PP-354 Dosimeter Charger (ca. 1950-1957)
The Defense Atomic Support Agency’s 1966 List of Military and Civil Defense Radiac Devices describes the PP 354 as an “electrostatic charger for all Navy quartz fiber-type dosimeters. A limiting diode is used to control the maximum charging voltage and a heavy-duty generator is employed."
When used, the charging end of the dosimeter would be inserted into the charging socket of the PP-354 and the unit would be pointed towards a light source. While observing the position of the hairline on the scale through the eyepiece of the dosimeter, the latter would be charged by rotating the small knob on the side of the unit.
This example was manufactured by Chatham Electronics Corp—the original contract with Chatham Electronics to produce the PP-354 was dated June 14, 1948. Landsverk Electrometer Company also manufactured the PP-354. By 1958, the PP-354 was superseded by the models PP-354B and PP-354C.
Output voltage: 0-400 volts
Size: 2” x 1 5/8” x 1”
Weight: 5 oz.
Price: $20 in 1956
This photo shows a dosimeter connected to the charger.
This photo shows the PP-345E/PD version of the charger.
Donated by Ron Kathren.
References
- Defense Atomic Support Agency’s 1966 List of Military and Civil Defense Radiac Devices, DASA 1243 Revised, 1966.
- Department of the Navy Directory of Radiac Equipment, NAVSHIPS 94200.5, ca. 1961-62.