Geiger Counter

sku: SEN-10742 

We've revised the Geiger counter once again, this time replacing the switch with a more robust right angle switch. This version also includes the necessary capacitor to support Arduino's auto-reset feature. This USB powered Geiger Counter is equipped with an ATMega328 that can be programmed in circuit using one of the programmers below. Simply plug the unit into USB (make sure you have FTDI drivers installed), open a terminal program to the correct COM port at 9600bps, and you will see random bits being generated from the random background radiation. Each bit generated (actually an ASCII byte, 0 or 1) represents an actual event in the tube in real-time, so the output can be used to deduce CPM or what ever units you need. Here at SparkFun, on average, we get about 25 counts a minute.

Check out the random number generating Geiger counter tutorial for more information.

Also, check out the live Geiger Counter feed from SparkFun headquarters. 

Note: While the Geiger counter is powered and the switch is in the ON position, the board contains exposed high voltage components. In order to turn the unit off, you must flip the tube power switch to OFF while the USB cable is plugged in or while the board is still connected to your power supply. The reason being; when you move the switch into the OFF position, the high voltage lines are bled out through a resistor connected to ground, more information on this is in the tutorial.

A project box or enclosure is suggested. Do not touch the end window of the Geiger tube and do not to touch any conductive region inside the area marked HIGH VOLTAGE when the Geiger tube is powered ON. An enclosure is not absolutely necessary, but if you choose not use an enclosure, remember to be extra careful with the end window and high voltage regions.

The Geiger tube comes with a red boot to protect the end window during production, handling, and shipping. The boot should be removed if you need to detect alpha particles. However, you should still see activity from gamma and beta particles even with the boot on.

We do not ship this product to Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan or Syria. 

Note: This product is for educational purposes and should not be directly relied upon for determinations regarding one's health or safety.

Dimensions: 4.15"x1.75"x1" (without standoffs)