I too struggled on the best approach to a tamper resistant and affordable method to deploy my Radon Gas Detectors from Pro-Lab. I took a trip to my favorite home improvement center and took with me a Radon Gas Detector bottle. I went to the plumbing department with an idea of what I wanted to build. The following is a list of items with photos and approximate costs to put this together.
2- 1 1/2” OD Crumb Cups about $4.00
1 stick of aluminum angle about $8.00
2- 1 1/4” PVC Couplings about $1.00
2- 1 1/4” PVC Plugs about $2.00
1 bag cable ties about $3.00
1 cheap Tripod about $5.00
You could substitute the Aluminum angle for some other product ( I just had the aluminum on hand) and the Tripod I found at Goodwill ( part of an old portable projection screen ) for about $5.00.
I cut the angle to 30” long to maintain the appropriate distance between the Radon bottles. I drilled a hole in the center of the PVC plug the size of the pop rivet I used and attached one plug to each end of the angle. Then using clear PVC glue, glued the couplings to the plugs.
I drilled a hole in the center of the angle to attach it to the tripod and also drilled opposing holes near the top of the couplings for the cable ties. Take one cable tie and attach the Crumb Cup (upside down) to the top of the coupling.
When assembled and ready to deploy the Radon Gas Detector bottles, with the tripod setup, remove the caps and place them in the bottom of the coupling. This will allow the top of the bottle to be level with the top of the coupling. With the caps below the bottles you never wonder where you put them. Place the Radon Gas Detector bottles in the couplings and install the other cable tie. If you notice I have used red cable ties which I purchased in an electronics store, which the general public is not aware. It would be difficult to block air flow to the Radon bottles.
To retrieve the Radon Bottles use a small pair of side cutters and cut the long cable tie, (the short tie acts as a hinge) replace the caps and don't forget to fill out the rest of your "chain of custody report". After I retrieve the samples I remove the bolt which holds the angle to the tripod so indeed it is very compact.
These stands are very compact, light, affordable and easy.
Don’t forget to give the occupants good instructions on the closed house conditions required 12 hours prior to test and 48 hours for testing period.
