A low range beta-gamma survey meter employing halogen-quenched G-M tubes and transistor circuitry has been developed. The instrument measures gamma radiation from 0 - 500 mr/hr in four linear ranges and provides beta indication on all ranges. The instrument has been conservatively designed to meet military specifications. A transistor oscillator converts battery voltage to regulated high and low voltages, giving more than 400 hours of operation with two easily obtainable flashlight cells. The use of a corona regulator has been avoided. The rate meter is an advanced zero-stable diode pump circuit requiring no pulse-width range switching. The survey meter has been packaged in a form providing easy handling with one-hand operation for some monitoring applications. The instrument is also alpha sensitive, reading an equivalent 2 mr/hr in contact with a plutonium source of 5.10-3 microcuries/cm2.

The report covers the investigation and development of a new low-cost gamma radiation survey meter with a range of 1 to 100 Roentgens per hour. A survey of existing gamma radiation detection transducers is presented with special emphasis on comparing newer semiconductor types with the Edison radiation detection type. Theory of operation and characteristics of the Edison radiation detector are given as well as results of preliminary gamma irradiation tests. Prototype design and testing is described and test results for the final prototype are given. A preliminary specification covering the new survey meter is presented to cover the design and testing requirements of a production instrument. Finally, recommendations are made which may result in improvement of the detection tube and reduce the cost of the meter still further. (Author).