Detectron Model DS-234 (ca. 1955)

Detectron Model DS-234 (ca. 1955)

The Model DS-234 (at least that is what I believe it is) sodium iodide survey meter was produced by the Detectron Corporation of North Hollywood, California.

I am guessing that this was the predecessor to Detectron's Model DS-235, the "Scintillatron." Detectron described the latter as follows: "King of all of the gun-type counters, the DS-235 is provided with many 'extras.'" One such "extra" would be the DS-235's four time constants. The DS-234 only had two: "long" and "short."

Cast Phenolic case with spun aluminum tube housing.

Detectron Model DS-234 (ca. 1955)

Unfortunately, there is no model number on the instrument. I call it the DS-234 because it more closely resembles what is identified as the DS-234 in a 1954 AEC report than it does the U-235 described in the Detectron literature.

Detector: 1" x 1.5" (?) sodium iodide crystal coupled to Dumont 6467 PMT.

Ranges: 0-0.025, 0-0.05, 0-0.25, 0-0.5, 0-2.5, and 0-5 mR/hr

Audio: None

Size: Probe, 12" x 4" x 4"; Battery case, 5.5" x 5.25" x 3.25"

Batteries: Two 30 Volt "B" cells, one 67.5 Volt "B" cells, three 1.5 volt D cell

Weight: Probe 3 lbs; Battery case 4.5 lbs.

References

  • Cassingham, C. "Detectron and Larry Cassingham" website.
  • Detectron Advertisement. 1955.
  • Detectron Brochure, "Prospector's Manual" copyright 1956.
  • U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. RIB-8 (Part 2) Radiation Measuring Instruments and Associated Components. July 1, 1954. Page SBX-30A.