[R-390] Re: Refinishing meters

[Joe Foley]

The meters on my '67 EAC simply are NOT radioactive.

Now, the speedometer on my '52 GMC Deuce-and-a-half is
one hot sumbitch!

Joe






> 
> Would-be Meter Disassembles,
> 
> I have the urge to repeat Morgan's Law of
> Radioactive Meters and Regulator 
> Tubes: tu wit:
> 
> DON'T BREAK THEM OPEN AND EAT THE INSIDES.
> 
> To elaborate slightly:
> 
> 1) SOME meters from R-390's and other radios have
> glow-in-the-dark meters 
> containing alpha-emitting radioactive sources. 
> (EVen though it does not 
> glow anymore, the stuff is still in there.)
> 
> 2) Many military OA2 and similar regulator tubes
> have small amounts of 
> radioactive material in them to ensure reliable
> ignition especially in the 
> dark and cold.
> 
> In both cases (pun intended!) the stuff is pretty
> harmless unless you get 
> the case open and get the material on you or inside
> you (by breathing or 
> ingestion or through a cut or abrasion).  Make sure
> this does not happen!
> 
> What does "pretty harmless" mean? I remember one
> analysis that concluded 
> something like: You would have to place an R-390A
> meter on your chest or 
> cheek for about 34 years before you'd be exposed to
> radiation equivalent to 
> the minimum yearly radiation exposure.  However,
> ingestion or inhaling the 
> dust from a meter's markings or tube innards places
> the material in direct 
> contact with your tissues and could lead eventually
> to cancer or the 
> like.  A sealed meter or unbroken regulator tube
> envelope effectively 
> contains all alpha emissions.
> 
> The bottom line:
> 
> If you are going to take R-390 meters apart:
> Make VERY sure you know what kind of meter you have
> and what you are doing.
> 
> Roy
> 
> - Roy Morgan, K1LKY since 1959 - Keep 'em Glowing!
> 7130 Panorama Drive, Derwood MD 20855
> Home: 301-330-8828 Work: Voice: 301-975-3254,  Fax:
> 301-948-6213
> roy.morgan@nist.gov --
> 
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