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RDS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This page contains a list of frequently asked questions about RDS equipment and is focused on supporting military users of RDS equipment.

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If your questions are not answered by the information below, please refer to https://www.dtectsystems.com/support-rds or call the support line at +1-801-260-4069.

General

1 / What is the Radiological Detection System?

The Radiological Detection System is a suite of equipment that is used for detection, classification, and quantification of gamma (photon), beta, alpha, x-ray, and neutron radiation. The equipment utilizes Geiger-Mueller (GM) tube, scintillation, photomultiplier tube (PMT), and solid-state semiconductor-based technology to detect the various forms of radiation. Detection capabilities are found in the Base Unit and in six different probes, each suited to different missions or purposes.

Top row left to right:

  • Alpha-Beta Probe (DT-727/PD PROBE RADIAC)

  • Beta Photon Probe (DT-728/PD PROBE RADIAC)

  • Field Instrument for Detection of Low Energy Radiation (FIDLER) Probe (DT-724/PD PROBE RADIAC)

  • Neutron Probe (DT-725/PD PROBE RADIAC)

  • Sensitive Gamma Probe (DT-726/PD PROBE RADIAC)

  • Small Area Gamma Probe (DT-729/PD PROBE RADIAC)

Bottom row:

  • Base Unit (IM-281/PD RADIACMETER)

2 / ​Is there an operator or technical manual for military users?

The initial systems fielded to U.S. Army came with compact disc (CD) containing two draft manuals, TM 3-6665-381-13&P Operator and Field Maintenance manual Including Repair Parts and Special Tools List for Base Unit Radiological Detection System , NSN 6665-01-671-4539 and TM 3-6665-382-13&P Operator and Field Maintenance manual Including Repair Parts and Special Tools List for Probes, Radiological Detection System.

The final manual, to be published late 2024 or early 2025 will be Army TM 3-6665-383-14&P; Air Force TO 11H4-2-22-1; Marine Corps TM 00385A-13 Technical Manual Operator, Field and Sustainment Maintenance Manual Including Repair Parts and Special Tools List for Base Unit Radiological Detection System (RDS) AN/PDR-83.  This manual will include the Base Unit and all Probes as well as ancillary equipment that is a part of the RDS System.

For US manuals, log in to the Joint Acquisition CBRN Knowledge System (JACKS) at https://jacks.jpeocbrnd.army.mil/ to find the draft manuals. Once published, please access them through https://armypubs.army.mil/.

The US Navy is producing a separate technical manual, refer to the organization in your Service that fielded the RDS to you for receipt of the proper technical manual.

Canada military units shall receive both an English and Canadian French version of Operator Manual for Canadian Radiological Detection System (CRDS) Base Unit and Probes. English CRDS Operator Manual is manufacturer part number V062904, Canadian French CRDS Operator manual is manufacturer part number V072065.

For Canada manuals, please submit a request to your First Line Maintenance provider.

3 / Does the RDS contain any radioactive sources or hazardous materials?

The Base Unit and probes do not contain internal radioactive sources.  The configuration issued may contain individual check sources, a button check source of less than 1 microCurie (µCi) of cesium (Cs)-137 and some sets may contain a check source of less than 30 nanoCurie (nCi) of thorium (Th)-232. Please refer to the following Warning statements when using a check source:

WARNING: Avoid prolonged use of Check Sources, return them to case or other protective location promptly after each use to minimize exposure. Do not ingest source. Do not attempt to open or crush source housing. Do not handle damaged sources. The cesium (Cs-137) check source contains less than 1 microCurie (μCi) of Cs-137.

Coordinate disposal with unit Radiation Safety Officer (RSO). Failure to follow precautions may result in injury or death.

 

WARNING: Avoid prolonged use of Check Sources, return them to case or other protective location promptly after each use to minimize exposure. Do not ingest source. Do not attempt to open or crush source housing. Do not handle damaged sources. The thorium (Th-232) check source contains less than 30 nanoCurie (nCi) of Th-232. Coordinate disposal with unit Radiation Safety Officer (RSO). Failure to follow precautions may result in injury or death.

 

The only hazardous materials, other than the check sources, used in operation of the RDS are batteries. These are standard commercial batteries.  Internally and not handled by the operator is one button cell BR2032 battery that maintains the clock in the Base Unit. Changing of the internal clock battery is done by qualified maintainers only. Operators will be required to change the batteries that power the system while operating the RDS.  It requires four (4) AA batteries.  Although Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) are recommended for longer operating time, and they are rechargeable, alkaline AA batteries may be used as well. Do not mix battery types. Please refer to the following WARNING statement for handling of batteries:

 

WARNING: Batteries, under normal conditions of use, are hermetically sealed. Potential for exposure should not exist unless the battery leaks, is exposed to high temperature, is accidentally swallowed or is mechanically, physically, or electrically abused. Batteries should not be opened or burned. Exposure to the ingredients contained within or their combustion products could be harmful causing respiratory irritation, skin irritation, eye irritation and chemical burns. Do not handle leaking or damaged batteries without neoprene or rubber gloves. Do not puncture, mutilate, or attempt to disassemble batteries. Do not heat them above 212°F (100°C). Failure to follow precautions may result in injury or death.

 

Maintainers may encounter additional hazardous chemicals such as solvents, adhesives, and lubricants while conducting maintenance, please ensure to follow all WARNING and CAUTION statements found in the technical manual.

4 / Why does my transit case not have everything listed as part of the system in the technical manual? â€‹

The Radiological Detection System is a versatile suite of equipment and not all operators may need the capability of every probe or piece of ancillary equipment. The US Military Services and Canada Department of Defense have analyzed the needs based on the unit’s mission and operating parameters and created different configurations based on their needs.

For USMC and USA, configurations are laid out in the Introduction to Repair Parts and Special Tools List (RPSTL), Chapter 12. Both Services have National Stock Numbers (NSN) assigned and type designators for their configurations.

For USAF and USN, multiple configuration types have been defined.  Please refer to the organization in your Service that fielded the RDS to you for additional details on those configurations.

For Canada, the CRDS Operator’s Manual, Chapter 1 provides a picture and table of all items found in each of the types of kits that are fielded. 

Please note for all Services, there are some configurations that contain multiple transit cases, your FIDLER Probe, Neutron Probe and for Canada Sensitive Gamma Probe may be in a separate transit case from the rest of your configuration. Transit cases and their labeling also vary for each of the US Services and Canada.

5 / How do I get additional items?

The procurement of additional RDS equipment must go through your Military Service following the proper channels for your requests based on the Service you are a part of. If you are unsure of who to contact, try the following:

  • For US – Place an inquiry at Joint Acquisition CBRN Knowledge System (JACKS) at https://jacks.jpeocbrnd.army.mil/ through the CBRN-Information Resource Center. All military personnel may sign in to the CBRN-IRC using their Common Access Card (CAC).

  • For Canada please contact your First Line Maintenance provider.

6 / How do I replace something that is damaged?

All RDS operational and maintenance items are assigned a National (or NATO) Stock Number (NSN) and are available through military supply channels. NSNs can be found in TM-3-6665-383-14&P, Chapter 12 and 13 or CRDS Operator’s Manual, Chapter 1.

Follow all proper channels for your Military Service.  Each Service has their own maintenance concept, please ensure you follow the guidance in your technical manual, technical bulletin, or operator’s manual.

Some ancillary equipment and consumables such as the mylar window for the Alpha-Beta Probe may be ordered at the operational unit level. Please refer to the source, maintenance, and recoverability (SMR) codes in TM-3-6665-383-14&P, Chapter 12 for US Army, US Air Force, and US Marine Corp to determine if the item is orderable at the operational unit level and work with your supply and maintenance personnel assigned or supporting your unit.

7 / How do I know if my RDS equipment is working? 

There are two parts to ensuring your Base Unit or Probe is working correctly. 

  1. Performing a quick exterior inspection can rule out damage that might prevent the item from working properly, following the Before Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services (PMCS) will walk you through the inspection process ensuring you check all important items on the exterior.

  2. The last step in the Before PMCS will take you to the right Work Package/Section for preparation for use of the item. This will include applying power (batteries or AC/DC Power Adapter), turning it on, attaching a probe to the Base Unit, checking units and thresholds to ensure they are set correctly, and finally a functional check of the detectors in the system. Follow the procedure as written in the technical manual/operator’s manual using the proper check source to see the readings per the given range and performance of the RAD test. Follow the proper troubleshooting steps should the item not meet the requirements given in your technical manual/operator’s manual and seek the next level of maintenance as necessary should it be indicated.

For TM-3-6665-383-14&P, Operator PMCS can be found in Chapter 4.

For CRDS Operator’s Manual, Chapter 10, Section 1 contains the Operator PMCS.

Power

1 / What type of batteries do I use with the RDS Base Unit?

The Base Unit requires 4 AA commercial batteries. Both non-rechargeable alkaline batteries or rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) may be used. NiMH are recommended for longer operational use, specifically in cold temperatures.

2 / How long will my batteries last?

Attached probes, attached Sensor Network Adapter Cable (SNAP) or Rad Extender, alarms, temperature, screen brightness, and certain settings will all affect battery life.

The system will provide continuous operation from an internal power source for 8 hours under the highest power draw usage scenarios. 

Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) and alkaline batteries are manufactured in various charge capacities measured in millampere-hour (mAh). Usually the higher the mAh rating, the longer the battery can be used. One exception is cold temperatures where rechargeable NiMH AA batteries will provide the longest operational period. In cold temperatures AA alkaline batteries may only last several hours.

3 / Can I use rechargeable batteries in the Base Unit?

Rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) AA batteries may be used with the Base Unit, but they must be removed from the Base Unit for recharging. Batteries can be left in the Base Unit while the AC/DC Power Adapter is attached and being used, but it will not charge the batteries in the system.

A battery charger may be a part of your kit or is found on the Additional Authorization List (AAL) in your technical manual available per National Stock Number through your military supply chain.

4 / How do I insert batteries into the Base Unit?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Batteries are installed more easily when the Base Unit is held with the screen facing down so that the connector cap chains are out of the way.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

5 / Is there an adapter that I can plug in the Base Unit for power instead of using batteries?

Yes, there is an AC/DC Power Adapter that connects to the Base Unit to a working 110-130 Volt (60 Hertz) power outlet for operation.  Batteries can be removed or left in the Base Unit while the AC/DC Power Adapter is attached and being used, but it will not charge the batteries in the system. 

The AC/DC Power Adapter is useful when performing maintenance or using RDS equipment in a lab environment.

The AC/DC Power Adapter is a part of some configurations or is found on the Additional Authorization List (AAL) in your technical manual available per National Stock Number through your military supply chain.

To connect the AC/DC Power Adapter:

  1. Remove power connection protective cap by rotating counterclockwise.

  2. Attach AC/DC power adapter by inserting it into the AC power connection and then threading adapter collar onto Base Unit AC power connector.

  3. Plug AC/DC power adapter into working 110V power outlet.

NOTE: If no batteries are installed and Base Unit is powered off, Base Unit will power on automatically when AC/DC power adapter is inserted into a power outlet.

  1. Power Base Unit on, if necessary, by pressing the Home/Power key.

6 / Do I need to remove the batteries before plugging in the AC/DC Adapter?

Batteries can be left in the Base Unit while the AC/DC Power Adapter is attached and being used, but it will not charge the batteries in the system. When the AC/DC Power Adapter is attached, the system will bypass the batteries and draw all power from the AC/DC connection.

7 / Will plugging in the AC/DC Adapter charge the batteries inside the Base Unit?

Rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) AA batteries may be used with the Base Unit, but they must be removed from the Base Unit for recharging. Batteries can be left in the Base Unit while the AC/DC Power Adapter is attached and being used, but it will not charge them.

8 / Where is the power button?

It is the lower left key on the Base Unit keypad. The Home/Power key is the power button; it is used to turn on the Base Unit, return to the Home screen, and to turn off the Base Unit.  When turning off the Base Unit, hold for approximately 3 seconds, then acknowledge the display “Are you sure you want to power off the device?” by pressing the Enter key for yes.​​​

9 / How do I turn on the Base Unit?

After inserting batteries or connecting the AC/DC Power Adapter, press the Home/Power key. Wait for approximately 10 seconds for the Home screen to display.

For TM-3-6665-383-14&P, Operator PMCS can be found in Chapter 4.

  • Base Unit Install Batteries, Work Package 0007

  • Connect/Disconnect Base Unit with AC/DC Power Adapter, Work Package 0008

  • Base Unit Power On/Off, Work Package 0010

For CRDS Operator’s Manual, Chapter 10, Section 1 contains the Operator PMCS.

  • Battery Installation and Removal, Chapter 3, Section 4

  • Connect/Disconnect Base Unit with AC/DC Power Adapter, Chapter 3, Section 5

  • Powering Base Unit On and Off, Chapter 3, Section 6

10 / How do I turn on/off a probe?

RDS Probes are powered by the Base Unit.  Power on the Base Unit, then attach the Probe to the Base Unit using the common probe cable.  Both ends of the common probe cable are the same connector, it does not matter which end is attached to the probe or Base Unit.

  1. Remove the connector protective cap from the Base Unit “PROBE” connector.

  2. Align red dot on “PROBE” connector to red dot on common probe cable and insert until an audible click is heard (or connector is fully seated).

  3. Remove connector protective cap from probe.

  4. Align red dot on probe’s connector to red dot on common probe cable and insert unit an audible click is heard (or connector is fully seated).

  5. Observe that a second reading panel appears on the Home screen and the probe icon appears in the footer bar.

To power off the probe, remove the connection by disconnecting each end of the common probe cable.

  1. Grasp the sleeve at the end of the common probe cable and pull, do not pull on the cable or cable strain relief.

  2. Disconnect the common probe cable from the base Unit and the attached probe.

  3. Install the connector protective caps on the probe and Base Unit connectors.

The Sensor Network Adapter Cable and Rad Extender are both powered by the Base Unit as well. They are powered on once they are attached to a powered-on Base Unit.

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