Sun Nuclear 1027 - InspectionNews

John Dirks Jr · #1 (**permalink**) 07-28-2009, 05:37 AM

Who's using the 1027? Do you use their software to make a report? Can you post a sample report so I can see what it looks like? How do you like the 1027 overall?

Sorry about the barrage of questions. I'm really close to buying one of these.

Scott Patterson · #2 (**permalink**) 07-28-2009, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Dirks Jr

Who's using the 1027? Do you use their software to make a report? Can you post a sample report so I can see what it looks like? How do you like the 1027 overall?

Sorry about the barrage of questions. I'm really close to buying one of these.

I use the 1027, I have 3 of them. Never have had any problems. I'm going to buy a 1028 at the next InspectionWorld (you get a better price most of the time when you buy them at a show) .

The software is very easy to use, but it really does not produce a report. It produces the hourly reading in a numeric chart and with a graph. It looks just like the printout that is produced with the printers that you can buy for the 1027 for on site printing.

Since I use 3D for my home inspections, I also use their radon report that comes with the program and I just copy the data from the 1027 report into it.

Folks really don't care what it looks like they just want to see that number below 4 pC/L, I think I could write it on a dinner napkin and they would be happy.

Troy Farmer · #3 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 08:42 AM

I just picked up the rad 7 what a sweet machine.

Lawrence Transue · #4 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 09:15 AM

I've been using the 1027s for about 9 years now. I have 8 of them. Great piece of equipment. Never any problems.

The only thing we "improved" was the power cord. The one that comes with the unit has a very heavy transformer. We buy power cords at wal-mart for about $8.00 The walmart cords are light and can be plugged in upside down.

Larry

Erby Crofutt · #5 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 07:46 PM

I just use the RadaLink AirCat. They produce the report, send it to whomever I want, keep all the quality control and calibration records, worker exposure records, etc. Answer customer questions that I don't want to mess with.

It's worth the money to me for the hassle they take off my back.

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Dave Hahn · #6 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 11:38 PM

John..

The 1027 was my first devise. Economical and easy to use.
I use the software to download (obviously) but produce my own report format. I enter the data into a graphical form that looks good in the report.

Upon shopping for a second devise (wish I could justify the FEMTO-Tech at $4K+), I became more aware of the inferior (IMHO) Sensitivity and Measurement Accuracy (Linearity) of the Sun Nuclear (+/- 25% or 1 pCi/l). I even got the (over the phone) impression from our state radon program director that he personally frowned on the SN.

While my third devise will probably have built-in humidity and temp, rather than use of a data logger, I found the RadStar RS300 to be a good price/sensitivity compromise. The Sensitivity (higher is better) is 0.2 CPM vs. 0.04 for the Sun Nuclear (SN reports in CPH which you have to convert to CPM). The Accuracy is =/- 10% vs the SN 25%).

Dave

John Dirks Jr · #7 (**permalink**) 08-04-2009, 04:57 PM

If the 1027's are calibrated anually like they should be, is their life span unlimited? If not, what is their normal lifespan?

What are issues with aging machines?

Are all 1027's equal or are there newer and older versions?

Dave Hahn · #8 (**permalink**) 08-07-2009, 08:43 AM

Absolutely calibrate every year.
Good questions about longevity. Best posed to manufacturer.
My 1027 is only 4 yrs old or so. I think the 1027 has an old version and newer version (not in last 5+ years I think).

dave koloskee · #9 (**permalink**) 08-08-2009, 03:11 PM

i've been using the 1027's for 5 years now and own (6) of them. i haven't had any problems with them to date. i don't know what their life expectancy is. Ask Sun Nuclear that question.

in my market we have a few radon testers still using charcoal cannisters, so believe it or not my 1027's look modern in comparison. if i was just starting out, or looking to buy another CRM, i would strongly consider the Sun 1028 model.

lastly, if you do buy a 1027 or 1028, buy their thermal printer and forget about uploading the results to a computer. Printing it out on the spot is quick and also looks impressive to realtors & clients who aren't used to it.

dave

John Dirks Jr · #10 (**permalink**) 08-25-2009, 08:48 PM

I now own 4 1027's. I got them from a retired inspector.

Three of them are responding exactly as they should but they are due for calibration. The fourth is in need of repair as it does not act as intended. That should be covered by the calibration and repair service through Sun Nuc.

I'll send that one in for repair first, then stagger the others every 2 months. All in all I'm very happy. Cables, power supplies and keys were included. No cases but I'll make up my own. I think I got a good deal on them.

I'll continue to use E-perms via local lab until I get these things calibrated. I did do a side by side test with one of the 1027's and E-Perms. I know they are not like devices but if all things are correct the results should not be far apart. I'm waiting on the lab results of the E-Perms now. While waiting for that, the three functioning CRM's are now running together in the same location. So far, they have not fluctuated by more than .3 pCi/l from each other. The average readings over the last 24 hrs have been 1.9 to 2.2 pCi/l.

I paid $600 for all. That included shipping. I happy.

neal lewis · #11 (**permalink**) 08-26-2009, 05:48 PM

That's a great deal John. I bought my first one from e bay for $325. Not a bargain adding in the calibration. I used them exclusively when I worked for US Inspect.

John Dirks Jr · #12 (**permalink**) 08-28-2009, 05:45 AM

The E-Perm results were 1.9 pCi/l and the 1027 was 1.7pCi/l. Looking good.

I'm shipping two of the 1027's for calibraion today.