Re: Rad reading magnetic drum

[tdc@ehssun.lbl.gov (Ted M. de Castro)]

>>Not knowing what this device looks like, it would be hard to tell.  If it 
>>is of the 1950's or 60's vintage there could very well be a static 
>>eliminator somewhere in the device. Most of these devices were alpha 
>>emitters I believe, and some had Polonium sources in them. We had some 
>>static eliminators in a reproduction device in the old "Hobby Shop" in 
>>Building 881 that had to be on the source registry.  I dont remember what 
>>the source strength was but I believe
>>it was several microcuries.

I don't think so!!

HOT easily available Po static eliminators got up as big a millicurie - BUT 
even if it were CURIES - with a 137 day half life - there would not be much 
left on a 50's 60's vintage device.

BTW - the drum memory I saw actually in use was considerably larger and in 
the mid 60's - so the supposed date is reasonably correct.