Overview

The Geiger Kit provides the electronics needed to run, and detect events from a GM tube. These events are counted and displayed as CPM and dose rate by a microprocessor (ATmega328P) running pre-loaded software. Counts can also be output to a PC via a serial connection.

The kit includes all parts needed to make the board and a 2x16 LCD (shown).

The GM tube, case, and battery are not included.

A great way to get a sense of the kit is look at the Build Instructions.

Details

The kit has evolved through several models to its latest design – model GK-B5. Below is a basic description of the most relevant hardware and software features.

Hardware Features:

• quality silk-screened PCB - 4.7 x 9.14 cm (1.85 x 3.60 inches)
• ATmega386 microprocessor is Arduino “Uno” compatible with headers for all I/O pins
• designed to be expandable and adaptable - both the Geiger circuit and the processor can be used independently of each other if desired.
• standard 2x16 LCD display (included) simply plugs into provided headers
• jumper allows board to be run with a 9V battery or AA batteries + 4 jumpers for other functions
• high voltage power supply – adjustable from 200 to >940 volts (preset at 450V for most tubes)
• miniature speaker instead of piezo for a classic Geiger counter sound
• LED indicates activity directly from the GM tube
• capable of displaying high CPM counts (over 1,000,000)
• FTDI connector outputs activity to serial port and also allows for reprogramming (low cost adapter required for PC connection)
• interfaces to various graphing programs and the free “Geiger Bot” phone app optional daughter board available for data logging to microSD card with GPS location

Software Features:

• highly evolved Version 10.1 software pre-installed
• display in CPM and choice of uSv/h, uR/h or mR/h
• uses a running average for count display along with a fast acting bar graph
• second “scalier” display for 1 minute and user defined accumulated counts
• low battery indication
• alarm for high counts with settable threshold triggers off of either CPM or dose
• Setup Menu - configure parameters and features with a TV remote
• Tone Mode - optionally set speaker to produce a tone that varies in pitch with activity. (like a metal detector)

This kit requires decent soldering skills and the ability to follow instructions. Returns are not accepted.

The original DIY Geiger Kit - committed to producing the best kit for over 2 years.

Use Cases

You can see what others have done with kit here and here