so long now!
some hazmat identifiers like Thermo radeye use additional neutron detector, what is the purpose if any of neutron emitters can be identified over gamma? Are there any that could make neutron overdose before gamma is detected?
I didn't know that the Thermo Radeye has an inbuilt neutron detector. The model I have seen only uses a pancake GM tube... Please share some more details!
@@project-326 yes the model radeye GN use gamma and neutron scintilator. Tryed to post the link, but reply gets deleted. Do you have an idea what is the neutron detector for on hazmat device?
very interesting video indeed. About Americium : its funny as even with my DIY NaITl gamma probe I always noticed that the Am peaks werent always perfectly located @ 69Kev.. and i read somewhere that Américium wasnt a good calibrating source as in this range the response wasnt very linear... so that could maybe explain it. But the sensitivity of this gamma spectro is quite interesting and the max dose rate of 100 mSvh too
Typically sources like Cs-137 are used to calibrate devices like this, it is used because the gamma emission is sort of in the middle of the range of most devices. Am-241 is right down the bottom of the range so there are just going to be more errors as you get further from the point where it was calibrated. I hope that help!
11:51 "If you want a convenient, portable product, that will help you find the answers you are looking for." Now this is a product nobody wouldn't want.
yes, a poor choice of words. This video was really a case of hard labor, it was one of the few that I had trouble keeping the motivation going.
The answer I was looking for was 80,700 CPM and 39.4 µSv/h. 👍
I just found your channel not that long ago, I've been going through your videos and I have to say I really enjoy your videos
Another excellent review sir! Funny you should mention this now! I am working on a somewhat similar video and I think the peak you mentioned (7:02) are likely from the gold XRF inside the source.. depending how old your source is and where it was made, it could have some different trace element as well. The resolution is not great so it could be some external XRF too...Keep it up man! great stuff!
Interesting ideas, I really appreciate your input.
For XRF within the source, the data-points that I have are:
1) The Am-241 buttons are likely to be fairly new, well, new with respect to the 432 year half life of the isotope, so any significant impurities are going to be either things that have been deliberately added or things it was not easy to take out.
2) These kind of Am-241 buttons have a foil at their heart that is manufactured by only a very few companies so there is a lot of consistency in the raw materials. In my alpha spectroscopy video, I looked into the construction of these buttons, I might have missed some stuff, but I thunk that the big picture was probably about right.
3) The gold that is added, both as a foil and as a component of the alloy, and also any impurities in the original Am-241 are going to be high z-number elements with very high binding energies on the k-shell electrons.
4) I think this means that we are looking for z {26..30}, would you agree?
Perhaps it is from copper on the PCB of radiacode itself?
Unfortunately, I don't have any 'serious' measurement equipment, I'm trying to get what I can from consumer grade devices and simple experiments. I like the concept of keeping it simple so that other curious people can reproduce the experiments themselves. That said, perhaps having some better equipment would allow me to identify what things like this peak actually are and viewers can still repeat the experiments with their own equipment...
@@project-326 understandable! I'll mention your channel and your experiment on my channel (if you don't mind) so people can do just that! Thanks for your time!
@@Neptunium I would very much appreciate a mention on your amazing channel - very kind of you Sir!
Just so it is explicit, you are free to use any graphics or content from this channel too.
Thanks!
Is that lower peak coming from compton scattering within the crystal? A larger crystal would be able to capture more of the full energy, while a smaller crystal would be more likely to capture a smaller amount
Great review. I think they upgraded the case design since then. The new case has a removeable rubber cover protecting the PIN.
Thanks for the info, I will check out the changes...
As always great content. Keep it up.
The 102 can see the bremsstrahlung around 6 keV from a tritium glow tube.
Really that's awesome and could lead to more low keV experiments
Yep, impressive
Thank you for the very forthright review. I carry my radiacode 103 with me all the time; wonderful learning/puzzling tool -- tripping over a hot spot and trying to figure out what/why.
Great technical review with high production value! Does the device screen on the KC761-B always display channel numbers instead of energy, or is that user selectable? That detracts from its usability in the field.
In the PC app and in the cell phone app you can display channel number or energy in eV but for some reason (bug) when I select energy as the scale on the device, nothing changes. The isotope identification correctly uses eV, so I think that this is just a big and not a 'feature'.
Downloaded data is always in eV...
@@project-326 Thanks so much. Still mulling over the purchase. Hopefully, they fix the bugs.
It seems like you as a blogger were sent one of the best k761b samples.
I was unfortunately not so lucky. The resolution of mine is 7,9%.
My Radiacode 103 shows 8,3%
I think the specification is 8% so we both have a good units. This is the first time I have been sent anything!
They sent you serial #1; you've got a collector's item there. @@project-326
a better contrast screen on the 761B?
Yes, slightly better, but still not really suitable for use outdoors.
great review and great difference in the upgraded model. But to alfa peak, what can they do if it is caused by circuit interference as they moved parts? They can only delete it. But it also means that is left without detection in that energy range. The biggest loss is they did not move the window from alfa/beta diode, or at least removed the warranty loss if obstacle is removed. The great question how does the radiacode 103 compare? As from the review is appears you tested 102 only and measurement of real resolution would be worth. Certainly it lacks the window for pure alfa/beta emitters like Radon. Maybe that would be a worth question to manufacturers if they are willing to add window for energy for background discrimination for free update? Interesting is also to mention if radiacode shows the full decay chain in detection i.e. Ra-226 as recognized or the U-238 chain? By the other models KC761 and Raysid with 5 cm3 detector only the spectral analysis is available,but not the automatic isotope identification. Interesting Raysid sounds lower count rate then radiacode despite the sensor is 5 times the size.
Normally, such major product changes (ie requiring the plastic injection tools to be replaced) would not be considered. I am hoping that the Measall team gets enough commercial success with the KC761A/B that they decide to carry on with their spectrometer range and create a new product.
@@project-326 by the way this is where it stuck at radon monitors, they use diode as a sensor or a ion chamber, not found any that use ZnS(Ag) scintillator. Ion chamber has shown to be more efficient then diode, detects much faster and more accurate at about the same price. But what if there is a contamination source, like Cs-137, Am-241, K-40 and specially Sr-90, how much it effects the measurement? In case of diode, it could be filtered only the energy of Radon, but ion chamber measures just a total value, like a GM tube so how they know that it measures Radon? specially if counted that radon can not be directly and instantly be detected in the air, where these others can, which means they could significantly effect the count rate.
I also noticed a very low energy peak on my radiacode 102, but I couldn't find any answers about it, but alpha fluorescence sounds plausible, but I don't have polonium to test that theory yet but possibly using paper to block the alpha particles would work as a way to remove what could be doing it (if it's still there then it can't be the alpha)
Also, the battery goes bad THAT fast?
I had my radiacode for about 2 or 3 months, so after my current experiment finishes, I will check to see how many days the charge lasts
Also, it would be nice if the kc761 and kc761b came in different colors because if I get the money to get one, I want it to match my lab ascetic (either black like the radiacode, white like my microscope or gray like my lead)
They are slightly different colors, the older one is bright yellow and the new one is a dark beige. But you are right, not too much difference when you look at them separately. Also, my camera/post-production is probably over saturating the images.
@studio326- possibly, but the old one is too bright, and the new ones color just looks off, and hopefully, the next one, kc761c, looks and feels good with a better UI
@@The-One-and-Only100 I hope so too but I'm not betting on them completely revamping the UI. Perhaps if they get enough sales, they will try for a new product with a more consumer focus.
I received my KC761B today, did a few first tests and i have to say, I really like it as a smaller Portable alternative to my bulky setup on my workbench, the only thing i havent figured out yet is how to enable the automatic isotope identification, the manual says to press the 'enter' button in the main screen in spectroscopy priority mode, that does nothing for me, is it working for you?
I must admit, I only use the app to look for isotope identification. Please also check on the website for any FW updates.
@@project-326 the app makes it a lot easier that's true! I currently have the firmware version 1.58, a newer version (1.59) is out, I will install it soon.
Another excellent video!
I'm still reeling at how you were treated by those condescending asshats in that forum. If there ever was a case to promote a "fucking robot" over sneering academics it was this one. AI would never look down at any "silly" question and simply answer with diligence.
Thank you for the feedback and pleased that you enjoyed this video, more coming soon but my time is a little constrained by a busy day job and 3 young kids. Currently there are 4 videos in production...
11:47 I’m just glad to know I’m not the only weirdo that carries my Radiacode 102 with me wherever I go.
Personally, I prefer the term 'special' to weirdo...
;-)
9:42 I hope their fix isn't to disable the PIN diode temporarily whenever there's a Bluetooth transmission.
I think it is the other way around, they disable the BT RF during the operation of the PIN diode, they probably forgot to include that on the initial release of the firmware. It does explain why the original KC761 cannot access the app during PIN diode mode...
Radiacode 103 is much better than my KC761. Only thing I would change is the size. Its very small and I always think I am going to loose it one day. Software is FAR better too. Andriod app and the windows software are far more refined. The map function is super useful too.
You can try Atom Nano!
what also surprises me is that for both the RC10x and KC761x, they do not supply a free case - these things are so low cost to add to the BoM. I'm currently making a review video about the HFS-10 device, it is a really low cost product but still manages to come with a nice carry case...
are you able to compare it to Raysid?
@@samoime1955 I don't have a Raysid to compere with 🙂
@@project-326 it has the largest size of detector, but it would be interesting to see how it compares to KC761B in low energy gamma detection as it may also have a higher background noise from higher energy gamma as to thicker scintillator.
I think these devices need a scintillator upgrade. CeBr3 or CZT would really improve the resolution! They're still great devices, but NaI:Tl and CsI:Tl have been used for so long now!
There are some new types being released soon by Measall, they are promising to release a neutron detection module any time now...
Love your style of presentation and I got used to the AI voice.
some hazmat identifiers like Thermo radeye use additional neutron detector, what is the purpose if any of neutron emitters can be identified over gamma? Are there any that could make neutron overdose before gamma is detected?
I didn't know that the Thermo Radeye has an inbuilt neutron detector. The model I have seen only uses a pancake GM tube... Please share some more details!
@@project-326 yes the model radeye GN use gamma and neutron scintilator. Tryed to post the link, but reply gets deleted. Do you have an idea what is the neutron detector for on hazmat device?
为什么盖革管计数器测量金属挂件也会滴滴响几次，大概0.35μsv/h😅
The fact this channel got
it will grow, just takes time...
very interesting video indeed. About Americium : its funny as even with my DIY NaITl gamma probe I always noticed that the Am peaks werent always perfectly located @ 69Kev.. and i read somewhere that Américium wasnt a good calibrating source as in this range the response wasnt very linear... so that could maybe explain it. But the sensitivity of this gamma spectro is quite interesting and the max dose rate of 100 mSvh too
Typically sources like Cs-137 are used to calibrate devices like this, it is used because the gamma emission is sort of in the middle of the range of most devices. Am-241 is right down the bottom of the range so there are just going to be more errors as you get further from the point where it was calibrated.
I hope that help!
这种设备是不是需要定期做校准和计量
There will be some very small amount of drift, but calibrating this type of instrument is very difficult.
THE FUCKING AWFUL USER INTERFACE! with reverb hehehe