These various radiation meters were originally procured and/or used by the NSW government agencies including the former State Pollution Control Commission (SPCC), the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), the NSW Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC), and possibly the NSW Department of Health. These agencies, collectively over the years, regulated the use of radiation apparatus (for example X-ray machines used in medical diagnostics) and radioactive substances (for example cobalt-60 used in industrial gauging applications).

The equipment was used to measure the type and intensity of radiation. It exemplifies one of the many aspects of regulation administered by government health departments and augments the Museum's collection of measuring instruments and workplace health and safety material.

Written by Erika Dicker
Assistant Curator, 2007.

Victoreen instruments is a branch of Elimpex Ltd. Victoreen Instruments makes a wide range of quality assurance measurement equipment for radiation therapy, diagnostic x-ray and radiation safety surveys.

Radiation Evaluator, 'Victoreen 6000B Nero', metal / plastic / foam, made by Victoreen, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America, 1960-1980

The detector is enclosed in a hard black carry case which is divided into two compartments. One side contains the monitor. The other compartment contains a power cord and battery pack. The monitor is blue with two black panels. The left hand panel contains the output screen and a set of push buttons, and the right hand side contains instructions printed in white.

The detector is a non-invasive evaluator of radiation outputs. In a single non-invasive exposure, it simultaneously measures all three variables that characterise image quality: kVp (peak kilovoltage), time and linearity. The unit features software that enables it to translate machine performance from raw data to final reports, eliminating the laborious calculations usually required in statistical and compliance analysis.

The instrument measures the characteristics of an X-ray unit. It includes two pairs of photo detectors to measure the kVp (peak kilovoltage) of the X-ray beam, a single photo detector to measure the relative film exposure produced by the beam, and another single photo detector used to measure the relative current in mA (milliamps) of the X-ray unit. The instrument multiplexes the signals and converts them to digital form for storage and analysis by a microprocessor. The output is a display whose content the user selects via either a switch panel or a remote control unit.

Made: 1960 - 1980

Ser no 5505

2007/60/14

1960 - 1980

80 mm

300 mm