Radiation Safety Information
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Geiger Counter Kit
While most buyers of Geiger counters prefer the compact handheld variety, there's a segmment of the science/hobby market that likes to delve a little deeper into the technology of ionizing radiation detection. For this reason we decided to take a closer look at some Geiger counter kits being offered and see which ones offer the best value, the most features, and lowest price. Just as with standard Geiger counters there are significant differences in features and functionality.
Most Geiger counter kits are priced at under $200 and are sold partially assembled to buyers who generally already have soldering and mechanical assembly abilities. For students, there is often extra documentation on Geiger counter design and history.
The basic design of a Geiger counter has been around for a long time, so the major advances have been in the area of control circuitry surrounding the detector. Meanwhile, the one-off cost for Geiger Mueller tubes has been falling which makes a partially assembled detector a particularly economic way to own one. This is especially true when you consider the price for a finished mid-level handheld counter runs around $450.
Again, I want to offer special thanks to the makers and/or distributors of the Geiger counter kits who furnished demo boards and support documentation, sometimes assembly videos. |
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Runner Up:
Sparkfun USB Geiger Kit
Coming in second place was the Sparkfun USB powered Geiger Counter Kit. Unlike our other detectors, the Sparkfun unit is a USB powered Geiger Counter equipped with a programmable ATMega168 microcontroller.
What I like about it is its use of the very reliable LND712 Geiger Müeller tube and small compact footprint. The operation is simple - plug the unit into a properly configured USB port, open a terminal program and you can immediately input data to any data processing software you want.
Another plus is the chance to configure this unit for remote logging with instant realtime data tracking and reporting. Board footprint dimensions are 4.15"x1.75" with standard power and status LEDs and a TTL output pin. Priced at a reasonable $150, it's a lot of bang for the buck.
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Third Place:
Electronic Goldmine Geiger Counter Kit
The Electronic Goldmine Geiger Counter Kit is a narrow board (4-5/16" x 1-1/2") Geiger counter kit sensitive to beta and gamma particles. Power is supplied via a single 9V battery. An on-board audio circuit delivers a classic ticker sound while a green LED indicates a positive reading for radioactivity.
Besides printed instructions, the kit comes complete with PC board, subcomponents including Russian made Geiger Müeller tube, however kit does not come with case. Of course, some soldering skill is required. Price is just under $80. Limited features, unknown longevity, poor choice. |
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Fourth Place:
QualityKits Geiger Counter Kit
This stripped down kit includes an audio ticker and will detect both gamma and high energy beta rays. The board is quite compact at 3.5" x 2.1 and along with 9v battery, could be easily mounted in a small case. Apparently the tube and buzzer are drawing a lot of power since the battery will only last 60 days.
Threshold is set rather high, which is another way of saying the device isn't very sensitive. The maker advises the kit is designed for capturing unusual or extraordinary radioactivity levels.
Cost is $180 and includes averything except case and battery. Compared with its competition, this unit is not really up to speed. |
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| Working with a Geiger counter kit is not the same as with most other electronic devices. Extremely high voltage levels are required to drive the Geiger Müeller tube. This means there is a constant danger from exposed components while the Geiger counter is powered on. Therefore, to be safe you should always turn off power to the tube if the board is connected to your power supply. Never touch the end window of the Geiger Müeller tube and do not to touch any conductive region on the board when the Geiger tube is "hot". This problem can be solved by mounting the board in a case. Of course a case is not essential but there is a safety reason for mounting the kit in one since it offers protection for the end window and high voltage regions. |
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