Reference only — this item is no longer available.
This product has been discontinued and cannot be ordered. We keep the page online so the specifications and documentation stay available to anyone still running the equipment. Current replacements are listed further down.
Discontinued
Product details (archived)
The information below is retained for reference only. This item is discontinued and cannot be ordered.
The 4EC Handheld Radiation Alert Detector senses ionizing
radiation by means of a GM (Geiger Mueller) tube with a thin mica window. The
tube is enclosed inside the instrument. When a ray or particle of ionizing
radiation enters or passes through the tube, it is sensed electronically and
displayed by a red count light. When the switch is in the AUDIO position, the
instrument will also beep with each radiation event. About 5 to 25 counts at
random intervals depending on your location and altitude) can be expected every
minute from naturally occurring background radiation.
The 4EC is a compact, general purpose survey meters capable of detecting
alpha, beta, gamma, and x-rays over 3 selectable ranges. A red count light
flashes and a beep sounds with each event detected. The Monitor 4EC offers a
more linear reading for gamma and x-rays (above 40 keV).
Specifications:
- Detects four different types of radiation:
- Detector: Halogen-quenched GM tube, energy compensated sidewall 2mm tin
filter. Thin mica window 1.5-2.0 mg/cm2 thick
- Display: analog meter holds full scale in fields as high as 100x maximum
reading
- Energy sensitivity: The energy response to gamma through the detector
sidewall is flat to within +61% or -26% over the range of40 keV to 100 keV,
and within +35% or -17% over the range of 100 keV to -1.3 MeV (referenced to
Cs-137).
- Detects alpha down to 2.5 MeV; typical detection efficiency at 3.6
MeV is greater than 80%
- Detects beta at 50 keV with typical 35% detection efficiency
- Detects beta at 150 keV with typical 75% detection efficiency.
Detects gamma and x-rays down to 10 keV typical through the window
(non-compensated), 40 keV through the sidewall
- Normal background is approx. 5-20 CPM
- Gamma sensitivity: 1000 CPM/mR/hr (referenced to Cs-137)

- Operating ranges:
- 0 to 0.5; 0 to 5; 0 to 50 mR/hr
- 0 to 500; 0 to 5,000; 0 to 50,000 CPM
- 0 to 500 µSv/hr; 0 to 50 mR/hr
- Range Switch: X1, X10, X100 and Battery Check
- Accuracy: typically ±15% of reading (referenced to Cs-137)
- Audio: internally mounted beeper (can be turned off for silent
operation)
- Power requirements: 9-volt alkaline battery
- Battery life: up to 2,000 hrs at normal background
- Temperature range: -4° F to 131° F (-20° C to 55° C)
- Weight: 8.7 oz (245.7 grams) without battery
- Operating Voltage :7 to 11vDC. (high and low voltage is fully regulated)
- Outputs: 3.5mm headphone jack with pulse out
- Size: 8.25" x 2.75" x 1.875" (210 x 70 x 48mm)
Supplied with:
- Carrying Case
- 1 year limited manufacturers warranty