[Test-Equipment] Radioactive Tube Stamp (was: re: Nixie project)

[Gary Pewitt]

If anyone is -that- worried about radiation then they had better get rid 
of any white gas burning Colman lanterns as the mantles are slightly 
radioactive.  Also about half of the smoke detectors ever sold.  And 
don't let your kids sit in front of an old tube type TV.  Not to mention 
dental, medical X-rays, CAT scans, MRIs and the radioactive IVs you get 
with them.  Oh yeah don't ever take a long distance airline flight 
either.  Good grief if you are worried about "radio active" tubes, 
meters, and TCP containing transformer oil you can drop them off at my 
place.  I'll take all I can get.  Thanks.
73  Gary



On 7/3/2010 9:52 AM, k4pf at juno.com wrote:
>    
>> Dave Harmon"<k6xyz at sbcglobal.net>  wrote
>> I remember buying a used 30L-1 and the 811A tubes
>>      
> had a 'radio-active' stamp on them.
> I got rid of them quick.
> Don't need an environmental cleanup in the shack!
> I've never seen any other 811A's with that stamp.
> At AT&T we used some other quick firing tubes with that stamp
> and we were careful not to break one of them.
>
>
>
> Hi, Dave
>
> That tube manufacturer was just being extra-cautious
> in his labeling.  All thoriated tungsten filament tubes
> such as the 811A, 572B or 3-500Z are mildly radioactive,
> due to the thorium present in the filament.
> The thorium reduces the work function of the filament
> surface, making it a more efficient electron emitter.
>
> 73,
> Ed Knobloch
>
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