Geiger Counter Experiments

Summary

In this video, the creator explores a cheap Geiger counter kit they received as a gift. They share their excitement about experimenting with radiation detection and connecting the device to an Arduino for data collection. Despite some challenges—like low counts and uncertainty about the authenticity of the uranium ore—they continue troubleshooting the setup. With minimal documentation and limited success so far, they seek help from viewers experienced in electronics and Arduino projects, encouraging community feedback and sharing their fun journey into DIY radiation detection.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Geiger counter kit was a gift from a kind viewer and is a basic, inexpensive model that requires some technical understanding to use.
• 😀 The kit includes a Geiger-Müller tube, a few timers, and minimal documentation, making it challenging for the user to figure out its operation.
• 😀 The Geiger counter is powered by 5 volts and includes a trigger light, an indicator sound (a buzzer), and a jumper for connecting to an Arduino.
• 😀 The sensor detects radiation via an inert gas in the tube that, when ionized by beta or gamma particles, completes a circuit and triggers a click sound.
• 😀 Alpha particles, which are common in uranium ore, are not detected well by the Geiger counter due to their limited ability to penetrate the tube’s gas.
• 😀 The user is unsure whether the uranium ore they purchased online is authentic, as it doesn't seem to trigger the expected radiation counts.
• 😀 An attempt was made to connect the Geiger counter to an Arduino for further analysis, with the interrupt pin of the counter hooked up to the Arduino's interrupt pin.
• 😀 The Arduino code uses interrupts to count radiation events, which are then displayed in counts per minute, with an LED indicator showing activity.
• 😀 The code used for the Arduino is simple but effective, utilizing libraries for I2C communication and OLED display setup to show radiation data.
• 😀 The user is struggling with inconsistent performance from the Geiger counter, questioning whether the uranium ore is genuine or whether the kit is malfunctioning.
• 😀 Despite limited understanding of the setup, the user remains excited and encourages others with knowledge to offer advice, showcasing the fun of electronics exploration.

Q & A

What type of Geiger counter is being discussed in the video?

The video discusses a super cheap Geiger counter kit that was gifted by a viewer. It's a basic model with a Geiger-Müller tube (J305) and includes a few components like timers and a power light.

What is the main issue the creator is facing with the Geiger counter?

The main issue is the lack of documentation for the Geiger counter kit. The creator is unsure how to properly use it and is struggling to get reliable readings.

What type of radiation particles does the Geiger counter detect?

The Geiger counter is designed to detect beta and gamma radiation particles, though alpha particles do not travel well through glass and therefore are not detected effectively by this particular device.

Why might the Geiger counter not be giving reliable readings?

There could be several reasons, including the possible use of fake uranium ore that does not emit enough radiation or the Geiger counter may not be functioning properly. The counter may also not be calibrated correctly.

What type of material did the creator use to test the Geiger counter?

The creator used uranium ore, which was purchased from eBay for about $9, as the test material. However, there's uncertainty whether it is genuine or effective for this kind of test.

How does the Geiger counter work in theory?

The Geiger counter works by detecting beta or gamma particles that pass through an inert gas-filled Geiger-Müller tube. When a particle interacts with the gas, it completes a circuit and triggers a 'click' sound, indicating radiation exposure.

What is the purpose of the jumper labeled 'VN' on the Geiger counter?

The jumper labeled 'VN' is supposed to be an interrupt pin for connecting the Geiger counter to an Arduino. However, the jumper is incorrectly labeled and should say 'INT' for 'interrupt'.

What is the creator trying to achieve by connecting the Geiger counter to an Arduino?

The creator is attempting to use the Arduino to monitor and display counts per minute (CPM) from the Geiger counter. The idea is to automate the process and visualize radiation levels through an Arduino setup.

What issue did the creator encounter while programming the Arduino?

The creator’s code for the Arduino is working in some ways but is not triggering the LED as expected when the Geiger counter detects radiation. The counter increments the count, but the LED doesn't turn on, indicating a possible issue in the code or hardware setup.

What is the formula for converting counts per minute (CPM) into micro sieverts per hour (µSv/h)?

The formula provided in the script to convert CPM into µSv/h is to divide the CPM by 151. This is a rough calculation to estimate radiation exposure based on the readings from the Geiger counter.