Is the Gamma-Scout Geiger counter any good?

Gamma-Scout is an iconic Geiger counter but is it any good? Let’s find out!

Before I start, I must say that the unit that I got is not stock. It has a new battery and the GM tube was swapped for Philips ZP1400 since the original Ludlum LND712 was broken. Lastly, I have also added a metal mesh in front of the GM tube for some additional protection when measuring alpha radiation.

The version I got is the Standard model which retails for around 380 euros. Gamma-Scout offer three other models. Alert model which has an audible clicking sound and a settable alarm, a rechargeable model that has a rechargeable battery and an Online model which allows user to connect the Geiger counter to PC wirelessly.

Despite the fact, the GM tube was not original, the results I got were fairly similar to my other Geiger counters which meant that Philips ZP1400 is a very good alternative to the LND712.

Gamma-Scout next to Terra-P

One small design issue that I noticed with the Gamma-Scout is that the GM tube is slightly pushed back into the meter. This means that detecting alpha particles will be more difficult since they have a very small range.

What I really like about this meter is that it can detect alpha, beta, gamma radiation and it shows readings in dose units as well as raw activity (CPS).

Unlike most electronic devices, Gamma-Scout has no on/off button. It remains always turned on until the battery dies. Luckily, this unit is designed to run for over 10 years without the battery running out, and if it does, Gamma-Scout recommends sending the unit back to them for battery replacement and calibration but in my experience, it is fairly easy to replace the battery by your self if you know how to solder.

Unfortunately, this meter also has some downsides. There are some quality control problems including the radioactive logo being distorted and the upper and lower body parts not fitting perfectly even with screws tighten. These are small issues but they should not exist on a Geiger counter that cost almost 400 euros!

Berlin Zehlendorf 10/02/2021

What bothers me the most is that the standard model does NOT come with a speaker! In my opinion, a clicking sound should be a standard feature on EVERY modern, handheld Geiger counter. Even my cheap 30 euro DIY Geiger counter has a tiny speaker built-in. If you want audible clicking sound then you need to buy a more expensive Alert model.

Overall, I think that Gamma-Scout is a-OK Geiger-counter but it feels outdated and I find it to be overpriced. That is why I would not recommend the Gamma-Scout standard model and I would suggest looking at other meters from the competition. A good alternative that comes to my mind would be Radiascan 701.

Comments

  • The measurement of 7.5uSv/h is too low for the alpha beam emanating from the AM241 source. With the LND712 tube, it should show hundreds of uSv/h. The ZP1400 tube’s mica window is slightly thicker, so it’s not suitable for measuring alpha rays.

  • You bought a Standard Model
    That’s why drawbacks
    The Parts assemble well. Even with screws tight it moves little to facilitate the opening of USB port door.

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