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This is an upgraded version of the DIY Geiger Counter Kit. It's like the previous DIY Geiger Kit-B4 v4 except that it uses the V5 PCB and includes a 16x2 LCD. This board has a separate set of headers and a contrast pot for the LCD. It allows you to simply plug in the LCD into the kit - you don't need to run wires to the LCD. In all other respects. If you own an older Kit you will find upgrade instructions for your board here.
Adding an LCD on this board is certainly simple, however if you are going to mount the LCD in the case, you will have to run wires to it anyway.
The Geiger Kit is a board that provides the electronics needed to run, and detect events from the GM tube, along with a microprocessor (ATmega328) that makes it easy to customize a solution for processing and outputting the events.
Both the Geiger circuit and the processor can be used independently of each other if desired.
The Geiger Circuit:
The detection circuit transforms the events picked up by the GM tube into an interrupt pulse that is sent to the processor. Beyond that, a Schmitt trigger IC is used to flash an LED and make a click on the piezo.
Supported GM Tubes
The Kit should work with most tubes that operate in the range from 450-600VAC. Some of the tubes that have been tested with the Kit are:
Have an experience with another GM tube to share ? Please post to the DIY Geiger Kit Support Forum.
The Processor:
The board has provisions to support an ATmega328 with all pins broken out and an FTDI connector that will allow it to be programmed with the Arduino IDE. There is a jumper that connects the D2 pin to the interrupt from the Geiger circuit. Basically it is a standalone Arduino compatible.
Dimensions:
The Geiger Kit PCB measures 1.60 x 3.60 inches (~4.7 x 9.14 cm). Four #4 screw holes are centered .10 inch (2.54 mm) from each edge at the corners.
What it is not:
The Geiger Kit is not an "instant Geiger counter". It does not include a Geiger tube or case.
It's more of a platform that provides the electronics and processor that makes it much easier to develop your own custom solution.
It will have a default program loaded (see video below and Software page). This will output CPM to the serial port (via the FTDI connector) and if a standard (HD44780) 2 line LCD is attached, it will also output to the display.
Optionally you can use the DIY Geiger Counter Logging Shield to log onto a microSD Card and it also allows you to directly plug in an LCD.
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 simply plugs into provided headers (included)
- 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)
- for more - see the Software Features page
Package contents of Geiger Counter KIT B:
- PCB Board v5
- all needed components (~60pcs)
- ATmega328 with Firmware v10.1 preloaded
- 16x2 blue LCD
- Not included:
- Geiger Tube and LCD are NOT included and have to be purchased separately
- You might also need a Serial-TTL Adapter like the Foca or the USB2Serial to uplodad the latest sketch onto the board.
Links / Documents:
Reviews
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