• Go Direct Radiation Monitor
• Micro USB Cable

Choose a platform below to see its compatibility requirements.

LabQuest

Interface	LabQuest App
LabQuest 3	Full support
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)	Full support 1
LabQuest (discontinued)	Incompatible

Compatibility Notes

1. Wireless connection of this sensor to a LabQuest 2 requires a Go Direct Bluetooth Adapter when used with some older LabQuest 2 models.

Computers

	Software
Interface	Graphical Analysis
No interface required	Full support 1
LabQuest 3	Full support 2
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)	Full support 2 3

Compatibility Notes

1. For Bluetooth^® connectivity, only computers running Windows 10 or Mac OS X 10.10 or newer are supported. The computer must also have a compatible Bluetooth 4.0⁺ radio.
2. Connect this sensor directly to a computer or Chromebook via a USB or wireless Bluetooth^® connection for best results. Alternatively, this sensor is fully supported when used with LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 when the LabQuest is connected to a computer or Chromebook via Wireless Data Sharing.
3. Wireless connection of this sensor to a LabQuest 2 requires a Go Direct Bluetooth Adapter when used with some older LabQuest 2 models.

Chromebook

	Software
Interface	Graphical Analysis
No interface required	Full support
LabQuest 3	Full support 1
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)	Full support 1 2

Compatibility Notes

1. Connect this sensor directly to a computer or Chromebook via a USB or wireless Bluetooth^® connection for best results. Alternatively, this sensor is fully supported when used with LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 when the LabQuest is connected to a computer or Chromebook via Wireless Data Sharing.
2. Wireless connection of this sensor to a LabQuest 2 requires a Go Direct Bluetooth Adapter when used with some older LabQuest 2 models.

iOS

	Software
Interface	Graphical Analysis	Graphical Analysis GW
No interface required	Full support	Full support
LabQuest 3	Full support 1 2	Full support 1 2
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)	Full support 1 2 3	Full support 1 2 3

Compatibility Notes

1. Connect this sensor directly to a supported mobile device via a wireless Bluetooth^® connection for best results.
2. iOS and Android^™ devices can only connect to LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 via Wireless Data Sharing.
3. Wireless connection of this sensor to a LabQuest 2 requires a Go Direct Bluetooth Adapter when used with some older LabQuest 2 models.

Android

	Software
Interface	Graphical Analysis	Graphical Analysis GW
No interface required	Full support	Incompatible
LabQuest 3	Full support 1 2	Full support 1
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)	Full support 1 2 3	Full support 1 3

Compatibility Notes

1. iOS and Android^™ devices can only connect to LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 via Wireless Data Sharing.
2. Connect this sensor directly to a supported mobile device via a wireless Bluetooth^® connection for best results.
3. Wireless connection of this sensor to a LabQuest 2 requires a Go Direct Bluetooth Adapter when used with some older LabQuest 2 models.

Python

	Software
Interface	Python
No interface required	Full support

Javascript

	Software
Interface	Javascript
No interface required	Full support 1

Compatibility Notes

1. A wireless Bluetooth^® connection can be made with Go Direct sensors on any platform running a browser with WebBluetooth support. However, only a few operating systems have been tested and testing has been limited.

LabVIEW

	Software
Interface	NI LabVIEW
No interface required	Full support 1

Compatibility Notes

1. For Bluetooth^® connectivity, only computers running Windows 10 or Mac OS X 10.10 or newer are supported. The computer must also have a compatible Bluetooth 4.0⁺ radio.

1. Charge your sensor for at least 2 hours before first use.
2. Turn on your sensor. The LED will blink red.
3. Launch Graphical Analysis, then click Sensor Data Collection.
4. Select your sensor from the list. The sensor ID is located on the sensor label near the bar code. Note: If you don’t see a list of available sensors, click WIRELESS. After selecting your sensor, click Pair.
5. Click DONE. You are now ready to collect data.

Using other Vernier data-collection apps or want to connect via USB?

Visit www.vernier.com/start-go-direct

Note: This sensor also works with LabQuest 2 and LabQuest 3; it does not work with the original LabQuest.

Connect Go Direct Radiation Monitor to the included Micro USB Cable and any USB device for two hours.

You can also charge up to eight Go Direct Radiation Monitors using our Go Direct Charge Station, sold separately (order code: GDX-CRG). An LED on each Go Direct Radiation Monitor indicates charging status.

Charging	Orange LED next to the battery icon is solid while the sensor is charging.
Fully charged	Green LED next to the battery icon is solid when the sensor is fully charged.

Turning on the sensor	Press button once. Red LED indicator flashes when unit is on. Red LED next to radiation symbols starts to flash as counts come in.
Putting the sensor in sleep mode	Press and hold button for more than three seconds to put into sleep mode. Red LEDs stop flashing when sleeping.

See the following link for up-to-date connection information:

www.vernier.com/start/gdx-rad

Connecting via Bluetooth

Ready to connect	Red LED next to the Bluetooth icon flashes when sensor is awake and ready to connect.
Connected	Green LED next to the Bluetooth icon flashes when sensor is connected via Bluetooth.

Connecting via USB

Connected and charging	Orange LED next to the battery icon is solid when the sensor is connected to Graphical Analysis via USB and the unit is charging. LED next to Bluetooth icon is off. Red LED next to radiation symbols flash as counts come in.
Connected, fully charged	Green LED next to the battery icon is solid when the sensor is connected to Graphical Analysis via USB and fully charged. LED next to Bluetooth icon is off.
Charging via USB, connected via Bluetooth	Orange LED next to the battery icon is solid when the sensor is charging. Green LED next to the Bluetooth icon flashes.

When two or more sensors are connected, the sensors can be identified by tapping or clicking Identify in Sensor Information.

Connect the sensor following the steps in the Quick Start section of this user manual.

The ɑβɣ LED will flash for each alpha, beta, or gamma particle detected. Turn on/off the optional audio signal using the small switch on the base of the box, next to the GM tube.

To measure gamma and X-rays, hold the tip of Go Direct Radiation Monitor toward the source of radiation. Low-energy gamma radiation (10–40 keV) cannot penetrate the side of the GM tube, but may be detected through the end window.

To detect alpha radiation, position the monitor so the suspected source of radiation is next to the GM window. Alpha radiation will not travel far through air, so put the source as close as possible (within 1/4") to the screen without touching it. Even a humid day can limit the already short distance an alpha particle can travel.

To detect beta radiation, point the end window toward the source of radiation. Beta radiation has a longer range through air than alpha particles, but can usually be shielded (e.g., by a few millimeters of aluminum). High energy beta particles may be monitored through the back of the case.

To determine whether radiation is alpha, beta, or gamma, hold the tip of the monitor toward the specimen. If there is an indication of radioactivity, it is most likely gamma or high energy beta. Place a piece of aluminum about 3 mm (1/8") thick between the case and the specimen. If the indication stops, the radiation is most likely beta. (To some degree, most common radioactive isotopes emit both beta and gamma radiation.) If there is no indication through the back of the case, position the end window close to, but not touching, the specimen. If there is an indication, it is probably alpha or beta. If a sheet of paper is placed between the window, and the indication stops, the radiation is most likely alpha. In order to avoid particles falling into the instrument, do not hold the specimen directly above the end window.

The Radiation Monitor does not detect neutron, microwave, radio frequency (RF), laser, infrared, or ultraviolet radiation. Some isotopes it will detect relatively well are cesium-137, cobalt-60, technicium-99m, phosphorus-32, and strontium-90.

Some types of radiation are very difficult or impossible for this GM tube to detect. Beta emissions from tritium are too weak to detect using the Radiation Monitor. Americium-241, used in some smoke detectors, can overexcite the GM tube and give an indication of a higher level of radiation than is actually present.

Displaying data

Click or tap the view icon and select Meter.

Graphing data

Click or tap the view icon and choose the number of graphs you wish to display. For each graph, click or tap on the y-axis label to select which sensor data you would like displayed on that graph. Change data-collection parameters (duration, sampling rate) by clicking or tapping on graph options. When ready to collect data, click or tap collect.

Calibration is not required for this device. However, you may want to collect background radiation data before performing your experiment.

Go Direct Radiation Monitor measures total counts during the data-collection period, including any background radiation. A simple way to estimate the background radiation in your location is to run the Go Direct Radiation Monitor without any radioactive source nearby for the same duration as your experimental trials. The total counts during that time interval will give you an idea of how much background radiation you can expect during each of your experimental trials.

Sensor	LND 712 (or equivalent) halogen-quenched GM tube with a mica end window, 1.5 to 2.0 mg/cm2 thick
Gamma sensitivity	18 cps/mR/hr referenced to Co-60
Temperature range	–20 to 50°C
Operating range (CPS)	0 to 3,500
USB specification	USB 2.0 full speed
Wireless specification	Bluetooth v4.2
Maximum wireless range	30 m (unobstructed)
Battery	300 mAh Li-Poly Rechargeable
Battery life (single full charge)	About 24 hours continuous data collection
Battery life (long term)	About 300 full charge cycles (several years, depending on usage)

Clean sensor with a soft, damp cloth.

Battery

Go Direct Radiation Monitor contains a small lithium-ion battery. The sensor is designed to consume very little power and not put heavy demands on the battery. Although the battery is warranted for one year, the expected battery life should be several years. Replacement batteries are available from Vernier (order code GDX‑BAT‑300).

Storage

To store Go Direct Radiation Monitor for extended periods of time, put the device in sleep mode by holding the button down for at least three seconds. The red LED will stop flashing to show that the unit is in sleep mode. Over several months, the battery will discharge but will not be damaged. After such storage, charge the device for a few hours, and the unit will be ready to go.

Exposing the battery to temperatures over 35°C (95°F) will reduce its lifespan. If possible, store the device in an area that is not exposed to temperature extremes.

Water Resistance

Go Direct Radiation Monitor is not water resistant and should never be immersed in water.

If water gets into the device, immediately power the unit down (press and hold the power button for more than three seconds). Disconnect the sensor and charging cable, and remove the battery. Allow the device to dry thoroughly before attempting to use the device again. Do not attempt to dry using an external heat source.

Go Direct Radiation Monitor senses ionizing radiation by means of a Geiger‑Mueller (GM) tube. The tube is fully enclosed inside the instrument. When ionizing radiation or a particle strikes the tube, it is sensed electronically and monitored by a computer and by a flashing count light. There is an optional audio signal. Radiation is measured in counts in a time interval, as configured in data‑collection software.

Note: About 5 to 25 counts at random intervals (depending on location and altitude) can be expected every minute from naturally occurring background radiation.

The end of the GM tube has a thin mica window. This mica window is protected by the screen at the end of the sensor. It allows alpha particles to reach the GM tube and be detected. The mica window will also sense low energy beta particles and gamma radiation that cannot penetrate the plastic case or the side of the tube.

Note: Some very low energy radiation cannot be detected through the mica window. The tube is fragile and physical damage to the window is not covered by the warranty.

Connect Go Direct Radiation Monitorand start Graphical Analysis. Verify that the Radiation Monitor is automatically identified. Next, place the Radiation Monitor near a radioactive source and collect data. Look at the LED, labeled αβγ, on the body of the Radiation Monitor—it will flash with each count; optionally turn on the audio signal to listen for counts. The total counts will accumulate in the data‑collection software.

For additional troubleshooting tips and FAQs, see www.vernier.com/til/3901

If you have followed the troubleshooting steps and are still having trouble with your Go Direct Radiation Monitor, contact Vernier Technical Support at support@vernier.com or call 888-837-6437. Support specialists will work with you to determine if the unit needs to be sent in for repair. At that time, a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number will be issued and instructions will be communicated on how to return the unit for repair.

Item	Order Code
Micro USB Cable	CB-USB-MICRO
USB-C to Micro USB cable	CB-USB-C-MICRO
Go Direct 300 mAh Replacement Battery	GDX-BAT-300

Warranty information for this product can be found on the Support tab at www.vernier.com/gdx-rad/#support

General warranty information can be found at www.vernier.com/warranty

When disposing of this electronic product, do not treat it as household waste. Its disposal is subject to regulations that vary by country and region. This item should be given to an applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. By ensuring that this product is disposed of correctly, you help prevent potential negative consequences on human health or on the environment. The recycling of materials will help to conserve natural resources. For more detailed information about recycling this product, contact your local city office or your disposal service.

Battery recycling information is available at www.call2recycle.org

Do not puncture or expose the battery to excessive heat or flame.

The symbol, shown here, indicates that this product must not be disposed of in a standard waste container.