[R-390] Line Level VU Meter

Wed, 14 Aug 2002 17:23:11 -0400

Bob,

    I was simply drawing from memory.  I do not remember the half life.  I
sort of remember that it is an alpha emitter.

    My concern is folks exposing themselves to an open source of alpha
emissions.  This is not good practice at all.  While some talk about radon
exposure, it isn't concentrated as the radium on the face of the meter.

    Then there is the possible "flakes" or particles inside the enclosure.
This should be handled with MUCH care.

    Any "geiger" counter won't pick up the emissions with even a piece of
paper over the particle(s), much less the glass or plastic meter cover/face.

    If folks, especially us older ones, remember the results of the women
working at National Lead whom used to hand paint the faces of meters, they'd
give a LOT of thought as to the care they take with this.

Bob - N0DGN

----- Original Message -----
From: "Robert Simpson" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2002 16:32 PM
Subject: Re: [R-390] Line Level VU Meter


> If my memory is correct, the half-life of Radium is somewhere around 1,600
> years - please correct me if this is worng.
>
> Bob
>
>
> At 08:32 PM 8/13/02 -0400, you wrote:
> >I don't know how "toxic" radium is after it has gone through several half
> >lives.  Is it an alpha emitter?  If so, the particles could probably be
> >safely vacuumed out.  Alpha particles won't go through paper or unbroken
> >skin, BUT are VERY toxic if breathed in or otherwise ingested.
> >
> >Bob - N0DGN
> >
> >Bob - N0DGN  Craf-T-Bob  (Because I love Hallicrafters!)
> >R-390A EAC '67, R-390A Collins '52, BC-610I, BC-939B,
> >and BC-614E
> >
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> >
>