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WA3VJB
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« Reply #26 on: February 08, 2012, 04:36:13 AM » |
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Blue !
As a kid I had glow-in-the-dark stuff, and one item was a little plastic light bulb that glowed blue in the dark. I used to "recharge" it with a penlight flashlight. Very cool. Haven't thought of it in years. Wonder what I was exposed to.
I had an R390 done-up by Howard Mills a number of years ago, and part of his restoration sequence includes TAKING APART the meters. He blasts and repaints the outer covers. For a period of time I guess the dial and needle are exposed, but I never heard him mention taking any special precautions against friable particles.
But the "meter removal order" is legend among R390(A) lore, with visions of barrels full of meters headed to a radioactive dumpsite somewhere. Tried to find the order somewhere -- instead I saw a response from Tom, KA3KRT about the level of radiation that supports what our Bill KD0HG just posted here.
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[R-390] ( Meters That Gloweth) was -Re:Meter Spotting Guide
At 11:10 AM 11/28/97 EST, Paul Courson wrote:
>Most of the meters carry no markings to identify the vendor. An
>exception is found on certain units from the Stewart Warner contract, c.
>1960. A unit confirmed as having been manufactured in 1962 contains
>meters with the larger viewing window such like you have noted on one of
>yours, and a logo-script brand "DeJur," which was a company known for
>motion picture equipment
Now, my 1960 EAC has DeJur meters, each with the 59.xxxx date code.
My 1963 Imperial has "INTERNATIONAL" above the scales of each meter.
No other markings. Both receivers appear original. The Dejur meters are
the "older" yellowish type.
>
>There is another case style to be aware of, typically found on R-390A
>units from the Amelco contract, c.1962. The outer dimension and
>thickness of the meter are identical, but the metal face of the meter
>will feature an indented circle, within which the viewing glass and upper
>opening curve are situated. Also, the unit markings and typeface are
>different than the size and typeface of scales found on other meters.
>
My 1963 WeCo R-392 has this type of meter. This is its original
as well, as it was gotten "new in the crate". Same type as on my
CV-278 RTTY demodulator, and my '63 WeCo T-195. My older 1952
Stewart Warner '392 had an International, almost identical style as
the one on my 1963 R-390A.
>Now, back to "correct" issues. Years after the end of production for
>these radios, a demilitarization project ordered the removal of many
>meters prior to government surplus auction (also known as Defense
>Reutilization).
>
For fear of being flamed: "Oh NO! Radiation! We're gonna DIE! Run! Run Away!
[ Making fun of the folks who declared 390 meters and GI compasses
RadHazMat! ]
As a rule- the radioactive meters will not be harmful if still sealed. Do
not inhale
or eat the paint flakes if you take one apart and ALWAYS wash your hands after
handling the meter faces. Clean up any paint flakes with a damp cloth and
dispose
of properly. The problems with the radium meters come about with prolonged and
repeated exposure, so cleanup is a must. Avoid taking the meter apart if
you can help
it.
The meters on my R-390A's measure between 2-6 mR/hr beta, or 2000-5000
counts /min
alpha emission at the meter face, none above background at a normal
operating distance -
say 4-6 inches.
So, avoid handling the bare meter faces as much as possible, but dont be
afraid to
stay in the same room as your radio. And avoid carrying one* around in
your pocket
on a daily basis.... :-)
On replacement meters -- there was a guy that put together some kits
earlier this year
with replacement faces that matched the standard 390/390A style. I have
emailed him
and will pass the word on to the list if still available. The kits were
around 30.00, DIY
type - take the meters apart, apply adhesive scale, reassemble.
73
Tom
KA4RKT
* either a whole 390 or a radioactive meter!!
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