DIY Geiger Counter with USB Interface

 

You probably don’t need a Geiger Counter but wouldn’t it be fun to have one? This DIY Geiger Counter project will not only demonstrate how to build one, this circuit will also connect to a computer using USB to grab the data. Since this device used very high voltage the output to the USB is opto-isolated to protect the delicate low voltage computer circuitry.

"The Geiger-Muller tube is a simple device, it’s a tube filled with a gas with two electrodes. A high potential is applied betweens electrodes. When a ionizing particle arrived, it create a temporary conductive path between electrodes. The resulting current can be detected by an electronic amplifier. A Geiger counter is composed of a high voltage generator, a geiger tube, an amplifier and a monostable. The following schematic show clearly these 4 parts. In the second part of this article will show how to connect this counter to a USB microcontroler and a computer. "

Thanks Sylvain

2 Comments


  1. Don’t bother with this, it’s almost cool except that the author has left out the parts value for most of the resistors, capacitors and the transformer.


  2. Just finished a DIY Geiger counter project. Schematic & sources are on my blog. The circuit avoids special parts like transformers as much as possible.
    “Part 1” is a “standalone” Geiger that does not require a uC. Part 2 (coming soon) will add an Arduino MCU and a 8×2 LCD.

    See Website for details

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