RobertGawron / GeigerMullerCounter

Nuclear radiation sensor with GM tube as a detector. Most common solution, easy to make and relatively cheap.

GeigerMullerCounter

The Geiger–Müller counter is a relatively simple tool to measure ionizing radiation. When high voltage (typically 380-420V) is applied to the Geiger–Müller tube, the tube doesn't conducts electricity, but it does conducts for a short period, when radiation particle is observed. Those pulses are observed by the detector. The level of ionizing radiation is proportional to the amount of pulses detected in a constant interval of time (typically from 20s to 2,5min).

System architecture

Hardware and Software details

Details are described on my blog. HardwareDataLogger is a simple pulse counter based on NUCLEO-F091RC with additional shield (for real-time data display using LCD).

Hazards

• The device uses high voltage and can lead to unpleasant shock, injury or death. Don't touch the PCB or tubes when power is on.

Experiments made with this tool

• Measuring nuclear-radiation of potassium from cigarette ashes
• Trip to Śnieżka to measure radioactivity levels