Replacement product: 48847
This is a new kit. It's like the previous DIY Geiger Kit-B v3 except that it uses the V4 PCB. This board has a separate set of headers and a contrast pot for the LCD. It allows you to simply plug in an LCD into the kit - you don't need to run wires to the LCD. In all other respects, the V4 board is identical to the older V3B board.
Is this a good thing? Well, 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 board is also a bit wider (.25" / .635 cm), due to the extra headers.
The video below should help you understand difference between DIY Geiger Kit B v3b and DIY Geiger Kit B4 and also provides an overview of the functionality of the Geiger Kit and the Logging Shield.
VIDEO
New with vaseline glas Testbead included!!
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 (~4.06 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, LCD display, 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.
One reason an LCD display is not supplied is because different people will have different needs regarding the display. Please see here for matching LCD Displays .
However, it is not difficult to add one. (see Adding an LCD)
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.
Package contents of Geiger Counter KIT B:
PCB Board v4
all needed components (~60pcs)
Atmega 328 with Firmware preloaded
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
Videos / Images:
Assembled v3b board:
Assembled v2 Kit with attached SBM-20 Geiger Tube:
Connecting both the LND712 and SBM-20 at the same time and comparing them. Big surprise with the LND712!
VIDEO
