[1] The CCGE sensor consists of a spooled cathode surrounded by a cylindrical anode, both made of stainless steel.

[3]: 33 The cold cathode gauge with the Apollo 12 ALSEP package was turned on at approximately 19:18 UTC on November 19, 1969.

[1] After fourteen hours of operation, the instrument experienced a deleterious failure when the power supply to generate the 4500 v potential in the anode failed.

[5][3] Whilst improvements had been made to the cable, there still were some difficulties in deployment; however proper placement was ultimately achieved.

This included a) allowing a longer time before initialisation of the instrument to allow for degassing of built-up volatiles during transit to the Moon, and b) switching the instrument off during periods of higher temperatures in the event of gas build up during the lunar day.

[3] The instrument would initially provide elevated responses due to gas build up inside the vehicle during transit to the Moon.

This would saturate the sensor initially, but after a short period (1 hour during Apollo 12), the instrument would begin to show a perceptible change in readings.