The DP-12 radiation meter is designed monitor radioactive contamination of vehicles, personnel, and equipment.  It can also be used on board aircraft for rapid area surveys of contaminated areas.  As of 1996, the DP-12 radiation meter was still in service with the armies of Russia, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and many Eastern European countries.

Kit Description and Characteristics

The DP-12 operates by using a Geiger-Muller tube mounted inside a hand-held probe.  The probe is connected by a flexible cable to the control box which provides the actual measurement.  It is sensitive to both Gamma and Beta radiation.  It is fitted with a metal collar over the probe with openings of different sizes.  This collar can be rotated around the probe to shield out Beta 1, Beta 2, or all Beta radiation depending on the readings required.  The probe can also be attached to a retractable shaft which enables it to be placed close to difficult to reach objects - such as the underside of contaminated vehicles.

The control box is powered by a single 4.5 volt flat battery (also known as a Bardic lamp battery) which was common in Europe from the 1930’s to the 1970’s.  The battery measures 70mm long, 60mm wide, and 20mm thick.

Another feature of the control box is a six setting analog display panel, which can be illuminated by flipping a switch.  A spare light bulb is included for this purpose.  A headset can also be used with the unit to allow the operator to hear when the device detects radiation.

Operation and Use

When in use the DP-12 survey meter is worn on the operator’s chest by means of a plastic carry strap.  The unit must then be calibrated.  Full operating and calibration instructions are listed on the inside cover of the control device.

They require the user to set the main switch to ‘series’ and then power up the device.  He must then move the metal needle over the measuring scale to the indicated position.  Then he must reset the device.  The operator does this for each of the 5 measuring scales (the first setting is not used).

Once calibrated the user then moves to the area of suspected contamination and holds the probe unit is held about one inch (25mm) away from the surface to be measured.  The operator then checks the reading on the control device.  The probe also has the ability to monitor the contamination of fluids since the metal probe unit is waterproof.

Here are some of the most informative sources that we have used in compiling this information for you.  We hope you can find them as useful as we have.

• Jane's NBC Protection Equipment 1995-1996 8th edition, edited by Terry J. Gander, published by Jane's Information Group, Alexandria, VA, 1989

• Jane's NBC Protection Equipment 1988-1989, edited by Terry J. Gander, published by Jane's Information Group, Alexandria, VA, 1989

• FM-100-2-3 The Soviet Army: Troops, Organization, and Equipment, by Department of the Army, published by US Government Printing Office, Washington D.C., 1984