Precision Radiation Instruments "Lucky Strike" Geiger Counter Model 106C "As Is"

Description

Precision Radiation Instruments "Lucky Strike" Geiger Counter Model 106C
Sold "As Is"
This is a relic of the Atomic Age, circa mid 1950s. The Precision Radiation Instruments Model 106C, known as the "Lucky Strike" was a Geiger Mueller (GM) survey instrument designed for uranium prospecting.
The waterproof
CIRCUIT BOX
houses all the components and is constructed of a two-piece case made of stamped aluminium separated with a waterproof gasket. The
DETECTOR,
a Victoreen Model 1B85 Thyrode thin wall aluminium Geiger Mueller (GM) tube (30 mg/cm2)
located inside the circuit box and will detect both Beta and Gamma rays through the plastic windows on the side and bottom of the circuit box.
The detector's audio response is indicated by a standard 1/4
PHONE
jack covered with a cap-nut on the upper case for headphones. The count rate could also be estimated by observing the small flashing neon light to the left of the meter dial. There are two (2) controls:
A
RANGE SWITCH
; Off, X100, X10 and X1 with three (3) sensitivity ranges; 0.2, 2, and 20
mR/hr. The second is a
locked adjustment:
CALIBRATION ADJUSTMENT,
also covered with a cap-nut
on upper case, permitted the surveyor to adjust the calibration. A 1.15" coin shaped source was provided
(usually a source of depleted uranium) so
that the calibration could be performed in the field.
This source was stowed on to the case via (lower right) as shown in the 3rd exhibit and is NOT INCLUDED.
The survey meter was powered by two (2) 45 volt
Type "B"
batteries (Eveready #455 or equivalent NEDA 201), one (1) 22.5
volt
Type "C"
battery (Eveready #412 or equivalent NEDA 215) and two (2) 1.5 volt "D" cell flashlight batteries
(Eveready #D99 or equivalent)
NOT INCLUDED
.
The survey meter kit includes a cowhide leather case and adjustable shoulder strap with hook clips on opposite ends and headset. A
facsimile
of a comparable
Operation and Maintenance Manual
for Model 106B "Lucky Strike" that includes a schematic.
This is mainly a "museum" or "conversation" piece.
The meter as a whole appears to exhibit very little cosmetic wear and tear and the interior is remarkably preserved with minimal signs of battery corrosion which is common with this vintage units. This survey meter was not tested recently due to the unavailability of the necessary batteries. The
original Eveready #455 and #412 carbon-zinc batteries are unavailable, however, they're available as alkaline through another brand, Exell battery, and can be purchased on-line (e.g. Lowe's). Some have bypassed the search by converting these old pieces to more conventional batteries.
It would take a "Radio Shack" type to restore/upgrade this survey meter, but not entirely impossible, mainly due to its some-what simplistic design as compared to today's technology.
Made by Precision Radiation Instruments, Inc. Los Angeles 16, CA, Serial No. 06TC3566
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